My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 496

"...However, many kind-hearted people in the community have offered valuable advice, such as complaining that students' skirts are too short, that they are noisy on the street, or that they laugh at me, etc. I usually reply that we will take it into consideration, thank you for your guidance, and if necessary, I will call the students over to read a few lines, and then I'll end it..."

She paused, exhaled smoke, and looked very displeased.

"Now that things have evolved this way, the problem will be examined more closely... The school must take appropriate measures."

Take appropriate measures—she didn't specify, but the word had only one meaning: cancel the ball.

Similar cases are countless. For example, a job advertisement posted by a company at a train station was so impactful and novel that it quickly went viral on social media, attracting tens of thousands of likes. Most of the reactions were positive, such as humor and fun. However, it is said that within a few days, the company took down the advertisement because it received criticism via phone and email, causing problems within the company.

Even if there are more positive reviews, as long as criticism exists, this aspect must be taken into account—or even unavoidably. Perhaps this is the nature of society today.

Concepts such as law-abiding behavior and political correctness are beginning to take root in people's hearts, and society is gradually paying attention to the concerns that should exist. This phenomenon in itself is something to be happy about, but people's perceptions have not yet completely changed.

That's why they overuse words like "inappropriate," "careless," and "unsound," and overreact.

In some ways, the dilemma faced by this ball is quite similar. Now we fully understand the underlying concept.

The next question is about taking concrete action.

"Can't the school try to persuade those parents?"

It wouldn't be good for the school to retract its promise now, especially since it was made privately earlier. I tried to use this point to persuade the school to approve of the dance.

Hiratsuka-sensei shifted her gaze to the cigarette in her hand and pondered for a moment.

"It's not that there's no way... but if you want to continue holding the ball after next year, then I shouldn't be the one to intervene."

She stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray and turned to face us. As soon as the cigarette went out, a pungent smell of tar spread. This smell made me uneasy.

I couldn't understand what Hiratsuka-sensei was saying for a moment, and I accidentally showed a surprised expression.

Seeing my reaction, Yang asked in surprise:

"…Xiao Jing, haven't you told me yet?"

"It hasn't been officially decided yet, how could I possibly tell them?"

"You just can't say it, can you?"

"...Well, well—"

Upon hearing this, Hiratsuka-sensei, who had been composed, awkwardly turned her head away. As if to press her advantage, Hiratsuka sighed deeply and continued:

"Besides, this is a public high school. Can't we tell by how many years you've been here? If last year was your last year, you'll definitely be leaving this year."

Hearing this, I roughly understood the situation. But I had absolutely no intention of saying that word; I just thought, "Oh, I see," without any real feeling.

However, Yuihama attempted to put it into words.

"Um, it means—"

"Sigh, let's talk about this another day."

Hiratsuka-sensei smiled at the anxious Yuihama, then abruptly changed the subject, shifting her gaze to Yukinoshita and Isshiki.

"So... what are you planning to do?"

The two of them immediately looked up. I scratched my head, forcing my blank mind to start working again.

"What to do... First, correct the shortcomings in the plan..."

Yukino shook her head halfway through her sentence. She herself realized that doing so was pointless, or perhaps impossible.

If you change elements like wearing formal dresses, dancing, and having a lavish party, it ceases to be a ball, and those who want to attend would find it unacceptable. Even if you modify the parts that have been criticized, the obstacles already in your way won't easily disappear. You can try to address one issue while neglecting another, resulting in utter helplessness.

"I will think about how to gain their understanding during the continued coordination process..."

Although Yukinoshita said this, her pale face and weak voice made her seem hopeless. But there was nothing else to do at the moment, so I nodded in agreement.

"Yes. First, prepare the materials that can persuade them, and then..."

I was only halfway through my story when Yukino grabbed my coat to stop me. She wasn't very strong, but her hand gripped it tightly, causing wrinkles to form on my coat.

"Wait a minute. That's our job...it's what I'm supposed to do."

"...Now is not the time to be stubborn."

Isshiki nodded in agreement, while Hiratsuka-sensei remained silent. Yuihama offered no comment, keeping quiet. Yukinoshita pressed her lips together, unable to speak. I waited for her response. However, it was someone else who spoke first.

"...Are you going to be the 'older brother' again?"

Her cheerful tone, mocking manner, and smiling words sounded strangely cold. Yukinoshita, sitting comfortably on the opposite sofa, cast a pitying glance my way.

"Huh? What are you talking about?"

My voice unconsciously betrayed my anger as I replied. I knew my attitude was poor. However, Yang Nai seemed to find my reaction amusing and chuckled softly.

"Yukino said she can do it herself, so you can't just help her out. You're not Yukino's brother or anyone else."

This simple joke left me speechless. A soft sigh came from behind me, and I couldn't help but look down at the ground.

No, not like that.

A barely audible, trembling voice firmly denied Hino. Those words were like a gentle hand stroking my back. I reflexively looked up and saw Yui staring at Hino.

"...Because she is a very important person. Of course I would want to help, I would want to lend a helping hand."

"Since she's an important person, we should respect her wishes."

Yang sighed impatiently.

"If the ball is a success, Mother might change her opinion of Yukino a little. That is, if she manages to do it on her own... Do you understand what interfering in this means?"

Her voice was clearly hostile. Her gaze was sharp, and her words were extremely harsh.

This is a very heavy question. To put it bluntly, she's asking if we can take responsibility for Yukino's future and life. This isn't a question that can be answered casually. We're not young enough to act recklessly, nor are we mature enough to shoulder everything.

Therefore, Yuihama, Isshiki, and I could only keep our mouths shut.

If anyone present could answer that, it would probably only be Hiratsuka-sensei. But she didn't say a word, only exhaling smoke rings and watching Haruno with a bitter smile. Haruno noticed her gaze, relaxed slightly, and then spoke to us in a gentle voice:

"No matter how much you care about the other person, offering help every time isn't necessarily the right thing to do... Do you even know what kind of relationship you have?"

"Sister, don't say anymore... I understand."

Yukino didn't mean to interrupt her; instead, she spoke calmly and slowly. Seeing her crystal-clear smile, Haruno said nothing more.

Yukino stared at the hand resting on her thigh, maintaining that posture as she spoke softly.

"I want to prove that I can do it on my own. So... Hachiman, I won't rely on your help anymore. I know this request is unreasonable, but... please, let me do it alone."

She spoke these words in a calm voice, then raised her head, revealing a pure and composed expression.

However, the moment their eyes met, tears welled up in them. She had been wearing a faint smile just moments before, but now her lips trembled, and her expression was filled with sorrow. She took a soft breath, her voice trembling.

"Otherwise, I'll become increasingly useless... I know very well that I've always relied on you. I always say I won't rely on you, but I keep forcing you to cooperate with me."

She spoke haltingly, her tone remaining calm throughout, her voice seemingly gradually sinking.

Yuihama listened quietly with her head down, while Hiratsuka-sensei remained silent with her eyes closed. Isshiki awkwardly looked away, his whole body stiff. Haruno let out a soft breath, her previous cold gaze changing, and a smile appeared on her lips.

However, I couldn't help but say it. Even meaningless, empty words cannot be denied.

"No...that's not it at all."

I struggled to squeeze out those words, but Yukinoshita slowly shook her head.

"That's right. In terms of results, it's always the same. We think we can do better, but in the end, nothing changes... So, please."

She gazed at me with tearful eyes, spoke in a soft voice, and faced me with a fading smile.

At this point, I can say nothing more. All that can escape my lips is a sigh.

"An autistic man..."

Yui gently tugged at my sleeve. Before responding, I took a deep breath to stop trembling, and finally managed to nod. The "I understand" that came out was barely audible. But judging from her reaction, the words had indeed reached her.

Yukino smiled and nodded in response, then immediately stood up.

"I'll go back to the student union office to formulate a strategy for the future."

She bowed to Ms. Hiratsuka and left without looking back. Her steps were unwavering and without hesitation.

Isshiki quickly got up, bowed in the same direction, and caught up with Yukinoshita.

After they left, Ms. Hiratsuka breathed a sigh of relief and lit a cigarette.

"Hachiman, we'll talk about the rest later. Let's go back for today. Yui and Haruno too."

She exhaled a puff of smoke, and said with a wry smile tinged with weariness.

"……knew."

My expression now is probably similar. Exhausted and extremely haggard.

I grabbed my schoolbag and the coat I was too lazy to put on, nodded to Yang Nai, and got up from the sofa. If I didn't force myself to move, I might stay here forever due to exhaustion and dehydration.

Yuihama was packing her things beside me. I turned to her, and with all my might, used a gentle voice and a smile to say goodbye.

"...Well then, goodbye."

"Eh... Ah, um. Goodbye..."

Yui looked up, momentarily stunned. But she immediately sensed my intention, swallowed her question, and returned a smile.

I relied on her gentleness, nodded weakly in response, and walked out of the reception room.

I'm not confident I can have a good conversation with her right now. If we just have nothing to talk about, that's fine. What I'm worried about is that I'll talk too much, say things that aren't necessary, or ask things I shouldn't ask.

After leaving the school building, I dragged my heavy steps to the bicycle parking area, leading my dilapidated bike toward the side gate. It wasn't just my feet that felt heavy; the bicycle did too, as did my body and my mood. Not only that, even my shoulders suddenly felt incredibly heavy.

Suddenly, it felt like someone was pulling me from behind. I turned around and saw Yukino Yukinoshita with her hand on my shoulder, panting. She must have run all the way here.

"I've caught up with you—walk with me for a while."

She stood next to me, deliberately wiping her sweat, and after making that request, she walked forward on her own. To be honest, I was exhausted and didn't even have the strength to resist.

"Is it okay if I walk to the station?"

"Hmm. I mean, it was a rare opportunity. I was supposed to go home with my sister, but she cleverly escaped. Her intuition is really sharp."

"Most people will probably run away."

"Most people can't escape it."

I gave a dry laugh, mocking Yang Nai. She chuckled softly and replied immediately.

A fool who isn't perceptive enough will get caught like me. Yuihama escaped Haruno's capture, which might actually be attributed to her keenness. Haruno pondered, seemingly admiring her.

"Her intuition is really good. She knows everything about Yukino, her true feelings."

These words seemed impossible to ignore, and I couldn't help but stop and look at Yang Nai. Yang Nai smiled.

"No, it's not just intuition. His appearance, personality, and physique are all great... he really is a 'good kid'."

"That sounds like you're being malicious."

She emphasized the "good boy" part, her tone carrying a hint of a smile, implying something else entirely. However, Yang Nai didn't seem to see anything wrong with it, jumping onto the curb and turning to look at me.

"Really? Then you're the one with the problem. You're taking my words in a negative way without my consent."

"...That makes sense."

Yang Nai's words just now seemed malicious no matter how you looked at them. However, I do have a bad habit of interpreting other people's unspoken meanings, so I agree with Yang Nai's point of view. She walked on the curb like a balance beam and pointed at me.

"That's right! So you're a bad kid! No, you're someone who thinks they're a bad kid. You always think you're on the wrong path... just like now."

She smiled smugly and jumped off the curb.

"As for Yukino..."

As she spoke, she suddenly looked up at the sky, which was dyed red by the setting sun, and squinted her eyes in the still dazzling afterglow.

"...She's an ordinary child. She likes cute things, loves cats, hates ghosts and tall places, and sometimes worries about who she is... She's just an ordinary girl you'd see anywhere."

Yang tilted her head, as if asking me if I knew. But she didn't ask directly, so I copied her tilting her head, indicating, "What do you think?"

I don't know if Yukino Yukinoshita can be called an ordinary girl. She is exceptionally beautiful, excels in both academics and martial arts, and possesses many other strengths that surpass those of ordinary people. The only one who can be described as ordinary is probably the perfect devil superhuman, Yukinoshita Haruno. In most people's eyes, Yukinoshita is likely an anomaly.

At least, I never thought of her as an ordinary girl.

The Perfect Demon Superwoman seemed dissatisfied with my silent response to my silent question, her expression clearly showing displeasure. She quickly approached, staring intently at me.

"Yukino is an ordinary girl... and so is Hihama-chan."

I was facing Haruno across the handlebars of her bicycle. I think she might have forgotten that I'm just an ordinary boy, and I get nervous when a pretty older woman gets so close. I felt my cheeks burning and couldn't help but turn my head away. At that moment, Haruno murmured:

"...But when the three of you get together, you'll start playing your own roles."