My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 502

Although my dead-fish eyes could never be serious, at least my tone was slightly more formal. Isshiki thought for a moment, then forced out a weak voice to ask me:

"Is that so... Even so, isn't this for Yukino-senpai's own good?"

"I have never acted for anyone's benefit... so this time is no different."

"Are they the same...?"

I nodded in response to her murmured questioning voice, and lowered my head. I couldn't lower my head, so I could only look out the window.

The result is always the same.

What they say and do is often far from the correct answer; they are constantly making mistakes filled with misunderstandings. Even apologizing for their mistakes is wrong; the buttons are always buttoned wrong.

For nearly a year, this cycle repeated itself, and time slipped by. Before they knew it, winter was almost over, and the strong winds of early spring rattled the windows. The brief silence was broken, and Isshiki suddenly looked up.

"But to be honest, I don't think this will convince Yukino-senpai."

"I think so..."

I couldn't help but sigh, and Isshiki leaned out.

"You'll be rejected very thoroughly."

"I think so..."

I sighed again, and Isshiki looked up at me.

"Even so, we still have to do it?"

"yes……"

I sighed and said, while Yise stared in disbelief and turned her head away.

"Huh? Why?"

"Asking me won't help..."

Is it really that surprising? The honorifics Iroha used when addressing her senior are gone. I don't mind... but... has this person forgotten what they said...?

I squinted at Isshiki with a lot of dissatisfaction.

"Speaking of which, weren't you the one who asked for our help first...?"

Upon hearing my answer, Yise's eyes widened, blinking rapidly. Then she quickly shrank back, waving her hands frantically and uttering a string of words.

"Ah! Is it for me? What does this mean? Are you pursuing me? I don't hate or object to receiving special treatment, nor do I mind having someone help me when I'm in trouble, but that's a different matter. Please come back after things are settled. I'm sorry."

Finally, I bowed respectfully. I nodded contentedly.

"Yes, that's right. It's not quite like you described, but that's roughly it."

"What kind of reaction was that... Oh, so it wasn't what I said?"

She puffed out her cheeks in displeasure and glared at me coldly. Oh well, that's the right reaction... Ignoring my exhaustion, I casually put my index finger to my cheek and said nonchalantly:

"Okay, even if the reason is for me, I don't care."

"Of course it matters. I didn't say it was for you, okay...?"

I muttered something to correct her, but Isshiki wasn't listening. Her fingers were still pressed against her cheek, her head tilted to the side, her expression serious.

"But to be honest, I don't think this will convince Yukino-senpai."

"I thought so... Is this an infinite loop? But can't you say a few words in my defense?"

I said this with a sliver of expectation, then waved my hand dismissively.

"Huh, I'd rather die than... or rather, I can't do it."

"You actually said you couldn't do it... and then answered instantly..."

Did this guy just say "I'd rather die than"? Did I hear that right...? I stared at her, cleared my throat a few times, and for some reason, puffed out my chest and said confidently:

"That's impossible. Girls don't change their own decisions... but they easily change decisions made for them by others, and if they're unhappy, they'll pretend to forget about them."

"That's terrible..."

She turned her head slightly and secretly added, "You're the only one like this, right? Not all girls are like this, it depends on the person—even I, who's not good at dealing with all kinds of people, think so."

Isshiki turned his head back, his eyebrows drooping into a V-shape.

"...Besides, the target is Yukino-senpai. I think it'll be difficult."

"Really? Yes, it is..."

It's not because she's a girl, but because she's Yukinoshita. Now that you mention it, I have to agree. Looking back on the relatively short time I've known Yukinoshita, she has always displayed an incorruptible and meticulous personality. This time will be no different; she won't easily change her mind.

I closed my eyes, crossed my arms, and murmured, "Hmm—". Isshiki whispered:

"I received a lot of help this time... and I want to cheer her on."

I glanced to the side and saw a faint, bitter smile on Isshiki's face.

"Therefore, I cannot say anything. I'm sorry."

"Ah—it's alright. I apologize for making such an unreasonable request so casually."

I smiled wryly and told her not to worry about it, and Isshiki nodded in response. It seemed Isshiki had seriously considered what I'd casually mentioned. Although it's a bit late to say this now, Isshiki Iroha is truly an incredibly kind person. So, I feel quite guilty for asking her to speak up for me with such a casual attitude, and for getting her into trouble in the process.

I should really think about it myself.

...So where do I even begin? I'm completely clueless. Because that guy is really difficult to deal with... Sigh, well, I'm difficult to deal with myself too. Or rather, I'm even more difficult.

When my thoughts are in a jumble, I need to promote blood circulation in my brain. I massaged my scalp while thinking, and during this time, Isshiki just watched me silently.

“…………”

"What?"

I noticed her gaze and asked her what was wrong, but she just shook her head.

"It's nothing, I was just thinking that you haven't given up."

"Huh. Oh, oh, hmm."

After she said that, and I found myself being stared at so intently, I didn't know how to react. I gave a meaningless reply to evade the question, and Isshiki closed the distance between us to about a fist's width. Just like before, she stared straight at me.

"Why? She herself refused, and didn't Haruno-neechan say something to you? Why go to such lengths? A normal person would definitely find it troublesome."

These words struck me like a dagger. They were clearly questions, yet they didn't give me time to answer. Even if I had the time, I probably wouldn't have been able to give a clear answer.

With each question she asked, Isshiki would move closer, and I shifted my body to create some distance between us. However, it wasn't long before I was cornered with nowhere to escape.

"There are many reasons..."

After my annoyance subsided, I finally managed to turn my head away, but Issaku grabbed my tie and yanked it.

Please answer carefully.

Isshiki forcefully turned my head back. She gripped the tie tightly, creating wrinkles, and her small hands trembled slightly.

I couldn't turn my head, nor could I look away. So my gaze fell on her delicate lips pressed into a thin line, and her eyes swaying in the setting sun. Faced with her serious expression, all I could do was forcefully open my heavy mouth.

"There are really many reasons... I don't think I've explained it clearly."

"It doesn't matter."

But Issei wouldn't allow me to be sarcastic and immediately retorted. It seemed that she wouldn't accept it unless I gave her some response.

But no matter what I say, she can't agree with it.

The emotions and sorrow I feel are indescribable, which is precisely why they are such a troublesome thing, defying description. No matter how I try to describe them, others will certainly not understand. Inflexibly using existing vocabulary to describe this opaque, amorphous, and indistinct thing will only cause it to deteriorate from the start, ultimately leading to serious errors. More importantly, I don't want to summarize it in just one sentence.

Previously, I always used excuses like "because it's work" or "for my sister." This time, I just need to use the same method and shift the blame to someone else. "Because Isshiki asked me to help" is the simplest excuse.

However, what Isshiki Iroha wanted was probably not this textbook-standard answer. Her sincere gaze told me that she didn't care if she didn't get a reason or understanding.

It doesn't matter if you can't explain it clearly or make it unclear; just state your answer—that's what she meant.

Therefore, I knew very well that this was not the answer she wanted to hear, and I honestly and sincerely uttered my words along with a heavy sigh.

"...I should take responsibility."

"Will you take responsibility?"

She murmured softly, taking a slight breath. Perhaps because my words were not to her liking, she looked puzzled and lowered her head. Then she looked up at me, urging me to continue.

I nodded in response, managing to squeeze out a few broken sentences. I was having difficulty breathing, and my chest felt very hot, perhaps because the tie, which had been loosely hanging around my neck, was now being pulled taut by Isshiki.

"Although tracing back to the source, the reason things became so complicated, involving interdependence and such, is entirely my responsibility. So, I want to resolve this issue. This is how I've always done it, and I can't just change things now. That's it."

I finally managed to finish explaining what seemed like a conclusion. Ishiki's hand released my tie, and it hung limply at his sides.

"Oh, I'm sorry, because the senior's answer was different from what I expected, I was a little distracted. My tie is wrinkled, I'm sorry."

"It's okay, it was already wrinkled anyway..."

Even after I said that, Isshiki kept muttering, "This won't do," "Wow—," "Oh no—," and hurriedly tried to smooth out the wrinkles. She was rubbing too hard, and my neck started moving around with her.

However, her hand suddenly stopped.

"Will you say those things to Yukino-senpai?"

Isshiki's gaze was fixed on her drooping tie, obscuring her expression. I remained silent, and Isshiki began tugging at my tie again, as if urging me to answer quickly. With each tug, strands of her flaxen hair playfully bounced back and forth. This mischievous, kitten-like movement reassured me, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"...Whether she can actually convey the message to her is another matter."

"You guys are so difficult to deal with."

Isshiki raised his face with a helpless smile and patted my chest—my tie.

"For me, it's easiest if the Service Society is willing to help. So, I'll do my best!"

She gave a quick "heave-ho," stood up, pointed at me, a nonchalant smile on her face, then swayed her skirt and turned to leave. After taking a couple of steps, she beckoned me over. Was she implying she was letting me into her office...?

I also forced my heavy body to stand up and followed behind her.

╳ ╳ ╳

I followed Isshiki into the student council room and immediately smelled a fragrance. I guessed it was some kind of room fragrance. Unlike the Service Club's office, it was a refreshing and sweet fruity scent, without any hint of black tea.

The office, though not very large, was cluttered with a lot of things, perhaps due to years of operation, making it feel a bit messy. Only one area was particularly tidy.

Beside the president's desk, which exuded an overwhelming presence, sat a simple table. Yukino Yukinoshita stood in front of the whiteboard behind the table.

There were no other student council members present, so let Yukinoshita and Isshiki temporarily decide on the course of action.

The traces of the discussion were clearly left on the whiteboard. Red, black, and blue words leaped onto the white background. Xue Shita stared at those words, then turned around when she heard the voice behind her.

"Oh dear, Hachiman."

"Hi."

Upon seeing me, Yukinoshita showed little reaction, even offering a faint smile. She must have already received the school's self-discipline requirements, but she seemed completely unconcerned.

"Take a break, Isshiki-kun."

Yukino removed the whiteboard's retainer, flipped it over, pushed it aside, and began preparing to make tea.

She turned on the electric kettle, deftly placed the paper cups while waiting for the water to boil, and took out the tea bags.

Her practiced movements brought back a sense of nostalgia. Yukino noticed me watching her and silently gestured for me to sit down. There was a folding chair right across from her table.

Not long after, the hot water began to bubble, the sound of boiling mingling with the sound of me pulling over a folding chair. Isshiki also walked slowly towards the chairman's seat, dragging over a slightly upscale chair with a backrest, and sat down lightly on it.

Then, a cup of black tea, brewed in a different tea set than the one used by the tea ceremony club, appeared silently before me. I gratefully accepted it, and the familiar aroma emanated from the paper cup meant for guests.

"You've heard?"

This question is vague and brief, but it's obvious what topics we'll be discussing here.

"Yeah, that's right. With Yuihama."

Yukinoshita showed a slight look of surprise, but she quickly regained her composure.

"……Yeah?"

"I heard the details from Professor Hiratsuka. Is that alright? If there's anything I can do, I can help..."

"Don't worry. We are also developing a plan."

She gracefully brought the paper cup to her lips, took a small sip, and answered fluently.

The tone of this conversation was the opposite of the warmth of the black tea in my hand. She was fidgeting and hesitant, probably because she was restless. She kept giving me meaningful glances, urging me to "explain myself."

Please wait a moment. A proper conversation requires a process, a framework, a sequence, timing, atmosphere, and courage, among many other elements. Isn't conversation too difficult? I was just observing the atmosphere and preparing to speak when I was rejected right from the start. In short, to expand a topic, you first need to find a starting point. I'm really bad at this.

As I blew on the tea to cool it down, I pondered how to begin. The tea gradually cooled until it was finally drinkable even for someone as sensitive to heat as I was. I began to sip it slowly, muttering to myself: