My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 52

Although she said those things, I couldn't tell how much of it was a joke, and it felt a little creepy. If she's a pervert who derives pleasure from being treated coldly, I really don't know how I'm going to get along with my sister anymore. I might just become cold to her every day, desperately trying to increase my score. This kind of sibling love is just too twisted.

"My brother's been acting really strange lately, he seems so listless... No, that's just how he is. His eyes are so dull, like a dead fish... No, that's just how he is too... Ah, right, I only said half of my rant... Huh? That seems to be the same too. Hmm... Anyway, he's just acting really weird!"

"Are you actually worried about me or just trying to make fun of me...?"

Being talked about like this, I really don't know whether my sister loves me or hates me.

"However, the weather has been very hot and humid lately, so one's eyes and personality are prone to rotting like a dead fish."

"Wow! That's a great line!"

Komachi genuinely admired me, which made me a little happy, and I couldn't help but let out a "humph" through my nose. But upon closer reflection, I realized that she had actually described me quite poorly.

"Think about it, there's nothing to be excited about in June. There are no national holidays, it rains non-stop, and the weather is so hot and humid. It's June, but there's not a single bit of that auspicious feeling about June."

"Zero points."

"Oh, yes..."

Unexpectedly, Komachi's scoring criteria were quite strict.

I told a lame joke with a smug look on my face, only to end up failing, leaving me with an inexplicable emptiness. I think I understand Hiratsuka-sensei's feelings to some extent now.

Thinking of Ms. Hiratsuka, I realized it was almost time to go to school. If I was late, I'd definitely face her iron fist again.

I stuffed the remaining English muffin into my mouth, poured the Chiba-style coffee into my stomach, and then said to Komachi:

"I'm about to leave."

"Ah, Komachi will come along too."

She stuffed an English muffin into her mouth, her cheeks puffed out like a squirrel's, and then happily changed her clothes. Didn't I tell you not to change clothes in a place like this?

"I'll go outside first."

"Okay~~"

Komachi's leisurely reply came from behind me.

As I arrived at my doorstep, the damp air characteristic of the rainy season immediately enveloped me. Since my internship at the workplace, I don't think I've seen a clear blue sky again.

× × ×

The damp, sticky air enveloped the entire school building. The discomfort was amplified several times over during peak arrival times due to the dense crowds.

The word "loneliness" often evokes images of hiding in dark corners, but in my class, it becomes open and aboveboard. Therefore, my surroundings are like the eye of a typhoon, creating a turbulent undercurrent within the school.

For those with many friends, enduring the sweltering heat of 36 degrees Celsius in such humid weather must be incredibly difficult. From the start of the rainy season until summer, the lone wolf enjoys the well-ventilated campus life, a truly blissful experience.

I changed into indoor shoes at the school gate and looked up to see a familiar face.

"what……"

Yui Yuigahama, wearing worn-out casual shoes, looked away as if unsure how to react. I kept my gaze on her and greeted her in my usual manner.

"morning."

"Ah... um."

The conversation ended there. I slung my backpack back on and stepped onto the linoleum floor alone, my footsteps gradually fading into the bustling walkway.

The slightly awkward atmosphere between me and Yui Yuigahama remained after the weekend, and nothing changed in the next few days. Then, when I came to my senses, I realized it was already Friday.

She no longer greeted me loudly in the morning, and then we walked to the classroom together. I returned to my previous life, which was as peaceful as could be.

Great, very cool, everything is back to normal.

Lone wolves are inherently beings who don't cause trouble for anyone. They avoid relationships with others to prevent harm, making them the ultimate eco-friendly and carefree pure beings.

After returning to the way things were, my heart found peace, and Yui was also freed from self-blame, returning to her previous fulfilling life. This choice was probably not wrong; in fact, it could be said to be very correct.

After all, I just saved a dog; there's nothing to thank me for. It was all purely accidental, like picking up a wallet from the ground and returning it to its owner, or giving up your seat to an elderly person. Afterward, you might secretly feel pleased: "Wow! I just did a good deed! I'm not a frivolous fool like those frivolous and vulgar people!"

She doesn't need to dwell on that minor coincidence, nor does she need to feel guilty that I became lonely as soon as I enrolled.

So, this matter ends here. We can simply go back to where we were and live our own lives. While life can't be relived, relationships can, as I've experienced firsthand. My classmates from junior high, I haven't contacted them since… oh, that's not reliving, it's more like deleting them. Hehe.

× × ×

The dull and tedious sixth period class ended.

I am a diligent and hardworking student. I don't talk to anyone in class and always spend my time quietly by myself.

Oh right, the sixth period is an English conversation class, so I'll definitely have to practice with the girl next to me. But as soon as practice time started, the girl sitting next to me took out her phone and started playing with it. Although this might get me scolded by the teacher on patrol, I used my special skill of concealing my presence, so the teacher didn't notice at all. I'm really something else.

But when will this skill be removed...?

Even after the pre-dismissal class meeting, my skills continued to be effective. So, I quietly and discreetly packed my bag, avoiding everyone's attention. Was I some kind of spy?

Oh dear, it seems the CIA will absorb me sooner or later. If anything goes wrong, AIC (Note 3: short for "Anime International Corporation," a Japanese animation production company) will come looking for me. In that case, I'll just quietly make an OVA of "Tenchi Muyo!"

Just as I was lost in thought, the clamor of ordinary people spread behind me, as if to proclaim: "This is youth!"

The members of the sports club were slowly preparing to go to their club while enthusiastically gossiping about the senior students and advisors.

The members of the literary club smiled and laughed at each other, sharing what snacks they had brought that day.

As for the Going Home Club, they were lazily discussing where to go after school.

One group of people were talking particularly loudly.

"The football club advisor is on leave today, I'm so envious!"

When I came to my senses, I saw seven men and women, including Hayama, sitting in a circle chatting. Ooka, the baseball club virgin who always changed sides, was the first to complain, followed by Yamato from the rugby club (whose name I can't remember exactly), who nodded in agreement, and then the smug blond Tobe started chattering on.

"Wow, you guys are all going to your clubs today, what about us? What are we supposed to do?"

"It's your decision."

Miura tugged at her drill-like curls with her left hand and fiddled with her phone with her right, seemingly uninterested in what the Ministry of Revenue was saying. Ebina and Yuigahama flanked her on either side; it seemed the queen of the class was putting on a good show of authority today.

The Ministry of Revenue was immediately energized upon being entrusted with this important responsibility.

"Ah~ How about the 31 yuan soft serve? Not bad, right?"

The next second, Miura slammed his phone shut.

"What? Not interested?"

...Didn't you say yourself that you would leave the decision to him?

I couldn't help but mentally complain. The Lone Ranger is someone who hones their complaining skills every day.

Because of this comment, my eyes turned to Miura.

Then, he met Yuihama's gaze.

“…………”

“…………”

We both noticed each other, but neither of us said a word; we simply observed each other's actions silently.

If I had to give an example, it would be like waiting for the tram at a station near your home and finding a classmate standing by the next door. I think to myself, "Oh no, it's Osaka..." while the other person is thinking at the same time, "Ah... what's his name... H-Hiki... oh well, never mind." Hey, don't give up halfway through your thought process.

Oh right, oh right, it's absolutely not that the other person doesn't remember me, it's just that my memory is too good. My mind is incredibly sharp, and I'm surprisingly good at remembering people's names, probably because I'm always looking forward to when they'll start a conversation.

How good is my memory? In the past, when I called the name of a girl I had never spoken to before, her expression twisted with fear, as if she was afraid that I knew her name... well, I won't go into that now.

In short, my relationship with Yuihama is like that of top-notch swordsmen looking for an opportunity to attack each other, similar to the idea that "in this duel, the one who moves first loses."

It was Miura who broke the awkward atmosphere.

"Let's go bowling instead."

For some reason, she made this suggestion. Ebina nodded.

"I get it! Bowling pins are definitely a temptation!"

"Ebina, please shut up, and wipe the blood from your nose. Try to look serious."

Miura said helplessly, handing over a tissue.

I was just surprised by her gentle side when I realized that the tissues looked like they were from a phone dating agency, and I was suddenly at a loss for words.

"Ah, I also thought about bowling, or rather, bowling was the only thing that came to my mind!"

"Is that right?"

With the Ministry of Revenue's approval, Miura proudly tugged at his curly hair. However, Hayama, standing to the side, seemed thoughtful, as if he had other opinions.

"But I was bowling last week too... how about trying darts once in a while?"

"If Hayato says we should throw darts, then let's go throw darts!♪"

Miura immediately changed his mind. Is your special skill playing with jacks or something?

"Let's go then. If anyone hasn't played before, remember to let me know, and I'll teach you."

Hayama got up and moved, followed by Miura, Tobe, and Ebina. At that moment, someone remained standing there, frozen in place. Miura noticed them and turned back to call out, "Yui, we're leaving! What are you still doing?"

"...Huh? Oh, no, no! I'm coming right away!"

Yui, who had been participating as a listener the whole time, quickly grabbed her bag, stood up, and jogged to catch up. As she passed by me, she suddenly slowed down.

She's probably hesitating between following Miura's group and joining the Service Society.

There's nothing I can do, she's just that gentle. Actually, she doesn't need to worry about me at all.

However, even though she didn't need to worry about me, seeing her at a loss for what to do still made me feel a little guilty.

No, no, as a lone wolf, I absolutely cannot cause trouble for others.

I'd better get away quickly; Hachiman Hikigaya's exit is much more stylish! If you want to know how stylish he is, he's probably like the guy who pre-recorded what he was going to say (Note 4 refers to the protagonist of the "COOL -RENTAL BODYGUARD" series).

COOL! COOL! COOL!

I tried my best to avoid making eye contact with Yuihama and quietly left the classroom.

× × ×

I climbed to the fourth floor of the special building and arrived at the Service Club's office. Yukino Yukinoshita was sitting in the back of the room as usual, with her usual indifferent expression on her face.

The only difference was that she wasn't reading a paperback today, but a popular magazine. How rare.

She wasn't wearing a coat, but rather the summer vest that the school provided. The term "school-provided" clothing can easily evoke a tacky impression, but on Yukinoshita, it actually looked quite decent and even gave off a cool vibe.

"Hi."

"...Oh, it's Hachiman-kun."

Yukino sighed softly, her gaze returning to the fashion magazine in her hands.

"Don't act like the girl who sat next to me after we changed seats; it hurts me."

It's not just school events that cause me so much trauma. Small, seemingly insignificant things can also easily nurture the seeds of trauma. Because it's not something particularly significant, they're more likely to speak their true feelings. That's too much.

The fact that the seats are blown out by the wind once a month is the best example.

"I did nothing wrong, so why am I being treated like a bad guy? If I have to complain, I should complain about my bad luck in the lottery for the seat next to me."

"So you admit that the seat next to you is the worst one..."

"I didn't say 'the worst,' that's your preconceived notion."

"I apologize to you; the subconscious mind is truly terrifying."

Yukino smiled at me. But the actions taken subconsciously are often the most hurtful…

"What I just said came from my subconscious, so don't take it to heart. I originally thought it must be Yuihama."

"Oh, I see."

It's not unreasonable for Yukinoshita to think that way. Yuihama hasn't come to the club office for the past few days, and Yukinoshita is probably quite concerned, assuming she'll definitely come today.

"I took my pet to the vet for a check-up the day before yesterday, and yesterday something came up at home..."

She murmured to herself while looking at her phone, probably reading text messages from Yuihama. But those messages never arrived for me.

So, will Yuigahama actually come today?

If she comes, I will definitely treat her the same way I did this morning.

I am well aware of the outcome that will ultimately result from this situation.

The two gradually drifted apart without realizing it, lost communication without realizing it, and then, without realizing it, stopped seeing each other altogether. This is my personal experience.

My classmates from elementary to junior high school are all like this—we never see each other again. Yui and I will probably be the same.