My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 537

Even the woodworker said I... wait, you weren't treated like a senior either?

However, not only did I trick my two junior classmates into coming to the celebration party, but I also made sarcastic remarks about them, which made me feel a little guilty. There was nothing I could do about being talked about like that.

As I was wondering if I should make it up to them, Totsuka patted my thigh. The gentle touch almost made me make a strange sound. I desperately held back and looked at him, asking what was wrong.

"I'll go get the drinks."

Totsuka tilted his head and shook his empty cup. He probably wanted to go out to get a drink and asked me to let him pass. At that moment, an idea struck me.

"Oh, I'll go. I'll take everyone's portions while I'm at it."

"May I?"

Totsuka seemed a little embarrassed. Judging from the situation, he might follow. So I winked, indicating that I would handle it.

"Anyway, I'm just doing it on the side."

Without saying a word, I got up, used a tray to collect the empty glasses on the table, quickly left the private room, and carefully walked towards the beverage bar.

When I got to the coffee machine, I saw Miura twirling his blonde hair with his fingers, deep in thought, seemingly wondering what to drink.

Miura noticed me too, but didn't say anything to me, just glanced at me. Well, I didn't have anything to say to her either. Same to me!

I went to the vending machine next to me and started filling my drink. Miura, who had been standing half a step behind me, silently reached out and pressed the cappuccino button.

The coffee machine started running. After the sound of extracting coffee, there was the sound of steam heating. I glanced at the machine; a large amount of pure white milk foam was being poured into the black espresso.

I said…

Suddenly, Miura muttered. It was a soft murmur, not sure who she was talking to, but it was quite loud for a soliloquy. I guessed she was talking to me, facing that direction, but she was just staring at the cup still in the coffee machine.

White milk foam slowly spread across the surface of the cup, with a few bubbles disappearing with a "whoosh".

What are your thoughts?

"What do you mean, what do you think?"

I was certain she was speaking to me before she finally responded. However, her question was so vague that it left me completely confused. I simply replied while continuing to fill my drink.

Despite the numerous sounds around me—the music playing on the loudspeakers, the singing coming from nearby private rooms, the low rumble of the coffee machine, and the clinking of glasses—I found it unusually quiet.

Soon after, a soft sigh was heard among them.

"I meant Yui."

These words came so suddenly that I stopped pouring the drink—no, I stopped instinctively.

"……oh."

I gave meaningless responses that were merely meant to fill the silence.

The next second, I immediately regretted it. I should have pretended not to understand her question. Maybe it would have been better to just ignore it completely.

The reason I couldn't do that was because I was somewhat worried about it. That's why I was caught off guard and responded unintentionally.

Miura held his breath quietly, as if waiting for me to continue.

However, I had no good answer. It was precisely because I wanted to be honest that I couldn't speak.

I know it's despicable to say nothing. But trying so hard to gain Miura's understanding feels just as despicable.

Seeing that I remained silent, Miura impatiently picked up the cup, slammed it onto the tray, and let out a sigh mixed with anxiety.

"I'm not your friend, I don't care about you at all, I'm completely indifferent... But Yui is different."

Although her tone was fierce at first, her murmurs after catching her breath were soft and slightly hoarse. I reflexively turned around.

Not a single tear fell from her eyes. On the contrary, a raging fire burned within them.

"So, can you not be so indecisive? I'm really angry."

His resolute, glaring gaze made me gasp. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say I was stunned.

Not out of fear or dread, I think I was overwhelmed by her gentleness.

Thinking about it carefully, she always silently protected her close friends with that almost arrogant sincerity. Needless to say, she had always cared about Hayama and Ebina, and she must have been concerned about Yuihama as well. Especially since there haven't been any Service Club activities lately, they should have had more opportunities to be together. That's probably why she felt something was amiss.

Her gaze was not directed at me, yet it contained a power that rendered me immobile.

If I try to brush it off casually, I'm sure they'll see through it immediately.

"...I'll handle it properly."

I nodded and said. It wasn't a lie, but it wasn't the truth either. I just couldn't think of any other appropriate response.

Miura glared at me fiercely, then brushed his hair aside and snorted disdainfully.

"That's all. I'm leaving now."

She turned and left, indicating that the conversation should end there.

Watching her retreating figure, I couldn't help but mutter to myself.

"What a kind person..."

My voice wasn't very loud, but Miura seemed to hear me. She stopped and turned around.

"Huh? What the hell? Disgusting."

Her expression twisted with disgust. After uttering those words in a menacing manner, she twirled her slightly curly blonde hair with her fingers and quickened her pace to leave.

My cheeks, peeking out from between my gently swaying hair, looked slightly flushed. This time, I repeated the sentence in a lower voice.

× × ×

When they returned to the private room, it was Hayama's turn to sing.

I don't know if it was Qin Ye and Sagami's younger brother who started it, but everyone was waving glow sticks up and down, shouting all sorts of slogans. Combined with the lights from the disco ball, the whole space looked quite glamorous. For some reason, Tobe was alone, waving a towel, sweating profusely—he must be out of his mind (note).

Note: Adapted from the lyrics of "Water Lily" by the Japanese rock band Shonan no Kaze.

Of all those people, only Miura was waving her glow stick horizontally, looking completely blissful. What a happy expression! She's a stark contrast to how she looked just moments ago… Great, she looks so happy…

Ignoring the enthusiastic atmosphere, I put down my drinks and sat on the sofa.

At times like these, I really can't have fun with everyone, and I feel like I have nowhere to go.

Needless to say, Hobe and Yuihama were already used to these kinds of otaku activities, and they got excited when the time was right. I was putting in all my effort just by clapping my legs, and it just looked like I was shaking my feet.

I'm not trying to act aloof, but I genuinely feel embarrassed. More like I'm caught up in the atmosphere and get excited myself, which makes me feel ashamed, so I inexplicably try to act cool on the sidelines. I know it's a bad habit, but I just can't seem to break it.

All you can do now is keep staring at Totsuka's thigh as he pats the tambourine.

I stared blankly at everyone, propping my cheek up with my hand and sipping my coffee. Yui noticed and came over to talk to me.

"That's great!"

"what?"

Yuihama slowly surveyed the room. Her expression was calm, and her breath carried a hint of a smile.

"...Everyone seemed to be getting along very well and seemed to be having a lot of fun."

"Given the right opportunity, it's not impossible for them to get along. The mental structures of mild-mannered hooligans and radical otaku are largely the same."

I glanced at the group of boys—the Hobe, the game club, and Zaimokuza. Yuihama pouted.

"We're not thugs...how are we similar? Aren't we complete opposites?"

"There are a lot in common. For example, they become unruly when they get together, they like shiny things, and they wear black clothes..."

"It looks like a crow..."

"Crows may actually be quite intelligent."

"That's outrageous!"

Yuihama protested softly. But seeing Hobe constantly waving his towel and yelling, and Zaimokuza shouting a bunch of incomprehensible slogans and desperately creating light pollution, it was hard not to think the crow was smarter…

In fact, I don't think the statement that "moderate hooligans and radical otaku have roughly the same mental structure" is entirely wrong.

Indeed, quite a few hooligans like anime and comics.

I've heard that some people read comics brought in by otaku in class and became completely engrossed, even going so far as to borrow sequels. In older age groups, it seems there are also those who learned about anime through pachinko machines and subsequently became fans.

In this era, animation and comics are gradually being regarded as representatives of popular culture, and the term "otaku" is gradually shedding its discriminatory and defamatory connotations, naturally shortening the distance between the two.

There are increasingly more examples of businesses collaborating with anime and manga, and television programs are gradually adopting a more positive attitude towards otaku culture. While it cannot be denied that there are commercial motives involved, it is safe to say that otaku culture has already gained a foothold in mainstream society.

Regardless of the elderly, the era when young people were criticized simply for liking anime, comics, or games is over. With the rise of social media and video websites, trends and fads are easier to observe, and otaku culture is even beginning to become a fashion trend.

In this day and age, trend-conscious high school girls play shooting games on their phones, social media trends show a clear connection to anime and gaming terminology, and calls for esports to be included in the Olympics are growing louder. The past prejudice against otaku culture is indeed diminishing. However, to conclude that anime—especially so-called "moe" anime—has become universally accepted because of this is a stretch.

Nevertheless, anime culture is indeed closer to people's lives for young people.

This trend is particularly evident in the music industry. It's not just reflected in sales charts; it's also visible in physical events. Well-known DJs and composers are starting to write songs for voice actors and anime singers, and there are numerous examples of using anime and manga elements as symbols of subculture. Anime-themed events are also increasing. Even large-scale music performances, which seem unrelated to the otaku community, are sometimes playing anime songs. I've seen videos of them dancing along with the audience to these songs.

In music, there is no conflict between extroverts and otaku.

Rather, extroverts and partygoers probably don't care as long as they're having fun. In a sense, they might not even discriminate against people from other fields. As long as they have like-minded friends and good buddies around, they can enjoy anything. That's just how partygoers are.

In fact, the Ministry of Revenue seems extremely happy right now...

As I was thinking about these things, Yui gently leaned closer. I reflexively tried to shrink away, wanting to create some distance between us, but she grabbed my sleeve, preventing me from doing so.

I still tried to shift my body, and Yui put her hand to her mouth as if to whisper something. This forced me to listen to her. I tilted my head slightly and brought my ear closer.

Loud music and the howling of Hubu and his gang echoed in the private room, while their tantalizing whispers were clearly audible.

"...Would you like to come to my house on Saturday?"

I wondered if I'd misheard, and glanced at her sideways. Yuihama smiled shyly, fiddling with the bun on her head. Before pondering the meaning of her words, I answered instinctively.

"Uh, I'm not going..."

The moment the words left her mouth, Yuihama puffed out her cheeks.

"Didn't you say you had a lot of free time?"

"Yeah, I'm definitely very free."

However, there was no reason to go. I was about to reply like that, but before I could speak, Yuihama said:

"Didn't we mention before that we'd make a cake for Komachi as a gift? I was thinking, how about this Saturday?"

"Ah... I see... In that case... Okay. Thanks."

I had discussed Komachi's birthday present with her before, but it fell through due to issues with self-discipline at the dance. However, Yuihama kept it in mind. She put so much thought into it, I couldn't just refuse with an excuse like, "No, it's a little embarrassing..."

I mumbled a reply, and Yui nodded vigorously, laughing out loud with delight.

"Hmm! Mom's here too, we can ask her to teach us."

"How embarrassing..."

I didn't dislike Yuihama's mother at all; in fact, I liked her. But when I added the identity of "a female classmate's mother" to the mix, a sense of rejection instantly arose. It's clear that I was a seventeen-year-old who felt both shy and happy.

I slumped my shoulders, my mutterings drowned out by the cheers. It turned out Hayama had just finished singing. I clapped along perfunctorily, while Hayama, as if taking his final bow, gave an exaggerated, princely salute. He seemed to be enjoying himself.

After the music ended, the atmosphere instantly slowed down.

However, the prelude to the next song quickly began. The Minister of Revenue looked around.

"Who should we replace? Who should we replace?"

"Ah, me, me, me!"

Yuihama immediately got up, walked over to Miura and Ebina, and picked up the microphone.

The three girls sat side by side and began singing a relatively soft song, while the boys waved their glow sticks gently from side to side. To be honest, I know nothing about pop songs, but Miura was super shy while singing because she was concerned about the boys' attention, which was very cute, so I give her a good review!

With my hands empty, I looked for a glow stick or a tambourine with my eyes and ended up making eye contact with Hayama, who had just finished singing.

Hayama raised the corners of his mouth, asked Sagami for a glow stick, and came to my side.

He silently handed me the glow stick, and I silently took it and snapped it open. However, I really didn't have the motivation to wave it.

...How awkward. While I'm grateful to Hayama for the glow stick, why did he sit next to me? Couldn't he have just left after giving me the gift? Besides, he could have just tossed it to me, right?

I exerted silent pressure on him, casually waving my glow stick a few times. Whether Hayama noticed or not, he took his share from the glass still on the tray, as if he intended to stay.

"Aren't you going to sing?"

He looked at Miura and his group, then put down his straw and said.

"I don't work for free."

"How can you say something like that? You were clearly working for nothing before."