My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 541

"Okay—no rush, no rush. I'll call you when it's ready."

Yui's mother's silvery laughter came from behind me, and I followed Yui as she walked away quickly.

The destination is Yuihama's room.

I sat down on the cushion as instructed, while Yuihama, holding the shortbread, sat on her own bed.

"Hmm... what should we do? What should we do?"

She seemed a little flustered. I remembered her asking a similar question at the fireworks display. Thanks to her, I reflexively blurted out meaningless words again.

"Well...should I go home first?"

"Who wants to go home! This is my home! It's my room!"

When Yuihama shouted, the shortbread also made a few shouts.

"But the truth is, there's nothing to do."

"Ah—yes, that's right... Ah, would you like to see the final volume?"

Yuihama had a sudden inspiration, reached for the bedside cabinet, and pulled out a photo album with a velvet cover.

"Why look at that... Let's just hold a 'Give Ugly Girls a Nickname Contest' instead."

"Who would want to organize that kind of competition! It's awful! Absolutely awful!"

She kept muttering "Terrible, terrible" under her breath, seemingly from the bottom of her heart, which made my heart ache.

"For guys, graduation yearbooks are just this kind of thing. From what I've heard, their other uses are at most like a catalog for girls. They're basically dating apps."

"This one is absolutely terrible!"

This was just something I'd overheard the group from the Ministry of Revenue mention in class, something I only vaguely understood. Yuihama looked astonished.

"You would do something like that? Getting girls introduced to you, or something like that..."

"As for me, I need to find someone to introduce me to girls first."

"Ah—hmm, I see..."

Good that you understand.

"Ah, but I'd like to see what you looked like in junior high."

"...Never mind, it's too embarrassing. Never mind."

She temporarily put down the pastry and quickly put the photo album deep inside the cabinet.

……pity.

I shrugged slightly, and then the shortbread bumped into me.

"Oh, what's wrong?"

I caught the lively, tongue-out Shortbread and stroked it all over, its fur fluttering into the air. Shortbread was probably molting. No wonder I kept it away while I was making the dessert…

When Yui saw that I was covered in hair, she couldn't help but scream.

"Oh! I'm sorry! Pastry, come here!"

"It's okay, I have a cat at home, so I'm used to it. Anyway, give me a brush."

"Uh-huh……"

I let Crispy sit on my crossed legs, took the brush, and gently stroked its back to groom its fur. During this time, Crispy was very well-behaved, making steady breathing sounds.

After a while, Yui moved to my side on her knees and curiously peered out.

"Oh—I'm actually quite used to it."

"People who have pets naturally become like this. They wouldn't even care if there was cat hair in their miso soup."

"This isn't right..."

Yuihama slumped her shoulders, speechless. Then, as if remembering something, she got up and walked towards the wardrobe, but immediately returned.

She sat down next to me in a duck-like position and took something out.

"Clang clang—"

That thing is what's commonly known as a lint roller—a tape-based cleaning roller. It's undoubtedly a necessity for families with pets or middle-aged men. Those guys shed a ton of fur…and the pillows smell awful.

It's great for regular cleaning, and it can also easily remove pet hair that gets on your body while playing with your pet, making it very convenient.

"Thanks, I'll use it later."

"I'll help you."

No sooner had she finished speaking than Yui took off the cap of the roller and started rolling it around on my shoulders and back.

"No need, it's okay. Stop, it itches."

I twisted my body, trying to dodge, but Yuihama laughed maliciously and rolled around even more vigorously. The more I tried to escape, the more it stimulated her sadistic desires, making her happily chase after me.

"I'm leaving, I'm leaving!"

She rolled over most of the areas where the fur got on them. It was itchy, embarrassing, soft, and had a nice scent; I just couldn't resist.

Random resistance could lead to unexpected physical contact, so you have to be on high alert when you're running away. Specifically, I was using my sympathetic nervous system like crazy, so I was sweating profusely all over.

"I said, can we stop now? I prefer BomBom to Corocoro (note). Ah! Ah, hey, no, really no..."

Note: This is the name of a Japanese manga magazine. "Rolling Stick" in Japanese is Corocoro.

No, no! Why isn't it Corocoro, but BomBom bumping into someone?! Just as I was about to make a strange noise, someone knocked on the door.

Yuihama, who was having a lot of fun, suddenly stopped what she was doing and quickly distanced herself from me.

"Yui, may I bother you for a moment?"

"Um."

She remained calm, answering briefly in a composed voice, her earlier excitement completely gone. I, meanwhile, clutched the pastry, panting, looking every bit like a dangerous animal lover.

As I struggled to catch my breath, the door opened a crack, and Mommy Bibin peeked out.

"Hey, autistic male student, would you like to stay for dinner?"

"It's okay, I don't want to bother you too late..."

We can't trouble people to this extent. A shrewd man knows when to seize the opportunity and leave gracefully.

"Yeah?"

Hearing my answer, Mrs. Bibin showed a slightly regretful expression.

However, the next moment, a bright smile appeared on her face.

"But I've already cooked it♪"

She also stuck out her tongue, made a V-sign, and winked.

How reassuring! Unlike my mother under the snow... That's what I thought. I never imagined this person was also a strategist!

× × ×

The night breeze felt pleasant on my flushed cheeks. After dinner, I left Yuihama's house, and the streets were already shrouded in darkness. The dessert was also finished, and I carefully carried the boxed fruit tarts as I walked. Yuihama, who had come out to see me off, looked at me with concern.

"Did you eat too much just now? Are you alright?"

"Oh, that amount is alright..."

I said that, but a strong feeling of fullness welled up in my stomach.

The dinner I had with Yui and her mother was delicious. However, I remained on edge, unsure when Yui's father would return.

Therefore, I always just echoed what they said, and before I knew it, the rice in my bowl was piled up as high as a mountain.

...There's no other way. I need to eat more so that Mommy will be happy.

Every time I shovel a big mouthful of rice into my mouth, she gives me a "that's how guys should be" look, which makes me feel like "I can do it too," and I can't help but have another bowl.

Finally, of course, it was because I ate too much. Just walking down the street, my stomach, which felt like it was about to burst, made me frown frequently. Yuihama apologized with her hands clasped together in remorse.

"I'm sorry, Mom was just too excited. She seemed really happy to see the boys eating so much."

"That's how it is when you're a mother... It's the same in my family. Every time we go back to our hometown, we get stuffed with food. Just like Stamina Taro (note)."

Note: This refers to a Japanese all-you-can-eat chain restaurant.

"That's an exaggeration?"

Yuihama said in horror, and I nodded to indicate that she was right. Ah, I don't dislike it at all. Because Grandma's cooking and Stamina Taro are both delicious! I love Stamina Taro the most ♥ I love him so much that I'd sit on a magnifying glass to examine him (Note).

Note: Adapted from a Hazuki magnifying glass advertisement. To emphasize the sturdiness of the glasses, the advertisement shows someone sitting directly on them, concluding with the line, "I love Hazuki magnifying glasses the most."

Yui and I chatted as we walked towards the station. As we started walking side by side, Yui murmured softly:

Thank you for today.

"I should be the one thanking you."

"Mmm. But it was really fun... Making desserts together was great. I had so much fun."

"But it's more efficient to do it alone."

I accidentally splashed a bucket of cold water on her, and Yuihama puffed out her cheeks. I responded with a wry smile.

"But after doing it yourself, it doesn't feel like work. Making desserts together is really enjoyable."

"Yes, that's right."

Yui smiled quietly, and I nodded in response. I picked up the box again, checked the contents, and spoke slowly.

"...That would probably make Komachi happier too. That girl loves doing housework."

Experiential activities are currently very popular, and entertainment is booming. So, if you want to give Komachi a gift, perhaps you should give her the experience itself.

Some things are priceless. As for things that can be bought, I'll rely on my family's money. Call me Master NEET.

Yuihama sighed as I pondered these meaningless and foolish things.

"Oh—yes! Making desserts together might be a good idea!"

"Well, so..."

I silently handed over the fruit tart. Yui looked at it, then tilted her head in puzzlement.

"The cookies were delicious. So, well, consider this a return gift... even though it's a bit early."

I nervously handed the box to her, and Yui chuckled softly.

"The materials are not all the same."

"Not exactly the same. I added a secret ingredient..."

Yuihama is right, all those ingredients can be found in the kitchen. However, I followed Yuihama's mother's instructions and added some of her own secret recipe.

Yuihama stared at the box, then looked up at it with a teasing expression.

"Oh... what did you add?"

"If I tell you, it won't be considered a unique secret anymore, right?"

"Right."

Yuihama smiled and accepted the box.

"Just drop me off here. Bye."

"Okay, see you at school."

She waved gently in front of her chest, and I nodded in response before walking towards the station.

I hadn't walked far when I turned around and saw Yui still standing there, waving vigorously at me. I gently raised my hand and stepped forward again.

People stroll along the station boulevard as the chill of the night fades, celebrating the holiday evening and giving a sense that the long winter is about to end.

The changing seasons seem to be reflected in the lighting. The faint glow from streetlights, neon lights, buildings, and apartments looks particularly dazzling.

Or rather, this is the kind of everyday life that awaits us from now on.

Regarding Miura's question earlier, I suddenly thought of a similar answer.

If her wishes can be fulfilled one by one in the days to come—

The thought that could never come true popped into my head.