My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

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Shortly after, Yukinoshita looked toward the control room with a smile that hadn't quite faded.

"—It was unintentional, because I'm not used to looking up at you."

"So you mean you're used to looking down on me with disdain? It doesn't matter, I'm used to being looked down on anyway."

"Your servility is quite admirable. It might just cause you some neck and shoulder pain."

It's not so big that it would cause shoulder pain... I won't say what it is!

Just as she was thinking this, Yukinoshita cast a fierce glance at her and gripped the microphone clipped to her flat chest.

"—What did you say? I didn't hear you clearly, could you say it again?"

"They didn't say anything..."

I answered reflexively, almost instantly. The first few words probably didn't get picked up in time.

Thinking back to a time when the two of us chatted over a walkie-talkie, I couldn't help but chuckle. There were other people overhearing, which was incredibly embarrassing.

However, right now it should just be the two of us.

Given enough distance, through machines, and on trivial topics, we can converse naturally like this. This conversation could even go on forever.

Only time will bring this to a close.

The loudspeaker system displays the remaining seconds of the music.

There were only a few dozen seconds left until the end.

I looked away from the screen and leaned out the window again.

Behind the curtain on the right side of the stage, Yukino looked up in this direction, tilting her head slightly, her eyes asking what was wrong. She seemed puzzled as to why I had suddenly disappeared from the window.

It's okay.

I barely moved my lips, nor did I turn on the walkie-talkie; I just mumbled something. Given the distance, she couldn't possibly hear me.

Yukinoshita still tilted her head, looking puzzled.

I shook my head to indicate that nothing was wrong, and she nodded slightly, probably understanding for the time being.

The side platform was in darkness, with occasional rays of light from the disco ball illuminating her delicate face, innocent movements, and beautiful smile. Looking from her direction, the control room, backlit, was probably not clearly visible.

Thankfully, Yukinoshita can't see my current expression. How could she possibly see such a ridiculous face? The image in my mind is so foolish that I can't help but laugh at myself.

It must be because of this relationship that I had that foolish idea.

The left stage and the right stage, one side looks up and up, the other side looks down and down.

Just like the stage plays I've seen before.

The high window on the balcony is worlds apart from the small window in the control room, and the positions of the man and woman are exactly opposite. The whispered words they exchange are hardly sweet nothings, but rather a business discussion through the machines. Therefore, the ending we face will certainly not be similar.

When this thought popped into my head, I couldn't help but laugh.

We probably won't be able to enjoy that happy ending. However, our time together is also coming to an end.

I worked backwards from the numbers on the clock to calculate the end time and then gripped the walkie-talkie.

"The music is almost over."

Since I was speaking over a walkie-talkie, there would be a delay no matter what. Yukinoshita pressed her earpiece and lowered her gaze.

"--learn."

After a brief reply, the hissing sound continued. She was probably still pressing the power button on the walkie-talkie.

Two or three seconds passed.

Yukino gripped the microphone tightly, along with her collar, and said in a murmur:

"Um, Hachiman-kun..."

I waited and waited, but the second half of the sentence never came; all I could hear was background noise and faint breathing.

"...You must fulfill her wish."

The sound stopped there.

Yukino lowered her head slightly, so her expression was not visible.

A one-way street mixed with noise due to time zone differences and distance barriers.

Discuss only business matters, make lighthearted jokes, and avoid bringing up other topics.

This must be the correct sense of distance.

The answer I need to give is already quite obvious.

"--I know."

The music is about to end.

After the final climax, the lingering echoes of the finale gradually faded, and the lights dimmed. The guests, realizing the ball was ending and departure was imminent, greeted the moment with applause, finger whistles, and cheers, creating a joyous atmosphere.

"Thank you. Let's end it here."

Once the noise in the venue subsided, Yukinoshita raised her hand and signaled to me.

"Received."

I didn't respond with the walkie-talkie, but muttered to myself.

The opening music flowed softly, and the audience gradually quieted down. I seized the opportunity and slowly increased the volume. It was a very moving performance.

I pressed the walkie-talkie switch, waited a few seconds, and then spoke.

"--Okay, play the music."

"—Understood. After the broadcast, Isshiki immediately lowered the volume. I'll signal you."

After a segment of the music finished playing, the guests quieted down and waited silently for the end.

Seeing that it was almost time, Yukinoshita began to read her speech.

"Thank you to all the graduates for attending the Soubu High School Dance today. Congratulations again on your graduation. Finally, the executive committee members will now give their remarks."

Iroha entered the stage to applause, the spotlight following her every move. Finally, the beam of light reached the very center of the stage.

She looked up from under the snow.

Amidst the swirling, shimmering particles of light, deep in the shadows, she quietly raised her slender arm.

The arm is at an indecisive height, making it difficult to determine whether to raise or lower it.

With a sorrowful smile, she signaled to me that it was over.

Then, wave gently.

I followed her instructions and gradually lowered the volume, as if drawing a curtain.

Volume XIV Interlude

Looking up at the small window of the control room from the darkness, it seemed too far away to be reached.

Reaching out to an unreachable high window, like a scene from a Shakespearean play.

Our relationship and our positions are completely different. Yet, this thought arose simply because the composition was similar. A self-deprecating smile crept across my face.

Our relationship won't have such an easy, straightforward happy ending.

Instead, they maintained a relationship that they didn't even know how to address each other.

Me, him, and her.

There's no set way of addressing the three of us.

However, just as roses have other names, their fragrant aroma remains unchanged.

In that case, our relationship will probably be like that too.

Even if you call this relationship by other names, it won't change.

That must be it. It's definitely true.

Despite not believing it at all, I swallowed those sweet, poisonous words and let myself fall asleep.

Although I couldn't see his expression clearly in the backlight, I felt like he suddenly smiled.

Just as I was about to ask what it was about, the walkie-talkie started making static.

Then, I was told that the end was approaching.

The pleasant chat has come to an end.

That's it.

After responding, I added a very brief sentence and put down the microphone.

The closing ceremony officially begins with the speaker reading from a wired microphone behind the stage curtain. It ends as soon as the music starts and the performers take the stage.

After that, all you need to do is signal to him.

I raised my hand toward the control room.

However, I did not reach out to the high window, because I knew it was out of reach.

I just waved it gently.

Waving that hand that has lost its target and has nowhere to go.

Volume 14, Chapter 5: With a brisk pace, Hiratsuka Shizuka strode forward.

The ball ended as scheduled, and it was already dark when the cleanup was completed.

I left the desolate gymnasium after the event was over and headed towards the conference room in the main campus building.

All those involved in the ball gathered there.

Although they were called "related people," there weren't actually that many people. It mainly consisted of the student council, staff centered around Yukinoshita, myself and Yuihama, the sports club helpers who came to assist, as well as Hiratsuka-sensei and some members of the parent-teacher association.

After the event, we held a small, private celebration banquet for only the relevant personnel to thank everyone.

The group sat in a circle around a long table laden with light snacks and drinks.

Isshiki stood at the front, looking around to make sure everyone had received their drinks, then nudged Yukinoshita next to him with his elbow.

"Yukino-senpai, let's toast!"

"Me? Me?"

Isshiki nodded to the bewildered Yukinoshita, silently applying pressure to "act quickly." The two stared at each other, and after a brief exchange of words, Yukinoshita sighed softly.

"Then, please forgive my overstepping..."

She seemed reluctant, her brows and lips contorted in a grimace, as she took a step forward with the paper cup in her hand.

Then, she suddenly looked up and revealed a refreshing smile.

"Thanks to everyone's help, the ball was able to be held smoothly. Thank you all very much. The staff also worked really hard. I hope this ball can become a regular event at our school, and that we can say goodbye to each other in this way next year... Cheers!"

She swept away her previous reluctance and spoke at length with great enthusiasm. After everyone shouted "Cheers!", I also slightly raised my paper cup, and Yui gently brought her cup closer to me.

"You've worked hard~"

"Well, thank you for your hard work."

We toasted, but didn't continue the conversation...

The dancing we just did made me feel both embarrassed and ashamed, and I couldn't look her in the eye. Yui seemed to feel the same way; she just sipped her drink and idly scrolled through her phone. After a while, Yui probably remembered something and patted my shoulder.

"Oh, right, Orimoto messaged me asking about my plans for the future."

"Huh? Ah..."

I was puzzled for a moment, then quickly remembered. To make the fake dance plan seem more realistic, I brought in Seaside Comprehensive High School. Although we held a meeting to promote it and demonstrate tangible results, the matter was dropped afterward because we were busy organizing the dance.

Oh no, I've completely forgotten... Now that the ball has ended safely, we still need to deal with the fake ball. Specifically, as the organizer, I have to kneel down, either on a hot plate or in a deep fryer until crispy and juicy.

"I'll talk to them. Email or phone call is fine. Could you help me ask for her contact information?"

"Yeah, I understand."

As soon as she finished speaking, Yuihama immediately contacted Oremoto. Not long after, she received a response, and Yuihama's phone rang.

"Yes, I've sent it to you."

"Thanks……"