My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 555

"I like you."

"...Huh? Ah, oh."

I looked at the paper in my hand. In the pitch black, the blank space formed the word "like".

Surprise, confusion, joy, shyness, embarrassment, and a variety of other emotions left me unsure how to react.

"Don't be shy, don't be shy. You are my best student. In that sense, I really like you."

She laughed like a naughty child who had successfully pulled a prank, and then patted my head all over again. Thank goodness, what did she mean?

That was so dangerous! I almost took it seriously, and I even accidentally had the thought, "I like you so much too." My scalp broke out in a cold sweat.

I twisted my body, escaping Mr. Hiratsuka's grasp, and secretly breathed a sigh of relief. The teacher watched my panicked appearance with pleasure, and lit another cigarette.

"If it can't be summarized in a single sentence, then explain it until it's clear. Don't rely on words alone; put them into action."

She exhaled a puff of smoke, watching the smoke drift away. I watched too, through the teacher's profile.

"Say or do whatever you want. Collect them like tiny dots and organize them into your own answer. Fill the canvas, and the remaining blank space may become words."

The lingering smoke in the air soon dissipated completely.

My view opened up, and before me stood Hiratsuka-sensei, gazing at me.

"So, let me see. While I can still be your teacher, show me all your thoughts and feelings. Leave no room for explanation."

"All of them?"

Hiratsuka-sensei clenched his fist in front of his chest and nodded vigorously.

"Yes. Fill it up completely with whatever ingredients you have."

"You're eating ramen..."

I said weakly, and the teacher chuckled softly. That smile eased my tension, and I smiled faintly in return.

"Okay, I'll give it a try. Although I don't think others will understand."

"That's easy to understand, so there's no need to bother. However, you...you guys can definitely do it."

Hiratsuka-sensei patted my head lightly, then stretched and yawned, indicating that the topic was over.

"Okay, let's eat a bowl of ramen and go home. Let's go to the Narita house."

"Okay, sure."

"Right?"

She smiled smugly, stubbed out her cigarette, and quickly stood up. I stood up too.

We chatted as we walked, with Professor Hiratsuka always walking ahead of me.

I watched her retreating figure and unconsciously stopped in my tracks.

She stood tall and proud, and I really didn't think I could ever match her coolness.

But I hope this teacher, the only person I can call my mentor, will watch closely. I hope she will witness it all.

No matter how pathetic, disgusting, or hopelessly pathetic you are, you still have to show her the answer from Hachiman Hikigaya.

There's nothing wrong with ending it all. It's just that we ended it the wrong way.

Relying on the words of others and flattering them for superficial compromises—this distorted and irreparable relationship is probably not what we are pursuing, but rather a complete fabrication.

Therefore, at the very least, this fake should be scarred enough to destroy it, turning it into a unique genuine article.

End my deliberately misguided youth.

Volume 14, Chapter 6: Just like on a certain day in the past, Yui Yuigahama sincerely hoped for it.

My second year of high school is coming to an end.

After the graduation ceremony and the ball, there are only a few days left for students to attend classes, most of which are final exams. After that, all that's left is to return the exam papers and hold the graduation ceremony.

As soon as the final exams were over, the school was immediately filled with the atmosphere of spring break.

All clubs suspended activities during the exam period, but reopen today. Energetic shouts and the crisp clanging of metal baseball bats can be heard outside.

The only exception is sports clubs that use gymnasiums for activities.

Normally, the volleyball and badminton clubs would set up posts and nets here, but now a temporary fitting room with folding chairs had been set up inside. No club members were present, only a few groups of first-year students who will be attending the school next spring and their parents.

One of the groups was me and my younger sister, Komachi.

Today, our school is holding an information session for those who have been admitted, and we are also taking uniform measurements.

In short, today is Komachi's first time wearing a school uniform. To witness this moment in place of my busy parents, I took the liberty of coming here.

Before me was a makeshift fitting room separated by partitions and curtains. I watched Komachi walk in and sit down on the folding chair that I wasn't used to.

While waiting for Komachi to take my measurements and finish trying on the clothes, I thought of the classroom.

The classroom was incredibly lively with a sense of liberation after the exams.

The noisy conversation never stopped as I quickly packed my things.

Some people left gracefully, while others wailed, "I can't write it anymore~ Oh no, I have to retake the exam~" The person I'm talking about is Sagami... No wonder he's the original Sagami (note). His words were frighteningly shallow.

Note: Ultra-thin condoms from a Japanese brand.

On the other hand, members of the sports clubs, including Totsuka and Hayama, rushed off to their long-awaited club activities. Miura, Yui, and Ebina stayed in their usual seats by the window at the back of the classroom, happily discussing where they would go to have fun. I had previously mentioned to Yui that we would go out together after the exams, but that should probably have to wait until tomorrow.

What should I say to her then? I thought to myself as I switched legs up.

The fitting room is in front of the seats. Komachi and a staff member seem to be talking about something behind the curtain.

"Is the size okay?"

"Hmm—seems fine... Ah, the length of this skirt..."

"That is……"

The whispers pulled me back to reality, interrupting my thoughts. Something about the word "skirt length" just didn't feel right...

I listened intently to Komachi's voice, staring at the curtain, my foot tapping incessantly, eagerly awaiting her appearance.

Shortly after, the curtain was drawn back.

"Clang clang—"

Stepping out of the fitting room was Komachi, dressed in the uniform of Sobu High School.

"...Ooh ooh~"

I loosened my arms and clapped. Komachi, in a good mood, puffed out her chest and struck a pose with her hands on her hips.

"How is it? Isn't it cute? Isn't it adorable?"

"Yes, yes, the cutest in the world."

"Wow, here he is! This person is so casual."

In fact, Komachi's cuteness isn't just the best in the world, it includes "that world" too—she's practically the cutest in human history. But compared to that, there are too many other things that bother me, which made me inadvertently praise her too superficially. And those things that bother me, I simply couldn't ignore, so I tilted my head and frowned.

"Isn't the skirt too short? Is it okay? I'm so worried, brother."

"Ugh, you're so annoying."

Komachi, who had been so happy just moments before, instantly turned disgusted. But putting on that face wouldn't help; my clothing inspection wasn't over yet.

"Never mind, the skirt length can be adjusted, but this coat..."

Komachi seemed to be paying attention to the spot I mentioned, reaching forward to check the cuffs of her coat. The sleeves of the coat were much longer than Komachi's arms, even covering half of her palm. Komachi flicked her sleeves and moved her elbows like a beckoning cat.

"Oh, this one?"

"Yes, that's it. It's very cute."

I muttered something under my breath, implying, "Well done." Komachi's face turned incredibly sour.

"Ugh, that's disgusting... Oh well, as long as it's cute."

Komachi seemed to understand something and continued to flick her sleeves. The staff member standing next to her looked somewhat troubled.

"Although it looks a bit big, everyone leaves extra length when ordering uniforms."

"Ah, no problem at all! Please make it to this size."

Komachi said in a flustered manner, and the staff member smiled and nodded.

"Then, please come this way..."

The fitting session is over. However, I still have things to do.

"Excuse me, may I take a picture? I'd like to let my family know."

The staff observed the surrounding situation.

"There's no one in line anymore... Please take your time taking your photos, just let me know when you're done."

Perhaps because many people take photos while trying on clothes, the staff seemed quite used to it, smiling as they answered before walking into the back of the fitting room.

I took out my phone and pointed the camera at Komachi.

"Okay, let's take a picture."

I turned on my camera and snapped away. Wow, wow! Be a little bolder!

"Come on, let's change positions—turn around and see—okay, let's strike another position."

Following my instructions, Komachi pretended to pose, changed her posture, and finally spun around, smiling and making a horizontal V-sign.

"Okay, that's about it. Alright, let's call it a day."

After taking the photos, I sat back down in my seat and checked them. Hmm, they were really good. I carefully selected a few and sent them to my parents via text message.

Komachi was panting, looking a little tired. She walked over and sat down in the seat next to me.

Then, she smiled contentedly, touched her uniform, and looked around the stadium.

"Komachi will be attending this school soon."

"Does it feel more realistic now?"

"Mmm. I can't wait!"

Komachi was overjoyed, her eyes sparkling as if she were a girl in a dream, and she began to talk about a bunch of things she wanted to do.

"After entering high school, there are so many things I want to do! Studying... I'll just study casually for now, and also working part-time, going out with friends after school! I also want to organize events like dances."

Don't just mutter it casually, put in a little effort... I thought to myself, and echoed her sentiment. At that moment, Komachi suddenly lowered her gaze.

"...And clubs."

She added, glancing at me. I read the unspoken meaning in her eyes and was instantly speechless.

But I had to tell her.

The day of graduation ceremony and ball was the longest day for Hachiman Hikigaya.

That day, influenced by my mentor, I found my own answer. Although the method, solution, and proof were still unknown, I did indeed arrive at the solution.

"The club...serving society is disbanded."

Komachi gave a lonely smile and nodded in response. She leaned forward and slowly slumped back in her chair, her slender shoulders drooping limply, her eyes fixed on her brand-new school uniform skirt.

"Really? They're going to disband...?"

She lowered her head and murmured, as if talking to herself.

"...Hmm. I'll disband it."

I patted Komachi's curled-up back, gave her a thumbs-up, pointed to my face, and tried my best to show a smug smile.

This is the conclusion I reached when I couldn't answer the question at the time. It wasn't a choice I left to others, but one I made based on my own will.

After hearing my boastful declaration, Komachi paused for a moment, then burst out laughing.

"What's with the brother showing off...?"

She sighed softly in resignation, and I tried to ease the tension.

"I'm sorry if I embarrassed you."

"Ah, don't worry about that. Komachi will enjoy high school life on her own. Because Yukino-neechan and Yui-neechan are Komachi's friends, it has nothing to do with her brother or the Service Club!"

Komachi patted her chest, flashing a vibrant smile. Then, she rested her head on my shoulder and whispered: