My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 565

"Your grades are similar to mine, so naturally I can filter them to a certain extent."

"That's true. Our aspirations should be quite similar."

"Hmm...so, we might even end up at the same university."

"Possibly."

It's not uncommon for high school classmates to become college classmates. Just look at our school's rankings and you'll find many examples.

"But we might not study in the same department. Besides, we'll definitely go down different paths in the end."

Even though it's just a pointless assumption, even if we got into the same university, our activities probably wouldn't overlap. I've heard that students from different departments rarely see each other. Besides, I don't think I'll be a good student; I'll likely skip class on rainy days, unconditionally giving up 8 AM, and might even end up only getting credits from "Mahjong University" and "Pig University" (note).

Note: "Mahjong University" and "Pig University" are the names of a mahjong parlor and a pork restaurant, respectively.

Yukinoshita understood this perfectly and wholeheartedly agreed.

"And then?"

"I haven't decided yet; it depends on how well I find a job."

Upon hearing my answer, Yukinoshita's eyes widened.

"So you're planning to go to work? I thought you were going to start spouting a bunch of nonsense again."

"Unfortunately, I seem to have a knack for being a corporate slave... I'll probably work as hard as everyone else, regardless of my own will."

I let out a deep sigh, and a happy smile appeared beneath the snow.

"I can imagine you looking listless every morning as you squeeze onto the East-West Line train."

"I'd rather leave Tokyo than take the East-West Line."

The Tozai Line is one of the most congested commuter lines in Japan, with a congestion rate approaching 200%. Although it may improve with the efforts of the operators in the future, I don't have the courage to take that thing to work every day right now.

Besides, once you start working, you might leave home. It's also possible that while in university, you'll find the daily commute too inconvenient and decide to move out and live alone. This isn't just about convenience; it's also about using this ritual to step into the next stage of life.

On the other side of the sea, on the distant shore, were indistinct skyscrapers. I looked at the place I would inevitably have to go to sooner or later, and suddenly stopped in my tracks.

Her footsteps on the sand stopped abruptly. I looked over there and met Yukino's gaze.

"But I'll come back someday. I still love this place. It gives me a sense of belonging."

"...Is that so? That's good."

Yukino smiled and stepped forward again. Her steps were lighter and smaller than before, and she walked a few steps ahead of me before turning back.

"You really like Chiba."

"……yes."

Yukinoshita wore a teasing smile, as if she didn't want anyone to realize whether she understood my unspoken meaning. I couldn't help but return a wry smile.

Our footprints, walking side by side, were left on the beach.

Before we knew it, we had walked about one stop. A magnificent building gradually came into view ahead along the coastal road.

It was a very stylish restaurant with a balcony overlooking the sea. The second floor had glass panels and unpainted concrete walls, while the ground floor featured outdoor seating surrounded by a courtyard. I only realized after looking at the sign that it was actually a multi-functional café, with the restaurant located in different shops. The café space under the blue sky was furnished with soft sofas and looked quite inviting.

Yukinoshita silently pointed to the shop and tilted her head to ask if I wanted to go.

I nodded in response, and she smiled with satisfaction. She walked quickly toward the counter, glancing back at me before leaving.

"Could you go find a seat first?"

"it is good."

I sat on the sofa closest to the sea, where a comfortable breeze was blowing. While waiting for the snow to fall, I casually observed the interior of the store.

As expected of a trendy store, even the menu is stylish. In addition to drinks with pearls like bubble tea, there are also caffeine-free orange-flavored South African national treasure tea, super fruit tea, fruit and vegetable smoothies, and more. It's as trendy as you can imagine.

Hey, this is Chiba, you know. Is it okay to be this fashionable...? This won't do. If this continues, Chiba will be at the forefront of fashion!

As I marveled at Chiba's modern style, Yukinoshita walked over with a tray and sat down next to me.

"Here. This is a return gift from earlier."

She handed me a cup of bubble tea. It seemed she was going to make up for the coffee I'd bought her earlier.

"Wait, the difference is a bit large... You're not good at math?"

"I'm better at it than you. You can just ask me for something in return next time."

Yukinoshita seemed to be in a good mood, sipping her bubble tea. For a moment, I was surprised that she would drink a beverage that most girls would like, but then I realized she's just an ordinary girl who likes cute things, like cats and pandas. Although I don't know if bubble tea is cute or not.

Anyway, this isn't a drink I usually drink, so with the feeling of ramen being served, I took out my phone to take a picture as a memento. This is what you call a food photo, right?

"ah."

Just then, Yukino exclaimed in surprise. I looked over and saw her staring blankly at her empty drink. Her disappointed expression seemed to say, "I should have taken a picture first..."

"Ah, I haven't drunk mine yet. Take a picture of mine..."

I couldn't help but feel pity, and my tone softened. I pushed the drink towards her, and Yukinoshita immediately took out her phone.

"Yes, really? Thank you..."

She straightened her bangs, got up and moved to my side, gently hooking her arm around my arm that was holding the drink.

Then, I took two photos using the selfie camera.

That unexpected action left me frozen on the spot. After examining the photos, Yukino smiled shyly and whispered, "That's the feeling..." and showed me the images.

In the unedited photos, the two are clearly arm in arm, yet a mysterious space exists between them, making the scene appear stiff just by looking at it.

I couldn't help but sigh deeply. No way, this is far beyond my imagination. It's bad for your heart...

"That won't do..."

I covered my blushing face with my hands, half-holding my head. Yukinoshita tried to explain, looking slightly anxious.

"Yes, I'm sorry. That..."

"Take another picture. My eyes are completely dead, you can't even look at them."

This time it was my turn to pick up the phone. Yukinoshita was taken aback at first, then hurriedly tidied her bangs, checked her seat, and slowly moved closer to me, looking like she was prepared, and spread her arms.

"Please, please go ahead..."

Uh, no need for that, you're making me nervous too. Even so, I stretched out my arm just like before. However, this time I shortened it by a few centimeters.

"Time to take pictures."

"Okay, okay..."

The sound beneath the snow was soft and limp, though her back was remarkably straight. Her shoulder, which touched mine, conveyed her tension; her clasped arms were even trembling slightly. Well, I was trembling quite badly myself.

I decided to trust my phone's image stabilization, pressed the shutter, and showed the picture directly to Yukino. After nervously looking at the photo, she suddenly broke into a smile.

"You still have those dead fish eyes."

"Don't worry, it can be fixed in post-production. Technology is omnipotent."

Without a word, I quickly downloaded the photo editing app and started working on it efficiently. Yukino watched from the side, occasionally expressing her admiration and observing curiously. But her face really didn't need any editing, did it?

In this way, we whiled away a lot of time playing around, and before we knew it, the milk tea was gone.

When I came to my senses, the sea and sky had turned crimson, and the round sun, like a burning furnace, was gradually lowering its altitude.

This might be the first time I've seen a sunset from such a close distance.

Yukino and I watched the sunset in silence.

Shortly afterward, a gust of wind blew by, and the church bells rang.

I turned to look at the source of the sound; the location seemed closer than I had imagined.

"Let's go take a look."

Yukino immediately got up and stepped onto the coastal path, where a group of people dressed in brightly colored formal attire came into view. They were taking photos with a man and a woman in white suits and a wedding dress as a backdrop to the magical sunset beach.

From a distance, it looks like a wedding is being held.

Next to the restaurant is a facility that resembles a church. Further on, there is another building, which is probably a venue for weddings and other events.

I flipped through the guidebook located in a corner of the building, near the entrance. This clubhouse-like building is called the Banquet Building. The second floor is divided into two different meeting rooms, while the first floor is a rest area decorated with wood. At the end of the rest area is a wide balcony facing the sea.

I actually glanced at the balcony, where a heater was on, and the warm flames gently illuminated the surroundings.

Oh… so there is such a place. I've never heard of it before because I'm completely unrelated to weddings. Holding the manual in one hand, I reflected on how I hadn't thoroughly studied Chiba yet. Just then, Yukinoshita tugged at my other hand.

"What's wrong?"

"This place is nice. Let's do it here."

Under the snow, she tugged at my sleeve, her eyes sparkling. Seeing her expression and demeanor, half moved and half excited, I didn't dare ask her what she wanted to do.

Asking would probably be very troublesome...

Because this is a wedding venue.

"...Isn't this...a bit too hasty?"

I carefully chose my words, trying to be as tactful as possible, and Yukinoshita looked puzzled.

She tilted her head slightly, and the next second she realized what I was referring to. She quickly let go of my sleeve, pressed her temples, and sighed helplessly.

"Your eyesight and personality are already so bad, if your brain also becomes bad, what will you have left? Look carefully."

Yukinoshita pointed out each mark on the manual.

"There's the sea, campfires, and well-equipped activity areas."

"...Oh, right. The ball."

Ugh, this is so embarrassing! You idiot! You huge idiot, Hachiman! You maggot! I thought I was being calm, but I've actually lost my mind with sheer glee. Just die already? Isn't it time to die?

I felt as if I'd been doused with a bucket of cold water; my brain cooled rapidly, and my thinking finally returned to normal. Judging from the facility's description, this environment seemed ideal for realizing my project proposal within the possible scope.

"Indeed. If we're going to do it, this is the place."

"Hmm. The conditions here are probably the most suitable."

Yukinoshita smiled smugly, radiating confidence.

While the unexpected aspect is certainly not bad, the familiar expression is definitely the best.

× × ×

The day after the venue for the dance was secured.

As soon as the graduation ceremony ended, Yukinoshita and I headed to the Service Club.

We quickly requested materials from the venue organizers, inquired about available rental dates, and asked for a quote. However, we couldn't get a response that day; it would likely take a few days.

While waiting, there are still many things to prepare. Besides the location and date, budget and manpower issues remain unresolved.

To solve the manpower problem, Yukinoshita and I gathered the people we had each recruited and explained the details of the joint ball.

Facing the first group of distinguished guests, three pairs of glasses sitting in a row, with a total of six lenses, I cleared my throat.

"Hmm—just like last time, I ask you all to give up your resistance this time as well."

I pretended to be serious and said it in a serious tone. Sagami, Qin Ye, and Zai Mokuza all pushed up their glasses and sighed in dissatisfaction.

"well……"

"Ugh."

“Hmm…”

Yes, very good. Everyone is in high spirits.

"These are the new combatants we've been waiting for."

After my introduction, Yukinoshita immediately stood up.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Yukinoshita. I'm sorry, but also very grateful, that I've caused you a lot of trouble, Hachiman-kun. I'll be troubling you all again this time."

She gave an elegant bow, a polite greeting, accompanied by a dreamy smile. Yukinoshita seemed softer now, making it hard to reconcile her with her former self.

The two members of the game club had only seen Yukinoshita before, who was like a sharp blade that would hurt anyone who touched her. They must be greatly shocked now.

In fact, Sagami's younger brother and Qin Ye were both trembling with fear.

"she--"

"I don't remember—"