My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 587

I mimicked being hit, just like in the video. Hmm, not bad. I think it'll be popular.

After that, I practiced with this script repeatedly. I practiced it several times.

The more I practiced, the stronger my doubts became.

Is this joke funny?

The video is funny on its own, but the more I practice, the less I can tell if it's really funny. I find it interesting, but am I the only one who thinks so? A strange sense of loneliness is tormenting me.

"I wish someone could take a look at this for me."

But right now, the person who can help me look into this...

No. There's only one. Although I don't know how people will react, it's better to let her see it once to ease my anxiety.

With that thought in mind, I walked out of the room.

"Brother, Komachi doesn't think that joke is funny at all."

After watching my performance, Komachi's first words were a blow to my spirit.

"Um, when my brother suddenly called Komachi to watch your performance, Komachi was thinking, 'What is this guy talking about?' and suspected that her brother had something wrong with his head. After watching it, Komachi still thought her brother had something wrong with his head. What is this? Some kind of punishment game?"

"It's not a punishment game, but it's similar."

"Komachi doesn't understand what her brother means. But wouldn't it be better to change it to something that's more appealing to elementary school students? Also, you said this is a punishment game, but the one being punished is Komachi, who has to watch her brother perform."

Even though it wasn't a joke I came up with, being criticized so harshly is still very frustrating. Do all entertainers have to endure this kind of criticism? To have to face such irresponsible criticism, comedians are truly remarkable, deserving only a little respect.

"Sigh, I don't know why you're doing this, but I suggest you cheer up. Don't keep that grumpy face. I think that will get you more points."

I couldn't bring myself to tell Komachi, "I was deliberately smiling."

The next day after school, while pondering "what should I do with the script," I went to the Service Club office, where Yukinoshita was standing reading a book.

"Thanks for your hard work."

Hearing my voice, Yukinoshita looked up, but without saying a word, she turned her gaze back to her book.

Don't ignore me. I'll get hurt.

"Oh, I see. I thought you were already used to this kind of thing."

"Habits may be habits, but it still makes me sad."

Yukinoshita closed her book and looked at me. Her expression was as calm and serious as ever today.

"You didn't come yesterday."

"The teacher needed my help, so I went over there. It was an activity conducted as part of the Service Club, so it wasn't a problem."

"Oh—is that so?"

Yukino looked at me with sharp eyes, and I was intimidated by her aura, so I couldn't help but look away.

"Where's Yuigahama-san?"

"I'm chatting with my classmates in the classroom. They're having a great time and might be a little late."

"Is that so? Then it's best to resolve this while Yuihama-san is away."

Yukinoshita's words made me a little nervous. W-what?

"Hikigaya-san."

"W-What are you doing?"

Yukino spoke calmly, looking unusually mature, and my heart instantly raced.

"Let me see the jokes you came up with."

"……stem?"

This word, which I never imagined she would say, took me completely by surprise.

"Is the 'meme' you mean?"

"Yes. It's a joke. It's not sushi filling." (Note 15)

"Thank you for your kind explanation—no, how did you know I was going to perform?"

"Didn't I say the teacher talked to me yesterday?"

Hearing Xue say that, I understand.

"That teacher is Hiratsuka-sensei."

"That's right. Then, she also told me that she was going to hold a family gathering later."

I see. Now that she knows, things are easier to handle.

"So, you're saying you'd be willing to watch it for me? Do you like comedy shows?"

"No, I don't like it. I've hardly ever seen it. But I'd like to see what you're planning to perform."

So it was Yukino Yukinoshita's curiosity that drove her to do it.

"Anyway, thanks. I was just thinking of performing for other people to see their reactions."

As I think about this, Komachi's reaction yesterday flashes through my mind.

"However, rather than scrutinizing it rigorously, I would prefer you to approach it with the mindset of looking at something interesting."

"That's true. After all, you're going to perform something funny to make me laugh later. No problem."

This woman is increasing the difficulty, I wonder if it's intentional... Oh well. With the difficulty raised to this level, I'm no longer afraid.

"Then I'll perform a short play called 'Sandbag'."

"...That concludes today's sandbag work. Thank you everyone."

I bowed deeply, and a few scattered claps sounded beneath the snow. I looked up and wiped the sweat from my brow. It wasn't from the heat; it was all cold sweat.

Because Yukino's expression didn't change at all during my performance. To anyone watching, it couldn't be called a smile.

Okay, don't ask her how she feels. She already knew she'd get hurt, so why bother? Every living being understands that.

"Okay, the performance is over, I'm going back now—"

"It's quite interesting."

"You don't need to tell me your thoughts... Huh?"

I never expected that Yukinoshita's thoughts would be expressed in this sentence, and I'm at a loss for words.

"Wait a minute. You just said it was interesting?"

"Yeah. I find it quite interesting. At least for me."

"Really?"

I was so excited that I accidentally raised my voice.

"Specifically, what aspects are interesting?"

"Well, the punching bag concept is a bit old, but the reason for being hit is to provoke the opponent, which is a pretty good idea. The punching bag's lines are very realistic, and the audience can easily empathize with them, which I also think is good."

Hmm, is it really necessary to make praising someone so complicated? Simply put, it's good in this part and that part. Even though I didn't write the script myself, I never expected to be so happy to receive praise.

"I'm glad you gave me such a high evaluation, but you didn't smile at all."

"Oh? Really? I thought it would be on your face. Even if I didn't laugh, I admire how well you wrote this joke into such a complete script."

Yukinoshita explained detachedly. She wasn't one to flatter people. Since she thought that way, she must genuinely find it amusing.

"Do you have any other opinions? Or any specific criticisms?"

"Oh, well. Hmm—in my opinion, it feels a bit understated. If someone could help react and explain the current situation, the main point would be conveyed to the audience more clearly."

Yukinoshita's explanation was so complicated. I pondered and tried to understand what she was trying to express.

"So... all you need is someone to explain it to you?"

"If so, the audience should be able to understand it relatively quickly."

A question, or rather a possibility, popped into my mind: Perhaps Yukinoshita would agree to this proposal.

"Under the snow, I have a suggestion."

"What?"

"If it's convenient, you could appear on this comedy show—"

"don't want."

"You reacted too quickly! You didn't even hear me finish!"

Seeing how excited I was, Yukino sighed.

"I know what you're going to say. You probably want me to perform a comedy routine with you, right?"

"Hmm. Can you be my partner and come on stage with me?"

"Why would I do that kind of thing? I refuse."

Yukinoshita, seemingly concluding the topic was closed, reopened her book, her gaze returning to the pages. Oh no. What to do?

Honestly, I completely agree with Yukinoshita's opinion. When I saw the video of this short drama, I also felt that it would be easier to understand if someone else were to provide the commentary. We've practiced to this point, and I don't want to ruin the atmosphere. It would be best if Yukinoshita could help; what should I do...?

"Oh, I see. Someone needs help, but Yukinoshita-san refuses to lend a hand."

I used obvious words to provoke Yukinoshita. However, Yukinoshita decided to ignore everything.

"I never expected this. I thought you were the kind of person who would lend a hand, even a little. Oh, I see. You clearly have a solution but you don't do it. That's all the magnanimity you have."

"...What do you mean by that?"

Okay, she's taken the bait. Yukinoshita is very strong. Precisely because she's so strong, she shouldn't be able to have a solution but not put it into practice.

"And this isn't just my problem. The children were all looking forward to this performance. Considering how they felt, don't you feel sorry for them?"

I deliberately lowered my shoulders. It didn't matter how badly I acted. The point was to provide information. As expected, Yukinoshita had closed her book at some point and crossed her arms.

"...I see. Since it's for the children, then there's no other way. I'll help too."

"Really? Thank you."

"However, I have absolutely no sense of humor, so you'll have to figure that out."

"Okay. Then I'll act out the short skit I just did, and you can give me some impromptu critiques."

"Tucao means to deny or supplement, right? Got it."

Such a serious way of explaining it, is that okay? Is she capable? But I've already washed half of her hair, so I can only give it a try.

"The short play 'Sandbag'".

"What he's going to bring you now is a 'short play,' a performance that will bring you laughter all by itself."

"Welcome. Oh, I make punching bags."

"The so-called 'punching bag' refers to someone who is paid 100 yuan per punch to be beaten. That being said, it's not about actually being hit, and one can usually dodge the punches. Therefore, most of them are retired boxers. As for the origin of this industry—"

"It's too long! It's too long! It's too long!"

I couldn't stand it, so I stopped Yuki from explaining.

"We're performing a short skit now, so there's no need to explain the sandbags in such detail."

"It's more considerate to explain this to those who don't know."

Seeing Yukino's "Why are you stopping me?" expression, I realized she genuinely thought so. Ah, I see. She's completely clueless about comedy.

"Don't worry, you don't need to say so much, the audience will understand. Let's continue. You should join in the performance too."

"This setup is correct, right? Got it."

Yukinoshita agreed, so I continued the performance.

"Whether you want to beat me up or not is up to you. Want to try?"

"By the way, did you get permission from the police before you started doing business on the bridge?"

"what?"

I asked back.

"It would be illegal to do this without applying for road use rights from the police. Did you apply for them first?"