My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 660

Therefore, it suddenly occurred to me.

When I was talking to her on the phone for a long time late at night, I heard an unhappy voice coming from the other end of the line.

When we took her home, we were reluctant to part and chatted at the door. He would always come in and out with a sour face.

The back view of someone who quickly leaves upon meeting you during a formal visit.

Now he is just a doting grandfather who spoils his granddaughter rotten, but back then, "the father of my daughter" was definitely a high wall blocking my way.

It seems I wasn't the only one recalling that memory; the slick-haired man next to me couldn't help but laugh too. We reflexively looked at each other and couldn't help but smile wryly.

"For that gentleman,"

"One cup is the same."

We all unanimously offered Mr. Beard a drink.

"Oh, I'm so sorry. I won't stand on ceremony."

The wine was presented to Mr. Hu. We didn't speak, but silently raised our glasses to each other. A toast to comrades who fought on different battlefields but were on the same side. We didn't talk, slowly sipping our wine, when my phone vibrated.

I picked it up and saw it was a LINE message from my wife. She hadn't sent a single word, just a photo. I zoomed in on the picture; it was of Yui wearing an apron putting pies into the oven. It seemed she was making dessert today too.

...If we go back now, will we even have time to eat something fresh out of the oven?

I was fidgeting, lost in thought, when I heard the sound of a chair being pulled out. I looked to the side and saw Mr. Beard standing up. He downed his drink in one gulp and exhaled contentedly.

"Then I should go. Thank you for your hospitality, Godfathers."

He nodded and bowed, then called for the bartender.

"Could you please settle the bill? Oh, and the usual one too. Could you give me a portion for three?"

"……OK."

Although the female bartender had a stern face, she still took a drink from the refrigerator behind her after a soft sigh.

"This stuff is perfect for sobering up, so I asked the shopkeeper to stock it up. Please use it if you don't mind."

Along with Mr. Beard's words, canned coffee was served. I remember the stylish packaging, mainly yellow and black. Although I didn't drink it often, I only remember it being incredibly sweet.

"MAX coffee. I really miss it... They've changed the packaging."

The slick-haired man picked up a can of coffee and smiled happily. I thought to myself, "Uh, I'm not familiar with its packaging..." and then picked up a MAX coffee. Hmm, the packaging is cute, though.

I examined the can closely. It seemed that Mr. Beard had finished settling the bill during this time and waved to us.

"See you next time."

I don't know their names or contact information, yet it's a farewell filled with the hope of meeting again. Even though we'll probably never see each other again, I feel that's enough. My encounter with these two people was purely by chance, but knowing that they are both fathers who deeply love their daughters is enough.

That's probably why Mr. Slicked-back Hair has a gentle smile on his face.

"Well then, see you next time."

"Yeah, see you next time."

Knowing full well that this was an unfulfilled wish, I gave the same answer as them. All three of us gave a wry smile.

Mr. Beard left, and not long after, Mr. Slicked-Back Hair also got up and left.

After that, I left the bar. Everyone must have been careful not to bump into each other outside after a stylish goodbye. I didn't see them on my way to the station.

The three of us seemed to be staying in different directions, and we didn't see them on the station platform either.

While waiting for the tram, I texted my wife on LINE, "I'm almost home," and put my phone in my briefcase. Then I touched something cold and hard. I took it out and saw it was the MAX coffee that Mr. Beard had bought me. When was the last time I had it? I racked my brain, pulled the tab, and took a sip—"So sweet..."

It's seven trillion times sweeter than I imagined. I couldn't help but look at the ingredient list again. Wait, is this stuff really this sweet?! I was just drinking a whiskey-based cocktail, so it tasted even sweeter…

...Well, okay, it's actually not bad, I don't dislike it. It's not bad after you get used to it. Speaking of which, years of "training" might have made me quite fond of sweets.

No one knows what the future holds, but as long as we take our time and move forward, things will change. My daughter's love life and future will probably be the same. With this naive thought in mind, I gulped down my MAX coffee.

After the sugar, condensed milk, and sugar went down my throat, I finally tasted the coffee.

It's incredibly sweet, yet has a slightly bitter aftertaste.

—I always felt that one day I would come to like that sweetness.

Finish

20 of the entries are from an advertisement for "Jūman-koku Manju" (100,000 koku of steamed buns), a famous product of Saitama Prefecture.

Note 21: There is a Japanese proverb that says, "A person who catches a cold in the summer is an idiot."

The 22 references are from Natsuhiko Kyogoku's novel *The Summer of the Ubume*. The characters in the work are... (The text abruptly ends here, likely due to an incomplete sentence or a formatting error.)

Short Story Collection 3: Yui Side - Afterword

Postscript (Kawagishi's Fishing)

Dear readers of "Guoqing", this is probably the first time we've met. My name is Chuan'an Ouyu.

In this collection of short stories with such a stellar lineup, please allow me to quietly occupy the last seat… I'm incredibly unknown, practically a monster of obscurity, and many people probably don't recognize me. Since this is a rare opportunity, I'd like to use the afterword to introduce myself. That said, I only have one page, so I'll just give a brief overview. Just remember this important part—Kawagishi Ouyu and Watari Watari debuted around the same time!

As long as I remember this, I'll be happy! With that in mind, I'll look forward to thoughts like, "This person debuted around the same time as Watari-sensei, should I check out his books?" or "This person debuted around the same time as Watari-sensei, maybe they're the same person." Anyway, congratulations on the completion of *My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected*! Thank you Watari-sensei, everyone involved, and all the readers for your hard work!

I'm looking forward to Wataru Watari's next work, so I can brag to others that he and I are from the same period!

Postscript (by Yoshitaka Sakaida)

Nice to meet you. Or rather, it's been a long time. I'm Yoshitaka Sakada.

This book brings together so many famous authors, including those I've admired since my teenage years, yet it includes someone as unknown as me, which terrifies me.

I first read *Hajime no Aoi* when I was eighteen. For a simple, idealistic young man like me, who had never seriously considered becoming a writer, it goes without saying that I developed a typical obsession with *Hajime no Aoi*: "What? This protagonist is basically me? Hachiman is me. I'm so much like Hachiman…" Hachiman Hikigaya, with no friends, no chuunibyou abilities, and no superpowers, yet living a straightforward life, was undoubtedly a hero in my eyes at the time.

While writing this short story, I reread "Guo Qing" and was reminded of my own childhood. So I wrote this story. What do you all think? If my fellow "Guo Qing" fans—and of course, readers of other generations—enjoy reading it, that would be my greatest happiness. Let's continue to love "Guo Qing" together forever. Goodbye.

Postscript (Romeo Tanaka)

Congratulations on the completion of Guo Cuo (my personal abbreviation).

It seems like the same congratulatory message was written in the previous episode, but it's never enough to congratulate someone on something so joyous.

That said, the protagonist of this work, Hachiman, loves to drink MAX coffee, and I am also a complete coffee lover, probably because of my profession.

My main purpose is caffeine. I can't tell the difference between good and bad beans, so I don't care much about the taste, but I need coffee when I'm writing.

I don't know which story is included in this collection, but in one of my short stories, there's a plot where Hachiman refuses to go into Starbucks, even though I personally love that type of store and go there often. However, while writing this, I remembered a small, painful memory.

I can't remember if it was Starbucks or not, but a long time ago, I went into a coffee shop with a similar atmosphere and asked for a "medium" when ordering. What happened? The staff started asking me frantically, "Tall, right?"

"Medium." "Is it Tall?" "Yes, medium." "Tall is about this size." "Medium..." "Tall..."

At the time, I was too proud to utter such a vulgar word as "Tall," and I was immediately cornered, which made me afraid to step into cafes with that kind of vibe for a while.

Now? I'll say "TALLSIZE!" in near-native-speaker pronunciation to order.

Postscript (Eight Eyes Mystery)

Hello everyone. I'm Yamu Mi.

I still can't believe that a completely unknown newcomer like myself could be involved in this incredibly prestigious collection of short stories. What happened? Facing reality, I'm afraid I'll be so nervous that I won't be able to write a single word, so I need to briefly look back at the past.

I met Kasei in high school. For someone like me, living a boring school life, Kasei was undoubtedly a refuge. In particular, the influence that Hachiman Hikigaya had on me was immeasurable.

Like many others, I often suffer from loneliness and frequently lament, "Would someone like me be better off not existing?" But at those times, Hachiman's words would flash through my mind: "Why can't I accept myself in this moment?" "I would never say that being alone is a sin." His words, spoken by someone who prided himself on solitude, have given me so much courage!

Thank you, Guoqing. And Hachiman Hikigaya. From now on, you will always be my hero.

Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Professor Watari for giving me this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Postscript (Water Margin)

Following the Yukino arc, I also wrote the Yui arc (or rather, simultaneously). I am Mizusawa Yume.

If any readers only buy this one book, please support the Yukino arc as well.

One of the charms of the fruit is its rich and loving thousand-petal stem.

As for Chiba Prefecture, the only place I've recently visited is Toei Hero Land in Makuhari New City (which is currently closed). Even someone as unfamiliar with Chiba as me was amused by Chiba references, which I find quite impressive. Therefore, I've tried incorporating my favorite Chiba references into my short stories.

By the way, in Aomori Prefecture where I live, I like "Nyanko-sama," the drumming mascot. Like Chiba-kun, he's red. This time I'm writing about YouTubers' stories, and the third season of the anime "Aoyama Gakuin" has started airing. I hope I can actually create a video featuring them.

So, it would be great if it could convey some of the charm of Yui Yuigahama, this lively and cheerful female character... In addition to my own works, this book also includes many excellent short stories. All of you readers can send your feedback and fan letters to GAGAGA Bunko so that the short story collection can be published in its fifth or sixth installment.

If I receive another invitation, I'd like to write a forty-page novel with Tobe Sho as the main character.

Postscript (Watari)

Hello everyone, I'm Watari.

I'm writing this afterword here today, at Shogakukan in Kanda-Jimbocho, Tokyo...

I've thought that I'll never have the chance to write an epilogue again.

A few days ago, after finishing "My Youth Romantic Comedy Was Wrong After All: A Collection of Short Stories," Volumes 1 & 2, I intended to leave with the line "Catch me if you can!" and make a clean break. Perhaps I said "Killing me softly" instead. They sound very similar, so I must have misspoke…

From this moment forward, I'm going to give a thumbs up and say "I'll be back!" before making my way out. Because I'll be back tomorrow!

As for the reason, "My Youth Romantic Comedy Was Wrong As Expected" still has a long way to go...

Although the story has come to an end, their lives and worlds have not ended. The trivialities of daily life, the distant future, the unseen past, or even a seemingly unrelated scene, still occasionally surface in their minds.

At times like these, whether I write it down or not, I always have a vague feeling that "their lives will continue."

Therefore, I have no choice but to write... Driven by anxiety, I will come to this place again tomorrow.

It will probably come the day after tomorrow, the day after that, and the day after that.

If I discover anything new each day in the future, I'd like to share it with you all.

...Although nobody knows what the future holds! After all, we can't even be sure if there will be a tomorrow!

That's how the phrase "I always felt that one day I would come to like that sweetness" came about.

Watching it together with "And so, a new enemy appeared before him" from *My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU: Short Story Collection 1 - Yukino Side* will make it even more enjoyable, so please support the first volume! Or rather, please support every volume! Please! Wow, honestly, it's really amazing. Super amazing. Absolutely amazing. This short story collection project is ridiculous. Absolutely ridiculous…

This was a fantastical project I had when I finished writing "Final Fantasy," something I thought I'd try someday. In short, it was like a dream come true. To put it simply, it was about putting into practice the mental selection meetings I had to hold to "get these people to write—" into practice. I think that's enough to explain it.

"My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU" is a collection of short stories, part of a ridiculously absurd project that's expected to have four volumes. Besides the Yui side, there are also Yukino side, Allstars, and On Parade. Collect all four and chuckle as you read them! I'm already chuckling!

The following is an acknowledgment.

Kawagishi Ouyu-sensei, Sakaida Yoshitaka-sensei, Shiratori Shirou-sensei, Tanaka Romeo-sensei, Yame-mi-sensei, Mizusawa Yume-sensei.

I discarded all emotions except gratitude. All I remembered was the word "thank you." But seeing everyone's wonderful work warmed my heart, and what should have been lost within me was revived, bringing forth feelings of emotion and sadness. I wanted to express the beauty of these works in words, but my ability to articulate it remains dead. It was incredibly interesting. Thank you so much.

Ukami-sensei, U35-sensei, Kasuga-bu-sensei, Kukka-sensei, Kuro-sensei, Shirabi-sensei, Tobu-sensei-sensei.

I'm a user of the "Emotion-Emotion Fruit," so all I can say is "So touching," I'm truly sorry. Thank you for your touching, lovely, and beautiful illustrations. Every time I see them, I feel peaceful and enveloped in love. Thanks to you all, birds are singing, flowers are blooming, and there is no more strife in the world. It's filled with love and peace! It's wonderful. Thank you so much.

ponkan⑧God.

God is truly amazing. This cover isn't just about winning; it's about dominating the world... God is always the best! Thank you so much! We look forward to your continued guidance in the future!

Editor: Hoshino-sama.

Thank you for achieving this terrifying feat of publishing four books in two months! Keep up the terrifying work in the future! Don't worry, you'll definitely be able to handle it easily next time! Hahaha!

To the editors of GAGAGA, and to the various publishers who also provided much assistance.

This project wouldn't have been possible without everyone's help. We are extremely grateful to everyone who invited writers and illustrators to contribute and assist in compiling this book. We extend our deepest thanks to all of you who took time out of your busy schedules to participate in this project.

And to all readers.

Thanks to your support, "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU" was able to evolve into this collection of short stories and expand into other media, continuing to broaden its reach. Because of you, "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU" exists. It would be my greatest joy to enjoy the world of "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU" with you all in the future. Now, let's watch the anime! Let's enjoy "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Finale" starting in April! Please check the official website for details! Thank you so much. Please continue to support me in the future!

Let's meet again in "My Teen Romantic Comedy SNAFU Cracked. All Stars"!

One day in March, while watching the late-night drama every Thursday and drinking MAX coffee to stay awake, I embarked on my journey.

Short Story Collection 3: Yui Side - Illustrations

Short Story Collection 4: Allstars - Even Our Teen Romantic Comedy Got It Wrong

Taiwanese version reprinted from Late Night Book Club

Published by: Late Night Book Club

Forum: ritdon.com

Author: Hiroaki Ishikawa / Illustration: Enamika Tsumi

After passing through the gate, I naturally headed towards the bookstore on the first floor of the station.