My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 713

Yuihama and I walked along the path at dusk.

I remember walking this road before. The roadside trees, which were lifeless back then because of the cold winter, have now sprouted new leaves and rustle in the wind.

As the seasons change, the scenery we see also changes. The sense of distance between us, now roughly two steps apart, is also different from before.

After leaving the school gate, I walked a short distance and arrived at the intersection where I should turn towards Yuihama's house. However, Yuihama did not turn around and continued walking forward.

"Hey, you've taken the wrong road, haven't you?"

Hearing my question, Yuihama slightly turned her heels and turned around.

"Hmm, we'll take a slightly longer route."

She straightened her chest with a smile that seemed to hold some secret.

"As long as the destination is your own home, it can be called the road home!"

"Hey... why does it sound like a picnic..."

And isn't what you're saying just common sense... like saying "one minute in Africa is sixty seconds now." It's common sense, isn't it...?

However, it's not fair to say that this goes beyond the scope of "going back together". So it doesn't feel right to reject it now.

As if urging me to hurry up after I stopped, Yui turned around and set off again. I followed behind, keeping a half-step distance.

Yuihama's steps were light but unwavering. With each step she took, her bun swayed, indicating she was in a good mood.

"The weather is so nice today! The sunset is beautiful."

As she spoke, she looked up at the sunset. Yuihama's toes also pointed in the direction of the setting sun, and she continued to walk forward.

The breeze carried the scent of the sea. It's just a few minutes' walk from our high school to Tokyo Bay.

"The sunsets here seem to be quite famous lately."

"What's so famous or not famous about sunsets...? It's not like it's a ramen shop or a coffee shop..."

I felt a little confused after hearing something casual like, "This store is quite popular lately."

No, maybe I just don't know about this kind of business... Perhaps these days, young people in trendy groups say things like, "This shop's sunset lighting is really popular now! That soy sauce with UV and infrared rays is amazing. I ordered it twice." How could that be?

But making money from the sun seems like a good idea...

If you open a business by putting up a deceptive sign like "Pure Organic Natural Sunbathing" on a rooftop, it feels like you can make money. Selling sunbathing as the main product, plus some plant-based and spiritual elements, it's bound to be a hit (I'm sure of it).

My thoughts had drifted to the fantasy of alchemy, while Yui sighed silently.

"No... it's been discussed a lot on Instagram and other social media platforms."

"ah--……"

"I see, I see, so that's what you meant." I nodded.

Indeed, the Inage Beach at sunset is often photographed.

Previously, this place was known for its murky color and dampness, but a maintenance project a few years ago brought in sand from somewhere else, I don't know if it was from Australia or elsewhere, and now it has become a white sand beach with the style of a southern resort.

Furthermore, Chiba City's bay is relatively shallow, not far from Tokyo Bay, and there's nothing to block the western sunset. It's considered a very good sunset photography spot in the Kanto region.

I remember when I went to scout out material for the abandoned children's ball, I took some really good photos.

"Well, it really is very good-looking."

"Yes! I took pictures of that before too."

Yui nodded happily, slowed her pace, and walked alongside me.

"Look at these."

As she said this, she showed me someone's Instagram.

The photo shows the sea shimmering under the setting sun, partially obscured by the evening glow. There is also a woman holding a small dachshund and holding down her straw hat.

Like a landscape painting.

The slightly oversized dress billowed in the wind, which ironically accentuated the figure's good physique, and the straw hat gave off a refreshing vibe. Moreover, the smile with her tongue sticking out, seemingly teasing Sabre's chest, also looked quite charming.

Isn't that Mommy Bibin and Sabre? Huh? That's amazing! It's so beautiful!

"So beautiful...it's a really great photo..."

Yui's mom is so cute, I almost want to hug my head and tremble. After saying this about her feelings about the sunset, Yui smiled smugly.

"Right?"

It's definitely something to be proud of. Chiba herself is certainly "superb," ​​but the people photographed are even more beautiful, truly beautiful...

Since the beginning of time, the sun has set here every day, a sight we've all grown accustomed to. But looking at it again through social media reveals new value... Even its very existence is so photogenic—that's Chiba.

At the end of the straight road, behind the sand-fixing forest, the afterglow of the setting sun still lingered. If you left the beach, you could surely see the sky and sea tinged red.

Although I took an unexpected detour, my steps became lighter.

Beyond the white sand beach lies the turquoise ocean.

There was also a dark red sky, segmented and colored like a palette.

The bronze-colored sun began to blur its outline, tinging the sea with orange. Each time the red tide surged onto the beach, its light tinted the white sand with its color.

A very beautiful sunset.

"Oh—, it's so beautiful!"

"yes--"

Yuihama stood where the tide wouldn't reach her, shielding her eyes with her hand as she gazed at the other side of the sea. I crossed my arms and sighed in agreement.

There were no other sounds. Although there were a few scattered figures in the distance, it was practically as if we had the view all to ourselves.

It's still the peak season for beachcombing on weekends; it'll probably be even more crowded in the summer. It seems like not many people are making a special trip to watch the sunset on weekdays these days.

Well, while it is indeed a beautiful sunset view, locals are probably used to seeing it. It's not like they would flock here specifically for it.

This provided a perfect opportunity to take photos. I opened my phone's camera app, and the screen was filled with the ocean and sky. Accompanied by the sound of the tide, the phone clicked the shutter.

Yuihama put down her phone, which she had been holding up, looked at the photos she had just taken, and let out a satisfied sigh.

"The sunset was beautiful during the ball too."

"Ah, I was lucky back then."

The ball was held indoors and wasn't affected by the weather. However, because it was a sunny day, its seaside location was able to be fully utilized. No matter how much preparation is done beforehand, the weather is the only thing you can't control. So, you have to say, "Ha! Lucky us!"

"Yeah, and that place is really nice. It's amazing we found it."

Yui nodded, tilting her head slightly as she cast a questioning glance at me, as if asking, "How did you find it?" My gaze unconsciously began to drift toward the distant horizon.

"Oh, oh... that was just a coincidence..."

I'm not lying or trying to fool you. Actually, finding that venue was purely by chance. It's just that thinking about the process until I found it makes me a little embarrassed.

Seemingly noticing that my gaze had drifted towards the sea, Yui gave a thoughtful "hmm." Glancing over briefly, I saw Yui resting her chin on her hand, nodding repeatedly.

"Oh, it was a coincidence. Was it when you went out with Yukino?"

"You know that..."

I let out a sigh of relief with a bitter expression, while Yuihama smiled.

"Yes, I've heard of it."

“Ah, I see…”

Well, it's not entirely unexpected. These two usually talk about everything. They probably chat about all sorts of things on LINE too.

But to what extent did we talk...? Did I say things I shouldn't have, like I did with Komachi and Hino? Hmm?

I was getting nervous when Yuihama, as if she could read my mind, chuckled.

"Have you been anywhere lately?"

"without……"

I did have dinner with Yukinoshita's family, but the purpose wasn't purely for the two of us to hang out, so it was somewhat different in nature. It hasn't been long since that joint dance. And I still need to adjust to the new semester, so there hasn't been a chance yet.

I shrugged and answered, and Yuihama seemed stunned as she exhaled.

"Why don't you just go?"

"There's nothing I need to do outside..."

"Nothing special is needed, just a regular invitation."

Huh? What is this person saying...? I turned my head. Yuihama stared at me with a surprised expression.

When someone bluntly states something so obvious, you might not know how to respond.

"Because of other commitments, we couldn't find a time that matched our schedules."

I made this perfunctory complaint, and Yui blinked a couple of times after hearing it.

"Go if you have time."

Hearing me say that, Yui Hama smiled with satisfaction. She looked at me with a playful gaze, then nodded gently with an "Mmm."

Seriously! Is this considered leading questions? Isn't it a bit cunning? Shame and exhaustion suddenly overwhelmed me.

I sighed, my shoulders slumped, and I felt my legs lose all strength. Having walked so far, I collapsed onto the sand. My hands braced myself on the dry sand; it felt surprisingly nice to sit on. I enjoyed the pleasant texture of the sand as I crossed my legs.

When Yui saw me like this, she gave me a reproachful look and reminded me.

"It will get sandy."

"A little sand will be fine after a few pats. If you have a cat, all your clothes will get covered in fur, so you won't care too much about a little dust."

"Ah~. That's true, Sabre sheds a lot too."

"Right? If needed, we wouldn't mind even if a hair fell into the miso soup."

"I will care!"

Yuihama said this, sighed helplessly, and carefully sat down.

"Mmm—the ocean is indeed beautiful!"

Yui stretched vigorously and looked over at him.

"Let's all go to the beach this summer? We didn't go last year."

"Um, I'm a student preparing for exams..."

My face stiffened, while Yui pouted in dissatisfaction and stubbornly continued talking.

Me too.

"...Is that so? It's a normal suggestion, but it makes people think you're not preparing for the exam." I put on a surprised expression, and Yui patted me on the shoulder.

Your expression is infuriating!

"Ouch, it hurts..."

I was being stared at with an annoyed look. Although the pat on the shoulder didn't actually hurt, it was just a polite gesture at that moment.

"Wouldn't a day or so be enough? Look, there's a barbecue area and a swimming pool here. Relax♪"

"If you rest too much, you'll die..." (note)

Translator's note: This is a pun. Yuihama's "relaxation" is actually "息抜き" in Japanese, which means both "to rest" and "to breathe".

Phew, that was so typical of me... I smiled smugly, while Yuihama, who had been so happy just moments before, tilted her head and exclaimed, "Huh?"

"duan, qi?"

What came out of her half-open mouth, besides the blank exhale, seemed to hold a question mark. Seeing Sora's note-like expression, there was a strong sense of awkward silence.

Translator's note: A statue from the Kamakura period.

"Never mind, it's nothing."

Forget about it, stop looking at me and shut your mouth, I waved my hand.

Seeing me do that, Yuihama seemed to realize she hadn't understood my lame joke, and let out a sigh. Then she brushed her hair back with the back of her hand and gave a defiant smile.

"I didn't understand anything you just said. Could you say it again? If possible, could you also explain the 'punchline' to me, Hikigami-kun?"

Translator's note: Here, Yui is imitating Yukino Yukinoshita's way of speaking.

"What kind of imitation is this... the level has improved quite a bit!"