My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 714

There's no need to ask who they're imitating. Their expressions and tone are spot-on, their word choice, questioning style, and even the way they randomly changed my name are all imitated remarkably well.

"Because we've always been together."

Yuihama laughed and looked up at the distant horizon.

The two of them looked out at the sea and felt the sound of the surging tide growing louder.

Gazing at the rippling sea, I could hear the constant sound of the waves and feel the gentle sea breeze. These sights filled my eyes, and I felt my own breath returning to my senses after a long absence.

The stiffness I felt earlier has finally disappeared.

It's probably about this sense of distance, the location, and the relationship.

I feel like I can gradually get used to it. Or perhaps I've already made her realize that I can get used to it.

The sun slowly sank below the horizon. By the time I noticed it again, half of it had already disappeared below the horizon.

The twilight in the sky began to dissipate, and after the afterglow faded, it was replaced by the streetlights along the coastline and the flames of the steel mills rushing towards the stars.

"What should we do next?"

As Yuihama said this, she suddenly stood up.

"Of course, we should go home."

I straightened up and answered in a slightly joking tone. When Yui heard me say that, she patted the sand off her skirt, sighed speechlessly, and then laughed.

"I'm not talking about that."

Then he took a step forward and faced me directly.

"It's about Yukino, and also, about me...our stuff."

Hearing those words, which seemed familiar at some point before, made my heart pound.

I probably already had a wavering expression on my face. Yuihama gently narrowed her eyes and nodded slightly. It seemed as if she was announcing that this was the negotiation she would be conducting.

"Thank you for granting my wish..."

Yuihama spoke softly, a faint smile appearing on her face. Her gaze, like a reflection of the cold night sky, swayed weakly.

"I didn't do anything... really, I didn't do anything."

The words I forced out through gritted teeth carried with them the lingering regret that had always been in my heart.

Honestly, nothing has been accomplished. And it's still the same now. In the end, I still haven't been able to face the facts correctly.

I treated the difficulties, the unfamiliarity, and the lack of understanding as excuses, even delegating the task of solving problems to Yui. I figured this approach would be fine, and I'd get used to it after a while; I was just selfishly interpreting things in a way that benefited myself.

I relied on her strength and gentleness without even realizing it.

I clenched my fists so tightly I felt I could even bleed from them. Conversely, the voice I made was weak and hoarse.

"...It's all thanks to you that we were able to get along like that in the clubroom."

My voice was so faint it seemed to dissipate into the sound of the tide, but Yuihama still heard it until the very end. Finally, she gently shook her head and spoke.

"No. If Xiaoqi hadn't spoken up properly, we probably wouldn't have been able to meet like that."

She lowered her head slightly, her eyes already moist, reflecting the fading glow of the setting sun. Her sigh carried the dampness of the seaside as she continued to speak words that sounded like repentance.

"But, but... actually, I wish I could be hurt properly."

That means…

What I was going to say next, I didn't know myself. I felt a tightness in my chest, and all I could manage was a groan-like sound.

Yuihama looked up at me, her expression one of anger. Her brows furrowed, and her wide-open eyes flashed with a light like flames.

"I hate the unserious side of small businesses."

"sorry……"

That powerful voice overwhelmed me, leaving me speechless and only able to apologize. At least I managed not to run away and met her gaze directly.

"I also dislike the side of making decisions on my own."

"……Feel sorry"

"It's annoying that I'm angry but I don't make any excuses. It's also annoying that I say casual things but never say anything important."

"what……"

Despite her stern tone, Yuihama's voice began to soften. Her sharp gaze also softened, like a calm lake tinged with the red of the setting sun.

"No... Yukino, who didn't listen properly, also did something wrong. Well, it's all Hachiman's fault."

"……yes."

Yes, that's right. Just as she said, there's no room for argument. I gave a self-deprecating bitter smile.

Only Yui could say something like this. Only she could put it into words and tell it.

"……but"

Yui stopped there. To hear what she had to say next, I took a half step forward and listened intently.

Yui opened her tightly closed lips and let out a long breath.

Then, stepping firmly onto the sand, I took the last step.

"All of these are included... I like you."

She grasped my collar and rested her forehead on my shoulder. Her hair swayed in the wind, releasing a floral fragrance, and for a moment I held my breath. Her body heat seeped through my shirt, and I instantly felt its warmth. Her soft breath vibrated not only in my ears but also in my heart.

The person leaning over was surprisingly light, and their shoulders were strangely slender.

However, I cannot support those words and sentiments with my own strength alone.

I touched Yuihama's shoulder with the care one would show to a fragile object. Slowly, little by little, I pulled away. The touch was so warm, so the coldness I felt when we parted felt like it was freezing me.

Yuihama's grip on my coat collar loosened, and her fingers slipped away. Even though we were some distance apart, I still couldn't look Yuihama in the eye.

"I'm sorry... I... can't give a proper answer right now..."

A more presentable answer should have been given. Even a single sentence, even if it was given in every possible language, should have provided a clear response.

But I strongly believe that I don't even have the right to answer.

Only after honestly confronting her feelings can I speak them aloud.

As someone who has never been honest, I can't even utter a casual, perfunctory remark, nor can I accurately convey what is obvious.

Therefore, whatever you say is wrong.

"I know I need to answer you more formally and give you my reasons. But, really, it's incredibly embarrassing..."

"It's okay, I just wanted to say it."

Yuihama interrupted my foolish words.

Then she grabbed my collar and pulled me towards her. My gaze, which had been fixed on my feet, was forced to turn towards her.

"I took it upon myself to like it, to think this way... and then, one day, I will give it up on my own."

Her voice sounded a little lonely, but her eyes were very firm, staring at me without wavering.

"I will remain like this until I give up, I will always like it... So, there is no need for an answer. If you find it troublesome, heavy, or difficult, you can just laugh it off and run away as usual."

This is a confession full of errors, just like the one someone once held. But I simply cannot deny it.

Those smiling eyes were incredibly powerful, gentle... and strict. Being told "you can run away" in such a sweet voice made it impossible to escape.

"...I feel like I can't escape."

"Yes, I won't let you escape."

I smiled awkwardly, and Yuihama smiled broadly as well.

This ambiguous and unclear relationship, while problematic, is also limited. Only after understanding each other's positions can the distance between them be reassessed. To withdraw from such a dilemma would certainly not be without consequences.

It will likely cause harm with no way out.

In this way, it can eventually be discovered and rebuilt.

Our new relationship.

DB Bonus: Senior Three Chapter 4 9 And so, that door was knocked on once again.

A new relationship.

That being said, it's not something you can switch to immediately from yesterday to today.

If there is a semi-forced change of environment, such as going to school or getting a job, it is possible to switch one's mindset. However, updating existing interpersonal relationships is a bit more troublesome.

Just like a system update on a smartphone, there will be some unusable parts at the beginning, and it will also consume a lot of data. If new features are added that are not needed, it will also increase the burden on the phone.

As my sister's world sister, Komachi Hikigaya is the same.

Until now, her status has been that of my beloved younger sister, but now she also holds the title of president of the Service Club, which I belong to, and has become my leader in the club's organizational structure. Wait, within the family, Komachi also holds a higher position than me, but let's not talk about that for now.

I still have some doubts about this new relationship between superiors and subordinates.

The day after Yuihama suggested forcibly ending club activities and taking a detour to go home together, after school, right now, at this very moment, I am wondering.

The situation in the department is not much different from yesterday.

Yuihama and Isshiki chatted about various topics, while Yukinoshita brewed some black tea and then lowered her head to read a book, occasionally letting out a sigh.

Only one person—Komachi—behaved somewhat differently.

"Mmm..."

After clearing her throat meaningfully, Komachi walked towards me carrying a paper bag. "Okay, I got it, I got it..."

I nodded in response, immediately stood up, and walked towards Yukinoshita with Komachi. Seeing this, Yuihama blinked incredulously, while Isshiki frowned, as if he had seen something strange.

Upon hearing our footsteps, Yukinoshita, the person involved, looked up with an embarrassed smile and tilted her head slightly. "Is something the matter?" she asked us with a puzzled look.

Komachi responded with a bright smile.

"Yukino-nee, this is just a small token of my appreciation..."

As Komachi spoke, she took out a confectionery gift box from Hollandaise and presented it respectfully. Her posture was like that of a superior apologizing for a subordinate's mistake. I was quite bewildered by this new concept of a "younger sister boss." At this rate, another forbidden door will be opened... Hmm~, it feels pretty good too.

Translator's note: Holland House is a local confectionery brand in Chiba Prefecture.

However, even her sister's boss made a grammatical error in referring to the Holland House pastry gift box. It was a Holland House pastry gift box, after all!

"No, it's not just a small token. It's something really special."

"Shut up, brother, shut up!"

With a thud, Komachi poked me in the ribs with her elbow. Suffering from a real-type injury, I let out a "woof" and began to struggle, but Komachi ignored me, continuing to smile at Yukinoshita.

"Ah, Yukino-nee, please accept this."

Yukinoshita was puzzled by the Dutch pastry gift box that Komachi had handed her rather forcefully. But she accepted it anyway.

"Th-thank you... What is this...?"

"Ah, this is a return gift because my brother was treated well. My brother and I chose it together."

Komachi chuckled and rubbed her hands together as she answered. Yukinoshita glanced at me.

"Is Hachiman with you too?"

"Ah—umm. I guess so."

Actually, Komachi chose it for me, but I was the one who chose Holland House. Komachi perfectly grasped my taste, so it's like I chose it. In fact, considering it was as a gift, I bought the mixed gift set "Chinoha Fruit Collection" note.

Translator's note: A product of Holland House, divided into seven types according to the number of pastries contained, with prices increasing sequentially.

"...If possible, eat with your parents."

"Eh, um..."

Although she gave that answer, Yukinoshita's gaze remained fixed on the packaging of the sweets, which she listlessly stroked. Judging from her pouting expression, she didn't know what to do with it and seemed a little upset.

Seeing this, Komachi leaned closer to me and said in a very low voice.

"Apologize... Apologize, apologize, apologize, apologize..."

Translator's note: This is a line spoken by Taiji Isayama to Naoki Hanzawa in the second season of the Japanese drama "Hanzawa Naoki".

Seriously, what's wrong with this department head? Is it Department Head Isayama? I know, so stop nagging me... Yuigahama and Isshiki have been watching us the whole time, and it makes me blush too. Just thinking about Isshiki makes me a little embarrassed. A capable boss wouldn't reprimand their subordinates in front of outsiders, Komachi...

If possible, I would like to say these things at a different time and place, but it is necessary to say them now. Not only for the sake of an apology, but also to make my stance clear.