My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 726

"I understand you're not far off, senior. Turns out, you're just as disgusting, little rice girl..."

Iroha, utterly disgusted, uttered such offensive words again. This time, Komachi retorted with a shout, "What did you say?!" Of course, I felt indignant too. Strange… this should have been a heartwarming scene at the Hikigaya residence…

"My parents both like these kinds of facilities. After the whole family went there a few times, even if they didn't want to, they naturally memorized the route."

"That's right. It's not that Komachi is disgusting, it's just a natural thing."

After I smoothed things over for Komachi, she snorted and puffed out her chest proudly.

That said, for residents of Chiba Prefecture, Disneyland is their first amusement park visit, and in most cases, they go with their families. At least that's how it was in my family.

Amusement parks are meant to leave a lasting impression on young minds, and Disneyland is the pinnacle of this genre. Its level of sophistication as a theme park is unparalleled; this primal experience easily creates a unique memory. If you experience it once and can't stop, gradually becoming addicted, then it's perfectly legal... well, you know.

Komachi retorted defiantly, but her initial bravado suddenly vanished. She gave a sheepish, self-deprecating laugh and added...

"...So, on the contrary, I don't remember watching any parade-type programs."

"Because our family isn't interested in this kind of project..."

After I finished speaking, Yui Hama gave a slight bitter smile.

"Ah~ he's a boy after all."

"Yes, that's right." After saying that, Komachi and I both nodded in response.

However, it wasn't just my father and I, the boys in our family, who weren't interested in parades or similar events. My mother, and even Komachi, weren't particularly interested either. Although Komachi readily put on an "I'd love to see that~" expression, we can't forget that this girl is the kind who asks for gift certificates and white goods as Christmas presents.

There was another believer in realism in this classroom, and this person said just that.

"But, isn't that how it is? Even if you glance at the parade casually and think it's so pretty and cute, Iroha is still the cutest, right? I know... that's how it feels."

I thought Isshiki would stick her hands on her face with boundless energy, but she finished speaking with a super serious expression.

"Oh, oh... Ayaha-senpai's family is amazing... No, the only amazing one is Ayaha-senpai..."

Standing next to the dreadful Komachi, even I had no choice but to agree. So that's how it is—that's why Iroha's personality is like this. I hope that Isshiki's parents will one day publish a parenting book called "How to Raise the World's Cutest Scumbag Girl."

Even though I was completely convinced by everything, my friend Hihama still seemed quite surprised.

"Eh... our family will go specifically to watch... we'll spread out a thin cloth to rest and reserve the space..."

"Ah—I can imagine it. It feels just like Yui-senpai's house. They'd even eat bento boxes together and stuff."

"Yes, yes, that's exactly it."

Looking at Yuihama nodding with a joyful expression, the image of Yuihama's mother, happily opening her bento box with a "ha-wa-wa!" flashed before my eyes. What an exquisite life! It made me yearn for it. However, the Hikigaya family always seemed to find everything troublesome, so I couldn't imagine that the Hikigaya family could live such an exquisite life.

Just kidding, though that's what I thought, but there are families that exist on other levels that are completely beyond imagination.

"So that's why the whole family got together..."

The voices were murmured, almost inaudible, as if they had never imagined it before... It was the family on this side who spoke in this tone.

That's right, it's the Yukinoshita family.

"Although my family would go to the parade, I never remember reserving a spot... because my father always arranged everything."

"That's true."

Before Yukinoshita could finish speaking, Isshiki interrupted and nodded in response. Upon hearing this, Yukinoshita abruptly turned her face away.

"There's a hidden meaning in his words..."

"No, no, I think it really has Yukino-senpai's style. If it were your mother, she would probably do the same. Hmm."

Iroha, who had been glared at fiercely, immediately changed her words. However, although no one said it aloud, I think everyone was thinking the same thing…

"Ah, well, it's true that women make up a large portion of the family, so it's bound to turn out this way eventually, although I don't really understand!"

"Is Haruno-nee still here...?"

Yuihama did her best to smooth things over, while Komachi gave a slight, wry smile. I smiled wryly along with her.

...Mom and sister, huh? That person definitely wouldn't go and grab a spot on their own, would they? Or maybe they just summoned Hayama to reserve a spot. And after he's done his business, he'll probably be sent back immediately.

Although our tones and expressions differed somewhat, we were all, to varying degrees, intimidated by the power imbalance within the Yukinoshita family. However, even with restrained words, the unspoken message was still unmistakably conveyed. Yukinoshita, as if trying to gloss over the situation, coughed lightly a few times and slowly offered an explanation that sounded like an excuse.

"Well, if you consider it from the perspective of majority rule, then maybe this can be considered democracy."

"This is simply due to sheer numbers... Can a one-party dictatorship even be considered a democracy?"

That's really going too far... After I said that, Yukinoshita also felt it was a bit far-fetched, and she choked up with a sob.

"But, but, even if Mother didn't tell him, Father would still go and reserve the spot himself..."

"Oh, how thoughtful."

"What a great dad."

Yuihama and Komachi clapped enthusiastically, while Yukinoshita chuckled and shrugged.

"Because we only hang out together on rare occasions, we're really motivated."

As Yukinoshita spoke, a hint of joy appeared on her face. Perhaps praising her father made her feel awkward; it didn't seem like a reaction from someone in a bad mood. This was a good sign, as she usually rushed to end the conversation when it came to her father.

However, I understand. I get it...

Dad is indeed a good father. I can understand why he puts his lovely daughters first and is full of energy during his rare time off.

However, things shouldn't be that simple. There must be deeper reasons...

As I pondered this, Isshiki whispered something similar.

"Education is of paramount importance..."

I nodded in agreement with these words of sentiment.

It seems that Dad, through years of living together, has come to realize that opposing Mom is utterly futile. In the end, he surrendered before he could even be reprimanded, let alone protest or argue. How terrifying, the Yukinoshita family is so terrifying…

I feel a deep sense of sympathy for this father whom I have never met... no, this feeling has even been elevated to the level of respect.

"But it's convenient for people who like Disney."

Yuihama, suppressing a laugh, said, and Yukinoshita nodded slightly, her expression softening.

"Even if two people don't share the same interests, it might be easier if they can understand each other."

"Ah—it really is important~"

Komachi agreed, nodding vigorously.

However, only one color reacted differently.

"I don't think that's entirely true."

This extremely cold voice drew all our attention to Yise's face. Her expression was worried, and her sigh conveyed a sense of utter disgust.

"Oh," she asked with a look, seemingly unsure of what he meant. Isshiki slumped her shoulders in exasperation and spoke with annoyance.

"There will always be guys like that—those who try to show off their deep knowledge of things girls would be interested in, like Disney. Ultimately, these guys who indiscriminately compliment a girl's nails are just setting the stage for touching her hand, right?"

Then, Isshiki tilted his head slightly in order to seek Yuihama's consent.

"Now that you mention it like that... it seems like it might be true!"

"Stop talking, stop talking. Boys rack their brains and think a lot about this too. Please understand the feelings of a boy who tries his best to shorten the distance between himself and a girl, okay?"

In reality, a guy who compliments a woman's nails just to get physical contact is quite disgusting, as offensive as an old man telling palms in a nightclub. But it's definitely a carefully considered, last resort for unpopular guys. This kind of tactic might have been featured as a popular technique in an old dating guide like Hot-Dog Press, and I'm not entirely unaware of it. So I can understand the touching effort involved.

Such resonance and sympathy, along with a hint of self-pity, were fully expressed in my voice. Isshiki sighed deeply, her eyes pointing at me saying, "This person actually did that."

"It's best not to use this kind of tactic."

It was a serious, earnest lecture delivered in a solemn tone. His eyes were so focused.

"...No, I didn't do that!"

So, I, who was trying to assert myself, had no choice but to stop talking, and said aggrievedly while looking away.

However, the person I saw after shifting my gaze was Yukinoshita, and then Yui. Both of them looked at me with the same gaze one would give someone worthless trash. No, please don't look at me like that… it's addictive…

As a result, my gaze fell on Komachi, and our eyes met. "Help me… did this silent plea get through?" Komachi smiled and winked.

"Isshiki-senpai's nails are so cute. Even though I'm not his older brother, I still feel like taking a closer look!"

Komachi clapped her hands together, rubbing them together as she smiled and showered him with compliments. As expected of the world's little sister, her flattery is truly excellent! However, she could have simply left out saying "I'm not the older brother" (angry).

Komachi then praised Isshiki to the skies with phrases like "Great job!" and "Well done!"

"It's alright, after all, I spent a lot of money specifically for this."

Hearing these words, Isshiki's mood improved somewhat. She puffed out her chest smugly and spread her arms wide. Hmm, looking so smug, isn't she a little easy to handle?

However, although she admitted to having paid for manicures, her nails were undeniably adorable. The painted nails shimmered and, with the addition of pink, resembled candy, their color complementing the white of her slender, long fingers, creating an overall alluring, lollipop-like charm.

When it comes to nails, one inevitably thinks of the creaking fake nails like those of Balrog from Street Fighter, and the toxic-looking bright red manicures. But a single-color nail gives the impression of being an extension of natural nails. The slightly glossy surface seems to feel very nice to the touch.

As I was intently observing, those two hands suddenly reached out in front of me.

"Why don't you try touching it?"

"Eh?"

Hearing those words that seemed to see right through me, my back involuntarily twitched. I glanced at her nervously, and there she was, a seductive smile on her face. "How about it?" she asked, as if teasing me, her luscious nails reflecting a soft sheen as she shook her finger.

"...No, it's okay, it's alright."

Although I was momentarily lost in thought, I knew I couldn't just go along with her and touch her, right? I solemnly shook my head and refused.

"Is that so?"

So, Isshiki said with little interest, once again admiring the beauty of her nails. "How dangerous, really..." she murmured, exhaling, this time extending her hands from the opposite direction.

"I also got my nails done recently—"

While chuckling—in a very good mood—Yui extended both hands as far as possible. Her light peach-colored nails had a healthy sheen, like macarons, exuding a cute charm. Her soft fingers seemed to dance in the air as if playing a lively piano, but the movement suddenly stopped. Yui gently gathered her slender, graceful fingers together and tilted her head slightly.

"Want to touch it?"

"Given the conversation just now, how could she possibly have touched him..."

"It doesn't matter."

After I finished speaking, Yui smiled, but it was definitely inappropriate... I just got a serious lecture... Damn it! Those words were too much for my heart, it's really hard to handle!

"It's not a good idea."

Just as I was thinking this, a voice, even more piercing and chilling, came from behind me. My head remained almost still as I glanced sideways at Yukinoshita; she was smiling brightly. She turned that gentle smile to Yuihama and Isshiki, and continued.

"I remember that getting manicures wasn't allowed by school rules. Right, Isshiki?"

"Is that so?"

Isshiki smiled shyly. She was supposed to be a model student council president, but this exaggerated act of feigning ignorance required real guts. Even Komachi remarked admiringly, "This person really has guts..."

"Okay, okay, what's wrong with it? It's just that these little tricks are still within the scope of not being criticized."

Yuihama casually flicked her fingers and spoke in a relaxed tone. Upon hearing this, Yukinoshita let out a short sigh as if giving up.

"...But it is indeed cute. I can understand why people want to touch it."

As she spoke, Yukino leaned forward slightly, staring at Yui and Isshiki's hands. Then, as if to say, "Go ahead," Yui and Isshiki extended their hands toward Yukino. They stroked them as if they were handling something extremely fragile, and Yukino let out a soft "Hey!" in appreciation. As their fingers intertwined, Yui looked slightly embarrassed, shifting her body and revealing a shy smile.

"It's itchy."

How long will this manicure last?

"Hmm—about a month? Polishing takes much shorter time; it will peel off after a while."

"I see. Polish it."

Yukinoshita repeated the word like a parrot, but her voice had the quality of a toddler learning to speak. Clearly, she didn't understand the meaning of the word. A glance at Yukinoshita's nails revealed that she hadn't done any manicures or anything like that. Even so, her delicate, pale cherry-pink nails were neatly trimmed, revealing the natural beauty of seashells washed by the waves.

Isshiki stared at Yukinoshita's fingertips, a look of annoyance on his face.

"...Is pure natural cute? Seriously, anyone who thinks it's beautiful without any enhancements is probably out of their mind."

"This has nothing to do with brains. Besides, I've taken good care of my nails."

When Yukino retorted, she seemed to put a little more pressure on her intertwined fingers. However, well, I knew how strong Yukino's grip was. Isshiki showed no sign of backing down, pulling Yukino's hand closer and examining it even more closely.

"This person is really amazing."

"Yes. It's just ordinary nail polish, but it makes you want to touch it."

Komachi, who was standing nearby, reached out and took Yukinoshita's hand as they talked.

"Why don't you make one, Komachi-neechan?"