My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 730

"I clearly spent a lot of time on this..."

She pouted as if in a huff, lowered her gaze quietly, and stared at her outstretched fingers.

Wait, what's wrong with this guy...? Can you please stop getting your nails done so quickly? This means I have to interact with him both verbally and physically. There should be a limit to how much affection he needs, right? Can't he think about me sometimes?

"Anyway, your nails are absolutely adorable. Can I take a look?"

I first cleared my throat lightly, trying to speak in a relaxed tone, and then quickly stretched out my hand.

Yukino looked at me with surprise, but soon silently extended her hand.

I gently touched my fingertips. Although I had touched them a few times before, I was far from getting used to it.

"Hey—ah, it's so pretty—and super cute. Oh my, really... This is a good thing."

I thought that if I used a girl's monotone delivery, I could end it without feeling embarrassed, but that wasn't the case at all. In the end, despite my attempt to remain calm, I ended up looking like Seinosuke Nakajima (Translator's note: Nakajima's catchphrase when appraising objects, "This is a good thing!", was selected as the "Humor Grand Prize" in 1996). I was completely unsettled.

"What a strange way to give a compliment."

Yukino smiled helplessly, then awkwardly wrapped her fingers around Yukino's. To that gentle, sweet bite, I gripped her hand with equal force.

“…………”

“…………”

We didn't say a word, only our fingertips exchanged warmth. Even in silence, the time felt perfectly natural, creating a comfortable atmosphere that made one want to stay there forever.

However, we can't stay here forever. It's fine to stay here, but it's a rare opportunity to visit Disneyland. We should quickly decide where to go next.

"It's about time we left. Are there any attractions we haven't tried yet?"

After asking the question, Yukinoshita tilted her head and looked upwards in thought. Then, she smiled, somewhat puzzled.

"Most popular projects are..."

"That's true."

I couldn't help but smile wryly. It was already past noon; she must have already tried all the popular rides.

"Let's go to Mr. Pan's place first."

"May I?"

Seeing the snow beneath my eyes, which filled me with joy in an instant, I nodded with a wry smile.

"Ah, even if I play it again, I can still enjoy it just the same."

As soon as she finished speaking, Yukinoshita looked away.

"...Yes, that's true. It's fun no matter how many times you play, whether it's four or five times."

Hmm—judging from the tone, they've definitely done it three times already…

Whether it's four or five times, as long as you enjoy yourself. Even if it means going to Disneyland just to ride Mr. Pan's rides, that's what freedom is all about.

"Let's go then." I asked with my eyes, and Yukinoshita nodded in response.

I stood up abruptly, took her hand, and started walking.

Even though it was my second time riding the popular Disney attraction "Mr. Pan's Bamboo Battle," I still had a great time.

However, if it's the fourth time, it seems that it's no longer just about being happy; it can also bring euphoria and excitement.

Having decided to overdose on Mr. Pan's ingredients, Yukinoshita murmured "That's great..." in high spirits and nodded repeatedly. She was incredibly excited.

So, moved by the experience, the next place I wanted to go was Mr. Pan's shop, which was not far from the facility.

"I didn't explore the place properly while I was with my classmates..."

Yukinoshita said somewhat shyly. "However, all I can say is, 'I think so too.' Mr. Pan's die-hard fans are terrifying."

As soon as she entered the store, Yukinoshita's steps became lighter. Without the slightest confusion or worry, she moved smoothly through the store. Well, take your time looking around. I followed slowly behind, feeling like I was looking after my grandson.

I strolled around the store for a while, following Yukino's footsteps.

Upon arriving at a corner where miscellaneous goods and merchandise were displayed, Yukinoshita suddenly stopped.

"Ah, a headband. Let me try it on."

In a high-spirited mood, Yukinoshita pointed to the animal-ear headband that the noisy children always seemed to recognize when they wore it. While there were headbands for various characters, Yukinoshita's choice was, of course, the black panda headband themed around Mr. Pan. Wait, she chose a panda headband because it's a panda? What? Isn't that something that tastes good when deep-fried and sprinkled with sugar…?

Yukinoshita smiled happily and handed over the headband.

"Come on, Hachiman."

"Eh... I have ears myself, so I'll be fine... Besides, this price is quite..."

I glanced at the price, and it was neither high nor low. Wait, it's only available in the amusement park, isn't the price-performance ratio a bit low? No, wait, it's a fan-made item, so it's a good deal, right? Anyway, I politely declined, citing the price as my reason.

However, Yukinoshita said something with a rather serious expression.

"I'll pay for this."

"Hey, you said something really awful. Seriously, don't you feel ashamed wearing it? Like, don't you feel like, 'What the hell is that guy doing?'"

"It's okay. You've come all this way to the amusement park, no one will care about what other people do, right? Nobody will be watching you."

Yukinoshita's smile always seemed mature, almost like an older sister. This is a completely valid point. While I'm somewhat bothered by the tone, the content itself is flawless. However, there's a major flaw in this theory.

"That's usually how it is. However, since today is a hiking trip, you might run into people you know."

The moment she finished speaking, Yukinoshita, who had been in a good mood and overjoyed, froze.

Then, he suddenly looked back at himself in his uniform. He looked at his uniform again. Then he stared at the panda headband in his hand, a very, very bitter expression on his face.

"That makes sense."

She sighed, and rationality returned to her eyes. Good, she'd preserved the almost nonexistent rationality Yukinoshita possessed… however, that rationality was ultimately only a tiny fraction of it. Yukinoshita clutched her headband, turning reluctantly to the mirror.

"Although I think it's good..."

She muttered this to herself as she put on the headband. A lonely, resigned smile suddenly appeared on her face as she looked in the mirror.

Seeing her like this, I froze in my tracks.

Wait a minute? Uh, wait a minute, wait a minute.

...Hey, isn't this a bit inappropriate?

Under such overwhelming shock, impulsive words slipped out.

"Great. Perfect. I definitely need to buy it."

"Is that so?"

Yukino turned halfway around, running her fingers through the hair that draped over her shoulder, smoothing her bangs with her fingertips. No, it's good enough not to do this.

"I know you look good in anything, so this outfit is fine. The uniform with this headband looks especially good. It suits you perfectly."

"Is this... a compliment?"

Although Yukinoshita was shy for a moment, she still squinted in surprise, and her voice dropped a notch. It was praise, lavish praise. I nodded perfunctorily, crossed my arms, and continued my rambling investigation.

"This is a blind spot... Although there will be countless opportunities to come to Disneyland in the future, this is probably the last time I'll be here in uniform..."

In other words, this is the last chance to see Yukino in this outfit. If we consider this a unique sight, then this moment is even more precious and rare than a total solar eclipse or a planetary grand cross (Note: the sun, moon, and eight major planets and dwarf planets in the sky will form a "cross" shape, hence the name planetary grand cross).

Having reached a conclusion, I looked up and, unusually serious, spoke with a resolute expression.

"You absolutely must buy it. I'll cover the cost."

"Your enthusiasm is so overwhelming, it completely kills my desire to buy anything..."

But perhaps because my words were too heavy, Yukinoshita gradually became hesitant. No, it's because you just said something similar... However, perhaps my enthusiasm was conveyed effectively. Yukinoshita smiled lightly and took a pair of headbands from the shelf.

"Here you go. This is your share."

"No, I'll pass."

Although she handed me the headband, I stopped her with my hand and shook my head.

Then, Yukinoshita exaggeratedly slumped her shoulders and let out a loud sigh.

That's a real shame.

After saying that, she put my copy back on the shelf and then tried to take off her headband.

"...Wait a minute...Isn't this the only option to agree to the negotiations?"

My voice trembled with the bitterness of my decision. At the same time, the sounds beneath the snow became joyful.

"Okay, please use it."

I obediently put on the headband she handed me with a smile, and the two of us headed to the counter.

After paying and leaving the store, Yukino quickly took out the headband and put it on. Then, she stared at me intently, silently urging me to put it on quickly.

Well, I've seen people from our school wearing them too, so I guess I'll wear them... Even if someone I know sees me, it won't hurt much at this point. At most, I'll think about it every six months and mutter, "...Ugh—. How embarrassing. Waaah..." and suddenly feel like dying. If I don't die, then it's basically harmless. I made up my mind and put on the headband.

"May I take a picture?"

With a beaming smile, Yukinoshita held up her phone and asked, "I can't even manage a simple 'uh-huh' in agreement before I just nod." I'm already in this state. How could anything be more shameful? It's just a photo, no big deal.

That's what I thought, but once I stood under the snow beside me and leaned my shoulder against hers, the closeness made me unsure of what to do. I wasn't exactly shy, but I still felt awkward, and my heart was pounding.

After setting up her phone, Yukinoshita pressed the shutter a few times. After taking one or two photos, she channeled her strength into her slightly wrapped arm.

After the photo was taken, Yukinoshita said, "This is how it turned out..." and shyly showed me her phone. There was no need to deliberately confirm it; Yukinoshita looked incredibly cute and endearing with the headband on, while my appearance was rather disappointing.

"Oh dear, this isn't for me..."

I blurted it out myself, almost unconsciously. Then, Yukinoshita tilted her head slightly.

"Really? I think it's good."

"What's good about it?"

After asking the question, Yukinoshita placed her hand on her forehead and entered a period of thought.

*Dong dong dong dong dong ding—(Translator's note: the sound of striking a wooden fish). ...Then, please answer. Look at her, Yukinoshita suddenly raises her head, revealing a mischievous smile.*

"Eyes or something?"

"It has nothing to do with the ears..."

"Ears are definitely important. As long as I have this headband, I'll feel like I love Disney."

"Well, I definitely enjoyed it..."

Even if we consider it as a result of the atmosphere and playful banter in a particular setting, broadly speaking, it could be considered a sign of liking Disney. Ultimately, people who don't like it won't come to the park.

"To be honest, I heard this secondhand..."

Yukinoshita cleared her throat with a soft "hmm," turned to the other side, and made an opening remark that sounded like a strange performance.

"A guy who keeps showing off his love for Disney seems like someone you'd be ready to hold hands with right away."

Then she gave a short laugh, as if testing, teasing, or playing a prank.

I couldn't help but smile wryly at these words that sounded familiar. So, I cleared my throat and tried my best to reply in a light tone.

"Really? Where did you get this information? There's such a dangerous guy? But whatever, your nails are so cute. Can I take a look?"

There was no response from Yukino, but she smiled happily and extended her hand. I adjusted the collar of my suit jacket, wiped the sweat from my hands, and gently touched her hand. Our hands intertwined. I held her hand as gently as possible.

The unexpected behind-the-scenes manipulation was entirely self-directed and staged.

However, this approach might be just right for us.

"What's the next step?"

“Well…”

Yukinoshita tilted her little head, swaying her clasped hands, and after thinking for a moment, suddenly raised her index finger.

"Let's go there."

His smug, smiling gaze was directed at the eastern sky, now tinged with blue. Below it rose a massive mountain peak, illuminated by the sunset – that was Splash Mountain.

When we first started queuing at Splash Mountain, the last rays of the setting sun were still burning in the western sky. By the time we came out, the surroundings would be completely enveloped in a thin twilight.

The queue wasn't very long. Perhaps because it was a weekday, although there was no fast track, the queue moved forward quite smoothly, and I was surprised to find myself on a vehicle very quickly. Everything was fine up to this point.

The only problem is Yukino's fear and anxiety about heights.

Our vehicle moved forward at an extremely slow pace, and in keeping with this speed, the comical chase between the weasel and the little weasel gradually unfolded.

Although there are minor elevation changes along the way, most of the road is flat, and the final fall is the most thrilling part of the journey.