My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 731

However, Yukinoshita, sitting next to him, had been gripping the safety bar tightly with both hands from the very beginning, assuming a posture ready to react to any impact.

As we climbed up, she kept saying, "No problem," "Because I'm used to it," and "This is another challenge," her long hair flowing freely. While this showed me her composure, once she got into the vehicle, she entered the state of a borrowed cat.

If only I had brought some Churu (a cat food brand from Inabo Foods in Japan), but unfortunately I didn't have any on me. Even if I wanted to get some, I couldn't get off the bus halfway through the journey. At least it would distract her, I whispered to her.

"Still can't handle it?"

"No, no. I'm fine."

Yukino finished speaking with a forced smile, nodding dramatically. However, her unsteady gaze, strangely hesitant words, and twitching cheeks made her words utterly unconvincing.

However, just the fact that I could force a smile shows I'm much more relaxed than at Christmas. If I could ease up a bit more, I'm sure I could enjoy the journey quite normally. I thought to myself as I said this appropriately.

"Since you've already ridden the monorail, it shouldn't be a problem, right? You could say the trains here are safer."

"Hearing you say that only makes me think riding the monorail is terrifying..."

"Don't worry. The Chiba City monorail has been thoroughly tested for safety before operation. It is the world's first monorail."

"Your tone is also full of concern..."

Yukino smiled helplessly, her shoulders drooping slightly. The tension in her taut, straight back eased, and her stiff expression relaxed a little.

The facility has passed the halfway point of the journey. Frogs sang, splashing water as they went, while the weasel and the little ferret raced straight towards the finish line. Beyond this point awaited the climax of the journey: a thrilling, high-octane plunge.

"Um."

Yukinoshita loosened her grip on the bar, and her hand gently reached out towards me. Though there were no explicit words, her outstretched palm clearly indicated that she was waiting for something.

What does this hand mean? Can I interpret it as "It's scary, grab it quickly"? Is that okay? Is it possible? Surprised, I looked back and forth between the hand and face under the snow.

But Yukina remained silent. She simply cast an uneasy gaze upon him.

Well, I guess that's a fair interpretation. The conclusion I reached was that after rubbing my hands on my suit trousers, I gently placed my palms together.

Then, Yukinoshita chuckled. Where did that uneasy look from before go? She leaned forward slightly, looking up at my profile, and said teasingly.

"Can we stop praising your nails now?"

"Eh...wouldn't it be better to give a compliment?"

Hearing these discouraging words, Yukinoshita quietly shook her head.

"No. It's better to just hold it without saying anything..."

Before she finished speaking, Yukinoshita gently turned her gaze forward, as if trying to avoid looking this way. However, on the other side of her glossy black hair, which hung on her profile, a slight blush appeared on her cheek. But the blush on my face was probably more than that.

I suddenly relaxed and instead put more force into the entangled fingers.

"I see... I was almost out of compliments, so this was a great help."

There's only one way.

She smiled through the snow.

We will definitely eliminate these excuses one by one.

They went through a process that seemed like an excuse, subtly making sarcastic remarks, gradually drawing out each other's words, and slowly giving that longing a shape.

In order to convey our feelings without saying them aloud, let's keep saying them, no matter how many times, until we achieve that.

Soon, the vehicle began to move along the dimly lit road. A clattering sound filled the air as we slowly began our ascent. Looking ahead, the night sky seemed to peek out from a gap in the darkness.

"Hey, Hachiman."

As we were about to reach the summit, Yukino called my name softly. I turned to the side, and she sat up straight, speaking as if in a whisper.

"……like."

She said it in just two words.

Her sweet breath brushed against my ear, and her intertwined fingers entwined within my chest. These unexpected words left me speechless for a moment.

Yukinoshita was shy, but she didn't move her gaze. She kept her eyes half-closed, observing me, waiting motionless.

The vehicle finally reached the summit. Just before plummeting, it came to a stop, and a jewel-like night view unfolded before its eyes.

...Ah, I've been tricked. Completely tricked. Since I'm being waited for, I can't remain silent. I'm utterly checkmated. Even if she doesn't make the decisive move, I already have nowhere to escape.

I channeled my strength into the hand I was holding, and spoke as I fell.

The words spoken in a soft voice were only two words, oh no, not three? Or perhaps five or eight?

I didn't even have time to count them all, nor the inclination to calculate them; my voice and words drifted away on the night wind.

It, which fell long ago, is now falling into the future.

DB Bonus Chapter 6 (Senior High School Edition): 5. This irreplaceable moment is for a calm and uneventful future.

The light orange lights, layered upon each other, illuminated every road.

We followed the light, walking side by side. Beneath the snow beside us, a thin, long plastic bag, bought sometime during the day, swayed.

There's still some time before the nighttime parade. What should I do next? I glanced to the side and met Yukino's eyes.

In a hurry, Yukinoshita took half a step more than me and glanced at my face.

"What did you just say?"

She smiled sweetly, giving me a teasing look, and I shrugged.

"What did I say? Did you misunderstand what I was hearing?"

I tried my best to play dumb, and Yukinoshita seemed quite displeased. To get away with it, I immediately followed up with another sentence.

"Want to see the parade? I think there's enough time to catch it."

"Are you going? You're not really interested, are you?"

"It seems she remembered what I said in the clubroom," Yukinoshita said worriedly.

To be honest, while I wasn't particularly interested in the parade, I wasn't bored either. Even though I didn't know much about the characters, just seeing the glittering lights and the dazzling floats passing by was enough to make me happy.

Speaking of which, last time I came, I watched for quite a long time, didn't I? This guy... if that's taken into account, then the option of not watching is eliminated. The problem lies in the extent of her infatuation.

"Just looking at it is fine. I just really hope I don't have to reserve a spot..."

"My father said I'll get used to it soon."

"It's not something we're used to taking up space, is it..."

Doesn't this refer to getting used to Mom's harsh treatment? No, although I don't know much about Dad. I'm probably absolutely certain of it.

"This is a rare opportunity, let's find a good spot to watch it."

As she spoke, Yukinoshita gently extended her hand. She was going to take me to the viewing spot she recommended.

I took her outstretched hand, without needing any excuse or reason. But the fact that I would unconsciously let my hand brush against my pants before touching her remained unchanged.

They silently pressed their palms together, their fingers interlacing. The sea breeze was cool, but the body heat seeping into their skin felt like it would melt their bones.

We walk side by side, keeping pace with each other so as not to be separated, and we move slowly.

Their shoulders suddenly touched, and Xuexia gave him a victorious smile.

"Hey, what were you just saying?"

"Huh... what's going on? This feels so familiar? Didn't we just ask about this?"

After I finished speaking hesitantly, Yukinoshita put her finger on her chin, tilted her head, and made a puzzled and incredulous expression.

"Did I say anything? You must have misheard me, right?"

And so, in that familiar, feigned ignorance, she finished speaking, then forcefully pulled my hand and wrapped it around my arm. As I wavered at the warmth of her touch against my uniform, Yukinoshita, as if pressing her advantage, rested her head on my shoulder. Then, she whispered something.

"So? What did you say?"

"An endless loop... Does this mean I'll be asked this question my whole life if I don't answer?"

"It's a question I'll ask my whole life."

Yukinoshita nodded firmly. Was she happy about something? She asked in a very childish voice, more pronounced and understandable than usual. Then, she smiled proudly with a hum.

...Oh no, this won't do. It looks like I'll definitely keep getting asked this.

I stopped in my tracks, feeling utterly exhausted, and let out a deep sigh. Then, I broke into a pathetic smile.

"...Then, just keep asking for a lifetime. It'll probably take a lifetime to find out."

If I had a lifetime, I would be able to say it willingly.

If you have a lifetime, you can surely express everything, even if it takes more than a single sentence.

I don't think that these words can convey anything.

It was just a vague and extremely ambiguous agreement.

but.

"Okay. I will spend my whole life asking you this."

She smiled as if it were perfectly natural, and hugged my arm tightly. Then, as if urging me on, she began to walk slowly.

We leaned on each other's shoulders and walked slowly along the road that stretched far into the distance.

The parade had not yet started, and the fireworks had not yet been lit.

There is no sign of waking up from the dream yet, so it would be too early to break the spell.

Perhaps, this will continue indefinitely.

And this timeframe is a lifetime.

As I thought this, my sleeve was being tugged at repeatedly.

Looking over, Xue Shine smiled knowingly.

"Then? What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking to you..."

Judging from this trajectory, it's impossible for me to say it aloud. After a helpless murmur, Yukinoshita covered her mouth with her hand and smiled happily.

I'll probably be asked this for the rest of my life.

Therefore, no matter when, my farewell to her will never end.

DB Bonus: Senior Three Chapter 6 (Postscript)

Good evening, this is Watari.

As always, I wrote these words in my Shogakukan studio in Kanda-Hitotsubashi-Jimbocho, Tokyo.

I've used meeting rooms for work before, but if I'm alone in an empty room late at night, I fall asleep within seconds. So I started using the studio facing the corridor. Because I took it too far, I brought too many personal belongings; the room has become completely mine…

Wow, there's so much stuff that it feels like I've already moved in completely.

Cushions, slippers, blankets, headache medicine, wet wipes, cooling patches, spare clothes, bath towels, shampoo, shampoo pump, shower gel, foaming hair wax, facial cleanser, razor, skincare products, electric blanket, various chargers, toothbrush, two types of mouthwash, food supplies, health-enhancing wine, protein, cocktail shaker, nutritional supplements, spare glasses, documents, etc...

With so many personal belongings here, Shogakukan is practically my home now, right? It's all mine now, isn't it? Because it's my home, does it have to pay me rent? But I don't think I can afford the property tax. That's how I feel right now.

These personal belongings were not brought all at once, but rather gradually over several years.

Using the excuse that everything is necessary for comfortable writing, I first brought slippers, then cushions, and then a folding bicycle, which simply wasn't feasible… In this way, I gradually accumulated achievements while expanding my personal space. If I continue at this pace, perhaps one day the entire Shogakukan office building, its surrounding structures, and the land will become my property. Using the excuse that everything is necessary, I gradually increase the area I can freely touch. I believe he and she are also expanding their possessions of each other's hearts and lives in the same way. If possible, I would like to witness this slow process to the very end.

This topic concludes here. The book is titled "My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected. ┬Leak" 6. While this book continues their previous stories, there are also epilogues in this style. These are the well-known "My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected. Yukino Side," "My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected. On Parade," "My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected. Yui Side," and "My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected. All Stars!" It would be my honor if you could also read these works.

So, next up is the presentation of my favorite scenes from the TV anime "My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected. Finale". I'll start as soon as possible so that no one in the world hasn't seen it yet.

Although I'm going to write about my favorite parts of episodes 11 and 12, I'm not going to provide an explanation. Please feel free to say "I like it!" while you read.

"Everyone has their own interpretation of Oregairu" ☆

Episode 11: "Feelings were truly conveyed through the warmth of physical contact."

The stage revisits the baseball center from the previous opening. Hiratsuka begins to impart her final lesson to Hachiman. Looking back, Hiratsuka's teachings always seem to find their way to Hachiman. She teaches not only his feelings but also his sensibilities and thought processes. She is not merely an adult, but also someone who has shared similar emotions in the past and ultimately resolved them effectively—making her the closest person to Hachiman. Normally, someone listening to his troubles would offer mundane, useless advice like, "Try saying it! It'll end in a collision! Don't be afraid of getting hurt! Don't be afraid, be brave!"—becoming complacent and stagnant. But Hiratsuka doesn't reach that comfortable conclusion. Because she has always taught him to "keep thinking." Therefore, she doesn't believe in relying solely on words to convey meaning. How ambiguous can a single sentence be? This can be seen from the fact that the interpretation of "I like you" varies from person to person. What kind of feeling of liking is she referring to...? Is that what she actually means? Or is it interpreted the other way around, or is she trying to interpret it in another way? Her acting, so vividly conveying love while strictly adhering to that dignified line between being an adult and a teacher, is truly superb. I've heard that Ms. Yuzuki (Translator's note: Yuzuki Ryoka, the voice actress for Hiratsuka Shizuka) also struggled with the details, but it's actually amazing, I really love it. It's precisely because of Hiratsuka Shizuka's approach that Hachiman doesn't focus on his answer itself, but rather on expressing it in his own unique way.

Next is the school scene. Yui leaning against the shoe cabinet waiting for Hachiman is absolutely stunning… The animation and direction that created the atmosphere earlier were excellent, needless to say, and the atmosphere of this scene is also fantastic. This scene perfectly captures the mature impression Yui inadvertently reveals. The scene of Yui and Hachiman together in the park is also truly beautiful. I really love how Yui's hidden feelings and determination are always kept in a low voice. Actually, if we're talking about the complexity of personality, I think Yui is the most complex. She not only possesses genuine and clear passion, but deep within that passion lies extraordinary intelligence, combined with calm common sense. This is why Yui was able to tell Hachiman, "Think carefully before you answer me," and face him correctly. The reasons Hachiman gave afterward were indeed reasons he had thought through, likely stemming from Yui's words. These reasons, grounded in his rationality or internal objectivity, are entirely true. However, he even began to doubt this rationality and pondered it. The trembling rationality before "acting a bit cool" and the performance that revealed his truly disgusting and pathetic nature starting with "those disgusting words" was truly a showcase of Takuya Eguchi's skills. And then, the voice in the line "We won't lose contact, will we?" was the best. It was practically a special program for Nao Touyama. The series of actions that followed were so clichéd that simply describing them would be cliché.

So, speaking of the Touyama Nao special program, the Touyama Nao Carnival in front of Yui's apartment afterwards is also a must-see. Wasn't that monologue amazing? From "The tears didn't fall" to "Ah—it's Sabre," that scene was truly wonderful. And Sabre's barking was fantastic. Yuihama's mother here was also incredibly kind. She understood everything—no, although you could say she'd understood it all along—but she still felt that Yuihama's mother must have had moments of great crying herself. I wanted to write something like a commentary, but since those who have read the "new" version will generally understand, I felt that such a commentary would be superfluous, so I deliberately omitted it. It's okay! Trust your feelings!

Part B, Iroha was amazing right from the start. "No! Don't!" was so cute, I want her to contradict me forever. The two from the game club who were refuted, and Zaimokuza, were also incredibly endearing. Before you knew it, it developed into a three-person conversation, with only close friends chatting happily, which probably made you wonder, "What's wrong with these guys?" And the old woman's way of addressing her from Iroha was both intimidating and resentful, which was great. The clarity conveyed by the phrase "for no reason" was also superb.

Moving to the reception room, Hachiman's behind-the-scenes maneuvering is revealed, with his mother's words, "A smarter child," and "I really don't understand why you would do something like this," becoming key points. Although Hachiman received some feedback from his mother during their previous encounter, he uses this to his advantage. Why would a "smarter child" do something so reckless? He deliberately makes his mother wonder if there are other reasons, forcing her to consider his motives and ultimately leading her to accept his reasons. It all feels complicated... The first person to understand Hachiman's reasons is Haruno. In this situation, her words are mostly supportive of Hachiman. While this is common, it's such a roundabout form of support... However, this overly obscure support ultimately reflects Haruno's stance. Haruno's true nature is easily swayed by her likes and dislikes; her expressions, voice, and moods can shift dramatically, making her a rather difficult character to deal with. However, during the voice acting process, I was often greatly aided by Ms. Nakahara's (Translator's note: Mai Nakahara, voice of Haruno Yukino) overwhelming expressiveness and reading comprehension. Amazing—how could anyone understand that… I've been trembling with awe like that countless times. Through this afterword, I want to express my deepest gratitude. The way the women in the Yukino family interact with each other is truly wonderful. Hearing the interaction between Mama and Yukino at the end was fantastic. You can see their way of getting along in their voices.

Then, the story finally reaches its climax. That's the scene on the pedestrian bridge on Yukino and Hachiman's way home. What can I even say here? Isn't it amazing? Can I just keep writing as much as I want? Anyway, the atmosphere of Hachiman and Yukino's conversation is wonderful. Yukino, initially so talkative, is so cute. And the distance between Hachiman and her as he listens is just right. From here, the balance that slowly shifts between them is the culmination of the atmosphere that Eguchi-kun and Hayami-san have built up over the past 10 years. Especially Hachiman's series of actions starting with "If I let go," are both incredibly embarrassing and wonderful. It's truly the most twisted and uncomfortable confession in the world, but because it's Hachiman and Eguchi Takuya, it's undeniably cool. And Yukino, accepting it all, is also incredibly cute. Her vulnerability and ethereal quality go without saying, and even her troublesome and heavy feelings are incredibly endearing. Knowing it would be incredibly difficult, the "Is there anything else to say?" part was already enough to overwhelm me. These words are hard to explain through commentary. So, let's sum it up in one sentence: feelings were truly conveyed through the warmth of physical contact. After those feelings were conveyed, Yukino's solo was also deeply moving. The expressive effect was truly superb.

Next up was the final preview. The timing of the subtitle's sudden appearance was perfect; I couldn't help but read it aloud in front of the TV. And so, the next episode is finally the final one. Be sure to watch it!