My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 762

A feeling of nostalgia made me sigh, and then I suddenly realized something.

"Komachi, did you do well in the interview?"

"Yeah, Komachi didn't have high hopes, but when she successfully got the recommendation spot, she did several mock interviews."

"Oh, a mock interview."

As expected of a cram school for college entrance exams. Their recommendation system seems quite effective. Although Komachi was ultimately rejected...

The root cause is insufficient academic performance, so there's nothing that can be done about it.

The Hikigaya family's ultimate communication weapon can't possibly fail in a mere general entrance exam interview. As long as your written test score is good, there's hope... I believe in you!

When I took the high school entrance exam, I was admitted through the general admission process. I only thought about relying on the written test to determine the outcome, and I think I just casually dealt with the interview the next day.

After the written test, I checked the answers myself, and the result was absolutely certain—I was going to win! Hahaha! Perhaps the reason I won the interview was because I was in a relaxed and unhurried state.

However, because my mind was completely blank during the interview, I forgot everything the interviewer asked.

Approaching an interview with this relaxed mindset will likely resolve any issues, but for anxious candidates, even such a small matter can cause them considerable worry.

"I've never been in an interview before, and I'm really nervous—"

Dazhi said with melancholy.

However, I think that's just needless worry.

For admission by recommendation, the interview process can indeed have some influence on the outcome. However, admission interviews are generally just screening interviews, and unless there are unforeseen circumstances, the written test results are usually given more weight. This is just my personal opinion.

Frankly speaking, no matter how good a candidate's impression on the interviewer is, if their written test score isn't high enough, they're destined to fail. That's the high school entrance exam.

I told him about it carefully.

"Generally, entrance interviews don't ask anything too serious. Just ask your sister..."

"What are you talking about? How could my sister possibly be good at interviews!"

Dazhi looked down on his sister and laughed loudly.

You'll get beaten up... Okay, fine, I agree, right? Kawasaki seems really bad at interviews.

Kawasaki may look a bit like a delinquent at first glance, which might make people wonder if she knows how to behave. In reality, she's just a bit intimidating on the outside and not very talkative. Deep down, she's an ordinary, good girl.

Who said that delinquent girls and delinquent boys are actually very polite and remarkable? That statement only shows that they are sensitive about their status in the group, which is no different from praising a stupid dog that wags its tail at humans who are willing to feed it as "So amazing—so cute—".

No matter how I look at it, I'm more polite and remarkable for living life seriously. Nighttime invitations, lots of exposure, dead fingers, and arduous teaching!

Furthermore, the person who proposed that mysterious theory is clearly looking down on Chiba, the stronghold of petty thugs, and its thugs. Those people are just a bunch of trashy individuals who commit minor crimes at the drop of a hat, okay? Back in middle school, I was extorted for 500 yen in Chiba's bustling streets, and I still hold a grudge about it…

"Sigh, because of my sister's condition, I can only ask my brother!"

"Oh……"

Tai-Chi seems to be mocking his sister, but his sister is a severe brother-complex character, and Tai-Chi had previously come to the service club because he was worried about her. I speculate that he probably didn't want his sister to see his uneasy state and wanted to talk to someone about it.

Hmm, thinking about it that way makes me feel like I can seriously discuss it with him.

I had just thought that when Dazhi cleared his throat again.

"This might take a while. Would it be better to find a place to sit down?"

As he spoke, he kept glancing at my door.

...Is this guy implying he wants to come into our house? Too bad! I won't let any man of unknown origin set foot in Komachi's living space!

"Yeah, that's right..."

As I spoke, I leaned against the door, blocking Taishi's view. Even so, Taishi still stared curiously at the Hikigaya family's house.

I would rather die than let him step into my house.

Dazhi looked at the doorway, really wanting to come in.

Their eyes met, and Komachi smiled and spoke:

"The house is a mess right now. If we're going to go somewhere, Komachi thinks the Moss supermarket in front of the station is better. Komachi won't go. It's so cold."

Dazhi's face twitched upon hearing this.

"Ah, ah—yes—it's so cold—"

He let out a dry "hahaha" laugh. Hmm—that kind of smiling stab-in-the-knife feeling, my sister is terrifying… I'm starting to feel sorry for Tai-chi.

However, as the older brother, how could he not take the opportunity to deliver the final blow?

"Since it's so cold, should we postpone it to another day?"

"No, thinking about it carefully, it seems alright! So, brother, I'm counting on you!"

Dazhi rubbed his nose and grinned. "Hey, kid, you've got guts... because if you complain of being cold, I'll have to go back." Even though the night wind was a bit chilly, I can understand a man's desire to be strong.

Out of respect for your masculinity, I'll put aside my "Komachi no Otoko" persona today and listen to you honestly.

"If you don't mind a brief discussion, that's fine. Anyway, that's it, I'll arrange a mock interview for you and give you some advice."

"Yes, thank you for your help!"

Dazhi's answer was very energetic. Hmm, I think just having that kind of energy would be enough to easily pass a typical college entrance interview...

Okay, fine. Since he asked me for advice, it's only proper to take it seriously. I straightened my clothes and appearance, put on a serious expression, and glared at Dazhi.

"So, let's start by talking about your motivation for applying."

Perhaps sensing my sincerity from my gaze, Dazhi swallowed nervously and slowly began to answer.

"Okay. Since my older sister attends your school, I have a closer connection with it. In addition, the school's good atmosphere, which combines academics and sports, and the school's atmosphere that my sister told me about, seem to suit me very well. That's why I'm applying to your school."

Perhaps it was because he spoke each word carefully and deliberately that Dazhi did not stutter and spoke fluently.

I nodded and smiled, giving what seemed like a perfectly normal answer to the interviewer.

"You spoke very smoothly—have you practiced many times?"

The moment those words left his mouth, a gust of cold wind blew past.

Daishi opened his mouth wide, speechless. Komachi, standing beside me, slowly shook her head, indicating, "How could you say such a thing?"

"Ugh, ugh—brother, you're absolutely rotten..."

"No. It's not that I'm a bad person. There really are interviewers who would say things like that."

It really happens. I'm not lying. I experienced such a stressful interview when applying for a part-time job, and after being hired, I immediately disappeared because of the emotional trauma.

However, Dazhi was not discouraged.

"Please, please let me try again!"

He bowed his head and pleaded with me. Uh, why are you taking this mock interview so seriously…? I was momentarily scared, but backing down at a time like this would be unmanly.

The man abandoned his pride and bowed his head to me.

Then I should respond seriously and put more pressure on him!

"Yes... then come on... please tell me your motivation for applying."

I asked again, and Dazhi took a deep breath.

"Okay... I'm considering continuing my studies in the future, so I looked at your school's admission brochure and asked my sister who is studying there. After thinking it over, I think your school's curriculum is the most suitable for my growth, so I'm applying to your school."

It's so annoying how you keep saying "your school" all the time. What's wrong with you? Are you some kind of proud, aristocratic heroine? Are you going to say "Ugh, kill me!" later? Even though I was thinking that, I closed my eyes and listened attentively to every word Daishi said.

Finally, I heard a sigh of relief. I learned that Dazhi had finished saying everything he needed to say.

I slowly opened my eyes and stared at Dazhi. The moment our eyes met, Dazhi's shoulders trembled in fright.

I smiled to reassure him. Seeing me slowly nod with my arms crossed, Dazhi breathed a sigh of relief.

I seized the moment and exaggeratedly tilted my head.

"Hmm—you mentioned wanting to grow, but—is that something you should be doing in the workplace? We're not obligated to mentor you, are we?"

I gave him an irritating look as I went from head to toe and spoke. In the ensuing silence, the cold wind blew again.

After several seconds, Dazhi finally relaxed and said nervously:

"Um, this isn't the workplace..."

"School! Brother, it's the school! They have an obligation to nurture us!"

Komachi waved frantically in front of me, trying to make sure I was thinking straight and to deny my actions.

After being described like that, even I would want to re-examine my own words. Did I say anything strange...? I tried to recall, and realized the whole interview process was rather odd!

"I see... Using job interview experiences as a reference is indeed not a good idea..."

"Brother, what kinds of jobs have you applied for...?"

In short, there's a reason why I specifically dug up my memories of those motorcycle-themed interviewers for this mock interview.

"Knowing the worst-case scenario beforehand might make you feel a little more at ease, right?"

I made a cool expression and said it, but Komachi immediately gave me a sour look.

"No, no, no, this isn't just tragic, it's appalling. Komachi understands a little why her brother doesn't want to work. To be able to understand that reason is truly awful."

Komachi displayed an attitude of utter disgust. Hmm, hmm… Komachi-chan? Judging from your description, it sounds like you're saying, "It's terrible that I accidentally understood my brother's feelings," right? Or is that what you really meant—? That's probably what I meant…

"Does Komachi really hate me...?" I looked over suspiciously, and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Taishi muttering to himself.

"I feel even less confident now..."

He looked melancholy, and his shoulders slumped, perhaps because the mock interview had left him very uneasy.

"No problem, right? The interviewers for major exams are generally very kind."

I was a little worried that I might scare him too much and have the opposite effect, so I told him this, and Dazhi immediately looked up.

“Is that so?”

His expression was that of someone seeking redemption. I'm not so bad as to kick him while he's down and push him to the bottom. While Daishi has the "fly-like-Komachi" demerit point, judging by his personality, he's a good kid. More importantly, he has the "sister is scary" bonus point. Is that a bonus point? Uh, well, his sister being cute is definitely a bonus point.

Therefore, after much consideration, I decided to encourage Dazhi. Because this guy's sister is terrifying… what if he goes and tells her I threatened him!

"Yes, there are stress interviews during the entrance exams, which can cause complaints from parents. So the interviewers are all very gentle."

"The reason is so bitter..."

Komachi spoke softly, as if lamenting the impermanence of life. That's just how society is. Waaah... customer complaints are terrifying... anyone with a job understands. Of course, I'm always careful not to get myself into that kind of trouble.

"In short, just raise your voice and speak fluently, and you'll pass."

I cleared my throat, trying to regain a serious tone, and addressed Dazhi. He looked at me with a skeptical expression.

"Really? Is it really that simple? Is there really no problem?"

"No problem. The trick to passing the interview is to speak in an unusually loud voice and tell the interviewer that you can work many shifts."

"No, what kind of class system is there in high school...?"

Komachi said, dumbfounded.

Oh no. My old habit of "disappearing without a trace" when I was a "working soldier" has resurfaced...

Let me explain! The "disappearing worker" is someone who casually boasted during an interview, "I can take on many shifts," but once they got the hang of the job and became a valuable asset in the workplace, the boss, as if expecting them to keep their word, assigned them a ton of shifts, causing them to be unable to keep up and simply disappear. A few days later, they would see their salary still coming in, which reassured them! This whole explanation is nonsense.

I thought to myself, "I'm still the same old me, only knowing how to teach this kind of useless knowledge." After reflecting on it, I was surprised to find that it seemed to have an effect on Dazhi.

"However, I feel much more relaxed!"

That's what you call naivety, or honesty, I guess. Dazhi's attitude changed so quickly that I found myself forcing a wry smile. Gentle words slipped out as well. "I don't often offer this kind of special service!"

"Don't be too nervous, relax. The purpose of that interview isn't to weed people out, it's just to confirm your identity."

Generally, the questions and answers for college entrance interviews are fixed.

When the interviewer asks about your motivation for applying, just say that the school's atmosphere suits you well; when the interviewer asks what kind of person you think you are, just say that you are like a lubricant.

That said, too many job-seeking students seem to be acting as "lubricants." They'd better realize that companies are looking for cogs. How can work function if all you do is pump things up? It's the kind of working-class cogs like my dad who are the driving force behind a company's operation. Long live the corporate slave!

Most of the words and answers that are prepared in advance are not from the heart; they are all outright lies. This principle also applies to situations outside of interviews.

That kind of thing can't possibly calculate the value of a human being, and the interviewer should understand that too.

Therefore, more important than carefully crafted words is the other person's attitude and manner of speaking.

From this perspective, the act of "speaking fluently in a loud voice" is similar to verbal communication, and may actually be called nonverbal communication.

One theory suggests that verbal communication accounts for about 30% of human interaction, while nonverbal communication accounts for the remaining 70%.