My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 788

Note: This is a catchphrase of Yuudachi, a character from the anime/manga series *Kantai Collection*.

Passerby B was amused by Passerby A's intense reaction, exhaled a large puff of white air, touched his side ponytail, and revealed a mocking smile that was deliberately mature.

"She's a nice person, but I always feel... there's something about her, right?"

"I understand, right, little model?"

"Ah—that's right!"

Passerby A nodded repeatedly, seeking Sagami's agreement. Sagami, like a monkey toy holding a cymbal, clapped wildly and burst into laughter.

You bastard! Whether you're Sagami or Okamoto, you received help from Yui during the sports meet, and you still have the nerve to say such nonsense? Just how thick-skinned do you think you are...?

I instinctively clenched my fists.

Ah, I see.

I finally experienced it firsthand.

No one is immune to problems in interpersonal relationships.

The same applies to Yuihama.

It's purely because she's sensible and gentle that she seems so sophisticated and charming. There must be some cracks somewhere within her. It's through her thoughtfulness, gentleness, and sometimes courage that she manages to mend and cover them up.

However, pointless rumors, deliberately fabricated gossip, and malicious fake news will mercilessly pierce that crack.

Before that, the more beautifully it was repaired, the more obvious the ugly claw marks became.

Neither passerby A nor passerby B likely harbored any clear ill will or hostility. If Yuihama were to overhear, they probably wouldn't be discussing this topic.

But this is a time for friends to chat privately and have fun. This topic is just used to liven things up, just like the TV shows and popular dessert information we watched yesterday.

The evidence is that the passerby's tone was very frivolous.

"Miura-san's clique is so difficult to manage—one minute they're fighting over a guy, the next they're the ones getting their guys stolen; one minute they're dumping someone, the next they're being dumped. They're bound to have some fights."

Passerby A's attitude was as casual as if he were predicting the plot of a TV series or novel. Passerby B also smiled and nodded.

Surprisingly, there was one exception.

That person did not agree.

"Ah, ah—um..."

Sagami did not give a direct response; his expression was somewhat complicated.

"But I don't think Yui is that kind of person—"

"Huh?!"

Passerby A let out a disappointed gasp. Passerby B, seemingly also disappointed, sighed and looked at Sagami with a questioning gaze. Sagami immediately replied.

"Ah, because when faced with that kind of situation, she tends to back down or consider the other person's feelings. She's someone who knows how to survive in a girl's inner circle."

"...Ah──"

Passersby A and B, upon hearing this, made somewhat foolish noises. What a strange chirping sound…

"Yeah, you're right, Miura-kun is so scary—"

"Seriously, if it's confirmed that I'll be dating Hayama, I'm willing to take the plunge. But right now it's just a rumor, and the risks and rewards are disproportionate."

Passerby A looks rather dim-witted, while Passerby B is rather intimidating...

But Sagami's use of the term "girls' little circle" seemed to resonate deeply with them. As a result, their lighthearted chat about Yuihama came to an end.

Hey, Sagami, you're pretty impressive. While you haven't grown at all from a human perspective, your dark feminine charm has definitely improved.

Even more terrifying is that the dark female power had even prepared a way for her to step down.

"Isn't it more surprising that Hayama-kun went out with a girl?"

She accurately predicted the opportune moment to switch topics and brought up a new one. Passerby A and Passerby B smoothly caught it.

"Ah—that's right."

"really."

Both nodded simultaneously. Passerby A clicked his tongue and muttered:

"So it really is a problem with my face..."

"...No, it's a problem with my breasts, isn't it?"

For some reason, Passerby B wore a blank smile.

"Oh no, neither of us has any."

Sagami's self-deprecating remarks made Passerby A and Passerby B burst into laughter. The three lively and noisy girls turned the corner, leaving behind the words "See you next time, everyone" and disappeared.

Note: Lyrics of the theme song for "Noisy Girls," a Japanese female group consisting of three members.

Thanks to them, the obstacles in my path were cleared, allowing me to speed up again.

I let the cold wind whip across my face, recalling the conversation between Sagami and the others.

They'd definitely talk about more than just Sagami and her friends. The level of interest might vary, but anyone interested in Hayama and his group would probably bring up similar topics whenever they had the chance. It's like how you'd casually start a conversation with Hayama and his friends Ooka and Yamato.

Popular people, loved people, and bullied people are often the subject of conversation even when they are not present.

However, rumors and gossip will only make the situation worse.

I'm not referring to Sagami and the others. For example, even if they don't dislike Yuihama, depending on how the conversation develops and the atmosphere at the moment, they might accidentally say bad things about her.

It's just one of the topics being discussed so far.

However, jokes that go too far aren't funny anymore. One day they'll turn into peer pressure, with the group's will dictating the course of events. It sounds really funny, but incidents of exclusion and bullying can unexpectedly escalate into irreversible consequences because of a seemingly small joke. Hayama previously said this matter could only be left unresolved, but I want to put an end to it as soon as possible.

The building blocked the sunlight, making the wind on the road very cold, and the destination was still far away.

After running such a long distance in such cold weather, my hands were completely frozen. I clenched my fists tightly to transfer the heat to my palms.

End 2 Yui's story 5 So, there really is such a man with an excessive elitist mentality.

The station was packed with people on the holiday. I hadn't checked beforehand, but it was probably because there was some kind of event being held at Makuhari Messe or Ocean Park.

To avoid the crowds, I deliberately avoided the main roads and headed towards the street lined with high-rise buildings.

Our destination is a coffee shop. It's where Kaori Orimoto works, and it's currently being used as the venue for a marathon victory celebration banquet. Today we're here for a site inspection.

There's still a long time before the meeting time, but arriving early shouldn't be a problem. Let's go inside and leisurely have a cup of coffee.

That was the plan, but when I entered the store, I saw an unexpected customer.

In the peaceful afternoon, the gradually setting sun casts its rays onto the seat by the window, where Xuezhi is sitting quietly reading a book.

Upon closer reflection, it turns out that the person who discovered this shop was Yukinoshita, and she lives nearby. Yukinoshita seems to really like this shop, so it's not surprising that she came to rest early.

The atmosphere of this shop really suited her.

The steam rising from the teacup and the sunlight streaming through the glass window created a picturesque scene, making Yukino Yukinoshita, sitting by the window, appear like a painting. She was simply sitting and reading, yet her beauty was breathtaking. This was the girl named Yukinoshita Yukino.

The thought of stepping boldly into that illusory yet perfect world makes me hesitate.

Besides, someone might be watching. Considering how widely the rumor is circulating now, there's no need to provide them with material to hype up the topic.

A rare holiday. A rare moment of private time. It's nice to kill time on our own before everyone arrives. I'll rest quietly by myself too.

I made up my mind, sat down in a seat further inside, opened the menu, and glanced at it absentmindedly. Unfamiliar words appeared on the page.

Mandheling, Guatemala, Brazil, Kona, Blue Mountain… I think I've heard Ms. Qingshan Blue Mountain's voice before… but I don't really remember the others. Is that Kona coffee? Instant coffee? The Mandheling note sounds like mouthwash… no, that's monazine, not for drinking…

Note: The character in "Is the Order a Rabbit?" is voiced by Saori Hayami, just like Yukino Yukinoshita.

Note: "Kona" is pronounced the same as "powder".

I was completely confused, but in situations like this, ordering a blended coffee is the right thing to do. Whether it's Starbucks, Louisa Coffee, or chain coffee shops like Tali Coffee or Tsubakiya Coffee, ordering a blended coffee usually won't be a bad choice.

So I pressed the service bell. A soft electronic ringtone sounded, followed by loud footsteps.

"Sorry to keep you waiting—ah, it's Hachiman. You're here for a site survey today, right? Aren't you too early?"

Kaori Orimoto appeared, her curly hair swaying. She placed the water on the table and launched into a barrage of questions.

"Yes, yes... I'm sorry, it's so sudden. Thank you for your help today..."

"Hmm, leave it to me—"

"Can I order something? I'd like a mixed coffee."

"Okay—why don't you all sit at the same table?"

She used the ordering machine to order for me, glancing at Yukina sitting by the window.

"I was thinking that since it's not time to meet yet, you're free to do whatever you want..."

Zheben burst out laughing.

"What the hell? That's hilarious. Do you even understand?"

"What's so funny... What the heck is 'Do you understand or not'? Who knows if you understand or not... Do you understand or not?"

The meaning can only be inferred from the context; it's a really high-context sentence... Whether you understand it or not, nobody can. Although it's not important, this usage will definitely never become popular. That's my opinion, but in Zheben's mind, this sentence seems to be the most popular catchphrase; she's laughing so happily...

"That works! You'll use it right away, that's hilarious!"

"What's so funny...? It's used correctly though... I don't understand..."

Zheben laughed for a while before stopping, closing the lid of the ordering machine, and putting it into the pocket of his apron.

"I don't care what you think, they have a reservation, so just go sit over there."

She pointed to the window seats. It seems Yukinoshita made a reservation. Well, there's nothing we can do about it then…

"I'll bring the coffee over for you later."

After watching Zheben go into the kitchen, I grabbed my crumpled coat and walked to the seat by the window.

"Thanks for your hard work."

I called out to Yukinoshita, who was reading a paperback, and she looked up.

Good afternoon, you're here early.

"Because I have a lot of free time."

As I spoke, I sat down opposite Yukinoshita. Yukinoshita quickly picked up the menu, opened it, and handed it to me.

What would you like to order?

"It's okay, I've already ordered."

A look of confusion appeared beneath the snow. Just then, Orimoto served me the mixed coffee I had ordered.

"Sorry to keep you waiting—"

The cup was placed on the table, steaming slightly, and the rich aroma of coffee spread out. Zheben held the tray in his back hand, his gaze shifting to the wall clock.

"Shall we talk again when I'm resting?"

"Um."

She nodded and went back to work.

I blew on the still-hot coffee, trying to cool it down a bit, while Yukinoshita looked at the cup of coffee with a puzzled expression.

When did you order?

"Just over there..."

I raised my chin and pointed to the seat I had just been sitting in. Yukinoshita nodded, looking like she understood.

"So you were sitting at another table. I didn't even notice. You're really something."

"What are you praising? Are you saying I'd be suitable to be a spy?"

He stabbed me with such a bright smile… I think this guy would be perfect as an assassin… As I was thinking this, Yukino put her hand to her mouth, making a thinking gesture. She gave me a questioning look at the seat I had just been sitting in, as if wondering why I had deliberately sat so far away.

"After all, no one knows if we'll be seen, so it's better to be careful..."

"I see, is it because you were considering my situation? Thank you."

"You're welcome."

I took a sip of coffee. Mmm, it's good.

Once you've tasted good quality coffee, there's no going back.