My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 143

November 7st

Specialty

Cooking, laundry, cleaning, and other household chores; Aikido.

interest

Reading, horseback riding.

Holiday activities

Traveling aimlessly.

Volume 6, Chapter 6: Contrary to her usual behavior, Yui Yuigahama became angry.

What is it that no matter how much you work, it will never become easier?

The answer is: My life.

Even Ishikawa Takuboku (Note 58: Meiji-era poet, singer, and critic. This line comes from his song collection "A Handful of Sand," meaning: "No matter how much I work, no matter how much I work, life doesn't improve. I can only stare at my own hands.") said something like this, so it's no surprise that an ordinary person like me feels the same way. So, I gradually slowed down my working hands, staring intently with dead fish eyes, and finally stopped moving, my heart growing increasingly aching. What kind of deflationary spiral is this? (Note 59: A deflationary spiral refers to a vicious cycle where falling prices lead to reduced business revenue and profits, resulting in layoffs and unemployment, which in turn reduces personal consumption and further lowers prices.)

What went wrong that I'm in such a busy situation? To unravel this mystery, I looked up and around.

Well, the first reason is a severe shortage of manpower.

The executive department was overwhelmed with the influx of people from all sides, and unfortunately, Yono wasn't there to help out again today. Hayama had taken over the business related to the performance groups to lighten the burden on the executive committee, but even someone like him was showing signs of fatigue, and his ever-present smile looked stiff.

In fact, recently, this number of people has begun to be able to handle the work.

Today was different from usual because Yukina wasn't there. She was usually the first to arrive at the meeting room and the last to leave after finishing her work.

However, she did not show up today.

"Do you know what happened to Yukinoshita-san today?"

"I have no idea……"

When the senior student asked me, I couldn't give a proper answer. Not only me, but probably the entire executive committee didn't know the answer either.

Just then, the conference room door clicked open. Walking in without knocking was a bad habit that Professor Hiratsuka couldn't shake.

"Hikigaya."

"Yes."

After I responded, Hiratsuka-sensei walked over with an unusual expression.

"Yukinoshita isn't feeling well today, so she's taking the day off. She's already asked the school for leave, but it seems she hasn't notified the executive committee..."

The teacher was absolutely right.

Yukinoshita never takes the initiative to contact anyone.

That said, it's surprising that Yukinoshita would have a day when she's not feeling well. Although she's not in good physical condition, she should be taking good care of her health. However, she's been so busy lately, and even neglected her health yesterday, so it seems she's really exhausted.

...I wonder if there will be any problems living alone under the snow.

Ye Shan thought of the same thing and suddenly looked up.

"Since Yukino is living alone, it would be better for someone to visit her."

"I see... So, does anyone here have the opportunity to visit Yukinoshita-san? We can take care of things here."

Senior student Xun asked me and Ye Shan about it.

"Is it really okay if only the senior students are in charge?"

After Hayama asked her question, Xun-senpai's face first showed a troubled expression, then she revealed her familiar gentle smile.

"Hmm...it's okay. If it's something I already know, I should be able to handle it."

Although she wasn't entirely confident in her statement, her smile still inspired trust.

Judging from the situation, it's definitely better to hand over the executive committee's work to the senior student, and the task of visiting Yukinoshita to us. This is certainly much better than me, the one in charge of the miscellaneous tasks, and Hayama, who is in charge of the performing arts group, staying here.

Besides Senior Sister Xun, no one else could take a holistic view and consider the big picture. She said "I'll leave everything to you" and prepared to go back to work.

lb!

"President!"

At that moment, a student council member suddenly pushed open the meeting room door and strode in.

"what happened?"

"Regarding the anniversary slogans, there are reportedly some problems..."

"Wow! Why did they have to choose this time of all!"

Unexpectedly, a major problem occurred so quickly. Upon hearing this, Senior Sister Xun rushed off to handle the situation in a panic.

She left in such a hurry that I didn't even have time to ask what happened, and I was left standing there with Ye Shan.

"...So, what should we do now?"

Ye Shan asked.

"I can go now."

He then added a provocative remark, which made me somewhat unhappy.

In fact, even if I were to visit Yukinoshita, I wouldn't have much to say to her.

If Hayama says he'll go, I'll watch him leave; otherwise, if Hayama doesn't go, I might go instead.

"Hmm... You're so clever and useful, it would be better if you went."

When Ye Shan heard me say that, he blinked several times.

"...I never knew you could say things like that. It really scared me."

"Well then, I'll trouble you to make the trip. This little bit of polite talk is no problem for me."

Ye Shan gave a wry smile and turned his face away.

"However, if that's the reason, don't you think it would be better to keep the quick-witted and useful person on site?"

He makes a good point. When there's a shortage of manpower, it's best to keep those who can handle more tasks. For example, if the team isn't large enough, you'll naturally have to rely on heroes of higher levels.

"Hmm...you're right."

I scratched my head and nodded in agreement.

Then, Hayama looked directly into my eyes and said:

"To avoid any misunderstanding, I want to state upfront that I absolutely do not believe you are incompetent. Since you are able to handle all the work in the miscellaneous tasks group, no one has the right to say that you are useless."

...I never knew you could say things like that. That really scared me.

"Okay, what do we do?"

He confirmed with me again.

Everyone would agree that Hachiman Hikigaya couldn't beat Hayato Hayama, and that might actually be true. Frankly, I'm afraid I really can't beat him in any way.

It's ironic that the more capable and gentle a person is, the less likely they are to live the way they want. They are constantly entrusted with tasks and expected by others, and this becomes the norm without them even realizing it. In the end, they are even willing to reach out and accept someone like me who is on the margins.

"...I'll go. No matter what others think, you're definitely the better one. They need you."

"Hearing others say things like that doesn't feel so bad... if you truly believe it."

I wondered if it was just my imagination, but there was a hint of melancholy in Hayama's smile. He was a good person, but because he was too gentle, he couldn't choose which side to stand on. To him, everything was equally important. Thinking about it that way, I suddenly felt how cruel it was.

"...So, I'll go see what's under the snow."

I reported to Professor Hiratsuka, and a smile appeared on his lips.

"I see... Okay, go ahead. Although I can't tell you where the other students live..."

"Oh, that's alright."

It doesn't matter that I don't know where Yukinoshita lives, because there's someone else who knows very well. That person will probably rush over there as soon as they hear the news.

As I quickly packed my bag and stood up from my seat, I met Hayama's gaze. He squinted, his eyes sharp.

"Then, please, I'll also talk to Yang Nai-nee about it."

"...Great, thanks!"

I thanked them briefly, slung my bag over my shoulder, and left the meeting room.

On my way to the building entrance, I took out my phone and made a call.

One ring, two rings, three rings... Just as I was about to hang up after the phone rang for the seventh time, the other party finally answered.

"What's wrong? Why are you calling all of a sudden...?"

"Did you know that Yukino didn't come to school today?"

"Huh... I don't know..."

"I heard he wasn't feeling well."

I could tell that the other person held their breath instantly.

Actually, feeling unwell isn't a big deal, but considering Yukinoshita's recent condition and the fact that she lives alone, it's understandable that people are worried.

The other person took a light breath, as if making a firm decision.

"I'll go check it out right away."

She did say that.

"I'll be there too. How about we meet at the school gate?"

"Um."

After a brief conversation, I put my phone back in my pocket.

The sky outside was still bright, but the sun had already begun to set. It was probably dusk when I arrived at Yukinoshita's house.

× × ×

On the way to Yukinoshita's house, I barely spoke to Yuihama.

After we met at the school gate, Yuihama immediately asked how Yukinoshita was doing, but I couldn't answer that question either.

Yukinoshita lives in a skyscraper, a well-known upscale residential building in the area. Because it is an upscale residence, access is strictly controlled, and outsiders cannot easily enter the building.

We arrived at the main gate and first needed to contact Yukinoshita. Yuihama pressed the walkie-talkie at the Yukinoshita residence.

She had called and texted beforehand, but there was no response from Yukinoshita, so I was a little worried that there would be no one to answer when I got here.

Undeterred, Yuihama pressed the intercom button several more times.

Still not coming out...?

"Is she not home?"

"It's fine if she's not home, but what if she's so sick she can't get out of bed..."

Yuihama's thinking is far too pessimistic, but I can't just laugh it off right now.

After a while, Yuihama pressed the intercom button again.

Finally, the walkie-talkie emitted a hissing noise.

"……Hello?"

The sound under the snow was so faint that it was almost inaudible, and Yui rushed to the walkie-talkie.

"Yukino? It's Yui. Are you alright?"

"...Yeah, I'm fine, so..."

So? So what? She's not going to say, "So you'd better go back right now," is she?

"Anyway, open the door quickly."

"...Why...are you here too?"

She probably thought that Yui Hama was the only person outside, so she was startled when she heard my voice.

"I have something to talk to you about."

"...Please wait for me for ten minutes."

"understood."