My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 444

Originally, I asked the two of them to go out so that I could have a proper talk with Hayama. I can understand them wanting to confirm the results.

However, my conversation with Hayama didn't go well. I was reluctant to tell the truth, but lying wouldn't change anything. So I shrugged and told the truth.

"Nothing...nothing that can help solve the problem."

They said quite a lot of completely useless things.

It's not important if it's useless, since they didn't even explain how to solve the problem.

It wasn't even a proper dialogue; it was just that words were spoken from each person's mouth, without knowing who they were addressing.

Even if I told Yukinoshita about these fragmented conversations, she wouldn't understand. Not just me, probably even Hayama himself wouldn't understand.

Therefore, only a general result was given.

Even so, is that enough for Yukinoshita? She put her hand on her chin and began to consider.

"Yeah……"

I nodded slightly, and Yukino sighed softly.

"Should I be the one to talk to them..."

The words spoken with head bowed were almost inaudible. However, the content could not be ignored. Therefore, the tone of voice unconsciously shifted to one of reproach as soon as the mouth opened.

"Isn't this the opposite of what we just said? The rumors aren't just about Yui Hama, they're about you too. Making contact so easily isn't a good thing."

"...Yes...that's exactly why..."

Yukinoshita kept her head down, her shoulders slumped in dejection. Judging from this gesture, she spoke with a clear understanding of the meaning behind her words.

She wanted to take the risk alone, to make the mistake happen, and to focus the rumors on herself.

There are several rumors circulating about Hayama. One rumor is that he's dating Yukino Yukinoshita. Another is that he's dating Yui Yuigahama. Yet another is that due to Hayama Hayato's relationships with women, he's facing a potential love triangle, and so on.

It is precisely because rumors have multiple directions that they appear ambiguous. Ironically, it is precisely because of this uncertainty, emphasizing the unclear and ambiguous aspects of the rumors, that no one has suffered decisive harm.

Even so, there are no major problems, but there are still quite a few bad things and rumors that I want to ignore.

Because it's a vague rumor, people have embellished it at will, which is why we're in the current situation.

Therefore, Hayama, Yukinoshita, and Yuigahama are all unable to act. If any major action is taken, it will become a fait accompli.

They can always find an excuse to attack your behavior: Why don't you dare to stand up and clarify things directly? Are you hiding something? If you're innocent, why are you afraid of rumors?

But if you stand up and clarify, they will say you are putting on a show, pretending, and trying to cover up the truth.

Selfishness adds fuel to the fire.

As soon as more gossipy information comes out, people's interest shifts instantly. Once attention is focused on one person, their concern for others diminishes.

That's what "Under the Snow" means.

However, this approach is unacceptable. At the very least, I cannot allow her, who once criticized my style, to do such a thing.

"...What if it's rejected?"

After I finished speaking, Yukinoshita finally raised her head.

"...I knew you would say that."

Then, she chuckled softly. The previous vulnerable expression was gone, replaced by her usual competitive smile.

"It's alright. It was just something I considered as one approach."

"If that's the case, then it's fine..."

"Hmm... However, if this situation continues for too long, I wouldn't mind using..."

As she spoke, Yukinoshita glanced worriedly toward the door. Yuihama had just finished her call and, noticing Yukinoshita's gaze, waved and walked over.

A few days ago, Yukinoshita, based on her own experience, pointed out that Yuihama was definitely in danger of being talked about behind her back. In fact, I also saw the tip of the iceberg during PE class.

Therefore, Yukinoshita was eager to solve the problem, which is why she said what she just said.

Yukinoshita looked at Yuihama with gentle eyes. Her eyes were full of loving kindness; Yuihama sometimes wore the same look.

Although the two looked strikingly different, they also shared some similarities, which made me smile.

My laughter probably upset her, because Yukinoshita gave me a sharp look.

"……What's wrong?"

"No, it's nothing. Anyway, I think I should talk to Hayama."

I quickly covered up my slip of the tongue. Yukino looked at me with some concern:

"Really?... But... can you talk?"

Conversation is no problem, okay? Um, don't look at it that way, Japanese is my native language! Pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar are all fine. It's just that I lack confidence in my communication skills…

"That's the most important thing..."

After making those sarcastic remarks, Yukinoshita smiled silently.

However, it wasn't just some fallacious reasoning. Looking at Yukinoshita and Yuigahama, he found a glimmer of hope, which is why he said those things.

Even if they are completely different, as long as the fundamental parts are similar, there must be something in common.

In that case, even if we can't be like those two, we should be, at least so that dialogue is possible.

Although the innermost contents are different, gentleness and trouble are completely different.

Thinking about it, Yui returned to her seat.

"I'm so sorry, I'm so sorry. I'll text Hayato-kun right away!"

No, that's not necessary.

Upon hearing this, Yui blinked in surprise.

"Eh? Why?"

"Thinking about it, I'm not used to talking on the phone. I can't see the other person's expression either... so, it's better to meet in person and talk."

So she took out 1000 yen from her wallet, placed it on the table, and prepared to get up and leave. Yukinoshita said with a mischievous smile.

"I remember you don't have that kind of personality where you're so good at reading other people's expressions, do you?"

"Didn't you know? Nonverbal communication accounts for more than half of all communication. Eye contact and attitude are even more important!"

No wonder you're so bad at communicating!

After answering, Yukinoshita picked up her teacup and said with a refreshing expression, "Hmm—is that what you mean? Are you mocking my deadpan expression...?"

As I stared at Yukinoshita with rotting eyes, Yuihama beside me muttered to herself in thought. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she looked at me and said:

"...So, you mean, telepathy?"

No, that's not it...

Act III

Leaving the restaurant, I slowly rode my bicycle, lost in thought.

The rumors, Yeshan's affairs, their affairs, and my affairs.

I still don't understand their situation.

You need more experience to find the answer.

Even so, regarding his matter—

I've accumulated some experience without even realizing it, so even though it's still a bit vague, I've seen similar answers.

Defining our relationship simply as classmates or acquaintances is difficult. But calling us friends feels entirely different. Yet, our relationship isn't good; there are just too many things neither of us is willing to compromise on.

However, calling them "others" is too familiar.

So, if I had to say something...

Tongshi.

Perhaps this word would be more appropriate.

Colleagues who have similarities, and colleagues who are completely different.

In that case, there should still be room for dialogue between him, Hachiman Hikigaya, and Hayato Hayama.

They should have given up on the conversation a long time ago. They should have already confirmed that they couldn't understand each other.

However, trying to understand this point in the first place is a mistake. There's no need for mutual understanding in the first place.

There was no understanding between me and that guy.

Only interests and disadvantages.

What we should be doing is not dialogue, but peace talks. We should negotiate and reach an agreement with each other.

In that case, we need to find a suitable place and think about what conditions I want to propose and what concessions I want to get from the other party.

In this crucial battleground where escape is not an option, and with neither Hayama nor I able to look away, we must use clear language this time.

Let's have our first proper conversation.

○With a dashing air, Hayama Hayato ran away.

The park, where the marathon started, was bustling with first and second graders. The boys' race route began here, running along the seaside sidewalk to Mihama Bridge, and then back the same way.

The race was incredibly long. For Hachiman, who's terrible at math, anything larger than 3 was considered "a lot"!

Well, for me personally, no matter how many kilometers away it is, what I need to do will not change.

Upon hearing the command to line up, we slowly and reluctantly began to queue behind the starting line.

Like a hagfish, I slipped and slid, blending into the crowd at the front. Surprisingly, everyone readily made room for me. Why? It must be because I'm so slippery, right?

It's just an intramural marathon. Not a particularly significant event, and it won't affect performance. Being forced to run in the cold probably doesn't inspire much enthusiasm.

Except for one person.

Hayama, who is expected to defend his title, shouldn't produce a poor result. Clearly, no one will allow him to slack off.

Hayama stood at the very front of the starting line, a few people away from me. It was like the pole position in a race car.

Hayama stretched out his body there, and the girls who were waiting to witness the moment of departure cheered.

The girls' competition started 30 minutes after the boys'. Before that, they seemed to cheer on the boys the whole time.

Hayama waved slightly in the direction of the cheers. Ahead of him was Miura, who had distanced himself from the girls who were laughing and joking.

Miura, standing next to the girls, seemed a little timid, only glancing slightly in their direction. Beside her stood Ebina and Yui, while Yukinoshita stood a step further away.

At that moment, Isshiki also walked over with a clattering sound.

Isshiki noticed Miura and greeted her. Miura nodded slightly in return. Isshiki glanced back and forth between Miura and Hayama, letting out a fearless hum-hum laugh.

Then she covered her mouth with her hand and made a loud noise.

"Good luck, Hayama-senpai! ...Oh, and senpai too!"

Hearing this, Hayama waved to her with a wry smile, and for some reason, Keibu, who was a little further away, responded with a spirited "Oh—".

"No, no, I wasn't talking to the senior official in the Ministry of Revenue."

As Isshiki spoke, she waved her hand lightly as if saying "no, no." Miura looked at her silently, then took a deep breath as if making a decision, and exhaled with a sound.

"Hayabusa, Hayato... Go, go for it!"

Her voice, which sounded somewhat cautious, was so soft it seemed to be instantly drowned out by the surrounding cheers. Nevertheless, Ye Shan silently raised his hand to her, and as expected, gave her a gentle smile.

Miura stared at him blankly, silently nodding in agreement.

Isshiki, standing next to them, looked at the two with a satisfied expression before turning to us.

"...Good luck, senior too!"

This time it looks like they're talking to me.

Oh, oh... why won't that guy call my name...? Does he not remember...? As I was thinking this, I stared blankly as Yui took a small step forward.

Then, Yuihama also waved her hand loudly.

"Go, go!"

Perhaps because she was a little self-conscious about her surroundings, her voice was much more restrained than Isshiki's, but it still carried clearly to me... Thank goodness, she didn't call my name. Her hesitation at times like this really made me feel uneasy.

To express my gratitude subtly, I tried raising my hand to her, and Yuihama clenched her fist in a salute. Then, I met Yukinoshita's gaze beside me.