My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 469

To absolutely avoid making mistakes, to absolutely avoid failure, I carefully selected the words I believed to be correct.

"I feel... whether it's feelings or a relationship, trying to accurately call it something is a bit off. I feel that trying to define it is definitely problematic. So..."

I kept weaving together what I was saying, trying to find the words that were closest to the answer.

The surrounding noise seemed to vanish, and the sound of fireworks gradually faded into the distance.

Despite my stammering, Yuihama just nodded silently, staring straight at me and listening quietly to my embarrassing words.

This silence seemed to be filled with her gentleness and tolerance.

This made me feel relaxed and happy.

It's always been like this.

We have always been redeemed by Yuihama's gentleness, always depended on her, and relied on her.

However, I don't know if this is correct. While it's enjoyable, I'm not confident enough to call it the real thing. Things that have been concealed and avoided are probably even more perplexing to be confronted face-to-face like this.

"...So, that's probably why I think no matter what I say, I'll probably go wrong somewhere."

Fireworks burst in the sky, illuminating her slightly moist eyes, her sad lips, and her lonely smile, leaving a deep impression on my mind.

I managed to squeeze out some words, as if thinking that doing so would ease the pain in my chest.

"But one day... I'll tell you properly. Just a little bit more..."

"I won't wait any longer."

Yui's trembling voice interrupted me. Her expression, biting her lip, looked somewhat distorted. As if to hide her tears, Yui turned her back to me.

I heard a sound of breathing that seemed to shatter my own emotions, and I didn't say anything more than what I had already said.

What's truly embarrassing is that, up until this point, I couldn't do anything.

Seeing me like this, what was she thinking? Although I wasn't cold, a shiver ran down my spine, and I looked at Yuihama with trepidation.

Yuihama's back heaved as she took a few deep breaths, then she stood on tiptoe and turned toward me.

"Because I can't wait any longer... I have to go."

She spoke slowly, in a tone much more mature than usual. Her large eyes were brimming with tears, shimmering with light as she trembled slightly.

"So, this time... no, no matter how many times, I'll say it! Because this is who I am!"

She said, "Wearing this smile that I've been witnessing all along, the smile that I've been unconsciously chasing."

Something was churning and churning in my chest, and although I could barely laugh, I managed to put on a contorted face and try my best to answer her.

"That's right..."

Yes, that's right.

Yui smiled sheepishly at my vague and meaningless additions. We're always having these kinds of conversations; we're really not growing at all.

In other words, perhaps this is the distance between us, and the way we stumble forward. As time goes by, little by little, we will correct our mistakes and constantly reaffirm them.

The figures illuminated by the fireworks in the night sky flickered faster and faster.

Finally, a stunning, magnificent golden shower poured down, illuminating the coastline.

"...Will we come back here again?"

"It definitely will."

A murmur, seemingly directed at the night sky, received a whispered reply.

"Then, it's a date."

As she said this, Yui extended her little finger.

The sky and water were enveloped in a dazzling golden light, which tinged the delicate little finger of Yuihama, which seemed about to be damaged if she were to grasp it rashly, with a faint color.

With this worry in mind, I gently hooked my little finger onto it.

"...Well, that day will come eventually."

Yes, it will happen.

Our little fingers are intertwined like this.

As if to confirm the words and smiles we had exchanged, our hands were tied together.

postscript

Good evening, I'm working right now.

It has truly been a long time, and this series, which began with "a," has finally come to an end with the "r" chapter. I am deeply sorry to all the readers who have waited so long. It's all my fault, and I feel ashamed to face anyone. In my limited time, I finally managed to finish this work.

Therefore, the following is a postscript.

A, n, o, t, h, e, r—the title, when put together, surprisingly forms an English word! Although I have a Level 2 English proficiency certificate, I have absolutely no idea what it means!

When the initial letters appear one by one in a seemingly random fashion, it's difficult to discern their meaning. Initially, a multitude of words can be derived from the first letter. It's like how each company's employees might simply be slaves to their own company, but when combined, they form a cog in the machine; and if you mesh these cogs, the company becomes a black market operation.

However, the way employees of so-called "black market" companies meet or connect with each other will vary from person to person. How their current situation changes will also change their eventual fate. When you first join a company, you might expect to work from 10 am to 6 pm, but before you realize it, you've become a permanent employee, at your own discretion by your own company under a flexible labor system, paid a fixed monthly salary! This is a more viable proposition than most other companies, I believe! A sudden change in a company is usually quite terrifying for most people.

That's why I keep muttering, "We were on that day, at that time, in that place..." trying to chase after that sliver of a dream that still holds a chance. But I think that no matter how I rearrange it, some things won't change. Perhaps that's what they call human nature. If that's the case, what exactly have they changed, and what haven't changed?

First, we cannot limit our considerations to the present, focusing solely on things that will or will not change. If we shift our timeline forward, things we thought would never change may easily change.

So, with that feeling in mind, I wrote and presented "My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected."

Now, I'll take out my notebook and, as usual, write down my thoughts on the Oregairu anime. I've poured my mixed thoughts, a blend of truth and falsehood, into my reviews of episodes 12 and 13! These are just my personal opinions! If I say this beforehand, wouldn't it be as if I can write anything I want? That's possible!

First, there's episode twelve, "The Answer He's Seeking Hasn't Been Touched Yet, the Real Thing Keeps Going Wrong." At the very beginning, the restless Haruno makes her appearance. Haruno's words and her very existence are a mixture of malice, jest, and emptiness; occasionally, we can glimpse the question, "What is it that she's seeking?" This scene certainly fits that description.

After Hachiman and Haruno's somewhat unsettling conversation, the story begins, and it's truly healing. We all want to be healed, right? But, Tobe is so noisy… Ooka is so noisy too… Miura is so cute… especially when she makes those tsk-tsk sounds, she's absolutely adorable! This is definitely a happy and carefree time; Hachiman remembering Isshiki's birthday is like a data enthusiast, and the rivalry between Kawa and Miura is also very healing.

Speaking of which, I'm only just noticing now that Kawa-something's clothes are a bit too revealing at the chest? Oh no! This kid is so erotic! The expression she made when she was talking about cooking taro was both erotic and cute, and her younger sister is a little girl. Also, if Tamaki-something's hands could move more, it would be very therapeutic. The person completely opposite to this atmosphere is Haruno-san's actions.

Every time she appears, certain problems are brought to the surface… What is this, a romantic comedy? Oh, right, this work is actually a romantic comedy. They probably forgot all about the preparations for meetings and events.

Unlike Yukino and her two companions, who were swayed by Haruno's words, Haruno herself seemed to be enjoying herself. However, there was an underlying sense of loneliness in Hiratsuka-sensei's words as she watched all this. In this extremely unsettling scene, Haruno appeared, and perhaps the question she posed is the core of this season's anime. Then, suddenly appearing before Hachiman and the others was Yukinoshita's mother. Speaking of which, her way of speaking wasn't harsh enough? When I was in elementary school, when I went to my friend's house, ○○-san's mother would tell me, "Horse-kun, it's about time you went home, or your family will worry (hurry up and go home, you brat)."

In any case, the core elements of the second season of the anime have been laid bare here in one go.

This is probably the issue of "self"—how we perceive ourselves and how others expect us to be—and these shapes who we become. Once they gain a sense of self, once they are certain they will confront the issues they have been avoiding, the relationship between the three of them cannot remain unaffected, because they will all dare to say what they want to say.

This leads to the question raised at the end of episode 13, "Spring, beneath the falling, piled-up snow, comes together, sprouts and buds." What's wrong with this work?! It was just a lighthearted youth comedy, and suddenly it's become so heavy! Didn't Yui's mother say everyone should get along well?! We can't forget that feeling, you know.

The lines and monologues in this work often seem meaningless on the surface.

While dialogue and words are indeed important elements, the warmth and unspoken emotions conveyed in these lines and monologues are also essential to the story. Therefore, it's probably quite normal to feel something is off as you read further.

Besides this, the animation's facial expressions, camera transitions, and storyboard selection are all very important, demanding a very high level of acting and performance. To the voice actors and staff, I can't express my gratitude enough. To all the readers and viewers, please enjoy this Blu-ray.

Finally, let's go on a date! This is the rest of Chiba's love story. Recalling their initial conversation, their initial request. And then, their final conversation, their final request. Where will their story lead...? Please witness it with your own eyes! Just like the usual clichés in game walkthroughs, it's finally time to end. I'm truly grateful for meeting you all. I would be happy to have the chance to talk to you like this again if I ever have the chance.

Then, let's meet again!

One day in March, I was enjoying cherry blossoms while sipping MAX coffee.

Travel

Volume 12 Interlude…

The Taiwanese version is from the Kingdom of Light

Image source: Light Novel Kingdom Entry Team

Scanned by: Naztar (LKID: wdr550)

Entered by: Naztar (LKID: wdr550)

A long silence followed.

Emotions can't keep up with excited voices. There might not even be any logic in what they say.

If what is said is not meaningful, it is no different from saying nothing at all.

Therefore, it's fine to call this period of time a period of silence.

The sky and sea, which were dyed crimson by the setting sun just moments before, have now turned deep blue.

The fine snow falling from the sky was absorbed by the long shadows cast on the ground and slowly disappeared.

Then the streetlights came on, and the shadows stretched out in all directions, their colors fading and their original shapes gradually disintegrating.

Some say it might take a long time to talk.

I don't know who said that. Maybe it was me.

Although the person didn't say anything more, the meaning was clear without being spoken. I didn't object, ending with a smile and a nod.

Actually, I really want to blame myself: "Why am I still running away now?"

I blame myself for being more at ease with this than anyone else.

Even if it adds a little more time, it won't bring any more hope.

However, I know that a definite answer would lead to an empty ending.

That's why we should say that answer.

You won't understand if you don't speak it out. And even if you do speak it out, it won't be conveyed.

That's why we should say that answer.

Even though I know that choice will inevitably lead to regret.

Honestly—

I don't want cold, cruel things that only bring sadness.

Volume 12, Part 1: And so, the seasons changed, and the snow melted.

I'm used to cold weather.

I've never left this place or lived in this city since I was born, and the cold weather isn't something that's only been happening for a short time. So I've always thought that winter in Chiba is like this.

The dry air, the biting wind, and the chill that creeps up your spine from your feet are annoying, but not to the point of being utterly repulsive.

Rather, I feel that this has become a familiar feeling, a matter of course.

In short, cold and heat are merely differences in degree, depending on whether one has experienced environments far exceeding current standards. In other words, without experiencing how cold winters are in other places, there is naturally no basis for comparison.

So if I had to say, I'm not used to warmth, and I've never experienced any other kind of warmth.

For example, a warm, white breath blown onto frozen fingertips—

Or perhaps it's the sound of a scarf gently tugged with gloves, or the rustling of a coat—

And the thighs that accidentally touch when sitting side by side on a bench—

The warmth emanating from those around me—

The temperature made me uneasy. I shifted my body slightly, keeping a fist's distance from Yukina and Yui sitting on either side of me.

There was no one else in the seaside park at night except for the three of us. Looking up at the sky, the two skyscrapers under the snow stood there.

The seaside park area is separated from the commercial district in front of the station by a short road. Just across the main road, you enter a quiet residential area. Although located by the sea, thanks to the trees planted nearby that serve both sand-blocking and aesthetic purposes, the sea breeze isn't too cold.

Even so, probably because there were no other people around and the ground was covered in snow, I still felt the chill of winter very strongly.

The date remains February 14th.

This day is Valentine's Day, the day for dried fish, and also the day my younger sister Komachi takes the entrance exam for my high school—Sobu High School.

Also, it was the day we went to the aquarium together.

Although the light snow that lasted from noon to evening did not accumulate deeply, traces of snow could still be seen on the grass and fences.

I've heard that snow absorbs sound.

I don't think that much snow would absorb sound. However, the three of us did remain silent, simply listening to each other's breathing and gazing at the quiet night.

A thin layer of silvery-white snow reflected the moonlight and streetlights. For the time of day, the surroundings were quite bright. If the streetlights here were still the old-fashioned silver fluorescent lights, the atmosphere would likely be even colder.

However, the white snow reflected the orange light, making it look even a little warm.

Even so, the snow will melt away if touched slightly.

The unrealistic warm light made me realize that the snow falling into the sea under the setting sun was not an illusion.

This light testifies to the fact that it snowed, and to the existence of this day. It also tells us that such evidence will be lost with the slightest temperature difference and the passage of time.