My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

Page 59

For Totsuka's tennis match—she must have been referring to that.

I was really going all out for Totsuka back then. What could I do? He was just so cute! I remember Totsuka's trembling body looked like a Chihuahua, so I guess that counts as liking dogs.

To be precise, I actually prefer Totsuka. Is that too much of a preference?

This is giving me a headache... I scratched my head, and then I felt Yukinoshita pushing my shoulder.

"Could we please move forward quickly?"

"Ah, oh."

Urged on by her, I passed through the simple gate that read "Woof Woof Zone".

This corner is filled with cages, the size of two or three pet shops put together.

There were a lot of people visiting, and the puppies were really popular.

Chihuahua, Miniature Dachshund, Shiba Inu, Corgi... In addition to these popular small dogs, there are also well-known breeds such as Labrador, Golden Retriever, Beagle, Bulldog, etc.

The dogs on display here are all excellent breeds bred by breeders. Each of them has a remarkable background, such as winning competition championships, being nominated by conferences, winning awards at the World Food Quality Evaluation Conference, and having excellent designs...all of which are obvious at a glance.

After entering the puppy exhibit, Yukino stopped speaking and became so quiet that I wondered if she had stopped breathing.

When everyone around is bustling and one person remains silent, they attract a lot of attention. No, it should be said that the surroundings are just too noisy, especially that woman who keeps pressing the camera shutter and shouting.

...Wait, that looks like Hiratsuka-sensei. Let's pretend we didn't see her. Teacher, it's a rare holiday, please go on a date with me...

Anyway, the cat exhibit is just beyond here. Just as I was about to quicken my pace, Yukinoshita let out a soft "Ah."

We found a corner called "trimming".

"Hmm? Will they help with photo editing?"

"No, they help dogs groom their fur and restore its shine; in a broader sense, you could call it grooming."

Beauty... *GROOMING UP* (Note 22: A Japanese manga about raising racehorses, by Yuukimasami. Watari Ranch is one of the main settings in the manga and also the heroine's home.)? A masterpiece.

"I thought of the four sisters at Watari Ranch," Yukinoshita said helplessly as she continued to explain.

"Basically, it's a pet grooming salon."

"Huh? There's such a place? That's incredibly luxurious. Could the Fifth Shogun (Note 23 refers to Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, who issued the 'Edict of Compassion for Living Beings.' This edict was originally intended to curb the indiscriminate killing of dogs during the Sengoku period, but Tsunayoshi later even ordered the construction of dog houses, the hiring of people to protect dogs, and the hiring of people to treat dogs, which sparked public resentment) also live there?"

"They not only offer beauty treatments there, but also etiquette training classes. Would you like to take one?"

I was naturally treated like a dog. Anyway, I'm used to it, it doesn't matter.

Just as we were chatting idly, a long-haired miniature dachshund, having just finished grooming, was yawning and wandering around. Hey, where did its owner go?

"Shortcake, wait a minute! Oh no, the collar is broken!"

The miniature dachshund, which was free, heard its owner's voice, looked back, and then simply ignored it.

It dashed towards the exit—which was in our direction—like a rabbit. It was clearly a dog…

"H-Hachiman, that dog..."

Yukinoshita was panicked and didn't know what to do. Her eyes darted around, and her hands waved frantically.

...It's rare to see her react like this, and I find it rather amusing, so I can just leave the dog alone. However, it would be troublesome if it caused a disturbance.

"Hey."

I grabbed the dog by the neck. My cat, who hates me, always runs off, and I honed this skill to catch it by force. I'm quite adept at hunting these kinds of animals.

The dachshund looked pitiful, but as soon as it looked up and saw me, it started sniffing around and then excitedly licked my fingers, which startled me. I couldn't help but let go of the dog.

"Wow, it's all wet..."

"Oh, you idiot! If you let go, it will..."

"I can't believe it," Yukino said anxiously. But the dog didn't run away. Instead, it stayed close to my feet, slowly rolled over to expose its belly, and kept panting with its tongue lolling out.

Is this dog... being too affectionate with me?

"Huh? This dog..."

Hiding behind me in the snow, I secretly observed the dachshund. It wasn't a scary animal.

"Short pastries~~ I'm so sorry! My short pastries have caused you trouble~~"

At that moment, the dachshund's owner ran over, picked it up, and bowed deeply to apologize to me, the bun tied to his head swaying as he did so.

"Oh, it's Yuihama-san."

"Huh?" The dog owner looked up in surprise upon hearing Yukinoshita's voice. Judging from her hairstyle, voice, and attitude, it was definitely Yuigahama Yui.

"X-Xiao Yukino?"

Then, she looked at me like a robot.

"Huh? Hmm? An autistic guy? And Yukino too?"

Yuihama was confused, looking back and forth between the two of us, and frequently making "Eh, eh" sounds.

"Hi."

“Ah, um…”

An awkward silence fell between us. Oh my god, it was so embarrassing…

In this eerie atmosphere, the puppy that Yuihama was holding barked.

I was startled by the snow. Although she didn't hide behind me, she leaned slightly closer. I suppose she intended to use me as a shield should she encounter danger.

"Ah... um, that..."

Yui gently stroked the puppy's head, her gaze shifting between me and Xuexia, probably trying to gauge the distance between us.

"What a coincidence to see you here."

As soon as Yukinoshita spoke, Yuihama's body trembled.

"Y-yes. Yukino... how come she's with that autistic guy? It's kind of strange that you two are together..."

Perhaps because they hadn't seen each other for several days, Yuihama's attitude towards Yukinoshita was a bit distant. She didn't look directly at her, but instead held the puppy tightly to her chest.

We met by chance, so there's no need for a reason. Yukino and I exchanged a glance and answered almost simultaneously:

"There's no reason why—"

At that moment, Yuihama interrupted us.

"Ah, no need, no need! It's okay, nothing's wrong... When two people go out together during their vacation, of course they'll do *that* kind of thing... Oh right, how come I didn't notice? I should be pretty good at reading the room..."

Yuihama squinted her eyes, forced a smile, and let out a dry "hahaha" laugh.

Did she have some strange misunderstanding, thinking I was dating Yukinoshita? No, no, with just a little thought, I know that's impossible. But, it's also hard to say "we're not actually dating," it's just too self-conscious and goes against my aesthetics.

It's all a misunderstanding, it's not true at all. Since that's the case, as long as I know it in my own heart, it doesn't matter what others think... Besides, the more you try to clear up a misunderstanding, the deeper it often becomes, so I've already given up.

"Woof~" The puppy in Yuihama's arms looked up at its owner and let out a lonely whimper. "It's okay..." Yuihama gently stroked its head and whispered to it.

"Well, then, I'll be going now..."

"Yuhihama-san."

As Yuihama looked down at her feet and was about to leave, Yukino called out to her.

Her voice stood out clearly amidst the noise, as if all other sounds had receded to the side, leaving only her voice to reach our ears. Yuihama's previously lowered gaze naturally shifted to Yukinoshita.

"I'd like to discuss our matter, so could you come to the club office on Monday?"

"...Ah, hahaha...I probably don't want to hear it...At this point, there's no point in listening to those words anymore, there's nothing I can do..."

Her voice was soft, and she wore a troubled smile, but her refusal was very clear.

Yukinoshita was disappointed by her attitude, and her gaze lowered somewhat. I suddenly had the illusion that the noise around me had become even louder.

Then, Yukinoshita selected words and phrases in her mind, weaving them together little by little.

"...That's just my personality, I'm not good at expressing myself...but I still want to have a good talk with you."

"……Um."

Yui responded in an ambiguous, noncommittal manner. She glanced at Yukinoshita with a hint of suspicion, then immediately looked away, turned, and walked away. We watched her walk away in silence.

Only after her slightly hunched figure disappeared into the crowd did I ask Yukinoshita, who was standing beside me:

"What do you want to say to Yuigahama?"

Do you know what day June 18th is?

Yukino looked up at me and posed the question. Because her face suddenly loomed close, I instinctively took a half-step back.

"Hmm...at least it's not a holiday."

Seeing that I couldn't figure it out, she proudly puffed out her chest and announced the answer:

"Yuigahama's birthday... I'm guessing."

"Oh...wait, you 'guessed' it?"

"That's right. Her email account contains the number 0618, so that's my guess."

"Didn't you ask her directly...?"

Yukino's communication skills are truly remarkable.

"I want to celebrate Yuihama's birthday. Even if she won't be coming to the Service Club anymore... I still want to thank her for everything she has done so far."

Yukino lowered her eyes slightly and said somewhat embarrassedly.

"oh……"

Yukinoshita's personality is such, and her abilities are as powerful as a high-end computer, so she has long been surrounded by the jealousy and anger of others. For her, Yui is undoubtedly a new friend. I believe her gratitude towards Yui is genuine. Although she occasionally hints at giving up, she probably really doesn't want to lose this friendship.

Ah... the reason is indeed because of what I said to Yuihama.

I glanced at Yukinoshita with a hint of guilt. She noticed my gaze and turned away awkwardly. Sigh, she'd probably say something like "Don't look at me" or "I'm really uncomfortable" again. I decided to look away before she could speak, and coughed a few times, my face flushed.

"Hikigaya-kun..."

"what?"

I turned around and saw Yukino clutching her chest, nervously swallowing, and looking up with her moist eyes to hide her pink cheeks.

The moment our eyes met, even I started to get nervous.

She managed to squeeze out a weak voice and said:

"Could you... spend some time with me?" (Note 24: The word "付き合ぅ" in the original text has the meanings of both "accompanying" and "dating".)

"……What?"

Volume 3, Part 4: Komachi Hikigaya is known for coming up with all sorts of ingenious ideas.

Sunday.

After several days of continuous rain, the sun finally reappeared. Today was the day I went out with Yukino.

It's almost 10 a.m. now, and I'm wondering if I'm a little too early. It seems that that unprecedented event has made me waver.

Yukino actually asked me to accompany her...

What should I do? Should I really just reject her...? My mind was a complete mess then, all because of what Yukinoshita said. I never expected Yukinoshita to say something like that, and that's why I lost my ability to make sound judgments. That must be it.

Ughhhhh! I covered my head, suppressing the urge to scream. Just then, I heard voices behind me.

"Sorry for the wait."

Yukino Yukinoshita, accompanied by a cool breeze, slowly walked towards us.

She wore a light blue sleeveless top with a stand-up collar, and her black hair, which was unusually tied up, bounced in front of her chest like a scarf. Her skirt, which was shorter than her knees, also swayed with her steps.

"...I...I didn't wait very long either."

"Oh? That's good. Let's get going."

She picked up her wicker handbag and looked around, searching for the person she was looking for.

"Komachi's going to the convenience store, let's wait a bit."

"Hmm... but I feel a little bad about having her come out with us on the weekend..."

"There's no way around it. If it's just the two of us going to pick out Yuihama's birthday present, we probably won't get anything good. Anyway, Komachi is quite happy."

"That's good……"