My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong As Expected

We drank our wine in silence, appreciating the scene before us.

Just then, Hayama, who had been running around, noticed our gaze and walked over. The main character has to keep socializing; it must be exhausting…

"Thank you for your hard work. Thank you for helping us with the staff at the celebration banquet."

Yukino shook her head, indicating that it was nothing, and I nodded in agreement.

As I was pondering whether I should congratulate him on winning the championship, Hayama suddenly lowered his head.

"I'm sorry, many things have caused you trouble... such as that strange rumor."

Faced with his apology, Yukinoshita was momentarily speechless, unsure how to react. But that was only for a second; she immediately broke into a relaxed smile.

"It's not to the point of causing trouble."

Hayama returned a gentle smile, conveying silent gratitude. My unknown past was never mentioned again.

In contrast, Yukinoshita spoke of the future, accompanied by a deep sigh.

"Compared to that, things related to my sister seem to bother me more. I hope you'll stay further away from me in the future."

Yukinoshita placed her hand on her cheek, revealing a pure and lovely smile. Hayama, on the other hand, wore a sunny smile that showed off his white teeth.

"I will try my best to prevent things from getting that way."

"Although I don't have high hopes, please do your best."

Hehehe, hahaha, hollow laughter echoed between them. Ugh, how creepy! Those two's radiant smiles... they seem to have another meaning...

I couldn't help but turn my head and saw Yui and Isshiki waving at us from their seats inside. Yui put her hands to her mouth and called out in a low voice, "Yukino—"

"Under the snow, someone is calling you."

I gestured with my chin towards Yui and the others. Yukino glanced over there, her face slightly sour. It was probably because she saw Miura standing behind Yui with his arms crossed. She likely wanted to ask her about something related to Haruno.

Yukino sighed helplessly and gave me a faint, bitter smile.

"I'll be back in a bit. See you later."

I nodded and watched as Yukina walked away with weak steps.

Only Hayama and I were left at the bar.

We were both silent when the clinking of ice cubes suddenly broke the silence. Looking to the side, I saw Ye Shan shaking a glass. He pointed the glass at me.

"bring it on."

"Um."

The conversation was brief, without even a glance exchanged, and the glasses clinked roughly together.

Hayama took a small lick of the drink in the cup and exhaled a cold breath.

"You're telling me to stay away from her? What's the point of telling me that?"

"That's impossible. That person is extremely persistent."

"Yes, but I think part of the reason lies with you."

"Shut up, don't drag me into this. Men's jealousy is ugly."

"Ha, how dare you say such a thing..."

Hayama's words trailed off. His sudden silence was puzzling. Ugh, did I do something to upset Hayama...? I secretly observed his expression.

Ye Shan squinted, looking puzzled. But he wasn't looking at me. He was staring in surprise at the glass window in the shop door.

What's wrong? I stared intently too, and a mushroom-shaped object was faintly visible outside the window. Looking closer, I noticed that it was constantly moving up and down, which was quite irritating.

Could it be a jade rope...?

I was a bit insecure, so I decided to have a jade appraiser take a look, but she seemed to be mixing drinks. Oh well, since I'd already noticed, I had no choice but to go myself…

I raised one hand to Hayama and walked towards the door.

The shop door opened slowly, and the doorbell rang.

Yu Sheng paused, staring intently at me. As soon as he realized it was me, he angrily blew on his bangs. "Sorry, it's me."

"Um, this place is booked out for the whole day..."

"Is that so... I might not have seen the Instagram post..."

Yu Sheng quickly took out her phone to confirm. I peeked at it; this store's official account seems to prioritize aesthetics, with most posts featuring beautiful menus or photos of lively and outgoing female staff. I saw you liked the photo of that curly-haired female staff member…

"Ah, President."

Just then, the voice of that beautiful young female shop assistant—who always seemed so close yet became incredibly casual once they got to know each other—came from behind. Turning around, I saw Orimoto smiling flippantly and waving as he walked towards me.

"Sorry, this store is booked out for the whole day."

"It's alright. It's just that I'm not a good enough nomadic worker."

Yu Sheng laughed heartily… Is this guy a worker? I looked at Zhe Ben. Zhe Ben shrugged, giving a reaction that seemed to say, “I don’t know, maybe. I’m just guessing.” This guy is so casual… but this casual attitude is addictive…

Yu Sheng cleared her throat, seemingly bothered by our eye contact.

"See you tomorrow..."

Zheben clapped his hands halfway through his sentence.

"Oh, but I can probably make takeout for you. I think so."

"Oh, I see. Then, we'll use this..."

Yu Sheng took a water bottle out of her bag. No, it should be called an eco-friendly cup. An eco-friendly cup to prove that she cares about the environment.

"OK──"

Zheben casually took the eco-friendly cup and returned to the store.

So, only Yu Sheng and I were left at the door...

Wow... I should have gone back with you. Hmm... I miscalculated. Yu Sheng also seemed embarrassed, clearing her throat frequently.

Not long after, unable to bear the silence any longer, he took the initiative to start a conversation with me.

"You and Orimoto seem to be very close."

"No..."

Even though I denied it, Yu Sheng frowned and looked at me suspiciously. He stared at me for a while before finally speaking.

"...I have something I'd like to discuss with you—"

He was only halfway through his sentence when the loss came crashing down. Yu Sheng immediately shut her mouth, took out her card holder from her chest, and pulled out a card.

"Can you contact me?"

He whispered something in my ear, then quickly moved away from me, smiling as he faced Zheben. And so the two of them began to chat.

I looked at the card he gave me. Besides Yu Sheng's name, it also had his email address, social media account, and other information printed on it, which was what he called a business card.

I silently stuffed the ominous-smelling object into my pocket.

Okay, let's pretend we didn't see it and get back to work!

× × ×

After the banquet ended, a sense of loneliness lingered.

The unprecedented victory celebration banquet ended smoothly with everyone applauding and dispersing under the leadership of the Ministry of Revenue.

After the students left, only members of our Service Club and the Student Council, along with Zheben and the shop manager, remained in the shop. The only tasks left were cleaning up the premises and taking out the trash.

After cleaning the beverage area I was responsible for, I hummed a song as I put on my long coat, savoring the joy of finishing my work, and quickly headed for the back door.

I slowly turned the doorknob to avoid making a sound, and stepped outside to find myself under a starry winter sky.

I stretched lazily towards the sky.

Ah! It's over! Hooray! I'm free!

The image of silently shouting towards the sky above Makuhari Beach must resemble a famous movie.

The back door was completely silent, and no one passed through the alley. I looked up at the shops upstairs and the shared outdoor staircase, where an ashtray sat in the corner.

It seems this is a rest area for employees who smoke. I can understand their feelings. Having a cigarette while gazing at the stars after get off work must be very relaxing.

I plopped down right in the middle of the first step of the outdoor stairs, wanting to soak up the atmosphere.

Instead of cigarettes, I used a glass I'd borrowed from the shop. It contained my own non-alcoholic cocktail.

Drinking alone after get off work is such a pleasant and luxurious time.

Then, let me savor it carefully...

Just as I was about to raise my glass, the back door clicked open, revealing Yuihama struggling to take out the trash.

She yelled as she threw the garbage bag into the landfill, then rubbed her upper arms, shivering. It's so cold; she must be suffering without a coat.

A breath, tinged with amusement, escaped my lips. Hearing the sound, Yui turned around and noticed my presence.

"Hey, you autistic guy, are you slacking off?"

She spoke with a hint of teasing, and I deliberately put on a serious expression as I replied:

"How could that be? I'm just here to clean the smoking area, and I'll be back as soon as I'm done."

"You were clearly sitting down. That excuse won't work."

She waved her hand helplessly and walked slowly to the stairs.

"Um."

"what?"

Yuihama stood still in front of me, then pouted sullenly and gave a brief instruction.

"Excuse me."

"Ah, okay..."

As she instructed, I lifted my bottom and moved to the side to make room. Yui Hama sat down directly there.

"Give me half."

She kept tugging at my long coat. Hey, stop doing that…

"It's okay, you can wear the whole thing."

"Need not."

I tried to take off my coat, but Yui stopped me. In the end, only the right sleeve was removed, and Yui crawled under the coat.

"It's so warm..."

Yuihama exhaled white smoke.

Instead of putting on her coat, she draped it over her right shoulder, her left shoulder pressed against my arm, stealing my body heat.

Uh, it's okay... Actually, it is, but she looked so cold, so there was nothing I could do... It's so embarrassing. It's beyond shameful...

I turned my head away shyly, the glass in my hand sloshing around.

What are you drinking?

"My original non-alcoholic cocktail, Kaluwa MAX."

"Oh──"

Yuihama seemed uninterested, bringing her face close to the glass to smell it, looking puzzled.

"I think I've smelled that scent before."

Her eyes lit up, her intellectual curiosity seeming to say, "You'll know once you drink it!" Well, I haven't drunk it yet... I mentally reassured myself, handing her the cup.

Yuihama thanked him in a low voice and took a sip.

"It tastes pretty good? What's this flavor?"

"Maple syrup. Adding it to MAX coffee enhances the aroma and highlights the original milky flavor of MAX coffee. This is a non-alcoholic cocktail that I invented, inspired by Kaluwa liqueur."

I thought I'd made a pretty good drink. Since it was my proudest creation, I inadvertently started talking, and Yui smiled knowingly.

"This style suits you so well."

"Right?"