Volume E Afterword

Volume E Afterword

Good evening, I am currently doing my work.

We have been together for quite a long time. From the A series, to the finally now arrival of Volume E. In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, I present to you, the 6th book in this series.

「a」「n」「o」「t」「h」…Eh? I wonder what the next letter will be… I have no idea at all!

Well, though I pretend to not know it at all, I suppose it’s pretty unfair, seeing as I am an adult. The following is something based on my own experiences, and it may not apply to everyone, but when I was young, I always thought it was way better to ‘pretend not to know’ than to ‘pretend to know’.

I always had the feeling that those who pretend to know are just trying to cover up their own ignorance and shallowness. Well, I am young anyway so I do the same as well! I say things like “I know, I know” about five times each day!

Anyway, phrases that depict you knowing your own ignorance.

That’s why adults will say, “Huh? I don’t know about that. Didn’t hear about it. Even if you tell me now, I am not sure if I can really meet the deadline.” Adults will say those sort of things to use as excuses to cut off the conversation right there and then. Adults are so unfair!

However, even though you can skip doing things when you pretend not to know, people will also find it strange if you say you know. No matter how I think of it, you will always land yourself into deep trouble. Now let me see, how will he extricate himself from the mess he has gotten into?

It is with this feeling in mind that I wrote this book, My Youth Romantic Comedy is Wrong as Expected Volume E.

Now then, time to devote some pages to the review corner as usual. And of course, I feel it is quite appropriate now to take a look at the 10th and 11th episode of the TV Anime.

Whether you are a LN reader, a viewer, or maybe even the original producer of this work, it’s just one person’s personal thought! So just treat it as that and don’t take it too much to heart.

So, let’s start with the 10th episode, “The Thing That the Light in Each of Their Hands Shines On.”

Previously, we see the actions that Isshiki Iroha took. Tobe was amongst the first to notice Iroha. Hachiman goes by himself to where Hayama is. This is probably what Hachiman refers to when he talks about how people conduct themselves. A power-balance on the surface. On the surface, Isshiki Iroha looks to be depressed and hurt after having been rejected. Originally, Hachiman would have walked to the two of them, but this is not the case. The reason could be said that just because Hayama appears to be the one on the “strong side” (having rejected Iroha), it doesn’t mean that he isn’t a victim as well. Under such circumstances, Hachiman as an outsider has no way of knowing whatever went on, and so does not do so. Hachiman is just not someone who goes around helping the “weak,” nor is he anyone’s mouthpiece. If I were to express it even more clearly, I would say that Hikigaya is not the hero that people would think he is. That is nothing more than an illusion. Hikigaya is a simple, cynical guy, and towards things he doesn’t like, he was merely making a few passing remarks towards Hayama.

Of course, the object of his displeasure is Hayama Hayato. How many times has it been up until now where we have been comparing Hayama and Hachiman? Amongst these many times, we know that both of them are fragments of humans. We also know that in the second season of the anime, quite a bit of it has been focusing on the dynamics of others around him. From this, we also see that the world is quite varied. Also, if you extend your observation range, you would realize that a lot of the other characters have been growing as well, just like Hachiman. Consequently, as a result, Hachiman is also involved in this development, and so the story can proceed.

And the prime existence of it all is Hayama Hayato. He himself probably obtained new insights after a chance encounter with Hachiman, or perhaps he obtained them from the Service Club. These Insights may have shaken his very beliefs that he has held on to for a long time. This is probably evident from the way he speaks and expresses himself now. This is also probably his turning point as well.

Similarly, we can also see signs of change in Isshiki Iroha. It’s quite difficult to describe this character in a single word. Sly? Cute? Scheming? There may be various words to describe her, but a key component of all of these words would be the implication of ostentation.

We can also see that Isshiki’s actions are due to her own self-consciousness about her surroundings. The way that Isshiki deals with this world could be said to be, in part, similar to Hayama. Of course, it is still quite crude, and when compared to Hayama, is on a much lower level. However, it is also not “stiff” either. That’s why she is easily caught up by honest words and her surroundings. Part of this can be seen during the train and monorail scene. It’s so like Irohasu to call out Hachiman to help her by claiming her totally not heavy luggage as “heavy.” Up until this point, Hachiman has been helping her carry her loads, and as a result, Isshiki shares what’s weighing on her mind with him this time too.

At any rate, the line “Please take responsibility.” portrayed by Sakura-san’s wonderful voice acting was absolutely amazing, wasn’t it? I find myself suddenly answering that with an “I will” with a dumb look on my face.

In this small world, just about anyone would inevitably meet each other, and in the process, improve themselves. It wasn’t just Hayama and Hachiman, and similarly, Irohasu was improving herself through the few available communities. Be it the Service Club, the people at the Soccer Club, or doing events with the Student Council, she is a part of each of their communities. Through her reserved manner, consideration, or timidness, we are able to catch a glimpse of some of the tools she uses to improve herself.

No matter how much concern she may feel as she says, “Hmm, I wonder?” At the end, she says, “But I will do it.” Which is just so typical of Irohasu.

Having said that, the other problem she has at end is also not that easily dealt with. “Then, let’s all think about it,” is something the stubborn Tamanawa says whilst waving his hand about like a magic wand. GROUP SYNERGY or DOUBLE RISK. We should take notice of (these two words) since he says it so often. “Let’s think of a plan that has GROUP SYNERGY,” is what he says. And when a plan involving just that is given, he goes on to comment, “But that is a DOUBLE RISK.” What’s up with that? Why do you sound like my boss?

However, it was not just Iroha who wanted to get rid of the curse that is the concern and restraint which had, unfortunately, begun to hinder them. The Service Club are also those who wish to rid themselves of that curse too. The part that ought to highlight this is Yukinoshita’s words. One could not definitely say that those words were targeted at Tamanawa and his school members alone. There exists the possibility that those words could be aimed at herself and the rest of the Service Club as well, but she may not have intentionally meant it that way.
Be it Tamanawa, Iroha, or anyone present there, the Service Club does bear some sort of resemblance to the current situation at hand. Hachiman trying to trip them up, Yukino lashing out at them and Yuigahama trying to mend the wound was just like that story whereby the three weasels went about slashing things up. In any case, this presented a chance for them to start afresh once more.

Although they agreed rather weakly (to Yuigahama and Iroha), if you were to look at this from another perspective, it meant that they were still ready to devote themselves to giving it another go. Well, this is a given, naturally.
Then, after this, we see Hachiman being treated to black tea by Orimoto-san. How nice… Why does this feel like some sort of mini class reunion? Also, Orimoto-san is scarily cute, right? Definitely cute! Speaking of cute, there’s also RumiRumi. RumiRumi is so cute! RumiRumi is too cute!

Then, the start of the Christmas event. We get to see the charming Keika and Kawasomething-san and then the event concludes peacefully. Back in the clubroom, Yukino gives a mysterious response. A response that Yui knows to what she is referring to.
And the answer is… Let’s go to the New Year scene. When Komachi says that she is taking her leave, there’s a romantic wind to be felt amidst the giant sakura trees, but anyway, Komachi here is cute. It’s so expected of the world’s best sister, Hikigaya Komachi to be the top assist!

Whatever happens, the story continues to move slowly forward. Here, Yukinoshita’s remarkable changes are especially clear. Did I just see a waifu? That scene on the train… Oi, oi, don’t tell me that this girl is a heroine? Yup, a heroine. If you want, there are other heroines too. Like, Gahama-san! Did I just see a waifu? That shopping scene. Oi, oi, don’t tell me she’s a heroine? Yup, a heroine. If you want, there are other heroines too. Like, Harunon! Ah that’s right, she’s a character who is very free and appears quite frequently. This time, she is accompanied by Hayama.

Up to this point, no one has ever read of her true intentions but from this conversation, you can see that there’s a trickster or joker part to her. After teasing Hachiman and Yuigahama, she manages to get Yukino to come. Considering the timing and various things, one of her motives this time around could probably be said to get Yukino to meet with her mother, and with that, the meeting with her mother brought about a strange mood.

At this part of the anime, you can see Yukino’s expression and her actions as she sneaks a look at Hachiman. I will be very grateful if you can think about the intention behind all these actions.

Even so, Haruno-san, with her usual expression, tells Yukino, “Don’t.” She was super scary when she said that. I hope that everyone will take notice of Nakahara-san’s amazing voice acting as she manages to bring out the charm of Haruno’s character, which is difficult to portray.

By the way, regarding the preview for the next episode, there’s no relation to the character and the part they are reading. Whose monologue is it? Maybe it’s everyone’s. Anyway… they’re just words.

Now then, that was the chance meeting during the winter break. This gives rise to the events that take place in Episode 11, “Hayama Hayato is answering expectations as always.”

Regarding the Future Plans Questionnaire, Tobe and Miura try to probe around indirectly for other people’s choices. Then, virgin Oooka says that strange rumor, “Hayama and Yukino are dating,” which causes quite a stir. Ah this Oooka, he’s usually unaware of his own surrounding so you can’t really… Nah, he’s totally detestable. Even so, Ashi-san (Miura) here is cute. Especially when she gave that glare along the corridor.

On the other hand, everything is calm and peaceful in the clubroom scene that follows. Also, we mustn’t forget Irohasu’s cute act as she tells people not to forget her birthday. We then also have Irohasu who unexpectedly steps onto a landmine. She’s cute, able to go on the offensive and also a little witty, but she’s also somewhat idiotic. If we had to use an animal to describe her, it would probably be a ferret, or a stoat weasel. Even so, her reply of “Eh-?” was awesome, since it made her appear so uninterested…

Then, just when things have calmed down, Ashi-san comes marching in, spelling big trouble. Is she going to be reduced to tears again…?  However, that confidence, that transient appearance of hers as she breaks down is probably due to her pureness. And so, it is that pureness in her that shakes those three, and it is because of it that things can progress.
Of course, it is only natural that there will be obstacles. Speaking of obstacles, the appearance of Yukinoshita Haruno is, without a doubt, one of them. Aren’t you too free?

By the way, about the words, “Hayama is expecting it too.” It’s probably not just Hayato, but others as well. As to what exactly he is expecting, there’s no evidence to the following, but he probably wants Hachiman to understand him.

Her intrusive action is not just limited to Hayama, but also to Yukino as well. “If they don’t say, I won’t ask.” This was the stance that Hachiman took in the past, but his actions now show a great change from how he was in his past.

He then goes to open the door. However, opening the door is not always such a good thing. Yui, who is standing in front, seems to be aware of something. At the time, the other two were still not aware of this.

However, one can think of the answers that they give. When Yukinoshita says, “A lot has changed since the past,” was just a mere figment of their imagination, a part of it is, at the very least.

In the first place, it may just be the three of them that thinks this way. Once again, Hayama Hayato sees it in a different light. Hayama, who knows what Hachiman doesn’t, probably understands what Yukinoshita meant by her words.

Anyway, Hayama himself has probably always wished for something, and that is his own self-satisfaction. This is probably an answer that he himself will give. Then, there is still that one more person. What sort of answer and what sort of self-satisfaction does he hope for? Our own self-satisfaction begins from this!

Then, let’s end it at that. Until the next time, when I write my own thoughts about the anime.

Something something thank you to the usual few people.

Lastly, to the readers and viewers:

Thank you very much for your continuous support. I hope that you can stay with me till the very end of the「a」series! I will do my best!

Till the next time we meet!

Someday in November, whilst drinking MAX coffee on a cold night.
Watari Wataru