Who Says Romcoms Aren't Real?

The world of romantic comedies is the ultimate paradise.

It's loaded with the hopes and desires that youth brings.

. . . Right?

What guy wouldn’t want to spend his school days goofing around and having a blast with adorable girls? There's no way someone would say they don't want to see that crush of theirs in a swimsuit, or that they don’t care about those lucky, accidental moments, right?

And how about attending school festivals with your best buddies or dressing up in a yukata and watching a fireworks display, or wanting to go on a trip to a hot spring at Christmas?

Fans of romantic comedies in light novels have definitely imagined what it would be like to have an awesome and exciting time in school at least once.

But reality is a far cry from your typical rom-com.

Because . . .

I do not have a little sister, nor do I have a close and endearing childhood friend. None of my classmates are idols. I've never met a mysterious upperclassman, or a particularly friendly junior—not even a clumsy but beautiful homeroom teacher.

I don't know anyone who acts like a violent tsundere or a cunningly cute devil in disguise. I don't have an older sister who pens her own light novels, or an angelic girl-next-door kind of neighbor. None of my friends have an annoying little sister—heck, I don't even have a best friend that's a guy.

I’ve got no complicated past drama with anyone, and I’ve never felt a spark for someone right away.

Moreover . . .

I can't write novels. I can't draw. I can't compose music. I can't perform. Designing games is out of the question—I'm not even good at playing them.

I'm not a complete introvert, but I'm also not good at starting or leading conversations like an extrovert. It's not like I hate studying or sports, but I'm far from being good at either of them.

If I had to say I excel at anything in comparison to other people, it would be that I've won a prize at a provincial research competition, and that I earn a bit more than my classmates doing data entry as a part-time gig. That's about it—I'm embarrassingly unremarkable.

Ultimately, my reality is that . . .

There is no charming high school drama. Even mundane scenes you normally see in a slice-of-life scenario don't often occur, let alone fan-service ones.

It's impossible for me to experience any sort of rom-com plot with a girl just by chance, coincidence, or convenience.

That's the reality I live.

I'm just one of the millions in the country who loves romantic comedies.

In the end, is it just impossible to have those youthful days like you’d see in a rom-com?

I refuse to accept that.

Anyone can be the protagonist in a rom-com, whether they're a delinquent, a loner, an otaku, a social outcast, or even the most popular kid in school.

A rom-com isn't picky about its main character.

So even someone like me, who has absolutely nothing going for him, should be entitled to a rom-com of his own.

And if reality says that a rom-com is impossible to experience?

Then I'll just have to make it possible.

◆

The April breeze is a bit chilly.

I climb the outdoor staircase of my school, deliberately placing each foot down with care.

After passing several landings, I'm confronted by a nearly six-and-a-half-foot-high iron fence-like gate with a small keyhole in its stainless steel doorknob.

I swallow nervously, then slowly turn the knob.

The gate makes a clanking sound and swings open without resistance.

It's just as the information I gathered indicated.

Much to my delight, the gate really was unlocked at this time of the day.

I cross the threshold with a spring in my step . . .

An empty rooftop stretches out before me.

A fiery red sunset sky dominates half of my field of vision.

No way . . . I've finally found it—the perfect youth spot!

Unable to contain my excitement, I shout towards the sky.

It's time to set my plan into motion.

Suddenly, the days leading up to my enrollment flash before my eyes, making them well up with warm tears.

During the time right up until I started high school—

I had spent nearly a year dedicating myself to planning.

Since I've always lacked the barest necessities to experience a rom-com in real life, I decided to instead relentlessly focus on what I did have—my research skills.

I compiled all available information into a database, learned analytical techniques to effectively utilize the data, and embedded everything into my body through relentless practice of becoming the star of my own story.

That was how I meticulously prepared to fight against fate.

There were many failures and countless times where I felt like giving up.

But I once came across a protaganist who said "Life is just a crappy game," and still faced whatever hurdle was thrown at him.

I learned from him that no matter how difficult the path may seem, if you persist without giving up, you can change your life as you know it.

Another inspirational quote came from a highly accomplished idol—no, a goddess—who said that "anyone can reach for the stars."

In other words, always keep moving forward, even if your dreams seem unobtainable.

I had persevered up until now with that resolve.

Despite all of the twists and turns, I finally made it here.

I'm no longer just an ordinary guy whose dream is to live a real-life romantic comedy.

I, Kohei Nagasaka, am now going to become the protagonist of one!

Alright, alright . . . Calm down . . .

I glance at the clock on my smartphone.

Just fifteen more minutes until she—my target—arrives.

My body trembles from the adrenaline coursing through my body.

Damn it, don’t be nervous, Kohei! This is going to be the first scene of your very own rom-com. You've gotta get pumped up! Wait, that sounds like a jinx—scratch that!

I pace around the entrance area to collect my thoughts while giving myself a motivational speech.

A monologue like this is quite fitting for the protagonist of a rom-com. It's standard for them to mutter to themselves whenever they're alone. Damn, I am doing one heck of a job—all of my practice is paying off!

Just as I start feeling better, something else makes my heart leap.

I hear the door behind me creak as it opens.

She's here earlier than planned?

I stand there, too frozen to move as the sound of footsteps steadily gets louder.

With every step, my heart beats faster and faster.

I shut my eyes and tell myself things will go well if I just do as I practiced.

I take a deep breath.

I slap my cheeks to psych myself up.

Reality says that a rom-com is impossible to experience.

At least, on your own it is.

They say that rom-coms can't happen in real life. But I'm going to prove them otherwise!

It's showtime.