Introduction

When genres collide, the results can be both fascinating and unexpected. Imagine if the characters from the 2010 Japanese web novel and 2018 anime series My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected were transported to the tense and chaotic world of 2021's critically acclaimed South Korean television series Squid Game. How would they fare? This thought experiment delves into the personas and challenges faced by these characters as they navigate through the brutal games of Squid Game.

Understanding the Characters

My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected follows Hachiman Hikigaya, a sarcastic and introverted high school drop-out, who has a low view of his own life. This stark contrast to the intense and seemingly hearty world of the Squid Game. Whenever we see characters from the anime in a challenging scenario, they tend to default to their individual strategies, which often result in their optimal solutions or quick disengagement. It's safe to say that a trip to Squid Game would thoroughly test their resilience and mental fortitude.

Hachiman Hachiman's Journey Through Squid Game

Joining the Game

Upon arriving in the labyrinth of Squid Game, the first encounter would most likely be the Red Light Green Light challenge. For Hikigaya, as he is a highly analytical character, this game would provide the perfect opportunity to dissect the scenario and devise a plan. But, given his aversion to participating in anything that he deems as a 'waste of time,' he may choose to sabotage the game or find a reason not to participate, like a lack of interest or something else. Hikigaya's disdain for the game dynamic would make any further participation extremely unlikely.

Surviving the Games

Should Hikigaya decide to participate, the games would be a mix of challenges tailored to his skills. For instance, in the currency game, his rationality and strategic thinking could be advantageous, but his lack of social skills and negative outlook might hinder his ability to survive. In the chair game, Hikigaya's sharp wit and competitive nature would come into play, but his reliance on humor to avoid engaging might prove detrimental.

The Decision to Step Back

By the halfway mark of the series, it would become clear to Hikigaya that the games have inherent power these characters do not possess. His inability to connect with the group and navigate the complex social dynamics would likely prompt him to leave the game entirely. His character, defined by his disillusionment with the world, would make the decision to win one game, disband, and not return to the game again.
In essence, if Hikigaya were to join the game, he would likely choose to win one game, disband, and then never join the game again. It is a wrong idea to try to get him to participate in such a brutal and complex situation, as it goes against his core beliefs and behaviors. For Hikigaya, the world of Squid Game is a realm he would rather avoid.

Reflection on Characters and Their Adaptable Behaviors

The thought experiment with My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected characters navigating through Squid Game underscores the adaptability and resilience these characters demonstrate. The dynamics of the Squid Game series involve not just physical but also psychological and social challenges, which are not aligning with the coping mechanisms of characters like Hikigaya, who prefers to avoid confrontation and large group social interactions.

This scenario provides a unique perspective on how the characters would face life-altering challenges beyond what we have seen in the confines of the web novel and anime series. In the real world, characters might rely more on community and support systems, while Squid Game presents an extreme and isolated environment, a stark contrast to their usual experiences.

Conclusion and Further Implications

The imaginary encounter between My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected and Squid Game offers a fascinating exploration of character dynamics and survival strategies. While Hikigaya's personal philosophy and behavior make him an outlier in the Squid Game series, the journey of these characters in the drama underscores the complexity of human behavior in extreme circumstances.

It serves as a reminder that even within the most challenging environments, personal resilience and unique survival strategies play a crucial role. However, it also highlights the importance of understanding one's limits and walking away from situations that do not align with one's core values.