Vol. 2 Chapter 97 – The Sea, Popular Types, and a Luxury Resort (21)

Shuu and Fujimoto-san had both disappeared at the same timing.

If what he’d said at lunch was true, they should be spending time alone together thanks to Sakuramiya-san’s arrangements.

And Shuu’s intention was to be with Fujimoto-san at this timing…

No, more than that, if what was said at lunch was true, then Hikaru and I would also—

“Hey, Reiya-kun? Are you awake?” (Hikaru)

Just as some impure thoughts were starting to surface, Hikaru called out to me from the side.

“Eh!? Ah… Y-yeah, I’m awake! Super awake!?” (Reiya)

At the sudden attack, I gave a suspiciously flustered response that even surprised myself.

“Hmm… weird response… ah, maybe… were you thinking about something improper…?” (Hikaru)

“N-no improper thoughts whatsoever…” (Reiya)

“Really…? You weren’t thinking about how to monopolize that Mushroom City over there all by yourself…?” (Hikaru)

Hikaru pointed at a box of snacks on the table with a sticky grin.

“M-mushrooms…?” (Reiya)

“Did I hit the mark? You like them, Reiya-kun.” (Hikaru)

“…Y-yeah!! I was wondering if it’d be okay to eat them if no one else would!” (Reiya)

I went along with that off-base reading to cover up the truth.

“I knew it~” (Hikaru)

Hikaru had a knowing look like she understood everything about me.

I was grateful that her intuition was poor at times like this… I felt relieved internally.

But if she wasn’t being coy, that meant Hikaru didn’t know anything.

Maybe Sakuramiya-san had just been teasing me and there was never such a plan to begin with, I was thinking when—

“Hey, you should sing too, Reiya-kun!” (Hikaru)

Hikaru thrust a karaoke microphone at me from the side.

“Eh? M-me…?” (Reiya)

“Yeah! I’ve never heard you sing before!” (Hikaru)

Saying that, the microphone was pushed even closer innocently.

“No, I… I don’t know any popular songs…” (Reiya)

“It’s fine, it’s fine! Any song you know! You heard Saaya singing enka earlier, right?” (Hikaru)

“But Matsunaga-san was good…” (Reiya)

“Good or bad doesn’t matter! Singing is about spirit!! Come on!” (Hikaru)

No matter how much I held back, the microphone kept being pushed on me.

I could only remember singing in front of people during elementary and middle school chorus competitions.

Even then I was embarrassed being made to sing in small groups during part practice, so karaoke was nothing but a punishment game.

However, the mood was already building on the assumption that I’d sing next, including Hikaru.

It would be harsh to dampen this atmosphere too.

This kind of popular type energy still made me think ‘this is tough…’ somewhat.

“Just one song then…” (Reiya)

Still, I steeled myself and took the remote to look for a song I could sing.

Being the latest model, it covered everything from old songs to the newest releases.

I selected one from among them and stood up with the microphone.

“Oh! This song!” (Hikaru)

Seeing the song title displayed on screen, Hikaru stood up somewhat excitedly.

What I’d chosen was the theme song for a certain Monogatari series by that famous band.

A masterpiece that perfectly expressed the story’s narrative and themes.

As the intro began playing, my body inevitably started moving to the rhythm.

“Glass marble hi—” (Reiya)

I somehow sang through it without anything particularly noteworthy happening.

Cheers of “Yeah!” and “Woo!” along with applause erupted from around me.

Indeed, as Hikaru had said, there seemed to be no such thing as good or bad in this setting.

At least I hadn’t dampened the warmed-up atmosphere, so I felt relieved.

I gave a light bow and tried to put down the microphone before being asked for a second song—

“Next is a duet with me!” (Hikaru)

“Eh…” (Reiya)

And so I was made to accompany her for several more songs until Hikaru was satisfied.

“Hah… I’m tired…” (Reiya)

Finally released, I returned to my seat.

Hikaru seemed tireless, now arm-in-arm with Yamano-san singing happily.

With that level of high spirits, I’d probably be dragged in again once things calmed down.

I should look up other songs I could sing while I had the chance, so I took out my smartphone from my pocket—

“…Hm? Who could it be…” (Reiya)

As if timed perfectly, a PINE notification sounded.

It was well past 11 PM—late at night.

Excluding Hikaru who was currently singing, I couldn’t think of anyone who’d contact me at this hour.

Maybe Hino-san, Ogata-san, or Ichiru-san checking in…

Thinking that, I opened the app, but none of my guesses were right.

‘Second floor, furthest back room on the right side. I’ve arranged it so you two can be alone’

The sender’s name displayed was ‘Sakuramiya Kyo’.

This was the first message I’d received from her outside of business communications for this trip.

I looked up toward Sakuramiya-san sitting on a distant sofa.

Noticing my gaze, she put her index finger to her lips with a “Shh…” and smiled.