Sing Your Heart Out Pt. 1

Thankfully, the rain died down around six. I had been keeping an eye on the clock, a little worried it would mess up our plans, but in the end, I was worrying over nothing.

Nae bundled up in a long-sleeve shirt and a big jacket—one almost identical to mine. I'd nearly forgotten she had that. A while ago, I bought them because there was a deal. Buy one, get the other one half off. It was a good deal for the price tag and the quality, so I didn't mind. Plus, the way Nae lit up when I gave it to her was worth it.

In the end, the meet-and-greet ran longer than expected, so Manager Na called to let me know we'd have to take a taxi.

It was a bit of a hassle flagging one down in such a busy city, but I didn't mind. The ride was short and peaceful—well, mostly. Nae kept pressing her face against the window, pointing out anything remotely interesting.

Makes sense. It's her first time outside of Tokyo, after all. And mine too, for that matter, but I wasn't as excited as she is now.

After the ride, we pulled up to a neat little plaza. The rain had left the ground damp, puddles scattered around like tiny mirrors reflecting the city lights above.

"Hooo~ It's cold." Nae shivered, tucking her hands into her sleeves. "But it feels kinda nice, don't you think? Look at this place. When you stop and take it all in, it’s kinda… magical, especially with this weather."

"Yeah, I think so too," I scoffed. "I always said I preferred winter over summer. Makes it easier to wear my jacket."

"Right?! I’ll never understand people who prefer the heat. Like… what kind of psychopath are you? If it ain't cool enough to wear a hoodie comfortably, then I don't want it. Am I spitting facts or what?"

"Hah. You sure are. Come on, we've kept them waiting long enough."

"Oh yeah! Almost forgot about that. I'm so freaking excited! Hey, Big Bro, are you gonna sing too?"

I nearly choked on my own spit. "What? Hell no. I don't sing. Rather, I can't sing."

"Aw, come on! There's no way you're gonna go to a karaoke bar and not sing."

"I'm just going along for the ride."

"But what if..." She clasped her hands together, eyes sparkling mischievously "You start singing, and it turns out you have a hidden talent? What if your voice is so angelic that each member of Sunayomi falls for you right then and there? Hehe~ So romantic."

"...You're starting to annoy me, Nae."

"Eh?! What did I do?!"

It's weird that she brings that up because… I'm pretty sure it's confirmed that Mira sort of likes me. At least, that's what I think. I mean, you don't just casually kiss someone, right?

Ah, shit. Here we go again. Despite the cold, I could feel my body warming up and my heart picking up some speed.

Just play it off, Noa. Don't overthink it. This hangout is about having fun—nothing else.

Yeah… that's what I'll do.

Eventually, we found the karaoke bar Suzu had sent in the group chat. From the outside, it looked pretty simple. Nothing flashy, but the inside was a whole different vibe. The lighting was dim, moody, with colorful lights scattered around like a low-key nightclub. Only difference? The lobby was practically empty.

"Hello," a woman at the front counter greeted us. "Do you have a reservation?"

"Yeah," I replied. "Under, um... Na Kazuto."

She scanned the screen before nodding. "Ah, yes. Right down this hallway, take a right—Room Twelve."

"Got it. Thanks. Let's go, Nae."

"Coming~!" she beamed.

As we stepped into the hallway, my gaze briefly met with two men in black suits standing near the entrance. I recognized them immediately—the same security guys I always saw when opening up the rehearsal rooms.

In the silent, universal language of men, we exchanged quick nods and kept moving.

Finally, Nae and I reached the door, the muffled sounds of the girls singing already spilling out from inside.

I rested my hand on the doorknob and took a deep breath. "Ready, Nae?"

"Y-Yeah," she said, suddenly nervous. "I think so."

"Relax. It's just a hangout."

"Easy for you to say. You've been practically hanging out with them every day."

"Exactly. So take it from someone who's been hanging out with them every day. It really isn't that deep."

With that, I pulled the door open.

Immediately, the girls froze mid-song, their gazes snapping to us. And just as quickly, their faces lit up with the brightest smiles.

"Noa!" Suzu exclaimed, rushing over and grabbing my hand. "Come in, come in!"

She dragged me inside and plopped me down between her and Mira.

"Hi, Noa!" Nabi waved from across the room.

"Hey. How was the meet-and-greet?"

"Lasted a bit longer than I expected, but it was fun."

"You should've come with us," Mira said, leaning back against the couch. "It got kinda boring toward the end without our favorite punching bag around."

"...I'm your punching bag?"

"Heh."

Just my luck—stuck next to the one person who makes me the most nervous. And of course, she's not making it any easier, flashing me playful smiles as if taunting me over what went down between us.

"Hello there." Yoko approached Nae with a welcoming smile. "You must be Nae. Is that right?"

"Ye... Y-y-yes..." she stammered, barely getting the words out.

"Oh dear, are you alright?"

"U-um... I... Y-Yoshino Yoko..."

"Yes? What is it?"

Without warning, Nae threw out her arms. "C-Can I have a hug?!"

The room went silent. Even the song playing on the television conveniently came to an end, as if the universe itself decided to pause right then and there.

Yoko blinked, momentarily stunned, before breaking into a heartfelt laugh. "Of course, Nae. Come here."

Nae practically launched herself into Yoko's arms, hugging her a little too tightly—not that Yoko seemed to mind.

"I'm a big fan of Sunayomi," Nae mumbled against her shoulder. "But you're my favorite, Miss Yoshino."

For a moment, Yoko’s expression softened in a way I hadn’t seen in a while. The comments online had left a mark on her, pushing her all the way to the edge. But hearing the words she'd longed for from a genuine fan like Nae seemed to lift that weight, even if just a little.

"Ah!" Nae suddenly gasped. "T-that's not to say I don't think the rest of you are cool! I just—"

"Pft~ Relax, Little Nae," Mira chuckled. "We get it. Everyone has a bias. And for you, Yoko takes the crown. Hm... But I wonder who Noa's bias is."

That one casual remark sent my brain into a tailspin. The moment she said it, all eyes locked onto me, waiting for an answer.

What do I say? Who would I choose? I asked myself this earlier today but didn't want to entertain the thought because—why the hell would I?! That's a one-way ticket to disappointing everyone I didn't choose!

Shit. Time for some damage control, even if it's unsatisfying.

"I don't have biases," I muttered.

"Ehhh~?" Suzu pouted. "Lame answer, Noa."

"I think so too," Nabi mumbled. "That's not a suitable response."

"What? That’s just how it is." I shrugged. "Sorry I'm not like the hardcore fans who fill their rooms with posters of just one person."

Yoko giggled. "It's impossible not to have a bias. You can't like everyone exactly the same, no matter how much you say you do. But fine, if you're that insistent. I have a feeling we'll figure it out eventually anyway."

"...What's that supposed to mean?"

"Whatever you think it means."

With a knowing smile, Yoko popped open a bottle of alcohol, pouring five shot glasses before sliding them across the table. Well... Five for us. None for Nae.

"Eh? Where's mine?" she asked.

"Absolutely not," I said flatly. "You're too young to drink."

"Don't worry, Little Nae," Mira grinned. "I got you covered."

From under the table, she pulled out a bottle of lemon soda—the kind where you have to pop the marble inside.

"Oooh~! Thanks!" Nae beamed.

Yoko stood up, raising her shot glass with a radiant smile. She glanced at everyone before locking eyes with me.

"A toast," she said. "To a successful performance."

We clinked our glasses together and downed the shots.

I never liked alcohol. It burns my throat, makes my head throb. But for the sake of a social gathering like this, I’ll suck it up.

At least, that's what I thought until Yoko poured us another round.

She lifted her glass again, her voice carrying a different weight this time.

"And to Noa," she said. "For staying with us, despite not wanting to. For helping us climb back up. And for being more than just an average assistant. You were there for us through everything, and for that, Noa… Truly, thank you."

Once again, all eyes were on me. But this time… it felt different. Their expressions weren't expectant, nor were they teasing. They were warm. Grateful. Things I rarely ever saw, especially in a workplace.

It was strange—allowing myself to feel included when all I've ever done was shy away. But here, surrounded by them, it didn't feel like a burden. I wasn't just an assistant or a convenient extra in the background. I was someone they wanted here. Someone they appreciated.

I let out a quiet sigh, then lifted my glass with a faint smile.

"Cheers."