hanako’s debut … ?

We met at the train station at six o'clock, just as planned. I felt even more awkward than last time. If the last time wasn’t a date, was this one a date? No, I was just supporting a friend.

My backpack felt light - I could barely remember the last time it wasn’t weighed down with books. I had managed to control my unruly bangs to look somewhat acceptable.

“Are you sure about this?” I asked. I didn’t know what to do with my hands, so I shoved them in the pockets of my khaki pants.

“Of course, I’m sure,” Hanako said. She was walking quickly, excitement bubbling in every step. She was still in her uniform - I assumed she came straight from school.

I forced a smile. While her excitement was infectious, I was still worried about the sketchy karaoke place. Well, not the place - but the guy who was presumably running it.

★CHIBI STAR KARAOKE★

I looked up at the sign.

“Come on, let’s go!” Hanako said.

I set my shoulders and blew out a breath.

Here we go.

Despite all my worries, I was pleasantly surprised once we walked into the lounge area.

There were comfortable seats around low tables in groups of two to four. The back wall had a bar, one half was dedicated to alcohol, and the other half was dedicated to espresso and lattes. There was a small refrigerated case of baked goods and sandwiches. It felt more like a café than a karaoke bar.

Across from the bar was a small stage, enough for a few people to sing. Behind, there was a screen and a projector for music videos and sing-a-longs. There was also an acoustic guitar propped up beside unused microphones. The walls were lined with vintage posters and album covers, with flyers advertising specials taped haphazardly in between.

A few people were sitting around and talking, lattes or cocktails in hand. Most of them were around university age or older - but this place seemed to care about liquor laws, at least.

When we first came to this place, we had only explored the generic private booth. The lounge was different. It was - how would the internet put it … a vibe?

Hanako was beaming. Her eyes reflected the shining LED lights that ran along the edge of the ceiling and bar. “Isn't it great?” She whispered, clinging to my arm.

The sensation of her touch jolted me out of my thoughts. Her skin was warm against mine.

“Yeah, this is better than I thought it would be,” I admitted.

“Hanako!”

We turned to see the sketchy guy from before, and my anxiety surged again.

He was dressed in another suit, the smell of fresh cigarette smoke still lingering. He hadn’t shaved this morning; his stubble was patchy.

“I’m so happy to see you again,” He said. The man glanced at me for only a second before turning his attention back to her.

“Me too! This is better than I dreamed,” Hanako said. “Sorry, I didn’t get your name, mister…”

“Sawa,” The man said. "People call me Sawa." 

I saw my less-than-pleased expression in his reflective sunglasses and looked away.

“And who might this be?” Sawa asked.

“This is my friend, Daiki,” Hanako said. “He’s here to cheer me on.”

I nodded at him, giving him my best tough guy impression.

“I see,” Sawa said and then clapped his hands together. “Well, I’m glad you like it.” He gestured to the lounge. “When I was younger, I spent a lot of time in the UK and America. I loved their rock-bar-lounge aesthetic and the idea of making a place for bands to perform. So, I combined that with Japanese karaoke, and this is what I came up with. Even though the karaoke booths are what pay the bills.” He laughed loudly and rudely.

He looked really proud of himself.

“Part open mic venue, part karaoke,” Hanako nodded. “It’s cool.” She smiled. Her smile would make even an angel fall in love with her. It was like time stopped every time.

I couldn’t take my eyes off her.

“Well then,” Sawa said, getting too close to her for my liking. “We should get started, then. Excuse me while I get things set up.”

A few more patrons were starting to trickle in. Although the stage was always available, the open mic piece started officially at seven o’clock.

Hanako fidgeted nervously as we found a spot to sit at a tall table with bar stools. Her breathing was fast and shallow.

“You ok?” I asked.

The pink-haired girl nodded. “Yeah, just nervous.”

“Don’t worry, there’s not too many people here,” I said. I wasn’t sure if that would be comforting or not, but I didn’t know what else to say.

Hanako’s hands were shaking. “I’ve never sung in front of people before.”

“I’m a people,” I joked.

A smile grew across her face and traveled up to her eyes as she looked at me. “I know, but, well, you didn’t even ask the first time.”

I looked away awkwardly. “I said I was sorry.”

Hanako reached across the table and touched my hand. “I know, and I forgive you.”

My heart jumped up into my throat. Now I was the one shaking. “Here,” I stammered. “I’ll get us some water.”

I returned with two tall glasses of ice water in hand.

Hanako was applying mascara with the help of a small hand mirror. “Thanks,” She said as she took a long sip. She stopped abruptly, setting the water down. “Oh no, I shouldn’t drink cold water before I sing.” She said hesitantly.

I was such an idiot.

“I’m sorry!” I bobbed my head and rushed back to get her room-temperature water. I set it before her with another bow of my head.

“I’m so sorry. Please forgive me!”

Hanako laughed behind her hand. “It’s ok.” She caught her breath, and our eyes met. “Thank you.” She added softly. “I've never known someone as considerate as you.”

I relaxed a fraction before taking my seat.

More patrons had arrived. Some were ordering drinks, and others looked through the binders of song options stacked on a crate by the stage. A lot of them were regulars and knew each other.

I looked at Hanako out of the corner of my eye. She was scanning the room, the fear visible on her face.

“Don’t worry, you’ll do great,” I said.

Hanako’s reply was cut off by the screeching sound of microphone feedback.

“Good evening, everyone. So glad to see new and returning faces!” Sawa was standing on the stage with a glass of beer in one hand. “Thanks to everyone who has made my open mic night such a success in such a short time. You are all superstars!”

The patrons laughed. Some were looking very eager to start singing, and others looked like they needed a few drinks.

I was shocked. I always thought of public karaoke as a thing for old drunk salarymen. But the people here looked, dare I say, cool?

“Now, I have a very special new singer to introduce you to,” Sawa said as he raised his hand and pointed toward us.

Hanako gulped as the regulars turned to look at us.

“An exceptional girl from Tokyo Girls Arts Academy would like to sing with us. I think she might be our youngest superstar yet!”

A few people clapped. Those who had a few beers let out a whoop.

“You can do this,” I whispered to her.

Hanako’s chest was fluttering with every breath. She slowly rose from her chair and made her way toward the stage.

Lights glinted off the sound equipment and the metallic threads woven into the crest on her shirt.

“Thank you,” She said in a small voice as Sawa handed her the mic. “Thank you.” She said to the audience. She then punched in the number for her chosen song, something that she had kept a secret from me.

Hanako took a deep breath as the song began, a gentle but energetic melody. The LED lights changed to blue, and the words appeared behind her.

“I've got a dream, and it's dancing in my soul, 

A melody that's waiting to unfold. 

I'll reach for the stars, I'll never let go; 

With every step I take, I'm getting close.”

Something broke inside me when she opened her eyes and began singing. I was in the presence of a goddess trapped inside the body of a high school girl. A superstar. An artist. An idol.