Living Normally In An Abnormal World

Chapter 94: Singing Isn’t That Big a Deal

“〜〜♪”

“Yes, that’s the spirit. Come on, keep stepping into this world with us!”

“Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen~”

“True, you’re already at the top. Wearing that mask and still being this popular… You’re already firmly established, so anything else at this point doesn’t even matter to you.”

“Still, you sometimes have him take singing and dance lessons, don’t you~?”

“Well, it’d be a waste otherwise. I think it’s good for him to be able to perform just in case.”

They were at Kongou Productions, where Miu worked—not at her home. It was just him, Reina, and Miu in the rehearsal room.

For the record, Miu was off for the day, and Reina was just tagging along because she had some vacation time to burn and was free.

The song playing wasn’t released to the public; it had been shelved. It was originally made for a male idol, but he often found reasons to reject it, like “I don’t like the lyrics” or “This isn’t my style.” Sometimes they’d rewrite the lyrics, but other times, they’d just let it die.

Songs that end up being rejected like this get put “in storage.” Occasionally, another male singer might take them on, but some simply decay, left untouched.

Miu had picked out a song from that storage that she wanted Yuuto to sing. She had given him the data in advance and confirmed he had a good impression of it.

There wasn’t really a clear chance it would be used anyway, so as long as it wasn’t sold, it was fine. And above all, she had permission from the lyricists and composers.

She had signed a contract to record his voice and deliver the data.

Then, on the big day, Miu asked Yuuto,

Since you’re here, why not try singing it?

“Really!?”

He answered so eagerly that she was a bit surprised, but everything was going according to plan.

Now he was enthusiastically belting out the song, apparently enjoying himself.

Surprisingly, he seemed to like singing. However, he never went to karaoke, nor did he sing at home.

It looked like he was letting out all the stress he’d accumulated.

But… the song he was singing was a hardcore love song.

Because of that, Mana and Yuuna usually didn’t take him to karaoke.

“This isn’t good. I didn’t expect him to pick nothing but love songs.”

“Yeah, I’d noticed he hums a lot of love songs to himself, but not to this extent~.”

Miu and Reina had thought he could handle regular songs. But the first song was about family, the second about multiple women, and the third a love song devoted to a single person.

He kept singing as if his goal was to melt the hearts of every woman who heard him. They trusted him, but even the usually level-headed two of them were reaching their limits, their legs trembling and faces flushed. They wanted to cover their ears, but missing this rare chance seemed like a waste, so their hands stopped just inches away.

“…Phew.”

“Huh? Samepy and Reina-san, you’re here? Whoa!? Yuuto-kun!? Or should I call you Grauzer!”

“…Toki Mirai-san.”

“Kyaa!! I’m so happy you know who I am! With your white hair, you look almost divine! And even cuter and cooler than I imagined!”

Of course, it wouldn’t be long before someone showed up. For such emergencies, she immediately put on a specially made eye mask.

Toki Mirai.

She’s still a high school student but held the top spot in popularity rankings for idols. When people think of idols today, her name is the first that comes to mind. Her songs have billions of streams, her albums sell over five million copies each, and recently, she landed the lead role in a prime-time drama.

“Sa… I mean, it’s nice to meet you.”

For once, Yuuto was glad to be recognized; it meant he didn’t have to hide his identity.

That’s why he almost asked her for an autograph using his real name, but then, seeing her outfit, he held back. She was clearly in casual clothes, wearing a hat and with sunglasses resting on her chest. She was probably waiting to meet up with someone before heading out. It wouldn’t be right to treat her as anything but a regular woman.

Oh, look, they’re wearing the same jeans.

“Could I get an autograph?”

“Oh, and could I get an autograph too?”

“Kyaa!! Absolutely, no problem at all!”

Joining in.

Mirai was so thrilled to discover a fan that she impulsively hugged him. She quickly pulled away, flustered, but he just smiled and said, “That’s very like you, Toki-san.”

(Totally fell for him.)

(Fell hard, huh~.)

The two watching this scene exchanged glances, exhaling as they watched the boy who effortlessly charmed women. They started to get curious; if they were lucky, they might just get to hear a duet between the nation’s top idols.

“Since we’re here, why not do a duet? Mirai, Yuuto-kun knows that song, so get ready.”

“What!? Not just an autograph but a duet too!?”

“…Alright, got it. So, Toki-san, would you do a song with me?”

“Yes, with pleasure!”

Toki Mirai, who often appeared in the media, was used to interacting with men and had a decent level of immunity to them. But being invited by a man to sing was a whole new experience.

Yuuto knew that, as a fan, he shouldn’t overstep any boundaries, but he couldn’t bring himself to say no to her, who confidently held the mic.

Toki Mirai fulfilled one of her dreams when she became an idol.

Miu, being thoughtful, had even brought performance outfits for the two and instructed them to share a single mic, ensuring Yuuto’s left hand and Toki Mirai’s right hand would overlap. She told them to hold on to each other’s hand and asked them for this one favor.

They began to sing.

As they sang, their voices blended seamlessly. Although it was their first time meeting, they didn’t overshadow each other’s voices.

When Yuuto sang, Toki Mirai followed. When Toki Mirai sang, Yuuto was drawn in. When they sang together, they harmonized softly.

Aside from being in the rehearsal room, it was the scene Miu had always wanted to see.

Another one of Miu’s dreams had come true.

(Another hardcore love song, huh? But… it’s perfect~)

Reina found herself listening intently, drawn in by their voices.

—

“Thank you! That was so much fun! Let’s sing again sometime~!”

With that, Toki Mirai left.

She had originally arrived early to meet a friend from her company and decided to stop by the rehearsal room to pass the time.

She never expected things to turn out this way.

She also slyly handed over her contact info before Yuuto could refuse. Not wanting to be rude, he saved it and sent her a thank-you message. She replied right away.

“A game streamer, an idol… what’s next? A VTuber?”

“That actually sounds likely.”

“Yeah, but there’s no way we’d meet one.”

“You never know. Yuuto-kun’s luck works in mysterious ways.”

“I wish it only worked for app gacha pulls.”

After that, some other idols showed up, and they caused quite a commotion again.