The Guy Who Messed Up Is Gradually Doing His Best

At the back, there was a stage, and rows of tables where we sat, surrounded by audience seats.

Huh?

I thought the audience was a bit restless, but it turns out the guests were already seated. They seemed to be well-mannered and quieted down quickly, but since I didn’t participate in the rehearsal, I didn’t know.

The rehearsal took place on the day we responded (the 28th). Yesterday was the adjustment, and today is the main event.

And we are the opening act, followed by “Four Ears”… and the headliner is Sawakaze-kun.

From the moment we took our seats, the performers gradually started taking their places at the tables.

When popular singer Ueshima Yukimi-san, top idols Hoshino Hikari-san, and Tsukikage Yozora-san, along with the popular band group YOARUKI and Awatsu Motoko, who became a singer from being a netTube streamer, joined, Tsukune’s excitement was incredible.

“Taketo-kun, Taketo-kun, look, look, it’s Ueshima Yukimi!”

“Wow, wow, it’s Hoshino Hikari-chan!”

“The real, the real Tsukikage Yozora-chan!”

She pulled my sleeve and was making a fuss with a voice that couldn’t be heard.

When MC Utako-san was standing in front of MC assistant Otoka-san, and it seemed like it was about to start, Sawakaze-kun walked in, and he made a displeased face.

But you know, Sawakaze-kun arrived just in time, but he walked in confidently, so it feels like he’s really experienced or something.

When he sat down at his table, he lightly bowed his head to the MC first. It’s hard to tell if he’s polite or not.

Since I was the opening act, I was watching from the stage. Oh, the camera is facing the MC, so it’s not a problem.

When the time comes, the show will finally begin.

“Then, the 77th King of Songs Night has finally begun. I’m your MC, Utako.”

“I’m Otoka, the MC assistant.”

“Tonight, we will be broadcasting live from the Women’s Hall on television, and Otoka-san, we have some amazing members joining us tonight.”

“Hehehe. Utako-san. Of course, I know. A total of 41 professional artists are participating and showcasing their proud singing voices and captivating dances, right?”

“Hey, Otoka-san. That’s my line… Seriously. With just one day left in the year, we’re bringing you the best music show tonight.”

It seems we’re going into a commercial break here, so I’ll check everyone’s condition, give the signal, and focus on being ready to sing at any moment. Phew. Alright, I’m ready.

Being the opening act means we’re getting a lot of attention, but we’ll just sing “By Your Side,” as requested, with all our might, just like always.

The commercial break is over.

“Then…!?”

The MC, Utako-san, was supposed to give a brief introduction about us and then sing…

Suddenly, the venue becomes noisy and restless.

Noticing something unusual, I looked out from the stage at the table seats and saw a man standing up and walking.

That is… Sawakaze-kun. Sawakaze-kun is walking towards MC Utako-san. And…

“S-Sawakaze-sama, this is a bit troublesome!”

“Toujou Reika-san. Are you watching? You are, aren’t you? This is the stage you set up…”

What is Sawakaze-kun doing…

Even those who hadn’t noticed the commotion became aware of the unusual situation, and the venue suddenly became noisy, but Sawakaze-kun continued speaking without paying any mind.

“Honestly, I was disillusioned. It’s disappointing… truly disappointing. Now that I know this is your true nature, I must take this opportunity to declare it… Haa.”

And then, once he caught his breath, Sawakaze-kun,

“I will break off my engagement with you, Toujou Reika!”

He declared loudly. Huh? What the hell is Sawakaze-kun doing…?

“Sawakaze-kun, what have you done…”

“Are you talking about Toujou Reika?”

“Isn’t this bad?”

The venue became chaotic. Sawakaze-kun, who had been wearing a sad expression, seemed to briefly smile for just a moment, but then immediately returned to a sorrowful expression and continued speaking.

“This is her fault. This is her punishment. I hate women who scheme behind the scenes. He gets to this prestigious stage just because he is a man, even though he has no real ability. Don’t you all understand? Then let me tell you. Yes, I’m talking about the ‘Armed Girls’ here. Gouda Taketo!”

Then Sawakaze-kun pointed his finger at me. No, Sawakaze-kun. What the heck is this guy talking about? By the way, who is Toujou-san?

“It seems you have gained some fame on netTube, but it’s nothing to boast about. You have neither achievements nor skills, so there’s no way you could stand on such an honorable stage. You would need to borrow the power of the Toujou Group. In fact, it seems that the singer Houjou Mariko is also here under the pretext of supporting, but looking at her injury, it’s not a big deal. It might be safe to say that there was some behind-the-scenes deal.”

This time, Sawakaze points towards a table set up away from the venue’s table seats, in a position not visible on television.

Huh, isn’t that the person I saw looking distressed on her way back from the restroom, and I fixed her without asking?

It was the popular ballad singer, Houjou-san. I felt like I made eye contact with Houjou-san, so I instinctively bowed my head. Out of regret for doing something unnecessary.

“Then, even if I hadn’t spoken up here, you would have immediately tilted your head in confusion upon hearing their song that they’re about to sing, so it might have just been a matter of time, but I just couldn’t forgive it. It’s infuriating that a band with no real talent, like them, is standing on such an illustrious stage! And that Toujou Reika allowed it! …MC, I’m sorry for interrupting the flow, my bad.”

With a slight bow, Sawakaze returned the microphone to Utako-san.

And without ever looking this way, he returned to his table.