The Guy Who Messed Up Is Gradually Doing His Best - Chapter 99: (MC Utako's Perspective)

I am Utako. Aida Utako.

I couldn’t hide my confusion at being suddenly appointed as the MC for the 77th King of Songs Night. Why me, who is supposed to be disliked by my boss? I thought, but I soon understood the answer.

It’s Sawakaze Kazuya. He has been in the entertainment industry for less than a year, but the shows he appears in have quite high ratings.

However, at the same time, he is also a difficult person to handle because his unscripted remarks and actions stand out.

The reason is that, because he is a man, none of the co-stars can comment on or joke about his statements or actions, so the MC has to somehow cover for him.

It would be great if it worked out every time, but that’s not usually the case.

As soon as the program ended, he unleashed a torrent of insults. The MC’s heart was immediately crushed by the scolding from the man they admired.

Seeing him being kind to idols, actresses, and models, it makes me wonder, why is it only me?

In this industry, it has already become famous as the “MC’s nightmare.”

But this is a rare opportunity that has come my way. There’s no way I would turn it down for something so trivial. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to be the MC for the King of Songs Night. My dream is finally coming true.

The MC assistant is my junior at the company, Otoka (Mochizuki Otoka). She has a natural brightness that really lifts the mood. She’s one year younger than me, and although we’re close in age, we get along well. With Otoka, it’ll be fine. It’ll work out somehow.

I thought so, but…

“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, after catching his breath, Sawakaze Kazuya,

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

What on earth am I being shown? It wasn’t enough to just flatter him and have him sing comfortably. Have you ever heard the song “Armed Girls”? Why are you moving on your own, and why are you holding my microphone? This is bad, my mind isn’t working properly.

The conversation with Otoka started off smoothly, and we were successfully energizing the venue hall, making the guests feel good while singing. That’s what we thought…

——Why? Why is this guy…

Since that time. Back then, when I went to his school as a music program reporter.

I was also at fault for being so excited to meet him, but I ended up showing a disappointing side of myself to the viewers.

I was frustrated. I vowed in my heart that this would never happen again…

“Utako-san, Otoka-san… We’ll take a commercial break for now.”

Suddenly, I heard the producer’s voice through the intercom. Right, I need to pull myself together. But honestly, it was a relief that the producer made that judgment.

Only he returned to the table seat with a satisfied look. Was he trying to ruin the show? I couldn’t help but glare at his back.

“If he causes any more trouble, we won’t be able to continue the program. Please proceed carefully and avoid touching on what happened earlier. However, it’s also true that the atmosphere in the venue has become heavy and unpleasant. Utako-san, Otoka-san, please somehow bring it back to a level where we can sing. I know it’s a tall order, but I’m asking you to do your best.”

Such demands come from the producer. No way am I going to let the show be ruined over something like this. Of course, my response is…

“Yes. Leave it to me.”

“Y-yes. I’ll do my best.”

Otoka is still tense. The venue has fallen silent, and everyone seems to be watching the situation unfold. But it’s better than being disturbed by unnecessary noise.

Do your best, Utako. Otherwise, I feel sorry for that child who was so polite that I wondered if he was really a boy.

That’s right. Those kids are more anxious, no, they’re angry, being told such insincere things on their first appearance… huh.

They’re all lovey-dovey. The boys in disguise are poking Taketo-kun’s armpits. Ugh, so envious…

“? Did you say something, senpai?”

“V-voice training…”

“Why are you reading it flatly? And in a weird voice, too.”

“I’m imitating Uramiyama-san, who lives next door.”

“Pfft, who is that? At least make it someone I know. Oh, but thanks to you, senpai, I’ve calmed down a bit. Thank you.”

Then, after changing the background music and with Otoka, who had relaxed nicely, we cooperated to liven up the atmosphere, and I think we managed to reach a level where we could sing. We did our best.

I send a signal to the director near the stage, it’s a sign that it’s okay.

“…Ah, oh no, I got too excited and ended up talking too much. I’m sorry. Now, Armed Girls, are you ready? It seems you are, so let’s proceed with ‘Armed Girls’ and ‘By Your Side.'”

“”Please enjoy.””

♪〜

The accompaniment starts playing, and Taketo-kun begins to sing.

Starting with the chorus, “By Your Side.” I had become a fan after hearing it just once and had listened to it countless times… but I was immediately captivated by his live singing.

I was watching your wings take flight.

Those wings are very beautiful.

I can fly too, if I’m by your side.

Because I want to be by your side forever…

♪〜

I heard your voice.

The voice of you sitting against the wall

That voice that kept trying to stand up

・

・

Ugh, ugh… Tears well up as it overlaps with the life I’ve lived.

Taketo-kun affirms all of it. He makes me feel like he’s encouraging me to do as I please because he’s by my side…

After a lot of twists and turns, I finally got the MC. To be honest, I was anxious. But I can do my best. I can still do it…

But for now, just for now… sniff.

Click…

Clap, clap…

Clap clap clap clap…

I was startled by someone’s applause. Oh no, the song was already over. But I can’t. If I open my mouth now, more tears will start to overflow.

I clap as if to cover it up. Otoka, next to me, was clapping just as hard.

Before I knew it, thunderous applause erupted from the audience.

Of course, his song was amazing. Seeing everyone’s reactions was equally moving and made me sure of it.

However, as the MC, I can’t just say nothing. I take a deep breath and calm my mind.

“It was wonderful, sniff, very, sniff, a wonderful song. Sniff. I’m sorry. I’m so moved, I can’t speak properly. Sniff.”

“Sniff, me too, sniff… I’m sorry.”

It didn’t go well. I couldn’t speak properly. Otoka is the same.

“GM (CM)…”

I sincerely thanked the producer for once again including the commercial.

After that, the talk with the “Armed Girls” was stammering and quite pathetic, but Taketo-kun skillfully followed up and smoothly transitioned to the next “Four Ears” while maintaining a pleasant atmosphere.

Thank you, Taketo-kun. If the cameras hadn’t been rolling, I would have snuggled you.

Sawakaze Kazuya said that Taketo-kun was bad at singing and only got on stage because he was a guy, but that’s completely false. Those who were once skeptical and looked at Taketo-kun with suspicion are now looking at him with admiration.

Every time I recalled his remarks, I glared at him as he was peacefully dozing off. However, his final performance was so poor that it made me want to cover my ears, and I couldn’t help but laugh. But then I realized I was the MC, and I immediately buried my head in my hands.

In the end, after he finished singing, he went off the rails, and his guardian managed to calm him down (off-camera, to avoid being seen), which was a relief.