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We wait for things to progress while enjoying the food, but there’s pretty much no progress at all. I saw them making small talk, but it quickly ended. I can’t hear what they were talking about from here.

“It’s nice to look at and there’s nothing to nitpick taste-wise. This is amazing.”
“It’s frustrating, but I can’t figure it out at all.”

As expected of a two-star restaurant. Kaori’s furrowed brows are probably from the frustration of not being able to see how they cooked the food. I can’t tell. There’s no way an amateur like me can understand the methods of a first-class chef. What’s important is that the food’s good.

“So, how are things going?”
“No progress. It doesn’t look like anything will happen before they leave the restaurant.”
“So things are going as expected.”
“No, that’s not the case.”

Even without anything happening on their end, unexpected situations can still occur. Now that I think about it, what I’m about to do really is uncharacteristic of me. Still, I’ve already decided to do it, no taking backs.

“Is there something wrong?”
“I’m getting nervous.”
“Ha?”

Kaori’s fork hand froze midair. I can’t help it, I’m just human. Naturally, I feel anxiety too. Despite that fact, this girl right in front of me can’t seem to digest what I just said. Your image of me is weird.

“After everything you’ve done up until now, you can still feel nervous?”
“That was because I was riding the vibes and I was with other people. I was never the only star of the show.”

When I performed in front of strangers, I was never alone. And in the case of the field trip incident, the choir club was the main star and Sherry was there next to me. I’m sure I didn’t catch much attention. Which is probably why I didn’t feel any hesitation.

“I’m practically alone in enemy territory.”
“Nonono, there’s not even as many people this time around.”

The theme park just had way more people. The amount of people here is smaller in comparison, but this time, I’m unquestionably the star of the event. I was the one who decided to do this for them, so I’m fully prepared. But it’s still nerve-wracking.

“I’m not going to mess up, right?”
“I hate to say it when you’re feeling insecure, but it’s time.”

A dessert just brought to our table signals the start of prep time. Tossing the dessert into my mouth, I left my table and headed elsewhere. I couldn’t taste anything due to my anxiety, but I’ll leave that part to Kaori. After all, it’s the most important information for us.

“Sorry for asking such an unreasonable demand.”
“No, there was no reason for us to decline Lady Kisaragi’s request. More so if it would grace us with the rumoured Unknown’s singing.”

I had to use my family name’s influence this time, but it can’t be helped. It’s a method that’s uncharacteristic of me. You could say that I just couldn’t think of any other way. It’s not like I had ways to negotiate with a restaurant on my own.

“Forgive me if it cannot meet your expectations.”
“There is no such thing for our restaurant. Please sing to your heart’s content.”

It’s a bit of a surprise, but it’s not unusual for singing to be heard in this restaurant. After all, they occasionally have singers perform with only a piano accompaniment. However, they only allow people of adequate talent to perform. Whether I can be classified as one of them, we’re about to learn.

“Got to fire myself up.”

The stage is already set up. The principal’s older sister had this prepared after hearing out my idea. She was completely on board with it, which was weird. There’s a non-zero chance that Sherry is behind her. Still, since she’s not around, I guess I can cross that possibility out.

“As requested, there is a veil covering, so the guests shouldn’t be able to see your face.”
“The recording equipment?”
“All set.”

This isn’t my idea. Shirose asked for an audio recording in exchange when I asked her to compose for me. She wouldn’t tell me what she’ll use it for, but I’m pretty sure it’s nothing good. Still, it’s part of my resolve.

“Well then, I’ll be off.”
“Best of luck.”

Steeling myself, I climbed up the small stage. Instantly, everyone went quiet, making me even more nervous. This is the first time I’ve gone up on an unoccupied stage. I’m feeling unsure of myself, but I silently tell myself that it’s just normal. After all, none of my friends are with me.

No greetings from me. I simply bow to the audience and take a deep breath. I sent the signal to the lady on the piano and uplift myself. The song will be a love song. After all, rock doesn’t really suit the day. My voice is relaxed and slow. I direct my feelings to a single couple in the crowd. Imbuing courage and thinking of a blessed future, I poured my whole energy to cheer them on.

The song was less than four minutes long, but it felt like a blink of an eye. After bowing to the audience like earlier, I bow to the pianist before quickly leaving the stage. I hear applause from behind me, but I just want to leave this place as fast as I can. I don’t need to see it, I’m sure my face is bright red right now.

“Brilliant work. Though if I’m forced to say, it’s a shame that the song was only directed to one pair.”
“I’m surprised you could tell.”
“I’ve heard many songs in my career, you see.”

The manager’s pretty amazing to understand that much just from listening. That’s not really something you can normally perceive. After exchanging words with the manager, I quickly exited through the backdoor. If I return to Kaori, it’s practically the same as announcing that I was the singer.

“Ah, that was stupid.”

I went inside the car waiting for us and hung my head. Originally, I planned to quietly check on the principal and Ms. Saeki as well, but my embarrassment was too strong, so I ended up running away. I’ve been acting out of character the whole day today.

“That’s why I told you so. You didn’t need to do it if it’s so embarrassing.”
“That was fast.”
“Someone kindly told me that my companion had just left.”

Shortly after I entered the car, Kaori arrived. The one who told her was probably the manager. After all, the people entering the stage wing were limited to keep my identity hidden. Hearing Kaori’s opinion is also embarrassing. I was so out of character.

“How were they?”
“I saw him taking out a ring. Beyond that, I don’t know.”