Chapter 12: Transition

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Since during the girls’ gathering everyone asked the most pressing questions, the dinner that followed was quite peaceful.

“I’m full, time to move on!”

Once all the dishes had been finished, Waka Miyagi pressed the service bell and stood up, full of energy.

“Where to next?”

Risa Minamida was enthusiastic, picking up on her cue.

“Now that we’ve eaten our fill, we definitely have to go drinking next—let’s hit an izakaya!”

Waka Miyagi was clear about the itinerary.

In Japan, izakayas typically focus on drinking snacks; even if they offer main dishes, the prices are reasonable, though they can’t cater to everyone’s tastes.

“So it’s an izakaya, after all.”

Mai Asai was not surprised.

“Waka, there’s something I forgot to mention…”

Tukimi Yamabuki, wiping the corner of her mouth with a tissue, spoke up about the plan.

“What is it?”

“Ryuuichi doesn’t like to drink alcohol.”

“Really?”

“There actually exists an adult man who doesn’t drink?”

“That’s so rare…”

Upon hearing this, the women were all stunned.

For adults in Tokyo, drinking is almost a norm.

Japan’s workplace culture is even harsher than school sports clubs.

Once you start working, everyone endures unfair treatment and setbacks, accumulating stress and resentment.

In such times, most people choose to relieve stress through drinking; otherwise, it’s really hard to hold on.

“It’s okay, I can just watch you all drink.”

As a rental boyfriend, Ryuuichi Sugawara had no objections to the schedule and readily agreed.

“But if you go to an izakaya and don’t drink, you’ll be bored.”

Though Ryuuichi was fine with it, Yamabuki was concerned.

Her biggest worry was that her close friends might get drunk and start acting wild, urging Ryuuichi to have a few drinks.

If it came to that, things would get complicated.

If he refused to drink, he’d seem out of place.

If he drank, her friends would be the culprits.

“Hmm…”

Noticing her attitude, Ryuuichi immediately understood.

“If Sugawara-san doesn’t like to drink, then let’s skip the izakaya. We have work tomorrow, and I don’t want to drink too much either.”

Seeing his dilemma, Risa Minamida stepped in thoughtfully to smooth things over.

Among the three girls, she liked Ryuuichi the most.

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There was no helping it—her brother had caused some trouble, yet he had smiled graciously and let it pass.

“So, where shall we go next? It’s only 6 p.m., and since we all have the day off, we can’t just head home yet.”

With their original plan changed, Waka Miyagi looked troubled.

For adults, there aren’t many places to have fun.

Going to an izakaya to drink heartily and vent about work and arrogant seniors or bosses is the most common pastime.

“Oh right, let’s go to karaoke! We can drink and have fun at the same time.”

Just then, Mai Asai clasped her hands together, suddenly thinking of a place.

“Sounds good. It’s been a while since we all went together.”

Upon hearing this, Waka Miyagi’s eyes lit up with interest.

“Sugawara-san, how do you feel about karaoke?”

Seeing their decision, Risa Minamida actively asked for Ryuuichi’s opinion.

“No problem.”

Ryuuichi had no objections to this plan.

At that moment, the sliding door opened, and a young woman in a staff uniform knelt at the doorway of the private room.

“Apologies for the delay. The restaurant is quite busy right now. I heard the service bell—may I assist you with anything?”

She spoke carefully, not daring to neglect them.

“No worries, you came just in time. We’d like to settle the bill.”

Waka Miyagi, who had pressed the service bell, shook her head to ease any misunderstanding and then stated their request.

“Uh... your bill has already been settled by this gentleman.”

The waitress hadn’t expected the reason for the service bell to be this and paused before looking toward Ryuuichi Sugawara.

“Really? Sugawara-san, you’ve already paid?”

Upon hearing this, Waka Miyagi was momentarily stunned, wanting to verify the truth.

“Sorry, since this is our first meeting, I wanted to show my appreciation.”

Facing their gaze, Ryuuichi nodded slightly and explained.

“How gentlemanly…”

“Was it when you went to the restroom earlier?”

“No wonder you were gone so long.”

Upon confirming the story, the women felt refreshed and their admiration for him soared.

They had introduced their boyfriends to their friends many times over the years, but none had proactively paid the bill like Ryuuichi.

In truth, the cost of a meal was trivial, but the thoughtfulness was precious.

Despite their compliments, Ryuuichi didn’t feel fully deserving—after all, the one who actually paid was Tukimi Yamabuki.

Having settled the bill, the group didn’t linger and moved on to the next venue.

Nighttime was when Shibuya truly came alive.

As they wove through the bustling crowd, Ryuuichi naturally took Yamabuki’s hand.

However, perhaps because they had held hands often, no fluttering sensation was triggered.

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Led by Waka Miyagi, the three women walked ahead, searching for a suitable establishment.

During this time, Yamabuki deliberately slowed her pace to whisper with Ryuuichi.

“Have you ever been to karaoke?”

“I went once for my mother’s birthday,” he replied thoughtfully, not confusing this experience with his past life.

“Only once? Haven’t you gone with other girls before?”

Yamabuki was surprised.

Karaoke is one of the favorite hangouts for young people to sing their hearts out and release emotions.

“No.”

Ryuuichi nodded affirmatively.

“Don’t you like singing?”

Suddenly, Yamabuki’s expression changed as she considered a possibility.

“It’s not that—I actually like singing and listening to music. I just had to study, so I never had the chance to go to karaoke.”

Realizing she had misunderstood, Ryuuichi explained.

Before today, he had no time or inclination to go to karaoke.

Growing up, he had been focused on studying, and with the mounting sunk costs, failing to get into Tokyo University or Kyoto University would have meant all his efforts were wasted.

The anxiety, pressure, and fear about an uncertain future had forced him to give up entertainment.

However, upon discovering that one point of “heartthrob value” equals 100,000 yen and that these points were easy to earn, all his worries evaporated.

Reborn, he had no grand ideals or ambitions—just to get into Tokyo University, use the prestigious degree to land a well-paid job, and live a stable, affluent life.

“That’s great. I thought you didn’t like singing.”

Relieved that he was okay with karaoke, Yamabuki exhaled deeply.

“Don’t worry. Even if I don’t like it, I’ll accompany you in doing what interests you—that’s my duty.”

Seeing how concerned she was about his feelings, Ryuuichi thought for a moment and leaned close to whisper in her ear.

[Yamabuki’s heartbeat quickened; heartthrob value +1]

“That said, if you don’t like singing, won’t it be uncomfortable if everyone asks you to sing later? And since we’re a couple, they’ll definitely want us to do duets.”

Prompted by his reminder, Yamabuki realized she had been too worried about him and blushed, quickly making an excuse.

“Duets?”

Hearing this planned development, Ryuuichi raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t worry. None of us sing professionally; it’s all for fun and feeling. Just sing boldly later—even if you’re not good, no one will laugh.”

Seeing that he was unaware of this typical karaoke ritual, Yamabuki gave him a friendly heads-up.

“All right.”

Comforted by her words, Ryuuichi said nothing more but felt a growing sense of anticipation.

Last night, he had unlocked a professional-level talent—J-pop singing technique—and had just tried singing a bit while showering.

But without an audience, he didn’t know how his skill would be perceived by others.