Yuki, Kitsune, Taiyo, and the gyaru crew had just left the convenience store, where Yuki had grabbed a soda in place of a more substantial meal. Her stomach was still growling in hunger, but that was soon forgotten as they walked through the vibrant streets of Akihabara. The neon lights from the numerous shops reflected off the wet pavement, adding to the electric atmosphere of the district.
Yuki (looking around):
"Akihabara's always so lively at night. I love this place, but... I could really use something to eat, though."
Kitsune (grinning):
"Don't worry, Yuki! We're heading to karaoke next! But if you're still hungry, we can grab something else along the way."
As the group walked through the busy streets, the chatter and laughter of tourists and locals filled the air. Bright signs from anime shops and arcades flickered above them, and the occasional cosplayer made their way past, adding to the lively atmosphere. They passed famous spots like Radio Kaikan and the Don Quijote store, both landmarks in the heart of Akihabara.
They eventually arrived at Karaoke no Tetsujin, a popular karaoke chain located near Akihabara Station (around 4-6-5 Sotokanda, Chiyoda City, Tokyo). It was a place known for its extensive song list, including a huge selection of anime songs, and the lively, fun environment where groups of friends could sing and party all night.
Kitsune:
"Here we are, Karaoke no Tetsujin! This place is the best in Akihabara. I've been here so many times, you won't regret it!"
Yuki, Taiyo, and the others entered the brightly lit karaoke booth area, where the atmosphere was filled with the sounds of people laughing, singing, and cheering each other on.
Taiyo (glancing at the menu):
"Alright, I'm ready to make a fool of myself, let's do this!"
The group made their way to their reserved private room, which had a large screen, a mic, and cozy seating. As they settled in, Yuki looked around at all the bright lights, blinking neon karaoke scoreboards, and flashy decorations. It was both overwhelming and exciting. She felt a little nervous—karaoke was always a bit of a challenge for her, especially when she was surrounded by people as confident as Kitsune and her crew.
Kitsune (cheerfully):
"Alright, everyone! I'll start us off. Who's ready to hear me sing?"
With that, she grabbed the mic, selected her song from the touchscreen panel, and queued up a popular track: "Pretender" by Official HIGE DANDism. The opening chords of the song began, and Kitsune's voice filled the room, smooth and rich, as she confidently sang along.
Kitsune (singing):
"Kimi to boku wa yume no naka
Kawaranai kimochi ga aruku..."
Her voice flowed effortlessly, and the gyaru crew cheered, impressed with her powerful vocal performance. Kitsune's confidence and skill were undeniable, and it seemed like she was having a blast.
Gyaru 1:
"Yes, Kitsune! You've got this!"
Gyaru 2:
"You sound amazing, I love this song!"
Once Kitsune finished her song, she passed the mic to the next person.
Kitsune:
"Alright, Ayumi, your turn! What are you singing?"
Ayumi (grinning):
"Let me show you all how it's done!"
Ayumi picked a classic hit, "Heavy Rotation" by AKB48. The upbeat, fun song got everyone in the room clapping and singing along. The energy in the room was contagious as Ayumi danced around, letting loose.
Ayumi (singing):
"Kimi to no deai wa
Unmei no deai..."
Gyaru 3 (laughing):
"Go, Ayumi! You've got the moves and the voice!"
Gyaru 1:
"Such an upbeat song, it's perfect for you!"
After Ayumi's lively performance, it was Taiyo's turn. As usual, he wasn't taking this very seriously. Taiyo grabbed a snack from the table, still munching on it as he grabbed the mic.
Taiyo (with his mouth full):
"Alright, time for my big debut!"
He selected "Blue Bird" by Ikimono Gakari—a popular song from Naruto Shippuden—but he was far too focused on his snacks to pay attention to the song itself.
Taiyo (singing while chewing):
"Aoi sora ga mi wo terasu..."
The others stared at him, blinking. He was eating and singing... and doing a bad job of both.
Kitsune (laughing, shaking her head):
"Taiyo, you can't do both at the same time! Focus!"
Taiyo (smiling sheepishly):
"Hey, I'm a multitasker!"
Kitsune:
"No, you're a disaster!"
After a few moments of watching Taiyo attempt to eat his snacks and sing, Kitsune finally took the mic away from him.
Kitsune (with a smirk):
"Okay, okay, Taiyo. You're officially banned from singing. Next up, Yuki!"
Yuki felt a little anxious as she looked at the songbook. She wasn't as confident in her singing abilities as the others, but she couldn't let the group down. She scrolled through the songs, unsure of what to pick. Then, as her eyes scanned the page, she saw something that immediately caught her attention: Ado.
Yuki's heart skipped a beat. She'd always been a huge fan of Ado's music, especially the song "Usseewa". She hesitated for a moment, but then decided—if she was going to do this, she was going to do it right.
Yuki (muttering to herself):
"Alright, here goes nothing..."
She selected "Usseewa". The song began, and the powerful guitar riff echoed throughout the room, before the harsh, energetic vocals of the song began.
Yuki (singing, intensely):
"Tadashisa to wa orokasa to wa
Sore ga nanika misetsukete yaru
Chicchana koro kara yuutousei
Kizuitara otona ni natteita..."
The energy in the room shifted. Yuki's voice, deep and resonant, filled the room with intensity. The gyaru crew stared at her, wide-eyed. They had no idea that Yuki was capable of such raw power in her vocals.
Kitsune (whispering, shocked):
"Whoa... Yuki... where did that come from?!"
Gyaru 1 (impressed):
"She's killing it!"
Gyaru 2:
"She's like... Ado herself!"
Yuki's performance grew more intense with every line, her voice commanding attention as the song progressed. The karaoke room was alive with energy, and the group cheered her on as she reached the chorus.
Yuki (singing with all her energy):
"Usseewa! Usseewa! Usseewa!"
As Yuki hit the high notes and belted out the lines, it was clear that her performance was something to remember. The room erupted in applause, and even Kitsune and Taiyo couldn't help but cheer for her.
Kitsune (smiling proudly):
"Yuki, that was incredible! I had no idea you had it in you!"
Yuki, still catching her breath, smiled sheepishly.
Yuki:
"Thanks... I guess I got a little carried away."
And with that, the group continued to sing and enjoy their time together, laughing, chatting, and bonding in the neon-lit heart of Akihabara.