Wish ~Yato x Reader AU~

Chapter 9: Karaoke Night

I'm a little surprised by what I see.

The karaoke bar that Hiyori has decided to bring me to does not match the Nora way of life that I have observed over the last two weeks. Oh, no. It is far different. Where the scenery which makes Nora is traditional and quaint, this place is modern and, as expected, loud. It is a large space with plenty of different seating arrangements; booths, tables, and the bar which all vary in size and cheerfully colored neon lights that hang overhead. It's nothing overwhelming, but the colors are beautiful and dance in sync with the music, which pulsates through the air. The tunes strum and sound through the atmosphere, bouncing against my ribs as they make my heart flutter. The smell of food lingers around me, running up into my nose, making my stomach growl with hunger. However, the best part of this place is how alive and busy it is with the younger crowd. Laughter, conversations, and singing all mixes together.

I sit back against the cushion of the booth I'm situated at, taking a sip of my water as the sound of Hiyori's voice rolls through the air. She is up on stage, singing along to Monsta X's song, Livin' It Up, the lights moving to the beat. Based on the smile on her lips, I think it's safe to assume that she's having fun. I won't lie. So am I, though I'm not showing it by singing my heart out on stage. I prefer to sit and watch, observing all those around me over humiliating myself. To each their own.

After a few moments, Hiyori's song comes to an end, followed by the cheering and clapping of the audience. She takes a few bows and jogs off the stage, allowing the next brave soul to take her place. I watch as she happily makes her way to me, exchanging a few pleasantries with folks as she passes them. She finally makes it back to our booth and claims her seat across from me, still flashing that friendly smile.

"That's always so much fun," she beams before taking a drink of her water. "You should give it a try, Y/N."

I shake my head. "Nah. I'm not big on singing."

She lifts a brow quizzically. "Really? You don't sing? How come?"

"I just don't think I'm that good at it," I shrug.

"You don't have to be good to do it," she giggles.

I ball my hands into fists under the table. That statement makes my stomach knot -it makes me feel uneasy. My heart flutters in disagreement. I wish I could agree with her words. I wish that I didn't feel like I'd choke on the breath caught in my throat. I wish my body didn't react this way, but it does, and it makes me nervous. I have to be good. I have to.

I manage to crack a smile and laugh halfheartedly, "I just don't wanna damage people's ears with my tone deafness."

"I'm sure you're not that bad," Hiyori giggles, taking another drink of her water. "But, anyway, are you all settled in?"

"For the most part," I nod, taking a bite of my food. "I just have a few things left and then I'll be completely moved in."

"Wow. You move quick," Hiyori chuckles. "Is it nice? I bet it's nice. I'm sure Mr. Sui has kept that place in great condition."

This isn't quite what I expected to discuss. Not that there's anything wrong with this conversation, but it's not really my thing. I'm not big on talking about myself. It's just not something I do. It makes me feel weird and off. So, I find it best to try to change the conversation.

"Yeah...yeah, it's nice," I swallow. I fidget with my fingers for few moments before continuing, "So, Hiyori, are you a Nora local?"

She answers warmly, "No. I'm actually from a city close to Tokyo called Komorebi (also made up)."

"Komorebi?" I repeat. "You said it's close to Tokyo?"

She hums. "Mmmhmm. Yeah. It's nowhere near the same size as Tokyo, but it still has a few million people living in it."

"That's a lot," I whistle.

It's funny. Based on her behavior I figured she was born and raised in the sleepy village of Nora, but it appears not. I suppose I jumped to that conclusion because of how much she seems to like it here and how well she knows it. Based on my observations over the last couple of weeks she is not shy about maneuvering through the village alone, always exchanging smiles and pleasantries with the locals. Perhaps that's just how she is.

"Maybe," she shrugs, "but I'm used to it." She perks up, adding, "You said you're originally from H/P, right? Before you moved to Osaka. I bet this is all different compared to that."

Back on me.

I swallow, "Yeah, it's all a bit of a culture shock. Well, it was...ya know when I first came to Japan, but I'm used to it now. Anyway, Komorebi. Do you still live there, or do you live elsewhere?"

I can feel Hiyori scan me before answering, "I still live there. I actually live in the dorms at Komorebi University (KU), now."

"Oh?" I press. "You're going to school? What for?"

"Yeah," she nods, still flashing that friendly smile. "I'm going for medicine, though I'm only in my first year. So, it'll be a while before I actually get to the medicine portion of my studies."

Medicine. She's studying medicine. She wants to be a doctor...or a nurse...or a radiologist...or a therapist. Regardless, she wants to be in the medical field. She wants to help people...she wants to save lives. That's what she wants to do with her life. Meanwhile, I'm here. Not studying something as important as medicine. Not saving lives.

"That's still really impressive," I say, taking a sip of my drink. "Medicine. That's a tough and admirable major. I'm sure you'll do well."

"Thanks," she beams. Her eyes peer into mine, her stare searching me as she adds, "What about you? Are you going to a school or...?"

Back on me yet again.

I shift uncomfortably. "Actually, no. I'm taking a break from school. Ya know...trying to figure out what I want to do and all."

I'm hoping that's enough of an answer for her. I'm praying she doesn't need more because I don't know what else to say. Plus, it's not like I'm lying. In the end, I'm still young, dumb, and not sure what the hell I want to do with my life. So, work is all I can do for now.

She smiles, "That's admirable, too. Recognizing that you need to step back and evaluate what you want to do with your life. That's still something."

"Yeah," I agree.

This still isn't the conversation I want and I'm thinking of every way to change it. Not knowing her very well is preventing me of that. I don't know how to shift her focus or what'll catch her attention, but I'm thinking. I'm thinking and I'm thinking when Hiyori continues.

"Are you sure you don't want to sing? I'm sure you'll do great," she questions warmly.

Somewhat taken aback, I just giggle, "I'm sure. I. Am. Sure."

**Ello my lovelies! Yet another chapter that I'm not too enthusiastic about, but they should start improving from here on out...hopefully. But I still hope y'all liked it. As always, thank you so super duper much for everything! Y'all are the bee's knees! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross

P.S. "Livin' It Up" by my boys, Monsta X. Love my MX boys. <3