NOVEL NEXT Chapter 21: Karaoke
(3rd pov)
Lala was currently on the roof alone, if you don't count Peke. She was looking at the town below and thinking about something.
Peke: "Lala-sama?"
Lala: "What is it, Peke?
Peke: "It seems Ren-dono plans to stay on Earth as an Earthling until he gets your attention. What are you gonna do about him?"
Lala: "Eh!? But I'm marrying Ryoto."
Peke: "While Ryoto is exceptional, don't you think your view has been narrowed down because it's your first love, Lala-sama. Maybe it's a good idea to calm down a little and look around."
Lala: "Look around?"
Peke: "I'm saying maybe there is someone who is more suitable for you than Ryoto-dono."
Lala: "Peke, do you know why I wanted to marry Ryoto?"
Peke: "Wasn't that because he said he wouldn't marry someone he doesn't love?"
Lala: "It's one of the reasons but not the only one. You see, Ryoto is someone who is someone who would help someone in need."
Peke: "I'm sure they're a lot of people like that."
Lala: "Maybe, but would they risk injury while helping said person. You remember what happened the first night. He couldn't even walk afterward, and this was before the whole engagement thing. After that, he fought Zastin just to free me from it. My daily life after that was enjoyable not just because of Ryoto but also going to school and having friends, and it wouldn't be possible without his help, so no matter what, I know that I won't regret marrying him."
Peke: "If you say so, Lala-sama, I will trust your judgment, and I will put my trust into Ryoto-dono as well."
(Ryoto's pov)
I was walking down the hallway annoyed, which is saying something since it's hard for me to feel negative emotions.
Ren: "Where are you going next, Ryoto Yuuki!?"
Ryoto: "Somewhere quiet."
Ren: "Fine then, I go ahead and-"
Ryoto: "Can you leave me alone for a while?"
Because if not, I will really web him somewhere, and I don't want to use Lala's gift that way.
Ren: "Then will you admit that I'm more manly than you are!?"
Ryoto: "Sure, whatever, I don't care."
'How can someone be so annoying. I would take Karen's abuse over this any day, and I'm not even masochistic.'
Karen: "Can I?"
'Please don't start it, Karen. There was a small improvement as of late, and I don't want to return to these dark times.'
Karen: "Fine..."
She sounds disappointed. I mean, at least she tries.
Ren: "Then can you forget about Lala-chan?"
I stopped and slowly turned towards him.
Ryoto: "Listen here, I don't care who you are. You could be a nobody or king of Deviluke himself, but if you think that decision is only mine to take, then you're deeply mistaken. Even if I did as you said, it wouldn't mean that Lala would magically fall in love with you!"
I let my emotions better of mem good to know that it can still happen. Ren just looked at me, shocked by my outburst. Taking that chance, I escaped.
---
The next day before class, Ren called me to talk about something.
Ryoto: "So, what did you want to talk about?"
Ren: "I thought about what you said yesterday, and you're right. I was thinking how being with Lala would make me happy, and she would be happier with me too. I hoped that she would notice it if I showed her that I'm better than you, but I just assumed it... but it doesn't mean that my feelings are fake, so I declare war on you. I'll steal Lala-chan from you and make her happier than you ever would!"
Ryoto: "I see. I won't let it be easy, though. Lala means a lot to me."
I smiled at him with a lot of confidence.
Ren: "Thank you very much, aniki!"
Ryoto: "Aniki?"
Ren: "Yes, your words moved me to tears. I didn't expect you to care for Lala-chan that much. You were extremely manly at that moment, and I set you as my goal."
I got my first follower/rival? I don't know, and I don't care... for now.
The class went on normal, and after school, Rito, Haruna, Lala, Ren, Risa, Mio, and I decided to go to karaoke. Lala sang a song, and it was my turn to sing.
__________
*PING*
*NEW QUEST*
Mission: "A male fantasy"
Objective 1: Sing 24-hour Cinderella with Goro Majima's voice
Reward: 30 SP, one-use items in the shop have their price reduced permanently
Failure: You will follow and harass random stranger while screaming at him 'Kiryu-chan '
Duration of punishment: one week.
__________
'Karen.'
Karen: "Yes?"
'i would do it even without the quest, so thanks for choosing it.'
Karen: "You're welcome."
I chose the song and waited for the right moment to begin. I had a serious expression at the time, but as soon as I heard the music start, my face changed to one with a genuine smile.
Ryoto: "Sunao ni I LOVE YOU! Todokeyou kitto YOU LOVE ME! Tsutawaru sa kimi ni nai garasu no kutsu wo sagasou!"
My singing shocked everyone in the booth. Lala didn't care and clapped in the rhythm of the song.
Ren: "I seem aniki chose this song to show us that even with this clearly girly song, he can still be manly. As expect of aniki!"
Ren then proceeded to join Lala in clapping.
Ryoto: "Futari de STEP & GO! Italy made mo hinya juuni-ji wo sugitatte bokura no rabu majikku wa toka wa shinai!"
I sang to my heart content, not caring about anyone in the room, and I was shortly coming to an end.
Ryoto: "Hey! Hey! Hey!"
The song ended, and I was satisfied with my performance.
__________
*PING*
*QUEST COMPLETED*
Reward: 30 SP, one-use items in the shop have their price reduced permanently
__________
Ren: "Wooo! Great job, aniki!"
Risa: "Yeah, where did you learn to sing like that?"
Ryoto: "You know, the internet..."
They obviously didn't believe it.
Risa: "Alright then, keep your secrets."
We spent about two hours in karaoke as girls demanded me to sing many songs. It was fun, so I didn't object.
We returned home and fell asleep even though I again had that nightmare. I have a bad feeling about it.
---
END
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