Chapter 16: March 9th

“Is Mr. Sugawara coming soon?”

As Mai Asai was boasting to her best friend, she noticed Ryuichi Sugawara standing up, and her attention was immediately drawn to him.

“Is he about to sing?”

Wakaba Miyagi suddenly turned around with a serious expression, as if facing a formidable rival.

Risa Minamida said nothing but picked up a prop from the table—a shaker.

Meanwhile, Tsuki Yamabuki held the karaoke remote, ready to start the song once Ryuichi was in position.

Since it was everyone’s first time singing karaoke with him, they were all curious about Sugawara’s singing ability.

For a moment, the private room fell into a brief silence.

Being stared at by them made Ryuichi a bit nervous.

Although he possessed professional-level singing talent and had gained over a decade of singing experience overnight, he still lacked real-world experience and familiarity.

“Here you go.”

When he stepped forward, Mai Asai handed him the microphone.

Though there was more than one microphone in the room, unless it was a duet or group performance, it was best not to have two people holding microphones simultaneously, as it would disrupt the fun.

“Thank you.”

Ryuichi accepted the microphone politely.

The moment he grasped it, his nervousness melted away, replaced by confidence.

Unconsciously, he straightened his back.

Mai Asai, sitting opposite him, noticed the subtle change in his expression most distinctly.

The shift was difficult to describe, like a warrior receiving his sword—exuding unparalleled confidence.

“Let’s begin.”

The three who had already sat down didn’t notice the change as Tsuki Yamabuki spoke.

“Alright.”

Ryuichi took a gentle breath and nodded.

Receiving his affirmation, Yamabuki pressed the play button.

The next moment, the screen displayed the song title “March 9th,” the lyrics, and a countdown.

Seeing the song choice, the three women couldn’t help but feel somewhat disappointed.

Because this song was too common; practically everyone could sing it and had heard it countless times.

It wasn’t that they disapproved of the song itself, but since it was their first karaoke outing with Ryuichi Sugawara, they hoped to hear something more distinctive, something that would reveal his tastes and personality.

Ignoring their opinions, Ryuichi took a deep breath and softly began:

“In the fleeting seasons, I unknowingly felt the length of time.”

“Through busy days, we paint our dreams together.”

“Let longing ride on the March breeze, as cherry blossoms bloom with spring.”

The song began without an intro, like a sudden kiss—breath-taking.

“!!”

At the very instant he sang, Yamabuki was caught off guard and couldn’t help but widen her eyes.

Some songs captivate you at the intro; some people you just instantly like upon meeting.

Ryuichi’s deep, gentle voice and emotionally rich lyrics struck a chord within her soul, deeply drawing her in.

The three women, initially disappointed, were genuinely astonished by his enchanting singing, exchanging surprised glances.

This wasn’t the “March 9th” they remembered.

Though it was the same song, why did his cover sound so beautiful? His voice was steady and perfectly hit every note.

After singing the first three verses, the song shifted into a simple yet touching interlude. Ryuichi was fully immersed.

During the interlude, he stopped looking at the lyrics, turned away from the screen, and faced Yamabuki seated nearby:

“Particles of overflowing light gently warm the morning.”

“After a big yawn, you shyly lie beside me.”

Singing conveys emotion far better than words.

Being gazed at while he sang, Yamabuki shivered, goosebumps rising all over.

“Wow…”

The three women beside her, hearing that moving voice, could almost see the scene in their minds.

On a weekend morning, awakened by the morning light, Mr. Sugawara sat up, stretching with a big yawn, while Tsuki Yamabuki lay beside him, wrapped in a thin blanket, blushing.

“Standing at the threshold of a brand-new world, I suddenly realize I am not alone.”

“When I close my eyes, you appear before me.”

“I hope I am the same to you.”

Listening to his beautiful voice, they suddenly understood.

Why did Mr. Sugawara sing this song? Why did he love it?

After passing the entrance exam to Waseda University, Sugawara must have felt lost, overwhelmed by constant studying, until one day in the library, he unexpectedly encountered Tsuki Yamabuki and suddenly saw the path ahead clearly.

“Though difficulties always arise, gazing at the sky makes them seem so small.”

“The blue sky so clear, the clouds drifting quietly like sheep.”

“The joy of waiting for flowers to bloom—how happy it would be to share it with you.”

“In the days to come, I hope you stay by my side, smiling softly.”

Only music filled with heartfelt emotion can truly move the soul.

Though they had heard and sung these lyrics countless times before, influenced by Ryuichi Sugawara’s and Tsuki Yamabuki’s encounter, the three women were captivated, savoring every line, even the tone of each word.

“…”

Yamabuki couldn’t focus on the lyrics. Ryuichi’s piercing gaze and melodious voice, silhouetted against the light, completely unsettled her.

She felt embarrassed but also immensely joyful.

She couldn’t resist his gaze yet adored his singing.

Even the most beautiful song must eventually end, just like every gathering must part.

As the final notes faded, the four-minute, twenty-five-second song concluded.

Snapping out of his heartfelt performance, Ryuichi noticed a prompt in the corner of his vision:

[Tsuki Yamabuki feels butterflies in her stomach, affection level +3]

The new rating instinctively drew his eyes back to Yamabuki.

The dim lighting in the room cast a soft haze over everyone, but it could not conceal her downcast, shy eyes or the smile at her lips.

She said nothing, but her reaction spoke louder than words.

Witnessing this breathtaking scene, Ryuichi’s heart raced uncontrollably.

Though “March 9th” was a carefully chosen song tailored to the situation, setting, and personal background, he had not expected such a profound effect.

“How is it only 97 points?! Is the scoring machine broken? Mr. Sugawara’s cover is so good—on par with the original. How could it be only 97 points?!”

At that moment, an incredulous, frustrated voice shattered the air—it was Wakaba Miyagi.