Chapter 24: Christmas Eve

Haruto grabbed the controller and put up a song. To my surprise, it is a high and difficult love song. I kinda thought that he's the type to listen to rock music, and for that Haruto, I apologize. He stood up as the intro of the song started to play. A few seconds later he started singing. I'm glad that my expectations weren't disappointed. He is indeed… A bad singer. 

Haruto ended up singing while all of us were too stunned to speak. I just hope that this won't become a reason for Shin to break up with him.

"Why in the wide variety of songs would you pick a hard one?" Shin asked.

Haruto sat down out of embarrassment as we all laughed. Shin comforted him and grabbed the mic as if to avenge her fallen boyfriend. Well to be honest, I already know what to expect from her. I bet the others will be surprised. 

Shin started singing and the others were in awe. Shin had always been talented in singing. Her mom was a good opera singer so you wouldn't be surprised if she's this good. The others clapped as she finished singing, wearing a smug face. 

"I guess your boyfriend successfully avenged you Haruto." Said Arata. Haruto is now acting proud as if he was the one being complimented. 

Yukino tapped me and asked me to come closer. It looks like she's about to whisper something so I tilted my head closer to her. 

"It looks like you two are good at singing. Are her parents also musicians?" Whispered Yukino.

"Yeah, her mom used to be an opera singer. That's how our moms met." 

Arata and Kaito decided to sing a duet. Their performance wasn't bad. They were in tune most of the time. My ears are sensitive and trained at a very young age so I was able to notice when they go out of tune from time to time. But overall, it wasn't too bad. 

I stepped out of the room after their performance. I told them that I'll go to the washroom but in reality, I'll be smoking for a bit. Yukino already knew so she just smiled at me.

I wonder if days can always be like this where I get to be this happy. It feels too good to be true. I finished my cigarette and walked back into the room to see Yukino and Hina having a duet. I already knew how Yukino sang but this was my first time hearing Hina. 

They finished singing and they actually delivered a good performance so the rest of us clapped for them.

"You guys sing well together! I request an encore!" Said Kaito as the rest of us agreed. For a moment I thought that I'd be safe but I guess Yukino won't let that happen.

"Aren't you guys curious how Aoi's voice would sound? Would you let him run off without even showcasing his singing skills?" Said Yukino smiling while looking at me trying to tease me. 

"Yeah! Go for it Aoi!" Said Hina. 

I sang a simple song that seemed to disappoint Shin. But the others were quite in shock to hear my voice. 

"I can't believe this. Is there anything that you can't do Aoi?" Asked Haruto as the others nodded. 

"He can sing even more difficult songs!" Said Shin.

Yukino gave me a smile of approval. 

The karaoke session ended after they sang a few more songs. We made our way out getting ready to part ways. 

"Why don't you take Yukino home, Aoi? The two of you will be going in the same direction anyway." Said Shin. Her face definitely saying "I told you I got you".

We separated ways as we exchanged greetings as we waved off. "Merry Christmas guys!" 

Yukino and I were on our way home when we stumbled upon an arcade. I found it unusual how an arcade would be open considering that it's almost Christmas. It was already 10:45 PM after all.

"Do you want to stop by the arcade?" I suggested.

"Sure! I'll just call uncle so he doesn't get worried." 

She called her uncle on the phone and said "Yes, I'm with Aoi." So she handed me the phone and put it on loud speaker. 

"Uhm hello sir-" 

"Bring her back home safe Merry Christmas." Said her uncle as the line cut off with a beep.

Both of us laughed and went on our way to the arcade. As I expected, the arcade was deserted. Nobody would usually spend Christmas eve in an arcade. Most of them would either spend it with family, friends or their lovers. 

We first made our stop on a fighting game. The two of us played as we sat beside each other. I completely destroyed Yukino and she looks like she's starting to lose composure as she continues to mutter the words "Again". At this point, we won't be able to try the other games so I decided to lose intentionally. That lit a smile on her face as if she accomplished something life changing. 

We then went to the basketball game and it surprised me how she's a lot better than me. She scored higher and was bragging about it. I'm not the type to be competitive so I paid no mind to it which seemed to disappoint her.

"Do you not have any competitiveness in you?" Asked Yukino still pouting.

"Not much." 

"Are you good at crane games?"

"I'm not half bad. Do you want to try?" 

"Yeah!"

We headed to the claw machine. Inside were lots of puppy stuff toys which looked really cute if I have to be honest. I looked to my side and saw Yukino's eyes sparkling. I guess she found it cute too. This might be the perfect opportunity to make a move. I dropped a coin and the claw machine started moving. I was able to catch something on my first and second try. 

I collected two stuffed toys. One that looks like a husky and the other one looks like a golden retriever. I checked the time and it was already Christmas, what a perfect timing.

"Here. They're for you. Merry Christmas Yukino." I let out a smile unintentionally. 

"Merry Christmas to you too Aoi." Yukino smiled with sparkling eyes. 

The moment felt really different and I was too embarrassed so I quickly asked her to play another game before going home. We went on our way to a shooting game with lots of different prizes. I saw a big stuffed toy that caught my eye. I wanted to win it for Yukino so I gave it a try. It wasn't as easy as I thought so I kept on losing. But I didn't want to give up just yet so I tried many times but still failed to win. 

"This is rigged!" Said I.

"I guess you do have some competitiveness in you. Let's go home. You'll lose lots of money if this continues"

We made our way out while I still had a grumpy looking face. 

"C'mon Aoi. Do you want that large stuffed toy so much? Do you like penguins? Is that why you wanted to get it?" Asked Yukino.

"I wanted to get it for you." 

Yukino's face started turning red and I quickly realized what I just said so I blushed off as well.

"Y-y-you already got me these two so it's fine." 

We made our way home as the snow continued to fall. Yukino forgot her umbrella at the karaoke so we shared my umbrella. The way was filled with silence until I slipped and sprained my ankle. We decided to stop by the nearby bench overlooking the river as we sat down beside each other. Ahh, did my luck already run out just right after my birthday ended? It hurts. I want to cry.