Chapter 150

Ｒｅ&a;d‍ ̀on Kａ​&t;R̃​èa&d;in̈g̈Сa​f​е

Recovery. (1)

“~♪”
“…”
“So… how was it?”
“Hmm…”

Just one song.
It was just a single song, but it felt different from before.
Still… maybe it didn’t meet Nozomi’s standards?

To be honest, even I could tell.
“With this level, I can’t sing at Toya’s live concert.”
Toya was already a great singer, and if I performed in this state, I’d just hold her back.
How much effort would I have to put in, with the little time left, to sing at a level that wouldn’t be embarrassing—not even good, just not shameful?

Of course, I wasn’t thinking only pessimistic thoughts.
I mean, I had managed to finish one full song—something I couldn’t do before, unless it was a lullaby.
Nozomi would make the final call, though.

“That was good. I’d say you’re ready to descend the mountain now.”
“Descend the mountain…?”
“I mean your stamina’s gotten a lot better. You said you used to sing often before your body changed, right?”
“Yeah, that’s true.”
“Well, that part should come back quickly as you get used to it.”

Nozomi’s evaluation was better than I expected.
I wasn’t totally sure I’d improve just by getting used to it, but it was Nozomi’s opinion—so I decided to trust it.
After all, she was my manager now.
If I couldn’t trust my manager, who could I trust?

“Oh, but you still need to exercise regularly. One day, you’ll do a solo live too, right?”
“…Really? I’m part of the Gamers, so I probably won’t—”
“Hey! No weak talk allowed! Repeat after me! ‘I can do it!’”
“I-I can do it…”
“Louder! With confidence! Come on!”
“I-I can do ittt!”
“That’s the spirit.”

A solo live, huh.
Even if I tried to picture it, I couldn’t really imagine it.
Come to think of it, I’d never done a proper solo live before.
I quit Straight just before I was supposed to do one.

“Thanks for all your help so far, Nozomi.”
“Sure. Though, to be honest, it kind of felt like I was getting paid just to hang out. Well, I guess I should go back to cleaning now.”
“Huh? What do you mean?”

I tilted my head at Nozomi, who sighed as she spoke.
What did she mean, go back to cleaning?

“Huh? Isn’t my manager job over now? You’ve built up your stamina, and your singing’s better too.”
“Once a manager, always a manager. Isn’t that obvious?”
“…Huh?”
“…What?”

I wasn’t sure where she got the idea, but ever since Nozomi’s duties had shifted to being my manager, she was set to stay in that role until I left V-Spe.
That was the deal I made with the CEO.
If it were just temporary, she would’ve been called a trainer or something instead.

“I don’t know where you got the wrong idea, but I’m counting on you from here on out.”
“Uh… y-yes, ma’am…”
“What? You don’t want to?”
“No! I’d love to! It’s just… it hasn’t really sunk in yet.”

What’s there to not sink in?
She’s already been doing a great job. She just doesn’t have enough confidence in herself, that’s all.
So don’t get so flustered, okay?

I gave Nozomi a few light pats on the shoulder—she still seemed like she couldn’t believe it.
“I’m counting on you, manager.”
“…Yes, Natsu-nee.”

Now that I think about it, I’m pretty used to her calling me “Nee-san” now.
Though, she was the one who insisted on calling me that in the first place.
After we got to know each other, she started watching V-Spe members’ streams, and apparently saw Inari’s stream not too long ago.
She said just calling me “Natsu” felt too rude, but “Natsu-san” sounded too distant, so she settled on “Nee-san.”

I honestly didn’t care what she called me, though.

“I’ll do my best from now on!”
“Just don’t overdo it. I want to be with you for a long time, Nozomi.”
“…Okay.”

Nozomi looked deeply touched, and I smiled seeing her like that.
She’s even more expressive than Toya—it’s really nice.
Her reactions make me feel good too, you know?

“So, with that said, I don’t have to work out today, right?”
“Not a chance. I thought I was done being your manager, but now that I’m in it for the long haul, there’s no reason not to make you exercise.”
“…Eh.”

I didn’t even get a chance to protest.
Before I could open my mouth, Nozomi scooped me up and carried me off to the company gym.
Naturally, what followed was a mess of a workout.

—

“Good job today, Natsu-nee.”
“Uuugh…”

Working out can be great—if you just sweat a little and feel refreshed afterward!
But I could literally feel my muscles tearing…

As I dragged my limp arms and legs forward, I felt a hand on my head.
Wow, she really strokes my hair so naturally while calling me “Nee-san,” huh?

“Y-your hand is heavy…”
“Ah! I’m sorry!”

Normally it wouldn’t bother me, but I was totally drained, so even Nozomi’s hand felt super heavy.
Like having a 50kg sandbag on my head.

Startled by my pitiful voice, Nozomi quickly pulled her hand away, and I instantly felt lighter.
Wait, is this that thing where they make things harder on purpose so going back to normal feels better?

“If it’s too much, just say so. I’ll carry you.”
“…You’ll get my sweat on you. Gross.”
“I don’t mind.”
“…Actually, you’re kind of bad at carrying people. It’s uncomfortable.”
“Wha…”

She looked genuinely shocked, but I was just being honest.
Compared to Toya, Nozomi didn’t have much experience carrying me.
She almost never initiated it, and I rarely asked her to.

“Ah, then I’ll start practicing! I’ll get really good at carrying you!”
“Uh, okay… good luck.”

I sighed as Nozomi got weirdly fired up over something so random.
But that wasn’t the main issue right now.
I was exhausted—mentally and physically.
Maybe this was what people meant when they talked about the weight of life.

“Should I at least hold your hand?”
“…I don’t even have the strength to lift my arm.”

She offered sadly, but unfortunately, I really couldn’t raise my arms above my chest.
See, Nozomi? This is what happens when you push me too hard!

It felt like becoming my full-time manager had awakened something in Nozomi.
Today’s version of her reminded me of when she first started training me.
It was tough, sure—but it was for me, so I didn’t really have any complaints.

“Come on, just hold my hand~”
“Ugh…”

It hurt a bit when I lifted my arm, but it wasn’t unbearable.
Maybe it felt less painful because Nozomi was holding it gently.

“I’ll take you home.”
“…Thanks, Nozomi.”

I wanted to say I could go home by myself, but unfortunately, I wasn’t in any condition for that.
Actually, even if I was in good shape, I probably couldn’t have walked home alone.
I always went home with Toya after practice, after all.

“Taxi! Over here!”
“Ah.”

But Nozomi’s choice surprised me.
I thought, since we were like sisters, she’d walk me home too—but she called for a taxi instead.

As soon as I sat in the backseat, comfort washed over me, and I let out a relaxed sigh.
Ugh… no way I’m streaming tonight.
I just know I’m going to pass out the moment I finish showering.

“…It’s been a while since I’ve ridden a taxi.”
“Really? Don’t you usually take them?”
“I usually walk. Honestly, taxi fare’s a waste.”
“…Seriously? I thought you only walked sometimes.”

Now that I think about it, this might be my first time going home with Nozomi.
Normally, I’d finish practice, wash up at the company, then go home with Toya.
But today was Toya’s day off, so I came to the company alone.

I’d been wondering how I’d get home… and Nozomi solved that in one go.
Yeah… sometimes people just need to take a taxi once in a while…

“Natsu-nee, are you really okay?”
“Yeah… I’m fine…”

Whew… I’m really wiped out.
See, Nozomi? This is what I become after a workout session!
Totally done for.

I thought I was just working out to stay healthy, but now I’m in a state where I can’t even walk properly.
Wait… doesn’t that mean not working out would’ve been the smarter choice?

…Well, the point of the workouts was to build up my stamina and muscles so I could sing.

Compared to before, my health had definitely improved.
As long as I moved around just a little, daily life wasn’t an issue anymore.

But I didn’t want just to live normally.
I wanted to sing a song—for Toya.

That one wish…
That’s why I was working so hard.

…I hope Toya will be happy.
I’m doing my best, after all.

Fables