“What the hell, why are you again?” Naru couldn't believe it when she was looking for a cold drink in the convenience store refrigerator. She accidentally reunited with Yori, the person she avoided the most.
“Do you think I want to see you too after cursing at myself all the time?” And Yori was just as emotional as Naru.
***
“I'm not going to hear you talk. I just want to have a drink.” That was the answer Naru gave to Yori.
Yori herself didn't seem to care at all. She downed her drink. “Know Naru that you're not talented at all. Fujisaki won't look good with you on stage. Come to think of it, am I not more charming than you and look much more suitable to stand on stage together with Fujisaki?” quipped Yori who deliberately heated up Naru.
Naru was about to pull Yori's shirt. But Yori quickly brushed it off. “Don't rely on violence. You know how bad you are for continuing to solve problems with violence. Your attitude is terrible.”
“What do you want?” Naru stared intently at Yori.
But Yori was not at all bothered by the sharp gaze given by Naru. “I just want to express what I can, instead of keeping it to myself. Know Naru that your talent is only half, and not at all worthy of Fujisaki. I want to challenge you to show me which one of us is better.” In the end Yori deliberately challenged Naru as a last resort. When talking softly Naru was always ignored by Naru so finally challenging the teenage boy became the last way Yori could do.
“Rats like you are easy to defeat. I accept your challenge.”
A lopsided smile appeared on Yori's face. “It's good that you think that way. We'll do some busking. Whoever gets more attention from the audience will be the winner. Are you up for it?”
“You idiot, you already know that I will be the winner. And you better be prepared not to cry when I punch you in the face.”
“Talk all you want for now. Because I know that in the end, you'll definitely get an endless feeling of shame after this.” Yori folded her arms in front of her chest.
“You should be prepared for that embarrassment.” Naru stepped out of the convenience store with a pounding heart. The challenge from Yori added to the excitement in her. All this time, she felt humiliated and underestimated by the people around her, especially by Yori. She had to prove that she was capable. The challenge given by Yori was certainly a way for him to prove to Yori that he was not that insignificant.
The next day, on a busy city street, Naru and Yori were ready with their instruments. Some pedestrians began to gather, curious about this sudden performance.
I, the figure at the center of their conflict, was also present among the crowd. My eyes were fixed on the two competitors, eager to see who would come out on top. I came here after Yori told me that she would be competing against Naru.
Yori started the show with a mesmerizing performance. Her voice was melodious, every note sounding perfect. The crowd was mesmerized, some even started clapping along to the rhythm of the song. Yori smiled with satisfaction, confident of her victory. She knew she had a charm that was hard to match. Yori herself was well aware that she had abilities that were worthy of praise. The talent she had practiced for so many years that she often received offers from various agencies to join.
Damn it! That bastard apparently does have a good talent, I hate to admit it, Naru thought irritably. Although she didn't want to admit that Yori did have good talent. But when she saw it with her own eyes with a heavy heart Naru had to admit it.
However, Naru was not afraid. When it was her turn, she closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and began to sing. Her voice, although not as smooth as Yori's, was full of emotion and sincerity. The song she chose was one that meant a lot to her, describing the struggle and pain she had felt all along. The audience began to feel the emotion in her voice. Some of them were visibly moved, some even shedding tears.
The crowd was getting crowded around Naru. She could see the surprised expression on Yori's face. Meanwhile, I, whom she accidentally saw and did not expect to come to see her performance, only made a flat facial expression at her.
“Gosh can't she put on a facial expression that's much more pleasant to look at?” muttered Naru when she saw the reaction I showed her.
The performance was intense, and as Naru finished her last song, cheers and applause filled the park. Naru smiled broadly, satisfied that she had given her best. Secretly she felt superior to Yori. Although she realized that her voice was not as beautiful as that of her opponent.
After the performance was over, Naru and Yori stood facing each other. Naru's face was bright red, full of anger and frustration. “You may have gotten a good response from the audience, but don't think that makes you better than me,” she said in an irritated tone.
Yori only smiled faintly. “It's not about who's better, Naru. It's about showing who we really are. And I've already done that. If you can't accept that, then the problem is with you.” Yori remained visibly calm and completely unfazed by the short-tempered Naru.
Naru was about to reply, but I interrupted the conversation going on between them. “That's enough, Naru. Yori's right. We don't need to prove who's better by putting each other down. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. The most important thing is that we can work together and support each other. And now I really understand that it's very important to pay attention to that.”
My words seem to have made the atmosphere quiet. Naru lowered her head, feeling embarrassed by her attitude. I felt like she knew that my words were true, but her ego was too big to admit it. Yori approached Naru and extended a hand. “Things will be much better if we respect each other. How about we make peace?” she said softly.
Naru stared at Yori's hand for a moment, then sighed heavily and shook it. “Alright. I'll try.” Of course Naru was being much more gentle and conscious now that I was nearby. She certainly didn't want to further add to the bad impression in my eyes.
I smiled with relief to see the two finally reconcile. “Good. Now Naru, will you try to listen to others more for your own good?” I asked her.
Naru looked at me in surprise. “Is there something I need to do again?”
This time I smiled again. But the smile I flashed at her was not a kind smile, but a sly smile.
“The results of the match did not show who the winner was. But I'm also sure that you felt that you lost and fell behind Yori. So technically you lost. Since you're already the losing side. Then Yori has the opportunity to use you as he pleases. So I leave it to you Yori,” I said as I allowed Yori to utilize Naru who had lost to her.
“WHAT?!” Naru who couldn't believe it wanted to fight back. But I immediately stopped her with my sharp gaze.
“You don't want to be considered a soft-boned man for breaking a promise or trying to avoid Naru?” I quipped.
Naru was silent biting her lip in annoyance. Holding back the pent-up anger. Wanting to protest, unfortunately she couldn't fight back this time.