"Rock me mama' like a wagon wheel, rock me mama' anyway ya feel. Heyyyy mama' rock me!"
Ken and Daichi watched on with stiff expressions as Steve sang his heart out, gripping the microphone like he was performing for a large audience. They had learned something new about Steve today, though they could have done without knowing.
It turned out Steve was a big Country and Western fan, but despite his love of the genre, his singing was terrible. It wasn't that his voice was bad, just that he seemed to be tone deaf.
While this might have been okay if he was shy or unsure since they were all friends, the guy was the complete opposite. Not only was he loud and overbearing, he also strutted around the room like it was a performance.
The music died down and Steve held a long uncomfortable note as the song ended.
"Oh man, I feel refreshed after that." Steve said, wearing a wide grin.
He plonked his behind on the couch, offering the microphone to Ken beside him, "Did you want a turn? Or should I go again?"
Before he even realized, Ken's hand flashed out and snatched the microphone from Steve's hand. It seemed that the threat of listening to Steve sing another country song had caused his body to move on its own.
"Hehe, someone is an eager beaver. Alright Kenny boy, let's see what you've got."
"I think I've had enough singing for now." Ken replied simply.
"Me too," Daichi added, sensing that now was the time to speak up.
"Huh? But you guys didn't even sing. What was the point in coming to Karaoke if you didn't sing a song?" Steve replied with confusion.
"I'm hungry, should we go get some food?"
"That's what I was thinking."
Steve shot to his feet, "Guys… They do Cajun Seafood here, they'll even bring it to the booth for you. You guys can eat while I entertain you with some more songs."
Yet his words just forced the other two to hurry out the door even faster.
"Are you leaving so soon?" The older man who had guided them to this booth earlier called out.
"Yes, sorry something came up." Ken apologized without slowing down.
Both Ken and Daichi returned to the street and let out a sigh of relief. They shared a brief look, wordlessly vowing to never attend Karaoke with Steve ever again.
"Ken, you forgot your bag." Steve came out of the place holding Ken's bag. It turned out he was so eager to leave that he had even left his belongings in the booth.
"How about we go home?" Ken said, grabbing the bag from Steve. It had been a big day, and quite an emotional one as well. All he wanted to do was go home and use the Image Training for a little while before bed.
"Sounds good to me." Daichi chimed in.
"Wait wait, didn't you guys leave because you said you were hungry?"
"Ahem… I'm sure there are some leftovers at home. Mom makes plenty of food when she cooks." Daichi added, clearing his throat.
"Y—Yeah, you're right."
Steve frowned, "It's okay guys… I understand." He said, wearing a sad expression.
Seeing Steve's face, both Ken and Daichi suddenly felt bad. While it was true that experiencing his singing performance was akin to torture, reacting like this was a little out of hand.
Just as Ken was about to speak up and make a concession, Steve continued.
He placed a hand upon both of their shoulders, "If you're shy or unconfident in your singing it's okay. Not everyone can be as bold and great as me when it comes to Karaoke."
Ken stared at his friend, feeling his eye twitch subconsciously. Whatever remorse he felt dried up in an instant. Why had he been worried about Steve who had the most unfounded confidence he'd ever experienced in both of his lifetimes.
He suddenly felt tired.
'Maybe I'll skip the Image Training tonight…'
The three called for a cab and headed back home. This time they weren't lucky enough to get the same taxi driver.
Upon arrival back home, Daichi and Ken got out while Steve stayed in the cab since he was still staying at the hotel. They bid their farewells and the two brothers walked up to the house.
But as Daichi reached out for the door he froze on the spot, as if remembering something important.
"Oh crap… I forgot to ask you." He said, stiffly turning to Ken.
Ken suddenly felt a pit in his stomach, his expression turning serious. "What is it?"
"Did you tell Ai about your whole regression thing?"
Ken shook his head, "No… You're the only person I've told, not even Mom and Dad know since they might have admitted me to the mental hospital."
Daichi's complexion paled, "Oh dear… I—I may have told Miho what you said to me."
Ken was a little taken aback but he nodded, at least until he realized the implications. "Wait… You don't think she spoke to Ai do you?"
"I don't know." Daichi admitted.
"Let's hope that she hasn't… That way I'll still have time to tell her myself."
So the two cautiously walked into the house and ascended the stairs. Since it was late at night, most of the lights were off, but when they came into the lounge room, a single lamp illuminated the area.
On the couch, Ai and Miho were waiting, staring at the two as if they were criminals.
The two men gulped audibly. There was nothing more intimidating than seeing your partners waiting for you with such an expression after returning late.
"Did you guys make up?" Miho was the first to speak up, her tone somber.
Ken and Daichi nodded like pecking chickens in response.
"Good, now we won't be having any more fights right?" Ai spoke up next, raising her eyebrow.
"No Ma'am." The two said in unison.
"Great. Now off to bed both of you."