Of Yokai and Hopeless Romantics

Chapter 18

The group consisting of Benihime, Yayaka, Noriko, Mari, Inna, Shoji, and Shige got off the bus at downtown Sasayama. Downtown Sasayama wasn't as big a metropolis as somewhere like Tokyo, but it still had plenty of entertaining things to do and Yayaka knew them all. The first place Yayaka led them all was a karaoke bar. The group piled into a room and ordered some snacks.

" Ok, since it's your celebration, you get first song Beni-chan. Start this celebration off right," Yayaka said, kneeling and handing Benihime the tablet with the song selection on it like it was an object of adoration.

Benihime took the tablet, she looked through the selections. Benihime chose one of her favorite songs, Japan X's Forever Love. It was a touching rock ballad, possibly not what the group was expecting to start the karaoke session, but Benihime was never for high energy pop songs, she was always for romantic ballads, mostly because she was good at singing them. Benihime let herself go and put her all into the song, she was never going to be a professional singer, but she had a decent voice and knew her limits. Benihime made eye contact with Shige and noticed that he was drawn in by her. Benihime was feeling bold, she started singing the ballad at Shige. When she finished there was a round of applause and some knowing smiles as Benihime blushed at her own boldness.

" That was nice, but we need something to get everyone jumping," Yayaka said. As a counterpoint to Benihime's ballad, Yayaka's choice was pure pop.

Benihime sat down next to Shige, her friends had made it so that was the only seat open. Now that she was sitting next to Shige, Benihime's was feeling a bit nervous.

" You sing really well Benihime-san," Shige said, taking quite a bit of effort to peel his eyes off of Yayaka.

" Thank you, I really like singing ballads," Benihime said.

" The song seemed to fit you, you put so much emotion into it. You looked really beautiful singing," Shige said blushing. " I hope that wasn't too forward."

" No, it is not too forward, it is actually nice to hear," Benihime said, giving Shige a smile.

Shige blushed again, it was cute how his emotions were so easy to read, " how did things go with your parents?"

" They went well. I now believe that I was making myself overly stressed. My parents only concern truly was my happiness. They very much view me as an adult now, free to make her own decisions," Benihime said.

" I'm glad to hear that," Shige said.

Benihime placed her hand on top of Shige's, " I really appreciated your support, it meant a lot to me. If you need my support do not be afraid to ask."

" Thank you, I only wish my father could be as reasonable as your parents," Shige said.

" I believe in you and your art, he will come around and see your potential," Benihime said.

" I'm starting to believe that," Shige said. " My father isn't unreasonable, like your parents he is acting from a place of love."

Benihime wished she could give Shige the peace of mind she had achieved but was well aware that the best she could do was give him her support. The snacks arrived and the moment that Benihime had with Shige faded, but she still felt a closeness to him. They may not be at the stage where they were ready to confess to each other, but it was clear to Benihime, that they had formed a bond. The question Benihime now faced was if the bond was a platonic bond or a romantic bond. While Benihime would be happy with either, she would be lying to herself if she said that was what she really wanted. For that day though, Benihime enjoyed her time with Shige as another friend who had supported her and was now sharing in her joy.