...
(Sunday)
It has been 16 years since I reincarnated into this world. A world where most things from my previous life no longer exist—though not everything has disappeared.
Even so, only a few of them remain.
And among those, there's barely anything I truly recognize.
Honestly, it feels incredibly strange to me.
From the moment I was born into this world… up until now—I feel like I haven't changed at all.
I'm still the same as I used to be… still that uncool adult.
Even in this completely new world, my life is still filled with difficulties.
But… even so, that doesn't mean I've given up. I'm still trying to try harder.
It might sound stupid, but… at the very least, that's the only thing I can do.
...
Huh.
I let out a breath as I look at the crowded street in front of me. The sun shines harshly above, making me feel hot.
Still, I already used up my day off just to come here. There's no way I'd waste it.
I keep walking along with the crowd. I have to admit, just being among them is already exhausting.
Maybe this is one of the effects of being a shut-in in my previous life.
-
After walking for a while, I finally find a place that suits my preferences.
Right at the edge of the street, in front of a shop that doesn't seem to be open yet. That's exactly why it's perfect.
Especially considering I don't want to interfere with someone's business.
"Alright… I should get ready first…" I mutter quietly.
I take off the guitar case slung over my back, set it down, open it, and take the guitar out.
I stand upright, holding it in my hands, my gaze fixed forward.
Then I think. "How do I even do this?"
Honestly, this is my first time performing on the street like this.
It's not like I'm short on money or anything, but my parents in this world once told me I should chase my dreams.
The problem is… I never really knew what my dream was.
But after thinking about it, I realized I've always liked music.
So why not become a musician?
After I told them that, they supported me wholeheartedly.
They bought me a guitar… and my father even taught me a few things.
Those were moments where I allowed myself to hope… but in the end, those hopes were meaningless.
Even so, I decided to follow through with what I said. Maybe… I've come to see it as a promise I have to keep.
Life really is troublesome.
I lower my cap slightly to hide part of my face, then look up at the sky, trying to gather the resolve I need.
I take a deep breath.
"Alright… let's do this…" I say, trying to convince myself despite the nervousness in my chest.
Then I look ahead—at the street filled with people passing by.
And just like that, I begin my first street performance.
...
"Kunou ni mamirete~~ nageki kanashimi~~ soredemo todaenu uta ni~~ hi wa sazazu tomo~~~"
With that final line, the song comes to an end, and the sound of my guitar fades into the noise of the crowd… until it disappears completely.
My breathing feels heavy after singing it—"Kisetsu wa Tsugi Tsugi Shindeiku."
Especially since I had to raise my voice just to be heard.
But… in the end, it didn't go well.
People only glance at me briefly as they pass by, completely ignoring me.
Huh. Just as I expected.
I pack my guitar back into its case and sling it over my shoulder again.
Then I leave and start walking back home.
Along the way, I keep my head down, unable to look at anyone.
I start to think.
"Was any of that even worth it…?"
The answer is probably no.
In the end, someone as useless as me will only end up doing useless things.
It fits perfectly, doesn't it?
And with that thought, I leave the commercial street behind.
...
After walking for quite a while, I finally arrive home in the late afternoon.
My house isn't that far, but I deliberately slowed my pace.
I take out my key, only to realize the door isn't locked.
So I open it.
"…I'm home."
Before entering, I take off my shoes, place them where they belong, and switch to slippers.
Right then, I hear a voice.
"Oh, it's you, Hiromu. Welcome home."
It's my father.
I nod slightly and give a small smile.
"Yeah. It's rare for you to be home this early."
"…I finished my work, so my boss let me leave early."
I can tell he's a bit awkward.
"I see."
"So, Hiromu, how was your day? And I see you brought your guitar—are you still playing it?"
"Yeah… I did say I wanted to become a musician, so I have to at least try."
"I see… By the way, how about we go out for dinner together today?"
I look at him, slightly surprised. It's rare for him to invite me like this.
I nod.
"Mm, sure."
-
After that, I head to my room.
Once inside, I toss my guitar case somewhere carelessly.
Then I drop my body onto the bed.
-
Since my mother passed away, we haven't talked much—even though we're family.
That's why things have become awkward between us.
I don't really know why, but… maybe he's trying to fix that by making time for me.
Huh.
Relationships really are troublesome.
...