And so, it’s been about a month since I became a VTuber. There were still many things I had yet to get used to, but the activities I participated in were really enjoyable. I’ve interacted with new talents, planned commemorative streams and events, and my fanbase has been steadily growing. I’m grateful for it all.
As for my relationship with Ayaka… It would be a lie to say nothing had changed, but it wasn’t like we were always all lovey-dovey with each other. We followed the rules we set for ourselves, and on streams and social media, we kept the usual distance. So, I think no one has discovered our relationship yet… probably.
👻👻👻
And so December arrived.
Ayaka, who was visiting me, lay on my bed as we talked.
“You know, it’s rare for Rui to invite me out. I wonder if it’ll snow~” (Ayaka)
“It’s December, so it’ll definitely snow…” (Rui)
As I said that, I opened my schedule management app on my phone. Tonight was going to be a normal chatting stream, followed by voice recording in the studio the next day, then a gaming collab stream with Robin. My week was packed to the brim.
“What are you looking at?” (Ayaka)
“My schedule. I’m trying to find a day when I’m free… Are you free next Sunday, Ayaka?” (Rui)
Upon hearing that, Ayaka sat up from the bed with a puzzled expression.
“Eh, I think I’m free… Why?” (Ayaka)
“Well, I haven’t finalized anything yet, but… I was thinking of organizing a gaming tournament with a few streamers that day. Nothing’s decided yet, though.” (Rui)
This month, I have been considering organizing a gaming event. Of course, as a newcomer, I couldn’t host a large-scale one, so I thought of hosting a small, one-day event to create some memories for the year… However, I still hadn’t decided what to do, who to invite, or what game to play.
Meanwhile, Ayaka looked incredibly surprised…
“Wait… does that mean you’re inviting me to another collab?” (Ayaka)
“Well, yeah, that’s the idea… Wait, why do you look like you’re about to cry!?” (Rui)
It was then that I noticed Ayaka’s eyes were welling up with tears. Did I say something weird…?
“Do you really dislike the idea that much?” (Rui)
“Of course not! It’s just that it’s been such a long time since Rui invited me to do something with him… I’m really, really happy!” (Ayaka)
Ayaka said this with heartfelt emotion… Ah, I see. Ayaka had been waiting for me all along.
“I see… Hey, Ayaka. Since we haven’t got a chance to hang out much lately, let’s make up for it and spend lots of time together, okay?” (Rui)
“…Yeah!” (Ayaka)
Ayaka nodded energetically in response to my words.
At first, I didn’t understand anything and just appeared on Ayaka’s stream. From there, I got scouted, made new friends, found hobbies, and set goals. And… I got a chance to face Ayaka properly. I’m really glad I became a VTuber. I have to thank everyone who has been involved with me and the VTuber community.
“…Alright. First, we need to decide on the details of the game.” (Rui)
“Oh, how about splitting into a Team Rei and Team Rui to compete against each other?” (Ayaka)
“I see. A team battle, huh? That sounds interesting…” (Rui)
“And wouldn’t it be even more fun if we have a penalty? Like the losers have to do whatever the winners say. I think it would definitely spice things up, don’t you?” (Ayaka)
“Ehh, are you serious…?” (Rui)
“I’m serious! After all, our job as VTubers is to entertain everyone!” (Ayaka)
“…Haha.” (Rui)
Laughing at Ayaka’s words, I nodded. I’m not fully confident yet, but if watching our streams can cheer someone up even a little, that would make me really happy. Knowing there are people watching us gives me the motivation to keep streaming.
“And if I win, maybe I’ll have Rui take me on a date for a whole day?” (Ayaka)
“…Don’t you dare say that on stream, okay?” (Rui)
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
And that’s the end of vol 1.
Hopefully you enjoyed it, I certainly did. Seeing a childhood friend heroine win so decisively really makes me happy. Although, I didn’t expect it to happen at volume 1.
Now, the question is will there be a vol 2? Hopefully, there is. The web novel has a lot of chapters so there’s definitely enough content to pump out another vol.
And no, I can’t translate the web novel cause I’m due for enlistment in the army by law. I may or may not translate vol 2 of the LN depending on how busy I’ll be by the time it comes out.