ODL – Chapter 3 – My Online “Oshi” Has Moved Next Door

I looked back at the image many times, but it’s clear that the image uploaded by Ette-sama is Shizuka’s computer setup. Even an elementary student can put two and two together. Ette-sama is definitely Shizuka.

Well, there are also other coincidences like “just moved in”, “uses a computer for work”, “freelancer”, and so on. Moreover, the Ultra Super Spicy Peyoung that was purchased at the convenience store was probably bought by Shizuka. Ette-sama mentioned on stream that it was sold at a nearby convenience store. This also explains why Shizuka wanted to finish unpacking today.

“No way… Seriously?” (Souma)

My Oshi… is next door!?

What is this coincidence? Isn’t it too much?

I have only seen this kind of development in anime or manga.

“Seriously… Is this real?” (Souma)

Unable to face reality, I muttered the same thing over and over again.

“Seriously… Aren’t you too cute on the inside?” (Souma)

(Thanks, Souma-kun!)

Shizuka’s smile appeared in my mind.

I had always wondered about what kind of person was behind a VTuber, but I never imagined that the real person could be just as adorable as the 3D model. This felt like a poorly written fiction, but it’s real.

Ette-sama called me by my name.

And I can also call Ette-sama by her name.

Hehe.

I couldn’t help but smile.

I quickly put on my serious face.

There was now only one big question.

Whether I should “tell” or “not tell” her.

Let’s consider the merit of each.

The merit of telling her… is not having to keep secrets from Shizuka.

The merits of not telling her… is being able to maintain a good relationship as neighbors, avoiding the risk of her being wary (worst case scenario, she might even move out), and enjoying the gap between a streamer and the real thing.

…That’s about it.

Looking at it this way, “avoiding the risk of her being wary” covers almost everything. I seriously don’t want to risk her having to move again. After all, I had been blessed with a lucky situation like the protagonist of a romantic comedy, and I couldn’t let go of that opportunity. I absolutely don’t want to sever the connection with Ette-sama/Shizuka.

“…Alright, I decided.” (Souma)

I opened the chat app, “Rime” and looked for Shizuka’s name.

In the chat room where the last conversation ended with Shizuka’s message, “Nice to meet you!” I quickly typed a short message and sent it.

『Peyoung, good job.』

I’m someone who doesn’t lie to women.

Especially not to women wearing light blue underwear.

◆

『……Can I come over to your place right now?』

As soon as I received that message, the intercom rang.

When I opened the door, an excited Shizuka rushed in like an avalanche.

“Souma-kun, how much do you know!?” (Shizuka)

“Well, I recognized the desk in the photo.” (Souma)

“…Ah.” (Shizuka)

Shizuka seemed to have understood the situation and was speechless.

“It’s already too late, but I think you should be careful about uploading images that could potentially expose your identity. Well, I guess this time was a bit of a special case.” (Souma)

If the images showed the exterior of the apartment building or other identifying details, it would be careless. However, most people wouldn’t expect that sharing an image of their desk could lead to their identity being revealed. After all, if I hadn’t helped with the move, her identity wouldn’t have been exposed.

“Ugh… I messed up, huh… I never expected to be exposed on the first day…” (Shizuka)

Though Shizuka’s tone was soft, it was clear that she was feeling down about it.

Well, being famous must come with various problems. It’s a kind of feeling I won’t understand.

“Hey, Souma-kun, I have a favor to ask…” (Shizuka)

“If it’s about today, I won’t tell anyone, okay?” (Souma)

“Huh?” (Shizuka)

Shizuka looked genuinely surprised by what I said.

“Of course, I don’t want to do anything that would cause trouble for my Oshi.” (Souma)

As I said that, Shizuka’s eyes widened even further in surprise.

“Eh? Souma-kun, I’m your Oshi!?” (Shizuka)

“Well, yeah. So when I realized that Shizuka was Ette-sama, I was really surprised.” (Souma)

“Well… yeah. That’s… yeah. It’s surprising, isn’t it…” (Shizuka)

Shizuka looked avoided eye contact, looking apologetic.

Is she thinking that I’m disappointed with her because of this?

“I did consider just staying quiet about it, you know? But, well… this apartment complex has hardly anyone living here. I have been alone for a long time. So when I finally found someone I could get along with, I felt like hiding things wouldn’t be right… I want to be on good terms with you, Shizuka, regardless of whether your Ette-sama or not.” (Souma)

While awkwardly poking the back of my cheek with my tongue, I told her how I felt.

I wasn’t sure how much impact my words had, but at the very least, Shizuka stopped looking sad.

“Well, even though I figured out your identity, if you choose to move again, it’s unfortunate, but I understand. You don’t need to worry about me.” (Souma)

After all, we haven’t known each other for that long. We just met today.

I’m aware that what I said might be a bit serious, but I hope she understands that it’s just my desire to be on good terms with her.

“………Kyun” (Shizuka)

Shizuka looked at me with a dreamy expression. Was she actually listening to what I said? Hello?

“Shizuka, did you hear what I said?” (Souma)

“Yeah, yeah! I won’t move. No wait, maybe it will happen one day. But I trust you, Souma-kun, so I think it will be okay.” (Shizuka)

Shizuka smiled as she said that.

“And besides… I also want to be on good terms with a reliable neighbor like you from now on.” (Shizuka)

And with this, my Oshi moved in next door.

I was convinced that my dream life was about to begin──── but little did I know that the beautiful girl in front of me, who was my Oshi, was not quite the person she appears to be.

Illustration of Shizuka getting found

“Souma-kun, how much do you know!?”

TL notes:

Thanks for reading!

So much for considering the merit of your options. Also, it looks like Shizuka is the air-headed type. She literally took a picture on the same day that someone moved her stuff, but I guess chances of your neighbour recognizing you is quite low. She sure is lucky to not have been exposed already.

Footnote:

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