“Wow, so you were a lively kid back when you were a child?” (Souma)
“That’s right. I used to play in the mud with the boys and got scolded by my parents.” (Hiyori)
“That’s surprising. The Hiyorin-san I know gave me a more feminine impression, you know?” (Souma)
It had already been about thirty minutes since we started. I had checked the path in advance, which was roughly 5km in total, and now we were about halfway through.
Although we had covered more than enough distance for a warm-up, we were still walking at a leisurely pace. Talking with each other was so enjoyable that we didn’t feel like jogging. I think Hiyorin was also probably adjusting her pace to match mine.
“Of course, I don’t do that sort of thing now. Oh, but during live performances, I think I sometimes become a bit more childish. I’ve always been told that my character is different in live performances compared to in live broadcasts.” (Hiyori)
“Oh, I actually thought so too. Even before getting to know the normal Hiyorin-san, I always thought the Hiyorin-san during live performances was really cool.” (Souma)
“Is that so? So, Souma-kun, are you a fan of the me during live performances?” (Hiyori)
“Well, I’m a fan of all versions of you. Regardless of which kind of Hiyorin-san is present, you’re still my oshi.” (Souma)
Maybe the reason we could talk more naturally than usual was due to our matching outfits. It’s like sweating the small stuff before the big stuff, or maybe it’s because I’m too embarrassed to feel anything else. It might not be the best choice of words, given how kindly she chose it for me, but sometimes misfortune can turn into good luck.1
“So, is… ‘Hasekura Hiyori’ your oshi too?” (Hiyori)
“Huh?” (Souma)
“Oh, never mind! Let’s start running soon, shall we?” (Hiyori)
With that, Hiyorin-san quickly took off running.
I hurriedly chased after her as she grew smaller in the distance. My cushioned running shoes were so light, it felt like I was walking on clouds. I was having so much fun that I completely forgot to ask Hiyori what she was trying to say earlier.
◆
After jogging for about fifteen minutes, we returned to the apartment.
“Hah…” (Souma)
“Fuuu… It’s really hot, isn’t it?” (Hiyori)
Hiyorin unzipped her hoodie and fanned herself around her chest. It must certainly be hot with it being so tightly zipped up like that.
Or rather, that’s way too erotic. I naturally averted my gaze.
“Haa~ Haa~ Well… Hiyorin-san, you don’t seem to be all that tired.” (Souma)
While I was catching my breath, panting with my hands on my knees, Hiyorin, although breathing a bit heavily, didn’t seem particularly distressed. It’s kind of embarrassing that, despite being younger, I’m the one struggling.
“Voice acting is surprisingly physically demanding, you know? Many of us have running as part of our daily routines or go to the gym.” (Hiyori)
“Yeah, I can see that… Not to mention, the live performances do involve a lot of movement.” (Souma)
The cool, early morning air rapidly cooled down my sweat. My lungs, which had only been taking in quick breaths, began to settle down as they took in the clear, fresh air.
“Yeah, I remember how tough the lessons were for Zanimasu’s first live performance. I had never experienced singing and dancing before that.” (Hiyori)
In hindsight, it made perfect sense. The radiance I witnessed at the live venue that day was the result of her relentless effort and hard work. I couldn’t help but feel that imagining how much practice it took to achieve that level of brilliance would be disrespectful.
“What can I say… Thank you.” (Souma)
“Thank you? What for?” (Hiyori)
“Thank you for your hard work, because of that, I became your fan. Of course, I’m still just an ordinary, nameless fan, but… I’m really grateful for getting the chance to meet ‘Yasumi Hiyori’.” (Souma)
When someone meets their ‘oshi’, there is an overwhelming feeling of ‘gratitude’. Hiyorin’s dazzling presence on stage that day still gives me courage.
“Ahaha… When you put it that way, it makes me feel a bit embarrassed. But… thank you. It really makes me happy to hear that from you, Souma-kun.” (Hiyori)
Saying that, Hiyorin smiled at me. Her slightly pinkish cheeks, the glistening sweat, and every strand of hair stuck to her forehead – everything about her was precious.
…It really feels like a dream, having your oshi by your side. It’s a special kind of feeling that can’t be obtained from anything else.
“…n?” (?)
A baffled voice came from the apartment’s entrance. When we turned to look, Shizuka, dressed casually and with dark circles under her eyes, was slowly making her way over to us.
“Wow, you two really wore it… the matching pair outfit.” (Shizuka)
“Urgh… don’t say it.” (Souma)
“Is it weird?” (Hiyori)
“Yeah, it really stands out.” (Shizuka)
Shizuka, rubbing her eyes, approached us.
“Wow, you two are sweating so much. Good work in the morning…” (Shizuka)
Maybe she hasn’t been sleeping, as Shizuka is usually not this low-energy.
“Shizuka, have you been streaming until now?” (Souma)
“Yeah, streaming, and then video editing… *yawn*… I’m tired. Well, I’m going to bed now.” (Shizuka)
With her hand over her mouth, Shizuka walked past us, probably heading to the nearby convenience store. Based on my knowledge of Shizuka’s habits, she’s likely planning to grab some spaghetti or something similar before going to sleep. It seems like an incredibly unhealthy lifestyle, but Shizuka’s metabolism keeps her from gaining weight, so a hearty serving of spaghetti is practically a form of healthy food for her.
“Shizuka! Good night!” (Souma)
“Mmm.” (Shizuka)
While calling out to my other oshi, Hiyorin and I headed back to the apartment.
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
Wow Shizuka spent the entire night doing VTubing. I guess being a VTuber is more demanding than I thought.
Thanks for the update ~