Chapter 13: Large scale launch (3)

One day, I stopped by the company as usual for singing practice and recording.

“Huh?”

“Oh?”

After roughly finishing my work, I was about to go home.

…And suddenly, I ran into Yuu at the company entrance.

“What are you doing? Why are you coming out from there?”

“Well, I came to record. I told you last time, didn’t I?”

“…Really? Me too.”

From what I gathered, Yuu also seemed to be here for the same reason as me.

It seemed our schedules were slightly off…

Well, the company probably arranged that.

“Well, then, good work…”

“Perfect timing.”

“…?”

Now that I understood the situation, I was about to go on my way again.

But Yuu’s hand suddenly grabbed my arm.

“Stay with me while I record, okay?”

“…?”

“It’s boring being alone during breaks. Huh?”

So, she wanted me to watch her record…

And play with her during the intermittent breaks.

My answer was obvious.

“Goodbye.”

“Ah, seriously!”

My precious commute home.

There could be no such thing as an interruption in that process.

“What’s wrong with being with me? Huh?”

“…Why are you whining so much?”

“You don’t have a broadcast today anyway! Just stay with me!”

“No, it’s not like you’re a child…”

…However, her resistance was unexpectedly strong.

‘What is a grown adult doing, seriously.’

‘If you’re short… does your mental age match that too?’

‘If not, there’s no way she’d be like this.’

…

…Sigh, really.

“…Ms. Reina? Why are you back?”

“…I got caught by her.”

“Aha.”

“Heehee.”

“…Stop laughing. It’s annoying.”

…I’ll let it slide since she said she’d buy me dinner.

---

“Wow, that note really goes up.”

Still, it wasn’t entirely without gain.

Listening to Yuu’s singing right in front of me, my ears were unexpectedly blessed.

Moreover, Yuu had the highest vocal range among the 2nd generation.

Even without separate correction or mixing, it was refreshing for me to listen to.

How many octaves is that, anyway?

…

…Hmm. High notes, huh.

I feel like I’m getting a slight idea.

“Phew, first try success!”

“…What, it’s over?”

“Of course! I’m done, right?”

As I was slowly mulling over that subtle feeling.

Yuu popped out of the recording studio.

“You two can leave now.”

“…Is it really over?”

“Yes. Ms. Yuu, you were able to do it like this?”

“Well, about this much?”

Just when I was half-doubting whether it was good enough to pass, even though she did well.

The vocal trainer next to her confirmed it.

…No, what the.

Why is it so anticlimactic?

“You said you wanted someone to play with during breaks, but there wasn’t even time for a break.”

“Hey, it’s better than dragging it out, isn’t it?”

“…That’s true, but.”

Right, it’s better than going home late at night.

But, if this was the case…

There wasn’t really a need for me to be here, was there…?

“Let’s go! I’ll buy you something delicious!”

…Whatever.

---

Somehow, I ended up getting a free meal.

But since I have a conscience, I suggested we eat at a reasonable place.

“…Is it okay to come to a place like this?”

“It’s fine, it’s fine.”

But the place Yuu took me after hearing that was…

Unexpectedly, a Japanese restaurant with private rooms.

…And it looked incredibly luxurious.

‘…What the.’

‘…Is she also a rich young lady?’

‘Again, I’m the only one with no money. I hate the world.’

“Here, water.”

“Oh, good service. When did you set out the cutlery?”

“You’re treating me, so I should at least do this much.”

…Anyway, that’s that.

Since I was being treated by that young lady, I did my utmost.

For this time, I become the servant.

“How’s broadcasting? Is it manageable?”

“Don’t even talk about it. It’s a headache, I’m telling you.”

“Huh?”

Soon, the food we ordered arrived.

And the kind of conversation that broadcasters would typically have ensued.

“They’re calling me a super rookie, you know.”

“Why? Isn’t that a good thing?”

Yuu tilted her head at my answer to her question.

“Is it because of the pressure? That’s surprising.”

“…Not in the pure sense.”

“…Ah. That kind of thing.”

…However, after hearing my subsequent words.

Yuu briefly scanned my body… and then nodded.

‘…That’s right, but don’t just understand it on your own.’

‘It’s becoming annoying, suddenly.’

“Hmm, you’re right.”

“Where are you looking.”

“You’re a cow, aren’t you?”

(TL Note: “Cow” (젖소 – jeotso) is slang for having large breasts, literally “milk cow”)

“…Pfft?!”

Just as I was gulping down water to cool my slightly rising temper.

…For a moment, I almost spat it out.

“…Um, your choice of words, please.”

“Why? Your hair is perfect for it too. Didn’t you dye it on purpose?”

“What are you talking about, constantly.”

As expected from someone with broadcasting experience, her slandering skills are considerable.

My chest… well, that’s one thing, but to connect it with my hair color.

Still, I usually wear baggy clothes on the outside, so it’s not that noticeable on me. This is unfair.

Of course, I’ve taken off my outerwear now. But I cover up outside.

Besides, there’s something else that’s truly unfair.

“And, this is natural, you know?”

“…Natural? That hair?”

“I’ve never dyed my hair in my life.”

My hair, with scattered white strands and a streak in the front bangs…

Surprisingly, I’ve never really touched it.

Actually, when I was in school, I was told to dye it black…

But after my parents confronted the school, I just kept it as it is.

…Hmm. I’m suddenly grateful.

Then again, if you think about the cost and time for dyeing, how much would all that be?

Annoying, costs money, ugh.

“If you’re so curious, want to touch it?”

“Uh, huh?”

“No, you looked like you didn’t believe me.”

…Since Yuu had no way of knowing that series of events.

It would be better for her to see it herself.

“If you’re really curious, come and check.”

“Sh-should I?”

Then Yuu, hesitantly approached me….

And with an awkward touch, fiddled with the white part.

“…It-it’s real.”

But, why…

Is her gaze keep drifting downwards?

I told her to look at my hair, where is she looking.

---

The next day.

– Vrrrrooom─

My broadcast time was in the evening, so I was sleeping soundly.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated.

“Ms. CEO…?”

– Yes, Ina-ya.

(TL Note: “Ina” is a shortened, affectionate way of saying Reina)

“Yes… it’s Reina….”

The caller was, indeed, the CEO.

Uh….

Does the CEO have a reason to call?

I’ve received all the schedules, and the broadcast is still a ways off.

“With Yuu? We just met and had a meal…”

– …Really?

Then….

The CEO’s subsequent words made me a little uneasy.

‘Did my red pill get exposed while we were eating or something?’

(TL Note: “Red pill” meaning real identity/information)

‘It doesn’t matter for me since I wasn’t a streamer, but Yuu is the problem.’

‘Did I relax too much because it was a private room…?’

However, contrary to my worries….

Fortunately, it wasn’t the worst-case scenario.

– Um, it’s not a huge deal, but….

“Yes.”

– Before you stream, could you just quickly scan the cafe once?

“? Understood…?”

And so, the call ended.

Clutching my half-asleep mind, I fumbled with my phone….

Barely found the cafe app, and entered it without much thought.

And then….

– [Lunavis Fan Cafe] –

[Yuu & Reina Fanart]

[Jeongshil Duo Doodles]

(TL Note: “Jeongshil” (정실) means “legal wife” or “main heroine,” implying a primary ship.)

[JeongshilIsYuuJeongshilIsYuuJeongshilIsYuuJeongshilIsYuu]

[Kyaaak Reina you sly fox]

“…Eh?”

What is this.