Simple as they were, her straightforward words reached me. Yes… Deep down, I had already known. I knew that Ayaka had feelings for me. And I also realized that I have feelings for Ayaka.
…But I pretended not to notice. I feigned ignorance, afraid of breaking the status quo. I convinced myself that things were best as they were.
“……” (Rui)
…But now, Ayaka had mustered the courage to tell me her feelings. So I had to respond… I had to face her seriously.
“……Yeah. Thank you, Ayaka.” (Rui)
“……!” (Ayaka)
The grip on our hands tightened gradually. I had to say it… I had to properly tell Ayaka that I liked her too…!
“………. Ayaka, I…” (Rui)
*ring ring ring*
“…!?” (Ayaka)
“…!?” (Rui)
The sudden sound made my heart leap out of my chest. For a moment, we couldn’t grasp what the noise was… When we realized it was the ringtone of a phone, we both calmed down a bit… Our hands, which had been connected, were now separated.
“A phone call…?” (Rui)
“Uh, it’s not mine? The ringtone is different…” (Ayaka)
So that means… my phone is ringing? I slowly turned my gaze towards the source of the sound and saw my phone lighting up on the desk. It was unmistakably mine…
“……” (Rui)
…Seriously.
…Seriously, Rui… why didn’t you put your phone on silent mode at a time like this…? Baka! I’m such a baka!!
But regretting it wouldn’t turn back time, and the call continued to ring mercilessly… Ayaka looked a bit awkward.
“…You can answer it.” (Ayaka)
“N-No… I can’t just…” (Rui)
Ignoring the call wouldn’t restore the mood from before… What should I do? Should I ignore it, forcefully turn off the phone, or just throw it away…?
“…Just answer it. If someone’s calling at this hour, it might be important.” (Ayaka)
“…Yeah, you’re right. Sorry.” (Rui)
Unable to refute Ayaka’s logic, I apologized to her and obediently picked up the phone from the desk. When I looked at the screen, I saw the name “Manager Nemoto”.
“…Nemo-san?” (Rui)
Though I regularly communicated with Nemo-san for work, this was the first time she called at such a late hour. Could there have been some trouble? With a hint of anxiety, I answered the call.
“……Hello?” (Rui)
Then, I heard Nemo-san’s usual voice.
“(Ah, sorry to bother you so late, Rui-kun. Is this a good time?)” (Nemoto)
“Ah, yes… it’s fine…” (Rui)
“(Really? You don’t sound very energetic… By the way, what were you doing just before I called?)” (Nemoto)
…There’s no way I could say something like “I was about to sleep with Ayaka”.
“….I was doing some training.” (Rui)
“(Oh, like muscle training?)” (Nemoto)
“…Yes, that’s right.” (Rui)
Well, Nemo-san interpreted it in a way that worked out for me.
With that, Nemo-san cleared her throat, changing the mood completely with her energetic voice.
“(Well then, let’s get to the point! Congratulations, Rui-kun! You’ve surpassed a 100,000 subscribers!)” (Nemoto)
“…Eh? Ehhh?!” (Rui)
I was so taken aback by the unexpected news that I didn’t know how to react. Then, Nemo-san, sounding puzzled, continued.
“(Rui-kun, didn’t you notice?)” (Nemoto)
“Uh, no, let me check… Ah, it’s true!?” (Rui)
Keeping the call connected, I navigated to my own channel… and there it was—100,000 subscribers.
No way…!? Isn’t this too fast…!? I mean, I debuted just over a month ago…!
“(Come on, Rui-kun, get it together. Your fans are celebrating on Twitter too.)” (Nemoto)
“Eh, really…? I’ll make sure to thank them later.” (Rui)
“(Yes, please do that… Also, Rui-kun, I’ve been meaning to tell you, but make sure to apply for monetization, okay? You should be eligible by now.)” (Nemoto)
Monetization…? Oh, does she mean…
“You mean like super chats and stuff?” (Rui)
“(Yes, that and more. There are also ad revenues. If you monetize, your income will increase too… There are also a lot of people who wants to support you financially, so it’s all good, you know?)” (Nemoto)
“Ehh…? Are there really people like that…?” (Rui)
“(Of course there are. You might not realize it, but you’re already a popular VTuber. That’s why you reached 100,000 subscribers so quickly.)” (Nemoto)
“I see… I mean, I’m happy if people just watch my streams, but… Well, I wouldn’t mind getting some money…” (Rui)
“(Well then, I’ve told you everything I needed to, so I’ll let you go now. Keep up the great work, Rui-kun.)” (Nemoto)
“Ah, yes, thank you, Nemo-san.” (Rui)
“(You’re welcome. Goodbye.)” (Nemoto)
With that, the call ended… I turned my gaze back to Ayaka, who had apparently been watching me the whole time. Our eyes met.
“…Did you hear all that?” (Rui)
Ayaka nodded at my words.
“Yeah. You’ve already hit 100,000 subscribers. That’s amazing, Rui. You don’t see that kind of growth very often.” (Ayaka)
“Is that so? But this is all thanks to everyone. The collaborations and shows definitely played a big part…” (Rui)
“No, Rui’s effort is a big part of it too. You wouldn’t reach 100,000 subscribers so quickly with just the help of others. I know that better than anyone. Rui, you should be more confident.” (Ayaka)
“I see… Thanks.” (Rui)
“No need to thank me. You’re really good at interacting with your viewers, you’re really good at games, and you know how to keep the streams lively with your talk. Rui, you deserved your success.” (Ayaka)
…Yeah, that’s right. Ayaka is someone who never stops working hard to grow as a streamer. If Ayaka says so… maybe it’s better to accept it sincerely.
“Yeah, that might be true.” (Rui)
“Yeah, it is.” (Ayaka)
“…” (Rui)
“…” (Ayaka)
“Oh, right. After reaching 100,000 subscribers. Will I get ‘that’?” (Rui)
“You mean the Silver Play Button?” (Ayaka)
“Oh… yeah, that thing. It looks cool, so I want to put one up at home.” (Rui)
“Ahh… seems like everyone displays theirs at the agency.” (Ayaka)
“Huh, really…? That’s too bad…” (Rui)
“…How about asking management? They might make an exception for you.” (Ayaka)
“No… it’s not like I want it that much…” (Rui)
“…” (Ayaka)
“…” (Rui)
“…Hehe!” (Ayaka)
“…Haha!” (Rui)
At that moment, we exchanged glances and burst into laughter. It felt like all the tension between us had melted away… like we had returned to our childhood. Somehow, it felt really comforting.
Then I hopped onto the bed again and lay down next to Ayaka.
“Hahaha, this feels amazing!” (Rui)
“Hehe, my childhood friend is really something! I’m proud of you too!” (Ayaka)
“Oh come on, it’s not that impressive!” (Rui)
“Maybe so.” (Ayaka)
“No, don’t take back your word so quickly!” (Rui)
“…” (Ayaka)
“…” (Rui)
“Ahaha!” (Both)
We laughed again. As silly as our banter was, it was fun. Despite the cheesy lines, I couldn’t help but wish this moment could last forever.
“…Hey, Rui, do it again.” (Ayaka)
“Eh?” (Rui)
“We got interrupted by the call, so can you say it again?” (Ayaka)
“…Say what?” (Rui)
“…” (Ayaka)
Then Ayaka, without a word, pinched my arm hard.
“Ow! Ow! Ow! I get it! I get it already!!” (Rui)
“…Then don’t be mean to me.” (Ayaka)
With that, Ayaka released her grip… Ah, I really can’t win against my cute childhood friend.
“…Yeah. …I like you too, Ayaka.” (Rui)
“Hehe, ehehe…!” (Ayaka)
👻👻👻
…After that, we both couldn’t get back to sleep so we slurped down some cup noodles for a midnight snack while brainstorming ideas for my 100,000 subscribers celebration stream.
We came up with various things, like inviting guests and singing sessions, but nothing concrete was decided… Eventually, we both got exhausted and fell asleep without realizing it. My memory’s a bit fuzzy, so I don’t even remember if we ended up sleeping in the same bed.
So, I don’t think anything weird happened… probably. Maybe?
👻👻👻
“…Nnn… Mmm…” (Rui)
The next day, I woke up to the sound of birds chirping… Sorry, that’s a lie. I just wanted to say that. But anyways.
“…Huh?” (Rui)
I noticed Ayaka wasn’t beside me. But there were some traces of someone being here, so she definitely had been here a while ago… Maybe she’s already up? With that thought, I got up and started looking for her.
“Hey, Ayaka… Hm?” (Rui)
At that moment, I heard a noise coming from the kitchen. Walking over, I found…
“Oh, good morning, Rui!” (Ayaka)
Ayaka, still wearing my shirt, stood in the kitchen with a pair of cooking chopsticks in hand. In front of her was a lit stove with a frying pan on it… Slightly bewildered, I greeted her back.
“Oh, good morning… What are you doing?” (Rui)
“What do you mean? Isn’t it obvious? I’m making breakfast!” (Ayaka)
“Eh… why are you doing that?” (Rui)
“Didn’t you say you wanted to eat a bento box before? So I thought this was a good opportunity to make one for you! …Oh, I hope it’s okay if I use the stuff in your fridge?” (Ayaka)
“Well, yeah, that’s fine…” (Rui)
…Though, I hope nothing’s expired. Those eggs have been in there for a while… Well, they should be okay once they’re cooked.
“Hehe, glad to hear that! It’ll be ready soon, so just wait a bit, okay?” (Ayaka)
With that, Ayaka turned her attention back to the frying pan in front of her. Waiting doesn’t really sit well with me… but there doesn’t seem to be much I can help with. Well, I should at least thank her.
“Hey, Ayaka.” (Rui)
“Hmm?” (Ayaka)
“…Thanks for making this for me.” (Rui)
Ayaka turned around to face me again.
“Hehe, it’s nothing! I just wanted to see your happy face.” (Ayaka)
She said it with an angelic smile… Oh no. I’m totally in love.
👻👻👻
“Alright, it’s done!” (Ayaka)
A few minutes later, Ayaka came to the table with a small bento box. I remember buying bento boxes during a sale, but since I rarely cook for myself, I never had the chance to use them. Seeing it in use like this made me a little happy.
I leaned forward to peek inside the bento box. Inside, there were my favorite foods: rolled omelette, sausages, fried chicken, and more. It was, in essence, my ideal bento. Well, since it was all made from what was in my fridge, it was only natural it turned out that way.
“Wow, it looks delicious. It’s been a while since I’ve had a homemade bento…!” (Rui)
“Rui, don’t you ever make your own bentos?” (Ayaka)
“Well, I want to, but…” (Rui)
Of course, I know it’s better to cook for myself, but I’m just too busy to do it. Wait, now that I think about it, what’s Ayaka going to eat?
“Hey, Ayaka, what about your own food?” (Rui)
“I’m fine. I usually skip breakfast.” (Ayaka)
“Nonono, that won’t do. You went through the trouble of making this, so let’s eat it together.” (Rui)
Ayaka showed a slightly troubled expression at first, but with a little more persuasion, she seemed to agree.
“Hmm… okay!” (Ayaka)
With that, Ayaka nodded. I went and gathered two sets of chopsticks and gave her a pair.
“Alright then… Itadakimasu!” (Rui)
“Itadakimasu!” (Ayaka)
I picked up the chopsticks and brought the rolled omelette to my mouth. As I chewed, Ayaka’s gaze was fixed on me, and she asked with a hint of anxiety.
“So… how does it taste, Rui?” (Ayaka)
“It’s really good.” (Rui)
“…” (Ayaka)
“…What’s with that ‘one more time’ face?” (Rui)
“Eh, was I making that face?” (Ayaka)
“You were.” (Rui)
Maybe she was hoping for me to say something like “I want to eat your food every day”? That’s too embarrassing to say directly, but I could hint at it.
“Well, I know that Ayaka is good at cooking. I’m sure you’ll make a great wife someday.” (Rui)
“That’s…” (Ayaka)
“Hm?” (Rui)
“Is it okay to take what you said as ’that1’?” (Ayaka)
“Eh? W-Well… I’ll leave it to your interpretation.” (Rui)
Then Ayaka closed her eyes and placed a hand on her chest as if savoring the words… W-What? This is kind of scary, Ayaka-san.
“Um, so, Ayaka. About yesterday… there’s something we still need to decide on properly.” (Rui)
“…The wedding date?” (Ayaka)
“No, that’s skipping a lot of steps!” (Rui)
That scared me… is this girl trying to speedrun marriage?
“…Well, it’s not entirely off-topic, but… regarding our relationship, should we hold off on things like officially dating?” (Rui)
When I said that, the light in Ayaka’s eyes immediately dimmed…
“Huh… so everything you said yesterday was a lie?” (Ayaka)
“Nonono!! Calm down, Ayaka! What I mean is that we shouldn’t tell others. The main point is, that we’re VTubers, right? And not just that, we are also affiliated with an agency… If we were to publicly declare that we’re dating, it would cause a lot of trouble, right!?” (Rui)
“Well, yeah… I guess so.” (Ayaka)
Imagining that situation, Ayaka reluctantly nodded. At least some light has recovered in her eyes.
“So… while we’re still VTubers, we can’t officially date! Well, I honestly don’t know if it’s strictly prohibited without checking with management, but I think they’d probably put a stop to it.” (Rui)
“…What about dating in secret?” (Ayaka)
“I thought about that too… but I don’t think you could keep it a secret, Ayaka.” (Rui)
“I-I totally can! I’m capable of that much!” (Ayaka)
Ayaka protested, but it seems quite challenging, doesn’t it?
“I mean, it’s not just the viewers, but also other VTubers and staff. We’re basically always live streaming, and in that kind of environment, any careless remark that slips out even once, even for a moment, will stay on the internet forever.” (Rui)
“……” (Ayaka)
“With that in mind… do you really think we could keep it a secret for long?” (Rui)
Ayaka showed a thoughtful expression… and after a moment, she reached her conclusion.
“…That might be tough.” (Ayaka)
“Exactly. I don’t think I could do it either. I mean, my first stream was already a disaster. I’ll probably be the first one to mess up.” (Rui)
“……” (Ayaka)
Hearing this, Ayaka looked sad… But of course, it’s not that I don’t want to date her.
“…Let’s compromise a bit. We can act like a couple, or something close to that, only when we’re alone and completely off-stream. To avoid risks, let’s ban any romantic messages or calls. How does that sound?” (Rui)
When I said this, Ayaka gradually started to smile again.
“Yeah… I think that’s good.” (Ayaka)
“Great. And remember, don’t tell anyone about this… and no hinting at it either. Fans are like FBI agents when it comes to digging up relationship details.” (Rui)
“Got it!” (Ayaka)
In the end, Ayaka returned to her usual self.
“Yeah. Our relationship will be pretty restricted… I’m sorry, Ayaka.” (Rui)
“No, it’s okay. I already know that you really love me, Rui!” (Ayaka)
“…You, seriously…” (Rui)
“Ehehe?” (Ayaka)
Ayaka gave a mischievous smile. Just seeing that expression now makes me smile too.
“Well, it’s not like we can’t see each other at all. Let’s go out and have fun sometime, okay?” (Rui)
“Yeah! I’m looking forward to it!” (Ayaka)
“Haha… Well then, Ayaka, let’s eat the bento together. It’s really good.” (Rui)
“Hehe~ Of course, I made it after all!” (Ayaka)
And with that, we laughed together… and enjoyed the bento together. There’s no doubt that this moment was the most enjoyable breakfast time in my life so far.
👻👻👻
…After finishing breakfast, Ayaka changed into her washed clothes and was preparing to leave. As Ayaka was putting on her shoes at the entrance, I asked her.
“Ayaka, did you forget anything?” (Rui)
“No, I think I’m good.” (Ayaka)
“Alright then. Take care on your way back.” (Rui)
“Yeah… Thanks, Rui.” (Ayaka)
Even as she said that, Ayaka didn’t move… A few seconds later, without a word, Ayaka turned back and looked straight into my eyes.
“What’s wrong?” (Rui)
“…Well, I just felt so happy. I didn’t want to go home.” (Ayaka)
Seeing Ayaka’s blushing face and hearing her soft voice was amusing and a little cute. I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Heh, I see. I guess staying another day wouldn’t be a problem… but you have things to do, right?” (Rui)
“Eh?” (Ayaka)
“Yesterday, you lied about having ‘no plans’ for today, right? I get it now… because there was that weird pause back then.” (Rui)
When I said that, Ayaka let out a big sigh.
“Haaaa… my boyfriend is really sharp about the most irrelevant things.” (Ayaka)
With such casual words, Ayaka continued.
“Yeah, you got me. I actually got a school test today.” (Ayaka)
“E…Ehhh!? Ayaka, that’s important, isn’t it?! Hurry up and go!” (Rui)
Her ‘plan’ was so unexpectedly crucial that I ended up more flustered than she did. I mean, tests are a big deal, right? So why are you so relaxed about it…!
“I’ll probably be late… but I’ll go now. Thanks for letting me stay.” (Ayaka)
Ayaka reluctantly takes a step forward and reaches for the doorknob. Just as she was about to open the door… At that moment, I instinctively took a step forward, reaching out and grabbing her shoulder.
“Eh… Rui?” (Ayaka)
“…” (Rui)
I knew I shouldn’t try to stop her. I hadn’t planned to. But my body moved unconsciously.
It felt like I wasn’t in control of myself, and that scared me… No, I was probably just pretending not to notice it again.
Deep down, I didn’t want Ayaka to leave. I felt lonely without her…
“What’s wrong?” (Ayaka)
“…No, I just realized I hadn’t properly thanked you for making breakfast.” (Rui)
“Huh? Oh, it’s fine. I can make it anytime for you…” (Ayaka)
“No, let me say it. Thank you so much, Ayaka.” (Rui)
“Huh, w-wait…!?” (Ayaka)
With that, I gently hugged Ayaka and stroked her head. It was just a pretext that I wanted to thank her. I just wanted to touch Ayaka. I just wanted to feel her warmth.
“…” (Ayaka)
Ayaka, who initially seemed surprised, quickly accepted it. She leaned her weight against my chest, wrapping her arms around my back. And as she did, she enthusiastically pressed her head against my body.
“…” (Rui)
Silence stretched on for several tens of seconds. At first, it was enjoyable and comforting. However, I gradually regained my composure. Realizing that I stopped her for such a reason, I snapped back to my senses and stopped stroking her head.
“…?” (Ayaka)
Perhaps puzzled by my sudden change, Ayaka lifted her head and looked at me with upturned eyes. Oh no, what should I do… how do I explain myself!?
“…Um, well, uh, I just remembered that you mentioned before how you wanted your head to be patted… so, um… sorry!” (Rui)
Realizing I couldn’t bluff my way out anymore, I resigned myself and sincerely apologized, bowing my head. But Ayaka didn’t seem upset at all; she just chuckled softly.
“…I guess Rui really isn’t good with this sort of thing.” (Ayaka)
“Huh? What do you mean by that…?” (Rui)
“Well, you did try your best, in your own way… In such a situation, this is what you do.” (Ayaka)
“…?” (Rui)
Ayaka came close to me… and gently pressed her lips against mine.
“……!?” (Rui)
“Nnn….” (Ayaka)
“…” (Rui)
“……Haa” (Ayaka)
After Ayaka pulled away from my lips, she showed the most mischievous smile I’d ever seen from her.
“Heheh, isn’t this kind of thing normal for lovers?” (Ayaka)
“…………Ah, um…” (Rui)
Caught off guard, I couldn’t find the words to respond. Meanwhile, Ayaka waved her hand near my face.
“Hehe, well then, see you later, Rui! I’ll come visit again another day!” (Ayaka)
With that, Ayaka opened the door and left my house. I stood there in a daze, murmuring to myself the only thing that came to mind…
“…………It was really soft…” (Rui)
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
So yeah, they’re dating now. I never thought that the day would come so quickly but it did. Now, I’m looking forward to when they officially announce that they’re dating. I need to know how the viewers would react to this.
🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳