It had been a little over a week since Haruto and Rina’s encounter on a weekday.
It was just as Aya was about to review a video of her participation in an ABEX scrim at home…
“Ah…” (Aya)
She turned pale as she glanced at the notification that popped up on her smartphone’s schedule app.
With each passing second, Aya broke out in a cold sweat.
At that moment, she remembered something that had completely slipped her mind, and feeling cornered, there was only one thing she could do.
She knew that the best course of action was to consult with someone.
Understanding this, Aya wasted no time in taking action.
Praying for a quick response, she sends the message and stares at the screen, waiting anxiously.
She remained seated on the sofa in a girlish posture, motionless.
“…” (Aya)
Since she would receive a notification when the reply arrived, there was no point in waiting.
It was quite an inefficient use of time, but it just showed how desperate she was for help.
“Ah!” (Aya)
Aya exclaimed with a bright voice, seven minutes later.
Seeing the reply “OK OK! You can call anytime”, she immediately dialed the number.
The person she relied on was none other than…
“R-Rina-san, Rina-san! I’m really sorry to suddenly call you like this!” (Aya)
“Nah, it’s fine. I was just killing time, so it’s no big deal.” (Rina)
She’s none other than her dependable senpai, Rina.
“Oh, yeah. Good job for the scrim the other day. Even though it wasn’t the real thing, thanks to you, we ranked third overall.” (Rina)
“Thank you! That reminds me, it might be premature, but we’re having a victory party, right?” (Aya)
“Nihihi, it’s Chiyo-san’s treat, after all. Let’s eat like there’s no tomorrow, okay?” (Rina)
“Yeah!!” (Aya)
—Celebration for good performance.
That’s the policy of Chiyo, their teammate and the owner of Axcis Crown.
Although it was just a practice match, thanks to the scrim organization committee, it was also a streamed tournament that attracted a lot of viewers.
Taking into account the fact that they were able to further promote the team’s name, they were treated to a feast.
Seeing an opportunity, Rina smoothly transitioned to the main topic of the call. Aya, feeling timid, hesitantly spoke up.
“Well, umm… It’s embarrassing to ask, but… When you hang out with a guy alone… what kind of places are good?” (Aya)
“…Huh?” (Rina)
“W-Well, um, what kind of places are good when spending time with a guy alone?!” (Aya)
Aya herself knew that it was a sudden and completely random topic.
Despite feeling flustered, she reiterated it loudly.
“Heh~ So, does that mean that Ayacchi is going on a date with someone?” (Rina)
“W-We’re just going to go hang out! To explain briefly, things happened and the other party wanted to ‘thank me’, so I invited him to hang out together…” (Aya)
“That sounds like a date.” (Rina)
“T-The other person doesn’t see it as a date, so it’s not like that!” (Aya)
“Hmm… Is that so?” (Rina)
“T-That’s how it is!” (Aya)
Despite her firm denial, Aya was secretly considering this to be a date.
“By the way, do you have a set date for the date?” (Rina)
“N-No… It’s not officially decided yet, but I have this selfish desire to make it as soon as possible…” (Aya)
“Hihi, that makes sense.” (Rina)
Some might argue, “If it’s not officially decided, there’s no need to rush”, but stalling could lead to a situation where the other party forgets.
For Aya, who really wants to go on this date, that’s something she absolutely wants to avoid.
“Well, there are two things I want to say. First, it’s better to plan important events sooner. It’s really unlike Ayacchi to make such a big mistake.” (Rina)
“Y-Yeah… Lately, I’ve been so busy with work that it slipped my mind…” (Aya)
Aya had a lot on her plate, juggling university, collaborations for projects, scrim sessions, and more.
If she continued to neglect her “date plans”, it would only add to her future workload and inconvenience those around her.
As both a streamer and a pro, Aya was aware of this and tried to avoid thinking about it as much as possible.
However, this was the result of her efforts.
“And the second thing I want to say, especially since it’s more of my concern, but… Ayacchi, are you sure you’re consulting the right person? I mean, I seriously have no experience with dating, so when I give advice, it’s like picking up stuff from the internet, just like when I’m streaming…” (Rina)
“It’s totally fine! I’ve seen viewers tweet, ‘Thanks to getting advice from Rina-san, the date was a success!'” (Aya)
“W-Well, if you think it’s okay, then sure…” (Rina)
Viewers somewhat blindly trust Rina’s words, thinking, ‘She’s someone with a lot of dating experience’ but Aya knows Rina’s secret.
So, they’re essentially taking advice from someone who “hasn’t been in a relationship.”
It’s natural for Rina to worry about giving advice.
“Then, shall we brainstorm date plans together? I’ll bring my laptop, so just wait a moment.” (Rina)
“Thank you…!!” (Aya)
“Consider this as a thank you for sharing your thoughts on the date.” (Rina)
“Got it! I’ll bring my laptop too!” (Aya)
“Sure thing.” (Rina)
After this exchange, they both placed their laptops on their knees and began discussing date plans.
As expected, they hit a roadblock when it came to the destination.
Where should they go as the main attraction?
After exchanging various opinions for about 10 minutes, it was Rina’s words that broke through.
“Oh, come to think of it, wouldn’t the aquarium be the best choice by far? According to online sources, it naturally brings people closer, it’s easy to invite someone for lunch or dinner afterward, and it’s easy to have conversations about the surroundings… It seems like a safe bet.” (Rina)
“Wow! That’s true, an aquarium sounds really nice! I want to go to the aquarium!!” (Aya)
“Hehe, then ask your date if they’re interested in fish, and if they say yes—1” (Rina)
“—We’ll go to the aquarium!” (Aya)
While there were suggestions like theme parks or amusement parks, they were put on hold due to worries about what to do if conversations stopped flowing.
Just the absence of this worry alone naturally raised the priority of the aquarium.
“They say for a first date, it’s best to keep it to about half a day to not make it too tiring, so you two could meet around noon, do some quick shopping, head to the aquarium, have lunch, and then part ways. That flow seems like the best, don’t you think?” (Rina)
“R-Rina-san, to get all those suggestions from you…” (Aya)
“Hmm, what should we do? Honestly, it feels unfair that I have to help you plan your date~” (Rina)
“D-Don’t tease me like that…” (Aya)
“Hehe, just kidding! You’re free to do as you please.” (Rina)
With a mocking laugh, Rina responded to Aya, who let out a feeble voice.
After all, if she didn’t want to help, she wouldn’t have agreed to this in the first place.
“I hope you have fun on your date with Oni-chan.” (Rina)
“Yeah! If it goes wrong, I’ll come over to your place and have you comfort me, Rina-san!” (Aya)
“Well, if it’s Haruto-san, I think you’ll be just fine.” (Rina)
“…” (Aya)
“…” (Rina)
“…………” (Aya)
“…………” (Rina)
After a moment of silence to gather her thoughts, Aya finally realizes something.
“Huh!?” (Aya)
Her surprised voice breaks the silence.
“R-R-R-R-Rina-san?! W-W-Why do you know Oni-chan’s name?!” (Aya)
“It’s actually a crazy coincidence, but I had the chance to visit Oni-chan’s place. I met his cute imouto-san too.” (Rina)
“W-Why are things progressing so much!? I haven’t even met imouto-san yet!!” (Aya)
“Just ask Oni-chan for the details. It’s good that you have another topic to talk about, right?” (Rina)
“W-Well, yeah, but…!” (Aya)
Certainly, having more topics to discuss is a good thing, but what Aya feels more strongly than that is anxiety.
Aya has undoubtedly known Haruto for a longer period of time. Yet here’s Rina, who has visited his house and met his cherished little sister already.
“Pfft, there’s no need to feel so uneasy. Ayacchi, you’re the one going on a date.” (Rina)
“R-Rina-san, you’re not… aiming for him or anything, right?” (Aya)
“If I were, I wouldn’t be willing to help give you advice. Besides, I’m the type who’s too scared to even think about romance, let alone do anything physical.” (Rina)
“You’re really not aiming for him, right!?” (Aya)
“I’m not, I’m not.” (Rina)
After confirming twice and hearing the response twice, Aya finally feels relieved.
She knows just how wonderful Rina is.
To become a rival to such a person is indeed a daunting prospect.
“Hey, what did you think of Haruto-san when you met him, Rina-san…?” (Aya)
“Well, he’s a really wonderful person, I could tell why Ayacchi would be interested in him.” (Rina)
“I-I see…” (Aya)
To have someone you’re interested in praised like that tickles her heart.
And it’s even more meaningful when it comes from someone as wonderful as Rina.
While Aya basks in the happy atmosphere, her mind quickly returns to rational thinking.
“T-Then, if that’s your impression, you’re definitely aiming for him, right!?” (Aya)
“Hehe, if you think I’m aiming for him, then you better make sure the date goes well, Ayacchi.” (Rina)
“!” (Aya)
“I’m praying for your success, you know.” (Rina)
Hearing that somewhat smug voice, Aya imagines the day of the actual date and nervously responds, “Y-Yes!”
“Well, well, if you’re that tense, you won’t last until the actual day.” (Rina)
Naturally, Aya gets teased by Rina, as usual.
Illustration of Aya & Rina’s call
TL Notes:
Thanks for reading!
Oh right, I’ve completely forgotten that MC and Aya were supposed to go on a date. So much time has passed that it just slipped my mind. I guess that explains the aquarium in the colored illustration. Now, I have something to actually look forward to, but I hope the date lasts a full day at least.
Everyone here heard it from Rina, she isn’t aiming for MC. Tbh, I’m still skeptical, but let’s see how long that holds.
P.S. This is kinda random, but this might be my next series:
When I Appeared on My Childhood Friend’s VTuber Stream, My Life Changed Dramatically
Reviews I read said that it was a laid-back read, so that’s what I’m hoping it is. Well, I need to first complete one of my current two series before starting, so that’ll take a while.
Looking forward to the LN version of that novel if you decide to translate it, I read the WN with mtl and the story was good.
thank you for the chapter!!