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DLC 2, Chapter 4: Ayumu Kiriya and Battling Game

DLC 2, Chapter 4: Ayumu Kiriya and Battling Game

Translator: Pingas

“Well, let’s start with today’s live stream. Shiana, are you slowly getting used to it?”

“Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Y-Yes…!”

“Hmm, that doesn’t sound like a yes.”

“Ugh, …I-I’ll never get used to doing live streams…”

Chiaki Hoshinomori looked at the microphone in front of her resentfully, She dropped her head deflatedly and mumbled.

As for me, Ayumu Kiriya, I’m sitting on the chair as I comfort her with a bitter smile.

“Even if you say that, this is your 3rd live stream with me already.”

“Y-Yes, you’re right. But, but, you practically baited me to do this with you the first time, just like Jiraiya-san.”

Hoshinomori’s adorable cheeks pouted as she spoke out the name of my former partner, Jiraiya, on air. Even though I’m really startled, I still pretend nothing is wrong.

“Well, I’m really sorry about that. But, look, that video wasn’t published, right? You said it was embarrassing.”

“W-Well, thank you very much for your sincerity that time…”

Hoshinomori looked away unconvincedly. In reality, the [Hell’s Blood] video I recorded with her was abandoned. Like I’ve said, the biggest reason is that Hoshinomori thinks it’s humiliating. However, another cause is that the content is practically a copy of what I’ve done with Jiraiya. Honestly, I don’t want to upload two videos with the same stuff.

Hoshinomori fiddled with the controller in her hands as she sighed.

“Ah, …seriously, I didn’t expect you to be that Torabasami-san.”

“That’s my line. I didn’t know you watched my channel’s videos. Thanks to that, I had a way easier time explaining the request for you to be my partner after our dreamy first recording.”

“Uh, well, as an audience, I really love Tora-san’s videos. B-But, but, I don’t actually want to be part of the cast…”

“There you go again. Even though you said that, didn’t you join my live streams twice already?”

“Ugh, …that’s, …you’re right, but…”

Hoshinomori mumbled quietly. Well, to be honest, I’m pretty surprised that she reluctantly agreed to be my live stream partner.

Hoshinomori crossed her fingers and spoke up.

“It’s because…I can’t believe that Tora-san would actually kneel and beg me…”

“W-Well, I was a bit too worked up at that time too…”

“Also, that day, …ugh, …ugh, …I fell into your ‘let’s just try it once’ trap. Even though I felt very, very embarrassed about it, you kind of just forced me to…!”

“Uwah, pay attention to your words!”

T-This is literally like the conversation between a soft high school girl and a vicious male live streamer who baited her! I’d be in trouble if dangerous suspicions like this appeared in the video. I quickly coughed and tried to cover it up. …But-

(No, well, I’m worried about it too much.)

The reason is that Ayumu Kiriya, which is me, by the way, even though I have an Ikemen’s voice-

-I’m just a plain university girl.

In other words, it’s just two girls having fun playing video games.

Even so, the audience thinks I’m a guy. I still have to try my best to explain, “There are no weird secrets between us two!”

This incredibly stupid situation is quite irritating sometimes.

I brought up my usual excuse to the audience.

“Well, Shiana is, …yeah, you’re my cousin who’s interested in live streams. You’re my niece, after all.”

“Ah, …yes, that’s right. Tora-san and I are cousins.”

“Indeed, indeed.”

“Yes, yes.”

Both of us nodded at each other silently. …Obviously, Hoshinomori enthusiastically agreed to the setting. A boy-girl live stream of this type is built upon a very delicate balance, after all. She understands this as a passionate gaming stream audience too.

Therefore, we share a strange sense of being partners in crime as usual. At this time, Hoshinomori made up her mind. She sighed deeply and continued.

“Ah, …I’m already fine now. Even though I’m still pretty nervous during the recording, …playing games with my cousin Tora-san daily like this is pretty fun. I just want to play some games and go home.”

I couldn’t hold my laughter after hearing that.

“Well, yeah, that’s already enough. The audience and I never have any expectation of you or my former partner Jiraiya to have a great and relaxed conversation.”

“T-This is probably my fault. …Well, I didn’t have such expectation for Jiraiya-san when I was part of the audience as well…”

“Exactly.”

Hoshinomori nodded and said, “Desu desu”. …Also, her “desu desu” has become a meme among our viewers. The screen is filled with “desu desu” comments every time she says that.

In other words, Shiana has become unbelievably popular right now, and in a different way than Jiraiya. …This is very reassuring to a streamer like me. That’s why I decided to make her my partner despite her being a colossal landmine.

“Ah, b-but!”

Suddenly, Hoshinomori couldn’t wait and spoke up. This is an otaku’s classic “what I love always goes first” tone.

“I’m definitely not looking down on Jiraiya-san, okay!? Please don’t misunderstand this! It’s more like, well, well, I really love how straightforward Jiraiya-san is! He must be a charming person! Yes! If I have to explain in detail-“

Hoshinomori starts talking non-stop whenever it involves Jiraiya. Feeling slightly startled, I try to stop the girl.

“Ahh, I-I got it! I got it! I perfectly understand how deep your respect for Jiraiya is! Yes!”

“I see! That’s really great! Ah, I wonder when I can see Jiraiya-san! His tone and personality really, really sound like someone I really love! So, I think we’ve definitely met before!”

“I-I see. You love Jiraiya this much…?”

“Yes, no, instead of saying love, it’s more like I’m his fan. His stan! There are a lot of parts that we resonate with…! I feel we’ll match each other a lot if I can befriend him and talk about games together! But, it’s a shame that I can’t see him…”

Hoshinomori said that as she winked at me. She seems to be looking forward to something.

Sweat dripped down my forehead as I avoided her gaze.

“Uh, …well, if that guy is free, okay?”

“Glad to hear that! I’ll super, super, super look forward to that day. Ah, at that time, Kei- no, if only the gamer I deeply have a crush on could meet him as well! The three of us will absolutely have a blast!”

“A-Ahh, i-if we have the chance. Kay?”

As usual, I looked away from her and answered vaguely.

(At least, there’s no way the three of them can meet…)

That’s because-

My former partner Jiraiya’s true identity is-

-Honestly, it’s the person that Chiaki Hoshinomori has long yearned for, Keita Amano.

It’s not that they are similar. They are literally the same person.

I buried myself into the office chair and sighed deeply.

(…Ugh, this is incredibly romantic no matter how many times I’ve heard it.)

Whether online or in reality, this girl has the same respect and feelings for the same person. Such a wonderful miracle of love is incredibly rare, I’m afraid. This is pure and innocent love. Having such a strong and pure crush on one person only is extraordinary.

If Chiaki Hoshinomori meets with him in this room one day-

If she knows Jiraiya, a person she respects so much is actually Keita Amano-

At that moment, I wonder how fiery her burning heart of love will be?

Despite not being a fan of shoujo manga, my heart pounds whenever I imagine that.

This is fated love—the climax of it.

Chiaki Hoshinomori’s love for Keita Amano is probably overflowing right now.

At that point, nothing is more perfect than this miraculous relationship.

Ah, how wonderful this is. The romance of youth! How bright! How charming!

…………

…However, well, how should I put it?

That’s why there’s…

…There’s a very small, …but, to me, Ayumu Kiriya, a very troublesome problem.

That’s because, at the moment she knows Keita Amano is Jiraiya-

The moment when Chiaki Hoshinomori’s fire of love starts burning, naturally-

-The fact that I, being a university girl, have kidnapped him to my house will be exposed.

…………

W-Well, what kind of trash do knives belong in? Which day should I throw it? How should I dispose of it…?

“…………”

My trembling hand reached for the half-empty canned coffee on the table.

“Ah, I really look forward to seeing Jiraiya! Really!”

“…I-I see.”

I looked away from Hoshinomori’s innocent smile. Then, I gave up and chugged the remaining coffee.

*

“Well, well, Tora-san, which game are we playing today?”

Finally, the conversation about Jiraiya has ended. Hoshinomori decided to go back to the stream instead.

(I’m glad this girl isn’t as nervous right now.)

Hoshinomori is talking fluently right now, unlike before. I can’t contain my smile after seeing her like this.

I stopped worrying about the underlying risk. We should focus on the stream right now. So, I cleared my throat and switched to my “live streaming mode”.

“Good question, Shiana. The game you’re playing on today’s stream is…this one!”

“I can’t wait for it. What is this? The games Tora-san chooses are always of my taste. So, I-I always look forward to this moment-“

“The new release from the grossly talented indie game developer NOBE-san, [RE: CODE]!”

“Bleurgh!”

“Shiana!?”

A certain high school girl suddenly sounded like she violently threw up when I announced the game. I was really worried about her when she suddenly slammed her head onto the kotatsu. Just like that, she turned into a ball of seaweed in front of the mic. …At the same time, she let out a hellish moan.

“Uwahhh, …ahhhhhh, …uwohhhhhh…”

“S-Shiana? W-What’s wrong? D-Does your tummy hurt?”

I couldn’t pretend to be calm with such a sudden change. So, I tried to pause the recording by putting my hand on the mouse. Shiana stopped me.

“Ah, hey! Eh, …ah, …Tora-san. I, well, uh, there’s something I would like to ask you.”

“Hmm? A-Ahh, what’s wrong?”

“…A-Are you doing this on purpose?”

“Huh?”

I tilted my head at her puzzling question. …I don’t even know what she means. Even though Hoshinomori always sounds like she has dyslexia, this question is unprecedentedly confusing. With all those meaningless questions, …don’t tell me this is a symptom of cerebral infarction? Should I call an ambulance…?

I’m sincerely worried about her. Yet, Hoshinomori seems to have realized something and said, “N-No, it’s nothing…” She raised her head from the kotatsu. Then, she looked at me determinedly and asked.

“Uh, …Tora-san, well, well, can you explain your reasoning behind choosing this game in detail?”

“Eh? I-It’s the same as usual…”

“…In other words?”

To Hoshinomori’s question, I…scratched my cheeks and answered.

“I think Shiana will like it?”

“You have an extremely refined taste!”

“Extremely refined taste!?”

What is this girl saying? I looked at her worriedly. Hoshinomori swept her hair and mumbled to herself.

“No, no, …isn’t this too weird? …I-Is this a coincidence…? B-But…”

“Shiana? Uh, …is there a problem with this game?”

“Eh? A-Ahh, yes, this, …well, uh, if it’s possible, can I play a-another game t-today? Please…?”

I don’t know why sweat is dripping from Hoshinomori’s forehead as she suggests that. …She actually rejects a game I recommend. That’s rare.

“Ahh, it can’t be helped if Shiana says so. I think this is a pretty decent indie game, though. …Well, of course, I won’t force you if you hate it.”

“Okay…”

I moved the mouse and looked at NOBE’s game download page on the browser with a bitter smile.

“Well, indeed, even though I can see the author’s overflowing talent from the introduction screen, this game does feel a bit weird.”

“…………”

“Hmm, I just chose this game without reason. However, come to think of it, this game does look really dull. Perhaps I should do what you say and choose another-“

Suddenly, Hoshinomori’s head slammed onto the kotatsu.

“No, no! I think this game is a bit s-super interesting. Indeed!”

“Why did you suddenly say that!?”

I can’t cover how surprised I’m at Hoshinomori’s 180-degree turn.

But, well, if she thinks this game is fine, I’m perfectly okay with it…

“Well, …Shiana? Should we play this on the stream?”

“…………”

Then, at this moment, Hoshinomori looked away again for some reason. …Ehh!?

“You really don’t like it? Well, no need to force yourself…”

“How could I think this game is boring!? Indeed! It’s more like I think this game is a masterpiece!”

“You think this game is a masterpiece without even playing it!? Well, if you’re so attracted to the game, then let’s stream this-“

“…………”

“Why do you go quiet every time I ask you? If you really don’t like it, I don’t mind replacing this with another F2P game.”

“Huh!? H-How can you do that!? There’s literally not a single game that can replace that masterpiece!”

“Why are you mad at me!? If that’s the case, then let’s be honest and get the show on the road!?”

“…I-I’m playing it?”

“Of course! Out of all the possible moments, this is when you give me an ‘are you serious’ pose? Listen here! You- Shiana, you’re going to play NOBE-san’s game, okay?”

“…Well, I’m terribly sorry. Can we temporarily pause the recording? Let’s have a nice conversation. Please take a seat.”

“Quit dragging your feet around! No, if you don’t want to play it, let’s go for another F2P game-“

“Ugh! Play! I’m playing it, sheesh!”

Suddenly, Hoshinomori yelled with teary eyes. …Honestly, I don’t really like this NOBE’s game that much. Although I’m not sure about the situation, if Hoshinomori hates it, I can really make do with another F2P game…

“…Ugh, …why is this happening…? B-But, I can never back down at moments like this. I have to be brave. …This is the key moment where I show my routine training. …Yes!”

“?”

She mumbled in a volume that the microphone couldn’t detect. It’s like she’s trying her best to encourage herself. …Naturally, I won’t throw a bucket of cold water at her determination.

In the end-

“Uh, …well, let’s start playtesting NOBE-san’s new release, [RE: CODE]. …Shiana, are you ready?”

“…Be my guest!”

-Today’s live stream started with Hoshinomori’s tragically brave declaration.

*

“Well, Shiana.”

“W-What’s wrong, Tora-san?”

Hoshinomori leaned forward with the controller in her hands. She’s paying attention to the game screen on the TV that connects to the PC.

(She’s always very nervous during streams, but today is even more so.)

I looked at her side profile and continued.

“This indie game [RE: CODE]…is different than usual. I haven’t practiced before- In other words, I’ve never played it.”

After my explanation, Hoshinomori seemed to have understood something and nodded.

“Hmm, of course, this game was released yesterday.”

“That’s right- wait, huh, did I tell you when was this game published?”

“Uh! Y-You did, right? I think you did, or not…”

For some reason, Hoshinomori looked away and started whispering, even though she couldn’t do it well. …What’s wrong with this girl?

I have questions about her strange attitude. However, I continued for the live stream.

“However, this NOBE has very unreliable descriptions of his works.”

“It’s impolite to say unreliable. You should say he accurately refined-“

“…Shiana?”

“-the core. I can feel NOBE-san’s soul saying that to me. I can mentally sense it from this game’s exquisite title screen.”

“Why do you sound so religious right now!? Hey, don’t you try anything funny, alright!? Live streams are very sensitive about this!”

“I-I’m sorry. …B-But, this is such a brilliant title screen.”

“Ehh?”

I looked at the title screen on the TV at Hoshinomori’s urge.

The title screen is full of a doujin game’s style. The background is black. The pixelized [RE: CODE] title is enormous. There is the new game and continue option below. This feels normal…

“No, well, what’s so special about this…?”

“Ha? Do you have bad eyesight, Tora-san? Look, look! Please take a closer look!”

“Closer look? …Hmm? …Wait, is the screen broken or what? The black background seems a bit rigid…”

“No! Please take an even closer look! Come on, get closer to the screen! Don’t miss any details! Don’t just think this is a pixel game!”

“Hmm?”

I want her to start playing ASAP, though. However, clearly, Hoshinomori won’t begin until my answer satisfies her. So, I stood up and walked to the TV. …Hmm.

“Huh, …you’re right. After taking a closer look, instead of saying that they are pixels, it’s more like the black parts are making slight movements-“

“Exactly! It looks like a typical black background, but actually-“

Hoshinomori suddenly rose from the kotatsu and announced chicly!

“-It’s a bunch of rattling ants!”

“Ewwwwwwwwww!”

I jumped away from the TV immediately. However, for some reason, Hoshinomori puffed up her chest proudly. She raised her head and spoke up.

“How is it? Isn’t this extremely paying attention to the details!?”

“That’s too much! Uwah, …this is too much, no matter how many times I’ve looked at it. A swarm of realistic ants moving behind the title…”

“Fufufu, …well, well, Tora-san, as a streamer, please send your thanks to NOBE-san.”

“That’s retarded!”

“Ehh!?”

Hoshinomori’s cheeks pouted. She’s unconvinced. W-What’s happening? Don’t tell me this girl is actually impressed?

I cleared my throat and sat back down. I urged Hoshinomori to start playing.

“Well, I know about the secret of the title screen now. Shouldn’t you start the main story?”

“Ugh, …fine, but I really want to spend another 30 minutes enjoying this screen.”

“Oi, what kind of stream is this?”

Is this some kind of brand-new mental experiment?

Anyway, Hoshinomori reluctantly pressed the controller and started a new game.

At the same time, the screen started displaying text. It’s the prologue.

…Here’s the shocking prologue.

[…Well, forget about the ants.]

“Forget about the ants!?”

That’s too outside-the-box for a prologue. However, in sharp contrast to my dropped jaw, Hoshinomori wasn’t moved at all. She’s reading the prologue calmly.

[Edo period. The public has just started using Instagram.]

“Wait, wait, wait, I don’t understand anything about this world’s setting and events at all-“

[Living in a corner of New York is the ordinary young man, “Pooh the Bear Slayer”. As usual, he’s summoning demons to take their horns and sell them in the market as his illegal part-time job.]

“Uwah, what a shock. I can’t believe I’m going insane from reading such a short prologue.”

[However, something extraordinary happened to Pooh one day.]

“Ah, did he encounter the FMC-“

[He discovers that he’s living in a game’s world.]

“That’s so retardedly extraordinary!”

[Nothing can fear him any longer when he learns of this fact. To break out of this plain daily life, Pooh goes to the streets with a spiked bat in his hand…]

“Hello, is this the Abnormal Human Research Center? This NOBE-san needs dire help to blend into our society!”

Despite my screams, …Hoshinomori continued playing the game silently.

The resounding prologue is over. The screen finally transited to the main story.

…No, wait, wait, wait, wait.

“What’s wrong, Shiana? How can you finish reading this prologue when it’s literally written by an alien who can’t get used to life on Earth? What the hell’s wrong with you, Shiana?”

“Eh?”

Hoshinomori turned around and answered my sudden complaint with a surprised look.

“No, no, no!” I continued complaining.

“This is a live stream, okay!? You get it, right!? How can you be so emotionless with something so weird and shocking!?

“Ha? …B-But, this isn’t really special, right?”

“Huh!? A-Are you being serious, Shiana…?”

“Hmm? Yeah. …Ah, the main story is starting, Tora-san.”

“O-Ohh, y-you’re right…”

H-Huh? Am I overreacting? Does a streamer need to make ridiculous reactions like those celebrities? If the answer is yes, I guess that wasn’t too embarrassing. …No, wait…

The main story began during my confusion. The controls are displayed in text format again.

This time, I’ll make sure I read it carefully and not overreact. …However-

[D-pad…will not be used.]

“Will not be used!?”

I started complaining at the first line of the control instructions. Hoshinomori shrugged helplessly. I continued reading.

[Space key. Please knock it to produce rhythm.]

“Knock to produce rhythm!?”

Nope, I can’t. However, at this moment, Hoshinomori looked at me in shock.

“Wait, wait, Tora-san, isn’t your reaction too ridiculous?”

“No, look, aren’t the controls too weird?”

“Weird? Where? It’s just regular control instructions.”

“No! No, no, no, no, no, no! It literally says not to use the D-pad! H-How should the MC move and act in his adventure then!?”

“Adventure? Move? …Uh, what are you talking about, Tora-san? This game has nothing to do with those things.”

“Eh? Wait, aren’t you supposed to start the game with a spiked bat on the streets…?”

“Ehh, that scene just appeared once only, right?”

Hoshinomori nodded and turned to the screen. Then, she pressed the button. The control instructions disappeared. The “main story” finally began.

However, the screen showed-

“…This is just a normal music game.”

“Music game!?”

-I can’t believe the screen is displaying a bunch of circles flowing from right to left, just like the screen in Taiko no Tatsujin!

I exploded.

“Eh, where’s the spiked bat!? Where’s the young man Pooh’s discovery of this world!? Where are his crazy intentions!?”

“Hmm? Aren’t all of that on the screen already? Look at the person on the left.”

“…Huh?”

“The smiling person beating those circles back with a spiked person rhythmically is that young man Pooh.”

“Wait, you’re telling me he’s just venting his stress healthily!?”

What’s up with that meaninglessly unusual prologue!? By the way, the young man Pooh on the screen has a really freaking charming smile! It makes me anxious. What’s wrong with him!?

However, with all of that, Hoshinomori is still playing the game calmly. …Why is this girl so composed today? It’s like she already knows what’s happening…

“Wait? Shiana? How did you know this is a music game?”

“Ugh…! No, I don’t know. I just had a feeling this would be a music game after reading the prologue. Indeed!”

“Eh, you knew from that BS prologue!? What kind of insane detective skill is that!?”

“I don’t mind adding ‘Detective Shiana’ to the live stream’s title, you know? Hehe.”

“Your smug face pisses me off!”

I sighed deeply and retook a sip of canned coffee. Then, I looked at the screen.

[?????]

…Hmm, this is indeed a music game. It’s also the most classic single-key music game. …Hmm.

…However, there’s one thing I can’t get off my head.

“Hey, …Shiana, what do you think is the most important…in music games?”

“That’s a sudden question. Well, I think it’s key response?”

“Well, yeah, that’s one of them, but there’s something more important. It’s…the theme of the songs. That’s what I think is the most crucial.”

“You’re right! I know! I’m delighted whenever I hear my favorite anime’s OP in a music game!”

“Ah, yeah. …So, with that as the premise, here’s another question for you.”

“What?”

“…What is…the song in this game?”

“Eh? You don’t need to ask that, right? It’s just that.”

“Which is?”

“It’s, well…”

Hoshinomori stared at the screen while playing happily…as she said the answer.

“It’s [Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star]. It’s probably NOBE-san’s remix version.

“Then why does it has such an eerie melody along with this frightening ‘pi-hi-yoro’ sound!?”

Honestly, this orchestration is way too unstable and poor. I thought I had auditory hallucinations. I can’t believe this lacking melody is the song of this music game…!

Hoshinomori continued when I was bewildered.

“Hmm, it already gave you a hint at the title, right?”

“Huh? What? The title of this game is…”

“[RE: CODE].”

“That’s where the [RE: CODE] comes from!? I thought it sounded awesome!”

By the way, Hoshinomori, you can tell that from such a short time. I already forgot about the name.

Also, come to think of it-

“Also, Shiana, you can actually tell this is [Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star]?”

The melody playing from the speaker is eerily faint and out of tune that it sounds nothing like the original. …As for Hoshinomori, she tilted her head in confusion.

“No, no, this is very much [Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star].”

“No, no, no, no! This is clearly Cthulhu’s calls, right!?”

“T-That’s impolite! The developer spent so much time and effort orchestrating it!”

For some reason, Shiana complained unconvincedly. I shrugged.

“No, the only thing I know is that there’s effort. …Wait? By the way, Shiana, why are you so sure that NOBE-san orchestrated it himself?”

“Ugh…!?”

Shiana moaned and paused the game suddenly. She wobbled while pressing “resume” again. Her answer makes no sense at all.

“W-Well, I think she’s a solo developer…”

“Ahh, I see. …Hmm? She? NOBE-san’s a girl?”

“Huh!? Ah, well, …uh, look, don’t you feel this game radiates a woman’s charm from every corner?”

“No, he’s definitely a dude, right? A dude with a mustache with a top hat but naked below.”

“What makes you say that!?”

For some reason, Hoshinomori looks like she’s about to burst into tears. No, who NOBE-san looks like has nothing to do with Hoshinomori, right?

(Hoshinomori seems way weirder today…?)

Unlike a certain idiot high school boy, I’m not a dense person. Although I’m not perfectly sure, I can at least imagine Hoshinomori having some sort of feeling toward this NOBE game developer. But…

(This is confusing. If she’s just a simple worshipper or fan, there’s nothing to hide. She’s someone who can genuinely express her respect, and I don’t think she hates this person too. …Hmm. …Ah.)

“Does Shiana know this NOBE-san?”

“!”

At that moment, Hoshinomori trembled like she was about to collapse. The eerie music, along with the decisively out-of-tune keyboard noise causes an indescribable melody to surround the room.

Will a creature from another world finally be summoned…? I’m genuinely worried. For some reason, massive amounts of sweat came from Hoshinomori’s forehead. She looked away from the screen and toward me instead.

“W-W-W-W-Why did you think so?”

“Eh, what why? I just have a feeling…”

“A feeling. …I see. …Ha.”

Shiana sighed exhaustedly. She looks like she’s ready to suicide. …What’s wrong?

“Uh, …S-Shiana?”

“…You know, people who learn of the truth this early with such a groundless reason in detective novels often get murdered within the next second.”

“Shiana-san!?”

This high school girl suddenly gave a very dangerous metaphor!

I’m the one dripping with cold sweat this time. Shiana sighed. …She resumed the game while seemingly making up her mind.

“Well, …I hope you can cut this part out in the video. This NOBE indie game developer is actually…”

“…Is actually?”

“…M-My little sister!”

Hoshinomori made up her mind and answered properly. I accepted her reason and was sincerely convinced. “Eh!”

“I see. What a coincidence! But that explains your weird reactions today. I see.”

“I-Indeed, …please keep this a secret, okay?”

“Ahh, of course.”

“…Phew.”

Hoshinomori suddenly sighed in relief. Her face seems more like she’s happy about an “unexpected success” rather than calming down after telling the truth. …No, it’s probably my sh*tty personality making malicious guesses.

Anyway, the mist between Hoshinomori and I disappeared after revealing the truth.

With that, today’s live stream went back on track (except for the strange game content). The recording came to an end.

*

“Well, Kiriya-san! I’ll be leaving! I had tons of fun playing today as well! Thank you very much!”

“Ah, see you, Hoshinomori.”

I bowed and bid farewell to Hoshinomori. Then, I quickly walked to the kitchen and started washing the cup Hoshinomori used for drinking juice.

“But that girl’s little sister…”

I wiped the cup with a sponge as I mumbled to myself.

“I could’ve asked her further if we weren’t streaming.”

Ignoring her strange talents, she’s indeed an interesting person, Chiaki Hoshinomori’s little sister. I wonder what she’s like with such an older sister.

I washed the cup full of bubbles with water as I continued mumbling.

“I feel like she’s a capable little sister. …Ah, come to think of it, has Keita met with that little sister before-“

At that moment, I thought of something.

Ding-dong!

Suddenly, the doorbell rang across the room.

(Huh, did Hoshinomori forget about something?)

I answered, “Coming.” Then, I turned off the tap, wiped my hands with a towel, and walked to the entrance. After that…

“What’s wrong, Hoshino-“

…I said that as I pushed open the door. Then, I realized she was not the visitor. I couldn’t help but stop in the middle, but-

“Hoshino- mori?”

-Even though I knew that wasn’t her, I still said it. That’s because…

“Yes, I’m Hoshinomori.”

The person standing there- the high school girl looks really like Hoshinomori.

“…………”

I observed her in detail.

Her fluffy and bright hair is tied into a twin ponytail. She looks a bit short. The skirt shown under her coat doesn’t look like Otobuki High School, the one where Hoshinomori’s in. It seems to be Ao’s Hekiyou High School instead…

…During my observation, she- a girl who calls herself “Hoshinomori” suddenly barges into my house.

“Eh, wait-“

I carelessly backed up. She went straight into the entrance and closed the door firmly before glaring at me silently.

“Hey…! W-What are you trying to…!”

I could feel a subtle sense of danger, so I asked sternly.

A stranger just barged into my house. Nothing is scarier than that.

Confusion and anxiety caused cold sweat to appear on my back.

At this time, the mood seems like we’re rattling swords.

She- suddenly smiled gently.

“I’m sorry for the sudden intrusion. I’m Chiaki Hoshinomori’s little sister, Konoha Hoshinomori.”

“Ah, i-imouto…-san?”

“Yes.”

I’m relieved after knowing who she is. It looks like I’m not involved in some weird crime.

I showed her a clumsy smile.

“Ahh, I’ve heard about you from Hoshinomori- your older sister.”

“Ara, is that so? That’s good, then. I’m visiting as her family member.”

“Ah, I-I see? W-Welcome…”

I couldn’t help but lower my head. After that, the little sister laughed awkwardly and said, “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it.” She cleared her throat and turned around.

“Well, allow me to greet you properly once again.”

I stood straight after seeing her well-mannered pose.

(…Sheesh, I thought what kind of little sister she would be. It seems that she’s a polite girl-)

However, at the next moment-

“Thanks for taking care of my older sister- no.”

The ever-considerate little sister Konoha Hoshinomori- suddenly showed a flirtatious smile.

“Thanks for taking care of onee-chan and Amano-senpai, Ayumu Kiriya-san, the university girl live streamer?”

“----”

After half a year, my story suddenly reaches a checkpoint-

[ Time until Keita Amano’s girlfriend enters Ayumu Kiriya’s apartment: 1 and a half months ]