abcnovels
Chapter 144: [Life-Size Panel]
Chapter 144: [Life-Size Panel]
Chapter 144: [Life-Size Panel]
"I-If we live together… Iroha, are you serious!?"
"Why is Ogu surprised? You're the one who invited me."
"Well, but it's Iroha!? Normally, you'd keep your distance from me, or so I thought."
"Ah~"
If I were to speak my true feelings, living under the same roof as my favorite VTuber would be a step closer to crossing the line.
But she's Ogu, after all.
I've already had that experience, so it's not like it's completely new.
And the other half is…
"Listen, you might have forgotten, but I'm underage."
"??? What are you suddenly saying? You knew that, right?"
"Yeah, I guess you did. By the way, there's no way a minor could rent a place on their own, right?"
"R-Really!?"
So, what Ogu said about a ‘win-win' situation is truly accurate.
So, if she hadn't proposed this, I was planning to rely on an acquaintance. Like my English teacher's family.
The teacher mentioned, "While I'm visiting home." which had that meaning too.
Her family home is near my study-abroad location.
However, if I were just to stay with them, the streaming setup wouldn't be sufficient.
"That's why if Ogu rents a place and lets me stay there, it would help me out."
"Mufoo! If that's the case, I guess I have no choice! If Iroha is saying it seriously, I'll live with you!"
"Whaaat!? Are you serious, Iroha-chan!?"
Mai starts to plead, saying, "Think about it~~" but I've already made my mind up.
Oh well, I need to give myself some positive reinforcement.
"We won't be living together as fans. Just friends, just friends…"
"Muttering to yourself is kind of creepy, you know."
"All right!"
With a thud, Ah-nee claps her hands together.
Naturally, everyone's attention turns to her.
"We'll discuss the moving details later when you two are alone.
Since Ogu is here, how about we all go out together?"
She takes the lead on this.
Certainly, chatting all the time in my room wouldn't be great.
"For now, is the anime-themed shop you mentioned earlier okay?"
"Of course!"
And so, we stood up.
Now, let's go hunt for VTuber merchandise!
"Wait! The story isn't over yet! Iroha-chan, Mai still doesn't approve of you living together… Wait, hold on! Don't leave Mai behind!"
***
In this way, we set off for the street lined with anime shops, still accompanied by Mai.
Being here feels like coming back home in a way.
"Iroha, Iroha! Look, look! Your life-size panel is here!"
"You don't have to get so excited, I already know. By the way, over there in that store, there's a corner with Ogu's and Ah-nee's panels from the office."
"Yeah, we'll check that out later. For now, let's take a photo here!"
Ogu dashes over and embraces the life-size panel of ‘Translator Girl Ir-o-ha" in a pose.
I sigh, but I take a photo with my smartphone.
"How is it? Did it turn out well?"
She rushes over immediately and peers into the screen.
It's quite innocent, and I can't help but smile.
But I understand getting excited over your favorite VTuber's panel.
"Send it to me later too. Then, what should we do next… Oh, hey, where did Anego and others go?"
"Oh, they're over there."
I point, and I see Ah-nee chatting with a maid from one of the stores.
No… was that just a casual chat?
They're getting so excited that the maid is holding her belly, and laughing heartily.
As always, she's skilled at socializing.
"That's right! So, in the shop, I'm always… Oh, right! The shop has spare costumes, so if you'd like, please try them on and come with us! Look, the two of you!"
"Huh!? Well, Mai will refrain a bit…"
"I'm going, Mai! Which way is the shop?"
"Oh, no! It's the other way! Allow me to guide you, young ladies!"
"Noo, help me!"
Caught up in the conversation, Mai screamed and disappeared into the crowd.
She became a sacrifice…
"Mai has been taken by a maid (meido/hell)."
"Hasn't the meaning of maid changed?"
"…Ah~ Well, it looks like it might take a while, so let's go ahead without them. Oh, right."
As Ogu starts searching for the shop using her smartphone, at that moment, a loud voice resonates from behind.
"—-It's ‘Translator Girl Iroha'!!"
"Wha—!"
Both Ogu and I flinch simultaneously, our shoulders shaking.
Footsteps approach from behind.
Oh no!?
We tense up, and as it turns out, the person just passes right by us.
"Hey, come this way! Iroha-chan's panel! I wanted to see this!"
"Hey, aren't you getting a bit too excited? Lower your voice."
"Yeah, seriously, it's a bit noisy."
A group of three high school girls in uniforms started chatting in front of the panel.
Ogu and I exchange glances.
"We shouldn't linger here. Let's leave."
"I agree."
We quickly exchange words and start moving away cautiously.
However, we're surrounded!
"Um~"
O-Okay, is it finally out in the open now!?
As a last-ditch effort, I alter my tone and respond.
"W-What can I help you with?"
"Could you take a photo with us?"
Oh no! They've completely figured it out, haven't they!?
They wanted to take a photo with me, the panel, besides the person herself, there's no way…
"Yes, sure. Here. The shutter button is here. Alright, please go ahead."
They handed me a smartphone.
Following their instructions, I press the shutter.
"Alright, say cheese."
The high school girls strike a pose on either side of my panel, captured in the photo.
What on earth am I doing right now…?
"Wow! Thank you so much!"
With their excitement, the high school girls leave chattering.
I collapse on the spot from the emotional exhaustion.
"Iroha, it's okay."
Ogu pats my shoulder reassuringly.