Debut Countdown
"Thank you for the meal." "It wasn't anything special."
I gave a small bow to Reiko, who had prepared another delicious meal today, and she began gathering up the dishes, naturally carrying them to the sink to start washing. Listening to the clinking of the utensils and watching her back at work, a calm sense of peace settled over me, like my heart was gently sinking into stillness.
I couldn't exactly remember when Reiko had started taking care of me like this in my own home. It had just... sort of happened. She'd come by to check if I was living properly, sighed at my room (which was a mess by her sharp standards, though it wasn't that bad), and ended up cleaning it for me. Or she'd see the side dishes barely touched and scold me for not eating right. When I insisted I was eating diligently, she didn't believe me at all, so now she was even preparing meals herself.
In this situation, where I felt like a pathetic daughter stressing out her young mom, I did feel sorry toward Reiko in many ways. But... having such a beautiful woman handle every little thing for me was a bit nice, I guess? It made me want to call her "Mama" and act spoiled. Of course, I wouldn't actually do it—the reaction she'd give me was too scary to imagine. Age play like that was probably best kept to the monitor screen only.
I patted my slightly protruding belly, savoring the fullness. Thanks to consistent exercise and better eating habits for health, I was definitely healthier than before, and my appetite had grown. Of course, it still wasn't enough to notice huge changes, and my body remained as frail as a wooden chopstick, but my stamina had improved just a tiny bit.
Gaming actually takes more physical energy than you'd think. Even when I was just playing alone, it was mentally exhausting despite being easy on the body. And for a streamer? That fatigue would be even worse. VTubers don't just play games—they have mountains of things to manage.
"You shouldn't lie down right after eating."
"Yeees, yeees..."
"Once is enough."
"Yees..."
Her gentle but firm voice reached me, and I sluggishly lifted my upper body from my seat. She's just like a real mom...
I dazedly rested my chin on the table Reiko had bought me, sprawling forward on the floor, when she finished the dishes without me noticing and sat across from me.
"Miss Ito, just to confirm... do you remember tomorrow's schedule?"
"...Huh?"
Sched... ule? Was there something like that?
I looked at her in surprise, and Reiko sighed deeply, as if she'd expected it. I fidgeted like a kid caught red-handed, peeking at her expression, but she pulled out her diary and spoke.
"I told you last week... it's a meet-and-greet with two other members."
"Oh, right, that! Of course I remember! No way I'd forget!"
"Is that so..."
She stared at me with a face that screamed utter distrust, so I averted my eyes and turned away.
"...Anyway, you could call it an extension of the interview—a test of sorts. To see if you can actually collab with members without major mistakes, and get along with them without issues."
"Th-then... if they don't like my impression..."
"If that happens, it'd be a red light for your debut."
"Hiiiaa..."
I couldn't help but tremble at the horrifying thought. I had no idea how much support Reiko and the company had poured into me these past months... If I left a bad impression on the members?
'Sigh... How am I supposed to stream with a pathetic little kid like this?' Or 'Foolish... What were the higher-ups thinking, introducing a vulgar commoner like her to me...'
"That won't happen, so relax."
"...D-did you hear that?"
"Yes. You whispered it all out loud. For the record, no one at the company matches those caricatures you drew."
R-right... I scratched the back of my head in embarrassment. Reiko sighed in exasperation but smiled faintly as she watched me.
"No need to worry that much. The two you're meeting are both very kind. Just be yourself, and they'll accept you as is. Of course, don't forget the precautions I told you for during streams."
"That's actually what worries me most..."
In the heat of an intense game moment, could I avoid slip-ups? Properly addressing the members, avoiding out-of-place words... I was anxious about handling it all right. It wasn't a real stream—just simulating the situation while gaming—but I couldn't not be tense. Real broadcasts would demand even more.
Ugh... I wish tomorrow wouldn't come... Why had I forgotten such an important schedule until now? I should've noted it down properly. What the hell was past-me doing?
I sighed repeatedly as Reiko began briefing me on the two I'd meet tomorrow.
...Maybe a meteor would hit and cancel it...
Tap-tap-taptap. Glamorously manicured nails danced across the smartphone screen. Anyone with a keen eye or interest in nails would spot that these were easily removable products.
No reply came to the message sent to Rain. The woman who sent it scowled slightly at her phone, then grimaced even more when someone suddenly hugged her from behind.
"You're late! Or rather, why not reply when you saw Rain?"
"Eh, we're basically here anyway~ No biggie."
"Hah? Just say you're almost there."
"C'mon~ Between me and Miho, why bother~?"
"Get off. Your stupidly huge tits are touching me."
Miho pushed away the clingy woman with her palm and sighed softly. Both were beauties drawing stares, so hugging in the middle of the street naturally attracted attention. This is why I wanted to meet inside the shop... she muttered, but got no response.
Sakai Miho, 26. Flashy nail art suggesting a fashion interest, various accessories, and stylish clothes. To anyone not deep into women's fashion, she'd scream "gal." Miho didn't see herself that way, but she gave off the vibe. Not super tall, but great proportions made her legs look endlessly long.
"Your nails are cute today too. From that shop we went to last time, right?"
"You should've gotten some, Kaede. They'd suit you perfectly."
"Watching's enough for me. Feels like it'd get in the way."
Kaede—Matsuura Kaede, also 26. Her standout feature? The overwhelming bust Miho called "stupidly huge." Men and women alike couldn't tear their eyes away as she walked. She knew it and seemed to enjoy the gazes, wearing a low-cut off-shoulder knit exposing her shoulders. Cute and common for women, but paired with her violently massive chest, it turned downright lewd. Half her cleavage on display, it teased the imagination of anyone peering down. Despite the size, her long limbs and flat belly showed no flab, making passersby think "idol? gravure model?" Her tall-for-a-woman height backed it up—a sensually beautiful figure. Women glanced with jealousy, envy, and admiration, wondering the effort behind it.
"It's been ages since we went out together."
"Yeah. And... I've been thinking, is this process even meaningful?"
"Right? If she was such a disaster we'd notice, Reiko would've screened her out already."
"Yagami-san could just handle it... She must have some reason, though."
They walked slowly toward the cafe, chatting quietly. The reason? An interview. Or so it was called publicly. Neither they nor other members took it too seriously. Miho was VTuber Hanasaki Nanoha; Kaede, Akagi Saki. Affiliated with Virtual CONNECT, they'd been close since childhood and working together as adults meant a lot—supporting each other through tough and happy times.
The company always had original members meet newbies pre-debut. They didn't know if other agencies did the same and never asked. Company has its reasons, light thoughts. As Kaede said, half a day couldn't reveal deep issues; they'd have been cut earlier.
Most members didn't take it seriously.
"So, what's the kid like? Age?"
"Hold on... Here. Name's Ito Yui. 21? Whoa, total baby."
"Not much younger than when we debuted. We're fourth-years now."
"...True. Special notes... super cute. What?"
"Reiko's a lolicon... Thinks she hid it."
"Anyway... so loli type? I'm awkward with those..."
Miho frowned slightly, but Kaede looked incredulous.
"Awkward how? You'll just baby her anyway."
"Well... yeah, living together might do that. Anyway, I don't like button noses¹ much."
"Dunno... If Reiko approved, probably not. Here?"
Ding-a-ling. The cute bell rang as Kaede flung the door open. Cafe patrons glanced at the entrance, looked away, then double-took at the rare beauties entering. Used to it, Kaede strode in confidently; Miho followed slowly, scanning the interior.
Not far from HQ, a familiar spot with a classy, old-fashioned vibe she liked. Patrons: stressed salarymen glaring at laptops, elegant ladies sipping coffee. Nearby school? A middle-school-looking girl sipped from a mug held in both hands.
"Wait, I'll message now."
Miho sent to the pre-registered contact. Nails danced; a greeting added. She'll come to us. Leaving Kaede scanning around, Miho crossed her arms, surveying.
"Um, ex-excuse me..."
"Hm? Oh, sorry. Big sis was blocking the way. I'll move."
Miho smiled kindly at the hesitant middle-school girl, stepping aside. But the girl fidgeted, head bowed.
"Th-that... Are you Sakai Miho-san...?"
"...Y-yeah? I am..."
Stunned that a stranger knew her name, Miho answered before realizing—the girl continued.
"N-nice to meet you. I'm... I-Ito Yui..."
She bowed crisply, as if you'd hear a bow.