A Celebration for Just the Two of Us
..
"Cheers~"
"Ch-cheers..."
The glass I lifted with both hands clinked against Yukihiro-san's. ..It wasn't even that big a glass, but realizing how hard it was to hold made me feel a little down. Anyway, I held back my habit of turning my head away and took a sip of the beer. The bitter taste, fierce carbonation, and bone-chilling cold hit my mouth hard.
I carefully set the glass down right away and popped half a piece of chicken from the skewer into my mouth. Perfect... Tender meat and crispy skin. A subtle smoky charcoal aroma blending with the salty flavor... It was perfection.
"Yui-chan, you did amazing."
"You too, Yukihiro-san... Hehe."
Yukihiro-san and I were at a room-style izakaya, kicking back like an afterparty. A celebration for successfully debuting and streaming incident-free for about a week now, I guess.
Of course, from the moment we stepped in, stares came from all sides. And when we ordered drinks, the server awkwardly said, "Sorry, but we can't serve alcohol to minors..."—all totally expected.
When I pulled out my ID and the server's eyes went wide, staring between me and it back and forth before finally taking the order with apologies... well, I wasn't really upset. If a tiny kid like me walked in saying, "One draft beer, please," I'd probably make the same face.
"Mm... it's, y'know. I know, but... it's awkward to say."
"Hard to bring up work stuff, right..."
We shared a smile across the table. The place wasn't near the company—it's in my neighborhood, so pretty far. Even in a private room, isolated and well-soundproofed... we still couldn't just chat freely.
Even regular office workers can't blab about projects. Not like harassment complaints, but stuff like ongoing work. And we're in an industry where security's top priority. Even calling each other Tensai or Shizuri takes caution—no casual "Today's stream was tough~" or "Who's next collab~?"
So we had to beat around the bush.
"No issues so far, but thinking it'll get tougher ahead... kinda losing confidence."
"Y-yeah... like, one more thing to worry about..."
We didn't say it out loud, but we were thinking the same thing. Monetization. Our channels would hit the threshold soon, and then Superchats—SpaCha—would pour in.
Seniors and the agency don't rely mainly on SpaCha revenue like those mega corps reading for hours, but work would still ramp up. Memberships unlock too, meaning exclusive content for subs... yeah, busier times ahead.
I got that it was a happy problem, proof we were on track to success. But tough was tough.
I gulped down the beer and chewed the chicken. Delicious...
..
"Y-Yui-chan...?"
"Ehehe... Mama..."
My tiny, fragile body snuggled right into Tsukiyo's arms. Face buried in her ample chest, squirming and whining like a spoiled kid. It was insanely cute—made me want to protect her forever—but for Tsukiyo, the one holding her, it was pure embarrassment.
Tsukiyo didn't have any precise, scientific knowledge of her tolerance. Just that she could handle a certain amount and stay in decent shape. Anyone's the same, really.
Even without hard data, though... 'Smaller build means you get drunk faster on the same amount, right?' Sounds plausible. Not an iron rule, but it makes sense—like kid vs. adult dosages, or how big folks seem like they could eat mountains.
'...Why didn't I see this coming...'
So Yui passing out after barely one draft was within expectations, sort of. Sure, one beer? But it happened, so whatever.
Suddenly she was next to me instead of across, clinging and acting cute—now fully treating me like Mom and whining. Not my biological kid, never even been with a guy... but seeing her like that warmed something deep in Tsukiyo's chest.
She'd always liked kids. Knew she acted and looked more mature than peers. Friends her age called her big sis; slightly younger kids hugged her calling "Mama"—all familiar.
A bit awkward, sure, but nice to be seen as reliable. But Yui—this tiny girl who could pass for middle school in a Sera outfit—being in her arms like this... it made her want to care for her endlessly. More than usual.
"C'mon, Yui-chan. Up you go. Time to go home."
"Nng... Home...?"
"Yeah, home. Don't you wanna rest at home, Yui-chan?"
"Nnh... Nooo... Wanna play with Mamaaa..."
Yui wriggled in Tsukiyo's arms with an even cuter voice than usual. Tsukiyo felt a twinge of wanting to hold this adorable creature forever, but... business hours and all. No choice.
She hoisted Yui onto her back. Good thing the room wasn't too warm—she still had her coat on. Tsukiyo wasn't unusually strong for a woman, but Yui was so light it was easy. Like carrying a little kid.
Yui's beer-scented hot breath tickled her neck with every mumble. They left the room, paid up with the server's awkward stares, and slowly walked the darkened streets to Yui's mansion.
Tsukiyo knew the way from helping with meals and cleaning. Not weightless, though—and with the booze warming her up, sweat beaded by the time they arrived.
Panting a bit, she climbed the stairs, unlocked the door with Yui's key, and entered.
"Yui-chan...? Wake up, Yui-chan...?"
"Nngh..."
Still out cold. Or rather, she'd dozed off completely on the carry. Just sleep-talk, no signs of waking. Tsukiyo hesitated.
Leaving her like this felt wrong. Sleeping in going-out clothes? She rarely wore makeup, but washing up was better... Thoughts swirled.
Supporting Yui with one arm, she kicked off her boots with the other and laid her on the bed. Or tried to.
"Y-Yui-chan...? Can you let go...?"
"Nooo..."
Yui's tiny arms locked around her neck. Tsukiyo could break free easily—it was a cute restraint—but kindness wouldn't let her. Stuck bent over awkwardly, she finally lay down beside Yui.
Just till she falls asleep. Plus, the constant "Mama" softened her heart. And some inner hesitation bubbled up.
Yui was young. Not a huge age gap, but socially, still a kid. Living alone in pricey Tokyo...? Sure, rents vary by ward, but a young girl with no job couldn't swing it without family support.
And if family approved... there was zero family presence here. No photos, not even mom-sent side dishes in the fridge—just Reiko's cooking or franchise takeout.
Tsukiyo didn't dwell. Not her business. But seeing drunk Yui cling and call "Mama"... it clicked like a puzzle piece.
..Tsukiyo hugged the clinging Yui tight.