Chapter 3
Chapter 3
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: penny
Chapter: 3
Chapter Title: I Like You! (For Real)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Ellin.
A member of Blue LUV, the virtual idol group born from the Blue Project.
She's a Virtual YouTuber with striking golden hair, silver highlights on her bridge, and blue eyes in her avatar—an appearance that evokes the image of a heroine from a fantasy world.
Her backstory is a bit wild: originally a hero who defeated the Demon King, she was recognized by the gods for her feats and granted a demigod body. Then, at their command to make Earth a happier place, she joined the Blue Project.
Well, in this industry, it's par for the course—gods, demons, Demon Kings, they're all turning into idols these days.
Her lore isn't particularly standout.
Besides, in Korea, these settings don't end up meaning much in the long run.
The Virtual YouTuber scene differs a lot between Japan and Korea, even within the same industry.
Japan leans into RP—role-playing based on the avatar's lore.
Korea, on the other hand, treats the avatar as just a face; it's not much different from regular internet streaming.
That's why plenty of people start with regular streams and ease into VTubing.
'Ah, this isn't the time for trivia.'
I snapped back to reality after rattling off that bit of random knowledge in my head.
Right in front of me was Ji-ah, still tilting her head as she looked down at me—Ellin, that is.
No wonder she's making that face. Some random stranger just called out a weird name at her.
How do I play this off?
Say it reminded me of an anime character I saw once?
No, telling someone in real life they remind you of an anime character might offend them.
And what if she asks which anime?
"Ellin? Ellin... I like it."
"...Huh?"
I was about to clutch my head and mentally scrap one excuse after another.
Then Ji-ah murmured the name "Ellin" a few times aloud, nodding with a satisfied look.
And then,
"Is this the avatar name you're planning to use, Da-jeong?"
"Ah, no, not exactly..."
I wasn't even planning to become a VTuber in the first place.
But I couldn't say that outright.
Why's she asking, anyway?
"Then, if I pass, can I use this name?"
"Pardon? You mean... Ellin?"
"Yeah. It's just... it really clicks with me. I actually came up with my whole avatar concept in advance, but I just couldn't settle on a name."
You already planned out your avatar concept?
Does that mean the Ellin I know is basically what Ji-ah had envisioned all along?
I figured it was something the company cooked up.
Oh, right, that makes sense.
After debuting, the avatar becomes like your actual body, so they can't say they named it themselves or came up with the concept solo. That'd break the RP.
So this is probably insider info that only a handful of fans like me know.
Makes me kinda happy, somehow.
"I-I'm fine with it, so feel free to use it. Ellin... no, I think it suits you perfectly, Ji-ah."
"Pfft, you already called me Ellin before we even debuted?"
Ji-ah—Ellin—laughed, pointing out my slip-up.
But to me, it wasn't just some dumb mistake.
Because to me, Ji-ah is Ellin, and Ellin is Ji-ah.
She's going to pass this Blue Project audition today and debut as a VTuber with that name, just like I said.
Of course, it's a fact only I know right now, so I can't exactly say it out loud...
"Y-You can do it! Someone I like as much as Ji-ah definitely..."
I clenched my fists tight, trying to cheer her on like this at least.
Problem was, in my excitement, I let something slip I shouldn't have.
"Y-Yes? You... like me?"
"Aaaah, no...! Not like that! I mean, someone as pretty and kind as you has to pass... The world would be too harsh otherwise..."
It was such a jumbled mess of an excuse, even I didn't know what I was saying.
Of course, it was true that I liked her!
If someone put a bomb collar on me and asked who my favorite in Blue LUV was, after agonizing, I'd say Ellin—but that wasn't what I meant!
"I get what you meant, so don't worry about it. You were just cheering me on, right?"
"Y-Yes...! Exactly."
I nearly became the crazy girl confessing to another woman on first meeting, but I barely smoothed it over.
Thank goodness Ji-ah just seemed briefly surprised; she didn't dwell on it.
Did she even look a little pleased...? Nah, must be my imagination.
"Thanks. Let's both pass if we can and have fun together."
"Ah..."
She extended her hand, offering mutual well-wishes.
I knew what it meant, but for some reason, I hesitated to take it.
Unlike me, who knows the future, she doesn't—so she can say this sincerely.
But fundamentally, you're not meant to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with someone like me.
Your hand is too pure and radiant to offer to a nobody like me.
Once today passes and the finalists are announced, I'll fade from your memory.
And just like the Blue LUV in my memories, you'll shine bright with those three gems, bringing dreams and hope to everyone.
Even then, I'll never forget today. As a Pista fan of Blue LUV, I'll cheer you on.
So, for this moment at least...
Squeeze—
"...Yes."
To etch this moment deeper into my memory.
Please let me grasp your pure hand with my filthy one.
After that, the waiting room quickly filled up with people.
I wanted to chat with the other future Blue LUV members, but everyone was so focused on prepping for their interviews that time slipped by without proper talks.
In the end, Ji-ah was the only one I really spoke to.
"Number 21, Jeong Da-jeong, please come to the interview room."
"Ah, yes!"
I'd been doing my best to prepare too when the door swung open and a staff member called my name.
Even though the outcome was basically set in stone.
Maybe because I always freeze up in front of people, my steps toward the interview room felt impossibly heavy.
"Da-jeong, Da-jeong."
As I finally opened the door to leave the waiting room,
Someone whispered my name from behind.
"...Yes?"
"Fighting! You got this."
I turned to see Ji-ah making a cheerleader pom-pom shake with her hand toward me.
Sob, personal cheers from Ellin.
I could die happy right now.
"F-Fighting."
I shyly clenched my fist and shook it back before stepping out.
Following the staff's guidance, I knocked on the door of the interview room right next door.
- Yes, come in.
A faint, melodic voice came from inside.
It's here. Straightening my back, I moved stiffly forward.
Creeeak—
"Ah, hello. I'm Jeong Da-jeong, interview number 21. Please take care of me."
I'd done a company interview once before, so I recalled that and bowed politely.
The woman at the center table smiled warmly at me.
"Don't be so stiff—sit comfortably. We're not that harsh here."
"Maybe she's intimidated because the president is sitting at the center?"
"What did you just say?"
"Ah, nothing. Let's proceed with the interview."
I blinked dazedly as I watched their little comedy bit.
President?
So the one in the middle is Haneul Bom.
Since she doesn't show her face like the Blue LUV members, this is my first time seeing her in person.
She has this reliable big-sister vibe.
And her looks go without saying—gorgeous.
"First off, thank you for applying to our Blue Project. I was so surprised to see such a cute one show up."
"Ah, no, I'm not cute..."
The sudden praise barrage threw me off a bit.
In interviews, you're supposed to highlight your strengths, but "cute" made it awkward to just say "thank you" and bow.
I'm a guy, after all.
The opposite of cute.
"Even your humility is cute? What do we do, Director?"
"President, this is an interview. Please focus on the job."
"Fanning over cute kids is my job too... Hmph."
Hard to believe this was an interview—the president and director were so casual.
But knowing it was to ease my nerves, I just smiled.
Come to think of it, Haneul Bom has always been weak to cute girls.
She even half-jokingly said she created Blue LUV to keep cute girls in her treasure chest.
I can't accept being called cute, but okay.
"Anyway, we passed you in the first round because your voice is fantastic. The song you sang then—'Singing the Moon,' right?"
"Yes, that's right..."
Singing the Moon.
A signature track by Japanese J-POP artist Lazy, it charms with subtle emotional lines and a gentle vibe rather than big highs.
It captures the quiet sorrow of suppressing loneliness while gazing at the moon and sky alone in an empty house.
The lyrics self-mock one's pettiness, saying everyone has their star but it doesn't apply to you. I relate deeply, so I love it.
"I've listened to this song a ton, but I've never heard anyone own it like their own story. It felt so personal... loved it."
"Th-Thank you."
I sang it with real empathy, so it wasn't surprising Haneul Bom felt that way. I bowed.
"That's why we like you so much. Today, we want to explore Da-jeong's unique charm—what makes you special."
"Ch-Charm...?"
Do I even have any?
I'm bad at sports, games, singing exceptionally—no talents.
Dance? Forget it. And I'm no good with words either.
If people knew the real me, they'd think, "How did this loser think they could be a VTuber?"
But I can't say that here, so I need to come up with something.
Hmm, what?
To find an answer, I pictured the four Blue LUV members in my mind.
Each has endless charms: liveliness, maturity, cuteness, natural talent.
Compared to those overwhelming people, my one standout strength.
If there is one... Ah!
"I-I have it!"
"Oh? What is it? With how cute you look, maybe aegyo...?"
Aegyo? As if I have that.
I inwardly scoffed at the director and puffed out my chest proudly.
"No one can beat my love for the members!"
It didn't take long to realize how stupid that sounded.