Chapter 10

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Translator: penny

Chapter: 10

Chapter Title: I Became a Vtuber at 18 [02]

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Even after getting home, that capsule kept nagging at the back of my mind. What could I do with it?

What kind of content would grab people's attention?

Could I pull it off?

The worries kept piling up, one after another.

Every night, lying in bed, I'd mull it over.

Games? Music? Or something totally new?

The answer didn't come easily.

Like that, a day passed, then two, then three...

Now it was time to finally decide.

Maybe I should just go that route after all.

I couldn't put off the decision forever.

In the end, I decided to start internet streaming.

And I set my debut for two weeks later.

It was a tough call after endless agonizing and consultations. Fortunately, my parents and Seo-rin didn't object.

Streaming would have way more reach than just pre-recorded videos. It'd inject fresh energy into the stagnating online broadcast scene, too.

If the goal was promoting virtual reality, it was the obvious choice. No point agonizing over it in the first place.

What future lay ahead?

The uncertainty filled me with anticipation.

Now, what should I start preparing first?

Ye-rin said she'd give me a debut song...

What did she say about it again?

Something that suits me perfectly? I was dying to know what it was. I wanted to hear it right now.

The next evening.

I rushed straight from school to the recording studio.

Through the glass window, a familiar face came into view.

Blue eyes and blonde hair.

Ye-rin was meticulously inspecting each piece of equipment and checking the sheet music. Her usual mischievous grin was nowhere to be seen.

Right now, she had this serious, intensely focused vibe. Like the true face of an artist who conquers the world with music alone.

And it made sense.

She'd debuted at 14 and already had over ten hit songs. Recently, she'd even been named one of the world's most talked-about people.

Her music had the whole globe in a frenzy.

Even as childhood friends who'd grown up together, I had to admit she was incredible.

And now, to get a song she'd composed herself as my debut track...

My heart was pounding uncontrollably.

Of course I was thrilled to receive a song from a world-class artist. My lips kept twitching upward on their own.

I'd forgive any little rudeness for a ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠good while.

I quietly opened the studio door and stepped inside. Ye-rin turned at the sound of the soundproof door closing.

"Huh? When did you get here? You should've said something."

Ye-rin smoothed down her tousled hair and turned to me.

Her usually sparkling blue eyes looked a bit cloudy. Her eyelids fluttered—she was clearly exhausted.

I'd heard she was swamped prepping in a short time, but I hadn't expected it to be this bad. She'd definitely pulled an all-nighter.

I felt bad for being so hyped ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠up earlier.

If I'd known, I should've brought some supplements. Should I grab some now? Or hit the convenience store nearby...

"...You were so focused, I didn't want to bother you. And you look kinda pale."

"Don't worry about it. Yu-na's busybody side is still going strong, huh."

"Take a look in the mirror first. How's your body holding up? You okay?"

"So-so. This level of tired actually feels pretty good."

I let out a soft chuckle and stepped closer.

A soothing melody filled the studio—not too loud, not too quiet, just right.

Listening to it made my shoulders bob naturally along.

Is this the song I'm recording today?

I couldn't wait to hear the finished version.

"What do you think? Suits you perfectly, right?"

"Yeah. Hard to describe, but it feels... good."

Just sitting there listening felt like inhaling the fragrant scent of spring. The gentle bass lines carried the innocent laughter of children...

The pounding drums evoked animals bursting with life after awakening from a long winter sleep.

The guitar and keyboard wove in between, crafting a lively rhythm.

My chest swelled with emotion, while my body tingled all over.

One listen, and you want to hear it again.

How do I even put this feeling into words?

I know it.

This sensation.

Because I feel it all the time.

It's right there, so close.

Just thinking about it makes me happy.

"It's a song about sharing love."

The words slipped out before I knew it.

Ye-rin opened her mouth, looking pleased with my response.

"Exactly. You're sharp. I racked my brain over what would fit Yu-na. But after seeing that the other day, inspiration hit. I figured toning down that fiery passion between you two would make for an amazing song."

Wait—what did she just say?

That from the other day...

She doesn't mean that kiss...?

Ye-rin made this song after seeing that? Realization dawned, and my face started burning.

The heat began at my cheeks and spread all the way to my earlobes.

My heart thundered wildly out of control.

Like a drum slung inside my chest...

No. No. No!

Someone had dragged a memory I'd buried back to the surface.

I'd decided to forget it.

Bringing it up now felt way too cowardly. I shot her a sharp glare, but it was pointless.

"Wh-what do you mean by that from the other day...?"

My lips were parched.

I stammered and tried to look away, but it was too late.

I locked eyes with Ye-rin's mischievous gaze. Those eyes gleamed like a lion spotting prey.

Argh, seriously—this is exactly why she teases more.

I quickly cupped my face with both hands.

The scorching heat seeped straight into my palms.

Every breath sent hot puffs against the backs of my hands. Embarrassment wrapped around my whole body.

"Stop teasing... Let's just get to recording..."

My voice trembled.

I tried to sound firm, but it didn't work.

Ye-rin's giggles filled the entire studio.

That laughter only amplified my humiliation.

Seo Ye-rin, I'm absolutely not letting this slide...

Just you wait. I'll get revenge for this someday.

After teasing me for what felt like forever, Ye-rin finally stifled her laughter and nodded.

Naughty girl. Keep poking at someone's weak spot and it's cheating. Think you don't have any skeletons in your closet? Want me to spill them right here?

"Okay, okay, no more teasing. Alright, head in. You ready?"

I barely calmed my rattled nerves and stepped into the recording booth. Silence settled as I closed the door.

The perfectly soundproofed space felt claustrophobic yet reassuring.

I glanced around the booth.

This is where I'll be singing.

Amazing.

How did I end up in a place like this?

I picked up the headphones and slipped them on—the world grew even quieter.

I took calm, deep breaths.

In... and out...

I lightly loosened my throat.

Slowly turned my head side to side to ease the tension.

I tested with a small sound.

"Hmm~" echoed softly in the booth.

Good.

My throat's in solid shape.

I stood before the mic and steeled myself.

The earlier embarrassment had faded.

Now it was time to focus solely on the song.

Through the glass, I saw Ye-rin counting down on her fingers: one, two, three.

A clean instrumental track flowed into my headphones—the same melody from before.

But this time, it sounded even clearer...

Even more vivid.

I closed my eyes.

Waited a moment for the music to seep into every part of me.

Then I opened my mouth.

"From the moment I first met you...♫"

My voice filled the booth.

Breath and beat synced perfectly, emotion flowing naturally.

One verse, two verses.

I sank deeper into the song.

The recording took longer than expected.

We repeated sections dozens of times, with Ye-rin fine-tuning every detail.

As the night wore on, the studio air grew heavier with focus.

Lately, time seemed to fly by faster than ever.

Is debut prep really this packed?

One lesson ends, and the next begins...

Maybe I shouldn't have gone with a live debut.

I'd jumped headfirst into the fire pit myself.

Regrets came too late—time had already flown by.

And so the promised day arrived.

Recording and video shoot complete.

All that was left was waiting for the results.

Should I have spent more time polishing it?

The thought crossed my mind, but Ye-rin and everyone else had poured their hearts into it.

Having these negative thoughts now was actually rude. Better head outside.

A hard run should shake off the useless worries. I stripped off my clothes and changed into workout gear.

I opened the door, walked down the hall, and stepped out into the building. Crisp morning air filled my lungs.

I headed to the entrance of the walking path near home.

My steps felt light as I moved along the path. One-two, one-two.

‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠

Started with a slow walk, gradually picking up speed.

From walking to jogging...

Jogging to full sprint...

My breathing grew ragged.

The panting settled into a rhythm.

"Yu-na!"

A familiar voice made me stop.

I turned to see the neighbor lady waving.

"Hello!"

I caught my breath and flashed a bright smile.

Soft pink strands of hair fluttered in the wind, tickling my cheeks.

"Was getting worried not seeing you around. Glad you look healthy."

"Been super busy lately. I'll make sure to say hi more often."

After a quick chat, I started running again.

Ran and ran some more.

Sweat beaded on my forehead and trailed down my cheeks.

My white tee soaked through, clinging to my skin.

I felt the dampness spreading across my back and underarms.

But I didn't stop.

I ran faster, stronger.

Back home for a shower, and before I knew it, the release time was closing in.

"Huu... huu..."

Panting roughly, I sat on the bed.

My heart was racing.

With trembling hands, I pulled out my phone.

The screen showed 11:59 PM.

Wha—what...? A hundred thousand?

I double-checked the screen in disbelief.

The number hadn't budged.

If anything, it kept climbing.

100,531... 100,789...

I'd heard Luminous Group was doing massive promo, but...

I never imagined this big.

My jaw dropped at the sheer scale.

A timer ticked down in the center of the screen.

00:03:47

Less than three minutes left.

I swallowed hard. My throat was bone-dry.

Time marched on mercilessly.

10 seconds.

9 seconds.

8 seconds.

Sweat slicked my palms.

3... 2... 1...

The screen went black.

Then slowly brightened.

A soft piano melody flowed out.

The video had begun.

A white dress fluttered in the breeze, revealing glimpses of flawless pale skin. Pastel pink hair swayed gently in the sea wind.

A big straw hat perched atop her head, and her eyes sparkled in cute heart shapes.

"Hello, everyone. My name is Lumina."

Her voice blended with the waves, spreading softly.

"I've come to invite you all to virtual reality. I'm a bit shy, but... shall I sing a song? It's called Love Packed Just for You."

Lumina smiled shyly and closed her eyes.

Against the gentle crash of waves, her clear voice began to flow.

The chat flew by so fast I couldn't even read it. The entire screen filled with messages.

It felt like my breath had stopped.

Watching Lumina on screen, my chest swelled.

This was me. It was hard to believe.

Thank goodness.

All that hard work, and the reaction was great.

Of course, back then, I had no idea.

I never dreamed this video would go down in legend...