Chapter 11
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 11
Chapter Title: I Became a Vtuber at 18 [03]
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...Yawn, my whole body feels so languid.
My head keeps drooping forward.
I haven't slept a wink since the debut video went live.
I spent the entire night scouring online communities, too curious about people's reactions to stop.
My body feels like it weighs a ton from the all-nighter.
But it was worth it.
The screen was overflowing with rave reviews.
It's the result of everyone's hard work, after all.
It's only natural to wonder what others think.
The most eye-catching reactions were about the character design. My heart fluttered with every comment I read.
-The character's movements are way too realistic...
-Is that really not AI? Feels like a real person.
-The hair color is insanely good.
-Overwhelming vocal talent...! Thank you.
-Heading home listening to the song again today.
This was why I couldn't let go, staying up all night wide-eyed.
At some point, I found myself chuckling to myself. It felt like every word on the screen was directed at me.
Lumina is a character infused with my personal emotions.
Fluffy wavy pink hair, turquoise eyes with heart-shaped pupils.
I added a mature, grown-up beauty to it. The ideal woman I aspire to be, I suppose. I wanted that mature charm myself.
Fond memories flood back of chatting animatedly with the designer about every little detail.
We'd stubbornly debate the smallest things, only to end up laughing it off...
There were some clashes of opinion, but looking back, they're cherished memories.
And the biggest highlight was the reaction to the debut song.
It was credited solely to a composer named Seo Ye-rin...
Yet it swept the charts the moment it dropped.
The song was playing everywhere—on the streets, in cafes, at restaurants. It was a strange, thrilling new experience.
It's still hard to believe a song with my name on it is echoing across the world.
I'd been so terrified of bombing that this feels unreal. This has to be a pretty solid start, right?
I'd been having nightmares every night, so I'm truly relieved.
And today is my first live stream.
The second school ends, I have to rush to the studio. But in this condition, I'm worried I can pull it off.
If I'd known it'd be like this, I should've just crashed last night. Regret hit me too late.
Something feels off, though.
I've pulled plenty of all-nighters before, but never felt this bad. It's not just sleep deprivation.
Maybe from overworking myself prepping for debut?
I touched my forehead, and a slight fever warmed my palm.
This is bad.
I might not even make it through today's shoot like this.
Guess I should grab some cold medicine first.
The moment I leaned forward to rummage through my bag...
My vision suddenly spun.
My mind went blank, and I lost my balance.
Oh no, I'm really gonna pass out.
Is there anything to grab onto?
I desperately thrust my hand forward.
A hand gripped my arm firmly, like snatching it away.
My stumbling body half-leaned against someone's shoulder.
I looked up, wondering who it was, and saw a familiar face. Black hair, obsidian eyes. It was Seo-rin.
"I'll tell the teacher, so let's head to the nurse's office first. You're burning up."
"...I'm fine. I can tough it out."
"You're not. Go get some proper rest right now."
She ignored my protests.
Before I knew it, her arm was around my shoulder, sticking close so I could lean on her as we walked.
Her expression stayed stiff the whole way down the hall.
Others might not notice, but I could tell.
She was furious.
Up close, her brows were slightly furrowed.
She's not one to show it usually...
I felt guilty for worrying her.
She'd told me a million times not to push myself no matter how busy I was.
And this is what happens when I ignore her.
The nurse's office door swung open, hitting me with that familiar antiseptic smell.
Seo-rin silently led me to the bed.
The moment I lay down, she tenderly tucked the white blanket up to my chin. I could feel her care in every little touch.
"Sleep for a bit. I'll wake you."
Short words.
But her voice was still tense.
I closed my eyes.
The blanket felt warm inside.
Where her hands had touched...
Why is that?
It felt especially warm there.
How long was I out?
I checked the clock in a panic.
5:20 PM. Classes are wrapping up soon.
Too late anyway—might as well rest a bit more before heading to the studio.
I sat up, and surprisingly, my body felt lighter than expected.
No more dizziness, and the fever on my forehead had subsided a lot.
A short nap cleared me right up.
The heavy drag on my limbs was gone.
I pulled back the blanket and froze.
My white shirt was soaked with sweat, clinging transparently to my skin. The thin fabric outlined every curve perfectly.
Oh, this is awkward.
No spare clothes to change into...
Can't go out like this.
Underwear showing through and all.
I scanned around for my outer jacket.
Next to the bed? Nope.
On the chair? Nope.
Where did I toss it?
Then the door creaked open.
Sunset light slanted through the gap, framing a familiar silhouette.
Her uniform jacket neatly on, a white envelope in hand.
"You're awake? How're you feeling?"
It was Seo-rin.
Her usual calm voice.
Her gaze locked straight on me.
"Yeah, much better."
"Doesn't look it. Let me check."
She approached with short words.
No hesitation in her steps.
She reached out, pressing the back of her hand to my forehead.
The cool touch settled softly on my skin.
After a moment, her fingers slid to my neck.
Seo-rin's hands are always this cool. It felt oddly nice.
"Fever's down some. You sure you're okay?"
"I'm fine."
"What about here?"
"...Doesn't hurt anymore."
I hadn't expected her to check me over like this.
Thorough to the point of obsession.
I really am fine now.
No fever, body feels light.
Full of energy.
I glanced down subtly.
The damp shirt still clung to my skin. It was bothering me.
"...Do you know where my jacket is? Can't find it."
"Under the bed. I'll get it..."
As she said it, her gaze paused briefly.
Slowly. Very carefully.
Like she was trying not to look away.
The line of my collarbone visible through the wet white fabric.
The curve below it.
Her eyes lingered there. Short moment, but long enough. I could feel it on my skin.
Think I wouldn't notice? I see everything.
...But strangely, it didn't feel bad.
Her interest in my body means she likes me that much.
Anyway, no need for those sneaky glances.
She could just look boldly.
"Come here. Lie down with me—we'll go together."
I grabbed her hand and pulled her toward me. Seo-rin didn't resist.
She tilted slowly, losing balance, and in the brief silence, her body overlapped mine.
Her arms wrapped firmly around my waist.
Our body heat mingled and transferred fully.
I looked up, and her face was right there.
Obsidian eyes gazed down at me.
Like she was suppressing something fiercely.
Sticky darkness pooled inside.
And quietly, something shifted.
"Yu-na, you're the one who tempted me first."
A low, sunken voice.
By the time I noticed her eyes had changed, it was too late.
Her leg slipped inside my skirt, pinning my body firmly. I tried to pull away, but her arms around my waist held me fast.
Can't you calm down a little?
This is school.
At least wait till we get home...
Ah, too late.
Her lips touched my eye corner first.
Feather-light, brushing my lashes.
So delicate it stole my breath.
Then under my earlobe...
Finally, my nape.
"Ah...!"
An unintended sound escaped.
It burst out against my will.
Embarrassing.
I didn't want her to see me like this.
I could feel my breathing growing shallow.
Seo-rin's lips trailed down my collarbone.
When they lingered at the swell of my chest...
I grabbed her shoulders with my hands.
We have to stop here.
"S-Seo-rin. Calm down. Please calm down."
"Yu-na, you're such a bad girl."
Seo-rin lifted her head.
It wasn't her usual self.
A face no longer holding back.
"You're mine."
Low and quiet voice.
But the heat in it burned.
"I'm gonna leave marks all over you."
Sunset light dyed the room red.
Our shadows overlapped, stretching long across the ceiling.
I opened the studio door and stepped inside.
The gear's ambient heat hit me.
"Yu-na, you're here? But... what's with your face? Are you sick?"
The staffer asked with wide eyes.
"Oh, no. I'm fine. Just got a bit hot, I guess. It's spring, but already so muggy."
"...You sure you don't have a fever?"
"I'm really okay."
I smiled and hurried to the changing room.
I shut the door and stood before the mirror.
"..."
Speechless.
My nape, collarbone, below my shoulders.
Red marks dotted my body everywhere.
In plain sight. Impossible to hide.
I covered my nape with my hand.
No use. Cover one spot, another showed.
I pulled my collar as high as it would go and let out a long breath.
...This girl, really.
I almost cursed, but a laugh came first.
Her jealousy is off the charts.
No wonder—she desperately hid my existence.
Even I barely pierced her facade.
But the recent Japan ad shoot exposed me completely.
Naturally, fans started pouring in, sending emails and SNS messages.
Seo-rin hates that.
Still, this is overkill.
I slowly scanned the rack.
High necks, long sleeves.
I picked only the most covering ones and hung them on my arm. Then checked the mirror again.
Alright, time to start the stream.