Homeless Streamer Feels Like Puking

The first thing that greeted me when I came to and opened my eyes was a pounding hangover. I clutched my throbbing head with both hands and hauled myself upright. Luckily, last night's memories were still crystal clear in my mind. I'd belted out about ten anime openings, got exhausted, and passed out right there in my room. My streaming account... yep, still intact. I'd been secretly worried that maybe I'd wake up regressed a year into the past again, but apparently miracles like that don't happen twice in one lifetime.

"...KakaoTalk notifications."

I didn't even need to check who they were from. There's basically only one person who messages me anyway.

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

I remembered reading and replying to these while still drunk. ...But looking back now, I typed them properly but played it off like I was wasted for laughs. God, it's embarrassing.

"This kid works way too hard."

She's the ideal employee from her boss's perspective, but as her close unni, she's a worrywart little sis.

Time to reply first.

I sent that off and was pondering what to eat for hangover recovery when another KakaoTalk ping drilled into my ears.

"Hangover food, huh."

Maybe just boil some instant ramen from what's left in the house. Too lazy to go out and buy something.

As I mulled that over, another message from Eunha popped up.

"This kid isn't your average 21-year-old girl, that's for sure."

Recommending kongnamul gukbap for hangover cure. Just doesn't fit, y'know? My inner otaku sensibilities are screaming that this ain't right.

Well, better than a 22-year-old cutie chugging booze on stream and passing out cold, I guess.

I don't wanna go out, but she's my close dongsaeng, my NewTube editor, and my first-ever viewer. Not lazy enough to blow her off coldly.

"...Alright. Quick shower and get ready."

The steaming broth settled my churning stomach. A natural sigh escaped me.

"Ah, now I can live again."

The words slipped out on reflex. Eunha shot me a look like she couldn't even scold me.

"That's why you should've drunk in moderation. Or at least popped a hangover remedy before starting."

...Yeah, true. Should've taken one beforehand.

"It'd been so long since I last drank, I forgot."

"Still, good thing you didn't mess up on stream. Honestly, I wanted to stop you midway."

"But in the end, yesterday's stream was a success, right?"

"That's why I can't say anything."

With ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠that, Eunha scooped up a small spoonful of her kongnamul gukbap and popped it in her mouth. The way she chewed so daintily—if you grabbed ten random passersby and asked if it was cute, all ten would say yes.

...It's fine! With my looks, whether I take tiny nibbles or big chomps, it all looks picturesque anyway!

"...You really planning to keep streaming from now on?"

"Right? That's why I talked about future plans on yesterday's stream. Why? Were you worried I'd quit?"

"Of course. What subordinate wouldn't worry if the boss might shut down shop?"

"Well, I won't be as motivated as before... but motivation? I can find it elsewhere. Lost a goal? Make a new one. Can't quit streaming just 'cause the goal's gone—not when I've built up some achievements and I'm having fun doing it."

My words lit up Eunha's face.

"Phew, what a relief."

"As your employee? Or as a fan?"

"Both!"

What a relief. That unni's keeping the stream going.

I let out a quiet sigh of relief inside while keeping a straight face outside.

If unni quit streaming, that'd be a problem. 'Cause I couldn't edit anymore? Nah.

There are tons of streamers out there. And surely some need NewTube editors. With the portfolio from a year of editing Hari unni's videos, job hunting wouldn't be hard.

Not being able to watch unni's streams anymore? Yeah, that'd suck. But there's an even bigger reason.

If unni quits, I won't be anything special to her anymore. The title of "first stream viewer" only means something while she's streaming. Same with "sole NewTube editor"—I'd have to give that up too.

Then I'd just be "close dongsaeng." Contacts dwindle, and it becomes "acquaintance." She gets busy with real life, no messages—downgraded to "distant acquaintance."

I don't want that shaky relationship. I want something solid, unbreakable no matter what.

That's why I worked for passion pay. Edited more than she paid for. So if her stream grows and she hires someone new, I'd stand out. Be more special to unni than any new editor.

It wasn't pure self-sacrifice. At least, that's how I see it.

"All done eating. ...So, what's next? Split here? Or hit a café, chat a bit more, then part ways?"

"Hmm... craving something sweet!"

"Sweet! My treat today!"

"Unni's the best!!"

And right now, in this moment, I'm getting my reward, aren't I?

Merhen [Title: Homeless Person Who Lost Their House]
Viewers: 255

"My house collapsed—how am I supposed to open the door!!"

I said that while angling the cam to broadcast myself. My everyday casual clothes appeared on screen for the viewers.

"Hey everyone, hello. I'm streamer Merhen, wandering in search of a new base after losing my main one."

"Nah? Nearly died? Hated last-night me so much?"

"What're you saying? Oh yeah, big announcement today, by the way. Should I add it to the title now?"

"Not that. Thinking of a longer break. Maybe a week if I do?"

"I've streamed non-stop for a year straight. Kinda hit burnout. Reality crash? To keep going long-term, a break here makes sense, right?"

The chat exploded with reactions. Some grabbing my ankle begging me not to go, some saying rest up after all that hard work, others asking when.

I skimmed them quick and continued.

"Not decided yet. Even if hiatus, no plans on what to do. Week includes travel maybe—no travel? No need for a full week then."

That's when an idea flashed.

"Or make a regular off-day? We've had zero breaks so far, but who knows how long that lasts. Once a week seems fine—whaddya think?"

I sighed lightly at the negative wave. I got it. Zero breaks ever—feels like something's being taken away.

Even if my pace was unnaturally intense.

How to win 'em over? Go emotional? Nah, bad call. Big impact, but big backlash too.

No backing down though. So...

"It's not just wanna rest. Lately, need to take care of my throat health."

"Throat's been scratchy and sore lately. Sipping warm water more, but... year of non-stop high-energy streams? Miracle it's held up."

Sharp-eyed chats popped up. Perfect timing—backup fire.

Now chat mood shifts: opposers get flak. Throat health = potential long hiatus or retirement issue.

Ride the wave.

"Wanna keep chatting and hanging with you all long-term. So necessary step. Bear with me a bit."

"Okay then, one day off a week! But if no plans Fri/Sat/Sun, guaranteed stream."

Satisfied smile at the shift. Yeah. Till now, just prevent shutdown at all costs. But for long-term? Gotta do this.

Good start. Keep the momentum.

"Big announcement done. Time to intro today's game!"

I pulled up the prepared screen. Viewers reacted instantly.