Chapter 5
Chapter 5
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 5
Chapter Title: I'm a Fan, of Yours.
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The person who approached me was a woman radiating celebrity vibes straight out of TV.
From the 'STAFF' badge pinned to her chest, I could tell she was a Tweet employee working the event, but something seemed off about her demeanor.
"Aaaaah, hello. Um, I-I'm a fan of Cosmo..."
"Yes? No, calm down first..."
Watching this beautiful woman act like a broken marionette was oddly refreshing, but it made me anxious just looking at her.
Still, how did she know I'm Cosmo? Did she just assume because I'm staff? No, the entrance staff didn't recognize me.
"How about we find an empty seat first? It's a bit noisy here..."
"Ah, yes! Sure!"
Thinking I needed to create a space to talk, I set down the plate I'd been filling and found an empty spot.
Luckily, I quickly found a private area screened off by partitions, with two small recliner-style chairs. We sat facing each other, exchanging awkward eye contact.
Figuring I needed to break the ice for her to open up, I mustered my courage and spoke.
"This should be quiet enough to chat. But how did you know I'm Cosmo?"
My first question was the obvious one.
It was suspicious—no cam on stream, yet she spotted me instantly. Had my face leaked somewhere?
"Cosmo bragged about it until yesterday. Said you'd show up to the party dressed like this."
"Ah...!"
As I pondered, the fan giggled with a knowing smile and explained briefly.
I realized my outfit itself was the clue and let out a soft exclamation.
So that's it. Still, recognizing me just from clothes is impressive.
"I hesitated a lot before approaching. You never turn on your cam, so maybe you hate being recognized..."
Ah, she thought of that too. A true fan.
No need to worry, though. I don't turn on the cam because I'm not handsome enough to show off or burden viewers—simple as that.
"Nah, no big deal. I just don't want to blind viewers with my average face."
"...Pardon?"
"Yeah?"
I tried a light self-deprecating joke to reassure her, but she stared like, 'What nonsense is this guy spouting?'
Did I say something wrong?
After an awkward silence, she spoke firmly, drawing a line.
"In my eyes, you're plenty handsome."
"Oh, really? First time I've heard that in my life... Thanks."
Sniff. This is fan warmth. Even a shut-in like me gets called handsome... I'm touched.
"So you're staff here, huh."
"Yeah. They called me in last minute because they were short-handed. But Cosmo was coming, so... lucky me."
What a coincidence. She wouldn't have come otherwise, but staffing shortage hit on the exact day I attended.
Fate works in mysterious ways.
"It's surprising a beauty like you is my fan. Not some punishment dare, right?"
She seemed tense, so I tossed a light joke to loosen things up. She reacted like a live fish flopping wildly.
"B-Beauty? And no, not a punishment! Believe me...!"
"Kidding. I can tell from your trembling hands."
"Ah...!"
She looked ready to cry, so I awkwardly pointed at her shaking hands. She startled, hiding them behind her back—adorable.
Face flushed, fumbling words—she wouldn't speak soon. I had to keep the conversation going.
"Hey, as my fan, anything you want? Like content you'd like on stream..."
"Not really. It's fun enough already..."
"Come on, everyone has one wish. Be honest."
I don't drop mega-content like big streamers. Mostly bland song streams, advice chats, just chatting.
Occasional big-game streams aren't even that hype from me.
So, if she had ideas, I'd hear her out.
"Then... can I ask for one thing?"
"Of course."
There it is.
I wouldn't do everything suggested, but if it sounded fun, why not? I nodded.
Her response was unexpected.
"C-Could you call me 'noona' just once?"
"...Pardon?"
I thought I misheard and blurted out dumbly.
Call her 'noona'? Not content advice?
"I know you're two years younger... I wanted to hear it. I only have an older brother, no little bro."
Hm, a personal wish, then. Caught me off guard.
Two years older? Explains the mature aura—not old, just sophisticated.
If she wants it, sure. I have a sister, so it's easy.
"Noona...?"
"...!"
No name, so just the title. Her eyes sparkled, staring blankly, then nodding vigorously like 'That's it!'
Uh... glad she liked it, I guess.
"Thanks for indulging my selfish request."
"Nah, I was bummed I couldn't do more for a fan I met like this."
I'd sign something if I were famous, but asking felt embarrassing.
Still, making her smile feels good. No wonder idols draw strength from fans.
"No. I've always wanted to tell you: your streams give me strength. Truly grateful."
"What for? I'm the one thankful for viewers letting me grow."
Not lip service—sincere. Persistent streaming, reaching mid-tier: all thanks to fans.
I bowed to convey it. She shook her head, then placed her hand on mine.
That soft touch froze me.
"You might think so, but I'm truly grateful. Might be rude, but I came to say hi."
"..."
"I want you to know someone treasures you. Sometimes it feels like you don't realize how precious you are."
Her warm smile was pure, no funny thoughts.
Amazing, really. Someone caring this deeply for a stranger—me, of all people.
"Ah...! S-Sorry. I didn't mean to hold your hand... You weren't upset?"
She realized late, yanking back like burned, flustered.
Gone was the calm intellect; back to eager fan—cute.
"Not at all, don't worry."
Which guy hates a beauty grabbing his hand? Honestly, wished it'd lasted longer, but manners.
"I'm not usually like this... Seeing you in person..."
"Makes me shy hearing that. But since you're a fan, I get it."
Not a top star, yet losing composure over me? Embarrassing, I scratched my cheek.
But to her, I'm star-like. Makes sense.
"N-No, not just because I'm a fan..."
"Huh?"
Her whispered follow-up widened my eyes. Hard to parse.
Not just fan? Other reasons?
"A-Anyway, keep it up! I watch every live, always cheering!"
"Thanks. Oh, your Tweet nick...?"
Wanted to mention her later; name if possible, nick otherwise. But she bolted after that.
Like a storm passed, I stood dazed, feeling faint warmth on my hand.
Coming to the party was right. Starting streams was right.