13. How Do I Have Three Names?

"Phew."

The stream ended, and I took a deep breath.

"Whoa. How'd I even do."

My heart was still pounding away, refusing to calm down. I couldn't even remember how the debut went. All I recalled was blurting out words unconsciously, desperately trying to keep things moving.

It hit me anew that being a VTuber—or even a streamer—wasn't some comfy job.

Tsupi's message popped up suggesting an afterparty, and I pondered it deeply. I'm drenched in cold sweat right now. Can't go out like this, right?

As I thought that and started to stand, I caught sight of Uwar reflected on the monitor. When I stood, Uwar—and the avatar—moved too.

Right, didn't turn off the cam.

I sat back down and tidied up the stream setup. Then a random thought struck.

"So, how should I introduce myself from now on."

Chogyeoul the 20-year-old? Illustrator Muil? Or VTuber Uwar?

Suddenly I had three names. They all pointed to me, sure, but my reactions would shift depending on which one people used. If they treated me as Chogyeoul, I'd respond as her; as Uwar, as her.

"Ah. Should've just stuck with my real name."

Headache incoming.

...

*Clink!*

"Congrats on Uwar's debut for real!"

"Wooo—!"

I awkwardly clinked beer glasses with everyone on impulse. Still getting used to the sensation, Tsupi whispered from beside me.

"Anything uncomfortable? You look wiped."

"No, not that. Just feels kinda weird."

"Ahaha. Yeah, that hits. But you're pretty chill compared to most. ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠Actually first like this in all Maerchen."

"Really? What about others?"

"Hmm. Varied reactions, kinda vague. But mostly thrilled or crying—one or the other."

Watching Tsupi chug her beer, I wondered. Second debut for me, maybe that's why?

First was as illustrator—no big thrill in debuting itself. But the sense of achievement in the process? Yeah.

"Hm."

I turned, scanning the room—full of strangers. Maerchen staff who'd rented out this pub short-term, all involved in my debut.

I fiddled with my glass, gazing at them. Then.

"Call me Uwar from now on. And drop the formal speech."

"Huh? For real?"

"Better stay Muil as illustrator, but I'll be Uwar way more going forward. Might as well commit."

"Whoa. Then Uwar drop formal too."

"Nah, I like it."

"Then I won't either."

"Tough nut."

In the end, I caved after a few back-and-forths. My table was just me and Tsupi—no prying eyes, nice and comfy.

"To tomorrow then."

"Cheers!"

My one and only close friend, it felt like.