The Design Isn't Pretty
The design isn't pretty enough.
"Were we supposed to play games?"
At my question, Sora tilted her head. Inagika slowly shook hers in response.
"We, um… we haven't decided yet…. We don't necessarily have to play games…?"
"Really? But I would prefer we did."
I spoke with conviction. I'd watched a few collab streams before, but if they weren't games, they usually fell into one of two categories: variety show planning or simple talk shows. Both required strong communication skills. Talk shows relied purely on conversational ability, while variety planning demanded a broader range of talents—like creativity and hosting prowess.
With our current sixth generation lineup, either option feels a bit shaky.
I still didn't know much about variety planning. Even within EYEAI, there weren't many VTubers who specialized in it. In fact, across the entire VTuber industry, streamers who made planning-focused content their main focus were surprisingly rare. Stepping into unknown territory wasn't wise. On the other hand, a pure talk show would be awkward given how unfamiliar the sixth gen members were with each other. From what I'd seen of VTuber streams, empty airtime killed the fun. Since our group had a high chance of that happening, I concluded that filling the gaps with gameplay would be the smartest move.
"Games…. I don't really mind…."
"Then, Inagika, why don't you choose the games?"
"M-me?!"
"That's right."
I nodded. It was obvious Sora had barely played any games, and Chell's tastes seemed rather narrow. As for me, I'd probably played far more than Inagika. But tailoring the selection to my preferences wouldn't be fair. I tended to enjoy games that required precise control. If I forced something like Labyrinthos on Sora, she'd clearly fall behind. So Inagika would make a much better choice.
"But if I pick the games… I feel like everyone might hate them…."
"Then make a short list and post it in the group chat. At least one of them should appeal to us, don't you think?"
I glanced at Sora and Chell. Both nodded without objection.
"Okay…. I'll give it a try…."
Inagika's voice was barely above a whisper.
The meal ended. Normally, after a gathering like this, people would head to a café or karaoke for a second round. But…
…There's no way these girls are doing a second round.
Sora snuck glances at her fellow genmates. One whose thoughts were impossible to read. One who looked like she'd rather die than go to karaoke. And one who clearly just wanted to go home and play games.
I wouldn't mind karaoke, though.
But going with these girls didn't seem like it would be much fun. It'd probably be better to hit up a coin karaoke booth alone. Still, she half-expected someone to suggest a second round at karaoke. Of course, no such suggestion came.
"Shall we call it a day, then?"
"I'll head out first."
At Laura's murmured words, Chell reacted first. Her usual silence made Chell's voice take a moment to register. By the time Sora realized it, Chell was already standing with her hamburger tray in hand.
"Goodbye."
Chell gave a small bow, cleared her tray, and left the burger shop first. It all happened in an instant. Inagika, who had been watching the mood, quietly stood up as well.
"Then I'll go too…. My bus is leaving soon…."
"Alright. We'll talk in the group chat later."
"Y-yeah…."
Inagika hurried out. In contrast, Laura took her time finishing her meal. She never rushed. Every movement was elegant—even the hamburger wrapper was folded into a perfect square.
…First time I've seen someone do that at a fast food place.
"Shall we get going too?"
"Uh, sure…."
Somehow, Sora had ended up waiting for Laura. …But leaving her behind alone didn't feel right either. She hadn't meant for the two of them to be left like this, but Sora still stood up and followed Laura.
Sora cleared her own tray, threw away her straw and the remaining ice in her cup. Then she noticed Laura's hands were empty.
"…Your tray?"
"Tray?"
"Never mind the tray…. What about your handbag and parasol?"
"Oh my."
Laura covered her mouth with a slightly surprised expression.
"Noblewomen are supposed to keep both hands free at all times, you know."
"You said that earlier…. This isn't just forgetfulness, is it?"
"I told you. I'm still not used to carrying things myself—"
"You're way more high-maintenance than you look…."
Sighing, Sora fetched the parasol, handbag, and tray. Before she knew it, she was the one clearing Laura's tray too.
…How did it come to this?
"Oh my, thank you."
"Haa…."
Seeing Laura's bright smile made another sigh escape. Only then did Sora belatedly understand why Rion had sighed earlier.
They stepped outside. Unlike the air-conditioned shop, the summer sun still blazed down mercilessly. The sudden wave of heat made sweat bead on her forehead instantly. Laura opened her parasol and stepped forward. For some reason, Sora found herself walking beside her—even though it wasn't her direction.
"Are you heading home too, Laura?"
"That was the plan."
"How are you getting there? Subway?"
"I'll take a taxi."
"Where do you live?"
"Near the ○○ Post Office—does that ring a bell?"
"Wouldn't a taxi there cost around twenty thousand won?"
"Is that so? I've never really paid attention to taxi fares, so I'm not sure. ──But is there something else you wanted to say?"
Something to say.
Sora opened her mouth, but the words wouldn't come. How strange. She was following Laura because she clearly had something to discuss. Yet she couldn't figure out what it was herself.
At first, she'd felt threatened by Aurora. She hadn't liked that someone who barely knew about VTubing had joined the sixth generation. Still, she'd thought that if Aurora took the lead, she might gain popularity too. But it seemed like everything was crashing and burning. She'd at least hoped to look better than her genmates in real life to restore some self-esteem. Instead, here she was, sneaking glances at Laura's profile.
"Aurora, about you…."
"Yes. Go on."
"You should wear sunglasses or something."
"…Hm?"
That must have been unexpected. Aurora's eyes widened slightly. It was understandable—Sora herself hadn't expected to say something like that.
"You look exactly like your avatar. What if fans recognize you?"
"Rion pointed that out once too. That's why I made the avatar wear the most extravagant outfits possible to differentiate us."
"Sure, ninety-nine out of a hundred people wouldn't notice. But if even one person does, you could be in serious trouble. Don't you get that?"
Sora rummaged through her bag. She happened to have sunglasses with her. The sunlight had been especially strong today, so she'd brought them just in case. She'd thought she wouldn't have a chance to use them since she was staying indoors, but here they were.
"Here."
Sora slipped the sunglasses onto Aurora's face. A dress and sunglasses seemed like an odd combination, yet Aurora pulled it off perfectly. Her eyes were hidden now, but her features were so striking that it didn't matter. Sora could tell at a glance—this woman would look good in anything.
"The design isn't pretty enough."
"Is now really the time to worry about design? …Your looks already draw attention. At least do this much."
"That's true. I suppose being beautiful does come with these kinds of problems."
Laura let out a small laugh.
"Is that all you wanted to say?"
"Y-yeah…. It's been bothering me since earlier, but now I feel so much better!"
"I see. Thanks for the sunglasses."
Laura shrugged as if slightly amused. She began walking away, putting distance between them. She gave a small wave and said,
"I had fun today. Let's meet again sometime."
Without waiting for Sora's reply, she headed off into the distance. Sora watched her shrinking figure absentmindedly, right until the parasol disappeared from view. Only then did she mutter,
"…This is seriously ridiculous."
She wasn't sure exactly what was ridiculous, but it was.
Later, when she got home and checked, the Ayanokouji Sora channel had reached 10,008 subscribers.
It was ridiculous.
"Hmm. A duchess accepting charity doesn't look very elegant."
I crossed my arms, staring at the sunglasses on my desk. They didn't seem particularly expensive, but they weren't cheap either.
"I suppose I should return the favor with a gift."
I pondered what to give her for a moment when I remembered the archive of Sora's Leather Da stream I'd seen earlier that day. She really was terrible at games. Giving her games as a present would be perfect. It was apparently common for VTubers to gift games to each other. Since most VTubers focused on game streams, they often recommended "broadcast-friendly" titles to one another.
"There are some games that would be perfect for Sora."
I turned on my computer and gifted several games to Sora's account.