Outing Story (2)
"Huuuuh… huuuueeeeh……."
Every time I check my puffed-up cheeks, an inexplicable wave of reality hits me. Still, I can't bring myself to stop—too many people would be disappointed if this signature look disappeared.
"They say it's cute how my cheeks get all round when I eat……."
Cute. I still don't understand what part of me is supposed to be cute. Even so, I'm endlessly grateful that there are people who like me anyway. In a way, meeting Mom again was only possible because of the viewers.
"…Because they're the ones who helped me become a little more positive."
I wanted to do something more for them, make them smile even wider. It feels a little sad that the only thing I can offer is turning on a stream and being their mealtime companion.
The evening sun was setting. Inside the dark one-room apartment with blackout curtains drawn, the monitor's glow shone brightly. I put on my headset, left the stream on the waiting screen, and played some relaxed BGM that matched the evening mood.
"There……."
With a click, I started the stream.
Everyone seemed shocked that I'd actually gone outside. 'I wonder if this'll come up on the community forums too. I'll check after the stream.'
Now that the channel had grown, whenever I started streaming, at least ninety to a hundred people would stick around for the whole thing. Feeling truly grateful, I turned on my mic.
"Ahem… Can you hear me…? I-I missed you all."
I spotted Haram's chat and let out a small laugh before replying.
"…M-Mom, it's only been less than an hour since we parted ways……."
The moment I said that, the chat exploded with envious comments about how Haram and I had gone out together.
"B-Being in that kind of relationship with your own child seems a little problematic……."
Just exchanging banter like this already felt healing.
'Streaming… I like it. It's fun…….'
With that thought, I continued.
"D-Did everyone have dinner yet……."
"Ah… Thank you for the thousand won, SadoGirl-nim. You're still a high schooler, so eat your mom's home cooking."
"I… ate samgyeopsal with my siblings, Kits, and Mom… My stomach's all puffed up now."
When I tapped my belly twice to demonstrate, the Jireongi went wild.
"E-Everyone, don't make such a big deal out of the belly sounds… It's embarrassing……."
Covering my flushed face with both hands, I said that, and the chatters chuckled. Clearing my throat, I placed a hand on my chest to calm down before pulling up the drawing program for the proper story stream.
"For today… I'll do the story stream first, then give a little notice about the editor recruitment."
"Uh… It's not really a benefit, but there's one thing that might be a downside."
When I shrank back while saying that, the Jireongi grew curious.
"I-I'll try to make sure the pay isn't lacking…!"
After saying that, I brought up the downside everyone was curious about.
"You'd have to stay in contact with me every day… and might have to play games with me sometimes……."
"Y-You think it's good? Then that's a relief…… Anyway, I'll post the application form on the cafe, so please check it out… Hehe……."
The Jireongi showered me with affection. Smiling awkwardly, I drew their attention back to the story.
"Alright, that's enough small talk… Let's get into the real story."
They were hyping up my story like I'd gone out and slain a dragon. Flustered, I told them it wasn't that interesting before starting.
"…The story begins the moment my siblings showed up at home wearing suits and black sunglasses."
"…Surprisingly, it was my sister's idea. The one who wants to become a lawyer……."
After that, I excitedly shared even more stories.
"The first time I stepped outside… I felt really emotional. Even someone like me could go out like a normal person……."
After crying over the sad parts of my story, the Jireongi started giggling again when Haram and Yeon-a appeared in the tale.
"After that… K-Kits picked out clothes for me. She suggested we get matching couple tees, so I bought them."
Everyone laughed along. I found myself smiling too.
"Anyway, so… I did a little fashion show. Did a good job, right?"
"Next, I looked at air conditioners…! I'm finally getting one for my room."
They all thought I'd been working in a sweltering room. It was definitely hot, but because my body ran a little cold, it had been bearable.
"No… My body was a bit cold too, so it was manageable. Sn-Snakes are cold-blooded, after all."
"Huh…? I'm not pitiful, and that wasn't RP."
When I said that in confusion, the new Jireongi started freaking out. I tilted my head, then smiled.
"Anyway…! I'm finally getting an air conditioner at home…!"
"It's all thanks to you all… Th-Thank you."
I bowed my head in gratitude.