The live stream went on until late at night, and I, who watched it until the end, was sleep-deprived.
My eyelids felt as heavy as if they were laden with lead, involuntarily trying to close against my will. My head was foggy, and I almost got into an accident while riding my bike to school. Sleep is important!
Rubbing my sleepy eyes, I took my seat and decided to take a nap right there in the morning.
“Good morning, Tachibana. You look sleepy this morning. Did you stay up late?”
Takahashi, the one person who treats me the same despite being in a dire situation, asked as he patted my shoulder. His kindness was so touching and warming…
But May is fast approaching, and with Golden Week just around the corner, it’s been as hot as midsummer, so I’d prefer to avoid getting too close if possible.
“Yeah, a little. Actually, there’s a streamer I want to recommend to you.”
“Huh, streaming. I didn’t know you were into that, Tachibana. We’ve been friends since the first year, but this is a new discovery.”
“I like to enjoy my private time alone. Don’t lump me in with those party people who can’t have fun unless they’re with someone else. Their essence is nothing more than wanting to make noise and bask in their own enjoyment, a hollow act.”
“Alright, alright. Enough with your theories, let’s hear it.”
I let my instincts get ahead of me and said something weird, but Takahashi skillfully brushed it off. He knows how to handle a cynic like me after a year of dealing with me.
“Sorry. Do you know about the site, Portal? There’s an app too.”
“I’ve heard of it.”
“Great! There’s this virtual streamer named Azusa Hoshimiya who mainly does game commentary there. I recommend you check her out at least once.”
“Ho. I didn’t know you were interested in V-streamers, Tachibana. I thought you’d say such things were nonsense.”
“I don’t deny everything. I acknowledge what I think is good.”
“Hmm. So, I should check out this Azusa Hoshimiya, right?”
“Yes! Her character design is seriously my type. She’s like the pure, innocent type, or like an idol who’s become virtual. I find her charming. She’s good at talking and playing games. Actually, I’m an old fan. How about that? Sounds good, right?”
“Huh. I didn’t know you had that side to you, Tachibana. That’s really interesting.”
Takahashi nodded thoughtfully, murmuring as if deeply impressed, and I made a grimace.
I just introduced something I thought was interesting, but it seemed to surprise Takahashi, and he became very curious about me.
Maybe Tachibana hadn't talked about his private life until now?
If so, I can understand Takahashi’s reaction.
“Azusa Hoshimiya, huh? I’ll check her out later.”
“Yeah. But I wonder if someone as sunny as you can truly appreciate her charm.”
“You think so?”
Takahashi chuckled at my passionate remark.
There are many other charms, but while we were talking, a female student approached us. Asuha Kushibiki.
The person who had cast me into the depths of hell, my nemesis, Kushibiki, seemed hesitant to speak.
Of course, she’d be uncomfortable with me around, and it’s clear that I’m in the way.
But if I were to move, it’s not hard to imagine that Takahashi would follow suit.
As I ruffle my bangs, Takahashi notices her presence and asks her something.
“Kushibiki-san, have you heard of a V-streamer named Azusa Hoshimiya?”
“…Yes?”
Kushibiki’s face contorts as if a pigeon just swallowed a firecracker. It’s only natural to be bewildered when someone suddenly mentions an unfamiliar name.
I consider warning Takahashi, but Kushibiki’s face turns pale, and beads of sweat trickle down her cheeks. Is she feeling unwell? Maybe she needs to use the restroom?
Before I can offer advice, Kushibiki opens her mouth, her gaze unfocused.
“Um… who could that be? I, uh, don’t know at all. Ahaha… sorry.”
“Really? Hey, Tachibana, isn’t Hoshimiya Azusa quite famous?”
“Well, I think she’s known to some extent. She’s kind of a niche figure, so it’s not surprising if people who aren’t interested haven’t heard of her.”
Kushibiki’s tense expression relaxes slightly. Interesting. So even Kushibiki, also known as Azuchi, is a hidden fan of Hoshimiya Azusa!
Let me explain. Hoshimiya Azusa goes by the nickname “Azuchi” among fans. It all started during a horror game stream when she randomly entered “Azuchi” as her player name. Quite the insider info for Azuchi fans!
But enough of this charade.
“True. Now that you mention it, I’m curious.”
“Curious? Want to see what she’s like?”
This is a great opportunity. It’d be nice if both Takahashi and Kushibiki could bond over Azusa Hoshimiya.
I beckon Kushibiki, confidently pull out my phone, and launch the app.
Kushibiki trembles slightly, her forced smile fading as she waves her hand to decline. If she dislikes me that much, she should just say it directly. Well, maybe it’s a Japanese thing—difficulty expressing feelings.
“Kushibiki-san, let’s watch together. It’s Tachibana’s selection! And what about Ayase?”
“I’m not interested, so I’ll pass.”
Ayase barely glances up from her paperback novel as she responds.
And so, Takahashi drags Kushibiki along, and the three of us settle in to watch the archived stream.
Kushibiki seems restless. Does she need to use the restroom?
I select last night’s stream, adjust the volume for better audibility, and place my phone on the desk.
“Hello, everyone~! It’s Hoshimiya Azusa☆ Kyaha☆”
A classic Azuchi greeting. It’s become quite iconic.
As I watch with the detached demeanor of an elderly man observing high school baseball from behind the backstop, Kushibiki suddenly emits a bizarre, monstrous cry.
“What’s wrong, Kushibiki-san!?”
“Oh, um… just a little hiccup… ahaha…”
If it’s nothing, then fine.
I resume the playback, and this time, Azuchi reads out relationship advice from viewers and offers her own quirky answers.
“Here comes Azuchi’s… Advice Time☆”
Her signature catchphrase triggers upbeat background music and cute sound effects. It’s adorable. Maybe Takahashi, too, initially disliked her but gradually fell for her charm, just a tiny bit.
“Uwoaaaaaaahhhhhhh!?!”
This time, Kushibiki screams in frenzy.
The entire classroom turns to stare, and Kushibiki hastily feigns a cough, flashing her usual smile as she tilts her head.
“Oh, it’s nothing. Just a weird bug flying around… hehe…”
If a bug flew by, it’s natural to scream. I press play to continue, and Azuchi moves on to the next segment.
“Leave it to Azuchi, the love expert! With me, any potential partner will fall head over heels☆ Miracle, miracle… Cupid! Teehee♡”
“Please stopppppppp!!!”
Kushibiki snatches my phone, pushes through classmates, and rushes out of the classroom.
“My phone…”
Tachibana x Takahashi is unironically the best ship hahaha
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