Source
https://kakuyomu.jp/works/2912051596567318343/episodes/2912051596816750021
After finishing my story about what happened today, I stared at the comment section, which had exactly one viewer.
“You’re holding a grudge against that girl, aren’t you…”
My mind went blank for a moment. I’d been expecting something like “lol” or “you’re such a loser, lol.” Taken aback by the unexpected comment, I frantically shook my head.
“No, no, no. Everyone has moments when they act weird. Plus, I’m not great at explaining things, so it didn’t come across right, but I wasn’t trying to complain—it was just self-deprecating humor. I can’t speak up right away if I have a grievance, but I wouldn’t say something like that behind the scenes during a stream.”
I felt down inside for causing a misunderstanding with my poor communication skills, so I corrected myself.
I don’t harbor any ill feelings toward Hanazawa san at all.
“Besides, that girl’s probably a good person. I gradually realized she didn’t mean any harm; I was just sad because I’m such a loner.”
“I see. By the way, is there anything you want?”
I was surprised by the sudden change of topic.
But that’s just how livestreams go, so I didn’t think too deeply about it and opened my mouth.
“Something I want, you say?”
“Yeah, just tell me anything.”
It’s hard when you’re told “anything.”
I want viewers, of course, and money to buy good equipment, and delicious food—if I start listing things, there’s no end to it.
As I pondered, muttering “Hmm,” an answer suddenly popped into my head.
“A girlfriend, maybe.”
Every high school boy probably dreams of having a girlfriend. But what struck me was what came next.
——Couldn’t I turn this into a stream concept?
During that casual chat earlier, I realized that I can’t keep going like this.
I’d spoken hoping to make people laugh, but it led to misunderstandings and awkward reactions.
Poor small-talk skills are fatal for a streamer. I need to improve them urgently, and the only way to do that is through real-life communication. And that process itself can become material for small talk.
So I had a sudden thought: why not turn my own growth into a series?
“While I was talking just now, I realized that saying things like ‘I can’t keep up with the popular kids’ or ‘it’s hard because I’m a loner’ just won’t cut it. I’ve been content with my loner lifestyle, but I’m going to make an effort to change!”
If I weren’t streaming, I wouldn’t feel the need to change.
But since I’m streaming, I want to deliver something entertaining to everyone watching.
With that in mind, my words became passionate.
“So I’m setting getting a girlfriend as my goal! I don’t plan on becoming an extrovert, but I’ll work hard to be able to hold a proper conversation—enough to actually get a girlfriend!”
I clenched my fist tightly, and a comment popped up.
‘You can do it, for sure.’
“Really?”
‘Yeah, definitely. You’re going to have a fateful encounter soon.’
“Huh?” I furrowed my brow.
“I don’t think so.”
“It’s happening. Definitely this weekend.”
“Isn’t that a bit too specific? If it’s that set in stone, isn’t it not ‘fate’ anymore?”
“Just kidding, but don’t worry—you’ll definitely meet someone.”
With that comment, the number of viewers on the stream dropped to zero.
＊＊＊
Sunday. As I stepped out of the ticket gate, I checked my face using my phone’s camera.
Yeah, I might look pretty good.
Yesterday, I used a Cool Salt Beauty coupon to go to the salon. I got my eyebrows done, and my hair looks stylish. My face looks pretty decent, too, if I do say so myself.
Looks are good. Next up: the location.
The other day, I was told about something called Class Line, so I opened the contact I’d exchanged through it.
“Sorry about yesterday! I was acting weird because I was sleep-deprived! I’ll treat you to lunch to make it up to you, so please forgive me!”
A message from Hanazawa-san, along with the location of a café in front of the station.
Now that she’s back to normal, Hanazawa-san took the lunch incident seriously and offered to treat me as an apology. I declined, saying it wasn’t necessary, but she insisted, so I accepted the invitation.
I agreed reluctantly, but it’s actually a good deal for me.
Since I’d just decided to turn my personal growth into content, opportunities like this are precious. It’s a chance to grow, and above all, it gives me material for casual conversation.
I’d been told that Hanazawa s nand one other person would be there, so I don’t have to worry about it looking like a date and tarnishing Hanazawa san’s reputation. It might actually turn out to be a win-win situation.
“Alright.”
I psych myself up and head toward the clock tower where we’re meeting.
I arrive and look for Hanazawa-san—though I didn’t even have to look hard; I spotted her instantly.
Her beautiful blonde hair spilling out from under a white cap.
A light jacket, a T-shirt revealing her white, alluring shoulders, and a pale beige miniskirt. Her stunning looks brought out the maximum appeal of that outfit.
She was catching everyone’s eye more than anyone else there.
“Ah! Hey!”
She waved at me enthusiastically, making me feel a bit self-conscious.
Jealous stares pierced through me from both men and women who would love to be called over by such a beautiful girl.
“Hello, Hanazawa-san.”
I pretended not to notice the stares and stood in front of Hanazawa-san.
“Yeah! Thanks for coming today… You got a haircut.”
Hanazawa-san stared intently at my face.
Her face gradually turned red; she lowered her eyes and fanned her face with her hand.
“Ah, it’s so hot~”
The sun was indeed strong today.
My face felt hot from the stares of those around us, so I suggested,
“You’re right. Should we go inside the shop soon?”
“Ah, no! We can’t yet—there’s still one more person coming…”
Hanazawa’s expression clouded over. Her eyes were red.
“A-are you okay?”
“Huh?”
“Your eyes are red.”
Hanazawa paused for a moment, then laughed.
“Haha! Um, I was watching a drama yesterday!”
“A drama?”
“Y-yeah! There was a scene where a girl introduces another girl to a guy even though she actually likes him herself, and I just got really emotional. Since she’d learned from her past mistakes and found the perfect girl for him, there was this sad scene where she thinks, ‘It’s going to work out 100%’… You know? But she had no choice but to do it for his sake… I hate it and I’m so sad I can’t stand it, but the fact that I can make the guy happy makes me incredibly happy, and yet I still hate it. But it’s the scene where she realizes that seeing him happy is the greatest happiness of all.”
“Huh.”
“Yeah. It makes me want to cry, but I really, truly hope things work out for the guy and the girl. Oh, here she comes!”
“Hey!” Hanazawa-san waved.
In response to the call, a beautiful girl ran over toward us.
She stopped right in front of us—and wore a bitter expression.
I’m sure I must look just as bitter myself.
“Let me introduce you. This is Asakura Chika.”
The person Hanazawa-san introduced was my childhood friend, with whom I’m currently estranged.
–
–
If you enjoy our content, feel free to donate, Thank you in advance !