Novel Bin
Chapter 409
Chapter 409. [5 Minutes Until Showtime]
On the day of the VTuber international live event, we gathered at the entrance after finishing our preparations.
We’d finally made it this far...!
“Is everyone ready?”
At A-nee’s words, we all exchanged glances and nodded.
Alright, it’s time to step forward...
“Then, let’s go—”
“—HOLD UPPPPPPP~~~~~~!?”
Mai blocked our path.
We tilted our heads in confusion as we looked at her.“What’s wrong, M-Mai?”
“No no no, this is totally unfair, right!? Like, everyone’s had their own stuff going on, right~!? So why’s Mai the only one getting left out like it’s no big deal!?”
“Well, ya lost rock-paper-scissors.”
“O-Og-san... I mean, yeah, but still~!”
“Come on, Mai. We don’t have much time left, so don’t get in everyone’s way.”
“Nee-chan, why are you only reasonable at times like this!? And speaking of time, we’re cutting it close because you two took forever in the shower, right!? What were you even doing in there!?”
“Mai, that’s one thing. This is another.”
“Even Iroha-chan~!?”
“...Mai-san.”
“Ilyena-chan~! You’d understand...”
“You’re in the way.”
“WAAAAAAAAAHHHH~!”
Yeah, sorry, Mai.
This was a matter of runtime... no, wait. We just didn’t have time, so it couldn’t be helped.
***
And so, we arrived at the venue.
We’d been here a few times for rehearsals, but today, the atmosphere was completely different.
A battlefield—that description fit best.
Staff members were running around everywhere.
With our staff tags hanging from our necks, we became part of the flow.
There was still time before the show started, but the to-do list was piled high, leaving no room to relax.
《Excuse me, coming through! Coming through!》
Guided by staff, we headed to the waiting room.
Due to security reasons, we were given a private room.
That said, we obviously couldn’t stay together the whole time today.
Especially corporate VTubers... no, especially those from major agencies like Angu Og and A-nee.
“Iroha, sorry. We’ve got our own stuff to handle.”
“Iroha-chan, see you later~!”
With that, they left the waiting room.
Our security detail had been increased today, and some followed them out.
Ilyena and I were also called separately for tracking suit adjustments, leaving one person alone in the room...
“Mai, should I even be here...? I’m not even a VTuber. What was Mai even born for...? What even is Mai...?”
Mai stared blankly into the distance, her eyes devoid of light.
S-sorry about this...
But we couldn’t just leave her at the hotel since the security team was here too.
It would’ve been better if her mom were around, but... she was busy discussing important matters about me with higher-ups.
“W-well, we’re heading out, okay?”
“Mai-san, take care of yourself-desu.”
“Aha ha...”
And so, we left Mai behind as we each headed to our respective posts—
***
After changing into the tracking suits, we stood in the filming area.
With in-ear monitors on, we followed the staff’s directions, moving around as instructed.
《...Alright, we’re good!》
By the time we finished position checks and equipment tests, it was already almost showtime.
“Nostalgic, huh... back then, Anego made me do cosplay in the waiting room.”
“Heeeh~, that happened-desu!? I wish I could’ve seen Iroha-sama’s cosplay-desu!”
“Oh? Then wanna do it? Wanna?”
““Absolutely not (da).””
Angu Og and I said in unison to A-nee.
Once things started, we wouldn’t have time to chat like this.
So this was probably the last time we’d all be together.
Munching on light snacks (since a full meal would make moving harder), we exchanged words...
“...Mai, cheer up already.”
“Uuu~, Mai really is unwanted after all... hic, sob...............”
After being left alone for hours, Mai had completely spiraled into despair.
Well, can’t be helped. I stood up and...
“Aaahn.”
“Mmph...!?”
I shoved my half-eaten sandwich into Mai’s mouth.
She blinked rapidly as she chewed.
“Iwohwa-hwan~?”
“Don’t talk with your mouth full. Here, milk.”
“...gulp, gulp. Pwah~”
I handed her a carton of milk with a straw.
Once I confirmed she’d eaten properly, I nodded.
“Mm... good.”
“Iroha-chan~, was that an indirect kiiiss~?”
“That doesn’t matter. I just can’t give 100% if Mai’s feeling down. And—if something happens, I might need Mai’s help.”
“Mai’s~?”
“Yeah. Of course, the staff’ll handle most things. But... Mai’s always been there to support me when I was in trouble, right?”
[!]
Even two years ago, during that incident.
Mai showed me the way and stood by my side the whole time.
Without her, neither I nor the world would be here as it is now.
When things get tough, I know she’ll help—that’s why I can go all out without worry.
“So—keep your eyes on me.”
Right as I said that, the doors opened.
Outside the building... the voices and footsteps of countless fans rumbled like distant thunder.
《Iroha-san, everyone, please proceed to your positions.》
A knock echoed as staff called for us.
Mai silently watched as we left the room—
***
And then, I stood in that place—
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