NOVEL WEB Chapter 8
“Then I’ll see you all next month.”
“Waaaaaaah!”
With the homeroom teacher’s words, cheers erupted in the classroom.
It was only natural.
Today marked the beginning of the highly anticipated summer vacation for students.
Of course, I was included in that.
“Who’s meeting up today?”
As if it were obvious, our class’s number one social butterfly, Tateyama, suggested a gathering, and everyone began to laugh and gather around her.
Me?
I would obviously head straight home.
After all, since that day, no one had invited me to these gatherings.
But since it was a class event, it wouldn’t be an issue if I went.
Still, showing up uninvited makes one a nuisance.
I know that fact better than anyone.
In my previous life, I had quietly joined a gathering after being invited by the class in middle school, only to return with a bunch of bad memories…
I’m a smart outsider who learns from past mistakes.
Above all, I already have plans today.
Shall I head back as quickly as possible?
“Um, Um, Kayanoh.”
Just as I made that decision, the class representative, Miyauchi, approached me.
Miyauchi is so kind.
She sometimes talks to someone like me.
Though it’s always necessary discussions related to class.
“…Yes?”
“I was just wondering if you, Kayanoh, would be joining the gathering today. Of course, I know you have prior engagements…”
Huh?
She thinks I obviously have plans?
If you say that, it makes it sound like I’m some socialite with lots of commitments, Miyauchi.
Of all people in this class, you should know, right?
That I’m a super high-level outsider who wouldn’t have any plans.
Of course, I’m Kayanoh Mina, who has prior commitments. Just which alternate reality is that me from…
“I-I’m so sorry. Today, I have a very important prior engagement…”
Of course, I do have plans today!
“Of course, I figured that, haha…”
Miyauchi smiled and stepped back at my response.
It’s the first gathering of the summer vacation, which is important, yet she was willing to give up just because I declined once.
That smile didn’t look disappointed at all.
She must have been worried that I’d join the gathering, after all.
If I, someone with no connection to my classmates, were to join, that place with a purpose for unity would turn into an awkward situation.
It’s okay, Miyauchi.
I’m a pro-level outsider, so I know my place!
Nothing you’re worried about will happen!
★
A noisy karaoke room.
While everyone was enjoying themselves and laughing, the class representative from 1-A, Miyauchi, had a slightly gloomy expression and sighed.
“Miyauchi.”
“Hmm? Tateyama?”
The person who approached her was Tateyama, who often led everyone with a lively atmosphere.
“Is something wrong? You look down since a while ago.”
“Oh, it’s nothing.”
Though some may have a slight prejudice about her golden hair, Miyauchi had learned over the semester that Tateyama was a kind and reliable friend.
She knew that if she spoke about her concerns now, Tateyama would surely give serious advice.
But this one thing, she couldn’t tell anyone.
Because it wasn’t just Miyauchi’s problem.
“It’s okay. I’m just a bit tired…”
“What? The vacation just started, you shouldn’t be tired already!”
“Hehe, you’re right.”
Miyauchi felt a little more at ease with Tateyama’s bright smile, which seemed determined to cast away her worries.
However…
“That reminds me, Miyauchi, did you say something to Kayanoh earlier? What was it about?”
Miyauchi’s frustration returned to its original state – no, it became even worse at that question from Tateyama.
“I just asked if she was going to join the meeting today.”
“I see. Since she’s not here…”
“Yes. She said it would be difficult because of prior plans.”
“What a shame. It would’ve really been nice to have Kayanoh join us.”
Thinking back to when Kayanoh had previous plans and couldn’t hang out during the first gathering right after entrance, Tateyama genuinely felt regret.
After all, she’s an incredibly cute girl, unlike me.
It’s odd for her not to be popular.
That’s why it makes me want to spend time with her even more.
“I hope we can definitely hang out together in the second semester.”
“…I think so too.”
Tateyama, saying that, couldn’t see Miyauchi’s expression as she hung her head.
It was a face that looked like she might cry at any moment.
This was a few months ago.
Right after being elected as class representative, Miyauchi was called to the staff room.
It wasn’t due to any issues, but to learn about the responsibilities she had as the class representative.
Once the explanation was over, Kayanoh, who was taking on the homeroom role for the first time this year, lowered her voice and spoke.
“Miyauchi.”
“Yes, Kayanoh.”
“Have you had a conversation with Kayanoh from our class yet?”
As that question came up, Miyauchi recalled Kayanoh, who had been quietly sitting alone in class.
“No. I think it might be a bit difficult to say we’ve had a proper conversation.”
“…As expected.”
Kayanoh nodded quietly, as if it were obvious.
“So, how do you view Kayanoh from your perspective?”
“Hmm.”
Miyauchi thought of Kayanoh once more.
Kayanoh…
It’s hard to say we’ve had any conversation, let alone hear her voice, right?
I think I’ve only heard her speak during introduction on the first day of school.
‘…I am Kayanoh, Mina. …My hobbies are listening to music and playing games. …I hope we get along well from now on.’
Her voice was as cold as if she were declaring her intention to keep her distance from others.
“Honestly, she seems like someone who has trouble trusting people.”
“…Is that so?”
Kayanoh nodded, agreeing that was an accurate description.
“Miyauchi. I know it might be a burden, but I’d like you to care for Kayanoh.”
And she held Miyauchi’s hand while making that request.
Returning to class, Miyauchi naturally looked at Kayanoh, who sat quietly alone.
Her brown hair, glossy and cascading down to her waist, and her rare blue eyes, most unusual in Japan.
She was short but seemed to have a fantastic body, unlike Miyauchi who was skinny with no muscle tone, making one naturally attracted to her with a perfect figure.
Even her skin looked unbelievably smooth and would make one think she was a doll.
A cute high school girl sat there, and it wouldn’t have surprised anyone.
‘…I am Kayanoh, Mina. …My hobbies are listening to music and playing games. …I hope we get along well from now on.’
But when she spoke, she emanated an icy aura completely opposite to her cute looks.
It was as if she was telling others to stay away.
“…Sigh.”
Miyauchi gently sighed and tried to gather her thoughts.
‘Kayanoh has her reasons. Maybe that’s why she seems to keep her distance from people. But school isn’t solely a place for studying, right? Of course, if I could attend to everything as the homeroom teacher, that would be great, but realistically, it’s difficult.’
That’s why Kayanoh requested Miyauchi to pay attention to her in class.
‘…For various reasons.’
After all, Kayanoh is incredibly cute, so she might have suffered greatly since childhood.
Being envied by other girls jealous of her looks.
There were probably times when she was surrounded by boys like wolves.
Even just after the high school entrance ceremony, she couldn’t join a gathering due to prior plans, and everyone couldn’t stop talking about it.
Thankfully, the kids in our class were kind and didn’t say anything bad, but the thought of her name coming up when she wasn’t around…
I can’t even begin to imagine such things, but it must have been a part of her daily life.
How frightening must it have been?
How tough must it have been?
That’s why she probably keeps her distance from others.
However, she must have made friends through those hardships.
A genuine friendship that Kayanoh could trust besides her family.
Though sadly, they couldn’t attend the same high school due to academic issues, a mere factor like that could never sever the bond of true friendship Kayanoh had.
Every day after school, they would meet near each other’s homes and share stories about what happened.
Those moments would surely be priceless memories for Kayanoh that she wouldn’t trade for anything.
“Kayanoh…”
If those moments are truly precious, then I’ll help.
Let’s avoid putting Kayanoh in situations where she has to stay at school as much as possible.
No matter what, I’ll support Kayanoh.
And someday, I’ll also become a real friend to Kayanoh and share stories with that friend.
Building up those precious memories.
Ah, how beautiful.
‘…I’m sorry. I have an important prior engagement today.’
“Of course, but I realize I haven’t built that level of trust yet.”
“Hmm? What did you say, Miyauchi?”
“…It’s nothing.”
And so, the misunderstanding of our literary girl deepened.
★
Today, I have a prior engagement I cannot skip for any reason.
That is precisely…
[【Return Broadcast】Return broadcast starts at 3 PM. #KainohIzumi#ReturnBroadcast#Star’sFlow]
Of course, it’s my return broadcast.
Isn’t it fate that I became a VTuber?
How is it that my period of reflection ends on the day of summer break?
Is it perhaps a divine revelation to focus solely on streaming for a month starting today?
-─(≧▽≦)>Zumi Zumi!
-─(≧▽≦)>Zumi Zumi!
-I’ve been waiting for this day
-Finally, the strongest among the Starflow second generation, Mei-chan is returning
-The Starflow without Mei-chan felt so lonely!
-─(≧▽≦)>Zumi Zumi!
Thankfully, the atmosphere isn’t bad.
-A shocking fact) Kainoh Izumi has only streamed twice in the 16 days since debut.
-Is this the audacity of a newcomer?
-Now that sounds like Mei-chan is the bad guy.
-Actually, it is… but…
-That’s true…
…or maybe not?
Well, that’s not the important part.
What truly matters is that I’ve decided to change from now on.
Okay, just 10 seconds left.
First, let’s take a deep breath and calm my racing heart.
9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1.
“C-C-C-C’mon! I’m a member of Star’s Flow, a mood maker who dreams of a world where everyone can smile…. I-I-I’m K-Kai-Kainoh Izumi…”
“Hi Izumi!”
“Hah… this familiar feeling.”
“I’ve missed this.”
“Mei-chan is just like this, haha.”
“A scary story) Everyone here hasn’t seen Mei-chan’s stream more than three times.”
“Is this the experience of having only streamed three times?”