Now That I Have Become a Woman, I Am a Vtuber

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Today is Hyeon-su’s day off.

So once again, I’m out and about.

Is this what it feels like to be a social butterfly since the New Year?

Why do I have so many non-work plans?

It’s hard to believe that I used to just broadcast in my room.

Well, after I finish my schedule with Hyeon-su, it’ll be back to work mode.

Starting with shooting an ad for Manager Kim’s company, attending a variety show I was invited to, and doing this and that for several broadcast activities before jumping into filming for Credit Season 2.

Anyway.

After braving the cold streets again, I arrived at the meeting place.

Last time it was the Composer’s Workshop.

This time it’s Hyeon-su’s Workshop building.

I’ve come here often lately, especially while preparing for the year-end award ceremony stage, so I’m quite familiar with it.

As I opened the workshop door, I could already hear a commotion.

“Hello.”

Since I was inside now, I took off my sunglasses and hat to greet everyone.

“Hey, you made it! Come on in!”

Immediately, all eyes turned to me.

“Welcome!”

“You’re right on time.”

Unlike the composer, I hadn’t seen this bunch in less than a month, so rather than feeling excited, it felt just familiar.

“Where’s Hyeon-su?”

“He’s running a bit late!”

As the guest of honor, he’s showing up fashionably late.

But are all the band members already here?

“Am I the first guest?”

“Nope! The composer came earlier and went to the supermarket. He said he’d bring something back.”

“Oh, I see.”

Looks like I’m not number one.

But if the composer is here, then Jeong-hoon and Lee Kang-jun should be around too.

There were a few more people who said they would come.

But it’s not like everyone is showing up.

For now, I took a seat on the nearby sofa.

“When will the others arrive?”

“Well… The Beasts should be here soon.”

“Wow, they’re really taking the time to come out for the New Year?”

“Hyeon-su said he’d do a featuring for them.”

“When’s that?”

“Of course, after he gets back from the army.”

… So when exactly is that?

I’d have to wait at least a year, and they’re here preparing in advance.

Maybe since they already had a good relationship, they came for that too?

Anyway.

“Hello!”

“We’re here!”

Before long, as Ah-young mentioned, the Beasts’ members stormed in.

Whoa….

Having active super popular idols walk in like this is quite the presence.

Didn’t they win the grand prize at the music awards?

I know their new album has also been a huge hit.

“Oh, hello.”

“Oh, hi….”

The members of the Beasts awkwardly greeted me, except for two who weren’t strangers to me.

I might have seen them once or twice during gatherings, but it’s still awkward.

“It’s been a while.”

“Yeah, it really has.”

At least there are some familiar faces.

First up is the youngest, Lee Hyun-jun.

It’s been a really long time.

I feel like we used to see each other often at Hyeon-su’s workshop, but since then, not so much.

And….

“How have you been?”

“Oh, yeah, I’ve been good.”

Among the familiar faces is the leader, Kang Yun-sung.

Since he was really into acting while preparing for the comeback, I often ran into him while filming.

We actually shot together continuously at the Closed School.

So now I feel closer to him than to Lee Hyun-jun.

Kang Yun-sung has probably benefitted a lot too.

While he was originally a famous idol overseas, he’s probably gained a ton of popularity for his visuals like I did.

He was really serious about acting, so I’m glad it’s paying off.

Maybe he could land a leading role next time?

Although he seems busy with the comeback right now.

“I really liked this comeback. The song was great!”

“Oh, you heard it?”

“Of course. I saw you winning an award too.”

All the viewers were watching along with me.

Usually, male idols would get complaints from viewers, but I remember there was a good reaction this time because the song had mainstream appeal.

“Oh, the awards ceremony.”

“But you didn’t come.”

Then, as soon as I brought up the awards ceremony, Kang Yun-sung jokingly said that to me.

…So skipping out on the awards ceremony must have left quite the impact, huh?

Should I have gone after all? Everyone seems to be bringing it up.

“Everyone had their reasons….”

“But for sure, if they overlap like that, it can be burdensome.”

“Right?”

“Honestly, at some point, I’d like to be invited from both fields.”

“Next year, you’ll probably fulfill that dream.”

“Yeah?”

He looked puzzled for a moment at my words, but then nodded as if he understood.

“Ah, you mean you’ll get an award as a group.”

“Right.”

Just looking at the ripple effect from Credit.

If they don’t get an award, it would be odd.

But is Kang Yun-sung even in Credit 2?

With the comeback keeping him busy, when would he have time for filming?

… But again, is it really my place to worry about him?

Thinking about it, I used to juggle quite a bit while filming too.

Anyway.

After that, I exchanged greetings with people as they kept arriving.

I didn’t think there’d be this many people, but looking at everyone coming in, it was quite a crowd.

“Oh, Soo-hyun.”

“The composer is here.”

As I was waiting, the composer returned from shopping with Lee Kang-jun and Jeong-hoon.

Thanks to him, I could wait without feeling awkward as the number of familiar faces grew.

Even though the guest of honor hadn’t arrived yet, everyone was conversing well and passing the time.

“Breaking news! Hyeon-su is here!”

The moment we’d all been waiting for, he confidently walked into the workshop.

“Thanks for all coming, everyone.”

“Wow, he really does look heavy gold now.”

I couldn’t help but agree with someone who muttered that without thinking.

I’d only seen photos, but seeing him in person has a completely different feel.

Where did that boyish Hyeon-su go?

Has he lost some weight after military service? He returned with a slightly tanned complexion and bulked-up physique.

“Have you all been well?”

“It’s really been a while!”

“Welcome back!”

“Wow, you’ve grown into a man!”

It’s definitely a warm welcome, but still.

Everyone came to see Hyeon-su, and they welcomed him brightly, which was quite an impressive sight.

Wow, to have so many people greet him on his first vacation is remarkable.

Hyeon-su’s really living his best life.

Considering this is his first time back out in a long while, Hyeon-su then came over to greet me as he was saying hello to others.

“Have you been well?”

“I’ve been good, but wow, you’ve bulked up.”

Seeing him up close is totally different from looking from afar.

Even though it’s winter and he’s wearing thick clothes, it’s clear he’s grown.

“Once I got there, all there was to do was work out.”

“Oh… How’s the training?”

“The training is actually fun.”

“… Sounds like it’s really suited to you.”

To be honest, I had thought he’d manage just fine, but I had no idea he would adapt so well.

Just then, as we chatted for a moment, Hyeon-su frowned as if he remembered something and moved a little closer to me.

“By the way, noona.”

“Wait a second, that’s a bit intimidating. Back up a bit.”

He’s not the same Hyeon-su anymore.

Huh? He’s already a tall guy, and now he bulked up and lost weight.

With his shaved head and furrowed brows, the boyish Slim Gold has transformed into a rather intimidating presence now.

“… That’s shocking to hear.”

“It just shows how much more masculine he’s grown.”

“Seriously… It’s not that it’s a problem, but I’ve been hearing good things about your band?”

Oh, what’s this about?

Looks like he saw the year-end awards ceremony stage while in the army.

“Hey, man, your band members are something special?”

“Seriously, you wouldn’t believe how dumbfounded I was?”

“They all looked so bored that I just borrowed one for a quick bit.”

“At this rate, I might end up taking your spot as the vocalist.”

“If that happens, I’ll have you feature on my next project.”

An attempted Slim Gold band heist.

That’s a dream situation for singers.

Since the members, besides the vocalist Hyeon-su, are also really skilled, they are rated among the best in the industry.

“They’re really considering us as valuable, huh? I mean, I can sing too? Right?”

Anyway, as we chatted, Ah-young chimed in with disbelief.

“I play the drums too.”

“Seriously.”

“If that’s the case, I’ll play the guitar.”

Ah-young for vocals, Hyeon-su for drums, and I’m on guitar.

That’s a pretty wild combo, isn’t it?

“We should definitely try and form a unit someday.”

“That sounds great.”

“Wait, are we being serious here? I’m not singing!”

“Well, I guess then we can have Kang-hyeok sing.”

Anyway, since Hyeon-su has arrived now,

the real party of eating and drinking began.

“I’ll excuse myself then.”

With that, Hyeon-su went off to chat with others again.

I mainly spent my time talking with the composer.

As I stayed there for a while, it became clear why entertainers enjoy these parties.

The official reason might be to celebrate Hyeon-su’s day off, and while indeed everyone is happy to see him,

“Long time no see, composer.”

“Oh yes, it’s nice to see you.”

“You still look so youthful these days.”

“Oh, at my age, if I don’t look youthful….”

It’s clearly a gathering of people who have made it in their own right.

A lively conversation flowed among not only Hyeon-su but everyone else as well.

“When will you be releasing your next song? We…”

“I don’t have any plans for now….”

So it seems like this little gathering has a secretive social vibe to it.

Well… As for the guest of honor, Hyeon-su…

“So I was just looking at the wild boar.”

“Wait, you saw a wild boar while being in the army?”

“No, I mean it was in the back mountain.”

“Hey, you punk, I saw a tiger in Gangwon-do….”

While Hyeon-su is busy chatting about military stories with the older guys.

How many men are gathered here?

Most of the older ones here are veterans, right?

It’s like they opened the floodgates as they excitedly talked about military life from earlier.

“Wow… they’re really still talking about it.”

Observe Lee Hyun-jun who’s sipping on zero-calorie drinks muttering beside me.

…Oh, right, Lee Hyun-jun isn’t enlisted yet, is he?

Well, I think all of the Beasts are probably deferring service.

Because they’re idols, they’ve pushed it off as long as possible, so I guess the stories sound completely different to them compared to me.

“Hang in there.”

“Oh, yes….”

So I cheerfully shared some encouraging words as I enjoyed the gathering.

But then.

“Hello, Soo-hyun.”

“Oh, yes.”

“I’ve only run into you a few times, but haven’t had a proper chance to greet you.”

Since this is a gathering after all, quite a few people came over to talk to me.

It’s a bit stunning when you think about it.

It’s one thing to casually meet people I’ve only seen on TV and now they come over to exchange contact info and chat with me.

Anyway, as I continued to connect with people and spend time,

“Are you not drinking today?”

After chatting for a while with someone else, Hyeon-su came with a wine glass in hand.

“I decided to stop drinking from now on.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah, I shouldn’t drink anymore.”

I’m still keeping up with my abstinence.

If I’m going to go this far, should I include it as a firm conviction?

With so many drinks available in the world, there’s no need to pump unhealthy alcohol into my body, right?

“Well, not drinking is definitely a good thing.”

“Wow, come on, could you not sound so mature?”

That really feels out of character.

Where did the high school kid who coyly pulled out a lyrics notebook at the café go?

“By the way, you haven’t come to visit me even once?”

“…Ahem, Ah-young said she’s been doing well.”

“Well, it’s okay if you don’t come.”

“Hey, you have to visit at least once.”

I’ve received so much from Hyeon-su, haven’t I?

Not going to visit at least once seems wrong, doesn’t it?

“Are you sure you’ll be alright? It was a total mess when Ah-young came.”

“Oh, that’s true.”

Ah-young probably grabs a lot of attention from the soldiers.

I can only imagine the spectacle if I were to go, right?

“Now more than ever, it’s a good reason to go. I’ll boost the mood for you.”

“…Just don’t come if you’re busy.”

“On a day off, I can definitely make time, so don’t worry.”

I might be busy right now, but

there should be at least one holiday, right?

I heard Hyeon-su’s unit isn’t too far away.

Since I could ask Park Kang-seok to help out and make a quick visit in between schedules, it’s totally doable.

“Are you serious? Then I’ll brag about it!”

“Yeah, tell them that super mega star VTuber Miro is coming.”

“…That would definitely elicit a shocking reaction.”

Thus, with that, I promised once again to visit him in the military and enjoyed the gathering of the day.

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