Vol 1 Chapter 21 – Emergence【Vol 1 – Turning Point】

A month had passed. It was a busy, but fun month.

First off, MalumDiva was released as a full video, including mixing. I still think there’s room for improvement, but I can’t afford to drag it out any longer.

Also, my model was finished, and the YouTube channel launched. A VTuber named Michi Mama had officially made her debut.

That said, only a teaser PV and the MalumDiva video were uploaded. But the channel already surpassed 3,000 subscribers and got monetized.

As a model, I’ve also got a photoshoot scheduled the day after tomorrow. Things have gotten pretty crazy for me.

It’s lunchtime right now. I finished eating and cleaning up, trying to calm myself down for what’s ahead. But the calm doesn’t last long.

“Mama… this…”

The issue was MalumDiva. Though calling it an issue might not be right—because for me, it’s a good thing.

“A million, huh… That’s our Rin-kun!”

Yeah, three days after being posted, the views passed a million. The comments were almost at ten thousand. Maybe because the lyrics were in Latin, replies from overseas and Japanese viewers were split evenly.

“Mama, why are you acting like this is totally normal!? It hit a million, you know!?”

Only a tiny fraction of videos ever hit a million views. And I hit that with just my second upload.

“Because I’m pretty sure you’ll pass ten million.”

Akizuki Michiru said it like it was obvious. Ten million… That’s a tiny fraction of that already small number. Japan’s population is about a hundred million, so hitting ten million views would mean…

My thoughts spiraled. I was doing pointless math. There’d be repeat viewers, so the numbers didn’t mean what they seemed.

“Ah, ugh, another DM…”

I also started Tsubuyaitter. Maybe because I launched it alongside MalumDiva, I’d been flooded with DMs from music companies. Most were offers to sign as a singer.

“When the first message came, I’d jumped up in joy and told Michiru-san. She shot it down instantly, calling it a small-time company.”

But now I get it—the DMs are from bigger and bigger companies.

“This is the first time I’ve ever been this recognized…”

So yeah, I’m scared. But more than that, I’m happy.

“More importantly, I’m cheering you on for your acoustic live today, okay?”

That was the plan. I’d studied a lot of J-POP, so I had songs ready. But sadly, none felt fully polished yet.

“Ugh… ah, okay…”

Today’s live was a celebration of the channel’s launch and monetization. My first solo live. Extremely nervous. Michiru-san would watch as a viewer—and as my Onee-chan.

“It’s gonna be fine! It’ll be a success! Mama’s fans love Rin-kun—mistakes and all! Ryu-kun’s fans just want music! Even if you mess up, it’ll work!”

Just like she said, Michiru-san and Tachibana-san built that environment. A space where failure could turn into success. The channel’s description said it all—a place to laugh off mistakes.

The only script was for announcements. Anything more would get in the way.

“C-Can I… really do this?”

“Of course! The moment they hear your voice, they’ll be hooked—and once you sing, they’ll never leave!”

All I had to do was sing. Like those music classes I loved—just give it my all.

“I’m… really nervous.”

My hands shook. My head felt cold.

“You’re okay! Go in planning to mess up spectacularly!”

Michiru-san took my trembling hands. I steadied them, closed my eyes, and focused.

Once I start singing, everything disappears. If I survive the first note, I’ll be okay.

“I’m off, Mama!”

I headed to the studio.

Everything I had was borrowed: the mic, computer, guitar… even my life. I really was MalumDiva’s diva.

But I hadn’t told a single lie.

Alright, let’s sing. Until my voice dies.

Let this endless passion ride on someone’s words.

Let’s go all out. A soundproof room—no leaks.

No complaints about volume.

Sing my heart out. Scream if I want.

Thinking that, I hit the broadcast button.