Vol 1 Chapter 4 – Dream or Illusion

After I finished my meal, Michiru-san said.

“Rin-kun, Mama’s job is as a VTuber—do you know what that means?”

“Yes, I do!”

There was no way I didn’t know. After all, that was my only comfort.

I suddenly remembered and wished I could see her again—Michi Mama. But at that moment, I felt a pang of sadness, thinking it would never come true.

“And you know, VTubing is all about turning pretty much anything in life into content. So, do you mind if I talk about you a bit, Rin-kun? Of course, I won’t use your real name!”

“Of course not! Please, use whatever you like!”

I’d give anything for Michiru-san.

She took me in and gave me a warm meal. I felt like I’d received a lifetime’s worth of happiness.

“Well then, since Mama’s about to work, why don’t you watch her stream in the meantime, Rin-kun?”

I wanted to know more about Michiru-san, so I nodded.

“But how do I watch?”

At that, Michiru-san went into the room next to the living area and came out carrying a laptop.

“This is for you!”

I knew laptops weren’t cheap.

“Oh, I can’t accept this!”

Even my smartphone had only been given to me for job hunting. I had no right to receive something this expensive.

“Fine, I’ll lend it to you!”

“Th-then…”

In the end, if Michiru-san didn’t expect it back, it was as good as a gift. I gave in and accepted it.

“All right, it starts in a few minutes, so just wait right here!”

With that, Michiru-san disappeared into the next room.

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When the stream began, a notification popped up on the laptop.

I clicked it.

I froze in shock.

Michiru-san was Michi Mama.

Looking back, there had been so many clues: the incredibly good cooking, the way she spoiled me—even though her voice sounded a bit different, I knew it was her.

Something like this could only happen in a dream. This had to be a dream.

Like the sweet visions I had as a child, right before waking up. I thought for sure morning would never come for me.

Meanwhile, the stream continued playing.

The chat filled up with “Mama.”

It was definitely me.

The chat accelerated again.

All the comments froze for a moment.

Then they poured out like a torrent.

Viewers tend to learn a lot about their favorite streamers. With just that one line, everything settled down.

Starting with that comment, the chat shifted to understanding and acceptance of Michi Mama’s actions.

Some people were already acting like they were my brothers, which made me laugh a bit.

On the other side of the screen, Michi Mama called out to me.

But I had never left a comment before.

I was embarrassed and nervous. I felt like I’d ruin Mama’s streaming vibe, but I didn’t want to break it.

I laughed a little at that comment, and it gave me courage.

Surely that comment wasn’t directed at me. It was just part of the reaction to finding a child.

Yeah, there’s no way this convenient reality could be real. At least in my dream, I might as well be as selfish as I want…