The Story About How I Was Fired From My Company and Then Picked up by a Possessive Streamer With Over 5 Million Subscribers

Chapter 154: Kanna

“Alright, everyone, good work today!”

After ending the stream with those words, I clicked the “End Stream” button.

“Phew… It’s over for today.”

While it’s fun to do what I love, it’s not like I don’t feel the physical exhaustion.

Looking at the clock, I saw it was already 3 PM.

I started streaming around 9 AM, so… did I go for about six hours?

I chuckled wryly at myself for such a long, unintentional marathon stream, leaning back in my chair to take a short break.

“…What could Eiji be doing right now?”

That thought suddenly popped into my head. Once it did, it wouldn’t leave, so I decided to get up and head downstairs.

After sitting for six hours, my body felt stiff, and a twinge of pain started in my lower back.

Ugh… It made me feel old, and I hated that thought as I walked into the living room, where Eiji was folding laundry.

“Oh, Kanna-san. Done with your stream?”

Noticing me, he called out. The lightness in his voice lifted my spirits as I walked over to him, answering as I approached.

“Yes. Long streams are exhausting.”

“It did seem like it went longer than usual today. Good work.”

…Heh, just hearing his words made me feel like all the effort was worth it.

Smiling to myself, I sat down beside him, making sure not to get in his way.

“Is Kyoko at work?”

“Yeah. She left reluctantly. Sayaka and Rinmei are streaming, I think.”

…So it’s just me and Eiji alone right now.

Realizing this made me both happy and nervously aware of my own heartbeat. But I kept a calm demeanor and continued the conversation.

“You’re doing laundry? Let me help!”

“It’s fine, Kanna-san.”

“…Oh, I see.”

He smiled as he gently declined. Ugh, I know I’m not great at housework, but did he have to shut me down so directly?

“…Don’t pout like that.”

“I can’t help it. It feels like you don’t trust me, Eiji.”

“After watching you all this time, I can’t say you’ve given me much reason to.”

“Ehh?! Can’t you at least comfort me a little? That’s so mean!”

His blunt words hit me square in the chest, and though he chuckled awkwardly, I was genuinely hurt.

“That really hurt my feelings. I don’t think I’ll recover anytime soon.”

“…I’m sorry to hear that. How can I make it up to you?”

Despite his words, he looked at me with a soft smile.

What’s with that look? Like I’m some sulking kid. I won’t let him off that easily…

“…After you’re done, I want to go somewhere. You have to come with me.”

If he didn’t listen to my request, I wouldn’t forgive him.

Eiji smiled at me and replied.

“Alright. Just give me a little time to finish folding this laundry.”

“…Fine.”

I turned away from him to hide the smile creeping onto my face, taking a sip from the bottle of water on the table.

How did he manage to turn the situation around so effortlessly? It annoyed me, but I decided to wait for him to finish.

“…This place is…”

“A graveyard. We need to visit my parents’ grave once in a while.”

The rows of graves around us created a solemn atmosphere, as if reminding us that no one is truly alone.

Pouring water over my parents’ grave, I pressed my hands together and closed my eyes in prayer.

I could hear the sound of Eiji doing the same beside me.

In my heart, I shared everything I wanted to say: that I was doing well, that life was fun, and that I was surrounded by support… so much to say.

“…Kanna.”

I thought I heard someone call my name. When I opened my eyes, though, nothing had changed.

It made me feel sad, like my chest was tightening, and I couldn’t keep my smile from wavering.

“Kanna-san.”

Eiji’s voice came from beside me. Turning to him, I saw his concerned expression.

“…I’m fine.”

The sadness I had felt moments ago began to lift, replaced by a natural smile.

After one more prayer, I stepped away from my parents’ grave.

I’m not alone anymore. I have everyone—and him—by my side.

“Eiji.”
|
“Yes?”

“…I’m such a lucky person.”

Surprised by my words, he widened his eyes briefly before softening his expression and responding.

“…Yes, I’m lucky to be with you too, Kanna-san.”

“That’s not exactly what I meant, but… thank you. Hearing that makes me really happy.”

My heart swelled with warmth, and without thinking, I held out my hand to him.

Embarrassment hit me immediately, but Eiji gently took my hand.

Ah… I really am blessed.

“Let’s go, Kanna-san.”

“…Yes.”

I won’t say much. Just one thing to my parents:

“We’re off.”

With that, I walked forward with him by my side.

—

Chapter 155: Able’s Biggest Project Ever

“Hmm? A message?”

While editing in my room, my phone’s notification sound echoed. With winter break in full swing, and Kanna, Sayaka, and Rinmei gaining more recognition, their streaming motivation skyrocketed. As a result, my schedule had been busier than ever lately.

Even so, I wasn’t exactly free. Glancing at the home screen, I saw that the message was from Yuna.

“Senpai! Emergency meeting! Please come to the office immediately!”

Even though it was just text, I could vividly imagine her lively expression.

What’s this about? I wondered as I replied to her.

“I’ll head over now.”

After finishing up my editing session, I grabbed my coat from the hanger, put it on, and stepped out of my room.

“Hmm? Yusuke, heading out?”

“Oh, Kyoko-san. Yeah, something came up… Also, how can you be so casual about wearing such sloppy clothes in front of a guy?”

“What’s the big deal? It’s my day off. I don’t mind if someone sees.”

She was casually wearing an off-shoulder top while holding a toothbrush. I couldn’t help but feel there was an odd kind of charm to her appearance.

Still, please don’t dress like that around me.

“I have to run to the office for a bit. You’re off today, right? Could you hold down the fort while I’m gone?”

“Got it. Take care~ And don’t cheat, okay?”

“…Don’t jinx me, please.”

I watched her teasing grin as she headed to the bathroom, then left the house and made my way to Able’s office.

Ugh… I hate going out in weather like this. Winter is just not my season.

Rubbing my hands together for warmth, I entered Able’s office.

Lately, the place had been getting spruced up, as if gearing up for something big. Decorations lined the halls and rooms.
Did something happen while I was away?

I made my way to the meeting room Yuna had specified.

“Oh, Senpai! You made it!”

As I opened the door, I was met with Yuna’s bright, sparkling eyes—and also…

“…Soji? Manaka?”

“Soji Ashida, reporting in. Long time no see, Yusuke.”

Soji waved with a charming smile, while Manaka, bundled up in layers, was shivering slightly.

“Isn’t that a bit too much clothing?”

“Shut up. You know I get cold easily… Ugh, it’s freezing.”

It was plenty warm, though. I was already feeling a little hot in my coat. I hung it on a chair and sat down.

“Yuna called me over, but what’s going on?”

At my question, Yuna grinned confidently and let out a small laugh.

“Senpai! The time has come! We’re launching Able’s very first and biggest project ever!!”