The Story About How I Was Fired From My Company and Then Picked up by a Possessive Streamer With Over 5 Million Subscribers - Chapter 166-167

Chapter 166: The Night Before

Night had fallen. I stood on the balcony, looking up at the clear night sky, feeling the freezing cold wind against my skin. If it were daytime, it would surely be called a perfect sunny day.

“…So, it’s finally here.”

Time is limited and short.

It feels like just yesterday that we started preparing for the big New Year’s project.

And now, tomorrow is the real deal… The grand event at Able is about to begin.

Because of that, I couldn’t sleep. Instead, I was gazing at the outside world, lost in thought. I don’t know if this will help me fall asleep, but at least the uneasiness I felt earlier is gone now.

I take out my phone and check the reactions on social media.

Thanks to AO Britia and the Sumeragi Group promoting Able and connecting with other companies, it’s gone viral in a way I never imagined… It’s a hot topic now.

Seeing numbers I don’t usually see, I let out a dry laugh and look back at the world outside.

Half a year ago… No, is it almost a year already?

Back then, I never would have imagined this kind of future.

Ever since that day when my boss threw me away like trash, it felt like time had started moving for me again.

Maybe I’m just imagining things. But… whether it was coincidence or not, I met her—Kannna.

Thinking about it now, it feels unreal. But it actually happened.

Not only her, but I also got to meet two other streamers—Sayaka and Rimei.

If I think about it logically, there’s no way big-name streamers should be living together… Realizing that I’m spending my days in such an unrealistic place, I can’t help but let out a small chuckle.

A lot has happened.

I invited Yuna-chan, started a company with Yusuke and Manaka, went on trips, reunited with someone I never thought I would see again, and then…

“…Seriously, so much has happened.”

It’s like looking at the pages of my own life’s notebook.

Like some kind of impossible “what if” story…

But a “what if” world doesn’t actually exist.

Because the choices we make become the path we walk.

Still… humans can’t help but think about those “what ifs.”

Maybe that’s why we have emotions, why we have minds, why we have hearts—something other living beings don’t have.

“…Eiji-san?”

As I was lost in thought, a voice called out from behind me.

Turning around, I saw three figures standing there in their pajamas.

“What are you doing out here? And… it’s freezing.”

“…You’ll catch a cold… Eiji. Get inside, now.”

“S-Sorry. I just… Wait, why are you in my room without permission?”

This is my room, you know…

Thinking that, I stared at them for a few seconds before stepping inside and closing the balcony window.

“Actually, I couldn’t sleep because I kept thinking about tomorrow…”

Kanna spoke shyly, and the other two looked just as embarrassed.

“…What a coincidence. I feel the same way.”

Seeing them like that, I couldn’t help but smile, feeling both amused and understood.

“If you’d like, can we talk for a bit? I can’t sleep either, and I’ll make some warm drinks.”

“Are you sure? …Then, I’ll take you up on that offer.”

“Eiji-san! I want milk tea!”

“…Then, I’ll have cocoa.”

“Yeah, yeah, I got it. Just don’t be too loud, okay? We don’t want to disturb the neighbors.”

…Looks like my alone time is over.

Even though that felt a little bittersweet, I spent the night before the big day with the three of them—until we got sleepy.

And then, the day arrived.

Able’s grand event was about to begin.

—

Chapter 167: A Deeply Moving Moment

Finally, the long-awaited grand project by Able.

I’m trying to calm my racing heartbeat, but I can’t control it myself.

The last time I was this nervous was during a job interview.

Thinking that, I watched over the large studio that Britia and Chairman Sumeragi had prepared in advance.

“Are you nervous, Yusuke?”

“…Soji… that outfit of yours…”

“Haha. It’s the first big event of the new year, so I thought I’d go all out. Well, Kirigiri-san prepared it for me, though.”

Unlike his usual casual look, Soji was dressed in a black and red suit.

I don’t want to admit it, but it suits him so well that it’s almost shocking. He exudes an air of dignity and a striking presence.

“How is it? Looks good, right?”

“Yeah, but it’s not very you.”

“Haha, no doubt. I bet even the fans will say the same.”

With a stiffer smile than usual, he stands beside me.

He seems to be looking at the studio. I was surprised too when I saw it… I never expected this much support.

“It’s amazing, isn’t it? To think we’d get to appear on such a grand stage.”

“It was even trending online. A special project featuring top streamers.”

“That just adds to the pressure. Are you just watching us all carefree?”

“Give me a break. There’s no way I could be carefree. My heart is still pounding like crazy.”

We exchange lighthearted words to ease the tension.

It seems Soji is just as nervous as I am.

“What about Manaka and the others?”

“They’re getting changed. The only thing that’ll be shown is their avatars, but everyone’s really into it. Looks like it’ll take a bit more time.”

“…What about Rigel-san and Ren-san?”

“The usual. Those two really get along well.”

The usual, huh… Are they arguing again? It’s not that they lack tension—it’s more like they get worked up in their own way.

I couldn’t help but chuckle.

And as if summoned by our conversation, Rigel-san and Ren-san appeared from behind the studio, heading our way.

“Yo, Yusuke! And Soji!”

“Sorry to keep you waiting. We were just having a little discussion… Looks like not many have arrived yet, huh?”

Unlike Soji, who is neatly dressed, they are wearing their usual casual outfits. Well, since they’ll be appearing as avatars, it doesn’t matter.

“Were you two fighting again?”

“What do you take us for? Not this time.”

“Yeah, we were discussing the ranking check for today’s event. Since we’re paired up.”

…Ah, I see.

Looks like they’re taking it seriously too.

They seem more focused than usual.

“…I’m counting on you, Rigel. From what I’ve heard, all you’ve studied is muscle structure.”

“Hmph! Who needs anything else? I’ll crush it with pure muscle! You haven’t been stuffing your head with useless knowledge, have you?”

“That’s a foolish question. Do you even know how much effort I’ve put in for today?”

…Are they really taking this seriously?

Even Soji, who was called “boss,” gave a wry smile.

These guys really are in their own world.

“Oh? You sure are acting confident against us.”

Just then, four more people walked over.

Behind them—

Karen-san and Sakurin-san, dressed in what looked like luxurious gowns.

And Yuna-chan and Manaka, radiating an almost divine aura.

“Hah! We usually lose in competitions, but not this time! Today, we’re crushing you, so be ready!”

“Yeah. Time to settle a grudge that’s been piling up for over ten rounds.”

“What did I ever do to you two…? Ah, well, whatever. Sayaka and I will take you on with the power of our love.”

Sparks fly between the three of them.

They must really be close.

As I’m thinking that, someone taps me on the shoulder.

“? What’s up, Sakurin-san?”

“Hello, Age-san. Hehe, what do you think? I put on something special today.”

She twirls, making the skirt of her dress sway.

It’s a pink dress—not quite the image of the mature woman she usually presents.

“…It looks nice.”

I reply, feeling a bit of her mature charm.

Hearing that, she giggles, covering her mouth with her hand in delight.

“I’m glad to hear that. Thank you. Also… today, I’m going to give it my all, so when it’s over, let me lean on you as much as I want, okay?”

She whispers sweetly into my ear.

Then, as if satisfied, she steps away, her ears slightly red, and rejoins the three who are still throwing verbal jabs at each other.

…What was that?

What was I supposed to do?

“Ow!?”

A sharp, stabbing pain shoots through both my feet.

I look down—

Manaka and Yuna-chan are stepping on me with an almost scornful gaze.

“…You were acting a little too soft, weren’t you?”

“…Senpai. That kind of thing really isn’t okay.”

“Uh, why am I getting scolded? I feel like this has happened before…”

…Soji.

Please stop looking at me like you’re amused.

I really have no idea what’s going on here.

With a sigh, Manaka speaks.

“The other three should be here soon. We’re going over there for another run-through, so you wait here.”

“…Why me?”

“You don’t get it? Haah, honestly, Senpai… Because Kanna and the others would be happier that way.”

“…Is that so?”

“That’s right. Well then, Yusuke. We’re off to prepare for the show, so we’re counting on you.”

With that, Soji and the new generation rookies, except for Sayaka, leave.

Left behind, I decide to do as they said and wait for the three.

“…Um… Age-san…”

After a while, I hear a familiar but slightly timid voice.

It must be Kanna.

I turn around—and find myself speechless.

“U-Um, how do we look, Age-san…? Ehehe, it’s a little unfamiliar, though.”

“…Mmm. This kind of outfit feels fresh, but being seen in it is a bit embarrassing.”

Sayaka, wearing a shy smile.

Rinmei, unusually calm.

And Kanna, her cheeks slightly flushed.

All of them—

Are wearing kimonos.

I was already surprised by the previous four, but seeing these three in kimonos suits them so well that I am completely awestruck.

“Well, we thought it’d be fun to wear something like this too… So, um… how do we look?”

“…Ah, u-uh, yeah. You all look really good.”

I answer a bit hastily.

But they must have been happy to hear it, as the three exchange smiles.

“We’re the last ones, right?”

“Y-Yeah. Everyone else already went ahead.”

“…I see… Age-san.”

Their expressions turn serious.

The shift in atmosphere makes me straighten my posture.

“Today, we stand on a grand stage.”

“…Yeah.”

“We’re really nervous. Honestly, it’s scary… But we’ll see it through to the end. So… please watch over us.”

Their determined words hit me deeply.

“I will! I’ll make sure everyone watching today bursts into laughter!”

“…Mm. I’ll finally get to sing for everyone.”

“…”

…Something about this is deeply moving.

Realizing that, I feel tears welling up.

But I can’t let them see.

I hold them back and smile.

“…Yes. I’ll watch over you all until the very end. I’ll be cheering for you.”

“””Yes!”””

Then, the broadcast announcement calls for Kanna and the others.

Hearing that, the three run towards the studio—without tripping.

“Age…!”

“We’re going now!”

“We’ll do our best! So we can repay you!”

—Leaving those final words behind.