The Story About How I Was Fired From My Company and Then Picked up by a Possessive Streamer With Over 5 Million Subscribers - Chapter 55-56

Chapter 55: Drinking With a Male Friend

As the sun set and the orange hues spread across the sky, we finished skiing and are now at a hotel…or rather, we aren’t.

“…Is this the place? It’s pretty stylish.”

“Haha. Well, I stayed up all night yesterday to find this place.”

“Staying up all night…You still love your drinks, huh?”

“I’d prefer if you said I was sophisticated.”

We were at a stylish place that could be called a bar, and we were ordering wine.

The shelves were lined with numerous bottles of alcohol, and the bartender was shaking a shaker with a rhythm, pouring what must have been a mixed drink into two glasses.

“I went with vodka this time. We can’t get too drunk, so let’s keep it light.”

“…You’re either a selfish guy or a considerate one…”

It seemed he had ordered in advance. I sighed at his smug smile but still took the glass he handed me.

“Alright…Let’s toast to the trip.”

“…Cheers.”

We clinked glasses, and I downed the drink, filled with a strong aroma.

Compared to other alcohol, it was refreshing, and the flavor blended by the shaker passed through my nose, enhancing the taste.

“…This is good.”

“Right? As an alcohol lover, this is a big find for me.”

I glanced sideways at my friend, who was showing a bright, toothy smile, and chuckled while taking another sip.

“You can drink quite a bit, huh? Have you maybe started to like alcohol?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. I’m still not used to it…But the drinks here are delicious.”

…Maybe I should tell Kanna-san about this place. The two of them might get along well since they both like alcohol.

“So, how’s life? Even though you started a company, it’s not easy, is it?”

“Ah, well…I’m managing somehow…”

…There’s no way I can tell him that Kanna-san and the others are supporting me financially…

I turned my face away without thinking.

“What’s up? Why the weird face?”

“N-no…Well, it’s not like I’m completely comfortable yet…Haha.”

“…I see. Manaka was worried about you. She was saying, ‘I hope Yusuke’s doing alright.’ If anything happens, rely on me. I’ll always be there to help.”

“Ah, yeah…Thanks, Soji…”

…I feel a bit guilty since he’s genuinely worried, but I’m actually fine…

“…Hmm…Something’s off.”

“Huh? What is?”

“…Hey, Yusuke. Did you change your shampoo?”

“…Huh? What do you mean?”

“I don’t know, but I’m picking up a sweet smell from you…I don’t remember you smelling this good before.”

“I haven’t changed anything though…”

I sniffed my arm.

…It smells the same as always to me.

“And for some reason, Kanna-san and the others smell the same as you, Yusuke.”

“…What?”

Hearing that, I understood. Maybe the scent got mixed when I was spending time with Kanna-san and the others.

“…Why do you look so awkward?”

“N-no…It’s nothing.”

…I should change my shampoo. This feels like it might become a problem.

“Whatever. By the way, Yusuke…Did you get a girlfriend?”

“Why ask that all of a sudden?”

“I just wanted to know…You don’t seem to leave anyone out.”

“Ha…I appreciate the compliment, but I don’t have that kind of charm.”

“…Are you kidding me?”

“Why do I have to hear that…What about you? How’s your love life?”

“I’m a streamer. There’s no way I could easily get into a relationship like you.”

“…Weren’t you getting confessions all the time in college?”

“Haha! That’s ancient history. Well, it seems like I’m still getting more fans, though.”

“…As expected, Mr. Popular.”

“Stop it. You’re making me blush.”

…He hasn’t changed at all. Talking with him like this makes it feel like the old days.

“Let’s keep this going, okay, best friend?”

“…At your service.”

And so, we enjoyed some long-overdue guy time.

Meanwhile, as we were having our drinks…back at the hotel…

—

Chapter 56: Girls’ Night Out

“Cheers!!”

The sound echoed through the hotel room. There was plenty of food spread out, and five people holding glasses.

“Great job today. I think all three of you have improved a lot.”

“R-really? Hearing that from you, Manaka-san, makes me happy.”

“…Yeah. It was fun.”

Kanna smiled happily at Manaka’s words, while Rinmei grumbled contentedly, and Sayaka ate the food with delight.

“Ah, Sayaka-chan! This is good too, try it!”

“Really? …It is delicious!”

Yuna, also eating happily, caused Kanna and Manaka to chuckle as they watched, while Rinmei began eating as well, joining the others.

“Thank you so much today, Manaka-san. Thanks to you and your friends, I really enjoyed myself.”

“N-no! It’s not like you need to thank us!”

“Haha. No need to be so formal. We’re travel companions now, aren’t we? I’d be happy if you’d treat me more like you do Eiji-san.”

“Ah…Well, I’ll do my best…”

Even though Kanna was a famous YouTuber, Manaka, sitting across from her, couldn’t help but feel nervous.

“…But there’s one thing…I’d like to ask.”

Despite her nervousness, Manaka had something she wanted to know.

“…Could you tell me about your relationship with Yusuke?”

“…Huh?”

The room, which had been buzzing just moments before, suddenly fell silent.

“…W-why do you want to know?”

“Well…I-I’ve been curious! Ever since I found out that you and Yusuke know each other…I’ve been wondering how you two met…”

“Well…let me see…”

Though her cheeks turned slightly red, Kanna began to speak softly.

“…My relationship with Eiji-san…How should I put this? W-we’re close, that’s for sure.”

“C-close…”

Hearing that, Manaka was shocked. After all, her friend was close with a big-time YouTuber. It was no wonder she was surprised.

“He always helps me when I’m going through tough times…So…I don’t want to let him go…”

“…?”

“It’s nothing. So, Manaka…and Yuna, since you’re also listening, what do you think of Eiji-san?”

“M-me?”

“Me too!?”

Yuna, who had been listening intently, was flustered, and Manaka also stiffened slightly but continued.

“W-well, I met him in college…At first, we were just friends, nothing special. But he’s the one who made us as big as we are now…No matter what, Yusuke is irreplaceable.”

“…I feel the same. He’s the only one in the company who really supported my dreams…Even though he’s always saying this and that, I owe him a lot.”

“…He’s quite the person, isn’t he?”

Kanna smiled faintly, her eyes briefly distant, but when Manaka and Yuna looked at her, she had returned to her usual self.

“Sayaka-chan and Rinmei-chan, what do you think? You seem pretty close with him, so I’m curious.”

Asked by Yuna, Sayaka and Rinmei exchanged glances, and then Sayaka spoke first.

“Me, huh…To me, Eiji-san is…kind of like a god.”

“A g-god? Isn’t that a bit much…?”

“Huh? Not at all! Eiji-san saved me, so it’s only natural to think that way. His videos are amazing, you know? Whether it’s games, music, or just simple chatting streams, they’re all top-notch! Everything he does is incredible! Don’t you think it’s weird that the world hasn’t recognized his talent yet? Don’t you agree, Yuna-chan? Eiji-san is versatile, perfect, and amazing in every way…!”

“Sayaka, stop. Yuna…looks overwhelmed.”

“…Oops? I guess I got a little carried away…”

Watching Yuna blink repeatedly in surprise and Manaka swallow nervously, Kanna couldn’t help but laugh.

“…Lastly, it’s my turn.”

“S-so, Rinmei-chan, how about you?”

“Treasure.”

“…What?”

“…Eiji is…a treasure…A precious person.”

Manaka and Yuna were once again stunned. Rinmei, who rarely spoke, had delivered such a powerful statement, showing how strongly she felt.

“…H-hey, Yuna-chan…Do you think these three…?”

“…Yeah. No doubt about it.”

…They all clearly had deep feelings for him.

Realizing this, both Manaka and Yuna broke out in a cold sweat, as they somehow came to view the three girls enjoying their meal as formidable rivals.

◇

“Ah-choo!!”

“…What’s wrong? That was a big sneeze.”

“N-nothing…I just felt a chill…Maybe it’s just my imagination…”

“It might not be just your imagination, you know?”

“Give me a break…”

Yusuke was on his way back to the hotel; he felt an instinctive sense of danger.