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

Chapter 71: Argument

“…Why?”

Sayaka’s single word froze the air in the room once again.

But despite that, Kanna remained calm, and quietly spoke to her.

“…No, Sayaka. I won’t allow you to quit streaming.”

Sayaka’s eyes were clouded with emotion, but Kanna faced her head-on.

Rinmei, who had started to get nervous because of the unusual atmosphere, stayed quiet…while I silently watched.

I could clearly see how the cracks in our everyday life were slowly starting to show.

“Why? Why can’t I quit? I’ve done enough already, haven’t I? Why can’t I stop now?”

“You’re not thinking clearly right now. Taking a break from streaming is one thing, but quitting altogether is something you should reconsider.”

“Kanna, who do you think you are? Are you trying to be my parent? Do you think it’s okay to take away my freedom like that?”

“I really do want to respect your opinion…but like I said earlier, you’re not in the right state of mind to make that decision. I can’t approve something like that when you’re not thinking clearly.”

“Oh, come on, Kanna. What are you even saying? I’m completely calm. Don’t make assumptions about me.”

“…B-Both of you, please calm dow–…E-Eiji?”

Rinmei tried to intervene, but I placed a hand on her shoulder and shook my head. It didn’t feel right to stop them now.

Besides…I think Kanna knows. She knows what Sayaka truly feels.

“…Hey, Sayaka. You don’t really want to quit, do you?”

“…! W-What are you talking about…”

Sayaka started to argue, but her words caught in her throat. Seeing her reaction, Kanna spoke again.

“I don’t know why you want to stop streaming…but I can tell you’re struggling with something. That’s why I won’t let you quit while you’re in such a confused state.”

“…Why are you saying this?”

“Sayaka…I…”

“Just let me make my own decisions! You’re not my parent! You’re just some stranger!”

“!”

After yelling that, she stormed out of the living room.

I heard the front door close, which meant…she probably left the house.

“…Kanna.”

I quickly went over to her, who stood there in shock.

“Eiji…Was I wrong?”

Her face slowly became clouded with sadness, and a single tear fell.

“I know I’m not her parent…But I’ve always thought of her as family…I’ve spent all this time believing that…But was I wrong about how Sayaka felt about me?”

“That’s not true.”

I wiped her tears with a handkerchief and answered.

“It’s just that both of you let your emotions get the best of you. Sayaka surely sees you as someone important to her.”

“…I really want to believe that.”

“I’m sure of it. Don’t lose confidence in yourself.”

I tried to reassure her, even though she was still a bit shaken. Both of them definitely cared about each other. They were just a little out of sync…that’s all it was.

“I’m going to bring Sayaka back. She couldn’t have gone far.”

I told Rinmei to stay with Kanna and went to look for Sayaka. I left the living room and put on my shoes.

Now…they’ve left it up to me. It’s my turn to step in.

—

Chapter 72: A Gentle Hand Reaches Out

I ran around outside, searching for Sayaka. She couldn’t have gone far, but…where did she go?

“It’s dark outside. I hope she’s nearby…”

Complaining wouldn’t help. I pushed my exhausted body to keep moving and searched every corner of the house and the surrounding area.

◇

Why did I say something like that?
Under the dark sky, I sat on a swing at the park, replaying the earlier events in my mind.

Kanna-san only said those things because she cares about me. But I couldn’t be honest with my feelings, so I ended up lashing out at her…

“…I’m hopeless. Why do I always cause trouble for others?”

It’s not just Kanna-san…Rinmei, Yuna-chan, Manaka-san, and Soji-san too. Even those four…

“But the one I’ve troubled the most is…”

…Eiji-san. He suddenly came to live with us and has been so kind, always helping me…helping all of us.

He was the streamer that Kanna-san recommended when we were living in that house.

At the time, I was in no condition to accept help. After all, I had lost my family, and I was separated from Karen and the others. I was weak, both financially and emotionally, with deep scars in my heart.

But by chance, I saw his stream. At first, I only watched out of curiosity. But as time passed and I kept watching…I felt like my heart was being filled.

It was a feeling I had never experienced before. It confused me, but it didn’t feel bad. So, I decided to send him a chat message. It wasn’t a superchat, just a simple message of support.

But he…he noticed my comment and replied. He thanked me and said he’d be happy if I continued to watch.

For Eiji-san, it might have been just a small thing, but for me, it became a precious memory.

Maybe that’s when I became a fan of his.

That’s why, when his stream disappeared, it hurt so much. But when he came to our house, I was so happy.

…At the same time, though, I started feeling anxious.
What if he saw how empty I was…and abandoned me, like my family did?

I didn’t even want to imagine that. So, I threw away my shame and did whatever I could to keep his attention.

I know I’m being a bother. But with Tenharu Aoi gone, this is all I have to make him notice me…

…I hate it. I hate this selfish, ugly version of myself. I hate it so much.

“Huh? Hey, miss, what are you doing here?”

Someone called out to me. I looked in the direction of the voice and saw a man with bleached blonde hair, his rough skin showing a glimpse of a fierce tiger tattoo.

This is bad…I should probably avoid getting involved with him. I got off the swing and tried to leave.

“Whoa, don’t be so cold, miss. I’m feeling lonely here.”

“…Let go of me.”

I glared at him, but he didn’t flinch. And he was strong…!

“Why don’t we go talk somewhere private? I promise I won’t waste your time.”

“No! Let go!!”

I tried to pull away, but he wouldn’t budge. Maybe this is my punishment.
For causing trouble for so many people…

…But, is there anyone out there who would save someone like me? Someone so hopeless, who would still reach out and offer a hand?

Just as I thought that, the sound of sirens echoed through the park.

“Tch! Of all times…!”

The man threw me aside and ran off into the night.

The police? But there’s no one else around the park…