Basement-Dwelling Loser VTuber

The yukata I’m wearing right now is a deep navy color adorned with a ton of pink cherry blossoms.

I’m not sure if it suits me, but thinking about Kurokami-senpai’s bright smile saying it would definitely be the best choice makes me think that it might be okay.

Anyway, as I arrived at the cafe on time in my yukata, I spotted the familiar trio and one unfamiliar face… it was probably Hibana-chan.

Looks like I was the last one to arrive.

“Ah, hello. Hehe….”

And as I said my greeting…

“…I enjoyed my meal.”

At the same time Hibana-chan said that, she quietly collapsed onto the table.

“Midoriii?!”

“She, she’s dead….”

“E-excuse me…?”

…I feel like I’ve had a similar experience before.

Maybe it was the first time I met Mizuki-chan?

Well, just like back then, she would probably get up soon, so I guess it’s not a big deal.

By the way, could it be that Hibana-chan is also a strange person…?

“That outfit, Shiro-chan picked it out, right?”

“Ah, yes. Shiro-oneechan thought it would suit me best….”

“Yeah. It looks absolutely stunning on you.”

Ayaka-chan and Nekoto-chan nodded as they looked me over.

Honestly, isn’t this outfit a bit too eye-catching…? I thought that, but it seemed okay since it’s a festival and no one would care about such things.

Of course, it looks good because I’m the universe’s strongest ultra-cute girl, so it’s only natural.

“Wha?!”

While we were chatting, the seemingly unconscious Hibana-chan suddenly shot up.

She’s taller than Ayaka-chan, but I think she’s shorter than Oneechan.

Is she around 170cm?

Her dark teal, short hair and brown eyes radiate a lively vibe, but right now she seemed really flustered.

“Ah, a, hello! Nice to meet you! Hibana Iro… Iiguchi Midori!”

“Ah, yes… n-nice to meet you. K-Kayanoh Mina….”

“Please take care of me from now on, senpai!”

“Ah, yes….”

Eep, this is super intimidating; is it okay if I just go home?

Fortunately, we booked a private room, so we wouldn’t attract attention, but the pressure wasn’t going away.

“I’ve never seen Midori-chan so flustered before…”

“Right….”

Anyway, all four of them were wearing yukata.

Nekoto-chan’s was light blue with various decorations.

Ayaka-chan’s was pink with diamonds.

Kaguya-chan’s was a black yukata that was neat yet had a shiny silver obi that caught the eye.

Hibana-chan’s was a flashy red adorned with pure white wings.

Seeing them all together, it really hits me… we’ve got a bunch of beauties in our group, right?

I haven’t met anyone from the 4th generation aside from Hibana-chan, but…

Yeah. Even considering that, they’re all pretty and cute.

Of course, none are as cute as I am, but having such girls all walking together is bound to attract attention.

“Alright, shall we get going?”

“Yeah. It’s almost time for it to start.”

After a brief introduction with Hibana-chan, we all stood up together.

The time we had been waiting for.

No wait, honestly, I hadn’t been waiting for this festival at all.

★

“Oh? Yuuto-ojisan?! Long time no see!”

“Yes. I look forward to spending the day with you.”

For today’s festival, I ended up going with Yuuto-ojisan.

“Just in case, go with Yuuto-ojisan. It’s not good for girls to be wandering around alone.”

Kurokami-senpai said that, but it felt like she had some ulterior motive, even if her reasoning was sound.

Of course, with six of us all together, it could be super eye-catching, so Yuuto-ojisan decided to trail us a bit behind.

“Alright, let’s go!!!”

Ayaka-chan shouted energetically as she stepped forward.

I feel like my energy is already draining…

“Mina.”

“Y-yes….”

While I was lost in thought, Nekoto-chan hooked her arm with mine.

“Stay close because it’ll get crowded.”

“Ah, okay….”

“Hehe….”

It being a festival means there will be tons of people around, so I’ll just lean on Nekoto-chan to take it easy.

“Ah, and can I ask you for one favor?”

“What is it?”

“Since the young lady can’t join us, she wanted to see photos. So I’d like to take a few pictures of you all enjoying the festival…”

“Sure! That’s fine!”

With Yuuto-ojisan’s request in mind, we headed toward the shrine near Nekoto-chan’s house, where the festival was happening.

There were already lots of people on the street enjoying the festival with their partners or friends.

And out of all of them, we clearly stood out.

I could feel all eyes on us as we walked by.

But in that situation, I was the only one feeling nervous.

Nekoto-chan silently looked around, sticking close to me.

Ayaka-chan naturally let her gaze drift elsewhere.

Kaguya-chan and Hibana-chan seemed more focused on taking pictures than anything else, moving around with their phones.

Isn’t Yuuto-ojisan going to be taking pictures from behind…?

As I thought that, I asked them.

“It’s completely different!”

“Yeah. Mina-senpai, the vibe from a broadcast video is totally different from one taken by a fan.”

It seems like they had some strong beliefs about it.

…As long as they’re having fun, I guess it’s fine?

“Ah! Candy apples!”

Once we arrived at the shrine where the festival was being held, the first thing that caught my eye was the candy apples.

As soon as Ayaka-chan spotted them, she sprinted over, bought six, and shared them with us.

“How much were they?”

“Forget about it! I bought them because I wanted to! Just enjoy the taste!”

With Ayaka-chan’s insistence not allowing for any rebuttals, everyone nodded in agreement.

“Yum.”

“Is it tasty, Mina?”

“Y-yeah….”

Sweet things are great.

Even if I worry about calories afterward, while eating, I’m just blissfully happy without a care in the world.

“If it’s good, can I have a bite of yours?”

Nekoto-chan asked, tilting her candy apple subtly towards me.

But I shook my head, rejecting the offer.

Candy apples are delicious, but eating two in a row would be too sweet and sickening.

More importantly, since I generally don’t eat very much, consuming the same thing twice in a row feels like a huge loss.

“Hmm… Aah…!”

Suddenly, for some reason, Nekoto-chan bit into the candy apple I was holding.

“…Tasty.”

“But it’s the same as the one in your hand?!”

“…Stealing food is the most delicious way to eat.”

“Ugggh….”

“My candy apple… want some?”

“No thanks…!”

Nekoto-chan said that while chuckling.

★

“Haah….”

Iro, busy taking pictures, let out a quiet sigh.

The closeness between Izumi and Nekoto in front of her was just too adorable.

But that didn’t mean she was jealous at all.

“How noble…”

As a genuine Izutomo, she was simply moved by the sight of Izumi and Nekoto being cute together.

Especially the way Nekoto stole Izumi’s candy.

That scene almost made Iro’s heart burst.

Even Izumi, seemingly annoyed, shouted for a sec but couldn’t hide the blush creeping on her face, as if she didn’t genuinely dislike it.

It was a clear glimpse into the bond shared among the 2nd generation members.

“Love it…”

Izumi didn’t particularly enjoy physical contact.

Everyone in Star’s Flow, including the Izutomos, knew that.

But even then, she didn’t completely distance herself from others.

Iro truly liked that gap in Izumi’s behavior.

“Those two are so close, I feel a bit jealous! As a fellow classmate, I wish to be included too!”

“R-ren oneechan?!”

“Ren… today is just for me and Izumi to enjoy our date. You’re the extra!”

“Huh?! Luka, if you say that, I can’t back down anymore, you know?”

“Hmph, do you think you can take her away from me…?”

“C-could both of you calm down?!”

And just like that, the chaotic scene began with Izumi, Nekoto, and Ayaka.

But it was clear that none of them were genuinely fighting…

Their playful banter stemmed from their good relationship.

Nekoto clung to Izumi as if she would never let go.

From an outsider’s perspective, it seemed like Ayaka was trying to pry them apart, but upon closer observation, she was actually trying to embrace both at once.

And even Izumi, seemingly confused by the situation, was flustered.

Despite having 26 members in Star’s Flow, they somehow all get along well.

Yet, among them, Iro realized once again that the strongest bonds are indeed within the 2nd generation.

“I’ll stop here, Aozasa-senpai….”

“M-Midori?!”

Eventually, she melted into the tenderness of the Teetei between them, quietly leaning her body against Aoba.

Iro, while getting a nosebleed, transcended to the next realm…

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