I Became a Malicious Streamer

Echoing sounds resonated through the valley as they searched for flowing water.

“Let’s go on a trip~.”

The playlist titled “Compilation of Music for Traveling” played, and Ryuah sang along in a cheerful voice.

“I’m so excited!”

“It’s a trip, a trip!”

In the driver’s seat, Ryuah’s high energy seemed to infect Ji-eon, who sat in the back. This is not how she usually is, right? Must be the atmosphere.

Inside the moving car, the destination was Incheon Airport.

The cheerful music playing and the vehicle heading towards the airport meant only one thing.

It’s a trip. We’re off to Japan. Just three of us.

Ryuah, Ji-eon, and I were heading to enjoy a Japanese Ryokan and hot springs.

Suddenly, what about this trip? Let’s rewind time three days back.

*

“Trip?”

“Yeah! I saw a video on YouTube about traveling to a Ryokan, and I really want to go. I’ve never been, and I’m super curious. Ji-eun, have you been?”

“No, I haven’t really been either…”

Embarrassingly enough, that was true. For nearly 30 years, I had only heard about it. I never thought about actually going.

I had lived so frugally that I couldn’t afford it… And after I finally had some leeway, I just locked myself in my room and never thought about going out. It’s all excuses.

“Right? Let’s go! We can relax in the hot springs, sleep in a tatami room, and explore the surroundings. Oh, and let’s go to a maid cafe! A maid cafe is where—”

Ryuah’s suggestion wasn’t bad at all; in fact, it was quite welcomed.

After all, I had felt quite tired since juggling commentary for the Ed Cup and event matches. I had thought about taking a long break and rest, but I had no proper plans to do so.

Yeah, soaking in hot springs and eating sushi would be fantastic.

Not having experienced hot springs, I wondered how different it was from a public bath’s hot open-air tubs. I used to think there wasn’t anything particularly special about it.

But whenever I heard others talk or saw descriptions of hot springs in videos, I found myself wondering if it was really that good.

Before I knew it, a subtle romance for hot springs had grown within me.

If possible, I’d prefer it outdoors. Especially on a snowy day. How wonderful it would be to feel the chill while soaking in the warmth.

I’d want to place a towel folded squarely on my head. Oh, but my head might be too small for that, huh? That could be a bit disappointing.

“Let’s go, it’ll be fun! When is good?”

“Just tell me which days are fine, and I’ll make the reservation!”

“Let me know before you pay. Don’t pull a solo stunt like last time.”

“Hehe, you caught me…”

I envisioned Ryuah, who was full of excitement, gazing into her phone. It was amusing how happy she was just about going out.

She really reminds me of a large dog. Always jumping into my arms whenever we meet. Although I’m the one who ends up in her embrace since she’s taller.

Just then, Ryuah’s humming came through the phone.

It struck me: wouldn’t it be better if we all went together?

There’s a saying that good things should be shared. Luckily, the members were just Ryuah and me.

I thought it would be great fun if we added Ji-eon and Si-young, just like last Christmas—joyful!

“How about we go together like last time, the four of us?”

“…Huh?”

“I mean Ji-eon and Si-young! If they travel with us, won’t it be more fun?”

Ryuah paused for a moment. Oh no, did I make a mistake? Maybe Ryuah wanted to travel only with me.

My thought that it would be more lively with everyone around might just be my wishful thinking, and Ryuah could have a different perspective.

“Is it too much? Then let’s just the two of us go this time and plan for next time…”

“No! Let’s go all together! No need for all that back-and-forth. We need to enjoy this trip properly.”

Since she insisted that much, it felt awkward to decline. Her hint of sincerity in not wanting several trips felt evident.

“Then I’ll ask the others and get back to you. Don’t make any reservations yet; just look for places we want to go.”

“Okay.”

With Ryuah’s energy dampened a bit, I reached out to the others.

I wasn’t sure if this was a good move. What if we went together and ended up fighting?

There’s nothing worse than having a spat during a fun trip. I hesitated to reach out, thinking of the possible outcome.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can make it. Something came up at home.”

“R-really?”

“Have fun for me too! Take plenty of pictures.”

But to my surprise, Si-young turned me down without hesitation. On the other hand, Ji-eon showed her intent to join.

So, the three of us, excluding Si-young, were headed to Japan.

*

‘This isn’t bad at all.’

Ryuah leaned back in her airplane seat, thinking. Although it was quite different from the original plan of a trip with Ji-eun, it wasn’t really a bad situation now.

‘And the expected competitor didn’t tag along…’

The competitor referred to Ji-eun’s editor, Si-young. From the first meeting until now, even the last time when we visited Ji-eun’s house, that tall woman somehow felt off.

It felt as if she could never be a close friend. Every time Ryuah looked at her, a warning bell went off in her instincts.

“Watch out for this one. They will take something precious from you.” How many times had the siren sounded in her head?

What was precious was Ji-eun, who was sitting right next to her.

Ryuah glanced at Ji-eun, who seemed to be in deep thought. An indescribable emotion bubbled up inside her.

Ryuah wasn’t sure what she was feeling; after all, how many can truly understand their emotions? Yet lately, she felt particularly confused.

One thing was certain: the more time she spent with Ji-eun, the happier Ji-eun seemed.

She thought about trying anything together during the trip. Somehow, that felt like it would clarify something deep inside her. The journey was started by her confusion.

She had told Ji-eun she wanted to go after watching Ryokan videos on YouTube, which was indeed true, but the main reason stemmed from the confusion in her own heart.

‘Let’s just go and have fun, slowly.’

What was there to think too much about? Although it was disappointing not to be just the two of them, considering Ji-eun’s care for her younger sibling, getting close to Ji-eon—her sister—would be good in many ways.

Having organized her thoughts, Ryuah was blissfully unaware. Just as Ji-eun cherishes her sister, Ji-eon adored her older sister fiercely.

Suddenly, Ryuah realized watching them from the side might have its dangers.

“Hey sis, hurry up and eat! Your arm’s going to fall off.”

“Rest your arm on me. Why not? You did it at home.”

“Your hands are so soft. Did you use the hand cream I got you?”

Each little action of Ji-eon towards Ji-eun was… something.

‘Is this how sisters typically are?’

Ryuah, who had a sister herself, didn’t act this way with her. Their relationship was more of simple well-wishing.

In contrast, these sisters were so attached that they fed each other in the airplane and shared a pillow while resting their arms.

Although it seemed more like Ji-eon taking the initiative, with Ji-eun reluctantly following suit.

Perhaps due to Ryuah’s interpretations, it felt more than just sisterly closeness.

‘Wait, what am I thinking?’

Aren’t they just a perfectly normal sister duo? Am I losing it with all these bizarre thoughts lately?

Ryuah shook her head vigorously. Maybe she was just fatigued. She definitely felt like she hadn’t gotten enough sleep lately.

Maybe she should just sleep until they arrive, she thought as she closed her eyes, ignoring the sirens ringing inside her whenever she glanced at Ji-eon.

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