NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: So we're viral now
Despite the rumors online about me and Shiori-san, I still decided to go to school. After all, only a handful of students here know my in-game identity as Harucchi. However, that small comfort quickly faded as I stepped into the classroom.
"Hey, Haruki-kun! You play SFO, right?" a random classmate called out to me.
"Yeah, why?" I replied, trying to sound nonchalant.
"You're not updated, huh? There's some big news about the top duos in the SFO community."
"The Harucchi and Tria divorce? Yeah, I know."
Oh crap. To think the drama has reached even here. If this spreads any further, Shiori-san and I might be in serious trouble.
I pulled out my phone and quickly messaged her on LINE:
"Shiori-san, can we talk about something after school?"
Her reply came almost immediately: "Okay. Let's talk at my apartment ."
And with a heart emoji?! Any normal guy my age would probably misunderstand this.
I sank into my seat, overhearing snippets of gossip from my classmates.
"Did you hear? Apparently, Harucchi and Tria fought over loot drops."
"No way! I heard Tria caught Harucchi two-timing her."
"If that's true, I'm never supporting him again."
The absurdity of these rumors almost made me laugh, but it also stung. This was completely out of hand. On the bright side, at least no one was dragging Shiori-san's name through the mud—yet.
"Oi, Haru. What's your plan?" Shino's teasing voice cut through the chatter.
"Huh?"
"Are you going to address this mess or let people think you're some sleazy player?"
"I… I'll talk to Tria-san later and make some plan."
Shino's smirk grew. "So, you're really going to admit that your partnership is over?"
"What? No! We were playing together just last night," I said, a bit too defensively.
"Oh, I see. Playing together, huh? As expected of you, Haru. Your thirst for older women is truly commendable."
"Shut up."
Shino's teasing grin didn't fade as she leaned back in her chair. "So, what's your announcement going to be?"
I hesitated, tapping my fingers on the desk. "Honestly, I'm not sure yet. I'll think about it during class."
The day dragged on, but I kept an eye on Shiori-san during homeroom. She seemed… unusually cheerful. She must not have seen the rumors yet. That's good, but I needed to fill her in before she accidentally discover it.
After school, I messaged her again: "I'm waiting at the park near your apartment."
But before I leave the school, Shino invited me to hang out...
"Hey Haru... wanna go some karaoke? Our 3rd year friends invited us..."
"I have something to do now, so I'm gonna pass..."
"Ehh? Is it about Tria?"
"Yes... I'm meeting her now..."
"Oh.. fine then.... don't forget to practice safe se—"
I covered her mouth. I know that she will say something vulgar again...
After talking to her, I immediately went to the park.
Apparently, teachers always go out later than students, unless they have sudden emergencies. Usually, they leave school at 5 pm. It looks like I need to wait for at least one hour so I decided to sit down on the park bench nearby and scroll some news online about the rumors...
As expected... more absurd theories we're created...
Some of this theories even said that Tria discovered that I have a wife and children in real world so she decided to unfollow me.
Well at least its a good thing that I'm at fault for all these rumors....
While browsing.. a certain username and her comment caught my attention..
Nishi M.
"These rumors about my onii-chan aren't true... Tria onee-chan just went to our house and have dinner with us last night...."
My dear little sister!! She's entering the fearful online world for me!!
"Haru-kunnnnn! I'm here!"
"Shiori-san, I thought teachers didn't leave until five?"
She smiled slyly. "I said I had an emergency. My cute Haru-kun wanting to talk to me definitely qualifies."
My face heated up. This woman was too much for me to handle.
We walked to her apartment together. I kept glancing at her, trying to gauge her mood. She still seemed oblivious to the rumors.
"By the way, Shiori-san," I asked cautiously, "have you checked your phone today?"
"No. I avoid it during work hours."
"What about last night before bed?"
"I went straight to sleep. Why?" She tilted her head, curious.
"No reason!"
Her cheerful demeanor was a relief, but it also meant I'd have to be the one to break the news.
When we reached her apartment, she opened the door and invited me in. Her face was a bit red as she mumbled, "Sorry for the mess."
Her room screamed "gamer." SFO-themed posters lined the walls, her bed had a blanket featuring her in-game character, and gaming peripherals cluttered her desk. The faint floral scent in the room surprised me, though.
She offered me tea and gestured for me to sit on the couch. "So, Haru-kun, what's this serious thing you wanted to talk about? Is it about the sleepover?"
"No! It's… it's about us."
Her blush deepened. "U-us?"
I quickly pulled up the SFO forums on my phone and handed it to her. "It's these rumors. They've spread out of control. If we don't address them soon, our real-life identities might get exposed."
Her eyes widened as she scrolled through the posts. "If they find out I'm a teacher…"
"Exactly. People might misunderstand our relationship and start rumors about you dating a student, which could cost you your job. Worse, it might ruin your career altogether."
She clenched her hands tightly. "Haru-kun… what should we do?"
"Don't worry. I already have a plan."
I explained my idea: we'd make an announcement claiming I had accidentally unfollowed her in-game, which reset our affinity. We'd then focus on publicly regaining our affinity points by playing together. Once the community saw us working to reclaim our top spot as a duo, the rumors would eventually die down.
"Do you think it'll work?" she asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"It's the best option we have right now. Let's give it a try."
We drafted our in-game announcement together and posted it on the community forums. I also shared it on my personal social media gaming accounts to spread the word. Now, all we could do was wait and hope it worked.
As the sky darkened, I stood to leave. "I should get going, Shiori-san."
"Eh? But you just got here," she said, pouting slightly.
"I still have homework and assignments to finish."
Her face brightened at my next words: "But tomorrow's Friday, so after school, we can start the sleepover."
"Really?!"
She insisted on walking me to the entrance of her apartment building. Just as we stepped outside, a familiar voice called out.
"So that's why you've been ditching us, huh? Haru."
I froze. "Shino?!"