Chapter 4 - Hyuuga Haruka: The Negative Me (1)
Wataru is engrossed in Aoi's livestream.
Even though I'm right in front of him.
I hate feeling this way.
I know.
Today is an important stream, so Wataru supporting her.
Because of that, I've convinced myself that I like him.
But you see, declining the post-recording drinking party is a disadvantage professionally.
Of course, I won't say anything about it.
After all, I'm not fond of social gatherings, and this is my own doing.
I subtly hinted that I find today's work challenging.
Hoping that Wataru would consider making something I like while waiting for me.
The fight with Aoi... that was also me.
I really am an unpleasant girl.
At school, I'm Hyuuga Haruka, liked by everyone.
In my work, I'm Hyuuga Haruka, also well-liked.
I chose this path, yet negative thoughts keep racing through my mind.
Suddenly, I notice the number of simultaneous connections to the show: a hundred thousand.
The archived views will likely exceed a million.
On the other hand, the program I recorded today will get at most a hundred thousand views.
Aoi is amazing.
She, who once aspired to be a voice actress, is now thriving on a new stage.
And then there's me. Despite being praised as a middle school voice actress during my debut, my work has been decreasing lately.
Wataru, too, consistently ranks in the top ten academically. He's grounded and works hard.
Among the three childhood friends, it seems I'm the one being left behind.
I don't want that.
"Let's have dessert."
Wataru takes out a cake shop box from the refrigerator.
As an idol voice actress, I'm perpetually on a diet.
I rarely eat cake except during work events.
Even today's vegetable-rich curry was carefully calculated for calories.
Being aware of my calorie intake by my beloved childhood friend of the opposite sex... how does that make me feel?
"Isn't it okay for today? It's Aoi's celebration. Besides, I bought a low-calorie one."
He says that, but the cake he prepared is my favorite cheesecake.
Not Aoi's preferred chocolate cake.
Wataru should find cheesecake a bit unappealing.
How much of my feelings has Wataru figured out?
Despite it being Aoi's celebration, I can't help feeling like an unwanted girl, prioritized less than Aoi.
"Yeah, it's a celebration after all."
The supposedly delicious cheesecake tasted like nothing at all.