The Saintess Next Door is a Super Popular VTuber Whose Character was Designed by Me
Tonari ni Sunderu Seijo-sama wa Ore ga Chara-Design o Tantoushita Daininki VTuber deshita
Chapter 35 - Going Home with The Saintess
Despite the chaos caused by the heavy snow and concerns about the return bus, the snow had finally begun to settle down, and it looked like Iori and the others would be able to make it home safely.
They were now on the bus, and so, the three-day school trip was coming to an end.
"I'm really glad the bus was able to run."
"I wouldn’t have minded staying one more day, but Kurumi looks like she’s worn out."
While Iori was simply relieved to be heading home, Kanata seemed like he still wanted to hang out a bit longer.
But when they looked at Kurumi, she seemed completely exhausted — it was definitely better for her to get home.
"Sorry for causing you all so much trouble."
"No, don’t worry about it. It couldn’t be helped, after all."
"Yeah, like Minase said, we didn’t feel bothered at all."
Normally, the boys and girls would sit separately, but due to circumstances, Kurumi was sitting with Kanata. She looked far more drained than her usual confident self.
Meanwhile, Iori and Asumi were sitting together too. From their seats behind Kurumi, they called out encouraging words.
"See? You didn’t think it was a hassle when Tokisaka-kun got a fever or when Minase had trouble with the ski lift, right? Same thing now."
"Thanks. I love you, Kanata."
"Yeah. Me too."
"If you two have enough energy to flirt, you’re fine then."
"Yes, it’s the usual Kurumi-san."
Kanata gently rubbed Kurumi’s shoulder as he spoke.
Kurumi leaned into Kanata, unusually meek. Normally, they’d come off like an overly affectionate couple and invite eye-rolls, but for now, it was just heartwarming.
"Man, nothing beats hot snacks from a service area vending machine."
"Yeah, but apparently those machines are becoming pretty rare."
"Some companies that used to make them have even gone out of business, I heard."
When the bus stopped at a service area for a break, the four of them bought hot snacks from a vending machine to have as a quick dinner.
Iori and Asumi got hot dogs, Kanata grabbed a hamburger, and Kurumi picked out some fries and a grilled rice ball.
"Minase? You’re not eating?"
"No, I will... It's just a little too hot right now."
"Oh, sorry if I was rushing you."
"No, it’s not that…"
When Iori glanced at Asumi, he noticed that she was simply staring at her hot dog without taking a bite.
Finding it odd, Iori called out to her, but she responded with a forced smile.
It didn’t seem to align with what she claimed, which made him suspicious. But since he couldn’t figure out why, he decided to observe for the time being
"Um, can I talk to you for a second?"
"What's wrong?"
Just as they were about to get back on the bus, Asumi suddenly spoke up before he could say anything more or make a move.
Then they returned to the bus. Since they had come back early, no one else was inside yet.
After confirming they were alone, Akizumi took a deep breath and spoke up.
"Um... I want to stream......"
"...Huh?"
Twisting her body nervously, Asumi said those words.
For a moment, Iori couldn’t comprehend what she was trying to say, and he ended up letting out a dumbfounded sound.
"Actually... I’ve wanted to stream this whole time, during these past three days..."
(Isn't it just that she’s seriously having withdrawal symptoms?)
When Asumi rephrased her words, Iori mentally retorted like that.
"Seriously? You really love streaming that much, huh?"
"It’s everything to me... But I know saying this must be really annoying…"
"No, it’s fine. Honestly, I’m just glad it’s not something serious, like you being sick or something. Actually, you seem pretty energetic."
"S-Sorry…"
Though he was a bit exasperated, he also felt relieved. At least there was nothing wrong with her health.
Meanwhile, Asumi looked embarrassed and apologetic for being unable to control her desire to stream.
"W-Well, for now, try to hold out."
"Yeah... I guess I don’t have much choice."
"When we get home, let’s stream all you want. Chatting, gaming, whatever — I’ll stay with you till morning if you want."
"T-Thank you!"
There wasn’t really anything he could do for her right now, but when he said that, Asumi’s face lit up and she bowed deeply in gratitude.
Next to him, she sat and smiled a cheerful smile like a kid, as if she couldn’t wait to start streaming.
"Well then, see you next week."
"I had a great time with you two. Thanks a lot."
"Yeah, see you."
"I had a lot of fun too."
A few hours after Asumi’s shocking confession, Iori and the others returned to their school by evening.
From there, the four of them walked together for a while before reaching the point where their paths split.
Maybe because they were all pretty calm by nature, there was no awkward sentimentality. They simply exchanged a few casual words, just like after any ordinary school day, and parted ways.
Still, all four of them seemed genuinely happy and satisfied.
"Alright, time to stream once we get home. But before that, we gotta prep some snacks first."
"Yes, I can't wait for it."
After parting with Kanata and Kurumi, Iori and Asumi strolled through the quiet, snowy streets.
Both of their minds were completely preoccupied with thoughts of streaming.
While it was understandable for Asumi, who had been itching to stream, even Iori was starting to get into the mood for it.
"Still, a lot happened, didn’t it?"
"Yeah. I wasn’t really excited about it at first, but it ended up being a lot of fun."
Walking side by side on the way home, Asumi looked up at Iori and spoke, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.
Initially, Iori hadn’t been thrilled about the trip, but looking back now, he could honestly say he’d enjoyed it thoroughly.
"Yes, you seemed to be having a great time these past three days, Iori-kun."
"Even though you scolded me a couple of times."
"That was because you deserved it, Iori-kun."
Asumi said with a smile that was both fond and teasing, and Iori recalled one memory.
Iori chuckled as he brought up a memory of getting scolded, and Asumi, walking beside him, gave a small, playful pout.
"And you touched my face while I was sleeping, too."
"...That one’s my fault."
When Iori mentioned how she had played with his face while he was sleeping, she admitted awkwardly, clearly embarrassed.
Their conversation flowed easily, and Iori found himself wanting to keep teasing her, but they had already arrived at their houses, so both their steps and their conversation came to a halt.
"I also got to grow closer with Kurumi-san and Numakura-san. It really was a fulfilling three days."
"Yeah, it really was."
Stopping in front of their houses, Asumi paused for a breath, then turned to Iori and said those words with a radiant smile.
For someone like her, who, like Iori, hadn’t been that interested in school events, to say that much, it must have meant she had truly enjoyed herself.
Seeing her expression, Iori thought deeply about how much she had changed.
When they first entered high school, Asumi, who lived next door, had kept her distance from him. Compared to then, the difference now was like night and day.
From the moment she accidentally revealed her identity, to them starting to share household chores together, it was amazing how much had changed in just two and a half months.
Now they were walking home together, and even planning to stream together.
He had never imagined they'd grow this close —he hadn’t even intended to— and yet, here they were.
And now, he found it mysterious how everything seemed to feel lacking without her presence.
"But more than anything... I really enjoyed getting to see all these different sides of you, Iori-kun."
"I feel like I got to know a lot about you too, Asumi."
"I got to see the cool Iori-kun and the adorable Iori-kun. It was refreshing, funny, and honestly, three days wasn’t nearly enough."
Covering her mouth with her hands in a delicate, saintly gesture, Asumi smiled beautifully.
Her words were so sweet and embarrassing that Iori could feel his heart beating faster.
"Was it really not enough? You were practically itching to stream."
"P-Please don’t bring that up!"
Iori wished he could respond with something equally heartfelt, but it felt too difficult for him.
So instead, he resorted to playful teasing.
Asumi protested, hiding her blushing face behind the scarf wrapped around her neck.
"Well, we should head inside soon."
"Yeah."
Smiling awkwardly, Iori apologized for teasing her and suggested they head inside since it was getting cold. Asumi nodded with a small bob of her head.
Just before they stepped inside—
"Iori-kun."
"Yeah?"
"See you in a bit."
"Yeah. See you soon."
When he turned around at the sound of his name, he saw Asumi waving gently, her beautiful face blooming with a bright, warm smile.
[To be Continued]
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