Chapter 180. [Amber Alert]

[Hello, Iroha-chan~! How’s life over there?]

“Uh, it’s just the same as always.”

I responded calmly to the call that Mai made.

It’s not like it’s been a long time since we last talked.

In fact, it’s been over half a month since I moved to America, but we’ve been in touch almost every day through messages and calls.

So, the cause of my unease is somewhere else.

[Iroha-chan, there must be something going on! Tell me honestly, Iroha~!]

“I told you there’s nothing, didn’t I!?”

[You can’t fool me with that, you know!]

Oh no, is it really that obvious!?

Mai is incredibly perceptive at times, pinpointing my weak points with precision.

[Is it because of Ogu? Did you 2 kiss again?]

“I mean, we haven’t gone that far! Besides, all that stuff in the past was just accidents!”

I argued loudly. Angu Ogu and I aren’t like that.

At most, we go shopping together, eat together, watch streams together, stream together, take baths together, brush our teeth together, and sleep together.

We’re just really close friends.

Safe… we should still be safe.

Please let it be!

[So, when you say ‘haven’t gone that far,’ does that mean you did other things?]

“Uh!? No, I really haven’t done anything!”

[Oh, I knew it~!]

Why does she know!?

Darn it, I need to come up with an excuse.

Why am I the one who’s made to look like the guilty one here?

Am I a husband getting accused of cheating while on a business trip or something?

If it comes to this, I might as well be completely honest…

“B-but Ogu is more like a business partner, you know?”

[Really~?]

“Yes, really! Can’t you trust what I’m saying?”

[W-well…]

Before I knew it, I was trying to deceive her like this.

No, that’s not it!

I just thought, you know, avoiding trouble is the best course of action.

Mai would be happier not knowing, and it’s for both of our sakes.

[Ugh, I get it, Iroha-chan~. I can confirm that with my own eyes soon.]

“Huh?”

[But if I find out you were lying then, Iroha-chan, you’ll have to make it up to me plenty~!]

“Wait, hold on, what does that mean?”

[Well then, see you~!]

“Mai~!?”

She ended the call just like that.

What does she mean by that last part…?

“Oops, is it about time!?”

Well, I’ll think about Mai’s words later.

More importantly, today is the long-awaited day.

In fact, I could say that I came to America for this very reason…

In other words, it’s the day of the local VTuber event!

***

<<Iroha, you must not follow strangers! Even if they tempt you with “VTuber merchandise”, you must not do as they say!>>

<<You’re the one!>>

With this exchange, Angu Ogu and I parted ways at the venue.

She’s also a part of today’s event as a performer.

“Geez, am I a child?”

I mumbled to myself as I made my way to my seat.

Thanks to Angu Ogu, I have tickets to this event, so I’m in the reserved seats. And “tempted by merchandise”? How naive.

My entire body is already decked out in event merchandise!

“So, there’s nothing to worry about…”

<<Hey there, young lady. Are you here alone? Where are your parents?>>

Again, I found myself in a conversation I’ve had who knows how many times.

This person isn’t bad.

I get that.

But please, don’t start a conversation with me now!

I might miss the VTuber’s pre-show announcement!

“Oh, hehe. I’m not that much of a child, you know.”

I replied with tears in my eyes.

Technically, I may not look it, but I’m of legal age.

However, in America, it’s probably common sense to approach children if they’re walking alone.

In Japan, it’s the opposite – approaching children might lead to suspicions of being a suspicious person.

Frankly, I didn’t expect it to go this far.

They have a strong awareness of protecting children.

Or perhaps… it’s a sad story, but many dangers for children here.

“Sorry, I thought…”

“N-no, it’s fine. I’m actually grateful for your concern.”

In reality, there are many cases of child abductions in America.

Of course, they’re not sitting idly by.

They use verbal communication and something called an “Amber Alert”. When an incident occurs, it’s instantly broadcast to everyone in the state through smartphones, electronic signs, and more.

The mortality rate of abducted children rises drastically as time goes on.

To prevent it beforehand or find them as soon as possible, everyone is doing their best.

“But, this is a problem.”

I have to go out alone soon.

I need to come up with some plan. Oh no!

“Here it is!”

<<Ogu! I love you!>>

The event live has started, and my thoughts are cut off.