Chapter 181. [Flushed Cheeks And Tangled Hair]
<<Wow, today’s live performance was absolutely amazing!>>
<<Oh, really? I’m almost feeling bad for being praised so much.>>
As we sat side by side on the large couch at home, I couldn’t contain my excitement.
<<It was truly incredible! There’s just something about being there in person. The sense of unity, the energy, and the visceral impact of the music. Among all, Ogu’s songs were the best! I love them so much! I adore Ogu!>>
<<Wait, what? Did you just say ‘I love you’ about me? And you’re trying to get all close?>>
Angu Ogu reached for my shoulder and tried to get her face closer to mine.
What’s she up to?
<<I was having such a good time. Can’t you just let me enjoy it?>>
<<Wait, are you really surprised that I, Iroha, said ‘I love you’? I’m the one who was on stage!>>
<<Don’t mix up the 2nd dimension and the 3rd dimension!>>
<<Are you saying my words don’t make sense?>>
Those were some serious accusations. I was just stating the obvious.
<<Ugh, can’t you be a bit nicer to the real me too?>>
<<Hey, don’t cling to me like that!>>
Angu Ogu latched onto my stomach as if she was about to tackle me if my shoulder wasn’t working.
She pushed me down by force.
<<Ugh, stop it!>>
<<Come on, it’s because I did my best today. Can’t I have a little reward?>>
<<Well, I mean, that’s… completely different>>
But I have to admit, it was an amazing live performance.
Although my oshi favorite is still “Angu Ogu”, her effort is what makes it all possible.
<<But seriously, should we have skipped the after-party?>>
<<When I asked, you declined the invitation, right?>>
<<Well, I’m not a participant.>>
<<Don’t worry about that. Everyone just wants to meet Iroha.>>
<<But aren’t there other VTubers there?>>
<<Of course.>>
<<Then, it’s impossible.>>
<<Iroha, you’re really stubborn.>>
Lately, I’ve been so used to being with Angu Ogu that I’ve almost forgotten her stance hasn’t changed.
<<So, I guess I had to go back after all. I couldn’t leave Iroha alone, and I wanted to celebrate with you.>>
<<Huh.>>
<<Did that surprise you a bit?>>
<<Not really. Hey, stop, stop it!>>
<<Ticklish, aren’t you?>>
<<Hehe, stop it! My stomach hurts!>>
I struggled desperately, trying to escape Angu Ogu’s relentless tickling.
But even with her as my opponent, I couldn’t overpower her.
<<Ogu, your energy levels are off the charts after the event, aren’t they? You’ll pay for this later!>>
<<Hmm? What are you talking about?>>
<<This girl…>>
Finally freed, I gave Angu Ogu a weary look, exhaling with “phew” and “haa”.
We were both sweating from the intense tickling, and our hair was sticking to our faces.
Her flushed cheeks were unexpectedly close, and our gazes met briefly.
Her warm breath brushed against my lips.
Only the rustling of clothes and the sounds of our hearts could be heard in the room.
<<…>>
<<…>>
<<…So, um, would you like to take a bath together?>>
<<Uh, yeah.>>
At Angu Ogu’s suggestion, I stood up, as if she were pulling me up by the hand.
Our fingers intertwined as we made our way to the bathroom, stealing glances at each other as if we were measuring each other’s reactions, creating a peculiar atmosphere.
<<What’s with this atmosphere?>>
I couldn’t help but comment.
The atmosphere was just too strange.
<<Um, Ogu? If we’re going to take a bath together, could you be a bit more natural in your invitation? Otherwise, I might not feel very comfortable.>>
<<Well, hehe. Even if you say that, I’m not used to exposing my skin to others.>>
<<Oh, I see. So, shall we go separately, then? Can I consider the ticket price as paid, then?>>
<<Wait, wait, wait! We’re going in together!>>
<<Alright, then can you hurry up?>>
I puffed out my chest and signaled for her to undress.
Angu Ogu reached out with trembling hands.
<<Uh, it’s a bit ticklish.>>
<<Sorry?>>
Soon, my clothes fell to the floor with a thud.
Angu Ogu, who had remained silent, froze in place.
<<Um, could you please continue and not just stare?>>
<<I, I wasn’t staring that much!>>
<<Hurry up.>>
I said, as I stripped off my clothes and went ahead.
This wasted time could have been spent watching her livestream.
<<Why is it that you avoid looking at things with all your might, but you have no problem showing yourself?
Normally, it’s the other way around!>>
Angu Ogu exclaimed with a voice that sounded like a scream.
Before filling the bathtub, I asked while taking a shower.
<<Hey, Ogu, are you busy tomorrow?>>
<<Hmm? The event will continue for a while, so I have dance lessons and…I need to sign merchandise.>>
<<I see. Well, it can’t be helped, then.>>
<<Is something wrong?>>
<<Oh, I have some errands to run. So, I might get escorted by someone else.>>
<<Huh? …Ehhhhh!?>>
The bathroom door slammed shut with a “kapoon”.