I May Be a Virtual Youtuber, but I Still Go to Work
Chapter 198

Kiri said,

"Then... would it be alright if I tried covering your song?"

She really said that.

"...Huh?"

I asked again in shock, but there was no way I misheard.

"I want to try covering your song."

Was I dreaming?

How could something like this happen?

I was already satisfied with just winning the bet and having the Blue Society members cover one of my songs.

And now Kiri, of all people, wanted to do one too?

Maybe my mask had cracked and my thoughts were showing all over my face.

Kiri smiled and added,

"Ah, I’m not going to cover Frenemy. That one’s already set for the Blue Society to do as part of the bet, remember?"

"Ah. Right. That’s true."

"I want to sing Common Fan."

Honestly, if Kiri had ended up being chosen for the penalty, I was planning to ask her to sing Common Fan—my first original.

Unlike Frenemy, which I released with Iyura and which already exploded in popularity, Common Fan was still a niche song, slowly climbing from the bottom.

If Kiri sang it?

Obviously, her cover would blow past my original version’s views in no time.

That’s just how it is.

Kiri is practically a god when it comes to music.

But if, by some impossible chance—

if the version I sang could even graze the edge of this divine woman’s shadow...

Then maybe I could catch the updraft of her flight and soar higher myself.

That height would become my value.

It would draw more people to my songs.

And maybe—just maybe—those people would come to the only chance to hear Common Fan live: Parallel’s offline concert.

“Isn’t Fan_C in amazing form lately?”

“Ugh, I was on the fence about the concert, but...”

“Now I’m really curious about her live.”

“Should we go...?”

This wasn’t just about pulling in new fans.

It could even reduce cancellations from fans who already had tickets.

Especially for those who liked both Parallel and Fan_C—this was a chance they wouldn’t want to miss.

This is a chance I have no reason to refuse.

But still, I wanted to ask.

The fact that Kiri came to me with this offer meant there was something about my song that genuinely caught her interest.

“I’d love that. I really would. But... may I ask why you chose my song?”

Kiri leaned forward on the bar, resting her elbow on the counter.

"I was really moved by the song Iyura shared with me. It brought back memories from a few years ago. Made me tear up a bit, actually. I started out as an utaite myself, just a fan of someone else."

“Ah, that’s right. You did.”

“I let you come tonight because I wanted to ask if I could cover your song. I didn’t expect you to win the bet though. Haha.”

Kiri’s past isn’t something that’s been fully revealed before.

What we do know is that she used to be a fan of a certain utaite,

and she started singing along with that person’s songs until she naturally began dreaming of becoming a singer herself.

So, I had thought she might relate to Common Fan, which is all about my time as a fan of Parallel...

But I didn’t expect her to like it this much.

While I tilted my head, still trying to process everything, Kiri said,

“That’s strange. I figured someone like the infamous Magia from Parallel would’ve already done their background research on me—and figured out exactly why I’d want to cover your song.”

Startled, I leaned back. Kiri just grinned.

“As if I wouldn’t check who was coming to a private gathering like this?”

“You really knew everything.”

Apparently, she figured it out when Iyura suddenly resumed her utaite activities.

“She was supposed to fully switch over to VTubing... but then she starts collabing with an utaite I’ve never seen before, and even shares a roadmap? That kind of move—it had to be because of someone. I had to know who.”

Not that Iyura told her everything,

but just searching a little about Fan_C would lead to Magia, and then the ridiculous connection between that account and my real face was apparently enough to convince her on the spot.

“More than anything, I’ve never seen someone use their real name as their VTuber handle. Or is that part of the concept too? If it’s a secret, you don’t have to answer.”

Ah. That too, huh.

I’d forgotten about it after I made the name.

“No, it’s my real name. It’s already out in the open anyway—no point hiding it now.”

“Still, I won’t go around telling people. I only talk about music, after all. You can trust me.”

“Thank you.”

“More importantly... don’t you think it’s a bit much? VTuber work, company work, utaite stuff?”

There was something there I had to correct.

Even if we weren’t super close yet, some things needed to be said straight.

“First of all, I’m not a VTuber. That ⊛ Nоvеlιght ⊛ (Read the full story) whole RP is just something the fans cooked up to try and force a debut.”

“Oh wow, really? I’m sorry. I must’ve gotten the wrong idea. Everyone I asked was saying the same thing.”

“Sorry if I gave the wrong impression.”

“No, no, it’s not your fault. But that means... can I take it that you’re serious about being an utaite?”

Before coming here, I’d already thought about how I’d answer this question.

In fact, after talking it through with Iyura so many times, I’d already figured out exactly what I wanted.

I want to rise higher as an utaite.

No—more than that, as a singer.

As someone who’s known for singing well.

It’s just that my goal happens to serve the company I work for: Parallel.

And I have no intention of hiding this from Kiri.

If, after hearing this, she couldn’t accept me, then I’d understand and step back.

“I want to go further. That’s why, when Iyura invited me to this gathering, I said I’d come no matter what.”

“I see.”

“But... it’s not because I just love singing. Just like how I show my face on stream even when people mistake me for a VTuber—it’s for our company.”

“...And why are you telling me all this, now, when the vibe is so nice?”

“Because I didn’t want to lie or pretend in front of you when it comes to music.”

I looked her straight in the eye to show I meant every word.

Kiri met my gaze head-on—and said something pretty unexpected.

“That’s actually a relief.”

“A relief?”

“Yeah. People who love singing purely for the joy of it... when they lose that, it’s really hard for them to get back up again.”

“...”

Then Kiri began to talk—

not about herself, exactly, but about something she’d witnessed.

Something you couldn’t find through online searches or internet sleuthing.

Something only those directly involved would know.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

It was about her oshi.

The person who led her down the path of becoming an utaite,

someone who had since retired and gone back to a quiet, normal life.

They had dreamed of making people happy through their music.

But an unexpected misunderstanding sparked a controversy that spiraled out of control.

They were attacked online, publicly criticized, socially condemned.

Their YouTube channel, once filled with songs that made up the entirety of their world, was flooded with hate comments.

And when they realized no one would stand up for them... they left music behind.

“Why didn’t they fight back?”

“They believed, to the very end, that someone would support them.”

“...That’s heartbreaking. I’m really sorry you had to see that.”

It’s not that someone deliberately tried to bury her senior.

They were just so utterly crushed that everything quietly fell apart.

Kiri had tried to talk them out of it, but it was no use.

So from then on, Kiri poured everything into her own singing.

She trained relentlessly, added effort to her natural talent,

and debuted to massive attention, skyrocketing to stardom.

Years later, when she had reached a level close to divine,

her senior entrusted her with a song they had written and composed before quitting—

A song that would become one of Kiri’s five videos to surpass 100 million views.

My Song.

Those who recognized the lingering touch of her senior’s style in the main melody left comments expressing regret, saying they hadn’t realized it was all a misunderstanding—

but by then, the truth behind the controversy had already come out.

No one could apologize for what they’d done in the past.

Kiri’s senior had already left the music scene and wasn’t coming back.

“There are still plenty of people who want to drag me down. Jealousy is terrifying. And like I always say, malice doesn’t always need a reason.”

Kiri stared at me directly and asked,

“From now on, you might be stepping into a world like that. Maybe it’s already started. The higher you rise, the more malice will crash into you.

...Even so, do you still want to walk this path?”

She has countless fans across the world.

The food Kiri likes instantly becomes trendy.

The music she listens to sets the next wave.

So if she puts out a cover of my song, that’s basically shouting me out.

Just the fact that I caught the attention of a singer standing at the pinnacle of Japan will make people take notice.

They’ll wonder, Who is this girl Kiri just gave a thumbs-up to?

That attention could explode.

And I could end up becoming a new toy for someone who’s been targeting Kiri.

That’s why she asked in advance.

I like your song, so I want to cover it.

But doing so will create a change that can’t be undone.

Are you prepared for the road ahead—

a road unlike anything you’ve experienced before?

Just like her senior, who had been swept away by an unpredictable storm and forced to leave the entertainment industry,

Kiri was worried that the same might happen to me.

Surprisingly, it wasn’t hard to answer.

Because I’m someone who fights at the frontlines and leads efforts to protect our idols—

it’s not something I can ignore or pretend not to know.

It’s not like I talk about it openly, but...

Am I unaware that I walk a tightrope every day, balancing over a firepit?

“It doesn’t matter to me. I see baseless malice every day anyway. Honestly, I’m kinda waiting to see what kind of fresh lunatic pops out next.”

Kiri gave a small laugh.

“You’re really not as pure as you look.”

“Being a livestream manager’s more of an extreme sport than people think. I didn’t have much of a choice.”

“So if the company does well, you’re fine with suffering a little? No hesitation at all?”

“Yes. If it means I can make our company number one, I’ll do whatever it takes.

That’s why I’d really like you to put out that cover.”

“...Alright. Got it.”

Haa.

Kiri sighed softly, almost like she was murmuring to herself.

“I really hate that I had to start with something this heavy, when you’re a singer with such a bright future.”

“Why? I actually think it’s helpful—realistic, even. If I didn’t know any of this and something happened later, that’d be way worse.

Besides, worrying about your juniors like this... classic Kihuang*.”

It slipped out before I could stop myself—just a little wordplay from getting too comfortable.

I quickly covered my mouth, startled by my own boldness.

But Kiri laughed like she genuinely found it amusing.

“Kihuang. Like... Kiri the Emperor?”

“Yeah. It’s a Korean pun.”

“That’s pretty funny. Fufu.”

Kiri giggled for a while, then said,

“It’s good to be proud of your mental strength. But if it ever feels like you can’t take it anymore, reach out to me, okay?

I really don’t want to go through watching someone I care about suffer in silence and disappear from the scene again.”

I gave her a deep bow, making sure it wasn’t disrespectful.

“Ah. Thank you for the offer, but... I think I’ll be alright.”

“Why’s that?”

“Because our company has a mental care specialist on staff.”

Someone who’s spent years next to toxic messes and never once cracked.

Someone who brings happiness to Magia just by being on screen: Cheon Do-hee.

“Our CEO, actually. Her name’s Shirahoshi Momo. She’s one of the first-gen VTubers in Korea.

If you’re interested, please like, subscribe, and turn on notifications.”

Kiri burst out laughing at the completely out-of-nowhere plug.

“You’re hilarious.

Alright, since you’re the one recommending her, I’ll subscribe.”

“Wait, I was just joking...”

“Should I follow her all the way to Z, too?”

“No, you don’t have to go that far...”

“I’m kidding, I’m kidding~.”

Still laughing, Kiri lightly tapped my nose with the tip of her finger.

“But hey, it’s okay if I follow and subscribe to Fan_C’s YouTube and Z, right?

I really am interested in your music. I’ve always just... really loved songs. Then and now.”

The highest possible honor.

And the best outcome I could’ve ever hoped for.

I didn’t hesitate in the slightest as I replied:

“I want to go first.”

“Haven’t you already?”

“Ah... right. I did, huh...”

“Dummy. Want another drink? Something different this time?”

“If you’re offering, I’d be happy to.”

***

... ─ — Utaite Gallery ─ ─ — ...

[What is this?]

(Kiri_Follow_List.jpg)

Kiri just followed Fan_C?

[Comments]

— Uta195: Woah, she really followed her?

— Uta096: Isn’t Kiri kinda trigger-happy with follows though?

ㄴ Uta441: Trigger-happy? LOL she follows like 30 people a year, tops

ㄴ Uta592: That’s not trigger-happy, that’s super selective LOL. She only follows people who sing well

ㄴ Uta592: Might just be me, but I’ve never been disappointed by a singer Kiri followed

ㄴ Uta910: TRUTH

... ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ...

... ─ — Utaite Gallery ─ ─ — ...

[But was Fan_C really that good?]

[Posted by: Uta005]

You guys kept saying she only popped off because of Iyura’s clout.

But if Kiri followed her... doesn’t that just mean she sings ridiculously well?

[Comments]

— Uta101: Just go listen for yourself, genius

— Uta048: That memory game skill is legit

ㄴ Uta155: What do you mean

ㄴ Uta048: The guy who skips the song and only chases drama LMAO

ㄴ Uta155: LOL

... ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ...

... ─ — Utaite Gallery ─ ─ — ...

[You absolute bastards]

[Posted by: Uta005]

(Fan_C_Playlist.jpg)

You assholes were hiding this low-key masterpiece so you could keep it to yourselves?

You pieces of shit.

From now on I’m chewing through this playlist every morning, noon, and night.

[Comments]

— Uta242: This guy picked the best ones too LOL

ㄴ Uta616: So you’re telling me he was actually a veteran fan who listened so much he got sick of it?? LMAO

— Uta866: You never listened even when we recommended it LMAO

— Uta115: This mod never recommends music, just shares bait. Time for a 30th listen, right?

ㄴ Uta005 (OP): Please spare me

ㄴ 🟦Uta02: Show me your carefully curated playlist and I might

ㄴ Uta005 (OP): For real?

ㄴ Uta861: Classic Ugallery conflict resolution LOL

... ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ─ ...

TL Note: Kihuang* is a wordplay coined by the protagonist during a moment when she began acting a bit more relaxed and playful with Kiri. "Ki" comes from the name Kiri. "Huang" means "emperor" in Chinese/Korean (and in Korean slang, it's used as a humorous honorary title: "황제" = emperor).

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