Chapter 113: Chapter 112

To Ji Hye-min, Ha-eun was like a cherished stuffed animal.

Not that she literally carried her around everywhere for hugs, but simply looking at her evoked a feeling of warmth and affection, much like a beloved keepsake.

And honestly, it was understandable. Ha-eun was not only one of her most loyal viewers, having supported her streams longer than anyone else, but also the deus ex machina of Fantasy Horizon.

‘…Why did I ever think that was normal?’

Despite being the youngest member of Fantasy Horizon, Ha-eun was undoubtedly the most talented at VTuber streaming. If there were ever a textbook example of what a VTuber should be, it would be Ha-eun’s Diah.

Thanks to Ha-eun’s steady role as Diah, Fantasy Horizon had been able to establish deeper roots. Her innate talent as an entertainer shone brilliantly in her VTuber persona, bringing endless benefits to the team.

Even when she wasn’t streaming, she often appeared in other members’ broadcasts, effortlessly adding spice to their content. She even maintained a close connection with others off-stream, exchanging messages without any sense of distance. Of course, this occasionally led to minor mishaps, but nothing serious.

However, the fact that even Hye-min unconsciously relied on Ha-eun meant she had failed to notice just how excessively devoted Ha-eun was to her role as Diah until it was far too late.

‘I should have realized it sooner.’

When Ha-eun first mentioned her health concerns a few days ago, it felt like a slap to the back of Hye-min’s head. Up until then, Ha-eun had always seemed fine—so much so that Hye-min had assumed there wasn’t anything wrong. In hindsight, she realized how foolish that was.

Of course, it was a relief that Ha-eun’s condition wasn’t critical. But as the busiest member of Fantasy Horizon, it was clear that if Ha-eun continued to overwork herself, problems would inevitably arise.

Even though there weren’t any immediate red flags regarding Ha-eun’s health, that was only true for now. From Hye-min’s perspective, Ha-eun’s current state was like a teetering stack of blocks—one small push, and it could all come crashing down.

As someone who both depended on and cared deeply for Ha-eun, Hye-min couldn’t just stand by anymore. That’s why she was the one who suggested making a public announcement together.

“If we’re announcing a break anyway, let’s also address her stream schedule adjustments.”

“Hmm… Do you think that’s okay?”

“If you want to have a long career, you need to adjust your schedule. Ha-eun, you’re not a superhero.”

Looking back, it was clear how abnormal it was for someone as busy as Ha-eun to stream nearly every single day while managing her career as a celebrity.

So instead of letting Ha-eun continue deciding Diah’s schedule, Hye-min decided it was time to step in and find a more sustainable balance.

“More importantly, taking four days off immediately after mentioning a health issue might lead to misunderstandings.”

“Misunderstandings?”

“Like, ‘It’s just four days now, but what if she gets sicker and has to quit streaming entirely?’ or ‘Her streaming career isn’t sustainable.’ Those kinds of misunderstandings.”

As a veteran of the online broadcasting world for over a decade, Hye-min had seen these types of assumptions arise countless times. She wanted to prevent Ha-eun from being subjected to unnecessary speculation.

Thus, the stream began with the title "!!Important Announcement!! (with Special Guest)", and Ha-eun sat beside Hye-min. The unusual title drew not only Fantasy Horizon’s regular viewers but also a large number of curious onlookers, pushing the viewership to an astounding 34,000.

Once again, Ha-eun was reminded of Hye-min’s unparalleled status as the legendary VTuber, "Ramji."

Finally, Hye-min began addressing the announcements regarding Diah’s stream schedule.

“Our youngest member will be taking a short trip to Japan, so she’ll be on hiatus for about four days.”

Chat:

Another trip?

What happens if someone who’s sick goes on vacation?

Four days? Are you trying to freeze us to death, Ramji?

Can’t she do an IRL stream in Japan?

“No IRL streams. This trip is purely for rest. She needs to recharge so she can keep streaming for a long time.”

Hye-min then elaborated on Diah’s demanding stream schedule, emphasizing the need to prevent it from negatively affecting her health.

“You all want to keep seeing her for a long time, don’t you? Please understand and support her.”

Chat:

Is she really in that bad of a condition?

From the way you’re talking, it sounds like she’s hooked up to an IV while streaming.

A frail beauty? Gasp…!

Just don’t graduate her, please!

“She isn’t unwell right now, so don’t worry too much. These adjustments are just to ensure she stays healthy.”

For the next ten minutes, Hye-min detailed the new streaming schedule, which accounted for Ha-eun’s filming commitments for The Sunshine and her participation in the Infinite Challenge Song Festival.

Once the Q&A about the new schedule concluded, Hye-min gestured to Ha-eun, encouraging her to say anything she wanted to add.

Clearing her throat, Ha-eun leaned closer to the microphone and, in Diah’s signature high-pitched voice, said:

“I’ll make sure to share all the juicy details about my trip when I’m back, so wait for me─☆”

Watching Ha-eun's unshakable addiction to streaming manifest in her promise, Hye-min could only rub her temples in exasperation.

After Diah’s farewell, the stream transitioned into its second segment, focused on Battle Island.

While Ha-eun technically didn’t need to stay, she decided to remain beside Hye-min, claiming she wanted to watch.

Hye-min saw no reason to chase her away, though she soon began to regret it.

[FlaresOnly>>>☠RamjiRamji]

“Aww, so close. I could’ve won that.”

As Hye-min’s avatar fell during an intense gunfight with another player, Ha-eun casually remarked, “Hmm, that’s not how you’re supposed to shoot with a double-barrel shotgun…”

Her cryptic mutter, clearly picked up by the mic, signaled the start of what was about to become a long session of backseat gaming. By the time Hye-min had been taken down in her second and third rounds, Ha-eun had straightened up in her seat, ready to engage.

[SeniorHeadshot>>>☠RamjiRamji]

“Wow, boss, you’re really bad at this. Are you even aiming?”

“D-Diah! Could you just shut up?”

“How is someone who can’t even sound-locate asking me to be quiet~?”

Chat:

LMAO, Diah’s roasting her!

She’s even bullying the boss now!

The youngest is completely taking on the boss!

Let’s be real, if you can’t sound-locate, what’s the point of staying silent?

Ramji’s probably grinding her teeth live. LOL.

Funniest part is Ramji knows Diah’s good, so she can’t even fight back.

Having been a loyal viewer of Hye-min’s streams for over ten years, Ha-eun knew better than anyone what kind of comments would get under Hye-min’s skin. And with the rare opportunity of being part of an in-person collaboration, she wasn’t about to waste the chance to press all the right buttons.

“You’re like a walking gold goblin. No, actually, a golden squirrel~.”

Ha-eun expertly delivered lines that steadily chipped away at Hye-min’s mental composure while simultaneously driving the chat into fits of chaotic laughter. The energy in the chat climbed several notches, thanks to Ha-eun’s deliberate provocations.

But then, just as Diah’s teasing reached its peak…

Grip.

Ha-eun playfully pinched her own cheek with one hand while flashing an okay sign with the other—a clear signal of surrender.

Unsurprisingly, this startled Hye-min, but only briefly.

Grip.

Hye-min, quickly catching on, gently pinched Ha-eun’s cheek in response. And almost immediately after, Ha-eun’s high-pitched complaint echoed into the microphone:

“OW! Your aim is terrible in Battle Island, but somehow your fingers are scarily precise!”

It was the first time in Diah’s VTuber career that she’d been on the receiving end of such a playful yet decisive counterattack. The chat erupted with noise, growing even more unhinged than before.

Chat:

Diah (1st Generation): Will die but still speaks her mind.

At this rate, she might actually die for real. LOL.

Historically, loyal advisors who couldn’t hold their tongues were executed.

Oh no, is this Diah’s final stream? RIP…

Rest in peace, you glorious VTuber…

Following Hye-min’s light but effective “punishment,” the pattern repeated itself. Ha-eun continued to make sharp remarks, capitalizing on the unique dynamic of an in-person collaboration. The chat, in turn, bombarded the stream with waves of laughter, expressed through endless “ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ.”

“When you pick up a double-barrel shotgun, you’re supposed to hold your position and pick off enemies as they approach, not run out into the open—”

Hye-min glared.

“Ah! I’m sorry! I won’t say mean things like, ‘Even if you used your feet, you’d still do better than the boss!’ ever again!”

Even though Ha-eun immediately apologized, her tone betrayed no sincerity. Mere seconds later, she resumed her unsolicited commentary, subtly provoking Hye-min once again.

This playful back-and-forth between Diah and Ramji carried on until the end of the stream. By the time the broadcast concluded, it had raked in a record number of viewers and donations. Though most of the messages and contributions cheered for Diah’s antics against Ramji, the success of the collaboration spoke for itself.

As the evening wore on, Ha-eun prepared to leave Hye-min’s home, reflecting on how eventful the stream had been.

“Uh, boss,” she began tentatively.

“Hmm?” Hye-min responded, curious.

“Well… if it’s okay with you, could we drop the formal speech? It feels weird switching back and forth between casual and formal just for the streams…”

Caught slightly off guard by the sudden request, Hye-min blinked. Ha-eun quickly added, “I mean, I get that you’ve been using formalities to be respectful, but it’s a little awkward for me.”

After all, Ha-eun wasn’t just a member of Fantasy Horizon—she’d been one of Hye-min’s viewers for over a decade. She didn’t want their relationship to feel overly formal or distant. Ideally, she wanted to grow closer to Hye-min, as a real friend or even as family.

“I see,” Hye-min finally said. “But there’s one condition.”

“A condition? What kind?”

“Instead of ‘boss,’ call me ‘Hye-min unnie.’ It’s been a dream of mine to have a little sister like you.”

“Well… considering our age gap, shouldn’t it be ‘Hye-min aunt—’”

The temperature dropped.

“What was that?” Hye-min’s smile didn’t reach her eyes, a chilling aura radiating from her as she waited for an answer.

“N-Nothing! Of course, Hye-min unnie!” Ha-eun quickly corrected herself, all too aware of the shift in atmosphere.

For a moment, silence hung between them, broken only by the sound of Hye-min chuckling softly.

“Have a good trip.”

Relieved by the shift in tone, Ha-eun grinned and promised to bring back souvenirs, including gifts for the other members.

“They’ll love it,” Hye-min assured her, waving lightly as Ha-eun turned to leave.

Moments later, Ha-eun climbed into the waiting taxi, departing from Hye-min’s home. As she settled into her seat, she glanced at her phone. Somewhere along the way, Hye-min’s contact name had changed from ‘Boss Ji’ to ‘Hye-min Unnie.’

***

"Alright, everyone, let’s do one final check to make sure we didn’t forget anything!”

The teacher’s voice filled the airport waiting area that morning, commanding the attention of the second-year Class 2 students from Narae High. Each student diligently rechecked their belongings, preparing for their upcoming trip to Japan.

However…

“Ah, looks like it’s time to leave. I’ll see you all later!”

Comments on Instagram Live:@@novelbin@@

Have a great trip~

Don’t miss Beauty and the Beast at Disneyland!

(Plane emoji)x2

I wish I could go to Japan too~~

Ha-eun, instead of checking her luggage, waved at the camera during an impromptu Instagram Live broadcast.

‘…This is actually kind of fun.’

She had recently learned more about Instagram Live while exploring the features of her own account. It was during this exploration that she discovered how many other celebrities used Live as a way to connect with fans.

‘I should do this more often.’

Unlike her VTuber persona, Diah, Ha-eun hadn’t been particularly active in engaging with her fans as an actress. This morning, before boarding her flight to Japan, she decided to test the waters with her first Instagram Live broadcast. To her surprise, the overwhelming viewer response and positive feedback piqued her interest.

But now, it was time to actually board the flight. She switched her phone to airplane mode, pocketed it, and followed her teacher’s lead onto the plane.

Apart from a brief moment of nervousness as the plane lifted into the sky, the flight went smoothly. After about two hours, they landed in Japan without any incidents.

Upon arriving at their hotel, where they would stay for the next three nights and four days, Ha-eun and her roommates began unpacking their luggage.

And then…

“Excuse me, teacher. There’s a convenience store nearby—can I quickly go check it out?”

“Be back at the hotel lobby by 2 PM, alright?”

“Got it!”

One of Ha-eun’s roommates, Gong Hye-yeon, got permission to leave and led the group toward the convenience store. For some reason, though, Ha-eun couldn’t shake an odd feeling as they stepped outside.

And, as if to confirm her uneasy premonition…

“Ha-eun, Ha-eun! Look at this!”

“Huh? What is i—ahhh!!”

CRASH!

One of her friends boldly picked up an adult magazine from a corner of the convenience store and thrust it toward Ha-eun’s face. Startled beyond measure, Ha-eun let out a sharp scream and lost her balance, falling to the floor. Her heart pounded in her chest, practically echoing in her ears.

“What’s going on? What happened?”

“Well, I just thought I’d give her a little scare with this, but… looks like it wasn’t ‘a little’ at all.”

“Geez, I thought something serious had happened… Anyway, that’s gross. Put it back and stop fooling around.”

Unfazed, Gong Hye-yeon calmly returned to the beverage aisle, while the friend who had wielded the magazine casually slid it back into its original spot.

To say the experience was mortifying would be an understatement. Whether it was coming face-to-face with the overly risqué cover or the fact that she was the only one in the group so completely shaken, it was a moment Ha-eun knew she’d never live down.

Her face burned bright red, half from embarrassment and half from humiliation. As she awkwardly picked herself up off the floor, she couldn’t help but mentally berate herself for agreeing to join her friends on this little excursion.