Chapter 3: The Cheeky Streamer Girl (Hehehe ♡♡♡♡♡ You Loser ♡♡♡♡♡ You Loser ♡♡♡♡♡)

'Starting off this week's lineup is the group everyone's talking about, whose latest single just hit number one on the Oricon charts! What kind of performance will they show us tonight? It's the idol dungeon divers, Trinity Spark, performing 'Love-Exp Experience'!'

"Whoa, it’s already midnight."

A late-night music program had started on the TV I’d left running. I let out a massive yawn, tossed my phone onto my bedside table, and flopped onto the bed.

I’d been unable to sleep and ended up staying up late, and now it was past twelve. Drowsiness was finally starting to set in. I caught a glimpse of the beautiful girls singing and dancing glamorously on the screen before clicking the power off.

Just as I was drifting off into a peaceful slumber, a voice cut through the silence.

"---Nya! ---Nyaaaa!"

"...Ugh, so noisy."

I grimaced at the voice coming through the wall and rolled over. Lately, my neighbor had been incredibly loud.

They’d moved in next door last spring. In a modern city like this, people didn't exactly do move-in greetings, so I’d only ever seen the back of their head a few times.

Given the constant meowing and the fact that it was always just one voice, I assumed they were playing some kind of roleplay voice chat game. Or maybe they were obsessed with that new virtual space game, VRCircle, where you hang out as an avatar.

"If this keeps up, I might have to talk to the landlord."

Based on the voice, it was a young woman, possibly younger than me. However, there was a chance she was a dungeon diver. If so, she could probably snap me like a twig. I had zero intention of going over there to complain in person.

"VRCircle, huh?"

I’d been interested in it for a while. In a virtual space where you could never actually touch someone, my constitution wouldn't matter at all. I could spend time there without a care in the world. Apparently, people even became couples in VR these days.

"I’ve got the money from my part-time job. Maybe I’ll give it a shot."

Tomorrow was a school holiday, and I didn't have a shift at work. I figured I’d hit up a PC shop.

"Nyaaaaaa!"

---Crash!

"Whoa! Scared the crap out of me..."

My neighbor seemed to be having a bit of a meltdown. Did she lose a match in a competitive game?

Regardless, it went quiet after that, and I finally fell asleep.

The next morning. As I headed out to hit the electronics store right when it opened, the door to the neighboring room clicked open.

"Oh, hey."

"..."

She was dressed in a black hoodie with cut-outs showing her shoulders—giving off total 'landmine girl' vibes—and a short skirt that left her thighs generously exposed. Her black long boots reached just below her knees. Since her cat-eared hood was pulled low, I couldn't see much of her face. She was petite, maybe around a hundred and fifty centimeters tall.

She was surprisingly quiet compared to her outburst last night. She gave me a tiny nod before walking away.

The type whose personality changes online, maybe? Or maybe she’s the type to snap. Best not to get involved.

The girl in the cat-eared hoodie was walking in the same direction I wanted to go. Not wanting to catch up and make things awkward, I made sure to walk to the station at a leisurely pace.

"...I—I actually bought it."

My hands trembled as I lifted the paper bag. Inside was a VR headset.

As I listened to the clerk's pitch, my desires had spiraled. I want this feature, I want that feature... Before I knew it, I’d dropped a serious amount of cash.

It was an all-in-one unit with a high-performance mic, headphones, and VR goggles. You could even use it as a regular headset if you took the goggles off.

It wasn't because the clerk had said, '...If you watch VR porn with this, it will change your world. It’s basically no different from real sex. Fufu, do you have the courage to step into this world?' No. Definitely not.

By the way, the price was 99,800 yen. I couldn't believe I’d actually spent that much.

And I definitely wasn't swayed when the clerk asked, 'Have you ever been to a brothel, sir? They’re scary, expensive, and you never know what kind of woman you'll get. But for the price of just three visits, you can have the ultimate sexual experience every single day. Not just with 3D women, but 2D girls as well... Fufu, are you afraid? Of an unknown sexual experience?' No. Absolutely not.

I wanted to get home and try it out as soon as possible, so my pace quickened. VRCircle, obviously. I wasn't rushing because I wanted to watch a lewd video. Definitely not.

As if mocking my excitement, trouble struck. There was a delay on the subway due to some technical issue. As a result, the platform was swarming with people waiting for a train.

"Give me a break... I really don't want to deal with a packed train..."

With my constitution, riding a crowded train was just asking for trouble.

But I wanted to get home and try VRCircle... No, I mean, the unknown sexual experience.

"I’m wearing long sleeves. If I’m careful, it should be fine, right...?"

The train finally arrived, and the crowd on the platform was sucked inside. Usually, I’d wait for the next one, but lured by the promise of an unknown sexual experience, I squeezed into the carriage.

Since it was just before noon on a holiday, there weren't too many people forcing their way on. It was crowded, but not 'sardine-can' levels of packed.

I gripped the strap with my left hand and held my 'unknown sexual experience' tightly with my right. It cost a hundred thousand yen; I couldn't afford to break it here.

With both hands occupied, I couldn't even mess around on my phone. As I aimlessly scanned the carriage, a familiar jet-black figure caught my eye. It was my neighbor, the VRCircle girl. She was clutching a paper bag from the same store as mine. Looks like we had the same destination.

"...Hm?"

The petite girl's shoulders were trembling slightly. Something was wrong. Looking closer, I saw a middle-aged man pressed right up behind her.

Wait... is that a groper?

They say the number of gropers has decreased since strong women started appearing after the dungeons manifested, but they haven't been eradicated. Apparently, they still target women who aren't dungeon divers. That said, this was the first time I’d ever actually witnessed it happening.

I... I should help her, shouldn't I...?

There was a ninety percent chance she was being groped. The man behind her was breathing heavily, and his hand was reaching toward her lower body.

I should swoop in and save her. But what if it wasn't what it looked like? What if I was wrong? Maybe it was consensual? I didn't want to make a fool of myself and look pathetic in front of all these people. And what if the guy got violent?

As my mind whirled with doubts, the girl looked up.

Inside the hood of her black hoodie, I caught a glimpse of her eyes through the gaps in her bangs.

They were moist, pleading for help. A expression of pure terror.

---!

My body moved on instinct. How could I have been worried about something as stupid as being embarrassed? A fragile girl was trembling in fear right in front of me. To hell with my pride.

I shoved through the crowd toward her and grabbed the hand that was reaching for her behind.

"T-This person is a groper!"

I grabbed the old man's hand and raised it high, declaring it for all to hear. Every eye in the carriage snapped toward us. But they weren't looking at him with condemnation—they were looking at me like I was some kind of freak.

"...Ah."

I blew it. I used the wrong phrasing. In Japanese, the way I said it made it sound like I was the one being groped.

A tall, gloomy-looking high school boy being groped by a middle-aged guy. To everyone around us, that’s exactly what it looked like.

"Ah, no. Not me. He was doing it to this girl..."

As I fumbled through a clumsy explanation, the guy violently wrenched his hand out of my grip.

"I—I wasn't doing anything! This is a false accusation!"

"You were doing it to her, weren't you?! Get off at the next station!"

"Shut up!"

The guy tried to run; I tried to stop him. We scrambled for a moment, but he eventually shoved me off. He forced his way through the crowd and fled toward the rear carriages.

"Damn it!"

As I turned to give chase, I felt a tug on the back of my shirt.

"Um... It’s okay... I’m fine now..."

The 'landmine' girl was pulling at my clothes.

"But he was groping you, right? I can't let that slide."

Despite my protest, she shook her head.

"You helped me. That’s enough. It’s dangerous to try and catch him."

"...I guess."

She seemed worried about me. Maybe she just didn't want to make a scene. If the victim herself was saying it was fine, I figured I should respect that.

"Um... thank you for saving me. Really."

"Don't mention it. I should have stepped in sooner."

To put her at ease, I gave her hood-covered head a gentle pat.

Right then, the train carriage lurched.

"Whoops."

As she lost her balance, I reflexively grabbed her arm to steady her.

"You okay?"

"..............................Ah."

The girl suddenly started trembling. Had the delayed shock of the incident finally hit her?

"What’s wrong? Are you scared now?"

"..............................Let go... Let go..."

"Let go?"

"..............................H-Hand...♡"

"Hand?"

"...Ngh! Handdd! ♡♡♡♡"

I looked down at the hand gripping her arm. My hand was clutching her bicep. Specifically, I was grabbing a part of her sleeve that was designed with see-through mesh, exposing her skin. My hand was in direct contact with her bare skin.

"Ah."

"Let gooo... I... Ha—Handdd! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Her body gave a violent jolt, and all the strength left her limbs. She had completely passed out.

"Wait... Uh, what do I do...?"

Suspicious glares came from every direction. I could hear whispers of '...Was he the groper?' I was supposed to be the hero who saved her, but for some reason, I was being treated like the suspect.

"So, you saved her from a groper, and then she suddenly fainted?"

"Yes. I... I don't know why, though."

"Maybe she was just relieved and the blood rushed from her head? Are you an acquaintance of hers?"

After she passed out, I’d taken her to the station's first-aid room. A kind-looking station attendant was looking at me with a gaze that was fifty percent gratitude and fifty percent suspicion.

"Well, I wouldn't say I don't know her, but..."

As I hesitated, the suspicion in the attendant's eyes deepened.

"...You didn't do anything to her, did you?"

"I didn't! I swear! We live in the same apartment building, so we’re just neighbors!"

I scrambled to explain, but the attendant's suspicious gaze didn't waver.

"...Um, I’m not really that close to her. Can I go now?"

"...No. She’ll probably wake up soon, so stay until then."

"Uh, okay."

Basically, he wasn't letting me go until she woke up and cleared my name. An awkward silence filled the room, but fortunately, the girl opened her eyes shortly after.

"Uuuu... nnn..."

"Are you awake? Are you okay? Anything hurt?"

"Wait, Aina? Why am I..."

The girl sat up as she woke. In the process, her hood fell back, revealing her face. She had long black hair with bright pink inner highlights. She had large, almond-shaped eyes and a rather wide mouth.

She didn't have the 'gloomy' vibe I’d imagined; she was actually quite cute.

When her big eyes landed on me, her expression immediately turned to one of terror.

"Hic...!"

"Wait, wait, wait! Hold on! Hey, I saved you from that groper earlier, right?! Right?!"

Fearing her reaction would cause a misunderstanding, the attendant stepped between us to shield her.

"Stay calm! Just try to remember what happened! Okay?"

"...Oh. Right. Yeah. That guy... he helped me."

"See?! Did you hear that, Mr. Attendant?! I saved her!"

"He saved me... and then, um... Ah...♡"

Perhaps remembering the touch, she gently stroked the arm where I’d grabbed her, as if she were touching a wound.

"What happened after that? It’s okay, you can tell me."

The attendant asked softly, as if providing mental health care.

The girl thought for a moment, then looked at me. I was shaking my head frantically, silently pleading with her not to say anything unnecessary. She seemed to get the message and shook her head.

"No, nothing. He just saved me. The groper was a middle-aged guy. He was short, too."

"...I see. Well, that’s good. Can I get your name and age? Yours too, young man."

"Okumura Aina. Fifteen."

"I’m Mura Tatsuya, sixteen."

"Okumura-san and Mura-kun, then. Okumura-san, do you want to file a police report?"

Aina shook her head at the attendant's question.

"No. They won't catch him anyway. It’s a pain."

"...If you say so. I shouldn't have to say this to the victim, but try to stay away from suspicious people."

"Yeah, I’ll be careful."

"And you, Mura-kun. Sorry for doubting you. You said you were neighbors, right? Would you mind walking her home? She’s probably still shaken up after what happened."

"Neighbors...?"

Aina looked at me with a confused expression when the attendant mentioned we were neighbors. She stared at my face for a long time before her eyes widened and she cried out.

"Oh! You're the guy who’s good at sex!"

...What did this girl just say?

"Um, Okumura-san? What are you talking about? This is the first time we’ve ever actually spoken..."

"You’re always bringing cute gals into your room and making them scream like crazy every day."

"Whaaaat?! I mean, yeah, technically true, but your phrasing is terrible!"

"I could hear it every single night. It was super annoying."

"You...! You're the one who meows every night! Even last night, you were 'nya-nya-ing' until past midnight! I’m the one who’s annoyed!"

"...Nya?! Y-Y-You were listening?! Pervert! Forget you heard that!"

"Alright, alright, that’s enough. I can't settle neighbor disputes here. Take it to your landlord if you have to."

Seeing us bickering, the attendant decided there was no real issue and practically shooed us out of the first-aid room.

Petite Aina looked up at me and mumbled.

"...Fine. Walk me home."

"Really? Do you even need me to?"

She seemed to have completely recovered her energy... but then I noticed her shoulders were still trembling slightly. I wouldn't know since I’m a guy, but I guess being groped really is terrifying.

I had no choice but to walk back home with Aina.

"So... you’re a high school freshman, Okumura-san?"

"Yeah."

"Are you at Soukoku High, by any chance?"

"Nope."

"Oh... I see."

Incredibly awkward. I tried my best to start a conversation, but her only answers were 'Yeah' or 'Nope.'

I was a shut-in trying my hardest to talk, so I wished she’d put in a bit more effort too.

Giving up on the conversation, I fell silent, only to realize Aina was stealing glances at the bag I was carrying.

"You curious about this?"

I lifted the paper bag, and Aina looked away instantly, though she still asked.

"What did you buy?"

Maybe she actually liked electronics.

"Um, it’s called... Newton Dive? Something like that. A machine for VRCircle. I’ve always wanted to try it."

I opened the bag to show her the box, and Aina’s eyes went wide.

"No way, a Neuron Dive?! And the Pro version?! That’s the insanely expensive one!"

"It was about a hundred thousand yen."

"Whoa, that’s crazy!"

Aina looked up at me with sparkling eyes. I had a bad feeling about this.

"Hey, let Aina use it too!"

I knew she was going to say that.

Still, I had no clue how to use the thing, so having an experienced user like Aina around was actually a relief.

"I mean, I guess I don't mind."

"Sweet! I’m coming over to your room right now!"

Looks like she was following me in. Well, we were neighbors, so I figured that would happen.

Hoping I hadn't left anything embarrassing out, I opened my door, and Aina pushed past me to get inside.

"Hey, don't just barge in before the owner."

"Nihihi, who cares?"

Aina said with a mischievous grin.

My first impression of her was a quiet girl, but this seemed to be her true self. She was the type to be overly familiar with people she knew.

"So, where’s your PC?"

Aina looked around the room.

"PC? I don't have one."

Aina looked at me like I was an alien.

"Wait... how do you expect to use a Neuron Dive without a PC?"

"Wait... you need a PC to use it?"

"Wait... you didn't know that?"

"Wait..."

It seemed my 'unknown sexual experience' was still a long way off.

"You’ve gotta be kidding me..."

As I slumped over in despair, Aina patted my back. Thinking she was comforting me, I looked up, only to find her laughing with a purely malicious grin.

"Nyahahaha! So lame! Buying a Neuron Dive without even having a PC! What a waste!"

"Shut up... I’m grieving here..."

"You totally got tricked by the clerk saying you could watch kinky stuff, didn't you? Pfft! So embarrassing!"

"Guh... I can't even argue with that..."

After mocking me for a while, Aina wiped the tears from her eyes and spoke.

"Hey, since we’re here, why don't we go to my place and try it out? Ainyan has a PC."

"R-Really?"

"Ainyan wants to try it, too. Actually... if you can't use it, can I have it?"

Aina tilted her head cutely as she asked. For a split second, I actually thought about giving it to her. This girl was a little devil.

"I’m not giving it to you! But... I guess I can let you use it until I buy a PC."

"Nihihi, score! Come on, let’s go to Ainyan’s room!"

Aina grabbed the Neuron Dive and hurried out of my room.

Come to think of it, this was the first time in my life I’d ever been in a girl's room.

And then I remembered Sagara-sensei’s words: 'Boys are the ones who get eaten.'

"Nah... she was terrified of a groper earlier. It’ll be fine."

As I lingered, the door opened and Aina called out.

"Hurry up! I’m gonna start the unboxing ceremony without you!"

"Wait, wait! I’m the one who does the unboxing! It’s my Neuron Dive!"

Sagara-sensei’s warning vanished from my mind as I rushed into Aina’s room.

Entering her room with a bit of nerves, I noticed the layout was a mirror image of mine. It felt familiar yet eerily different.

Unlike my room, Aina’s was vibrant, with posters on the walls and houseplants. On one wall was a desk with two monitors side-by-side, plus another one mounted above them. There was a large ring light and a stand mic. Her chair looked like it was pulled straight out of a sports car.

As I stared in awe, Aina gave me a cold look.

"Don't go ogling a girl's room like that."

"No, I was just impressed. All those monitors... you look like a day trader. Is that what you use for VRCircle?"

"A day trader...? I don't really do VRCircle that much."

"Huh? Then who are you always talking to?"

"It’s not 'who,' it’s more like... a crowd? I’m a DTuber, after all."

"A DTuber? You mean those people who stream dungeon dives?"

"Yep. Nihihi, you haven't realized yet? Look."

Aina tied her hair into twin tails and put on a cat-ear headband. Then she swayed her hips and made little paws with her hands next to her face—the classic cat pose. With the twin tails, her pink highlights stood out, and she looked like a straight-up idol. Her 'landmine' outfit didn't look cringe at all; it just made her look even cuter.

"Surprised? Aina is actually the famous DTuber, Ainyan-nyan!"

"Whoaaa!"

The cat pose, which would have been fatally cringey for a normal person, worked perfectly on Aina. She was so cute I actually clapped in admiration before tilting my head.

"So... who’s Ainyan?"

Aina practically did a comedic faceplant at my question.

"You seriously don't know?! Aina is actually pretty famous! Don't you watch video streaming sites?!"

"I mean, I do..."

"Then you must have seen Aina at least once! What do you even watch?!"

"Debate programs, overseas prank videos, and lately, survival videos."

I opened a popular streaming site on my phone and showed it to Aina. She snatched the phone and started scrolling frantically before trembling with rage.

"It’s all videos that have nothing to do with Aina... Are you actually an old man in disguise? Kids these days should be watching VTubers, DTubers, or at least idols!"

Aina let out a massive sigh and handed my phone back.

"They just don't really click with me. Let’s see... Ainyan, Ainyan..."

I typed 'Ainyan' into the search bar.

"Wait, stop. It’s embarrassing when you search right in front of me..."

The search results were flooded with videos of the girl standing right in front of me. She hadn't been lying about being a streamer. She had over five hundred thousand subscribers, which made her pretty famous.

I clicked on one of the most popular videos.

"Oh! Awesome! You look the part!"

The title was 'Ainyan Loses It and Slams Her Desk After a Losing Streak.' Just as the title suggested, it was a compilation of Aina screaming and slamming her desk after losing in competitive games. A 'clip' video, I think they call them. The Aina in the video was constantly laughing or getting angry.

"You’re really cute, Okumura-san!"

"Cu... F-Fufun. Obviously."

"But your dungeon dive videos don't have many views."

"Urgh!"

Aina clutched her (surprisingly large) chest at my words.

"The dungeon stuff has been plateauing lately... Aina is a solo stealth-type, after all."

"By the way, what’s your deepest floor?"

"Floor eighty."

"Whoa, so your level is pretty high then?"

"Level fifty."

"Fifty?! Is that even safe?! Don't you need a level roughly equal to the floor number?!"

I was shocked by how low her level was.

"Fufun. Aina is a stealth-type, so just for diving, that’s plenty. I mean, it’s bad if a monster spots me... but gathering loot without being seen is a piece of cake!"

After bragging, Aina’s shoulders slumped.

"But when you’re being stealthy, you can't really use a follow-drone for streaming. You have to use a body cam, so it’s not very exciting, and you don't even see me... Maybe I should just become a gaming streamer. Those videos get more views anyway."

It seemed even a famous streamer with half a million subs had their share of worries.

"W-Well, anyway! Let’s try the Neuron Dive!"

The atmosphere had gotten a bit heavy, so I pointed toward the device. That was the main event today.

Into the dazzling world of VR we go!

"Hup! Hyah! Take that!"

It’s been a while since immersive VR games became mainstream, but people have been shouting about their dangers from the start. Things like bad effects on the brain, vision problems, or physical damage to your surroundings.

"Ah! Come on! Another one?! Yah! Hah!"

There are various dangers, but I was currently experiencing one firsthand.

Right in front of me was a beautiful girl wearing a VR headset, fighting imaginary enemies. She crouched to dodge attacks and kicked at thin air to defeat them. She even jumped occasionally.

What I’m trying to say is... I could almost see it. As Aina got lost in the game, I could almost see what was under her skirt. When she leaned forward to crouch, I could almost see down her top. Actually, I could see a bit. Her cute pink underwear. Dangerous. This was dangerous. My crotch was in peril.

I was a bit annoyed when she insisted on going first since we were using her PC, but that irritation vanished instantly.

I sat on Aina’s bed, watching her with the intensity of 'The Thinker' statue.

I am so glad I bought this Neuron Dive. I haven't even played it yet.

"There!"

Aina did a high kick. Her leg was aimed right toward me. Her skirt flew up. Her healthy thighs were alluring, and her pink underwear was vivid and radiant. I felt a nosebleed coming on...

---Thud!

"Gwah!"

I was so busy staring that I didn't even think to dodge, and her foot slammed into the side of my head.

"Eek! Wait, are you okay?!"

Aina panicked and ripped off the Neuron Dive.

"Ah, yeah. I’m fine, I’m fine..."

"Oh no! You're bleeding! Tissue! Use a tissue!"

It seemed I actually did have a nosebleed. I pressed the tissue she gave me to my nose, and it came away stained red.

Aina looked down at me with a worried, guilty expression, but I was the one who should have felt guilty. This nosebleed had absolutely nothing to do with being kicked. But I could hardly say, 'I just got a nosebleed from the excitement of seeing your panties, so don't worry about it.'

"Seriously, I’m fine. See? It’s already stopped. My turn next!"

"U-Um, okay."

When I reached out, Aina obediently handed over the Neuron Dive. She probably felt bad about kicking me.

"I’ll pick a peaceful game. Action is too dangerous."

Refreshed and ready, I headed into the VR world.

The world transformed the moment I put on the headset. Thanks to the noise-canceling headphones, the outside world was completely blocked out. Aina might have been saying something, but I couldn't hear a thing.

Before me stretched a meadow of young, green grass as far as the eye could see. A little brook bubbled nearby. Bathed in warm sunlight, it felt like I was actually outside. After a moment, a kitten wandered over.

"Whoa, so cute..."

I knelt down to pet it, and the kitten let out an adorable meow before rolling onto its back.

"Whoa, it actually feels like I’m touching it."

My brain was being tricked into thinking I was actually stroking something. Hearing a 'nya' from behind, I turned to find several more cats.

"Whoa! This is insane! It’s heaven!"

I lost myself in petting them. They climbed onto my lap and rubbed against my hands. I’d always been a dog person for no real reason, but I was about to convert to being a cat person.

Hearing an adorable meow from behind, I turned to see a long-haired cat looking up at me. I immediately reached out to it. Immersed in the game, my brain tricked me again; I could feel the fur sliding between my fingers.

"..............................Ah...♡ .............................................Ngh...♡"

"Huh? ...Must be my imagination."

I thought I heard a woman's voice mixed in with the meows. I looked around, but there was only the meadow and cats. Cats, cats, and more cats.

If I thought about it too much, it would start getting creepy in a horror-movie way, so I dismissed it as my imagination and went back to playing with the cats.

Having had my fill, I decided to end the session and took off the headset.

"Phew... That was bliss. Absolute bliss."

I returned from the virtual world to reality. If I could spend time in a paradise like that, a hundred thousand yen was a bargain.

"I—I see. I’m glad."

"Yeah! It was seriously fun! Wait, Aina, you okay? You're out of breath."

Aina was sitting on the bed, panting heavily. Her face was strangely red.

"I’m just... tired from that game earlier."

"It was pretty intense, after all. Man, VR is great. I think I really should buy a PC."

When I muttered that, Aina spoke up a bit frantically.

"I—Isn't it too soon?! I mean, a PC that can handle a Neuron Dive is super expensive, and who knows if other games will be fun! You can come to Ainyan’s place whenever you want, so you should really think about it! And if you decide you don't want it, Ainyan can just buy it off you!"

"Hmm. I guess you're right. Wait, you're not planning on just 'borrowing' it forever, are you?"

I said it jokingly, but Aina blanked for a second before rushing to answer.

"Huh...? O-Oh, that might be a good idea too! You look like a total pushover!"

"Wow, harsh. Well, whatever. Anyway, Okumura-san, can I have your contact info? Can I come over again?"

"O-Of course. It’s your Neuron Dive, after all. You should come over a lot. Yeah, that’s what you should do."

Aina nodded repeatedly, as if trying to convince herself.

"Also, stop calling me Okumura-san. Call me Aina. Or Ainyan..."

"Really? Aina it is, then. You can call me whatever you want too."

"Then I’ll call you 'Tatsu-nii.'"

"Huh? Tatsu-nii?"

The unexpected nickname caught me off guard.

"W-Why?"

"I’m a pretty famous streamer, you know. If I accidentally say your real name on a live stream, it’ll be bad. But if I call you Tatsu-nii, I can just pretend you're an older relative."

"Ah, I see."

True. If an idol-like streamer called out some guy's name, some of the more extreme fans might riot. A relative would be safe.

"Well then, Aina, today was fun. I’ll text you."

"Yeah. Come over whenever you start missing Ainyan."

"Idiot. It’s my Neuron Dive I’ll be missing."

Trading lighthearted banter, I headed back to my own room next door.

Even though it was our first real conversation, I felt like I’d gained a younger childhood friend I could be myself around. It made me feel a little happy.

◇　◇　◇　◇

"Aina—I’m coming in."

"Nihihi. Did you start missing Ainyan-nyan?"

"I told you, I just missed the Neuron Dive."

It had been a week since I first met Aina. I’d found myself hanging out in her room quite often since then. My objective, of course, was the Neuron Dive. It definitely wasn't the cat-eared, bratty-but-cute girl.

"Here, feel free to use it."

"I keep telling you, it’s mine. But I appreciate you letting me use your PC. You sure, though? I’m sure you want to play, too."

"It’s fine. Ainyan plays when Tatsu-nii isn't around."

At first, we’d practically fought over the Neuron Dive, but lately, she’d been letting me have it more often. Maybe she was already getting bored of it. I, on the other hand, didn't see myself getting tired of it anytime soon.

"Now then, what should I play today...?"

"Oh, right. 'Nyan-Nyan Paradise' just got an update."

"Huh. Maybe I’ll give that a shot."

'Nyan-Nyan Paradise' was the game I’d played the very first time I used the headset. It sounded like the name of some shady massage parlor, but it was nothing of the sort—just a heavenly game where you frolicked with adorable cats. Aina recommended it to me quite often.

Once I slipped on the VR headset and waited through the loading screen, a beautiful scene resembling a garden courtyard appeared. At first, it had been a simple meadow, but by bonding with the cats and earning 'Nyan-Nyan Points,' I’d been able to trade for items in the 'Nyan-Nyan Shop' to upgrade the environment.

As soon as the game started, a calico cat rubbed against my leg.

"Mike! Who’s a good boy? Yes, you are!"

As I interacted with Mike, I felt myself being pulled deeper into the game. This sense of immersion was addictive. Even though I was just petting cats and earning points to upgrade the scenery, an hour or two would often slip by in the blink of an eye.

After playing for a while, a long-haired cat appeared. It was a Somali, a fairly rare breed that sometimes didn't show up even after an hour of play.

"Oh! Marie! I’ve missed you!"

I knelt and brushed my fingers through her long fur. The sensation was so realistic it was easy to forget it wasn't real. My immersion levels were through the roof.

"You really are the cutest, aren't you? Yes, you are! Uryu-uryu!"

"..............................Ah...♡"

"Everyone else is cute, too, but you’re special. You should come see me more often~"

"...Ah-nn...♡ ..............................Ngh, more...♡"

There was one nagging issue, though. Whenever this particular cat appeared, there was always static in the audio. Maybe the developers had a corrupted sound file.

After getting my fill of 'Nyan-Para,' I pulled off the VR goggles.

"Ahhh, that was great. It almost makes me want to buy a real cat."

"Haa... haa... This... this apartment... doesn't allow pets... whew... so you can't."

For some reason, Aina was sprawled on the bed, her hair a mess and her breath coming in ragged gasps. She was usually like this after I finished a session of 'Nyan-Para.'

"Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask... why are you always so out of breath?"

"Nya?! A-Ah, well, that’s..."

Aina faltered. Aha. I see how it is.

"Are you working out or something?"

"Huh? Oh, yeah! Exactly! I’m a streamer, you know, so I have to watch my figure!"

"People in the spotlight really have it rough, huh?"

At the time, I didn't think much of it and just assumed she was working hard. The truth, however, would come to light a few days later.

One day, while I was messing around with the Neuron Dive in Aina’s room as usual, I noticed a settings menu I’d never seen before. Since I usually just dove straight into the games, I’d never bothered to look, so I decided to check it out. One item in particular caught my eye.

"Huh. 'Screen Transparency Toggle'?"

It was currently OFF, so I switched it to ON. And then...

"Whoa."

The familiar scenery of 'Nyan-Para' became semi-transparent, allowing a faint view of Aina’s room in the real world. The Neuron Dive’s display had entered a pass-through mode. The footage on the PC monitor, however, remained unchanged.

I assumed this was a safety feature for playing in cramped rooms or areas with lots of obstacles. While I was at it, I turned off the noise-canceling feature, too.

I looked around the room, but Aina was nowhere to be seen. Just as I was wondering where she’d gone, she returned from the direction of the bathroom. She was a girl her age, after all; she wasn't going to announce to me that she was 'going to the bathroom.' She probably didn't want me to hear anything, either, so it made sense for her to go while I was lost in the game.

Aina returned to the room, sat on the bed, and began staring intently at the PC monitor where the game footage was being displayed.

She clearly hadn't noticed the transparency setting. This was a perfect opportunity. I’d just pretend to be focused on the game as usual and catch a glimpse of Aina’s 'workout.'

Having come up with this wicked, genius idea, I continued the game. It definitely wasn't because I was hoping to catch a glimpse of her underwear while she was doing sit-ups or anything like that.

"Oh, Mike! Good boy! You always come to see me first, don't you?!"

I ruffled Mike's fur vigorously. The immersion was lower now that I could see through to Aina’s room, but it was still plenty of fun.

I played like that for a while, but Aina showed no signs of starting a workout. She just kept staring at the monitor on the desk with a serious expression.

Maybe she realized I turned on the transparency setting?

Just as I was thinking that, Marie, the rare Somali, appeared.

"Oh! Marie! You always take your sweet time, don't you?!"

As I moved my hand to pet the cat I called Marie, something strange happened.

Just as I reached out for the virtual cat, Aina moved her head closer to my hand. I jerked my hand back instinctively, fearing I was about to hit her.

What on earth was she doing? As my mind went blank for a moment, Aina tilted her head as if confused, checked the game screen, and fine-tuned the position of her head while staring at me. It was as if she was expecting something.

Wait... is that what this is?

Still pretending not to notice, I reached out for Marie in the game. In the space where Marie existed in the world of 'Nyan-Para,' Aina’s head existed in the real world. Aina, wearing her cat ears.

My outstretched hand touched Aina’s head. She closed her eyes and gave a pleasant shiver.

"..............................Nn-ah...♡ .............................................Nn...♡"

---!

The 'noise' I thought was a bug in the game... it was actually Aina’s voice in the real world. And the sensation that felt so realistic... it was actually Aina’s hair and her cat-ear headband. I knew the immersion was high, but I couldn't believe I’d mistaken a real-world sensation for the game...

My heart hammered against my ribs as I touched her, but it was too late to stop now. I continued to stroke the virtual Marie and the real Aina simultaneously, still feigning ignorance.

"G-Good girl! You really are special, aren't you?!"

"...Nn-ah...♡ ......That’s it........................Pet me more...♡♡♡"

---!

Aina’s eyes were moist and pleading, as if she were in the throes of a fever. I almost stopped, but I managed to keep going.

"You're the best! You're so, so cute!"

"Nn...♡♡♡ Aina is the best? Nn-ah...♡♡♡ ............Tell me... I’m cuter... tell me more...♡♡♡"

The strange sounds that usually just sounded like static were crystal clear now that the noise-canceling was off. Aina’s voice was sweet and clingy. That arrogant, bratty Aina was making such a melting expression and saying such sweet things. To put it mildly, she was too cute. The gap in her personality was insane.

But why was she coming to touch my hand? I’d never mentioned the EXP thing...

Then it clicked. I’m an idiot. I’d grabbed her arm on the train when we first met. Ever since then, she must have known I was a 'guy with an insane amount of EXP.' And Aina was a dungeon diver. She was probably taking advantage of the situation to siphon off some EXP. Or maybe she was just after the pleasure...

'Nyaaa~n♡'

"Nyaaa~n♡"

As Marie rubbed her head against me in 'Nyan-Para,' Aina rubbed herself against my leg. Oh man, I think I’m gonna get a nosebleed.

After that, I had to use every ounce of my willpower to endure until Marie finally vanished.

◇　

Seriously, isn't that cheating?

I sat on the bed, watching the cat-eared beauty enjoy herself in VRCircle.

On the monitor, a cat-eared girl's avatar was surrounded by a swarm of other avatars of various shapes and sizes. Apparently, DTuber Aina was holding some kind of VR fan meet-and-greet.

It wasn't that I thought she was cheating by using my Neuron Dive. I thought it was 'cheating' that she was secretly (though I knew) using my EXP to feel good without telling me.

"Ainyan is usually a solo-diver-nyan. Stealth types aren't very useful in a party-nyan. It would be super awkward to be the only one hiding while your teammates are getting beat up-nyan."

And then I thought: If she’s gonna secretly siphon my EXP anyway, why don't I just be upfront about it? Why don't I just start touching her back? I’m not doing anything wrong; she’s the one at fault here. It’s not fair that I’m the only one holding back.

"Lately, Ainyan’s level has been going up, so I’m thinking of heading to the deeper floors-nyan. Maybe the viewer count for my dungeon streams will go up then-nyan. ...My goal? It’s a bit childish, but there’s an artifact I want-nyan. It’s called the <Sky Eye Hawkeye>..."

Besides, it was Aina’s fault for making those lewd faces and sounds. It was her fault for doing whatever she wanted, thinking I wouldn't notice and wouldn't fight back. It was her fault for taking my EXP and giving nothing in return. I wasn't the bad guy here.

Alright. Theory constructed. Prank: Start.

I reached out for the arm of the girl who was sitting on the bed, wearing a VR headset and chatting happily with her fans.

"It’s not like it’s not dangerous, but if you’re careful and do your research on the enemies, you can usually manage... ngyaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

The moment my finger brushed her arm, Aina’s body gave a massive jolt.

"Nnnnnhhh...♡♡♡♡♡ ......Whew... Ah, it’s nothing! Nothing at all-nyan! The... the curtain blew in the wind and hit my neck, so I just got a bit startled-nyan!"

Whoa, she actually played it off. She really was a pro with over half a million subs. She was quick on her feet.

"A-And I also want the <Black Prophetic Pen Cat Tail>-nyan. I already have the cat ears, so the tail is next-nyan!"

Aina tried to pull herself together and continue the VRCircle stream. However, I could tell her body was tense. She was clearly on guard for my next move.

Watching her from the side, I intentionally did nothing. The 'tease' tactic.

"If I have the <Black Prophetic Pen Cat Tail>, scouting will be a lot easier-nyan. Then I think I can explore the hundred-and-thirtieth floor, where the <Sky Eye Hawkeye> has been spotted before-nyan."

I left her there, bracing herself for an attack that didn't come, while I messed around on my phone. After watching one of her clips, I reached out for her again.

"Ainyan is totally done with fighting game streams-nyan... People were trolling me so hard I threw my controller-nyan... I even had to go buy a new one the other day-nyan!"

It seemed the dungeon talk was over, and she was onto streaming topics. She seemed to have relaxed, thinking the 'attack' wasn't coming.

I didn't miss that opening and tapped her hand.

"Lately, I’ve been using a Neuron Dive to play 'Nyan-Nyan Paradi-chuuu'...♡ ...nyan. It’s fun because there are so many cats-nyan."

"Oh, she held it together."

She’d only stumbled over her words for a second before recovering.

"In that case, I guess I’ll have to be a bit meaner."

Seeing her endure it made the sadist inside me rear its head. I touched her with my fingertip. This time, I didn't let go.

"Oh...♡ Ainyan’s room isn't that big-nyan...♡ so I don't really want to play intense action games-nyan. ...Hoh...♡ Ahem! If anyone has any VR game recommendations... please let me know-nyan...♡♡♡"

"Man, this is fun."

Aina was desperately trying to stay calm and continue her voice chat while enduring the pleasure coursing through her body. The way her words faltered occasionally made it even better.

"Heh...♡ I didn't know there was a game like that-nyan...♡ Ainyan hasn't really done any fishing-nyan, but...♡ I’d like to try that game-nyan...♡ I’ll try to find it and install it later... nya-hah...♡"

She was trying to vent the pleasure, but her voice couldn't help but become sultry.

"Huh? N-Nothing is wrong-nyan...♡ I... I might just be coming down with a bit of a cold-nyan...♡ Ahem! Ahem! Well then, I think I’ll sign off for today-nyan. See you next time-nyan! ♡"

Oops. Looks like she was ending the VRCircle session.

Trembling, Aina navigated the menu and successfully logged out.

"Nnnnnnnnnnnnyaaaaaaaaaahhh! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

The game was over, but she stayed there trembling for a few minutes before finally taking off the headset.

"Good job. Was it fun?"

Knowing I was probably going to get scolded, I spoke to her with a casual face. Aina’s face was flushed red, but she looked at me with provocative eyes and spoke.

"Ahhh, that was so much fun! Sorry, Tatsu-nii, I was so focused I completely forgot you were in the room! I think I might be getting addicted to VRCircle! I’m gonna go to the bathroom for a bit~"

To my surprise, she didn't say anything. She definitely knew, but she acted like she hadn't noticed a thing.

Moreover, her attitude was provocative, as if she were waiting for me to pull another prank.

"...Heh. Don't think everything’s gonna go your way, Aina."

I’m gonna make you regret provoking me.

◇

Since being provoked by Aina, I’d intentionally avoided any physical contact with her. Not just when she was in VRCircle, but even when I was playing 'Nyan-Para.' I’d kept the transparency setting ON and made sure never to touch her, even when she came close. It was heart-wrenching to see her looking up at me with such longing, but she was the one who’d started this. I had to stay strong.

Then, one day...

"Phew... I’m so sleepy today. Maybe I’m just tired? Sorry, Tatsu-nii, I know you just got here, but Ainyan’s gonna take a nap. Ainyan is a really deep sleeper, so I probably won't wake up no matter what you do, but you definitely shouldn't do anything, okay?"

She laid down on the bed, throwing out the most blatant bait possible.

"I mean... I don't think Tatsu-nii would ever have the guts to touch a girl, though. He’s such a wimp. Oh, right. You can play those kinky VR games if you want, you know? Just don't leave any weird smells in Ainyan’s room, okay? Te-he."

It was blatant. Too blatant. But there was no way such a provocation would work on me.

"I’m not gonna do that. If you're tired, I’ll just head home. Sorry for not noticing."

I had to pull back. If I pushed back against her invitation, I’d be playing right into her hands. So, I had to retreat.

"Ah, wait, no. It’s fine, you can stay. Ainyan is a really deep sleeper! I won't wake up no matter what!"

"I see. Thanks for being so considerate. If you're still asleep when I leave, I’ll just lock the door and drop the key through the mail slot."

"Wait, uh, yeah. Thanks. It’s... it’s a bit stuffy in here, so I think I’ll loosen my clothes a bit."

With an exaggerated stretch, Aina undid the top three buttons of her shirt. I pretended not to care and just messed around on my phone. Every nerve in my peripheral vision was on high alert, but I kept my eyes away.

"Whew... Mumble mumble. Goodnight, Tatsu-nii...♡"

With a sweet voice, Aina fell asleep. Well, she was probably just faking it.

I waited a few minutes before looking at her on the bed. She was lying on her side facing me, her collar loosened and her white legs peeking out from under her skirt.

Every now and then, she’d let out a suggestive moan.

"..................Nn...♡ .........Ah......... Nn-u...♡"

God, she was so obvious. It was so staged.

It was ridiculous. Truly ridiculous. The only kind of person who’d fall for such a blatant temptation would be some pathetic, shut-in virgin who’d never had a girlfriend in his life.

...Wait, that’s me! A critical hit on Mura Tatsuya!

This was bad. Very bad. The destructive power was insane. I was already starting to feel... Mura-Mura. Just like my name.

Wait... she said she was a deep sleeper and wouldn't wake up no matter what, right? No matter what?!

I desperately suppressed the urge to do a 'Diving Aina-chan' and forced myself to think rationally.

If I made a move now, I’d lose. Aina was probably awake and would open her eyes the moment I touched her.

'Oh my? Tatsu-nii, you actually touch girls while they’re sleeping? You're the worst. Total trash. I knew you were secretly taking photos and touching me while I was playing games. Puff-puff-pfft. A shut-in virgin is so creepy. Such a loser... such a wimp...♡'

She’d definitely mock me like that. It would be a humiliation. An unbearable humiliation.

If you clear your mind, even porn becomes art. Yes, this isn't eroticism; it’s an artistic experience. No problem. Stay calm, my Excalibur. I must clear my mind with a Zen-like focus.

But as if mocking my resolve, Aina rolled over.

"Nnnn-u...♡"

Oh god, that’s so lewd!

I could see the lace of what looked like her bra through her open collar! Her swelling chest! Her delicate collarbone! Her skirt had ridden up to the limit, exposing her smooth, white thighs!

Overcome by an unbearable impulse, I reached out for Aina.

I almost touched her cheek, but I managed to stop myself. Shaking off the temptation of the little devil cat trying to lure me into her erotic trap, I grabbed the blanket behind her and, gritting my teeth, pulled it over her. The Erotic Demon: Sealed. Out of sight, out of mind.

Now, it was time for my counterattack.

I ignored Aina and messed around on my phone for a while before letting out a yawn.

"Phew... I’m getting sleepy, too... I think I’ll take a quick nap."

The 'Fake Sleep Counter.' It was a battle of endurance to see who would break first and make a move. I sat on the floor, leaning my head against the bed where Aina was sleeping.

After about ten minutes of faking sleep, I heard the rustle of clothes behind me. Aina must have sat up. Hehe, couldn't take it anymore, could you, you little glutton?

I closed my eyes and smirked inwardly, only for Aina to do something completely unexpected.

"...Hey, Tatsu-nii. Are you... really asleep?"

Aina didn't touch my skin, but she poked me on the shoulder.

"You're actually awake, aren't you? Hey, Tatsu-nii?"

"..."

Poke, poke. She poked my back with a hint of sadness. I continued to fake sleep.

"Tatsu-nii..."

After being ignored for a while, Aina went quiet. And then...

"Sniff... Sob..."

Wait, she’s crying?!

I panicked inwardly at this unexpected turn of events, but I couldn't exactly open my eyes now. I had to endure.

"Does... does Ainyan really have no charm...? Is it because I’m childish...? Does Tatsu-nii... prefer those girls like the gal he brought home before...? Sniff..."

The tiny hand resting on my shoulder was trembling. I wanted to turn around and hug her right then and there.

"I—I’m sorry, Tatsu-nii... Ainyan is so childish... It would have been better if someone more mature and beautiful was your neighbor... I’m sorry... I’m sorry for being Ainyan..."

Aina apologized through her tears for a while, and then, perhaps exhausted from crying, her breathing became steady. She’d fallen asleep.

What the hell am I doing, playing games with a younger girl like this?

Getting into a petty pride-war and making a girl cry. This is why shut-in guys are the worst.

I scratched my head and stood up, then sat cross-legged next to Aina, who was sleeping facing the wall. Her slender shoulders rose and fell rhythmically.

"Aina. You're a charming girl. Obviously. I was just being a wimp and a coward."

I gently touched her arm with my left hand.

"..............................Nn-u...♡"

"There isn't a guy alive who wouldn't want to touch a girl as cute as you. Except for a wimpy shut-in like me. So, you don't need to be hurt, and you definitely don't need to cry."

"..................Nn...♡ .........Ah...♡"

I gently stroked her head with my right hand. She shifted slightly in a cute, ticklish way.

"You probably figured out my constitution a long time ago, but you still treat me like normal. Thank you. You're a really good woman, Aina."

"Ah-nn...♡ .........Ah...♡ .............................................Nnnnnnhhh! ♡♡♡♡"

Aina’s body gave a jolt, but I didn't let go of her arm.

"Tatsu... Tatsu-nii...♡♡♡ ..............................Tatsu-niiiii! ♡♡♡♡"

Surrendering to the pleasure, Aina rolled over and looked at me.

Her face was wet with tears, her cheeks were flushed, and her expression was one of...

Wait, it wasn't a pleading look.

She was smirking. A wicked, mischievous smirk.

The moment I saw her face, I understood everything. It had all been an act!

"Aina, you little...!"

"Nihihihi...♡ .........Tatsu-nii...♡♡ ..............................you really...♡♡ touch girls while they're sleeping...♡♡♡ ............Nn-aaaaahhh! ♡♡♡♡"

Even as she was being overcome by pleasure from my grip, Aina didn't lose her wicked smirk.

"You're the worst...♡ Tatsu-nii is the absolute worst...♡ I bet...♡ even before this...♡ you were secretly...♡ touching Ainyan, weren't you? ♡♡"

"I was not!"

"I don't believe you...♡♡ Because... even now, you're still holding my arm...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Ah... ah... ah...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"That’s because you were saying weird things! You were crying and acting all lonely!"

"Ainyan didn't say anything-nyan...♡♡♡♡♡♡ Because...♡♡♡♡♡♡ I was asleep the whole time-nyan...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Nn-ah! ♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"Damn it! Aina! You...!"

I couldn't argue back. In a fit of frustration, I grabbed her other wrist with my right hand. Even as her body jolted violently from being held with both hands, Aina kept her provocative, wicked smile.

"Nn-aaaaaaaahhhh! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Y-You’re so mean...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Tatsu-nii...♡♡♡ you’re the type to get angry and...♡♡♡♡♡♡ force yourself on me...♡♡♡ You're the worst...♡♡♡♡♡♡ Total trash... trash...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Note: Tatsuya is only holding Aina’s wrists.

Even though I was the one attacking, I felt utterly defeated.

Seeing my face twisted in frustration, Aina’s smile only deepened.

"I... I can still handle this...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Is... is holding my hands all you can do? ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Tatsu-nii... you’re such a wimp...♡♡ such a coward...♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"Aina! Fine, take this!"

Driven to the brink, I shoved my fingers into Aina’s cute mouth. The inside of her lips was a mucous membrane. The amount of EXP transferred would be massive.

"Nn... nn... nn... nnnnnnnnnnnnhhh! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ You're the worst...♡♡♡♡ Tatsu-nii is such a creep...♡♡♡♡♡♡ such a pathetic shut-in...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"DAMN IT ALLLLLLLL!"

In the end, Aina refused to submit and continued to talk back until she finally lost consciousness from the pleasure and went quiet.

◇　

"Tatsu-nii. Give me some EXP! ...Ah-nn...♡"

"Seriously, you..."

Ever since my humiliating defeat, Aina had started touching me without hesitation. Not just when I was in VR, but even when she was in VRCircle, she’d come and touch me herself.

Lately, she’d been spending more time messing with me than actually using the Neuron Dive.

"Don't you have any sense of restraint?"

"Huh? ♡ But Tatsu-nii’s EXP amount is insane, right? ♡ Nn-hah...♡♡♡ Why be so stingy about it? ♡♡♡♡♡"

Holding my arm tightly, Aina looked up at me with a smirk. It was frustrating, but she really was cute.

"Besides...♡ that gal doesn't even come around anymore...♡ She dumped you, didn't she? ♡ Poor Tatsu-nii...♡♡♡ Ainyan will comfort you-nyan...♡♡♡♡♡"

"She didn't dump me."

Aina’s expression faltered, and she let go of my arm.

"Wait... uh, are you... still seeing her...?"

"No. We were never 'seeing' each other to begin with."

"...Huh? Oh, right! Obviously! No matter how much EXP you have, there’s no way a wimp like Tatsu-nii could date a cute gal like that! Poor you! Ainyan will comfort you! ♡"

"Why do you look so happy about it...?"

Aina gave me a wide smile and threw her arms around me. She was treating me like a total toy.

"Ah...♡♡♡ This is insane...♡♡♡ even though it’s just Tatsu-nii...♡♡♡♡♡♡ Even though it’s just Tatsu-nii...♡♡♡♡ Nnnnnnnnnnnnhhh! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

After getting her fill of EXP and satisfying herself, Aina finally pulled away.

"Whew...♡ Haa... haa... Tatsu-nii’s EXP is seriously crazy...♡ Level-up complete-nyan! Nihihihi."

Panting heavily, she struck a cute-but-blatant pose before flopping onto the bed.

"Hey, Aina. Why do you want to level up so badly?"

"Hmm? Leveling up is a given for a dungeon diver, isn't it?"

"No, I mean... you mentioned before that your goal was to get an artifact called the <Sky Eye Hawkeye>. I was just wondering what you need it for."

"Wait, did Aina tell you about that?"

"I heard you talking about it on VRCircle."

"Oh... right. Was that when Tatsu-nii was being a groper while I was in VR?"

"Stop calling me a groper."

Come to think of it, touching a girl's skin while she’s in VR is actually pretty sketchy...

"It’s not really a big deal. Aina has a twin sister named Sana, you see. She’s been blind since she was born."

"..."

The sudden shift to such a heavy topic left me speechless.

"Ever since we were little, Aina was the only one who could see, and Sa-nya couldn't. My dad, my mom, even Sa-nya... they all tell me it's not my fault. But I just can't see it that way. I’ve always thought that I should have given at least one of my eyes to Sa-nya. Why didn't I give her an eye while we were still in our mom's stomach? Aina is such a bad girl."

"That—that’s not true! Just thinking like that shows you're a kind, good person!"

I found myself shouting. Aina looked at me in surprise, then gave a self-deprecating smile. It wasn't her usual wicked smirk, but a lonely, fragile smile.

"Nihihi. Tatsu-nii is so kind. It’s okay, I know. Ainyan isn't a little kid anymore."

Aina took off her cat-ear headband and toyed with it as she continued.

"When I was in middle school, I found out about artifacts that can be found in the dungeons. By the way, these cat ears are a pretty rare artifact, too. They enhance my hearing."

So, they weren't just for show.

"And the <Sky Eye Hawkeye>... when you put it on, you can perceive and 'see' things for about a kilometer around you. You're not actually seeing with your eyes, but you can still 'see'."

"So you’re diving into the dungeons, risking your life, all for your sister..."

"It’s not for Sa-nya. It’s for Aina. I just want to see Sa-nya’s happy face. I just want to atone for stealing her eyes. That’s all. My dad, my mom, and even Sa-nya... they all begged me not to become a dungeon diver because it’s dangerous. That’s why I lied and told them I wanted to go to a high school in Tokyo. I’m burdening my parents and making Sa-nya lonely just so I can live alone and secretly be a dungeon diver. So, Ainyan is a very, very bad girl-nyan♪"

She put the cat ears back on, forced her usual smile, and struck a playful cat pose.

Aina, whom I thought was just a bratty girl, was actually much smarter and more hardworking than me. I looked at her with a serious expression and spoke.

"I’ll help you. If my EXP is what you need, I’ll give you as much as you want. So, let’s definitely get that <Sky Eye Hawkeye>."

Aina looked like she was about to cry for a second.

"Tatsu-nii... you’re a wimp, but you’re so kind..."

After looking down for a moment, she looked up with her usual wicked smile.

"Are you sure you don't just want an excuse to touch a cute girl like Ainyan-nyan?"

Aina was trying to end the heavy atmosphere. I decided to play along. The wicked smirk suited her much better than that fragile smile.

"Sounds like this bratty cat needs a punishment!"

I grabbed Aina’s cheeks with both hands. They were soft and felt great to touch.

"Ah-nn...♡♡♡ ...Nihihi...♡♡♡ Not touching me anywhere weird even now...♡♡♡ that’s exactly why Tatsu-nii is such a wimp...♡♡♡♡♡♡ Loser... small-fry...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Nn-aaaaahhh! ♡♡♡♡♡♡ Tatsu-nii is such a wimpy loser...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"Who are you calling a small-fry?!"

"Nihihihi...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ H-Hey...♡♡♡♡ Tatsu-nii? ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"What now?!"

"Uhihihi...♡♡♡♡♡♡ Ah... ah-nn...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ T-Thank you...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Tatsu-nii...♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

I pretended I hadn't heard her whispered thanks.

Because I wasn't doing this for her. I was just doing it because I wanted to touch her. There was absolutely no need for her to thank me.

◇

“Tatsu-nii… help me…”

It had been a few days since I’d learned about Aina’s circumstances and we’d begun the daily transfers of experience points in earnest. I’d dropped by her room as usual, only to find her in tears, pleading for help.

I had no idea what had happened, but this wasn't an act. Seeing the genuinely tragic look on her face, I knew this was no ordinary trouble.

“I’ll do whatever I can. Just tell me, what’s wrong?”

“The thing is… Ainyan, she…”

Aina’s face contorted as she thrust her smartphone screen toward me.

“I’m totally getting canceled… The whole internet is on fire!”

“…Huh?”

Her problem was completely outside the realm of what I’d imagined.

“Uh… you don't mean your house is actually burning down, right?”

“…No.”

“You mean like when a celebrity gets caught cheating and the whole world dogpiles on them? That kind of ‘on fire’?”

“…Yeah.”

“Like when a part-timer at a restaurant does something stupid and gets blasted on social media?”

“Ugh! I already told you that’s what it is! Just look at the screen!”

“O-Okay, okay.”

Aina shoved the phone right into my face. I squinted at the screen, which displayed the reply section of a major social media platform.

It was a deluge of comments on one of Aina’s casual posts. The content was… toxic, to say the least.

‘Slut.’

‘Whore.’

‘Stop posting videos, you filthy germ-bag.’

‘Acting like an idol when she’s actually mid.’

‘Cheap harlot.’

‘Go die.’

It was a flood of low-level vitriol, the kind of insults a middle schooler might hurl. Even as I watched, the notifications didn’t stop. The pile-on was still growing.

When I’d first heard she was “on fire,” I thought it couldn't be that bad, but this was brutal. For a girl as young as Aina, this had to be devastating.

“How did this even happen…?”

“The other day, I posted a video of a dungeon run… I used a bunch of skills I’d never shown before, and my stats had shot up. Then someone commented, ‘It’s impossible to get this strong this fast just by diving. Ainyan is definitely a total bitch who’s sleeping with a bunch of guys for levels.’ From there, the fire just… spread.”

So, the root cause was the massive amount of experience she’d gained from me.

“I wouldn't care as much if they were just talking trash about me…”

Aina’s voice trembled as she scrolled through the screen, tears spilling over.

“But I can't stand it… I won't forgive them for saying these things about Sana!”

The replies she showed me now were even worse. ‘I bet the little sister is selling her body alongside the big one.’ ‘The trash sister lets the bitch sister sell herself so she can wait for artifacts.’ The heartless comments were everywhere.

How could people say such things? I clenched my fist so hard it shook.

“This is horrible. It’s too much…”

“Ainyan and Sana didn't do anything wrong! Why do they have to say this?! We’re just working as hard as we can! Sana is just… she’s just trying to live her life! Ah! Another one about Sana! Stop it! What do you even know about her?! What did we do to you?! What right do you have to say that?!”

Aina screamed at the screen through her tears. I grabbed the phone from her hand, tossed it onto the bed, and pulled her into a tight embrace.

“Don't look! Don't listen to the words of cowards hiding in the safety of the crowd!”

“But… but… everyone… everyone is…”

“Who’s ‘everyone’?! Do you know a single one of their faces? Do you even know their names?!”

“No, but…”

“Don't let the words of faceless, nameless nobodies get to you! Look at me, Aina! Look at me!”

I gripped her shoulders, staring straight into her eyes.

“…Ah.”

“Who am I?”

“T-Tatsu-nii…”

“And what am I to you?”

“…A precious… f-friend.”

“Tens of thousands of nobodies on the internet, or me. Who do you trust more?”

“…Tatsu-nii.”

“Then listen to what Tatsu-nii has to say. You’re working hard. Sana-san is a good girl. Neither of you has done anything wrong. Do you understand?”

“…Yes.”

“Don't give the trash on social media the time of day. Okay?”

“…Okay.”

“Good. Now, sit down on the bed and try to calm down.”

Aina, finally starting to settle, sat on the bed. I turned off her phone, making sure she couldn't see any more notifications, and slipped it into my pocket.

She stared blankly into space, lost in thought.

I went to the kitchen to make something soothing and returned with two mugs of hot cocoa. When I handed one to her, she seemed to have regained some of her composure.

“Here, hot cocoa. Be careful, it’s hot.”

“…Thanks.”

Aina took a small sip, then let out a long, heavy breath.

“It’s good…”

“I’m glad.”

She slowly finished the cocoa before finally speaking again.

“Thanks, Tatsu-nii. I… I was really losing it.”

“It’s only natural. Anyone would feel that way. But what are we going to do now? If you’re just going to be a dungeon diver, you don't necessarily need to keep streaming.”

Aina shook her head at my suggestion.

“Ainyan is a solo gatherer. My efficiency is low, so I can't make a living on dungeon loot alone. If I’m going to be a diver, the streaming is… essential.”

“Right. But if the flaming continues like this, you won't be able to keep it up anyway.”

Again, she shook her head.

“No. Being ‘on fire’ means I’m getting attention. My ad revenue will probably go up. It’s just…”

“Just that you’ll be subjected to constant slander? You can't endure that.”

“I’ll be fine. I’ll make myself endure it.”

“Well, I can't endure it. You’re like a little sister to me now.”

Aina’s expression flickered at the word ‘sister’—a complex mix of happiness and disappointment.

“But there’s nothing we can do.”

“I’m sure there’s something. I haven't thought of it yet, but give me some time. I’ll figure it out.”

“Okay. Thanks, Tatsu-nii. I’ll try to think of something, too.”

She started to get up to turn on her computer, but I caught her shoulder and sat her back down.

“Tatsu-nii?”

“You shouldn't think about this at all right now. Forget social media, forget the dungeons. You need to relax for a bit. Oh, I heard Nyan-Para 2 just came out.”

I pointed to the Neuron Dive rig sitting next to her desk.

“…You’re really too kind, Tatsu-nii.”

Aina turned a genuine smile toward me, her eyes still shimmering with unshed tears. It was a look of pure honesty I’d never seen from her before. My heart skipped a beat, and I hurriedly looked away.

“…I mean, I still haven't actually thought of anything, though!”

“Nyahaha! I’ll be waiting—but I won't get my hopes up.”

I never wanted to see that smile clouded again. I resolved to find a way, no matter what.

◇　

It was all well and good to talk big to Aina, but a brilliant idea didn't just fall into my lap. Searching for ‘How to put out an internet fire’ only yielded results like ‘Stay off social media’ or ‘Don't apologize’—basically telling you to wait for time to heal the wounds.

“Mura-kun. Mura-kun, are you listening?”

I wanted to prove Aina’s innocence as quickly as possible, but the methods were nonexistent. I’d even ended up on a site about physical firefighting, gaining a bunch of useless knowledge about house fires. Apparently, if grease catches fire while you’re frying something, you shouldn't throw a wet towel on it. Wait, that’s actually useful. It might help someday.

“Mura-kuuuun. Mura Tatsuya-kuuuun?”

Another site suggested throwing mayonnaise into burning oil, but that was actually dangerous. The high temperature would cause the oil to splatter, increasing the risk of fire and burns. No, wait, I need to focus on Aina’s fire, not actual fires…

“Mura Tatsuya-kun! Stand up!”

“Ah, wait, yes?!”

A sharp voice calling my name jolted me back to reality. I stood up abruptly. At the lectern, Honoka-san was looking at me with an exasperated expression.

“Mura-kun. Health and Physical Education may be a minor subject, but this is very important for people your age. Please pay attention. Can you read the next part?”

“Ah, uh…”

I frantically opened my textbook, which I hadn't even had out.

“Mura. Page forty-eight. Second paragraph.”

Sakakibara whispered a lifeline from behind me. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

“Thanks. Uh… ‘Upon entering puberty, physical growth is accompanied by increased hormonal secretion, leading to stronger sexual desire (libido). In males specifically, the hormone testosterone plays a major role. During this period, sexual desire can rise independently of one's will, and phenomena such as erections or ejaculations may occur naturally. This is a healthy function of the body and is not an abnormality.’”

“Yes, that’s enough.”

Thanks to Sakakibara, I managed to get through it and sat back down. When I turned to thank him again, he was doubled over, desperately trying to stifle his laughter. My other classmates were giggling, too.

“Everyone, stop laughing. This is an important topic. However, Mura-kun… we are currently in a lesson about the health effects and dependency of smoking. Come to the infirmary after this.”

“……Yes, ma’am.”

I gave the still-snickering Sakakibara a sharp thwack on the head. A friend in need is a friend indeed, but a friend who’s a jerk is just a jerk. I’m demoting him.

I managed to pay attention for the rest of the class, and once the bell rang for the end of fourth period, I followed Honoka-san to the infirmary. We’d been coworkers just a little while ago, and now we were teacher and student. It was a strange feeling.

“So, what’s going on?”

As soon as I sat down in the infirmary chair, Honoka-san asked with a worried look.

“Uh, wasn't this about me not paying attention in class?”

When I asked, Honoka-san let out a small sigh and offered a soft smile.

“I know you’re a good boy, Tatsuya-kun. You must have had something on your mind to be that distracted. If you’re okay with it, I’d like to hear about it. I might be able to help.”

She wasn't speaking as a teacher to a student, but as Honoka-san to me. Her kindness was a relief.

“Thank you. It’s not actually about me, but…”

I gave her a summarized version of the situation. A friend who’s a DTuber. How she’s working hard for her blind sister. Her recent rapid level-up. And the resulting internet firestorm.

“…I see. That is a difficult problem. For now, it would be best for her to stay off social media and stop posting videos.”

“Yes, I’ve already told her that.”

“I’ll ask just in case… was the sudden level-up thanks to, um, Murata-san?”

“Murata-san…? Oh, right. Yes, it was.”

Close one. I’d almost forgotten I was using an alias.

Upon hearing my answer, a complex expression crossed Honoka-san’s face—a mix of regret and happiness—as she murmured to herself.

“Truly, such a kind boy.”

“He might just be a pervert who wants to touch girls, you know?”

Since ‘Murata’s’ reputation seemed to be rising, I decided to pull it back down a bit.

“Oh, stop teasing. Hmm… Ultimately, you just need to prove that levels can be raised without doing anything… ‘lewd,’ right?”

“Exactly. If only we could do that.”

“There’s some risk involved, so I can't recommend it lightly… but Tatsuya-kun, have you heard of the ‘Contact-Type Precision Subterranean Explorer Capability Level Measurement Device’?”

The what?

“Contact-Type Precision… uh, what was that?”

“The Contact-Type Precision Subterranean Explorer Capability Level Measurement Device. To put it simply: a level meter.”

She could have just said that from the start.

“What would we do with a level meter?”

“The device can measure levels in real-time, down to two decimal places. By measuring her level while she holds hands with Murata-san, you can prove that massive amounts of experience points can be transferred without any sexual contact. If she’s a DTuber, doing that on a livestream would leave no room for doubt.”

“I see…”

Honoka-san’s proposal sounded like it could actually clear Aina’s name.

“However, there are two main drawbacks. First, it will be a significant burden on the girl. I’ve… touched Murata-san before, so I know. It’s, um… very difficult to resist the… p-pleasure.”

Honoka-san spoke with a faint blush, looking a bit embarrassed. She was adorable.

“Second, Murata-san’s existence might be revealed. Murata-san is a very kind person, so I’m sure he’d say he’ll do it for his friend, but if his identity is leaked, he won't be able to live a normal life anymore. If he had a family, he might be separated from them, and if he’s a student, he probably couldn't stay at his school.”

Honoka-san stared at me with serious eyes.

“So, please think about it carefully. Not just for Murata-san himself, but for the people who care about him. Think about whether it’s really worth taking such a risk for this DTuber friend.”

“He’ll do it. Murata, I mean.”

I answered instantly.

“I know him pretty well. He’s a greedy guy. There’s no way he’d ever abandon someone he’s become friends with.”

When I said that, Honoka-san let out a resigned sigh.

“…I see. Well, yes. I thought you might say that.”

She paused for a moment before continuing.

“Then, please tell Murata-san this: if they’re going to do a livestream, don't do it in her room or anywhere nearby. Rent a room in a major hotel, the kind you can find anywhere. He needs to be absolutely thorough in protecting his identity. Understand?”

“Yes, I’ll let him know.”

Thanks to Honoka-san, I finally had a plan to put out Aina’s fire. All that was left was to work out the details and execute.

◇　

I walked along, rolling a suitcase behind me. Beside me was Aina, also pulling a suitcase. She was wearing the cat-eared hoodie she’d had on when we first met, with the hood up to hide her distinctive pink inner-layer hair. No one would ever guess this was Ainyan.

“You look quite different like that.”

“Mm. It’s a pain if people see me with a guy.”

“The life of a famous streamer is hard, huh?”

Our destination was one of Japan’s premier large-scale hotels in Yokohama: the Apple Hotel & Resort.

Of course, a pair of minors checking in together might draw unwanted questions, so we’d booked separate rooms. Normally, minors need a parental consent form to stay at a hotel, but my parents were pretty laid-back about that sort of thing; they’d given me permission easily when I told them I was going on a trip with a friend. As for Aina, she had a Diver’s license, which meant she didn't need parental consent. It made sense; it would be a huge hassle if you needed a signature every time you went to a dungeon in another city.

The room I’d booked was a twin room on a lower floor—the cheapest option at 8,000 yen. Aina, on the other hand, was in an executive suite on the top floor. Price tag: 90,000 yen. I didn't even understand how that worked. Did it have ten beds or something? She’d said she couldn't get by without streaming because her expenses were so high, but clearly, being a dungeon diver paid well. She’d also mentioned that ‘the hotel stay counts as a business expense.’ I had no idea what that meant either. It was starting to feel a bit embarrassing that I’d been acting like her senior.

“Hmm-hmm-hmm~♪”

“You’re in a good mood. Having fun?”

“Nee-hee! So much fun! I’ve never done anything like this before!”

Aina was a high school freshman, and I was a sophomore. Aside from school trips, her only travel experience was with her family. It was only natural for her to be excited.

Actually, my original plan had been to leave in the evening, stay one night, and head back the next morning—a quick ‘bullet trip.’ But Aina had vehemently opposed it. If we were going, she wanted to enjoy ourselves. So, we’d suddenly added a trip to a nearby amusement park to the itinerary.

It was currently 7:00 AM. The amusement park didn't open until 11:00. Even with over an hour of travel time, we were way too early.

“Yawn… Still, isn't this a bit too early? Is there something you wanted to do?”

“I heard there’s a cafe nearby with amazing breakfast! I want to go there!”

“You’re really going all-out on the vacation vibe. You’d never know you were a famous streamer currently being canceled.”

“Well, today is my first time going out with Tatsu-n… with Big Bro.”

Since leaving the house this morning, I’d had Aina call me ‘Big Bro.’ It wasn't a fetish thing, obviously. It was to prevent me from being identified.

“Man, I hope I have enough money… a regular high school guy’s wallet is a sad place. I just bought a Neuron Dive rig recently, too.”

I patted the shoulder bag containing my wallet, and Aina tilted her head.

“Eh? I’m paying for everything, you know?”

“No way, I can't let you do that. I’m older, after all.”

“Big Bro is helping me out. It’s only natural that I pay. Besides, I’m getting experience points from you. Nothing I pay could ever be enough for that. I haven't even been able to thank you properly yet.”

“Even so… well, I guess we can figure that out later.”

We chatted as we traveled, had a fancy breakfast at the cafe near the amusement park, and finally headed to the park itself. Even under the deep hood, I could tell Aina’s eyes were sparkling with excitement.

She was finally able to forget the flaming and just have fun. It would have been bad form to spoil the mood.

“Alright, let’s give it our all! Come on, Aina, we’re hitting every single ride!”

“Yeah!”

With an impossible goal set, Aina and I stepped into the amusement park.

◇　◇　◇　◇

“Man, that was fun…”

After spending the whole day at the park with Aina, we finally checked in. It was 7:00 PM. Since our rooms were separate, the plan was to check in, then meet up in Aina’s room later. I had a spare key card, so I could head in whenever I was ready.

I flopped onto my bed, nearly overwhelmed by the urge to just fall asleep right then and there.

“No, no, I can't. What did I come all this way for?”

I had a feeling that if I lay there for even five more minutes, I’d never get back up. I forced myself off the bed that was whispering sweet lullabies of sleep. Stifling a yawn, I headed for the elevator. Aina’s room was on the 35th floor.

Even though I’d been to her place countless times, I felt strangely nervous as I knocked on the door. A muffled “Come in!” drifted from inside.

I tapped the card key and stepped in.

“Whoa…”

The word escaped my lips involuntarily. It was hard to believe this was in the same building as my room. The view was incredible. The room was massive, the bed was huge, and a giant TV hung on the wall. There was even a chandelier on the ceiling. For some reason, the lights were off, leaving the room in a dim, atmospheric glow.

Aina was at the far end by the window, waving me over. She was already in her ‘Ainyan’ persona.

“Tatsu-nii! Over here! It’s amazing!”

“I don't even have to go over there to see it’s amazing… Also, call me ‘Big Bro,’ not ‘Tatsu-nii.’”

I walked over, still overwhelmed by the luxury. When I stood next to Aina and saw the view, I let out a breath of pure awe.

“Wow… holy crap.”

“Right?! Isn't it incredible?!”

The sparkling night lights of Yokohama, the rainbow illumination of the amusement park, the lights of the ships floating in the harbor reflecting off the undulating waves… and most striking of all was the giant Ferris wheel.

“The Ferris wheel we were on earlier—that’s it, right?!”

“Must be. Man, that really is something.”

For a while, Aina and I were lost in the night view. There was something hypnotic about watching the city lights flicker and fade.

…How long had we stood there? I eventually snapped out of it and happened to turn toward Aina just as she turned toward me.

Our eyes met.

“…Ah.”

“…Mm.”

I didn't know why. I’d seen Aina’s face a thousand times, but I couldn't look away from her eyes. The eyes that were usually full of mischief, the mouth that was always teasing… for some reason, she looked strikingly alluring.

The distance between our bodies—barely a few dozen centimeters—felt simultaneously too far and painfully close. A strange sadness washed over me, and when I leaned in slightly, she did the same. Yet the ache only grew stronger. We were like two magnets that couldn't quite touch. The closer we got, the more I wanted to be closer still.

Unconsciously, I reached for Aina’s slender waist, and her hands found my shoulders. Everywhere we touched felt hot.

“Aina…”

“Tatsu-nii…”

There was no more room for thought. Aina likely felt the same. We leaned in, our faces drawing closer and closer—

BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP-BEEP!

“GYAAAH!”

“NYAAAH!”

The sudden electronic shriek sent us both jumping like startled cats.

“Wh-wh-what was that?! What’s going on?!”

“It’s my phone! Ah! It’s almost 8:00! The stream! I have to get ready! Ready!”

Aina’s livestream was scheduled for 8:00 PM. We only had ten minutes.

“It’s that time already?! Aina! Get the tripod on your phone! Adjust it for a full-body shot! Oh, and the level meter! Where did we put that?!”

“Tatsu-nii, turn on the lights! The brightest ones! And the mask, put it on, quick!”

We scrambled to get everything ready for ‘the mission.’ Somehow, we managed to finish with two minutes to spare.

The operation to clear Aina’s name was finally about to begin.

◇　◇　◇　◇

The plan Honoka-san had helped me devise was simple.

Aina would do a livestream while wearing a level meter and holding my hand, showing her level rising in real-time. That should clear up any suspicions about her being a ‘slut.’

Honoka-san had raised two concerns about this plan.

One was the risk of my identity being compromised. There might be a huge uproar about a man with such incredible experience points, but that was fine. Compared to Aina’s situation, it was a minor issue.

The real problem was the second one: Aina had to resist the pleasure during the live broadcast. If she started panting or moaning on camera while we were trying to prove she wasn't doing anything ‘lewd,’ it would only add fuel to the fire.

She had to behave as if she were feeling nothing at all.

Her current level was 95. The goal was 100. If she gained five levels over a one-hour stream, surely everyone would be convinced.

Whether she could endure that for an hour was entirely up to her.

It was 7:58 PM. Aina, in her Ainyan persona, sat on the bed staring at the streaming phone. Beside her was another phone for monitoring comments.

I stood out of the camera’s view, waiting for the signal.

Starting in five, four, three, two, one… Go.

“Meow-dy-do! DTuber Ainyan’s livestream is starting, nyan!”

Aina’s energetic voice kicked off the stream. I checked the comments on my own phone. Since it was her first stream after the firestorm, the comment section was moving at light speed.

‘Nyan-hello!’ ‘Meow-dy!’ ‘Fucking slut.’ ‘I’ve been waiting.’ ‘Disappear.’ ‘Wacotz!’ ‘Nyan-hello!’ ‘Whore.’ ‘Are you okay?’ ‘Trolls get out.’ ‘Did you move?’ ‘Apologize.’ ‘Nyan-hello~’ ‘Die.’

Troll comments made up about thirty percent. Fewer than I’d expected, but they were all incredibly heartless.

Aina obviously noticed them, but she kept a smile on her face as she proceeded.

“The comments are really popping off today, nyan! Nyahaha, I know why, but…”

Aina gave a wry smile before pulling out a cardboard box with a major online retailer’s logo on it.

“Ta-da! I ordered this just for today—a level meter! It’s brand-new and still in the box, nyan! Seriously, their boxes are always way too big.”

She pulled a tissue-box-sized container out of the oversized cardboard box. The box, sealed in tight plastic, was labeled ‘Contact-Type Precision Subterranean Explorer Capability Level Measurement Device.’ It was the same model used by the Dungeon Management Bureau.

“It feels like I’m doing an unboxing video… but let’s open it up, nyan!”

She showed all sides of the box to the camera to prove it was legitimate before breaking the seal. Inside was a bracelet-like attachment connected to a monitor about the size of a digital desk clock. It looked a lot like a blood pressure monitor.

Aina fumbled with the accessories for a bit, flipped through the thick manual, and then poked her tongue out playfully.

“N-Nyan, I don't really get it, but I guess I just put it on and press the button!”

The comment section erupted with reactions.

‘Read the manual lol.’ ‘That must have been expensive.’ ‘Tramp.’ ‘What a clumsy cat, lol.’ ‘Well, they use those at the Bureau all the time.’ ‘Quit streaming.’ ‘What are you gonna do with it?’

The slander was relentless.

Keeping an eye on the comments, Aina strapped the meter to her arm. She turned it on, pressed the measurement button, and the monitor lit up. After a moment of ‘Measuring…’, a number appeared.

‘DLv: 95.27’

Seeing that, the comments turned toxic again.

‘Slut confirmed.’ ‘Trash.’ ‘Whore confirmed.’ ‘Didn't she say she was level 50 just a bit ago?’ ‘Quit DTubing.’

Aina ignored the vitriol and continued.

“People have been calling me a ‘whore’ and a ‘slut’ because my level went up so fast, and I’m totally heartbroken, nyan. So! I’ve come up with a plan to clear my name! We’re calling it: ‘Is Ainyan Actually an EXP-Thief Cat?! Levelling Up Just by Holding Hands! Goal: Level 100!’”

Ainyan clapped and tried to build excitement, but the response was cold. ‘Impossible.’ ‘Total fake.’ ‘That’s definitely not possible.’ The comments were overwhelmingly negative.

“I heard about her working as a diver for her blind sister, and my cousin with a ton of experience points offered to help her out, nyan. Come on in, Big Bro!”

Even though she called me in, I couldn't show myself. I just waved my hand in front of the camera.

“Alright, let’s start holding hands, nyan. I mean, nobody’s so prudish that they’d call me a slut just for holding hands, right?”

Aina preemptively shut down the trolls. Then, she slowly reached out toward me.

This was where her ordeal began. She had to maintain her usual expression until she reached level 100. Aina gripped my hand firmly.

‘DLv: 95.27’

‘DLv: 95.29’

‘DLv: 95.32’

‘DLv: 95.35’

The numbers on the monitor began to climb steadily. The comment section exploded. ‘Whaaaat?!’ ‘No way!’ ‘Fake video!’ ‘A literal freak has appeared!’ ‘I want a Big Bro, too.’ ‘That’s gotta be a world record…’ ‘The Dungeon Management Bureau is gonna come for him!’ ‘Big Bro is a national treasure.’

“……………………………………”

Aina stared down for a long time, saying nothing. I felt a chill. I prayed she could hold it together, and just before the comments started to settle, she looked up.

“Yup! ♡ So, my Big Bro is basically a freak of nature, nyan!”

Even as she spoke, the numbers continued to rise.

“What do you think? Do you believe me now, nyan?”

The response was split. Half were amazed, while the other half remained skeptical. The latter likely thought the numbers were faked.

“……Phew ♡ It looks like some people are still doubting me, nyan. So, when I hit level 100, I’ll show you a skill as proof. A level 100 skill: Shadow Bind! Look forward to seeing what it does, nyan!”

This was the reason we’d aimed for level 100. By using a skill that could only be learned at that level, she could prove her level was real.

“Alright, this is gonna take a while, but I hope you’ll all stick with me, nyan.”

Aina’s period of suffering had truly begun.

◇

“My Top 2 Times I Thought I Was Gonna Die While Diving! Number two: this was when I was only level 20 and I got cocky and went down to the 40th floor, nyan. There’s a stealth skill called ‘Vanish,’ but it doesn't work if the enemy is more than double your level. It’s such basic knowledge that nobody ever told me, and nobody’s usually dumb enough to go to a floor that’s double their level, nyan. I was standing perfectly still thinking I was invisible, then a Cyclops started walking straight toward me while looking me right in the eye… I really thought that was it, nyan.”

Aina was chatting as she held my hand. Even though she’d framed it as a level-up challenge, all she was doing was sitting there holding my hand. Talking probably helped take her mind off things.

She’s incredible…

I watched in awe as she continued her monologue. Suzuka-san, Honoka-san, and even Sagara-sensei hadn't been able to endure this much without making a sound. And we weren't just touching fingers; our palms were pressed together. The pleasure she was feeling had to be immense.

Yet Aina was continuing the stream with a perfectly calm face. The sheer absurdity of leveling up just by holding hands had clearly drawn a crowd; the viewer count was now over ten thousand. With ten thousand people watching, she was talking almost normally, only occasionally clenching her teeth or looking down.

All I could do was watch over her.

“……Haa ♡ Number one on the ‘I’m Gonna Die’ list! ♡ This has to be the time I hit a dungeon trap, nyan. There’s a nasty one called the Absolute Value Elevator. If you’re in a party, it sends one person ten floors up and the other ten floors down. But my pack was so heavy the trap thought it was a person, so my gear went ten floors up and I went ten floors down… it was total despair, nyan. Alone on a floor I’d never been to with no gear… If a certain one-armed berserker hadn't happened to walk by, I definitely would have died. Apparently, she’d just returned to diving and was doing rehab on the 80th floor. People call her the One-armed Berserker, but she was a really polite, kind, and beautiful lady, nyan!”

As Aina spoke, the comments began to surge. ‘Here it comes!’ ‘She’s almost there!’ ‘Totally staged, lol.’

I looked at the monitor. The display read…

‘DLv: 95.92’

‘DLv: 95.95’

‘DLv: 95.97’

‘DLv: 95.99’

‘DLv: 96.00’

The moment she hit level 96, the comment section went wild.

“…Ngh.”

At the same time, Aina’s head slumped forward.

“…………Phew ♡……………………Haa ♡……………………Ah ♡………………N-Nyan ♡………………………………Ngh ♡……………………I-It’s coming ♡♡♡”

She let out a tiny, breathless voice that didn't reach the stream, shuddered slightly, then looked up as if nothing had happened.

“Level 96 reached, nyan! We’re gonna keep going all the way to 100!”

‘Incredible!’ ‘Big Bro is amazing!’ ‘Congrats on the level up!’ ‘This is so broken, lol.’

A wave of amazement washed away the troll comments. People were thrilled by the impossible sight. But Aina’s forehead was beaded with sweat. She used the excuse of fixing her bangs to wipe it away with her sleeve.

Four more levels to go.

◇　

“……………………Phew, ……haa, ……haa ♡ Uh, what should I talk about next, nyan? ……Ngh ♡ How about the best things I’ve ever eaten in a dungeon, nyan?”

An hour and twenty minutes had passed since the start of the stream. Aina’s voice sounded normal, but her eyes were beginning to glaze over. She’d just passed level 99. She had been resisting intense pleasure for a long time; the toll it was taking was unimaginable.

“Uh, number three is………………………………………………ngh ♡”

Her consciousness must have flickered for a second. I pulled her hand to steady her as she started to tilt. She was nearing her limit.

“Whoops! ♡ I guess I’m a bit sleep-deprived, nyan… Oh, look, we’re almost at level 100! Let’s do a countdown, nyan! ♡”

‘Historical moment.’ ‘She actually did it.’ ‘Holy crap, amazing!’ ‘Big Bro is the strongest.’ ‘Are you okay?’ ‘Dungeon Management Bureau, please protect this man.’ ‘5.’ ‘Five.’ ‘Go!’

The viewers started counting down along with the level counter.

‘DLv: 99.95’

“Five! ♡”

‘DLv: 99.96’

“Four! ♡♡”

‘DLv: 99.97’

“Three! ♡♡♡”

‘DLv: 99.98’

“Two-oo! ♡♡♡♡”

‘DLv: 99.99’

“One-ee! ♡♡♡♡♡”

‘DLv: 100.00’

“Zeroooooooo! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡”

Aina screamed, drowning out her own breathless voice, and thrust her right hand into the air.

“Level 100 reached, nyaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!!!!!!!!”

‘Whoaaaa!’ ‘Incredible!’ ‘She really did it!’ ‘Give me a Big Bro, too!’

The troll comments were almost entirely gone. Even if they weren't, Aina wouldn't have had the energy to read them.

“Now, for the promised skill! Here I go… Shadow Bind!”

Aina tossed a pillow into the air, then stabbed her finger into the pillow’s shadow on the bed. The pillow instantly froze in mid-air. It looked like a magic trick.

“There! Official proof that I’m level 100, nyan! All you people who called me a slut or a whore… how do you like that?! And… and there’s one more thing I want to say, nyan!”

Aina stood up, took a deep breath, and glared into the camera.

“Ainyan… I… if it meant my sister could see again, I’d do anything! I’d sell my body! I’d even give my life! If it would make that happen, I don't care if you call me a slut or a harlot! But… but…”

A single tear rolled down Aina’s cheek.

“I will never forgive anyone who badmouths my sister! I don't care if the Bureau comes after me for illegal skill usage, I will find you and I will get my revenge! Only talk trash about her if you’re ready for the consequences! Do you understand?!”

Aina pointed a finger at the camera, her shoulders heaving. Then—

“Also, I’m not giving Big Bro to anyone, nyan! Stream over! Bye-bye, nyan!”

With that, she hit the end-stream button without checking any replies and collapsed onto the bed.

“Aina! Aina! Are you okay?!”

“…Ah… Tatsu-nii… Tatsu… nii.”

“Aina! Get a hold of yourself!”

“………………………………………………I can't…………………… anymore ♡”

“Aina…?”

Aina slowly sat up. Her expression was vacant, her cheeks were flushed, her eyes were wet… and for a moment, I could have sworn I saw heart marks in the depths of her pupils.

“Tatsu-nii ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ I can't take it anymore ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡”

“Aina…? Whoa!”

Aina grabbed my shoulders and pinned me to the bed. There was no way I could resist the strength of a level 100 dungeon diver.

She’d been holding back intense pleasure for over an hour. It was no surprise she’d lost her mind.

“S-Sorry, Tatsu-nii ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Ainyan… is all broken, nyan ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡”

“A-Aina… let’s just calm down, okay?”

“Sorry, sorry… ♡♡♡♡♡ I’m gonna break Tatsu-nii, too ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Let’s both just break together, okay? ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡”

“Aina, stop… mmpf!”

Aina silenced me with her lips. It was a fierce, beast-like kiss. Combined with the cat ears, she looked like a literal predator.

“Tatsu-nii ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Nyan ♡♡♡ Nyan ♡♡♡♡♡♡ Tatsu-nii ♡♡♡♡♡♡ Nyan ♡♡♡♡ Tatsu-nii ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ It’s so good ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Tatsu-nii’s… so much… coming in… ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Break me ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Tatsu-nii… let’s break together! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Mm, mm, mm, Mmmgh! ♡♡♡♡♡”

It was as if she were releasing all the pleasure she’d accumulated at once. There was no way she could handle it.

“Ngggh-nyaaaaaaaaaaaa! ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡”

Aina finally lost consciousness and slumped over on top of me.

“…You did your best, Aina.”

I listened to her peaceful breathing for a moment before gently pulling the covers over her.

Then, I went back to my own 8,000-yen room, took care of business myself, and went to sleep.

The Apple Hotel offers free, unlimited VOD. Including adult videos. Thank you, Apple Hotel. Thank you, President of Apple. You have saved a high school boy in the middle of puberty. Everyone, you should definitely stay at the Apple Hotel.

◇　

The morning after our stay at the Apple Hotel, I was jolted awake by the electronic trill of my phone. I didn’t remember setting an alarm, so I squinted at the screen in confusion. It was an incoming call. The name on the display read: 'Okumura Aina.'

“Mmm… morning, Aina. It’s not even seven yet. Let me sleep a little longer.”

'Ugh! Why did you go back to your own room?! This was an executive suite! A luxury room!'

Apparently, Aina was in a foul mood.

“Even if you say that… once you’re asleep, it’s pitch black anyway. Who cares how fancy the room is? Besides, it’s not exactly a good look for an unmarried, underage boy and girl to be sleeping in the same room, right?”

'I—Ainyan doesn’t care if… if something like that happens with Tatsu-nii… wait, that’s not it! Just get over here, Tatsu-nii! Right now!'

“Mmm… can I take a shower first?”

'RIGHT. NOW!'

She screamed so loud my ear actually rang. Literally rang.

“Alright, alright. I’ll be there in a bit.”

I hung up before she could say another word and gave a long, bone-popping stretch. Even if she told me to hurry, I at least wanted to wash my face and brush my teeth.

After washing up, fixing my hair, and changing my clothes, I headed to Aina’s room. She greeted me with her cheeks puffed out in a pout.

“Ugh! You’re so slow, Tatsu-nii!”

Her hair was a bird’s nest and her clothes were rumpled. She’d clearly just woken up after crashing the night before. Did this girl have no sense of modesty around me?

“Look at this! Just look!”

Aina thrust her phone screen at me. It was an online news site.

“Let’s see… ‘DTuber Ainyan’s Heartfelt Love for Her Sister: A Touching Display of Family Devotion’?”

“My livestream from last night went viral! There are so many supportive comments on the archive video, too! There are still a few trolls left, but… their numbers have plummeted! Tatsu-nii, the mission was a total success! Thank you so much!”

Aina lunged forward and hugged me. I gave her cute little head a few gentle pats.

“It wasn't me. It was your hard work, right? You were really cool last night, Aina.”

“……Nee-hee-hee! Yeah!”

For once, she gave me a purely happy, honest smile.

“Oh, by the way, there was an article about you, too.”

“Huh? Me?”

Aina swiped to a different page. It was the same news site.

“'Staged? Fake? Does a Man with Enough EXP to Level Up via Handholding Really Exist? ~We Asked the Experts~'… Wow, that really is about me.”

Honestly, I’d expected it to make some waves, but I didn't think there’d be an article about it by the time I woke up.

“Sorry, Tatsu-nii… it’s all Ainyan’s fault…”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. It’s not like they found out who I actually am, right?”

“Yeah. I did a quick search, and it doesn’t look like you’ve been doxxed yet. Still… I’m sorry.”

I placed my hand gently on her head again as she looked down guiltily.

“It’s not something you need to apologize for. Anyway, if the fire is out, then we achieved our goal.”

“Yeah! Thank you, Tatsu-nii!”

“You’re welcome. And, uh, Aina… this is a bit hard to say, but…”

I looked down at her as she clung to me. After sleeping in her clothes all night, a sweet, strangely alluring scent was wafting off her. My lower half was starting to take notice.

“You, uh… you’re giving off a pretty ‘erotic’ vibe right now. Maybe go take a shower?”

“……Eh?”

She stared up at me blankly for a moment before her face turned beet red.

“Y-Y-Y-Y-You idiot, Tatsu-nii! Pervert! Total pervert!”

Aina scrambled away from me and vanished into the bathroom at the back of the suite.

“Tatsu-nii! You’d better stay in that room! Don't you dare leave!”

“I get it, I get it. Just take your time.”

“You can even peek if you want!”

“I’m not gonna peek!”

As I listened to the sound of the shower, I gazed out the large window. The sky was perfectly clear, mirroring my own lightened mood.

Our work here was done. Now, we’d just do a little sightseeing and head home.

“Tatsu-nii! Where’s my peeping tom?!”

“I told you, I’m not peeking!”

It looked like this relationship was going to continue a while longer—at least until Aina found her artifact.

◇　

The day finally arrived just as the embers of the internet scandal were fading.

“Tatsu-nii! Tatsu-nii, are you there?!”

It was a weekend morning. A cute voice was accompanied by a frantic pounding on my door. It was Aina. The girl had zero consideration for the neighbors. I checked my phone; it was 6:30 AM.

I considered ignoring her and going back to sleep, but she sounded like she was about to take the door off its hinges. I begrudgingly crawled out of bed. The early summer sun was already glaring through the window.

“Morning, Aina. Actually, it’s way too early for ‘morning.’ Can we try this again in an hour?”

“No!”

Apparently, no. My minor request was shot down instantly.

Aina looked like she’d just returned from a dive, dressed in her gear and wearing her artifact cat ears and tail. They were actual artifacts, but to anyone else, she just looked like she was cosplaying.

“Look, look! I finally found it! This!”

An excited Aina thrust something toward me. It was a choker-style necklace with a small, round gem about a centimeter wide. The stone was a translucent yellow with a black center. It looked exactly like a yellow eyeball.

“What’s this?”

“'The Hawk Eye'!”

“For real?!”

The Hawk Eye. It was the artifact Aina had been searching for all this time—the one she wanted for her blind sister.

“I finally found it! Tatsu-nii, Ainyan finally did it! Now Sana will be able to see the world!”

Aina bounced up and down with joy. I reached out and gave her head a soft pat.

“You worked hard, Aina. Go on, go give it to Sana-san.”

“Yeah! Now, hurry up and get dressed! Get ready to head out!”

“…Wait, why me?”

“You’re coming with me! Obviously! Hurry!”

“Uh…”

“Five minutes! Move, move, move!”

I didn’t really understand why I needed to be there, but arguing was clearly pointless. I started getting ready. Honestly, I didn't even know where Aina’s parents' house was.

After a frantic five-minute prep, I followed Aina out and we hopped into a passing taxi.

“And then! On the way, I found the 'Cat Tail'! Oh, that’s this tail I’m wearing! When you put it on, your senses become incredibly sharp! It’s a perfect match for Ainyan’s stealthy dark-attribute build! I barely ran into any enemies at all!”

Aina’s machine-gun chatter continued for the entire taxi ride. Her family home was apparently about two hours away by car. Was she going to talk at this speed the whole time?

“Thanks to the 'Cat Tail', I was able to go places I normally couldn't reach! I found so many rare items! Like this, the 'Phoenix Plume'! It’s a rare item that prevents instant death once a day! I found a few, so here, you can have one!”

Aina handed me a soft, palm-sized orange feather. Based on her description, this was an incredible item.

“Thanks. Though I doubt a boring high schooler like me is in much danger of dropping dead.”

Still, car accidents were a thing. It wouldn't hurt to keep it as a lucky charm.

“You’re welcome! Anyway, while I was exploring, I found this hidden area! I think the 'Cat Tail' helped me find that, too! And inside, there were the remains of an old diver… it was a little scary, but they were just bones. When I checked their belongings, there it was! The 'Hawk Eye'! Oh, by the way, you’re allowed to keep items you find on deceased divers! So, I didn't know what it was at first, but when I put it on…!”

“Aina, can I say something?”

“The world just… whoosh, it opened up! It was like I could see in three hundred and sixty degrees! The landscape just flooded directly into my brain! The view was incredible! And then—!”

“Aina, Aina. Sorry, just a second?”

“With this, Sana can finally… Tatsu-nii, what’s wrong?”

I finally managed to cut through her non-stop chatter.

“I just feel like I’ll be out of place. Sana-san and your parents don't even know me. Won't it be weird if I’m just… there for this big emotional moment?”

“You were my biggest supporter and contributor! I want you there with me.”

“I don't know… If Sana-san is seeing the world for the first time in her life, and the first thing she sees is a guy she’s never met, isn't that kind of a horror story?”

“I’ll explain everything, it’ll be fine! Also… here.”

Aina plopped something into my hands. It was a camera. I wasn't an expert, but it looked like a high-end model. Expensive.

“What’s this? You want me to take pictures?”

“No. Video. It’s a big emotional moment, so I want to record it. You’re my cameraman! Get to it!”

“So that’s your real motive.”

“Plus… Ainyan is definitely gonna get busted for being a dungeon diver. I want you there to back me up when they start scolding me…”

“And there’s the second real motive.”

Apparently, I’d been recruited as the hired help.

“If it gets too awkward, I’m running away.”

“I’ll just chase you down! You can't escape Ainyan’s 'Cat Tail'! Nee-hee-hee!”

Aina playfully wagged the cat tail growing from her backside.

After nearly two hours of listening to Aina’s endless stories, the taxi finally reached its destination.

“Mr. Driver, stop in front of that house! The one with the carport!”

“You got it. That’ll be 9,600 yen.”

“Keep the change from ten thousand!”

“Look at you, big spender.”

Aina hopped out of the taxi with a flourish, and I followed behind.

“Oh, the car is gone. Mom and Dad might be out. Score!”

“Doesn’t that mean Sana-san is out with them?”

“Sana doesn't go out much, so she’s probably home. Nee-hee-hee, I might get away without a scolding after all.”

“I think you’re just procrastinating.”

Aina fixed her hair in front of the gate and took several deep breaths. Once she was ready, she slowly reached for the intercom.

Ding-dong.

After a moment, a voice came through the speaker—one that sounded much like Aina’s, but with a calmer, steadier tone. This had to be Sana-san.

'Yes? Who is it?'

“Sana! It’s me! Aina!”

'Eh? Big Sis? Welcome home, that was sudden. Did you forget your keys?'

“Oh. Right. I have my keys, I could have just walked in.”

'Fufu, you’re so weird, Sis. Well, whatever. I’ll open the door.'

The intercom cut out, and I heard footsteps approaching. The door clicked open.

“Welcome home, Big Sis.”

“I’m home, Sana.”

The girl who emerged looked remarkably like Aina. Her black hair was cut straight at her shoulders, without any of the flashy pink inner-layers. She had the same nose and mouth as Aina, but her eyes, while similarly shaped, were gentle and unfocused as they turned toward her sister. She couldn't see us.

“Um, and who is with you?”

Despite being blind, Sana-san turned her face toward me as she asked.

“We talked on the phone once, remember? My neighbor from the apartment. You know, the one with the Neuron Dive.”

“Oh, the person who bought a Neuron Dive rig despite not having a computer?”

Apparently, my blunder had been shared over the phone. I wished she hadn't done that.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Mura Tatsuya. Um, I’m sorry to be so blunt, but… you really can't see anything?”

“Ah, I’m sorry. No, I can't. But I heard the sound of clothes rustling, so I thought someone might be there. It’s nice to meet you. I’m Sana, Aina’s twin sister. Thank you for taking care of my sister.”

Sana-san gave a polite, elegant bow. She was so well-mannered it was hard to believe she was Aina’s twin.

“There’s no need to stand around here. Please, come in. I’ll make some tea.”

“Oh, thank you. I appreciate it.”

Sana-san moved into the house with practiced ease, occasionally brushing her hand against the wall to orient herself.

“Ainyan wants corn potage!”

“You…”

I was a bit appalled by Aina’s total lack of restraint toward her blind sister, but I suppose this was just their daily dynamic.

I followed Aina and sat on the living room sofa.

Sana-san boiled water and prepared the mugs with a smoothness that belied her lack of sight. She brought tea and corn potage to the table.

Once we’d each taken a sip, Sana-san spoke up.

“So, what brings you home so suddenly? Did you and Mura-san start dating? Is this the ‘meet the family’ visit?”

Aina choked on her soup.

“Cough! Hack! S-Sana, don't say weird things! It’s nothing like that!”

“Well, looking at the situation, what else am I supposed to think…?”

Sana-san had a point. Coming home unannounced with a guy her age she’d never met—it looked exactly like an introduction of a boyfriend.

“Anyway! I have a present for you today… Oh, Tatsu-nii. The camera, please.”

“Got it.”

“Eh? A camera? Are you recording this?”

Ignoring a bewildered Sana-san, I stood up and aimed the camera, hitting the record button.

“Ahem. Sana. Thank you for always putting up with your selfish big sister, even though you can't see. As a token of my gratitude, I’ve prepared a gift. Please, accept it.”

“Fufu, why are you being so formal? You’re weird. But thank you. I’m looking forward to it.”

Aina stood up and walked behind the sofa where Sana-san was sitting. She slowly brought the Hawk Eye toward Sana’s neck.

“Um, this might be a huge shock, so try not to lose it, okay? Please don't freak out. It probably won't hurt. Probably.”

“Wait, wait, what are you doing to me? Big Sis? It’s okay, right? You’re scaring me. What do you mean ‘probably’? Big Sis?!”

Sana-san’s polite smile vanished, replaced by genuine alarm. It made sense; she was blind and had no idea what was being done to her.

Ignoring her protests, Aina fastened the Hawk Eye around Sana’s neck.

“Hyah! …Eh?”

“Ta-da! How is it? How is it?! Can you see?!”

“………………”

“Sana?”

The moment the necklace was on, Sana-san froze. She didn’t move a muscle; she just sat there, paralyzed.

“H-Hey, Aina… she’s okay, right? There aren't any level requirements for artifacts, are there?”

“I-I-I mean, there shouldn't be… S-Sana? Sana, are you okay?”

“………………………………Take it…”

“Eh?”

“………………………………off…………………… take it………… off…………”

“E-Eh? Ah, okay!”

Aina hurriedly unfastened the Hawk Eye. Sana-san slowly covered her face with trembling hands and slumped forward.

“S-Sana?! Are you okay?!”

“I’m… not okay…”

Through the gaps in her fingers, clear droplets began to fall, pitter-pattering onto her lap.

“I… I don't understand… The world just… it suddenly expanded… it was so beautiful and vivid… Hey, it was too much, I’m so happy I don't even know what to do… I don't know if I should be shocked or… or glad… I can't process any of it… Seriously, this is way beyond the limits of a ‘surprise’… Of course I’m gonna lose it…”

“S-Sana…?”

After crying for a while, Sana-san finally sat back up.

“Sorry, Big Sis. Can you… put it on me one more time?”

“U-Uh, yeah.”

Aina hesitantly placed the Hawk Eye back around Sana-san’s neck.

“…………Incredible. It’s incredible, incredible, incredible! Hey, Big Sis! Is this the world?! It’s so beautiful! It’s so cluttered! Hey! Is this white?! Is this blue?! So this is what the house looks like! The sky is so far away! Wow! It’s so clear! Is air really invisible?!”

Sana-san suddenly stood up and began to frolic. I couldn't even begin to imagine what it felt like to suddenly gain sight, but the joy on her face was unmistakable. Gone was the calm, polite girl; she was as giddy as a small child receiving a Christmas present.

After her initial excitement, Sana-san spun around to face Aina. She reached out and touched Aina’s face, her body—testing everything. Again and again, as if to confirm her reality.

“Big Sis?! This is you, right?! My… my big sister?!”

“Ahaha, that tickles, Sana! Yeah! This is Aina! Your big sister!”

Sana-san lunged forward and hugged Aina, and Aina squeezed her back.

“Ahahahaha! Big Sis! It’s nice to meet you! Nice to meet you, Big Sis!”

“Yeah, nice to meet you, too! Sana!”

After fifteen years of growing up together, the twin sisters finally truly met.

◇　

Once the emotional reunion was over, we didn’t exactly have time to bask in the glow.

Sana-san—who could now "see" (though technically it wasn't biological sight)—immediately interrogated Aina about her outfit. When she heard Aina was a dungeon diver, she was furious. While Sana-san lectured a kneeling Aina, Aina just sat there with a goofy grin on her face, seemingly happy even to be scolded. That was when Aina’s parents returned.

Her father took one look at Aina’s gear and immediately knew she’d been diving. He was furious; her mother broke down in tears. Aina had been unfazed by Sana’s scolding, but she looked genuinely crushed when her father lit into her.

But then, when Sana-san reported that she could see, the parents were overcome with joy. Suddenly, Aina was being praised to the heavens. It was an absolute whirlwind.

I set the camera down and tentatively introduced myself to her parents. They grilled me for hours, peppering me with questions until well past noon.

After that, the Okumura family practically forced me to join them for a celebratory lunch. We had a lavish meal, and I was only finally released a short while ago.

Every time Sana-san walked outside without her white cane or looked at a menu, her parents would burst into tears. To anyone passing by, they must have looked like a family on some very dangerous drugs.

“Your parents were really happy.”

“……Yeah.”

Aina and I were currently on the train heading back to the apartment. Her expression was bright, as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders, but there was a hint of melancholy in her eyes.

“They were happy, but they were also pretty mad.”

“……Yeah.”

Her parents were going to have Aina’s diver’s license suspended. It was only natural. Any decent parent would do the same if they found out their daughter had been lying to them to risk her life in dungeons.

And Aina’s solo living arrangement was coming to an end. She would soon move out of her apartment and back into her parents’ house with Sana.

“You became a diver to find the Hawk Eye, right? Mission accomplished. Now you can just spend time happily with your family. It’s a good thing.”

“……Yeah.”

Her original goal was achieved. It was a happy ending. So why did she seem so down?

Well, I had a feeling I knew why.

I let out a sigh and placed my hand on Aina’s head, careful not to make direct skin contact.

“It’s gonna be quiet without you.”

“……”

Aina didn’t answer. She just leaned her cheek against her hand and watched the scenery blur past the train window.

We traveled in silence, walked in silence, and finally reached the apartment building.

“Good work, Aina. I’ll come visit sometime, so let me know when you’ve settled in.”

“……Yeah. Um, Tatsu-nii.”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you. Really. See ya.”

“Yeah. See ya.”

Aina disappeared into her room.

—A week later, the room next door was empty.

◇　

A few days had passed since Aina moved out. I was feeling a bit down, and the gloomy rainy-season sky mirrored my mood as I left the house with a folding umbrella. I glanced at the empty unit next door—no more 'Meow-dy-do's' coming from inside—and headed to school.

When I took my seat in the classroom, Sakakibara turned to me with excitement in his eyes.

“Mura! Did you hear?! A new girl transferred into the first-year class!”

“If she was in our class, maybe, but she’s a freshman. It’s got nothing to do with us.”

“No, but apparently she’s a total babe! And she’s in the Labyrinth Exploration Course! She used to go to an all-girls school, but she transferred to a co-ed school because she wanted to grind EXP… Man, I wish she’d come my way!”

Ignoring my friend’s convenient delusions, I spoke up calmly.

“If she’s looking for EXP, she’s obviously aiming for Billion-senpai in the third-year class. Word must have leaked out somewhere, right?”

“Sigh. Yeah, you’re probably right. Losers like us with bottom-tier EXP aren't even on the radar. Whatever, forget the daydreaming, I gotta do the homework. Mura, let me see your English notebook.”

My friend had snapped back to reality. I handed over my notebook with a sigh. Watching him copy my work without even looking me in the eye, I briefly considered finding a better class of friend.

After school, the forecast held true and the rain began to fall. I opened my umbrella with a sigh. Ahead of me, Oku-senpai was walking under his umbrella, surrounded by a swarm of girls all jostling for a spot beside him. The EXP gap was truly a cruel thing.

As I started to leave the school gate, I saw a small girl standing there alone without an umbrella. She was wearing a different school’s uniform under a flashy jacket covered in character embroidery. Her hood was pulled low, hiding her face. There was something familiar about her. I couldn't just walk past.

“Um… are you waiting for someone? You’re getting soaked. Here, you can use this.”

“……”

I offered her my umbrella, but she didn’t answer. Her shoulders were shaking as she looked down. Was she cold? Was she crying?

“……Are you okay?”

Feeling concerned, I leaned in to peek under her hood.

I saw a pair of mischievous eyes and a grin like a predator bearing its fangs.

“Nyahahahaha! Tatsu-nii, you’re such an easy mark! And such a wimp! Couldn't you at least say ‘Let me walk you home’? Pfft, look at the dorky loner guy!”

“You—!”

“Since you’re so hopeless, I guess I’ll walk home with you! Ngh ♡”

The girl looked up, her hood falling back. Almond-shaped eyes, a wide mouth, and those distinctive pink inner-layers.

Aina, soaked by the rain, clung to my arm with a happy expression.

“What are you doing here?!”

“I transferred!”

The ‘total babe’ who’d transferred into the freshman class… Sakakibara’s words flashed through my mind.

“Transferred… you don't mean to the Labyrinth Exploration Course?”

“Yup!”

“But your parents were so against it…”

“Once I’m twenty, they can't stop my license from being suspended anyway! I told them I’d just go back to being a diver once I was of age, so they finally caved!”

“Honestly… you shouldn't give your parents such a hard time.”

“So, they said if I was gonna do it, I should at least study dungeons properly, and they let me transfer to a school with an exploration course! Oh, Sana is planning to transfer here soon, too! We have the Hawk Eye, after all! We’re gonna do our DTubing as a duo!”

Aina laughed happily. Seeing how much fun she was having, it would have been bad form to ruin the mood.

“If you’ve transferred, does that mean you’re living around here?”

Aina’s family home was two hours away. Commuting wasn't impossible, but it would be a grueling daily trip.

“Actually, I’m living alone again… well, Sana’s coming, so we’ll be living together! Over there!”

Aina pointed to a building as we walked. It was a fairly large apartment complex. We weren't neighbors anymore, but it was close enough that we could still hang out.

“I just moved in, so I haven't even finished unpacking, but come over whenever you want once I’ve settled!”

Aina hopped out from under the umbrella and waved from the entrance of her new building.

“You can come over and use my Neuron Dive rig anytime!”

“Thanks. Let me know when you’re ready.”

I waved back at her smiling face and walked toward my own apartment. The gloomy feeling I’d had this morning was completely gone. The clouds had broken, and the sun was beginning to shine brightly.

We might not be able to play exactly like we used to, but it wasn't as if we’d never see each other again. I wanted to play more Neuron Dive, and I planned to visit her often.

“…Wait, she just walked off with my Neuron Dive rig like it was hers, didn’t she?”

Knowing her, it definitely wasn't an accident.

“Well, whatever. I’ll let her borrow it until I can save up enough from my part-time job to buy a decent computer.”

It looked like it would still be a while before I got to experience those ‘unknown sexual pleasures’ for myself.