It was now lunchtime, and I found myself struggling with how to approach my oshis. I couldn't believe this was happening, and it felt like a dream.
Sighing, I began eating the freshly bought melon bread in small bites while pondering my situation, washing it down with some lime juice.
"Hm?" I glanced in Sakura's direction. Was she looking at me? Nah, that couldn't be possible.
I continued sipping my lime juice, but then another gaze coming from Sakura's direction. This time, I caught her looking at me.
"Uhm, is there anything I can help you with?"
"Oh! Sorry, I was just curious about what that lime juice tastes like."
"If you want, I could buy some for you."
"Oh! No thanks! I'm fine!" Sakura quickly declined but then again she was seriously staring at my lime juice.
"...Are you sure? You were seriously staring at my lime juice."
"Ahahaha~ Sorry about that. I'll try not to look at it," Sakura said, averting her eyes and engaging in conversation with the other two.
I observed her for a moment and decided to leave the classroom.
A few minutes later, I returned with another lime juice and slowly made my way back to my seat.
Now, how should I give this to her?
I glanced at Sakura for a moment, relieved that she was still engrossed in conversation with her friends. This was my chance.
I carefully placed the lime juice on her desk, but then something caught my attention that froze me in my place.
Aoi questioned, "Hey, did you check Kou-kun's stream last night?"
Sakura retorted, "Yeah! He said he's going to check out our live debut!"
Yui added, "Hehe, I can't wait, I'm already eager to see Kou-kun's reaction."
This couldn't be happening, right? They were talking about me! So it's not a complete coincidence at all!
"Hm?" Aoi noticed me and gave me a stern look. "Sakura-san, that guy is trying to give you something."
"Hm?" Sakura turned around to see me, and her eyes widened as she noticed the lime juice on her desk. "Oh, is this for me?"
I nodded silently, still in shock.
"Oh, you didn't have to, but... you already did." She smiled warmly. "Thank you!"
My heart skipped a beat as I nodded once more and settled back into my seat. It was now confirmed—they were also fans of mine.
What now? What should I do? Should I tell them that I'm the "Kou-kun" they're talking about? No, no, I shouldn't reveal my secret so easily.
Plus, if they knew that I'm the YouTuber they're talking about, they might start hating me.
That's right... Kou-kun and I are different people. That Kou-kun is loved by people, and meanwhile... I am myself, Niimi Kousei. I looked down at the table, staring blankly at my lime juice.
But then a voice called out to me.
"Hey."
Sakura was smiling at me, her gaze fixed on me.
"Thank you for the lime juice, it was great!"
"O-Oh, no problem."
"By the way, I don't think I caught your name."
"My name is Niimi Kousei, but you can call me Niimi."
"Niimi-kun, huh... I like it!"
"Is there... something I can help you with?"
"Hmm~ Well... you were looking down just now. Did something happen?"
"Oh? Uhhh! I'm fine, really!"
She raised an eyebrow. "Really?~"
Yeah, why?"
"Hmmm~ Actually, I'm going to need your help with something."
"Oh? Sure, what is it?"
"Do you mind teaching us the topics you discussed last semester? Well, not the entire semester, but only the things that will appear on the quiz on Monday."
"If you mean 'us,' does that also include..." I glanced at Aoi, who was grinning and striking a peace pose, while Yui looked down.
"That's right~"
I stared at Sakura for a brief moment, and my face immediately turned red as I looked away.
"N-Nothing."
"Ehh?" Sakura then grabs my face and forces it to face her. "There we go~ You should look into people's eyes when they're talking to you, you know?~" She pouts.
"A-Ah... Sorry."
"Well? What's your answer?"
I meet her gaze and silently nod.
"Ehehe~ Perfect! Thank you, Niimi-san."
"N-No problem..."
"Ohh, I almost forgot." Aoi stood up from her chair and walked over to me. "If you don't mind, would you like to see us perform for our live debut?"
"...Eh?"
"Ohh~ You're so smart, Aoi-chan."
"Hehe, praise me more!"
"Haha~ How about it? We'll give you the ticket in advance!"
Well, It's a free ticket, I don't mind.
"I-I'd gladly accept it."
"Yay!~ We'll be seeing you there then, Niimi-kun."
"Yeah."
When the teacher arrived, he tapped the podium with his book. "Everyone, be quiet and return to your seats. We're going to start our lesson."
Everyone promptly took their seats and a hushed silence fell over the classroom.
"Alright, Let's begin."
The teacher continued to discuss the lessons, but my mind was preoccupied with thoughts of my beloved oshis.
I couldn't believe that this was actually happening. Someone, please pinch me.