Yuki paused at her apartment door, feeling completely out of place in her new school uniform. It was everything pristine and sharp, unlike her typical relaxed attire. She was an extreme introvert, essentially a hermit. She was no ordinary hermit, however; she had a hidden identity. She was known online as *Yuki*, a popular Vtuber with a devoted following. But in real life, she was Yuki Hageshi, a typical (or at least attempting to be normal) high school girl.
This double existence was the primary reason she preferred to stay home; it was simpler to handle her online identity from the comfort of her own room. Plus, she only streamed yesterday night - or rather, at midnight her time, which was prime time in the United States. The time difference was a killer. So, sure, leaving her place was a big deal. But today, she *had* to confront Tokyo. The sun was rising over Shibuya, making everything appear rather attractive. The city was already alive with activity, but Yuki remained immobilized, as if she had fallen asleep in a computer game..
"Okay," she muttered. "First day of school… I got this. Probably not." She took a big breath and walked out. The city stench, which included exhaust fumes and street food, assaulted her. Her flat was located in a quiet area of Shibuya, about a 15-minute walk from Shibuya Station, which is noted for being *packed* during rush hours. The city felt frightening and rather hyped. It felt like a separate universe than her room. She had a plan: First, grab food. The convenience shop on the corner was her first stop. She wanted something to take her mind off of the massive work ahead. She took an iced coffee (her go-to) and some onigiri. She checked the time while she was paying. She had time, but she couldn't postpone indefinitely.
Yuki exited the store, and the city sounds became louder. People passed by, but she kept her head down, avoiding eye contact as if it were a social battery drain. Her heart was racing, not from school worries, but from just being *outside* among other people. The trek to the station felt incredibly lengthy. When she arrived, she observed a *sea* of people pass through the gates. Shibuya Station is one of Tokyo's busiest, so it had a certain aura, but it was also really overwhelming. Her anxiety increased as she boarded the train alone. "Okay, just get on the train," she muttered like a mantra. "I can do this… maybe."
She trudged to the platform, listening to train announcements everywhere. Some schoolgirls in excellent uniforms were conversing, while businessmen checked their phones, appearing anxious. The train was already overcrowded, which was a major concern. The hardest aspect, however, was the sense that everyone was looking.
She felt extremely self-conscious about her physique, as if she were on exhibit. She anxiously adjusted her skirt, hoping nobody would see. Then she wondered, "Wait, are they even looking at me?" Or am I simply delusional? Perhaps I have eye boogers or something. Oh, please no.* She returned to inspecting herself in the bathroom mirror before leaving. *Okay, makeup is on point; no smudges or renegade eye crusties. Check.* However, the thought stayed. *What if there is a creep? Worse, what if my feed is being sniped? Like, some paparazzi discovered my true identity and are live-streaming me right now? * The notion sent shivers down her spine. The concept was ludicrous, but her fear made it seem plausible.
But from the outside, she appeared very different. She was tall, with flowing blonde hair and a distinct appearance, and she served in a low-key manner. Despite her nervousness, she moved with natural elegance.
She internally rolled her eyes. *Ugh, why must this uniform be so fitted? Do they want us to be gazed at? Is it possible that I am becoming overconfident? Do I believe I've suddenly become an influencer? She imagined what others were thinking: *"Look at that weirdo messing with her skirt. Thinks she's all that. Probably spends hours taking selfies…or maybe she's just super awkward."* She nearly giggled. *Maybe I take a couple, but it's for the meme! And certainly not in hours. Usually.* Her overprotective attitude, spurred by the dread of being identified as her online character, made her hyper-aware of every gaze.
She felt a chill as she squeezed aboard the crowded train, wanting to remain as far away from others as possible. She tightened her jacket, as if it were a shield. The train rumbled through Tokyo, heading for Kamiyama International High.
Yuki couldn't quit fantasizing about someone touching her or saying anything creepy. Her mind was replaying worst-case possibilities, like a horror movie preview. She had heard stories about what happened on Tokyo trains. *What if someone tries something strange? What if they believe I'm asking for it just by existing? What if they recognized me? What if someone screams, "Hey, it's Yuki from the stream!" and everyone discovers my secret? * She made an internal facepalm. *Perhaps I should wear a complete hazmat suit tomorrow. Or simply become a full-time shut-in. *That is always an option.
She clutched her luggage tightly, nervously staring at everyone. Even with the loudness, she felt completely exposed. But to everyone else, she appeared calm and even elegant, like a cool foreign exchange student just chilling on the train. When the train arrived at her station, Yuki was on the verge of panic. The doors opened, and she essentially teleported out, not looking back. At Kamiyama International High, she felt that she had achieved the pinnacle of her power. The school was massive, with buildings rising over her. This was it: first day in a new nation, new school, and no real-life buddies (yet).
The online admission exam, which she took from her California room, seemed like a distant memory. Doubt ate at her. *Have I even passed? I didn't study much and relied mostly on intuition. Do I deserve to be here? What happens if they discover out I cheated? Will they send me back to California? Will I have to become a street performer simply to survive? Or, worse, will my Vtuber career be cut short due to some stupid cheating scandal? *
Her heart sank as she entered the busy passageways. Students crowded around the announcement board, awaiting the results. She stood to the side, unsure what to do. The audience was talking and moving while staring at the board. Yuki felt completely out of place, and her heart beat *thump-thump*. "I…I don't want to go there yet," she murmured. The corridor was crowded, and she didn't want to be among so many people. If she looked at the results now, someone may identify her, or worse, read her name and ask her questions she couldn't answer. Alternatively, *worse*, someone identifies her as *the* Yuki.
So Yuki waited, away from the throng, hoping that things would calm down before she had to face the music. She hoped her secret would remain secure, at least for a little while. The dread of being discovered *and* revealed as her online character was genuine, and her day ended on a cliffhanger.