It’s finally time for the poll. Today, one of OtherPro’s second-string members will be elected to participate in Winterfest.
My neighbor asks to come along with Abaddon and me, and the three of us board the mechanical life-form’s saucer-shaped terminal and head to a district of especially tall buildings in the heart of Tokyo.
We enter the same studio as last time. The poll actually started a few days ago, but today is the big reveal of who won. Ochiba Kareki’s participation was announced midway through the voting, putting her at a slight disadvantage. But if I can’t even overcome a tiny problem like that, I won’t make it far in this industry.
The results will be revealed via a live stream broadcast on the video submission site. The idea is to let viewers enjoy watching the various contestants ride an emotional roller coaster as the results come in. To make the program more exciting, the losers are usually assigned punishments, like having to do impressions or participate in rap battles.
Right now, I’m standing against the wall of the recording booth, waiting. The rooms are laid out like a bento box with three partitions. The two smaller areas, where you’d put your side dishes, are the recording booth we’re standing by, and the control room where the staff are busying themselves in front of various audio devices. Across from both of those is the break area, which includes the main entrance. This is the bigger space, where the rice would go.
There are a lot of other people in the recording booth. I figure they’re all other second-string members. Everyone is standing against the wall, just like I am. It’s not that there aren’t any chairs—the staff gave us even more than last time. However, because of the number of participants, we all got pushed to the corners. There are over twenty of us against the wall.
“Wow, there are a lot more people this time.”
“……”
Then who is sitting in the chairs, you ask? The first-string members, of course. Our seniors in the industry will be the stars of the show, serving as emcees and guests. Apparently, it’s customary for the second-strings to stand at attention behind them.
I see Kihouin and Rolling among the former group. It’s obvious to me that we second-strings are only here to serve as a backdrop for them.
Incidentally, it’s easy to tell the second-string members apart; they’re wearing lanyards emblazoned with their stage names. The staff probably had to do this, since there are so many of us and we’re not as well-known. Mine reads, “Ochiba Kareki.”
“Wow! So all these people are your rivals now, huh?”
“……”
My sharp-tongued demon floats next to me, as always. People are everywhere—so close, I could reach out and touch them. I can’t exactly speak to Abaddon in this environment, so he’s free to say whatever he wants.
Originally, Kuon J. Glen was supposed to take part as well, but when it became clear I’d be joining, he announced he’d have to participate remotely. When I sent him a message explaining the situation, he cursed me, praying I’d lose the vote.
Now I really want to get in.
My neighbor is out in the break area; I can’t see him from the recording booth.
“Hey, her lanyard says ‘Ochiba Kareki.’” “She’s still a kid. Middle school, by the looks of her.” “I assumed she’d be older.” “I wonder if the rumors about her sleeping her way into this are true.” “They have to be. They never would have let her collab with Kihouin and Rolling otherwise.” “A little bit of fame, and now she’s getting cocky.”
The other second-string members are very hostile toward me. They glance at me from a distance, whispering to each other. I hear some of them; they probably don’t care. Most of them are female, from teenage girls to women in their thirties.
“Apparently, that man with the side-parted hair outside is her manager.” “Huh? A second-string with a manager?” “I heard he’s exclusive to her.” “How is that even possible?” “If you’re right, then the rumors are definitely true.” “Look, you can even see it on her face.” “Bet she’s fucking her manager, too.” “Ugh, that’s disgusting.”
They’re not entirely wrong, of course. I’ve spent my entire life trying to sleep with my neighbor.
“Being hated by all her coworkers is totally in character for Kareki!” says Abaddon with a smile.
Whose side is this demon on, anyway?
“……”
Either way, there’s no point in worrying about it. VTubers may be new, but they’re still part of the entertainment industry. I read some celebrity’s autobiography in the library once that described the profession as a filthy tempest of envy and greed.
I pretend not to hear the others. Eventually, the first-strings make a move—two of them get up and start to walk toward me. They’re both familiar faces—Kihouin and Rolling. Once they reach me, they start up a casual chat.
“Miss Kareki, would you like to join us at that table for some conversation?”
“Kihooo, you sound like a delinquent telling her kouhai to meet her behind the school buildiiing!”
Rolling is right on the mark. What on earth does she want from me?
“I apologize if this sounds rude,” I say, “but why do you want to talk to me?”
“Oh, I simply wished to chat with my dear kouhai,” Kihouin assures me. “Unless such a thing would displease you.”
“It wouldn’t, but I’d rather just wait here.”
The other second-strings already have a bad impression of me. I don’t know what they’ll do if they see first-strings acting friendly with me. I already have enough haters, I don’t need any more.
Or is that what they’re after? Maybe they’re bothering me on purpose to fuel the others’ dislike.
“Well, if you’d rather not, then I won’t force you.”
“Whyyy does literally every word you say sound so meeean? There’s just no helping you, Kihooo.”
At my refusal, the two of them quickly back down. When they arrive back at their seats, they resume chatting with the other first-strings.
I don’t want to tell my manager this when he’s working so hard, but I don’t think getting along with the other second-strings is in the cards for me. Of course, like Abaddon said, that’s perfectly in character for Ochiba Kareki, so it shouldn’t hinder me at all. And if I’m primarily interested in making bank, my best bet is to be recognized as a solo talent.