Roughly ten minutes later, Kaiba Aoi arrives.
Kaiba stops dead in her tracks, her eyes widening in surprise as she sees you there.
Her sentiment is shared by you. You’ve heard that Kaiba-san had been working on her appearance in her own time, but this is just an entirely new look.
Kaiba-san has done away with her trademark sweater and instead opted for a sort-of frilly blouse so tight you can practically hear the buttons trying to unionize over the terrible working conditions.
Her previously straight hair received a visit from a curling iron and the now wavy hair rests delicately over her shoulders.
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/a013850f-4a60-492a-b252-e75b20bc0f5d.png]
Honestly, with the way Kaiba has been dressing it’s easy to forget she’s just an eighteen-year-old girl, barely out of high school.
For some reason her demeanour and attire gave off the impression as somebody in their middle twenties at the earliest.
Then again, that was the exact image marketing had been going for… so --- props to marketing.
“Manager-san,” says Kaiba, adjusting her hair.
A phrase she has never called you before, but it’s clear now where she acquired it.
You’re ready with a quick smile, “Hello,” you reply, “I was hoping to talk to you after your meeting, but it seems like it ran a little long…?”
Kaiba sighs, then pouts, “Yeah,” she says, “They’re stubborn.”
This might be the first time Kaiba-san has ever complained about anyone other than herself.
Kaiba gestures at her current attire and hair, “I wanted to try a new look, because the gloomy thing isn’t working anymore,” she says, “But marketing tells me it’s working great and that my entire brand is built on gloomy…”
After fidgeting for a moment, Kaiba turns her attention to you, “You think I look better this way, right?”
It is abundantly clear that Kaiba-san has allowed herself to be influenced somehow.
How a person can change this much in such a short span of time is mind-boggling.
“I think you should listen to marketing,” you reply, “They know what they’re doing.”
She then gestures at the room, “The entire company runs on their advice.”
“…They’re wrong,” Kaiba says, her eyes now fixed on the floorboards, “People don’t like the stream anymore…”
> Decision
>
> >1 - Admit you’ve read her chat logs and that she should stop talking to EmikoDesuu55
> >2 - Carefully remind her to be careful with online fans without revealing your spying (1d100)
> >3 - Press the fact that marketing is capable and drop the matter.
> >4 - Do nothing and allow Kaiba to continue to do what she thinks is right.
> >4 - Write-in
>
> Decision regarding meet-up
> >1 - (Only when chosen to reveal spying) Forbid Kaiba from meeting up with EmikoDesuu55
> >2 - Wait outside Sarutahiko Café on Saturday to see if Kaiba shows and stop her
> >3 - Visit Sarutahiko Café on Saturday and confront EmikoDesuu55 alongside Kaiba
> >4 - Visit Sarutahiko Café on Saturday and confront EmikoDesuu55 by yourself
> >5 - Do nothing
> >6 - Write-in
>
> Winners
> >5 - Share the viewership statistics with Kaiba. Show her she's popular.
> >6 - Appoint our celebratory lunch on Saturday in Sarutahiko Cafe. (Discussion: Other location)
>
> Decision regarding chat
> Try and convince Kaiba the stream is doing great (using statistics) and using public information (DarkFlightXx public comments) as angle to hit on toxic social relationships.
> This all with the intention to reduce her anxiety while keeping the fact that Nagata peeked at the chat logs hidden.
>
> Decision regarding meet-up
> Alright. Then I'll take the liberty to have the celebration lunch elsewhere since the plan seems to be to buy time.
>
> ----------------------------------------
>
> * Also, ask whether that DarkFlightXx DMed her and told her that her stream is shit and losing viewership out of spite. Warn her that this is a common online bullying tactic.
>
> * Ask why she thinks that the vlog is doing badly. We have access to records that indicate that engagement and viewership are going up. Is someone trolling her online, maybe...
>
> * Include a social safety class on manipulative behaviours fans or other idols could use on them as part of the requirements for allowing socialization.
>
> * See if Yui can assist with personal anecdotes (or present the lesson herself if so inclined) and confide in her about Kaiba’s fan and see if she’d be willing to spend some time with her.
You’ve never been much of an actress, but you have no choice other than try your best.
“What makes you say that?” you reply with a raised eyebrow, “Both me and Matsui can see the numbers for your stream and it’s picking up by the day.”
Kaiba brow furrows and there’s a moment of anger, but then her face softens, “It’s okay,” she says, sitting down in her desk chair and swivelling it around to face you, “You don’t need to protect me. I can’t blame you for thinking that I can’t handle it, but the truth is I already know… it’s doing terrible, isn’t it?”
“No, it isn’t,” you repeat, “It’s doing well.”
You get up, leaving your cup of tea behind, “This isn’t what I came here for, but it seems like this bothers you so follow me to my office for a moment and I’ll show you the analytics for your vlogs.”
Kaiba sighs, “Are numbers all that make a vlog good? What makes a video good to begin with? What if there’s more people watching, but quality is going down or something. What if it’s just new people every time and nobody actually likes it enough to stick around…What if they watch just to laugh at me?”
You stare at Kaiba for a long moment, “Let’s flip the question around then,” she says, “What metrics are you looking at that make you think otherwise? That make the vlogs seem on the decline?”
If you’re a bad actor and poor liar, then Kaiba is beyond terrible – at least when put on the spot like this.
Kaiba averts her eyes and mumbles, “Things like… audience participation and stuff, I suppose,” she says, “I’ve been talking to some… loyal viewers and stuff. Chatroom people, you know? They say the stream is becoming worse, that I should change things up.”
“Have you considered that they don’t have all the information we have?” you reply, “That they’re just uninformed?”
The silence stretches.
You wait a moment as you consider your next words.
They might seem harsh, but they’re a necessary test.
“Honestly,” you say, eyes closed and shrugging, “They simply don’t know what they’re talking about! Idiots, that’s all they are! Idiots!”
Mentally, you plead for forgiveness, but you have to know.
You need to know how far-gone Kaiba is.
How tight is EmikoDesu55’s grip on Kaiba?
A quick glance at Kaiba reveals a stiff posture and rigid muscles.
Her hands rest on her lap. Fists tight and fingernails biting into her skin.
She’s biting down on her bottom lip.
Hurt.
It’s the sort of response usually reserved for family, close friends, or a loved one.
A dismissible comment about some faceless crowd was instead regarded as a personal insult.
When Kaiba mentioned “Chatroom people”, she obviously meant a single person in particular.
Somebody less reserved might’ve started hurling insults at this point, but somebody like Kaiba can do little more than just bear it.
Since no response seems to be forthcoming from Kaiba, you continue.
“You know there’s people online that do nothing but spend their time making people feel bad, right?” you say, “Or people with bad intentions? That make you think they care, but they’re just trying to use you for their own goals?”
This gets Kaiba’s attention; she looks up with a trembling chin and soundlessly opens and closes her mouth a few times before she can speak.
Lipreading isn’t exactly counted among your skills, but it doesn’t take an expert to see that Kaiba tried to start her reply with ‘She’ rather than what she did start with.
“…My fans aren’t like that,” manages Kaiba, but the certainty seems to almost visibly leave her.
You press your lips into a line. All this lying and subterfuge isn’t like you. It’s taxing.
If only she could grab Kaiba by the shoulders, shake some sense into her, and shout about how this EmikoDesu55 is a prime example of a terrible, manipulative person without having to reveal how you know.
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
Break contact! Block her on all platforms! Forget she exists!
Be alone again.
Surely, being alone is better than dealing with EmikoDesu55, right?
Sadly, this might be the closest friendship Kaiba has ever had.
Forbidding her from interacting with EmikoDesu55 probably wouldn’t have helped.
Kaiba would’ve clung to this unhealthy relationship for dear life.
Fiercely holding onto something she has never had, known, and might never have again.
If what she shared in the chat is true, then she has gone eighteen years without making a proper friend in what are for many the most social years of their life.
Doubling those years from this point onward would be laughably easy.
You close the distance to Kaiba, bending at the knees to lower herself to her level, “Look,” you say, “Some people might seem nice at first, but they really aren’t. They might be able to hide it very well, but in the end, it always seems you’re putting in the effort, making the sacrifices, and catering to their whims just to keep them happy.”
“Those people aren’t fr… fans,” you say, “Those aren’t true fans.”
Walking the thin line between what you want to say and are actually saying is starting to get difficult.
“I’ll ask Matsui-san or Kitabayashi-san from HR to find somebody to teach you how to recognize these people,” you continue, “So you know that you shouldn’t try to indulge their desires or suggestions because they don’t have your best interests at heart.”
Kaiba nods, but otherwise doesn’t respond.
It’s hard to tell whether your words are having an effect or if she’s just waiting out the monologue.
Proper media training is a thing. You even had a short session with Kaiba in the past where you mentioned what she should and shouldn’t say in front of a camera.
Social media training is probably a thing as well.
A way to traverse the bumpy, online landscape where everybody gets to have an opinion – for better or worse.
An example comes to mind, though you take no joy in bringing up the memory.
”Do you remember what happened at the handshaking event?” you ask.
Kaiba pales as the memory bubbles up, then makes a small noise of confirmation.
“That man that tried to grab you was in your stream chatroom as well,” you say, “Probably still is. It’s easy to make a fresh account and hide under a new name. There are tons of good people among your fans, but, sadly, bad ones as well. Some of them are jealous, some get attached even though you never met, and some just want to hurt you for no other reason than to see if they can.”
Kaiba seems to wither away, “…Maybe the live vlog was a mistake and we should’ve just done what normal idols do. Be a normal idol.”
Her knuckles turn white as her nails dig deeper into her palm.
Seeing this, you reach out and take Kaiba’s hands into your own.
The gesture surprises Kaiba somewhat, there’s a sharp intake of breath and she’s blinking rapidly.
After reading the chat logs you know that EmikoDesu55 planted some weird notions in Kaiba’s mind.
Even so, such concerns will have to be cast aside for now, as you need Kaiba’s undivided attention.
“The whole reason we began the stream,” you say, “Is because you aren’t a normal idol. That’s why people are tuning in every day. To see you, Kaiba-san, become the best idol you can be. Seeing somebody that isn’t an impossible ideal chase their dreams will make them think, even if just for a moment, that they can pursue their goals, too.”
“It was never about looks,” you say…
----------------------------------------
> META
>
> There’s a sort of implication here that Kaiba’s looks are lacking, but that it doesn’t matter.
> Truth is that Kaiba-san is quite pretty and has no reason to be uncertain about her appearance.
> However, it feels odd saying those things out loud knowing that EmikoDesu55 messed with her head, Kaiba might take it the wrong way.
>
> What if Kaiba develops an interest in you instead?
> There’s something that Kaiba is looking for and chasing after.
>
> Would it be wrong to pretend in an effort to protect Kaiba-san from further manipulation by Emiko?
>
> Does doing so make you just as bad as EmikoDesu55?
>
> It feels wrong, but there’s no certainty that Kaiba’s interest in EmikoDesu is purely contained to matters regarding the stream.
>
> Alternatively, Nagata could simply break off the conversation.
>
> Compliment or no, Nagata can guide her to her office and use the analytics from the stream to back-up what she’s been saying afterwards.
>
> Decision
>
> >1 - What Kaiba needs is a boost of confidence. Tell her that she’s PLENTY cute. (While holding per hands)
> >2 - Play it safe and use an event from her past instead. Ugly girls wouldn’t get to model in a perfume advertisement!
> >3 - Break off the conversation.
>
> Therapist
>
> Nothing you’ve said so far incriminates you as a terrible private-chat-peeker.
> But you are.
>
> Having done so you know how badly ErikoDesu55 has been trying to mess with Kaiba’s mind.
> There was also mention of phone calls, so things might be worse than even you know.
>
> Getting a therapist involved could help, but it might seem like an overreaction or reveal that you know more than you’re letting on.
>
> >1 - Fess up. Get a therapist involved and mention you’re doing so because this EmikoDesu has been cracking away at Kaiba’s sense of self.
> >2 - Get a therapist involved, but try and frame it as a routine mental health check for idols.
> >3 - Don’t get a therapist involved for now.
>
>
> Decision
>
> >1 - What Kaiba needs is a boost of confidence. Tell her that she’s PLENTY cute. (While holding per hands) x 7 votes
> >2 - Play it safe and use an event from her past instead. Ugly girls wouldn’t get to model in a perfume advertisement! (Let go) x 3 votes
> > 4 - Remind Kaiba about what what she wanted to work on... x 3 votes
>
> Therapist
> >2 - Get a therapist involved, but try and frame it as a routine mental health check for idols. x 10 votes
> >3 - Send Kaiba-san to Kitabayashi Yui instead x 1 vote
>
> Winner
> >1 - What Kaiba needs is a boost of confidence. Tell her that she’s PLENTY cute. (While holding per hands)
> >AFTER ALL, she's sort of like a little sister to you, so you wouldn't lie to her (4/7 votes)
>
> >2 - Get a therapist involved but try and frame it as a routine mental health check for idols.
“It was never about looks,” you say, “…but it’s not like you lack those.”
You give Kaiba’s hands a little squeeze, “You really are very pretty,” you add, “Plenty cute.”
“Eh?” stammers Kaiba, her ears slowly turning red and knees pulling together.
“Like the cute younger sister I never had!” you say.
“Ah…” says Kaiba.
“All I’m saying is that if it is your looks you’re concerned about, then you have nothing to worry over,” you say, “You style might not be like most ordinary idols, but that’s not a bad thing. People aren’t always looking for the next perfect copy, they want something fresh. Somebody like you!”
Kaiba nods, a bitter smile on her face.
The conversation slowly peters out.
Afterwards you guide Kaiba back to your office where you walk her through all the stream’s analytics.
After some minor adjustments with the permissions, Kaiba can now view those statistics at any time.
Getting obsessed with numbers isn’t a good thing, but at least Kaiba can now have a glance at the statistics when she thinks (or is told by somebody) that the stream is doing poorly.
Finally, you invite Kaiba out for lunch at a local bistro – to discuss the arrival of the new idols.
The Tokyo Lotus is a small, family-run restaurant near the office and the perfect place to unwind.
There’s a number of other patrons here, but most of them seem to pay the both of you no mind.
Although the lunch itself is little more than a professional meetup to talk about the arrival of the new idols, you can’t help but notice that Kaiba’s glancing over the top of her menu at you every other moment – as if shielding herself from her manager.
When the waitress came for their order and took that defence away, Kaiba sulked a little.
“So, I received a small promotion a while back,” you say.
Kaiba looks up, then bobs her head, “Ah… congratulations, manager-san.”
“Part of the promotion is the ability to manage multiple idols, two of which will be started at Matsuno Inc. next week,” you say.
The sudden reveal caused Kaiba to tense up, but she doesn’t say anything.
To some, strangers are another opportunity to make a friend.
To others they might appear as a danger or competitor.
The meals arrive. Tamagoyaki for you and miso soup for Kaiba.
Both eat in silence while Kaiba digests the news and plays with her food.
“I guess you’ll be busy with those new idols,” says Kaiba while stirring the contents of her bowl.
“Yes,” you say, “At least for a while. I have to give them a proper start.”
“I see,” says Kaiba, fishing out a piece dried kelp from her bowl before lowering it back in.
“Starting a job as an idol can feel overwhelming, scary even,” you say, then laugh a little, “Though I probably don’t need to tell you that.”
You sigh, “But It’ll probably be easier this time around.”
A moment of dread washes over Kaiba, “Was it m-- was I difficult to manage?”
“No, no, not at all,” you say as you shake your head, “It is because I have you now. I expect you to be a dependable idol that these new girls can learn from, okay?”
Kaiba drops her chopsticks, they clatter the floor, “M-me?” she stammers loudly, “I don’t know anything! I’ve only been an idol for a few months!”
Other patrons mumble alarm from the noise, the waitress is clutching a menu to her chest.
You wave a quick apology to the people here then picks up Kaiba’s chopsticks from the floor, “True, but you’ve done very well so I think you can do it,” she says, “Besides, a few months is still a lot more than what these new girls have.”
Fidgeting in place, Kaiba goes quiets while she mulls over the words.
You lean in, your chin resting on the palm of a propped-up hand, “They might even call you 'Senpai', you know?”
“Eh?” says Kaiba, “Me? Senpai…?”
”…Senpai,” she repeats quietly, “…e-he-he-HehEhHehe~“
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/2746a154-14ea-4d18-88a7-1317b16818d3.png]
Once again you turn your attention to the other patrons to calm them down.
The waitress is leaning away, her face equal measure concern and unease from Kaiba’s sudden, warped laugh.
Kaiba coughs into a fist, “Ah, well, I suppose I can try,” she says, trying hard to prevent a smile.
”I mean, I should help them if I can, right?” she adds, her knee bouncing up and down beneath the table.
You nod, “mMmm, you would really be helping me out,” you say.
Whatever restraint she had falls away and Kaiba breaks into a smile, “Well, I suppose it can’t be helped then!” she says.
“I’ll be counting on you!” you reply with equal excitement.
“…Ah, but the pressure,” says Kaiba, her confidence withering away, “What if they ask me things I don’t know…”
In the distance, the waitress seems to be encouraging Kaiba in a silent voice.
For somebody painfully shy, Kaiba seems to give them quite a show.
Putting her emotions on display like that might be a side-effect from doing live vlogs every day, who knows.
“Then you ask me, or Matsui-san, or Kitabayashi-san. Anything you don’t know you can find out,” you say, “Just be honest with them when you don’t know something and offer support when they have it tough.”
Kaiba nods, seeming somewhat reassured.
Both of them gradually relax as they enjoy their meal.
Kaiba is asking plenty of questions about the new idols and what they’re like.
Unfortunately, you don’t have many answers for her as you’ve yet to meet them yourself.
During the conversation you try to mention the existence of the company therapist as casually as possible.
That it’s just this routine mental wellness check to see how somebody is doing.
Kaiba tilts her head in confusion at first but promises to attend after you mention that it’s part of the job.
The shared lunch comes to an end before long and the both of them return to the office.
Once there Kaiba returns to the streaming room as she’ll have to get ready for the daily live vlog.