> Need three rolls. All of these use Chigusa Iki's modifiers.
> Only one roll per person, please.
>
> Need one PERSONALITY roll for Chigusa's ability as an entertaining host:
> Please roll 1d100 + 44
>
> Need one ACTING roll for Chigusa's ability to play out her idol persona:
> Please roll 1d100 + 25
>
> Need one LOOKS roll for Chigusa's general appeal:
> Please roll 1d100 + 48
>
> All these rolls will be added together.
> 0 - 150 = +0 Fame
> 150 - 300 = +1 Fame
> 300 - 450 = +2 Fame
>
>
> Rolled 26 + 25 (1d100 + 25) = 51 (ACTING)
> Rolled 75 + 44 (1d100 + 44) = 119 (PERSONALITY)
> Rolled 72 + 48 (1d100 + 48) = 120 (LOOKS)
>
> Total: 290 (+1 Fame)
Hours tick by.
If Kitabayashi hadn't brought a phone charger this morning, then you'd truly be bored out of your mind.
"Thank you, Yui-sama," you say in a low prayer.
Half a city away, Kitabayashi is suddenly feeling pretty good about herself, but doesn't know why.
"Mhhnnnggg...." you say, stretching, "...Imagine having to spend weeks or months in the hospital... How do people do it..."
"They're usually busy dying, that fills up the day like nothing else," says a nurse with a plain look on her face, her short orange hair dangling freely.
"Bwoea!" you cry, nearly falling out of bed, "When did you get in here?! Who are you?"
"It's the crocs, you understand," says the nurse, "Comfortable and silent."
You look down at her hot-pink crocs and frown, then look up.
"I'm nurse Miyazaki Yuna, by the way," says the nurse, "Nurse Kuchiki's shift was over."
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/42af2e09-77ae-4741-a044-b7c5e95aaeee.jpg]
"You coming to sedate me again?" you say, eyes narrowing.
"Do you want to be sedated?" replies Nurse Miyazaki.
"No," you reply.
"Good, because the answer was no either way," says Nurse Miyazaki.
You throw up your hands in confusion.
"Here's an interesting fact," says nurse Miyazaki, "Even if you're looking for something to do, don't masturbate if you're wearing a heart-rate monitor. Your heartrate will spike and four nurses and a doctor will burst into the room thinking you've gone into cardiac arrest. It's awkward for everyone involved."
"W-what?" you stammer, blushing, "I'd never! W-what!?"
"Also, you'd be amazed at the amount of people that take naked selfies in their rooms, something about the hospital gown, I think," says nurse Miyazaki, checking your chart.
"T-that's depraved!" you shout, "That can't be real!"
"Oh, yes," says nurse Miyazaki, eyes still fixed on your chart, "I walk in on a woman, phone in hand with her twins out, strutting across the room looking for a better angle or lighting ... Twice a week?"
You're not sure how to respond and just go silent.
"Must be tough for you," says Nurse Miyazaki, glancing towards you, "Bet you have to use landscape-mode."
"What?" you say, confused.
"Good news," says Nurse Miyazaki, "You'll be free to leave at the end of the afternoon."
"Oh...! That's great, actually!" you say, eyes sparkling.
"Just be sure to take it easy during the weekend," says Nurse Miyazaki, "Keep stress low (below 150) in the next two weeks or so unless you want to be carted back in here. Avoid high blood pressure. Do you live with anyone who can take care of you in case of emergency?"
"...Eh, no," you say, "I live by myself."
Nurse Miyazaki makes a note, then sighs in an 'of course' kind of way while lightly shaking her head.
Oi.
"Should I be?" you say, nerves creeping in, "Living with somebody else that is."
"If you, despite my advice, can't avoid stress, it might be best to have somebody around," says Nurse Miyazaki, "Avoid alcohol if you can or go easy if you can't."
"Is it really that bad?" you say, "It's hard to avoid stress in my job. Will I end up back in the hospital if I overdo it a bit?"
"No," says Nurse Miyazaki.
"Well, the--"
"You'll end in the morgue."
"Ah."
"Yes, 'Ah', indeed."
"But I'm only twenty-six!" you cry.
"Hospital doesn't have a children's ward because people only die old," says Nurse Miyazaki.
You go quiet for a moment.
"That's a horrible way to make a point!" you cry.
"Works, doesn't it?" says Nurse Miyazaki, making a final note, "Just avoid stress and alcohol. Keep your blood pressure low. And you'll be healthy again in no time."
"I'm getting stressed just from having this conversation!" you say.
Nurse Miyazaki shrugs, "No better place to have an aneurysm than the hospital."
Disbelief clear on your face, your mouth opens and closes a few times, just speechless.
"Well, Nagata-san," says nurse Miyazaki, tucking her clipboard under her arm, "This'll be the first and last time you see me, my shift will end before you're released from care. Make sure to get some rest."
"Good!" you say, bewildered by the entire conversation, "Bye, I guess."
"...Perhaps another sedative is indeed in order..." says Nurse Miyazaki, staring you down.
You bow, "Ah, have a good weekend, nurse Miyazaki-san," you say, "Take care."
Nurse Miyazaki smiles a final self-important smile and then departs.
There goes a woman who has fully embraced the small amount of power she has.
Almost seems a recurring theme for the nurses here.
You lie back down with an exasperated sigh, then pull up your phone.
"...What... to... do... in... the... hospital..." you type into Yahoo, then scroll through the results.
"...Reading...TV... Crosswords... Sudoku... Page 2 results... Knitting... Selfies?"
Click.
"Ehhh!?' you cry, pulling the phone close to your chest to hide the screen.
A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.
She was right.
----------------------------------------
Hours of mindless scrolling, some phone calls, and a bunch of cat videos later, it's finally time for Chigusa's late afternoon debut stream.
You might not be able to help, but at the very least you can tune in and cheer her on.
Phone in hand, you press your shoulders into the bed and get snuggled in.
The countdown screen appears accompanied by Matsuno Inc's cheerful little jingle to serve as background noise.
@BizarreTaru: Another idol, huh?
@Slayme420: They really pump 'em out these days don't they
@s3xyxo: It's a numbers game, isn't it? for every 100 maybe 1 will make it
@twilightshad0w: if its another go-happy girl that says she loves me then I just might throw up
@s3xyxo: I mean, I'm fine with it if she's cute
@Boarroar999: whats this title anyway? "Otaku Health 101"? lol
@SkullsSkullsSkulls95: im not an otaku, I just like idols
@NikoNikoNiii: I think they mean idol otaku
@reservii: just screams poor marketing imo
@twilightshad0w: i may or may not kill somebody if I have to listen to this jingle any longer
@Keyszz1: start with yourself
@banemothh: 6 min left
Livestream viewers are so toxic at times, but "Otaku Health 101" does seem a bit on the nose.
You'll just have to hope that Matsui knows what she's doing.
You switch apps and send Chigusa a quick message -- to wish her good luck.
Unfortunately, Chigusa didn't respond.
There are only a few minutes left until the stream starts, so she is probably called to the set.
Nothing to do but nervously wait for the countdown to tick down.
The counter hits zero and you're hit with a smoothly crafted 2d animation featuring a "chibi" version of Chigusa Iki with a maid costume and cat ears.
The mini Chigusa is depicted cheerfully selecting produce at the store, energetically tapping away with a pointer at a blackboard filled with health facts, and shown cooking stew with a bright smile.
The animation ends with the title screen: "Otaku Health 101"
"...They sure put a lot of work into this..." you say quietly.
The broadcast switches to a camera capturing an empty kitchen.
A click-clack of heels is heard and Chigusa walks onto the screen wearing a maid costume and cat ears.
It seems like somebody went through the meticulous effort to sew as many frills as possible onto her dress.
That must've taken them hours.
"Good afternoon, my name is Chigusa Iki," she says, bowing towards her audience, "Welcome to Otaku Health 101"
Chigusa glances towards the side, apparently receiving instructions.
"...Nyaa~" suggests a barely audible voice off-screen, then whispers a little louder, "...Nyaa!"
Chigusa ignores them, continuing without any further cat-like antics.
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/8e63cd5f-3782-4406-9299-ead25ac8a111.jpg]
"Today we'll be learning how to create a staple meal: omelette with rice, commonly known as: omurice." she says, walking towards a table filled with ingredients, "Although not the healthiest meal, this otaku favourite is easy to make and a definite improvement over the cup ramen that likely makes up most of your diet."
@Boarroar999: What the... she isn't cute at all!
@mindbreak752: i dunno this is kinda working for me
@WagaMegumiiin: she's cute, but not .... cute...?
@Nyantaroo: those cat ears same crazy real
@IsekaiCosplay: Provided by Isekai Cosplay! Find our store in Tokyo!
@mindbreak752: she seems a little cold, yeah
@mindbreak752: kuudere is my jam so im okay with it
@twilightshad0w: i dont think there's any dere to be found its just ... kuukuu?
@Slayme420: chicken-san?
Chigusa continues on to list the ingredients used, the kitchenware required, and what other preparations need to be made.
During it all, she presses the importance of personal health.
She cracks the eggs and mixes them in a bowl, "You can't keep living like you have," she says softly, a sad note to her voice, "You'll worry your favourite idols..."
@WagaMegumiiin: dere detected?
@Rowboats1293: a little maybe
@YaBoiGhoulman3: its ep1 -- she's not gonna go full dere yet obviously
@Rowboats1293: great... now I have to follow just to see if she eventually goes full dere
@Purrfect4: tfw no catgirl maid to complain about my eating habits
You're quite sure Chigusa didn't mean as it concern for the viewers, but it's fine if they take it that way.
Chigusa completes preparing the meal with her usual cold efficiency, then presents it to the viewers.
It's impressive that she can flawlessly prepare a meal like that at her age, perhaps she has talent as a chef.
@BizarreTaru: wife material
@IdolMaster33: breeding material
@Rowboats1293: you're fucking everywhere, aren't you?
"Just healthy meals won't be enough," says Chigusa sternly, "Make sure to get plenty of fresh air and exercise. Otakus are notorious for their poor posture, impacting their lower back. Make sure to correct your posture, you'll have dire need of your lower back in the future."
She then returns to the stove to prepare some minor side dishes.
Completely obvious to what she said.
@s3xyxo: what will be using our lower back for, Iki-chan ;)) ?
@IdolLov3: damn this girl is pretty direct
@lovecollars11: get topped by the catgirl maid lol
@reservii: get those thrusts in! 3-4!
@yuukioniisan: the kind of exercise I can get behind
@Nyantaroo: please go nyaa... please ... I cant take it anymore
@Nyantaroo: THE EARS JUST THERE, NOTHING ELSE
@Notesandboats32: nyaa? how about just a smile in general
@Purrfect4: the intro was false advertising haha
@Napgang333: you uncultured vermin aren't worthy of kuudere
@Napgang333: her being like this now means future dere will be all the sweeter!
Another dish, an animated presentation of the importance of posture, and some light-hearted conversations later -- the stream comes to a close.
It only lasted just over an hour so.
Chigusa Iki stands dead centre of the camera "Thank you for watching," she says, bowing, "I hope you'll put today's information to good use. Perhaps prepare a meal for your parents or family, I'm sure they'll appreciate you helping them out in their later years."
Chigusa stands there, hands clasped together tightly and resting on her apron, staring at the distant camera.
This is her idol debut, but it feels nothing like the idols she saw on TV growing up.
She's fairly certain she hasn't made any mistakes and preserved the dignity she was raised to uphold.
Yet, she feels that if she were to watch back the broadcast, then she'd surely be disappointed.
Her aspirations as an idol were to be like the idols she watched growing up -- to grant joy.
The kind of happiness that can even reach a young, lonely girl in a secluded town.
Maybe her personality is just a poor fit for something like an idol and she won't go very far.
She might not have that special idol factor.
Nothing more than a pretender.
In fact, things might already be over.
What kind of idol debut doesn't have a single smile or a second of laughter?
Still, she's glad that she tried.
Chigusa might not make it, but perhaps there's somebody watching who can.
If she's nothing more than a shallow impersonation of what an idol should be, then she might be as well commit to the bit.
And speak those hopeful words often said by her favourite idol, long ago.
[https://assets.legendkeeper.com/2ad68def-02c3-4f5f-8ee0-e02ee84998bd.jpg]
"Make sure you try your best, okay?" says Chigusa, adding an uncharacteristic wink.
The show ends, the outro plays, the studio lights dim.
Matsuno Inc's jingle plays as background music.
Halfway across the country, a single viewer is ranting about the music in live chat.
----------------------------------------
"That's a wrap," says a man in tones of somebody doing this a dozen times per day, "Break down the set, we've got another shoot after this. Anyone got the playbook for that?"
"I've got it here," says another, raising a stack of papers.
Chigusa bows politely, "Thank you all for your work," she says as the staff takes apart the kitchen set around her, then climbs from the stage.
Some of them concede a nod.
Well, it's not like she was expecting much. Idol debuts are a dime a dozen in this industry.
There's no point in getting familiar with somebody who is just as likely to be gone a month later.
The crew members here are pros and now so is she.
There's no reward for doing what's expected from you, never has been.
Intrinsic motivation is vital for the achievement of any long-term goal.
Chigusa takes off her cat ears and holds them in her hands, rubbing the soft ears with a thumb.
"Ah! Chigusa-san!" cries a voice.
Chigusa looks over.
Nagata Miho is holding her phone sideways in her hands, the broadcast's jingle still echoes from it, said phone she then pockets.
"Nagata-san?" says Chigusa, "I thought you were in the hospital."
"I was, but I just got out," says Nagata with a smile.
The large bruise on her face is hard to look at.
A green-haired woman playing around with her car keys follows close behind, but then waits at a distance.
Nagata unexpectedly grabs both of Chigusa's hands, "That was so good!" she says cheerfully.
"...Eh? It was?" says Chigusa, shocked.
"It was!" says Nagata, "And all the animation bits! I didn't even know anything about that!"
"I talked it over with PR and design, they said they could do it," says Chigusa, "After I provided them with sketches."
"Eeeh? You handled that all by yourself?" cries Nagata, clearly impressed.
"...And I did all the frills on the dress," adds Chigusa.
"Wow! That as well?!" says Nagata.
"...I practiced all the dishes at home," continues Chigusa.
"You must've worked really hard!" says Nagata.
"...I did," replies Chigusa, "I did work hard."
Nagata pulls Chigusa into a hug, embracing her fully, "It shows!" she says, gleefully, "Good work today!"
"...I ... I worked hard," says Chigusa in a small voice, carefully hugging back, "...I worked really hard."
Chigusa's idol debut was completed successfully
Chigusa's fame has increased by 1 (2 to 3)