You spend a bit of time with Chigusa, going over the comments of the stream.
The majority of viewers mention they actually liked the content.
A straightforward stream with informative content is a nice change of pace from the usual "Ehhh? I fell! I'm so clumsy! Ehe? Love me?" content that seems so prevalent these days.
@Napgang33: was... a pretty good stream I'd say?
@Nyantaroo: kinda felt like watching a documentary almost, but the host is cute instead of an old man
@NikoPanda87: I'll check back next time! Chigusa-san!
@Purrfect4: -san?
@NikoPanda87: calling her by -chan feels wrong
@Purrfect4: Hmmm I kinda get it, like we need to earn calling her -chan and we're not there yet
@Slayme420: need higher numbers on the dere chart before we can go -chan
@IdolLov3: where we at on the dere meters, capn?
@Slayme420: solid 1/10 id say
@IdolLov3: rip
Chigusa stands a little way off to the side, leaning against a wall, her face lit up by the glare of her phone.
The band of her cat ears wrapped around her wrist.
People didn't hate it -- she concludes as she scrolls through various social media.
"You did good today, Chigusa-san," says a voice, then handing her a bottle of water.
Chigusa takes it, "Thank you," she says, "Miss...?"
"Kitabayashi Yui," says Kitabayashi, then points a thumb over her shoulder, "I drove Nagata-san here from the hospital. I work at Matsuno Inc as well. At HR."
"I see," says Chigusa, bowing, "Thank you for taking care of Nagata-san."
Kitabayashi laughs politely, "We've been friends for years, so of course I would," she says, "Say. What's that wrapped around your wrist?"
A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.
Chigusa looks down, "Hmm?" she says, "Cat ears. They were part of my costume."
"Oh?" says Kitabayashi, seemingly interested, "Cat ears? I've only ever seen plastic ones. How do they work?"
"Like any other hairband," says Chigusa confused, then pulling them from her wrist and demonstrating, donning them, "Like so."
Kitabayashi nods, taking it all in, "Hoooo... I see."
"Yui!" you snap in a sharp whisper from a short distance away, almost a hiss.
"Ah," says Kitabayashi, wincing, "I think I need to go. Take care, Chigusa-san. Might see you around at the office."
Chigusa bows, "Have a good weekend," she says, watching both Nagata and Kitabayashi leave.
Chigusa sighs, taking off her cat ears, speaking softly, "Will the company be alright with somebody like that in HR?" she murmurs, "That doesn't even know how a hairband works?"
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On the drive back to the office you spend your time just staring daggers at Kitabayashi, only for her to take a wrong turn.
"...You missed the exit," you say.
"I didn't," says Kitabayashi, "I brought you to Chigusa's debut, but we're not going to the office."
"What?" you say, "But I was cleared from the hospital!"
"I'm bringing you home," says Kitabayashi.
"But my car..." you say, looking for an excuse, "Renault Twingo-san..."
"Wha...?" begins Kitabayashi, then briefly shakes her head in disbelief, "Your car will be fine at the club's parking lot. I called already."
"If I take you to the office, you'll just work the entire evening," says Kitabayashi.
You can only grumble as Kitabayashi rides you home and stops in front of your apartment.
As you exit the car and say your goodbyes, Kitabayashi lowers the window and calls out, "And remember," she says, with a big smile, "If you use your company card to enter the office during the weekend -- I'll know."
Having a friend in HR is the worst.
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The rest of the day ends without incident and you finally get to go home.
You check your phone and aside from some well-wishes, it's strangely void of messages.
Honestly, you were expecting your phone to be blown up by the fallout of Enatsu's debut.
Either idols themselves or their managers slapping you on the wrist for reckless endangerment.
Isn't the case though, this must be the privilege of the hospitalized.
Any person with a shred of empathy would find it difficult to complain about somebody's mistake if that person got hospitalized trying to prevent that mistake.
Since you've been repeatedly told to take rest, you do as much and spend most of the weekend at your apartment.
"Fufu~ Azuki-chan," you say, closing in on your cat, "Did you miss me?"
The cat ignores you -- as cats do.