The Saintess Next Door is a Super Popular VTuber Whose Character was Designed by Me
Tonari ni Sunderu Seijo-sama wa Ore ga Chara-Design o Tantoushita Daininki VTuber deshita
Chapter 27 - The Saintess Doesn't Mind and Isn't Bothered by It
"So, do you two are dating?"
Coincidentally, after bumping into Kanata and Kurumi, the four of them moved to the food court in the mall, having only chosen Iori's outerwear.
While munching on fries, Kurumi was pressing for details. Her expression sparkled with excitement, clearly interested in the topic of romance.
"Or, did you two actually start dating since then? If so, does that make me a cupid? Kanata, aren’t I amazing?"
"Yeah. You're amazing."
"Hehe."
It seemed she remembered how she had recommended Iori to Asumi the other day, and she was getting all hyped up by herself. Plus, she was melting under Kanata's gentle pet, clearly the epitome of a lovey-dovey couple.
"Hey, are you going to flirt or have a talk with us? Which one is it?"
"We're going to flirt."
"I'm leaving."
"Come on, come on."
After witnessing such a display of affectionate couple, Iori could only be amazed at how easily the two of them answered his question without hesitation. Asumi tried to mediate, adding to the lively atmosphere.
"Well, you did say that to the clerk. So, you two are dating, right?"
"We're not dating."
"You're so stubborn, aren't you?"
"No, we're really not."
Having seen the exchange between Asumi and the clerk, it was no wonder the two who didn’t know the circumstances thought that way.
Moreover, in the subsequent conversation, Asumi only mentioned, "He looked like he didn’t want to talk to the clerk much." From an outsider's perspective, it would simply look like she was being considerate as his girlfriend.
"Anyway, if Miss Saintess says so, I'll listen to the circumstances."
"Thank you. Actually…"
Even though Iori denied it, Kurumi was willing to listen as soon as Asumi spoke. She wasn’t fully convinced, but for now, she decided to quietly hear Asumi's explanation.
"I see, I see. Hmm, so that’s how it is."
"What’s with that attitude?"
"Nothing, really. I just thought it was nice to live in the same apartment building as Miss Saintess."
"Do I look like such a vulgar person?"
"Not at all."
"Right? That's why, we’re just neighbors."
Asumi explained that Iori had been helping her with measures against pick-up attempts and shared the details about her interaction with the clerk. She also revealed that they were just neighbors.
She mentioned living next door because she couldn’t think of a good reason for asking Iori for help with pick-up prevention.
It was a stretch for Asumi, who usually kept boys at bay, to ask someone she wasn’t close to for a favor.
So, she decided to reveal that they were neighbors. However, she kept her usual social life, with Iori being an illustrator, and her identity as a VTuber a secret.
"It’s surprising that you two have some interaction. It feels like you’re on opposite sides."
"Personality or position doesn’t matter."
"That’s true. Well, I understand the situation now. For now, it’s better to keep this a secret from the people at school, right?"
"That would help."
"Got it. Is that okay with you, Kurumi?"
"Yes, of course. I won’t cause any trouble for Miss Saintess."
"And me too, okay?"
"Yes, yes."
It seemed the two were somewhat convinced. It was probably a good thing that it was these two who found out. And they promised not to spill anything.
For now, that was settled.
"Now, we’re going back to the store, but what about you? Should we all go together?"
"No, running into someone else would be too much trouble. I’m going home after this."
"I’ll do the same."
Kanata made the suggestion, but Iori and Asumi declined. They definitely didn’t want anyone else to find them out.
Thanks to Kanata and Kurumi being understanding, the situation was smoothed over, but who knows how it would have gone with others.
"Oh, by the way. I’ll do a bit of shopping before heading home, so sorry, but can you two take Minase to the station?"
"Understood."
"Okay, then. Miss Saintess, let’s head to the station."
"Okay. Thank you."
Even though they were leaving, Iori thought that if he left Asumi alone, she might get hit on. So, he asked the two to accompany her.
After parting ways with the three, just before leaving, Asumi turned back, mouthed "See you later," and waved her hand.
In response, Iori also moved his lips and whispered, "You’ll get caught."
If they realized they were still meeting after got home, it would lead to more misunderstandings.
With a mix of anxiety over her playful antics, he watched the three of them leave.
"Sigh. I can't believe I'm running into you then to that idiot couple. Seriously, what's going on?"
"That shop must be famous after all."
After finishing his shopping and returning home, Iori sighed and said this, to which Asumi replied.
Since it was just before dinner, the two had reunited at Iori's house, taking a moment to relax with coffee to relieve their exhausted bodies.
"Well, I’m just glad it was those two I ran into."
"You're right, I think it was good that it was the two of them."
"I can only imagine what would have happened if it were someone else. I’ll have to be more careful from now on. You wouldn’t want any weird rumors about us either, right?"
"I’m not really that concerned about it."
If rumors about a guy like Iori, who isn’t anything special, were to spread, it would only be a hassle for Asumi.
At least that’s what he thought, but she casually mentioned it while glancing his way.
"You were worried about the rumors being a hassle, yet you still cared about it?"
"Of course, it’s best to avoid becoming a topic of gossip, but the real issue is who the rumors are involved."
"Who?"
"Well, it would be a problem if the person involved didn’t deny the rumors about me."
"Are there really people like that?"
There are apparently those who deliberately don't deny rumors about being with 'Saintess' just to satisfy their own vanity, causing trouble for others. That seemed to be the most troubling aspect for Asumi.
"But if it’s Iori-kun, that wouldn't happen, right?"
"Of course not."
"Then it’s not a problem."
Asumi tilted her head slightly and smiled as she said this. Iori had no intention of causing such trouble.
When he answered immediately, Asumi took a sip of her coffee and responded briefly.
"Also, Iori-kun mentioned that you’d dislike the idea of me being rumored to be with you, but I don’t mind it at all."
"Is that so?"
After taking a sip of her coffee, Asumi continued with that statement. However, Iori tilted his head in confusion, wondering what she meant.
"Yes. No one would mind being rumored with someone as kind and sincere as you. It might lead to some trouble, but I wouldn’t hate it. I just wanted to make that clear."
"I see."
Asumi’s reply was very much in line with her character. Once she finished speaking, she smiled again.
Hearing that made Iori feel a bit more at ease. For her to say she didn’t mind rumors about her with him meant there was some level of trust or affection, regardless of any romantic feelings.
He felt a little happy about that.
"I wouldn’t mind being rumored to be with you either, Asumi. You’re kind, smart, and cute. Plus, there’s really no downside for me. I guess that’s how I feel."
"…Yes. That's probably how it is. Now, shall we get dinner ready?"
With that, they both stood up, sharing a wry smile.
Today was Iori’s turn to cook.
As he headed to the fridge, Asumi began taking plates out from the cupboard to prepare.
Neither of them had noticed that their cheeks were slightly flushed.
[To be Continued]
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