After leaving Yuuji and Irana behind, I made my way to my mother’s room, hoping that nothing bad would happen in the meantime.
Come to think of it… when was the last time I even set foot in her room?
I tried to recall, but nothing came to mind. That in itself was strange.
Then again, I had more important things to focus on—like finally confronting her about that Vcuber thingy.
With a deep breath, I stopped in front of the door and knocked.
"Mom!… It’s me, Aria."
A brief silence followed before I heard her voice from inside.
"Wait a moment, dear… I’ll open the door."
The sound of movement followed, and soon, the door creaked open.
Standing before me was a young-looking woman with long hair and facial features eerily similar to mine. It was as if I were looking at an older version of myself.
But that wasn’t the shocking part.
"…Mom?"
She was wearing a maid costume.
Why the hell was Mom wearing a maid costume?!
Before I could process what was happening, she grabbed my arm and pulled me into the room.
Inside, I was met with an unexpected sight.
Three different computer setups. A sleek gaming chair. A professional-grade microphone. Studio lighting.
This wasn’t a typical housewife’s room.
It looked more like a high-end streaming studio—one that belonged to a full-time content creator.
My gaze swept across the room until it landed on the multiple setups. Why is there three computers? Were they for Dad and Yuuji?
I had a sinking feeling I was about to find out.
"So, Mom… you’re really a Vcuber?" I asked, cautiously.
She turned to me with a bright smile.
"Yes! And soon, you and Irana will become Vcubers too!"
…What?
"Wait, wait, wait… what do you mean Irana and I will become Vcubers?"
Without missing a beat, she gestured toward the setups.
"See these computers? This one’s yours, and this one’s Irana’s."
My head spun. "But… but… why so suddenly? You didn’t even tell us!"
Mom tilted her head innocently. "I’m your mother. Do I really need to ask for your permission first?"
"Of course, you need to ask first!!" The words left my mouth louder than intended.
The moment I raised my voice, Mom’s expression twisted into something tragic. She trembled, her lips quivering, before dramatically collapsing to the floor.
"Ugh… My own child is scolding me. She’s turned into a rebellious daughter…"
Panic hit me like a truck.
"Ah—no! I’m sorry, Mom! I didn’t mean to yell! Please forgive me!" I hurriedly bowed down, hands pressed together in apology.
Mom sniffled, lifting her head just enough to peek at me.
"Well then, you won’t refuse, right?" she asked sweetly. "To become a Vcuber."
…Wait.
Something wasn’t right here.
I narrowed my gaze.
"…Wait… That’s not how this works."
Mom’s eyes shimmered with a mix of mischief and fake sorrow.
"Oh? So you don’t want to listen to your mother anymore?" She let out a soft sniffle. "Sniff sniff… You really want to be an ungrateful child now?"
I flinched.
"Ah—don’t cry, Mom! Alright… alright! I’ll do it! Just don’t cry!"
Please don’t call me ungrateful. I don’t want my past life to repeat itself. I’ll just do as Mom says.
Her face lit up in an instant.
"Great!! In that case, let’s start. You’re debuting today!"
"…Eh?" I blinked.
"No time to waste! We’re going live in a few minutes!"