I Want to Be a VTuber

Song Yong-ho, a senior at Yeonhwa High School, wandered into the school auditorium late at night. Despite the college entrance exams being over and having little reason to visit school anymore, he had come for one particular purpose.

"This is a must-broadcast event!"

Song Yong-ho was an internet streamer. At the start of the year, he was a virtual nobody, barely scraping by with a handful of viewers. But after filming a viral video during Close Your Eyes, his channel began to grow rapidly.

Back then, he was the only one who had captured a raw, unedited reaction to the events on live stream.

Though he received a warning from the broadcasting station later, he was let off lightly since he was just a student, and the video only gained attention after the variety show had aired.

Now, with 100,000 subscribers, he had become a moderately successful streamer. His plan after graduation was to focus entirely on streaming.

"Apparently, there’s an end-of-year party being held tonight by the first-year students at my school, Yeonhwa High."

"Yes, yes, you’re right. And you all know what I’m talking about—my video, right?"

At his mention of the video, the chat finally stirred, as viewers who had come to his channel through Close Your Eyes started commenting.

The responses were lukewarm at best. Many internet users didn’t care about celebrities, even those who had become fans of his through the viral show.

Still, the connection to Ju Seoyeon sparked some interest.

"So, I offered to help out tonight under the pretense of assisting the teachers. Pretty smart, right?"

"Not exactly. But it should be fine, don’t you think?"

"Hey, hey! Delinquent? No way. This is an unspoken agreement—mutual understanding!"

In truth, the school probably anticipated that someone would film and post videos since Ju Seoyeon would be attending. Whether it was Yong-ho rationalizing his behavior or not, the fact remained that he generally stuck to clean, student-friendly content.

"For now, I’ll turn off the stream since I have to help out. I’ll go live again once Ju Seoyeon shows up."

"Nope, I don’t film regular students. Just Seoyeon."

With that, Yong-ho turned off his stream. It made no sense to keep it running while he helped set up.

"I hope she actually shows up."

As he prepared to enter the school, a flicker of doubt crept in.

"What’s that? Reporters?"

Yong-ho’s eyes widened as he spotted men with professional cameras entering the school grounds. They weren’t sneaking in, either—they were being guided by teachers.

"Ah, so they’re here for publicity."

It made sense. The school probably wanted to make the event into a PR opportunity to spread Yeonhwa High’s name.

"See? They definitely knew."

Yong-ho grinned. Allowing his livestream was probably part of the school’s effort to market itself. Yeonhwa High, often overshadowed by prestigious schools nearby, had every reason to seize this opportunity.

"Not bad, not bad."

The normally dark auditorium was brightly lit, with a tasteful banner at «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» the entrance reading: Yeonhwa High School, 1st-Year End-of-Year Party.

The event was about to begin.

*****

"Da-hyun, when is Seoyeon coming?"

"She’s really coming today, right?"

"Yeah, she’s coming."

Da-hyun sighed as she answered the same question for the hundredth time.

Everyone’s so interested.

The auditorium was packed with first-year students.

The end-of-year party was something few students would normally bother attending, yet here they were, filling the space.

Even up in the balcony area, reporters and teachers lingered, some snapping photos occasionally.

They’re taking this more seriously than I thought.

Da-hyun clicked her tongue. The school had informed the students ahead of time that this event was intended for promotional purposes.

Though she’d heard there might be reporters, she hadn’t expected so many.

One female journalist, in particular, was scanning the room with sharp eyes, as if searching for someone.

She’s probably looking for Seoyeon too.

It was clear now. The reporters weren’t here to promote the school—they were here for Ju Seoyeon.

Of course, the school was likely fine with that, as it would still help their PR.

I told her to dress for the party...

Da-hyun had rarely seen Seoyeon in casual clothes. She was almost always in her school uniform.

So she’d made a point to emphasize the importance of wearing appropriate attire.

Even so, "party clothes" for high schoolers weren’t anything extravagant.

The theme was a Western-style prom, inspired by American graduation dance parties.

While the attendees were only first-years and nowhere near graduation, the concept had been chosen to create a festive atmosphere.

If the response was positive, the school might consider organizing a real prom for the seniors next year.

"Gil Da-hyun."

A voice broke through her thoughts.

She turned to see Lee Jiyeon, clad in a simple red dress, standing nearby with her group.

Is she a delinquent?

The thought crossed Da-hyun’s mind unbidden.

Though not a true troublemaker, Jiyeon had an aura that intimidated the actual delinquents enough to make them flee at the sight of her.

This alone made her suspicious.

Even if Jiyeon was a fellow celebrity, Da-hyun worried about the potential impact on Seoyeon’s image.

"Do you know where Ju Seoyeon is?" Jiyeon asked directly.

"Seoyeon?"

Da-hyun hesitated, wondering what Jiyeon wanted with her.

When Da-hyun mentioned Seoyeon, Jiyeon’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"I heard about it, but you’re really friends with Ju Seoyeon?"

"Huh? Uh, yeah, I guess? Why?"

"There aren’t many people who call her so casually by her name."

Jiyeon’s tone carried a faint hint of irritation, as if she was annoyed by the idea of Seoyeon having more friends.

No way, it couldn’t be that.

Jiyeon already had plenty of people around her—whether they were actual friends or just a group tagging along, Da-hyun couldn’t say for sure.

"Anyway, Seoyeon hasn’t arrived yet. At least, as far as I know, no one’s seen her."

"Really? Hmm, alright. I came early because I was worried, but she’s the one running late..."

"What?"

"Ah, nothing."

Jiyeon muttered to herself before disappearing, her expression betraying a sense of unease.

Da-hyun felt a pang of curiosity about Jiyeon’s reaction but decided against asking.

After all, they weren’t close enough to have that kind of conversation.

I should get back to what the teacher asked me to do.

Da-hyun had plenty to keep her busy. Why the school decided to host an end-of-year party and pile so much work on her was beyond her.

"Gil Da-hyun, don’t you think your outfit is a little too plain?"

The voice came from a girl dressed in an unmistakably expensive outfit.

It was Jung Ha-jin, someone Da-hyun had known since middle school and who always had a knack for nitpicking her.

You’re the one overdressed.

Da-hyun stifled a laugh as she glanced at Ha-jin. Her outfit wasn’t overly extravagant, but it was clearly designer—something you’d expect to see at a real prom.

Last I heard, she became an idol trainee.

It wasn’t surprising, given her talent, and rumors suggested she might debut soon.

Back in middle school, they had competed academically, but Da-hyun hadn’t expected her to have this kind of flair.

"You don’t want to look too nerdy. Anyway, we’re doing a dance party later, right?"

"Yeah, that’s the plan."

"Hmph, not bad. Especially with all the reporters here."

It was clear Ha-jin planned to take full advantage of the reporters’ presence to showcase herself.

"Let me know when Ju Seoyeon gets here."

"Why?"

"Why else? I want to use this chance to get close to her."

Ha-jin’s boastful tone was accompanied by a condescending glance at Da-hyun.

Da-hyun didn’t care about the attitude but was struck by another thought.

"That shouldn’t be too hard, but..."

"But what?"

"I’m just not sure it’ll matter, standing next to her."

"What?"

Ha-jin’s face twisted in displeasure.

Was Da-hyun picking a fight? Was she jealous of Ha-jin’s designer outfit? Or maybe her looks?

Whatever the reason, Ha-jin was clearly offended.

"What are you trying to say—"

Before Ha-jin could finish, the atmosphere in the auditorium shifted.

Murmurs broke out among the students, and a few gasps and cheers echoed.

"What’s going on?"

Even Ha-jin, who had been glaring at Da-hyun, turned to see what was happening. 𝐟𝗿𝐞𝚎𝚠𝐞𝚋𝕟𝐨𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝕔𝕠𝚖

The answer was obvious—students were flocking toward the source of the commotion.

Standing at the center of the attention was a girl in a stunning black dress.

Her sleek black hair was tucked neatly behind her ears, which were adorned with red earrings that matched a ruby necklace resting against her collarbone.

Though the dress wasn’t revealing, it was undeniably glamorous, the kind you’d see on a red carpet.

The flowing fabric extended just below her knees, swaying gracefully with every step she took. She looked like a striking black rose blooming in the auditorium.

How can something so extravagant look so natural?

"Uh... huh?"

Ha-jin’s mouth fell open as the girl—Ju Seoyeon—walked in her direction.

Why is she coming this way? Should I run? Or should I go talk to her?

Before Ha-jin could decide, the sound of camera shutters filled the air as reporters snapped photos.

The sudden flashes snapped Ha-jin out of her daze, but she still couldn’t think of how to act.

Should she hurry up and link arms with Seoyeon? Her original plan had been to act like a close friend for the cameras, boosting her own image.

But her feet wouldn’t move.

As Seoyeon’s crimson eyes, cool and emotionless, locked onto her, Ha-jin found it hard to breathe.

Just as Seoyeon reached her, Da-hyun broke the silence.

"Seoyeon, is something wrong?"

Her voice was calm and friendly, pulling Seoyeon’s attention away from Ha-jin.

Seoyeon glanced at Da-hyun, then finally spoke.

"...I think I wore the wrong outfit."

Her quiet confession revealed the truth she’d been suppressing since arriving.

*****

Seoyeon realized something was wrong as soon as she arrived at the auditorium.

The other students’ outfits were far more casual than she’d expected.

Moments before stepping out of the van, her manager, Park Eun-ha, had asked cautiously, "Seoyeon, wasn’t this supposed to be party attire?"

"It was..."

"This is party attire, but the dress code seems... a little different."

Her current outfit was something fit for an awards ceremony.

In fairness, it hadn’t started out so extravagant.

It was originally just a dress similar to one she’d worn to a party with Jo Se-hee.

But as Seoyeon tried it on, she couldn’t help but get a little carried away. Her stylist, equally excited, had pushed her to go bolder.

I am pretty, Seoyeon had thought to herself, and by the time she snapped out of her vanity, she was already in this dress.

Partly her own fault, but Eun-ha hadn’t helped with her constant praise and suggestions.

"Just think of it this way: tonight, you’re the star of the party!"

Of course, Seoyeon had no desire to be the star. She had just wanted to blend in and enjoy herself quietly.

And yet, here she was, walking into the auditorium with her gaze fixed firmly on Da-hyun to avoid meeting anyone else’s eyes.

As she approached, she noticed a girl she didn’t recognize standing next to Da-hyun.

Naturally shy, Seoyeon couldn’t help but wonder who the stranger was.

Who is she? I wish she’d move aside.

When she reached Da-hyun, she finally confessed her thoughts.

"I think I wore the wrong outfit."

"Seoyeon, your ears are turning red," Da-hyun pointed out.

"~~~~!!"

Seoyeon immediately covered her ears and lowered her head, mortified.

And at that moment—

Click!

Another round of camera flashes went off, capturing her flushed face.