Now That I Have Become a Woman, I Am a Vtuber

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A cocktail bar gathered for the New Year party.

“Cheers!”

Now that the last member has arrived, we clinked our glasses together.

It’s a bit odd to be doing this in such a fancy cocktail bar… but, hey, why not?

I heard they rented the whole place again this time.

As expected, the writer is quite generous.

With only five members including the director, the writer, Han Ye-eun, Nam Han-kyung, and myself, it’s surprising we could rent such a large place.

Recalling that we had rented this spot before, it seems like a location pick from the writer.

“Ah, why is it so hard to see you, Soo-hyun?”

“Haha…”

“But you’re often on TV, right?”

Writer Ahn Ji-young immediately expressed her disappointment at not hearing from me.

She had been quite friendly to me from the beginning, so I felt a little sorry.

“You’re such a star these days.”

“Ah, that’s thanks to the writer.”

“Oh? Did you get the flattery down?”

Still, seeing everyone like this makes me feel happy.

Just last winter, we were hard at work shooting a drama together here.

“By the way, skipping the award ceremony was really brave, huh?”

“Haha…”

“What if you get blacklisted?”

“Well… that’s a bit concerning.”

I went for it, but yeah, I’m a bit worried about that part.

Will the broadcasting station not call me after this?

…At least I won’t have to worry about the awards ceremony.

Since dramas are only shooting for OTT nowadays, it should be fine.

“Well, but if it’s you, it’ll be alright.”

“Is that so?”

“Yeah, you’re always so polite.”

Polite? Ah, I’ve definitely been polite.

I learned that from my teacher in the beginning.

“And you’ve got connections, right?”

“Connections?”

“Me. I’ve got quite a strong influence.”

“Oh… that sounds reassuring!”

Ahn Ji-young has connections?

In the entertainment industry, especially the drama sector, that would be quite something.

Thinking about it, I do have connections with the writer and director.

Whatever I do, it shouldn’t affect my projects.

“And if all else fails, Chang-sik will help you out.”

“Eh? What do you mean by that…?”

I was puzzled for a moment, then realized she was teasing me.

Ah, it’s really tough being poked fun at like this by everyone…

“What are you thinking? You’re the face of your agency, right?”

“…I know you’re joking.”

…But even so, it won’t work on me.

Everyone can see I’m grinning.

“Haha, I won’t tease you. But you really suit it well!”

“Well, the editing for the variety show made it look like that…”

I was about to explain how that was all because of the PD’s cutthroat editing.

“Oh, I saw that variety show too. You looked closer than before, didn’t you?”

Han Ye-eun, who was nearby, joined in the conversation, raising her glass.

“…Did it look that way?”

“Yeah, Chang-sik sunbae isn’t usually that warm either.”

Is that so?

Thinking back, I did keep some distance from that side.

“He’s really playful once he gets comfortable.”

“That’s easy to say.”

This time, Nam Han-kyung jumped into the conversation.

Why does everyone keep coming over here? The director’s left alone in his original spot, looking a bit lonely.

“I was next to him at the last award ceremony, and it felt even harder to talk this time since it’s been a while.”

“You two should be friends. You’re both around the same age.”

“…I can see that.”

Well, it’s true that we weren’t that close during filming either.

It seems that Moon Chang-sik might find it hard to get along with other actors.

“By the way, it’s a shame Chang-sik can’t be here today.”

“Oh right, he can’t come, can he?”

“He said he’s busy with the movie release this time.”

Now that I think about it, Moon Chang-sik was the lead in that drama too, wasn’t he?

Wait, he’s the real star of the drama and I completely forgot.

I heard he couldn’t make it due to another commitment.

His zombie movie he was shooting is set to release soon, so it seems he’s been busy since the New Year.

…Honestly, I’m not that disappointed.

With the current atmosphere of teasing me, I can only imagine how much more they would poke fun at me if Moon Chang-sik were here.

“Soo-hyun, drink this.”

“Ah, thank you.”

Since we’re here for the New Year celebration, it’s better to just relax and have a drink.

Besides, I’ve been so lazy these days, and today I’m drinking too.

I’m scared to think about what my weight might be.

I really need to start exercising again soon.

The filming for Credit Season 2 is just around the corner too.

“By the way, Soo-hyun.”

“Yes?”

“Have you decided on your next role?”

“Ah, the role?”

“I’m sure you’ve received a lot more offers than before.”

“Hmm…”

Definitely.

As Writer Ahn Ji-young mentioned, the roles have been pouring in.

From dramas shooting in the latter half of next year to films.

I’ve even received offers for lead roles.

“I’m actually looking at the list right now.”

“Oh? You’re looking at a list?”

“Yeah… I’m in the midst of considering.”

“Oh, so you’re interested, huh?”

Writer Ji-young smiled at my reply.

…It felt strangely like I had been caught.

Now that I think about it, she had suggested I take the lead role before.

I had rejected it back then because I felt burdened…

“About the suggestion I made earlier…”

“Ah, that’s still a bit…”

…Even now, it’s definitely a burden.

I want to be the lead, but a solo lead? No way that’s possible.

I’m only thinking about comfortably staying behind Jeong-cheon sunbae when I visit sets like Credit.

If I had to carry all the responsibility of being the lead, that would be incredibly tough.

“Ah, what a shame.”

Anyway, while I was firmly rejecting the writer’s offer, she suddenly brought up.

“By the way, don’t you have any thoughts about releasing more songs?”

“My songs?”

“Yeah, I used to listen to them a lot. But I haven’t heard anything since then.”

Han Ye-eun, who had been listening, asked about my music activities.

She’s interested in my songs? That’s a bit surprising.

But speaking of songs… unlike roles, I really haven’t had any news.

“Ah, not yet really…”

Honestly, I’ve been so busy and having fun acting that I’ve forgotten about it.

…Actually, I should go visit the composer— But I’ve only thought about it and haven’t actually done it.

I should really go sometime soon.

Moreover, my virtual YouTuber Miro hasn’t been singing much either.

I sang briefly during the year-end concert, but that feels like it was ages ago.

Well, the concert happened at the beginning of last year, and since then, I’ve had number one on the charts and even performed at festivals.

Honestly, it seems natural that I’d be satisfied and put things on hold.

“Well, it does seem like you’ve been busy lately.”

“Right? You’re super famous now.”

“Haha… it’s just been a short while.”

Anyway, I continued to sip my drink and chat with the familiar faces I hadn’t seen in a while.

“Ah, I’m going to be filming soon…”

“Is that for real? Wow, what a story…”

But.

Is it because there’s a director here as well as actors and writers?

While sipping drinks, they were casually discussing various industry stories, and I could understand a bit better now.

Moreover, well, honestly, it was quite entertaining.

Both Nam Han-kyung and Han Ye-eun.

Unlike my sudden rise to fame, they were solid actors who naturally took on lead roles when filming.

Listening to stories from such actors about incidents on set that are usually hard to come by was thrilling, and time flew by.

“Soo-hyun, your glass is empty. Want another?”

“Ah yes, please give me one more.”

Spending more time meant that I had quite a bit to drink.

In addition, I had specifically ordered a milder cocktail to sip on like juice.

“…I think Soo-hyun is a bit tipsy.”

“Your face is red.”

“Yes…?”

Thanks to that, by the time I regained my consciousness, I was already quite drunk.

…Yeah, I guessed I was indeed drunk.

I felt heat rising in my face, and everyone here looked slightly tipsy, so why wouldn’t I be?

“So, you see! Directors really are selfish, right? Writing scripts is such a…”

“Hey, are you talking about me?”

“You’re included!”

“What?”

And just like that, with everyone pouring drinks, the atmosphere of the conversation also heated up.

Thus, real stories that you wouldn’t usually hear came out.

“Oh, I’m filming this time, and a fellow actor confessed to me…”

“Is that for real?”

“Who is it?”

“Well, I won’t say their name.”

“Wait, are they the ones Han Ye-eun is filming with…?”

“Oh, no guessing!”

And of course, talk of this slightly risky nature is always fun, right?

Plus, hearing behind-the-scenes gossip from famous actors.

There were so many interesting stories that as I munched on snacks like popcorn, sipping cocktails, time really flew by.

“Have you ever received a confession from a fellow actor, Soo-hyun?”

With Writer Ahn Ji-young’s question, all eyes turned to me.

“Me?”

“Yes, yes, I bet there have been lots.”

“Hmm… never actually.”

Confessions? There’s no way that could have happened to me.

“Seriously?”

“Why?”

From the start…

“I don’t really keep in touch with many fellow actors.”

How could I receive a confession when I hardly even talk to other actors?

…And honestly, it’s not like I never got messages.

There are tons of young men and women around here working together.

Among them, hasn’t anyone had the courage to ask me out for a meal?

I’ve just turned them all down with my thoughts.

Those kinds of messages are just too transparent.

“That’s unexpected, huh?”

“I thought you’d be contacted a lot.”

“Me? I might seem like a total loner.”

I don’t participate in gatherings often, and it’s only occasionally that I come out to places like this New Year’s party.

From the start, my acting career hasn’t been that long.

Plus, look at Moon Chang-sik.

Even after such a long acting career, he still has few friends.

The filming set is surprisingly hard to make friends in.

“So, how do you plan to date?”

“I just won’t.”

“…Have you really not dated since you mentioned that last time?”

“I’ve been busy…”

Dating? Honestly, I’m not even thinking about it right now.

It’s still hard for me to imagine it significantly.

Would it really suit my virtual YTuber persona Miro to be in a relationship?

Well, someday I’ll consider it… But I still have plenty of time left…

“You’re twenty-five now, Soo-hyun…”

“Cough! Cough…!”

“That’s quite rare.”

“Can you do any magic?”

…I really have grown older.

Indeed, not dating until twenty-five is definitely rare nowadays.

Especially like me, a young, pretty, capable, and kind alpha female virtual YouTuber Miro, that’s even more so.

“Oh, I’ll date someday.”

“That age range for dating is quite different, you know.”

“I’m still young, so it’s fine if I take my time.”

Do you know that?

The only big difference between twenty-one-year-old Soo-hyun and now is my toned physique.

I’m still in the prime of my youth, seeing as my skin doesn’t differ much from my early twenties.

Actually, it seems to have improved thanks to dermatology treatments my agency has been sending me to.

“Thinking you can take your time is quite shocking…”

“Well, it’s best for you to do what you’re comfortable with, Soo-hyun.”

Although others were shocked by my statement, the atmosphere felt understanding towards me.

“I feel like you’d do well in dating, Soo-hyun.”

“I can be quite determined.”

“…Am I paying for dinner today? Splurging like this?”

“Hahaha, you caught me there.”

Anyway.

It’s starting to feel like I should get up soon.

Because I drank too much, I’m feeling the urge to go home.

Damn this instinct to return home when drunk.

Honestly, it’s comforting.

There’s no way I’m going to sleep on the streets after drinking, right?

“Ah, I should…”

So I was trying to work up the courage to leave.

“By the way, Soo-hyun.”

“Yes?”

“You mentioned you were considering your next project earlier, right?”

The writer brought up my upcoming work.

…Looks like she hasn’t forgotten about the brief mention from earlier.

“Yes, yes… I was looking at the list.”

“It means you’re considering to participate in a project?”

“Isn’t that right?”

To my reply, the writer gave me another significant smile.

“Well, how about doing one?”

“Uh… about that…”

“It’s different from the suggestion I made earlier. We’re moving forward with a project soon, and I’d like to pre-cast you.”

“Hmm…”

“You’re a bit tipsy right now, so contact me once you clear your head and if you’re interested.”

“I’m not that drunk, but I understand…”

She’s already making another proposal.

It appears she really likes my pace.

…I missed the timing to run away.

Should I stay a bit longer?

After all, it’s not that late yet.

Regardless.

While various teasers were going around once again, I finished my cocktail quickly.

“Ah, I should… stop now…”

“Ah yes… it looks like you should start heading back.”

“Should I walk you to your taxi?”

“No, it’s fine…”

Since I felt it was genuinely not good anymore, I stood up from my seat.

At some point, I had really gone overboard…

The world was spinning around me.

I resisted the urge to head back and sleep while exiting the cocktail bar and climbed the stairs.

Thud.

As I opened the door, I bumped into a man who was about to enter.

“Oh…? You’re here…”

“…Are you leaving now?”

“Didn’t you say you couldn’t make it…?”

I clearly heard he couldn’t make it because he was busy, yet he managed to come late.

Anyway, I need to go home now.

“Then I’ll head out…”

“Ah, yes.”

After that brief conversation, I stepped outside.

After that…

Once I regained my senses, I found myself staring at the ceiling of my familiar room.

“Hmm.”

The memory’s a bit of a blur.

But hey, at least I made it home safe, so that’s a relief.

…I hope I made it back alone. Please let that be true.

Even amidst this hangover, the last memory danced hazily in my mind.