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

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“What’s going on! Why did you come without contacting me?”

Ah-young looked genuinely surprised by my sudden visit.

Maybe it’s because I don’t usually come by?

“I did text you just before coming.”

Though, technically, it was just asking if there was anything going on today.

“Really? Oh, wow!”

Ah-young checked her phone and, noticing my message, looked back at me.

“But that was ten minutes ago?”

“Haha, what’s the big deal? By the way, what did you bring?”

My skill at changing the topic has now reached a level that ordinary people can’t compete with.

“Oh, this? Just some simple snacks. I brought a few cans of beer too.”

Caught in this method that’s a daily occurrence for thousands of Miro fans, Ah-young fell right into my trap.

“Oh… can we drink beer with Hyeon-su here?”

“Hyeon-su can just have a drink.”

Ah-young said this as she pulled a can of cola out of the bag and casually tossed it at Hyeon-su.

“Hey, what if you throw that? It’ll explode.”

“Don’t worry, if you leave it for a bit, it will settle down.”

As Hyeon-su caught the can flying in a parabolic arc, he sighed and placed the cola on the desk.

“Do you want something to drink too?”

“Um… I’m good for now.”

Having just gulped down about 2-3 liters of water while recording a few hours ago, I wasn’t particularly craving anything.

“Okay, I’ll put it in the fridge, so feel free to grab it when you want.”

Ah-young said and already went back after placing the bag in the kitchen where the other band members were organizing the fridge.

“Weren’t you going to put it in the fridge?”

“They’ll take care of it. I bought it with my card.”

“Ah, I see.”

If it’s something she bought herself, then… she definitely has the right to rest here.

“By the way, what were you up to?”

“Oh, I just thought I’d drop by since I was in the area…”

“Weren’t you called by Hyeon-su?”

“Huh?”

“You didn’t succumb to the producer’s urging and show up for the viewer rating, did you?”

Ah-young’s playful words left Hyeon-su in shock.

“Whaaat? What are you talking about?”

“Hyeon-su, you got caught by that producer who promised to properly promote your song, and now you’re even appearing on variety shows.”

“Well, that’s… true.”

I was quite surprised by that conversation.

Even someone like Hyeon-su isn’t rejecting appearances on variety shows just to promote his music.

Thinking about it, many singers with countless hit songs often go on different variety shows to show their faces when releasing new tracks…

“This guy… has changed. Can you see the makeup on his face? The guy doesn’t even put on sunscreen properly…”

“That’s why… Hyeon-su insisted that I come today.”

“Eh? You said she came to learn guitar.”

“Huh? You came to learn guitar?”

Hearing that she came to learn guitar, Ah-young’s interest finally turned to the guitar I was holding.

“Is that Hyeok’s guitar?”

“Yeah, I got permission last time.”

“Ah~ that’s right. But why are you wearing the hat so low? You’re wasting your pretty face.”

“Well…”

I roughly explained to Ah-young.

I came without realizing there was filming, so I thought I’d cover my face somewhat.

“Really? The producer must be feeling regretful.”

I’ve wanted to ask about why she keeps calling the producer “that guy,” but now that I know their mic is picking it up, I couldn’t do it.

“Why would he feel regret? Even covered up, you’re pretty.”

“Can I hit you?”

“If possible, avoid the face…”

*Smack!*

“Ack!”

In the end, I got hit on the back by Ah-young. Is it because she plays drums? Her hand was quite spicy.

“You brought this upon yourself. Take it like a champ.”

“Ouch…”

“So what part are you learning? Was it the track you mentioned practicing?”

“Yeah, that’s right. I can play most of it, but I get stuck at certain moments.”

“Oh, I think I know what you mean. That happens sometimes.”

Ah-young nodded in agreement and adjusted her seated position.

“Then try playing it; I’ll watch.”

“Perfectly fine by me.”

Since Hyeon-su was also available to listen, I was planning to play it anyway.

As the atmosphere became right for me to play guitar, the camera turned this way.

And the other band members, who were organizing the snacks, also shifted their attention toward us.

“What? That’s my guitar…?”

Amidst that, I heard Kang-hyeok muttering, but I ignored it and started playing.

Soon enough, as I stumbled through my awkward performance, Hyeon-su nodded along to the music.

“I know this track.”

“You do?”

“Yeah, it’s by my favorite band.”

I had expected that, so it wasn’t particularly surprising.

By the way, he knows this song?

It was incredibly embarrassing to be strumming awkwardly while everyone else was silent, but at least it turned out well.

“Then you must be able to sing this song as well?”

“Um, I guess?”

“Then try singing along to the guitar!”

Isn’t it a waste not to join in during moments like this?

“Right now?”

“Music is meant to be performed spontaneously.”

Saying this, I stopped playing and adjusted the guitar again, signaling to start over from the beginning.

“Oh! Then I’ll play drums!”

Watching this unfold, Ah-young seemed to find it fun and dashed over to the drums.

Once Ah-young was ready, Hyeon-su initially wore a puzzled expression, but when he saw her sit at the drum set, he quickly regained his composure.

Alright, isn’t he a singer?

And this is how broadcasts are usually done.

Now that I think about it, I’ve never actually seen Hyeon-su sing.

I should seize the opportunity and witness it firsthand.

Thus, my clumsy guitar strumming joined Ah-young’s magnificent drumming, and the performance kicked off.

“Ah-”

Soon, the voice of Slim Gold, the genius musician who dominated the charts at just 19 years old, filled the air as countless cameras focused on us.

“Wow…”

How does his voice change so dramatically?

While I marveled at Hyeon-su’s solid pitch and smooth delivery from the start of the song, I caught a glimpse of the producer grinning widely in the background.

Is that really such a good thing?

As I briefly contemplated the producer’s feelings, I shifted my focus back to the performance.

If I’m not careful, my clumsy guitar sounds might get completely drowned out by Ah-young’s drumming and Hyeon-su’s voice.

I put in a level of concentration that far surpassed my usual practice sessions, working hard to keep my fingers in motion while listening to Hyeon-su’s song.

Uniquely, Hyeon-su sang lyrics adapted into Korean instead of Japanese, and combined with his distinctive tone, it felt like an original Slim Gold piece rather than just a cover.

Even when singing someone else’s song, he could make it fully his own—now that’s talent!

Watching Hyeon-su’s Slim Gold-esque persona for the first time, I stole a glance at Ah-young drumming.

I had only ever seen her clumsy side, so seeing her play the drums gave off a professional vibe.

Despite my awkward guitar play, these two pros covered for my shortcomings perfectly, weaving this spontaneous little jam session into their personal performance.

Hearing the music of a professional live, in person, was such a refreshing sensation compared to just listening through speakers or headphones.

Their skill was in an entirely different league compared to someone like me, an amateur.

Every second, each part of the song delighted my ears.

Was this song originally like this?

It was a favorite track of Kim Soo-hyun, and I think I understand why I liked it so much.

As the song progressed towards its climax, I reached the point where I could no longer keep playing.

What should I do? The second highlight part was approaching—the part where I usually got stuck.

I didn’t want this performance to end…

But I thought, I’ll just play as long as I can, and if it doesn’t work out… I can just apologize with a smile.

With that resolve, I continued playing when, suddenly, Hyeon-su approached me while singing.

“—ah-!”

He uttered a syllable, then swiftly passed the microphone to me, grabbing the guitar from my hands.

“Since you forced me into this, you’ll have to sing too, right?”

He said, handing me the microphone and taking over the guitar from me.

“Ah.”

His boldness made me chuckle.

This song? I’ve never sung it before.

But as Kim Soo-hyun, I must have listened to it dozens of times.

And just now, wasn’t Hyeon-su singing it right in front of me?

In that dazzling moment, I realized I had to reciprocate the gesture.

Cough, cough.

I cleared my throat ever so slightly.

The second highlight of the song is about to come.

With Ah-young drumming and Hyeon-su playing guitar more skillfully than I ever could, the other band members and numerous staff watched me.

This could be intimidating for someone else, but…

But who am I?

I’m used to talking solo in front of thousands every day!

Lightly smiling, I straightened up and opened my mouth.

Although my vocal skills or techniques can’t compare to Hyeon-su…

My voice as Kim Soo-hyun—no, my unique tone—should be captivating enough for everyone here.

“Ah–!”

That’s what Miro is for.

*

“Wow, that was amazing!”

After the song ended, Ah-young shouted as she wiped her sweat.

It truly was good.

When was the last time I had this much fun?

Broadcasting, watching cartoons or anime—all enjoyable, but this was something different, a kind of joy altogether.

It felt almost like being truly alive.

“Right? I seriously had a blast too.”

As expected, Hyeon-su’s energy was at an all-time high, typical of a singer.

“Hey, now we want to join in too!”

The band members, who had been absentmindedly watching the performance, had now gathered with their respective instruments.

“Ahh… I really want to go busking.”

“Shall we head out right now?”

“Still, wait—what about my guitar?”

“Haha… it was well-used.”

I handed the guitar I received from Hyeon-su to Kang-hyeok, the only member who hadn’t picked up an instrument yet.

“Sure… Yeah, you played really well.”

“Though Hyeon-su played even better than I did.”

Honestly, I was surprised. I’d heard he had basics down, but this was beyond basic.

Is genius’s standard set differently? I find that a bit hard to believe.

“And I play even better than Hyeon-su.”

That’s a bit of a tricky statement, isn’t it?

Curious what he meant, I looked at Kang-hyeok, who exchanged glances with the other members before continuing.

“Feeling a bit hot, huh? How about we perform another session?”

“A performance?”

“This is the stage, and the audience… is over there.”

Kang-hyeok pointed in the direction where the staff were gathered. Well, to be exact, there were cameras set up.

“What do you think?”

“Uh…”

But I don’t have an instrument to use anymore?

As I looked at Kang-hyeok with that thought, Hyeon-su offered a suggestion first.

“How about a duet?”

“Sounds good?”

This is too much service for today, isn’t it?

Discreetly, I glanced at the staff filming us.

When I made eye contact with the grinning producer, he shot me two thumbs up.

While I understood that expression, it also seemed a bit ridiculous.

“…So true.”

Producers really are obsessed with viewer ratings.