【PRIVATE】

"Kyroxfun here~ Thanks for joining in for the one-on-one stream."

Akira lifted his gaze to the camera, narrowing his eyes just enough to make them feel warm. He was well aware that his crystal blue eyes were everything but kind. His smile – reflexive and kind in the same way.

The screen split, revealing a woman with a flushed face, wide eyes, and tense shoulders. 

"I-I am Kyroxmy_husband." She spoke in almost a whisper.

He waved at her as the meeting with the head of the Zeros resurfaced.

"Akira, my boy, private streams are essential." The Zeros' head spoke in a practised tone, hands folded with a calm smile. "This strengthens your bond with top fans, and you can make some money."

Akira remained silent for a while; he wasn't sure how to explain himself. I wish Aunt Fuyuko were here.

"Money isn't an issue," Akira bit his lip. "What if they ask for weird things, and what if they are recording me?"

The man chuckled and adjusted his glasses. "Akira, you are not on an adult platform. Requests are regulated, and you cannot be recorded." He softened his voice, almost indulgent. "Besides, aren't you bold in your public streams?"

Despite the calm tone, Akira could clearly feel the mockery. He hissed under his breath. "A crowd show and the one behind closed doors are always different."

The head's smile thinned; clearly bothered. "Your content is already borderline. I think you are just making excuses to slack off." He paused and continued. "And after your collaboration with Sanae, you need to make your fans feel special. They expect intimacy."

"But the rumours are bringing in numbers."

"Yes, but your fans desire exclusivity; you are regarded as a BFE."

Akira's mouth dropped open. "I never said anything like that."

The man leaned back in his chair, looking at Akira through his glasses. "And you also never said anything about being a player or a slacker either."

Akira clicked his tongue. 

In the end, I couldn't explain what I was concerned about. 

Today is my first private stream; she looks ...fine, even beautiful. 

She paid an enormous sum for this meeting. 

The system beeped, and a text appeared at the corner stating:

'Avoid any explicit or inappropriate behaviour. It is advisable to follow the public safety guidelines.'

"Ahhh, why are you so shy?" He covered his mouth. "That makes me flustered, too. Say, what can I do for you~?"

She moved closer to the camera. Her lips quivered as she spoke. "W-what is your real name?"

"I am sor-"

"I-I am your number one fan." She pressed a hand to her chest, as if making some sort of announcement. "I have been there since the beginning. I love you so much. I paid to meet you; it was expensive. I worked many, many jobs. I at least deserve to know your name."

 She was breathing heavily by the end.

Akira stared at her.

"M-my name is Akari... I know it's kind of girly, but never mention it to other people."

She gasped, covering her face. "You are as kind as you look. A true angel. I will never reveal your name."

Akira smiled, tilting his head. Well, if Akari gets associated with me, I will know for sure who did it. "So miss—"

"Don't call me that..." She rubbed her hands while she lowered her gaze. "W-why don't you call me dear?"

"Of course," he chuckled, leaning closer to the camera. "So, my dear, how was your day?"

Huh, so I do behave as a BFE?

Her face brightened. "It was amazing; all day I thought about this moment." She twirled her hair. "I want to be your only special fan, dear A-akari. I want to please you too—"

Oh, please end the stream. 

"All my fans are special." He smiled.

A gloomier look took over in her eyes.

"You have so many fans, and you have that dream girl. I want to be your one and only." Biting her nails.

She paused. "Um, c-can you unbutton your shirt?"

"Dear, please..." Akira leaned into his chair. "I cannot; it's not allowed."

Her posture straightened, suddenly rigid, slightly annoyed. 

"I paid for you. Do you have any idea what I have been through? Aren't you always doing things like these?" 

"I am sorry."

"At least lick the camera; you did that before. I love you more than you think. I-I can do anything for you; try asking anything from me."

Akira swallowed, staring at her. Does she truly love me?

"Akari, you have always been special to me."

I can't be losing a dedicated fan.

He sighed, leaning towards the camera. He whispered. "O-okay."

 Fingertips numb and cold. Taking a few deep breaths.

This isn't a big thing. I have done worse.

He stuck out his tongue, sliding it over the cold glass of the camera.

Mr Manager, see, I always end up doing anything.

Hours later, Akira lay on the floor, a cigarette burning between his fingers. Smoke pooled near the roof, intoxicating the room. 

After the woman, he had two more fans. 

He sat up, blew a smoke, and typed 'kyroxfun' in the search tab.

His numbers were rising. Still a hot topic. And many dedicated fans.

At least I am still well-liked. Completely worth it.

Then his eyes fell on 'Kyroxfun is Akari; he told me himself.' 

His jaw tightened. "Shameless."

The post was doing well. He clenched his phone. His eyes continued twitching as he rubbed his temples.

I did so much for her; she said she loved me. Liar.

The doorbell rang, followed by a short knock. After some time, he dragged himself to the door and swung it open. On the floor lay another bouquet. White flowers, he didn't recognise. 

Akira picked it up and found a card lying under the bouquet.

It read, 'Akira, you are my precious.'

His head drifted to his aunt despite it having no name. She must be missing too much.

It felt good, but there was something he couldn't understand. It's really unlike her to shower me with flowers twice. 

Carrying the flowers inside, he placed them in the vase beside the wilting roses.

I should call her....

A sharp pain pierced his skull. He scrolled to Jitsuko's number instead, saved as nyn_pi. His thumb hovered.

Am I this shameless? Should I call Sanae instead?

He clicked call.

A moment later, he heard Jitsuko's voice from the other side.

"Hello, Akira, been a while."

Her voice sent a shiver down his spine. He cleared his throat. As enthusiastically as he could, he replied.

"Hey, Jitsuko. How are you!?"

"I am good. What about you?"

"Bored, I ended my one-on-one stream. It was so hectic."

"O-oh..."

"Hmmm, so what are you doing?"

"I was at the university. I am at a cafe now."

"Just go home and rest."

"I don't feel like going home. It'll be all me. You get that right?"

"You can come over to my place." He pressed his lips.

"Haha, maybe next time."

Akira lowered his phone. This feels so unfair...