【Behind the screen】

Sanae drifted around his apartment, her eyes lingering on every detail. She picked up a small white porcelain ornament and ran her finger along the delicate rim.

She turned to Akira.

He was sitting on the couch, legs crossed, going through their stream plan. Sanae settled down next to him; she leaned her head on the couch's arm, yawning. Even though it was midday, she already seemed tired. 

Her eyes lingered on him.

"Your apartment is unexpectedly clean and beautiful. You must make a lot from streams."

He glanced at her, tapping the sheets to his chin. "Nah, this apartment is an inheritance I received from my parents."

"Oh, like an early inheritance?"

He set the sheets on the table, turned to her, and poked her forehead. "No, inheritance after their death."

Sanae straightened instantly, her blue hair flaring with the movement. "O-oh, I am sorry."

"Ahh," he sighed theatrically, leaning closer. "I am so broken that I might cry. Will you kiss it better for me~?" 

Sanae stared at him.

Unreadable.

He moved back, picking up the papers. He added casually. "So, Sanae, are you okay with being shipped with me?"

"Of course, it puts a spotlight on me too."

"My fan base can be a bit scary." Akira chuckled.

"I know, but I want to see the outcome." She snatched the papers from him and stood up. "Come on, quit stalling; it's about time we stream."

They took turns changing into their streaming getup. She dressed in a frilled crop top and a sky blue skirt, accented with pink ribbons. Contrasting completely with his plain brown oversized hood.

In Akira's steaming room, his usual chair had been replaced with a wide, soft couch. They settled beside each other.

The screen buzzed, giving a timer. 

With each number displayed on the screen, his heart throbbed. It was a risky stream.

"Kyroxfun and Dream_warrior03 here~" Akira adjusted the camera, revealing Sanae next to him.

She waved at the camera and winked. "And here we are... finally giving the most-awaited stream." 

The chat was divided immediately.

The shippers:

[I waited for this stream.]
[You both look lovely.]

And of course, the hostility from the fanatics:

[Get that trash away from my goddess.]
[She is trying to steal my boyfriend.]

"Now let's play a game." Sanae poked Akira's nose. 

He glanced at the screen. He could clearly see that many fans didn't like it. But this was the reason this stream was a success.

The haters want to confirm what happens. The lovers want to see it till the end. And the opinionless hate being ignorant.

"So what are we playing?" Akira rubbed his nose. 

Without warning, he grabbed Sanae's hand and held it up to the camera. "Chat, her hand is trembling."

[Lol no]
[Be a little shameful, dude.]

"Now your turn." Sanae pulled her hand away and gestured for him to show his.

He waved his hand at the camera. "See, no shaky."

She rolled her eyes dramatically and pushed his hand down. "We will tell two truths and one lie. The chat and the other one will guess the lie." 

"Sounds simple; you go first." Akira leaned back.

Sanae closed her eyes, lost in deep thought, before continuing.

"Hmm, so here I go. I usually wake up early. My hair is real, not extensions, and I can fall asleep while sitting."

Akira mumbled the three repeatedly before looking at the camera. "What do you guys think? I want to pick the last one, but I have my suspicions about the first."

[Hair is fake.]
[She fell asleep during a steam.]

"In that case." Akira scooted closer to Sanae, their shoulders pressed. "I think it's the first one. I think you don't wake up early. That's why you were sleepy when you came here."

Sanae giggled, patting his shoulder. "Correct, dude, you can tell me so well."

Akira gave her a slight bow and turned to the screen. "My turn. But I will tell two lies and one truth. Here I go."

The chat erupted.

"I have kissed an older woman. I was really shy in middle school, and I have lied to my fans before."

[He must have lied.]
[I vote he has kissed someone older]

How amusing. They can't even tell I told two truths and one lie.

"Hmm... so you were shy once. You played it easy, didn't you?" Sanae shook her head.

"Ahh, but look, the chat thinks I kissed an older lady before; isn't it funny?" He laughed and pointed at the screen.

After the stream ended, the two sat back-to-back on the couch, going through their feeds. 

"We are trending." Sanae turned, tilting the screen to him.

"Yeah."

There was a silence for a while.

"Akira, why did you become a streamer?" Sanae frowned. "You seem to be well off."  

His eyes widened, memories flooding in.

"I thought it would be fun."

"Oh, no wonder your name is Kyroxfun." She chuckled sarcastically. 

For some reason her expressions dulled.

She sank into the couch, covering her face. Her breath was steady but deep. She pressed her legs against her chest. 

"Hey, Akira, do you also feel like you are nothing after the screen goes dark?" She mumbled.

His head spiralled. Yes, yes, it's lonely.

Sanae looked at him, grabbing his face. 

"Are you free tonight?"

Akira grabbed her wrists, pulling her hands away. "What? Are you trying to drown your problems by relying on me?"

"Do you mind? I also have a tainted reputation, just like you. For this fame, I have sacrificed everything."

Her fingers slipped between his, interlocking. He could see himself in her eyes. 

Her eyes are on me, only me. 

"I am free." Akira replied softly. 

Was it the similarity, or was it the desire to be seen? Either way, it won him.

He twirled a strand of her blue hair around his finger and leaned in. Their noses brushed. Their lips hovered, almost touching.

He closed his eyes. 

I wish I could kiss Jitsuko. 

A sudden pain stiffened him. 

Jitsuko is someone meant to be admired, not touched. She is pure – too pure. 

He pulled away from Sanae.

"I am sorry." He stared at her in bewilderment. "Sanae, I-I will call you a cab."

Akira stood up and rushed out of the room. He had never refused anyone before, but today he did. 

He slumped onto the floor. Disgust welling up inside him.