【Collaborative affection】

At The Zero’s studio, the stream wrapped up with the familiar sound of the equipment powering down. Cables were coiled, lights dimmed, and the crew moved with the sluggish satisfaction that followed another successful broadcast.

Sanae slumped against Akira’s shoulder; she was already half-asleep. Her weight was light, unguarded. Nazuna rose from his chair and stretched.

“Sorry, I think she didn’t have any sleep last night.” He turned to Akira, moving her off him.

“I wasn’t bothered,” Akira smirked teasingly.

Nazuna clicked his tongue. He didn't like the smug look. 

Akira stood and leaned closer. Lowering his voice. “Now that I think about it, you are always around her. Ha, you must be sooo jealo-“

Nazuna pressed his finger against Akira’s lips before he could finish. “I know you both are nothing, so you better behave.”

Before Akira could retort, Mitsuru smacked both their heads. “Seriously, you two are exhausting.”

The manager approached with a satisfied look. He gestured to Akira to follow. 

"You did well today." He spoke once outside the shooting room. “Your private stream did really well; we are scheduling another.”

Akira groaned internally.

The manager continued. “Are you planning on any more collaborations?”

Akira shook his head. “No, I don’t feel—“

“Do it with Nauna next.” He cut in. His tone made it clear this wasnt a suggestion. “You both have female audiences, bait material will sell well.”

I want to punch this man.

Akira smiled anyway. “I will think about it.”

"Think about it." The manager repeated, already turning away.

Akira headed back only to almost bump into Jitsuko.

“Hey, Akira.”

“J-jitsuko. Hi.” He lifted his hand in an awkward wave, though she was close enough for a handshake.

“Did you get into trouble with the manager?” She peered past Akira’s shoulder, looking at the way the manager went.

“No, he wants me to collab.”

It clicked to him.

Akira leaned down to Jitsuko; enthusiasm was clear in his eyes. “Why don’t the two of us collaborate?”

“U-us?” Jitsuko scratched her head. “But our streaming formats and contents are different.”

“I don’t think it’s a big deal.”

And just like that, the decision for a collaborative stream was settled between them. Akira didn't tell the manager, not because he was afraid, but because he didn't want any pointless objections.

The next day, they met at a cafe to plan the stream. Akira wore a mask, though Kyroxfun was already popular with it.

He looked at the screen, then at Jitsuko. This stream is perfect; I get to spend time with her, too.

Jitsuko flicked her eyes up, meeting his gaze. She tapped on his forehead with her pen. "Don't slack off."

He rubbed his forehead; it didn't hurt, but he continued rubbing it for some time. "mean."

"Focused," Jitsuko corrected him and continued typing.

"Are you doing the script?"

"Yes," Jitsuko replied bluntly. "I like things completely planned out."

Akira raised his hand, ready to argue.

Jistuko sighed. "And before you say, 'I can do anything,' 'I am good at improving,' or 'I always find a way,' good for you." 

Akira laughed, leaned on the table, and twirled a strand of her hair. "So diligent."

Jitsuko glanced at his hand and calmly moved it away. "This way, I might not be able to love you back."

He straightened in his seat. "Sorry, ma'am!" 

She shook her head, smiling faintly, and kept typing. 

"Should I add some script ideas?" He pulled the laptop towards himself. Without waiting for a response, he began typing.

Jitsuko called for a waitress. The woman glanced briefly at Akira before focusing on Jitsuko.

"Two cups of coffee and some pastries," Jitsuko spoke.

The waitress looked back at Akira. "And you, sir?"

Before he could answer, Jitsuko cut in.

"I ordered for both of us."

Akira paused. His fingers tightened on the keyboard. His eye twitched; irritation bubbling. She didn't have to be so controlling.

But maybe that's care...

And it all settled.

When the waitress left, Jitsuko turned to him. "Sorry to cut you off, but she looked at you twice. She might be your fan, so I thought it was better if she didn't hear your voice."

He looked at her and blinked. He remembered the fan on the street who had recognized him, whose face he had forgotten.

"Better safe than sorry." Jitsuko smiled.

"Too nice," he murmured. 

He slid the laptop back to her. "Look, what do you think?"

Jitsuko read the script while frequently giggling. "This script is so Kyroxfun coded."

"You don't like it?"

"No, I love it." 

After some time, their coffees and pastries were placed on the table. They moved their stuff aside, making room for the delicacies. 

Akira picked up a pastry and took a bite. 

"Ish gudh!" 

He held it out to her. It brushed her lips before she leaned back. 

"No, I can have another one."

Akira continued eating it. "It tastes even better now."

Jitsuko's cheeks turned pink; she sighed. "I told you to be sincere around me."

He smiled back, almost gently. 

It was sincere.