Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 10. [Tsukiyo’s POV] A Fated Encounter ②
After school, I was walking the usual way home with Sakasegawa-kun.
Along the way, he told me how he figured out that I was “Hoshizuki Kaguya.”
“When I heard your voice, I felt this strange sense of nostalgia.”
He remembered just from hearing my voice.
“Look—‘Himeji’ and ‘Kaguya-hime,’ and then ‘Tsukiyo’ and ‘Hoshizuki’ both have moon and stars in them, right?”
He associated things from my name.
“And you said your favorite thing was strawberries—that matched too, so it felt like more than just coincidence…”
He even remembered what I liked.
I never thought this distinct voice of mine would ever be useful.
This voice, which never matched my appearance, actually brought the two of us together. I felt grateful for it for the first time.
The name was something I came up with back in middle school—pretty simple and childish—so it made me a little self-conscious.
But the fact that he remembered my favorite thing made me really happy.
Then finally, Sakasegawa-kun pointed to the keychain on my bag.
It was Chichakyawa, a mascot character V-san had drawn just for me.
Whenever I saw cruel comments during my streams or made a mistake in real life, V-san would cheer me up through comics starring this character.
Just seeing that character gave me strength. I liked it so much, I even made my own keychain so I could look at it anytime.
A precious memory, known only to me and V-san.
I wasn’t suspicious of him or anything, but at that moment, I knew Sakasegawa-kun was V-san.
By the way, I also have a plushie of another character, Shichisan, that I cuddle when I sleep—but that’s still a secret.
“Now, here’s the real question. Himeji-san, you can speak normally when you’re streaming as V, so why is it hard for you to talk in real life?”
“W-well… It’s because I’m… tall, and my eyes are sharp… I didn’t want to be like this. I wanted to be small and cute… That’s why I started being a Vtuber… Because, when I’m in my V-body… it’s not really me, so maybe… I can talk?”
I explained how I felt about it.
Then Sakasegawa-kun suddenly lit up like he had an idea—and took my hand and started running.
Wh-wha!? He’s holding my hand!?
Wait, where are we even going!?
○ ●
He brought me—without much explanation—to a cosmetics shop.
I had gone to a place like this once before with my older sister, but the memory wasn’t exactly pleasant.
That time, a strong-willed looking saleslady approached us in a really pushy way.
She did my makeup, but the result was heavy and made me look like a strict older lady.
Ever since then, I avoided cosmetics stores.
“Okay, here we go. Close your eyes…”
“…O-okay!”
But if it’s with Sakasegawa-kun… maybe it’s okay to trust him.
“Himeji-san, your skin’s so smooth and clear, we can start from the base!”
“C-clear…?”
“Yeah! Super clear.”
“…Uuu…”
He spoke so close to me. I was so embarrassed—but also happy!
“You look super cute now!”
“S-s-s-super cute…!”
He explained each step carefully as he did my makeup.
But honestly, I couldn’t focus at all…
“Your eyelashes are so long—like you’re wearing falsies! So pretty!”
“R-r-really…?”
Suddenly, my head felt hot—and everything else became a blur.
“Himeji-san, open your eyes.”
His voice brought me back.
When I opened my eyes and looked in the mirror—there was a stranger staring back.
It took a moment to realize that stranger was me.
“W-wow… Is this me!? I look adorable!”
The version of me I always wanted to be—but thought I could never become—was right there in the mirror.
I never compliment myself… but just this once, I truly thought I looked cute.
“Amazing, Sakasegawa-kun! This doesn’t even feel like me!”
“I’m not amazing at all. I’ve still got a long way to go compared to my teacher. I just redirected your already amazing potential a little.”
He tried to be humble, but I knew that wasn’t true.
I had to tell him. And for once, the words came easily.
“No! That’s not true at all! You’re amazing! I’ve done my own makeup and it’s never looked like this, and even when a professional did it, it wasn’t this good!”
“Haha… You’re exaggerating.”
“But I’m not… it’s the truth…”
“By the way, Himeji-san… aren’t you talking completely normally right now?”
I suddenly realized—I was speaking just like I did during my streams.
“Oh wow, you’re right! Maybe it’s because I don’t feel like myself with the makeup on? It kind of feels like I’m in my V-body.”
“I hoped that might happen. I’m glad it worked out.”
“This is the first time I’ve ever felt like this. Like I’ve been reborn!”
Ah… Just how many times has Sakasegawa-kun saved me?
I finally realized the feeling that had been blooming inside me.
Yes… this is…
“Thank you, Sakasegawa-kun.”
This is… love.
○ ●
“Sorry, we’re on a date right now!”
“H-Himeji-san!?”
“Come on, Sakasegawa-kun, let’s go!”
A saleslady had started talking to Sakasegawa-kun and he looked troubled, so I jumped in to help.
It was nothing compared to all the times he helped me—but little by little, I’ll start returning the favor.
Also… I kind of grabbed his hand on impulse. I hope it didn’t seem weird?
But it’s fine.
He held mine earlier too. This is just returning the favor.
Wanting him to notice me made my body move on its own.
Ugh, my face is burning up. I must be red right now.
I hope I didn’t mess up the makeup he put on me…
Since I was walking in front of Sakasegawa-kun, I think he didn’t notice. Or at least I hope so…
After that, I asked him to join me on a classic after-school date plan I remembered seeing online long ago.
We went to a clothing store so I could learn about his fashion preferences, took a photo booth picture to capture a memory together, and walked side by side eating crepes…
This is a date, right? It totally is, right!? Right!?
While I was secretly savoring my happiness, it happened.
Someone called Sakasegawa-kun’s name, and I turned around instinctively.
○ ●
When I turned around, I saw the two delinquents from yesterday, and with them, a bigger guy who looked like their boss.
But Sakasegawa-kun quickly took them down again, just like before.
Apparently, the reason the three of them had become delinquents was due to their insecurities.
I don’t think anyone is born a bad person.
It’s life, and the environment you live in, that slowly, little by little, distorts you.
Just like what happened to me.
I wanted to help those three somehow.
But there was nothing I could really do.
However… if it’s Sakasegawa-kun…
“Hey, Sakasegawa-kun… would you do their makeup?”
“Hm? …Ah, yeah, that sounds good!”
Believing that Sakasegawa-kun could do something for them, I suggested he try giving them makeovers.
○ ●
“Whoa!”
“No way!”
“We… look like this!?”
My idea was a huge success!
“You can change how you look like this, but first you need to learn to like yourself. Embrace the parts you like, and even the parts you don’t—accept them as a part of who you are and think about what you can do without giving up. If you do that, your heart will grow alongside your appearance. And who knows? You might even become popular. Well, not that I’m in any position to say that… haha.”
He wasn’t even saying it to me, but I was deeply moved.
Just like he said, I want to grow little by little too.
The three of them seemed ready to turn over a new leaf—I’m so glad.
But still… Sakasegawa-kun is amazing.
For a family to drive away someone like him… they must’ve had absolutely no eye for his worth.
“Phew, I’m really glad those guys aren’t delinquents anymore. Huh? It’s already sunset! Maybe we should head home too?”
Wait, it’s that late already!?
I missed out on the strawberry donut…
I wanted to go more places today…
“Let’s go hang out again soon, just the two of us. We’ll have the strawberry donut then!”
He wants to go out with me again!? Yay!
Maybe missing out on the donut today wasn’t so bad after all…
And we’ll see each other at school tomorrow too—there’s just so much to look forward to!
I don’t think I’ll ever forget the day I spent with Sakasegawa-kun.
I hope these kinds of precious memories keep growing bit by bit.
With that wish in my heart, I walked home humming a little tune—something I don’t usually do.