*This story is an English translation of "Un Unusual Painting"
### Part 1
The soft light of dusk streamed in through Kiara's window. Her desk was lined with monitors, cluttered with notes and sketchbooks from her stream preparations. As per usual, Chiara adjusted her headset and checked herself in the mirror. Her orange hair flowed softly, accented by a large beret. Today's guest was a popular VTuber from another agency. Prior research had given her a thorough understanding of her recent activities and hobbies. This kind of preparatory research is the source of the appeal of "HOLOTALK at KFP."
"Okay, let's do my best today too!" Kiara said out loud as if to convince herself, and began her broadcast. The chat box on the screen quickly filled up with messages from viewers. "Kiara, I'm looking forward to today's guest!" "HOLOTALK is the best!" Such words warmed her heart. For Kiara, who had moved frequently since she was a child due to her family's work, connections with people were a treasure. She naturally learned the trick to making friends at new schools. The experiences she had back then support her to this day.
The guest appears and the conversation begins. "Hello! Nice to meet you today. Your recent collaboration stream was really fun. How did you come up with that idea?" Kiara's voice is bright and naturally draws the other person in. The guest also begins to talk in a relaxed manner, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the live show and everyday life episodes. What may seem like improvisation is actually only possible thanks to Kiara's skillful guidance. The comments from viewers keep increasing, and the laughter never stops.
However, as the conversation progressed, the guest's tone changed slightly. "The truth is, I've been feeling a little jealous recently. Seeing the other members' popularity soaring, I feel like I still have a long way to go..." Hearing the guest's words, Kiara felt a flutter in her heart for a moment. (This is again... I've been hearing this kind of talk a lot lately. Maybe everyone's tired. But it's riskful to dig too deep into this during a live performance. It might give the viewers the wrong impression.) Kiara kept her smile and quickly changed the topic. "I know! I was the same way at first. But when that happens, it's a chance to try something new. So, next, tell me about your hobbies! They're really unique, aren't they?"
The stream ended without a hitch, and the chat was flooded with positive comments from viewers. Kiara removed her headset and took a deep breath. "Phew... I managed to get through another day." She sat on the sofa and gazed out the window at the night view. "HOLOTALK at KFP" remains as popular as ever. Each episode features a different Holo member or VTuber as a guest, captivating the audience with their witty conversation. Kiara's sociable nature is being put to the best use. However, a recent change has been bothering her. The guests' true feelings are gradually becoming apparent. Petty jealousies, feelings of inferiority, dissatisfaction with the management... When such topics come up, Kiara has to force a smile and control the conversation. The pleasant conversations are slowly becoming a burden.
(I guess they're telling me these things because they trust me... It's nice to hear, but it's tough. How do I manage this?) Kiara picked up her smartphone and scrolled through her contacts. Among her hololive friends, the name that caught her eye was Inanis. Inanis is younger than Kiara, but quiet and thoughtful. Her streaming style is also unique, she rarely sings or plays lively games, and mainly chats while drawing. Her calm perspective might give her some new hints. (I'll ask Ina for advice. I'm sure she'll give me some gentle advice. I want to hear her voice...)
Chiara began typing. "Ina, do you have time these days? I'd like to talk to you about something." She hit send, feeling a little lighter.
### Part 2
Inanis' reply to Chiara's message was surprisingly quick. "Sure. Tomorrow at 2 PM." The moment that simple sentence appeared on the screen, Kiara was a little taken aback. (Was Inanis always the type to respond so quickly? Wewere in the same group unit, so they talked casually during live performances and practice, but... I felt like we were on different wavelengths, like there was a boundary between us.) As a member of hololive English, she had met Inanis many times. They laughed together on stage, exchanged joking jokes in the dressing room. But that was merely an extension of work. This was the first time she had visited her house privately. Kiara clutched her smartphone, unable to contain her excitement. (But there was something I wanted to talk to her about... I wonder what Inanis's house was like. When I watched her streams, the atmosphere seemed calm.)
The next day, Kiara arrived at an apartment in the suburbs of New York and knocked on the door of the room she had been assigned. A soft sound echoed through the quiet corridor. When the door opened, Inanis was standing there. Her long blue hair swayed gently in the soft light of the room. "Come in." Inanis' voice was gentle, and carried the serenity of turning the pages of an old book. Kiara stepped into the room, carrying a box of cakes as a souvenir. In an instant, a faint scent of herbs tickled her nose. Perhaps it was dried flowers.
Looking around the room, Kiara gasped. The apartment's exterior was modern, the epitome of urban sophistication, but this room was like another world. It had the feel of a country studio, with dried flowers carefully hung from the walls, their pale pink and white petals casting soft shadows. Bale after bale of hay was scattered here and there, gently swaying in the breeze, evoking a rural atmosphere. An antique wooden desk sat in the center of the room, and on it were the streaming equipment neatly arranged. Next to the microphone and camera was an LCD tablet, displaying an unfinished illustration on the screen. A seascape drawn with soft lines seemed to quietly breathe. An old lamp lit by the window, enveloping the room in a warm orange light. Cushions were scattered on the floor, and a pale blue blanket was folded. Everything symbolized the quiet world of Inanis.
(Wow... it's better than I imagined. I thought I knew what the atmosphere would be like from the stream, but the reality is so... overwhelming.) Kiara stopped in her tracks and felt herself being absorbed into the atmosphere of the room. It was completely different from the event. On stage, Inanis was modest yet cheerful, blending in with her peers. But here, it seemed as if she controlled time and space. Even the air flow slowed to the rhythm of Inanis' breathing. The dried flowers on the wall swayed softly. The pen on the desk seemed to have been left there quietly. Everything was in harmony in the silence. Kiara felt embarrassed that her footsteps sounded like that of an outsider. (I feel like I'm disturbing her just by breathing in a place like this... Ina's aura is so calm, yet strong.)
"Would you like some chamomile?" Inanis called from the kitchen corner. Her movements were perfect and graceful. She took a teacup from the shelf and poured the hot water into it, almost like a ritual. The cup was white with a beautiful orange pattern and gold rim. It had an old-fashioned, elegant shine. Inanis quietly held it out to Kiara. "Here you go. Take your time and sip." Her smile was gentle, blending into the atmosphere of the room.
Kiara accepted the cup and breathed an inner sigh of relief. (Thank goodness...Holo members had been whispering that if Inanis served tea in an IKE● cup, you should leave immediately, but that didn't turn out to be the case.) The rumor had been mere joke, but holding a real teacup in her hand, a sense of relief spread. Warm steam rose, and the scent of chamomile gently filled the room. Kiara sat down on the sofa and opened the box of cake. Taking a bite with a fork, she faced Inanis. Inanis sat quietly and brought the cake to his mouth. Even his movements were relaxed, and it calmed Kiara's mind. But at the same time, it was overwhelming. (Ina's quietness... It's the complete opposite of my usual liveliness. I wonder if she will talking while drawing, like during our streams. But right now, just by sitting there, her presence is incredible. It's as if time has stopped without me realizing it.)
A bookshelf in the corner of the room was lined with old art books and books on herbs, neatly arranged without a speck of dust. The window offered a view of the greenery of the suburbs, with the vague silhouette of a city floating in the distance. Inanis' world was perfectly contained here. As Kiara munched on cake, she pondered how to start the conversation. (I can't bring myself to suddenly bring up the topic of my consultation... I don't want to ruin the atmosphere. But I'm sure Inanis will listen.) Inanis' gaze was directed gently at Kiara. Her quiet eyes seemed to embrace everything. Kiara felt a warm buzz deep in her chest. Little by little, she began to feel herself melting into the silence of the room.
### Part 3
The cake plate was already more than half empty, and the only sound that pierced the silence was the gentle tapping of a fork against the bottom of the plate. A thin stream of chamomile steam rose, mixing with the scent of dried flowers and filling the room. Chiara cupped the cup in both hands, feeling its warmth, before finally speaking.
"It was about my recent stream..."
She trailed off. Her mind raced, trying to think of how to explain it. The fun of HOLOTALK, the smiles of the guests, the enthusiasm of the chat. And yet, a weight was building up deep in her heart. Kiara bit her lip and looked away slightly.
Inanis gently brought the teacup to her lips, sipping the steam, and spoke quietly.
"Perhaps it was wise not to consult Calliope. She's a good girl, but she's too reliant on the management and her seniors."
Those words made Kiara's heart ache sharply. (Calliope...she's my best friend.) But I couldn't deny it. Calliope is a serious person, and she respects Hololive's rules and hierarchical relationships. If she had spoken to her, she would have replied, "That's only natural as a member of the organization." Even though she knew that was true, to Kiara right now, those words only resonated coldly.
Kiara took a deep breath and began to speak.
"Recently, the guests have been talking about... a bit heavy things. Jealousy, feelings of inferiority, dissatisfaction with the management, etc. I'm happy that they're all talking to me, but... every time I hear them, I feel like something murky is building up inside me. What's more, I'm feeling a little bit of the same thing myself, so... I feel like it's only making it worse."
Her voice was trembling. With an honesty that even surprised her, the sludge deep inside her heart began to spill out. Inanis simply listened quietly, occasionally nodding slightly. Kiara thought she was like a hermit living in the deep forest. Inanis didn't rush her to speak, and he neither denied nor affirmed her feelings. She was simply there, accepting everything.
Eventually, Inanis spoke.
"My father says, 'Don't get too involved in the role.' 'No matter what, everyone is an individual.'"
"My father says." Every time Inanis uttered that phrase naturally, Kiara felt a little envious. Inanis's father was always by her side, teaching her. Unlike Kiara, who was constantly transferred, Inanis's trust in her father was absolute, like a compass.
"You play with the cards you're dealt, and no one else play them for you."
Inanis' words were quiet, but sharp. Like a great game of chess, each words were efficient and she controlled the board with precision. KIara's talk was like a game of catch. As she moved, she picked up her opponent's ball and returned it with ease. On the other side, Inanis' words were delivered quietly, but with precision.
Kiara lowered her eyes and nodded slowly.
(...I see. I thought my job was to get everyone talking. But in reality, I was just absorbing everything and trying to control it all. I thought the guests' emotions, my own emotions, were all part of HOLOTALK.)
Her relationships with the Holomen. The way of HOLOTALK. Little by little, she felt like the fog was clearing. The fact that everyone was speaking their true feelings was proof of trust. I didn't have to force themselves to act cheerful, just listen and respond appropriately. Maybe that was okay. Kiara felt like the weight deep in her heart had lightened a little.
But there's one thing left.
(The management ... that hasn't been resolved yet.)
Inanis' teacup was quietly placed on the table. A small clink gently broke the silence in the room. Her eyes were fixed directly on Kiara, as if waiting for her next move.
### Part 4
The scent of chamomile had faded, and the air in the room had grown slightly heavier. There was only a little cake left, and the sound of the tip of a fork lightly scraping against the edge of the plate slightly shook the silence. Kiara, still holding the cup in both hands, hesitantly opened her mouth.
"Recently, the management has been a bit... restrictive..."
The words hung in the air, and immediately seemed to sink. Inanis quietly put down her teacup and traced the rim with her fingertip. Her gaze was fixed on the greenery outside the window, and she answered calmly.
"It's probably reasonable from a management perspective. With the expansion, scandals caused by thoughtless words and actions, political risks, and a chronic shortage of staff... a certain amount of discomfort is an acceptable cost when managing an increasing number of members. If you don't like it, you can just leave. Just like those girls did."
At that moment, a sharp pain ran through Kiara's chest.
(Those girls...)
A few months ago, fellow members retired. They said goodbye with a smile on their final stream. A message of "thank you" flowed through the chat. But Kiara's ears still replayed the last time she heard their voice. It was a little tired, and there was something gloomy about it. "I'm a little tired now." All Kiara had said back then was a cheerful "Do your best!" (Perhaps that was a plea for help. If only she'd faced it more...)
Inanis no longer even spoke their names. It was as if they were cutting off as the past. Kiara's throat felt hot.
"Oh, that's surprising. I thought you were neutral, but you're on the management side."
The voice was sharper than she'd expected. It was so sharp it even surprised her, piercing the silence of the room. Kiara quickly bit her lip. (Damn...)
Inanis' eyes flashed as sharp as swords for a moment, but then quickly returned to the calm waters. She exhaled slowly and continued.
"I consider myself as neutral. I feel both grateful and dissatisfied with the management. I receive support commensurate with the size of the company, and fortunately, they've introduced me to listeners who are willing to accept someone as eccentric as I am. Well, if I had to pick one complaint, it'd be the costume design for my live shows."
"Costumes?"
"I know better than anyone the level of my singing and dancing, so I'm not interested in things like my stage position, but I can't stand costume designs that look like leftovers from a combination of design ideas."
Kiara blinked. She'd only ever thought of the stage in terms of a single surface. Overall balance, visual effects, audience reaction. But Inanis was different. She saw the world from her own perspective. Her costumes were part of her expression. She refused to compromise. (As expected... Being so particular about design is so typical of her.)
Suddenly, a small sense of unease crossed Kiara's mind. Inanis' words were spot on, neither cold nor warm. But the sense of distance between them suddenly made her feel frightened.
"Um... we're friends, right?"
Her voice was small and trembling.
Inanis looked the most strange look she'd seen all day. Her eyebrows rose slightly, her gaze piercing Kiara.
"Otherwise, what? That teacup is my favorite."
"Ah...!"
Kiara hastily re-wrapped the cup in both hands. It was a beautiful cup, white with an orange pattern and gold rim. There was a rumor whispered among the Holomen: "If Inanis serves you tea in an IKE● cup, leave immediately." It was supposed to be a joke. But Inanis knew, and that's why she chose this cup.
(...So, does that mean she trusts me?)
Kiara's cheeks grew hot. She looked up as she apologized. Inanis's expression had already softened. A faint, but unmistakable, smile was on her face.
"Sorry, that was weird... But thank you."
"Nothing really. I'm glad you came."
Her words were brief, but those words warmed Kiara's heart. (I still don't understand everything. The uncertainty of the organization, the weight of HOLOTALK. But Ina is my friend. A very precious friend.)
Outside the window, the sunset was slowly beginning to color the sky. The room was filled with the scent of dried flowers and the lingering scent of chamomile. Kiara gently brought the cup to her mouth and smiled quietly.
### Part 5
Once the conversation came to a close, the atmosphere in the room relaxed slightly. The faint scent of chamomile lingered in the air, and the orange of the sunset softly tinted the windowsill. Kiara put her cup down on the table and straightened her back. She felt the heavy weight deep inside her chest silently melt away.
"Hey, let me draw a picture of you."
Inanis' voice maintained its usual calm, but there was a hint of expectation in it. She stood up and placed an old wooden chair in the center of the room. After helping Kiara sit there, she set up her easel a short distance away and opened her sketchbook. She picked up a pencil and made eye contact with her.
"Don't move. Look to the side."
The atmosphere changed in an instant. The "room for two" had suddenly become "Inanis's Atelier." The wind calmed, and the light on the LCD tablet went out. Everything fell silent, as if submitting to her brush.
Kiara felt her cheeks heat up, and she blurted out a joke.
"Is this that scene from the anime?"
Inanis' hands stopped for a moment, and her gaze sharpened.
"Our appearances are reversed, though... You can talk to me, but do not mess around to hide your embarrassment. It ruins the drawing."
Her voice sounded completely different from when she was an idol. The modest smile she wore on stage and the gentle tone she used during her live chats were nowhere to be found. Her fingers gripped the pencil tightly, and her eyes were fixed squarely on her target—Kiara's profile. (This is... the real Inanis. This is what it means to be a professional.)
The steady rustling of a pencil echoed. Occasionally, dried flowers swayed in the breeze coming in from the window, creating a faint rustling sound. That was all. Gazing out the window at the sunset, Kiara began to slowly organize today's conversation in her head.
(The Hololive members' story... Maybe I was empathizing too much. I thought I was playing catch, but the ball was throwing me around. You can't catch a ball that you can't catch—Ina taught me how to draw that kind of line.)
She still felt a bit uneasy about the management policy issue. But Inanis's words shed light on her from a different angle. When opinions completely opposite to hers are presented so neatly, her perspective broadened. It was as if she was looking down on her position from on high.
The pencil noise stopped. Inanis carefully tore a page from her sketchbook and handed it to Kiara.
"Here you go."
Kiara took it and held her breath. Her own profile was drawn on the paper. Bathed in the light of the setting sun, her eyes were gazing into the distance. Determination, anxiety, relief—all of these blended into the lines. It was a mysterious drawing, the way it looked changed depending on her emotions.
"I thought you'd definitely keep it for yourself."
"Our company is strict about compliance, after all. I'm not asking you to frame it, but I'd be happy if you'd take a look at it every once in a while."
Inanis's voice had returned to its usual calmness. But there was a faint look of satisfaction and a touch of embarrassment in her eyes. Kiara clutched the drawing to her chest and smiled.
(So that's what I looked like...)
As the sunset deepened, the room was enveloped in a soft darkness. The shadows of the dried flowers lengthened, gently enveloping the two of them. Kiara stood up and carefully put the picture away in her bag.
"Thank you, Ina. I'm really glad I came."
Inanis nodded slightly and began to clear away the teacups. A quiet voice came from behind her.
"Come again anytime."
Those words filled Kiara's heart with warmth.
### Part 6
The evening in the suburbs of New York pushed the hustle and bustle of the city far away, leaving only a quiet orange light. As the elevator in her apartment building descended to the basement and the doors opened, a cool breeze brushed against Kiara's cheek. She slung her bag over her shoulder and checked the edge of her sketchbook with her fingers. It was Inanis's drawing of her profile. It was a blend of determination, anxiety, and relief.
When she stepped outside, the wind had picked up a little. Her orange hair fluttered softly, and her feather earrings swayed softly. Kiara took a deep breath and began walking, her steps sure. Nothing had changed. The heaviness of HOLOTALK, the opaqueness of the management, the dark truths of the guests—everything was still the same. But it felt as if the stagnation deep inside her heart had silently washed away.
(There are many people I want to talk to.)
First, Calliope. My best friend leans toward the management and respects her seniors. But that's okay. Don't be afraid to express my feelings. No matter how much our opinions clash, there's no way it will damage our friendship. I can say that with confidence. I was proud to be friends with someone who I can felt that way.
Next, my manager. She always supports me with a smile, so I should try to get my voice out more. Don't keep it all to myself, be honest. Even though she's on the management side, she's also on my side. Maybe I could be more willing to listen to her, what the management has to say.
And then there are the JP members. These girls are based at the management headquarters and have a lot more information. What are their thoughts? They'll surely shed light on things from angles I don't know.
I want to share this with my listeners as well.
"I'm sorry for worrying you. I'm moving on now."
I muttered to myself. The messages in the chat, "Are you okay, Kiara?" and "Don't push yourself," resonated warmly in her heart. It's because everyone is there that I am able to stand here.
Suddenly, her feet stopped. The sunset sky spread out before her in all its glory.
(That's right... I'll invite Ina to my next live talk show.)
They're two completely different characters. But they're also friends. The lively Kiara and the quiet Inanis. A chess move and a light-hearted game of catch. When they mix together, it's sure to be fascinating. I'm sure the listeners will enjoy it too.
Kiara took out her smartphone and began typing.
"Ina, will you come to HOLOTALK?"
As she pressed send, the wind gently caressed her cheek. The reply came quickly.
"Sure. I'm looking forward to it."
Kiara smiled and started walking. The road under the sunset was long, but filled with a certain light. Her back was straight and endlessly strong.
FIN.
AI (Grok) was used in part of the creation.