Just as Coby is about to process everything about his cat showing upon Kirsche’s stream, and realising that she is leaving next door, The door bell rang.

  Startled, he got up and opened the door.

  To his surprise it was his mom. She had come home early, he blinked.

  You’re home early, what's up?

  She looked less drunk than usual, more composed, even a bit mellow. Though Coby didn’t comment on it, instead she handed him a bag of take out from an upscale restaurant.

  Oh I met an old friend, she said casually. He dropped me off in his car.

  Coby was surprised.

  The packaging had the logo of a fancy five star place. The kind of food they could never usually afford. He looked at the bag then back at his mom. Curious but unsure if he should ask.

  She noticed his expression and chuckled softly.

  Relax, it wasn't my money my friend treated me. We used to go to the same school back in the day. I hadn’t seen him in years but today, I bumped into him while visiting his office for insurance work. Apparently he is the owner of that company.

  She sat down for a bit, unpacking her words slowly. Her tone is unusually thoughtful.

  His wife had passed away within six years of their marriage. And a while ago his daughter ran away. On top of that, his second wife divorced him recently. The poor guy has been feeling really lonely. He said he just wanted to catch up with someone familiar.

  After their chat she brought up the topic of Coby’s teacher calling from school.

  Coby dear, look after your dads gone I had a difficult time taking responsibility. But I am still trying to do my best to make it work and I know it’s been really difficult for you too. But you should not let these things affect your studies. If you fail to achieve a great future, then I will feel like my hardship went into vain. I know you are a good boy who wouldn’t disobey my words so I will leave you at that.

  She tried to encourage her son but didn’t linger too long on it.

  Eventually she yawned, stood up and headed to bed.

  Turn off your computer soon and get some sleep, she said over her shoulder.

  Coby nodded, unable to say no.

  But even when he lay in bed, he couldn’t sleep. His head was buzzing, Kirsche was on the other side of the wall. He kept thinking about her soft voice, her kindness in chat, and that chubby black cat she called Oishimaru. Who was without a doubt Boba.

  As he laid there wide eyed, the window creaked open gently. In walked the very same chubby cat Boba. Like it was just another regular night.

  He hopped onto the bed with zero care and plump down.

  Coby stared then slowly reached out and picked him up, smiling like a weirdo.

  Then he started rubbing his cat’s fluffy belly.

  So, where have you been sneaking up to huh?

  He whispered, graining like someone in love.

  The next morning at school Lea found herself thinking about Coby. Specifically the way he had been dragged away by Nick the day before.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  She assumed he wouldn’t show up today, but when she turned to check she saw him.

  There he was sitting at his desk, totally spaced out with a strange dreamy smile on it.

  She frowned slightly.

  what’s up with him? Did Nick knock something loose in his brain?

  Little did she know Coby wasn’t thinking about Nick or school. He wasn’t thinking about yesterday’s pain or embarrassment.

  His head was filled with thoughts of Kirsche.

  Her voice, her hand, and the chance they’re real. Chance that she lived next door.

  He was practically glowing with anticipation.

  Luckily for him Nick didn’t show up that day.

  Rumor had it his father Mr.Wesker, who was the owner of the DikSukin factory, was a very serious person. And more than anything cared for his reputation. And whenever some complaint goes to his father’s ear he makes sure to teach his son some lesson.

  No matter how much of a lion Nick pretends to be at school, in his home he is a scaredy cat.

  So, Nick didn't arrive in school that day because he was busy dodging his dad's belt at home.

  So Coby had a peaceful uneventful school day.

  After class he even made it to his shift early. Prepping in advance before the evening rush hour began.

  As a result, everything ran smoothly.

  Mr.Asmonbald noticed.

  For once instead of yelling or criticising he was genuinely impressed.

  Good work today Coby, He said with a node.

  You’re free to leave early, and Suzi, you stay behind and handle the closing shift.

  Suzi’s smile cracked for the briefest second.

  Her eyes followed Coby with thinly veiled irritation, as he took off his apron and walked out. It was clear that she wasn’t happy.

  Coby noticed her stare but said nothing. He wasn’t in the mood to deal with her bitterness. He simply avoided her gaze and walked out the door.

  The spring in his steps is noticeable.

  For once everything is going kind of okay.

  When Coby reached his apartment building, he paused in front of the door next to his own.

  He stared at it for a moment, heart pounding.

  Should I knock, maybe say hello?

  But the thought of introducing himself to a total stranger even if she was possibly Kirsche. It made his skin crawl with second hand embarrassment.

  He shook his head quickly, muttering to himself.

  No, that’s weird, super weird.

  So he quietly slept into his own apartment instead.

  To his surprise his mom was at home. Something that hadn’t happened in a long time.

  She was busy preparing something in the kitchen.

  Hey greet the guest, she said without even looking up. She’s waiting in the living room.

  Coby blinked.

  Guest? She?

  That was rare.

  Ever since his dad left, his mom hadn’t invited anyone over.

  Cautiously he walked into the leaving room and his jaw dropped.

  There sitting casually on the couch gently stroking Boba’s belly was none other than Kirsche. Or rather the real girl behind her.

  She wore a pale pink hoody, with white shorts. She had ashen white silver hair and her blue eyes looked just like her vtuber model.

  She had a soft smile and looked like she belonged in a dream.

  She looked up at him.

  hi, you must be Coby right?

  She said sweetly.

  I am Synthia. I just moved in next door.

  Coby stood frozen, his brain completely short circuited.

  His favorite vtuber, the voice that comforted him every night was right here in his house, holding his cat. And not just that she looked like an angel who just walked down from the sky.

  He couldn’t even form words.

  Just nodded awkwardly like a malfunctioning robot.

  A moment later his mom walked in with two glasses of orange juice.

  She looked pleased.

  The funny thing is, I met her earlier today while looking for Boba. I found him right in her room playing like they’ve known each other for years. That fat cat never warmed up to strangers but with her, he was purring like a baby.

  She chuckled and gently nudged Coby’s shoulder.

  Anyway, she is your age so, why don't you show her your room?

  Coby’s eyes widened but there is no escaping now.

  Stiffly he turned to Kirsche.

  Ah..a.. uh you wanna see my stuff? I..I.. mean my Yu-Gi-Oh cards and game collection?

  Sure, Kirsche giggled standing up with Boba still lazily cradled in her arms.

  Lead the way.

  Inside his small cluttered room, Coby showed her his modest collection of Manga, Yu-Gi-Oh cards and game collection.

  Her eyes quickly landed on the game case.

  Wow RE4! Did you beat it?

  Coby, still trying to sound like a functioning human nodded.

  Yeah, I actually platinumed it.

  Her eyes lit up.

  Seriously? That game is brootal. I barely get through the area just by sheer luck.

  Well at least you are not a quitter, Coby said.

  Her smile faded a bit.

  No, I was on the verge of quitting too. You have to see my gameplay to believe me.

  Hearing her genuine admiration gave Coby an unexpected surge of confidence.

  He smiled, maybe a little too proudly.

  Actually I already have seen it. It wasn’t that bad like you are portraying it to be. It’s kind of inspiring to be honest.

  Seen my gameplay? What are you talking about?

  Kirische asked in confusion.

  I know you’re Kirishe, Coby said with a smile.

  Kiriche’s eyes froze.

  Her face turned bright red.

  What?

  I am THE Synthetic Man, Coby blurted. We chat all the time on stream.

  For a second the room was dead silent.

  Then without saying another word Kirische placed Boba down and bolted out of the room.

  Wait, Coby called after her but she was already gone.

  The front door slammed shut.

  His mom peaked out from the kitchen.

  What did you do?

  She snapped.

  Did you also show her your weiner like you did to Lea back then?

  Coby quickly flushed.

  No mom! She said she remembered something important. And stop saying that people will think I'm a pervert. That happened when I was only 5 years old.

  His mom stared suspiciously, then huffed and went back to the kitchen.

  Coby dropped to the floor as if all the strength in his legs had vanished.

  Did I mess everything up?

  His thoughts spiraled.

  Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything, maybe she doesn’t want fans knowing where she lives. What if she blocks me? And what if she moves away completely or worse, what if she quits her vtuber career because of me?

  And his stomach turned with guilt and anxiety.

  Then he laughed at his own stupidity.

  I mean what was I thinking revealing her identity like that.

  Did I think that

  she would acknowledge me as her favourite chatter and accept me as her new friend?

  Let's be real, in her eyes I’m just another creep in her chat.

  Eventually the emotional overload knocked him out and he drifted into an uneasy sleep on the floor.