I Reincarnated as a LonelyFans Star with a Streamer System

In the middle of one of my classes, I found myself staring at an empty seat.

Mei's seat.

"…"

I blinked.

Then looked again.

It was still empty.

Did Mei miss school?

It wasn't especially strange.

Anyone could get sick.

She might have had a family matter.

She might have even slept in.

Though, knowing her, that last possibility seemed pretty unlikely.

Mei was practically the human definition of responsibility.

While I was trying to remember whether I'd handed in my math homework, she'd probably already done it, checked her answers, and prepared a schedule for the next three weeks.

"I hope she's okay…"

I murmured to myself.

I wasn't sure why I was so worried.

Maybe because she'd seemed a bit off yesterday.

During the celebration she'd smiled and participated with us, but there were moments when she seemed to drift away into her own thoughts.

Especially when we talked about the film.

Maybe her parents told her she couldn't participate.

The idea crossed my mind.

But I dismissed it immediately.

It didn't make sense to jump to conclusions without knowing anything.

Besides…

Mei will figure it out.

That's what I thought.

And I looked back at the board.

Later, when classes were over, I ran into Yuuna in the hallway.

"Ready?"

"Yes."

I adjusted my bag on my shoulder.

Yuuna glanced back.

"Have you heard from Mei?"

I shook my head.

"Nothing."

"Me neither."

I sighed.

"Maybe we'll run into her at the rehearsal."

"Probably."

I nodded.

"Let's go."

We both started walking.

But as we went, I couldn't help checking my phone one more time.

Nothing.

In the end Mei never showed up.

She didn't answer her calls either.

Sasaki ended up crossing his arms with a worried expression.

"If she doesn't appear soon, we'll have to look for a replacement."

"A replacement?!"

The idea alone made me react.

"It's too soon for that."

Yuuna agreed immediately.

"I agree. Let's wait a little longer."

Sasaki looked at us.

"I believe I told you we're short on time."

"We know."

Yuuna stayed calm.

"But we can't replace her after choosing her without even knowing what happened."

Sasaki sighed.

"Fine."

He rubbed the bridge of his nose.

"We'll wait a little longer."

I couldn't deny it was worrying, but there wasn't much we could do. We continued rehearsing without her, waiting to see what would happen.

Hours later, resting at Black Lotus, I checked my phone again.

Mei had responded to the Line message I'd left her hours earlier.

Mei:

I'm sorry! Something came up and I couldn't make it — I had to go with my father to work.

Everything's fine 😊

Then another message appeared.

Mei:

I'm a little exhausted so I'm going to have a bath and get some sleep.

Mei:

See you tomorrow.

And finally a small sticker.

I sat there looking at the screen.

"…"

Seems like she's alright.

Even so…

Something made me feel uneasy.

"Aika."

I didn't respond.

"Aika."

I kept looking at the phone.

"Aika."

"…"

"Are you listening to me?"

I snapped my head up.

"Huh?!"

Bibi was right in front of me.

His expression could have killed.

"I've been talking to you for thirty seconds."

"S-sorry!"

I immediately locked my phone.

"What were you saying?"

Bibi narrowed his eyes.

"You'd better start paying attention if you want to get out of this alive."

"…"

My back went straight.

"Alive?"

"You don't have to scare her that much, Bibi."

Reiko's voice came from behind me.

She was helping adjust one of the layers of my kimono.

Melissa was doing the same on the other side while I tried my best to stay as still as possible.

Bibi clicked his tongue.

"It's the only way this idiot concentrates and doesn't cause a tragedy."

"I'm trying to concentrate…"

"Then stop looking at your phone. Give it to me."

"Alright…"

I swallowed and handed it over in resignation.

I looked at my reflection.

The kimono was already starting to take shape.

It was completely different from anything I'd worn before.

Nothing like my school uniform.

Nothing like the casual clothes I usually wore.

And even further from the outfits at Black Lotus.

This was a traditional garment. Elegant. Refined.

And to be honest…

It suited me rather well.

No.

Very well.

Is there really anything that doesn't look good on me?

Reiko carefully adjusted the collar.

"Don't move."

"Yes."

"And relax."

"I am relaxed."

Melissa looked at me.

"You're tensing your shoulders."

"…"

I relaxed them immediately.

"I'm relaxed."

"That was better."

Bibi stepped closer with a serious expression.

"Alright."

He stood in front of me.

"You're going to meet the Onizuka family to make the engagement official."

I felt a shiver.

"Right…"

"This time it will be different from when Hideki came to the club."

"That doesn't reassure me."

"I'm not trying to reassure you."

"I know!"

Bibi continued as if nothing had happened.

"You must follow the protocols I explained before. Hideki's wife will be examining you throughout the entire meeting."

"The entire meeting?"

"Every word."

"…"

"Every gesture."

"…"

"Every movement."

"…"

"Try not to let it show that you're nervous."

I looked at him.

"That's genuinely difficult."

"I know."

"And you say it so casually?!"

Bibi sighed.

"That's why I'm preparing you."

Reiko let out a small laugh.

"Aika, think of it as another performance. You said that helped you, didn't you?"

I thought about it.

Another performance?

Well…

It's true — even now that might actually work.

"Alright."

I took a deep breath.

"I'll try."

Bibi nodded.

"Good."

He paused.

"Now tell me your father's name."

"…"

My mind went completely blank.

My father's name?

I'd heard it.

I was sure.

At some point.

"Tadashi."

Bibi looked at me.

"Takeshi."

"…"

"Takeshi."

"Ah."

I smiled nervously.

"Right. Takeshi."

Bibi pressed a hand to his forehead.

"I seriously doubt you're coming back alive tonight."

"I'm sorry!"

Melissa covered her mouth to hold back a laugh.

Reiko just let out a small laugh outright.

"Don't laugh…"

Bibi raised a finger.

"Takeshi and Haruna are your parents."

His expression went serious.

"They're both dead."

I nodded.

"Yes."

"Don't mention them unless asked."

"Understood."

"But burn it into your brain."

"Yes!"

Bibi finally seemed satisfied.

"Alright. Maybe you have a chance."

A chance at what?

I decided not to ask.

A little while later.

"Done."

Reiko took a step back.

Melissa did too.

"You can move."

"Finally?"

"Yes."

I stood up slowly.

The kimono settled around my body as I walked toward the mirror.

And then I stopped.

"…"

"Wow."

I stood looking at my reflection.

"I feel… different."

I was used to seeing myself in a uniform, in casual clothes, and even in very little clothing — but this was something completely new.

I don't know why my mind suddenly jumped to the Sengoku period, and I started imagining I was a noble and refined young lady forced by her parents to marry a samurai to stop a war between clans.

"…"

Who would have thought things in the 21st century wouldn't be so different…

"Are you ready?"

I startled.

Ryuji was at the entrance.

Beside him were Matsuda and Taro.

Ryuji looked me over for a few seconds.

"…"

I looked at him.

"…"

He blinked.

"Well."

I braced for a compliment.

"You almost don't look like yourself."

My smile disappeared.

"What does that mean?"

"Exactly what I said."

"That's not a compliment!"

Ryuji let out a small laugh.

"I didn't say it was a bad thing."

"But you said it like it was a bad thing!"

Matsuda stayed completely serious.

"She has a point."

"You too?!"

Taro looked away.

"Personally, I think it suits you."

I turned toward him.

"Thank you, Taro-san."

"You're welcome."

Ryuji sighed.

"In any case, we need to go."

"Ah."

Reality hit me again.

Reiko came over and gently adjusted part of my sleeve.

"Don't worry."

She smiled at me.

"You'll do well."

Melissa nodded.

"Good luck, Aika-chan."

I looked at them both with bright eyes.

"Thank you, girls."

I hope you miss me if I don't come back.

Bibi crossed his arms.

"And remember everything I taught you."

"Yes."

"Everything."

"Yes."

"Absolutely everything."

"Yes!"

Ryuji turned around.

"Let's go."

I took a deep breath.

And followed his steps.

"See you."

"Be careful!"

"Good luck!"

Reiko and Melissa's voices faded behind us.

I walked out of the room.

And then I saw the vehicles waiting outside. Three sleek black cars — armored, most likely, as you'd expect from yakuza.

Several men in black stood around them.

I swallowed.

Alright.

I just have to act natural.

Smile, follow the protocol, and not forget my father's name.

Don't say anything strange.

And above all…

Don't die.

Yes.

It was definitely going to be a calm night.

…

Ryuji walked toward the first car and opened the rear door.

"Aika."

He pointed at me.

"You're with me and Matsuda."

"Yes…"

I nodded.

Before getting in, Ryuji glanced at Taro.

"Taro."

"Yes, Oyabun."

"Take care of the escorts."

Taro nodded.

"Understood."

Ryuji then looked at the rest of the men and his expression became slightly more serious.

"Stay alert the entire way."

He paused.

"If anyone does something stupid…"

His gaze swept over the group.

"They'll lose a finger at minimum."

Everyone answered immediately.

"Yes, Oyabun!"

…

I went still.

Was that really necessary to say right now? I was starting to think the thing about the fingers wasn't an urban myth…

I felt a shiver, but had to ignore it and get in the car.

Ryuji sat beside me and Matsuda took the front seat.

The driver closed the door.

A little while later the other two vehicles began moving, one taking position ahead of us and the other covering the rear.

I took the opportunity to sink slightly into my seat.

"Are you nervous?"

Ryuji's question made me turn my head.

"It would be strange if I weren't."

"You don't have anything to worry about."

"Easy for you to say."

"Just smile and follow Bibi's instructions."

He settled back comfortably.

"Leave the rest to me."

I looked at him.

…

That doesn't reassure me either. You're just like Bibi.

I didn't want to waste energy arguing — I had a feeling I was going to need it — so I just looked out the window as Tokyo passed by in front of me.

Little by little the familiar buildings fell away.

And with them…

The feeling that this was just another absurd situation I'd gotten myself into.

This time it was different.

I wasn't going to the club.

I wasn't going to an informal meeting.

I was going to meet another yakuza family.

To sign an engagement.

My supposed engagement.

With Hideki Onizuka's son.

"…"

I breathed in deeply, exhaled, and repeated it several times.

Just smile.

Be polite.

Don't say anything stupid…

After a while, the car began to slow.

Matsuda looked ahead.

"We're here."

I lifted my head slightly.

"Already?"

The car stopped.

The door opened.

And when I got out…

I stood looking at the place in front of me.

"…"

It was a ryōtei.

A luxurious traditional Japanese restaurant.

The façade was elegant and refined.

Dark wood.

Lanterns.

A small, perfectly kept garden.

Everything conveyed a sense of calm and luxury.

The kind of place where a dinner probably cost more than my monthly rent.

Ryuji got out behind me and Matsuda came around the other side.

As we walked toward the entrance, Taro and the other men began to spread out.

Some stayed near the cars.

Others moved toward the surrounding area.

Several began speaking with men who clearly belonged to the Onizuka family.

I didn't need to ask what they were doing.

They were taking positions.

I tried not to look too much.

Smile.

Walk normally.

Don't look terrified.

Even though you are terrified.

We went inside.

In the entrance hall four men were waiting — two from the Onizuka family and two of ours, the Inugane.

All four bowed and then one of the Onizuka men stepped forward.

"Before we continue, we'll need to check that you're not carrying weapons."

Ryuji nodded.

"Go ahead."

First they checked Ryuji.

Then Matsuda.

Finally…

Me.

I raised my arms slightly.

The man did a quick, professional check.

When he was done, he stepped back.

"You may proceed."

I nodded.

"Thank you."

Two of the men stayed at the entrance and the other two walked with us. The sound of our footsteps on the wood was strangely loud — when we reached the end of the corridor, we stopped in front of some sliding doors.

One of the men opened them.

The paper doors slid slowly to the sides.

And I could see inside.

The room was spacious and the floor was covered in tatami.

A low table sat in the center and several people were already seated. I immediately recognized the man at the front.

Hideki Onizuka.

He was sitting with a relaxed posture, as if the meeting were a completely normal dinner.

Beside him was a woman.

That must be his wife.

I remembered Bibi's words.

She'll be examining you throughout the entire meeting.

…

Great.

Beyond them were two men — one looked quite young and the other was middle-aged.

Four people in total, and all four watched us as we entered.

I felt my back tense.

Don't get nervous.

Don't get nervous.

Don't get nervous.

Ryuji went first.

Matsuda followed.

I came after.

"Ryuji, Aika — glad you made it, we've been waiting," said Hideki, who seemed to have already had a few drinks to relax.

We took our places and in a synchronized movement, both sides performed the formal greeting.

I knelt on the tatami.

Then placed my hands in front of me.

And bowed deeply.

"It's a pleasure to see you again."

My voice came out slightly tenser than I wanted.

But at least I didn't stammer.

Good.

A small victory.

Ryuji and Hideki also bowed, though a little less deeply than mine.

The rest followed suit according to their rank, and then we took our seats. A cushion had been specifically prepared for me, so I settled in carefully.

Back straight.

Hands on my lap.

Gaze lowered.

All perfect.

Or so I hoped.

I lifted my eyes slightly.

Hideki's wife was watching me.

…

No.

Don't look at her.

Don't look at her.

Don't look at her.

I looked back down.

My heart started beating faster.

Then I heard Hideki's calm voice.

"Well."

The atmosphere shifted.

It no longer felt like a simple dinner.

Hideki rested both hands on his legs.

"I think we can begin."

I swallowed.

Ryuji remained completely calm beside me.

Matsuda didn't move either.

I, on the other hand…

Felt like I was about to take an exam I hadn't studied for.

And then a side door opened. A server came in carrying a tray with a teapot and several small pieces of tableware.

He set it carefully in front of us, bowed, and withdrew.

I looked at the cup in front of me.

Then at Hideki.

Then at Hideki's wife.

…

What am I supposed to do now?