Since I Became a Woman, I’ll Do Cosplay - Chapter 100
After school, I aimlessly returned to the igloo and started taking apart Lucy’s virtual avatar piece by piece to analyze it.
This was Hayoon’s routine process to better understand the character, which in turn helped her create richer and more detailed artwork.
Classic as it was, the method was undeniably efficient. While spending this time, she planned to call Jiu later, around dinnertime, to ask about changing Lucy’s avatar.
Then, suddenly, her phone rang.
Oddly, it wasn’t through any communication app but an actual phone call from her mobile. The number was unmistakably Seo Jiu’s. It was clear he had found her number from the contract.
“Sorry…”
The conversation began with an apology.
“Um, is this Ms. Lucy? Why are you apologizing?”
“Um, I’ve been thinking… when I met you at the café, I think I was quite rude…”
“Huh?”
“Actually, the strange drink I ordered without much thought, and….”
“Aha…?”
After a few exchanges, Hayoon instinctively understood.
Seo Jiu’s uncharacteristically tentative attitude reminded her of his father’s reaction during their café meeting. Considering everything, after sightseeing in Seoul, it was evident that he had gone back to Ulleung Island, probably had a harsh scolding, spent the weekend, then immediately called to apologize the moment it was a weekday.
“Well, it’s not like I expected an apology to this extent…”
On the contrary, at this point, there was a growing concern that Seo Jiu might be developing into someone too cautious, losing his zest.
Sure, others might find it frustrating, but…
“You don’t have to apologize, Ms. Lucy… I mean, Jiu, you’re just fine as you are.”
“R-really?”
“Of course.”
Besides, they’d mostly communicate via email or DM for the next year. Jiu wasn’t the type to avoid responding altogether, and Hayoon wanted to encourage him, assuring him that he was already fine as he was.
“His father might have to endure a bit of trouble, but…”
If Seo Jiu, with his somewhat unconventional nature, could achieve broadcasting success, he’d likely make enough money in the future to support his father, so it could all work out well.
That’s how Hayoon rationalized it.
“You just need to live like an animal for one more year. I’ll handle things myself when you come to Seoul. No need to become overly polite this early.”
Hayoon hoped Seo Jiu would maintain his current state for the next year, since it would be better for broadcast success. Many others would love to perform unconventional acts but couldn’t. Seo Jiu didn’t have to act, so his natural behavior was a talent in itself.
“Considering a virtual YouTuber contract typically lasts for three years after debut, let’s think of it as a slow character-building process over those three years.”
Hayoon had subconsciously started planning Seo Jiu’s career. After a brief silence, the first to break it was…
“Um…”
“Did you say something?”
“By any chance, Hayoon, are you….”
It was Seo Jiu.
Perhaps because Hayoon had shown empathy, he started lowering his guard.
“Oh, I’m eighteen, I’ll be in my final year of high school soon.”
“Ah, me too! Then, by any chance….”
Sure enough, as expected, Seo Jiu was predictable.
Although, given that Hayoon interacted semi-casually with people like Hong Seohyun and Arin, she had little ground to criticize him either.
“Is it okay if we speak casually?”
What did Seo Jiu look like at that moment?
Born and raised on Ulleung Island, he might not have had many peers, nor anyone to confide in when scolded by his parents. Perhaps while staring at his phone, he moistened his wide-open eyes, hoping not to miss this rare opportunity to bond with a same-aged person.
“Well, no harm in that.”
As it turned out, Hayoon didn’t have much of an issue with casual communication either. This industry didn’t strictly require mutual respect between streamers or VTubers and their respective MCN or corporate representatives. Many interacted like siblings, so it worked similarly with them.
“Alright, let’s keep it casual, Jiu.”
Of course, it was clear that the initiative rested with Hayoon. She spoke in a warm tone, almost condescendingly, allowing him permission.
“T-thank you, Hayoon. I went to a franchise café for the first time, and I got excited and just… wanted to try the famous ‘Golden Recipe’ or something…”
“?”
Hayoon had to endure another round of heartfelt apologies.
The first apology had been professional, as employer and employee. This one felt more personal, human to human. She nodded, signaling it was fine and reiterated her reassurance.
“Oh, right. Hey, Hayoon, I bought some cosmetics from OLIVIA YOUNG this time, but maybe because my skin is a bit sensitive, makeup doesn’t seem to stick well. Do you have any recommendations on what product works well in these cases? Could you check among the cosmetics I bought this time if there’s anything helpful?”
It seemed like their conversation wouldn’t end anytime soon. Seo Jiu, finding mutual interests with someone of the same age and gender, had started talking at a fast pace, like a stream of bullets.
“At this rate, it’ll take a while before we can start talking about the sub-character…”
Nonetheless, Hayoon patiently listened. She found their girlish chatter refreshing in its own way.
#
Despite some difficulties in between, Hayoon eventually managed to confirm with Seo Jiu that there wouldn’t be a significant change to the sub-character.
Lucy was being designed as the complete opposite of Scarlet: deep blue short hair, in contrast to Scarlet’s vibrant bright red hair. Unlike Scarlet with her melon-sized chest, Lucy would have a more modest figure.
Placing Lucy on the complete opposite spectrum from Scarlet made their creation of a virtual avatar relatively straightforward. Care had to be taken, however, since similar shades of red and blue could easily result in comparisons to the Korean flag or Pepsi products.
Given that Scarlet’s color was a bright red tone, Lucy’s would be a darker blue, ensuring there would be no such accusations.
“Even if there’s an original character, I should tweak the personal color scheme a little. These tiny details matter to maintain the interest of VTuber fans.”
With a nod, Hayoon was firmly decided. At all costs, no one would refer to Scarlet and Lucy as the “Korean Flag Duo” or “Pepsi Duo.”
Thus determined, while riding on the bus, Hayyun adjusted the RGB values, carefully tweaking colors on the avatar design.
“Here we go…”
How Hong Seohyun managed to board the bus, Hayoon didn’t know, but she spotted her and casually greeted Hayoon, managing to move to the back seat.
“We’re getting off at the next-next stop, right?”
“Wha-why say it like that?”
It seemed that Hong Seohyun had almost missed the bus after leaving home a little late, but managed to catch up by running. Noticing Hayoon was aboard, she had plotted to move to the last seat but couldn’t due to the rush of the hour, finally making her way there now.
“You’ve worked hard.”
“Ugh.”
“I can’t believe you missed me once.”
“Hehe.”
As Hayoon gently patted Hong Seohyun’s head, giving light praise, she reciprocated by patting Hayoon’s as if she didn’t want to lose.
They were incredibly competitive, and Hayoon, tired of it, put her tablet back in her bag and started light small talk.
“Your recent broadcasts are doing well, right? I haven’t been monitoring since I’ve been busy preparing for meetings and auditions.”
“I’m doing the same as always. As you know, my broadcasts are doing well. Lately, I’ve been trying to cut off around 12 PM.”
“You take a taxi home, right?”
“Of course! How can I go home alone at that hour?”
Hong Seohyun’s updates were as expected—she was cruising smoothly as the unique cash cow of BGG Company.
“By the way, didn’t you recently change your shampoo? It smells like coffee, and it’s amazing.”
“Eh, er?”
“Did I say something strange?”
“Uh, did you just call me ‘older sister’?”
“Yes, you are my older sister, Seohyun.”
Thinking she hadn’t been paying much attention to Hong Seohyun lately, Hayoon decided to add a touch of affection.
With her face turning red, Hong Seohyun clearly seemed unaccustomed to this sort of surprise.
“Hmm…”
‘Of course.’
She could never call me “older sister,” so my unilateral initiative counts as a small victory.
Smirking at the thought, the two enjoyed their ride together.