Episode 1 : Even idols play games

Idols are always at war.

If they become popular, they will receive enthusiastic love calls from their fans, but if they are not popular, they will continue to drown in a bottomless quagmire. Why do they continue to work as idols in such a harsh world?

Is it because you want to be pampered? Is it because you want to be loved by someone? Is it because you want to attract people? Because you want money? If you think about it, there's no end to it.

What about me? That's right...I guess it's because I can't quit anymore.

Well, if I wanted to quit, I could, but what would my manager say if I did that? That's why I persevere and continue to perform on stage. But I'm also human. I feel in my heart that my patience is getting thinner and thinner every day.

Respect, jealousy, favor, curiosity...they look at me with various eyes. If I continue to do that every day, I feel like my skin will age.

So when I talked to my manager, he told me, ``Why don't you eat something sweet and relax?'' He made a shocking statement to the girl.

I'm trying to maintain my weight by restricting carbohydrates. Even if I feel like I'll gain weight from stress, if I eat sweets, I'll turn into a pig, right? Do you want to see a stage performance with pigs dancing?

There was no way I could say anything like that, so I just said, ``That's great,'' and continued the meeting with an idol smile.

◆◆◆◆

After finishing work, I, Ayaka Sasagawa, headed home to the station at dusk. At a time like this, it's certain that the train will be packed.

"I'm tired...I'm dying."

From behind the mask, she complains that it's hard to believe she's an idol.

If this happens, I guess I'll eat sweets and gain weight like my manager said. I have enough money to eat all the sweets in this area, so if I put the blame on the manager who spoke to me, there would be no problem.

As I was thinking about this, a certain commercial was projected on a giant screen in a building.

"An unprecedented new full-dive VRMMO game! The name is First Fantasy Online, also known as FFO! Ayaka Sasagawa is also excited about FFO who creates her own individuality! Everyone, please come and play! It's a promise with me ♡"

When that commercial comes on, I hear a whispering voice.

"Ayaka Sasagawa looks cute today too."

"I see. It feels like art created by God, or something that transcends humans."

"Really? Idols are pandas that attract customers."

"It's you. Rather than falling in love on the other side of the screen, let's fall in love in real life, okay?"

"I don't think it's a big deal. Are you going to play FFO when you get home today?"

"Okay. Would you like to attend the event with us?"

"Well, that limited event is really good, so I'll hang out with you for a little while."

The three high school boys laughed at each other as they headed towards the station.

Sasagawa looked on with envy.

"That's good. The students are easygoing."

Well, I'm also an active high school girl, but the rosy color of my youth is overshadowed by the intense rosy color of being an idol. I also want to be young. Dressing up with friends, going on a sweets trip, having a sleepover... things like that.

I wanted to live a life where I wanted to be that cool high school girl.

"Oh crap. Go buy something to take my mind off my worries."

I looked around to see if there was anything, even though I was taking heavy steps.

Then something catches my eye.

"Wow...my life-sized panel."

I've seen it several times, but this panel stands out, or should I say it's hilarious. If I say so myself, it would be the end of the world if there were idols like this.

"Ayaka Sasagawa also plays FFO, though I never played it. I've only seen her in commercials."

Can you make a false declaration? She is here herself.If I sue you, I will win 100% of the time.

"...Sigh, nothing else matters. Let's buy this and kill some time."

I didn't particularly want it. I was just tired and wanted to go home and sleep early, and I thought it would be a good way to relieve stress by splurging. Maybe it was because I was a little unconscious that I could see five zeros lined up, but maybe it was just my imagination. It wasn't until the morning sun rose that I realized that all the 15 Yukichis I had in my wallet had disappeared.

◆◆◆◆

"I'm home"

It echoes quietly in a dark, empty house.

I took off my shoes, opened the door to the living room, turned on the light, and found a piece of paper on the table.

``To Ayaka

Since it's our wedding anniversary, I'm going on a trip with your dad for a while. Take care of yourself. If you need anything else, please call me.

P.S.

Don't put too much effort into your idol activities. You are kind, so take a break once in a while and have a holiday for yourself.''

That's what was written.

"No, it's a holiday for myself. There's nothing to do but sleep."

If I had a day off, I would probably sleep a lot. Well, I'm a sad high school girl who forgot what to do on her day off.

"Ah, I'm hungry. Eat something to fill my stomach and go to bed."

For now, I eat the leftover curry that was in the fridge. Then I took a bath, brushed my teeth, looked at my schedule, set an alarm, and crawled into bed.

But I had a little trouble sleeping. It's been going on since I was a child, but I can't fall asleep unless I feel refreshed.

"Ah, already. Let's go wild somewhere~"

As I was shaking my body, something hard hit my hand. When I turned my attention to it, I saw a software called FFO and a VR helmet wrapped in a bag.

"...Would I like to give it a try?"

I guess I haven't played games since elementary school. My manager told me that back then, the world was only on the screen, but now I can experience a world similar to real life, such as a full dive.

I put on my helmet-like game console and press the download button.

The loading screen continued for a while, during which I read the instructions randomly to kill time.

After the completion screen appears, I will be given the option to play.

"Let's play."

Immediately, my vision turned pitch black and I was transported to another world.