I Have a Reason to Hate Streamers

I think I have a strong desire for ascension.

Basically, I’m not stingy when it comes to learning.

Experience is something you accumulate and eventually use.

If it’s an experience I can’t easily try, I tend to grab the chance and go for it.

So, a VTuber specializing in ASMR.

Learning from a broadcaster specialized in auditory content was an opportunity I couldn’t resist.

Not to mention ASMR is a field I’ve heard the name of often but know absolutely nothing about.

The thought of stepping into a completely uncharted territory made my heart race.

However, what I didn’t anticipate was… there are various types of ASMR.

It seemed like a far more vast world than I had imagined.

“Have you ever heard of ASMR? Or do you know anything about it?”

“Isn’t it something like raindrop sounds or insect noises? I’ve heard of white noise.”

“Oh, that’s where I need to start explaining. Got it.”

A human body can feel pleasure just from auditory stimulation.

For example, experiences like getting goosebumps just from hearing sounds.

They say it really reacts within the nervous system.

Inspired by this, there are cases where people create high-level sounds or induce hypnosis.

I just thought it was amazing how powerful hearing can be.

Ryeohee’s main ASMR focuses on things like cleaning ears or whispering through situational acts.

She seemed to have a lot of knowledge and affection for her field, so it was nice to see.

I planned to check out Ryeohee’s channel when I got back.

According to her, she said the content might be a bit risqué.

But hey, I’m a grown adult. Shouldn’t be a problem, right?

It seemed today was quite lucky for me.

Ryeohee said she had some time before her next appointment and offered to do a little recording.

What we would do was decided in an instant.

“Da-eun, you’ve done live streams before, and you’ve got quite the visuals going on. How about an ear licking? I bet the atmosphere would be great and the reactions would be really good. Your voice would match perfectly!”

“Ear licking?”

“Oh! It means licking ears. It might be nice to sing something like a lullaby along with it… If it turns out well, I’ll do a quick sound edit and send it to you.”

I hadn’t really talked much with Ryeohee yet.

So, was my first impression the best fit for licking ears, in her eyes?

I felt a bit insulted hearing such a thing.

It seems I stared at her a bit too long, as Ryeohee flinched.

Her high-pitched voice started pouring out like a waterfall.

“Uh, it’s not meant in another way, you know? There are many who listen to ASMR without watching the videos at all, you see? But people like you make it easy to imagine even with their eyes closed…”

Situational acting can be quite difficult for beginners.

Creating white noise using tools is easy, but ending it like that would be a bit unsatisfying.

If I ask about that later, she might explain separately.

“Since we’re doing this, shouldn’t we do it properly? Your face and voice are known now, so there’s no reason to hesitate! Your voice is the best talent in our industry, Da-eun!”

After all that lengthy coaxing, one conclusion emerged.

With such a pretty face and voice, not doing anything would be a waste.

Just go ahead and give it a shot!

With her saying all that, I couldn’t possibly say no.

This is all part of learning. If I experience it, it’ll find its use somewhere down the line.

ASMR is also good for regular broadcasting content, so I agreed.

Absolutely… it’s not like I got swept away by the compliments or anything.

“Ah, okay. So what do I need to do specifically?”

“I’ll let you know right now.”

*

Inside the recording studio I entered alone.

On either side of the microphone, human ear models were attached, spaced about a person’s face width apart.

As I was about to actually do it, I felt a bit nervous. I took a slow breath.

“Huuhh, haah.”

I got pushed into this situation, but honestly, it wasn’t a bad thing for me.

It wasn’t just about being good as a simple experience.

I actually needed to draw attention.

It was something I couldn’t just let slide in broadcasting terms.

Yesterday, I received a call from Sigma’s legal team.

– Is this Da-eun? This is lawyer Lee Joo-yeon from the legal team.

– We received a formal letter from the game company.

– They say under the condition of Sigma’s management and supervision, they’ll lift the provisional measures early and certify it.

– They said it could be done within this week as long as we respond.

– Funny folks, right? Their intentions are transparent. Still, I don’t think there’s a reason to refuse.

It seemed that the League operations team was doing something, just like Luce said.

It looked like their feet were on fire.

There must be a lot of toxic letters out there, so I didn’t bother looking them up, but right now, the domestic eSports fans’ sentiments were burning bright.

This year is different, they said, but Sigma got knocked out in the round of 16.

Other teams couldn’t even get past the group stage.

The Traveler who went to England has already spread his wings, but the domestic teams are still struggling with the chronic “Assassin” issue.

Of course, not every team relies heavily on assassins.

For instance, Kelberos’ AT is known for their strong frontline characteristics.

However, among strong teams, the assassin faction has never been seen as a “weakness.”

How long has it been since this problem was pointed out, and it still hasn’t been resolved?

It’s resentment that has accumulated over time.

The sadness and anger of fans surpassed the threshold, and fierce explosions were happening here and there.

“So that’s why I’m needed.”

As for another issue, the League operations team—or more accurately, Inbl’s Korean branch—said they would do something about it.

So they want me to quell the burning public sentiments through Gawol.

It seems that seizing Sigma’s management and making them fall was a clause trying to keep me in the country.

Well, I didn’t plan on going abroad either.

After all, the only place I could get treatment for my legs abroad would be Sigma.

If that’s the case, it would be better to stay in Korea with Luce’s support.

Oops.

Got lost in thought for too long.

Outside the window, Ryeohee was waving her hand as if asking if I was ready.

As soon as I nodded, three, two, one.

As the countdown ended, I opened my mouth.

“Hello. It’s been a really long time since we met like this…”

I whispered quieter than usual.

I thought about someone lying alone in a dark room listening to this.

Imagining it wasn’t too hard.

I had spent many a night alone, after all.

I held the microphone as if embracing it and brought my lips closer.

*

[Da-eun_ASMR_Experience.wav]

(Sound of steady breathing)

(Exhaled breath entering the outer ear)

Hello.

It’s… it’s been a really long time since we met like this.

I’m doing better than last time, right?

This time it’s not on a mobile phone.

It’s a proper microphone.

It should sound much better.

I heard my viewers are a bit perverted.

They said they’d like this kind of stuff.

Is that really true?

(Sound of tongue lightly brushing the ear)

(Sucking around the outer ear, slurp- smack)

(Exhales, a faint giggle in the breath)

(Sound of saliva in the ear)

Ah, this is a bit embarrassing.

I don’t really want to do more of this.

Should I make some other sounds for a bit?

Originally… I was going to announce some broadcasts here.

But now that I’m speaking, it feels like I’m changing my mind.

Maybe it’s better to keep it a secret.

Huff.

Mmm.

(Sound of breathing close to the ear)

(Mouth holding the ear, chewing noise)

But speaking seems better.

I’d say it’s something that won’t take long.

I’ll bring some surprising news for everyone soon.

I’m also preparing for cosplay.

I’d appreciate it if you all watch it closely.

It would be even better if you shower me with compliments.

I really prefer being loved over being hated.

Is that too obvious? But there are times like that, right?

There are times when you can’t endure unless you receive at least some hatred.

I will work hard, so please send me warm words.

(Sound of nibbling the earlobe)

(Licking the ear like a puppy)

(Small throat gulping sound)

Oh, right. I came here to sing.

But you see, I’m really not good at singing.

I once went to a karaoke … and everyone said my taste was weird.

That’s harsh.

I just didn’t listen to much music.

But nowadays, I’ve started to listen to some again.

Anyway, I will try it out.

If you tease me too much, I won’t do this again next time.

……

When mom goes to the shade to gather shells…

Hmm. The baby is left alone…

……

Doing it without music is tough.

But anyway, I sang it all.

Since it’s night when this gets uploaded, I wonder if there’s anyone who would use it as a lullaby.

Please respond back.

I’d be so pleased.

Now then, I guess I should do the ending remarks…

Even though I suggested this, I’m not used to it yet.

I love you.

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