[Vol 2] A Romantic Comedy About Flirting and Getting Married to a Popular Voice Actress Chapter 1
『Nooo…… Kacchan’s seen all our embarrassing parts……』
Inside the recording booth. In front of the microphone, Aizaki Yuka──Ai-chan let out a shy, trembling voice.
She was performing as the main heroine, Shinonome Mikoto.
『If you stare at me like that, I’ll…… my heart will start racing, and I’ll get all weird……』
『Haa…… haa……』 Mixing her breath into her lines, Ai-chan teased my ears with a sweet voice as she spoke to me Shidou Kanata her role partner.
On both sides of Ai-chan, other girls were acting as well.
『Katsuya-senpai, you’re so naughty……♪ Since you’ve seen Hinako naked, you have to take responsibility, you know?』
One of the sub-heroines, Hinako, was voiced by Narumi Rion—also known as Rinrin. She’s my kouhai at school.
『Oh my, oh my, Katsuya-kun. That won’t do. Making such a lewd face……♪』
The other sub-heroine, Kayama Chitose, was voiced by Saeki Nene-san—better known as Nene-chan. She’s my senpai at school and the poster girl of 『Tsubasa Bookstore』, which I often visit.
The three of them stood in front of the microphone together, performing their lines in sync while checking the rough animation displayed on the monitor beyond the mic.
And then, Ai-chan—my ultimate oshi—delivered the final line of the scene.
『Hey, Kacchan…… since we’re here, why don’t we take a bath together……?』
“Okay, cut! part-A test complete!”
The sound director spoke through the mic from the adjacent room—the control room separated by soundproof glass.
What was being recorded now was episode one of 『Kimi to Mita Sora』. Ai-chan, Rinrin, and Nene-chan—along with the voice actors for the protagonist and supporting characters—were all packed into the booth. They had just finished acting out the opening scene: 『the protagonist Katsuya accidentally barging into the bath while the heroines are bathing』.
“Great work, everyone. We’ll discuss adjustments on our end, so please wait where you are for a moment.”
With that, the young sound director—also known as the audio supervisor—started talking with the director and other staff.
I watched the scene quietly, standing by the wall of the control room.
It had been about a month since Ai-chan passed the audition for Mikoto, the heroine of 『Kimizora』. She had avoided being dropped by her agency and was continuing her career as a voice actress.
And I, as her fan—and more importantly, as her manager—was supporting her activities. Watching her work like this was part of my job.
“Alright, we’ll now go over the direction for the part-A.”
The audio supervisor began giving instructions to the booth. Following those, they would move into the main recording.
“First, Hinako. For line ninety-two, it might sound a bit too childish. Rather than a little kid, we want more of a kouhai-type feel.”
“Y-Yes! Understood!”
Rinrin replied with an obviously tense voice. She was shy and timid by nature, but she was clearly doing her best.
“Um, excuse me. May I ask one thing?”
Right after that, Ai-chan raised her hand.
“For Mikoto in this cut, would it be better to make the voice sweeter—like a gentle, catlike tone?”
“Hmm… the way it is now is fine. If you push it any further, it’ll start sounding too deliberately cutesy.”
“I see… understood. Then I’ll keep it as it is!”
Ai-chan nodded confidently. And then the audio supervisor continued.
“As for Mikoto overall, what you’re doing now works perfectly. You’re delivering a very erotically cute, heroine-like performance. Please keep that up for the main take.”
“……! Y-Yes! Thank you very much!”
Praised like that, Ai-chan smiled and made a small fist pump.
Oh no. This is bad. I’m about to cry. My eyes are about to turn into waterfalls…
Seeing my oshi being praised completely destroyed my tear ducts.
It felt like watching my own child grow. As a fan, the emotions hit deep. Seeing your oshi being recognized makes you happier than anything happening to yourself…… Honestly, I wouldn’t even mind if the world ended today.
“And next—Chitose. For line seventy-one, please bring out a bit more of that ‘older sister’ vibe. We want more of Chitose’s unique charm.”
“I see… Yes, I’ll do that.”
“Also, for line one hundred five. Add a bit more sex appeal. With Chitose, it’s fine to be more exaggerated than Mikoto—really give off that pheromone-like feeling.”
“P-Pheromones…!? O-Okay… I understand…”
On the other hand, Nene-chan seemed to be struggling a little. She wrote notes in her script with a slightly troubled expression as she received the feedback.
And once the audio supervisor had finished giving instructions to the rest of the cast, the main recording for the part-A began.
※
“With that, today’s recording comes to an end. Thank you all for your hard work.”
After that, the session proceeded smoothly and was over in the blink of an eye. Following the main take of the part-A, there was a test run and the main take for the part-B, and finally, everyone recorded the background chatter, the lively crowd noises. Once everything received the all-clear, Ai-chan and the others left the studio.
“Fuu—! I did my best again today!”
“I’m so glad the first recording went well!”
“Good work, Ai-chan. Rinrin. Your acting today was great too.”
I waved and called out to the two of them as they came out with satisfied expressions, carefully averting my eyes so I wouldn’t stare at Ai-chan’s chest as she stretched and pushed it forward.
“Ah! Kanata! Good work today!”
“Senpai! Good work!”
With even brighter smiles, the two voice actresses ran over to me. Oh no—this is bad. They’re too cute. My oshi is smiling and talking to me directly, you know? I want to add this as an example under the dictionary entry for 『happiness』.
“Hey, Kanata! Listen, listen! Today the director praised me! He said I’m really delivering a heroine-like performance!”
“Yeah. I know. I was watching from the control room.”
Ai-chan’s eyes sparkled as she smiled, looking like she was enjoying every bit of happiness this world had to offer. In front of a light-attribute smile like that, even the Demon King would evaporate on the spot.
“I was so happy! It’s the first time I’ve ever been praised that much!”
“Yeah. It really was amazing acting! Just what I’d expect from my number-one oshi!”
Ever since she passed the audition, Ai-chan had been steadily improving her skills. Not long ago, no matter how many auditions she took, results were hard to come by, but now she was being recognized more and more on the job. Through the audition for 『Kimizora』, she had probably learned to focus on acting that brought out her own charm.
Watching your oshi break out of her shell like this is something that truly makes you happy as a fan.
“I’m so jealous! Ai-chan, that’s amazing! I want to be praised like that too someday…”
“You’ll be fine! Rinrin, your acting is wonderful too! You really bring out that cute kouhai-heroine vibe!”
“R-Really…? Ehehe… If that’s the case, I’m happy.”
It seemed the two of them had grown quite close as fellow voice actresses. Watching my favorite voice actresses chatting excitedly together… the feeling was simply precious.
But among them, there was one person who looked a bit down.
“Haa…”
With slightly tired steps, Nene-chan slowly exited the booth. I called out to her.
“Nene-chan, good work today as well. Chitose’s acting was great! You really brought out that older-sister feel, just like in the original work.”
“Ah, Kanata-kun… Thank you. I struggled a bit, but hearing that makes me happy.”
She put on a smile for me, but there was a faint shadow in her expression. As I thought, she looked worn out. Curious, I asked her about it.
“Nene-chan, is something wrong? You seem a bit low on energy today…”
“No, it’s nothing. If I had to say, I’m just a little sleepy.”
“Huh? Nene-chan, are you short on sleep? Maybe you were practicing your acting late into the night?”
Ai-chan leaned in, peering at Nene-chan’s face with concern. Then Rinrin chimed in as well.
“If that’s the case, you should rest as soon as possible! A voice actress’s body is her lifeline—you should go home and sleep right away!”
“Fufu. Thank you, both of you. Well then, sorry, but I’ll head out first. It’s a precious Sunday, so I’ll finish my assignments and take it easy.”
“Eh, assignments…!? Now that you mention it, I haven’t finished my English homework either…!”
Rinrin’s face turned utterly hopeless. “I was planning to go out and have fun with senpai today…” she muttered regretfully.
“Hey, if you have assignments, you really should go home… Don’t blame me if you get scolded tomorrow.”
“Exactly. Let’s all go out together next time!”
“O-Okay… I guess I have no choice. I’ll go home today too. Nene-san, let’s walk to the station together!”
“Alright. See you two later. Let’s meet again at the next recording.”
Waving goodbye, Rinrin and Nene-chan left the studio together. The other voice actors departed as well, and before long, only Ai-chan and I were left in the lobby.
Then… Ai-chan looked at me. With a mischievous smile, she spoke.
“Ehehe… We’re finally alone now, Kanata…♪”
“Huh…!?”
All of a sudden, Ai-chan hugged my arm. Then she brought her mouth close to my ear and whispered in a sweet voice.
“I’ve been waiting for this… for a chance to relax like this with you and hold you tight, Kanata…”
“A-Ai-chan…? What are you doing all of a sudden…?”
“You don’t have to be so nervous… okay? Just leave everything to me…”
Her sultry voice brushed against my eardrums. She placed a hand on my cheek and gently turned my face toward hers. When our eyes met, Ai-chan slowly leaned in, bringing her lips closer.
Huh… what? What is this? What’s happening all of a sudden? What is my oshi doing?
“Mmmー…”
Ai-chan puckered her lips cutely. Wait—this is a kiss, right? She’s trying to kiss me, right? Huh? Why is Ai-chan suddenly trying to kiss me!? Ai-chan is going to kiss me!?
“Ah, uh, no, um, well, uh, ah…”
Overwhelmed by the sudden turn of events, I completely lost the ability to speak. Even then, Ai-chan kept inching closer.
Oh no. What is this girl? The personification of cuteness? Her kissing face is way too cute. I love it… I love it… This is bad—my IQ is melting…
My mind went blank, and before I knew it, I had closed my eyes.
Even so, I could tell from her presence—Ai-chan was still moving closer.
And then, finally, her soft lips touched…
…the center of my forehead.
“Huh…?”
“Ehehe. Just kidding♪ So, how was it, Kanata? Did it feel properly 『Amasaki Ryoko』-like?”
“Huh… Amasaki Ryoko…? Ah—”
At those words, it hit me. Amasaki Ryoko was the character Ai-chan would be auditioning for next in 『SECRET・SLAVE』. This character is a slave who swears absolute loyalty to the protagonist—and also his lover. Because of that, she often makes very bold advances toward him.
In other words, Ai-chan had approached me as practice for Ryoko’s acting.
“Geez… don’t scare me like that, Ai-chan… I thought something serious was happening…”
If she had actually kissed me on the lips, my heart would have burst from excitement. Honestly, even just a kiss on the forehead was already an outrageous reward…
“Ahaha, sorry, sorry. But you know, that was also a bit of fan service? For my reliable manager who always supports me!”
“Fan service?”
“Thanks to you, Kanata, I can keep working as a voice actress… And even now, you’re doing so much for me, right? So that I can become number one in the 『Popular Voice Actress Awards』!”
The Popular Voice Actress Awards is an annual event where fans vote to decide which voice actor was the most active that year. Ai-chan’s goal is to win the Best Lead Actress award.
And I had once made her a promise—that as her manager, I would do my best and make sure she won that award.
“Thanks to you, I can audition for Amasaki Ryoko this time too, and I’m even getting small mob roles… Of course, there are recordings for 『Kimizora』 and 『Momoiro LIPS』 as well. This is the first time since becoming a voice actress that I’ve had this much work! That’s all because you’re supporting me, Kanata, right?”
“When you put it like that, it’s kind of embarrassing… I’m still inexperienced as a manager.”
“That’s not true at all! It’s because I have a manager like you that I can keep going! So please take care of me from now on too! As thanks, I’ll give you lots of fan service!”
Saying that, Ai-chan clung tightly to my arm.
Ah… ahhh…! This is it. My heart rate is reaching hospitalization levels from my oshi’s overwhelming preciousness!
“I’ll work even harder so I can live up to your expectations, Kanata! I’ll handle every job and every audition perfectly!”
“Yeah! If it’s you, Ai-chan, you’ll definitely be fine! I’ll support you all the way!”
My oshi is relying on me this much. There’s no way I can slack off now!
I’ll give it everything I’ve got and make Ai-chan a top voice actress—starting right now!
※
“—So, with all that said, I want to make Ai-chan a top voice actress in three days. Is there any good way to do that?”
“Stop spouting nonsense and focus on your work. This is document-sorting time.”
We were in the middle of office work at 『Light Road』, the voice acting agency Ai-chan belongs to. When I tried consulting Maya-san, who was doing her work at the seat nearby, she shot me down mercilessly.
Maya-san is my supervisor. I originally started working here part-time as an office clerk, and she’s the one who’s been teaching me all kinds of things about the job.
Because of that, I sometimes consult her about my work as Ai-chan’s manager as well… but when the timing is bad like now, she shows absolutely no mercy. With her cool, expressionless face, the damage hits straight at my emotional weak point.
By the way, Maya-san’s most defining feature is her overwhelmingly large chest. Thanks to those twin peaks swelling to the point of bursting and pushing up her suit, her grope hitbox is ridiculously unforgiving.
“Kanata-san. Glancing at a woman’s chest is a crime punishable by arrest and execution, you know? Shall we go make a sales call at the police station together?”
By the way, if you so much as look at her chest, there’s a ninety-percent chance she’ll notice. Does she have some kind of sensor installed there?
“S-Sorry! I didn’t mean anything by it, but I just—”
“It’s fine. I’m not angry. I’ll forgive you as long as your lifespan ends by today.”
“Isn’t that basically telling me to die as an apology!?”
“I’m joking. More importantly, hurry up and get to work. I’ll increase your consumption tax tenfold.”
“You’re definitely angry, aren’t you, Maya-san…? And since when did you have that kind of authority!?”
Trading barbs like that, Maya-san continued typing at high speed on her keyboard without changing her expression. I finally decided to get serious too and turned my eyes to the stack of documents in front of me.
Then, after a short while, she spoke up again.
“…Well, if Ai-chan wants to be chosen for the Voice Actor Awards, there’s something she’s clearly lacking.”
“Huh…?”
I stopped my hands and turned toward Maya-san, but she kept working as she spoke in a flat tone.
“The Popular Voice Actress Awards are decided every year by votes from voice actor fans. Fans vote for their favorite voice actors, and based on that, the most talked-about performers in each category—like 『Best Lead Actress』 or 『Best Newcomer』—are chosen. …With that much said, you already understand, don’t you? What Ai-chan is missing.”
“What Ai-chan is missing…? Ah…!”
A few seconds after I started thinking, a spark of realization flashed through my mind.
“Fans… who will vote for Ai-chan!”
“Exactly. At present, Ai-chan probably doesn’t have many fans. Neither 『Momoiro LIPS』 nor 『Kimizora』 has started airing yet, and even once they do, there’s no guarantee her fanbase will grow.”
Even if a voice actor plays a major role in a popular anime, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll become popular themselves. Any voice actor fan knows that much.
“However, if you want results at the Popular Voice Actress Awards, the existence of fans who will cast votes is absolutely essential. And not just a few—an enormous number of them. Having a single ultra-concentrated fan like you, Kanata-san—dense like undiluted Calpis—won’t be enough to change the situation.”
She was right… and it hurt. Right now, Ai-chan has very few fans. In fact, aside from me, she might have none. The only work she’s really appeared in so far is 『Mahou Shoujo Magica☆Marika』. She hasn’t had many event appearances either, so of course her fanbase wouldn’t grow.
Should I just figure out a way to cast a massive number of votes by myself…?
My love for Ai-chan is real. If other voice actor fans love their oshis by a factor of a hundred, I’m confident I love mine by seventy trillion. Should I take on the tens or hundreds of thousands of voice actor fans across the country all by myself…!?
“I can practically see your reckless thoughts written all over your face… but if you really want Ai-chan to win an award, it would be better to devise a strategy to steadily acquire fans. That would generate more buzz around her, and her work would increase as well. From your position, Kanata-san, that should make you happy too, right?”
“I see…! You’re right! But then, specifically, how do we increase the number of fans?”
“That’s for you to think about. You’re her manager.”
With just that, Maya-san closed her mouth again and returned to her work—and to flirting with it in silence.
Ways to increase fans, huh…? I can see the general direction now, but the crucial method is still unclear. What should I do, specifically…?
Thinking about it normally, the only option is to increase her opportunities. If she appears in more and more anime, the name Aizaki Yuka will naturally spread among voice actor fans. And once that happens, surely all anime fans will come to love Ai-chan.
In that case, I’ll have to go make sales pitches to directors again… Just like with 『Kimizora』, I stuck it out and persistently pitched to the directors until they invited her to audition. I’ll use the same strategy this time.
“Looks like things are about to get busy…!”
“Yes. Very busy indeed. There’s only one hour left until closing, and the documents are piled up like a mountain. Plenty of overtime for you, right?”
“Hah! Right! Work—work!”
I’d been thinking about Ai-chan so much that I completely forgot about my office duties! Under Maya-san’s icy stare, I hurriedly got back to work.
And then, at that moment, the phone at my desk suddenly rang.
“Huh… who is it? At a time like this…”
Lately, I’d started handling phone calls as well, not just filing documents. I picked up the receiver with timing that was neither too fast nor too slow.
“Thank you for calling. This is Shidou Kanata from Light Road Co., Ltd.”
I delivered the usual line and listened as the caller introduced themselves and explained their business.
However… what they said was something I never could have anticipated.
※
“Ah! Kanata, welcome back!”
After doing a bit of overtime. When I finished work and returned home, my oshi—Ai-chan (the great archangel)—came trotting over, her slippers clacking, wearing an apron.
“You worked hard again today! Are you okay? You’re not too tired, are you?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m not tired.”
If anything, all my fatigue just blew away. Just seeing my oshi’s smile is enough to fill my heart with happiness for the day.
“Dinner’s already ready! Do you want to eat together? Or take a bath first?”
“Hmm… if it’s ready, I guess I’ll eat first.”
“Roger that! Then let’s eat together!”
Her reply is full of energy, and she rushes off to the kitchen to get the meal ready.
Huh…? When did we get married, again?
This is basically married life already.
I mean, when I think about it again, this situation is seriously incredible…
My oshi voice actress is in the same room as me, talking with me, and even making food for me. No matter how many CDs or goods you buy to support them, this is something that could never come true. If other voice-actor fans found out I was living like this, I’d probably get banned from the world. That’s how much happiness I’m enjoying right now…!
Thinking all that, I take off my shoes and head into the living room. There, Ai-chan is diligently lining up dishes on the table. karaage (Fried chicken), salad, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), miso soup—my favorite foods are all laid out.
“Whoa, amazing! You made all of this!?”
“It’s not that big a deal. Anyway, eat it while it’s still warm, okay?”
Ahh, I’m so grateful… so grateful… Coming home to my oshi’s gentle welcome and delicious food… Is there any greater happiness in this world? No. There isn’t.
“Alright then, let’s dig in—”
“Ah, sorry, Kanata. Wait a second!”
For some reason, Ai-chan stops me and takes my chopsticks away. Then she picks up a piece of tamagoyaki.
“Today, I’ll feed you! Here, Kanata. Say ‘aーh’ ?”
“Nnupowaa!?”
A strange cry never before heard from humanity escapes my mouth at her sudden proposal. A surprise temptation. I can’t respond right away.
“This is part of my fan service! And it’s also a thank-you to my manager who always supports me! Come on! Hurry up and open your mouth!”
With a confident look, Ai-chan snorts lightly through her nose. At this point, refusing would feel rude instead… Thinking that, I decide to accept.
“O-Okay…! Then… aーh…!”
My heart pounding wildly, I open my mouth wide. Being fed an 'aーh' by my favorite voice actress—this is way too blissful. I feel like a blood vessel might burst.
"Here you go, aーh……♪"
And then Ai-chan places the tamagoyaki into my mouth. It’s the highest-grade tamagoyaki—soft and fluffy, with a rich dashi flavor that spreads perfectly.
"Well? Well? Is it good? Does it taste right?"
“This is like… the level of food I’d want to eat as my last meal in life…! I mean, I could die anytime now and have no regrets…!”
“Ahaha! That’s way too dramatic! But I’m glad you’re happy!”
Seeing the delighted expression on my face, Ai-chan herself breaks into a goofy smile. That expression was so 『kyun』 that I instinctively clutched my chest with a sharp “ugh!”
[TLN: キュン (kyun) is a Japanese onomatopoeic expression used to describe the feeling of your heart tightening or skipping a beat]
"Making fans happy is our job as voice actresses! So, what are you having next?"
“T-then I guess I’ll have some karaage next… Ah. Do it in Akiyama Rika-chan’s voice.”
『Come on, Senpai…… please open your mouth properly…… This is for practice too, after all…… Here I go, okay? Aaーhn……♪』
“Waaaah, this is delicious! It’s a hundred times tastier! A hundred times better thanks to Rika-chan!”
The instant I bite into it, the juices burst out—! The crispy yet juicy texture multiplies the umami even further. Combined with my racing heartbeat, it somehow tastes extra special.
[TLN: 旨み (umami) refers to the savory, rich flavor]
And despite such a sudden and unreasonable request, my oshi plays the 『Momoiro LIPS』 character for me with a smile. I can’t help but be moved by her fan-service spirit.
Being able to enjoy her adorable fan service all to myself… ahh, I’m so happy I might go crazy! Ai-chan is cute, Ai-chan is cute! I wish every sound reaching my ears were Ai-chan’s voice.
Like that, while deepening my love for Ai-chan, I leisurely enjoy the meal.
"By the way, why did you end up working overtime today? Did some other job come up?"
Ai-chan asks midway through. She looks worried, as if concerned that something troublesome might have happened to me.
And then I remember. I had something important to talk to Ai-chan about.
“Ah, right… actually, I need to talk to you about that.”
"Talk…? To me?"
“Yeah. I got a call earlier while I was at work. It’s a new job offer—for you, Ai-chan.”
"Eh, really!? A new job!?"
The moment she hears that, Ai-chan’s eyes light up.
"Yayー! I’m so happy they asked me! What kind of job is it this time!? An audition for a famous series!? Or maybe some kind of mob role!? I’ll do my best no matter what!"
Overflowing with motivation, Ai-chan jumps up from her chair. For a rookie voice actress, it seems being called in for any kind of work is that exciting.
To her, I say:
“Simply put… this next job is an interview!”
"I-interview!?"
The one who called me today was an editor from a monthly magazine called 『Seiyuu Champion』. It’s a magazine that covers the latest topics related to voice actors. They wanted to run a special feature on the highly anticipated anime 『Kimizora』, which is set to start airing soon—and for that, they wanted to interview Ai-chan, the heroine.
“By the way, it sounds like the other heroines—Nene-chan and Rinrin—will be interviewed together with you.”
"A-amazing…! An interview is my first time ever! I feel like a celebrity! And everyone will be there too! Yayー!!"
Ai-chan starts hopping around in high spirits. I’m glad she’s happy.
“But you can’t just get carried away, okay? This job is extremely important for you, Ai-chan! Especially if you want to achieve good results in your goal—the 『Popular Voice Actress Award』!”
"Eh? What do you mean by that?"
“Listen. Right now, when it comes to voice and cuteness, you’ve got enough skill to go head-to-head with other voice actresses. But without a large number of fans, it’s impossible to win the Popular Voice Actress Award by voting.”
Kanata explains to Ai-chan the same things he discussed earlier with Maya-san. That gaining fans is essential to being chosen for a lead actress award, and that even appearing in a high-profile anime doesn’t automatically mean your fanbase will grow.
"I see… So just doing my best at recording isn’t enough…?"
“Right. That’s why I’ve been thinking about how you can increase your fans. One way is to expand the places where you can be active. And the other thing I realized is increasing your exposure.”
"Exposure…? D-does that mean… taking my clothes off…!?"
“No, it doesn’t! That’s not what I mean!”
I hurriedly stop Ai-chan as she reaches for her clothes, about to take them off. Hey, don’t strip so easily. Take better care of yourself. Though… her airheaded side is cute too.
“By exposure, I mean jobs where you show your face. Not just voice acting.”
"Ah, I see. That kind of exposure. I thought you meant I’d have to take my clothes off in front of people…"
“Leave that kind of thing to some exhibitionist somewhere. I’m not letting Ai-chan strip.”
Anyway, popular voice actresses are all active in many different fields—radio shows, live events, and other appearances. Not just acting in recording sessions, but also jobs where they present themselves directly, gaining lots of fans.
Ai-chan is cute to begin with, so if she increases that kind of exposure, there’s a high chance fans will naturally follow.
“In that sense, this interview will basically be your first real exposure, right? There’ll be a photo shoot during the interview too, so it’ll attract more attention than anything you’ve done before. Especially since 『Seiyuu Champion』 is a fairly well-known magazine among voice actor fans.”
This magazine features information on various voice actors’ activities every month, as well as pin-up posters of notable ones. For hardcore voice actor fans, it’s something you’d at least want to skim through.
If Ai-chan leaves a strong impression in that magazine interview, readers will definitely take notice. And if those readers become fans, then little by little, Ai-chan’s presence will start getting attention on social media too.
“Once that happens, your fanbase will keep growing. 『Momoiro LIPS』 and 『Kimizora』—where you play major roles—are both starting soon. If you nail your exposure at this timing, I’m sure you’ll get on track!”
"I-I see…! So this interview job is really that important…!"
“Exactly! This is where you’ve got to put your all into it. If you’re aiming for that lead actress award, failure here is not an option!”
"Y-yeah! I really have to do my best!"
Ai-chan’s expression turns serious, her motivation clearly rising.
She deserves to be loved by far more fans. She shouldn’t stay stuck like this forever. I’ll make sure to support her properly—and use this interview as the turning point to make her a major presence!
“Alright! Then first, let’s work on interview prep! I’ll play the interviewer, and we’ll practice your responses! Before that, we also need to think about the questions you’re likely to be asked and how you’ll answer them!”
"Okay! Ah… but I might not really know how to do that kind of thing… I’ve never been interviewed before…"
“It’s fine! I’ll help you with everything I’ve got!”
I am, after all, a voice actor fan. I’ve read interviews in magazines and online plenty of times. From that experience, I can roughly imagine how it should go.
All that’s left is to check the back issues of 『Seiyuu Champion』 and prepare accordingly—that should do it.
I should get my hands on an actual copy somewhere too, so Ai-chan can picture the interview atmosphere better.
“This job is a huge chance for you, Ai-chan! If it’s for the sake of getting good results in this interview, I’ll do anything!”
"Kanata…! Thank you! I’ll do my best so I can gain lots of fans too!"
Knowing my determination and the importance of this job, Ai-chan’s enthusiasm rises to a level equal to—or even greater than—her usual recording sessions.
Still, I’m honestly looking forward to my oshi’s interview myself. I’m sure Ai-chan will give answers that are fun to read. For that to happen, I need to get a magazine as soon as possible and help her prepare.
“But a magazine, huh… If I’m buying books, that place might be best…”
I plan things out in my head, then decide that tomorrow after school, I’ll stop by a certain place.
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“Excuse meee. Is Nene-chan here?”
A small, privately run bookstore tucked away in a back alley of the shopping district. As I stepped over the threshold, I asked quietly.
Tsubasa Bookstore. This was the place I had decided to stop by after school. It was a bookstore I frequented regularly—and also the home of the voice actress Nene-chan. Normally, at this hour in the evening, she should have already finished school and be minding the shop.
And sure enough, she was there. Leaning on her cheek at the register in the back of the store, staring blankly into empty space.
“Hey, Nene-chan. I’m here again today.”
“…………”
“I’m actually looking for a book today, so could I ask for your advice?”
“…………”
“Um… Nene-chan? Nene-chaaーn?”
No matter how much I called out to her, Nene-chan didn’t move an inch—like a stone statue. Huh…? Is this one of those time-stop ero doujin scenarios? The kind where it’s okay to touch her chest?
I quickly shook those sleazy thoughts out of my head and instead clapped my hands in front of her face.
“…Hyan!?”
The instant I snapped my hands together, Nene-chan let out a cute yelp and jumped. At the same time, her chest bounced wildly, as if acting of its own will.
“K-Kanata-kun!? Since when were you here!?”
“I’ve been here for a bit, but you weren’t responding at all when I called you. …Did something happen? You were staring at nothing the whole time.”
“N-no, I was just spacing out a little. ──More importantly, what’s up? There aren’t any particularly noteworthy new releases today, you know?”
Nene-chan spoke as usual. I felt a bit concerned, but for now I decided to tell her why I was here.
“I’m not here for my usual manga today. I came to buy 『Seiyuu Champion』. You know, the magazine interview that’s coming up—with Ai-chan, Nene-chan, and Rinrin for 『Kimizora』. I thought it’d be good as reference.”
“Ah, I see. That’s what it’s for. In that case, if this month’s issue is fine, I have it set aside in the back. I kept it for reference after we got word through the agency.”
“Oh, really? Ah, but… if I buy it, won’t that leave you without one, Nene-chan…?”
“It’s fine. I’ve properly set aside three copies—for me, Ai-chan, and Rinrin.”
“Ooh…! As expected of you, Nene-chan!”
I thought the shop would have it, but she was even more prepared than I imagined.
“Actually, I’ll give one to you and Ai-chan. My treat♪”
“Eh!? No, that would be too much! I’ve got money with me.”
I hadn’t come here expecting that, so I shook my head in refusal.
“It’s fine. I was planning to bring it to you two at the next recording anyway. Don’t worry and just take it, okay?”
“B-but…”
“It’s really okay. We’ve got plenty of books here, after all. And I want to act like an older sister once in a while?”
She wouldn’t back down either. In the end, after a short back-and-forth, I accepted her kindness.
“Thank you so much, Nene-chan. I’ll never forget this favor!”
“Fufu. You’re exaggerating. But Kanata-kun, you’re admirable. The fact that you came to buy a magazine means you’re still Ai-chan’s manager, right?”
“Yes. We managed to prevent Ai-chan from leaving the agency, but I’m continuing as her manager.”
I have no intention of quitting as Ai-chan’s manager. Supporting my top oshi from right by her side is the happiest thing ever.
“I see~. Ai-chan’s lucky. Having a manager who works this hard for her. As a voice actress, that’s incredibly reassuring, you know?”
“Is that so? If she really relies on me, then I’m more than happy.”
“I’m sure she does. You’re someone who takes initiative for Ai-chan’s sake.”
“N-no… it’s not like that…”
Being praised this much makes me seriously embarrassed.
“Honestly, Kanata-kun, you’re more serious than I thought. I figured you came looking for another H-manga with a high skin-exposure rate.”
“Wait a second. Why would you assume that? That’s extremely unfair.”
“Because you always do, don’t you? Whenever you come to my shop, you always buy at least one H-manga or novel.”
“No, that’s not— …actually, yeah, I have.”
Now that I think about it, I always buy erocomedy works at Nene-chan’s shop. What the hell—this weird assumption is totally my fault.
“Come on, it’s been that way from the very beginning. Even the first time you came here, you were buying erotic manga and novels, right?”
“Ah… yeah, that’s true…”
Her words stir my memories. Memories of when I first met Nene-chan…
The first time I came to Tsubasa Bookstore was when I was in my first year of middle school. Back then, as I began to mature mentally compared to my elementary school days, I decided that to be a grown man, I should take up gentlemanly hobbies—like light novels and slightly naughty romantic comedy manga.
That said, no matter how splendid my growth as a man was, flaunting it in public would just look like bragging. So whenever I bought erotic books—no, gentlemanly books—I chose bookstores where I wouldn’t attract attention.
In that sense, Tsubasa Bookstore was perfect.
The shop was usually run by a kind-looking middle-aged man—Nene-chan’s father. On top of that, being a privately owned bookstore in a back alley, it rarely had customers. Before I knew it, I was visiting this shop several times a month.
And that’s when I let my guard down. I thought that in this shop—my home ground—I could reveal my gentlemanly self without shame.
But then, one day, an incident occurred.
As usual, I brought an excessively erotic shounen manga and several H-themed light novels to the register. After ringing the bell, the person who appeared from behind the counter wasn’t the familiar gentle old man—it was a beautiful girl.
『Thank you for your purchase~』
Wearing a Tsubasa Bookstore original apron, with a name tag on her chest that read 『Saeki Nene』. At that moment, I understood everything. This shop had a girl working here. The worst possible landmine—a young female clerk—was here.
And then, the past Nene-chan looked at the gentlemanly books (not 18+, okay?) piled on the counter. Overwhelmed by the awkward tension, I reflexively lowered my head and froze.
『Oh~? So you like this kind of stuff, huh?』
Being spoken to made me flinch even more. Had she looked down on me…!? Thinking that, I timidly raised my face.
And in response, she—
『Fufu… pervert. So lewd~』
Nene-chan grinned teasingly. My face instantly turned bright red from embarrassment.
『Buying so many books like this… you’re a real pervert, aren’t you? You’re always thinking about dirty things, right?』
『A-ahh…』
『Fufufu. You’re all red—so cute~. Hey, hey, what kind of books do you like? Why don’t you tell me?』
Like she’d found an amusing toy, Nene-chan mercilessly teased me. Being mocked or despised would’ve been awful—but being toyed with like this was also unbearably embarrassing!
In the end, until the checkout was finished, I ended up confessing my fetishes in detail. I could’ve run away, but I really wanted to buy the books. To get her to hurry up with the checkout, I told her everything.
『Um… what I like is, well… scenes where a girl hugs you while naked…』
『Oh~ I see. And what else?』
『A-and also… um… I guess… heroines with big boobs…』
『Oh~? You like girls with big boobs~? Then maybe mine aren’t enough?』
『Wha—!?』
Nene-chan lifted her chest with both hands and emphasized it with a squish. Even back then, her chest was fairly large, and for someone like me who had just awakened as a gentleman, the stimulation was overwhelming.
『W-what are you doing!? Please stop! You shouldn’t do things like that!』
『Fufu. Sorry. I got a bit carried away. I’ll ring you up now.』
Saying that, Nene-chan finally scanned the barcodes. I quickly paid the total and received the bag with my books.
This is bad… I can never come to this bookstore again… I need to find another one…
With that resolution firmly in mind, I tried to leave Tsubasa Bookstore.
『Hey. If you’d like… come again sometime.』
『Eh…?』
I stopped and turned back at her words. Then Nene-chan said this:
“Next time you come, I’ll think of some recommended books for you. Using your fetishes as reference♪”
Her beautiful smile at that moment caught me off guard, and I stared for just an instant. In that brief moment, her face was deeply etched into my mind.
Unable to stop thinking about her words, I visited her again at the same time one month later. And sure enough, Nene-chan recommended manga and novels that perfectly matched my tastes.
From then on, I started coming here not just to buy books, but to talk with Nene-chan.
“But honestly, I was surprised back then. A boy my age buying nearly ten erotic manga and novels at once. I get being curious, but usually people are more cautious and buy little by little, you know? Buying in bulk like that… fufu. You must’ve had a lot pent up?”
“Aah, please stop… Bringing that up now is just…”
Hearing it again is mortifying… It’s about as embarrassing as the time I read 『肢体 (Shitai)』 as 『らたい (Ratai)』 during a Japanese class reading exercise…
“Because it’s nostalgic. My first meeting with you, Kanata-kun. For me, it’s a pretty important memory, you know? I genuinely think I’m glad I was helping out at the shop that day.”
“Really? Well… looking back now, I think I’m glad it happened too. Talking about books I love with you was always something I looked forward to.”
“Eh?”
“I never really had otaku friends at school. I have my kouhai, Rion—Rinrin—now, but back then, there was no one to share my hobbies with… So being able to talk about my interests with you made me really happy. I’m truly grateful for that.”
If it weren’t for Nene-chan, I might never have known the joy of talking about my favorite works and fetishes. Thanks to her, my middle school days were largely saved.
“The time I spend with you is really precious to me, Nene-chan. So… I hope we’ll continue getting along.”
“Kanata-kun… fufu. You say such nice things. I’m the one who should say that—let’s continue getting along, okay?”
We both said unusually formal things. Feeling a bit embarrassed, we shared a small laugh.
“But… it’s kind of a shame.”
“A shame? What do you mean?”
“Because… if Ai-chan didn’t exist, maybe I could’ve had your heart all to myself, you know?”
“Eh…!?”
A sudden, loaded remark. My eyes flew open in shock.
“Thinking about that makes me a little sad… Like I’ve had you taken away from me…”
“N-no, what are you even saying!? What do you mean by that!?”
“…Fufu. Kanata-kun, you’re panicking too much.”
As I fired questions at her in a rush, Nene-chan smiled mischievously and poked my cheek with her finger.
“You really are fun to tease~. You’re way too shaken, you know?”
“Ngh…!”
So that was just her usual prank…!
“N-Nene-chan! Please stop that! I almost took you seriously!”
“Fufufu. Sorry~. To make it up to you, I’ll go get the magazine. Wait here, okay?”
“Ah, hey, Nene-chan! Wait!”
But she ignored me and briskly headed off.
Seriously… I really want her to stop turning me into a toy on a whim… Thinking that, I watched her disappear into the back of the shop.
And then, something happened.
“Ah—kya——”
Nene-san tripped on a step, lost her balance, and nearly fell face-first.
“Crap! Watch out!”
My body moved instantly. I rushed forward and grabbed Nene-chan from behind.
“Hngh!”
I supported her body with both hands and somehow managed to prevent her from falling. I let out a sigh of relief.
“Phew… Are you okay, Nene-chan? Are you hurt anywhere?”
“Y-yes… thank you… I was just a bit startled…”
“I’m the one who was startled. Don’t go tripping in your own house. You should be used to walking here by now.”
“Y-you’re right… I’m sorry…”
Even as she said that, Nene-chan looked oddly awkward. Wondering if something was wrong, I asked her.
“Um… Kanata-kun… If you squeeze that hard, I’ll get embarrassed, you know…?”
“Eh…? Ah—!?”
I finally realized. To support her body, my hands were firmly gripping her chest. Her very large breasts were squished in my hands, bending softly and offering an unmistakable sensation.
I hurriedly helped her stand and immediately pulled my hands away.
“S-sorry! I didn’t realize what I was doing…!”
“N-no… don’t worry. It was my fault for not paying attention.”
Nene-chan sat down on a nearby chair and took a moment to steady her breathing.
“Phew… I guess I got a bit tired… Maybe I got too excited when you came, Kanata-kun?”
“That’s what you get for treating people like toys. Please reflect on that.”
“Geez… don’t say such mean things. But still… tripping on a step like that…”
Nene-chan sighed again. She really did look worn out.
More importantly, she really is different from usual… When I look closely at her face, I notice dark circles under her eyes.
“Um… Nene-chan. Is something really wrong?”
“Eh…? No, nothing’s wrong. If it’s about my chest, I’m not bothered.”
“No, not that… You’re clearly less energetic than usual.”
Now that I think about it, she was spacing out when I entered the shop today. And even during the last recording session, her acting lacked its usual sharpness…
“Could it be that you’re worried about something? You’re probably sleep-deprived because of it, right? Even if you try to hide it, I can kind of tell.”
I pressed the issue. She quietly averted her gaze.
“That’s… well, it’s not really something I’d call a worry…”
“So there is something, right? If that’s the case, please tell me. I can at least listen! And if I can help, I want to!”
Seeing Nene-chan like this worries me too. Desperately wanting to help, I appealed to her.
Finally, Nene-chan opened her heavy mouth.
“…Alright. Then… can I consult you about something, just a little? I wanted to solve it on my own, but…”
“Of course! Please tell me! There are times when borrowing someone else’s help is better.”
“That’s true… Then I’ll tell you.”
And so, Nene-chan began to speak. It was about the audition she would be taking next.
“Actually, I’m going to audition for a new anime soon. It’s based on a pure romance light novel called 『Satou aji no wan ruumu (Sugar-Flavored One Room)』…”
“A pure romance anime, huh… I don’t really watch those much…”
I prefer lighthearted romantic comedies. I’m not very familiar with pure romance.
“Me neither, honestly. I only read it after getting the offer… but to be honest, I’m a bit troubled. The heroine of the work I’m auditioning for doesn’t really match my image…”
“In what way?”
“You know how the characters I usually play are sexy types, right? Like Chitose from 『Kimizora』.”
That’s true. Nene-chan’s main appeal is her clear, sexy voice. Because of that, she often plays sensual adult female roles.
“But the heroine of 『Satou aji no wan ruumu』, 『Himemiya Shino』, isn’t like that. She’s more… ordinary, I guess. A well-raised, quiet girl. The story is about her falling in love.”
I don’t know the original work, but from what she says, 『Satou aji no wan ruumu』 carefully depicts the romance between a cheerful boy and a refined, calm girl. Because of that, Nene-chan’s usual acting style doesn’t fit the work.
“Not being able to use your usual strengths is a pretty serious problem. But I can’t just give up on such a great opportunity either… That’s why I’ve been worrying about it lately. What kind of acting I should do.”
“I see… so that’s what it was.”
Honestly, I can’t imagine her acting outside of her sexy roles either. It makes sense that she’d be troubled.
“And on top of that… this is a bit embarrassing, but I don’t really have any romantic experience. There are scenes where the protagonist and heroine act all shy and lovey-dovey or go on dates, but I can’t quite picture it…”
“Eh…? Really? That’s surprising.”
I had always assumed Nene-chan was experienced in romance. She’s usually pretty bold with me. And her figure is amazing. Honestly, she looks like a model already.
“I may not look it, but I’m actually shy. The only men I usually talk to, aside from family, are you, Kanata-kun.”
“That’s… kind of an honor. But that makes things even harder… You’re already struggling with an acting plan…”
I rack my brain, trying to think of any advice I can give about acting. How should Nene-chan approach a role like that?
But since I can only imagine her sexy acting, there’s really nothing I can say.
“I guess it’s difficult even for you, Kanata-kun… thinking up an acting plan.”
“I’m sorry… Even though you went out of your way to tell me…”
At this point, there’s nothing I can suggest. Maybe I should at least read the original work and see if it suits her…?
“No, it’s fine. You don’t need to go that far. This is something I have to figure out myself.”
“That may be true, but…”
Now that I know, I really want to help somehow… I am her fellow voice actor’s manager, after all…
Thinking alone about something like this must be incredibly tough. Ai-chan struggles every time too. And it’s even harder when the role doesn’t feel like a good fit.
On top of that, this time it’s a romance role. If Nene-chan has no romantic experience, acting out innocent couples and date scenes would be especially difficult.
“If only you had some experience with romance, it might be a bit easier…”
“Yeah… I was thinking the same… Ah!”
Suddenly, Nene-chan shouted. I looked up at her face in surprise.
“Hey, Kanata-kun… You said this earlier, right? ‘If I can help, I want to.’”
“Eh…? Ah, yes… I did…”
“Then… there’s one thing I want you to help me with.”
Nene-san placed her hands gently over mine, her expression serious.
Huh… what? What’s this? This atmosphere. What is she about to ask me?
Sensing how different she was from usual, I flinched slightly.
Looking straight into my eyes, Nene-chan spoke clearly.
“Please, Kanata-kun! Go out with me!”
“Eh…? Eh… EEEEEEEEEEEEEH!?”
For a moment, I couldn’t process what she’d said, chewing over her words in my head. The question that surfaced there gradually turned into shock.
“W-w-what are you saying, Nene-chan!? By ‘go out,’ you mean dating, right!? Like, a romantic relationship between a man and a woman!?”
“Of course. What else would it be? Though… aren’t you a bit too surprised?”
“No, because this is weird! Why would you suddenly ask me—”
“Because if I go out with you, Kanata-kun, I can gain romantic experience!”
“Huh…?”
A hollow sound slipped from my throat.
“If I date you, go on dates, act lovey-dovey, then it’ll surely help when I have to act romance scenes! I can experience firsthand how to portray innocent interactions between lovers! I think it’ll help me figure out an acting plan for Himemiya Shino!”
“Ah… I see. So you mean pretending to date as practice…”
“Exactly! Only until the audition! Could you do me that favor?”
Nene-chan pressed her hands together and bowed deeply.
Ah… that scared me… I really thought she suddenly confessed to me…
Well, yeah. Of course. Just pretending. Nene-chan is a relatively successful rookie voice actress. There’s no way she’d seriously ask me out.
“Of course, I won’t ask you to do it for nothing. Once I’ve gained experience from dating you, I’ll give you a proper reward. So… please play the role of my boyfriend?”
“Hmm… a boyfriend role, huh… Well… if you’re okay with me, then I’ll do it. I don’t know how much help I’ll be, though.”
After thinking for just a moment, I nodded.
Her expression immediately brightened—something rare for her.
“Eh!? Really!? You really will!? Kanata-kun!”
“Yeah. I don’t have a girlfriend, and you’ve always helped me out, Nene-chan. If that’s all it takes, I’m happy to help.”
Ever since we met, the time I’ve spent with Nene-chan has always been fun and precious to me. She’s someone very important to me.
And now she’s troubled and asking me for help. There’s no way I could refuse.
“And you’re helping me with the magazine today too. Really, don’t worry about it. When someone’s in trouble, it goes both ways.”
“Kanata-kun…! Thank you so much! I’m really glad I consulted you!”
Nene-chan’s tired expression vanished, replaced by a brighter smile than usual. Seeing that, I finally felt relieved.
“Then let’s start tomorrow, okay? I’ll think about what kind of things we should do as a couple!”
“Understood. I’ll help as much as I can.”
Even if it’s just pretend, being Nene-chan’s boyfriend is honestly a reward for me… She may not be Ai-chan, but Nene-chan is also one of my oshi voice actresses. Acting as her boyfriend… Japan really is something!
“Oh, right. Just to be clear, there’s one thing I want to say.”
While I was still overwhelmed with joy, Nene-chan spoke. I looked at her.
“It’s not like I could’ve asked just anyone to play my boyfriend, okay? I asked you because it’s you, Kanata-kun. Don’t misunderstand that.”
“Eh…?”
“Alright, wait here for a bit! I’ll go get the magazine—this time for real!”
Saying that, Nene-chan retreated into the back of the shop as if fleeing.
The smile she wore as she left looked just a little flushed.
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