The hallway was filled with golden silky morning light. As the team started their day one by one, the house was filled with a quiet energy. Soft voices reverberated through the walls, footsteps shuffled across the wooden floor, and coffee brewed in the kitchen.
The first to depart was Ayaka, wearing a crisp cream blazer and black pant. Early that day, she was scheduled to meet with the sponsors. Haruto trailed behind with a tidy leather case containing the necessary files and documents. They strolled together in the direction of the meeting space, which was located in a tall downtown business tower.
Three well-dressed professionals from an entertainment conglomerate were the sponsors, and they were waiting inside the boardroom. The air was clear, the type of air that is inhaled under pressure and exhaled.
Mr. Sakamoto, one of the sponsors, repositioned his glasses and said, "Ms. Takahashi, your past productions have done very well. We have faith that In Between Us, the new project, will uphold the same caliber."
With her hands neatly folded on the table, Ayaka nodded. "I've never been closer to a project than this one. It's more than just a tale. It's a voice. a voice that people have long suppressed within themselves."
Ms. Igarashi, another sponsor, cocked her head. "The concept has been read, and early character breakdowns have been observed. However, is your present team capable of managing this emotional complexity?"
Ayaka smiled knowingly. "They are more than competent. particularly our lead. Fresh, unadulterated talent with a spark. You'll see."
Mr. Sakamoto steepled his fingers and leaned back. "We're relying on your judgment. Give something new, sincere, and captivating."
"I plan to."
A silent agreement sealed with faith was made when they shook hands.
The atmosphere had changed back at the recording house. The idle rhythm of early rehearsals had vanished. Now there was a reason. keen focus. As everyone assembled in the main room, Ayaka stood in front of them.
"Today, we start In Between Us," she stated firmly. "This is more than just a job. It's a tale of choices, heartache, and treachery. Get involved. Feel it."
Ren stood with the others, holding on to the script more tightly.
As the recording started, the room grew a little darker. Scenes were recorded one after the other.
"Why?" In the booth, someone let out a cry. "Why did you abandon me just when I needed you the most?"
The actor's voice broke with agony. It was then Ren's turn.
His character had recently discovered that his best friend had deceived him. He gazed at the screenplay.
"I had faith in you. For you, I would have sacrificed my life. He hesitated. Inhaled deeply. "But you... you sold me out as if I didn't exist."
As she watched from the control room, Ayaka briefly closed her eyes to allow the scene's impact to sink in.
One more scene. In the rain, a confession. Ren's voice faltered.
Even after you lost faith in me, Ren's character whispered, "I waited in the cold and the rain. You still didn't come."
His voice cracked with emotion, subtle but genuine. Even Ayaka, who was silently watching through the glass, felt her fingers twitch a little around the clipboard she was holding.
"I still love you, even after all the lies."
Then there was silence.
Ayaka's voice on the microphone then said, "That was good. Let's try a different, more controlled version. He seems to be trying not to cry."
Hours went by. The work ended late. With silent yawns and waves of good-bye, the voice actors departed one by one.
When Ayaka called out, Ren stretched his arms and started to go upstairs to his room.
"Ren."
He pivoted.
She motioned for him to return.
They took a seat close to the edge of the studio lounge, a calm area that was now dimly lit. There was a calm, not uncomfortable, silence between them.
"So, how did it feel—your first full day as a voice actor?" Ayaka asked, casting a sidelong glance at him.
Ren rubbed the back of his neck and smiled nervously. "To be honest? I felt as though my heart was constantly doing somersaults. However, you're also right. It seemed appropriate."
Ayaka nodded and continued to stare at him. "You performed admirably today."
Ren's ears turned pink. "I'm grateful. It truly means a lot that you said that."
A pause occurred.
"Ren, I want you to consider doing this part-time," Ayaka said casually after abruptly clearing her throat and averting her gaze for a moment.
His heart dropped. "W-Why? Did I mess up?"
She blinked, puzzled. "What? No!"
Ayaka took a shiny business card with glistening silver text out of her bag. It said:
Eclipse Entertainment: Training Tomorrow's Idols
Ren's fingers were shaking as he took it slowly. "What is this?"
Ayaka stated, "I had a meeting with them following the sponsor meeting. I mentioned you to them. About your presence, about your voice. I played a video for them. They are eager to see you."
His gaze expanded. "You did this for me?"
Ayaka smiled proudly, but she shrugged lightly. "Are you not pursuing something? Perhaps this is the initial step."
Ren's eyes filled with tears and his lips parted. "I thought you were going to fire me."
Ayaka gave a quiet laugh. "No, fool. Now I'm giving you two jobs."
Ren's eyes brightened. "Ayaka... I—"
Instinctively, he stepped forward to give her a hug, but she abruptly raised her hand while half-laughing. "Avoid hugs. Not just yet. Put it away for when you're famous. Then perhaps."
Ren wiped his eyes and laughed. "Deal. You'll see, I'll become one."
He treated the card as though it were a priceless gem.
Ayaka grinned. "Now, superstar, head upstairs. Tomorrow will be a long day."
He rose and bowed to the queen like a knight. "Ayaka-san, I'll make you proud. I swear."
Ren turned around and grinned as he muttered, "She called me a superstar."
Ayaka watched the stars from a peaceful rooftop outside. With his hands in his coat pockets, Haruto joined her.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
She gave a nod. "I believe I just gave someone a dream."
Haruto grinned. "You always do."
Though she remained silent, there was hope in it.
Even as he lay awake in bed inside the house, Ren continued to stare at the business card and hear Ayaka say, "Save the hug for when you become a star."
His heart twitched. A step had started. In the direction of something greater. In the direction of something tangible.