The days that followed their reconciliation flew by in a reassuring haze. Ayaka's barriers had gradually come down, and in their place was a warmth that recalled their early friendship. Despite his initial caution, Ren found himself enjoying this new intimacy.
Ayaka stopped avoiding him. When their eyes locked, she didn't wince, and when their shoulders touched in the corridor, she didn't turn away. Indeed, whenever he cracked a joke that was too dramatic—or too Ren—she had started giving him a light slap on the arm.
"Do you have to pretend that every time your stomach rumbles, you're going to die?" One afternoon, while they were taking a break from reading the script, Ayaka sighed.
Ren gripped his stomach tightly. "I haven't eaten in two hours, Ayaka-san. This is a serious matter."
She slapped him playfully and rolled her eyes. "You're hopeless."
They had no trouble joking around. not coerced.
Ayaka, Ren, and Haruto joined the rest of the project team for a celebratory dinner at a small restaurant in a quiet Tokyo alley that evening. The private dining room was filled with laughter and the smell of hot broth and grilled meat.
As the group toasted to their success, plates clinked and glasses gently clashed.
One of the younger animators remarked, "I still can't believe this project wraps next month. It seems like we've only just begun."
Another person added, "It's going to be a hit. I'm excited to see how everyone's voices turn out in the finished version. Ren, especially you. That leading part? iconic."
Sheepishly, Ren scratched the back of his neck. "I just hope I don't sound like a frog."
Ayaka laughed. "Frogs don't sound all that dramatic."
The laughter erupted in the room.
With a proud smile, Haruto, who was seated across from Ayaka, lifted his glass. "All of you have put in a lot of effort. I'm proud of all of you."
Abruptly, one of the girls leaned closer. "Talking about working hard, Haruto-san, when will you start dating someone?"
"Yeah, seriously," said another, smiling. "You realize that you're not getting any younger."
Another person snorted and added, "At this rate, you'll be managing a retirement home instead of a studio."
Everyone laughed and howled. Haruto even smiled.
"I'm just too focused on work," he remarked casually.
Ayaka's eyebrow went up. "Or perhaps you simply haven't found someone who can put up with your sulky demeanor."
Haruto mockingly said, "Ouch," which prompted more laughter.
Dessert was on its way when there was a gentle patter outside.
Rain.
Quiet groans and sighs filled the once lively and boisterous room.
"Oh, dude. I forgot to pack an umbrella."
"The same. The weather app said clear skies today, but I was mistaken."
Ayaka looked around to make sure there were no umbrellas in the area. The group then braved the rain without saying a word, running into it while laughing and shrieking loudly.
Someone yelled, "Wait for me!"
As he and another member kicked through puddles like kids, Ren laughed. He didn't care that his clothes were getting wet fast or that his hair was stuck to his face. He hadn't laughed like this in a long time.
Following closely behind, Ayaka was about to follow when a hand opened an umbrella above her and reached over her shoulder.
She turned.
Haruto.
He held the umbrella closer and stated bluntly, "You know you always get sick in the rain."
Ayaka sulked. "But they're all enjoying themselves."
"Pneumonia is, too. Hurry up."
With a dramatic sigh, she moved beneath the umbrella. The others were already in front of them as they made their way to the train station. Ren felt something twist inside of him as he watched from a distance. He was aware that Haruto was merely being thoughtful, much like a big brother. However, something stirred in his chest when he saw them together under that umbrella.
He remained silent.
Everyone later parted ways. Ayaka and Ren went back to their apartment complex. They smiled gently at each other and went into their rooms without saying much.
Ren was up early the following morning.
There was silence in the apartment.
Too silent.
Ayaka would typically already be making tea or reviewing scripts. The kitchen, however, remained unaltered. She had shut her door.
Confused, Ren looked around. After a few minutes, he noticed Haruto ascending the stairs while holding what appeared to be a thermos in one hand and a bag in the other.
He stopped at Ayaka's door and gave it a soft knock.
Ren stepped forward, worried.
As they passed him, one of the team members remarked, "She's probably sick. She always gets cold after getting wet. She will be alright, so don't worry."
However, Ren's concern persisted.
Readings and recordings kept his mind half-present throughout the day. His gaze drifted toward the stairs whenever he had free time. By nightfall, he was at his breaking point.
He ascended the stairs and positioned himself before Ayaka's door.
He knocked.
Silence fell.
Then a slight cough. Steps. The door opened with a creak.
Wearing a heavy sweater, Ayaka stood there looking flushed and pale. Her voice was hoarse, and her hair was tangled in a messy way.
"Ren?"
He stepped forward without waiting and said, "You're sick," right away.
"You didn't need to—"
"Allow me to assist you."
He touched her forehead tenderly. "You're burning up."
Ayaka's expression was unreadable as she blinked. She didn't stop him, though.
Ren moved quickly. He made sure she took her medication, refilled her water, and warmed up the soup Haruto had brought. He then placed a chair next to her bed and sat with her while she gradually fell asleep.
It was a long night. He remained.
He must have fallen asleep at some point as well.
He was still there when Ayaka woke up in the morning, his arms folded, his head resting on the edge of her bed, his breathing steady and gentle.
She gave him a long look.
His lips were barely open, and his hair had fallen over his eyes. She had never noticed the serenity in his features before. At risk. Silently lovely.
Ayaka extended his hand and brushed a lock of hair off his forehead.
He didn't awaken.
She slowly reclined while continuing to stare at him.
Her lips formed the tiniest smile for the first time in days.
She had no idea what would happen next.
However, she was certain of one thing:
In her life, Ren was more than just a voice actor.
He had become... something more.