Takizawa flipped through the script in ten seconds, scanned it into memory, and set it aside—he'd pull it up when needed.
Hidaka Rina exchanged polite words with him before diving back into her math problems.
Honestly, the ability to focus instantly in any setting was a rare gift, honed by years of disciplined living—a hallmark of driven, successful people.
Takizawa, on the other hand, found even watching idol dance videos on his side uncomfortable if the cushion was too firm, let alone studying.
He sneaked a glance at the quintessential Japanese schoolgirl.
There was an old saying: live in an American house, hire a British butler, eat gourmet meals, marry a Japanese wife, and mock French soldiers.
Somehow, the image of the Yamato Nadeshiko had lodged itself in men's minds—women who rose early and slept late for housework, gentle and considerate, with packed bentos and sweet "safe travels" for husbands leaving, and hot dinners and perfect bathwater awaiting their return.
Graceful, elegant, devoted—a perfect blend of traditional feminine virtues.
But as information spread faster, people realized this was as much a fantasy as tales of Ukrainian blondes falling for diligent, honest men.
Beyond the Yamato Nadeshiko, another Japanese feminine ideal sparked dreams: the high school girl.
Unlike the window-seat, second-to-last-row high school boy who could slay gods single-handedly, the budding high school girl embodied all the tender, hazy beauty of youth.
The term "shoujo" evoked untouchable purity, a sacred soul, a projection of fantasy and romance. Centuries of Japanese culture had cherished this.
They were the pure love of Snow Country.
The fleeting emptiness of The Tale of Genji.
The shy anticipation of The Pillow Book.
The oppressive fracture of Childhood Sweethearts.
Takizawa had dreamed of it too.
Who wouldn't love a cute girl in a pristine sailor outfit?
And now, a real high school girl sat before him!
He'd seen plenty—girls sipping milk tea on their way home, or Sakura, his colleague, who was shy with strangers but tomboyish with him.
That wouldn't do. It lacked the feminine charm of literary heroines—too far from the ideal!
But Hidaka Rina, his junior yet senior colleague—she was the most fitting sailor-uniformed girl he'd seen in real life.
Utterly natural!
Perfect, just perfect.
As he mused over countless youth novels, feeling he'd checked off a life goal, the girl across the table, deep in her work, lost her focus.
She sensed his stare.
A former child actress, used to stage and set scrutiny, she still found this male gaze unsettling.
Rude, frankly.
So Hidaka Rina set down her pen, flashing her practiced social smile. "Am I disturbing you? You seem… distracted."
A polite nudge and defense.
"No, just nostalgic," Takizawa said, his gaze clear, smile pure. "You look so calm studying. It reminds me of a lot."
His brotherly tone caught her off guard—open and earnest, like moonlight.
She paused, then, noting the time, packed away her books and worksheets.
"Done?" Takizawa asked.
"We're recording soon. Let's discuss the show's content and vibe," She said, coughing lightly. "Takizawa-san, any radio experience?"
"Nope, first time."
"Know what we're doing?"
"Promoting the IP, boosting its reach and revenue?"
"Plan to do more radio, like for Dark Rebirth Fantasy?"
"If invited and free, I'm in."
"Any specific needs or habits?" She asked, arms crossed.
"Nah, just keep it light and fun."
"Prepared to be the first episode's guest? Think you can handle it?"
"I'm all in, loyal to the team, ready to add value…" Takizawa trailed off, scratching his head. Wait, why does this feel like a project manager interview?
"It's straightforward," Hidaka said, her delicate nose framed by gray glasses. "Warm-up, audience questions, behind-the-scenes stories, mini-drama dubbing, and ads. Any questions?"
"None," Takizawa shook his head. He was easygoing.
"I'm the regular host, so if we nail the first episode, it sets the tone," She said seriously.
"I'm flexible," He said, ready to roll.
"The Q&A and behind-the-scenes segments are unscripted free talk. Wanna practice?"
"Sure, you start."
Hidaka pondered.
No listener questions yet—it's the first episode. No behind-the-scenes stories either—episode two's only half-recorded, and he only did the first. She was stumped.
Takizawa waited to play along, but seeing her stall, his worker instinct kicked in to bail out the boss. "Hidaka-san, you're still in school yet already a lead voice actor and my senpai. That's impressive."
She blinked, then caught on. "I debuted young in some projects, but voice acting's still new for me."
"Must be tough," He said, nodding. "Balancing everything takes energy."
"Yeah, and I'm realizing acting on-screen might not be my path," She said softly, pausing.
"Adults envy young people, especially those who've planned their path and are on it," Takizawa sighed, thinking of himself. "You're amazing."
"Oh… thanks," Hidaka tilted her head. "You're not that old, are you?"
"Just saying, experience is the best teacher. I've got a lot to learn from you in acting."
"My skills aren't much. I've got flaws. But your debut was so confident, matching veterans. That's incredible," She said humbly.
"That's someone else's hard work," He said quietly. "How do you juggle school and work, Hidaka-san?"
"Use every day well."
"Studying for exams is no easier than work," Takizawa said, recalling thick textbooks and feeling drained just thinking about it.
"Right? Humanities means memorizing tons, and science is brutal," She griped.
"You looked stressed earlier. Do you go to cram school or tutoring?"
"Every other week, mostly to ask teachers about problems. Tough ones I save, like that one I couldn't solve earlier. I'll ask later."
"Oh? Let me see."
"You're a college student, right?"
"Freshman."
"Should be fine then," She said, handing him the worksheet.
"Oh, this kind," Takizawa said, scanning the problem in half a minute.
"Can you do it?" She asked.
"Use this formula. Find the missing condition, and it's easier," He said, grabbing a pen and scribbling.
Ten minutes later.
The producer, finalizing details, came to notify them.
Both were praised by industry folks, backed hard by the agency, and clearly dedicated—prime candidates for future star voice actors. Surely they'd prepped and were ready to record.
He strode in and pushed open the door.
Then he saw the guest lounging with legs crossed, reading English vocab aloud, while the diligent host silently copied them down.
***
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