"Next letter, from listener [Green pass the awp] Hi, Hidaka-san, Takizawa-san. I'm an average student who loves anime and games. Lately, I've been oddly fixated on a classmate. We used to chat fine, but now I can't even meet her eyes."
Hidaka's voice brightened at the intriguing content.
"Actually, I mustered the courage once during after-school cleanup, hinting at my feelings, but she didn't respond and started avoiding me. It's crushing me. Can you help? Oh, Takizawa-san touched on this in episode one and seemed so reflective. As an adult and veteran, could you share your views and experiences? Thanks so much!"
Her lips curved, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"A classic youth dilemma. Takizawa-kun, thoughts?"
"Study hard. Forget her."
"So cold! That's not an answer!" The host pouted, signaling a redo. "This is a serious plea!"
"Fine. Boldly confessing without knowing her feelings or being close is reckless, high-risk. Huge gamble," Takizawa said slowly.
"Oh? Why?"
"Confession's a finisher, not an opener. Imagine a casual acquaintance suddenly blushing and pouring out their heart. What'd you think?"
"...Weird? Panicked?"
"Exactly. You might be head over heels, but to her, it's out of nowhere. She'd worry how to politely back off. Even visual novels build affection first. Charging in like that's just self-delusion."
"Understanding matters a lot," Hidaka said, raising a hand. "But Takizawa-sensei, what if it's already awkward, like the listener's case? How to fix it?"
"Study hard. Leave the city. You'll find better…" He tried again.
"Don't dodge! Think of the heartbroken listener!"
"Sigh. In youthful romance—before money or family factors—there's only one decider: mutual liking. That's it. Blood types, horoscopes, fortune-telling, even advice columns? Optional extras."
His words carried unexpected weight. "You can't see it, but Takizawa-kun looks like a solemn shrine statue, all compassionate wisdom."
Hidaka whispered like sharing a secret, then asked, "So, no hope for changing things if it's not mutual?"
"The brave boy won't quit. He'll keep checking in, orbiting her, wallowing in one-sided crush quicksand. Only when regret's all that's left will he stop, years later turning that heart-tempering pain into bar talk over drinks," Takizawa said, like reciting poetry.
"So pessimistic! But doesn't that mean it's all fate? Fight for it!" Hidaka clenched her fist.
"Sadly, I'm passive like that," Takizawa said, puffing his chest.
"Oh, so the charming Takizawa-kun waits for others to chase him, aloof and untouchable," She summed up, ignoring his protest. "...No real advice, but listener, chin up and touch her heart with sincerity!"
"Next letter, from [Blue Sakura] Hi, Hidaka-san, Takizawa-san. I've followed since episode one. Your chemistry was electric, especially that mini-theater—didn't feel like new acquaintances. I struggle with relationships. How do you two click so well? How do you communicate? Especially you, Takizawa-san, who seems friendly with everyone—any language tips? Thanks!"
Hidaka tucked her hair behind her ear, humming cutely.
"Another for you. Surprising, Takizawa-kun—you're more popular than your senpai!"
"Flattery, but thanks. As host, your control and mood-setting are key. I'm just along for the ride, protected by your wings," Takizawa said smoothly.
"Too smooth—hard to tell what's genuine," She muttered. "But yeah, it's work. Hard to be real."
"Then after the show, I'll compliment you privately," He joked, voice low.
"Hmm, and I promised you cookies," She paused. "So, Takizawa-sensei, tackle this one!"
"Getting along? Just be sincere and generous. In modern society, finding like-minded friends is easy."
"That's too vague! Give specifics!" Hidaka said, like a strict grader.
"Offer to treat after dinner and pay up?"
"Attracts cheapskates."
"Show off your talents and charm?"
"Too flashy, breeds jealousy."
"Avoid eye contact—stare at their forehead?"
"That's a solid tip for shy folks."
"Good, class dismissed!" Takizawa boomed.
"One tip? Not enough!" She held up the letter. "Let's analyze from our case. We met at the set, right?"
"Yeah, I got there early, but you were earlier."
"First impressions?"
"Diligent and focused."
"Mine of you was bad."
"Why?" Takizawa touched his head, puzzled. "I gave you hot coffee as a hello."
"You barged in with all senpai vibe saying we're both rookies playing side roles, so no nerves—we'd be leads someday. As the actual lead, that was awkward," She said, giggling.
"Thought I was being friendly and supportive," He said and unfazed by the public roast. "How'd that make a bad impression?"
"Because you talked big about hard work, but your script had zero notes or creases," She said, covering her mouth. "I thought, what a sloppy, flirty guy—better keep distance, switch seats."
"…"
"But now I see your effort's understated. Total plot twist," Hidaka said, coughing to stop laughing. "Takes time and observation to understand people."
"I'm getting that. You seem whimsical, but you're actually cautious…"
"Hm?" She propped her chin, smiling.
"...Cautiously watchful, like a young beast sizing up the world. It's endearing," He murmured.
"From our story, it's about tolerance and expectation. Meet with sincerity, find the best fit through interactions," Hidaka said.
"Too young. That's vague…" Takizawa's eyes gleamed, ready to pivot.
"Blue Sakura might learn from this. Now, time's tight—next segment!" Her voice brightened, invoking host privileges.
"?"
The BGM perked up.
"So, next up: Dark Voice Actor Mini-Theater! Your host and guest play assigned roles in a short skit! Takizawa-kun's done it, so no need for rules."
"Hope I draw a good one," Takizawa said, rubbing his hands.
"You first."
Hidaka slid the box of staff mischief his way. He stirred it, grabbed a slip, and she followed suit.
"A pitiful office lady, utterly disappointed in her childhood friend boyfriend, deciding to break up?" Hidaka read.
"A silent, terse middle-aged man (support the skit with one line)?" Takizawa said.
"Both weird," Hidaka opined.
"The note means only one line?" He asked.
"That's harsh. One slip-up, and it's flat. Tests our improv," She said, eyes twinkling. "Wanna swap? This burden's for the host…"
"I'm ready. Let's go," Takizawa summoned the staff.
The cue chimed.
Caught off guard, Hidaka pouted but cleared her throat.
Her natural voice was soft, so she strained for maturity.
"We're done. I can't take it anymore."
The words hung light yet heavy, shifting to melodrama's tone.
"We've known each other forever, dated since high school—from glued-at-the-hip to bland routine. No point dragging it on."
Her voice trembled with suppressed rage.
"You drink and gamble daily, get fired after days on the job, blame everyone but yourself, borrow and scam, and I've covered your debts while relatives mock me. I'm done…"
Betrayal's sting laced her words.
"I've applied for a transfer to another city. I'm leaving soon. The apartment's yours—figure out rent."
"And the money you embezzled? I'll cover it. But that's it. I'm deleting your contacts. No more contact, ever."
Hidaka looked at him like a weary woman eyeing a drunken slob in a trash-strewn corner.
She took a deep breath, voice quivering.
"…Anything you want to say? Last chance?"
Her question held a grain of faint hope. Maybe he'd feel shame, recall their once-vibrant days.
Under the crimson sunset, the middle-aged man, reeking of booze, looked up from the shadows, stubble shadowing his haggard face. He met her tired but hopeful eyes, mouth opening slightly.
A tearful end-credits song swelled, the singer's voice ethereal and mournful.
Takizawa gathered himself, speaking slowly under Hidaka's expectant gaze. Everyone heard it.
"Give me back the ring. It was expensive."
Utter silence for seconds.
Dong dong dong. The skit-end bell rang.
"So lame! Worst! Total scumbag!" Hidaka slammed the table.
"How could you say that when she's so broken? Takizawa-kun, you're rotten to the core!"
"It's acting! Don't take it personally!" Takizawa dodged a flying paper wad.
"No cookies for you! And I won't cover your embezzled cash—figure it out yourself!"
The staff outside roared with laughter.
The producer lowered his camera, eyeing the bickering pair in his shots, nodding in approval.
***
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