If words could move

My name is Chika. On stage, I go by Chika Tetsu. Despite the fact that my career is primarily voice work, it feels like I'm on stage 24/7. I am an idol actress, yes, have a music label, and have done some live action acting, but that's beside the point. It feels like every second of my life is on someone's camera, whether it be mine for my blogs, or someone else filming me for whatever reason. It's part of the lifestyle, but what I'll always get irked with is when my every little action is criticized. Society can be such a constricting force.

Today, my agent managed to land me something interesting. It seems that there was a contest for foreign novelists with the grand prize being an anime adaptation of it. Not like I'd be getting any roles for that as there is an auditioning process for things like that. Though apparently, my agent was able to get me a role doing a PV voiceover for story.

Guess this means I've got another story to read, but I don't mind. When I act, I like to immerse myself in the world of the story to better understand the characters. That being said, there are often times where the writing just doesn't vibe with me. Yet if I've already been given the role, I do my best to draw out as much as I can. There have certainly been many stories that moved me, but not every one provided me an opportunity to play a character from it.

For now, I'll see how this story goes, as even if it doesn't resonate with me, I feel that given its prestigious nature, I should put in my best in order to give it some good promotion. Now let's see, the story is Basketball babes in Bermuda...

###

I couldn't help but whistle at what I had just read. I've read many a source material in preparation for countless roles, but this is the first time I've been moved as much as I am now. This story is framed as focusing on a high school girl's basketball team, but rather than it being primarily sports-focused, it delves more into the mental state of the players when they're off the court, and how that builds up to the events in the games. Each character is memorable, and I can clearly picture them in motion, even if there aren't any clear images of some of them. The words here alone are enough to whisk you away to a big-screen theater. It's no wonder this won the contest.

And for the promo, I'm to voice Belinda Bellaire, the main female lead. She's the only girl with artwork, providing me a face to project my voice to. Blonde long hair, big excited eyes, and a grinning smile. Her personality though, might be a tad difficult, but I'll give it my best. Now with everything locked down, now let's do a quick practice session...

###

The day soon arrived when the recording session was to be held. My agent tells me the author themself will be present. During my career, I've met with authors many times during recording and casting sessions. Some have been professional and others, to put it nicely, make their introverted and anti-social nature very blatant. What kind of person will the author of Basketball babes be? All I know is that they are seemingly a foreigner as this contest was largely held for overseas authors.

Arriving at the studio, my agent greeted me and began escorting me to the recording room. "The author is already present. Don't get too cocky with landing the PV role. If the author doesn't like your performance, you'll be replaced when the actual anime starts production."

I nodded, but quietly, I was a bit worried. I feel I could do a good job with Belinda, but there was another character I felt I could be perfect with. Alas, the PV only features Belinda. I get they likely chose me for name-branding, but I fear I might not be able to bring out the most in Belinda's character. I have voiced characters like her in the past, yes, but would I say they were my best roles? Despite what others might say, I myself have my doubts.

Reaching the door to the recording room, I composed myself and did one final makeup check before opening it and entering. There, my eyes were drawn instantly to the blonde-haired foreigner. He wasn't tall, but handsome, different story. This man looks like a celebrity, yet my mind is telling me to pause. He's likely someone accompanying the author. Not-

"Chika Tetsu..."

It was instant. The moment the man uttered my stage name with a look of utter disbelief in his eyes, I knew, he was the author.

A rare bout of fluster consumed me as I held my hand to my face. "A- Are you the author?"

The man wearily nodded, visibly beginning to tremble.

"Really? Ah, my apologies... I just... wasn't expecting you to be so... handsome."

The words just came out of my mouth.

"Ah, my apologies if I'm startling you. I'm Chika Tetsu, as I take it you already know."

The man slowly nodded his head, his mouth ajar, but not a single word escaping it. Panic began to creep up on me, but luckily, the director was there to call the time-out.

"Looks like you're a fan, or at least know of her. Must be a mix for you to suddenly be within breathing space of someone so great. Anyway, let's see her in action. Follow me to the booth.

I watched as the two cleared the room and went to the viewing room. That man was so nervous, I couldn't even get his name. Now I hope I really do knock this out of the park, as with how things have started off, one disappointment, and that poor fellow will likely break down.

With script in hand, I approached the microphone and did some quick warm-up exercises, forgetting that everyone in the viewing room could hear. That poor author looked like a squirming jellyfish as he flopped about on the couch. Poor thing. He might look like he's exuding pride and confidence, but I can tell deep down he's an introvert trying his hardest to be at his best. I feel bad for him. He was trying so hard, and then I said something like that. I hope he'll at least remain conscious during the session.

Seeing the green light from the director, I smiled and readied my script. "Belinda Bellaire in 3, 2, 1..."