Would it help if I wore sunglasses?

To say Mariya did a fantastic job portraying Belinda would be an understatement. Dare I say, her performance might even have been better than Chika's portrayal of Rie. Though Chika Tetsu is undeniably my number 1 favorite idol, Mariya always temps me. The young gremlin energy, her good looks, need I add her sporty fashion sense and habit of changing up her hair frequently. That all being said, an extrovert like her is way too overwhelming for me, especially up close and personal. Professionally though, there's no denying she's the best of the best.

Casting her as Belinda for both the PV and anime was seamless, which was ultimately good for me as I feared the staff was getting real antsy with my protests. Luckily, it turned out no schedules were upended and all I had to do now was provide some reference art for Rie, and the animation team would handle the rest.

"I guess, I should apologize for getting mad, but do know, that things getting resolved so perfectly like this are often the exception. That all said, casting Mariya as the lead was a good call, and adding in Chika at the end saves face with PR. Just to be clear, that role you cast Chika for is a major one, right?" the director asked.

"Certainly. Belinda's mother is central to the plot and Belinda's growth as a character. And with each being played by Chika and Mariya, respectively, I think we're in for something great. Those two together can make the best duo around, and if your story has their characters chatting with each other throughout, you're American, right? In your world, that's Oscar-level stuff."

I wearily nodded. If I'm being honest, I myself don't know much about the Oscars, aside from that they're supposed to be a big movie award I guess.

"Anyway, we'll call you back to the studio in a day or two to look over the completed animation. That, I think shouldn't have any hiccups since we've already got some rough sketches, and just need to match them with how expressive the performances are."

Looks like I'm free, but there has been something nagging at me.

"You don't seem too familiar with my story. How did you write the script for it?"

The director looked at me oddly before bursting into laughter. "Your brain fried from all the stars flying around? That was Hibari's job. Don't tell me all those faints of yours caused you to forget about her."

"Oh, right..."

I actually did forget, but now I remember. She had the frizzy black hair and glasses and that typical secretary scowl.

"Is she going to be in charge of the script for the anime?"

The director frowned and scratched his chin. "Not sure. In fact, you might end up being faced with an entirely new crew. All we were hired for was the PV. The main studio will likely be someone else. That's why I'm warning you now, not everyone will be as accommodating for every little thing. A perfect source adaptation is rare, but all that being said, if it truly resonates with cast and crew, the motivation to make it the best it's ever been will become more possible."

"I see. Then I thank you for all your help."

"Hey, hey, you aren't done with us yet, not until the PV's posted online."

"Ah, right, ahahaha."

...

Letting out a huge sigh, I plopped down on a bench by the downstairs vending machine. The bottle I had in hand was apparently some sports water that kind of reminded me of lemonade. Yet as I finished a big gulp, I turned to find Chika Tetsu herself sitting down next to me. 

"Well hello. Came here to eat as well?"

My mind was beginning to go blank.

"Ah, would it help If I wore the sunglasses and hat?" Chika smirked as she slipped on some sunglasses and a hat.

I will admit, that oddly eased my nerves, but this is still Chika Tetsu sitting right next to me!

"I've actually been looking for an opportunity to have a little talk with you, professionally of course."

"'Professionally'?"

"Yes, I wanted to apologize for overwhelming you. You looked as though you were truly struggling there."

I didn't know how to respond. True, I was overwhelmed, but Chika Tetsu herself apologizing for it? How do I respond. I don't know how.

"Ah, I just remembered! In all this chaos, I haven't gotten your name!"

Wait, seriously? No, I only got introduced to the director and that frizzy-haired woman. I never actually told Chika my name.

"It's..."

Wait! I've got two aliases! U2eckrdvt59 is my username, and the pen name that'll be used for the book, but to respond to Chika like that!? Yes, she might recognize me as her fan, but she wants to be professional! But, I was introduced under my username to the director and staff. Tezuka even said it's fine in cases like that. But Chika's earnestly asking for my name...

"Zane... Zane Doe..."

"Doe-kun, then, or are you fine with first names. Ah, my apologies, you might want me to refer to you by your pen name-"

"Z- Zane is fine..."

Chika warmly smiled and clamped her palm down on mine. "Then Zane it shall be, when it's just the two of us."

"'Just the two of us'!? ... Poofa!"

###

Sweat slowly dripped down my face. Bad Chika, you really did it now. This was meant to be a chance at reconciliation, but all I've done is make him faint. Well, maybe he'll think of this all as a dream. Zane-kun...

I believe his pen name for the novel was U2eckrdvt59. That's a bit of a mouthful, so I'll stick with Zane- No, I need to be professional. Perhaps just author-kun when at work, but if I get another chance to talk like this in private with him, Zane-kun it shall be.

Yet as I got up to leave, there was a bit of sadness. There was no guarantee we'd get another moment of solitude like this, and there were still many things I wanted to talk about with him in regards to his book. Ah, what to do...

...

"Ngh?"

Ugh, that was a hell of a dream. Jet lag must really be messing with me or...

I darted my head, but no one else was around. It really was just me dreaming of Chika Tetsu sitting down right next to me and asking for my name as she held my hand. Seriously, what's with me. This isn't my room, it's a public area. I can't be dozing off and having weird fantasies like that here. Maybe I should head back to the hotel, or wake myself up more with the arcade I passed by earlier.

As I began to head out, I saw Chika hovering by the door. 

"Ara, author-kun. Fancy seeing you on your way out."

She was wearing the hat and sunglasses, just like in the dream, but... she's not calling me by my name. It really was a dream. 

"Oh, hi Ch- Ch-"

"First name is fine. That's more the norm for Americans, isn't it?"

"Chika... chan..." 

Chika's smile widened as she bobbed her head up and down. "That's good. Now, I hope you don't mind me asking, but could we by chance talk some more about your novel?"

"What do you want to talk about?" 

Chika let out a giggle and held her finger to her mouth. "I want to know more about the one who wrote all this, so would you care to sit down and chat a bit longer?" 

I could feel my heart thumping, but the response never came, or rather couldn't, as Hibari suddenly appeared and kicked us out. 

"Sorry, but this isn't the place you can just loiter around in. You want to talk, do it outside." 

Her tone seemed a tad hostile, but that's kind of in-line for the secretary type. 

"My, it's like she's pushing us out on a date. In that case, how about I take you to a place we can chat," Chika smiled. 

Hold on, isn't that practically a date!?

"Don't worry. This is a brand new hat, so I doubt many will recognize me. So, do you eat crepes?"  

I could only nod wearily. 

"Then off we go!"

And thus, on just my second day here in Japan, I was on a date with my favorite idol.