A date with Chika Tetsu

Stiff. Stiff would be the word to describe everything about me as I followed Chika. As an embarrassing full disclaimer, I will reveal that I have had multiple dreams of doing flirty and sexy things with Chika. But those were dreams from the comfort of my room and bed. This is reality. I'm with the real 3D deal.

"My, do you not get out to exercise? Stiffness isn't good for you," Chika chuckled.

Easier said than done. Driving front seat really is different from backseat. Maybe I owe all those stutter romcom protags an apology.

We didn't need to go much further though as Chika stopped before an outdoor seating area.

"That crepe van over there is my top recommendation. "Chocolate banana and candied cashew if you don't mind," Chika smiled as she sat down.

Wait, is she asking me to buy her a crepe!? No, no, but wait, I buy stuff to support her all the time. This is no different from dropping a fifty on her podcast stream. Besides, this is a date... What other chance would I get to actually buy THE Chika Tetsu a crepe directly?

I swiftly spun around and marched towards the crepe van, still mimicking a toy soldier in the stiffness aspect. Upon reaching the window, I immediately blurted out Chika's order, but went silent just as fast when asked for my own.

"Ah, I didn't mean to force you into buying something for me. That would be poor taste since I'm the one that invited you out," Chika giggled as she appeared behind me.

And not just that, she put her hand on my shoulder and leaned forward, gracing my back with the sensation of squishy.

"G-cup... G-cup," I mumbled without realizing it.

"Ah, seems like I'll be having the gelato cup, peach sound good?"

"Huh? Y- Yeah, I like peach."

My consciousness somehow held on.

Once our orders were complete, Chika initiated an exchange of meals, leaving me with a cup of peach gelato.

"I'd say that makes us even. Though, do you want a bite before I dig in?" Chika winked.

"Oh, um. I'm good. Not the biggest chocolate eater."

"Really? I've never encountered such a person."

"Uh, it's not like I hate-"

"Hmm? I don't have a problem with guys that don't like chocolate. I'm a very open-minded woman."

I could feel my jaw dropping. That's just too good to be true. As much as I idolize her, Chika Tetsu, Chika Hanashi, is human. There's no way she could be the perfect girlfriend, perfect just doesn't exist. Sure, she might be fine that I don't eat chocolate much, but that's a minor trait. Would she really say the same thing if she knew EVERYTHING about me?

"Hmm? Author-kun?"

"Ah, aha, ah..."

"You really are a funny one. Then how about we just enjoy our meals without any extra flirting. It'll be hard to talk about your story if you're too flustered."

The signal to nod somehow reached my brain. How embarrassing. Here I am with Chika Tetsu, yet all I'm doing is self-sabotaging myself. She's being flirty, yes, but maybe she really is into me. Even so, a fan relationship is far different from a romantic one. If Chika Hanashi truly wants to win my heart romantically, she'll have to conquer a gauntlet.

After sitting down and having a few bites of our meals, Chika started up the conversation by talking about Basketball babes.

"The first thing that stood out to me was that you set the story in America. Yet despite that, the vibe is perfectly anime. I'm curious why you opted for the setting choice."

"Ah, well truth be told, I was considering basing the story in Japan, but since I'd never been here, I couldn't really picture things. But if I had to give a definitive reason, it would have to be due to my familiarity with American high school basketball culture. It's something I'm well-versed with due to me- ...!"

"Hmm?"

"Ah... nothing. I've just been to a fair share of games, and gotten so enamored with how the players... play."

Chika's smile lessened ever slightly. I bet she could tell I was clamming, but no matter how much I revere her as an idol seiyuu, I'm not going to blurt out my biggest trauma and shame when we've only just met.

"I see. My apologies for the uncomfortable question, you really have been trying your best to function, but I can surmise it's not so easy to go from introvert to extrovert so quickly."

So direct! But she's right on the nail.

"Part of this is my fault. When I first heard of you, my mental image of you was so far different from what you actually were, that I couldn't stop myself from gasping. You really are handsome- Ah!"

"No, it's fine..."

"You don't need to force yourself."

"No, no. I've been told I'm attractive, but just hearing it from you... whew..."

Chika let loose a soft chuckle. "Perhaps that's all we should talk about for now. We'll take the chance to talk again at a future date."

"You want to talk with me again?"

"But of course. I want to unpack all my thoughts on your story and get to know you better," she winked as she got up.

Watching her leave, I could only shake my head in dismay. This is why you never meet your heroes. Even if they aren't actually a jerk, an awkward meeting can forever ruin perception. Perhaps my image of Chika is fine, but what of hers of me? Ugh, it's been a long day. I want to just flop down on the bed and sleep.

###

I pinched my cheek hard as I shook my head in dismay. I just couldn't control myself, could I? And this is all on top of that handholding and name-exchanging. Zane looks like he's pushing himself to the brink just to function, and instead of making it easier for him to adjust, I'm making it harder. I do hope this doesn't sour things permanently. I feel we really could hit it off if all the tension was gone, but I'm smart enough to know you can't expect an introvert to open up so easily to someone they've just met, especially someone they also idolize.

But I think there is hope. That look of wonder when he saw Mariya and I bringing his characters to life, that might be the path I can take to get closer to him. I'll need to bring my A-game next time we meet.