The soft clinking of coffee cups, the dispersed papers, and the muffled hum of voices filled the conference room. With her immaculately manicured fingers tapping impatiently against her notepad, Ayaka Takahashi sat at the head of the long table. Members of the production unit gathered around her, exchanging wary looks as they sensed the storm building inside their normally calm director.
Ayaka's business, Aozora Studios, was renowned for producing innovative manga and anime adaptations that pushed the limits of animation and narrative. "In Between Us," their most recent project, was a romance drama that focused on a love triangle characterized by treachery and surprising redemption. Ayaka couldn't afford to cut corners in any area, particularly the voice acting, because their audience had high expectations. A voice that could convey both strength and vulnerability was necessary for the male protagonist, a multifaceted character with a tortured soul and a commanding presence. Nobody had been able to live up to her expectations thus far.
"We've gone through dozens of auditions," Ayaka stated in a controlled yet acerbic tone. "However, all of the voices sound too forced or too flat. The audience is meant to be struck in the gut by the character's rich, resonant tone. None of these samples give me that impression."
Hiroshi, one of the sound engineers, nervously adjusted his glasses. "We've tried voices from both new and seasoned actors, but none seem to fit your vision, Takahashi-san."
Ayaka sighed softly in frustration. "The character is struggling, passionate, and unfiltered. I need a voice that can express that without coming across as phony. Instead of feeling artificial, what we're creating should feel alive."
Haruto Yamada, her manager, gave her a wary look. "Perhaps we're obsessing over perfection. What if we search for a less sophisticated person? Sometimes the genuine emotion we seek is conveyed by a less polished voice."
Biting the inside of her cheek, Ayaka thought about this. "You're saying that we need someone who sounds like they've experienced pain rather than just acting it out. However, where would we even begin?"
"Perhaps we should do another audition round?" Hiroshi made a cautious suggestion.
Ayaka gave a headshake. "Generic auditions are out. Someone unexpected with a natural voice is what we need to find."
Ayaka remained behind, taking notes and attempting to organize her thoughts after the meeting was eventually adjourned. Without the ideal voice, everything they had worked so hard to create could come crashing down as the project's deadline approached.
Ayaka rubbed her temples, feeling the tension coil tighter in her chest. Seeing her tired face, Haruto walked up to her. "You must take a break. Let's get a drink. Perhaps getting some fresh air will help you think more clearly."
Ayaka nodded reluctantly. "All right. Just... in a peaceful place.
They arrived at a tiny, poorly lit eatery hidden down a peaceful street. Ayaka frequently went there when she needed to get away from the deafening din of her mind. The employees gave them a warm welcome and led them to a booth in the corner where they could converse.
Ayaka took off her gloves and flexed her fingers as they sat in a booth by the window. Without even asking, a waitress brought them hot sake. They were frequent visitors.
Haruto raised his cup and toasted, "To terrible meetings."
Ayaka clinked her glass against his while huffing a laugh. "And to the idiots who believe that talent appears out of thin air."
For a while, they drank in silence as Ayaka's shoulders began to relax. She watched the snow accumulate outside the frosted window.
She whispered to herself, "Damn it."
Ayaka allowed the warmth to blossom in her chest as she took a sip of her warm sake. After observing her for a while, Haruto started talking. "You're exerting yourself excessively."
Ayaka whispered, "I can't help it." "In Between Us" has generated a lot of excitement, and it will destroy us if we don't live up to the hype." Her words were dripping with sarcasm. "How difficult is it to locate a voice that doesn't sound like it belongs to a teenager? The entire character will be ruined by a weak voice. I simply cannot allow that to occur."
With a slight smile on his lips, Haruto leaned back. "Perfection is your constant goal. You are the best because of that. However, flaws can also add beauty."
Ayaka laughed a little wearily. "Do you think I'm too stiff?"
"Just committed. Perhaps overly committed. Unwind a little."
Ayaka felt the tension subside after a few more drinks. They retreated into the chilly night after leaving the restaurant. Ayaka stopped as they approached the car, her eyes wandering across the street.
She hesitated because of the silhouette, even though she couldn't quite make out the person standing there. Observing her diversion, Haruto arched an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"
"It's just... isn't it colder than usual tonight?" Ayaka whispered.
Perplexed, Haruto looked around. "It's freezing, indeed. Why?"
Without replying, Ayaka simply shook her head and climbed into the car while giving the other side of the road one final, inquisitive look. She had an uneasy feeling about the figure that she couldn't quite put her finger on.
Ayaka continued to think deeply as the car drove away, gazing out the window while her thoughts kept returning to the meeting. A voice that would cut through the icy air... Perhaps, just possibly, she had been searching in the wrong spot.