On a Thursday morning, the studio was unusually bright. Perhaps it was the team's contagious energy or the gentle glow of the overhead lights. Everyone was aware that the voice recording was coming to an end today.
The team was buzzing with a heady mixture of pride and exhaustion, the mics were shining, and the scripts were neatly stacked. After months of coffee, late nights, and anxious retakes, the project was finally nearing its conclusion.
With headphones around his neck, Ren sat in the booth's corner, reviewing his last words. Although he appeared composed, his heart was beating subtly. Ayaka, Haruto, and the sound engineer stood behind the glass, silently delivering closing remarks.
Her smile had been more playful, warm, and even playful lately, but today it was more subdued. She stared at Ren longer than she should have, and her smile flickered slightly each time he shared a laugh with the staff.
Ayaka's voice buzzed over the intercom, "All right, Ren. The last one. Let's bring it to life."
Ren gave a nod. "Let's go."
His voice was clear, confident, and full of all the emotion his character deserved. The room fell silent as he finished the last line. The studio then burst into applause.
"That's a wrap!" Clapping his hands, Haruto declared. "Everyone, we did it!"
Everyone whistled, laughed, and clapped. Employees flocked in with their phones in an attempt to get unscripted photos. Ayaka was unaware that a cake and party hats had been brought in.
Ren left the booth to hugs and cheers. He was surrounded by other voice actors.
"Dude, you killed it!"
It's unbelievable that this is your first project! You're crazy!
"The next time we speak with you, we'll need your autograph!"
Ayaka clapped and grinned with them, but she remained far away. With her fingers encircling a half-full paper cup of coffee, she remained close to the rear. She was a beat late with her laughter.
Then there was a shout, "Hey, Ren! Heard you're going into idol mode next?"
"Yes!" Someone else added their voice. "When you're signing autographs on Tokyo Tower, remember us little people!"
"I bet he'll have ten girlfriends by summer," a third person added.
Everyone started giggling. Rubbing the back of his head, Ren flushed but complied.
"No, it's not my style," he said, giving Ayaka a fleeting glance.
Ayaka grinned but remained silent. As if it held all the answers, her gaze sank into her coffee cup. The room was filled with the team's warmth, but she was unable to get rid of the silent pain that was growing inside her chest.
She ought to be content. They all desired this outcome: a completed project, a superb team effort, and a promising future for Ren. However…
As he moved through the crowd, Ren shared pictures, bowed to seniors, and thanked everyone. Finally, he was standing next to Ayaka. She practiced her smile as she glanced up at him.
"Congratulations," she said.
"Thank you," he said. "Without you, I couldn't have accomplished any of this."
Ayaka gave a slight shrug. "The person behind the microphone was you. You deserved it."
A pause occurred.
Ren whispered, "I'll go to the training center tomorrow. Just to observe how things operate there. They said that once this is over, I can formally join."
Ayaka gave a nod. "That's excellent."
He cocked his head, examining her face. "Are you alright?"
She gave him a startled glance before her smile returned. "Obviously. Simply put, I'm exhausted. You know, it's a long project.
Ren wanted to say something, anything that would get past whatever invisible barrier she was erecting once more, but he was interrupted by a call.
"Hey, Ren! Come sign the cake box!
With an apologetic smile, he turned away. "I'll be right back."
Ayaka watched him leave.
Hours passed during the celebration. Food, music, cola bottles, and leftover bento boxes. As they recalled failed lines, inside jokes, and the one time someone unintentionally turned off all the microphones for ten minutes in a row, laughter reverberated off the studio walls.
Ren shared their genuine laughter, but occasionally he looked around the room for Ayaka. He hesitated longer than he should have when he saw her conversing with Haruto close to the monitors. Even though she was nodding, tucking her hair behind her ear, and laughing politely, she seemed so distant.
As the party came to an end later that night, everyone packed up and said goodbye with hugs. Someone made a joke about next weekend's karaoke. A group photo was suggested by another.
Ayaka stood close to the doorway and watched Ren smile broadly while posing with the others and waving peace signs. He appeared so vibrant.
Her chest grew constricted.
When people started to leave, Ren approached her. He spoke less loudly now.
"Want to take a stroll back together?"
She gave a nod.
With Tokyo's streets bustling with late-night activity, the stroll was leisurely and peaceful. Signs of neon flickered. The sky suggested a drizzle, but there had been no rain.
Ayaka faced him. "Ren, you did fantastic. Actually. You have my admiration."
He grinned. "That means a lot coming from you."
Another pause.
The front door was opened by Ayaka. "Take a nap. Tomorrow is a big visit for you."
Ren simply nodded, although it seemed like he wanted to say more.
Ayaka stood with her hand motionless on the doorknob as they walked away. Once, she looked back to see Ren had vanished into his room.
Tonight, the hall seemed a bit more deserted.
She wished he wasn't leaving so quickly, but she wasn't sure why.