[41] Weight of the Spotlight

June 16, 2025

I adjusted my headset and leaned closer to the camera. The live chat scrolled by at a dizzying pace, a blur of usernames and emoji-filled messages.

"Welcome, everyone! I'm Akira Hoshino from Strawberry Productions, and I'm thrilled to be here supporting the amazing B-Komachi!"

Ruby, Kana, and Marin waved enthusiastically at the camera. I watched Marin's eyes light up as she read some of the comments aloud.

"'Akira-kun, you're so handsome!' Aw, thank you!" Marin giggled. "We're so lucky to have Akira-senpai here to support us!"

I chuckled, playing along with the act. "The pleasure's all mine. These girls are incredibly talented, and I can't wait for everyone to see what they can do."

Kana cleared her throat. "Let's start with some questions from the chat. Akira-san, many fans are curious about your experience on LoveforReal. How does it compare to your previous acting roles?"

I paused, choosing my words carefully. "It's definitely a unique challenge. In scripted shows, I have lines to memorize and a clear character arc. With LoveforReal, I have to be myself while navigating unpredictable situations. It's exciting, but also nerve-wracking at times."

Ruby chimed in, her eyes sparkling. "Ooh, here's a juicy one! 'Akira-kun, are you Team Yuki or Team Mem-Cho?'"

I laughed, shaking my head. "Now, now, I can't play favorites. Yuki and Nobuyuki are both wonderful people. Mem-cho has this infectious enthusiasm that lights up a room, while Yuki's passion for modeling is truly inspiring. I'm just honored to be part of their journey."

The chat exploded with theories and declarations of support for various "ships." I tried not to cringe, reminding myself that this was all part of the game.

Marin leaned forward, a mischievous glint in her eye. "But Akira-senpai, surely you must have some preference? The tension between you three is palpable on screen!"

I raised an eyebrow at her, fighting back a smirk. Two could play at this game. "Well, Marin-chan, if you're so curious, maybe you should audition for the next season. I'm sure the fans would love to see you navigate a love triangle of your own."

Marin's cheeks flushed pink as the chat went wild. Kana smoothly intervened, steering the conversation back to safer waters.

"Speaking of the show, Akira-san, there's been a lot of speculation about what happens behind the scenes. Can you give us any insider information?"

I shook my head, adopting a mysterious expression. "You know I can't reveal any secrets. But I will say this – what you see on screen is just a fraction of our experiences. There are so many moments that never make it to air."

Ruby nodded eagerly. "That's so cool! It must be like living in a drama 24/7. Do you ever find it hard to separate your real feelings from what's expected for the show?"

Her question hit closer to home than she probably realized. I took a moment before answering, my tone more serious.

"It can be challenging at times. We're all real people with real emotions, and sometimes those lines get blurred. That's why it's so important to have a strong support system outside of the show."

I caught Marin's eye, and she gave me a subtle, reassuring smile.

Kana leaned forward, her expression thoughtful. "That brings up an interesting point. Akira-san, what would you say is the biggest misconception people have about reality TV stars or idols?"

I considered her question carefully. "I think there's often an assumption that we're somehow different from everyone else – that we don't have the same doubts, insecurities, or everyday problems. But at the end of the day, we're just people trying our best, like anyone else."

The chat slowed for a moment, filled with supportive messages and heart emojis.

Ruby piped up with another question from the chat. "Here's an interesting one! 'Akira-kun, if you could ask one thing of your fans, what would it be?'"

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of my words. "That's a great question. I think... I'd ask everyone to remember that behind every camera, every performance, every social media post – there's a real person. Someone who has good days and bad days, who makes mistakes and tries to learn from them. No one can be perfect 24/7, and it's unfair to expect that from anyone, including ourselves."

The chat erupted with supportive messages:

"Akira-kun, you're already perfect to us!"

"Don't be so hard on yourself!"

"We love you just the way you are!"

I smiled, touched by their enthusiasm even as I recognized the irony.

Marin nodded emphatically. "Well said, Akira-senpai! And on that note, we're almost out of time. Any final words for B-Komachi's fans?"

I turned to the camera, my expression sincere. "Keep supporting these incredible girls. They're working so hard to bring you something special, and I can't wait for you all to see what they can do. Thank you for having me today!"

July 17, 2025

{Akane's POV}

I stepped into the studio, my wooden sword in hand. The polished floor gleamed under the bright lights, and the mirrored walls reflected my determined expression. I took a deep breath, centering myself before beginning my practice routine for my role in "Tokyo Blade."

"Within Rashomon Gate of Toji, resides Ibaraki Doji, clutching his arms with boiled chestnuts. That famous Raiko-" I recited, my voice echoing in the empty space. I raised my sword, moving through the choreographed sequence.

Sweat beaded on my forehead as I lunged and parried, imagining my unseen opponent. I repeated the routine, pushing myself to perfect every stance, every strike.

After an hour of intense practice, I paused to catch my breath. Lowering myself to the floor, I stretched into a split, feeling the burn in my muscles. As I held the position, unwelcome thoughts crept into my mind.

Flashes of Twitter comments scrolled through my head, each one a stinging reminder of public perception.

"Akane is so useless on the show. Besides episode 1, we barely see her."

"The only reason we even noticed her was because of Akira."

"What's the point of having her there if she doesn't do anything?"

"She's just taking up space."

"Akane who? Oh, you mean that quiet girl in the background?"

"Can we trade her for more screen time with Akira and Yuki?"

I gritted my teeth, forcing myself out of the split. "Enough," I muttered, pushing myself to my feet.

I walked down the hallway, my wooden sword tapping against my leg with each step. As I approached Manager Tanaka's office, I noticed the door was ajar. I was about to knock when a thunderous voice froze me in place.

"You tryin' to get your ass fired!?"

I recognized President Nakamura's voice. My hand hovered centimeters from the door as I held my breath.

"I checked that reality show Akane's in with Akira after hearing it's popular, but what the hell!? She hasn't gotten 15 minutes of screen time in total! She's been given this chance, and yet she's not standing out at all! If you don't have your act together as her manager, where's that leave us!?"

"But President, Akane is trying her be-"

A loud bang echoed through the office as President Nakamura slammed his fist on the desk. "TRYING ALONE DOESN'T PAY THE BILLS! I chose her out of a heap of people who wanted this chance! See that she at least leaves her mark!"

I stumbled back from the door, my heart pounding in my chest. The office door swung open, and Manager Tanaka stepped out, closing it behind him. His eyes widened when he saw me standing there.

"I'm sorry, Manager," I mumbled, staring at the floor.

He sighed, running a hand through his thinning hair. "You heard all of that, huh? I know you're trying your best, so don't worry about any of that. Don't worry, I'll act as your shield."

Before I could respond, he walked away, leaving me alone in the hallway. My legs gave out, and I sank to the ground, hugging my knees to my chest.

"It's because I'm so spineless," I whispered, my voice cracking.

I fumbled in my bag, pulling out the worn notebook where I jotted down character notes and scene ideas. My fingers trembled as I flipped through the pages, each one a testament to hours of preparation that seemed to mean nothing.

"I've gotta work hard and make sure I leave my mark," I said, gripping the notebook tightly.

July 19, 2025

{Akira's POV}

I leaned against the railing of the bridge connecting the two studio buildings, the cool metal a welcome relief from the sweltering summer heat. Yuki stood beside me, her long black hair dancing in the breeze.

"So there I was, covered in mud from head to toe, and the director just looks at me and goes, 'Perfect! Don't change a thing!'" I said, grinning at the memory.

Yuki burst out laughing, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "No way! Did you have to do the whole scene like that?"

I nodded, chuckling. "Oh yeah. By the end of it, I think I'd swallowed half the mud pit. But hey, anything for art, right?"

"Spoken like a true method actor," Yuki teased, bumping her shoulder against mine. "I bet you looked absolutely dashing, all covered in grime."

I struck an exaggerated pose, puffing out my chest. "But of course. Mud is the latest fashion trend, didn't you know?"

Yuki rolled her eyes, but her smile didn't fade. "Oh, clearly. I'll have to remember that for my next photoshoot. 'Yuki Sumi: Mud Maven.'"

"It's got a nice ring to it," I said, winking at her. "I can see the billboards now."

She laughed again, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"

I bowed with a flourish. "I aim to please."

Yuki's expression softened, and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. "Well, you certainly succeed at that."

I opened my mouth, about to respond, when a voice cut through the moment.

"Akira-san?"

I turned to see Akane standing a few feet away, her hands clasped tightly in front of her. Her eyes darted between Yuki and me, a faint blush coloring her cheeks.

"Oh, hey Akane," I said, straightening up. "What's up?"

She bit her lip, hesitating for a moment before speaking. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but... Akira, come over here with me."

I followed Akane down the stairs, leaving Yuki behind on the bridge. The courtyard was quiet, a stark contrast to the bustling studio we'd just left. Akane led me to a bench tucked away beneath a sprawling oak tree.

"So, what's on your mind?" I asked as we sat down.

Akane fidgeted with the hem of her shirt. "Oh, nothing in particular. I just... thought it might be nice to chat for a bit."

I leaned back, stretching my legs out in front of me. "Sure, I'm always up for a good conversation. How's your day been?"

"It's been alright," she said, her eyes darting to something over my shoulder. I didn't need to look to know there was probably a camera there. "I've been working on a new script for an upcoming audition."

"Oh yeah? What's the role?"

Akane's face lit up. "It's for a historical drama set in the Edo period. I'd be playing a young samurai's daughter who disguises herself as a boy to join the Shinsengumi."

"That sounds awesome," I said, genuinely impressed. "Have you done much research into the time period?"

She nodded eagerly. "Oh yes, I've been reading everything I can get my hands on. Did you know that the Shinsengumi's famous light blue coats were actually dyed using indigo? And the pattern..."

As Akane launched into a detailed explanation of Edo period textile production, I noticed her eyes flicking towards the cameras again. Her voice grew a bit louder, her gestures more animated. I played along, leaning in with exaggerated interest.

"Wow, that's fascinating," I said when she paused for breath. "You really know your stuff. I bet you'll nail that audition."

Akane blushed, ducking her head. "Thank you. I just hope I can do the character justice."

"I'm sure you will," I assured her. "You've got a real talent for bringing characters to life."

She glanced at the cameras again, then back at me. "That means a lot coming from you, Akira-san. You're such an incredible actor. How do you do it? How do you make your characters feel so real?"

I rubbed the back of my neck, considering my answer. "Well, I try to find something in each character that I can relate to, you know? Even if it's just a small thing. And then I build from there."

Akane nodded, hanging on my every word. "That makes sense. Do you have any other tips?"

"Hmm," I mused, tapping my chin. "I guess the main thing is to not be afraid of looking silly. Sometimes you've gotta make weird faces or do strange voices to get into character. It might feel awkward at first, but it can really help."

"I see," Akane said thoughtfully. "I'll have to try that."

A comfortable silence fell between us. I watched a pair of sparrows hop around in the grass nearby, pecking at invisible crumbs.

"Hey, Akira-san?" Akane's voice was softer now, almost hesitant.

I turned back to her. "Yeah?"

"Do you ever... doubt yourself? Like, wonder if you're good enough?"

The vulnerability in her eyes caught me off guard. For a moment, I forgot about the cameras, the show, all of it.

"All the time," I admitted. "I think everyone does, no matter how successful they might seem."

Akane's shoulders relaxed slightly. "Really? Even you?"

I nodded. "Especially me. But you know what? That doubt can be a good thing sometimes. It keeps us pushing to improve, to be better than we were yesterday."

"I never thought about it like that," Akane said, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Plus," I added, "it helps to remember that we're all just figuring things out as we go. No one has all the answers, not even the big shots who've been in the industry for decades."

Akane laughed softly. "That's oddly comforting."

"Glad I could help."