The Many Sides of Voice Actor Radio Episode 2: Radio Idols

After getting a better idea of what kind of rivals our radio heroines actually were it’s time to see how their relationship would continue to develop.

Sexy anime moms are always appreciated and Yumiko’s is no exception. As our heroine got ready for work she eventually figured out her mom was listening to the latest episode of her show and wasn’t too amused as most kids whose parents were fans of theirs would be. Mom’s favorite part was when “Yuhi” thought butcher shops didn’t sell croquettes. Yumiko didn’t have as fond of a recollection of that part.

I don’t know why Chika being super embarrassed about being the only one in the studio who thought butcher shops didn’t sell croquettes was hilarious to me but it was.

During Yumiko’s light teasing of the moment the one part Chika kept in mind was Yumiko’s “invite” to a butcher shop. The gyaru was surprised the next day but went along with her. The part that surprised me but I got a small squee was after Chika suggested the two be more honest with each other, “lied less” to be exact, off work and Yumiko complimented her both were left kinda speechless by their respective reactions.

Chika’s surprised how delicious the croquette tasted. She wanted to buy more for dinner later. As Yumiko mentioned various side-dishes to include with the croquette she’s shocked that Chika only had rice in mind. It’s revealed she had to make meals for herself because mom worked long shifts and was divorced. Yumiko could relate as her mom was also single due to late dad and grandpa. The accursed deceased parent/s trope will never die…

On to more important things like how close they were while taking a photo of their croquettes for Chika’s Twitter/Instagram/Whatever.

Yumiko’s manager. Another sexy adult.

The next day Yumiko’s manager surprised her with a new gig, a lead role in a Fall anime starring three sisters. Our heroine was hyped at first when she heard one of her co-stars was her favorite pro idol seiyu Otome.

However, when it’s predictably revealed her other co-star was “Yuhi” she got upset. Her concerns were confirmed that she’s most likely chosen because of her connection to the other two. She was friends with Otome and co-host with Chika. Miss Manager said she’s the hottest of the three but Yumiko still felt like she’s just part of a package deal and not chosen for her talent. Still, she took it as an opportunity to prove she could stand alongside her more popular co-stars as an equal. Besides, this could be her last chance to make a big name for herself as the benefits of being a Junior seiyu would end next year, making it harder to get more opportunities if she had yet to become more popular by then.

Another subtly cute moment.

Chika: Hey. You should be sitting here.

Yumiko: But that’s for actors with a lot of lines.

Chika: YOU have a lot of lines.

Yumiko: Oh, right.

I’ll talk about this at the end.

Though Yumiko’s reunion with Otome was cute there were two important details:

-Yumiko again felt inferior when she found out Otome and Chika worked several times together too.

-Yumiko noticed Otome looked tired. Another cutie with baggy eyes.

And another one.

Chika: That was pretty good acting.

Yumiko: Oh, you mean Otome? Yeah. She’s awesome! Way better than me. I wish I had half the talent she did (or at least was as good as you), I wouldn’t have to put on average at best performances…

Chika:…Your pessimism pisses me off.

Yumiko: Huh?

Chika: I was talking about you dumbass!

During a radio episode the girls promoted a live event where they and Otome would promote the anime and perform the OP. Chika wasn’t as excited for the event. Yumiko remembered her dislike of being a seiyu because she felt she presented a fake version of herself to fans. Yumiko argued her performances brought great joy to fans and she shouldn’t take that for granted. Another counter point was idol seiyu, like Otome who she greatly admired. Did Chika think their passion was fake too? Chika apologized for giving the wrong message.

During practice Otome’s fatigue caught up to her and she injured her leg. It’s suggested she cancel her appearance but like most idols in anime and manga she “couldn’t let the fans down!”. Not a fan of that mentality but I’m not a pro performer so I can’t relate.

Yumiko and Chika convinced the crew to at least have Otome do the talking parts while took care of the singing. Chika saw it as an opportunity for the two to show their stuff but during the performance it’s clear as day to Yumiko that the fans who came exclusively for Otome were disappointed. Although bummed afterward the two agreed to work hard as raivarus to one day stand alongside Otome as big shots.

So what I gathered is this will be a very direct “heart knows what the brain doesn’t” kind of relationship. Behind the small jabs, teases, “professionalism” and aspirations to become great idol seiyu is a growing desire to deepen their relationship. They’re drawn to each other but don’t know why and will use whatever excuse possible to “bond” while actually bonding.

I can dig it. Good stuff again. Next time the lucky Number 3 as our heroines will have a sleepover. My theory will truly be tested then.