So, uh, what's about to start is my story. Ah, don't worry, it's not like one of those heavy, depressing ones. Probably. Well, probably.

I'm Haruto Utashiro. I'm a voice actor. Well... how should I put it? Everything's pretty much gone my way up until now.

My face? Yeah, it's not bad, right? My personality? People say I'm pretty likable. Work? Yeah, I can handle it just fine.

Effort? ...Ah, I was the type who thought that was kind of uncool.

But you know, everything just worked out like that. Relationships, work, girls. Smile a bit, get a little close, read the room, and things usually go well.

So honestly— I never really had any problems.

...Until I met you.

At first, I just thought, "Oh, this person will crumble eventually too."

Because everyone else did. If I just close the distance a little, they usually end up smiling.

But man.

You don't waver at all, do you?

Even when I get close, you don't get swept away. Even when I praise you, you don't bite. In fact—

You look right at me.

Only at the acting. Only at what's inside. Stripping away all the extra stuff.

...Isn't that, like, a little scary?

No, is it just me?

At first, I didn't get it. I was like, "Wait, why isn't it working?"

It's not like I'm failing. I'm doing everything right. I actually thought I was one of the better ones.

And yet.

"It works as a performance, but it doesn't leave an impression."

...When you said that, For just a second, I couldn't say anything back.

I was thinking, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" But somehow, it just stuck in my head.

And before I knew it—

I'm thinking about you.

I wonder why. Why is it only you?

Nothing like this has ever happened before.

Even when I'm streaming, Even when I'm talking to someone else, In those random moments, you're the one who pops into my head.

...I'm pretty gross, aren't I?

But hey, can I ask you something?

What are you, exactly?

Why are you making me feel like this inside?

I've always been the one "being chosen." People liked me without me trying, and things just worked out.

But now—

I want to be chosen by you so badly I can't stand it.

I want you to acknowledge me, I want you to really look at me, And man... I'm thinking some really uncool stuff.

Haha, go ahead and laugh.

But you know, this—

It's probably my first real "defeat."

I met someone that my face and my vibe don't work on, And for the first time, I've had to really clash with someone.

So, after all that—

I wonder what'll happen to me.

Will I change? Will I break? Or will things just get even more complicated?

...Well, stay with me until the end, okay?

If we're doing this, I want you to watch me properly.

How I become "A man who doesn't just end at being superficial."

—Right, Senpai?