Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 22: Yes, gladly.
“What!?”
I couldn’t help but shout in surprise at Takarazuka-san’s sudden proposal.
“Eeeeeeeeeeeeh!?”
But my voice was drowned out by the collective shout of the other three people in the café.
“Is that a no? Do you already have someone you’re in a relationship with?”
“No, I don’t, but…”
“Then, would you accept!?”
Takarazuka-san tightened her grip on my hand and took a firm step closer.
Her face was so close!
Her gaze was powerful—I felt like I was being pulled in.
(Wait a second… something about what she just said feels off… “accept”… accept what?)
“No way! I was planning to rely on Go-kun for help with work from now on. If you two started dating, it’d be awkward to ask for help, so no way!”
“Y-yeah, that’s right! If you two start dating, it’ll mess up the shift schedule… it’d be a total disaster! Besides, dating him before his childhood friend even gets a chance? That’s a no-go!”
“Uh, um… N-no! Just no!”
Before I could say anything, the three of them each reacted in turn.
Watching this unfold, Takarazuka-san placed a hand on her chin, appearing troubled.
“Hmm… So asking you to play my boyfriend for a while might be difficult after all… I really thought you’d be perfect for the role…”
“Huh?”
“Huuuuh???”
Boyfriend role? Role preparation? What’s going on?
All of us, except Takarazuka-san, were left staring in complete confusion.
◯ ●
“Hahaha! My apologies! I tend to lose sight of everything around me once I make up my mind. It seems I completely forgot to explain the most important part.”
Takarazuka-san laughed cheerfully at her own mistake and began explaining why she had come.
We all sat around a table to listen.
“If this was for a role, you should’ve said so from the beginning! Saying you want to date someone—how misleading!”
Asuka-san responded with a pouty attitude.
“Are you really the one to say that, Ashiya-san?”
Himeji-san gave her a cold stare.
“W-well, I mean, people sometimes… skip details, right? Ohoho…”
“Let’s leave whatever’s going on between you two aside for now. I’m just surprised that Rin Takarazuka came here looking for someone to help her prepare for a stage role.”
Acchan glanced between Asuka-san and Himeji-san with a sigh, then brought the conversation back on track.
“Yes, as I explained earlier, I’ve always played male roles until now. But this time, I’ve been cast in a female role for the first time.”
“And the role is of a woman who falls madly in love, only to die tragically with her lover in the end… That sounds completely opposite of your usual self.”
After hearing the basic outline of the role and story, Asuka-san raised a skeptical eyebrow.
“Indeed, I felt the same. But Kakogawa-san made a strong offer, and I saw it as a good opportunity to broaden my range as an actress, so I decided to accept.”
“Having spent so much time playing male roles opposite cute girls, I thought—maybe if I interact with a cute boy instead, it might make my heart race in a way that helps me understand the feelings of a woman in love. That’s why I came to see Akkun… He’s so cute, like a girl. I get it.”
Acchan murmured as if it all made sense to her now.
“I mean, with that logic, I guess the adorable Sakasagawa-kun would be the perfect choice… but still, a boyfriend role, huh…”
Himeji-san looked uneasy, like she had something on her mind.
(Also, they keep saying I’m “cute” over and over. Am I the only one getting caught up on that and missing the rest of the conversation?)
“I know it’s an absurd and selfish request—to ask someone to pretend to be my boyfriend for the sake of a role. But it’s so far outside my experience that I truly don’t know what to do… I’m at a complete loss…”
The usually confident and composed Takarazuka-san now slouched slightly, her voice quiet and uncertain. Her vulnerability was on full display.
There’s no way I could just stay silent after seeing her like that.
“Takarazuka-san! If you’re okay with me, then leave it to me! I can’t just ignore a girl in trouble!”
“Go-kun, are you really going to accept?!”
Asuka-san widened her eyes in shock.
“Yeah. I mean, if there’s a girl in trouble, it’s ‘normal’ to help her, right?”
“Geez, Akkun, you haven’t changed at all.”
“Hehe, that’s so like you, Sakasegawa-kun.”
“I know I was the one who asked, but… are you really okay with this!?”
“Of course!! If that’s settled, then let’s make a plan. I’m working right now, so let’s at least exchange contact info… okay, I’ll message you later!”
“Thank you so much. I truly owe you one.”
Takarazuka-san gently placed a hand on my cheek and whispered in a calm voice.
“Whoa, whoa! Stuff like that is off-limits! You’re supposed to be preparing for your role! That’s exactly how a male lead would act!”
“Ah, my bad. It’s just a habit, I did it without thinking.”
(I-I wonder if this is really going to be okay…)
Even though I accepted the request, thinking about what lies ahead gave me a bit of a headache.
○ ●
After that, we kept in touch and discussed what to do.
Since rehearsals for the play were starting soon, we decided—based on Takarazuka-san’s suggestion—to go on a date to an amusement park.
(She said she wanted to quickly understand a maiden’s heart by spending a whole day in deep, emotional connection… but is it really okay if I’m the one doing this?)
Despite my worries, I agreed.
Not because I think I’m the right person, but because I believed her approach to role preparation made sense.
I think there are, very broadly, two types of actors.
The first type compares their own experiences and feelings with the character’s, and expresses the role through their authentic self.
These actors tend to draw in the audience emotionally and shake their hearts deeply.
This kind of acting is often seen in naturally gifted performers—those with charisma or “star quality.”
The second type takes a logical approach—building up information, constructing an image in their head, and becoming the character through sheer effort.
These actors don’t necessarily stand out, but their performances feel natural and immersive, making the audience believe the character is real.
People in this group are usually considered “skilled” actors.
And Takarazuka-san is clearly the first type.
Her overwhelming presence draws everyone’s attention—she’s got that star quality, just by existing.
“Let’s see… we were supposed to meet at the fountain plaza in front of the station. I wonder if she’s already there? But it’s still 30 minutes early, so probably not—wait, what!?”
The area around the fountain was crowded.
It seemed like people were staring at someone from a distance.
“Isn’t that Suzu Takarazuka?”
“She looks amazing in that tailcoat. Super cool.”
“She’s holding a bouquet—maybe it’s for a photo shoot?”
“But she’s been standing there for 30 minutes, so probably not.”
“No way she’s wearing that just casually in public, right?”
“Still, she’s not just cool—she’s stunning.”
Standing in front of the fountain was Suzu Takarazuka, dressed in a tuxedo-style tailcoat, hair slicked back, dramatic stage makeup, and a bouquet of roses in hand.
She looked like she’d stepped straight out of a scene from a musical.
“Ah, Sakasegawa-kun. I’ve been waiting. Please accept this—it’s a token of my gratitude.”
Noticing me, Takarazuka-san approached and handed me the bouquet of roses.
“Th-Thank you… wait, Takarazuka-san!! Weren’t we going on an amusement park date today to help with your role prep!? What’s with that outfit!?”
“Hm? This? Well, it’s our first date, even if it’s for a role, so I dressed up. What do you think?”
She placed a hand on her chin and looked at me with a sidelong glance.
“You look… very cool… no, wait! You’re preparing for a role where you’re a woman in love, right!? But you look like the beloved prince charming here! I accepted the bouquet way too naturally!”
Holding the bouquet, I reflexively called her out.
“Well, truth be told, I’ve only ever been on dates on stage. And when I’m on stage, this is what I wear. So this is the only kind of date outfit I know. I’m sorry, but I’d appreciate it if you could help guide me. I heard you’re good with fashion and makeup, after all.”
“Wait, where did you hear that!?”
“From the ladies at the café, of course.”
“Ah… makes sense…”
(Come to think of it, she did exchange contact info with everyone besides me. And she did say she has a thing for cute girls.)
Recalling that day, I nodded in understanding.
“Feel free to do whatever you want. I’ll leave it to you.”
“Alright! We can’t proceed with the date or your role prep if you look like that. Let’s get you an outfit that fits the role. You know what they say—start by dressing the part!”
“You’re a lifesaver. Shall we be off, then?”
Saying this, Takarazuka-san offered her arm like an escort.
I gently took her arm.
“Yes, gladly. …Wait! That’s backwards! Or… is it? Is there even a ‘right’ way in this case…?”
Realizing how strange it looked, I let go of her arm.
“Hehe, not only are you cute, but you’re funny too. I can’t help teasing you.”
With her finger to her lips, she gave me a soft, radiant smile that made my heart skip a beat.
(Her gestures, her expressions—they’re all flawless. Isn’t she too beautiful!?)
And so, still completely thrown off balance, I headed to the department store with her to redo her outfit.