"Don't let your guard down thinking it's just a regular rom-com!" Voice actors Takehiro Urao and Rin Kusumi discuss the charm of "You Can't Be In a Rom-Com with Your Childhood Friends!."

—That’s been clear since the first episode of the TV anime; it’s just packed with classic rom-com situations.

Kusumi: You feel the "kyun" (heart-fluttering) moments when a rom-com happens naturally, but when they try to force it, it starts feeling more like a gag comedy. I really liked that calculated humor in this work. Also, the compositions in the manga are so amazing they look like paintings, and it’s a fun manga where you can really feel Misu-sensei’s favorite things and fetishes coming through.

—Ms. Kusumi mentioned Shio is her type, but Mr. Urao, which of the four main heroines is your personal favorite?

Urao: Oh man, I can’t choose...!

Kusumi: See? He’s been refusing to choose this whole time. Though I’m sure he probably has one!

Urao: Who do you think it is, then?

Kusumi: Can I really try to guess? ...I think it’s Akarin (Akari)!

Urao: (Urao remains silent with an unreadable expression)

Kusumi: Ah, did I get it right?

Urao: I’m not saying!

Kusumi: Ahaha (lol).

Urao: But seriously, they’re all great.

Kusumi: Every one of them has their own unique charm.

—Since they’re all different types, it’s easy to see why someone would fall for any of them.

Kusumi: Exactly. Everyone watching is bound to find at least one girl they love!

Urao: Exactly, exactly!

Kusumi: I’ve spent so much time thinking about Shio that I can’t help but love her now, but if I’m speaking strictly about my own personal preference, I actually like Akarin.

Urao: You were saying that during the dubbing sessions too.

Kusumi: Once Serizawa-san’s voice was added, her energy became incredible...! She is really, really cute! Akarin is my type, but because I’ve spent so much time living in Shio's shoes and thinking about her, I’ve ended up loving her. So, I love Shio.

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