Fave (oshi)
Overview
Oshi (the favorite you passionately support) is Japanese slang for a person, character, or group you especially support. It's used among idol fans in forms like oshimen ("oshi member," your favorite member of a group), and it's also used for things other than idols. A favorite YouTuber, a favorite anime character, or a favorite athlete can be called an oshi too.
One difference from simply liking someone is how active it is. Liking is a state of feeling, but having an oshi comes with action. You watch your oshi's streams, buy their merch, and spread the word to others about how great they are. Oshi isn't a passive fondness. It's a word that includes an attitude of actively supporting someone.
Oshi and question boxes
Question boxes are sometimes used as part of oshi-katsu (activities to support your oshi). You send messages of support to your oshi's question box, ask your oshi a question and get an answer, or save a screenshot of your oshi's answer. A question box can also be a way to close the distance between you and your oshi.
When sending a question to their oshi's question box, some people feel the kind of nervousness only a fan feels. "What if they think it's a weird question?" "I don't want my oshi to dislike me." Part of the reason for this nervousness is that the relationship with your oshi is parasocial (a one-sided sense of closeness). Your oshi doesn't know you, but you know your oshi.
Tips for enjoying your oshi's question box
If you're sending a question to your oshi's question box, the trick is to aim for questions that are easy for them to answer. Just "I love you" is hard to reply to. Specific, easy-to-answer questions like "What food are you into lately?" or "I'd love to see you do X on your next stream" give you a chance to get an answer.
It's also important not to let your mood swing too much with your oshi's answers. Your oshi may pick which of the questions they receive to answer. Even if your question gets skipped, it doesn't necessarily mean they dislike you. Your oshi has limits on time and energy too. Wanting to support your oshi and depending on your oshi are different feelings. Being able to wish for your oshi's happiness is what healthy oshi-katsu looks like.