Yeah, it's not a perfect fit. The connection for me was that Zessica seems like she's supposed to be the no-nonsense, gung-ho top cadet -- though even there, she's suspiciously missing the kinds of scenes that'd confirm that angle -- and when I posted the above I couldn't see how to square a military fascination with Mikono's being the timid, negative, low-self-esteem character we have now. Once you put it as otaku I saw how it was compatible (she'd be all fascinated by that stuff but only as a fan/admirer, and think she couldn't do it herself).
Or in detail:
Anyways, after Kagura's lion king moment this past week I'm dying to see what comes next. I know they actually *can* top that and can't wait to see how.