Chapter 45

Hoshino Ai was a vision of beauty, with her striking blueish-purple hair cascading down her shoulders and her eyes adorned with a captivating gradient of colors, transitioning from purple to pink. What truly set her apart, however, were the six-pointed stars that adorned each of her eyes, adding a touch of mystique to her already enchanting gaze. Despite her ethereal appearance, the exhaustion of a night spent in relentless pursuit of her craft was evident on her delicate features. Having just emerged from a grueling session of singing and dance practice at Ichigo Production studio, Hoshino's usual radiant aura was dimmed by the weariness that clung to her like a heavy shroud. She stretch her arms tiredly out of habit before saying "Good morning" She look at clock and corrected herself "or maybe Good afternoon"

Despite the physical toll of her rigorous schedule, Hoshino remained dedicated to her craft, her passion for performance burning brightly within her. Even as she made her way home after practice, the pursuit of excellence never ceased, as she continued to immerse herself in the intricacies of her acting studies. With a natural talent for the art of deception, Hoshino possessed a rare ability to captivate audiences and convincingly portray characters, effortlessly weaving her way through the complexities of the roles she inhabited. Each performance was a testament to her skill, as she skillfully blurred the lines between reality and illusion, leaving audiences spellbound by her convincing portrayals.

Indeed, Hoshino Ai's prowess extended far beyond her physical appearance, transcending the superficial to encompass a depth of talent and skill that left a lasting impression on all who beheld her performances. 

She look at the clock beside her and it's almost noon "Oh my God! I'm going to be late" this wake her up more as she started moving around trying to find a simple clothes that she's going to wear to meet her friend.

Stepping into the cool embrace of the shower, Hoshino allowed the cold water to cascade over her fatigued body, its refreshing touch awakening her senses and revitalizing her spirit. "So cold! but not as cold as my heart hehe" she mused in her mind". As the water trickled down her skin, she found herself lost in the rhythm of her own song, the melody echoing off the tiled walls of the bathroom. With each note, she moved with grace and fluidity, her movements a testament to the years of dedicated practice and unwavering passion for her craft. In that moment, she was not just Hoshino Ai, but a true idol, captivating and alluring in every sense of the word.

Emerging from the shower, her form enveloped in nothing but a towel, Hoshino stood before the mirror with a solemn expression, her gaze reflecting the depths of her determination. "Deceive yourself before deceiving others" she whispered, the mantra echoing in the silence of the room. She brushed her teeth before going to the bedroom.

In the bedroom she picked a simple clothes white hoodie with white shirt under it and black skinny jeans to pair with it. She removed the towel, her figure was once again revealed to the empty room. The soft glow of the morning light filtered through the curtains, casting a gentle warmth upon her skin.

She slipped into the white hoodie and black skinny jeans, her mind was consumed by thoughts of their dwindling songwriting resources. Miyako's words from the previous day echoed in her mind, a reminder of the pressing need for fresh material. The departure of their current songwriter due to familial issues only compounded the urgency of the situation, leaving Hoshino and her team scrambling to find a solution. With each piece of clothing she donned, she felt the weight of responsibility settle upon her shoulders, knowing that the success of their future endeavors hinged upon their ability to secure new songs and if they fail she won't be able find out what true love is. "I want to help Miyako to write the song but I don't have the sincerity to do so ." she sigh while thinking about that.

She she fastened the buttons on her shirt, her mind raced with possibilities, brainstorming ideas for new melodies and lyrics. With a determined glint in her eye, she resolved to take matters into her own hand. "But I would need a helper for that." She thought

With a steely resolve, she acknowledged the weight of the task ahead. Despite her playful persona and the façade she maintained for her fans, she knew the importance of shouldering her responsibilities earnestly. As she adjusted the hoodie over her shoulders, a sense of determination settled within her, driving her to redouble her efforts in the studio.

"For the sake of Miyako and in pursuit of my own happiness" she murmured, a quiet vow whispered to herself as she prepared to face the challenges that lay ahead. With each step forward, she was propelled by the dual motivations of easing her producer's burden and seeking fulfillment in her personal life.

 She slipped on her shoes, her fingers deftly securing the straps, she reached for her mask, pulling it over her nose and mouth with ease. The grey cap she donned added an extra layer of anonymity, shielding her features from prying eyes as she ventured out into the world beyond her doorstep. With a swift click of the latch, she swung the door open and stepped onto the threshold,

Pausing for just a moment, she cast a brief glance back at the familiar interior of her home, a silent acknowledgment of the solitude that enveloped her. "I'll be going now" she murmured softly to the empty space, the words hanging in the air for a moment before dissipating into the quietude. With a quiet determination, she closed the door behind her, the sound echoing faintly in the stillness of the morning air.

--

Hoshino Ai settled into her seat on the train bound for Tokyo, she took out her phone and scrolled through her personal social media accounts. Reading the messages of praise and adoration from her fans, she couldn't help but smile faintly. With a few taps, she posted a heartfelt message thanking them for their unwavering support and love, adding a declaration of her own affection with the words "I love all of you."

Yet, beneath the surface, a sense of emptiness lingered within her. The love she professed to her fans was like a beautifully crafted facade, masking the yearning for something genuine, something real. Despite the joy she brought to others, she couldn't help but feel a pang of desperation for the authenticity she craved but couldn't seem to find.

Putting her phone aside, she reached for her earphones, seeking solace in music as the train rattled on its tracks. With each note that filled her ears, she allowed herself to be carried away, if only momentarily, from the complexities of her own thoughts and desires. In the melody, she found a fleeting sense of peace, a respite from the constant whirlwind of expectations and performances that defined her life.

The landscape outside blurred past her window, Hoshino Ai closed her eyes, surrendering herself to the rhythm of the music.

Upon arriving at Tokyo station, Hoshino Ai wasted no time and headed straight for the Electronics Town of Akihabara, where she was to meet her friend. As she walked through the bustling streets, she couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over her. The vibrant energy of the city enveloped her, filling her with a renewed sense of purpose.

Amidst the crowd, she observed people going about their daily lives, each person immersed in their own world. Some were engrossed in conversations with friends, while others hurried along with determined strides. The sight of so many individuals, only fueled Hoshino's determination to spread happiness and love through her Idol persona.

Entering the restaurant, Hoshino Ai scanned the cozy interior, noting its serene atmosphere, a welcome change from the bustling streets outside. It was indeed a fitting spot for a quiet rendezvous, away from the prying eyes of the public.

Spotting her friend Hikaru at a table. However, as she approached, she noticed him engrossed in conversation with a group seated opposite him. Deciding not to interrupt, she quietly took a seat at a nearby table, positioning herself so she could observe without intruding.

Leaning back in her chair, she pretended to peruse the menu, all the while listening in on the conversation unfolding before her.

Hoshino Ai eavesdropped on the conversation thought she did not caught their introduction she still listen to them, she caught snippets of the guy with black hair enthusiastically detailing Hikaru's career to the girls accompanying him. His genuine admiration for her friend was unmistakable. She can definitely say that this guy is fanboy "At least Hikaru had a rare guy fan so I can tell he is being genuine in his praise" she thought to herself.

However, her attention was soon drawn tp the fanboy. Despite his apparent enthusiasm, there was something off-putting about his demeanor, a subtle hint of insincerity that she couldn't quite pinpoint. For a moment, she entertained the thought of addressing her concerns, but quickly dismissed it as insignificant. After all, she reasoned, it was likely just her imagination playing tricks on her. With a shrug, she refocused her attention on the conversation, content to let the mystery of the fanboy's behavior remain unsolved.

The conversation continued, the guy shared how he had rediscovered Hikaru during a staged play in which they had both acted together in the past. He praised her acting skills and even drew comparisons between her and Hikaru, to which Hoshino silently nodded in agreement. The acknowledgment of their similarities elicited a small chuckle from her; after all, they are almost the same, both of know how hide behind the mask and knows how to use it for our own advantage.

Hoshino Ai couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment when she overheard the guy's refusal to meet her personally, despite Hikaru's suggestion. It was a puzzling response, one that left her wondering about his intentions. She couldn't shake off the thought that perhaps he was infatuated with Hikaru, but the possibility of him being disinterested in meeting a famous idol like herself also crossed her mind. However when Ai heard the reason her smile "He is just like Hikaru but instead of being a fake, it's genuine." but when she heard the latter part of his reason, her eyes brighten like stars. "A fake love can surpass a genuine one" Ai repeated this phrase in her own little head that she did even hear the rest of the conversation.

However Ai notice the trio all stood at their seat, so stop her thoughts and look at their faces especially the guy.

The guy on the other notice Ai looking at him so he stared at her too. Their eyes met as it's shine like zing. 

Hoshino Ai for the very first time felt her face flush and heart beat like drum. The guy stop and said to her with a smile "fake it till you find it" After the trio left the restaurant but Ai eyes followed them until she can't see them.

She look down as she hold her heart and ask to herself "Is this love? No no maybe this is just one time, who knows if I'm gonna be able to talk him given that he does no want to meet his Idol." but unbeknown to AI her previously star shape eye became a heart shape eyes for a minute but return to previous shape.

Ai approach Hikaru who was on deep thought, She sat down to seat where the guy was seat and felt its heat. "Still warm.." She thought before shaking her head. "Hikaru who were they?" She one but the only name she want to hear is name of the guy.

Hikaru whose musing got interrupted answer "The girl with blue hair is Yamanda Ryo, the woman is Yoruichi and the guy is Shinomiya Oreki." Ai who heard the guys name she wonder "Is that a pseudo name or his really name?".

She hope that someday Oreki woud not look at her as an idol but a friend or even better if what she felt is real the she want Oreki to see her as a potential partner.