Chapter 87: Taking care of Ai part 1

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*POV Tadano*

Seeing how worried she was, I decided to approach Ai. She didn't seem to notice my presence until I touched her shoulder.

Tadano: "Are you okay, little one?" I asked.

When she turned to look at me, I could appreciate up close her beautiful pair of eyes with star-shaped pupils. They were truly enchanting. Before I could say anything else, those pretty eyes filled with tears, and she started crying inconsolably.

Tadano: "Eh?"

Ai: "WAAAAHHH… UWAAAHH"

Tadano: "Eh?... Wait! Calm down, little one, I won't do anything bad to you..." I started to panic when many people around us began giving me strange looks. Ai didn't seem to hear my words and continued crying inconsolably. In a desperate act, I picked her up and ran away. I could hear shouts and curses behind me, but I didn't care. To gain more distance, I briefly used my [Sprinter] ability.

After a few minutes, we arrived at a secluded alley. Leaving the sobbing girl on the ground, I crouched to her level and asked in the gentlest voice I could muster.

Tadano: "Are you okay, little one? Did something bad happen to you? Do you need my help?" I said, giving her a kind smile.

Ai: "I... I... I got lost... I don't know where I am... I have no money... no home... and I don't know what to do... I'm a mess..." she said between sobs.

Tadano: "Oh come on, little one… it's not that bad. I can contact your parents if that's..." I said, trying to take out my phone, but my hand was quickly stopped by her small hands, and a sudden cry caught my attention.

Ai: "No! Don't call them!" she cried out in a pleading and nervous tone.

Tadano: "It seems things have already gotten to that point..."

Shinomiya: "Without a doubt, a terrible mother..."

Tomoya: "Some people just shouldn't be parents..." he said, clenching his fist.

Nagisa: "Poor Ai-Chan, what a miserable fate… so sad. Tadano-San, please do something for her!" she said with tearful eyes.

I could see her trembling at the mention of her parents. I really couldn't stand seeing a cute girl in this state. With my other hand, I gently patted her head.

Tadano: "It's okay... if you don't want to, then it's fine. However, I can't leave you alone, so this brother will protect you," I said in a gentle tone.

Hearing my words, the girl seemed to break down and started crying again. This time, I gently pulled her into a hug. She didn't hesitate and wrapped her arms around me while crying inconsolably.

Ai: "UWUUU… I was so scared..." she sobbed, clutching my clothes with her small hands.

Her sad crying brought back a memory of Nagisa.

[Nagisa - Clannad OST]

Unconsciously, I began to hum that melody. In the memory, Nagisa was comforting a little girl who was the spitting image of her mother.

She had big, teary eyes while Nagisa lovingly consoled her with her sweet melody.

Now, it was I who was comforting this little Ai.

Seeing her so weak and fragile broke my heart.

The feeling only worsened when I remembered her tragic fate.

Abused and mistreated by her mother and stepfather.

Ignored and neglected in the orphanage.

When her career finally started to take off, she was deceived by Kamiki and ended up pregnant.

The doctor she befriended was murdered under mysterious circumstances.

When she was about to discover what true love was through her children, she was killed by one of her fans, sent by none other than the father of her children.

Having to endure such a tragic fate.

While that was how it was and should be, this time, it won't be.

This time, I'm here.

Kamiki Hikaru? Poor idiot, if I ever run into him, I'll make sure he meets a tragic end.

I'll protect this little star.

When I came back to my senses, I realized that Ai had fallen asleep.

Smiling at her cute sleeping face, I placed her on my back.

Taking out my phone with one hand while skillfully holding her small body with the other, I called Yamai.

After one ring, she answered.

Yamai: "What are your orders, master?" she asked in a respectful tone.

Tadano: "I need some money and a place to stay..."

Yamai: "... Money is not a problem, but the residence... may I ask why you need it?"

Tadano: "It's annoying to talk over the phone. Meet me at the address I'll send you. You have 30 minutes." I said and hung up.

I headed to a nearby hotel. The man at the counter gave me a suspicious look. But since I wasn't in the mood to deal with him, I simply gave an order.

Tadano: "A room... don't ask questions and don't get in the way." I said, using my [Charm - Master] ability.

The man's eyes went blank, and he handed me a key.

Tadano: "A girl with brown hair will come asking for me soon. Give her the room number, understood?" I added.

The man nodded, and I headed to the room. I tucked the girl into bed so she could rest. Taking her suitcase out of my spatial ring, I placed it next to the bed. Thinking she might not have eaten yet, I took out a couple of apples from my ring, along with a knife and a plate. Then I sat in a nearby chair and started peeling the apples.

Half an hour later, I heard the sound of the door.

Tadano: "Come in..."

Yamai entered timidly. Her cheeks were blushing, and she seemed very shy, but her eyes were full of anticipation. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at what this girl was expecting. When Yamai saw the little Ai on the bed, she was surprised for a moment and then gave me a confused look. Letting out a sigh, I explained the situation.

Yamai nodded.

Yamai: "If you want, she can stay with me. My apartment is big enough for the two of us. I could try to get another apartment, but it's hard to leave a young girl alone, you know?" she said in a calm tone. Occasionally, she would look at Ai, and her eyes were warm and kind. Did I just see a hint of maternal charm in her?

I shook my head to clear irrelevant thoughts and continued listening.

Yamai: "While her stay and food are covered, it will be difficult for me to influence the legal side..." she said, somewhat regretfully.

Tadano: "Don't worry about that... a little friend will help us with those things." I said, waving my phone.

On it, Kaguya's enthusiastic response was present.

Kaguya: "Of course, I'll help! Leave it all to me. I'll have this matter resolved in a maximum of three days!"

That was written in the chat window, accompanied by a sticker of a kitten giving a military salute. I smiled at this.

Then I looked at Yamai and added.

Tadano: "While we'll help her with this, we'll also help her achieve her dream. It turns out she's one of the people I've been waiting for for our company. I need you to guide her in singing when I'm not around. Also, I need you to teach her some basic instruments just in case. Kaede and I will handle the dancing. I'll also take care of an extended study of singing as well as acting..." I said in a nonchalant tone.

Yamai: "A-Are you sure this little one will be able to handle it?" she asked, somewhat doubtful.

I smiled.

Tadano: "Don't worry, this little star is very capable. She might even surpass me if I relax too much. I have high expectations for her," I said with a loving smile while looking at the sleeping Ai.

Yamai: "I-If you say so... here's the card. It has 50,000 yen on it, use it for whatever you need. If it runs out, let me know to give you more..." she said, handing me a card.

I took her arm and pulled her close.

Tadano: "I like that attitude. You're very obedient and efficient in your work, Yamai... keep it up, and I'll give you the rewards you want." I said, kissing her neck.

She shivered and let out a pleasurable moan. Then I let her go and continued.

Tadano: "For now, she'll stay with you, and I'll need you to take care of her while I'm not around. I also need you to create the necessary social media accounts for her virality. While you do that, I'll tell Agari to look for nearby clubs that are looking for singers. We'll record a video of her stellar performance and upload it to the Wandering Musician's accounts. I also plan to accompany her in this so she can start with a bang. Be prepared."

Yamai nodded. Then she moved uncomfortably. Seeing her like this, I knew what she wanted, but I couldn't do it here, and I didn't plan on leaving Ai alone either, so I just gave her a kiss and let her go.

Tadano: "Go, meet up with the girls again and inform Agari and Nene of the situation." I said, giving her a pat on the butt.

She blushed and gave me an aggrieved look for a moment but then happily nodded and left.

With the sound of the door closing again, I returned to my seat.

While looking at Ai, I fell into a strange trance.

Sitting in my chair, I took out my guitar.

I turned it into an acoustic guitar and began to play a familiar melody.

Soon, the sound of the strings began to reverberate in the room.

With a strange feeling in my heart, I began to sing.

...

Author's Note: "Well, here is the chapter. I brought it a bit late because I had to take my nephew to a doctor's appointment. However, here it is. Enjoy the chapter. Remember to drink plenty of water and that I love you very much. Sincerely, your favorite depressed author."

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