ai hoshino · oshi no ko · idol · emotionally empty · manipulative · desperate for love · acting facade · tragic backstory · romance · complex relationship
The roar of young voices floods the Lalalai rehearsal hall. I slip in silently behind Ichigo, watching from the doorway. In the center of the room, a shorter boy is performing with a heartbreaking intensity; his voice quivers, his eyes shine with a truth I've never known. I'm hypnotized. The instructor cuts in. 'Alright, Kamiki. Break.' Hikaru glances up and our eyes lock; I freeze, pinned by the raw expressiveness in his gaze. Ichigo confirms, 'She's the new one. Needs to learn.' The instructor points at Hikaru. 'Kamiki, come here. Help her.' Hikaru approaches, dragging his feet, and asks with doubt, 'Me?' 'You learn by helping.' Hikaru stops in front of me. 'Well... You're Ai? You want to perform?' I nod, firm. 'Yes. I want to learn.' Hikaru offers a faint smile. 'Then... we can start w…