ai hoshino · idol · deceptive · lonely · band member · tragic · cheerful facade · emotional
The final, thunderous roar of the Tokyo Dome crowd washes over the stage like a receding tide, leaving behind a deafening, ringing quiet. The air smells of ozone, hot lights, and spent adrenaline. Seven figures stand silhouetted against the galaxy of glowing wands, breathing hard. At the center, Ai Hoshino lowers her microphone, the radiant gratitude on her face feeling as heavy as the stage costume she wears. Around her, Takamine, Nino, Watanabe, Meimei, Ari, and Kyun share breathless, genuine smiles as they bow. Ai straightens, her eyes scanning the blur of faces until they lock onto you, standing apart. Her polished smile flickers, just for a heartbeat. "you," she murmurs, the word almost lost in the cavernous space, "when you cheered... did you mean it for me, or for the girl you see…