*POV Ai*
Ai felt a bit embarrassed. She had cried like a child when she saw that young man. She cried so loudly that she surely attracted the attention of other people. She felt bad for this kind Onii-San who only wanted to help her.
It was just that when she saw his gentle eyes and kind expression, Ai couldn't hold back anymore. She cried out all her grievances of the day as soon as she saw him. Unconsciously, she thought that everything would be fine now that he was here. Even now, she doesn't know why she thought that.
Then she was surprised when he carried her away at full speed. When they reached an alley, he was kind to her and comforted her. He even accepted her irrational request not to call her parents. Instead, he consoled her and told her that everything would be okay.
She couldn't hold back when she saw his kind expression and cried in his embrace. His hug was warm and comforting. Ai found it very relaxing to listen to the sound of his heartbeat. At some point, the young man started singing a sweet melody. She felt as if she was being cleansed. This melody enveloped her and warmed her anguished heart. She felt safe being with this young man.
Ai was in an unfamiliar place, without money, without acquaintances, and without a place to return to. She was placing all her hopes on this man she had just met. Although this might not be the smartest thing to do, Ai didn't care. She felt good being hugged by him, and that was enough for her. That was much more than her mother had done for her in many years.
She didn't know when, but Ai fell asleep. She started to fantasize about the young man who comforted her. Her and him. He would support her on her journey to become a great idol. He would give her all the love she hadn't received. Although this might be very rushed, Ai was a precocious child. It didn't help that Ai often had a simple mentality, and perhaps it helped even less that Ai tended to be a bit clumsy and didn't like to think too much.
At some point, her dream ended, and she slowly woke up. In the midst of her awakening, she heard the strings of a guitar, as well as a sweet voice that warmed her heart. When she opened her eyes, she saw the young man who had comforted her. He was sitting while playing the guitar, his lovely lips letting out a melodious voice.
[BLUE BIRD – IKIMONO GAKARI]
Tadano: "You say if you could fly, you would never come back… You aimed for that blue, blue sky…"
His voice was kind and hopeful. The sound of the strings perfectly accompanied the celestial singing of the young man. Ai felt enchanted by his voice. The song was truly hopeful and comforting. Combined with the sweet voice that warmed Ai's heart, she couldn't help but sit up to watch him properly. He seemed to notice this but continued his song while looking her in the eyes.
It was then that she knew. This song was for her. She was moved to tears and cried again. It was the first time someone had been so kind to her. Once he finished his song, he placed the guitar on the ground and approached her. Gently, he used his large hand to wipe away her tears. With a kind and gentle voice, he spoke.
Tadano: "Little one, would you allow me to guide you to a world full of the light and love you so desire?"
Ai didn't hesitate for a second and nodded. Then she clung to this kind Onii-San like a koala. After this, they talked for a long time. Ai learned about the name and identity of this kind Onii-San.
Ai: "Tadano Hitohito, a nice name," she thought to herself.
Ai shared everything as well. Her dreams. Her past. And her desire to be with Tadano. He kindly nodded and told her not to worry. He assured her that he would take care of everything, and she wouldn't have to worry about anything except improving her skills.
When she asked if he had the confidence to train her, he laughed. This made Ai a bit angry, and she pouted. Then she saw something surprising. She saw him change the color of his hair and eyes to an appearance she knew very well.
Ai: "You… You are…"
Tadano: "HAHA… The Wandering Musician at your service, my little star ∼" he said in a playful tone.
She couldn't help but jump on him and rub against him excitedly. She had been longing to see him for a long time. She wanted to see him again. And now she had him in front of her. Not only that, he would now be the one to care for and train her. Isn't this really fortunate? Ai wondered if she had gathered all the good luck in her life for this moment.
Then, very excited, she spoke.
Ai: "So, Wandering Musician-Sensei, will you be my teacher?" she said with a big smile while both pairs of stars in her eyes shone dazzlingly.
Tadano: "Just call me Tadano, little star. Using my nickname is too long for me. And yes, it's true, I will teach you everything I know and make you one of the best idols in the world!" he said while ruffling his violet-blue hair.
Ai: "Not one of the best! The best! I will be very popular and surpass you, Tadano-Sensei!" she said confidently.
Tadano: "Oh? Is that so? Then your teacher will be waiting for the day you can surpass me…" he said happily while pressing a finger against Ai's nose.
She pouted at being teased, but then smiled at Tadano's care. But before she could say anything more, a roaring sound from her stomach made her want to die on the spot. When she looked at Tadano, she saw him laughing. She pouted and started hitting him with her small fists.
He laughed even louder and, with a movement of his arm, caught her. Then he guided her to where he was sitting. Next to the chair was a table with a plate of apple slices in the shape of rabbits. Tadano sat Ai on his lap and started feeding her the apple slices. At first, she was embarrassed, but then she began to enjoy Tadano's care and started pulling on his clothes for more.
After a while, Ai touched her stomach. She was still a bit hungry and looked at Tadano with cloudy eyes. He smiled at her and then ruffled her hair.
Tadano: "Alright, let's go get something to eat outside. But first, change your clothes; your current outfit must be a bit uncomfortable, right?" the young man said.
Ai nodded. To tell the truth, after going through so much, she felt a bit sweaty and uncomfortable in her current clothes. Ai took some clothes from her suitcase and headed to the bathroom. Then, when she was at the bathroom door, she looked at Tadano.
Ai: "Tadano-nii, you can't peek, okay?" she said while pointing at Tadano.
Tadano rolled his eyes and replied.
Tadano: "Who wants to see an underdeveloped body like yours? Look for me in a few years when you develop some curves…" he said pompously.
Ai felt as if a dagger had pierced her. She looked down. She could see her feet, and there were no interruptions. Her heart felt bitter. With annoyed eyes, she looked at Tadano.
Ai: "Ai is growing! Ai will have a figure worthy of a supermodel! Then you will regret your words! Ai will be a beautiful young lady!" she retorted.
Tadano: "Whatever you say, little star." he said, waving his hands nonchalantly.
Ai felt her pride was being challenged.
Ai: "Well, then don't peek!" she said in an annoyed voice as she entered the bathroom.
After a while, a small crack in the door opened, revealing a pair of eyes with stars.
Ai: "You really don't want to peek?" she asked in a sad tone.
Tadano rolled his eyes.
Tadano: "Come on, little star, bathe quickly so we can get something to eat. Otherwise, we'll have a little concert with the sounds of your stomach." he said with a smile.
Ai wanted to reply, but at that moment, the sound of her stomach stopped her. Then her face turned red.
Ai: "Tadano-nii is a baka… Baka… Baka…" she said while sticking out her tongue before closing the door with a bang.
Shortly after, the sound of the shower could be heard.
…
Author's note: "Here is today's chapter, I hope you like it. Yes, this author hates that bastard Kamiki Hikaru with all his being, and when the MC encounters him, the chapter will most likely turn into a snuff piece. Aside from that, this author is very heartbroken by Ai's sad life and will try to fix it. For now, remember to drink plenty of water, and I love you very much. Sincerely, your favorite depressed author."
-------------------------- mwmr