"Shichen-nii, where are we going?"
Up in the sky, Shichen held Ai Hoshino as they flew at a steady, unhurried pace—this was what she asked for. Shichen figured there was no rush, so he went along with it. Besides, he hadn't really had much time to be alone with her like this.
"To meet two of your fans."
"Meet my fans? We're flying there? Are they that important? How do you know?" Ai wrapped her arms around Shichen's neck and fired off questions one after another.
She was holding him pretty tight—her little face was almost pressed to his chin, and her mesmerizing, starry eyes stared straight into his. Their distance wasn't really unusual; Shichen often held Ai while playing games.
When the little ones played together, he'd take turns letting them sit in his lap. Sometimes he didn't even have a choice—sitting in Shichen's arms was a "win" or "MVP" reward they demanded.
Best seat in the house.
"It's kind of far," Shichen said softly, looking into the distance.
"Far…? Am I that famous?" Ai blinked, not totally sure he was serious.
Part of her wondered if he was just using it as an excuse to get some one-on-one time—so… had she finally won Shichen-nii's heart?
The thought made her secretly smug.
"Don't underestimate your own charm. You're the star on the stage—the absolute idol. Before long, you'll reach the very top and become the most popular idol of all," Shichen said sincerely.
"That's not true… Shichen-nii, you're giving me way too much credit," Ai said, embarrassed by the praise.
"I'm just telling the truth."
"Really…? Then does that mean you've already fallen for me?" Ai teased.
"Does this really count as 'a heart'…?"
"It basically does~ Now hurry up—yes or no?" Ai leaned in closer, staring into his eyes as she pressed him.
"I can't even see where I'm going…"
"Flying doesn't need a road! There aren't any planes in the way."
"And what if someone sees us? You don't want to be on the news tomorrow, right? That'd end your idol career."
"I'm not that famous yet, but if we got spotted like this… honestly, I think getting studied would be the bigger problem," Ai laughed.
"Fair point…"
If people saw someone literally flying, and they still obsessed over romance drama first… that'd be wild.
But then again, fans were hard to predict. The only thing they truly cared about was their oshi.
Maybe they really would care more about a man than about flying.
"I still don't get who decided idols can't be close to guys," Ai complained.
"Isn't it obvious? Fans spend money and scream your name because they want you to be 'available.' Of course they don't want you in a guy's arms."
"Isn't that just self-deception? Idols are going to date eventually. It's inevitable."
"Sure—later. But when they're supporting you, it's because they believe you're single. Possessiveness is normal."
"Men's nature, huh?" Ai sighed.
"It's human nature. And women do it too. If you're making a living as an idol, you follow the professional code."
"Fine… but does that mean I'm 'single' right now?" Ai asked mischievously.
"Of course you're single," Shichen answered without hesitation.
"Tch." Ai pouted.
"Don't overthink it. You haven't 'captured' me yet." Shichen smiled, sounding completely honest—despite the fact he was absolutely lying.
He wasn't about to let Ai get cocky.
"I'll work hard! I'll make you fall at my feet!" Ai declared, full of fighting spirit.
"If your fans knew you became an idol just to win me over, I wonder what they'd think," Shichen muttered, shaking his head.
"So what? Tons of idols date in secret. Fans don't know."
"It's only a matter of time before it gets exposed."
"Still, they enjoy it while it lasts."
"Dating is sweet, sure. But being an idol means paying a price."
"If you only think about consequences, you can't do anything. What matters is satisfying your heart right now," Ai said.
"Heh. Didn't think you were this mature."
"Hmph. Stop treating me like a kid. If you weren't such a stone wall, I'd be dating too." Ai's tone turned faintly resentful.
"Stone wall? I'm obviously kind-hearted," Shichen protested.
"Then why haven't I won you over?" Ai puffed her cheeks and demanded.
"Because you're not shiny enough yet. And it's better this way—idols shouldn't date. It hurts their careers."
"I don't believe a word you say… and people expose the industry all the time anyway."
"Different story. As long as it's not exposed, fans will believe."
"Then the fans are getting played pretty hard. Guess the idol industry really is the synonym for lies."
"…" Shichen blinked and looked at her.
Ai kept talking, almost like she was thinking out loud. "An idol falling in love with a fan is impossible. Saying you 'love' them is basically lying. But… maybe a lie is still a kind of tiny affection. If you truly didn't care at all, you wouldn't even bother lying."
"Ai… when did you start thinking like that?" Shichen stared, stunned.
Right now, Ai felt weirdly familiar—so familiar it gave him chills.
"When did I start? Isn't that just how it is? That's what idols are."
"…Yeah…"
"Anyway, you just lie. Whether it's 'I love my fans' or dating in secret… you tell lies people won't see through." Ai's eyes were dazzlingly bright.
"Then do what your heart says," Shichen said seriously. "You don't have to worry about the rest. I'll protect you."
"Mm! I know you will, Shichen-nii. So even obsessive fans? I'm not scared!"
"You won't ever have to deal with that kind of fan… We're here."
"Hm? A hospital?" Ai turned her head. Below them, the building was unmistakably a hospital.
"Yes." Shichen carried Ai down and landed on the rooftop of one of the wings.
"This place is… really remote," Ai said, looking around.
Aside from the hospital itself, there were barely any proper buildings—just a few scattered wooden houses, a large stretch of forest, and a lonely, barren quiet.
And since it had just snowed, everything was blanketed white. The air felt desolate. There weren't even any pedestrians outside.
This was deep countryside—really deep. It was impressive there was such a decent hospital here at all.
"It might be remote, but it's a good place," Shichen said softly, looking at the faintly familiar scenery.
"A good place? Shichen-nii, do you know this area? Have you been here?" Ai asked.
"No. First time."
"Then how do you know? Are my fans really here?"
"They are. And they're loyal."
"Shichen-nii sounds so sure… So are we going to meet them now?"
"Let's go." Shichen had already sensed the two people he was looking for.
"Wait." Ai hurried after him.
Then she looped her arm through his and grinned.
"Now it's perfect."
"You're an idol."
"People who recognize me out here are probably rare. And it's a rare chance to be alone with you~" Ai pouted and clung to him.
"Fine. But once we're inside, let go. We're not here to show off."
"Then let's walk slower."
"…"
Shichen set a concealment barrier around the two of them as they left the rooftop. On the way, whether it was patients, doctors, or nurses, nobody noticed them at all.
Ai already knew Shichen could do things like this, so she wasn't surprised.
They walked together, and soon Shichen stopped outside a hospital room.
Ai stopped too, her expression turning serious as she let go of his arm.
Bringing her to a hospital to meet her "fans"… she could guess what that meant.
At the door, their conversation inside was clearly audible.
"Doctor, you're blocking my view of Ai!"
"Am I?"
"Move! I want to watch Ai!"
"Alright, alright… Sarīna, you really do love Ai, huh."
"Of course! Ai is so cute… And you're the same, Doctor. You watch the same recordings every day."
"That's because you infected me!"
"Hehe~ So Ai is cute, right?"
"Yeah… If we ever get the chance, I'd love to see her in person—maybe even bring you along, Sarina…"