Beyond The Spotlight - Ai Hoshino x Reader

A Chance Encounter

No One's POV

It was late, the skies of Tokyo were colored a deep blue. There were no stars visible in the serene dark, the ever present lights of the city skyline blocked them out. Below the not-so-starry night, a single man could be seen, walking down the lit streets humming an indecipherable tune. With his eyes closed, and his hands in his pockets, he walked aimlessly. He stopped for a second, listening to the cool breeze blow. The peaceful atmosphere was unfortunately broken, as in an alleyway nearby shouting could be heard. Approaching the source of the commotion, the young man overheard a rather distressing conversation.

"-what you're talking about! You've got me mixed up with someone else!" A woman's voice could be heard, clearly in need of help. The man responded, "cut the bullshit! I know you're Ai Hoshino! You can't hide from your fans!" It was becoming clear that this man was a stalker, given his tone and the girl's repeated pleas to be let go.

(Y/N)'s POV

This is getting out of hand, I've got to help her. I walked out from the alleyway, approaching the two, both turning their attention to me. I could tell by the girls eyes, she was desperate. "Oi oi oi, what's going on here? You know it's really bad to go around harassing women right? They'll put you away for quite a long time for that." The rage on his face was clear, he threw the girl to the ground and readied his fists for a fight. Big mistake. As he charged me, I readied myself to receive, and when he got close enough I grabbed his arm. I pulled him close, before palming his nose in, likely breaking it. He dropped to the ground, bleeding from his nose and lip while yelling profanities. I stared down at him with a smirk, "Oh, what an unsightly creature you are! Get lost before I break something other than your nose." He took the message to heart, running as fast as he could.

I turned my attention back to the girl on the ground, clearly shaken up after the encounter. "You alright? That scumbag must've spooked you pretty bad." She didn't respond, just nodding her head.

Ai Hoshino's POV - A few minutes prior

It had been a long day, practice had ran longer than anticipated. With our next performance a week away, Ichigo-san has been pushing us like no tomorrow. While I don't mind, it gets quite tiring after a while. It's a little late, but I might be able to grab something from the convenience store before I head home. *Sigh* to the convenience store it is. I dawn my usual disguise, and I was off. At least I would have been, until someone called me from behind. "Ai Hoshino! Is that you?" OH NO I'VE BEEN SPOTTED. I turned around to see a man a few feet away, my best bet is to play dumb. "Oh no, I'm afraid you've got the wrong person. I've got no clue who this Ai person is." He clearly didn't like that response, as he kept getting closer, and I kept backing up, until I hit the wall behind me. "Don't lie to me Ai! I'm a huge fan! You can't fool me!" I tried to push him off, to no avail, causing him to grab my arm forcefully. "I don't know what you're talking about! You've got me mixed up with someone else!"

He's not messing around, I've got to get out of here! "Cut the bullshit! I know you're Ai Hoshino! You can't hide from your fans!" I struggled and struggled, but I just couldn't break free, I thought this was it, until I heard footsteps coming from the other side of the alleyway. A man appeared, giving off a sigh. I looked at him, desperately hoping he'd help me. "Oi oi oi, what's going on here? You know it's really bad to go around harassing women right? They'll put you away for quite a long time for that." The man gripping my arm didn't like that, as he threw me to the ground before charging the newcomer. What I saw next had me in shock, as I watched the man that overpowered me get decked in a single hit. The man now held a dangerous smirk, "Oh, what an unsightly creature you are! Get lost before I break something other than your nose." The stalker ran away real quick after that, and I was left alone with my savior.

I was at a loss for words, and my heart was pounding out of my chest. The man that saved me gave me a look of concern. "You alright? That scumbag must've spooked you pretty bad." I just nodded my head. He seems incredibly kind, to go out of his way to save someone he's never met before. Through shaky breath, I finally addressed him. "Y-Yes, thank you. I've got no clue who he was, I was just about to leave, and he appeared behind me." He offered me his hand, as I was still sitting on the ground. "Well, as awful is that was, I have an honest question. Are you Ai Hoshino? I won't pry if you wish to keep your identity a secret, but this whole mess has got me curious." Should I really tell a random guy I just met who I really am? I mean he did save me, but still... "I-I Am, my name is Ai Hoshino. Most people know me because I'm an idol, so I whenever I'm out and about, I have to wear a disguise." He chuckled at that... How rude! "Sorry for laughing. it's just... if you're gonna wear a disguise, at least do more than wear a hat and glasses. I know the feeling myself, if you want I could give you some tips if I ever see you again." With that, he began to walk away.

No One's POV

As the man began to walk away, Ai looked like she wanted to say something, but she seemed to hold herself back. However, when the man was about to leave, she finally mustered up the courage to ask what was on her mind. "W-Wait! What's your name?" The man turned back around, with a slight smile on his face. "You can call me whatever you want, but most know me as (F/N) (L/N)."