Beyond The Spotlight - Ai Hoshino x Reader

Supernova

No One POV

Today was the day of the concert, and Ai was... nervous. In any other set of circumstances, she'd be just fine, but with (Y/N) in attendance her mind was all over the place. It wasn't something she really understood herself, she was someone who practiced rigorously for her role, there was no need for her to be nervous. An despite it all, she still found herself worrying for no other reason than a desire to impress him. Being a person who had not known love, these feelings were foreign and strange. "Ai, are you ok? You've been staring off into space for a while." Nino looked to her friend with a hint of concern. "Oh wait, I know! You must be worried about your boyfriend being here!" And thus, Nino's teasing began. "N-Nino! I told you already, he's not my boyfriend! He's just... a friend..." Deterred by these words Nino was not. "Oh really? So that must be why you got him that VIP ticket for front row seats right?" It looked like she wanted to rebuttal the statement, but stayed quiet. She didn't have an answer as to why she did what she did, or more likely, she didn't have an answer she was fully willing to admit to. Ai slumped down from the bench she was sitting on, clearly not enjoying her friend's questioning. Seeing this, Nino let out a sigh. "Ai... if you really do have something for him, than you just have to do your best. Your performance has always been stellar, so I don't think you'll have anything to worry about. Now, we're going out in a few, get ready! Show him what you got!" Even if Nino's words weren't much, they gave Ai the confidence boost needed to get on stage.

(Y/N)'s POV

Well here I am, and if I'm being honest, there are way too many people here for my liking. I can't stand big groups like this. Too much shoulder bumping and too little personal space... Stop it (F/N), you're here to watch Hoshino-san perform, just try to make the most of it. You can feel disgusted later. I don't like confined spaces, they tend to bring back... bad memories. It's better if I stop thinking about it, I don't want Hoshino-san to see me in such a poor state. All of a sudden, the lights went out, and the spotlights went on. Everyone turned their attention to the stage, with the members of B-Komachi making their presence known. In front on center stage, was none other than Ai Hoshino, the person everyone was here to see. Her smile enough was enough to brighten the room, and all who saw her cheered. Even I was enthralled, upon seeing her I could no longer look away, my eyes remaining fixed towards the shining star on stage.

The idols' routine was flawless, every step planned, every note voiced. From where I sat, I saw it all. Hoshino-san, you truly are amazing. I know you'll soar far higher than I ever could. I was torn from my thoughts by her words as she stared directly at me, before singing "Aishiteru". If only I could see me face, I was probably a red mess. Thank god Hoshino-san turned around as she performed her choreography, I don't want her to see me in this state. How pitiful of me.

No One's POV

The performance was one that (Y/N) would likely remember for a long time to come, though it was unfortunately coming to an end. The idols were making their way through their final song, the music blaring through the building. As the song ended, the group took a final bow before walking backstage. Even after their walk off, the hype continued unimpeded for several minutes. It was clear to all, B-Komachi knew their stuff, and had the potential to make it all the way to the top.

(Y/N) understood that fact too, but that wasn't what he was thinking. He watched as Ai walked off stage, his heart pounding as she did. It seemed to him that something wasn't right. He escaped the crowd, making a break towards the entrance and then outside, where he nearly tripped. Though in denial he understood his predicament now, it was clear as day. He was hopelessly in love with Ai Hoshino. He believed it almost like a romance novel, falling in love with someone so fast. Her actions made the years of trauma seem like nothing, as she pushed it to the side, covering his problems up with her smile. The feelings he held were a problem in themselves however. A relationship between them would only hurt her, which would have been the last thing he wanted to do. He'd need to ditch these feelings, for her sake. Nobody as perfect as her should be with someone so broken, he thought.

People started walking out of the venue behind him, remarking on Ai's performance. "Did you see Ai? She was amazing! I wish we could've stayed for the autograph signing, what a shame." Upon hearing that there'd be an autograph signing, (Y/N)'s first reaction was to go back inside, but he stopped himself, standing in front of the door.

(Y/N)'s POV

I want to go back in, but I know I shouldn't. I've got to bottle these feelings up, and forget them. Anything between us will ruin her career, and that's not something I wish to do to her. I walked away from the venue. Hoshino-san was no doubt expecting to see me at the signing, but I wasn't going to be there. Scratch that, I can't be there. I don't know what I'd say to her after that performance, especially when she... I don't think that was a fluke, I'm not dense. It's still best that we don't get involved any longer. I sent Hoshino-san a message, asking to meet up at the nearby park when she finished her signings, where I'd make my peace and say my goodbyes.

Author's Note

Hello! I'm Vonti, and thanks for reading my story up to this point. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. While I don't think this work represents the most that I am capable of, I am still learning, and I hope to improve it further in the future. This chapter represents the end of what I'd call a "first arc". I intend to post author's notes at these specific points, as both a marker for those reading, and just to write out some of my own concerns and opinions on the story so far. Feel free to leave comments, as I like reading them, and I could always use reader input on my story. Anyway, that's all for now, bye bye!

- Vonti