~'¶\ Broken Lies \¶'~(Ai Hoshino X OC)

Chapter 23: Embrace the Future

-Chronoa's / Kai's Home-

"Why do I always get to wash these plates?" Kai mumbled as he scrubbed the dishes, a hint of frustration in his voice. After his fight with Ace, everyone had returned to the Time Nest for a meal. Kai had prepared a small feast with the help of Chronoa and Ai, mostly for himself, Trunks, and Ace-after all, they were Saiyans.

Once they finished eating, Trunks and Ace headed back to their respective homes early, while Elder Kai also left to check on the Time Vault. Now, at 9:00 p.m., Kai found himself alone with the dishes.

"Don't complain, Kai. Can't you even help your mother with chores around the house?" Chronoa responded after hearing him grumble.

"It's not like that... I have so much work to do. Being an actor and an apprentice is hard, you know? The Director left me so many tasks while he went on vacation," Kai replied, trying to defend himself.

Chronoa chuckled at her son's complaints. As Kai finished washing the last dish, he mentioned that Ai and the kids were sleeping in his room because their house only had three rooms: Chronoa's bedroom, his own, and a storage room filled with her things.

"The kids fell asleep after eating, so I told Ai to let them sleep in my bed," Kai explained. He didn't mind sacrificing his comfort for Ai and her children.

Chronoa gave him a sly smile as they both sat down at the dining table.

"Why are you giving me a weird look?" Kai asked curiously.

"You like Ai, don't you?" she teased.

"Huh?! Yo-You mean like friends, right?" Kai stuttered in response.

"Friends, huh? You're sure about that?" Chronoa asked sarcastically.

Kai blushed but chose to ignore her teasing. Deep down, he couldn't deny that he really did like Ai. Taking a deep breath, he finally admitted, "But I'm afraid... Towa and Mira might end up targeting her. I don't want her to end up like Ruby. I'm strong, but others around me aren't. What if I was late to save her? I almost lost her because of that bastard who stabbed her. I don't want to experience things like that again." His body shook with emotion as memories flooded back.

Before he could spiral further into negativity, Chronoa gently interjected, "But you saved her, right?"

Kai slowly calmed down and nodded in response.

"Look, Kai," she said softly, "I don't know how to say this to you. Remember that time when you said you would defeat Demigra? I didn't think that was possible until you proved me wrong. Now, I did say that revealing yourself as a Time Patrol to anyone else might bring danger to them, but I think you are more than enough to protect them. To protect Ai. Let go of the past and embrace the future, okay?" Chronoa caressed her son's hair gently.

Kai nodded again as he wiped his eyes.
She continued with a teasing tone, "She reminds me of Ruby; that's why you like her. Fuh~ fuh~ fuh~"

This made Kai frustrated once more.

"I'm going to do some editing," he declared abruptly before heading to the living room where his computer was set up. He started editing some videos while Chronoa yawned and headed off to her bedroom.
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Unbeknownst to them, Ai had overheard the conversation between Kai and Chronoa. A mix of emotions flooded her as she processed the revelation that Kai had feelings for her.

This thought made the idol's face redden. But could she love him in the same way? She hesitated, grappling with her own insecurities.

Her life had been built on a foundation of lies since she entered the entertainment industry, and she shook her head, convincing herself that Kai deserved someone better than her.