Oshi no Ko: What If

Chapter 5: My Savior (2nd Half)

As the hour hand hit six on the wall clock, Sora and Ai laid in their respective beds, not saying a word to each other. Ai fiddled with the pillow, which Sora sourly returned after both of them were scolded a few minutes ago. Meanwhile, Sora gazed up at the ceiling with an expression that indicated he was in deep thought... or so one would assume.

Oh God! It's her! It's really her! He thought with trembling eyes. That must mean... I saved her! My blood saved her! Without making it obvious, he darted his eyes towards Ai, witnessing her existence. Even with all of the tubes attached, she's still shining brightly. Sora sighed in relief. At least she's okay... Wait- Without warning the young idol, Sora clutched his head, kicked his feet up, and let out a brief yet shocking cry of dismay. Nooo!! I just yelled at my favorite idol! Why must someone like me question her - the one and only?! It must be some personal idol routine I've yet to see - UGH!! I'm so stupid!!

Due to his, again, out of the blue scream, Ai shifted slightly away from Sora, deadpan staring in confusion. What IS up with this guy?? He wakes up after being out cold for a few hours, and the next thing you know, he's screaming like a lunatic...!

"U-umm, so uhh... are the twins all right?" Sora awkwardly asked, already sat up and fidgeting his fingers while keeping his gaze averted in such a timid manner.

I swear, it's like he has a mood switch or something! Still nonchalant, Ai turned away from him. "Who said you could speak to me?" she deadpanned, lips dramatically puffed out and arms crossed.

"E-ehh?? Well, I - uh..." Sora's head hung low, clearly depressed from Ai's blunt, hurtful response. I've really done it now... My idol, the woman I've looked up to and supported, hates my guts. I can't even explain myself, and not to mention the cold shoulder! Ughh... I'm such a dumbass...

Little did he know that Ai was only feigning anger. She merely just wanted to discern how Sora would react - to get a full picture of his character. While glancing at him through her peripherals, she jotted down what she noticed mentally. Doesn't seem like the type of guy to take advantage of vulnerable women. Not to mention he did save me... A discreet grin slowly formed on her face as she stifled a chuckle; it wasn't the type of laughter Sora would be expecting. Maybe I should throw him a bone... just this once. Without holding back nor caring about her wound ripping open, the youthful mother-idol laughed her heart out!

The young man was puzzled at the spectacle of his idol, cracking up so suddenly. Confused and a little concerned, he leaned away ever so slightly, watching Ai cackle as if someone nonstop tickled her. "H-huh...??"

"O-oh God! My stomach's about to burst open!"

"Burst open?!"

"You should've seen the look on your face!" laughed Ai, breathless. "Amused" tears were welling up in the corners of her eyes. "Wow, you really thought I was being serious?? Damn, you're so gullible. Ahahahaha!"

Bewildered and stunned, Sora merely stared at the guffawing idol. She hugged her body in both pain and delight, not realizing that her plan to fake laugh became a genuine laugh. Sora's eyelids blinked rapidly in bafflement as he watched Ai shake with laughter at his naivety. The rare sight of her actually enjoying herself, despite the fact that she just got stabbed on that same day, was truly bizarre for him. Also, it felt like a huge weight off his chest since he didn't have to worry too much about her wellbeing anymore. Biting his lip, Sora crossed his arms and turned away, chin puffed out comically as he attempted to retort. "H-hmph! I should've known better than to trust an idol I don't even know personally! Now I know why they say never to meet your heroes..."