A Viper's Star

Introduction Time

DISCLAIMER: Oshi no Ko belongs to Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari, and Ansatsu Kyoushitsu belongs to Yusei Matsui. I do not take credit for any of their work.

Summary: In two opposite worlds, where one is showcased in the spotlight, and one is shrouded in the shadows, what if two distinct people were to meet each other as part of a twist of fate? This is a story about an assassin and an idol. Or rather, a viper and a star. [AU]

Nagisa would've never expected to start his morning like this. Simply put, it was quite hectic in his opinion.

Starting from forgetting his wallet in his old place which he only realized when he was already aboard on a bus, black cats appearing one after another in an alleyway attacking him in plain sight for some reason, and to top it all off, here he was sitting over a body of a knocked out person who is up to something dangerous.

How did this chain of misfortune happen?

Nagisa doesn't know, and he doesn't want to know.

Well, not entirely, if that would save him from the short migraines afterwards. Maybe this was just his karma finally biting back his ass for all the horrible deeds he had done. This was just a mere superstition though.

Anyway, while Nagisa is immersing his thoughts, a voice then snapped him out of it right away.

"U-uhm... Is he alright?"

He heard the young woman ask, she looked wary and worried at the same time. Quite an odd but not impossible mix of expression to show given the circumstances.

"I just knocked him out cold. No life-threatening injuries whatsoever so you shouldn't worry that much." Nagisa then tilted his head a little bit. He needs to correct what he just said. "If you think about it, you should normally be worried about this given what just happened."

A man dressed and looked like what you could call a stalker holding a boquet of white roses with a knife hidden behind it ready to stab her at any moments notice.

'It's not weird if she is worried about what's happening.'

Nagisa simply thought so. It was common sense after all.

To put it in simple terms, Nagisa just saved her life. The young woman wasn't blind nor dumb enough to think this was the case as well. At one angle though, there is still a doubt, a small doubt to note, about the fact that this unconscious guy right beneath Nagisa was planning to kill her.

As far as Ai knew, she has a very limited scope of interaction with people. Well, if you exclude her Idol life, that should be the case. She doesn't know anybody, much less a man who was lying on the floor, to harbor any life threatening urges for her.

Maybe he was a fan? A deranged one at that? Ai knew how some fans could go overboard on their fanaticism. Ai knew the risks, but still, even if that's the case, why did he harbor such sinister intentions towards her?

Ai Hoshino riled up her mind in work to search for any reasons viable in just a few seconds.

"...!"

And one idea stood out the most of all she had thought of.

'N-No way!'

There is only one viable reason. Jealousy, betrayal, and hate are emotions that could drive a person to madness. It could make them lose their rational and do things one would normally do. If there is one thing that all these three would connect to Ai about why this fan just tried to kill her...

'How...?!'

...it was just a small chance. A tiny, very small chance to emphasize, that this guy knew about her twin little stars, her children.

Oh really. If her fans knew about her secret, her twin little stars, they would surely throw rocks at her in form of bashing, assualt and hate. That's just how the social world of idol business works.

Some of then are very entitled in Ai's evaluation, very much so. Just because one is an idol doesn't mean that they should have no relationship with the opposite sex. But for fans, this is like a rule, an unwritten rule that soon developed to a real one. The reason why it was pushed in actuality is because to be an idol is to be pure. Ai wouldn't qualify for that term anymore. Just her having this dark and cold thoughts about the matter and her fans was already a small proof of it. And to add the fact that she had a relationship with someone before and had children in the process would just fan the flames even further that would eventually burn down her entire career and life.

Of course, this theory of hers could not be solidified as a fact unless she asks the man himself if her suspicions were true.

But even so, Ai couldn't help but feel pity. There resentment towards her for her lies that she always convey to them would make sense. Nobody would've liked a person who was always lying to them. It's as if you are a fake, or somebody not worth of having something genuine towards the pther person.

"I-I see!" Ai Hoshino, simply clapped her hands and gave out a smile of relief. Nagisa could easily see the nervousness she was suppressing inside, but didn't bother to call it out. "I already called the authorities just like you have suggested. They should be arriving at any moment..."

She then shot a glance at the unconscious man right beneath Nagisa. "Uhm, wouldn't it better to get off him right now?"

Nagisa then raised a brow as he gave a blank look towards her.

'Seriously?'

To think that she would still be concerned of the well-being of a stranger who was planning to harm her. Nagisa doesn't know if she was just that good of a person or a carefree one not realizing if this man was truly conscious or not and was ready to attack her.

But anyway, Nagisa relented. He trusted his skills enough to determine the most optimal moves in this predicament.

"Alright," Nagisa replied as he stood up. The body of the said unconscious man who slightly flinched. Must be a instinctive reaction because Nagisa knows this guy should be still kocked out for around an hour or so, and if he remembers correctly, there was a nearby police station that would only require a 10 to 15 minutes ride in order to get here based on his estimates. "With that done, I'll get going now."

"W-wait!"

"Hm?"

Did she forget something to say perhaps? Wait, was he the one who did forget something?

'Ah!'

Yes! He should've put some retraints to the man. At least tie up his hands. Nagisa has the materials in stock, just right his bag. A rope is something that had always been essential in his missions. It was very useful and versatile to adapt in any situation, at least in his opinion. Still though, to forget to tie at least the hands of this guy before him, was he losing his touch perhaps? It wasn't like this was the first time he forgot to put restraints to an apprehended individual. It was a rookie mistake that could cost your life if left unattended.

Moreover, the missions Nagisa took most of the time wasn't something that required him on apprehending individuals.

Don't get him wrong though. It wasn't like Nagisa takes joy in taking lives of others. As a matter of fact, he dislikes it. Nagisa knows how heavy of a sin of taking somebody's life. That's why he carefully chooses who he would be targeting in every mission. He thoroughly studies their background, connections, and any relevant information with his viable sources. Nagisa even asks Ritsu sometimes for more information regarding about his targets.

All in all, Nagisa's targets are those people that deserved it. Specially, those people...no, scum, who managed to get away with the law most of the time and doesn't have conscience for all the horrendous things they've done to other people.

No matter how much he justifies his stance as for why he took this profession, there is one thing that won't change.

He was just a killer in the end. That's it. Even if his motives were righteous and his goals were that for the better good, it wouldn't erase the fact that he killed others with his own very hands.

The resolve that he made to himself and the promises he made and swore to Koro-sensei and his classmates of 3-E were the main reasons why Nagisa could still continue in this line of profession up to this day. Everything is for the sake of a brightet future. For the betterment of others. And deep inside, it's also for Nagisa's self fulfillment.

Just before he could respond back to Ai however, a voice then interrupted them.

"Ai...?"

It was a voice of a child. The child's voice was soft yet uneasy at the same time.

"Aqua?!" Ai immediately turned her head to the child on her door. Nagisa blinked in wonder. Was that her little brother.. or a nephew perhaps?

The similarities between the two could be easily discerned if you get a good look at them. Most would say it would be her relative. Still, the resemblance was somewhat uncanny in Nagisa's opinion. Deep inside, his intincts tells him that there is more into it.

It was strange however that it was acting up in this situation though.

"Nagisa-san!" Ai then approached him as she cradled the boy—Aqua—in her arms as she showed a look clearly stating 'please accept'. "As thanks, would you mind if I serve you breakfast...? It seemed you haven't taken one... right? Or maybe a light snack if you have eaten breakfast already!"

The way she said it would make most men of her age agree with no hesitation. Nagisa would reject her offer since he just had his breakfast a few minutes prior. Moreover, he still wonders if this woman was alright because of what just happened earlier would usually make someone be reluctant on inviting a man, much less a stranger, inside their home.

As far as Nagisa could see, her emotions was running erratic on the inside. Yet, her expression on the outside looks more like happy and composed. Nagisa could easily conclude that Ai Hoshino has good control of her expressions, yes, like that of a mask. He could compliment her on that, but still, due to those erratic emotions that is being kept suppressed indefinitely, that resulted her on making reckless or careless decisions just like this. At this regard, Nagisa simply narrowed his eyes for a split moment.

For several more reasons, he would've refused her invitation.

Yet, Nagisa didn't. After a few seconds of pondering, Nagisa concluded inside his mind to accept the invitation.

Why?

The reason was simple.

"If you wouldn't mind my intrusion, then I'll gladly take the offer then, Hoshino-san."

Piecing bits by bits.

Nagisa had a small realization.

It might be a hit or bust, but there is no harm to try and check it out.

'So its you, huh?'

Nagisa could just have possibly found his target.

X-x-X-x-X

Several minutes later, Ai was in the kitchen preparing the food while humming. On the outside, this might look like a happy young woman doing her task. Yes, that would be the case if not for the complicated feelings swirling within the said woman.

'This is bad, bad, bad, bad! Sooo bad!'

Hoshino Ai was currently groaning as she was experiencing a internal turmoil inside her head.

Why?

To give a brief summary, she just invited a stranger, no, that would be a rude name to call her...erm, savior? Wasn't it? Simply put, she just invited Nagisa-san in her home.

So, what's so bad about it?

What's the bad thing about it?

Several! And while she has good reasons, she could see the flaws and demerits weighing more to the benefits!

Ai only realized this when she finally gained composure and Ruby landing her gaze to the said stranger—Nagisa-san—who was sitting in the dining room while taking a sip of his coffee. Aqua and Ruby seated on the opposite end of the table with the latter giving a light but almost accusing glare at the bluenette.

"Ruby, stop that. It's rude," Aqua chided his twin as she took a spoonful of food on his mouth.

"Hmph..." Ruby turned her head away in response.

Nagisa didn't feel anything negative about Ruby's treatment towards him. He could somehow get why Ruby was acting like that towards him. For her, Nagisa was a stranger who brought a dangerous stranger alongside him inside their home. The actions of a child are often influenced by emotions and the lack of experience in life.

That's why Nagisa could at least understand Ruby's stance in this matter.

Ai made eye contact with Nagisa conveying a phrase stating, "Sorry for that..." which Nagisa responded with a nod and a carefree smile.

Several Minutes prior...

"Mama? Aqua? Who is this guy...?"

It was an innocent question coming from a toddler. It might come off as rude by the way Ruby said it, but for a child, this might be relatively normal. It's not like she meant anything bad about it.

However, Nagisa didn't miss the stare she was giving him, and he started back with a smile as h

"Hello there—"

"Mama, I don't like this guy..." Ruby mumbled loud enough for everyone to hear.

"Ugh-!"

Nagisa felt a phantom pain shot up in his body when he heard the words of Ruby.

Did he do something that would warrant such reaction from a child?

Nagisa doesn't know, and he really didn't particularly do anything wrong.

Well... maybe except bringing a guy tied up in ropes with a tape sealing his mouth. That would warrant suspicions and wariness from another party, specially to a child, at the very least.

"Ruby!"

Ai, still holding Aqua in her arms ran and hugged Ruby in return. Eyeing her with confusion, Ruby can't help but speak out with worry in her voice. "Mama, are you alright?"

Ai let out a breather of relief as she hugged both of her children in her arms.

"H-Hello again," Nagisa waved his hand once more towards Ruby with a weak smile this time. Her earlier words towards him still hurt quite a bit. Not in a physical way of course.

But the point still stands!

"Uhm, Nagisa-san here is... like a hero! Yes! He just saved Mama from a bad guy!" She cheerfully explained.

"Eh?! Are you hurt?!" Ruby then scrammed off her clutches and tried to see if she has any visible wounds or injuries whatsover.

To think that Ruby would act so mature like Aqua at times like this brought elation in her chest. She then shook her head as she temporarily dispelled those thoughts for there are more pressing matters to do.

"M-Mama is really not hurt?" Ruby's eyes were slowly being flooded with tears. Ai could only smile warmly at the affection she was receiving.

Ah. Really. This is not fake at all. This is genuine. This budding feeling that she could feel inside her chest towards her children. It was there all along.

To think that a possible death scenario was all it took to realize it. Ai doesn't know whether she should laugh or lament at that fact.

"Ruby, Ai is okay," This time, Aqua who has been silent all the time spoke up as she comforted his twin with a pat on the head.

Ai looked at her twin little stars with fondness as her thoughts suddenly drifted away for a split second. She already cooked breakfast. However, the dishes she made was only made to accommodate three individuals.

"M-Mama?"

Ruby then perked up as she rubbed the tears of her eyes.

"What is it, Ruby?"

"That other guy in black..."

Pointing her finger, Ruby narrowed her gaze at the sight of the tied mind just right behind Nagisa. Nagisa awkwardly shifted his gaze with a weak laugh.

Ruby gave him a hard stare before getting back to the guy in black.

"That is a bad guy that tried to hurt Mama. Don't come near him okay? The police will soon come and pick the bad guy up," Ai carefully explained to Ruby who soon glared at the said man.

"You shouldn't make such expression you know, Ruby."

"But Mama!" Ruby tried to protest only to be hugged tighter in response. She could feel her mother's chest pounding quickly. She was not alright at all, she was scared. That much is what Ruby could surmise.

Ai was just showing a tough front.

All for the sake of not worrying her and Aqua.

"Tut tut! No means no!" Ai said with a laugh. "Everything is okay!" That was a lie. Everything wasn't exactly okay. No matter how many times she repeats it. "I'm not hurt all thanks to Nagisa-san here."

"R-Really?"

"Really! That's why Aqua and Ruby should go head first to the dining room and eat breakfast. Let's start the morning with a healthy meal, shall we?" Ai suggested and the twins could only nod in acceptance.

The twins seemingly had a silent agreement when the two locked gazes. Nagisa caught up to this and was surprised. These two might have... talent, well, anyway.

Nagisa merely observed them. He didn't have the guts to bother these kinds of intimate moments with family. It was something that he only experienced late in his youth.

Now he wonders if his parents were doing well. He hasn't met them for a while now. Maybe he should at least pay a visit.

Seeing the two head for the dining room, Nagisa spoke up, "Quite mature for being kids of their age, aren't they?"

Nagisa then let out a brief chuckle which also made Ai do the same.

Almost smug, Ai crossed her arms under her chest as she deliberately delivered her next words with a laugh. "I know right! They're both my pride and joy in life!"

"Must've been because of the good mother who raised them," Nagisa clamly added.

"Thanks—ah..."

At those words, Ai felt her body stiffen.

"Hm? Is there something wrong with what I said? Ai-san?"

"No no... there's nothing bad at all, Nagisa-san..." her voice slowly lost its cheerfulness as silent panic soon took over.

Spilled water can't be recovered fully once it fell to the ground.

Just like secrets.

And her deepest secret was just revealed just like that. No, it was evident right at the very moment Nagisa-san stepped in her home. The picture frame. Ruby calling her Mama. She couldn't blame them, and she would never at all.

But still, to think that the suprises this day would be this extreme one after another.

At that point she knew, she screwed up.

Present.

"Hoshino Ai-san," Nagisa then looked at Ai who prompted her children a few seconds ago to go to the bedroom first after finishing breakfast to prepare their clothes for later. He heard her say that there is something that she needs to discuss with him.

"Yes, Nagisa-san?"

"I think I overstayed more than I should've here," Nagisa said. Shifting his gaze at the window and gazed down below. He could see several police vehicles down below. "It's time for me to take my leave, I appreciate the breakfast though, you really didn't need to make it just for me."

It was positive.

Hoshino Ai was his target.

Based on the information he got from Karasuma-sensei last night, his mission wasn't supposed to be an assasination. It was a guard/escort mission whereas he would observe and protect his target from the shadows. The information he got was limited at best, but Karasuma-sensei told him that the target was a woman who Karasuma-sensei's friend treats as a foster daughter. His friend was worried of the possibilities that might occur because the said woman was somewhat famous, and they sighted some individuals that could be counted as stalkers on several occasions.

It was supposed to be a false request though given that they were at a drinking party at a reunion. It was supposed to be a jest of his friend knowing that Karasuma-sensei has a high position in the military and requested a secret escort of some sorts.

Nagisa laughed at the thought of Karasuma-sensei drunk accepting a request like that.

Well, he gave a shot and Karasuma-sensei accepted, and he never backs down on his word. Whether he was drunk at that time or not when he accepted that request of his friend, that was in the past and Nagisa was here now.

This was also a good choice of break anyway. And it seems that Karasuma-sensei was bit serious about this as well.

Nagisa still couldn't get why Karasuma-sensei suppressed the information about his target though.

That was something to take note off.

"I'll be taking this guy as well outside. The police also arrived a few seconds ago. They're probably on their way here. I'll handle the interrogation for you. After all, you still need to tend for your twins, don't you?"

"I-It is okay, Nagisa-san. That's all I could do as thanks," she meekly bowed her head slightly as she smiled. Suddenly, her eyes sparkled, though Nagisa only took it as a product of the light in the room. "Say, have you ever gone to a dome concert?"

A question out of the blue.

'Dome concert huh?'

He hasn't ever gone to a dome concert. He doesn't have the time nor purpose to even do so.

"No, not really. I've been busy in work most of the time. Besides, the thought of going into one never did pass on my mind unfortunately. Why do you ask?"

She was an Idol. A profession of young people that pursue to spread their popularity, expand their talents, and entertain a lot of people. They're mostly singers, but some eventually become actors or models. And of course, they have to learn how to dance. Many companies market their idols on their ability to sell dreams.

Nagisa did a simple browsing in a short amount of time in the internet. While the internet might not all be the most reliable source of the time. There were undoubtedly facts being shown from it, specially to the things that are in trend in the...'open' world.

Besides, he swears that he had heard her name before in one of those commercials in TV. There's also her face who he could recognize from several billboards around Tokyo. That would explain why she looked somewhat familiar the moment his eyes laid upon her.

Hoshino Ai was famous to say at least.

A budding star in the entertainment industry slowly garnering fans all over the country with her captivating performance in stage. That's what he got from a little browsing in the internet for that small time.

"Is that so?" Ai showed a look of surprise as she donned a sad expression that vanished in a split second. "Then, if you could attend one right here and right now, would you do it?"

"'Right here and right now', you say? Are you an idol perhaps, Ai-san?"

"Maybe? Maybe not?" She gave him a teasing look. "So, your answer, Nagisa-san?"

'What's the harm anyway?'

"I wouldn't mind really."

That answer brightened Ai's expression significantly. Regaining her fervor, she quickly took something out of her pocket. It looked like a ticket.

A concert ticket to be exact. It was given to her by the President if she perhaps want to invite a friend (if she ever has one who was close enough) for a VIP seat.

"Ah! If that's the case-!"

Before she could finish however...

"Ai! Are you okay!?"

...a shout came out from the locked door and Ai immediately recognized who the owner of the voice was.

It was none other than President Saitou.

AN: Finally wrapped this one up. Felt kind of bummed lately cuz of the ongoing stuff that I am working with for the past few weeks, so here's the chapter guys!

Kinda seemed a bit OOC about Nagisa and Ai's dialogue, well, Nagisa has been toughened by time and experience in the profession of being an Assasin, so that would explain some of his thoughts that might seem OOC. About Ai, it has been revealed in the manga, or to be more specific, from the first volume of the manga that Ai has already been harboring those dark thoughts from within, though it is mostly suppressed. Be sure to give your feedbacks!

Review, Follow, and Favorite! Thanks for reading!

Next Update: Foreign Blacksmith of the Abyssal Seas