Ever since the beginning Saitou Ichigo knew…
Saitou Ichigo loved idols. Rather he loved the idea of idols, men and women who give their all so that they may spread happiness to others. He loved the idea so much, he formed a meager production company using the talent that he scouted from his middle school modeling agency.
President Saitou also had a problem. A problem named Hikigaya Hachiman. An innocuous name of a 3rd year middle schooler, and it was a name that meant very little to him.
But it mattered a lot to Hoshino Ai, meaning it mattered to Saitou.
Ai's voice rang through his head, "I won't forget him. I don't think it's possible for me." The way her normally fake smile shined so brightly, "Hikigaya Hachiman." Saitou's gaze bore down into Hachiman.
Hikigaya Hachiman sat in the car, beside him. Saitou couldn't help but analyze the young man. Hikigaya had sharp features, a good facial structure marred by a set of dull and deadened eyes. His tall, lanky frame was hidden by slouched posture. His hands remained in his pockets and a certain moroseness pervaded every action he took. With the right outfit and a good pair of glasses, Hikigaya would make a decent model.
If Ai were a normal girl, he could see why she'd want to interact with Hikigaya.
But Ai was not a normal girl.
Therefore, Hikigaya Hachiman was not a normal boy.
"Hikigaya Hachiman. Do you know why you're here?"
Hikigaya's dour face transformed into a deadpan, "Oh my, am I being scouted to become an idol? I knew my cute and charming personality would captivate you! Ah~ I can't wait to inform my sister- or something like that."
Saitou snorted. Who knew the kid could be funny? "Of course! A dancer like you will surely bring Strawberry Productions into new heights!"
Hikigaya stiffened slightly in surprise, before shooting a piercing glare at Saitou. "... As expected from a professional. How terrifying, I attended some dance classes for a few years, what gave it away?"
"It was the way you walked to the car, light steps and a solid center of gravity despite your slouched posture. With dance training your gait will change without you realizing it- you can see it with the girls in my company. Everyone carries themselves differently due to their experiences, people with certain backgrounds will typically act similarly. But you didn't answer my question, do you know why you're here?"
"It's because of Ai, isn't it? You made that perfectly clear when you coerced me into your car."
"Obviously, but specifically why are you here?"
Hikigaya glowered, "You wanted to talk to me. It's not a 'stay away from her' conversation, otherwise I would be grilled by a lawyer right now. Instead you brought me from school to a car. Tonight is supposedly rehearsal time for B-Komachi, at least according to Ai. So you must be bringing me to the production studio, for what exactly- I don't know."
"You're a sharp kid. What do you think about Ai?"
"She's an annoying pest who won't leave me alone."
"So you say. But I know Ai, and I know that she would immediately leave you alone if you truly wanted her gone."
"..."
Saitou handed Hikigaya a lanyard with a guest badge, "Put this on, you'll be watching B-Komachi and the other trainees with me. It'll be a short practice tonight, just an hour for singing and two hours for dancing."
"I can't possibly stay-"
"You're already in the car. Besides, if you stay the entire time I will personally pay for your dinner."
"Fine, but you're also paying for a to-go meal for my sister."
"You trying to bankrupt me kid? Gah, I'll do it."
Hikigaya smirked as he stared out the passenger side window. A silence formed as the pair traveled through Chiba.
"What do you really think about her? Be honest."
Hikigaya still stared out the window, "Are you sure you want me to be honest?"
"I do."
It was a long shot, but talent could be found anywhere. Even in a back country orphanage, one might be able to find a budding sprout that can bloom. At least, that's what Saitou Ichigo believed as he dragged his wife, Miyako, along his journey. He wasn't proven right, all of the kids at the orphanage were cute but they all lacked that "Killer-idol" charm that he was searching for. Well, all except for one girl, brooding alone in the corner. Saitou's gut told him that there was something special about her. Something worth gambling on.
"That girl? Ah, you mean Ai-chan? Poor thing, she's been with us for over four years now just waiting for her mom to come pick her up."
"Her mom is still alive?"
The matron sighed, "Her mother was arrested for theft. Since she was a single mother, Ai was sent to live with us until she was released. That was supposed to be three years ago."
Saitou swallowed, "I see, may I speak with her?"
"Of course! If you're looking to adopt her please introduce yourself, hopefully you and your wife can give her a better life than what's here." The matron called, "Ai-chan, would you please come here for a moment. I have someone who would love to meet you."
Saitou, Miyako and Ai were shuffled into a nearby private room.
Ai warily stared at Saitou, "Who're you?"
Ichigo laughed, "Shouldn't you introduce yourself first, before asking someone who they are?"
"Don't care. Who're you?"
"You've got spunk kid, I'll give you that. I'm Saitou Ichigo, and this is my wife Miyako."
Ai tilted her head, "Why're you here?"
"We're looking to ad-"
"Don't give me that crap, no one would want to go out to the country to adopt some random kids. Are you guys some kind of perverts? Why're you here?"
"Sharp tongue too huh?" Saitou's eyes honed in on Ai's darkened eyes, "I'm here to scout for future idols. And I think that I'm looking at my newest one."
"Not interested."
He raised an eyebrow, "Do you think you can't do it?"
Ai nodded, "Yup. I don't think I can."
"And why not?"
"An idol, that's the kind of person that everybody loves and loves everybody right?"
"In a sense, yes."
"Then I can't do it. I'm not a person that can be loved or can give love."
Saitou's eyes hardened, "Is that what you think?"
Ai's sullen eyes stared back, "It's what I know. If my mother can't love me- then how can anyone else?"
…
"That's fine."
"What."
"If you don't feel like you can be loved- or that you can love, that's fine. You can work around that as an idol."
Ai's anger dispelled, leaving only the smallest bit of hope, "How?"
"You lie. You lie so much that you think it's the truth. When you say 'I love you' to all of the fans let it be a lie. Keep saying it until it becomes your truth."
Tears streaked down Ai's face, "I don't want it to be a lie."
"Good. That means one day it'll become your truth."
"She's a liar. She lies so desperately, so full of yearning that it's ugly. I can't help but pity her."
Hikigaya paused.
Saitou listened.
"Hoshino, she just wants to be loved and accepted. She also wants to love them back. She's honestly such an uncute girl."
Saitou cackled mirthfully, "I see why she's so interested in you."
"...Lucky me."
…all Hoshino Ai wanted was to love and be loved.
A/N
Long time no see! Cut it close on the deadline, but I delivered.
Hopefully this chapter was worth the wait. The amount of times that I rewrote this chapter gives me migraines. I originally was going to do a completely different chapter, a continuation of B-Komachi (1) from Saitou's POV. Honestly, this feels a lot better than what was originally planned.
Right here is a turning point within these glimpses, it's right before they've developed any kind of strong bond between Hachiman and Ai.
I also ran out of alcohol, so that delayed me a little. I restocked for the weekend, so after the Stanley Cup game tonight I'll plan out the next chapter. Release date is probably going to be Sunday, the 11th, maybe sooner or later depending on how exhausted I am from work.
Thank you for all of your support. Every single favorite, follow and review motivates me to continue writing. I hope y'all enjoy and have a good day/night!
