A Viper's Star

Prologue I: From the Star's Eyes

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

Summary: In two opposite worlds, where one was 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]

Hoshino Ai.

A top notch idol.

A magnificent liar.

A single mom to her twin little stars.

Hoshino Ai could sum up her present life revolving around these phrases. Being an idol was something that she wouldn't have thought of if not for that meeting with President Saitou. Hoshino Ai at that time was in her... troublesome state, is how she would put it. Or in other words, she was just in the time where teenage stuff happens.

President Saitou at the time was nothing but your typical scout from some small idol company.

Ai doesn't know what President Saitou had seen from her that made him decide that she was suitable to be an idol.

Her looks? Perhaps.

But that's just... it. As much as Ai would like to admit it, she was definitely a beauty. However, that is all she could think off that made her qualify to be an idol in her opinion. She lacks the skill to dance, sing, act, or convey love which is crucial for being an idol.

"I have no memory of being loved or loving someone. A person like that isn't suitable to be an idol."

And so, she rejected his offer of being an idol. She even told him a small part of her life in attempt to scare this man away from even seeing her as a prospect idol.

About her growing up with a single mother that abused and hurt her until her mother was arrested from theft.

About her growing up in an orphanage for several years.

About her being abandoned by her mother after she was released from prison.

About her brewing hate for other people due to how lucky they are in life.

Hoshino Ai could only face president Saitou with a blank eyes signifying that it was futile.

The image Ai has of an idol is that of a pure existence who brings joy to others by scattering smiles. It's the opposite of someone like her, who spits out lies and hates people. Ai believed from the bottom of her heart that she wasn't just cut out for being an idol.

Ai knew that she wouldn't be able love her fans, and that would be the same for her to her fans, they probably wouldn't love her as well.

"That's perfectly fine with me, you know?"

That's the answer Ai wasn't expecting.

"Besides, this job isn't meant for normal people anyways. And your past gives you more character."

Ai was flustered. She really didn't expect him to even push harder with his offer of her being an idol. She even went as far as explaining to him that everything would just be a lie, it wouldn't be sincere, because an idol say that they love everyone! There's nothing worthy behind those words if she were the one to say those words!

It would tarnish the pure meaning of that statement!

"It's fine even if it's a lie."

And once more, President Saitou managed to dash every expectations that she made. Seeing her shocked expression, President Saitou merely chuckled as if he was amused by her reaction.

"Or rather, the audience is looking for a pretty lie. Being able to lie is also a talent, you know? That's why I think it's more than fine. Come on."

At that moment, as if a spark ignited within her, Ai asked, her voice tinted with hope deep within.

"Is it really okay? Even if it is a lie, is it okay for me to say 'I love you'?"

"You say all these things, but in truth, don't you also want to love someone?" President Saitou gave a knowing grin, as if he was just giving advice to his daughter. "You just don't know how to. You don't know how to love."

Precisely. Her silence itself was taken as a matter of approval by the idol scout before her.

"If you just sing and dance cutely, that's already showing love to your fans. If you become an idol, words like 'I love you' will come up in lyrics of your songs countless times."

"..."

Moving his hand now, he pointed his finger on her.

"Plus, if you keep saying I love you to everyone, maybe that line will turn into the truth someday."

Ah. That's it. Hoshino Ai finally found it. As if she reached an enlightenment, her eyes sparkled in realization.

A lie turning into the truth.

At that very moment, Hoshino Ai embraced the fact that she, as lacking as she may be, could definitely be an idol through that weapon.

Lies.

Of course, Hoshino Ai knew that those lies of hers might come back at her and stab her like a knife in the future. But what could she do? She doesn't know how to convey this genuine affection of love, which Idols certainly delivers through their performances and to their fans.

Suffice to say, Hoshino Ai doesn't know the concept of love.

Many other people don't know the concept of it actually.

It's fake.

However...

"Lies are an exceptional form of love!"

That's what she always said to herself. As if a mantra, she continued to chant this in her mind, hoping that those lies would turn out to be something genuine.

Lies and truths.

Fake and genuine.

Hoshino Ai, while she may not be that exceptional in academic field or she is a klutzy yet adorable type of gal, knew that these words contradict each other.

Just like what the President said, lies can turn into truths. She would always be grateful to him. He was a like a father that she never had. Even if they were not related by blood nor even had any connection whatsoever, Hoshino Ai would proudly declare him to be her best foster father that she could ever had, much as to President Saitou's embarrassment.

It would be amusing if she were to really declare that someday.

Telling lie after lie until it turns into truth. Hoshino Ai believes that something fake can transform into something genuine! As long as somebody puts in the effort, executes it at the perfect time, and apply it at the correct situation.

Even if it is just a small chance.

As long as it exists.

Just like catching a glimpse of a shooting star.

Hoshino Ai would definitely take that chance, even if she knows that she will one day pay the price of it.

/

Present Day

Hoshino Ai just got up this morning. She dreamt of the past, the reason she wanted to be an idol. Looking at the clock, she yawned. It was still too early and she would prefer to sleep if she could, but that option wouldn't be feasible for now.

She has a lot of things to do!

She was finally 20, a full fledged adult already. It's been several years since that day she accepted the president's offer to be an idol. And with age comes with lots and lots of responsibilities!

Even now, thinking about it, she still wanted to genuinely love someone. She still wanted something to genuine love. This wish of hers when she took on this profession was still clear within her.

"I thought that I would be able to love my fans if I become an idol."

Ai gave a faint chuckle at the thought. It made her somewhat surprised however. It's been a while since she had dreamt of the past. Is this day perhaps special? Oh, right, it sure is! The dome concert! Of course it is special!

"...hm..."

She wanted to say I love you from the heart, a pure, unadulterated, and genuine statement. She really wanted to say it badly. So, she kept lying, saying "I love you all".

"Aqua... Ruby..." She then glanced at her twin little stars on her side, still on dreamland with peaceful looks on their cute faces. "Good morning."

Back then, there was this silky thought. If she became a mother, she should be able to love her kids, probably. Following her heart, at that night with that man, they did the deed. It was probably something that was born out of curiosity that all led up to this point with her taking care of her twin little stars.

And she doesn't regret it.

Aqua and Ruby are blessings that she wouldn't exchange for anything in life.

"I... I still haven't said 'I love you' to my kids..." Ai grimly thought to herself as she donned a sad expression.

There was this fear inside her. If she does say 'I love you' to her kids, she might realize that she was just throwing around those words... and that thought scares her more than anything.

So she will lie again, just like usual. Until those lies become the truth. She will continue to do so.

"Yosh!" She then closed her eyes as she lightly slapped both of her cheeks with her hands to alleviate any drowsiness she was currently feeling. "Time to face a new day once more!"

First, she had done light stretches and did her usual exercise routine every morning that lasted for 15 minutes. She then proceeded to the bathroom as she took a short shower. She then dressed up with her favorite dress plus apron combo for today!

"Oh, now that I remember it, a new neighbor will move today, wasn't it? Wait, was it today?" Ai held her chin as she tries to remember what President Saitou said.

Ah!

Yes, the new neighbor! President Saitou said that the new neighbor's shipments have moved in last night to the next door. Moreover, President told her to be at ease because it was his friend's student! The president also said that this person could be trusted and reminded her to visit him at least occasionally for some talk if she has the time to spare.

Quite an odd request coming from her protective foster father.

President Saitou wasn't the type of person to mix personal stuff from job stuff if somebody were to ask Ai. Of course, she and her twins were an exception to that rule! He was basically family to her while being her boss at the same time. That's why Ai was surprised of the request of the president.

It's nothing to worry about...right?

"President Saitou's friend's student huh?" Ai mumbled as she prepared breakfast for this morning. It was a mouthful saying those actually. "I wonder if that student knows me, or if he is a fan perhaps?"

Maybe she could give him a ticket to the dome concert as part of her greetings to him? President Saitou wouldn't probably mind. Maybe President Saitou had the same idea already!

Ai wouldn't mind having a fan to the next door actually... is what she would like to say if that student actually knows that Ai has kids. It was a top secret after all. Classified! Only limited people that she could count within her two hands knew Aqua and Ruby.

For the president to actually relay that secret to his friend, and by extension, to its student, was highly a risk in Ai's opinion. Moreover, President Saitou haven't said anything regarding the fact of the new tenant moving to the next door today knew about it!

"..."

Or maybe, she was just overthinking about it.

"I should call the president..." Ai said as she held her chin. A second later, she then shrugged. "Or maybe later."

With that said, Ai had fully set up the table. Time for breakfast and to wake up her children. With swift steps, as Ai calls it, she quickly walked to the bedroom where they were, only to see that her two little stars were already awake and ready to go for the day!

"Oh? Aqua, Ruby! Finally awake?" Ai greeted them gently as she opened the door with a delighted look on her face.

"Good morning, mama~..." Ruby first greeted her with a yawn still lying on the bed and refusing to get up.

Adorable! Cute! Ai would've squealed if not for the fact that she still has this dignity of a mother to be preserved... she's not joking, really. That's just Ruby's inner power! Right!

"Good morning, Ai," Aqua then chimed in as he changed his shirt.

Seriously, this son of hers was just that mature in his age. Ai couldn't even know where he had learnt all those things while she wasn't looking. His demeanor, mannerisms, and speech makes him look like a college graduate or a scholar.

Hmph! Even though she was proud that Aqua is a prodigy/genius, there was this little part of her yearning for Aqua's childishness that she could only rarely see nowadays. Really, his handsome and cool Aqua is too smart for his own good!

"I wonder how many girls will fall head over heels for him in the future! Kyaaa~! I wish I would be there to see him in action!" Ai squealed internally as she clapped her hands.

Ding Dong!

If not for the doorbell ringing which immediately brought her attention.

"Eh? The new neighbor perhaps? Quite early, aren't they? Or maybe the president?" Ai said as she turned her head to the door. "Coming~!"

Ai then saw Aqua and Ruby shift their attention to the word 'neighbor'. Are they excited to meet new people as well? This made Ai more energetic seeing the curious expressions of her children at the door.

A few seconds later, Ai soon reached the door and opened it.

"Good... eh?" Ai was about to convey her greetings, only to stop on her tracks as her eyes widened in shock at the scene before her.

"Oh, good morning as well, miss!" The boy greeted with a refreshed smile on his face.

She would've returned the greeting if not for this boy sitting on a collapsed man in a hoody. She could tell that the man was out cold seeing that he wasn't particularly responding and he had this look of shock in his face. There was also a bouquet of white flowers — white roses to be exact lying on the ground.

"Ah, don't mind this... no, you do need this since this concerns you." The boy corrected himself with a cough. "Anyways, I'm your new neighbor from the next door, I just saw this man standing on your doorstep, with this you see."

The boy then took out a knife from a bouquet of white roses, much to her bewilderment. "As you can see, knives are definitely harmful, and seeing this guy concealing it in front of your doorstep with a... concerning expression, you know? If I were a little bit late, something terrible might've happened."

Ai at least managed to respond as the feeling of dread washed upon her. "A-Ah, is that so...?"

"Did that person have the intention to kill me...?" Ai thought as she shivered. "If not for this boy... would I have died?"

Just the thought of it made Ai step back in fear.

"Yep." The boy answered plainly, as if it was a everyday occurrence to him. This time, she finally got a good look at him. "Better call the authorities right now miss, or perhaps any of your relatives as well."

Blue hair and azure eyes, just like the clear blue skies. His face was handsome...? Or was it pretty? If you were to ask Ai, she would've mistaken him for a girl if not for the fact that he was wearing a suit for males. His hair was longer compared to other men, and it was tied in a long ponytail.

Moreover, those eyes. She could swear that she saw people that held the same look before. If hers was like that of a star, metaphorically speaking of course, that is meant to attract people with its deceptiveness or so, the boy's eyes were like that of a predator's.

It was sizing her up, just like a prey. If she were to observe longer and take a deeper look at these eyes of the boy, it was no doubt that his eyes resembles that of a snake.

Calculating and sharp.

However, this time, Ai could undoubtedly say that he was different. His was more... dangerous just as it was as alluring in her opinion.

"Ah, I haven't introduced myself, haven't I?" The boy said in realization, and that look of his just vanished like it was never there to begin with. This snapped Ai out of her daze as she flinched as he then dusted himself as he stood up and held out his hand.

"Good morning, my name's Shiota Nagisa. If possible, I would prefer if you can just call me Nagisa for short."

Instinctively, Ai reached out her hand in return and connected with this boy named Nagisa.

"A pleasure... my name is... Hoshino Ai, you can call me Ai..."

And so, two distinct individuals that belong to different sides on their respective worlds met each other in this fateful day.

AN: Experimental Fic. Review, Follow, and Favorite for more.

Edit 1: Fixed and added some phrases.