Second Mother

(Third POV)

A few minutes after Ellie left, Aikara was sitting down on the same spot as he did a while ago, all alone as the staff and Ruby already left, and he was lost in his own thoughts that he didn't even notice Gotanda was in front of him until a rolled up script hit him lightly in the head.

"Ouch." Aikara said as he crouched down and rubbed his head.

"Hey Actor Baby, you seem absentminded. Did something happen?" Gotanda asked with a slightly concerned expression, and Aikara stood up energetically as rubbed the back of his head while laughing.

"Hahaha." He laughed, his tone nochalant. "You noticed? Wow, I guess I wasn't as sneaky as I thought!" He said with a wide smile.

Gotanda ignored his comment "So, did something happen?" He asked, since Aikara didn't actually answer his question.

"Yeah, I'm fine, I was just thinking of something." he said before he adopted a teasing expression on his face as he fake gasped "Don't tell me, are you actually worried for me?"

"Haah" Gotanda sighed at Aikara's teasing, completely used to it by now "I was in the wrong for worrying about you." he began "If you can tease like that, then I'm sure you're fine."

"Hee-hee." Aikara giggled, his bright eyes sparkling mischievously as he swayed side to side, unable to contain his contagious joy. He tilted his head with an innocent grin "Oh, director, you worry too much! You know me, always full of surprises!" His voice was filled with a playful charm.

"That's good to know." Gotanda said, and his tone became serious as he looked at Aikara with a serious expression. "We'll start your scene soon, so you should start getting ready."

Aikara's expression also turned serious as he nodded his head "Sure thing! I'll go to Mama and inform her!" He said as he launched himself out of the chair and started skipping to Miyako while humming a tune.

Watching Aikara's back disappear from his view, Gotanda sighed once more as he went back to the filming loaction.

"We're about to begin!" Gotanda yelled, prompting the crew to respond with nods as they increased their activity levels with renewed energy.

____

(Third POV)

Unlike Aqua, who only appears one time in the story, Aikara is a recurring character with multiple scenes to film.

To explain his role in the film, he will portray the son of the individual responsible for the series of accidents that tarnished the hospital's reputation, essentially serving as the story's antagonist.

This person happens to be the ghost of a woman who, similar to the protagonist, left her family because she felt inadequate about her appearance, ultimately abandoning both Aikara and his father.

Overwhelmed by sorrow, Aikara's father immersed himself in his work, which eventually led to his demise due to excessive exertion.

As a result, the young Aikara finds himself residing alone in the family home, as he has no remaining relatives to look after him.

Although this setup may seem unrealistic, it's a movie at the end of they day, and it's primary focus is to evoke emotional responses from the audience.

Contrary to his seemingly impressive background, he didn't hold much significance. He served primarily as a means for the ghost to find closure and depart from the world, unburdened by regrets. As a result, he only appears briefly in a few scenes, most of which hold little importance. However, there is one scene that stands out from the rest, but that was for tommorow. So, for now, they will focus on shooting the multiple scenes.

"Action!" Gotanda exclaimed as the film began to roll, while the lighting and microphones were skillfully positioned for optimal effect.

Aikara stepped into the spotlight, and everyone in the crew was instantly captivated by his presence. Although the scene he was performing seemed simple—just fetching water from a well—every move he made held an undeniable charm. The way his eyes subtly glanced downward, the graceful sway of his body, and the effortless charm he exuded all blended together seamlessly, making his character come to life. As a result, the audience was spellbound, drawn into his magnetic aura, and even the most ordinary scenes became something truly extraordinary.

Gotanda couldn't contain the overwhelming surge of emotions welling up inside him. A wide grin spread across his face as he looked at the amazed crew surrounding him. Having witnessed Aikara's incredible acting skills before, Gotanda knew the impact it would have on the world of cinema.

Today was the very first time Aikara's extraordinary talent would be revealed to the world, and the knowledge that this future star's debut film is his fills him with an immense amount of pride.

_____

(Aikara POV)

As I sat in the car alongside Aqua, Miyako, and Ruby, I gazed out of the window, captivated by the twinkling stars above.

It had been quite an eventful day, honestly. I never anticipated Ellie's unexpected approach, and to be frank, I wasn't keen on meeting her. My aim was to distance myself from my past and move forward, as encounters with her only served to resurface old memories.

Merely catching a glimpse of her from a distance would have sufficed. If she seemed content and well, I could have found solace and continued my own journey.

However, her vacant eyes told a different story; clear indicators that she wasn't okay. Deep down, I felt determined to uncover the cause behind her gaze and offer my assistance. Because, although I'm just a bystander in her life as Aikara Hoshino, when all is said and done, my true identity, my essence, lies in Noah Anderson. And as Noah Anderson, Ellie was the only person I ever considered as my sister in that particular chapter of my existence.

All of a sudden, Miyako interrupted my train of thought. "Aikra, Aqua, we've arrived home. Please wake Ruby up," she exclaimed, prompting Aqua to acknowledge her instructions with a nod. He glanced at me briefly, as if reminding me to carry out the task, before opening the car door and stepping out.

I gently shook Ruby awake as she lay slumbering on my shoulder, her mouth releasing a trickle of drool. "Hey, Ruby! Wakey-wakey! We're home now," I whispered softly, my voice filled with excitement

Gradually, her eyes fluttered open, and she took a moment to orient herself, recognizing our familiar apartment. A radiant smile illuminated her face as the realization dawned upon her that she was finally back where she belonged.

"I can finally see Mama!" she exclaimed with excitement, rushing out of the car and sprinting towards our apartment.

Just as she was about to disappear through the doorway, she abruptly turned back to face me, a grin plastered on her face, and raised her hand in farewell. "Thanks for waking me up, Aka nii-chan!" she called out one last time before vanishing inside.

Now that Miyako and I were the only ones remaining, I made the decision to wait until she finished turning off the car and accompanying her back. It seemed like a matter of common courtesy, and truth be told, I was beginning to warm up to Miyako.

She was quite different from the Miyako I knew in the past, and I couldn't help but notice that she had started to view us as her own children and genuinely care for us. While Aqua and Ruby seemed oblivious to this due to their infatuation with Ai. I, on the other hand, was able to perceive it because I've always been sensitive to the love and emotions of others. What can you expect from someone who spent 10 years acting and carefully looking at other people's emotion just to receive love.

And because of that, I began to see her as a sort of second mother figure to me. I know it may seem selfish to desire more when I already have one, but I've always been a greedy man who yearns for more. And if it's considered wrong to crave love and affection, then I'd rather be not right.

As soon as Miyako turned off the car engine, she hopped out, and I followed suit. As I descended, I caught Miyako staring at me in surprise.

"You're still here, Aikara?" she uttered, seemingly in disbelief. Did she think I had already left her just to be with Ai? I'm not as obsessed as Ruby and Aqua when it comes to Ai. And while I do love Ai wholeheartedly, it doesn't mean I'll neglect my other relationships, and forget the kindness and love others show me.

"Yup!" I exclaimed, my smile widening. "I waited for you to finish so we could walk back together," I added, leaning in with a mischievous grin. "Why do you ask? Don't want me around?" I gazed at her, awaiting her response. She let out a sigh, rubbing her face.

"You're just like your mother, always teasing," she remarked, a faint smile playing on her lips. Then, she extended her hand towards me. "Let's go."

Even though our apartment was nearby, she still held out her hand. Was it an unconscious gesture or a deliberate one? Either way, it was incredibly sweet, reminding me why I came to consider her as my second mother.

Returning her smile, I reached out and gently took hold of her hand. "Sure thing, Mom!" I exclaimed, causing her to look startled and quickly withdraw her hand.

She appeared deep in thought, remaining silent for a few moments, which made me question if I had spoken too soon and made a mistake. However, my worries proved to be unfounded as she turned back to me and reached for my hand once more.

Blushing slightly, she nervously scratched her cheek with her finger, avoiding direct eye contact as she softly mumbled, "Okay, my son."

With those words, we walked together into the apartment, hand in hand.

___

A.N

A slight filler before we move quickly at a fast pace.

And I dedicate this chapter to the most underrated character in the series, Miyako.

She changed so much from that person who only married a director to meet hot actors to a loving woman who sees the kids as her own.

Yet, I never the twins reciprocate that love for her.(You can make an argument for Ruby. But, I'm sure Aqua never loved her as a mother.)

That's all