3 chapter 3

Chapter 3 – Discovery

----- Ai POV -----

Burying my face into the couch, Ichigo then sits in the armchair.

"It seems like he saw right through your schemes. But to think you were that interested in-"

"Gah! Shut up shut up shut up! I was just curious!"

Taking a deep breath, I calm down my beating heart before thinking back on the surprise encounter.

So, Cassius Anemoi, huh?

Fufufu, just you wait!

I'm gonna make you my fan, I'll make you love me!

Familiar thoughts that go through my head with every performance.

So why... does it feel so shallow?

So unsatisfying?

Interrupting my train of thought, Miyako enters the room alongside my two babies.

"Mama!"

Opening my arms, I embrace Ruby while nuzzling my cheek against hers.

"Aww, you're just the thing I need. Mommy worked so hard at practice today, you know. I need my sweet Ruby to recharge!"

Continuing to dote on my daughter, I eventually stop to hug Aqua.

"How were you two?"

"We were fine as usual, Ai. Was practice any different?"

"Hmph, you're no fun. And for your information, yes it was. Today we did-"

"Holy crap!"

The room turns to Ichigo at his exclamation, his eyes glued to the laptop in front of him.

"What is it president?"

His eyes peeking over the screen, he then turns his laptop for the rest of us to see.

"Thay guy, Cassius Anemoi. He seems to be quite popular. Just take a look."

Looking at the search results, I see a collage of images with numerous articles.

Martial arts genius?

World champion?

Sudden retirement?

Huh?

Was Cassius actually someone important?

The five of us then watch a video explaining his career.

A young prodigy to a cemented genius to a world champion.

Highlighting the actions that cemented Cassius Anemoi as a household name within the martial arts community.

While it was all impressive, and I did feel an intense wave of arousal each time it showed his bare, toned torso, dripping with sweat.

What stood out to me was his origins.

Orphaned, just like me, before finding a caregiver, like the president was for me.

But he didn't have his 'president' anymore.

He had... no one.

That settles it, I'm definitely gonna make him my fan!

What else is an idol for but to shine a light on those lost in the darkness?

"So cool! He was like 'pow' and 'bam' and then he just turned around and went 'boom'!"

"Indeed... he is something else. Who would guess that his retirement would lead him to be our neighbour? At least it seems we have some free security."

"And he has a handsome face to go along with his current fame. Not to mention his physique. And he's not even signed with anyone! Hmm, maybe Strawberry Productions should open another department?"

Oh?

"So you want to invite him to the agency, president?"

"Hmm, well, he definitely has all the right specs for a modelling gig. Hell, he might even have another talent hidden under that combat training. And best of all, he already is familiar with you, so we wouldn't be inviting much risk in that regard."

Hmm, while I did want to make him my fan, I guess I would be okay with him being a coworker too.

----- Cassius POV - 7 Hours Later -----

"Lili! What happened!?"

A paling face, blood leaking through my hands as I engulf the figure of my love with solar magic, attempting to heal the gash in her chest.

"I-I'm sorry, Cassius. Gahk!"

"Stop talking! I'll make it better, don't worry."

Blinking away my tears, I draw even more power from my being.

Why!?

Why is it not working!?

"T-They would have captured me."

Stunned, I look up to see a guilt-ridden face adorning my sweet Lili.

The way she said that... she did this herself!?

"I-I love you, Cassius. S-So much. P-Please, s-s-save..."

Her eyes lose their light as the beating of her heart ceases.

"N-No."

The only thing I love in this world. Gone.

But this is also the reason for her being taken from me.

My only weakness, the Demon of Corruption tried to use that against me, but it seems that Lili saw through its scheme.

My mind feels numb, the only thing grounding me to the world being the churning sickness at the pit of my stomach.

The rain falling, I hold onto the hand of my best friend, my liege, my love...

With her gone, what else is there to live for?

No, there is something.

After all, even after being constantly hurt by the lies and deceit, she always did hold a foolish love for her homeland.

"I promise, Lili, my love. I'll grant your wish and save your Kingdom. I'll get my revenge as well. Demon of Corruption, I swear, I will kill you!!!-"

Waking up in a cold sweat, I toss the blanket off before burying my head into my hands.

"That dream again, huh."

It seems that even after an entire year, I still haven't gotten over her.

Well, I knew everything about her, and we loved each other so...

When she died, it felt like a part of me was killed along with her.

"At least it wasn't as early this time."

Seeing the morning rays peek through the curtains, I stand up and start changing, deciding to clear my head by the best method I know.

A morning jog.

Now dressed in my newly bought workout clothes of shorts, a tank top, and running sneakers, I choose a random alternative rock playlist to play through my headphones.

To think I can take this chance to not only become more familiar with the area but also listen to the new music of this world.

Multitasking at its finest!

Locking my door, I make my way down the steps before pausing before the street to do some light stretches.

Although solar magic could heal the muscle ache, I should get used to not using my abilities in this world.

"Oh! Cassius!"

Turning to the familiar voice, I see that Ai is dressed in a jumpsuit, just tight enough to outline her magnificent figure, while her purple hair is tied into a ponytail.

Definitely an appearance befitting a celebrity.

"Hey, Ai. Are you going for a morning run?"

Crossing her arms, she looks down at my stretching figure with faux arrogance.

"Of course! An idol must have amazing stamina to succeed!"

"Hoh? I see. But isn't it bad for you to be in public like this? Can't you just get a treadmill?"

"I love getting a different view of the city. Plus, you don't have to worry about me getting recognized, I have these after all!"

She then pulls out the blue cap from when I first met her as well as a pair of sunglasses.

Seriously?

Are people here that stupid?

Well, I guess that the most engaging part of her is her eyes, and with her hair like that and not wearing the usual frilly dresses.

Meh, it gets a pass.

"Well, do you want to join me on my jog? I'm still new to the area after all."

Her smile widens as her cheeks flush, her head nodding in excitement.

"Leave it to me! I'll show you the best spots around town!"

----- 20 Minutes Later -----

"Fuu, haa, haha! Your stamina is insane!"

Looking at the sweat-drenched Ai, I feel my cheeks begin to lightly flush before I look away.

Dangerous.

"Well, that's what training does, I guess. Here, take it."

Wiping off the sweat gathered on my forehead with my tank top, I pass my spare water bottle to her, which she eagerly guzzles down.

While at first, Ai was all smiles, staying a step ahead while showing me around the neighbourhood, my superhuman endurance soon caught up to her, making me slow down to not leave her behind.

Running my hand through my hair, I fan my shirt to cool down my body.

"Jeez, it's freaking hot out. Japanese summers aren't to be underestimated."

"Phaa! Thanks for the drink. And yeah, but the heat makes you burn more calories, so it's not all bad."

Enjoying the feeling of the shade, I ask what I'd been wondering since finding out about her profession.

"So, Ai. What exactly do idols do?"

Tilting her head with a thoughtful expression, she then answers.

"Idols... they make everyone smile."

...

"That's it?"

"Well, that's the goal! We stand up on a big stage, sing our songs, wear cute dresses, and dance to make everyone smile!"

"I... still don't get it. But okay."

"Hmph! Know what? I'm making you come to our next concert, then you'll understand what I mean."

"Sure sure. Not like I have anything going on right now."

A calm breeze blows past us, giving us a pleasant chill.

Well, pleasant for me at least.

"Hey, Cassius... thanks for letting me join you."

Turning to Ai, her face is turned away, only giving me the view of her reddening cheek.

"With my career, it's hard to have any friends. Everyone else uses me for my popularity or sees me as the idol Ai of B-Komachi. So yeah... thanks."

Turning back to me, her face is set in the same practiced smile.

But I can tell... her words, they're genuine.

"No problem. I wouldn't mind being your friend if you want. But didn't you say you wanted me to make me your fan?"

"Aww, that's different! It's a challenge, so totally different!"

"Uhh, sure. Very different. Anyways, would you want to make this a usual thing?"

Her smile widens.

"Mmm! Let's do it!"

Feeling my heartbeat quicken, my eyes unconsciously avert themselves from her face.

Damn, am I really that attracted to her?

Well, I should probably confirm.

"Uhh, do you have a husband or boyfriend or anything at home?"

"Hmm~? Are you that curious~? Well, if you want to know... I don't have anyone like that."

Good, that's good...

Wait.

"Hold up, what about your kids? Should they be left alone like that?"

"Huh? They're fine on their own- What! W-What do you mean kids!?"

Seriously, I think it's too late to divert the topic.

"Really? You expect me to not connect the dots? Besides, you just confirmed it."

"Uuuu~! The president and Miyako are gonna be so~ pissed!"

"Well, I already knew your address, so not like it matters that much. Anyway, let's head back. I wanted to get some more stuff today."

"A-Alright. Don't go so fast, okay?"

"Sure."

----- Ai POV - 30 Minutes Later -----

Finally, we're back home.

"Haa, I shouldn't have expected less of a world champion."

Stretching his neck, Cassius looks at me in confusion before seemingly realizing something.

"Oh, yeah. I guess I am, huh? Anyways, you should stretch or your muscles will get sore."

What does he mean by 'I guess'?

You're a freaking world champion, you know!?

You can brag a little!

"Yeah, but I'd rather not do that outside."

"Oh, I guess you're right."

With Cassius behind me, we head up to our respective apartments.

"Oh yeah, what were you going to get today?"

"Hmm? I was thinking of getting a computer and some recording stuff, I've always wanted to do music after my fighting days. I also need to get some more furniture, but I have no clue where to go for that."

Thinking about his words, I realize that this is a perfect opportunity.

I wanted to go somewhere with Aqua and Ruby, but Miyako was busy with the company, so we wouldn't be able to use our usual cover of them being her kids.

And blonde hair isn't that far from his dirty blonde, is it?

"Hey, Cassius~ I could show you around~ and since you know about my kids already..."

----- Cassius POV -----

"So you want me to pretend to be your kids' dad?"

"Yep! So~ would you want this pretty girl to accompany you on your shopping trip?"

"Uhh, shouldn't you tell your president or whatever? He seems pretty worried about everything."

"Well... it would be pretty bad if the fact I had kids got found out, both for me and his company. But don't worry! He'll understand after I explain everything!"

I don't need to use my experience to know that the last part was a lie.

Not my problem, and besides, I enjoy spending time with Ai.

"Ok, then sure I guess. Will the two be fine with pretending I'm their dad?"

"Yeah, they'll be a-okay!"

"Glad that's settled. Well, I'm gonna take a shower first."

As I'm about to open my door, I'm stopped by a tug on my top.

Looking back, I see that Ai has a very rare expression of fear and worry, with no trace of her usual facade present.

"Hey, Cassius... how were you able to see through my lies?"

Oh, now how do I explain that?

I can't exactly say the truth.

That acting was necessary within the vicious den of lions that is the royal court and navigating the schemes set by the nobility.

Unlike here, it was a matter of life and death back there, especially after the war started.

After all, what better time to take power within a country when everyone would be too distracted to do anything about it?

I had seen many families destroyed by a slip of the tongue, an expression that shows too much of the truth.

Especially against the king, that demanded his subjects have absolute fear and obedience.

Any indication you weren't following in line... would lead to your downfall.

Raised in such an environment, of course, I would be able to see through such a facade, especially in such a peaceful place as this.

"Well... I don't really know. You just seemed... sad? I've known people who use a facade, and that's totally fine, especially for your job. But you shouldn't use it when in private, or with people you love."

She flinches at my final word before popping back up.

"Is that so~ but it makes me cute, no~?"

"Haa, that's not the point. Whatever, if it's too much of a sudden change, you can at least be genuine on our runs. It's not like I've known you that long, and I already knew about your facade. Think of it as a practice run."

Looking down with her cap covering her face, she then raises her face, her lips set in a teasing smile.

"I see~ Cassius, are you asking me to love you then? You said to be genuine 'with the people you love' and then you tell me that, you really are sly~"

Feeling my face heat up, I quickly open my door.

"S-Shut up, I meant as a friend. J-Just come over when you're ready."

Slamming the door, I make my way to the shower to wash off the sweat and calm my beating heart.

Ahh, shit.

There's no denying it, I'm definitely attracted to her.