Oshi no Ko: The Maestro

Chapter 11: A Little Adventure

The school bell rang, signalling the end of another day. As the classroom emptied, Ruby emerged through the front doors, her backpack slung over one shoulder. Her blonde hair swayed with each step as she walked down the path, alone. Today was different from other days - her best friend, Minami, and Aqua, hadn't come to school. They were busy with important things, leaving Ruby to navigate her way home all by herself.

With a sigh, Ruby glanced around, noticing the empty playground and the vacant benches. The laughter and chatter that usually filled the air were conspicuously absent. A sense of loneliness washed over her, and she couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness deep within her heart. The familiar comfort of having her friends by her side was replaced by a void.
A familiar feeling she had long experienced in her previous life.

She walked with her head slightly down, her eyes fixed on the ground as if searching for something that could fill the emptiness around her.
"I wonder if Mama ever felt like this too."

She continued walking, the world around her slowly transforming into a blur of passing houses and streets. With each step, her longing for companionship grew stronger, aching in her chest.
"If I succeed in becoming a famous idol this loneliness will never appear again."

As Ruby continued her solitary walk, lost in her thoughts, a voice suddenly broke through the silence.

"Wow, look who we have here," Hiroshi's mischievous voice called out, accompanied by the sound of approaching footsteps.

Startled, Ruby looked up to see Hiroshi grinning at her, his hands stuffed casually in his pockets. His white hair was tousled, and his eyes sparkled with playful mischief.

"Shirotaka-san!" Ruby exclaimed, a mix of surprise and relief washing over her. She couldn't help but smile as he approached.
"Where have you been? I thought you were busy with something important today."

Hiroshi shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Oh, you know, just couldn't resist coming to rescue you from your loneliness," he replied, winking exaggeratedly.
"Clearly, you were yearning for my delightful company."

Ruby rolled her eyes, playfully swatting his arm.
"Oh, please. Don't let your ego inflate too much. I can manage just fine on my own, you know."

Hiroshi chuckled, falling into step beside her. "Of course, of course. The great Ruby, independent and fierce. But hey, I couldn't resist making sure she is doing alright. What's with the pensive expression on your face?"

Ruby sighed, her playful facade fading for a moment.
"It's just... Minami and Aqua weren't at school today. It feels strange without them around. I guess I got used to their constant presence."

Hiroshi glanced at Ruby, his mischievous grin still intact.
"Well, Ruby-chan, let me assure you that with my delightful company, you'll forget all about Minami and Aqua in no time. I have the power to make your worries disappear with a snap of my fingers." He snapped his fingers theatrically, accompanied by a mockingly exaggerated expression.

Ruby couldn't help but chuckle at Hiroshi's playful antics.
"Oh, really now? Are you that confident in your abilities?" She raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eyes.
"Can you really make me forget about them?"

Hiroshi's grin widened as he took a step closer, his tone turning provocatively intimate. "Ruby-chan, do you honestly think I'm not capable of entertaining you? Making you forget all your troubles?"
His voice dropped to a whisper. "I can make you believe you're the centre of the universe, the star that shines the brightest."

Ruby blushed slightly at his audacious words, her heart beating a little faster. She looked up at him, her eyes filled with a mix of amusement and curiosity.
"Is that a challenge, Hiroshi? Are you saying that you desire to take that number one fan spot?"