Lies are the only way to keep the love he so desperately craves. The real him is not enough, but as long as he keeps up the act, maybe they'll continue to love him. It's worth it, even if it means sacrificing his true self.
Love is worth any lie, a...
Isn't it funny? Acting was the one thing I found solace in and loved with all my heart. But now, as I continue to put up a facade, those feelings of love transform into indifference. Yet the moment I decide to show my true feelings that don't align with the personality of my facade, I feel nothing but discomfort. The one thing that brought me happiness now brings me indifference and sadness.
I was abruptly pulled out of my thoughts, realizing that now wasn't the time for contemplation; I had to provide a response. "I'm feeling fine, you know? No need to worry about little old me. I'm not weak," I replied with forced enthusiasm, hoping it would suffice. They seemed to buy it for now, nodding in acknowledgment before redirecting the conversation back to Ellie.
"So, do you have a picture?" Ruby inquired, turning to Aqua, who shook his head. "I want to see a picture too, but I don't know how to search in an English format."
"How about I search for you guys? I'm fluent in English," I offered. My eagerness to see the photo and confirm my suspicions was far greater than they could comprehend. Ellie had been the closest thing to family I had ever known since losing my parents at the orphanage, and I deeply regretted leaving her alone.
Back then, all I yearned for was parental love, so even though I cared for Ellie as a sibling, I had to let her go for the sake of my own desires. But as I grew older, I came to realize that it wasn't familial love I craved; it was simply someone to love me, and that someone was Ellie.
If she truly had entered the idol industry, I didn't know how to process it. I was aware of the harsh realities that awaited aspiring idols, and I questioned whether Ellie possessed the strength to endure them.
Lost in my contemplation, I was abruptly brought back to the present as Aqua handed me his phone. Without hesitation, I typed 'Ellie Idol' into the search bar and clicked on the images tab.
As I gazed at the photo, my heart sank.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Blue twin tails, blue eyes, a cute delicate face, and a petite figure. Though the person in the image appeared to be sixteen years old, I harbored no doubts that it was Ellie. The resemblance was uncanny, and I would be a fool to continue deluding myself.
"So, you're an idol now, Ellie?" I whispered, my conflicting emotions swirling within me. While I couldn't fully support her choice to become an idol, if this was truly her dream, I had no choice but to accept it.
Does this mean I'll finally be able to see her soon? Knowing she was joining B-Komachi, I held onto the hope that our paths would cross once again.
The only question that lingered was when.
______________
(Unkown POV)
[All passengers, we have arrived. Thank you for choosing Japanese Airlines. We hope you had a pleasant flight and we appreciate your continued patronage.]
As the announcement reverberated through the speaker system, I swiftly retrieved my luggage from the overhead compartment and made my way off the plane. The routine security checks, baggage claim, and various formalities followed until I eventually emerged from the airport's entrance.
Gazing up at the radiant sun beaming overhead, I instinctively removed my sunglasses and inhaled a deep breath of fresh air.
Ah, the sense of nostalgia is overwhelming. But-
I wasn't able to finish my thoughts as I got interrupted "Over here." A familiar voice jolted my attention, drawing my gaze in its direction. President Saitou stood proudly, holding a placard adorned with my name.
I approached him with a nod of acknowledgment. "Nice to finally meet you in person, President Saitou."
A grin spread across his face. "The pleasure is mine, Ellie. How does it feel to be back in Japan?" the President inquired, and I couldn't help but let a small smile grace my lips.
"It's truly wonderful to be back."
_______________________
Author's note:
That's it for Baby Arc, now we go to childhood arc.
