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I wouldn't want you to worry too much about getting me something, since it sounds like you've been living on ramen. Though a giftswap does sound fun...
[He finishes rinsing off his front, then Elan's for good measure, taking care not to spray the water onto his head. He doesn't want to show up to his room with wet hair.]
I'm not that picky, to be honest. I like interesting souvenirs. I also like tea leaves, regional sweets, decorations, fragrances, and gifts that I could give to my adorable Bloody Mary! ♪ So I guess you might as well surprise me.
[He finishes rinsing off his front, then Elan's for good measure, taking care not to spray the water onto his head. He doesn't want to show up to his room with wet hair.]
I'm not that picky, to be honest. I like interesting souvenirs. I also like tea leaves, regional sweets, decorations, fragrances, and gifts that I could give to my adorable Bloody Mary! ♪ So I guess you might as well surprise me.
I guess I'll have to think of something, then. You've given me a pretty good place to start, after all.
[ He, of course, isn't worried about wet hair so he just does as he pleases. ]
I'm sure I'll find something that'll make your mood brighten up.
[ He, of course, isn't worried about wet hair so he just does as he pleases. ]
I'm sure I'll find something that'll make your mood brighten up.
[ Sputter! ]
Ack-
[ He shakes his hair out a little. ]
I'd hope so. But I won't hold you to it.
Ack-
[ He shakes his hair out a little. ]
I'd hope so. But I won't hold you to it.
Fufu...♪
[He laughs lightly at that, like the nice person he is. He can't help it; Elan shaking his wet ducktail reminds him of a bird shaking its feathers dry! But he'll move the showerhead behind Elan's head next, to rinse the suds off his back.]
If you're strapped for ideas, you can always give me another private concert. That's the kind of gift that money can't buy ♪ I'd say you're good at giving me those, anyway.
[He laughs lightly at that, like the nice person he is. He can't help it; Elan shaking his wet ducktail reminds him of a bird shaking its feathers dry! But he'll move the showerhead behind Elan's head next, to rinse the suds off his back.]
If you're strapped for ideas, you can always give me another private concert. That's the kind of gift that money can't buy ♪ I'd say you're good at giving me those, anyway.
Well, as long as you're confident you can disguise yourself, maybe I'll just treat you to a karaoke place. You seem like you have fun with that.
[ He snorts. ]
And I guess I can pay for the food next time.
[ But there's some affection there all the same. ]
[ He snorts. ]
And I guess I can pay for the food next time.
[ But there's some affection there all the same. ]
Works for me! Or we could split the bill. Whichever works ♪
[He'll put back the shower head after rinsing both of them off thoroughly. And, with that, he stands up. He's not sure if Elan wants to wash his hair or anything, but as for himself, he'll be reaching for a towel. Good thing Elan's willing to share his!]
[He'll put back the shower head after rinsing both of them off thoroughly. And, with that, he stands up. He's not sure if Elan wants to wash his hair or anything, but as for himself, he'll be reaching for a towel. Good thing Elan's willing to share his!]
I'll let you know how broke I am - or not - when we get there.
[ He watches as Hiyori dries off, looking a little bemused. He holds his hand out after a moment. ]
I'll need that too, you know.
[ He watches as Hiyori dries off, looking a little bemused. He holds his hand out after a moment. ]
I'll need that too, you know.
Anytime.
[ His response is a little flat, but he's not going to be cranky about it. Instead he starts drying off with a soft sigh. ]
I guess it's going to be goodbye for a little while in a few minutes, isn't it?
[ His response is a little flat, but he's not going to be cranky about it. Instead he starts drying off with a soft sigh. ]
I guess it's going to be goodbye for a little while in a few minutes, isn't it?
[He turns to look in the mirror, checking to see how damp his hair is and making a futile attempt to smooth it down. Maybe he'll say he wanted to try out the sauna?
As for Elan's question, well, it sure is. Any longer and Jun will probably start wandering the halls, calling out "Ohii-san, where the hell are ya this time?" But rather than confirm that, he turns to Elan and suggests a compromise.]
If that seems too lonely, why not say something else? Like "Goodbye for now" instead of just "Goodbye."
As for Elan's question, well, it sure is. Any longer and Jun will probably start wandering the halls, calling out "Ohii-san, where the hell are ya this time?" But rather than confirm that, he turns to Elan and suggests a compromise.]
If that seems too lonely, why not say something else? Like "Goodbye for now" instead of just "Goodbye."
How about "until next time"?
[ He arches a brow and then leans in to plant a little peck on his cheek. Just to be a bit of a pill. ]
Because there's going to be a next time, right?
[ He arches a brow and then leans in to plant a little peck on his cheek. Just to be a bit of a pill. ]
Because there's going to be a next time, right?
[He blinks, not having expected that, before smiling even more warmly.]
Works for me!
[He steps out to get his robe after that, the feeling of Elan's lips still lingering on his cheek. It'll be the last kiss he receives from Elan-kun for a while, no doubt, but not the last one ever. He has faith in that. And the next one won't be in a cramped bathroom, if he has his way!
He'll be out putting his clothes back on and getting ready to leave. He checks his phone before going anywhere, and sure enough, there's at least one message asking where he is, but he can cover things up.
Whenever Elan rejoins him he looks up from his phone and smiles.]
Don't be a stranger, alright? I'd like to see a picture of whatever "view" you find next.
Works for me!
[He steps out to get his robe after that, the feeling of Elan's lips still lingering on his cheek. It'll be the last kiss he receives from Elan-kun for a while, no doubt, but not the last one ever. He has faith in that. And the next one won't be in a cramped bathroom, if he has his way!
He'll be out putting his clothes back on and getting ready to leave. He checks his phone before going anywhere, and sure enough, there's at least one message asking where he is, but he can cover things up.
Whenever Elan rejoins him he looks up from his phone and smiles.]
Don't be a stranger, alright? I'd like to see a picture of whatever "view" you find next.
[ Elan, in the meantime, is getting cozy with some pajamas. He's not going anywhere else tonight, apparently. He finally joins Hiyori after a few moments and arches a brow. ]
Sure, sure. I'll send you something or other when I get a chance. There's bound to be something you'll find interesting, right?
[ He hums. ]
And the same goes for you. Send me something interesting.
Sure, sure. I'll send you something or other when I get a chance. There's bound to be something you'll find interesting, right?
[ He hums. ]
And the same goes for you. Send me something interesting.
[Pajamas instead of a hotel robe, huh? It's a cute, cozy look, so Hiyori doesn't disapprove. So much so that he says,]
Yep! I'll be sure to. And if you're ever strapped for ideas, you can always send a cute photo of yourself wearing pajamas ♪
[One last tease for the night.
With his phone in hand, he starts walking towards the door. He steps into his slippers, reaching to slide the door open. But not before he tosses Elan a sincere smile.]
"Until next time," then.
[And then he's gone.]
Yep! I'll be sure to. And if you're ever strapped for ideas, you can always send a cute photo of yourself wearing pajamas ♪
[One last tease for the night.
With his phone in hand, he starts walking towards the door. He steps into his slippers, reaching to slide the door open. But not before he tosses Elan a sincere smile.]
"Until next time," then.
[And then he's gone.]
[Time passes. A lot of crazy (and thankfully-less-crazy) things happen.
Hiyori celebrates Christmas, teaming up with some fellow idols to sing to children in a hospital, and then Eden greets the new year together. They perform at SS, persevering in spite of difficulties (including an attempt to rig the competition). They perform for Valentine's Day as Adam and Eve, recording new videos and getting photoshoots done in their new outfits. Hiyori takes a role in a TV web series and gets to play a pipe-wielding delinquent. He reunites with the members of a former unit, performing one new song. And Eden even goes to America to participate in an overseas festival! ... though things sort of go awry when Nagisa gets kidnapped. Such is life.
Hiyori tells Elan about some of it. Not all of it (definitely not the kidnapping). But he shares highlights when he remembers to: behind-the-scenes photos, links to performance videos, pictures from the trip abroad. Because, after their last encounter, he doesn't want to fall out of touch. He still doesn't believe in fate, necessarily, but running into Elan again like that sort of sends a message, doesn't it? And now that Elan's told him the truth about his life, he feels closer to him.
Elan returns the messages, usually. He does get that apartment he told Hiyori about, and Hiyori congratulates him, promising he'll visit at some point. Just not right now. His schedule is hectic as always, laden with different jobs. But eventually...
A new job pops up: he ends up hired to film a travelogue! It turns out that Eve's impromptu travelogue from the SS qualifiers was so popular that people want to see more. And so he and Jun travel to different locations, sampling foods, visiting different sites, and chatting up the locals. Usually, they're together. But sometimes, when one of the members is busy, they go solo. This is one of those times.
It's a great stroke of luck, he thinks. Being in Elan's town for an overnight job. Alone, no less. He is staying at an inn and promoting the place as part of the travelogue for one night, anyway. But the next day after filming is a day off. What if he stays a second night?
That's the plan, and so far things seem to be going well. Filming is finished up, his unit knows he'll be out of town, there's no camera crew following him—all according to plan! Now it's just a matter of finding Elan-kun's apartment. Except there's just one issue there. Or rather, there are two issues.
1. He never told Elan he was in town (it was meant to be a surprise!)
2. He has no clue what Elan's address is. He just knows what town the apartment was in! That's it!
There's only one way to fix this: with a text message!]
~⋆｡˚✨Elan-kun! Oh, Elan-kun✨⋆˚｡~
Guess who's in your town for a job right now!
Though, actually, the job is over and I'm free to do whatever I want at this point! Which I guess means I'm ready for my apartment tour. Just let me know when you're free and I'll come on over 😊✨
Hiyori celebrates Christmas, teaming up with some fellow idols to sing to children in a hospital, and then Eden greets the new year together. They perform at SS, persevering in spite of difficulties (including an attempt to rig the competition). They perform for Valentine's Day as Adam and Eve, recording new videos and getting photoshoots done in their new outfits. Hiyori takes a role in a TV web series and gets to play a pipe-wielding delinquent. He reunites with the members of a former unit, performing one new song. And Eden even goes to America to participate in an overseas festival! ... though things sort of go awry when Nagisa gets kidnapped. Such is life.
Hiyori tells Elan about some of it. Not all of it (definitely not the kidnapping). But he shares highlights when he remembers to: behind-the-scenes photos, links to performance videos, pictures from the trip abroad. Because, after their last encounter, he doesn't want to fall out of touch. He still doesn't believe in fate, necessarily, but running into Elan again like that sort of sends a message, doesn't it? And now that Elan's told him the truth about his life, he feels closer to him.
Elan returns the messages, usually. He does get that apartment he told Hiyori about, and Hiyori congratulates him, promising he'll visit at some point. Just not right now. His schedule is hectic as always, laden with different jobs. But eventually...
A new job pops up: he ends up hired to film a travelogue! It turns out that Eve's impromptu travelogue from the SS qualifiers was so popular that people want to see more. And so he and Jun travel to different locations, sampling foods, visiting different sites, and chatting up the locals. Usually, they're together. But sometimes, when one of the members is busy, they go solo. This is one of those times.
It's a great stroke of luck, he thinks. Being in Elan's town for an overnight job. Alone, no less. He is staying at an inn and promoting the place as part of the travelogue for one night, anyway. But the next day after filming is a day off. What if he stays a second night?
That's the plan, and so far things seem to be going well. Filming is finished up, his unit knows he'll be out of town, there's no camera crew following him—all according to plan! Now it's just a matter of finding Elan-kun's apartment. Except there's just one issue there. Or rather, there are two issues.
1. He never told Elan he was in town (it was meant to be a surprise!)
2. He has no clue what Elan's address is. He just knows what town the apartment was in! That's it!
There's only one way to fix this: with a text message!]
~⋆｡˚✨Elan-kun! Oh, Elan-kun✨⋆˚｡~
Guess who's in your town for a job right now!
Though, actually, the job is over and I'm free to do whatever I want at this point! Which I guess means I'm ready for my apartment tour. Just let me know when you're free and I'll come on over 😊✨
[ Elan's been continuing his own quiet journey through life. And it is much quieter than before. He's no longer pretending to be someone, with all the good and bad that comes with it. He spends another month or two wandering and then finally decides to settle down. At first he works oddjobs and does part-time gig work, but he also works on some photography - he sells photos and publishes some of them online. Not quite enough to let him live off of it, but it's something. And it means he doesn't have to work retail all day, every day.
And he stays in touch.
Hiyori gets updates and even some of the photos he takes and complaints about customers (he at least has a good customer service voice and face) and life is... surprisingly average. Which isn't a bad thing. He's just being himself and that's just fine. He's heading into part of his weekend, reviewing some of the photos he's taken when he gets the text.
Hey, wait. ]
You're in town now?
Why didn't you warn me?
[ Sigh. Elan glances around the apartment - it's relatively neat, but it's definitely not spick and span. He frowns and then starts tapping a reply out. ]
You can make your way over whenever you want, but don't expect it to be picture perfect.
I guess you need the address right?
And he stays in touch.
Hiyori gets updates and even some of the photos he takes and complaints about customers (he at least has a good customer service voice and face) and life is... surprisingly average. Which isn't a bad thing. He's just being himself and that's just fine. He's heading into part of his weekend, reviewing some of the photos he's taken when he gets the text.
Hey, wait. ]
You're in town now?
Why didn't you warn me?
[ Sigh. Elan glances around the apartment - it's relatively neat, but it's definitely not spick and span. He frowns and then starts tapping a reply out. ]
You can make your way over whenever you want, but don't expect it to be picture perfect.
I guess you need the address right?
Why, because I wanted it to be a surprise, of course! 😳 The good kind of surprise! 🥰🎉
[More like the inconsiderate kind of surprise. He does have a rough idea of Elan's work schedule from their previous texts, and he did keep that in mind. But there was nothing to say Elan couldn't have had other plans today, in which case he should've just gone back to ES yesterday. He won't expect the other boy to drop everything for him.
But it looks like he doesn't need to, because the other boy's hesitancy turns out mainly to be about the state of his apartment. In other words, today does work! Hiyori smiles in triumph.]
Not to worry! As long as it's not a pigsty, that's perfectly alright.
And yes, I will need that!
[More like the inconsiderate kind of surprise. He does have a rough idea of Elan's work schedule from their previous texts, and he did keep that in mind. But there was nothing to say Elan couldn't have had other plans today, in which case he should've just gone back to ES yesterday. He won't expect the other boy to drop everything for him.
But it looks like he doesn't need to, because the other boy's hesitancy turns out mainly to be about the state of his apartment. In other words, today does work! Hiyori smiles in triumph.]
Not to worry! As long as it's not a pigsty, that's perfectly alright.
And yes, I will need that!
Well, it's definitely a surprise. I suppose I'll have to feed you, too.
[ He might be playing his grumpiness up a little intentionally. He's already trying to figure out what he can do for food - maybe the corner store will have something? Or they can just do takeout. He'll figure it out. ]
Any preferences?
Here's the address.
And are you going to want to spend the night?
[ There's the address. And a question to go with it. ]
[ He might be playing his grumpiness up a little intentionally. He's already trying to figure out what he can do for food - maybe the corner store will have something? Or they can just do takeout. He'll figure it out. ]
Any preferences?
Here's the address.
And are you going to want to spend the night?
[ There's the address. And a question to go with it. ]
Well if that's what you want, I'll be sure to say "ah~" 💕
[That is not what Elan meant and he knows it. He's just being a tease.]
I guess it depends on what's around. I'd be interested in trying whatever Elan-kun considers the best place in town. Ah, and I don't require anything fancy, but I *would* prefer something other than cup noodles!
[He takes the address, plugging it into his phone's GPS before going back to the message. Thank goodness for technology or he'd be helpless in this unfamiliar area.]
And I guess that also depends. I don't mind staying at a hotel again. But do you have a spare futon? Or am I cordially invited to sleep in Elan-kun's bed?
As a friend, of course. I don't mean to imply any funny business.
[He's an idol and his phone could always be hacked or something, so. Gotta tack that disclaimer on there!]
[That is not what Elan meant and he knows it. He's just being a tease.]
I guess it depends on what's around. I'd be interested in trying whatever Elan-kun considers the best place in town. Ah, and I don't require anything fancy, but I *would* prefer something other than cup noodles!
[He takes the address, plugging it into his phone's GPS before going back to the message. Thank goodness for technology or he'd be helpless in this unfamiliar area.]
And I guess that also depends. I don't mind staying at a hotel again. But do you have a spare futon? Or am I cordially invited to sleep in Elan-kun's bed?
As a friend, of course. I don't mean to imply any funny business.
[He's an idol and his phone could always be hacked or something, so. Gotta tack that disclaimer on there!]
[ The temptation to be That Guy and just drop something explicit on him is incredibly strong. Fortunately for all involved, Elan reigns in that part of him with a wistful sigh. He'll have time for that when they're not worrying about phones getting potentially hacked or misplaced.
Besides, he knows what it's like to live with the pressure of not giving anything away. ]
I can try and make something simple. It'll give me an excuse to use the kitchen.
[ There's a pause before he continues. ]
I've got a spare futon I can roll out. I'm living like a respectable member of society now and everything. Just let me know your ETA.
Besides, he knows what it's like to live with the pressure of not giving anything away. ]
I can try and make something simple. It'll give me an excuse to use the kitchen.
[ There's a pause before he continues. ]
I've got a spare futon I can roll out. I'm living like a respectable member of society now and everything. Just let me know your ETA.
Your home cooking? Why, that sounds even better! Alright, now I'm really pumped up! I simply can't wait to eat Elan-kun's home-cooked meal and sleep in his spare futon 😊
[You know. In a strictly platonic capacity. As for the ETA, he tabs back to his maps app and looks at what that says.]
It says it's a 25-minute walk, which isn't too bad. Gives me a chance to stretch my legs a bit. So I guess I'll be seeing you in half an hour, assuming you're okay with the short notice. I can always browse some stores for a while first if you need more time to prepare your heart ❤️
Though I did already buy your housewarming gift. I have that with me right here!
[You know. In a strictly platonic capacity. As for the ETA, he tabs back to his maps app and looks at what that says.]
It says it's a 25-minute walk, which isn't too bad. Gives me a chance to stretch my legs a bit. So I guess I'll be seeing you in half an hour, assuming you're okay with the short notice. I can always browse some stores for a while first if you need more time to prepare your heart ❤️
Though I did already buy your housewarming gift. I have that with me right here!
Half hour should be fine. I can start something and pick up a little.
I can't promise it will be fancy, but hopefully it'll be tasty.
[ Well, that solves that problem. Or at least gives him some time. ]
I can't promise it will be fancy, but hopefully it'll be tasty.
[ Well, that solves that problem. Or at least gives him some time. ]
I'm not starving or anything, so don't feel like you have to rush. But that sounds good to me! I'll see you in 25 minutes 👍🤗💖✨️
[Annnd he's off to try to find his way to Elan's place. Will he succeed??
Surprisingly, yes! Unlike on that mountain where there was no cell reception outside the inn, his GPS is able to guide him there. There are still some confused moments, of the "why is my dot on the map getting further away? ... Wait, I was supposed to go the other way? It should've been clearer!" variety. But he arrives at the apartment complex only a few minutes later than estimated!
Now, let's see here. Which of the many identical doors is Elan's...?
By the time he pulls himself up the stairs and finds the apartment number Elan gave him, his legs are tired! But his arm isn't too tired to reach for the buzzer, nor is he too tired to great Elan with plenty of enthusiasm once he does open the door, beaming twice as bright as usual to make up for all those months where he wasn't there to light up Elan's life.]
Elan-kun~! ♪ Look, it's really me, I made it! ♪
[Annnd he's off to try to find his way to Elan's place. Will he succeed??
Surprisingly, yes! Unlike on that mountain where there was no cell reception outside the inn, his GPS is able to guide him there. There are still some confused moments, of the "why is my dot on the map getting further away? ... Wait, I was supposed to go the other way? It should've been clearer!" variety. But he arrives at the apartment complex only a few minutes later than estimated!
Now, let's see here. Which of the many identical doors is Elan's...?
By the time he pulls himself up the stairs and finds the apartment number Elan gave him, his legs are tired! But his arm isn't too tired to reach for the buzzer, nor is he too tired to great Elan with plenty of enthusiasm once he does open the door, beaming twice as bright as usual to make up for all those months where he wasn't there to light up Elan's life.]
Elan-kun~! ♪ Look, it's really me, I made it! ♪
[ Elan uses his time well. He straightens up a little and starts some rice going and also starts some prep. It's nothing super complicated - eggs and veggies and rice. But it'll do for a house-warming meal. When he answers the door he's got an apron on, because he's not a barbarian. ]
Your sense of direction didn't fail, huh? Come on in, Hiyori - don't just sit on the doorstep.
[ It's a small apartment. Cozy, even. But it is certainly his and it's enough space to live. So he's not about to complain. ]
Sit down make yourself at home. Should have food ready in a little bit.
Your sense of direction didn't fail, huh? Come on in, Hiyori - don't just sit on the doorstep.
[ It's a small apartment. Cozy, even. But it is certainly his and it's enough space to live. So he's not about to complain. ]
Sit down make yourself at home. Should have food ready in a little bit.
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