tfy | Open Post

[Ah, that cheeky smile and that laugh. It's been a while since he experienced those. But he might've missed them, somewhere deep down. In any case, it sounds like Elan-kun has his own reasons for being here. And if he was obsessed enough to stalk him, well, he probably would've messaged him more! So, Hiyori will just have to stop doubting him.

Though he doesn't apologize for the suggestion either. Instead he just smiles.]

I never said you can't go wherever you want! It just seems like an odd coincidence, that's all. Unless it's not a coincidence? Some might call this sort of thing "fate!" And we did talk about going to an onsen together... Is that where you're staying? That mountainside inn with a hot spring?

I was considering it. I've been saving some money so I could actually stay somewhere nice for once...

[ He shoves his hands into his pockets, adjusting a strap on his backpack. ]

You're a little off the beaten path, though. Isn't it like an hour in the other direction?

Eh?

[He blinks.]

It's that far away? Goodness, but that's much too inconvenient! I don't see how I could've gotten that far! Though it would help if there were any landmarks around...

[Yep. It's all the landscape's fault. Let's place the blame there. But he doesn't spend too long lamenting his circumstances, brightening up again a moment later.]

Oh well. It sounds like you know where you're going, so you'll just have to show me the way back!

Are you the kind of person to just wander off where you please?

[ He gets the feeling he is. ]

If you want to get back there, we better start walking.

[ He gestures. ]

C'mon.

[He definitely is.

But with a smile he retorts,]

Doesn't that also describe Elan-kun nowadays?

[Wandering off on travels, taking pictures of vistas and seeking a nice view wherever he can find one. Not that Hiyori is knocking his new lifestyle; after a lifetime spent cooped up wherever Elan was, it's nice to see him stretch his wings.

Hiyori also can't complain when he's the one imposing. He just assumed Elan-kun would be willing to walk him back, even though he might have other things he wants to do! But his supposition proves correct, and he falls into step beside the other boy easily.

What an unexpected twist this is. And yet, there's something refreshing about it.]

So, what have you been up to? Other than wandering wherever you please! Unless that is all you've been doing... in which case, maybe you can tell me about a delicious meal you've had?

I don't get lost.

[ Five responds dryly. ]

Exploring. Seeing the sights. Living my life for myself, I guess. It hasn't been that exciting, you know. Not at all glamorous like the life of an idol.

[ He waves a hand as he walks. ]

I've been living off of cup ramen, but that's been pretty decent, so I guess I shouldn't complain.

[That makes one of them.

Although Elan's answer is expected, it's still vaguely interesting. He sounds like a real globetrotter! Though, that last bit earns a sympathetic frown.]

Just that? Goodness, but that can't be filling! Especially if you're traveling by foot half the time...

[And hiking mountains. You need energy to do that! But it's clearly a money issue, judging from Elan's prior comment. It doesn't sound like he's found another job. Is he blowing through his savings?

He gazes into the distance while thinking about how to answer the money question.]

Perhaps you could make money off your travels one day? You could become a travel guide or a travel photographer. Or maybe you could start a social media journal?

[He ponders that last idea for a moments, then nods like he's got it.]

Yep, that might be just the thing! It helps to be cute and photogenic. And having a nice voice is also a bonus, since it'll make people want to tune into your livestreams. Elan-kun already has all that covered, so he's got a leg up ♪

[The fact that other people might not crave attention like he does is, apparently, lost on him.]

I don't really want to deal with social media.

[ He waves a hand with a low sigh. ]

Too much hassle. But maybe. It's something to think about, definitely.

[ He glances at Hiyori with a shake of his head. ]

Not all of us want to be in the spotlight all the time, you know. I like being anonymous...

Ah, I guess you did say something like that... Not about social media, but about not liking fans too much?

[Though fans are different from followers. Maybe.]

Well, maybe a job at a nice restaurant? They might spot you a few free meals that way! Though, then you wouldn't be able to travel as much... I know you don't like being tied down, I'm just worried about your food intake, that's all! So perhaps I'll treat you to something good later.

[He smiles again.]

How does that sound?

Cooking? Maybe. They'd probably have me washing dishes...

[ He shakes his head with a little laugh. ]

But if you'll treat me, how can I say no? You've always wanted to spoil me.

Yep, because of my noble heart~ Though it helps that you're cute ♪

[More singsonged teasing before he gets a bit more serious.]

It'd be easy to spot you a meal if we did end up booking the same hotel. We could even spend quality time together: play ping-pong, relax in the sauna, all sorts of things! Though, there's something I ought to mention first...

So you've said. You really are a charmer, huh?

[ At least he's in a good enough mood to tease in reply. ]

It's probably the same one; there aren't exactly a glut of hotels to stay at out here.

[ He pauses, eyes narrowing slightly. ]

...what is it?

Yep, thanks for noticing ♪

[But now here comes the part he needs to warn about. Without beating around the bush first:]

The rest of my unit is also there! Jun-kun, Nagisa-kun, and Ibara! Which should be an exciting opportunity for you to see them in-person, but it also might cut into our alone time.

[Which must surely be heartbreaking.]

Also, I can't tell them how we really know each other, so we'll need a cover story! Which could be anything from "he's an old family friend" to "he's a friendly hiker who showed me the way back!"

Ah, but Ibara's sort of skeptic, so let's not go with anything too outlandish.

...oh?

[ He arches a brow. He's not sure he really wants to meet them, but they're important to Hiyori, so...

He hums. ]

Why not something like the truth? We're acquaintances who just so happened to meet. That is what we are, right?

That's true, that is what we are. It just might help if we said something more specific, that's all. Like, "This is Elan-kun, who I might when I was out shopping. He reached for a pair of earrings, I reached for a necklace, and our hands brushed on the jewelry rack! It felt almost like fate."

[He rattles all this off while stroking his chin, very much enjoying coming up with these scenarios.]

Or, "This is Elan-kun, who I met at an amusement park," or "This is Elan-kun, who I went out for ice cream with." Those would have the benefit of also being true!

You realize how fake that first bit sounds?

[ He rolls his eyes with a laugh. ]

We can just say we met at an amusement park, sure. Not exactly the truth, but close enough. That's all we need to say, too. No need to make up a bunch of stuff that doesn't pass the smell test.

[ Such as it is, anyway. ]

Definitely not going to tell them we fucked in a love hotel.

[He wrinkles his nose at the bad language.]

No, no, we can't! Even though their reactions would be funny, we still can't do it! I don't want to spend my whole hot springs trip being lectured by some snake!

[Aka Ibara. Who would feel compelled to give him quite the talking-to about his indiscretions, no doubt.]

Fine, we'll say we met at an amusement park! I wanted a day of fun, and Elan-kun also wanted to have fun, so we met in line for one of the rollercoasters! After, we bought matching headbands and took pictures together... I can actually prove that if I need to.

[By opening his camera roll. Having laid out the plan, Hiyori smiles and nods to himself.]

Yep, seems like we've got our story all straightened out ♪

...do we have to show them the matching headbands?

[ Elan complains, although it's not that much of a complaint, all things considered. ]

But I guess it'll work. Although I get the feeling some of them might wanna ask more questions than that.

[Showing off the matching headbands will help sell their story, so in Hiyori's opinion, yes :)]

Ah, like "Where are you from" and "What do you do for a living"? You can answer those however you want. I don't think they'll be too nosy.

But if you're stuck, you could always tell them, "I'm a wanderer" or "I'm going on a journey of self-discovery." Nagisa-kun might like to hearing about your travels—he likes to go places, too. So much that it became a problem! I know Eichi-kun and Tsumugi-kun—two people from my last unit—were always frustrated, because they'd try to get in touch with him, and it'd turn out he'd wandered off to some other country again!

That's not really a lie. I am a wanderer.

[ And he is doing some self-discovery. ]

But I'm not that bad, I htink. I at least tell people when I'm going to leave.

Ah, so you do talk to people. I wasn't sure if you ever interacted with anyone or if it was all just looking at scenery! Meet anyone interesting lately?

[Or hooked up with anyone interesting?]

Mmm. A few people. There was an old man who ran a ramen stand - he had some interesting stories.

[ So he does talk to people. Amazing. ]

[Hmm.]

Talking to locals is always fun, but I'm starting to worry Elan-kun really does live on ramen! So let's find something higher class at the hotel later, alright? A local delicacy, perhaps!

Local delicacy...? Sure, but you're paying for it.

[ He's kinda broke. Still. ]

Yep, that's fine. I already said I don't mind treating you. Elan-kun can simply pay me back with his presence, and with stories of his travels!

Though, actually, there might be another way you could repay me.

[And here he grins like he's plotting something.]

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