tfy | Open Post

[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.]

Really?

[ His eyes narrow a little in suspicion. ]

And what would that be?

[Without missing a beat:]

Your voice! Apparently the inn has a karaoke room, or at least that's what it said on the website. And I never got the chance to hear Elan-kun's singing voice last time, so now seems like the perfect opportunity ♪ I'd say that's more than a fair trade, wouldn't you?

...if I have to.

[ Well, he's a little stuck, isn't he? ]

I can't promise you it'll be anything special.

That's quite alright. The point is to have fun! Though I have a feeling you'll sound good—I'm usually right about these things! That's how I discovered my partner, Jun-kun: I heard him singing in a practice room, I told him "That's a pretty good voice you have," and just like that, the rest is history...♪

[Or at least that's the abridged version.]

Though it'll have to wait until evening, since we have the shoot to do before that. I guess that gives Elan-kun some time to explore and relax in the baths? I'm not sure what you came out here to do, other than see the view, that is.

Mostly see the view.

[ He allows with a little sigh. ]

And to walk. And see how far I could get on my own. I suppose it's a bit of a self-challenge more than anything else. A way to get my head sorted out.

[ Which is a bit of an admission he wouldn't make to most other people. ]

Running into you is apparently a happy accident, so I better take advantage. Even if I end up having to sing for my bed.

[That little sigh doesn't escape his notice, Hiyori throwing his travel partner a glance. It doesn't take much reading between the lines to deduce that Elan-kun is still as lost as ever. Well, all this wandering around might be his attempt to find himself.]

Elan-kun still has some thinking to do, huh? Maybe you can do some in the bath again, while looking at the stars! I'm sure the view will be much lovelier this time around...

[Compared to last time.

... It's not like Hiyori can't understand. Nagisa also did a lot of wandering. That was also an attempt to find himself, wasn't it?

He, on the other hand, prefers not to do so much ruminating. If there's a problem or something he regrets, he'd rather distract himself with something fun. Elan-kun's approach might be different, but he could surely also use a little fun in his life.

Which is why his last statement makes Hiyori smile.]

I don't think they'll accept that as payment no matter how pretty your voice is. But I'll gladly accept it, and that's what matters! You're right that this is a happy accident, or rather, a wonderful coincidence, so we might as well make the most of it! ♪

[Which includes karaoke and food in his mind. Anything else, well... that might be difficult to accomplish with his unit hanging around. But one thing at a time!]

I'm sure real stars will look a hundred times better than that hotel.

[ He knows exactly what he's talking about and he's not afraid to be direct about it. He clasps his hands behind his head as he keeps on walking. ]

It's a good thing you're the only one I'm worried about paying off, then. Otherwise I'd have to start thinking of something else.

[ He glances at him with a little grin. ]

There's probably more I could talk about, though.

So Elan-kun's living a debt-free existence, huh? Congratulations ♪

[If he had a celebratory noisemaker, he'd blow it.

It isn't clear what that "something else" is that Elan is referring to. Something that can't be mentioned in polite company, perhaps...? Thank goodness it's only the winter wind and the trees out here to hear him reference that hotel, though Hiyori sort-of chides him anyway.]

Remember, we met at the amusement park! There wasn't any sort of hotel involved... But anyway, what more did you want to talk about?

Mmm. Maybe about how you told me all about your idol life and how glamorous it is.

[ He's teasing a little. ]

Wouldn't that be enough? Maybe they'd like to hear how you talk about them.

[Blink.]

Are you trying to blackmail me?

[His eyes widen in exaggerated shock and offense.]

How awful! What terrible betrayal...! But I'm afraid you're out of luck, since I haven't said anything the slightest bit incriminating. All I did was show you videos and share basic facts, such as Nagisa-kun's love of traveling! I'm always one step ahead of everyone, so you'll have to work harder than that to catch me saying something I shouldn't have.

[In reality, he loves running his mouth so much that it wouldn't be impossible. And this is of course ignoring the elephant in the room: that if Elan wanted to blackmail him, all he'd have to do is spread the word about that fling they had. Not everyone would believe him without proof, of course, but even mere rumors can sew doubt...

But there's no point in entertaining that "betrayal." Not when Elan-kun seems content with his peripatetic existence. He wouldn't go to a tabloid seeking fifteen minutes of fame; he seems to want to be left alone, really, which Hiyori thinks is sort of sad. But he won't be alone, since Hiyori and his unit will be at the inn with him! And he'll be on his best behavior around them.

... right?]

Blackmail? Never. What kind of person do you take me for?

[ Except he really is the kind of person to blackmail someone, oops. He's just teasing this time, though. He laughs at the response and then shakes his head. ]

Just want to see what their opinions of you are and how much of what you've told me holds true to life. That's all. I don't think you'd lie, but you are a little... larger than life. And some of your friends don't seem like the types.

Why, you're Elan-kun, of course!

[Then after a pause,]

Though I'm not sure what sort of business you got up to before we met... You weren't involved in some shady organization, were you?

[Imagine that.

Setting aside the issue of whether or not Elan-kun is a blackmailer by trade... Hiyori isn't an open book to everyone in his unit. He's never had a heart-to-heart with Ibara, for instance. And as for his own partner, well... there are things he won't tell him. Mostly because they're too sappy and it's embarrassing! But he doesn't think he revealed anything like that to Elan-kun. As for his exaggerations...]

Don't seem like what types?

[He arches one eyebrow, glancing at Elan sideways, before quickly moving on.]

This might be hard for you to accept, but I'm actually quite ordinary compared to those three. Not in terms of ability, social status, or looks, of course. But my life's been more ordinary than theirs—I won't go into detail since it's not my place to, but I'm the one who had the most normal childhood...

[He shrugs his shoulders.]

Anyway, they're much better at socializing these days. Except for Ibara, he just stays inside doing work all day, but hopefully you'll get along with Jun-kun and Nagisa-kun. And then we can all have a lovely evening together ♪

I wasn't running any kind of shady business, if that's what you mean.

[ Involved? Yes. But involuntarily. And not something he wants to discuss openly, honestly. So instead he just brushes it off and tries to move past it. Talking about his past isn't exactly pleasant. ]

The types to be so over the top. Then again, I just know what you've told me and seen in videos. So maybe I shouldn't judge... after all not everyone is the type to become an idol. I guess that does take a certain kind of willfulness and willingness to perform, doesn't it?

[ He hums softly, considering as they keep on walking. ]

I'm sure we'll do just fine, no matter what. I'm not exactly the most abrasive person, after all. I know how to behave myself when I need to. Although I'm curious about what they might ask me - or what they might tell me about you. Getting other perspectives is always interesting!

That's true, you didn't sound like you were your own boss. "Overworked lackey" sounded more like it...

[Which doesn't discount the possibility of the organization being shady. If anything, it supports it.

Hiyori's not completely oblivious, though, much as he might act like it sometimes. If Elan wanted to explain his previous job, he'd have already done so, and the fact he chose not to elaborate just now suggests he doesn't want to talk. And Hiyori much prefers to keep things cheerful, so it's time to move on!

To talking about his unitmates some more, apparently. This isn't something he objects to, since honestly, he could talk about his little makeshift family forever. As far as them being "over the top" goes:]

Yep, now you're getting it ♪ You won't get anywhere in our world if you're afraid to stand out. Though some people have a much larger presence onstage than they do off the stage. Like Nagisa-kun—you'll see for yourself, but he's not really the "dominant ruler" he acts like he is in interviews. He actually has a cute side!

Still, even if he was larger than life, he'd still be "over the top" in a different way than I am. No two people are exactly the same, after all. Not me, not Nagisa-kun, not Elan-kun ♪

[He's not trying to lecture. Honestly, he's glad Elan-kun has a positive attitude about all this. So glad he can't help but tease,]

Aww, you want to hear about me that much, huh? ♪

[With an obnoxious smirk to boot. But he's quick to move on.]

Well, I can more or less guess at what they'd say. Ibara would just call me a "business asset" if he were being honest about how he felt. Jun-kun, on the other hand, would say something completely dishonest and rude—something like "he's such a handful" or "I can never tell what he's thinking!" He doesn't want to admit how much he truly cares! Sad, isn't it?

[He shakes his head theatrically.]

[Before smiling softly again.]

But as for Nagisa-kun... if you ask him to describe me, I'm sure he'd say I'm like the sun.

[ It's that last comment that earns a glance from Elan. ]

Oh, really? Is he that fond of you?

[ He's fishing a little - and maybe trying to poke the conversation a little away from himself. He doesn't much enjoy talking about his past, after all - not that he thinks he has much of one to discuss. He's spent most of his life as a double for someone else. It's not a life to think about or build anything on. That's why he's currently trying to do something for himself, after all. Because he wants to, not because someone else is trying to make him into... a tool. Or something worse. ]

Or does he think you burn people after too much exposure?

[ He's teasing. Really. ]

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Happy Christmas! Back at it again.