[Elan is a champ for taking that in stride. For all his teasing, Hiyori doesn't want him to feel bad about himself. He wants him to feel good! So he snuggles closer on the couch, musing out loud:]
It's hard to compare, I suppose. You're one of the only people I know who doesn't fall into an easy category, like "family" or "co-worker." You're just Elan-kun! ♪ But I guess if I had to put a name to us, maybe "friend" would do it? And then there's that "benefits" part you mentioned before...
[He meant it. All sorts of feelings do well up when he thinks about where they started out compared to where they are now. It's hard to believe the same boy who's leaning against him now, sincerely expressing his feelings, is the same one who'd been stuck in his last job, feeling tired and trapped. Back then, simply getting ice cream was a big deal for Elan-kun. But now...
He's gotten greedier, hasn't he?]
It's nice to have you, too. ♪
[Hiyori returns the words, leaning back against Elan, and for once they're not a half-joke or a tease.]
When we're together, you can show as much greed as you want. So don't be afraid, okay~? ♪
[He smiles, looking almost proud. After all that Elan's been through, it's a good thing he's showing some greed. He's gone from being a pawn to striving for what he wants, and Hiyori couldn't be happier about it.]
Yes, as a matter of fact, it makes me feel great!
[Because who doesn't like feeling wanted? The kiss to his cheek makes his heart flutter, and he grins, happy and content.]
So I'll teach you to be even greedier. In return, you can teach me new vocabulary, like that thing you just said!
[He straightens up on the couch as he thinks about it.]
Well, my unit, mostly. They're the ones I spent the most time with. But I also have my two circles: the tea circle, known as FLAVOR, and Pretty 5, which is my group who appreciates pretty things!
[He takes a moment to get out his phone from wherever he set it, toggle his camera roll, and pull up a group photo, which he turns to show Elan.]
Aira-kun's the youngest one there—
[He taps his thumb against the kid with the funny expression in the bottom right corner.]
—and he's the most well-versed in social media, so he's the one who teaches us slang. Just the other day, he told us about a phrase called "spill the tea." Apparently that's a way of saying "share the hottest gossip." So if you told me you had some sensitive info to share—like about your love life, for example—I might say, "Spill the tea, please!" as a way to encourage you.
Only a first-year! But I guess he's about to start his second year. Time sure flies fast, doesn't it? Soon Jun-kun will be graduating, and then before you know it, I'll have turned twenty. Which means you'll have yourself a drinking buddy!
[His smile flickers just a bit. He has no problem talking about teen idols, which are common in the industry, but the comparison to Elan's own exploitive circumstances sure puts things in a different perspective!]
I won't deny there are problems with child actors and the like, but I'm not sure it's quite the same as what you went through. You're absolutely right about adults being unfair to children, though.
[It's occurred to him before. Child labor is generally forbidden, so why is an exception made for actors and other performers? But that's something he doesn't have an answer to, nor can he change the laws of society, so he simply moves on!]
At Yumenosaki and Reimei, some people started idol work as soon as they enter their first year. Others might need an older student to invite them to join a unit, though. Then there are junior idols who got their start even earlier. I didn't do any official idol work until I'd just turned seventeen, so I suppose you could say I was a "late bloomer" compared to some people. But I did already know a thing or two about performing.
Mmm. It's not quite like what I did, it's true. It still feels a little strange to me...
[ He shakes his head with a low sigh. ]
I'm not judging you, though. I just wonder if people should be a little more careful about what they do. I'm sure you and your unit are doing just fine, though. I'm pretty sure you'd have told me by now if there was anything nefarious going on.
It's quite a long story. But if you're really curious...
[He trails off, thinking back on their previous conversations. Did he ever tell Elan how Nagisa was raised? Did he tell him about "the Godfather"? No, and no, of course. Elan wasn't involved in that stuff, and it isn't the sort of thing that's fun to talk about. His own expression turns wary and almost exhausted, and he sighs.]
It all started a while ago. In the past, a single man pulled nearly all the strings behind the entertainment world. He was a former idol turned powerful businessman—something like "the godfather" of the industry. He had many shady connections and business dealings, akin to a mafia lord.
[He pauses, letting Elan absorb all That. To most people, it'd sound absurd. Though, considering what Elan's been through, is it really that hard to believe? He continues:]
He's been dead for a while, so you may rightly ask what any of that has to do with us. And to that, I'd love to say "Absolutely nothing!" But he casts a long shadow even now, and it's been hard to escape out from under it—especially since Nagisa-kun and Ibara are both related to him. In the case of Nagisa-kun, it's not a blood relation, but that man was still like a "Father" to him.
[His nose wrinkles with distaste as he says that.]
[ It's easy enough for him to put the pieces together, honestly. Rich, powerful men always tend to get their way, don't they? And even after they're gone, they have long shadows. He shakes his head after a few moments of thought. ]
So, this relationship is causing a problem somehow. Seems easy enough to understand. I don't know what kind of problem, but... that's how it usually goes. Powerful people tend to roll over everyone. Even when they're gone.
I suppose you'd know that better than just about anyone, wouldn't you?
[It makes sense. Elan previously lived his life in service to corrupt, powerful people. His lack of a severe reaction helps Hiyori relax somewhat, although the conversation topic is still rather tiring.]
You're absolutely right, of course. The Godfather is long dead, but he has connections who are still alive. And they've been causing us nothing but trouble. My beloved Nagisa-kun has been snatched away from me twice now. He got kidnapped while we were overseas, and then he had someone trying to impersonate him...
[He shakes his head and sighs.]
It's in the past, and he and Ibara claim to have a hold of the situation now. But it's frustrating to feel so utterly powerless.
[ That brings up some interesting memories for him. Stuff he doesn't dwell much on anymore, but still... it's a big part of his life. That makes him wonder what poor idiots they conned into doing that job. ]
I understand that feeling. Sometimes all you can do is just try to endure it. Especially when you can't actually do anything besides run away from it, if you can. But if your friends are handling it... [ He trails off with a shrug. ]
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[ He's kidding.
But he does want to know. ]
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[He taps on his chin, making a show of thinking about it, before at last he nods.]
... yep, you should be! Right after Nagisa-kun, the rest of my family, the rest of my unit, and Mary! ♪
[Below a dog, in other words... and that would be more than five people altogether.]
Ah, but you're cuter and less venomous than Ibara, so I don't mind moving you up above him.
[He pretends to think about that for a second, then nods cheerfully again.]
Yep, I'll do that! ♪
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[ He lets out a loud, over-dramatic sigh. ]
But at least I have a spot.
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[Elan is a champ for taking that in stride. For all his teasing, Hiyori doesn't want him to feel bad about himself. He wants him to feel good! So he snuggles closer on the couch, musing out loud:]
It's hard to compare, I suppose. You're one of the only people I know who doesn't fall into an easy category, like "family" or "co-worker." You're just Elan-kun! ♪ But I guess if I had to put a name to us, maybe "friend" would do it? And then there's that "benefits" part you mentioned before...
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Just say friend-with-benefits. That's the easiest way to say it.
[ He sighs and puts his chin in his hand, giving him a fond look. ]
That'll cover everything we do together.
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Fine, fine. Until they invent a new word that describes us perfectly, I guess it'll have to do ♪
[And then he sips tea again.]
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We don't have to define it, of course. We can just be whatever we want.
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Now you're really thinking outside the box! ♪
[Which isn't a bad thing. He adds:]
I know exactly what you mean, though. When I think back on my time with Elan-kun, all sorts of feelings well up that I can't describe.
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[ That's the easiest thing, isn't it? To not describe it. That way it can be whatever they imagine it to be. ]
It's just... nice to have you. [ He admits softly, a little vulnerable, his head leaning over to rest on his shoulder. ]
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He's gotten greedier, hasn't he?]
It's nice to have you, too. ♪
[Hiyori returns the words, leaning back against Elan, and for once they're not a half-joke or a tease.]
When we're together, you can show as much greed as you want. So don't be afraid, okay~? ♪
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[ He turns his head and gives him a quick kiss on the cheek. ]
Although that feels more schmoopy than greedy...
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Yes, as a matter of fact, it makes me feel great!
[Because who doesn't like feeling wanted? The kiss to his cheek makes his heart flutter, and he grins, happy and content.]
So I'll teach you to be even greedier. In return, you can teach me new vocabulary, like that thing you just said!
["Schmoopy"...]
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[ Consider him a little bemused. ]
Who do you talk to all day, anyway?
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[He straightens up on the couch as he thinks about it.]
Well, my unit, mostly. They're the ones I spent the most time with. But I also have my two circles: the tea circle, known as FLAVOR, and Pretty 5, which is my group who appreciates pretty things!
[He takes a moment to get out his phone from wherever he set it, toggle his camera roll, and pull up a group photo, which he turns to show Elan.]
Aira-kun's the youngest one there—
[He taps his thumb against the kid with the funny expression in the bottom right corner.]
—and he's the most well-versed in social media, so he's the one who teaches us slang. Just the other day, he told us about a phrase called "spill the tea." Apparently that's a way of saying "share the hottest gossip." So if you told me you had some sensitive info to share—like about your love life, for example—I might say, "Spill the tea, please!" as a way to encourage you.
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[ Not like he keeps up with slang himself, but he does use the internet so it's not like he hasn't run across it before. ]
It's kind of obvious when you think about it.
[ He laughs quietly. ]
How old is he, anyway? He can't be that much younger.
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[He puffs his chest up, giving Elan a smirk.]
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[ Elan drawls. ]
I'd say I can't believe they put teenagers into idol groups, but... well. I know first hand what people will make teenagers do.
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I won't deny there are problems with child actors and the like, but I'm not sure it's quite the same as what you went through. You're absolutely right about adults being unfair to children, though.
[It's occurred to him before. Child labor is generally forbidden, so why is an exception made for actors and other performers? But that's something he doesn't have an answer to, nor can he change the laws of society, so he simply moves on!]
At Yumenosaki and Reimei, some people started idol work as soon as they enter their first year. Others might need an older student to invite them to join a unit, though. Then there are junior idols who got their start even earlier. I didn't do any official idol work until I'd just turned seventeen, so I suppose you could say I was a "late bloomer" compared to some people. But I did already know a thing or two about performing.
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[ He shakes his head with a low sigh. ]
I'm not judging you, though. I just wonder if people should be a little more careful about what they do. I'm sure you and your unit are doing just fine, though. I'm pretty sure you'd have told me by now if there was anything nefarious going on.
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Silent, for a conspicuously long moment.]
Er... well...
[Another pause. Boy, does his face look awkward.]
Supposing there was something nefarious going on... would you really want to hear about it?
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That's a suspiciously long silence, isn't it? His expression turns a bit terse. ]
...I think you should tell me.
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[He trails off, thinking back on their previous conversations. Did he ever tell Elan how Nagisa was raised? Did he tell him about "the Godfather"? No, and no, of course. Elan wasn't involved in that stuff, and it isn't the sort of thing that's fun to talk about. His own expression turns wary and almost exhausted, and he sighs.]
It all started a while ago. In the past, a single man pulled nearly all the strings behind the entertainment world. He was a former idol turned powerful businessman—something like "the godfather" of the industry. He had many shady connections and business dealings, akin to a mafia lord.
[He pauses, letting Elan absorb all That. To most people, it'd sound absurd. Though, considering what Elan's been through, is it really that hard to believe? He continues:]
He's been dead for a while, so you may rightly ask what any of that has to do with us. And to that, I'd love to say "Absolutely nothing!" But he casts a long shadow even now, and it's been hard to escape out from under it—especially since Nagisa-kun and Ibara are both related to him. In the case of Nagisa-kun, it's not a blood relation, but that man was still like a "Father" to him.
[His nose wrinkles with distaste as he says that.]
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[ It's easy enough for him to put the pieces together, honestly. Rich, powerful men always tend to get their way, don't they? And even after they're gone, they have long shadows. He shakes his head after a few moments of thought. ]
So, this relationship is causing a problem somehow. Seems easy enough to understand. I don't know what kind of problem, but... that's how it usually goes. Powerful people tend to roll over everyone. Even when they're gone.
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[It makes sense. Elan previously lived his life in service to corrupt, powerful people. His lack of a severe reaction helps Hiyori relax somewhat, although the conversation topic is still rather tiring.]
You're absolutely right, of course. The Godfather is long dead, but he has connections who are still alive. And they've been causing us nothing but trouble. My beloved Nagisa-kun has been snatched away from me twice now. He got kidnapped while we were overseas, and then he had someone trying to impersonate him...
[He shakes his head and sighs.]
It's in the past, and he and Ibara claim to have a hold of the situation now. But it's frustrating to feel so utterly powerless.
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[ That brings up some interesting memories for him. Stuff he doesn't dwell much on anymore, but still... it's a big part of his life. That makes him wonder what poor idiots they conned into doing that job. ]
I understand that feeling. Sometimes all you can do is just try to endure it. Especially when you can't actually do anything besides run away from it, if you can. But if your friends are handling it... [ He trails off with a shrug. ]
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