tfy | Open Post

Well, we're not strangers, anyway. You do seem a bit mysterious, but that's not a bad thing. A little mystery adds allure ♪ Though, if I had to ask something...

[Hmm.

Of course there's a lot he doesn't know, from what sort of job Elan worked before to why he finally left. Why, Elan-kun could hail from outer space for all he knows! But again, he doesn't want to pry too much.

There must be some safe topics he can ask about, though. Something light and conversational like food (though they've already talked about that), school (though Elan-kun doesn't attend school, does he?), clothes...

Ah, that's it.]

Perhaps I'll ask where you got those earrings from? Those pointy ones you wore last time. Were they a gift, or just something you found in a store somewhere?

The earrings...?

[ He trails off with a little sigh and looking a bit thoughtful. There's another long, long pause while he seems to mull over the answer. ]

...they were a part of the job. Or that's where I got them, anyway. I might keep them around, though.

[He blinks.]

Part of the job?

[Well, that's not what he expected. It's one thing to have a uniform, but what sort of job requires dangly earrings? Unless the job is "fashion model" or performer of some stripe, but Elan-kun made it sound like it wasn't anything like that. At the very least, there was no singing involved!

He didn't work in a red light district, did he? You know, as eye candy? No, but that wouldn't square away with some other things, like his virginity. So surely it wasn't that.

In short: he's clueless here! But, again, he's not out to interrogate and bring down the mood! So, as usual, he shrugs it off.]

Well, they certainly looked good on you. I'm sure they'd look good on me, too, of course—I wear earrings for my jobs all the time. All sorts of lovely pairs that match my outfits ♪

But now you have the freedom to wear whatever you want, hmm? That must be exciting. Like finally taking off a school uniform ♪

I'll tell you some other time.

[ And maybe he will. He doesn't like sharing that part of his life, but... maybe he'll do it for Hiyori. Just this once. Or that one time in the future. No point in pretending he's not being mysterious about it, though. ]

They were good earrings, but part of me isn't sure I want to keep them around...

[ He raises a hand to brush his ear. ]

Maybe I'll find something to replace them with. After all,like you say, I've got the freedom to choose now, right? Might as well do something fun.

[Hiyori sends him another glance.

The thing is, Elan doesn't have to tell him. If he'd rather talk about the future than the past, Hiyori can hardly blame him. It's not as though they're close enough chums to share everything.

But if Elan wants to talk to him, well... that shows something approaching trust, doesn't it? Either way, it must have taken courage just to say it. So that earns a smile of acknowledgment, before he continues to chat frivolously as always.]

Yes, that's the spirit! That's something we're all entitled to: freedom of expression ♪ And the nice thing about earrings is that you can coordinate them with different outfits, so there's never any need to stop at just one pair.

[Easy for Mr. Moneybags to say.]

I don't often wear them off the stage, but they're the perfect compliment to my stage outfits ♪ I'd need to see more of your clothes to decide which ones you should buy. Though, if I had to choose without seeing your closet...

[He studies Elan's face for a moment before he nods to himself.]

... I'd go with something that matches your eyes. A pretty emerald pair ♪ Or maybe peridot? They're a little light to be emerald.

I'm not that worried about fashion just yet.

[ He drawls with a low laugh; he's dressed in hiking clothes, including a bright orange, puffy jacket to help ward off the chill. The idea of coordinating an outfit is a bit down his list of priorities. ]

But looking my best is something I enjoy, at the appropriate time and place-

[ And then he's talking about his eyes! Elan can't help but flush a little and he shakes his head with a laugh, trying to dismiss the idea without giving away any embarrassment. ]

Listen to you. Maybe I should just hire you to coordinate all of my outfits in the future. Wouldn't that be fun?

You can still look good while hiking, you know. Just look at me, for example ♪

[He says with a wink, like he's wearing anything special. He's not—just a cream-colored jacket over a turtleneck, black jeans, and lace-up boots. Plus a pair of earmuffs, so he can keep his ears warm while avoiding hat hair. But there are no dangly earrings to be seen, and anyway, he's an idol. His career rests heavily on his appearance.

It's hard to perceive Elan's blush when their skin is already tinged faintly red, thanks to the chill. But he doesn't miss that laugh—that's a good reaction. And while Hiyori's honestly not a huge flirt these days, at least outside of handshake events, something about Elan-kun makes him want to tease.]

Dressing you up like a doll, huh? That could be fun I suppose, though that's not usually my thing. But maybe we could coordinate our outfits? Or, we could do a swap! I choose what you wear, you choose what I wear! It'd be interesting to see what Elan-kun would pick. I'm sure you've thought about it a lot, right? ♪

You do look good. But is it enough to keep you warm?

[ He's a little doubtful - or just teasing. He has also gone with a hat, though, because he doesn't much mind the hat hair, as it turns out. He adjusts the backpack he's wearing as they walk, laughing. ]

Are you sure you want me to do that? What if I decide to pick something that would ruin your public image? Maybe I'm cruel like that.

I'm plenty warm! Though I do wish it'd warm up a bit, since I don't like when it gets too cold. And my hands are the part that feel coldest, so I'll just have to warm them up by putting them on Jun-kun's neck when we get back!

[Just a little friendly prank between stage partners.

Elan's last reply causes him to smirk, holding his head high with an air of supreme confidence.]

And what might that be? I can pull off just about any look. If you want to see me wearing next to nothing, just say that!

How about stripes and plaid?

[ He shrugs carelessly, grin a touch wicked. ]

Or a dorky bowtie? That might look kind of cute.

Been there, done that, and my natural beauty still shined through ♪

[He's referring to his old school uniform, mainly. Or his other uniform before that. What is it with idol training schools and plaid pants? But anyway, as for the bowtie thing:]

Like one with a cute pattern, you mean? Sure, sounds fun ♪ I'm sure I'd still look cute in one. If you don't believe me, we'll just have to go shopping and try on different outfits sometime so you can see. And in return, I'll get to dress you up like we said before. How's that sound?

More than fair.

[ Five laughs. Is he... having fun again?

Yeah, he is. ]

I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

~♪

[He hums in lieu of a response. And then keeps walking, content not to run his mouth for the next little while.

Is Elan-kun having fun? He sure sounds like it, anyway. He's laughed a lot in the past few minutes! If Hiyori could bring a little sunshine into his peripatetic existence, then getting lost was worth it.

It's still a little bit before they approach the inn, since he really did get very lost. But as they get closer, he starts to hear something, a familiar voice shouting through the trees.

"Ohii-saaaaaan!"

Hiyori's ears perk up.]

Jun-kun?

[That is, indeed, his partner. There's no mistaking that voice or that nickname. But obviously Jun can't hear him from where he is, and continues to call out to him.

"Ohii-saaaan! Where the hell did you wander off this time? I'll have to start tying a leash 'round your neck if you don't come back~"

Now that makes him frown, shaking his head with an affronted look on his face.]

So rude! Who does he think he is, talking to me that way?

[A rhetorical question. But then he glances back at Elan and smiles, shaking it off.]

Ready for more human contact? ♪ I promise he doesn't bite, anyway.

Oh, he's talking about leashes. Naughty.

[ Elan elbows him in the side. ]

But I'm as ready as I'll ever, I suppose. Time to get back into the limelight... just make sure to only say good things about me.

[He shoots Elan a reproachful look.]

He's just being cheeky. Sort of like someone else around here! But fine, I won't tell him about your devious side ♪

[Annnd off he goes in the direction of that voice.

In the distance and around the corner stands a boy, clad in a winter coat. He's still looking around aimlessly for any sign of his partner, up until he spots the two of them walking, and at that point he bounds over, his cheeks slightly flushed from the cold and his expression visibly relieved.

"There you are. Couldja not wander off for miles next time? I seriously thought you might've fallen off a cliff or something."

Sazanami Jun looks first at Hiyori, but it isn't long before his curious gaze slides over to the other boy. Before he can ask, Hiyori opts to explain.]

Awww, poor Jun-kun ♪ You were worried sick about me, hmm? But you need not worry. As you can see, your "Ohii-san" is perfectly fine! I did get a bit lost, but I had this kind stranger to guide me!

[He gestures at Elan.]

Or I thought he was a stranger. But as it turned out, we'd actually met before. What a small world we live in ♪

[This earns a confused look from Jun. "Huh? You've met before?"

It's clear he expects an answer. But Hiyori doesn't give one; instead he turns to Elan with a smile. It's his turn now! Hiyori's counting on him to remember that story about the amusement park. After all, Elan-kun isn't some treacherous character who'd go back on what they decided on, right?]

[ Of cours Five follows. He said he would, wouldn't he? So he's right behind Hiyori as they come around a corner in the trail and spot Jun. Five gives him an assessing look, his brow furrowed, and then flashes a smile - he knows how to be friendly, his attitude to the contrary. ]

As it turns out, I was out here taking in the scenery and I ran right into Hiyori. Isn't that strange?

[ He tips his head in a little nod. ]

...you can call me Elan. We ran into one another at an amusement park a while back and we've stayed in touch a little since then. I was still very surprised to find him all the way out here. He never struck me as the outdoorsy type!

[Sazanami Jun—who might be recognizable from the videos Hiyori showed last time—doesn't return the friendly smile, nor does he seem overly suspicious. He's mostly just confused, taking a second to process the cover story. "At an amusement park?" he asks.]

Yes, an amusement park! What's wrong with partaking in some amusements every now and then?

[Hiyori chirps back immediately, to which Jun scratches his head. "Nothing's wrong with it. I'm just surprised you remembered someone you met there, and then recognized 'em again all the way out here."]

Well, you know what they say. Life is full of chance encounters. And my face is quite memorable, so it makes perfect sense that it left an impression on Elan-kun here ♪ And then I have an excellent memory—

["For everything except directions, you mean~?"]

—so I also remembered Elan-kun's face! He's got a memorable face, too, wouldn't you say?

[Hiyori ignores Jun's cheeky jab in favor of teasing. His partner's response is predictable, with him blinking awkwardly at Elan's face. "Uh... I guess so?" Then he stops staring and addresses Elan more seriously. "Anyway, thanks for guiding him back to the hotel. Sorry he bothered you on your hike."

Hiyori's lips tick upwards. It's clear Jun doesn't know what to make of this person who just appeared, or about the vibe between him and Hiyori, but he still makes sure to show gratitude. He's a good boy.]

There's nothing that surprising about it. We hit it off. Although I didn't even realize I was talking to an idol until later...

[ He glances at Jun and then Hiyori with a little smirk. ]

But it's no bother. I'm even getting used to him now, so it wasn't such a problem in the end.

[ He's going to poke a little fun while he can. ]

You've got to put up with him a lot more than I do, don't you?

[Hiyori chimes in,]

Yep! Elan-kun didn't try to get close to me because I'm an idol. And he didn't secretly follow us to the mountains, either. So don't assume anything rude about him, alright?

["Sounds like you're the only one who assumed some rude stuff," Jun correctly surmises, to which Hiyori can only hmmph softly in return. Then Jun turns back to Elan.

Something about that smirk, combined with the sort of familiar-sounding voice (doesn't he sound a lot like Ohii-san?) is throwing Jun off. But he never misses an opportunity to gripe about his partner, so Elan's question earns an easy response.

"Well, yeah. We even lived together for a year, so I had to put up with this guy's demands day in and day out. 'Course, even now that we're not in the same dorm room, he still makes me do stuff like pour tea for him. And as you can see, he's always wandering off on his own and stuff. Makes me wish he'd get replaced by someone with a better personality."

Hiyori puts his hands on his hips as he glares again, sharper this time.]

Now that's going too far! In the first place, Eden wouldn't be nearly as successful. Besides, Jun-kun, you wouldn't be a member at all if not for me! You haven't forgotten that, have you?

["Well, yeah. And it'll never happen anyway, so it's a moot point. Anyway, since we do need this guy, I can take him off your hands now. Thanks again."

Jun, appearing unfazed by his partner's anger, proceeds to thank Elan sincerely. But Hiyori cuts in again.]

Well, Elan-kun can continue his hike if he wants. But we're actually staying at the same inn, or so I hear, so he can also come back with us. Or we can just meet up again later? Whichever!

[He glances at Elan, presenting his travel buddy with a choice. Does he want to meet the rest of the unit now, before the shoot, or explore the area on his own some more first, then meet them later?]

[ Elan (Five) seems perfectly content to let htem talk around him. It's entertaining and the fact that he's managed to cause a tiny bit of trouble is just icing on the cake. He offers a guile-less smile and spreads his hands in a little shrug. ]

Well... now that you mention it, he does seem the demanding type. But that's alright, he makes up for it in other ways. He's got a great voice, right?

[ A little tease and a little flattery go together, don't they? ]

I'm happy to walk back with you, honestly. I've been hiking most of the morning so some lunch and a chance to get off my feet sounds great.

[ And he can suss out some more of Hiyori's people while he's at it. ]

["He's got a loud voice, anyway."

It seems Jun isn't one for flattery, at least where his partner is concerned. Though obviously Elan is right—Hiyori has a pretty voice, one that blends well with his own. That's why he was selected as Hiyori's partner, after all. Or so he thinks, but Hiyori's reasoning was actually a bit more complicated...

Anyway. Hiyori beams at Elan and says,]

Excellent! That means you'll get to meet Nagisa-kun straightaway! And Ibara, I suppose, though that's less exciting. But anyway, let's all enjoy a relaxing time together ♪

[Jun is quick to remind him, "Have you forgotten what time the shoot starts? Plus we already had lunch. Uh, not that you can't walk with us, of course."

Realizing his rudeness, Jun turns to Elan at the end. While he's quite comfortable being cheeky to Hiyori, he's not a rude boy in general! So, as they start walking towards the hotel, Jun attempts to make conversation.

"I'm Sazanami Jun, by the way. Sorry for not introducing myself til' now."]

[ Five is happy to come along, walking alongside the two of them wit ha cheeky little grin. ]

Not a worry. Like I said, I'm Elan. I can find something else to do while you handle your important idol work.

[ He arches a brow. ]

They're not going to let me stick around and watch you, so I'll explore the hotel. Maybe see if they have some of those famous hotsprings.

["Is that a stage name?" Jun asks. Though he quickly amends, "Not that I'm tryna be nosy or anything. It just kind of sounded like one."

You know, like HiMERU. Hiyori assumes it's nothing of the sort, as it doesn't seem like Elan-kun has ever stood onstage before. Though it could be an alias for all he knows. In any case, he'll let Elan answer that one, though he does speak up in response to the second thing.]

Yep, there should be hot springs. I'm absolutely dying to have a soak in them myself, especially after being out in the cold so long. The scenery is good, but it's much too chilly up here in these mountains!

["Pretty sure that's just how temperatures and air pressure work," says Jun. Rather unhelpfully, in Hiyori's opinion.]

Yes, that's how things work, but if you ask me, the environment ought to change to suit my needs!

[Because the center of the world is him. And that's the tea on that.]

A stage name? No, not really. But it is one I picked up along the way.

[ How mysterious. He isn't elaborating, though, so good luck on prying more out of him just now. ]

Unfortunately, we're not in a climate controlled environment, so you'll just have to grin and bear it, Hiyori. Just manage it until later! I'm sure we can take a soak together!

[ He's not trying to be suggestive, just comradely. ]

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