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Too slow?

[ Well, he'll accept that, even if he's a bit miffed. He shrugs and sets the microphone down with a sigh. ]

Well, the deal is done - and no, I haven't been staying up all night. I just like the song.

[ It's got a certain vibe that he feels like he fits with, honestly. ]

Are you going to try and make me sing some more now?

[Hey, he asked for feedback! Which Hiyori is more than capable of providing, given his career.]

Yep! For that song, anyway. But that could easily be fixed with practice. What can't be fixed so easily is someone's voice—but Elan-kun has a nice one like I thought, so there's no problem there.

[Hiyori's all smiles as he listens to him talk. Something about the song resonated with him, too, huh? Perhaps the rebellious outlook spoke to him after he spent so long being a good boy at his job. But Hiyori won't ask; it's just a song, and those are meant to be enjoyed without thinking about them too hard.]

Well, that's good to hear. Now I know something else that Elan-kun likes, besides "a good view" and "me!" ♪

[Cue an obnoxious wink, before he shrugs in response to that last question.]

I could! Or we could take turns until the food arrives. Whatever Elan-kun wants is fine. But if you're on a roll or you want to prove yourself, by all means, keep singing your heart out ♪

[ Elan rolls his eyes at the last bit, but he doesn't object as he comes trotting back to his seat. ]

No, no, you're the professional. I could get used to having a free concert on demand every time we get together. Go ahead!

[ He's being a little obnoxious himself, he has to admit. But he likes tweaking Hiyori's metaphorical tail a bit just to see how he reacts to it. ]

Show me more of your catalog.

Elan-kun's getting a bit carried away, it sounds like. But fine!

[He did suggest they take turns. So he gets up from his seat again and heads for the machine. Though he does ask,]

You mean another one of my songs?

Hmm. How about one of your favorite songs that isn't one of yours? Or at least if they have something like that. I'd be interested to hear you sing something that wasn't written with you in mind.

Ah, but my favorite songs are our songs. That sounds like a fun challenge, though, so let's see here.

[He starts to fiddle with the song selector. Truthfully, he didn't grow up listening to idol music. He didn't even know who the old "super idol" Sagami Jin was until Jun turned out to be obsessed with him. But he does know some songs: big hits that everyone knows, girl group songs...

Other ES idols' songs. Those he's more likely to be familiar with, as he's collaborated with other members of various units on projects before. And the thought of covering one of their songs by himself seems like a fun challenge. Let's see: does he go with a rebellious Crazy:B song, in the vein of what Elan just sang? Something that sounds like a super sentai song? Cute synthpop like what 2wink sings? He weighs his options while scrolling through the list.

Then settles on something with a smile.]

This looks fun!

[After picking up the mic, he smiles beautifully.]

Ready to see me be extra cute? ♪

Well, of course they're your favorites. But I still want to see what else you can do. Show me your skills!

[ He's teasing and being genuinely encouraging at the same time; that helps, doesn't it? He watches as Hiyori flips through the different songs on display and then settles on something. He's honestly a little curious by this point. ]

Is that a trick question? What if I say no?

[ He isn't going to. But he could. ]

Then your heart won't stand a chance, I'm afraid ♪

[And with a wink, he starts the song.

A cheery little tune fills the air, and pink hearts fill the lyrics screen. Hiyori nods his head along to the intro, holding the microphone to his chest, preparing to sing this song he's never sung before. But he can do it! He's excellent at being cute. So, after taking a breath, he starts to sing.

The song doesn't strain his voice much. He's obviously not as practiced at singing this (he's had no practice at all, in fact!) so his voice might lack some "oomph," but it's within his comfort zone. The lyrics are about making chocolate: "I'm thinking about you while mixing with the whisk," that sort of thing. It's Valentine's Day, and on this day, the singer wants to show thanks and give back the love they've received! The song could be addressed from someone to their crush or from an idol to their fans; either one works, and it all seems pretty typical...

Until he reaches the chorus, and then suddenly there's some sort of rabbit theme. Ukarete pyonpyon, tobidate pyonpyon... Elan might be forgiven for wondering what on earth that's about. But this song was originally sung by Ra*bits, a bunny-themed idol group who sometimes perform in big floppy ears, so that's what that's about. The lyrics are what they are, and Hiyori sings them with pride! For the duration of this song, he's a cute rabbit! So be it! He won't be gesturing at his head and making bunny ears with his hands like Rab*its does while performing the song, since he's got the microphone to hold, but he does hop around a bit. And how does it all end?

With him offering the listener a homemade chocolate, packed full of love and kisses, of course. "I'll feed it to you, say 'ahn~'♪" And just to drive home the point, he reaches out with his free hand, as though holding a little something out to feed Elan. Hopefully he's not allergic to shameless cutesy fanservice.]

[ Whatever Elan (Five) was expecting, it wasn't really this. It's so... cutesy. Not that Hiyori's image doesn't fit it, but it definitely takes a bit of a turn from his usual display. It's very... peppy, he thinks. Even with the rabbit theme that creeps in. So he just sits and watches and listens, looking a touch bemused. It's a lot, but he can't complain too much. Especially with the way that Elan holds his hand out as the song comes to an end. If we were anyone else he might even blush! As it is, Elan seems to take it with a sense of aplomb.

He leans forward and opens his mouth with a little "ahhh~" sound.

Look, he can play along when he wants to. ]

I almost feel disappointed you didn't really make me chocolate after all of that.

[The bemused look on Elan's face isn't what he typically aims for as an idol, but it is funny. And Elan's reaction at the end is doubly so. Hiyori's innocent and cheerful smile transforms into a grin when Elan joins in. Audience participation, how wonderful! And really, he should just consider himself lucky that Elan didn't comment on how suspicious-sounding his "ahn~" was...

Once the song's done, he sets down the microphone, feeling pleased with his performance.]

Nope, no catering service! ♪ Though there should be some food on the way. Want me to feed you? ♪

[ Maybe it was a little suspicious. Don't @ him. Either way, he leans back in his seat with an amused smile. ]

Being waited on by an idol? How many of your fans are so lucky? I think I'll take advantage of the offer.

[ He's teasing, of course. But maybe he's also seeing what he can get away with. ]

Yep, you'd have to be foolish not to.

[He heads back to their table, smoothing over the front of his yukata on the way there. Even after two songs he's got plenty of energy, more than enough to tease Elan as he takes the seat across from him, putting one elbow on the table and resting his chin in hand with a mischievous smirk.]

But will that be enough to satisfy your appetite, I wonder? Elan-kun seems to want more and more as the night goes on: private concerts, sweets, all sorts of things!

That's me. Never satisfied with what I've got. Always wanting more from the people around me. You have a problem with that? You don't seem to mind feeding me...

[ Five smirks. Two can play at this game. ]

That's because I'm so generous and kind, of course. Though it helps that you're so cute ♪

[He reaches an arm across the table, matching Elan's smirk. Two fingers grasp Elan's chin lightly as he continues merrily chatting.]

And I missed the chance to wash your back earlier, so I figure I might as well do something for you. The night's still young, and so are we ♪ I'm sure we can find plenty more ways to enjoy oursel—

[But right as he's about to finish that sentence, a sound startles him. He drops his hand and looks behind himself to see the door to the room opened and one of the hotel staff walking their way, carrying a plate with two drinks. He sets them down on the table, apologizes for the delay, and informs them their food will also be out in just a minute.

Not an interruption Hiyori expected. Still, he takes it in stride.]

No worries! We were just enjoying some karaoke. By all means, take your time ♪

[And then with a bow, she leaves, and they're (temporarily) alone again. Phew!

He takes his straw out of the wrapper and places it in his drink, mumbling a bit under his breath.]

Well, I suppose we'd best be careful not to get carried away in this room. Right? ♪

[ Just when he's getting ready to retort with something equally spicy, his lips curving in a grin, they're interrupted and he has to burst out laughing at it. The waitress gives him a curious look, but he waves it off with a grin and sits back to wait for the woman to leave. After a moment the door clicks shut again and he gives Hiyori a rather smug look, eyes lidded just a little. ]

Carried away? Us? Never.

[ He props his elbow on the table and puts his chin in his hand with a smile. ]

Were you planning on doing something "enjoyable" while we were here, huh?

[ He's gonna poke at this a little. See what happens. ]

Nope! Us idols have to be more careful than that. Which means most places are off-limits, really. But hotel rooms are usually an exception.

[If you don't get caught going into one with someone, that is. That's where people's careers take a hit. He sips on his drink, then resumes explaining.]

Even chatting about certain topics in public can be dangerous. But this room is soundproofed, so it should be all good as long as the door is shut... Anyway, sorry if I gave you the wrong idea. I won't be pushing you down here, so don't get your hopes up too much ♪

I can't believe you called me out here to break my heart.

[ Five sticks his tongue out and then takes a drink from the glass he's been provided. ]

And here I was all ready for a steamy encounter.

[ Not really, but he likes making a bit of fun. ]

Hm? But you already had your steamy encounter for the night! That's what the hot spring was for!

[Ha, ha. Cue obnoxious grinning, before he speaks a bit more seriously.]

But if you call that breaking your heart, you must not know how to read between the lines.

[Translation: he just said hotel rooms were safe. And guess where they are right now? An inn where they both have rooms, that's where! But Hiyori isn't interested in spelling things out for him, so he's just going to sip his tea until the servers bring their food.

It happens quickly as promised: the hamburger steak gets set in front of Elan, and the pork belly skewers get set in front of Hiyori. Who has no intention of eating all of them, just for the record. But he will dig into one, he supposes, once the servers have left, chewing for a moment before giving his evaluation.]

Hmm, not too bad. The flavor's good, but they're a tad greasy!

[ To be fair, he can read between the lines just fine. He's just being a pill on purpose - as he tends to be at times. ]

Nothing wrong with some grease. although I guess you have to worry about diet and skin condition and everything, huh? Is that rough or just another part of the job?

[ He's eating little bites for the moment, not trying to pig out or chow down. If they pace themselves they can definitely save some of this for later! ]

I wouldn't call it rough, per se. Skincare is extra important, but I have naturally clear skin and I love shopping for new products, so it's never been a burden for me! As for diet, I'd say I don't have to worry about that too much. Ibara's always bossing us around and telling us to count calories, but I just ignore him! I already burn plenty of calories at dance practice, so there's nothing to fret over.

[He chews another piece of his skewer, washing it down with some tea, before something occurs to him.]

Does that mean you didn't have to worry about either of those things for your job?

[It wouldn't be a shock if he didn't. Most jobs don't require you to worry about skincare. But most jobs also don't require you to wear dangly earrings, either. It sounds like Elan's appearance was at least somewhat relevant to his job, anyway.]

Oh, I did... I had to look a certain way and they took it very seriously.

[ He's dancing on the edge of what he'll reveal here, but he doesn't mind being a little mysterious. ]

In fact, you could say my entire job was about keeping up the right appearance. It made life... very interesting.

The entire job...?

[He seems a tad surprised. After the dangly earrings revelation, it did seem like Elan's appearance mattered more than he thought. But for his entire job to revolve around it? What kind of job might that be, when it clearly wasn't "model" or "actor" or anything along those lines?

He raises the skewer and taps thoughtfully on his chin with the stick end. (This probably looks a bit ridiculous.)]

It's sort of fun trying to piece together the hints. Like a detective solving a mystery!

[He bites back into the skewered meat and chews, finishing off the first skewer. ]

I wonder how many guesses it'd take to get it right? But it's fine if you'd rather not go there, since that job wasn't the good kind of "interesting." It's not like I particularly want to talk about my early career...

[He says the last bit while twirling the straw in his drink. Is this the first mention he's ever made of a career before Eden? Why yes, yes it is.]

You know, I doubt you'll guess, no matter how many hints I give you.

[ It's not really a time of his life he likes to talk about... but he has to admit there's something amusing about watching Hiyori try to figure it out. It's a closely held secret, but... if he were to find out, he doesn't think he'd mind. Not right now, anyway. ]

It isn't exactly the sort of thing most people think about.

[ He takes a bit of his own skewer, his eyes sparkling a little. ]

Oh, so you do have a dark side, huh? Something a little seedy?

[ He's poking fun - but also trying to see what's underneath all of that. It's a fascinating little back and forth, isn't it? ]

Well now that sounds like a challenge!

[He doesn't rise to the challenge just yet, though, pushing the plate more towards the center of the table so Elan can grab a skewer. He meant it when he said he couldn't eat them all himself; he's already had dinner, so he's technically gone over the calorie limit already. But the only one who cares about enforcing that is Ibara, who isn't here right now! Score!]

Who, me? Why, of course not ♪

[A careless, chatty reply. But then more seriously he adds,]

Or at least that's the image I strive for: someone completely pure and pretty, like a flower. But none of us can stay completely pure, I suppose. We all get dirtied in one form or another, just from trying to survive in this harsh world.

[He speaks with a smile, though it looks more thoughtful than useful. Maybe this is him when he's not hamming it up?]

Anyway, I'd rather not talk about it too much, but there was something else before Eden. And things didn't exactly go too smoothly there. We still chased a dazzling dream together, but it wasn't meant to last. And the way things played out at the end was pretty sad...

[He idly twirls that straw again, thinking about Eichi, collapsed backstage. About Nagisa's hand trembling outside the school afterwards. About his own trembling hand.

But he forcibly injects his voice with some cheer before continuing. This is a karaoke room, not a confession booth!]

I knew I couldn't stay there, so I left! That's all there is to it. We parted ways, except me and Nagisa-kun. We're still thick as thieves. Because the two of us would never, ever let go of each other... ♪

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