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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. ]

[So not a stage name, but definitely an alias.

That's what Hiyori concludes, though it's no great surprise. Jun, however, looks confused, but shrugs it off easily enough. "You're kinda mysterious, huh~?"

It's fine—Jun is used to it, and so is Hiyori. There are plenty of mysterious characters wandering around ES, and even their own unitmates haven't confided everything about their lives. The fact that Hiyori would befriend another such mysterious character, just from chatting him up in line for an amusement park, might sound far-fetched, but it's honestly in-character for him.

That's what they are, isn't it? Elan's last comment sure sounded friendly. Jun doesn't read anything deeper into it. And Hiyori doesn't either, exactly. Although, if they had gone on a private trip like they talked about, and it had been just them in the spring, well... there's no telling where his hands might have ended up. ... Or other parts of him.

But anyway!]

At least that's bound to be a good time. We can relax and talk about your travels some more. I'll even wash your back first ♪

[This is... also not a suggestive comment. Just a friendly offer! Though it might conjure certain memories from before. And Jun also just threw him a really weird look in response. The good news is that at least they're coming up on the hotel, leaving less time for either one of them to say something truly incriminating.]

That's so nice of you to offer. Maybe I'll take you up on it.

[ He laughs - in that friendly way - and then there's the hotel just up ahead. He grins and turns to glance at the pair. ]

Should we part ways? Or do you want to do introductions first?

[ He wants to make sure. Meeting everyone else will be... a challenge. He knows how to smile and nods and doeverything else. He thinks it will be fine. He's... OK with most people these days. There's nothing to worry about. But... a part of him sort of wants to keep his interactions with Hiyori just for himself.

That's a strange motivation, isn't it? ]

[It's a good thing this guy doesn't seem creeped out over his partner's weird comments. That's what Jun's thinking, anyway. Though after noticing the look on his face, Hiyori turns to him next.]

Hmm? What's with that look? You're not jealous, are you? I can scrub your back for you, too, you know! Normally I'd make you do it yourself, but your partner is feeling extra generous today ♪

[This only causes Jun's face to scrunch up further. "No thanks. You sound weird as hell right now, y'know."

How rude of him. But that's more or less the reaction Hiyori expected, so he lets it slide, turning his attention back to Elan as they approach the inn.]

I'm not sure where the others are, so if you'd prefer to head straight for the dining hall or the baths, that's perfectly fine. But it sounds like we're all heading inside either way, so why not go together?

[And with that, he'll head with Jun and Elan towards the main entrance.

Like any ryokan, there's space for them to leave their shoes and a line of slippers awaiting them. Beyond the genkan is the inn's lobby, elegantly decorated and with someone waiting at the reception desk, as well as a couple of other staff members on duty. There are others milling around, too—mostly crew members who are there for the shoot Eden is doing. But one person in particular stands out...

Sitting in one of the chairs is Hiyori's unitmate. Perhaps Elan remembers him from the videos, perhaps not. Either way, his appearance certainly screams "idol," with long silver hair cascading down his back and features that look like they were carved from marble. Beautiful yet masculine, cool and untouchable: that's the impression this person gives off.

Though it's somewhat broken by the fact he's chewing on something sticky.]

Ah, there's Nagisa-kun ♪ Want to go say a brief hello?

[ To be honest, Five expects he's going to be chased away by a member of the crew or a manager or something when he shows up. He's not exactly a part of the set, after all. But instead he's greeted by - well the whole business and the other unit-mate. Five pauses as he starts to toe out of his shoes and he gives the other young man a curious, long look. Maybe it's the long flowing hair but he reminds him a little of someone... although perhaps it's also merely physical. He lifts a hand in greeting, glancing at Hiyori and then the other fellow. ]

Hello! Sorry for keeping your friend away for so long - we were having a bit of reunion after we ran into one another in the woods.

[ That earns a look and then a greeting in return. ]

Well, you're new. Who's this?

[ Five smiles. ]

Call me Elan - I met Hiyori a few months ago and you could consider us friends.

[ How mysterious. ]

[It is an inn and guests are more than welcome and anyone is free to use the lobby. Already a few staff members are eyeing the new guest, posed to rush over and help him check in, though for now they hang back rather than interrupt him as he approaches Nagisa. It's likely they have the mistaken impression that he's another idol here on Idol Business; he certainly has the looks for it, and perhaps the aura, too.

(You know. The whole "faking faker" aura.)

Nagisa is the type to always have his nose buried in a book, but seeing as he already read all the books he brought on the (long) car ride over, he doesn't have one at the moment. He looks up right away when Elan and Hiyori approach, Jun following close behind them (and already carrying some of Hiyori's winter gear, which Hiyori casually tossed off into his arms).

Nagisa's voice is deep (that's Suwabe for you) and there's a noticeable pause before he speaks. It's nothing to do with Elan; he's always like that. His face is difficult to hard to read, which some might find intimidating. But there's no hostility or suspicion in his eyes, and he accepts Elan's story at face value; he, unlike Jun, seems to think there's nothing remotely strange about a random friend of Hiyori's popping up.

"..... I see. Hiyori-kun has friends in all parts of the country."

Hiyori beams warmly in response.]

What's that you're eating? Some kind of rice jelly?

[In Nagisa's hand is a wrapped rectangular with a gelatinous appearance. He nods his head in affirmative. "..... From the gift shop." Then, without saying anything further, he holds up the snack. "Want some?"]

No, I'm good, thanks. Though on second thought, all that walking did make me feel a bit hungry.

[He breaks off a chunk, then turns to Elan.]

Want a piece?

[ Honestly, being mistaken for an idol isn't the worst thing that could happen to him. Although he'd rather not get dragged back into that kind of thing. He thinks show business is something he is putting very far behind him for now, thank you.]

I'll pass.

[ He lifts a hand to wave off the offered treat. ]

I'm going to get something a little more solid than that. And get into my room and start getting cleaned up.

[ He flashes a smile to the rest and waves, even if he is putting it on a little thick. ]

Nice to meet all of you. Hiyori really does have some very cute co-workers~

Suit yourself, then.

[Hiyori waves back cheerfully, not offended to see him go, since he doesn't have much time left to spend with Elan before the shoot starts, anyway. The others let him go, too, though Nagisa does stare thoughtfully after his receding back.

..... "In French, élan means 'enthusiasm' or 'spirit.' Though as a name, it's quite uncommon. Elon is more common."

Yep. Trust Nagisa to be knowledgeable about that sort of thing. But Hiyori has no idea where Elan-kun comes from, and nothing to contribute there, so for the time being, he'll simply eat his share of the rice jelly. Elan fades out of sight and they chat until Ibara shows up, demanding that Hiyori and Jun get changed, which they do before getting their make-up done, and then it's time for the shoot.]

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