tfy | Open Post

[He closes his eyes as the music fades out. When he opens them again, he's no longer a princess. Just an idol surveying his audience of one.

And the reaction doesn't disappoint, despite Elan's visible amusement while he sang. Does he like being laughed at? No, not normally. But as an idol, he's good at figuring out what his audience needs, and he also knows what he wanted: something that would lighten up the mood, that's what!]

Now that would be tragic! It'd be one of the absolute worst days in human history. They'd teach it in all the history books: "the day Hiyori Tomoe lost his voice." Within a few hours, everyone would be clamoring to hear from me again. My fans, Elan-kun, my roommates, Jun-kun, everyone! All of you would beg for me to sing with tears inside your eyes.

[He rattles all that off with a self-satisfied look. In reality, several people he knows would surely be glad to obtain some peace and quiet. But he's sure they'd start to miss him if he quieted down too long.]

And that's exactly why I must keep singing. For my fans, my precious family, and for people like Elan-kun ♪ And for own self, too, I suppose.

[Done with that spiel, he sets the microphone down and meanders on back to their table. Is Elan-kun done with his skewer yet?]

I think for yourself is the most important bit.

[ Elan overs a little smile. ]

After all, if you're just singing for others and you've stopped enjoying it, wouldn't you end up resenting it after a while? So do it for yourself, Hiyori. It'll be better that way.

[ Well, that's a sort of wisdom. And yes, he is done with his skewer. ]

Elan-kun's dabbling in philosophy now, huh?

[How unexpected. Yet he seems unbothered as he sits back down.

Elan's talking from experience, isn't he? Not singing experience, but experience "performing." It makes sense that he grew to resent his job. But there's a difference between performing as "yourself" and being forced to live as someone else, and their situations differed in other ways too. For example, while Elan-kun was all alone in the world, Hiyori had friends and family by his side. And that truly changes everything, doesn't it?]

Honestly, this whole thing wasn't my idea. It was Nagisa-kun's—or rather, someone planted the idea in his head that he must become an idol, and I don't think he knew of any alternatives. So we joined our pinkies together, and made a pledge to follow the same dream.

[The look in his eyes grows soft, though there's a bit of an odd curl to his lip. Nagisa's upbringing wasn't normal, and his "dream" didn't exactly come from a pure place.]

It's been a hard road at times. I used to wonder if we'd ever get anywhere, given the state of things. But I couldn't possibly quit nowadays. I'm having just a wonderful time now. Whenever I step out under those lights, I think, "Ah, this really is the place where I shine brightest ♪"

[His voice gains noticeable cheer at the end, smile spreading wide across his lips. It's clear he's being honest. Perhaps none of them had pure motives for becoming idols originally, but that doesn't change their current success, or their current happiness.

And, anyway, enough about Eden! He sticks an elbow on the table and leans forward to ask:]

What about you? Did you enjoy your taste of the spotlight? I could go for a serenade if you'd like to sing again, or we could perform a duet together! But it also sounded like Elan-kun was eager to go back to his room, so if that's what you'd prefer...♪

That's an interesting way to get dragged into it. But I guess you've made the most of it.

[ He puts his chin in his hand to listen to the story. Hiyori really does seem like the type to pinkie promise on something like "let's become idols!" It's almost a little cliche, but he can't really say that out loud, can he? ]

If that's where you feel like you belong... good luck. I'm going to try and find something else. Not my place.

[ He makes a low noise and sits back in his chair, lips quirking into a smile. ]

...how about a duet? For the hell of it. You can carry me and my amateur attempts.

[If he's a cliche, then so be it! He likes being a cliche with Nagisa-kun.

Honestly, being an idol isn't for everyone. It's more work than fans might guess, since part of their job is to make things look effortless: to go out there and dazzle onstage without a hair out of place, leaving no trace of blood, sweat, or tears. It's not the right fit for Elan, and that's fine. Hiyori wishes him luck finding something he does enjoy.

But that doesn't mean he's not happy to sing with him. When Elan picks the duet option he grins, leaping right out of his seat (even though he just sat back down).]

Now that sounds wonderful! Come on, let's go! Fufu, I simply can't wait to hear how our voices will sound...♪

[He tugs on Elan's arm, attempting to pull him from his chair and over to the karaoke machine. Once there, he wastes no time in scrolling, but doesn't click on anything just yet.]

I wonder what songs we might both know. Any ideas?

[ Elan is on his feet a moment later to join him, giving into the tugging. His sigh is very mock put-upon, but the fact he's standing there and looking at the list is a minor miracle. He makes a little 'hmm' sound as he looks at the list. ]

Like I said, I don't know much music... a stage song maybe? Or... pop?

[ He glances at Hiyori with a shrug. ]

Anything from your repertoire that you think would fit?

Well, all of Eve's songs are duets, of course...

[If Elan wants to try taking Jun-kun's place.]

Since you're asking about our "repertoire," does that mean you'd feel comfortable singing our songs? Have you been watching our videos a lot? Are you a fan now? Which one's your favorite?

[His eyes sparkle curiously, his demeanor growing more excited with every question.]

I can try, but no guarantees I'll be any good at it. And I've watched one or two, but I'm not a fan.

[ He's a bit dry, as always. ]

I don't think I'm qualified to answer that kind of thing, though. I'm not an expert!

[Not a fan, huh? What a pity.]

You don't need to be an expert just to have a favorite, you know!

[And it's not like there's much to choose from. Since, well... Eve's only released two tracks! There will be a third coming up for Valentine's Day, but that's still a few months off, after SS. For now, it's a choice between two. So, he glances at Elan sideways and asks,]

I guess it's down to what you're in the mood for. Would you rather sing something passionate and "adult," or something energetic and youthful?

[ Well, he's a fan of Hiyori. Does that count? ]

Let's go with adult. Seems on theme for us.

[ He says with a coy grin. Cheeky little so-and-so. ]

[It counts for something.]

I'd say both of them sound on-theme. That's the nice thing about being our age: you can have fun like a child one day, and have some adult fun the next day! But if "passionate" is what Elan-kun wants...

[He types into the song selector, pulls up the song in question, and smirks.]

You should know this one already. Now it's time to test what your memory ♪ I'll be me, you'll be my partner! Unless you'd rather do my parts and have me do Jun-kun's? The choiec is yours...♪

I think I have a good enough memory for this. Besides the words are going to be on the screen anyway, right?

[ He sticks his tongue out as he takes the microphone and steps up to join Hiyori. ]

Let me take your parts. It'll be fun to see if I can match up to the real idol, right?

[ Cheeky, as always. ]

That performance seared itself in your memory forever, hmm?

[Hiyori's smile spreads wider. With Elan confidently grabbing the other microphone, there's no need to hesitate.]

Fine, we'll do things your way. Tap into that passion inside you, and be the very best version of me that you can be. Alright? ♪

[And without waiting for an affirmative, he hits play. On what song, you ask?

Why, on that song. The Eve song he's already shown Elan; their debut, which racked up close to 5 million views, thanks in part to their fanservicey choreography. The one his journal name was taken from! The horns come on, the jazzy intro plays, and Hiyori smiles at his "partner" expectantly. Soon it'll be his part, but for once, he's not the one singing it. That's Elan's job now! And with his eyes, he tries sending him a look that says, do your best.]

[ Oh, well.

He'll just have to do his best. He listens to the beat, the jazzy intro and watches as the words start to come up. He takes a breath and launches into it, singing as if his life depended on it. He's not, of course, the real thing. He doesn't have the years and years of practice or vocal training, but he's got a good enough voice, honestly - and he's managing it even if he's a little off-key here and there.

He even gets into it with some gestures and a little bit of swaying or footwork to go with all of it! ]

[His brows raise, his gaze turning rapt: goodness, Elan really is putting in the effort. And the resulting sound takes him by surprise: not perfect, not like him, that goes without saying, but a closer approximation than he expected. He's thought this before, but Elan's voice really does sound similar to his own. The kind that would blend with his singing perfectly. And now he's even starting to move, treating this like a real performance.

What else can Hiyori do besides bring his A-game?

A smirk curves up his lips, confident and playful with just a hint of danger. It's the kind of look his fans go crazy for! Normally, it would be Jun's part next, and Jun performs "Trap for You" a little sweeter than he does—the inexperienced kouhai to his confident, professional senpai, sincere and eager to please. Hiyori can be sweet, too, on other songs, and even on parts of this one. But "sweet" is not how he feels right now, and he'd rather put his own spin on things!

He jumps in, letting Jun's lines flow from his own lips. Plenty of heat behind his voice as he sings out the words clearly; plenty of heat behind his eyes as he stares right into Elan's. Just the one verse, and then it's time for the pre-chorus, the lyrics screen instructing them to alternate their lines. He doesn't mess up, singing about a trap laid for the listener, sweet poison running its course. He'll helpfully gesture at Elan, signaling which lines are his to sing. They're meant to come together on the last one: Before you know it, it's too late—

And then the chorus starts, and he really gets to hear what their voices sound like, blended together into one. Whether or not Elan keeps up, he'll sing his heart out! Of course, there's no punishment if Elan doesn't, since this is all meant to be fun. But if Elan does keep up, there's a "reward" waiting, in the form of Hiyori reaching out a hand and stroking the side of his face briefly mid-song. You know, just like Jun does to him during their performance. He's playing Jun's role, so it only makes sense!]

[ To his credit, Elan does his best. He's not a trained singer, though, so he can't quite match up to Hiyori, no matter how good their voices sound blended together. But he's enjoying himself - letting loose and not worrying about anything else. That's worth something, surely? Worth so much more than raw skill. At least for now. But he's not falling behind by much and it's clear he's putting his all into it. He's not just humoring Hiyori on this. That only changes when Hiyori gives him that little reward.

Despite himself, Elan stutters over the next line with a half-laugh and his cheeks light up. Cheeky, isn't he? He gets a bit of revenge by leaning over and bumping shoulders with him - he doesn't know the performance or the choreography, so he settles for making something up on the spot as the song starts to wind down. Maybe not quite the same. But he can't just let it go unchallenged! ]

[Fortunately, Hiyori wasn't expecting him to be trained! Even his own stage partner wasn't properly trained when they first started out in Eve. Which meant there was a steep learning curve, but it also meant he got to do some of the training himself, and that was something he enjoyed. Few things are more rewarding than seeing someone bloom with a little love and care.

Which might be what's happening right now. Elan-kun is coming out of his shell a bit more, isn't he?

Hiyori smirks at his reaction, all too satisfied to see his cheeks color. Elan retaliates, however, with a... shoulder-bump? That catches him off-guard. Why, that isn't part of the choreography at all! But he rolls with it, lightly bumping him back with his own shoulder before stepping out in front of him. He stretches his arm out to their invisible audience, just like he normally does while belting out the last lines. And then, at last, the song is over.

Or the singing parts are, anyway. There's still the outro, so he's not done dancing yet! He'll wink at the audience before turning back to Elan, one hand coming to rest on his back. He'll try to pull him into a dance for those last few moments, only stopping his feet when the music does.]

[ Well - Elan dances right along as the last notes of the song echo and then fade away. It's nice to let loose for a little while. To find someone he's connected with all over again and share something with them. Even if it's something he doesn't really want to admit out loud. But he does laugh as it starts to end and he sets his microphone down. ]

Well. That was something.

[ He leans over and drapes an arm around Hiyori, leaning into him with a low exhale. ]

Satisfied with my singing voice, senpai?

[His smile loses some of its teasing edge, eyes crinkling at the corners. Seeing Elan laugh is still satisfying. And it might be even more so after learning his sad life story. That's what Hiyori's role is, at the end of the day: to sing and spread cheer, even to those who have lots to be sad about.

Especially to those who have lots to be sad about.

He sets down his own microphone, opening his mouth to voice his agreement (yes, yes it was something!) before the closeness catches him off-guard. His eyebrows raise, but his smile doesn't falter, nor does he shrug off Elan's arm.]

Someone sure loved getting friendly with me ♪

[He can't resist that tease in before he moves on to praise Elan's performance.]

Yep, pretty much! Your voice sounded quite a bit like mine, I thought. But with your own unique flair, which suited things just fine. There can only be one of me, after all, and there can only be one of you!

[And then, a bit more softly:]

... that's something I understand, even if your employers don't.

[ Look, Elan is allowed to be a little sappy sometimes. As a treat. ]

...well, I'm glad you understand it. But if you didn't, I wouldn't be hanging around, would I?

[ He snorts and then tries to brush it all off. ]

And of course we're friendly. Don't know how else i could act with someone I've been close to in the past like we have.

[ That is a shot across the bow and pitched in a lower voice. Yeah, yeah, don't go spreading it everywhere. ]

You don't have to act so surprised about it.

[It's good that Elan knows there's someone who sees him as a person and not a pawn. Hopefully there are multiple someones, with more to come in the future. But Hiyori opts to remind Elan anyway, figuring it couldn't hurt. It's hard to claim he truly knows this person when he never even knew his real name, but...

He's been in this position a few times, hasn't he?

A pretty, untrained singing voice. A thirst for new experience, and a hunger for life after spending so long trapped in abyss. A person who's just starting to come out of their shell. He can see the echoes of other people he's known, his closest relationships, when he looks at "Elan Ceres." And when he thinks about how beautifully those people bloomed, it fills him with confidence for Elan's future, too.

Of course, he also sees Elan for what he is in the moment. Which is a cute boy who's coming onto him!]

Well, believe it or not, people don't cling onto me too much these days. Unless it's just Nagisa-kun wanting his hand held. That might account for the surprise.

[He slips a hand around Elan's waist, leaning down to speak close to his ear. This is a soundproofed room, so there's no need to murmur. And yet that's exactly what he does, lowering his voice to match Elan's, plenty of heat behind each syllable.]

But if you wanted to get even closer, we can go have fun in your room.

[ There's a lot going on between the lines. There's unspoken words and things not yet revealed, but Elan is perfectly fine with that. Even if he shares some of himself with Hiyori there's bits and pieces he holds back. Parts he wants to keep to himself. Of course, he also wants to have other parts of himself revealed - or at least shared. He leans in with a low laugh, the murmur making the skin on the nape of his neck prickle with gooseflesh.

It's really not fair when Hiyori's good at this.

So Elan tilts his head to reply, his breath catching just a little. ]

Well, if it won't keep you too long, I'd love to play host for a little while.

[ His eyes lid a little as he glances at him, a grin quirking at his lips. ]

Especially after everything we've been up to today.

Just singing with me got you excited, huh? So cute~♪

[No comment on whether or not he's ever felt the same after one of his performances.

It's tempting to do something now, with Elan so close and the mood this heated. But he can be good! He lets go of Elan's waist, leaving their dishes on the table. Everything's already been paid for on his phone, so they're good to go.

Though as they head for the door, he'll be giving Elan some instructions.]

I don't know if we'll run into anyone in the hall, but just in case we do, try to play it like we've been engaged in a fascinating discussion. We started talking and we couldn't stop, so now you're taking me back to your room so we can talk some more! That's our cover story, alright? And just to sell that story, you can talk my ear off about your travels all the way there ♪

Right, right, I won't spoil your good-boy image!

[ Elan replies a bit carelessly - but he is good at his word. As they step out into the hall he starts talking about hiking and seeing mountains and a whole bunch of other out-doorsy activities as they walk. In fact, he keeps it up all the way back to his room! He starts to slow down as they approach the door. ]

...and you were worried.

[Hiyori is a receptive audience to all of Elan's tales. Not just because it's his "cover," but because he really is happy to hear more about Elan's adventures. (And perhaps it's also a little cute to see him talking so animatedly.) They don't encounter anyone from his unit in the hall, though, so in the end, there was nothing to worry about.

Which Elan points out once they get to his room. Hiyori hovers at his side in the hall, waiting for him to open the door.]

Who was worried? I knew Elan-kun would protect my "good boy" image.

[There's no one watching and no one listening. But just in case, he lowers his voice so only his date for the night can hear.]

At least until we got to your room, anyway. I don't plan to keep it up past that point.

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