[ he can see why it wouldn't be his favorite to wear- without another color as buffer it would look odd with his hair and skin tone- not that Aira would ever say as much to his face. He imagined Hiyori was more than aware of that. ]
It's sort of like... gold when light's shining on it.
[ just orange enough to not be yellow. Fitting for someone like Hiyori, he supposes. The boy smiles and nods in response to the question. He's happy with just the jacket ]
I think we're set here.
[ There's a moment where he considers reaching out to him- like the girls had done, clinging to his arms, but he doesn't. It's different for a boy to do that and it might attract unwanted attention. ]
Ah, that should get everyone's attention, right? Sounds nice ♪
[If that particular shade of yellow is too blindingly bright, no matter. Everyone else will just have to wear sunglasses.
There's a brief moment in which it seems like Aira might want something—like he's staring expectantly—but nothing comes of it, so Hiyori moves on. He leaves the back of the store to find the girls in the same area where he left them. One of them now has a beret, while the other girl has a scarf; yep, looks like everyone's gearing up for a drop in temperatures. He approaches them with a smile, speaking in his usual too-loud voice to get their attention.]
Hello again~ I hope you didn't miss me too much ♪ But you'll never guess who I just ran into!
[And here, the girls turn their gaze on Aira. "Eh? Ai-chan, you're here too?"
Both of them look surprised to see him. They do not, however, seem bothered, as Hiyori suspected they wouldn't be. As far as males are concerned, you can't get much more non-threatening than Aira. Yep, they probably see him as a girl friend, or something along those lines. And it's not a problem even if he interrupts their date, since after all, he isn't trying to steal Hiyori. A boy like him won't be competition for a man's affection. If Hiyori chooses to continue things after this little date, he'd shoo Aira away and choose one of them.
That's what they assume. Isn't it?
He speaks up again once Aira and the girls finish exchanging greetings, laughing softly to himself.]
What a heartwarming reunion...♪ I really wasn't expecting to meet the elusive Ai-chan here, but I'm glad I got the opportunity! Since I have plenty of funds, I'll be buying something for him too, of course. I'm sure he'll look lovely in it. Now, have you found everything you want?
[The girls confirm they have, content with only one item each. If there's any surprise that Hiyori is now buying clothes for a boy, or that he's accepted Aira into the group, it's fairly small. Such things can be rationalized away as Hiyori's generosity. He's willing to do things for this boy because he's magnanimous, treating all his fans equally. Truly the ideal idol.]
Wonderful! Then let's cash out now.
[And off they go to the register, where Hiyori will proceed to pay for everyone's stuff, his own sweater included. One of the girls assures him he'll look great in it, kissing up to him as usual, to which he says "Of course I will." Naturally.]
[ Aira's response to meeting the girls is a bashful, slightly awkward one. He's a lot more reserved outside of meetings versus when he's leading the fan club, and even inside of the club he has a certain level of distance that he maintains with everyone. He's friendly and sweet, excitable and prone to ranting, but he doesn't tend to hang out with the girls outside of the club meetings- likely adding to their confusion as to running into him.
He's not going to open himself up to be hurt like that. He's maintained this kind of distance with most people anymore. There's a reason he's always alone.
Regardless, he tries to play it off as nothing out of the ordinary while he's greeting them- he went to the same school as Hiyori, after all, so maybe him being found in one of the places he likes would make sense? Imitation is the greatest form of flattery or whatever. ]
Ah- Elusive? [ Evidently he hadn't realized he'd been someone Hiyori was interested in on any level, even being the president of his fan club. He tilts his head at that, eyebrows raised. He bites his tongue on pointing out that he simply assumed Hiyori wouldn't be that interested in a no-name first year, managing a sheepish smile instead. ] I didn't mean to be, but I'm glad to properly meet you, too.
[ He follows along, silent as they're led over to the register and their items are rung up. Aira for one is happy to carry his new jacket holding it close and barely paying attention to the girl's attempt at endearing herself to Hiyori-- why should he really care about that when he knows how these sometimes end. It's not really terribly surprising to him that the girls would try to earn favor.
That didn't mean he gave any less attention, though. He was staying out of the way of the girls, but he was still observing, giving little smiles when Hiyori would look over and the like. He's reigning a lot in for the sake of appearances- It's not like he hasn't entertained the thought himself before, but he's not one to assume Hiyori's the same. It's only once they stepped out of the shop that he piped back up, ]
What did you have in mind next, Tomoe-senpai?
[ It serves a dual purpose, seeing if he was expected to follow along or if Hiyori wanted to shoo him off now- And if he is allowed to tag along still, it would give him an idea of what to expect. ]
[In all honesty, Hiyori wasn't super interested in meeting the fanclub president. He was a little curious, just because he'd met the other girls from the club but not the president herself. And for her to be president, she had to be a major fan of him, right?
But some people are shy. They get overwhelmed by his brightness, preferring to stay away and dream from a safe distance. And while Hiyori likes having fans, it's not like any one of them is super important to him. He's just killing time when he hangs out with them. And as for them, well, they're just killing time too, right? Until the next sparkly thing comes along. Until they find someone else to idolize. Until they get a real boyfriend. These girls may adore him, but it's not "love."
So if his fanclub president wants to be elusive, well, that's her business. (Or "his" business, as it turns out). Hiyori didn't mean that comment as a jab. He just has an unfortunate tendency where everything he says sounds glib at best or insulting at worse; one of the problems with his personality. But he can forget all about how flawed he is when he's having fun with his fans, and he gives Aira a smile and a wink before paying for everyone's stuff. Once that's done, it's time to leave the shop, stepping out into the sun again.
So, let's recap: it's late afternoon. School is finishing up for the day, not that he planned on going back there, anyway. He's already hit up a couple of stores and treated the girls at a sweets café. Two of the girls left early, while two of them remain. And then there's "Ai-chan," his unexpected guest.
Here's how things usually go from here.
Once the date starts to wind down, either one or two things happen: everyone goes their separate ways and the "date" is simply over, or he chooses to go somewhere alone with one of the girls. More often than not, that place is a hotel.
It's not a nasty surprise to anyone. They're all on the same page. And while picking one girl over another might seem like it would lead to hurt feelings, most of the time it doesn't. The girls who don't get picked know they still have a chance with him later. And anyway, they weren't that invested. They probably have other guys who they can call for a good time. No one's puer and innocent here; they're all dirty, unclean human beings at the end of the day. But being dirty and flawed is no reason not to enjoy life.
Which girl he "picks" depends on his mood. Usually, it's just whoever cuddles up to him the most or seems like she's been trying hard to get his attention. Might as well reward her, is what he figures. Life is hard enough without being rewarded for your efforts. His fans are all cute, so it's never about their looks. And in terms of looks or personality, it's rare that one stands out to him above the others.
Which makes today a little different.
Shiratori Aira—"Ai-chan"—hasn't been working too hard to get his attention. He's not the one who told him he'd look great in that sweater minutes ago. He seems a bit shy, really. But he does stand out. Out of all the people who went on this "group date", Aira is the only one he'd never spoken to before. He had the nerve to follow him from the sweets café into the boutique. He's also the elusive fanclub president, and he's the only boy.
And Hiyori's never been with a boy before, despite a certain someone who follows him around like a loyal dog.
So when Aira asks what he has in mind, Hiyori turns and looks at him and really considers it. Considers him.
He hums to himself, before casually voicing his thoughts.]
Hmm, well, that depends. I didn't have a list of stores I wanted to get to or anything, so it really just depends on what you all want. I know you joined us kind of late, so I'd be happy to look around some more if you'd like. Actually...
[And here his eyes narrow, vision tunneling on Aira, even as his tone remains light and casual,]
I'm rather interested in you, since today was our first time ever meeting! So, I'd really like to spend some more time together and get to know you a bit more ♪ Ah, not that I mean to put you on the spot, or anything. I just think it'd be fun to play around some more, you know?
[And here's where the music would stop if this was a scene in a drama.
The girls' smiles have all faded. Not that they look sad or scandalized, but they do look rather surprised. Why? Well, because they've heard similar spiels from Hiyori before, and they know this is usually what he says when he wants to go off alone with one of his fans. But he's saying it to boy this time, and that's certainly new. New enough to make their eyes widen, their minds aflutter with possibilities. Are they reading too much into it, or is that what he really means?
But if Hiyori notices their reactions, he doesn't show it. Right now, he has eyes only for Aira, a pleasant smile on his lips as he asks him directly,]
What about you? Does that sound good? I want to know about what you want.
[ Aira is a huge otaku for as much as he tries to come off as normal. It allows him to focus more on observing and learning about his favs if nothing else, and he didn't want them thinking he's some kind of freak...
But he's heard enough talk about these dates to know where this was going when Hiyori implies wanting to continue the date with just the two of them. He spares the other two girls a glance, perhaps to gauge if he heard that right.
Something tells him he's going to be pestered for details at the next fanclub meeting... but he's not passing this chance up. So despite the surprise and the faint blush thats come to his cheeks, he responds. ]
Of course! I'd love to spend more time with you, Tomoe-senpai.
[ Now if only that wasn't completely genuine. That was his only goal in all of this. He's never dated anyone and certainly never gone further than hand holding. The idea of actually doing more is daunting (because fantasizing about it and it happening are two wildly different things), but if he lets this pass him by he probably won't get another shot. ]
I'm sure whatever you had in mind is ra~bui ♡. I just want to spend time with you~
[ Some part of him isn't sure if he's reading this right or if it is just an innocent case of a senpai wanting to get to know a kouhai, but Aira would be content with either one- he wasn't about to voice what he thought Hiyori was getting at when they'd already touched on it earlier. It meant Hiyori was paying attention to him either way. Seeing and being seen by the people he admires, getting to know them is all he could ask for.
[The girls, at this point, are a little discombobulated. Aira agreed to the proposition just like that? Is Hiyori really about to take him off to the usual place? Goodness, two boys together! They're getting hot under the collar just thinking about it. (Maybe Hiyori does this sort of thing regularly with that other boy he holds hands with, and that's why he's being so blasé about this??) They also have some conflicted feelings, though, since a male underclassman being picked over them feels like a bit of a snub...
Hiyori, for his part, isn't nearly so conflicted. What's there to hesitate about, when Aira's smile is so bright and unfaltering, and his response clearly conveys his enthusiasm? He even throws in some sort of cutesy-talk, causing Hiyori to blink. What was that, a catchphrase? It's almost sickeningly cute!
But he shakes off his surprise and beams brightly at his new date.]
Wonderful! That means our hearts are the same ♪
[That's how this goes. That's how things always go. He wants to forget about unpleasant stuff. The other person wants to see a pleasant dream, too. Everyone's on the same page and everyone leaves happy. Ah, but he should say something to the girls, so they don't feel jilted, shouldn't he? Finally turning his gaze away from Aira, he flashes them a bright smile, too.]
Sorry to cut things short here. Let's have fun again another day, alright? You both have my number, so don't be afraid to reach out whenever you might feel lonely...♪
[The girls still look a little stunned. "R-Right," one of them says, gazing pointedly between him and Aira. But if Hiyori notices anything "off" about her behavior, he doesn't say so. With a carefree wave, he starts to walk.]
Adios~♪
[And then he's off, throwing a look at Aira over his shoulder as if to say Let's go. He doesn't say where they're going, but he seems to know the route, and he trusts the other boy will follow. He seemed quite enthusiastic, after all.]
So, Ai-chan...
[He waits until the girls are out of earshot to strike up conversation. Or... mostly out of earshot. He doesn't actually care if they hear.]
You've got no preference for where we go next, huh? You're fine with whatever, it sounds like?
[ Aira falls into step with Hiyori, though he shoots the girls an apologetic look before they leave. He really hadn't expected this turn of events, but far be it from him to turn down his favorite idol asking to spend time with him, even if it is a thinly veiled excuse for other things. He can't help a happy little flutter at the whole "our hearts are the same!" Bit.
Oh, if only. ]
Yeah, I've been around this area a lot before so I know most of the shops and stuff. I like finding out things you're into anyway.
[ Granted they were heading out of the more familiar area into the seedier parts. Aira shifts a little closer to Hiyori. He agreed to this and he was pretty excited to see how it would go but... that didn't mean he wasn't nervous. Unlike Hiyori's assessment of the girls, Aira didn't sleep around. This would be his first time, and it likely showed. ]
[Settles what...? But he doesn't elaborate, just keeps walking.
To enter a "sketchy" part of town while wearing school uniforms is perhaps not the wisest idea. It's even worse in Hiyori's case, given that he and the rest of fine are supposed to be setting examples for the student body. Thankfully, with school still (barely) in session, it's unlikely anyone they know will see them here. And with Yumenosaki being Yumenosaki, they're unlikely to be punished for misbehavior anyway. He lets Aira walk as close to him as he wants, staying one half-step ahead: it's fine, he'll protect him.]
I like shopping for all sorts of things. Clothes, souvenirs, fragrances, you name it. I also like drinking tea, trying new foods, and looking at pretty, elegant things. It's a shame our school doesn't offer any clubs like tea ceremony or flower arranging...
[Whether he'd show up to the meetings with any regularity is a different story.]
Oh, and I like cute things, too! For example, that thing you said a minute ago—"ra~bui"? That sounded pretty cute. That sort of speech really suits you.
[He chats casually while guiding Aira past the different buildings.]
[ The blond listens, paying close attention to the information Hiyori was giving him. He could gather that Hiyori liked shopping from how often he did so on these dates, though sometimes he wondered if that wasn't a form of retail therapy and something was bothering him under it all.
He of course, kept his mouth shut about it either way, nodding along. ]
Tea ceremony... well I'm sure if you wanted to be in a club like that, there would be others interested in it that would start it with you. I've never done either one myself, but I do like flowers. I always think it's interesting how each one has a meaning and the color can change the meaning...
[ He's rambling a bit, but it makes the walk go faster. He can't help but blush when his catchphrase is called out. ]
Ah, that's... one of my catchphrases. When I decided to become an idol I decided my theme would be love, since I love all idols and as a fellow idol fan, I'd aim to give love back to my fans.
[ He's a no-name first year with little to no shot, but he can dream. It occurs to him a little belatedly that mentioning that he's a fan of all idols might be a little offputting given the situation, so he's quick to ammend: ]
But even though I love all idols, you're my favorite~ ♡
[Retail therapy, having more money than common sense... both could be contributing factors.]
You're right, people do tend to flock towards me. But I'm afraid there'd be too much overlap with the recently-formed "Tea Club" to start a club for tea ceremonies. A shame, because there's someone in the Tea Club I simply can't stand at all, so it'd be nice to form a similar club far away from his clutches.
[Eichi. He's talking about Eichi. He sees quite enough of him at practices and meetings, thanks! Whether Aira knows about their constant feuding might depend on his sleuthing skills; the two of them are never afraid to spit venom at each other in private, but they do carry on a friendly façade while working together in fine.
Never mind that unpleasant person, though. He'd much rather talk about things like pretty flowers and cute catchphrases, so as Aira starts delving into such topic, Hiyori pays close attention, glancing at the other boy from the corner of his eye. Aira appears somewhat bashful, pink blush dusting his cheeks, but there's an earnest quality to his words that catch Hiyori's attention. Or rather...
This boy is abnormal for Yumenosaki, isn't he?
He's not like most of the study body. Most students are content to cut class, goof off and act like delinquents, rather than do any idol work. There's been more interest in idol activities since fine got started, but it still feels, at times, like trying to fight a tidal wave. Yumenosaki just isn't a school for hard-working kids to achieve their dreams, and hasn't been one in years. Still, there are some holdouts: people who still harbor dreams in their heart, and refuse to relinquish them. People like Eichi, and Itsuki Shu. People like that guy in his class with the glasses whose name he always forgets.
People like Aira.
But Aira's career hasn't taken off yet. Right? There aren't many opportunities for work at Yumenosaki, so it's safe to say he's gotten nowhere. He's still in the position of "fan" rather than idol. And he makes sure to let Hiyori know just who it is he's devoted to.
So, he smiles. What else can he do but smile? It's a smile that's meant to be encouraging. A smile that says "thank you for your support." If something squirms in the pit of his stomach when faced with Aira's innocent, trusting eyes, he's careful not to let it show too much on his face.]
Why, I think that's wonderful.
[The praise rolls naturally off his tongue. It's sweet talk, but not just sweet talk.]
What a lovely way of looking at things ♪ And one that suits you perfectly, I'd say. Since you were born "Ai-chan," you could say you were born to love. Just like I was born to bring sunshine into people's lives ♪ Ah, but you don't love everyone equally, hmm? I get the biggest share of Ai-chan's love~
[A cheerful boast. And then he stops walking.
He throws a look over his shoulder, meeting innocent green eyes. Still smiling, still casual, but there's something different about his gaze. Something expectant. Heated.]
I have nothing but gratitude for my fans. I want to give love to them, too. That's why I'm hoping we can share some love just for today ♪ I'll cover the room fee, of course, so don't worry about that.
[ He may not know details but Aira has certainly heard whispers that Hiyori and Eichi don't get along very well. It's a shame, of course, that Hiyori couldn't enjoy the club due to Eichi's presence, but Aira worried about fine's future if the two of them really hated each other that much.
The topic shifted from there, and Aira almost winced at Hiyori just assuming his name used the character for love. He doesn't really mind the misconception so much as it is embarrassing to explain later on. He'd based his image on love, so it's a natural assumption to make. It's just a funny coincidence that Ai could also mean love.
What he said isn't any less true, he was born to love, in a sense. He has a lot of love to give. This is not how he anticipated it going, though.
The look he's given makes him suppress a shudder. He's not stupid. He knew what was going to happen. And if it was, he was going to have to bridge this gap- push down his hesitancy to touch Hiyori. ]
Okay...
[ He's nervous, but he holds out a hand so that he could take Hiyori's. It's a sign that he understood what he was getting at and was okay with it. ]
Mm, I don't mind if it's you, Tomoe-senpai. Let's go.
[ He'd said he'd never dated before. He's never done this either. Hiyori might as well know that in advance so he's not too disappointed by his inexperience. Aira is making an exception for him. ]
[fine has no future. That much was decided the moment the contract was drawn. But Aira and their other fans don't need to know that.
Aira does need to know where they're going next, though. Hiyori doesn't want any unpleasant surprises. Still, he's not too concerned. Those girls like to gossip—it's why Tsumugi scolded him for going off with them. And if Aira is the fanclub president, then there's a high chance he's heard it all before. Aira knows everything there is to know about "the idol Hiyori Tomoe," right? He's his number one fan, and he's got a bag covered in badges to prove it. He can't be innocent.
That's his theory anyway, and Aira's reaction seems to prove it. There's no shock, no scandalized expression. He agrees pretty much right away. Maybe the handholding is a bit of a surprise, but Hiyori can live with it. He can hold Aira's hand in return, creating an illusion called "love." Yep, they're doing this. It's no big deal.
So why did a knot just form in his stomach?
Something about that "I don't mind if it's you" hits strangely. It causes him to blink, standing stationary on the sidewalk. He doesn't know what's so strange about it. Aira probably just said it to be coy. He's heard similar things from girls before. So why does it feel different coming from this boy?
Maybe it's because he assumes they never really mean it. "I don't mind if it's you," they say. But if it wasn't him, it'd be some other guy, right? He's just a convenient fantasy. It's probably like that for this boy, too.
But Aira says it earnestly, looking shy, and Hiyori is forcibly reminded that he said he'd never been on a date before. Which would make this his "first." Well, he is only a first-year.
That's fine, though. Isn't it? He probably dreams about this. Hiyori is doing him a favor, really. Getting to have your first time with the idol you admire—what could be better? Though, a true "idol worth admiring" wouldn't take a fan to a place like this...
For a moment, he hesitates. But then—]
... Great! ♪
[A smile blooms across his face, and he's back to his cheerful self.
He tugs Aira down the road, joined hands swinging lightly between them. The knot in his stomach has lessened, though the uncomfortable feeling hasn't fully disappeared. Which is silly, of course. Aira wants to do this, so there's no problem! He just needs to loosen up a little bit. So, on towards their destination they go...
The hotel is nondescript. There's no gaudy pink nor tacky decorations; without the sign out front or the surrounding area, there'd be no reason to assume it's that sort of establishment. Hiyori wouldn't pick somewhere disgusting. It's still a far cry from the sort of luxury accommodations he's used to, but it suits their purposes just fine.]
Here we are! The entrance is this way.
[Aka through the parking lot. Hiyori guides Aira there, releasing his hand once they get to the door. Upon entering, it soon becomes clear that while this isn't a second home to him, Hiyori knows where to find stuff, or at least the selection screen. And since privacy and discretion are the name of the game here, they should be able to obtain a room key without directly encountering another person.]
Hmm... I'm thinking this one ♪
[The selection isn't exciting. Bigger rooms and smaller rooms, rooms with fancier baths, rooms with karaoke. The fancy bath is a must, of course, and with his budget, he can afford to opt for a bigger room, but he'll pass on karaoke. Singing in a place like this wouldn't feel right to him.
The process of getting a room key and paying isn't exciting. There are no adults standing around the corner, ready to scold them for careless behavior. Just like Yumenosaki, it's all hands-off. Ah, but speaking of hands...
Once everything's taken care of, Hiyori casually reaches for Aira's hand again, flashing a smile as he leads him in the direction of the elevators. This is what Aira wants: to hold hands with the idol he admires. Right? Right.]
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no subject
It's sort of like... gold when light's shining on it.
[ just orange enough to not be yellow. Fitting for someone like Hiyori, he supposes. The boy smiles and nods in response to the question. He's happy with just the jacket ]
I think we're set here.
[ There's a moment where he considers reaching out to him- like the girls had done, clinging to his arms, but he doesn't. It's different for a boy to do that and it might attract unwanted attention. ]
no subject
[If that particular shade of yellow is too blindingly bright, no matter. Everyone else will just have to wear sunglasses.
There's a brief moment in which it seems like Aira might want something—like he's staring expectantly—but nothing comes of it, so Hiyori moves on. He leaves the back of the store to find the girls in the same area where he left them. One of them now has a beret, while the other girl has a scarf; yep, looks like everyone's gearing up for a drop in temperatures. He approaches them with a smile, speaking in his usual too-loud voice to get their attention.]
Hello again~ I hope you didn't miss me too much ♪ But you'll never guess who I just ran into!
[And here, the girls turn their gaze on Aira. "Eh? Ai-chan, you're here too?"
Both of them look surprised to see him. They do not, however, seem bothered, as Hiyori suspected they wouldn't be. As far as males are concerned, you can't get much more non-threatening than Aira. Yep, they probably see him as a girl friend, or something along those lines. And it's not a problem even if he interrupts their date, since after all, he isn't trying to steal Hiyori. A boy like him won't be competition for a man's affection. If Hiyori chooses to continue things after this little date, he'd shoo Aira away and choose one of them.
That's what they assume. Isn't it?
He speaks up again once Aira and the girls finish exchanging greetings, laughing softly to himself.]
What a heartwarming reunion...♪ I really wasn't expecting to meet the elusive Ai-chan here, but I'm glad I got the opportunity! Since I have plenty of funds, I'll be buying something for him too, of course. I'm sure he'll look lovely in it. Now, have you found everything you want?
[The girls confirm they have, content with only one item each. If there's any surprise that Hiyori is now buying clothes for a boy, or that he's accepted Aira into the group, it's fairly small. Such things can be rationalized away as Hiyori's generosity. He's willing to do things for this boy because he's magnanimous, treating all his fans equally. Truly the ideal idol.]
Wonderful! Then let's cash out now.
[And off they go to the register, where Hiyori will proceed to pay for everyone's stuff, his own sweater included. One of the girls assures him he'll look great in it, kissing up to him as usual, to which he says "Of course I will." Naturally.]
no subject
He's not going to open himself up to be hurt like that. He's maintained this kind of distance with most people anymore. There's a reason he's always alone.
Regardless, he tries to play it off as nothing out of the ordinary while he's greeting them- he went to the same school as Hiyori, after all, so maybe him being found in one of the places he likes would make sense? Imitation is the greatest form of flattery or whatever. ]
Ah- Elusive? [ Evidently he hadn't realized he'd been someone Hiyori was interested in on any level, even being the president of his fan club. He tilts his head at that, eyebrows raised. He bites his tongue on pointing out that he simply assumed Hiyori wouldn't be that interested in a no-name first year, managing a sheepish smile instead. ] I didn't mean to be, but I'm glad to properly meet you, too.
[ He follows along, silent as they're led over to the register and their items are rung up. Aira for one is happy to carry his new jacket holding it close and barely paying attention to the girl's attempt at endearing herself to Hiyori-- why should he really care about that when he knows how these sometimes end. It's not really terribly surprising to him that the girls would try to earn favor.
That didn't mean he gave any less attention, though. He was staying out of the way of the girls, but he was still observing, giving little smiles when Hiyori would look over and the like. He's reigning a lot in for the sake of appearances- It's not like he hasn't entertained the thought himself before, but he's not one to assume Hiyori's the same. It's only once they stepped out of the shop that he piped back up, ]
What did you have in mind next, Tomoe-senpai?
[ It serves a dual purpose, seeing if he was expected to follow along or if Hiyori wanted to shoo him off now- And if he is allowed to tag along still, it would give him an idea of what to expect. ]
no subject
But some people are shy. They get overwhelmed by his brightness, preferring to stay away and dream from a safe distance. And while Hiyori likes having fans, it's not like any one of them is super important to him. He's just killing time when he hangs out with them. And as for them, well, they're just killing time too, right? Until the next sparkly thing comes along. Until they find someone else to idolize. Until they get a real boyfriend. These girls may adore him, but it's not "love."
So if his fanclub president wants to be elusive, well, that's her business. (Or "his" business, as it turns out). Hiyori didn't mean that comment as a jab. He just has an unfortunate tendency where everything he says sounds glib at best or insulting at worse; one of the problems with his personality. But he can forget all about how flawed he is when he's having fun with his fans, and he gives Aira a smile and a wink before paying for everyone's stuff. Once that's done, it's time to leave the shop, stepping out into the sun again.
So, let's recap: it's late afternoon. School is finishing up for the day, not that he planned on going back there, anyway. He's already hit up a couple of stores and treated the girls at a sweets café. Two of the girls left early, while two of them remain. And then there's "Ai-chan," his unexpected guest.
Here's how things usually go from here.
Once the date starts to wind down, either one or two things happen: everyone goes their separate ways and the "date" is simply over, or he chooses to go somewhere alone with one of the girls. More often than not, that place is a hotel.
It's not a nasty surprise to anyone. They're all on the same page. And while picking one girl over another might seem like it would lead to hurt feelings, most of the time it doesn't. The girls who don't get picked know they still have a chance with him later. And anyway, they weren't that invested. They probably have other guys who they can call for a good time. No one's puer and innocent here; they're all dirty, unclean human beings at the end of the day. But being dirty and flawed is no reason not to enjoy life.
Which girl he "picks" depends on his mood. Usually, it's just whoever cuddles up to him the most or seems like she's been trying hard to get his attention. Might as well reward her, is what he figures. Life is hard enough without being rewarded for your efforts. His fans are all cute, so it's never about their looks. And in terms of looks or personality, it's rare that one stands out to him above the others.
Which makes today a little different.
Shiratori Aira—"Ai-chan"—hasn't been working too hard to get his attention. He's not the one who told him he'd look great in that sweater minutes ago. He seems a bit shy, really. But he does stand out. Out of all the people who went on this "group date", Aira is the only one he'd never spoken to before. He had the nerve to follow him from the sweets café into the boutique. He's also the elusive fanclub president, and he's the only boy.
And Hiyori's never been with a boy before, despite a certain someone who follows him around like a loyal dog.
So when Aira asks what he has in mind, Hiyori turns and looks at him and really considers it. Considers him.
He hums to himself, before casually voicing his thoughts.]
Hmm, well, that depends. I didn't have a list of stores I wanted to get to or anything, so it really just depends on what you all want. I know you joined us kind of late, so I'd be happy to look around some more if you'd like. Actually...
[And here his eyes narrow, vision tunneling on Aira, even as his tone remains light and casual,]
I'm rather interested in you, since today was our first time ever meeting! So, I'd really like to spend some more time together and get to know you a bit more ♪ Ah, not that I mean to put you on the spot, or anything. I just think it'd be fun to play around some more, you know?
[And here's where the music would stop if this was a scene in a drama.
The girls' smiles have all faded. Not that they look sad or scandalized, but they do look rather surprised. Why? Well, because they've heard similar spiels from Hiyori before, and they know this is usually what he says when he wants to go off alone with one of his fans. But he's saying it to boy this time, and that's certainly new. New enough to make their eyes widen, their minds aflutter with possibilities. Are they reading too much into it, or is that what he really means?
But if Hiyori notices their reactions, he doesn't show it. Right now, he has eyes only for Aira, a pleasant smile on his lips as he asks him directly,]
What about you? Does that sound good? I want to know about what you want.
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But he's heard enough talk about these dates to know where this was going when Hiyori implies wanting to continue the date with just the two of them. He spares the other two girls a glance, perhaps to gauge if he heard that right.
Something tells him he's going to be pestered for details at the next fanclub meeting... but he's not passing this chance up. So despite the surprise and the faint blush thats come to his cheeks, he responds. ]
Of course! I'd love to spend more time with you, Tomoe-senpai.
[ Now if only that wasn't completely genuine. That was his only goal in all of this. He's never dated anyone and certainly never gone further than hand holding. The idea of actually doing more is daunting (because fantasizing about it and it happening are two wildly different things), but if he lets this pass him by he probably won't get another shot. ]
I'm sure whatever you had in mind is ra~bui ♡. I just want to spend time with you~
[ Some part of him isn't sure if he's reading this right or if it is just an innocent case of a senpai wanting to get to know a kouhai, but Aira would be content with either one- he wasn't about to voice what he thought Hiyori was getting at when they'd already touched on it earlier. It meant Hiyori was paying attention to him either way. Seeing and being seen by the people he admires, getting to know them is all he could ask for.
This will... be something! ]
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Hiyori, for his part, isn't nearly so conflicted. What's there to hesitate about, when Aira's smile is so bright and unfaltering, and his response clearly conveys his enthusiasm? He even throws in some sort of cutesy-talk, causing Hiyori to blink. What was that, a catchphrase? It's almost sickeningly cute!
But he shakes off his surprise and beams brightly at his new date.]
Wonderful! That means our hearts are the same ♪
[That's how this goes. That's how things always go. He wants to forget about unpleasant stuff. The other person wants to see a pleasant dream, too. Everyone's on the same page and everyone leaves happy. Ah, but he should say something to the girls, so they don't feel jilted, shouldn't he? Finally turning his gaze away from Aira, he flashes them a bright smile, too.]
Sorry to cut things short here. Let's have fun again another day, alright? You both have my number, so don't be afraid to reach out whenever you might feel lonely...♪
[The girls still look a little stunned. "R-Right," one of them says, gazing pointedly between him and Aira. But if Hiyori notices anything "off" about her behavior, he doesn't say so. With a carefree wave, he starts to walk.]
Adios~♪
[And then he's off, throwing a look at Aira over his shoulder as if to say Let's go. He doesn't say where they're going, but he seems to know the route, and he trusts the other boy will follow. He seemed quite enthusiastic, after all.]
So, Ai-chan...
[He waits until the girls are out of earshot to strike up conversation. Or... mostly out of earshot. He doesn't actually care if they hear.]
You've got no preference for where we go next, huh? You're fine with whatever, it sounds like?
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Oh, if only. ]
Yeah, I've been around this area a lot before so I know most of the shops and stuff. I like finding out things you're into anyway.
[ Granted they were heading out of the more familiar area into the seedier parts. Aira shifts a little closer to Hiyori. He agreed to this and he was pretty excited to see how it would go but... that didn't mean he wasn't nervous. Unlike Hiyori's assessment of the girls, Aira didn't sleep around. This would be his first time, and it likely showed. ]
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Then that settles it!
[Settles what...? But he doesn't elaborate, just keeps walking.
To enter a "sketchy" part of town while wearing school uniforms is perhaps not the wisest idea. It's even worse in Hiyori's case, given that he and the rest of fine are supposed to be setting examples for the student body. Thankfully, with school still (barely) in session, it's unlikely anyone they know will see them here. And with Yumenosaki being Yumenosaki, they're unlikely to be punished for misbehavior anyway. He lets Aira walk as close to him as he wants, staying one half-step ahead: it's fine, he'll protect him.]
I like shopping for all sorts of things. Clothes, souvenirs, fragrances, you name it. I also like drinking tea, trying new foods, and looking at pretty, elegant things. It's a shame our school doesn't offer any clubs like tea ceremony or flower arranging...
[Whether he'd show up to the meetings with any regularity is a different story.]
Oh, and I like cute things, too! For example, that thing you said a minute ago—"ra~bui"? That sounded pretty cute. That sort of speech really suits you.
[He chats casually while guiding Aira past the different buildings.]
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He of course, kept his mouth shut about it either way, nodding along. ]
Tea ceremony... well I'm sure if you wanted to be in a club like that, there would be others interested in it that would start it with you. I've never done either one myself, but I do like flowers. I always think it's interesting how each one has a meaning and the color can change the meaning...
[ He's rambling a bit, but it makes the walk go faster. He can't help but blush when his catchphrase is called out. ]
Ah, that's... one of my catchphrases. When I decided to become an idol I decided my theme would be love, since I love all idols and as a fellow idol fan, I'd aim to give love back to my fans.
[ He's a no-name first year with little to no shot, but he can dream. It occurs to him a little belatedly that mentioning that he's a fan of all idols might be a little offputting given the situation, so he's quick to ammend: ]
But even though I love all idols, you're my favorite~ ♡
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You're right, people do tend to flock towards me. But I'm afraid there'd be too much overlap with the recently-formed "Tea Club" to start a club for tea ceremonies. A shame, because there's someone in the Tea Club I simply can't stand at all, so it'd be nice to form a similar club far away from his clutches.
[Eichi. He's talking about Eichi. He sees quite enough of him at practices and meetings, thanks! Whether Aira knows about their constant feuding might depend on his sleuthing skills; the two of them are never afraid to spit venom at each other in private, but they do carry on a friendly façade while working together in fine.
Never mind that unpleasant person, though. He'd much rather talk about things like pretty flowers and cute catchphrases, so as Aira starts delving into such topic, Hiyori pays close attention, glancing at the other boy from the corner of his eye. Aira appears somewhat bashful, pink blush dusting his cheeks, but there's an earnest quality to his words that catch Hiyori's attention. Or rather...
This boy is abnormal for Yumenosaki, isn't he?
He's not like most of the study body. Most students are content to cut class, goof off and act like delinquents, rather than do any idol work. There's been more interest in idol activities since fine got started, but it still feels, at times, like trying to fight a tidal wave. Yumenosaki just isn't a school for hard-working kids to achieve their dreams, and hasn't been one in years. Still, there are some holdouts: people who still harbor dreams in their heart, and refuse to relinquish them. People like Eichi, and Itsuki Shu. People like that guy in his class with the glasses whose name he always forgets.
People like Aira.
But Aira's career hasn't taken off yet. Right? There aren't many opportunities for work at Yumenosaki, so it's safe to say he's gotten nowhere. He's still in the position of "fan" rather than idol. And he makes sure to let Hiyori know just who it is he's devoted to.
So, he smiles. What else can he do but smile? It's a smile that's meant to be encouraging. A smile that says "thank you for your support." If something squirms in the pit of his stomach when faced with Aira's innocent, trusting eyes, he's careful not to let it show too much on his face.]
Why, I think that's wonderful.
[The praise rolls naturally off his tongue. It's sweet talk, but not just sweet talk.]
What a lovely way of looking at things ♪ And one that suits you perfectly, I'd say. Since you were born "Ai-chan," you could say you were born to love. Just like I was born to bring sunshine into people's lives ♪ Ah, but you don't love everyone equally, hmm? I get the biggest share of Ai-chan's love~
[A cheerful boast. And then he stops walking.
He throws a look over his shoulder, meeting innocent green eyes. Still smiling, still casual, but there's something different about his gaze. Something expectant. Heated.]
I have nothing but gratitude for my fans. I want to give love to them, too. That's why I'm hoping we can share some love just for today ♪ I'll cover the room fee, of course, so don't worry about that.
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The topic shifted from there, and Aira almost winced at Hiyori just assuming his name used the character for love. He doesn't really mind the misconception so much as it is embarrassing to explain later on. He'd based his image on love, so it's a natural assumption to make. It's just a funny coincidence that Ai could also mean love.
What he said isn't any less true, he was born to love, in a sense. He has a lot of love to give. This is not how he anticipated it going, though.
The look he's given makes him suppress a shudder. He's not stupid. He knew what was going to happen. And if it was, he was going to have to bridge this gap- push down his hesitancy to touch Hiyori. ]
Okay...
[ He's nervous, but he holds out a hand so that he could take Hiyori's. It's a sign that he understood what he was getting at and was okay with it. ]
Mm, I don't mind if it's you, Tomoe-senpai. Let's go.
[ He'd said he'd never dated before. He's never done this either. Hiyori might as well know that in advance so he's not too disappointed by his inexperience. Aira is making an exception for him. ]
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Aira does need to know where they're going next, though. Hiyori doesn't want any unpleasant surprises. Still, he's not too concerned. Those girls like to gossip—it's why Tsumugi scolded him for going off with them. And if Aira is the fanclub president, then there's a high chance he's heard it all before. Aira knows everything there is to know about "the idol Hiyori Tomoe," right? He's his number one fan, and he's got a bag covered in badges to prove it. He can't be innocent.
That's his theory anyway, and Aira's reaction seems to prove it. There's no shock, no scandalized expression. He agrees pretty much right away. Maybe the handholding is a bit of a surprise, but Hiyori can live with it. He can hold Aira's hand in return, creating an illusion called "love." Yep, they're doing this. It's no big deal.
So why did a knot just form in his stomach?
Something about that "I don't mind if it's you" hits strangely. It causes him to blink, standing stationary on the sidewalk. He doesn't know what's so strange about it. Aira probably just said it to be coy. He's heard similar things from girls before. So why does it feel different coming from this boy?
Maybe it's because he assumes they never really mean it. "I don't mind if it's you," they say. But if it wasn't him, it'd be some other guy, right? He's just a convenient fantasy. It's probably like that for this boy, too.
But Aira says it earnestly, looking shy, and Hiyori is forcibly reminded that he said he'd never been on a date before. Which would make this his "first." Well, he is only a first-year.
That's fine, though. Isn't it? He probably dreams about this. Hiyori is doing him a favor, really. Getting to have your first time with the idol you admire—what could be better? Though, a true "idol worth admiring" wouldn't take a fan to a place like this...
For a moment, he hesitates. But then—]
... Great! ♪
[A smile blooms across his face, and he's back to his cheerful self.
He tugs Aira down the road, joined hands swinging lightly between them. The knot in his stomach has lessened, though the uncomfortable feeling hasn't fully disappeared. Which is silly, of course. Aira wants to do this, so there's no problem! He just needs to loosen up a little bit. So, on towards their destination they go...
The hotel is nondescript. There's no gaudy pink nor tacky decorations; without the sign out front or the surrounding area, there'd be no reason to assume it's that sort of establishment. Hiyori wouldn't pick somewhere disgusting. It's still a far cry from the sort of luxury accommodations he's used to, but it suits their purposes just fine.]
Here we are! The entrance is this way.
[Aka through the parking lot. Hiyori guides Aira there, releasing his hand once they get to the door. Upon entering, it soon becomes clear that while this isn't a second home to him, Hiyori knows where to find stuff, or at least the selection screen. And since privacy and discretion are the name of the game here, they should be able to obtain a room key without directly encountering another person.]
Hmm... I'm thinking this one ♪
[The selection isn't exciting. Bigger rooms and smaller rooms, rooms with fancier baths, rooms with karaoke. The fancy bath is a must, of course, and with his budget, he can afford to opt for a bigger room, but he'll pass on karaoke. Singing in a place like this wouldn't feel right to him.
The process of getting a room key and paying isn't exciting. There are no adults standing around the corner, ready to scold them for careless behavior. Just like Yumenosaki, it's all hands-off. Ah, but speaking of hands...
Once everything's taken care of, Hiyori casually reaches for Aira's hand again, flashing a smile as he leads him in the direction of the elevators. This is what Aira wants: to hold hands with the idol he admires. Right? Right.]