someone's gotta care about him here, especially when he's gone off and disappeared. either way, it's gonna be fine since we're eve. it's not bad to be concerned, y'know? i'd be if you went missing, ohii-san.
reading what she said back, it sounds like she's inviting you. but monika-san knows nothing about idols, so i don't think she wants to spend time with you or even as eve.
[ Though he's trying to be considerate, Jun's already guessed from the way she was acting each time he mentioned Hiyori, it's clear that Monika didn't think much of him. ]
yeah? maybe she's expecting more, like a duet. i think she said something close to that, saying she learns better with one person. i can go back and check if you want, but everything with her has been confusing.
[ He just knows Monika wants to see him alone, without anyone else, since she said something about learning better with one person. She used the word "friend" a lot, which Jun doesn't see as a red flag. ... which he should! ]
yep, i know her! topaz-san met me on the app thing, and then she showed me her fire powers. i agreed to play games with her sometime, too. hopefully, we can get our phones back soon. i met a guy who's got a shikigami! he invited me over and asked about mary! so i promised whenever we get them back, i'll show her off. but otherwise, i wish they'd send us back home to her, too. that's what i want most, ohii-san. i'm positive she's missing us.
she had her phone? ok, i understand how or why it'd be in there. that's where mine is usually, too, so that's why i'm wondering if they would've done that for everyone. you know i don't own much, so it doesn't bother me. well, not like it's gonna bother you.
[ Besides Mary and the idols back home, he's only missing his poster, and besides that? Well, clothes are clothes.
But the feeling of talking about Jin has passed, he feels better now that's out of his system. He wouldn't be halfway decent without Hiyori's training, anyway. His voice didn't blossom fully until he was taken under his wing! He might act cheeky most of the time, but he appreciates Hiyori more than he could ever say. ]
huh, what makes you think that? course i've been talking about you. i've told monika-san *other* things, just not about that.
[ So much so, it's completely ticked Monika off, but Jun's blissfully unaware. It's not his fault! ]
Just "concerned"? But that doesn't sound serious enough! As my partner who can't bear to live without me, I'm sure you wouldn't handle it well at all if I disappeared. You ought to have said "I'll stop at nothing to bring you back!" or something else along those lines. I'd do the same for you, of course. Or at least I would do that, but you aren't ever allowed to disappear on my watch, so that simply won't be happening!
[No, there's nothing "simple" about it. Much as he'd like to tell himself it's Rinne's own fault he disappeared, Hiyori knows that probably isn't true. Rinne's an occasional drunk, but he's not stupid or careless, and he seemed fine when they last saw each other. If Rinne can fall into a void or what-have-you, then surely he or Jun can, and that's a disturbing thought.
And it's also one more reason to cling suffocatingly tight to his partner. Like a barnacle, an octopus, or a spider monkey!
But speaking of annoying clingy types, now it's back to discussing Monika!]
Why wouldn't she want to spend time with me? I'm me! Someone doesn't need to be a fan of Eve or idols to be drawn to me. It happens naturally!
[But it didn't happen with Monika. Monika doesn't want him at the lesson after all, it seems, since she apparently told Jun she "learns better with one person." Hiyori's eyes narrow into snakelike slits as he reads that line. Uh-huh, sure she does!
But how does that factor into things? She wanted a one-on-one lesson with Jun, but she also told him about it? And she said she can't wait to see him again? Is she just careless, or is there something else going on?? As the gears in his head slowly start to turn, his overactive imagination starts to conjure a crazy possibility! And the crazy possibility goes like this:
1. The sly Monika puts on her cutest smile and asks Jun to give her a one-on-one idol lesson! 2. The clueless Jun-kun can't understand why she asked him in particular, but he accepts because he's a nice boy! 3. Monika also tells Hiyori about the lesson, and (sort of) invites him along! 4. Hiyori invites Leo too, and they all make plans to attend! 5. However, on the day of the lesson, Monika decides to reschedule! She says something else came up that day, so she needs Jun give her the lesson an hour or two early! Then she says she already told Hiyori (and Leo??) about the time swap, so Jun doesn't think to go tell them himself. 6. Because he's an agreeable boy, Jun shows up early! However, Hiyori (and Leo???) weren't told about the time swap, so they assume the lesson is still being held at the later time! Thus, when Jun arrives at the practice room (which is really just a Mating Season room repurposed as a practiced room), Monika is there alone! Jun doesn't suspect subterfuge, so he just assumes Hiyori and Leo are running late. 7. While alone together inside the practice room, Monika seduces Jun, or tries to! (She'll probably want to invite Jun two hours earlier, not just one, because Jun is rather clueless, so it will take at least an hour to seduce him! It may even more than two hours!) 8. They do stuff together! (Or at least that's what Monika-chan is hoping for!) 9. Hiyori (and maybe Leo??) arrive at the "lesson" just in time to see Jun and Monika in a post-sex haze! 10. Monika looks directly at Hiyori and smirks, as though to say "I won!"
That's right, that's why she invited him! It all makes sense now!]
[Or does it...? She called herself a video game character in their conversation, so there's no telling what goes on inside her head. But even if that crazy theory was right on the money, it should be easy to counter that line of "attack," so he's still not worried. Anyway! Change of topic!]
Yep, that's the one! The girl named after a jewel ✨ It sounds like you've been making friends, so that's good. Though what's this about a shikigami? I've been talking to all sorts of people who can do magic, but I haven't met anyone calling themselves that yet!
[He has no problem with Topaz. Nice girl. Seems to have her head on straight. Just agreed to burn some books for him. Doesn't call him "not-Iori" and isn't trying to steal his things when he's not looking! The "shikigami," though, he hasn't met, and given his newfound interest in gods (since he's theorized that they're the ones running this place), he'd be happy to hear more there!]
I suppose I've been bothered about so much other stuff that I haven't been focused on my missing possessions. I know this might come as a surprise to you, since I do love shopping, but it's people who mean the most to me, not things. Or I guess you could say it's family who means the most to me. That includes Mary, of course.
I do wish I had the same hair oil I'd been using at home, though. The one that makes my hair fall just the way I like it! And I miss all my fragrances, and the hand cream I'd been using. But on my list of complaints about this experience, the fact I'm missing my beauty products is something like #45 or #46 on my list!
[He'll get to hear more of Hiyori's list during Rin's upcoming Network post. Also, his hair really doesn't look any different now than it did at home, but whatever...]
Ah, so you have been telling her about me. I should have guessed! 😊 Nothing but good things, I'm sure.
[ Jun glances down at his watch, watching as text after text floods in. It's a relief he can't read Ohii-san's thoughts! With everything he's dealing with, maybe he won't be fooled by someone hoping to seduce him. Even though he's a little dense, those tricks won't deceive him easily! Right!? ... or will they?
Watching Hiyori take off his shirt, though? That's an entirely different story! ]
yeah, yeah, alright, you've got me. i'm gonna be more than concerned if you go missing. sure, whatever you say. i'll be lost without you! i won't know what to do! and it'll be as if part of me is missing!! in case you can't tell, ohii-san, i'm being sarcastic. it's just gonna be annoying if you aren't here, so, of course, i'd go looking for you and "stop at nothing" to bring you back. it's good to know you'd do the same.
[ And it'd be pretty lonely without Ohii-san, not that he's going to say so. Jun's still trying to keep himself guarded; he's still got feelings to unpack and his partner isn't helping the flutter in his chest lessen some. ]
well, that i can't tell you. my best bet would be that you're just not her type.
[ He means idol, but perhaps a part of Jun also means something else. And if Jun were asked, he'd likely assume that the two of them are similar or that their personalities would clash. If he were more aware, he'd realise Monika acts needy, clingy, and possessive in exactly the same ways as his partner. But for now, he remains blissfully unaware.
Even if Hiyori can't see it, he's raising his brow towards his watch and further sighing. "They don't need to be fans of idols or Eve," he types. "It happens naturally," he continues to type. If Jun could smash open his watch, he would. ]
yeah, i forgot but she said something about you telling her i know how to cook. she's really nice. and yeah, he's *not* a shikigami, but owns one? it's a dog, and pretty big. if you see him around the app, his name's fushiguro megumi. he's also from japan, like we are, but i can tell you more if you'd like.
[ Another reason why Jun hardly minded meeting him was that Megumi's fairly nice and chill. His voice reminds Jun of his own, only a little calmer and relaxed. (Helps they're both voiced by Yuuma Uchida!) And Jun also has no problem with Topaz. She's been nothing but friendly and kind. ]
well, i'm not gonna say that's a surprise. gathering by that "important person" list you keep, it's pretty obvious people are important to you. anyway, she'd be offended if you didn't include her on your family list.
and what're you talking about? your hair doesn't look any different. i'm gonna say hair oil is a myth, and you've been wasting your money back home. and your hands are fine, y'know? i'm being honest; they're still pretty smooth, so whatever moisturiser you've been using here is working just fine.
[ No comment about the fragrances, mostly because Jun's glad not to be dealing with those as much as he used to. Maybe he'll buy Hiyori something sometime, just so he feels better about it. But do they have the same products here as he does back home? Probably not! ]
who else am i gonna talk about? and yeah, they've been good things. you're my partner, so you don't have to worry about what i've been telling her. it's really nothing to worry about.
[Next time he needs to deceive Jun, then, he'll just slowly take off his shirt in front of him! Brilliant plan.
His lips purse a little at the sarcasm. Was that really necessary?? (Given how obnoxious he was just being, yes, it probably was!)]
You could've started with "I'll go looking for you," you know. Those first three lines weren't needed!
[Says the king of unnecessary texting blabber.
In response to the bit about Monika:]
But you *are* her type?
[An accusatory question... or so it might sound, but he eases up with his next line:]
Well, if that's how it is, that's fine. Among Eve's fans and Eden's fans, some of them prefer me, while others might like you! Or they might favor Nagisa-kun, or perhaps even Ibara! That's how it goes with units, so if she happens to like you best, that's perfectly alright.
[Yep. He'll just talk about her like she's a fan, even though he knows she isn't one. The clueless Jun-kun probably thinks that's all this is. (He thinks, unaware that Monika actually already confessed to him, and that she kissed him originally, too!
Now onto the next part. About the shikigami:]
Ah, is that right? I must have misread. I blame the small font on these tiny smartwatch screens! But that makes a bit more sense, I suppose. Not that I know what having a shikigami entails, but if it's anything like summoning, there are a few people who can do that here. They said they can summon demons and monsters who attack people on command for them! Which sounds sort of frightening, really. But this place seems to put "limiters" on people's magic, so I know at least one of them said he couldn't do it here. Have you seen the dog thing this person can summon, or did you just see a picture or some such?
[Speaking of dogs:]
I'd be cruel to keep her off my family list when she got abandoned by her last family. Fortunately, I'd never dream of leaving her off. I'm sure you wouldn't, either.
Perhaps it looks similar, but it *feels* different. The texture just isn't the same, and it takes more time to arrange in the morning! But I suppose hand cream isn't as big a necessity here, since the environment is temperature-controlled. And it's not winter anymore here, either, although if we'd been following the timeline at home, we'd still be in February. Which is yet another mystery to untangle at some point.
[He replies casually, though he does fluster a little bit at Jun calling his hands smooth. It's not the compliment itself that flusters him, but rather, the knowledge that Jun knows exactly what his hands feel like. Why? Well, because they've been touching each other more intimately than usual, that's why!
But, you know, they don't talk about it. Or at least right now they're not. He'll just try to keep those hands soft and smooth, so Jun can appreciate them even more going forward.
... After all, they have their whole lives ahead of them. Not just their time in the resort, but also afterwards. He doesn't need to worry about something or someone coming in between them; not when Jun's here reassuring him there's nothing to be concerned over. Not with Monika, not with anyone. Jun said he didn't want anyone but him.
So, perhaps this attempted lesson-crashing was overkill on his part. He ought to trust his partner more. And he smiles as he types his response at the end.]
Who says I was worried? I've been saying good things about you, and you've been saying good things about me: that's just what you'd expect of us partners.
[Actually, he's called Jun a musclebrain and stuff a couple of times... but most of what he's said about his partner has been positive! And even the musclebrain thing is sort of meant as a weird term of endearment.]
[ Someone strike him down! It'd be easier at this point, or clear to the same feeling as watching Hiyori undress. Whatever works!
And, of course, it was necessary! For the guy who runs his mouth, or in this case, texts. ]
well, i've gotta disagree! they were needed, ohii-san. i'm keeping you on your toes, that's all! and if not me, who else would?
but i dunno, i guess so. it's not like i know that for sure, but i figure since she asked, that's gotta be the reason? or one of the reasons? it's like i said, she doesn't know anything about idols, so maybe she's going off of vibes.
[ .. or could be how they know one another, more than Jun's admitted. He's not arguing with her on a public network; they've kissed, and yep, Monika's already confessed by this point. But mostly due to Jun not thinking about those reasons, he's going with the other reasons! ]
it's fine! i probably read it wrong anyway. it's like you said, it's hard to read on here sometimes and the light around is not great. i'd say something close outta one of the mangas i've read back home. of course, i didn't say anything close to that, but he summoned it from his hands? it's sorta hard to explain without showing you. oh yeah, i saw him! it's not easy to describe, and i even have a pic! just a sec.
[ Even hand signals straight out of N*r*to, except there's no ninjas involved, but real-life teenagers. And when Jun sends the pictures through, they might seem a touch blurry, but nearing the end there's a picture of Megumi and his Shikigami. It's not easy angling your watch when it's attached to your wrist without some blur happening. ]
he might look scary, but he's pretty playful! i'd say it's sort of how mary gets when she gets a bunch of rubs from us. i dunno about limiters or demons, but i guess megumi-kun doesn't have that? the dog seemed sorta docile, so he'd probably not attack people for fun like a demon would. so you never saw one cuz of the limiter? wow, sounds as if some people just got luckier with their powers.
[ Which would bomb if you had powers, but thankfully Jun and Hiyori are simple idols without powers! They don't have to worry about "limiters" or whatever else! ]
i'd never do that to mary, either. she's already been through enough, and i know we'd never abandon her, even if we're not there right now.
alright, so what does it feel like? lighter? heavier? however you wear it, looks the same to me and i'm almost sure other people haven't noticed. yeah, if we're following real time, it's not gonna be winter anymore. maybe if we saw some real sunlight, we'd figure out just what season we're in.
[ It sounds like trouble to Jun, who always allows his hair to air dry and move on. The only time his hair receives any love is whenever they're on a job, which is only for the best. And if it's no longer winter, that means no cold Ohii-san hands on the back of his neck! So for Jun, that's already a win if they are past the colder months.
And that's the kind of compliment Jun hasn't realised he's given, as he's only typing the words without really thinking about them. Of course, he'd know just how soft Hiyori's hands are! He sort of thinks about them sometimes, which is completely normal! Since they'll be out of here before they know it, Jun can appreciate them for the rest of his life! That's also why there's no need to worry, because those people here will not be following them back home.
Meaning, Jun is appreciative of them, just as they are and Hiyori's overall smoothness. Maybe he should work on his own, even though his hands are not as smooth and calloused? Well, weight training is strenuous and challenging! And he's not completely certain if they're rough to the point where it's uncomfortable...? Surely Hiyori would complain if they were! ]
well, it sounded as if you were, ohii-san. and that's what i'm saying! it only makes sense we'd say nice things about one another, even if *sometimes* stuff you tell other people gets on my nerves.
[ Even if Hiyori has, Jun sure hasn't! But complaining about his muscles? Sounds as if someone's obsessed with them! When it comes to Hiyori, at least, Jun has been nothing but kind—well, aside from when he learns his partner has told others about his cooking! At this point, perhaps Jun ought to start charging for his cooking services. ]
Well in that case, we'll just have to introduce her to the wonderful world of idols ourselves! ✨🎶✨😊✨🎶✨ Spreading love for idols is one of my greatest joys in life, so I look forward to it! I just wish we had access to our CDs and music videos, so we could share some of those with her too, but oh well.
[Live Monika reaction to Trap for You would be something.]
And I suppose this means that "vibe" of yours has improved. You used to give off a somewhat intimidating aura back in the day, but now you come across as friendly and approachable. Guess you have me to thank for that 😊
[And now for that photo. When he sees it, he can't help but recoil; seriously, someone here can summon that?]
Goodness, that thing looks huge! And what sharp teeth it has! But it has a friendly personality, you say? That's good, I suppose. You can't always judge based on looks. Sort of like we just talked about - even if someone gives off an aura of intimidation, they might still be a good boy 💕
But that does get me wondering about all sorts of things. I wonder if it's really true that he doesn't have a limiter. And if so, I wonder who else might have gotten "lucky."
[He's very keenly interested now. Granted, no one that he spoke to on his network post believed they were powerful enough to break out of here; everyone, even the boastful types, said the resort was run by a strong force they weren't sure how to deal with. But what might happen if everyone worked together? Regular humans are stronger together than alone, so he can only assume the same holds true for magic users. Plus he hasn't talked to everyone in the resort yet by any means, so there might be some powerful mages out there just waiting to be discovered!
Anyway, he doubts this person's dog-shikigami thing can bite a hole in the forcefield or whatever, but you never know. Now that he knows his name and what he looks like, he might try to get in contact with him anyway.]
Lighter without the hair oil, but harder to manage as a result! Perhaps *you* haven't noticed since you're not very observant, but I'm sure my adoring fans could tell the difference. Or some of them could, anyway. There are types out there who analyze every pixel that gets posted to social media. But I guess our official account won't have been updated too recently...
[Or has it? Now that he's been told about the "time flunctuations" and had a cracktastic conversation with Leo about the diverging timelines, he's not so sure what to make of the situation at home. The thought of them being missing for so long is depressing, as is the realization that neither one of them has seen real sunlight in over a month.
But there's no sense in rehashing all that unpleasantness. He'd rather focus on the future, so:]
Once we're home again, let's spend a full day out in the sun. We can go to a beach, walk around a garden, hike a mountain, have a picnic - anything we want. Just so long as we're able to bask in the warm sunlight.
And while we're basking, we can say more nice things to each other. You can tell me all the wonderful things you like best about me, and perhaps I'll tell you what it is I like best about you. Alright? That sounds like a lovely time to me.
[One day, they'll be home again. This experience will have changed things between them, but not in a bad way. Neither one of them has let this place rot their souls, so they'll still be the same idols everyone admires. That's what he truly believes, and what he'll continue to hold out hope for.]
yeah, sure i'd be interested in guiding her with you, cuz that's what we already do as idols. and it's our thing as eve, so it'll be a piece of cake ♪ so if we did, it'd be easy ~ but i'm pretty sure we can perform for her live, anyway. we'll just have to make do with the music.
[ They could improv the music, but a live reaction to Trap For You lasts forever. ]
uh, what? 🤨 i dunno why you're suddenly bringing up how i used to be, or what my "vibes" gotta do with it? i'm different now, just like you're different too.
[ And that doesn't need to be said, but Jun knows the reason why he's no longer deemed "intimidating" and "scary" is due to Hiyori's influence. For someone who never used to smile, to someone who now can and someone who's been shown love! Yep, has all been Ohii-san's doing.
Whatever this has to do with Monika's interest, Jun has no clue. ]
yeah, really friendly! i think you'd be surprised. you've gotta treat him the way you treat mary, and nothing bad'll happen ♪ that's what i did and nothing happened.
i guess we could always find out. i don't mind asking, but i dunno about it... beats me! only figure megumi-kun doesn't, cuz he's able to summon his shikigami. do you think people are gonna tell you if you ask? you had that post and everything, but i figure some people wanna keep their powers secret.
[ Tfw you can't tell if your partner is referring to you as a dog again, or it's something else.....
Besides Megumi and Topaz, Jun's only really spoken to one other person with "powers" who has delved into the details. Not knowing a few others aren't normie idols, so if it were up to him, he likely wouldn't tell a stranger what his powers could or couldn't do. But it begs the question, nearing words he's read from Hiyori: why are they limiting some guests' powers and not the others? A confusing question they may never know the answer to.
The shikigami could have his powers nerfed; for all Jun knows, he just remembers Megumi saying something about not knowing if he'll need him here, only due to there being no threats here compared to back home. Jun hasn't unlocked all the friendship points there, though the more they talk, the more he'll learn. ]
lighter, hmmm~? well, it still looks and feels the same to me. and, hey! what's *that* supposed to mean? i'm pretty observant when i want to be. your fans probably wouldn't give a damn, either. they'd like you no matter what your hair looks like. besides, our socials aren't gonna get updated with new photos of us if we're stuck here, so they're not even gonna see what your hair looks like.
[ Really, Jun does think his hair looks as normal as it ever does, no different from how it looks from home. And if it doesn't? He's not sure what the big deal is!
Well, Leo brings out the worst in everyone! Two Ohii-san's? Jun would lose his mind. Either in a good or bad way, there's going to be twice as much demand and shopping trips. But on the other hand... hmmm. ]
whatever we do, i don't care. long as we're in the sunlight together, doing something, alright? it can be all those things, whatever we want! a picnic on a damned mountain, one in a garden, or even at the beach—! i just wanna see sunlight again, ohii-san. real sunlight!! not the artificial thing from your suite.
how's that any fair? if you wanna hear good things, then you've gotta tell me good things back! that's how it works!! but if that's what you want, i'll think about it.
[ Not as if it's too difficult to say wonderful things about Ohii-san, it's typically he says them without being prompted to! He still has a lot to say, though, so perhaps he needs to start compiling a list of each characteristic he finds endearing about Ohii-san. But is it a date??? Does this sound like a date???? Even if those words seem to suggest that it is, can Jun assume that it is one? Is he just misreading the signs?? Who knows! Only time will tell when they return home. ]
something i *already* like about you, ohii-san..? well you're always lighting up the room with your smile ~ ♪
Then let's do our best to put on a wonderful performance 😊✨🎶💕🎤🕺💃 One she won't ever forget!
[He isn't actually thinking of fake-kissing Jun just to stick it to Monika. That would simply be tacky. Their performance as Eve is separate from their real relationship, anyway! ... But that move is a part of their choreography, so he won't not do it if it comes up. You know, just to show her how the routine goes.
And of course his influence on Jun are relevant. He's saying Monika's interest in Jun is partially because of him! He's the one who helped make Jun so appealing! (Little does he know this is actually true, just not in the way he thinks it to be true. He's actually been making Jun seem more appealing by being possessive of him! Talk about shooting yourself in the foot!!) Also, Hiyori always thinks he himself is relevant, because he's a narcissist!]
I'm just saying you've gained more appeal with my help, that's all. Or, I guess in game terms, you could say you've "unlocked new levels" of appeal!
[Please praise him for his knowledge of video game terminology.
But now onto other topics.]
You actually pet it? My, you're brave. But I'm glad he's a friendly boy who didn't bite you. If he's like a pet, does that mean he has a name? I'm not too sure what I'd name him. You could go with "Roku," after those six dots on his forehead, but that wouldn't be very exciting.
I assume some people will tell me, some people won't. Most of the users who replied were fairly forthcoming, even if they didn't want to participate in the show. But I'm sure some might not want to advertise their gifts, especially since it sounds like magic users are persecuted through "witch hunts" and the like in some worlds.
I'll keep reaching out, though. A, I want more performers, and B, I want to learn more! And knowing some powerful people could come in handy, don't you think? At the very least, it certainly couldn't hurt.
[Handy for what, he opts not to say over text. But the implication is obvious: handy for protecting them, and handy for getting out of here! Even if there ends up being two of them once they travel back to the original timeline. Good luck with your two Hiyoris, Jun.
He was definitely comparing Jun to the shikigami for a minute there, yes... but if it's any consolation, he thinks Jun is much cuter!]
True, my fans *would* love me no matter what. I'm mainly just annoyed because my morning routine takes longer now, that's all. And even if they won't be uploaded, I wouldn't mind taking some nice pictures. This place does offer some interesting backdrops, despite everything else that's horribly wrong with it.
But I'd much rather be out in the sunlight, so as soon as we're released, we can take photos outdoors instead! And I never said I WON'T say good things back
[But then he gets that last message.
He blinks at the screen. He didn't expect Jun to start right now! But even over text, those nice words fill him with warmth. Jun's said similar things to him before, and they made him happy then, too, but the feeling when he reads them now is a bit different. Perhaps this is a result of acknowledging his love and having it returned... Or probably returned. He still doesn't know for sure.
But he has hope. And he has his partner, who's cheeky but still kind, and increasingly rather sweet. that's enough to keep him going in this place.]
Yes, you're right about that! That's something I like about me, too 😘
It sounds like Jun-kun wants to be praised badly, so I guess I'll give it a shot and say one thing I like about you, too. For starters: I like your voice! That's what drew me to you in the first place, and it's why I asked you to start a unit with me.
[Actually, that wasn't the only thing that drew him to Jun, but shhh.]
yeah, let's do it, ohii-san ♪ then she's gotta become our fan!
[ There are countless songs they could perform, but that's not why he'd recommend it! That song was their debut, so it holds special meaning for him, and there's been a big improvement since then. No comment on how their relationship differs from how they act on stage; that's pretty much a given.
But all of this makes his head hurt; having someone interested in you and being upfront about it hasn't been easy to deal with! Hiyori has played a significant role in introducing outside influences to him, being his "mentor" and guide. However, could Monika also find herself attracted to him? Really, high time to put an end to these thoughts!
Anyway, it is cute Hiyori's using video game terms! Now those are terms he understands clearly. ]
heh, i bet you've wanted to say that for sometime, huh~? i'm proud of you, ohii-san, knowing all about those sorta gaming terms!
but yeah, i did! his furs real soft, not that you'd expect it. megumi-kun reassured me he wouldn't bite, so that helped! not that i know of? i wasn't told if he's got a name, but i'm sure he might? megumi-kun seems to care 'bout him! roku's a pretty good name, though? it's not that different from "bloody Mary!"! temember, we decided that 'cuz she was covered in her own blood.
[ And for Mary, it's a perfectly fine name! Even if she's no longer covered in said blood. ]
well, i'm wishing you luck, ohii-san! i'm sure you'll get bounds of people talking ♪ like, online? or the one where you stick a witch to the stake and do *that*? cuz there's two different kinds! yeah, it'd be handy! and sounds as if you've found something that's gonna entertain you for a bit. too bad natsume-kun's not here! maybe he'd be able to out-magic everyone...?
[ Yes, Jun does believe Natsume's magic is real and can do that. No one tell him! And he doesn't know what Hiyori means by handy, but he supposes it might be if you wanted a way out of this place. Though it's not the implication he might think it means, not "blowing a hole in this place."
As for two Hiyori's? Well, that would send his mind elsewhere, along of having to put up with two of him. Just how would he have the attention for both Hiyori's? A Hiyori a day? One Hiyori half a day, the other the rest?
Least that's some consolation! ]
see! they would so you've got nothing to worry about. i also doubt they'd forget about you just cuz some pics aren't uploaded onto your account. i'm thinking maybe there's a camera around here you could take some on?
i dunno why, even when we go "outside," it's not real. just some dumb barrier keeping us thinking we're outside when we're not. i don't care where the photos are, long as we're outside ♪
[ And maybe that's something Jun can look into on his own! A camera, that is! And hope they aren't for nefarious purposes. Also, it's not as if no one said he wasn't able to say something nice here. He might as well, right?
... but the meaning has changed since then, hasn't it? Or are they the same as ever? There are many confusing feelings running around his head, he doesn't know where to begin! ]
... sorta ruins the compliment if you say that, y'know? and it's not the first time i've said that, but it was the first thing that came to mind...
and where'd you get that from? i never asked to be praised? it's just, well, i wanted to say something nice, alright~? cuz who said we've gotta wait 'til we get home? but thanks, i really like when you say that. i know we had a bit of trouble to begin with, but you really helped me with my voice. so i'm glad you asked me, even if i thought you were outta your mind.
[ Really, who asks someone to join their unit after a day of knowing them? ]
It's not that I was waiting around to say it. I just thought now would be an excellent opportunity!
[He was definitely waiting around.]
I'd say it's fairly different. Bloody Mary is a legend, for starters. And I'm not sure what legends there are about people with mysterious dots on their forehead. Perhaps there's some mythological creature who fits that description? Nagisa-kun might know. And if not in our world, perhaps in other worlds, so if that friend of yours is ever looking for a name, he could always poll the network and see what they say!
Tsumugi-kun's unit would meet their match in a place like this, I'm fairly sure.
[POV your Ohii-san has cloned himself so he can be twice as annoying. Both of them expect to get laid tonight but neither is in the mood to do anything but pillow queen. If you try to focus your attention on one, the other will loudly start to complain that he is being neglected. However do you resolve this serious dilemma?
Speaking of serious dilemmas:]
Well, if I really did disappear, I wouldn't want my fans to mourn forever. I'd want them laugh and smile still, so that good fortune would come to their homes. But I would hope they'd carry their memories of me forever in their hearts. That they won't ever forget an idol called Hiyori Tomoe existed.
[How cheerful. In game terms, this is probably what you call a "death flag," so let's move on!
Move onto more pleasant things, such as complimenting each other. He's still smiling as he types:]
First you said it wouldn't be fair to hear good things without saying them back, then you praised me, so I assumed you must want praise! Not that there's anything wrong with that. The adorable Jun-kun who yearns to be praised by his kind-hearted senior (<-- that's me!) is one of my absolute favorites 😊
And I'd say it worked out for the best, didn't it? The fact I had so little to go on when I chose you just goes to show my judgment is impeccable. It's true that I picked you up on a whim, but it *was* still a choice. Your voice was good, and you seemed motivated. If you were a bit rough around the edges, then I suppose that just made things more fun. Training someone who already knows everything they'd need to know can't be too exciting.
[He doesn't share the big thing. That Jun was someone he'd already been looking for, based on seeing him from a distance that one time. But everything he just said is true, and he has no regrets about that "stray" he picked up. Jun-kun was unquestionably worth raising. ]
sure, ohii-san. sounds as if you were waiting 'round to say it ♪
and yeah, but saying mary's name three times in a mirror is seriously scary? i'd never wanna do anything like that! shikigami are from folklore, so that's pretty important! even if there's nothing close to a dog with dots on their forehead in reality. if anyone'd know, it'd be nagi-senpai! too bad we can't ask him. that's an idea, but i wonder if megumi-kun would even wanna know. i can't imagine they're gonna be appropriate names, if you know what i mean.
[ He can only imagine! And Megumi's pretty young—well, younger than Jun! If he remembers correctly, he thinks Megumi's around sixteen, so yep!
Given the mental image, one Ohii-san would complain about not receiving attention, while the other might still complain about something else. The correct answer would be finding ways to clone himself so he can satisfy two Ohii-san's! ]
i'm sure that's what your fans're doing right now, even if they know you're missing. i bet they're just waiting for your return.
[ What in the eulogy? ]
well, yeah! when i say those good things about you, i never really expect to hear anything back. you usually tease me anyway! and if you wanna praise me, i'm not gonna beg for it, y'know? stuff like that should happen naturally. you'll get a big head if i do it all the time ♪ but why'd you explain that? i already know you're my senior, my senpai ~ ♪
[ If he were feeling extra cheeky, he'd call him 'Tomoe-senpai' again instead of 'Ohii-san' but after all this time, it feels weird, so he won't. ]
and even i can say it worked out pretty well. sometimes i wonder if you seriously hit your head that day, cuz i really thought you were playing some sorta prank on me. it would've been too bad if "picking me up on a whim" ended poorly in your favour, huh, ohii-san~? good thing it worked out.
[ He's teasing, but it does feel nice to read all these things. Now he's the one smiling, pleased that even if he were a little "rough around the edges," back then, everything turned out fine. ]
thanks for picking me up, ohii-san. i wouldn't be here without you and i can't really put it into words how much it means to me.
[ And he means so! The extra training he received helped, especially to help him grow out of knowing Jin's every single dance move. That wasn't healthy, but the way Hiyori trained him had been the most comforting experience he's ever been through. ]
Oh, no, *me* waiting around for *you* would just be absurd! I don't like waiting, as I always have more important things to do with my time!
You think they'd name a pet something crude here? Now that's just horrible. You might be right, though, given that whole "Springtime" thing. I don't know why anyone finds animal mating habits appealing, and I don't want to know! Animals are animals, people are people, and that's that!
Though I guess Jun-kun has some things in common with hyenas.
[Is that the closest he's come to actually discussing the Springtime event since it ended? You bet it is! With him talking about it so negatively, does that mean he regrets what happened?
No. He feels comfortably talking about it negatively because what he and Jun-kun did together wasn't a part of that "game" anyway. If he'd actually been playing it properly, he would've gone looking for rabbits first of all. But he didn't want rabbits or anyone else, he just wanted Jun-kun! Who's a fellow person, not an animal, and that's the tea on that.
Though he did look rather cute having his ears petted... No, but that doesn't matter! Anyway, back to the topic at hand!!]
I've never said anything good about you, hmm? It sounds like Jun-kun is suffering from memory issues. As your senior, I've always praised you when you did well. I just also can't help but tease you, since your reactions are so funny at times!
[Is now really the time for teasing, though?
His heartbeat quickens as he hovers his fingers over the tiny, tiny watch keyboard. Jun is being so earnest, honest and cute, professing his heartfelt gratitude. Though his words carry a reminder of the past, and that's somewhat sad. "Wouldn't be here" if not for him, hmm? Surely he doesn't mean that literally. But it's true that Jun-kun's rise to stardom was owed to him.
No one else could see the potential. They turned their eyes away, seeing only a "Non-Special Student" who bore the name Sazanami. Hiyori discovered that diamond in the rough all on his own. Of course Jun is grateful. Still, having Jun say it to him outright like that almost shakes him to the core, even if it's just over text.
He could just tease Jun as usual. "Jun-kun's surprisingly passionate" or "Awww, you love me so much." Perhaps that teasing wouldn't even be a tease. Perhaps Jun really does love him. Isn't that why Jun took him to bed, saying all those sweet things to him? Isn't that why they're making plans together now, and exchanging even more sweet words?
Or is that all just "gratitude" on Jun's part...?
There's still a lingering doubt on his part. It's why he still hasn't put all his cards on the table, so to speak. But it feels as though he gets closer each day. Perhaps one day, even the oblivious Jun-kun will understand his whole heart.
For now he just says this:]
All teasing aside, however, I'm glad I chose you. You were well worth raising.
Let's work hard to find a way home together, alright?
yeah, like what? shopping's not an answer, ohii-san.
have you *seen* how some people talk here? wouldn't put it past them! i dunno, but i'm hoping the next one's got nothing to do with animals. and i don't wanna know about people's "mating habits," ohii-san.
what are you on about, seriously? i don't have anything in common with a hyena!! you're just saying stuff to say it, cuz you know, it annoys me. too bad our roles were reversed. you usually act like a spoiled cat, like a really annoying one.
[ Uh, wait—why did Jun say that? Not as if he's going to participate in the next game, anyway! And they haven't mentioned anything about the game since it happened, even if said words are negative. However, Jun does not seem uncomfortable bringing up the incident; perhaps this has to do because they are texting each other about it, or perhaps the topic is moving in a less positive direction.
And everything that transpired between them turned out to be something good! ]
i'm not suffering from anything, you know??? just forget i said anything, alright? i don't wanna be teased when i'm saying nice stuff about you.
[ And he can't get his words right to describe what he means! He's clearly aware the times when Hiyori does praise him, enjoying the praise whenever he receives it. Besides feeling flustered whenever Hiyori counterattacks with talking about love, at first he'd thought the stupid noble lost his damn mind. Perhaps the feeling still rings true, or he's the one who's lost his damn mind for caring about someone who drives him up the wall.
Sure he wouldn't have a career without his partner, he'd still be stuck in the hellish environment of Reimei if no one had picked him up. There are many words to be said about the environment, and he's not sure how those words are meant to be taken. Surely not completely literally, only kneenly well aware if Hiyori hadn't seen his potential, or if he knew about the name Sazanami, they wouldn't be here together.
There is more than just genuine gratitude to be expressed, but how can he when he's not sure what "love" feels like? Is this what it feels like when you think about someone whose chest constricts so much that it's almost impossible to breathe? This isn't one of Jun's cheesy Shoujo mangas, where the person confesses and the ending has them together forever, where nothing can possibly come in their way. But they have been making plans, haven't they? And currently saying nice words to one another.
He'd never forgive himself for messing up whatever relationship they have now. (Which really, they don't, do they?) But then why does his chest constrict again? Reading these words? Goddamn...
How do you even realise you love someone, anyway? And can you be in love with someone and not realise it? With these confusing feelings, he needs to quit shoujo manga for good. ]
thanks ohii-san..
yeah, we'll work hard and not give up for a second! i wanna get out of here and go home with you. and home to greet mary, nagi-senpai and ibara ♪
[ And to hopefully sort out these confusing feelings, which he can't admit to yet. He's not sure of his own heart, nor is he sure of Hiyori's, not wanting to ruin what they currently have. Especially while remaing uncertain about what prompted him to confess everything except feelings of love. ]
Like rehearsing, gathering info, talking to people who might be useful, and all sorts of other things! 😤 It's lucky for you that you have such a hard-working partner.
Though shopping isn't unimportant. We do need food and clothes! And even though I'm naturally beautiful, I need at least some beauty products, or I just won't feel comfortable!
Huh? Huh? What does that mean???
[This in response to the "spoiled cat" comment. They really are talking about their roles now, something they've avoided doing until now! But if Jun wants to play that game, well.]
I'd say Jun-kun acted plenty spoiled when he was a "cat"! He was all too eager to receive love and attention from me ❤️ Like having his ears touched, and also other parts! It was simply the cutest thing 💕
[Of course that's as explicit as he gets. He won't specify what those other parts are. He's not crude like that! Unlike some people who might prefer to talk about the waterfall between their legs.]
But as for Jun-kun being hyena-like, I'm pretty sure we already discussed this! How you clawed your way up from the bottom of the ravine, and out into the sunlight. That's what you did in Reimei *and* in life. Though there isn't any need for you to do that here, since whenever you want to sleep in a higher-ranked room, you can always just go to my room and sleep comfortably with me.
[... that last line was actually not intended to be innuendo. Though he doesn't not mean it that way, either!
And, uh, so much for Jun not wanting to be teased. This doesn't exactly make a fine lead-up to Jun's heartfelt words at the end there. But he meant his own words, just as much as he meant (or more than he meant) the teasing.
This place sees "love" as a transaction. One you're supposed to make with over fifty people. But it's not like that for them. How fortunate he is that Jun is here, so he didn't end up going back to his old patterns. He hasn't needed to; when that "problem" struck, and he was seized with a strong urge to hold someone, he could just hold the person he already loved. And Jun-kun got to have his first time with someone who loves him, rather than someone who's just using him to earn a "card" or what-have-you. They really are blessed by this place's standards.
But they'll be happier at home, once they're united with the others and they don't have to worry all the time. When they can pursue their shared dream again. That's what he knows to be true, and that's what he'll continue to work towards.]
Yep. Not even God can separate Adam and Eve. We'll all be back together soon. And then we can accomplish even more wonderful things together.
[He sends the message, though it doesn't quite feel like enough. How does he say that he wants to go home so they can be with the others and continue their career, but he also wants what they have now to continue? He's not just sleeping with Jun because this place is forcing him to; he wants Jun to hold him tight at home, too.
But first they have to get home, so that's not really a high priority. Hopefully he can make Jun understand later, if he doesn't already. For now, this ought to be enough. They'll escape, and then all that other stuff will fall into place.]
hardworking partner and you don't really go in the same sentence, ohii-san.
do you really need those products or are you being annoying about them again? cuz like i said about your hair, you look no different to me.
[ Meaning, personally, Jun doesn't care for what his partner looks like, with or without them. But it's Hiyori, so he's going to be annoying about wanting all the products in the world. ]
you're always attention-seeking and demanding to start off with. want me to continue? i'll easily name all the ways you're always acting like a spoiled cat.
and i'm not gonna act like a cat ever again, so get used to it. you're the one who asked about scratching my ears in the first place??? and i said, yeah!! so what about it now????
[ Given that he enjoyed having his partner touch other parts of him, he isn't even sure how to address the second point. Besides understanding exactly what they were, Hiyori's typing causes his cheeks blush, given they had yet to discuss the Springtime game in any detail. Instead, the idea of Hiyori touching him again is there, stuck in his mind from a simple mention. ]
plenty of times, but you keep going on about me being a hyena after i tell you to quit it. how does that mean the same thing? i don't wanna sleep in a high-ranking room and i dunno if you forget half the stuff i tell you, but you know that. yeah, well, it's not like you're difficult to sleep with, ohii-san.
[ In more ways than one! ... not that Jun intended to say so outright; he clearly meant in the same bed. Yes, exactly the same way Hiyori's last sentence went.
Despite his complaints, one thing is certain: he has no problem sharing a space with Hiyori again. It is already so familiar, with no way of concealing how at ease he has been, even if this situation was supposed to be awkward. Besides, he promised he would never regret anything between them, and he hasn't.
But here's the problem: although his sincere words during the game were driven by the suit's activation, he seems to be at a loss for how to convince Hiyori those words were real. Unless his partner already does, and Jun's overthinking again. And his affectionate kiss on Hiyori's forehead prior to bringing him to bed reflected his own feelings. Despite his worries, Ohii-san managed to make him feel loved—a feeling he hadn't experienced before from anyone else.
And being idols, are these feelings acceptable? Will their fans be disappointed when they go home, having to face the reality that they are two people who love one another dearly? Worrying about it now might be premature, but he will forever have this memory with him. ]
good thing nagi-senpai's God, huh~? ♪ and yeah, we're gonna accomplish greater heights and when we're back home, where we were will just be a distant memory not worth remembering.
[ Except Jun wants to remember this, at least the parts that involve his partner. All the wonderful words they spoke to one another and then some. New memories can be rebuilt, remade and repurposed.
And maybe, with each passing day, he's slowly realising his feelings. ]
How rude! I've always worked plenty hard at jobs and other things that count. Jun-kun's just refusing to acknowledge my good points!
And as I said, I do need them, in order to feel comfortable and most like "myself!" Which is especially important in this place, since the House wants us to feel **un**comfortable and not at all like ourselves. But as I also said, you need not worry! I don't spend as much on beauty products as I do at home. I've just been spraying on free perfume samples instead of buying fragrances, for example.
Though I might cave and buy one if I see a good enough deal. But only then, alright?
[He's not making the best case for himself.
Though Jun isn't making the best case for himself, either. If this was happening in-person, his face would be full of disbelief. Nope, Jun is not allowed to pin this all on him! He remembers how needy and clingy Jun was!
Vividly. He remembers vividly. Sometimes in his dreams at night and sometimes in his memory throughout the day. At this rate, he won't ever forget, even though the cat ears are gone permanently. (Unless they buy Jun a headband at some point...!)]
Nope, I don't need you to go on, since that just sounds like a silly list! Unless it's all stuff like "You're cute" or "Everyone wants to spoil you." But as for Jun-kun, I distinctly recall that when I brought up scratching your ears, you said scratching them would feel "really nice." In other words, you encouraged me! Plus you had the most adorably eager look on your face. Why, I even remember seeing those ears of yours twitch with anticipation. Jun-kun sure looked cute like that 🩷😻💕
[Does he really want to play this game?? Jun could easily bring up all sorts of embarrassing things about how he behaved during that week. He's just asking for trouble at this point. But as they say in one of their songs, isn't love more fun when it's dangerous?
Still, he tones it down a bit.]
That's just me reminiscing, though. Obviously I know you're not a cat. And you're not a hyena either, you're Jun-kun! So if you want me to stop making those comparisons, that's fine, I suppose. We can simply be ourselves.
And of course I'm easy to sleep with. I always do everything elegantly, and that includes sleeping! I'm sure I must look just like sleeping beauty in the mornings 😊
[Actually, he has a massive case of bedhair in the mornings, and he occasionally hogs the covers at night. But at least he doesn't snore, kick, or thrash around.
As for the rest, well. He doesn't see Nagisa as God really, but he keeps that thought to himself. It is a part of his persona, after all. But as far as the resort being a "distant memory" goes, and one "not worth remembering," that gives him more pause. Would he like to put this place behind him? You bet! He just... doesn't want Jun to forget the things they shared together, that's all.
But he knows what Jun really meant, or he thinks he does. There's no sense in reading too much into things. He'll just gently affirm,]
I'm not sure I'll be able to forget anytime too soon. A lot has happened here. And this place is pretty memorable, for better and worse. But I absolutely agree with you: we've got much to do at home, so we'll put all this behind us and move onto better things!
[Like making their dreams come true. ... and holding Jun-kun without some "game" going on, hopefully.]
nah, i already know your good points! i'm just refusing to fuel your ego any further 😉
and it's like i said, i don't really care what you do with your chips. if you wanna use them on products or whatever, cuz it makes *you* feel comfortable, do that.
but the perfume here's safe, are you sure?
[ Actually, it seems he's starting to feel some concern about Hiyori's spending habits. Is he becoming more attentive to his partner's actions, or because he knows Hiyori can't buy all the things he might like to? Really, he can't quite figure out why he cares so much.
First things first, Hiyori mentions how this went down, and he's sure he remembers otherwise. Or rather, how wolf-like he acted! Still, there's no rest for the wicked, or, in this case, no rest for those who stay deep in denial! (And it's Jun, the one in denial.) No one will ever be able to coax out from him the extent of his clingy and needy behaviour during the time he was a cat. (Maybe they'll have to buy him that headband after all! And buy one for Hiyori, considering Jun wasn't able to touch his ears :( ) ]
now you're just deflecting, ohii-san. i'm not about to say stuff that's gonna make you even more annoying. and you did but how's what i said encouraging you? anyway, you're the one who wanted to lick me like some damn animal! what sorta wolf wants to do that~? 🐺🐺🐺
[ Just to be extra annoying, he's leaving those emojis because a) he's pretending as if he didn't read the last point about his ears; b) what the hell is the cat with heart eyes anyway? and c) he can throw back some of how Hiyori acted during the week, too! (And he also remembers vividly and in great detail of not only his own behaviour but also his partner's behaviour as if it were yesterday.)
Actually, more as if Hiyori's playing with fire, which he's not about to let him get away with. ]
i'm not a damn animal, really glad you finally realised the truth! but they're gonna come up again cuz you're always saying whatever you want.
nah, you look nothing like sleeping beauty, ohii-san. you steal the blankets most of the time, and the only good thing about how you sleep is that you don't snore. so i guess you've gotta revalue what "sleeping beauty" means. and you wake up with real bad bedhead, but you look kinda cute ♪
[ Oops, he'd forgotten that he was supposed to highlight the negative points of Hiyori's sleeping habits. However, towards the end, he couldn't help but admit that he does look incredibly cute in the mornings with bedhead. In contrast, Jun's hair tends to stick up in random directions, and he rarely bothers to fix it.
But not all the memories here have been ones worth erasing and he wants to emphasise this. Jun could never forget what transpired between him and his partner, and he has no intention of doing so. In fact, he earnestly hopes that Hiyori also cherishes and remembers the memories they share together. Which he'll also try to affirm, so they'll be on the same page. ]
well, there are things from here i'm not gonna forget! but they involve you, ohii-san, so that'll be why i'll want to remember the good things. yep, and we're gonna be real busy when we get home, but we gotta remember to make time for ourselves.
[ Meaning he does very much want to hold Hiyori back home, away from the game, with nothing to worry about. ]
[That's... actually not a bad point about the perfume.]
It should be safe!
[But is it really? After a moment he admits,]
I *did* see some where the boxes said things like "Bound to drive your partner wild with excitement." I assumed they didn't mean that literally. But just in case they *did* include some sort of shady drug, I've been avoiding the ones with that sort of advertising.
[If only someone would make an exhaustive list of every single spiked product in the resort so they could be done with it. But with 90-something different floors' worth of stuff and so many hidden drugs everywhere, that's a near-impossible task.
As is getting Jun to admit to his own neediness during the Springtime game, apparently!! Hiyori frowns down at the screen, his cheeks coloring pink and his lips pursing. Yes, he definitely did some licking during that week, especially on the sixth day, but it's crude to talk about it! And anyway, he still refuses to accept all the responsibility here!!!]
N~ope! 👿 Wrong again! ❌ Jun-kun's the one deflecting! He's completely ignoring 3 things here!
1. In the first place, the one who brought up licking was Jun-kun! It wasn't my idea, it was his! Jun-kun's neediness is what prompted it!
2. Because Jun-kun was so needy, and because I'm caring and kind, I followed along with his wishes! *That's* what happened!
3. Jun-kun enjoyed himself lots while it was happening, and never once said "that's weird!" or "that's un-wolf-like!"
And actually, there's also a 4th thing you've ignored, which is this: I wasn't trying to be wolf-like, because I wasn't really a wolf! The end! Case closed!
[Maybe in another universe they're happily sexting, as opposed to arguing about the sex they already had. Sadly they aren't in that universe, they're in this one. The one where Jun feels entitled to insult him left and right, for some reason, saying he wakes up with "bedhair" and complaining about how he sleeps! The absolute nerve of him!
Though he also called him cute. So it isn't all bad.]
Jun-kun's still being rude to me, I see. Fine, see if I ever show you my sleeping face again!
Though I will remember you called me cute. Or my "bed hair," rather. In which case, perhaps all that other stuff was just your clumsy way of trying to pay me a compliment? Very well, I'll accept it!
[He tries to turn the tables, teasing Jun repeatedly. But when he gets to the end... well, honestly, he just feels like melting. "There are things from here I'm not gonna forget, but they all involve you?" Well... good. Unless he just means he's not going to forget the embarrassing stuff, like the wolf ears. Jun can forget those!
... but in all honesty, he's glad to hear it. Relieved, even. It feels like they might be on the same page, even before considering what "time for ourselves" might mean. So he smiles to himself again at the end, his cheeks still faintly pink.]
Right. I want to spend time with the others, but we'll have those other plans to get to, too. Like spending a day outdoors, out in the sunlight. Or perhaps we could even go to a real resort someday - a tropical one, where you actually get what you pay for and we both make lovely memories. The world is full of fun things like that, so let's make sure to return home safely so we can do them all. Alright?
[ He's... still not convinced the perfume is safe, though nothing bad has seemed to happen so far. Perhaps something might happen if you buy an entire bottle? Who knows! ]
look, i might be dumb, but you realise how that sounds? in a shady place like this, of course, they'd mean excitement, *literally*. well, it's a good thing you've been avoiding those perfumes, i guess.
[ Really, those names on the perfumes have to mean literally! With the many stores, it may be difficult to know which product to stay away from, which is why Jun has been staying away from them, if not all, only to be certain.
Nope, not about to acknowledge his neediness that week! He can, however, make light of Hiyori's behaviour because, well, he found it endearing. However, his own neediness? Nope! Time to never acknowledge that. But something Jun can acknowledge is how much he liked the things Hiyori did to him! ]
how am i deflecting? i'm being honest with how *you* acted. besides, you're the one who put the idea in my head, but i liked it when you did all that stuff, alright?
ugh, cuz the way you acted wasn't weird and even if you were or weren't "wolf-like," i still would've enjoyed it. i'm not the only one who enjoyed what we did together, so why are you acting like that?
[ Maybe this is the way genuine sexting unfolds? But surprisingly, amidst their heated debate about the sex they've already had, it brings a sense of satisfaction. Still refusing to believe he has been insulting Ohii-san! Besides, he does look cute when he's asleep and when he first wakes up! But it's much easier to poke fun rather than say it outright.
.. or he thinks so. ]
so you're just gonna stay awake all the time, ohii-san?
seriously, how'd you think that? man, sometimes i wanna figure out what the hell goes on in your brain.
[ He can't turn the tables himself, but he's already called Hiyori cute—or his hair, at least. Still, he also meant Hiyori looks cute the moment he wakes up!
It's almost whiplash how different their texts go each time, but who's to say they can't playfully argue and say nice things within the same wall of text? And Jun means every word, even if he's a little afraid to admit he wouldn't mind spending "alone time" with Hiyori after this ends. ]
yeah, i wanna spend time with them, too. i wasn't trying to say i didn't want to.. but i'm pretty positive about who i'd wanna spend time with instead. and all day we're gonna spend out in the sun, going to another garden and spending time at a real resort sounds fun and like a good time. so yeah, we'll do everything once we return home and make more serious memories like the ones you're talking about. i really want that with you, ohii-san.
[As always, the "..." hovers immediately, showing that Hiyori is typing up a storm!
... Or is he? It keeps disappearing and reappearing as he types and retypes his response. He's still red-cheeked on his end, tempted to continue the argument.
No, YOU put the idea in MY head!
Why am I acting like WHAT?
Why would I have to stay awake all the time? I could just sleep somewhere away from you, since it sounds like you don't like my sleeping habits, anyway!
He types all those things and more. But in the end, he deletes them all. Too much of what Jun's saying gives him pause. Admitting that he liked what they did together, for one thing, and calling him out on the fact he's acting like Jun's the only one who enjoyed it. That's not true, of course. But when it comes to that particular act, well... it's embarrassing to admit he liked doing something like that. He's very prideful. But Jun is more honest than he is.
And that "stay awake all the time" thing, well—that must mean Jun plans for them to sleep together more often, doesn't it? They're not roommates at home anymore, or even at the resort (not at this moment, anyway), but Jun still expects to see his sleeping face regularly.
It's just too much for him to keep acting pissy. Much of what Jun's saying makes his heart flutter. And then he gets to the end (which really is a whiplash), and the rest of his defensiveness just melts away. Jun-kun is saying he wants to spend time with him, saying he'll go to a resort or wherever with him, saying they'll do "everything" once they get home. Jun-kun, in other words...
is totally in love with him!!
Or he might be on that track, anyway. At the very least, Jun cares about him. And he's saying some very romantic-sounding things.
Hiyori ignores his watch for a second and flops down on his bed, reaching for one of the pillows. This isn't the first time he's hugged his pillow while thinking about Jun here, and it will not be the last! He'll spend a good hour doing that again when he discovers that Network thread where Jun talked about "taking a shot" with him!
He doesn't spend an hour this time. But he does bury his face in it and give it a good squeeze. Sometimes when he's overcome with emotion, he just wants to hug something or someone! Sort of like he'll eventually do onstage in America, when he's so moved by what Nagisa is saying that he grabs onto Jun and hugs him tight! ... if they ever get to that point in the timeline, that is.
It's a couple of minutes later that he sits up in bed, releasing the pillow and reaching for his watch screen. Alright, no more arguments! He'll try to return... some of Jun's honesty.]
Sounds like I don't need to wear perfume to drive Jun-kun wild with excitement! 😘
[... yep. That's how he chooses to open it: with teasing!
But the rest is more sincere.]
I found your "cat" side endearing, to be honest. But I don't need you to act like a cat, a hyena, or anything else. It's perfectly fine for you to just be yourself. Or, actually, it's more than fine. That's the "you" our fans grew to love, after all.
And that's the "you" I call my partner, and the one I love waking up next to.
[He shoots off that last one before he can overthink it, though writing it makes the tips of his ears burn. It's an awkward attempt to tie in their conversation about sleeping habits. And, of course, it's a confession that isn't quite a confession, but he's used to giving those.]
And the one I want to do those fun things with! Like go to different places, bask in the sunlight together, and so on. There's still fun to be had here, I'm sure. But I just can't wait to see what the future has in store for us at home.
[...]
I'm sure it'll be something even more beautiful than what we've experienced so far. That's my hope, anyway.
[ That sure is a long time of '...' hovering across the screen. He isn't quite sure what to think as he waits for Hiyori to finally send some sort of message. It's not like he's glued to his watch or anything, just casually waiting for a response.
Even if he's blushing like crazy behind the screen, he knows deep down he wouldn't have reacted like that if he didn't enjoy what Hiyori did. And when he reflects on it, he remembers how Hiyori didn't flinch or complain. And about the future, Jun's secretly hoping they'll get to sleep next to each other again soon. But he's a bit hesitant about another sleepover, not wanting Hiyori to get the wrong idea. Though he figures it's obvious what he's thinking, maybe he doesn't even need to explain it too much.
But he still finds himself yearning for everything he mentioned, plus more—everything Hiyori's hinting at and beyond. He wonders if things would have unfolded differently if they were back home. Would they have eventually crossed the line into something more intimate, or would they have remained at the same point they were before coming here? He's well aware of the golden rule that idols can't date, and it's stirring up conflicting emotions in him now. Despite that rule, most of what they do together back home feels pretty "date-like.".
And those really are romantic things he's texting back, eager for those things just as much as Hiyori seems to be. Just as he's about to let the conversation go, wondering if something came up or if Hiyori got busy picking out outfits he might like, he almost shuts off his watch and stops pacing around the room. But just before he does, the next batch of texts arrives, keeping him on edge.
Jun's heart clenches as he reads the next flurry of words, almost as if it's stopped in his chest, and a smile spreads across his face. Those words feel undeniably romantic to him, stirring up a warmth he can't ignore despite the teasing. ]
you've just gotta be your annoying self, ohii-san. that's enough to "drive me seriously crazy" with or without excitement ~
[ In both ways, really? ]
jeez, what the hell do i say to that? and i'm gonna make sure the way i'm acting right now stays or you've got my permission to knock me back down ♪
where do i begin? i'm gonna preface by saying, i'm glad you're my partner, ohii-san. even if you're gonna keep saying it was just a whim, i'm happy i became your whim. think i'm slowly understanding what you've been trying to say.
[ His cheeks feel like they're on fire as he paces around his room, almost tempted to touch them just to gauge the heat. With Hiyori typing that he "loves waking up next to him," how can he possibly handle those words with any semblance of normalcy? ]
hey, ohii-san, remember those words i said during ss? turns out they weren't just about singing, but i dunno if you caught on.
[ It's that almost-confession again, a step closer to openness than he's ever been before, just as Hiyori playfully teased him about "love." ]
so i want everything you want! we're gonna go home and things'll be good between us. and better than ever, cuz we're partners and nothing's gonna get us down. we'll sort it out, ohii-san, together.
[ His words brim with passion, a stark contrast to his former self, who struggled with such conversations. It was Hiyori who guided him through it all, teaching him not only how to navigate through the dirty alleyways but also how to embrace love itself. While everything isn't crystal clear yet, whatever this is, he knows it's something he'll yearn for back home. ]
[Dating as an idol is actually fine, just as long as you date the same unit member your fans ship you with anyway!
... or not. He knows it isn't that simple. Most of their fans don't really think they're dating; they assume Eve's fanservice is simply that. And some of them would probably have mixed feelings at best. But that's something to worry about later, he figures. For now, he wants to keep nurturing the budding flower they've planted. It's fragile and delicate, but holds the promise of something truly beautiful.
He thought he'd be fine with never dating Jun. He'd been willing to give up on things like dating in order to pursue their shared dream. But how can he go back now that he's gotten a taste of what he wanted? How could he go back when Jun's sending him messages like that? Sounding so affectionate and cute, saying he was glad he was chosen, reminding him of what he said before at SS—
........... ah.
His heart hammers against his ribcage. All at once, he's transported back to that moment from over a year ago, except his flustered feelings from back then don't hold a candle to how he feels now. Now Jun is talking about more than just singing. And that's the bottom line here, really: their partnership has come to mean something different, something other than just stage partners. Something more like life partners. How does Hiyori feel about that? "Extremely flustered," for starters.
But also glad. Deeply, fiercely glad.]
No, I've caught on. I'm a genius with excellent social skills, remember?
[His fingers feel a little shaky. Somehow he still manages to type on the small screen.]
You'll stay by my side as long as I wish you there, whether it's to sing or not - isn't that right? If that's the case, then I accept. I want Jun-kun by my side as my partner for more than just singing.
[The "..." hovers for a while again. He feels hot, and he might even be starting to sweat under his collar (ugh.) Should he come right out and say what sort of "partnership" they're both obviously talking about? He seriously considers it.
But, in the end, stops just short. Maybe there's no need to, since it is so obvious. And if there is a need to, well, it'd be better to confess that sort of thing in-person. They'll have lots of opportunities for that, won't they?]
I also want him there so we can go do all those things we just talked about! And lots of other things we haven't talked about, or even thought about before. We're still young, and the world's our oyster! So, I'm glad we're on the same page.
Though Jun is well-versed in the protocol, thanks to his father's strict teachings, he has never seriously considered dating before. More mindful of the potential consequences a relationship could have on their careers if word were to ever leak out. Yet, despite the risks, Jun finds himself drawn to the idea of watching something beautiful blossom, experiencing these "newfound" feelings. Coming to understand these feelings are normal and nothing to be ashamed of.
What weighs heavily on Jun's heart is the realisation that he has only begun to acknowledge these feelings in this unfamiliar setting. Back home, it was far easier to dismiss them, attributing any affection he felt to gratitude due to being stage partners. Now, however, he finds himself allowing his fondness for Hiyori to permeate his everyday life.
... "Life partners" seems a more fitting term, carrying a romantic undertone while avoiding the complexities of an undefined relationship. Having witnessed plenty of each other's flaws and vulnerabilities, Jun realises that if he truly objected to Hiyori's treatment of him, he could voice his concerns, and the matter would conclude there. Yet the most unnerving part would currently be the lack of resistance to the idea of a lifelong commitment with Hiyori.
How was he ever going to doubt Hiyori's "genius with excellent social skills"? ]
so you've caught on, huh~? and you're pretty good at reading between the lines, ohii-san. but that's right, you've got it. and you will accept? good! i want that too, ohii-san, more than anything.
[ His own hands feel shaky while typing, but he is still trying to stay calm, even while his entire body feels hot. He'd been dressed in a t-shirt and pants, but now it's as if he's trapped in a furnace.
But, it's obvious now, isn't it? The "partnership" they'll have going forward seems crystal clear, with the two of them on the same page, especially with Hiyori's last text. ]
i'll be right there with you, ohii-san, nothing would make me happier. whatever we wanna do when it comes to mind, we'll do! do what we want together, go to all the places we don't know the names of, and go anywhere we wanna go.
and we're on the same page, ohii-san. makes sense~ we're partners who're gonna stay together ♪
[Exactly. Dating Hiyori doesn't count as breaking the "no dating" rule, and sleeping with Hiyori doesn't count as playing Game 52. However, dating someone other than Hiyori would be a violation of the "no dating rule," and having sex with someone other than Hiyori would count as playing Game 52. Which means Jun mustn't do it, since they already promised they wouldn't play that thing. Glad we've cleared that up!
He's glad they've cleared the air between them, too, of course. No more arguing, just heartfelt affirmations of love. Which really is exactly what this is. And Jun just keeps going, reaffirming his commitment, saying even more unspeakably wonderful things to him. ... or typing them, anyway. This would be harder if it was in-person. There'd be no hiding his luminescent blush. Or the expression on his face, which he's sure is deeply embarrassing.
He'd been worried this place would ruin them. Their career as idols. Maybe even their souls. Instead, they'll emerge from here closer than ever before.
First they need to get out, of course. But for now, he'll allow himself a moment to bask in his feelings being returned.]
Yep. We'll always be partners. Through thick and thin, no matter what comes our way.
[At Reimei, at ES, in a sex casino.]
Jun-kun's become that sort of irreplaceable existence to me. And that's something that won't ever change.
So it's wonderful to know the feeling is mutual. I already knew how important I was, of course. But it's good to have it confirmed!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
i honestly never noticed! just pretend like you didn't make typos
reading what she said back, it sounds like she's inviting you. but monika-san knows nothing about idols, so i don't think she wants to spend time with you or even as eve.
[ Though he's trying to be considerate, Jun's already guessed from the way she was acting each time he mentioned Hiyori, it's clear that Monika didn't think much of him. ]
yeah? maybe she's expecting more, like a duet. i think she said something close to that, saying she learns better with one person. i can go back and check if you want, but everything with her has been confusing.
[ He just knows Monika wants to see him alone, without anyone else, since she said something about learning better with one person. She used the word "friend" a lot, which Jun doesn't see as a red flag. ... which he should! ]
yep, i know her! topaz-san met me on the app thing, and then she showed me her fire powers. i agreed to play games with her sometime, too. hopefully, we can get our phones back soon. i met a guy who's got a shikigami! he invited me over and asked about mary! so i promised whenever we get them back, i'll show her off. but otherwise, i wish they'd send us back home to her, too. that's what i want most, ohii-san. i'm positive she's missing us.
she had her phone? ok, i understand how or why it'd be in there. that's where mine is usually, too, so that's why i'm wondering if they would've done that for everyone. you know i don't own much, so it doesn't bother me. well, not like it's gonna bother you.
[ Besides Mary and the idols back home, he's only missing his poster, and besides that? Well, clothes are clothes.
But the feeling of talking about Jin has passed, he feels better now that's out of his system. He wouldn't be halfway decent without Hiyori's training, anyway. His voice didn't blossom fully until he was taken under his wing! He might act cheeky most of the time, but he appreciates Hiyori more than he could ever say. ]
huh, what makes you think that? course i've been talking about you. i've told monika-san *other* things, just not about that.
[ So much so, it's completely ticked Monika off, but Jun's blissfully unaware. It's not his fault! ]
will try (1/2)
[No, there's nothing "simple" about it. Much as he'd like to tell himself it's Rinne's own fault he disappeared, Hiyori knows that probably isn't true. Rinne's an occasional drunk, but he's not stupid or careless, and he seemed fine when they last saw each other. If Rinne can fall into a void or what-have-you, then surely he or Jun can, and that's a disturbing thought.
And it's also one more reason to cling suffocatingly tight to his partner. Like a barnacle, an octopus, or a spider monkey!
But speaking of annoying clingy types, now it's back to discussing Monika!]
Why wouldn't she want to spend time with me? I'm me! Someone doesn't need to be a fan of Eve or idols to be drawn to me. It happens naturally!
[But it didn't happen with Monika. Monika doesn't want him at the lesson after all, it seems, since she apparently told Jun she "learns better with one person." Hiyori's eyes narrow into snakelike slits as he reads that line. Uh-huh, sure she does!
But how does that factor into things? She wanted a one-on-one lesson with Jun, but she also told him about it? And she said she can't wait to see him again? Is she just careless, or is there something else going on?? As the gears in his head slowly start to turn, his overactive imagination starts to conjure a crazy possibility! And the crazy possibility goes like this:
1. The sly Monika puts on her cutest smile and asks Jun to give her a one-on-one idol lesson!
2. The clueless Jun-kun can't understand why she asked him in particular, but he accepts because he's a nice boy!
3. Monika also tells Hiyori about the lesson, and (sort of) invites him along!
4. Hiyori invites Leo too, and they all make plans to attend!
5. However, on the day of the lesson, Monika decides to reschedule! She says something else came up that day, so she needs Jun give her the lesson an hour or two early! Then she says she already told Hiyori (and Leo??) about the time swap, so Jun doesn't think to go tell them himself.
6. Because he's an agreeable boy, Jun shows up early! However, Hiyori (and Leo???) weren't told about the time swap, so they assume the lesson is still being held at the later time! Thus, when Jun arrives at the practice room (which is really just a Mating Season room repurposed as a practiced room), Monika is there alone! Jun doesn't suspect subterfuge, so he just assumes Hiyori and Leo are running late.
7. While alone together inside the practice room, Monika seduces Jun, or tries to! (She'll probably want to invite Jun two hours earlier, not just one, because Jun is rather clueless, so it will take at least an hour to seduce him! It may even more than two hours!)
8. They do stuff together! (Or at least that's what Monika-chan is hoping for!)
9. Hiyori (and maybe Leo??) arrive at the "lesson" just in time to see Jun and Monika in a post-sex haze!
10. Monika looks directly at Hiyori and smirks, as though to say "I won!"
That's right, that's why she invited him! It all makes sense now!]
2/2
Yep, that's the one! The girl named after a jewel ✨ It sounds like you've been making friends, so that's good. Though what's this about a shikigami? I've been talking to all sorts of people who can do magic, but I haven't met anyone calling themselves that yet!
[He has no problem with Topaz. Nice girl. Seems to have her head on straight. Just agreed to burn some books for him. Doesn't call him "not-Iori" and isn't trying to steal his things when he's not looking! The "shikigami," though, he hasn't met, and given his newfound interest in gods (since he's theorized that they're the ones running this place), he'd be happy to hear more there!]
I suppose I've been bothered about so much other stuff that I haven't been focused on my missing possessions. I know this might come as a surprise to you, since I do love shopping, but it's people who mean the most to me, not things. Or I guess you could say it's family who means the most to me. That includes Mary, of course.
I do wish I had the same hair oil I'd been using at home, though. The one that makes my hair fall just the way I like it! And I miss all my fragrances, and the hand cream I'd been using. But on my list of complaints about this experience, the fact I'm missing my beauty products is something like #45 or #46 on my list!
[He'll get to hear more of Hiyori's list during Rin's upcoming Network post. Also, his hair really doesn't look any different now than it did at home, but whatever...]
Ah, so you have been telling her about me. I should have guessed! 😊 Nothing but good things, I'm sure.
no subject
Watching Hiyori take off his shirt, though? That's an entirely different story! ]
yeah, yeah, alright, you've got me. i'm gonna be more than concerned if you go missing. sure, whatever you say. i'll be lost without you! i won't know what to do! and it'll be as if part of me is missing!! in case you can't tell, ohii-san, i'm being sarcastic. it's just gonna be annoying if you aren't here, so, of course, i'd go looking for you and "stop at nothing" to bring you back. it's good to know you'd do the same.
[ And it'd be pretty lonely without Ohii-san, not that he's going to say so. Jun's still trying to keep himself guarded; he's still got feelings to unpack and his partner isn't helping the flutter in his chest lessen some. ]
well, that i can't tell you. my best bet would be that you're just not her type.
[ He means idol, but perhaps a part of Jun also means something else. And if Jun were asked, he'd likely assume that the two of them are similar or that their personalities would clash. If he were more aware, he'd realise Monika acts needy, clingy, and possessive in exactly the same ways as his partner. But for now, he remains blissfully unaware.
Even if Hiyori can't see it, he's raising his brow towards his watch and further sighing. "They don't need to be fans of idols or Eve," he types. "It happens naturally," he continues to type. If Jun could smash open his watch, he would. ]
yeah, i forgot but she said something about you telling her i know how to cook. she's really nice. and yeah, he's *not* a shikigami, but owns one? it's a dog, and pretty big. if you see him around the app, his name's fushiguro megumi. he's also from japan, like we are, but i can tell you more if you'd like.
[ Another reason why Jun hardly minded meeting him was that Megumi's fairly nice and chill. His voice reminds Jun of his own, only a little calmer and relaxed. (Helps they're both voiced by Yuuma Uchida!) And Jun also has no problem with Topaz. She's been nothing but friendly and kind. ]
well, i'm not gonna say that's a surprise. gathering by that "important person" list you keep, it's pretty obvious people are important to you. anyway, she'd be offended if you didn't include her on your family list.
and what're you talking about? your hair doesn't look any different. i'm gonna say hair oil is a myth, and you've been wasting your money back home. and your hands are fine, y'know? i'm being honest; they're still pretty smooth, so whatever moisturiser you've been using here is working just fine.
[ No comment about the fragrances, mostly because Jun's glad not to be dealing with those as much as he used to. Maybe he'll buy Hiyori something sometime, just so he feels better about it. But do they have the same products here as he does back home? Probably not! ]
who else am i gonna talk about? and yeah, they've been good things. you're my partner, so you don't have to worry about what i've been telling her. it's really nothing to worry about.
no subject
His lips purse a little at the sarcasm. Was that really necessary?? (Given how obnoxious he was just being, yes, it probably was!)]
You could've started with "I'll go looking for you," you know. Those first three lines weren't needed!
[Says the king of unnecessary texting blabber.
In response to the bit about Monika:]
But you *are* her type?
[An accusatory question... or so it might sound, but he eases up with his next line:]
Well, if that's how it is, that's fine. Among Eve's fans and Eden's fans, some of them prefer me, while others might like you! Or they might favor Nagisa-kun, or perhaps even Ibara! That's how it goes with units, so if she happens to like you best, that's perfectly alright.
[Yep. He'll just talk about her like she's a fan, even though he knows she isn't one. The clueless Jun-kun probably thinks that's all this is. (He thinks, unaware that Monika actually already confessed to him, and that she kissed him originally, too!
Now onto the next part. About the shikigami:]
Ah, is that right? I must have misread. I blame the small font on these tiny smartwatch screens! But that makes a bit more sense, I suppose. Not that I know what having a shikigami entails, but if it's anything like summoning, there are a few people who can do that here. They said they can summon demons and monsters who attack people on command for them! Which sounds sort of frightening, really. But this place seems to put "limiters" on people's magic, so I know at least one of them said he couldn't do it here. Have you seen the dog thing this person can summon, or did you just see a picture or some such?
[Speaking of dogs:]
I'd be cruel to keep her off my family list when she got abandoned by her last family. Fortunately, I'd never dream of leaving her off. I'm sure you wouldn't, either.
Perhaps it looks similar, but it *feels* different. The texture just isn't the same, and it takes more time to arrange in the morning! But I suppose hand cream isn't as big a necessity here, since the environment is temperature-controlled. And it's not winter anymore here, either, although if we'd been following the timeline at home, we'd still be in February. Which is yet another mystery to untangle at some point.
[He replies casually, though he does fluster a little bit at Jun calling his hands smooth. It's not the compliment itself that flusters him, but rather, the knowledge that Jun knows exactly what his hands feel like. Why? Well, because they've been touching each other more intimately than usual, that's why!
But, you know, they don't talk about it. Or at least right now they're not. He'll just try to keep those hands soft and smooth, so Jun can appreciate them even more going forward.
... After all, they have their whole lives ahead of them. Not just their time in the resort, but also afterwards. He doesn't need to worry about something or someone coming in between them; not when Jun's here reassuring him there's nothing to be concerned over. Not with Monika, not with anyone. Jun said he didn't want anyone but him.
So, perhaps this attempted lesson-crashing was overkill on his part. He ought to trust his partner more. And he smiles as he types his response at the end.]
Who says I was worried? I've been saying good things about you, and you've been saying good things about me: that's just what you'd expect of us partners.
[Actually, he's called Jun a musclebrain and stuff a couple of times... but most of what he's said about his partner has been positive! And even the musclebrain thing is sort of meant as a weird term of endearment.]
no subject
And, of course, it was necessary! For the guy who runs his mouth, or in this case, texts. ]
well, i've gotta disagree! they were needed, ohii-san. i'm keeping you on your toes, that's all! and if not me, who else would?
but i dunno, i guess so. it's not like i know that for sure, but i figure since she asked, that's gotta be the reason? or one of the reasons? it's like i said, she doesn't know anything about idols, so maybe she's going off of vibes.
[ .. or could be how they know one another, more than Jun's admitted. He's not arguing with her on a public network; they've kissed, and yep, Monika's already confessed by this point. But mostly due to Jun not thinking about those reasons, he's going with the other reasons! ]
it's fine! i probably read it wrong anyway. it's like you said, it's hard to read on here sometimes and the light around is not great. i'd say something close outta one of the mangas i've read back home. of course, i didn't say anything close to that, but he summoned it from his hands? it's sorta hard to explain without showing you. oh yeah, i saw him! it's not easy to describe, and i even have a pic! just a sec.
[ Even hand signals straight out of N*r*to, except there's no ninjas involved, but real-life teenagers. And when Jun sends the pictures through, they might seem a touch blurry, but nearing the end there's a picture of Megumi and his Shikigami. It's not easy angling your watch when it's attached to your wrist without some blur happening. ]
he might look scary, but he's pretty playful! i'd say it's sort of how mary gets when she gets a bunch of rubs from us. i dunno about limiters or demons, but i guess megumi-kun doesn't have that? the dog seemed sorta docile, so he'd probably not attack people for fun like a demon would. so you never saw one cuz of the limiter? wow, sounds as if some people just got luckier with their powers.
[ Which would bomb if you had powers, but thankfully Jun and Hiyori are simple idols without powers! They don't have to worry about "limiters" or whatever else! ]
i'd never do that to mary, either. she's already been through enough, and i know we'd never abandon her, even if we're not there right now.
alright, so what does it feel like? lighter? heavier? however you wear it, looks the same to me and i'm almost sure other people haven't noticed. yeah, if we're following real time, it's not gonna be winter anymore. maybe if we saw some real sunlight, we'd figure out just what season we're in.
[ It sounds like trouble to Jun, who always allows his hair to air dry and move on. The only time his hair receives any love is whenever they're on a job, which is only for the best. And if it's no longer winter, that means no cold Ohii-san hands on the back of his neck! So for Jun, that's already a win if they are past the colder months.
And that's the kind of compliment Jun hasn't realised he's given, as he's only typing the words without really thinking about them. Of course, he'd know just how soft Hiyori's hands are! He sort of thinks about them sometimes, which is completely normal! Since they'll be out of here before they know it, Jun can appreciate them for the rest of his life! That's also why there's no need to worry, because those people here will not be following them back home.
Meaning, Jun is appreciative of them, just as they are and Hiyori's overall smoothness. Maybe he should work on his own, even though his hands are not as smooth and calloused? Well, weight training is strenuous and challenging! And he's not completely certain if they're rough to the point where it's uncomfortable...? Surely Hiyori would complain if they were! ]
well, it sounded as if you were, ohii-san. and that's what i'm saying! it only makes sense we'd say nice things about one another, even if *sometimes* stuff you tell other people gets on my nerves.
[ Even if Hiyori has, Jun sure hasn't! But complaining about his muscles? Sounds as if someone's obsessed with them! When it comes to Hiyori, at least, Jun has been nothing but kind—well, aside from when he learns his partner has told others about his cooking! At this point, perhaps Jun ought to start charging for his cooking services. ]
no subject
[Live Monika reaction to Trap for You would be something.]
And I suppose this means that "vibe" of yours has improved. You used to give off a somewhat intimidating aura back in the day, but now you come across as friendly and approachable. Guess you have me to thank for that 😊
[And now for that photo. When he sees it, he can't help but recoil; seriously, someone here can summon that?]
Goodness, that thing looks huge! And what sharp teeth it has! But it has a friendly personality, you say? That's good, I suppose. You can't always judge based on looks. Sort of like we just talked about - even if someone gives off an aura of intimidation, they might still be a good boy 💕
But that does get me wondering about all sorts of things. I wonder if it's really true that he doesn't have a limiter. And if so, I wonder who else might have gotten "lucky."
[He's very keenly interested now. Granted, no one that he spoke to on his network post believed they were powerful enough to break out of here; everyone, even the boastful types, said the resort was run by a strong force they weren't sure how to deal with. But what might happen if everyone worked together? Regular humans are stronger together than alone, so he can only assume the same holds true for magic users. Plus he hasn't talked to everyone in the resort yet by any means, so there might be some powerful mages out there just waiting to be discovered!
Anyway, he doubts this person's dog-shikigami thing can bite a hole in the forcefield or whatever, but you never know. Now that he knows his name and what he looks like, he might try to get in contact with him anyway.]
Lighter without the hair oil, but harder to manage as a result! Perhaps *you* haven't noticed since you're not very observant, but I'm sure my adoring fans could tell the difference. Or some of them could, anyway. There are types out there who analyze every pixel that gets posted to social media. But I guess our official account won't have been updated too recently...
[Or has it? Now that he's been told about the "time flunctuations" and had a cracktastic conversation with Leo about the diverging timelines, he's not so sure what to make of the situation at home. The thought of them being missing for so long is depressing, as is the realization that neither one of them has seen real sunlight in over a month.
But there's no sense in rehashing all that unpleasantness. He'd rather focus on the future, so:]
Once we're home again, let's spend a full day out in the sun. We can go to a beach, walk around a garden, hike a mountain, have a picnic - anything we want. Just so long as we're able to bask in the warm sunlight.
And while we're basking, we can say more nice things to each other. You can tell me all the wonderful things you like best about me, and perhaps I'll tell you what it is I like best about you. Alright? That sounds like a lovely time to me.
[One day, they'll be home again. This experience will have changed things between them, but not in a bad way. Neither one of them has let this place rot their souls, so they'll still be the same idols everyone admires. That's what he truly believes, and what he'll continue to hold out hope for.]
no subject
[ They could improv the music, but a live reaction to Trap For You lasts forever. ]
uh, what? 🤨 i dunno why you're suddenly bringing up how i used to be, or what my "vibes" gotta do with it? i'm different now, just like you're different too.
[ And that doesn't need to be said, but Jun knows the reason why he's no longer deemed "intimidating" and "scary" is due to Hiyori's influence. For someone who never used to smile, to someone who now can and someone who's been shown love! Yep, has all been Ohii-san's doing.
Whatever this has to do with Monika's interest, Jun has no clue. ]
yeah, really friendly! i think you'd be surprised. you've gotta treat him the way you treat mary, and nothing bad'll happen ♪ that's what i did and nothing happened.
i guess we could always find out. i don't mind asking, but i dunno about it... beats me! only figure megumi-kun doesn't, cuz he's able to summon his shikigami. do you think people are gonna tell you if you ask? you had that post and everything, but i figure some people wanna keep their powers secret.
[ Tfw you can't tell if your partner is referring to you as a dog again, or it's something else.....
Besides Megumi and Topaz, Jun's only really spoken to one other person with "powers" who has delved into the details. Not knowing a few others aren't normie idols, so if it were up to him, he likely wouldn't tell a stranger what his powers could or couldn't do. But it begs the question, nearing words he's read from Hiyori: why are they limiting some guests' powers and not the others? A confusing question they may never know the answer to.
The shikigami could have his powers nerfed; for all Jun knows, he just remembers Megumi saying something about not knowing if he'll need him here, only due to there being no threats here compared to back home. Jun hasn't unlocked all the friendship points there, though the more they talk, the more he'll learn. ]
lighter, hmmm~? well, it still looks and feels the same to me. and, hey! what's *that* supposed to mean? i'm pretty observant when i want to be. your fans probably wouldn't give a damn, either. they'd like you no matter what your hair looks like. besides, our socials aren't gonna get updated with new photos of us if we're stuck here, so they're not even gonna see what your hair looks like.
[ Really, Jun does think his hair looks as normal as it ever does, no different from how it looks from home. And if it doesn't? He's not sure what the big deal is!
Well, Leo brings out the worst in everyone! Two Ohii-san's? Jun would lose his mind. Either in a good or bad way, there's going to be twice as much demand and shopping trips. But on the other hand... hmmm. ]
whatever we do, i don't care. long as we're in the sunlight together, doing something, alright? it can be all those things, whatever we want! a picnic on a damned mountain, one in a garden, or even at the beach—! i just wanna see sunlight again, ohii-san. real sunlight!! not the artificial thing from your suite.
how's that any fair? if you wanna hear good things, then you've gotta tell me good things back! that's how it works!! but if that's what you want, i'll think about it.
[ Not as if it's too difficult to say wonderful things about Ohii-san, it's typically he says them without being prompted to! He still has a lot to say, though, so perhaps he needs to start compiling a list of each characteristic he finds endearing about Ohii-san. But is it a date??? Does this sound like a date???? Even if those words seem to suggest that it is, can Jun assume that it is one? Is he just misreading the signs?? Who knows! Only time will tell when they return home. ]
something i *already* like about you, ohii-san..? well you're always lighting up the room with your smile ~ ♪
no subject
[He isn't actually thinking of fake-kissing Jun just to stick it to Monika. That would simply be tacky. Their performance as Eve is separate from their real relationship, anyway! ... But that move is a part of their choreography, so he won't not do it if it comes up. You know, just to show her how the routine goes.
And of course his influence on Jun are relevant. He's saying Monika's interest in Jun is partially because of him! He's the one who helped make Jun so appealing! (Little does he know this is actually true, just not in the way he thinks it to be true. He's actually been making Jun seem more appealing by being possessive of him! Talk about shooting yourself in the foot!!) Also, Hiyori always thinks he himself is relevant, because he's a narcissist!]
I'm just saying you've gained more appeal with my help, that's all. Or, I guess in game terms, you could say you've "unlocked new levels" of appeal!
[Please praise him for his knowledge of video game terminology.
But now onto other topics.]
You actually pet it? My, you're brave. But I'm glad he's a friendly boy who didn't bite you. If he's like a pet, does that mean he has a name? I'm not too sure what I'd name him. You could go with "Roku," after those six dots on his forehead, but that wouldn't be very exciting.
I assume some people will tell me, some people won't. Most of the users who replied were fairly forthcoming, even if they didn't want to participate in the show. But I'm sure some might not want to advertise their gifts, especially since it sounds like magic users are persecuted through "witch hunts" and the like in some worlds.
I'll keep reaching out, though. A, I want more performers, and B, I want to learn more! And knowing some powerful people could come in handy, don't you think? At the very least, it certainly couldn't hurt.
[Handy for what, he opts not to say over text. But the implication is obvious: handy for protecting them, and handy for getting out of here! Even if there ends up being two of them once they travel back to the original timeline. Good luck with your two Hiyoris, Jun.
He was definitely comparing Jun to the shikigami for a minute there, yes... but if it's any consolation, he thinks Jun is much cuter!]
True, my fans *would* love me no matter what. I'm mainly just annoyed because my morning routine takes longer now, that's all. And even if they won't be uploaded, I wouldn't mind taking some nice pictures. This place does offer some interesting backdrops, despite everything else that's horribly wrong with it.
But I'd much rather be out in the sunlight, so as soon as we're released, we can take photos outdoors instead! And I never said I WON'T say good things back
[But then he gets that last message.
He blinks at the screen. He didn't expect Jun to start right now! But even over text, those nice words fill him with warmth. Jun's said similar things to him before, and they made him happy then, too, but the feeling when he reads them now is a bit different. Perhaps this is a result of acknowledging his love and having it returned... Or probably returned. He still doesn't know for sure.
But he has hope. And he has his partner, who's cheeky but still kind, and increasingly rather sweet. that's enough to keep him going in this place.]
Yes, you're right about that! That's something I like about me, too 😘
It sounds like Jun-kun wants to be praised badly, so I guess I'll give it a shot and say one thing I like about you, too. For starters: I like your voice! That's what drew me to you in the first place, and it's why I asked you to start a unit with me.
[Actually, that wasn't the only thing that drew him to Jun, but shhh.]
no subject
[ There are countless songs they could perform, but that's not why he'd recommend it! That song was their debut, so it holds special meaning for him, and there's been a big improvement since then. No comment on how their relationship differs from how they act on stage; that's pretty much a given.
But all of this makes his head hurt; having someone interested in you and being upfront about it hasn't been easy to deal with! Hiyori has played a significant role in introducing outside influences to him, being his "mentor" and guide. However, could Monika also find herself attracted to him? Really, high time to put an end to these thoughts!
Anyway, it is cute Hiyori's using video game terms! Now those are terms he understands clearly. ]
heh, i bet you've wanted to say that for sometime, huh~? i'm proud of you, ohii-san, knowing all about those sorta gaming terms!
but yeah, i did! his furs real soft, not that you'd expect it. megumi-kun reassured me he wouldn't bite, so that helped! not that i know of? i wasn't told if he's got a name, but i'm sure he might? megumi-kun seems to care 'bout him! roku's a pretty good name, though? it's not that different from "bloody Mary!"! temember, we decided that 'cuz she was covered in her own blood.
[ And for Mary, it's a perfectly fine name! Even if she's no longer covered in said blood. ]
well, i'm wishing you luck, ohii-san! i'm sure you'll get bounds of people talking ♪ like, online? or the one where you stick a witch to the stake and do *that*? cuz there's two different kinds! yeah, it'd be handy! and sounds as if you've found something that's gonna entertain you for a bit. too bad natsume-kun's not here! maybe he'd be able to out-magic everyone...?
[ Yes, Jun does believe Natsume's magic is real and can do that. No one tell him! And he doesn't know what Hiyori means by handy, but he supposes it might be if you wanted a way out of this place. Though it's not the implication he might think it means, not "blowing a hole in this place."
As for two Hiyori's? Well, that would send his mind elsewhere, along of having to put up with two of him. Just how would he have the attention for both Hiyori's? A Hiyori a day? One Hiyori half a day, the other the rest?
Least that's some consolation! ]
see! they would so you've got nothing to worry about. i also doubt they'd forget about you just cuz some pics aren't uploaded onto your account. i'm thinking maybe there's a camera around here you could take some on?
i dunno why, even when we go "outside," it's not real. just some dumb barrier keeping us thinking we're outside when we're not. i don't care where the photos are, long as we're outside ♪
[ And maybe that's something Jun can look into on his own! A camera, that is! And hope they aren't for nefarious purposes. Also, it's not as if no one said he wasn't able to say something nice here. He might as well, right?
... but the meaning has changed since then, hasn't it? Or are they the same as ever? There are many confusing feelings running around his head, he doesn't know where to begin! ]
... sorta ruins the compliment if you say that, y'know? and it's not the first time i've said that, but it was the first thing that came to mind...
and where'd you get that from? i never asked to be praised? it's just, well, i wanted to say something nice, alright~? cuz who said we've gotta wait 'til we get home? but thanks, i really like when you say that. i know we had a bit of trouble to begin with, but you really helped me with my voice. so i'm glad you asked me, even if i thought you were outta your mind.
[ Really, who asks someone to join their unit after a day of knowing them? ]
no subject
It's not that I was waiting around to say it. I just thought now would be an excellent opportunity!
[He was definitely waiting around.]
I'd say it's fairly different. Bloody Mary is a legend, for starters. And I'm not sure what legends there are about people with mysterious dots on their forehead. Perhaps there's some mythological creature who fits that description? Nagisa-kun might know. And if not in our world, perhaps in other worlds, so if that friend of yours is ever looking for a name, he could always poll the network and see what they say!
Tsumugi-kun's unit would meet their match in a place like this, I'm fairly sure.
[POV your Ohii-san has cloned himself so he can be twice as annoying. Both of them expect to get laid tonight but neither is in the mood to do anything but pillow queen. If you try to focus your attention on one, the other will loudly start to complain that he is being neglected. However do you resolve this serious dilemma?
Speaking of serious dilemmas:]
Well, if I really did disappear, I wouldn't want my fans to mourn forever. I'd want them laugh and smile still, so that good fortune would come to their homes. But I would hope they'd carry their memories of me forever in their hearts. That they won't ever forget an idol called Hiyori Tomoe existed.
[How cheerful. In game terms, this is probably what you call a "death flag," so let's move on!
Move onto more pleasant things, such as complimenting each other. He's still smiling as he types:]
First you said it wouldn't be fair to hear good things without saying them back, then you praised me, so I assumed you must want praise! Not that there's anything wrong with that. The adorable Jun-kun who yearns to be praised by his kind-hearted senior (<-- that's me!) is one of my absolute favorites 😊
And I'd say it worked out for the best, didn't it? The fact I had so little to go on when I chose you just goes to show my judgment is impeccable. It's true that I picked you up on a whim, but it *was* still a choice. Your voice was good, and you seemed motivated. If you were a bit rough around the edges, then I suppose that just made things more fun. Training someone who already knows everything they'd need to know can't be too exciting.
[He doesn't share the big thing. That Jun was someone he'd already been looking for, based on seeing him from a distance that one time. But everything he just said is true, and he has no regrets about that "stray" he picked up. Jun-kun was unquestionably worth raising. ]
no subject
sure, ohii-san. sounds as if you were waiting 'round to say it ♪
and yeah, but saying mary's name three times in a mirror is seriously scary? i'd never wanna do anything like that! shikigami are from folklore, so that's pretty important! even if there's nothing close to a dog with dots on their forehead in reality. if anyone'd know, it'd be nagi-senpai! too bad we can't ask him. that's an idea, but i wonder if megumi-kun would even wanna know. i can't imagine they're gonna be appropriate names, if you know what i mean.
[ He can only imagine! And Megumi's pretty young—well, younger than Jun! If he remembers correctly, he thinks Megumi's around sixteen, so yep!
Given the mental image, one Ohii-san would complain about not receiving attention, while the other might still complain about something else. The correct answer would be finding ways to clone himself so he can satisfy two Ohii-san's! ]
i'm sure that's what your fans're doing right now, even if they know you're missing. i bet they're just waiting for your return.
[ What in the eulogy? ]
well, yeah! when i say those good things about you, i never really expect to hear anything back. you usually tease me anyway! and if you wanna praise me, i'm not gonna beg for it, y'know? stuff like that should happen naturally. you'll get a big head if i do it all the time ♪ but why'd you explain that? i already know you're my senior, my senpai ~ ♪
[ If he were feeling extra cheeky, he'd call him 'Tomoe-senpai' again instead of 'Ohii-san' but after all this time, it feels weird, so he won't. ]
and even i can say it worked out pretty well. sometimes i wonder if you seriously hit your head that day, cuz i really thought you were playing some sorta prank on me. it would've been too bad if "picking me up on a whim" ended poorly in your favour, huh, ohii-san~? good thing it worked out.
[ He's teasing, but it does feel nice to read all these things. Now he's the one smiling, pleased that even if he were a little "rough around the edges," back then, everything turned out fine. ]
thanks for picking me up, ohii-san. i wouldn't be here without you and i can't really put it into words how much it means to me.
[ And he means so! The extra training he received helped, especially to help him grow out of knowing Jin's every single dance move. That wasn't healthy, but the way Hiyori trained him had been the most comforting experience he's ever been through. ]
no subject
You think they'd name a pet something crude here? Now that's just horrible. You might be right, though, given that whole "Springtime" thing. I don't know why anyone finds animal mating habits appealing, and I don't want to know! Animals are animals, people are people, and that's that!
Though I guess Jun-kun has some things in common with hyenas.
[Is that the closest he's come to actually discussing the Springtime event since it ended? You bet it is! With him talking about it so negatively, does that mean he regrets what happened?
No. He feels comfortably talking about it negatively because what he and Jun-kun did together wasn't a part of that "game" anyway. If he'd actually been playing it properly, he would've gone looking for rabbits first of all. But he didn't want rabbits or anyone else, he just wanted Jun-kun! Who's a fellow person, not an animal, and that's the tea on that.
Though he did look rather cute having his ears petted... No, but that doesn't matter! Anyway, back to the topic at hand!!]
I've never said anything good about you, hmm? It sounds like Jun-kun is suffering from memory issues. As your senior, I've always praised you when you did well. I just also can't help but tease you, since your reactions are so funny at times!
[Is now really the time for teasing, though?
His heartbeat quickens as he hovers his fingers over the tiny, tiny watch keyboard. Jun is being so earnest, honest and cute, professing his heartfelt gratitude. Though his words carry a reminder of the past, and that's somewhat sad. "Wouldn't be here" if not for him, hmm? Surely he doesn't mean that literally. But it's true that Jun-kun's rise to stardom was owed to him.
No one else could see the potential. They turned their eyes away, seeing only a "Non-Special Student" who bore the name Sazanami. Hiyori discovered that diamond in the rough all on his own. Of course Jun is grateful. Still, having Jun say it to him outright like that almost shakes him to the core, even if it's just over text.
He could just tease Jun as usual. "Jun-kun's surprisingly passionate" or "Awww, you love me so much." Perhaps that teasing wouldn't even be a tease. Perhaps Jun really does love him. Isn't that why Jun took him to bed, saying all those sweet things to him? Isn't that why they're making plans together now, and exchanging even more sweet words?
Or is that all just "gratitude" on Jun's part...?
There's still a lingering doubt on his part. It's why he still hasn't put all his cards on the table, so to speak. But it feels as though he gets closer each day. Perhaps one day, even the oblivious Jun-kun will understand his whole heart.
For now he just says this:]
All teasing aside, however, I'm glad I chose you. You were well worth raising.
Let's work hard to find a way home together, alright?
no subject
have you *seen* how some people talk here? wouldn't put it past them! i dunno, but i'm hoping the next one's got nothing to do with animals. and i don't wanna know about people's "mating habits," ohii-san.
what are you on about, seriously? i don't have anything in common with a hyena!! you're just saying stuff to say it, cuz you know, it annoys me. too bad our roles were reversed. you usually act like a spoiled cat, like a really annoying one.
[ Uh, wait—why did Jun say that? Not as if he's going to participate in the next game, anyway! And they haven't mentioned anything about the game since it happened, even if said words are negative. However, Jun does not seem uncomfortable bringing up the incident; perhaps this has to do because they are texting each other about it, or perhaps the topic is moving in a less positive direction.
And everything that transpired between them turned out to be something good! ]
i'm not suffering from anything, you know??? just forget i said anything, alright? i don't wanna be teased when i'm saying nice stuff about you.
[ And he can't get his words right to describe what he means! He's clearly aware the times when Hiyori does praise him, enjoying the praise whenever he receives it. Besides feeling flustered whenever Hiyori counterattacks with talking about love, at first he'd thought the stupid noble lost his damn mind. Perhaps the feeling still rings true, or he's the one who's lost his damn mind for caring about someone who drives him up the wall.
Sure he wouldn't have a career without his partner, he'd still be stuck in the hellish environment of Reimei if no one had picked him up. There are many words to be said about the environment, and he's not sure how those words are meant to be taken. Surely not completely literally, only kneenly well aware if Hiyori hadn't seen his potential, or if he knew about the name Sazanami, they wouldn't be here together.
There is more than just genuine gratitude to be expressed, but how can he when he's not sure what "love" feels like? Is this what it feels like when you think about someone whose chest constricts so much that it's almost impossible to breathe? This isn't one of Jun's cheesy Shoujo mangas, where the person confesses and the ending has them together forever, where nothing can possibly come in their way. But they have been making plans, haven't they? And currently saying nice words to one another.
He'd never forgive himself for messing up whatever relationship they have now. (Which really, they don't, do they?) But then why does his chest constrict again? Reading these words? Goddamn...
How do you even realise you love someone, anyway? And can you be in love with someone and not realise it? With these confusing feelings, he needs to quit shoujo manga for good. ]
thanks ohii-san..
yeah, we'll work hard and not give up for a second! i wanna get out of here and go home with you. and home to greet mary, nagi-senpai and ibara ♪
[ And to hopefully sort out these confusing feelings, which he can't admit to yet. He's not sure of his own heart, nor is he sure of Hiyori's, not wanting to ruin what they currently have. Especially while remaing uncertain about what prompted him to confess everything except feelings of love. ]
no subject
Though shopping isn't unimportant. We do need food and clothes! And even though I'm naturally beautiful, I need at least some beauty products, or I just won't feel comfortable!
Huh? Huh? What does that mean???
[This in response to the "spoiled cat" comment. They really are talking about their roles now, something they've avoided doing until now! But if Jun wants to play that game, well.]
I'd say Jun-kun acted plenty spoiled when he was a "cat"! He was all too eager to receive love and attention from me ❤️ Like having his ears touched, and also other parts! It was simply the cutest thing 💕
[Of course that's as explicit as he gets. He won't specify what those other parts are. He's not crude like that!
Unlike some people who might prefer to talk about the waterfall between their legs.]But as for Jun-kun being hyena-like, I'm pretty sure we already discussed this! How you clawed your way up from the bottom of the ravine, and out into the sunlight. That's what you did in Reimei *and* in life. Though there isn't any need for you to do that here, since whenever you want to sleep in a higher-ranked room, you can always just go to my room and sleep comfortably with me.
[... that last line was actually not intended to be innuendo. Though he doesn't not mean it that way, either!
And, uh, so much for Jun not wanting to be teased. This doesn't exactly make a fine lead-up to Jun's heartfelt words at the end there. But he meant his own words, just as much as he meant (or more than he meant) the teasing.
This place sees "love" as a transaction. One you're supposed to make with over fifty people. But it's not like that for them. How fortunate he is that Jun is here, so he didn't end up going back to his old patterns. He hasn't needed to; when that "problem" struck, and he was seized with a strong urge to hold someone, he could just hold the person he already loved. And Jun-kun got to have his first time with someone who loves him, rather than someone who's just using him to earn a "card" or what-have-you. They really are blessed by this place's standards.
But they'll be happier at home, once they're united with the others and they don't have to worry all the time. When they can pursue their shared dream again. That's what he knows to be true, and that's what he'll continue to work towards.]
Yep. Not even God can separate Adam and Eve. We'll all be back together soon. And then we can accomplish even more wonderful things together.
[He sends the message, though it doesn't quite feel like enough. How does he say that he wants to go home so they can be with the others and continue their career, but he also wants what they have now to continue? He's not just sleeping with Jun because this place is forcing him to; he wants Jun to hold him tight at home, too.
But first they have to get home, so that's not really a high priority. Hopefully he can make Jun understand later, if he doesn't already. For now, this ought to be enough. They'll escape, and then all that other stuff will fall into place.]
no subject
do you really need those products or are you being annoying about them again? cuz like i said about your hair, you look no different to me.
[ Meaning, personally, Jun doesn't care for what his partner looks like, with or without them. But it's Hiyori, so he's going to be annoying about wanting all the products in the world. ]
you're always attention-seeking and demanding to start off with. want me to continue? i'll easily name all the ways you're always acting like a spoiled cat.
and i'm not gonna act like a cat ever again, so get used to it. you're the one who asked about scratching my ears in the first place??? and i said, yeah!! so what about it now????
[ Given that he enjoyed having his partner touch other parts of him, he isn't even sure how to address the second point. Besides understanding exactly what they were, Hiyori's typing causes his cheeks blush, given they had yet to discuss the Springtime game in any detail. Instead, the idea of Hiyori touching him again is there, stuck in his mind from a simple mention. ]
plenty of times, but you keep going on about me being a hyena after i tell you to quit it. how does that mean the same thing? i don't wanna sleep in a high-ranking room and i dunno if you forget half the stuff i tell you, but you know that. yeah, well, it's not like you're difficult to sleep with, ohii-san.
[ In more ways than one! ... not that Jun intended to say so outright; he clearly meant in the same bed. Yes, exactly the same way Hiyori's last sentence went.
Despite his complaints, one thing is certain: he has no problem sharing a space with Hiyori again. It is already so familiar, with no way of concealing how at ease he has been, even if this situation was supposed to be awkward. Besides, he promised he would never regret anything between them, and he hasn't.
But here's the problem: although his sincere words during the game were driven by the suit's activation, he seems to be at a loss for how to convince Hiyori those words were real. Unless his partner already does, and Jun's overthinking again. And his affectionate kiss on Hiyori's forehead prior to bringing him to bed reflected his own feelings. Despite his worries, Ohii-san managed to make him feel loved—a feeling he hadn't experienced before from anyone else.
And being idols, are these feelings acceptable? Will their fans be disappointed when they go home, having to face the reality that they are two people who love one another dearly? Worrying about it now might be premature, but he will forever have this memory with him. ]
good thing nagi-senpai's God, huh~? ♪ and yeah, we're gonna accomplish greater heights and when we're back home, where we were will just be a distant memory not worth remembering.
[ Except Jun wants to remember this, at least the parts that involve his partner. All the wonderful words they spoke to one another and then some. New memories can be rebuilt, remade and repurposed.
And maybe, with each passing day, he's slowly realising his feelings. ]
no subject
And as I said, I do need them, in order to feel comfortable and most like "myself!" Which is especially important in this place, since the House wants us to feel **un**comfortable and not at all like ourselves. But as I also said, you need not worry! I don't spend as much on beauty products as I do at home. I've just been spraying on free perfume samples instead of buying fragrances, for example.
Though I might cave and buy one if I see a good enough deal. But only then, alright?
[He's not making the best case for himself.
Though Jun isn't making the best case for himself, either. If this was happening in-person, his face would be full of disbelief. Nope, Jun is not allowed to pin this all on him! He remembers how needy and clingy Jun was!
Vividly. He remembers vividly. Sometimes in his dreams at night and sometimes in his memory throughout the day. At this rate, he won't ever forget, even though the cat ears are gone permanently. (Unless they buy Jun a headband at some point...!)]
Nope, I don't need you to go on, since that just sounds like a silly list! Unless it's all stuff like "You're cute" or "Everyone wants to spoil you." But as for Jun-kun, I distinctly recall that when I brought up scratching your ears, you said scratching them would feel "really nice." In other words, you encouraged me! Plus you had the most adorably eager look on your face. Why, I even remember seeing those ears of yours twitch with anticipation. Jun-kun sure looked cute like that 🩷😻💕
[Does he really want to play this game?? Jun could easily bring up all sorts of embarrassing things about how he behaved during that week. He's just asking for trouble at this point. But as they say in one of their songs, isn't love more fun when it's dangerous?
Still, he tones it down a bit.]
That's just me reminiscing, though. Obviously I know you're not a cat. And you're not a hyena either, you're Jun-kun! So if you want me to stop making those comparisons, that's fine, I suppose. We can simply be ourselves.
And of course I'm easy to sleep with. I always do everything elegantly, and that includes sleeping! I'm sure I must look just like sleeping beauty in the mornings 😊
[Actually, he has a massive case of bedhair in the mornings, and he occasionally hogs the covers at night. But at least he doesn't snore, kick, or thrash around.
As for the rest, well. He doesn't see Nagisa as God really, but he keeps that thought to himself. It is a part of his persona, after all. But as far as the resort being a "distant memory" goes, and one "not worth remembering," that gives him more pause. Would he like to put this place behind him? You bet! He just... doesn't want Jun to forget the things they shared together, that's all.
But he knows what Jun really meant, or he thinks he does. There's no sense in reading too much into things. He'll just gently affirm,]
I'm not sure I'll be able to forget anytime too soon. A lot has happened here. And this place is pretty memorable, for better and worse. But I absolutely agree with you: we've got much to do at home, so we'll put all this behind us and move onto better things!
[Like making their dreams come true. ... and holding Jun-kun without some "game" going on, hopefully.]
no subject
and it's like i said, i don't really care what you do with your chips. if you wanna use them on products or whatever, cuz it makes *you* feel comfortable, do that.
but the perfume here's safe, are you sure?
[ Actually, it seems he's starting to feel some concern about Hiyori's spending habits. Is he becoming more attentive to his partner's actions, or because he knows Hiyori can't buy all the things he might like to? Really, he can't quite figure out why he cares so much.
First things first, Hiyori mentions how this went down, and he's sure he remembers otherwise. Or rather, how wolf-like he acted! Still, there's no rest for the wicked, or, in this case, no rest for those who stay deep in denial! (And it's Jun, the one in denial.) No one will ever be able to coax out from him the extent of his clingy and needy behaviour during the time he was a cat. (Maybe they'll have to buy him that headband after all! And buy one for Hiyori, considering Jun wasn't able to touch his ears :( ) ]
now you're just deflecting, ohii-san. i'm not about to say stuff that's gonna make you even more annoying. and you did but how's what i said encouraging you? anyway, you're the one who wanted to lick me like some damn animal! what sorta wolf wants to do that~? 🐺🐺🐺
[ Just to be extra annoying, he's leaving those emojis because a) he's pretending as if he didn't read the last point about his ears; b) what the hell is the cat with heart eyes anyway? and c) he can throw back some of how Hiyori acted during the week, too! (And he also remembers vividly and in great detail of not only his own behaviour but also his partner's behaviour as if it were yesterday.)
Actually, more as if Hiyori's playing with fire, which he's not about to let him get away with. ]
i'm not a damn animal, really glad you finally realised the truth! but they're gonna come up again cuz you're always saying whatever you want.
nah, you look nothing like sleeping beauty, ohii-san. you steal the blankets most of the time, and the only good thing about how you sleep is that you don't snore. so i guess you've gotta revalue what "sleeping beauty" means. and you wake up with real bad bedhead, but you look kinda cute ♪
[ Oops, he'd forgotten that he was supposed to highlight the negative points of Hiyori's sleeping habits. However, towards the end, he couldn't help but admit that he does look incredibly cute in the mornings with bedhead. In contrast, Jun's hair tends to stick up in random directions, and he rarely bothers to fix it.
But not all the memories here have been ones worth erasing and he wants to emphasise this. Jun could never forget what transpired between him and his partner, and he has no intention of doing so. In fact, he earnestly hopes that Hiyori also cherishes and remembers the memories they share together. Which he'll also try to affirm, so they'll be on the same page. ]
well, there are things from here i'm not gonna forget! but they involve you, ohii-san, so that'll be why i'll want to remember the good things. yep, and we're gonna be real busy when we get home, but we gotta remember to make time for ourselves.
[ Meaning he does very much want to hold Hiyori back home, away from the game, with nothing to worry about. ]
no subject
It should be safe!
[But is it really? After a moment he admits,]
I *did* see some where the boxes said things like "Bound to drive your partner wild with excitement." I assumed they didn't mean that literally. But just in case they *did* include some sort of shady drug, I've been avoiding the ones with that sort of advertising.
[If only someone would make an exhaustive list of every single spiked product in the resort so they could be done with it. But with 90-something different floors' worth of stuff and so many hidden drugs everywhere, that's a near-impossible task.
As is getting Jun to admit to his own neediness during the Springtime game, apparently!! Hiyori frowns down at the screen, his cheeks coloring pink and his lips pursing. Yes, he definitely did some licking during that week, especially on the sixth day, but it's crude to talk about it! And anyway, he still refuses to accept all the responsibility here!!!]
N~ope! 👿 Wrong again! ❌ Jun-kun's the one deflecting! He's completely ignoring 3 things here!
1. In the first place, the one who brought up licking was Jun-kun! It wasn't my idea, it was his! Jun-kun's neediness is what prompted it!
2. Because Jun-kun was so needy, and because I'm caring and kind, I followed along with his wishes! *That's* what happened!
3. Jun-kun enjoyed himself lots while it was happening, and never once said "that's weird!" or "that's un-wolf-like!"
And actually, there's also a 4th thing you've ignored, which is this: I wasn't trying to be wolf-like, because I wasn't really a wolf! The end! Case closed!
[Maybe in another universe they're happily sexting, as opposed to arguing about the sex they already had. Sadly they aren't in that universe, they're in this one. The one where Jun feels entitled to insult him left and right, for some reason, saying he wakes up with "bedhair" and complaining about how he sleeps! The absolute nerve of him!
Though he also called him cute. So it isn't all bad.]
Jun-kun's still being rude to me, I see. Fine, see if I ever show you my sleeping face again!
Though I will remember you called me cute. Or my "bed hair," rather. In which case, perhaps all that other stuff was just your clumsy way of trying to pay me a compliment? Very well, I'll accept it!
[He tries to turn the tables, teasing Jun repeatedly. But when he gets to the end... well, honestly, he just feels like melting. "There are things from here I'm not gonna forget, but they all involve you?" Well... good. Unless he just means he's not going to forget the embarrassing stuff, like the wolf ears. Jun can forget those!
... but in all honesty, he's glad to hear it. Relieved, even. It feels like they might be on the same page, even before considering what "time for ourselves" might mean. So he smiles to himself again at the end, his cheeks still faintly pink.]
Right. I want to spend time with the others, but we'll have those other plans to get to, too. Like spending a day outdoors, out in the sunlight. Or perhaps we could even go to a real resort someday - a tropical one, where you actually get what you pay for and we both make lovely memories. The world is full of fun things like that, so let's make sure to return home safely so we can do them all. Alright?
no subject
[ He's... still not convinced the perfume is safe, though nothing bad has seemed to happen so far. Perhaps something might happen if you buy an entire bottle? Who knows! ]
look, i might be dumb, but you realise how that sounds? in a shady place like this, of course, they'd mean excitement, *literally*. well, it's a good thing you've been avoiding those perfumes, i guess.
[ Really, those names on the perfumes have to mean literally! With the many stores, it may be difficult to know which product to stay away from, which is why Jun has been staying away from them, if not all, only to be certain.
Nope, not about to acknowledge his neediness that week! He can, however, make light of Hiyori's behaviour because, well, he found it endearing. However, his own neediness? Nope! Time to never acknowledge that. But something Jun can acknowledge is how much he liked the things Hiyori did to him! ]
how am i deflecting? i'm being honest with how *you* acted. besides, you're the one who put the idea in my head, but i liked it when you did all that stuff, alright?
ugh, cuz the way you acted wasn't weird and even if you were or weren't "wolf-like," i still would've enjoyed it. i'm not the only one who enjoyed what we did together, so why are you acting like that?
[ Maybe this is the way genuine sexting unfolds? But surprisingly, amidst their heated debate about the sex they've already had, it brings a sense of satisfaction. Still refusing to believe he has been insulting Ohii-san! Besides, he does look cute when he's asleep and when he first wakes up! But it's much easier to poke fun rather than say it outright.
.. or he thinks so. ]
so you're just gonna stay awake all the time, ohii-san?
seriously, how'd you think that? man, sometimes i wanna figure out what the hell goes on in your brain.
[ He can't turn the tables himself, but he's already called Hiyori cute—or his hair, at least. Still, he also meant Hiyori looks cute the moment he wakes up!
It's almost whiplash how different their texts go each time, but who's to say they can't playfully argue and say nice things within the same wall of text? And Jun means every word, even if he's a little afraid to admit he wouldn't mind spending "alone time" with Hiyori after this ends. ]
yeah, i wanna spend time with them, too. i wasn't trying to say i didn't want to.. but i'm pretty positive about who i'd wanna spend time with instead. and all day we're gonna spend out in the sun, going to another garden and spending time at a real resort sounds fun and like a good time. so yeah, we'll do everything once we return home and make more serious memories like the ones you're talking about. i really want that with you, ohii-san.
no subject
... Or is he? It keeps disappearing and reappearing as he types and retypes his response. He's still red-cheeked on his end, tempted to continue the argument.
No, YOU put the idea in MY head!
Why am I acting like WHAT?
Why would I have to stay awake all the time? I could just sleep somewhere away from you, since it sounds like you don't like my sleeping habits, anyway!
He types all those things and more. But in the end, he deletes them all. Too much of what Jun's saying gives him pause. Admitting that he liked what they did together, for one thing, and calling him out on the fact he's acting like Jun's the only one who enjoyed it. That's not true, of course. But when it comes to that particular act, well... it's embarrassing to admit he liked doing something like that. He's very prideful. But Jun is more honest than he is.
And that "stay awake all the time" thing, well—that must mean Jun plans for them to sleep together more often, doesn't it? They're not roommates at home anymore, or even at the resort (not at this moment, anyway), but Jun still expects to see his sleeping face regularly.
It's just too much for him to keep acting pissy. Much of what Jun's saying makes his heart flutter. And then he gets to the end (which really is a whiplash), and the rest of his defensiveness just melts away. Jun-kun is saying he wants to spend time with him, saying he'll go to a resort or wherever with him, saying they'll do "everything" once they get home. Jun-kun, in other words...
is totally in love with him!!
Or he might be on that track, anyway. At the very least, Jun cares about him. And he's saying some very romantic-sounding things.
Hiyori ignores his watch for a second and flops down on his bed, reaching for one of the pillows. This isn't the first time he's hugged his pillow while thinking about Jun here, and it will not be the last! He'll spend a good hour doing that again when he discovers that Network thread where Jun talked about "taking a shot" with him!
He doesn't spend an hour this time. But he does bury his face in it and give it a good squeeze. Sometimes when he's overcome with emotion, he just wants to hug something or someone! Sort of like he'll eventually do onstage in America, when he's so moved by what Nagisa is saying that he grabs onto Jun and hugs him tight! ... if they ever get to that point in the timeline, that is.
It's a couple of minutes later that he sits up in bed, releasing the pillow and reaching for his watch screen. Alright, no more arguments! He'll try to return... some of Jun's honesty.]
Sounds like I don't need to wear perfume to drive Jun-kun wild with excitement! 😘
[... yep. That's how he chooses to open it: with teasing!
But the rest is more sincere.]
I found your "cat" side endearing, to be honest. But I don't need you to act like a cat, a hyena, or anything else. It's perfectly fine for you to just be yourself. Or, actually, it's more than fine. That's the "you" our fans grew to love, after all.
And that's the "you" I call my partner, and the one I love waking up next to.
[He shoots off that last one before he can overthink it, though writing it makes the tips of his ears burn. It's an awkward attempt to tie in their conversation about sleeping habits. And, of course, it's a confession that isn't quite a confession, but he's used to giving those.]
And the one I want to do those fun things with! Like go to different places, bask in the sunlight together, and so on. There's still fun to be had here, I'm sure. But I just can't wait to see what the future has in store for us at home.
[...]
I'm sure it'll be something even more beautiful than what we've experienced so far. That's my hope, anyway.
no subject
Even if he's blushing like crazy behind the screen, he knows deep down he wouldn't have reacted like that if he didn't enjoy what Hiyori did. And when he reflects on it, he remembers how Hiyori didn't flinch or complain. And about the future, Jun's secretly hoping they'll get to sleep next to each other again soon. But he's a bit hesitant about another sleepover, not wanting Hiyori to get the wrong idea. Though he figures it's obvious what he's thinking, maybe he doesn't even need to explain it too much.
But he still finds himself yearning for everything he mentioned, plus more—everything Hiyori's hinting at and beyond. He wonders if things would have unfolded differently if they were back home. Would they have eventually crossed the line into something more intimate, or would they have remained at the same point they were before coming here? He's well aware of the golden rule that idols can't date, and it's stirring up conflicting emotions in him now. Despite that rule, most of what they do together back home feels pretty "date-like.".
And those really are romantic things he's texting back, eager for those things just as much as Hiyori seems to be. Just as he's about to let the conversation go, wondering if something came up or if Hiyori got busy picking out outfits he might like, he almost shuts off his watch and stops pacing around the room. But just before he does, the next batch of texts arrives, keeping him on edge.
Jun's heart clenches as he reads the next flurry of words, almost as if it's stopped in his chest, and a smile spreads across his face. Those words feel undeniably romantic to him, stirring up a warmth he can't ignore despite the teasing. ]
you've just gotta be your annoying self, ohii-san. that's enough to "drive me seriously crazy" with or without excitement ~
[ In both ways, really? ]
jeez, what the hell do i say to that? and i'm gonna make sure the way i'm acting right now stays or you've got my permission to knock me back down ♪
where do i begin? i'm gonna preface by saying, i'm glad you're my partner, ohii-san. even if you're gonna keep saying it was just a whim, i'm happy i became your whim. think i'm slowly understanding what you've been trying to say.
[ His cheeks feel like they're on fire as he paces around his room, almost tempted to touch them just to gauge the heat. With Hiyori typing that he "loves waking up next to him," how can he possibly handle those words with any semblance of normalcy? ]
hey, ohii-san, remember those words i said during ss? turns out they weren't just about singing, but i dunno if you caught on.
[ It's that almost-confession again, a step closer to openness than he's ever been before, just as Hiyori playfully teased him about "love." ]
so i want everything you want! we're gonna go home and things'll be good between us. and better than ever, cuz we're partners and nothing's gonna get us down. we'll sort it out, ohii-san, together.
[ His words brim with passion, a stark contrast to his former self, who struggled with such conversations. It was Hiyori who guided him through it all, teaching him not only how to navigate through the dirty alleyways but also how to embrace love itself. While everything isn't crystal clear yet, whatever this is, he knows it's something he'll yearn for back home. ]
no subject
... or not. He knows it isn't that simple. Most of their fans don't really think they're dating; they assume Eve's fanservice is simply that. And some of them would probably have mixed feelings at best. But that's something to worry about later, he figures. For now, he wants to keep nurturing the budding flower they've planted. It's fragile and delicate, but holds the promise of something truly beautiful.
He thought he'd be fine with never dating Jun. He'd been willing to give up on things like dating in order to pursue their shared dream. But how can he go back now that he's gotten a taste of what he wanted? How could he go back when Jun's sending him messages like that? Sounding so affectionate and cute, saying he was glad he was chosen, reminding him of what he said before at SS—
........... ah.
His heart hammers against his ribcage. All at once, he's transported back to that moment from over a year ago, except his flustered feelings from back then don't hold a candle to how he feels now. Now Jun is talking about more than just singing. And that's the bottom line here, really: their partnership has come to mean something different, something other than just stage partners. Something more like life partners. How does Hiyori feel about that? "Extremely flustered," for starters.
But also glad. Deeply, fiercely glad.]
No, I've caught on. I'm a genius with excellent social skills, remember?
[His fingers feel a little shaky. Somehow he still manages to type on the small screen.]
You'll stay by my side as long as I wish you there, whether it's to sing or not - isn't that right? If that's the case, then I accept. I want Jun-kun by my side as my partner for more than just singing.
[The "..." hovers for a while again. He feels hot, and he might even be starting to sweat under his collar (ugh.) Should he come right out and say what sort of "partnership" they're both obviously talking about? He seriously considers it.
But, in the end, stops just short. Maybe there's no need to, since it is so obvious. And if there is a need to, well, it'd be better to confess that sort of thing in-person. They'll have lots of opportunities for that, won't they?]
I also want him there so we can go do all those things we just talked about! And lots of other things we haven't talked about, or even thought about before. We're still young, and the world's our oyster! So, I'm glad we're on the same page.
About wanting to stay together, that is.
no subject
Though Jun is well-versed in the protocol, thanks to his father's strict teachings, he has never seriously considered dating before. More mindful of the potential consequences a relationship could have on their careers if word were to ever leak out. Yet, despite the risks, Jun finds himself drawn to the idea of watching something beautiful blossom, experiencing these "newfound" feelings. Coming to understand these feelings are normal and nothing to be ashamed of.
What weighs heavily on Jun's heart is the realisation that he has only begun to acknowledge these feelings in this unfamiliar setting. Back home, it was far easier to dismiss them, attributing any affection he felt to gratitude due to being stage partners. Now, however, he finds himself allowing his fondness for Hiyori to permeate his everyday life.
... "Life partners" seems a more fitting term, carrying a romantic undertone while avoiding the complexities of an undefined relationship. Having witnessed plenty of each other's flaws and vulnerabilities, Jun realises that if he truly objected to Hiyori's treatment of him, he could voice his concerns, and the matter would conclude there. Yet the most unnerving part would currently be the lack of resistance to the idea of a lifelong commitment with Hiyori.
How was he ever going to doubt Hiyori's "genius with excellent social skills"? ]
so you've caught on, huh~? and you're pretty good at reading between the lines, ohii-san. but that's right, you've got it. and you will accept? good! i want that too, ohii-san, more than anything.
[ His own hands feel shaky while typing, but he is still trying to stay calm, even while his entire body feels hot. He'd been dressed in a t-shirt and pants, but now it's as if he's trapped in a furnace.
But, it's obvious now, isn't it? The "partnership" they'll have going forward seems crystal clear, with the two of them on the same page, especially with Hiyori's last text. ]
i'll be right there with you, ohii-san, nothing would make me happier. whatever we wanna do when it comes to mind, we'll do! do what we want together, go to all the places we don't know the names of, and go anywhere we wanna go.
and we're on the same page, ohii-san. makes sense~ we're partners who're gonna stay together ♪
[ Really, he does hope forever. ]
no subject
He's glad they've cleared the air between them, too, of course. No more arguing, just heartfelt affirmations of love. Which really is exactly what this is. And Jun just keeps going, reaffirming his commitment, saying even more unspeakably wonderful things to him. ... or typing them, anyway. This would be harder if it was in-person. There'd be no hiding his luminescent blush. Or the expression on his face, which he's sure is deeply embarrassing.
He'd been worried this place would ruin them. Their career as idols. Maybe even their souls. Instead, they'll emerge from here closer than ever before.
First they need to get out, of course. But for now, he'll allow himself a moment to bask in his feelings being returned.]
Yep. We'll always be partners. Through thick and thin, no matter what comes our way.
[At Reimei, at ES, in a sex casino.]
Jun-kun's become that sort of irreplaceable existence to me. And that's something that won't ever change.
So it's wonderful to know the feeling is mutual. I already knew how important I was, of course. But it's good to have it confirmed!
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)