Apparently so! Though I don't recall ever seeing him in the audience. Most of our lives were closed to Yumenosaki students, so it wouldn't make sense for him to be there. But if anyone can infiltrate rival schools, it's him, I suppose. Or maybe he sent spies to watch us on his behalf.
[All completely normal things to do in the world of idols. If you're Ibara, that is.
Anyway, that's all he'll say about his time at Yumenosaki for now. He'd rather not go into detail about what ex-fine's performances were like. Just like the rest of Eden, he prefers NOT to talk about the past and any unpleasantness that may have taken place there.
But perhaps he is glad Jun talked to him about his. The fact Jun felt comfortable enough to do that shows trust, and it speaks volumes about the intimacy between them. Real intimacy—not the House's fake version.
It's something they've all built in Eden. He's the one who's closest to Jun-kun, of course. But Jun-kun is friends with Ibara, and even he and Nagisa-kun seem to be getting along well nowadays. Hiyori laughs to himself as Jun bashfully shrugs off the part about Kohaku—who, by the way, is another example of someone Jun's forged a bond with. Someone Jun tries to look out for. How sweet, he'd thought back at the hotel. Jun really has grown a lot.
But he isn't done talking about the past yet, apparently. Reminiscing some more on the early days of their partnership, Jun tells him how he awkward he felt at first, which causes Hiyori to chime in agreement:]
Yep, it was super obvious you were uncomfortable! So I thought the last thing we needed was for you to call me "senpai," all stiff and formal-like. Though I hadn't expected you to give me a nickname like that...
[A pun on his name, and one that means "princess." They've had that conservation before. But then Jun's next words make him pause, rather than continue talking about the nickname.
His smile turns a little lopsided. "I was afraid you'd throw me out," Jun says. And his instinctive response, of course, is to ask "Whatever made you think that?" But he doesn't ask that. Because it's not like he doesn't know. Jun just gave him plenty of solid reasons for why he might have been trained to expect the worst, and why he might suffer from low self-esteem.
And it's not like Hiyori did much to convey the message that he wouldn't throw Jun away. On the contrary, didn't he used to joke that he would do that if Jun displeased him?
His lips thin out, teeth sinking into his lower one. He'd like to explain that it was just a joke, one he gave up once it became clear enough that he never really meant it to start with. But that hardly seems adequate, especially after what Jun just shared.
Jun at least doesn't linger on that idea. Quite the opposite—he goes on to apologize for not being "educated," to thank Hiyori for bringing him into the light. Which means Hiyori doesn't have to address that part of their past. Something like an apology would feel out-of-place anyway. Or so he thinks, but is that just a convenient excuse he's telling himself...?
There's a conspicuous moment of silence before he finally responds.]
... You're welcome.
[He moves the unused notebook off his lap and sets it on the table. His tea will get cold at this rate. But he doesn't pick that up yet, either.]
Though you don't have to apologize for the holes in your upbringing. That wasn't your fault, just as Nagisa-kun's unfortunate upbringing wasn't his fault.
[Raised in an empty room, raised in a broken household, raised in an orphanage and then a military facility. None of the other members had normal childhoods. It's not their fault they turned out rough around the edges. But what exactly is his excuse for turning out much the same?
The answer to that is simple, he figures. Everyone gets tainted by the world around them. Nagisa, Jun, Ibara, even him. There's no use endlessly berating themselves for it. He'd rather they all loved themselves. And it's with that thought in mind that he looks Jun in the eye and smiles, properly this time.]
But I'll gladly accept Jun-kun's thanks, anyway. Just as long as Jun-kun accepts my thanks for being such a good partner.
[A short pause, and then the corners of his lips tick further upward.]
And for putting up with my personality. Especially back in those days.
[ He wonders how Ibara discovered information about ex-fine, Nagi-senpai, and Ohii-san, but he refrains from prying further. After all, Ibara likely had spies or cameras monitoring Yumenosaki. It's the sort of person he is, so what Hiyori says about that makes sense.
Jun has wanted to open up about his past, even the most difficult details for some time. Despite the pain it may have caused, he feels comfortable enough to discuss his treatment, hoping to demonstrate further the trust they've built.
When Hiyori mentions Jun's stiffness and apparent discomfort during their earliest encounters, Jun smiles fondly. He hadn't anticipated Hiyori would observe and consider the nuances of his behaviour so closely or his mannerisms so thoughtfully. ]
You paid attention to that, huh~? At first, I just thought you didn't want anyone calling you "senpai.". But you're just "Ohii-san" to me, like a seriously fussy, spoiled princess.
[ He knows they've had this conversation before, and he's explained the meaning of "Ohii-san" to others. Jun doesn't expect people to understand! But Hiyori is his fussy, spoiled princess, just as he declared on national television during Bogie Time.
Perhaps it's better not to dwell on the nickname. He's already discussing one of his greatest fears. Or maybe he shouldn't have brought it up at all and waited for another time. Deep down, Jun should have known better or had more confidence that Hiyori wouldn't discard him. But the anxiety, filled with fear, often became too much to bear.
Most of Jun's life was spent with people who treated him as disposable. But with Hiyori, it felt different. He doesn't know if he could have recovered if Hiyori had thrown him away, and that became his biggest fear. Perhaps his greatest regret stemmed from the fact that despite his intense hatred, Hiyori still accepted him. It doesn't make sense, but maybe one day he'll understand. For now, he's content telling Hiyori about his fears.
Hiyori is someone Jun loves deeply and who loves him in return. Surely he'll understand!
Despite Hiyori moving the notebook away and telling him he needn't apologise for his upbringing, the words warm Jun's heart. At that moment, he realises all someone needs is acceptance, just as Hiyori had accepted him from the beginning. After all, everyone is a little "messed up" in their own way, shaped by their differences, upbringing, or the people they've encountered.
But what if things had been different? What if Jun had experienced a normal childhood, never enrolling at Reimei Academy? Would he and Hiyori have ever crossed paths? It was a thought he'd pondered before—that his life might have been better without Reimei. Yet he knew with certainty that he never would have met Hiyori, the person he loves more than anything, someone he loves waking up beside each morning and the person he's offered his heart and soul. ]
I know, but you still accepted me. And you've got no idea how much being accepted means to someone like me. And you accepted Nagi-senpai, too! Ohii-san, you're a good person.
[ He genuinely means those words. To him, Hiyori will always be a good person, despite the events in Yumenosaki, his personality, and his neediness. The fondness in his voice conveys this sentiment, unable to keep the affectionate smile from sneaking in. ]
I coulda tapped out at any time if putting up with your personality was a chore. So I'll accept your thanks, 'cause we've been good to one another. And I'm still here, aren't I? It just means I'll deal with your personality for a thousand lifetimes if I hafta.
[Yep, they've talked about this. Hiyori assumed Jun was making fun of him when he first heard the nicknamed. Maybe he was. Maybe he still is. But now that things are more certain between them now, more intimate, it feels more like a term of endearment than ever. Like a name he wants to wear with pride.
Even if he can't resist returning Jun's teasing.]
You know calling me "princess" takes on a completely different meaning now that we're lovers, right?
[He draws out the L-word as part of their teasing.]
It's like Jun-kun's saying he wants to be my prince! Or perhaps my knight in shining armor. Is that why you've been acting so smooth lately? ♪
[His smirk grows more pronounced. But then he admits:]
It's a bit ironic, when I'm the one who's more prince-like onstage. I'm sure all our fans would agree! But I guess I don't mind if Jun-kun wants to slay dragons for me. Having someone like that around is useful ♪
[But even if Jun fails to be useful, he still won't throw him away.
... even though he threatened to in the beginning.
This is the closest he's ever come to apologizing for that, or for some of his other nastiness. Jun's pointed out that he has a bad personality before. And it's not like he disagrees, despite his ego. There are things you don't say, things you don't do, when you're part of a noble family. His upbringing was strict. He was taught good manners. He worked hard to repress all the ugly thoughts he had. Then it was like a dam burst, and as soon as he was out of his family's reach, he just couldn't stop voicing them. But that's fine, right? He's someone important, so he can treat those beneath him however he wants.
Or so he thought, but that sort of self-serving attitude isn't really any different from the one Tatsumi was fighting, is it? The one that made Jun-kun's life miserable.
It's odd and uncomfortable. Feeling this pang of guilt over something he didn't used to feel bad about. But Jun doesn't see a problem. Jun smiles at him earnestly and tells him he's a good person. Because he "accepted him." As though that was some huge hardship.
But it makes sense for Jun to see him that way. As the kind-hearted savior Hiyori positioned himself as. Jun doesn't know what he was like before they met. What he and Eichi-kun did to the "Five Oddballs."
... Or what he did with Eichi's money.
That's not even something he normally feels bad about: using money to woo girls he'd forget by the morning. It's not like he hurt anyone. They were using him, too, of course. But it's something he's been forced to reflect on, thanks to this place. When he thinks about it now, he's not exactly proud of himself. He'd be embarrassed if Jun found out. But of course Jun doesn't know about that, either.
There's no two ways about it. He was pretty unpleasant back then. Still...
He was given a second chance, in the form of the person sitting next to him. A chance to start over from the bottom and become someone different. Which he did. And isn't that worth cherishing? Jun wasn't put off by his bad personality—he's happy to put up with him forever. That makes Hiyori very fortunate. And he would rather celebrate his good fortune than linger on the past, so that's exactly what he'll do.]
Well, I haven't been stabbed yet. Even though, as Jun-kun said, I have that personality.
[He smirks again, remembering what Jun said in the past.]
So, since I've still got a thousand lifetimes left to live, I'll just work extra hard to cherish Jun-kun during all those years. That should more than make up for all the rude things I've said!
[He reaches for both of Jun's hands this time. There will definitely be more rude words; he's himself, after all. But no more threats of abandonment or jokes about throwing Jun away. That's what he quietly decides.
And it's not like he was kidding about cherishing Jun, either. Because, as he says next:]
Jun-kun was kind enough to accept me with his whole heart. So the least I can do, as his partner, is to accept every last bit of him.
[He squeezes Jun's hands.]
Okay? ♪
Edited (geez sorry I can't html) 2024-07-30 20:56 (UTC)
[ Maybe now it means something more. At the start it wasn’t, only a nickname to poke fun. But hasn’t it turned into more of a term of endearment? Hiyori’s still the same selfish, needy princess who has a hold on him. Subconsciously, Jun knows he’s been endeared from the moment they met.
Does it? He’s not too sure it can take on another meaning. Especially when said by the person who never even knew Jun was poking fun at him. Even with the teasing, he shakes his head. ]
Well, I’m not tryna say I wanna be a prince. Maybe I’m better off suited sticking to what I already know. ‘Sides I dunno what you’re talking ‘bout! I’m not acting “smooth.” I wanna be a good boyfriend ♪ or lover, partner and whatever else you wanna call us.
[ Seeing that for yourself is something he hasn’t quite seen. What does acting smooth mean? Jun doesn’t think he’s been acting any different, considering the relationship between them isn’t any different than how they’d act back home. (Except now they hold hands, kiss and do other acts in the comfort of their bed.) ]
“Prince-like”? Ohii-san, I’m sorry to say you don’t act like that at all. [ He doesn’t sound sorry about it. ] If that’s what you want ♪ It’ll be like a video game where I save you from a burning castle! But the reason it’s burning is ‘cause of the dragon. ‘Course I’m useful! You’re still a shitty noble who can’t do anything in his own!
[ Yeah, you gave him this idea Hiyori! And he’s teasing about the last part, knowing Hiyori is capable of doing things on his own, but he sure doesn’t act like he can.
The silence between them lingers, not as if it’s uncomfortable. There’s some things you don’t ask, and that’s what matters most. The self-serving attitude of his hasn’t changed, though Jun realises now part of Hiyori has changed. Even Jun himself has! But it doesn’t make sense for him to pry into the life Hiyori led in Yumenosaki. Sure, he’s curiously been wanting to know! Most of all, he’s curious about why anyone would want to come from that school into the hell that was once Reimei.
… not that he knows anything about the War or anything else. Jun had been fighting his own battles, with Tatsumi-senpai leading the fight. Would he still like Hiyori if he knew the truth? That Hiyori was the sort of person with the same attitude they were fighting against? Perhaps it’s better not to know.
Besides, Jun hadn’t pictured Hiyori as a saviour type. Even if he was “saved” by the very same person. In all seriousness, wasn’t it Tatsumi-senpai who saved Jun first? Talking to his senpai, no matter how brief it may have been, no matter if Tatsumi doesn’t believe he was able to save himself… Without his guidance, Jun would not have survived. (Not that he knows Kaname spoke to the Specials, also wanting to keep Jun out of trouble.)
It’s easier to think about Tatsumi, who is still there, who talks to Jun about regrets and recalls their time together as friends. Kaname? Not so much. He can’t place a finger on it. And figure out why HiMERU won’t acknowledge him, or rather, pretends as if their time at Reimei was nonexistent.
Would he fault Hiyori for spending money on girls to fill some time and void in his life? Wouldn’t that be hypocritical of him to do? Hiyori was unpleasant, rude and got on his nerves constantly. But he grew to love the last person he ever thought he could.
And for that reason alone makes how they came together worth all the hardships. ]
Well, I’m still pretty impressed! I bet there’s a buncha people out there you’ve annoyed with that sorta personality of yours!
[ It’s been so long since Jun said that he almost forgot. The offer still stands, even as Hiyori reaches for his hands. The feeling is warm, different from the conversation they had only a couple of minutes ago. One day Jun might spill more, really delve deeper into his psyche, but for now he’s content. ]
Saying something like that doesn’t make it any better. I don’t really think much ‘bout what you said back then… I’ve moved on, ‘cause I wouldn’t be here if you seriously meant what you said.
[ Isn’t that right? Hiyori could have thrown him away, abandoned him when he needed his partner most. Still, he didn’t do that. When Jun was at his lowest ready to take on Jin, Hiyori was there acting as a shining light in the dirty, dingy alley he thought he inhabited. Now their life together couldn’t be any different. ]
You’re still gonna be rude sometimes, but it’s part of your personality that makes you Ohii-san. My Ohii-san, the one I’m gonna cherish forever! Who’ll always be there in my heart ♪
[ He squeezes back, smiling for the first time in a while. ]
Okay! I’m not forcing you to accept all of me, just if you wanna.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[All completely normal things to do in the world of idols. If you're Ibara, that is.
Anyway, that's all he'll say about his time at Yumenosaki for now. He'd rather not go into detail about what ex-fine's performances were like. Just like the rest of Eden, he prefers NOT to talk about the past and any unpleasantness that may have taken place there.
But perhaps he is glad Jun talked to him about his. The fact Jun felt comfortable enough to do that shows trust, and it speaks volumes about the intimacy between them. Real intimacy—not the House's fake version.
It's something they've all built in Eden. He's the one who's closest to Jun-kun, of course. But Jun-kun is friends with Ibara, and even he and Nagisa-kun seem to be getting along well nowadays. Hiyori laughs to himself as Jun bashfully shrugs off the part about Kohaku—who, by the way, is another example of someone Jun's forged a bond with. Someone Jun tries to look out for. How sweet, he'd thought back at the hotel. Jun really has grown a lot.
But he isn't done talking about the past yet, apparently. Reminiscing some more on the early days of their partnership, Jun tells him how he awkward he felt at first, which causes Hiyori to chime in agreement:]
Yep, it was super obvious you were uncomfortable! So I thought the last thing we needed was for you to call me "senpai," all stiff and formal-like. Though I hadn't expected you to give me a nickname like that...
[A pun on his name, and one that means "princess." They've had that conservation before. But then Jun's next words make him pause, rather than continue talking about the nickname.
His smile turns a little lopsided. "I was afraid you'd throw me out," Jun says. And his instinctive response, of course, is to ask "Whatever made you think that?" But he doesn't ask that. Because it's not like he doesn't know. Jun just gave him plenty of solid reasons for why he might have been trained to expect the worst, and why he might suffer from low self-esteem.
And it's not like Hiyori did much to convey the message that he wouldn't throw Jun away. On the contrary, didn't he used to joke that he would do that if Jun displeased him?
His lips thin out, teeth sinking into his lower one. He'd like to explain that it was just a joke, one he gave up once it became clear enough that he never really meant it to start with. But that hardly seems adequate, especially after what Jun just shared.
Jun at least doesn't linger on that idea. Quite the opposite—he goes on to apologize for not being "educated," to thank Hiyori for bringing him into the light. Which means Hiyori doesn't have to address that part of their past. Something like an apology would feel out-of-place anyway. Or so he thinks, but is that just a convenient excuse he's telling himself...?
There's a conspicuous moment of silence before he finally responds.]
... You're welcome.
[He moves the unused notebook off his lap and sets it on the table. His tea will get cold at this rate. But he doesn't pick that up yet, either.]
Though you don't have to apologize for the holes in your upbringing. That wasn't your fault, just as Nagisa-kun's unfortunate upbringing wasn't his fault.
[Raised in an empty room, raised in a broken household, raised in an orphanage and then a military facility. None of the other members had normal childhoods. It's not their fault they turned out rough around the edges. But what exactly is his excuse for turning out much the same?
The answer to that is simple, he figures. Everyone gets tainted by the world around them. Nagisa, Jun, Ibara, even him. There's no use endlessly berating themselves for it. He'd rather they all loved themselves. And it's with that thought in mind that he looks Jun in the eye and smiles, properly this time.]
But I'll gladly accept Jun-kun's thanks, anyway. Just as long as Jun-kun accepts my thanks for being such a good partner.
[A short pause, and then the corners of his lips tick further upward.]
And for putting up with my personality. Especially back in those days.
no subject
Jun has wanted to open up about his past, even the most difficult details for some time. Despite the pain it may have caused, he feels comfortable enough to discuss his treatment, hoping to demonstrate further the trust they've built.
When Hiyori mentions Jun's stiffness and apparent discomfort during their earliest encounters, Jun smiles fondly. He hadn't anticipated Hiyori would observe and consider the nuances of his behaviour so closely or his mannerisms so thoughtfully. ]
You paid attention to that, huh~? At first, I just thought you didn't want anyone calling you "senpai.". But you're just "Ohii-san" to me, like a seriously fussy, spoiled princess.
[ He knows they've had this conversation before, and he's explained the meaning of "Ohii-san" to others. Jun doesn't expect people to understand! But Hiyori is his fussy, spoiled princess, just as he declared on national television during Bogie Time.
Perhaps it's better not to dwell on the nickname. He's already discussing one of his greatest fears. Or maybe he shouldn't have brought it up at all and waited for another time. Deep down, Jun should have known better or had more confidence that Hiyori wouldn't discard him. But the anxiety, filled with fear, often became too much to bear.
Most of Jun's life was spent with people who treated him as disposable. But with Hiyori, it felt different. He doesn't know if he could have recovered if Hiyori had thrown him away, and that became his biggest fear. Perhaps his greatest regret stemmed from the fact that despite his intense hatred, Hiyori still accepted him. It doesn't make sense, but maybe one day he'll understand. For now, he's content telling Hiyori about his fears.
Hiyori is someone Jun loves deeply and who loves him in return. Surely he'll understand!
Despite Hiyori moving the notebook away and telling him he needn't apologise for his upbringing, the words warm Jun's heart. At that moment, he realises all someone needs is acceptance, just as Hiyori had accepted him from the beginning. After all, everyone is a little "messed up" in their own way, shaped by their differences, upbringing, or the people they've encountered.
But what if things had been different? What if Jun had experienced a normal childhood, never enrolling at Reimei Academy? Would he and Hiyori have ever crossed paths? It was a thought he'd pondered before—that his life might have been better without Reimei. Yet he knew with certainty that he never would have met Hiyori, the person he loves more than anything, someone he loves waking up beside each morning and the person he's offered his heart and soul. ]
I know, but you still accepted me. And you've got no idea how much being accepted means to someone like me. And you accepted Nagi-senpai, too! Ohii-san, you're a good person.
[ He genuinely means those words. To him, Hiyori will always be a good person, despite the events in Yumenosaki, his personality, and his neediness. The fondness in his voice conveys this sentiment, unable to keep the affectionate smile from sneaking in. ]
I coulda tapped out at any time if putting up with your personality was a chore. So I'll accept your thanks, 'cause we've been good to one another. And I'm still here, aren't I? It just means I'll deal with your personality for a thousand lifetimes if I hafta.
no subject
Even if he can't resist returning Jun's teasing.]
You know calling me "princess" takes on a completely different meaning now that we're lovers, right?
[He draws out the L-word as part of their teasing.]
It's like Jun-kun's saying he wants to be my prince! Or perhaps my knight in shining armor. Is that why you've been acting so smooth lately? ♪
[His smirk grows more pronounced. But then he admits:]
It's a bit ironic, when I'm the one who's more prince-like onstage. I'm sure all our fans would agree! But I guess I don't mind if Jun-kun wants to slay dragons for me. Having someone like that around is useful ♪
[But even if Jun fails to be useful, he still won't throw him away.
... even though he threatened to in the beginning.
This is the closest he's ever come to apologizing for that, or for some of his other nastiness. Jun's pointed out that he has a bad personality before. And it's not like he disagrees, despite his ego. There are things you don't say, things you don't do, when you're part of a noble family. His upbringing was strict. He was taught good manners. He worked hard to repress all the ugly thoughts he had. Then it was like a dam burst, and as soon as he was out of his family's reach, he just couldn't stop voicing them. But that's fine, right? He's someone important, so he can treat those beneath him however he wants.
Or so he thought, but that sort of self-serving attitude isn't really any different from the one Tatsumi was fighting, is it? The one that made Jun-kun's life miserable.
It's odd and uncomfortable. Feeling this pang of guilt over something he didn't used to feel bad about. But Jun doesn't see a problem. Jun smiles at him earnestly and tells him he's a good person. Because he "accepted him." As though that was some huge hardship.
But it makes sense for Jun to see him that way. As the kind-hearted savior Hiyori positioned himself as. Jun doesn't know what he was like before they met. What he and Eichi-kun did to the "Five Oddballs."
... Or what he did with Eichi's money.
That's not even something he normally feels bad about: using money to woo girls he'd forget by the morning. It's not like he hurt anyone. They were using him, too, of course. But it's something he's been forced to reflect on, thanks to this place. When he thinks about it now, he's not exactly proud of himself. He'd be embarrassed if Jun found out. But of course Jun doesn't know about that, either.
There's no two ways about it. He was pretty unpleasant back then. Still...
He was given a second chance, in the form of the person sitting next to him. A chance to start over from the bottom and become someone different. Which he did. And isn't that worth cherishing? Jun wasn't put off by his bad personality—he's happy to put up with him forever. That makes Hiyori very fortunate. And he would rather celebrate his good fortune than linger on the past, so that's exactly what he'll do.]
Well, I haven't been stabbed yet. Even though, as Jun-kun said, I have that personality.
[He smirks again, remembering what Jun said in the past.]
So, since I've still got a thousand lifetimes left to live, I'll just work extra hard to cherish Jun-kun during all those years. That should more than make up for all the rude things I've said!
[He reaches for both of Jun's hands this time. There will definitely be more rude words; he's himself, after all. But no more threats of abandonment or jokes about throwing Jun away. That's what he quietly decides.
And it's not like he was kidding about cherishing Jun, either. Because, as he says next:]
Jun-kun was kind enough to accept me with his whole heart. So the least I can do, as his partner, is to accept every last bit of him.
[He squeezes Jun's hands.]
Okay? ♪
no subject
Does it? He’s not too sure it can take on another meaning. Especially when said by the person who never even knew Jun was poking fun at him. Even with the teasing, he shakes his head. ]
Well, I’m not tryna say I wanna be a prince. Maybe I’m better off suited sticking to what I already know. ‘Sides I dunno what you’re talking ‘bout! I’m not acting “smooth.” I wanna be a good boyfriend ♪ or lover, partner and whatever else you wanna call us.
[ Seeing that for yourself is something he hasn’t quite seen. What does acting smooth mean? Jun doesn’t think he’s been acting any different, considering the relationship between them isn’t any different than how they’d act back home. (Except now they hold hands, kiss and do other acts in the comfort of their bed.) ]
“Prince-like”? Ohii-san, I’m sorry to say you don’t act like that at all. [ He doesn’t sound sorry about it. ] If that’s what you want ♪ It’ll be like a video game where I save you from a burning castle! But the reason it’s burning is ‘cause of the dragon. ‘Course I’m useful! You’re still a shitty noble who can’t do anything in his own!
[ Yeah, you gave him this idea Hiyori! And he’s teasing about the last part, knowing Hiyori is capable of doing things on his own, but he sure doesn’t act like he can.
The silence between them lingers, not as if it’s uncomfortable. There’s some things you don’t ask, and that’s what matters most. The self-serving attitude of his hasn’t changed, though Jun realises now part of Hiyori has changed. Even Jun himself has! But it doesn’t make sense for him to pry into the life Hiyori led in Yumenosaki. Sure, he’s curiously been wanting to know! Most of all, he’s curious about why anyone would want to come from that school into the hell that was once Reimei.
… not that he knows anything about the War or anything else. Jun had been fighting his own battles, with Tatsumi-senpai leading the fight. Would he still like Hiyori if he knew the truth? That Hiyori was the sort of person with the same attitude they were fighting against? Perhaps it’s better not to know.
Besides, Jun hadn’t pictured Hiyori as a saviour type. Even if he was “saved” by the very same person. In all seriousness, wasn’t it Tatsumi-senpai who saved Jun first? Talking to his senpai, no matter how brief it may have been, no matter if Tatsumi doesn’t believe he was able to save himself… Without his guidance, Jun would not have survived. (Not that he knows Kaname spoke to the Specials, also wanting to keep Jun out of trouble.)
It’s easier to think about Tatsumi, who is still there, who talks to Jun about regrets and recalls their time together as friends. Kaname? Not so much. He can’t place a finger on it. And figure out why HiMERU won’t acknowledge him, or rather, pretends as if their time at Reimei was nonexistent.
Would he fault Hiyori for spending money on girls to fill some time and void in his life? Wouldn’t that be hypocritical of him to do? Hiyori was unpleasant, rude and got on his nerves constantly. But he grew to love the last person he ever thought he could.
And for that reason alone makes how they came together worth all the hardships. ]
Well, I’m still pretty impressed! I bet there’s a buncha people out there you’ve annoyed with that sorta personality of yours!
[ It’s been so long since Jun said that he almost forgot. The offer still stands, even as Hiyori reaches for his hands. The feeling is warm, different from the conversation they had only a couple of minutes ago. One day Jun might spill more, really delve deeper into his psyche, but for now he’s content. ]
Saying something like that doesn’t make it any better. I don’t really think much ‘bout what you said back then… I’ve moved on, ‘cause I wouldn’t be here if you seriously meant what you said.
[ Isn’t that right? Hiyori could have thrown him away, abandoned him when he needed his partner most. Still, he didn’t do that. When Jun was at his lowest ready to take on Jin, Hiyori was there acting as a shining light in the dirty, dingy alley he thought he inhabited. Now their life together couldn’t be any different. ]
You’re still gonna be rude sometimes, but it’s part of your personality that makes you Ohii-san. My Ohii-san, the one I’m gonna cherish forever! Who’ll always be there in my heart ♪
[ He squeezes back, smiling for the first time in a while. ]
Okay! I’m not forcing you to accept all of me, just if you wanna.