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ACT I, SCENE i.
The news came from Mitsuru, who joined Sora when the boys returned from school. Adonis made a passing comment about missing the Track and Field Club’s next practice because he would be at home that day, depressing the young Mitsuru who wanted to challenge him on the field that day. Madara, ever the expert on festivities, was the one who explained why it was for the best that Adonis should rest- and verily, he should! To turn up routinely at school despite enduring hours without nourishment? Amazing!
Now, more informed than before, Mitsuru pressured Madara into meeting Adonis to give a gift. Mitsuru’s dear senior struggled to ward off his attempts, and they inevitably spent the next few days trying to determine what the best gift could be.
When it came to roommates, you couldn’t help overhearing certain tidbits of their conversations, especially when the days were dull. Wataru certainly couldn’t, not after the exam season put all the younger actors out of commission and halted his productions. All stories had to start from somewhere, even if some starts were more uneventful than others.
ACT I, SCENE ii.
It was the middle of the day when he decided to visit Eichi- for unrelated reasons, that was. Eichi was always up to something, and Wataru- who had yet to form his plan- was in dire need of stimulation. The thing about Eichi was that even if his schedule was empty, he was more than capable of offering an entertaining conversation. It had been some time since they spoke one-to-one anyway; conversing was necessary by that point.
To his shock, Rei and Eichi had been engaged in dialogue. Wataru spent a moment by the window, his hair slipping beneath the pane to pry it further open. Coincidentally, the man that was the topic of yesterweek’s conversation made a reappearance in today’s- and quite logically, all things considered. Adonis would forever remain Rei’s beloved junior and fellow unitmate, thus a mention or two should be no surprise.
“You won’t go with Otogari-kun, Sakuma-kun?” Eichi inquired, eyes crinkled at the corners as he sipped his tea daintily, one leg folded over the other.
“Not for long, that is.” Rei took a sip from his own cup. “Unfortunately, I do have an interview scheduled for that day, but I will return in time for our curfew.”
“Of course, if you cannot, then do not stress. Shiratori-kun and I can manage ourselves without you.”
“Of course. But there is no need to trouble the Otogaris when I have such perfect sleeping arrangements here, and especially after this old dog was forced to learn new tricks… unless this is your way of telling me to revert to my old ways.”
This was the perfect moment for a clown to take the spotlight, and with Wataru perfectly present, the action merely needed doing.
There was an old trick of Wataru’s that he deliberately left in the room. No magician worth his salt would use the same ploy twice, so a little reimagining was necessary. And so, with a snap of his fingers, the plot was spiced up.
Roses exploded from the ceiling, layered over the carpet, table, and beds like the first frost of winter. Instinctually, Eichi set his cup aside with an inelegant thunk, his excitement eliminating any and all concern that he had for Rei’s future plans.
… but after that, there was nothing.
“... That’s not right. Wataru should have made his appearance by now.”
Dissatisfied, Eichi rose from his perch to approach the window, where Wataru made his appearance the last time they met. He tested the frame with a push, and it budged ever so slightly- open, but not large enough for a grown man to pass through.
“Hibiki-kun isn’t one to repeat his tricks, so perhaps it would be for the best to search elsewhere.”
“Thank you, Sakuma-kun, but I am already aware of that.”
“Indeed, he is aware- and frighteningly so, I should say!”
Behind Eichi, there was the scratch of fluttering velvet, before a breeze passed down his back. Strands of moonlight fell over his shoulders, and the figure pressed his body against Eichi’s, caging him in against the windows.
While his surprise was well within Wataru’s predictions, his lack of embarrassment when being caught within the embrace of another man- in front of his roommate, no less- was a hard-hitting reminder of Eichi’s overwhelming sense of wonder.
Swivelling around with unrestrained curiosity, Eichi immediately began interviewing Wataru about his latest trick, his soft tongue threatening to fall over itself in his haste, until Rei coughed in the distance.
“Is there something that we can help you with, Hibiki-kun?”
“Hm?” Wataru belatedly pulled away to face his dear friend. “‘Help’ is a heavy word, so why don’t we think of this as ‘debate’? You see, it’s embarrassing for an actor to be typecasted, yet it appears that I have been playing the same role everyday.”
Eichi mouthed the words to himself, and even Rei paused to ponder over the subtext hidden in Wataru’s admission.
Then, Rei smiled. “I’m afraid that I have nothing to offer at the moment as I’ll be occupied for the foreseeable future, and Tenshouin-kun was on his way to buy a gift for Adonis-kun. A new role may need some time to manifest- unless Tenshouin-kun would like to cancel his plans, that is.”
Whatever Rei was attempting to do was clearly successful, as Eichi pouted slowly. “There is no need to use such drastic measures. Wataru can accompany me if he wishes to.” Having remembered that Wataru was by his side, Eichi then pulled away to stand in front of him. “Won’t you come with me, Wataru?”
It was in that moment that Wataru finally discovered his plan, a fun fact from Madara ringing in his ear as he stared at Eichi’s determined face.
“Playing the role of a senior even after leaving high school…” He paused, keeping one eye on Eichi, who leaned forward. “... isn’t quite so bad.”
“How nice to have settled that,” Rei commented. “Now, if you’ll excuse me.”
Without hesitation, Rei donned his outdoor shoes and left the room, the door clicking softly behind him.
“To think that he would leave so quickly…”
“He is busy, after all,” Eichi excused, pulling Wataru next to him on the bed without glancing once in Rei’s direction.
Wataru wouldn’t blame Rei for departing- not when he had learned the hard way how Eichi and Wataru would spend their time together.
ACT I, SCENE iii.
“A credit card would be for the best.”
Bless Eichi and his exceedingly wealthy lineage, but for all that he learned after integrating into society years ago, his lacking familiarity with the common man’s pocket would forever remain a flaw.
Thankfully, Wataru knew just what to say to ward off any future complications. “Adonis-kun isn’t one to quietly accept whatever is presented to him. If he forced himself to work overtime and repay your gift, especially to the point of neglecting his idol duties, would that not be detrimental?”
“I see…” Eichi pushed his computer away, propping a hand under his chin while staring out at the city skyline.
The eidi that they were preparing for Adonis did not need to be extravagant; nonetheless, Eichi was remarkably fixated on the topic.
Maybe Wataru shouldn’t have said that eidi was offered by partners (which, as an aside, was a practice done by few families. The problem with an aside is that Eichi cannot hear it).
Still, Eichi had been picky. There was clearly more here to consider than just common courtesies- Eichi’s level of investment suggested some amount of bonding.
“You seem quite concerned with Adonis-kun.” Then, struck with the mood to tease, Wataru added. “I hadn’t considered that you were drawn towards younger men, though if that is the case, it would still fall short of explaining the attention that you have shown to Adonis-kun in particular.”
As if zapped, Eichi sat up straight, turning around frantically. “I have never harboured such feelings.” Never , Wataru humorously repeated to himself. “But recently, Otogari-kun assisted with a drama of mine without asking for anything in return. It was nothing unusual, nor did it amount to anything noteworthy, but apparently Otogari-kun had been busy himself. This is just a way of ensuring that a talented idol is reminded of his own career, and to ensure that RhythmLink does not take advantage of my debt. After all, it would be a shame for UNDEAD to fall short now considering how they fought in the past.”
Wataru wracked his brain for a drama where Eichi would have needed help with acting. The only option he could find was…
“... The one you shot with Butler-san and Hiiro-kun, was it not?” The one-handed flip that Eichi performed was part of the advanced lessons that had yet to be implemented in the Ensemble Training program that ES was testing out, which Adonis was heavily involved in.
Dropping his own phone on the table, Wataru slinked around the couch to stand behind Eichi.
“I do have to wonder why you did not ask me for help, seeing as I was free at that time. Though, denial has always been an essential part to recognizing life-changing sensations.”
“Wataru-”
“I simply have to improve my flipping technique! Or in this case, improve my submission, since you are the one interested in pinning others down.”
When Eichi turned around, his cheeks were a fuming pink. How Amazing! For all that his wonder could do to cloud Wataru’s more obscure flirtations, Eichi was far from obtuse.
“Speaking of Adonis-kun, a packet of yen should be enough.”
“Would it not be better to offer L$?”
Wataru pressed a tired smile into his hand. This would take some time.
ACT II, SCENE i.
When they arrived at Adonis’ dorm, Chiaki was the one at the door.
“Otogari? He should’ve gone back home…” As he should have been, considering the occasion. “I can pass on anything that you need to tell him!”
Eichi smiled perfectly- as he tended to when discussing business matters. “There is no need for that. But, since we’re all gathered here…”
Wataru tuned them out, letting Eichi capitalize on an opportunity to clarify Ryuseitai’s schedule now that they were free. It would be an agonizingly long time before they could put their plan into motion, but the sun was still up, and so was their hopes.
ACT II, SCENE ii.
“Are you certain that Otogari-kun quit his practice today?”
“With Tenma-kun as my witness, I would cross my heart and hope to die.”
Eichi frowned. “This is no dying matter.” He took the envelope from Wataru’s hands, flipping the embellished envelope this way and that to play with the reflected light on the golden swirls.
“Indeed it is not.” Wataru kicked his legs up on the bench, resting his head on Eichi’s lap.
The weather today was pleasant, in spite of the sudden downpour yesterday. From the garden, the smell of roses, tulips, and petunias danced in the air. Above, fluffy clouds occasionally idled by, while below, the typical shouts of car horns were replaced by birdsong. In this dreamlike atmosphere, one would think that reality could fall to their whims. Unless their whims happened to include Adonis Otogari, apparently.
“We should get lunch.”
Wataru hummed, but made no effort to get up.
ACT II, SCENE iii.
When Wataru returned from inspecting the training rooms, he caught Eichi speaking to Akiomi.
“Otogari-kun passed by here just moments ago.”
“And would you happen to know where he was headed?”
Akiomi frowned, crossing his arms. “I’m afraid not. If you have business with him, you could try contacting RhythmLink.”
Electing to keep his motives to himself, Eichi smiled and nodded, bidding their former teacher farewell. It was once Akiomi left the main hall that Eichi loosened up, and having been drained by his search, did not meet Wataru with his usual sense of elation.
“Would you like to take a break, Eichi-kun?”
Those words were all that it took to diminish the cloud hanging over his head, as he vehemently declared that he would not quit. Fortunately for him, Wataru had no reason to leave this matter as it was. If he did, it would be one of the most uninspiring tales that he was involved in.
ACT II, SCENE … x?
“If we submit a missing person’s report, then this matter should be over by tomorrow.”
“... Your imagination never ceases to amaze me, Eichi-kun.”
ACT II, SCENE ∞.
Having spent hours labouring over Adonis’ whereabouts, Wataru managed to divert Eichi’s attention with a request for some props to bide the time. It wasn’t a needless proposal, but he would rather keep up the carefully crafted pretense for as long as he could.
If they could not find Adonis, then Adonis would have to come to them, and what better way to lure out a hunter than to turn him into the hunted?
Wataru pushed boxes to and from Adonis’ dorm, with Chiaki and Makoto unable to do a thing. Ropes, confetti, balloons, and more were heaved across Starmony Dorms, its residents none the wiser. However, on his trips, Wataru observed that one resident, Adonis Otogari, was unaccounted for.
Though there was nothing he could do about that.
With most of his supplies secured, the last step was to inform Eichi of his location-
Except his phone was not where it was meant to be.
The last time he touched it was when Eichi called him in one of the common rooms. Assuming that no one took an interest in his belongings, the phone should have been waiting for him there.
With the sun drawn to the call of sleep, so too was ES’ atmosphere. Empty halls left their blaring lights on in the interest of security, and the last of the staff- namely janitors and overworked managers- were making a quick round before the graveyard shift would commence. Every idol that Wataru passed was returning to Starmony Dorms, though Wataru’s reputation meant that none would look at him twice as he swam against the flow.
Hm?
Wataru could have sworn that he saw that same bundle of jackets earlier in the day. When he went so far to retrieve his own possessions, he would be certain that the owners’ of the jackets would feel the same. Luckily, the Lost and Found was just around the corner, and if not that, Wataru could adopt the role of a detective to find the victims himself.
He began by peeling the black coat strewn over the arm…
… and found a head of lavender hair, peacefully drifting off.
Wataru pulled the jackets to the side. Souma, Koga, Kuro… they must have found Adonis earlier and let the poor boy sleep. Though Souma and Koga- like any hot-blooded young man- were quick to the draw when it came to protecting their interests, Kuro was more thoughtful than one would assume at first glance. While Wataru could use this as a perfect opportunity to push his buttons, he had an impatient Eichi on his heels and an exhausted Adonis on his hands.
The jackets could be dealt with later. Phone pocketed and hands emptied, Wataru lifted Adonis in his arms, though not without a bit of preparation. Despite being the same size, Adonis was heavier than Eichi, as he ought to have been given the effort he put into maintaining his physique- Amazing!
With Adonis secured, Wataru quietly made his final trip to Adonis’ dorm. His plan was still far from done, but such a production was worthless on an unconscious audience, so he would prolong them for yet another few hours. Makoto met him at the door, and jumped at the sight of a grown man as opposed to the supplies that he filled the doorway with.
“Is that…?”
Ignoring him, Wataru twirled around his former schoolmate, toed over the boxes left by yours truly, and strolled up to Adonis’ bed.
Would Adonis rather wear his pajamas? It would be a shame if his precious robes were wrinkled.
“Yuuki-kun, could you be a dear roommate and bring out Adonis-kun’s sleepwear?”
Makoto pauses by his desk, interrupted by Wataru’s sudden question. Except, instead of fulfilling Wataru’s wish, he stuttered out, “Wouldn’t stripping Otogari-kun count as some form of harassment? If someone reported this, fine ’s career would end.”
Oh, how scary! Good to see that Trickstar was as unusual as ever.
“Indeed it would! Then it looks like Adonis-kun will have to sleep without his cozy pajamas,” Wataru declared as he left the scene.
“Wait, are you-”
Wataru shut the door behind him.
All that was left was the one person who would be the most enthused by this development. Mindlessly, Wataru marched onto Eichi’s room, rapping on the door as loudly as he could. Frustrated, Aira opened the door to observe the scene.
And found nothing.
“You seem disturbed, Shiratori-kun!” Wataru exclaimed from behind.
Predictably, Aira shrieked, though Wataru was not interested in the noise this time. It was unusual for the room to be this absent of Eichi.
Collecting himself after a moment, Aira squeaked, “Hibiki-senpai? If you’re looking for Tenshouin-senpai, I think he said that he was going to RhythLin’s office.”
Well, Eichi could only be satisfied for so long. As for his plan, though, this was-
“Amazing!”
ACT III, SCENE i.
Adonis freezes. There’s something wrong about the room and its inhabitants. Makoto and Chiaki were resting in their respective beds, but someone else was present, sinking into the shadows to avoid his gaze.
He can’t reach them from here. Silently, he pushes his blanket down.
… Had he not changed his clothes? No, he can worry about that later.
Adonis flips the blanket over and eyes the strongest corners of the shade. The moonlight cuts through the center, digging into the carpet, where Adonis finds several deflated boxes discarded without a care. Along the crowning of the ceiling, bulbs of glass hang down. While Chiaki looks unbothered, a deep crease slashes the middle of Makoto’s brow.
Gingerly, Adonis reaches for his phone at his bedside. Surely, Makoto and Chiaki wouldn’t be able to rest if a dangerous intruder found their way in, but it was best to prepare for the worst.
Once his finger grazes the screen, a loud pop! assaults his ears. Chiaki, restful as always, does not flinch, but Makoto blearily blinks up as the lightbulbs flicker on, and confetti flies across the room.
Although far from fatal, the situation could not have been any less confusing. A banner stretching wide across the opposite wall stated, “Eid Mubarak,” while balloons of every hue filled in the furnitureless gaps in the room. Had this been a prank? Or was there a celebration that he slept through? Adonis frowns, pensive as he considers every individual that would go to such lengths for a celebration.
He flinches at the squeal of rubber from behind the couch. What he finds there is a growing giant covered from top-to-bottom in balloons of icy blue, rising until it reaches just slightly above Adonis’ height. It waits, staring back at Adonis with its nonexistent face, until it snaps its fingers. Balloons explode left and right, and when the dust settles, there is one figure standing above it all.
Ah, one of Wataru’s tricks.
Wataru jumps over the couch, only to walk around it to pull up a drowsy Eichi that was hidden out of sight. Eichi, still recovering from the spectacle himself, stumbles over the party’s debris to reach Adonis’ bed. After the tumultuous trek, he uncovers a gilded red envelope which he silently holds out. Adonis takes it carefully, expecting another outbreak, but nothing happens. His name decorates the cover in long, elegant strokes, and Eichi watches him with the expression of a child waiting for their parent to post their masterpiece on the fridge.
Without fanfare, Adonis opens the slip, and finds yen within. Was this a payment? While it was forthcoming of Eichi to do so if that were the case, Adonis was certain that there were no debts between them.
“The credit cards would have made for better eidi, Wataru,” Eichi whispers over his shoulder.
Oh…!
“Thank you,” Adonis spurts out. The time was an inconvenience, and it wasn’t like Adonis was expecting anything, but he appreciated the sentiment nonetheless.
Eichi turns around with a giggle. “There is no need for thanks. This is what the senior partners should do, is it not?”
Partners?
Wataru holds a finger in front of his mouth, hiding behind Eichi’s back with a sly look. Then, after taking Eichi by the arm, he exclaims, “And with that, the role of the beloved high school senior has been completed. All that is left for us to do is bow, Eichi-kun.”
“W-Wait!” Makoto shouts from his side of the room.
He coughs to clear out his throat, but his voice remains riddled with sleep, hoarse and low. “Won’t you guys clean this up?”
With the utmost honesty, Eichi asks, “Do you often ask your boss to clean your quarters?”
Before Makoto can get a word in, Wataru states, “Rest assured! A cleaning service will be sent promptly.” Yuzuru, most likely, but Adonis could just clean up the mess and inform Yuzuru about the situation. Unlike him, Makoto and Chiaki were busy the day before, so he should let them rest.
“Now, one last bow~.” Wataru and Eichi bend at the waist, Wataru using his hand to support his companion. When the que to raise occurs, instead of following the flow, another round of balloons pop off, and Wataru and Eichi detonate with them. Makoto shrieks, burrowing into his blankets, and Chiaki never moves an inch.
Adonis leaves the envelope among the stack of those that he received earlier in the day. His seniors gifts were as unique as they were, but to deny them would be to deny the care and effort that went into their gift.