[Rui has the picture he took on his phone, the night sky, the trees, the picnic table, and Mayoi. It's been his phone background the entire time, not that anyone gets to see that much. ...The phone charms he's been buying, idle collection both online during parts sourcing and in shops close to the island, however, are a little more obvious. An extension of Rui's innate obsession with anything that sticks in his brain for longer than a minute, and one that even his more casual acquaintances try to connect with him on.
They try to talk of other idols, even of the other members of ALKALOID, and Rui's gaze drifts, attention lost. He's been thinking of trespassing again, trying to find that little liminal space once more, but it's too risky, and there hasn't been time between his own demands and Nene's intuiting whenever he's planning it. She manages to dissuade him with a look when she notices, because actual charges laid by ES would land him in deeper water than his parents could get him out of, and would damage Wonderlands x Showtime more than he would handle.
So the infatuation sticks to that gentle obsession. Just buying Mayoi merch, watching the occasional live when he's stuck and needs inspiration, listening to ALKALOID music and feeling his heart clench when he's able to pinpoint that powerful voice within the harmonies. Tonight's another night where he's stuck, pen jutting out of his mouth and blueprint paper sitting blank in front of him; the TV's on for background noise right up until the ALKALOID live, and
ah, that's. That's. That's a thing. That's a thing that has come out of Mayoi's mouth. Is it too much to think that Rui could apply that to himself at all? He's certain that it's too much, too egotistical, and yet. His heart still flutters, forcing up memories of their escape, their dance, the singing, the stars, all of it.
It's probably stupid, isn't it?
To go out at night, at this hour, all the way into the middle of the city. He'd miss the song if he left now.
...But he might catch another. He might maybe, possibly, catch Mayoi's gaze in the crowd. And like fuck he's going to be able to concentrate for the rest of the night anyway, with those words rattling around in his otherwise empty fuckin' head. He takes a train, watches a simulcast on his phone the entire way even as it jangles with merch, manages to slip his way in as if he's merely infiltrating Phoenix Wonderland and not a whole fucking Idol Show. Just to push his way through the adoring crowd, just to stand there and watch with bold-faced admiration and the sort of affection that's shared for little moments like the one they shared.]
[Luckily that song had been at the beginning of their live. There’s still time for Rui to get there while the show is in full swing. He gets to watch a song or two on the simulcast. They sing their debut song, and spend some time talking on stage about how far they’ve come since they first sang that one. About how the size of their stage had grown and how they’ve been so fortunate to have such wonderful fans that saw them climb up from the very bottom.]
[They talk about their first live, that had been hosted by Switch. The one full of idols on the verge of being fired, just like them, and how while they were given the chance to continue, many of the others made that live their last, and then gave them the last of their funds to support ALKALOID’s debut. They have a great deal of love for those people, who supported them, too. Which is why they dedicate their Next song to those people. With their help, they were able to take a gamble, and now they’re here.]
[Perhaps that’s the song Rui is able to see in person. Perhaps there’s a line Mayoi sings where he’s able to make eye contact with him in the crowd, and the surprise is almost enough that Mayoi misses a cue.]
[Maybe he spends the entire rest of the Live with eyes that keep flicking back to Rui in the crowd, and each time, he breaks character just enough to smile.]
[Perhaps Rui is clever enough to find their green room after the Live.]
rui making a summoning circle and actually being surprised when he summons mayoi
[He's an absolute mess, by the time he manages to get to the front of the crowd. There's sweat pouring from his forehead, plastering his hair down and making him ruddy with effort as though he's been dancing his heart out with the rest of them.
At first, Rui's content to just stand there, swayed by the fans as he smiles up at the stage. Mayoi looks absolutely fucking radiant, after all, and his instinct about the harmonies, about playing to the strengths of each voice, is correct. God, even the dancing brings him so much fucking joy; it's not the absolute powerhouse choreo that he needs to come up with to play into Emu and Tsukasa's sheer energy, but that only allows for more powerful singing, surely.
It's wonderful to watch, in short. And then they make eye contact, and Mayoi stumbles just a little in his singing, and Rui clasps both hands over his mouth to try and muffle the unashamed, obnoxious laughter that curls out of his throat. Like that, the spell is broken, and he starts shout-singing, jumping in the throng like any other attendee.
His voice is almost gone by the end of it. He manages to buy an overpriced bottle of water, send his mom a text about where he's slipped off to so that she doesn't think he's dead, take a selfie with an ALKALOID standee to show Emu later, and...Yeah.
He absolutely finds the green room. Of course he does. It helps that he knows enough to pass himself off as backstage crew or something, confident, knowing the lingo, right up until he's able to knock jauntily on the door labelled with their names. It's fine if nothing comes of this, of course. It's fine if Mayoi doesn't come out, or if he's chased off. At least he'll know.]
[After the show, Rui might catch the presence of someone out of the corner of his eye. A short girl with her hair done up in a nice ponytail wearing something remarkably business-like for the fact that she looks Rui’s age if not younger. She could be a coincidence, but she is always there for just a moment before she’s gone again in the crowd.]
[It is not until Rui is knocking on the door that she actually approaches him, tapping him on the shoulder and handing him …a staff badge! She presses a finger to her lips and quickly leaves, saying something about it being a favor.]
[Rui does not have time to ponder further on that before the door is opening.]
[It’s Hiiro, the bright eyed, red-headed leader of ALKALOID. The boy with an intense disposition with a presence that seemed both sweet and dangerous. He looks at Rui for a moment before his eyes light up and with a bright smile he proclaims:]
Wonderhoy!
[He met Emu at the party, after all. He probably did not stop saying wonderhoy for weeks. Behind Hiiro the distinct sound of Aira groaning is heard, after a soft chuckle from Tatsumi.]
Hiiro-san, invite him in. It isn’t polite to leave someone at the door.
[That is three members of ALKALOID accounted for, but mysteriously, the fourth, the clover, the suit of clubs, is no where to be seen.]
he's full of bugs. they gotta exorcise him with love and i stand by that
[It's a lot to take in, when you're not the one orchestrating the chaos for once. Words of gratitude are already forming in his throat by the time this mysterious young lady's disappeared, and then he has to whirl around to face the door once more. Ah. Ah. Okay, this is fine! Although he's not hyperfixated on these particular idols, he can still admire their work, recognise them just fine.
Hiiro gets a breezy Wonderhoy in response, of course. Then he giggles softly and twirls the staff badge between his fingers, as though that explains why he's here, completely new, with no apparent reason to be bothering them right after they've performed.
The invitation's been extended. Hiiro doesn't need to vocalise it for Rui to slip in as though he belongs there, though he gets a pat on the shoulder for the Wonderhoy. Emu will be so pleased that it's escaped confinement, after all. ...Even if Tsukasa might mirror Aira's groan upon hearing the same news, but so it goes. Speaking of Aira, of course both he and Tatsumi get a jaunty little wave. Sure, there's no Mayoi, but the fact that they're letting him in at all is better than the worst case scenario, at least.]
I suppose that means that I don't have to introduce myself, fufu~ Forgive my poor manners, but...I couldn't help myself. Tonight's performance inspired me into drastic action, you see.
[He's just
going to stand there, smiling away. Are they going to try and grill him on behalf of Mayoi? God knows that's what Wandasho would do on his behalf, and what he'd do for any of them in return.]
[Getting the Wonderhoy in return leads to Hiiro whipping around to Aira with a grin as if to say See?? See?? which leads to Aira dramatically sprawling out in a bigger groan.]
[But of course they let him in, and Hiiro pointedly shuts the door behind him. The air in the room isn't hostile but it is tense all of a sudden. They are all looking at Rui with varying levels of intent. Tatsumi is the first to speak up:]
It's quite all right. Mayoi-san has only spoken well of you to us, and I can tell you are very dear to him.
[Aira is sitting up now glancing between Tatsumi and Hiiro. Both of them appear to be looking at Rui in a way that suggests they are looking into him. Hiiro peers closer and sniffs him, then turns to the others.]
He does not smell like a threat, Tatsumi-senpai.
[Tatsumi shakes his head.]
Nor do I sense anything dangerous or evil about him.
[Aira seems to be relieved and then offers Rui a smile.]
Looks like you passed~. Though, that doesn't mean you're totally off the hook. As idols, it's not cool of us to do things like make threats, but I think it goes without saying that Mayo-san is very important to us, so you should treat him the best you possibly can.
[Clearly Hiiro and Tatsumi need to up their demon gaydars, but Rui's not about to look a gift horse in the mouth now, is he? Especially not with the revelation that hey, he exists outside of his immediate existence, and it's positive at that.
One hand comes to rest over his heart, as if that'll distract his interrogators from the way his ears are starting to flush. Sure, he's touched by the fact that they think he's safe. That's all. Not that Mayoi's at least thought about him since then, not that he's spoken of him and that it wasn't some sort of fever dream in the end.]
...I don't know if I could qualify for anything dear, to be honest. We've only met once after all. ...But I do want to, one day. If that happens. And I'm quite the fan besides. So at the very least, I can promise to be the best friend I can be.
For what it's worth, my friends-- I'm sure you recall them, going by the welcome I got-- were quite impressed by you all in return. We're aspiring to reach your dizzying heights as performers. But...Your dear friend is someone I'd like to reach on a more personal level, too. And I hate it when I fail. Does this make you all feel any better, I wonder?
[do not perceive the charms dangling from his pocket do not perceive him any longer he's not even sure if Mayoi would want to be close enough to him to warrant this sort of perception aaaaaa]
[Aira, who is possibly the biggest Idol Otaku that ever lived, honed on his phone charms the moment he walked in, sorry. He knows when someone is Collecting Merch and he knows what their units stuff looks like. Honestly, it was very charming.]
[Also, Rui has yet to actively kidnap him, and so the bar of sane expectations with ES is on the ground and Rui successfully stepped over it.]
It is enough that we can at least glean your sincerity, and for that, we won't stand in your way.
[Tatsumi nods to the others, and Hiiro and Aira both get to their feet and start to head to the door.]
We would love nothing more that to meet you on the stage one day. We have tried a few times to schedule a day to come see your troupe, but ah... alas our schedules are chaotic at best. Hopefully sometime soon you will find us among your audience.
[Tatsumi is the first gone, then Hiiro. Aira lingers in the doorway a moment.]
We've got an interview that shoooouuuld take us about half an hour. Mayo-san never makes it to these because of how much Lives take out of him, so, that should buy you two enough time, right? Hehe, good luck.
Then all that's left for me to do is to thank you. I'll do my best. Both to not hurt Mayoi-san, and to bring the rest of Wonderlands x Showtime to one of your lives in return. We can have a proper cultural exchange, fufu~
[He waves Tatsumi and Hiiro off, still fidgeting with the staff badge in his free hand, but--
ah.
Aira gets a slightly more nervous smile. Just barely, but still; in the face of a countdown like that, it's hard not to feel a little stage fright, don't you think?] ...I'll be out of here by then, rest assured. And thank you, again. Your trust, even this much, means more than any of you could ever know.
[And with that, ALKALOID departs, leaving Rui in a seemingly empty room.]
[Then, there's a small clnk and the vent cover on the ceiling swings open. Out of it drops Mayoi. He is tired, dusty, and sweaty, but once he stands back up properly, he offers Rui a bright, excited smile.]
Rui-san.
[Ah, he will shove some hair behind his ear.]
I-I'm sorry. They, ah, insisted on speaking to you first. I hope they didn't frightening you too much...
[Somehow, the vent opening and Mayoi dropping out is less scary than ALKALOID grilling him on being good enough!
...Marginally! Rui's still going to fidget wildly, even as he spins and shoots ole Dusty a relieved smile in return. There is, after all, the question of whether he should actually be here still, or whether everyone's simply overshot Mayoi's actual feelings on the situation.]
It's fine. If the tables were turned, I'm sure the outcome would've been almost identical. And I'm honoured to have any of their approval, fufufu~ But...I suppose I won't keep you away from your rest any longer, either. You worked very hard tonight, after all, and from the looks of it...A shower's in order.
[Almost automatically, he slips in closer, eyes creasing as his smile only deepens.] As wonderful as you all sound together, I have to admit that I prefer your voice alone. ...And you sound far better live, than on television. I almost wish I'd been here right from the start, so I could better gauge just how passionately you announced that first song.
[Yes, that meant a lot to Mayoi, too. ALKALOID is very precious to him, and so, if they were not to approve of someone he liked, it would be very upsetting! But also ...he trusts them, so... it's good over all that things worked out.]
[As Rui comes closer, Mayoi brings his hands in close to his chest, face flushed in what could be from the Live but, definitely actually isn't. This entire thing- he had no idea that just speaking so whimsically before would result in ...in something like this. It's almost like he's in some kind of fairytale?]
It means ...that my wish came true, and that my song did reach you.
[So in case Rui was still wondering if that had been directed towards him. He then blinks and looks at Rui with a great deal of surprise.]
Rui-san... were you at home when we performed that song? Did ...Did you come all the way here just because...?
[He covers his face with one hand, sheepish laughter slithering out between the fingers as the other hand brings his phone out to brandish the charm pile.]
You had me under your spell this entire time! Every live I could, I'd watch. It's been inspiring my work-- You inspired my work. Of course I watched tonight, too. Maybe it was too much, too obsessive, but when I heard that declaration, I wanted to see you.
I just wanted to see you, Mayoi-san. [The phone gets put back in his pocket at last, and his face revealed once more (if only because it's fucking sweaty trying to hide your equally red face, gross), but-- Rui's going to move in closer still and gently move to try and wipe some of that dust off of Mayoi's face.] And now I have. I've also gotten the answer to my question, which I didn't expect...
You're far too honest. You really should save words like that for someone you actually know, but I won't refuse them.
[Oh... Oh look at that. He has ...so many charms on his phone of him. He turns scarlet at the sight. He never expected. Expected that it would be like this. It's extremely touching and also very surprising. He feels a little guilty that he is responsible for this, but at the same time... it definitely burns a little fire in his gut.]
I think... I-I think I owe you an apology. I never meant to bewitch you so, to ...cause you such distress. I'm...
[There is a lot to address here, and there is a lot he needs to say, and their time is ticking. It's always ticking.]
[He reaches up and takes that hand that came to brush away the dust on his face, and he holds it very reverently.]
Do not ...belittle the time we spent together. On that night ...I've never stopped thinking about it. What we shared under those stars. I ...I have said as much- that, I have not made very many connections with people. I lived only in the darkness until very recently.
[He smiles something very soft, apologetic.]
I've never felt a connection to someone like I have to you ...so, I am sorry, if it seems like my feelings are coming from a strange and abrupt place. I am truthfully very poor at understanding manners and cues, and so all I can do is just express myself honestly, be that good or bad.
[But he pauses here, looking down, looking incredibly troubled.]
Which ...w-which is why I need to be upfront about something, so I hope ...that Rui-san will hear me out.
No, there's nothing to apologise for at all. It's a connection, and I feel it too, but...I just want you to be prepared for the fact that I might not live up to that night, if you decide to continue getting to know me.
I might disgust you, or scare you. But it's a risk I'm willing to take, if you are.
[One deep breath, then another. This might not have a role for him to hide behind, but it's another new experience, a new stage, more inspiration. Even if this thing that Mayoi has to address is dire, is beyond Rui's ken, then it'll still mean something.]
The floor is yours. I've...I think that I've said all that I need to, really. And I like listening to you talk.
...Rui-san I have ...I have given you one of my most darkest parts and you did not recoil or reject me with disgust as you h-had every right to. I am not-
[Right. Right, he needs to focus.]
...You are in a lot of danger, getting this close to me. When I spoke of scandal before, I was not ...exaggerating. The Tragedy of That Akehoshi was not so long ago ...the truth is.
[He takes a deep breath.]
I-If we are not careful ...a great deal of terrible things could happen and I would sooner die than hurt you like that. Just like I would also sooner die then let our connection be severed. However ...it is up to you. How you would like to proceed now that I've warned you.
[The name 'Akehoshi' vaguely rings a bell, but...He knows More More Jump!, after all. He watches their lives on occasion, sees the possessiveness and sharp cruelty in the fans there and saw it tonight right up close. Tears rolling down the cheeks of fans the closer he got to the front, the screaming of more than just ALKALOID lyrics.]
I wouldn't want to put your hard work at risk, Mayoi-san. And I don't want you to die, either. If I have to share your affections with your fans, then I can accept that.
You know...I already have a friend from another school. I'll simply have to have another, won't I? But I'll protect you with everything I have, rest assured. [His eyes flit towards their linked hands, then back to Mayoi's face; with a deep sigh and a soft smile, he locks their fingers together.] I'll accept whatever measures I must. But I want to keep talking to you, and seeing amazing sights with you.
[He is expecting this to be the end. It should be the end, if he's honest. The right thing to do would be to break it off here, have them go separate ways, and make sure that nothing horrible befalls Rui like it did the Akehoshis. A scandal would kill ALKALOID dead in the water and while he also has reason to stop things here, his unitmates had supported speaking to Rui like this so much that they got the Producer involved in facilitating their meeting.]
[It's a kindness he knows he doesn't deserve, and so, he must make the most of it he can.]
[He squeezes Rui's hand and ...after a moment, raises it to his lips. It's not quite a kiss, but he will just graze his knuckles. There are no cameras in this room, they all made sure.]
I...I feel the same. I do not want this to be the last time we speak. If we must be vigilant, so be it. I'm willing... I'm willing to try. I still want to dream of our stage in the stars.
...If you feel like things are getting dangerous at any point, say the word. I'll understand compl-etely.
[Rui's breath catches in his throat at the feeling of lips against his knuckles, as though he's not watching closely enough for it to be the obvious conclusion. He frees his thumb from the hold, then quickly brushes it against Mayoi's cheek as some small reciprocation.
Yeah, this'll be hard. It'll suck, probably. Not being able to just talk about this sort of thing with his friends for fear of it escaping into the park's staff, into the public, is already a strangling thought. But that stranglehold's loosened with every burning thrill that just being here, getting to hold hands, getting to feel the warmth of someone else without having to pretend in this moment. Gone is the adrenaline of anticipation, and in its place a fierce affection proudly sits.
But they only have about twenty minutes left, if that.]
Would we ever be able to collaborate professionally? Or would that be too risky? I'll move heaven and earth to give you that stage, Mayoi-san.
[He leans into that touch with a little hum. He gives a small nod. It pains him to make this arrangement at all, but he is glad that Rui is taking it very seriously, and isn't reacting with any sort of anger or disdain for what will be like walking on eggshells for the next foreseeable future.]
[His heart feels like it will burst at any moment, even by just that. That regardless of what they're trying to have, and the absolute danger it would mean to navigate it, Rui hasn't turned on him. He's accepting. It makes him want to cry, but he does his best to hold it back. It's hard. He feels things very strongly all the time and he has never been good at masking.]
...
[His question gives him some pause.]
I want us to. I-I want to hope that it would be possible. I think... I will have to talk it over with the others, but ...to collaborate... i-it feels like a safe, innocuous matter. An alibi, even. After all ...there are many idols who "collaborate."
Then just knowing that you feel the same is enough for me, fufu~ Please, don't look so sad. We can work it out, and if we can't, then at least we've tried. That's always better than giving up from the start.
[18 minutes, maybe. A secret just of his own, and a new goal that doesn't blow his current ones out of the water. One that could help everyone involved, if they're only careful enough. And he's getting better and better at being careful with other people, these days.
Rui can't hold back all of that affection that's been forced and swallowed down for so long, and it explodes onto his face in a grin aimed squarely at Mayoi alone.]
Now that that's been decided, we should make the most of this time left to us. Unless...You have another place we could escape to, but I feel like that'd be betraying your unit and the lovely girl who gave me this badge. I owe her most of all. The point is--
I want to get to know about you. What's your favourite kind of music to listen to? What committee are you on in school? Is that beauty mark real? What are you most afraid of? Tell me everything you want to share with someone, and I'll give you everything twofold!
[Ah, he looks a little bashful at being told not to look sad. Rui-san is right, he has no reason to be sad, not really. They are both here right now and they have a shot at something. While he does not know what it might be, it's potential leaves him brimming with affection in a way that it makes it hard for him not to just crack into a smile. It's very moe, this weird purple shark-man.]
Y-you're right. I'm sorry.
[He will gently lead them to the little love seat in the room so they can sit down. Mayoi is running off adrenaline, but in reality he is very tired and he can feel his stamina running out.]
Anzu-san... she is the one who helped us. She's a producer- a miracle worker. An angel to every idol of ES. I-I'm very grateful to her. She has a lovely heart.
[Ah, but ...to learn about him. He's usually so abhorrent of talking about himself. He'd use every chance to deflect away- but. Rui-san is different. He was different from the very beginning and he finds that he does not ...wish to hide himself from him. It's such a strange feeling that is actually catches him off guard. He's quiet for a moment.]
[He chuckles finally and gives Rui a smile that slithers across his face, reaching his eyes. He takes the hand that he has not let go of yet and brings it up to that beauty mark just so he can brush it ever so gently. It's very real.]
Rui-san has so many questions for meeee~ where shall I start...? I favor music from stage productions ...and anything that has a dark and gloomy feel. I am a member of the ninja association ...as well as the sweets circle and overnight outdoors circle among ES.
[He leaves the last question off, because it is not something easy to answer. His smile falls a little as he gives it some thought.]
[Anzu-san, huh? Rui makes a mental note to...Maybe send her a bouquet of flowers or something, if he can. He really owes her, and he'd dwell more on it if only Mayoi weren't currently speaking, directing him to touch his face, and his attention thus currently detained elsewhere.
His thumb rolls affectionately over the beauty spot, tempted to move elsewhere as if to map out a face he's memorised by vision alone. It's surreal, to be so close again and for a burgeoning fascination to be so completely overridden into whatever it is currently gurgling and whirring away in his chest. It's good. That's what matters.]
I might have expected your taste in music, then; something with real flair, that captures the heart and mind of the audience and lets the performer truly showcase their voice~ [The implication there, he feels, doesn't need to be spelled out.] And your committees...You're quite ambitious with your time, aren't you? But I get to understand you a little better, now...And know what to get you as a gift, too.
If you don't want to answer the last question, that's alright. It came tumbling out before I could stop it, and I was a little selfish in asking that of you right off the bat. Just knowing what you like, and a little of how you spend your time...That's plenty for me. You can ask me things instead, to make it fair.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ok but imagine rui owning not just one mayoi phone charm, but all of them. #neurodivergence
They try to talk of other idols, even of the other members of ALKALOID, and Rui's gaze drifts, attention lost. He's been thinking of trespassing again, trying to find that little liminal space once more, but it's too risky, and there hasn't been time between his own demands and Nene's intuiting whenever he's planning it. She manages to dissuade him with a look when she notices, because actual charges laid by ES would land him in deeper water than his parents could get him out of, and would damage Wonderlands x Showtime more than he would handle.
So the infatuation sticks to that gentle obsession. Just buying Mayoi merch, watching the occasional live when he's stuck and needs inspiration, listening to ALKALOID music and feeling his heart clench when he's able to pinpoint that powerful voice within the harmonies. Tonight's another night where he's stuck, pen jutting out of his mouth and blueprint paper sitting blank in front of him; the TV's on for background noise right up until the ALKALOID live, and
ah, that's. That's. That's a thing. That's a thing that has come out of Mayoi's mouth. Is it too much to think that Rui could apply that to himself at all? He's certain that it's too much, too egotistical, and yet. His heart still flutters, forcing up memories of their escape, their dance, the singing, the stars, all of it.
It's probably stupid, isn't it?
To go out at night, at this hour, all the way into the middle of the city. He'd miss the song if he left now.
...But he might catch another. He might maybe, possibly, catch Mayoi's gaze in the crowd. And like fuck he's going to be able to concentrate for the rest of the night anyway, with those words rattling around in his otherwise empty fuckin' head. He takes a train, watches a simulcast on his phone the entire way even as it jangles with merch, manages to slip his way in as if he's merely infiltrating Phoenix Wonderland and not a whole fucking Idol Show. Just to push his way through the adoring crowd, just to stand there and watch with bold-faced admiration and the sort of affection that's shared for little moments like the one they shared.]
Collect enough of him for a summoning ritual
[They talk about their first live, that had been hosted by Switch. The one full of idols on the verge of being fired, just like them, and how while they were given the chance to continue, many of the others made that live their last, and then gave them the last of their funds to support ALKALOID’s debut. They have a great deal of love for those people, who supported them, too. Which is why they dedicate their Next song to those people. With their help, they were able to take a gamble, and now they’re here.]
[Perhaps that’s the song Rui is able to see in person. Perhaps there’s a line Mayoi sings where he’s able to make eye contact with him in the crowd, and the surprise is almost enough that Mayoi misses a cue.]
[Maybe he spends the entire rest of the Live with eyes that keep flicking back to Rui in the crowd, and each time, he breaks character just enough to smile.]
[Perhaps Rui is clever enough to find their green room after the Live.]
rui making a summoning circle and actually being surprised when he summons mayoi
At first, Rui's content to just stand there, swayed by the fans as he smiles up at the stage. Mayoi looks absolutely fucking radiant, after all, and his instinct about the harmonies, about playing to the strengths of each voice, is correct. God, even the dancing brings him so much fucking joy; it's not the absolute powerhouse choreo that he needs to come up with to play into Emu and Tsukasa's sheer energy, but that only allows for more powerful singing, surely.
It's wonderful to watch, in short. And then they make eye contact, and Mayoi stumbles just a little in his singing, and Rui clasps both hands over his mouth to try and muffle the unashamed, obnoxious laughter that curls out of his throat. Like that, the spell is broken, and he starts shout-singing, jumping in the throng like any other attendee.
His voice is almost gone by the end of it. He manages to buy an overpriced bottle of water, send his mom a text about where he's slipped off to so that she doesn't think he's dead, take a selfie with an ALKALOID standee to show Emu later, and...Yeah.
He absolutely finds the green room. Of course he does. It helps that he knows enough to pass himself off as backstage crew or something, confident, knowing the lingo, right up until he's able to knock jauntily on the door labelled with their names. It's fine if nothing comes of this, of course. It's fine if Mayoi doesn't come out, or if he's chased off. At least he'll know.]
Its all the demons in that boy
[It is not until Rui is knocking on the door that she actually approaches him, tapping him on the shoulder and handing him …a staff badge! She presses a finger to her lips and quickly leaves, saying something about it being a favor.]
[Rui does not have time to ponder further on that before the door is opening.]
[It’s Hiiro, the bright eyed, red-headed leader of ALKALOID. The boy with an intense disposition with a presence that seemed both sweet and dangerous. He looks at Rui for a moment before his eyes light up and with a bright smile he proclaims:]
Wonderhoy!
[He met Emu at the party, after all. He probably did not stop saying wonderhoy for weeks. Behind Hiiro the distinct sound of Aira groaning is heard, after a soft chuckle from Tatsumi.]
Hiiro-san, invite him in. It isn’t polite to leave someone at the door.
[That is three members of ALKALOID accounted for, but mysteriously, the fourth, the clover, the suit of clubs, is no where to be seen.]
he's full of bugs. they gotta exorcise him with love and i stand by that
Hiiro gets a breezy Wonderhoy in response, of course. Then he giggles softly and twirls the staff badge between his fingers, as though that explains why he's here, completely new, with no apparent reason to be bothering them right after they've performed.
The invitation's been extended. Hiiro doesn't need to vocalise it for Rui to slip in as though he belongs there, though he gets a pat on the shoulder for the Wonderhoy. Emu will be so pleased that it's escaped confinement, after all. ...Even if Tsukasa might mirror Aira's groan upon hearing the same news, but so it goes. Speaking of Aira, of course both he and Tatsumi get a jaunty little wave. Sure, there's no Mayoi, but the fact that they're letting him in at all is better than the worst case scenario, at least.]
I suppose that means that I don't have to introduce myself, fufu~ Forgive my poor manners, but...I couldn't help myself. Tonight's performance inspired me into drastic action, you see.
[He's just
going to stand there, smiling away. Are they going to try and grill him on behalf of Mayoi? God knows that's what Wandasho would do on his behalf, and what he'd do for any of them in return.]
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[But of course they let him in, and Hiiro pointedly shuts the door behind him. The air in the room isn't hostile but it is tense all of a sudden. They are all looking at Rui with varying levels of intent. Tatsumi is the first to speak up:]
It's quite all right. Mayoi-san has only spoken well of you to us, and I can tell you are very dear to him.
[Aira is sitting up now glancing between Tatsumi and Hiiro. Both of them appear to be looking at Rui in a way that suggests they are looking into him. Hiiro peers closer and sniffs him, then turns to the others.]
He does not smell like a threat, Tatsumi-senpai.
[Tatsumi shakes his head.]
Nor do I sense anything dangerous or evil about him.
[Aira seems to be relieved and then offers Rui a smile.]
Looks like you passed~. Though, that doesn't mean you're totally off the hook. As idols, it's not cool of us to do things like make threats, but I think it goes without saying that Mayo-san is very important to us, so you should treat him the best you possibly can.
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One hand comes to rest over his heart, as if that'll distract his interrogators from the way his ears are starting to flush. Sure, he's touched by the fact that they think he's safe. That's all. Not that Mayoi's at least thought about him since then, not that he's spoken of him and that it wasn't some sort of fever dream in the end.]
...I don't know if I could qualify for anything dear, to be honest. We've only met once after all. ...But I do want to, one day. If that happens. And I'm quite the fan besides. So at the very least, I can promise to be the best friend I can be.
For what it's worth, my friends-- I'm sure you recall them, going by the welcome I got-- were quite impressed by you all in return. We're aspiring to reach your dizzying heights as performers. But...Your dear friend is someone I'd like to reach on a more personal level, too. And I hate it when I fail. Does this make you all feel any better, I wonder?
[do not perceive the charms dangling from his pocket do not perceive him any longer he's not even sure if Mayoi would want to be close enough to him to warrant this sort of perception aaaaaa]
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[Also, Rui has yet to actively kidnap him, and so the bar of sane expectations with ES is on the ground and Rui successfully stepped over it.]
It is enough that we can at least glean your sincerity, and for that, we won't stand in your way.
[Tatsumi nods to the others, and Hiiro and Aira both get to their feet and start to head to the door.]
We would love nothing more that to meet you on the stage one day. We have tried a few times to schedule a day to come see your troupe, but ah... alas our schedules are chaotic at best. Hopefully sometime soon you will find us among your audience.
[Tatsumi is the first gone, then Hiiro. Aira lingers in the doorway a moment.]
We've got an interview that shoooouuuld take us about half an hour. Mayo-san never makes it to these because of how much Lives take out of him, so, that should buy you two enough time, right? Hehe, good luck.
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[He waves Tatsumi and Hiiro off, still fidgeting with the staff badge in his free hand, but--
ah.
Aira gets a slightly more nervous smile. Just barely, but still; in the face of a countdown like that, it's hard not to feel a little stage fright, don't you think?] ...I'll be out of here by then, rest assured. And thank you, again. Your trust, even this much, means more than any of you could ever know.
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[Then, there's a small clnk and the vent cover on the ceiling swings open. Out of it drops Mayoi. He is tired, dusty, and sweaty, but once he stands back up properly, he offers Rui a bright, excited smile.]
Rui-san.
[Ah, he will shove some hair behind his ear.]
I-I'm sorry. They, ah, insisted on speaking to you first. I hope they didn't frightening you too much...
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[Somehow, the vent opening and Mayoi dropping out is less scary than ALKALOID grilling him on being good enough!
...Marginally! Rui's still going to fidget wildly, even as he spins and shoots ole Dusty a relieved smile in return. There is, after all, the question of whether he should actually be here still, or whether everyone's simply overshot Mayoi's actual feelings on the situation.]
It's fine. If the tables were turned, I'm sure the outcome would've been almost identical. And I'm honoured to have any of their approval, fufufu~ But...I suppose I won't keep you away from your rest any longer, either. You worked very hard tonight, after all, and from the looks of it...A shower's in order.
[Almost automatically, he slips in closer, eyes creasing as his smile only deepens.] As wonderful as you all sound together, I have to admit that I prefer your voice alone. ...And you sound far better live, than on television. I almost wish I'd been here right from the start, so I could better gauge just how passionately you announced that first song.
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[As Rui comes closer, Mayoi brings his hands in close to his chest, face flushed in what could be from the Live but, definitely actually isn't. This entire thing- he had no idea that just speaking so whimsically before would result in ...in something like this. It's almost like he's in some kind of fairytale?]
It means ...that my wish came true, and that my song did reach you.
[So in case Rui was still wondering if that had been directed towards him. He then blinks and looks at Rui with a great deal of surprise.]
Rui-san... were you at home when we performed that song? Did ...Did you come all the way here just because...?
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[He covers his face with one hand, sheepish laughter slithering out between the fingers as the other hand brings his phone out to brandish the charm pile.]
You had me under your spell this entire time! Every live I could, I'd watch. It's been inspiring my work-- You inspired my work. Of course I watched tonight, too. Maybe it was too much, too obsessive, but when I heard that declaration, I wanted to see you.
I just wanted to see you, Mayoi-san. [The phone gets put back in his pocket at last, and his face revealed once more (if only because it's fucking sweaty trying to hide your equally red face, gross), but-- Rui's going to move in closer still and gently move to try and wipe some of that dust off of Mayoi's face.] And now I have. I've also gotten the answer to my question, which I didn't expect...
You're far too honest. You really should save words like that for someone you actually know, but I won't refuse them.
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I think... I-I think I owe you an apology. I never meant to bewitch you so, to ...cause you such distress. I'm...
[There is a lot to address here, and there is a lot he needs to say, and their time is ticking. It's always ticking.]
[He reaches up and takes that hand that came to brush away the dust on his face, and he holds it very reverently.]
Do not ...belittle the time we spent together. On that night ...I've never stopped thinking about it. What we shared under those stars. I ...I have said as much- that, I have not made very many connections with people. I lived only in the darkness until very recently.
[He smiles something very soft, apologetic.]
I've never felt a connection to someone like I have to you ...so, I am sorry, if it seems like my feelings are coming from a strange and abrupt place. I am truthfully very poor at understanding manners and cues, and so all I can do is just express myself honestly, be that good or bad.
[But he pauses here, looking down, looking incredibly troubled.]
Which ...w-which is why I need to be upfront about something, so I hope ...that Rui-san will hear me out.
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I might disgust you, or scare you. But it's a risk I'm willing to take, if you are.
[One deep breath, then another. This might not have a role for him to hide behind, but it's another new experience, a new stage, more inspiration. Even if this thing that Mayoi has to address is dire, is beyond Rui's ken, then it'll still mean something.]
The floor is yours. I've...I think that I've said all that I need to, really. And I like listening to you talk.
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[Right. Right, he needs to focus.]
...You are in a lot of danger, getting this close to me. When I spoke of scandal before, I was not ...exaggerating. The Tragedy of That Akehoshi was not so long ago ...the truth is.
[He takes a deep breath.]
I-If we are not careful ...a great deal of terrible things could happen and I would sooner die than hurt you like that. Just like I would also sooner die then let our connection be severed. However ...it is up to you. How you would like to proceed now that I've warned you.
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[The name 'Akehoshi' vaguely rings a bell, but...He knows More More Jump!, after all. He watches their lives on occasion, sees the possessiveness and sharp cruelty in the fans there and saw it tonight right up close. Tears rolling down the cheeks of fans the closer he got to the front, the screaming of more than just ALKALOID lyrics.]
I wouldn't want to put your hard work at risk, Mayoi-san. And I don't want you to die, either. If I have to share your affections with your fans, then I can accept that.
You know...I already have a friend from another school. I'll simply have to have another, won't I? But I'll protect you with everything I have, rest assured. [His eyes flit towards their linked hands, then back to Mayoi's face; with a deep sigh and a soft smile, he locks their fingers together.] I'll accept whatever measures I must. But I want to keep talking to you, and seeing amazing sights with you.
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[It's a kindness he knows he doesn't deserve, and so, he must make the most of it he can.]
[He squeezes Rui's hand and ...after a moment, raises it to his lips. It's not quite a kiss, but he will just graze his knuckles. There are no cameras in this room, they all made sure.]
I...I feel the same. I do not want this to be the last time we speak. If we must be vigilant, so be it. I'm willing... I'm willing to try. I still want to dream of our stage in the stars.
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[Rui's breath catches in his throat at the feeling of lips against his knuckles, as though he's not watching closely enough for it to be the obvious conclusion. He frees his thumb from the hold, then quickly brushes it against Mayoi's cheek as some small reciprocation.
Yeah, this'll be hard. It'll suck, probably. Not being able to just talk about this sort of thing with his friends for fear of it escaping into the park's staff, into the public, is already a strangling thought. But that stranglehold's loosened with every burning thrill that just being here, getting to hold hands, getting to feel the warmth of someone else without having to pretend in this moment. Gone is the adrenaline of anticipation, and in its place a fierce affection proudly sits.
But they only have about twenty minutes left, if that.]
Would we ever be able to collaborate professionally? Or would that be too risky? I'll move heaven and earth to give you that stage, Mayoi-san.
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[His heart feels like it will burst at any moment, even by just that. That regardless of what they're trying to have, and the absolute danger it would mean to navigate it, Rui hasn't turned on him. He's accepting. It makes him want to cry, but he does his best to hold it back. It's hard. He feels things very strongly all the time and he has never been good at masking.]
...
[His question gives him some pause.]
I want us to. I-I want to hope that it would be possible. I think... I will have to talk it over with the others, but ...to collaborate... i-it feels like a safe, innocuous matter. An alibi, even. After all ...there are many idols who "collaborate."
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[18 minutes, maybe. A secret just of his own, and a new goal that doesn't blow his current ones out of the water. One that could help everyone involved, if they're only careful enough. And he's getting better and better at being careful with other people, these days.
Rui can't hold back all of that affection that's been forced and swallowed down for so long, and it explodes onto his face in a grin aimed squarely at Mayoi alone.]
Now that that's been decided, we should make the most of this time left to us. Unless...You have another place we could escape to, but I feel like that'd be betraying your unit and the lovely girl who gave me this badge. I owe her most of all. The point is--
I want to get to know about you. What's your favourite kind of music to listen to? What committee are you on in school? Is that beauty mark real? What are you most afraid of? Tell me everything you want to share with someone, and I'll give you everything twofold!
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Y-you're right. I'm sorry.
[He will gently lead them to the little love seat in the room so they can sit down. Mayoi is running off adrenaline, but in reality he is very tired and he can feel his stamina running out.]
Anzu-san... she is the one who helped us. She's a producer- a miracle worker. An angel to every idol of ES. I-I'm very grateful to her. She has a lovely heart.
[Ah, but ...to learn about him. He's usually so abhorrent of talking about himself. He'd use every chance to deflect away- but. Rui-san is different. He was different from the very beginning and he finds that he does not ...wish to hide himself from him. It's such a strange feeling that is actually catches him off guard. He's quiet for a moment.]
[He chuckles finally and gives Rui a smile that slithers across his face, reaching his eyes. He takes the hand that he has not let go of yet and brings it up to that beauty mark just so he can brush it ever so gently. It's very real.]
Rui-san has so many questions for meeee~ where shall I start...? I favor music from stage productions ...and anything that has a dark and gloomy feel. I am a member of the ninja association ...as well as the sweets circle and overnight outdoors circle among ES.
[He leaves the last question off, because it is not something easy to answer. His smile falls a little as he gives it some thought.]
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His thumb rolls affectionately over the beauty spot, tempted to move elsewhere as if to map out a face he's memorised by vision alone. It's surreal, to be so close again and for a burgeoning fascination to be so completely overridden into whatever it is currently gurgling and whirring away in his chest. It's good. That's what matters.]
I might have expected your taste in music, then; something with real flair, that captures the heart and mind of the audience and lets the performer truly showcase their voice~ [The implication there, he feels, doesn't need to be spelled out.] And your committees...You're quite ambitious with your time, aren't you? But I get to understand you a little better, now...And know what to get you as a gift, too.
If you don't want to answer the last question, that's alright. It came tumbling out before I could stop it, and I was a little selfish in asking that of you right off the bat. Just knowing what you like, and a little of how you spend your time...That's plenty for me. You can ask me things instead, to make it fair.