Work Text:
Finally, the quota for today's work just finished. Ibara sighed in relief. At last, one thing finished between the pile of work he needed to manage.
In the beginning of this week he planned to take care of the rest of this week's work tonight given so many outdoor schedules will haunt him on the weekend. Unfortunately that plan had to be pushed past midnight as he was caught in lesson and today ended up being longer than he expected.
He knew he should've expected that to happen knowing Jun's nature. Ibara might only know Jun for less than 2 years, but even so, Ibara always watches over him from the side, his habits, his mannerism, it is already stuck in Ibara's memory. All the very reason why he could catch that stupid muscle brain kid's self destruct before it ended badly. But Maybe part of him wished for Jun to come to him and said all his worries, all his insecurities no matter how stupid it sounds.
Maybe…
He hoped too much.
📨
To : [email protected]
From : [email protected]
Greetings Saegusa-san.
The requested choreography and lyric for the demo song you gave to us a couple days ago are already up on the server. We would like to hear your opinion and revision if there is any. Thank you so much, please pardon us for sending it in the middle of night.
'Hm..—Ah. The choreography and lyrics for the new song are already up on the server?' Ibara moved to the Cosmic Production server and checked through the first pass result.
Smile appeared on his face as his head bops to the rhythm, humming the song with lyrics in his head. It seems like even this time they manage to convert that demo song into a fantastic A-side song like usual. Ibara is pretty sure despite a change of concept, with Nagisa and Hiyori leading them like usual, there should be no problem with the release. Fans will definitely like it.
His judgement was never wrong. Not even now.
He rested his back into the chair. Ibara pulled his tablet and pushed the button on it, the lights gradually went dim and the door immediately locked, with only the city's lights and moonlight shining his room dimly, Ibara looked up to the ceiling, letting the demo song with no lyrics play softly in the background. He closed his eyes, letting that melody in and studying each part of it.
There should be no problem with that new song. One year and half of Eden's career, they manage to sit on the throne that the world can see as the stability no other unit ever gets to stay in. Despite their loss in SS and all the turmoil they had to face because of the stupidity of their agency, Eden still managed to bounce back faster than any other idol unit could do.
But it's difficult to dismiss something when the sight of Jun who lost between his own pace, looking weak and vulnerable, keeps showing up everytime he closes his eyes.
"I know my position in Eden, I always do my best in it… I always took pride in each work I did for Eden"
" But, everytime I felt like that pride I took didn't resonate with what society saw in me. I lost. All my confidence just scrambled away"
It's a lie if Ibara were to say that he didn't relate to each of those words. He did. He understands that frustration. Unlike Jun, Ibara always said that he only become Idol because it was the easiest path for him to help his business grow. But was it everything he felt in this path? If so, why all the time he saw Jun get to shine by his own light he felt that bitterness in his heart?
For Ibara, dismissing his own feelings has always been so easy. Despite all those frustrating feelings, it's not difficult for him to put that aside and push his priority to develop the environment for Eden to grow stronger. Even if that means he has to swallow down those tasteless jokes and compliments from TV show producers, staff and talents about how surprised they are to know that the great producer and vice president of Cosmic Production is actually an Idol too. It doesn't matter. As long as Eden continues to be recognised as the strongest.
After all, as the shadow of eden, the darker they become the brighter Nagisa and Hiyori could shine. In the past even now, Ibara always believed in that. But Jun's growth was the only thing that made him feel divided on his own beliefs.
Jun was a piece that became variable control in his experiments. Ibara has watched over many potential students in Reimei to fill in the slots of the last member, making the perfect balance of this strongest unit he wants to create. There were many talented names, one after another unfortunately fell behind that unfortunate story. And yet, out of everyone, Sazanami Jun was the only one who survived until the end. Yes, Jun was one of them. Of course it was a big surprise for Ibara when Hiyori suddenly pointed his finger at that kid. Strangely enough, the dynamic between them that always became the opposite of each other resonated for Jun that day.
At first, Ibara was very cautious around that kid. Through his own intel, it's not difficult for Ibara to know the background of Sazanami Jun. Son of unfortunate talents who used to have potential to be Super Idol once broken down by a kid younger than him and wasted his talents in his sorrow. With Jun who spent early part of his life in rough days of Non special student life, part of him worried if Jun will resent him as someone who has always received privilege as a Special Student from the first day.
Awkwardly, without any experience, Ibara came at him, putting up the mask of an overly familiar kid, not knowing what the best way to approach this new person who will be part of his project as someone he has to work with until it's end.
Soul mate , he said.
Ibara laughed bitterly as he opened his eyes. He moved a bit to find his comfortable seating, pressing some button to turn on his Laptop again. Ibara turned on the volume of his music player louder as he cracked his knuckles. Ready to continue the night he was about to close for rest.
Thinking about it, that phrase probably was the worst first move he ever took in the 4D chess he played. That move resulted from many complicated feelings of not wanting to mess up what meant to be the first Impression which will last for years. And yet, instead of immediately changing his attitude, Ibara spent almost a year continuing to wear that mask. Even when Jun gradually changed his attitude for him.
Until that day. Yes, Ibara remembers that day. He took his pen this time and started writing the frame of his new task.
That day, As the new business partner of Tenshouin Eichi, Ibara came to Yumenosaki to witness it himself, the result of his trial to Jun. Creating Eden, along with Eve and Adam, assigning Hiyori with Jun while he with Nagisa wasn't without any purpose. Other than making sure they manage to take over the whole Cosmic Production's affiliated school's thrones, Ibara decided to leave Jun in Hiyori's care to tone down his whole rough self.
Like the rough diamond he is, Jun didn't just possess great talent that wasn't properly polished. He was also filled with grudges that might ruin himself if it wasn't treated well. And that was the main reason why Hiyori must be there by his side. Sounds off perhaps by others but yes, this is the whole narrative Ibara working for Eden. After all, when he created Eden, he didn't just want to create The strongest unit but also The most solid unit that will be acknowledged by all.
In that trial, Jun managed to surpass his expectations. Coming to the venue himself, Ibara prepared all the other plans in case he valued Jun wrong and betrayed by his whole grudge. But Jun didn't betray him. Despite his grudge being trashed and repainted into something outright disgusting at first sight, Jun took that chance and response from fans smartly, adapting into the new narrative, he danced his life as if it had always been the narrative of his whole life.
That day, the star called Sazanami Jun, who shines by himself, was born.
Ibara circled that title on his tablet, spinning his seat as he turned the back so he could face the glass windows and stared far into the scenery outside ES building. Funny as he thinks about this, the sight of stars in the sky can barely be seen. The lights on this city were way too bright that one single light from the star in the sky can barely be noticed.
It is exactly like the problem they face now. Surely Jun did so great in Saga to earn recognition from fans, from those people in interest, from the non special students who now look upon him like a hero himself. But those people are just a small number compared to this whole industry. No matter how hard Jun shines on his own, if Eden and Eve still treat him as the shadow.. and as the other soul of Eve, Jun will not be able to get recognition from the masses.
Ibara realised he was the one who dared to push Jun into that new role which went against the whole initial narrative he created for Eden and Jun managed to make that work. Coming this far, it's a given that Ibara shouldn't re-use the old narrative of Eden. Perhaps it's a little bit too early compared to his initial plan but he couldn't risk letting Jun self-destruct.
Ibara stared at the blurry reflection of him on that glass wall. Taking this path means that he has to put himself in the front too. He won't risk Jun ending up being covered by the light that is always surrounding Nagisa and Hiyori after all. This will be Jun's very first time to stand on stage as the center of Eden. He will do his best to support him. All this time, Ibara always felt like even if it stings, it doesn't matter if no one sees him. It doesn't matter if he is the only one not recognized by others as an Idol. But Ibara can't let that happen to Jun. He can't let Jun bear it alone too. After all, he once promised to Jun that he will never let Jun get any bad experience with this industry as long as he is still here in Cosmic Production.
.
While Ibara was busy with his thoughts, the said person he kept thinking about just left the shower room and tidied up his stuff, getting ready to go back to the dorm.
After the extra lesson they did together, Ibara left for his office to finish the work he postponed because he was too worried about Jun's condition. Meanwhile Jun went to the rest area to cool down and try to finish his homework. Unlike Ibara, Jun still has to finish a lot of his school academic quota given the third year in Reimei only can be free from it after the 1st semester ends. Jun admits he isn't really that good with academic stuff like this but he also didn't want to make Eden's name looks bad because even if such a thing like academic score and such should be private information, it would be difficult to stay hidden with the nature of the entertainment industry like it or not.
Only after one hour he finally managed to finish it and went to shower so he doesn't have to shower in the dorm again. Besides, he felt bad for Kohaku if he ended up coming back all sweaty like that.
After Jun finished with everything, he peek over his agency to check if Ibara is still there. Knowing Ibara, he is quite famous to be the rumoured ghost of the Cospro office because he sometimes stayed up so late in the agency with the lights all being off.
There seems to be no sign of him but Jun decided to text him first.
Today.. It was quite a strange day for both of them. For sure, Ibara has always been someone who seems to look out for him from the side. At first, Jun dislikes his whole attitude of trying to be over familiar to him yet not willing to show off any of his true intentions. It didn't match well with Jun's personality as he rather not indulge with such fakery. But, ever since that day Jun pushed himself to talk to Ibara and ask for advice from him, he realized how close Ibara always watched over him. Without wasting any time, Ibara managed to set up a proper schedule for his routine that he still uses until now. It's all really fitting for his need as if Ibara always knew that he needed it.
But for them to actually talk? Heart to heart?
That's a pretty rare occurrence. Jun somehow understands that for Ibara, baring his true self is like showing his weakness. He grows to accept that as part of things Ibara dislikes and lets him take his time to open up. Gradually, ever since they become 3rd year, they end up meeting up more in the lesson room and gym in the ES building. They would sometimes end up engaging in some seemingly useless conversation, just them, talking about some stuff that piled in their heart. Every time they did get to do it, neither of them are aware how fast the time tickling. As if time just flies by like nothing when they talk together. And every single time Ibara told him that talking to him really made him lose track in time, Jun felt like something was fluttering in his stomach. A small happiness sparks even if his heart still wonders what it means
It's true that Ibara is sometimes very annoying when he talks with that persona of his up on his face but when he shows his true self, one… like today, the more they talk to each other, the more Jun finds the similarity between them that sometimes leaves him wondering. Maybe, sharing the same fate and being friends who understand each other are something more than just empty words Ibara used to keep boasting in the beginning of their friendship.
Friendship…
Truly a strange word for them to use. Ibara is a difficult person so Jun has given up trying to define what kind of relationship they have. But he is glad that they already grow into each other. Even if he himself was being difficult about it, today, Jun got to talk about his worries to Ibara. Ibara did mock him about it even if he said he won't laugh at it. Although, for some reason, Jun can't find himself hating that. After all, even if Ibara didn't want to admit it clearly, he really wasted his precious perfected schedule just to check on him again and even accompanied him until he felt satisfied with himself again.
"... Yet, you expect me to not see that as kindness?" Jun whispered to himself, staring at his phone. Waiting for Ibara to reply.
He surely has a funny friend.
💬
Jun :
Are you still in the office? It's all dark when I checked.
Ibara :
Yeah. DW I turned off the light, my eyes hurt. Everyone had already gone back home.
Jun :
Do you still have that much work? I'm just done with showering and all. Yknow. If you wanna go back to the dorm, let's go together. Since it's like midnight already.
Not that I'm scared.
Also, idk how much ur work but you better rest if you are that tired.
Ibara :
Doubt. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Pretty sure the fearless Savanna Jun is scared of the dark.
Also nah. As fun as walking down with a scaredy cat in the middle of night sounds pretty much intriguing. I still have tons to do, there was an emergency mail just arrived. so just go back yourself.
I don't wanna hear a sermon from someone who was so ready to destroy his body just bcs of slump . The night shift driver will accompany you though, I already told him. So be a good boy and go home with him okay?
Jun :
Quit acting like my mom 💢
I'm not scared and I can go back alone. Also like I said. I didn't plan to do things like that. Will you just let go of that ald??
But fine. Just… idk. I'll storm into your office.
If you didn't rest
Ibara :
And do what?
Jun :
Idk maybe.. ah right, accepting job as Eden's name where we all should go to countryside for 1 whole week so you can't have access for doing desk job everyday
Ibara :
You wanna die so bad?
Jun :
No~ I love my life so much~
Ah the driver is here.
Don't forget to rest Ibara.
.
"What a fucking troublesome kid.. he is getting cocky after getting a bit better huh" Ibara cursed under his breath and just left Jun on read . But it wasn't anger that filled him up, instead, part of him just felt challenged.
Right. Ibara might not be able to take the spotlight with Jun as direct as Nagisa and Hiyori would when they stand together as the center. But, he has no intention of just giving up either. He hates to admit it but guess, he is really going to take the advice that Anzu gave to him a couple days ago…
Ibara spinned his seat and faced his laptop again. He took a glance at the clock and noticed it's already 2AM.
"It's going to be a long night… " he smirked, getting a bit giddy to focus on this now. He had enough of his whole brainstorming. Now he gotta put all that into this new song. Perhaps leave the lyricist name as anonymous huh because for some odd reason after the text he exchanged with Jun just now, he felt annoyed if Jun would get to tease him for spending the night here writing new lyrics by himself for Jun .
No, he is not gonna let that happen.
This is not for him but for the future of Eden! Yes!
💬
Jun :
Yknow. I just arrived. Thanks for the ride and... Thanks for accompanying me tonight.
You don't have to reply. Just… I wanna say that being able to talk it out?? Kinda helps. Idk who to talk abt these kinds of things, ysee So thank you for reaching out. Like I mean it.
I'll do my best for the new song. I promise I won't let you down again.
Unfortunately for Jun, Ibara was already too focused on his laptop and battling with the words to write that lyrics for him. He waited for like half an hour, just staring at his phone waiting for the reply or at least sign that Ibara read his message but even after a couple of yawning, the younger didn't seem to react to anything.
"... Tch. Here I spent the entire ride trying to say thankyou properly without sounding weird." Jun sighed and just enter his room already. He immediately just dropped his body on the bed, thinking of finally getting some rest.
But a couple minutes after he decided to sleep he ended up opening his phone again to send another chat because he felt off leaving it just like that.
💬
Jun :
Goodnight.
Ibara :
My DM and office are always open for that.
And yeah. Sleep well Jun, stop waiting for my reply.
You sound like a giddy boy in love waiting for his crush to reply to his text before sleep and end up not sleeping.
Jun didn't expect that Ibara actually replied to that one instead. And what was that?! Did he just mocked him???
💬
Jun :
You wish. 💢
Ibara :
Yeah I wish.
Go to sleep, you are bothering my work.
Jun :
Wait!??? What do you mean??
You're the one who keeps replying. I said you don't have to reply to this.
And Ibara really left him to read.
"How dare him… just wait, I won't let this end this way."
Guess…? The endless night is not just happening on Ibara's end?