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Each time he performs alongside Tenn, Gaku can’t help but feel captivated by the center. The way he dances so gracefully yet still embodies TRIGGER’s cool image, the way he sings with such a smooth voice yet perfectly harmonizes with Gaku and Ryu’s deeper vocals, the way he takes center stage with unwavering confidence yet still manages to communicate his humble appreciation for their fans. Tenn effortlessly captures their fans’ hearts, as well as Gaku’s own.
As Daybreak Interlude concludes, they pose in their signature arrangement, Tenn in the center with Gaku and Ryu flanking him on both sides, a silent reminder of their connection as TRIGGER. Leaning into Tenn’s space, Gaku is able to hear the slight inconsistencies in his breathing as he catches his breath from the last song. The close proximity only makes Tenn’s allure all the more effective for Gaku as the center commands the entire concert hall’s attention, his voice sweet and gaze warm.
He’s the perfect image of an angel.
Tenn's offstage persona is a different story. If you ask Gaku, he would compare Tenn’s personality to the freezing temperatures of Antarctica, to which Tenn would respond by saying that Gaku is an idiot with nothing but soba on his brain. Of course, they’re both aware that these arguments are nothing more than lighthearted banter at the end of the day.
Still, Tenn's colder side isn't exactly a secret in the entertainment industry, even among fans. Whereas Gaku stays true to himself both on and offstage, both Tenn and Ryu separate their public and private personas. Some have criticized Tenn’s split personality, citing it as evidence that he’s nothing more than an empty idol with a fake personality, ŹOOĻ previously sharing these sentiments as well.
Of course, as different as their ideologies are, more than anyone, Gaku knows that Tenn isn’t just some hollow doll. Even when he's on the verge of fainting from illness or overwork, Tenn always puts one hundred percent into his performances. He’s as strict on himself as he is on others, and in order to protect their fans’ happiness, Tenn will push himself to his breaking point, maintaining his image as TRIGGER’s perfect angel.
Yet as cold as Tenn can be, he can also be just as soft. Gaku is once again reminded of this as they walk offstage. Tenn’s unrestrained laughter in response to Ryu’s excitement after their successful concert, his gentle smile hidden away by the privacy of their dressing room, and his bright eyes that silently express how proud he is to have Gaku and Ryu as his unit mates.
Once upon a time, Gaku would never believe that Tenn is just as sweet and kind offstage as he is onstage. However, after seeing how much Tenn dotes on his precious brother, how much he cares for his fans, and how much he treasures TRIGGER, Gaku understands.
It’s a side that Riku once told him about and that Ryu has always been aware of. It’s a side that their fans sense as well. When Tenn claims that their fans’ smiles are what give him motivation, he isn’t lying, and his sincerity is communicated. As he expresses his appreciation for their fans’ support, they return his love with love of their own.
If only critics looked closer, they would know that Tenn’s hidden persona isn't his cold side but his softer one. Of course, Gaku doesn’t exactly blame people for misunderstanding the center. With Tenn’s onstage angel image masking his offstage colder persona, which also masks his secret kind and selfless nature, well, it’s no wonder even his own twin has trouble understanding him. The brat is complicated.
Only those who put forth the effort to truly know Tenn and to break through his walls are able to see all facets of his personality. Even then, it’s only with Gaku and Ryu that Tenn allows himself to be free of fans’, Riku’s, Kujo’s, and everyone else's expectations. When he's with TRIGGER, Tenn can truly feel human, disregarding his image as a modern day angel. It’s this human side that Gaku can’t help but lov—
“Gaku?”
He’s snapped out of his thoughts by Tenn’s voice and his finger poking his cheek. Gaku swats Tenn's hand away, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment at being caught lost in thought by the very person who was just occupying his mind.
Glancing at Tenn and then at himself, Gaku realizes they both already changed out of their stage outfits. How Gaku managed to do that without even noticing is beyond him. He then looks around the dressing room, noticing that the two of them are alone.
“Ryu already left,” Tenn answers his unspoken question before gaining a mischievous expression. “Apparently Mido Torao asked if he was free to ‘hang out.’”
Gaku chuckles at that. Ever since TRIGGER and ŹOOĻ mended their relationship, Torao has been particularly attentive to Ryu. While it could also be to make amends for Torao’s previous antagonism, Gaku and Tenn suspect it’s something more, given how Torao’s eyes tend to follow their unit mate whenever they have a job together, all while Ryu remains completely oblivious to the other’s lingering gaze.
Of course, Ryu is much too kind to ignore someone’s genuine invitation to hang out. Not to mention, he most likely also wanted to give Gaku and Tenn some alone time together. Gaku makes a mental note to plan for the three of them to have lunch together the next time their schedules align, not wanting to make Ryu feel left out as the third wheel.
Gaku must have been silent for a while because Tenn tilts his head, giving him a contemplative gaze.
“What? Something on my face?” Gaku asks, confused, before his expression becomes teasing. “Or were you just admiring how handsome I am?”
Tenn gives him an amused expression. “Oh? But Mr. Sobaman, I thought you said you weren’t as handsome as the real Yaotome Gaku.”
Gaku groans. “You’re never going to let me live that down, huh?”
“Well, someone has to bring you back down to Earth.” Tenn smirks before his expression morphs into subtle concern. “You were lost in thought for a while, and then you turned red when I snapped you out of it. You better not be coming down with a fever. I told you that as idols, we need to take proper care of our health.”
Gaku rolls his eyes at another one of Tenn’s lectures. “You’re the last person I want to hear that from. Maybe you should take your own advice once in a while. That way, we won’t have to worry about you passing out from overwork.”
Tenn huffs but decidedly chooses not to respond, instead opting to change the subject. “What were you thinking about earlier?”
“You.”
Tenn’s cheeks rapidly deepen in color. “What are you saying?! Are you sure you don’t have a fever?!”
Maybe Gaku is slightly out of it. Not because he’s sick but because the person in front of him makes all other thoughts go out the window. These sides to Tenn, his playful grin, his genuine concern, and his passionate blush, are reserved solely for Gaku. They’re intimate moments that not even Ryu has the privilege of witnessing. Instead of answering Tenn, Gaku leans down to kiss him, communicating just how much he truly loves him.
Tenn takes a moment to respond but soon returns the kiss, letting his eyes fall closed as he finds comfort in the moment. It’s a chaste kiss, one full of warmth and security. As they lean back, they simply gaze at each softly.
“I really love you,” Gaku says, voice full of emotion. “I love your snarky attitude, I love how you always give your best no matter what, and I love how kind and selfless you are.”
Tenn’s face burns as he feels the weight of Gaku’s words. He quickly opts to kiss Gaku again to prevent him from continuing further.
“... You’re so sappy today,” Tenn mutters, averting his gaze for a moment before turning back to make eye contact. His cheeks are still painted a bright red, but his eyes are filled with conviction. “Even so, I love you too.”
While he didn’t elaborate as much as Gaku, the short declaration, said with such sincerity, set Gaku’s cheeks ablaze. Gaku clears his throat, suddenly at a loss for words. Tenn smirks, satisfied with how the tables have turned.
“You brat…” Gaku manages to say, his words carrying no real bite. He awkwardly turns his face away, a poor attempt at trying to conceal his blush.
Tenn lets out a smug chuckle. “Well, you’re the one who said you were in love with this ‘brat.’”
Gaku doesn’t bother denying what they both know to be true. Instead, he gathers the rest of his belongings, his face slowly returning to its original color, before turning back to Tenn, his hand outstretched. “Come on, we should get out of here before the staff kick us out.”
Tenn places his hand in Gaku's. “You’re so embarrassing,” Tenn mutters, though his tone is more lighthearted than before, a soft smile and light blush decorating his features.
They fall into pace with one another, walking shoulder to shoulder. Of course, they make sure to let go of each other’s hands whenever other people come near. Only once they settle into their car, having already told Kaoru that they would drive themselves, do they allow themselves to relax.
Within this secluded bubble of comfort, there’s no one else but them. It’s a space that exists beyond the stage and the prying eyes of the public, a private moment reserved only for them.
Gaku once said that he wouldn’t hate a purely kind and gentle Tenn but also wouldn’t see him as anything special, and he still maintains that same sentiment. It’s the blend of sweetness and bitterness that draws him to the center. Whether they’re performing onstage together or bantering offstage, Gaku loves all these sides to Tenn, and he wouldn’t have him any other way.