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Hajime walked into the studio as Procellarum wrapped up their rehearsal from both the final day of filming and the MV of their theme song. He could see the cast in costume, panting and laughing, clapping each other’s hands as they thanked the staff. He saw their leader still beaming and radiate energy even if he was running low. Just being with everyone kept the Demon King functioning at a solid 40%.
Shun energy [//////// ]
Everyone else were just as tired except the more fit of the group, the two athletes named Kai and Iku. Even You was hanging in there as dancing was his forte. Yoru and Rui on the other hand look like they could fall over with the slightest nudge. However, their partners stayed close with them. There was not a need for worry. Hajime refocused his attention on his fellow leader as he approached. He could see the energy level increase even without immediate notice of his presence.
“Good work, everyone,” Hajime greeted. All of the attention turned to him. He could see Shun beaming brighter, fully rejuvenated and more. Even flowers were blooming. Such special effects were fascinating and normally impossible. But it was Shun, the man who possessed unspeakable magic that even skeptics couldn’t deny. Though strange as it was, it seemed that only Hajime was capable of perceiving such mood indicators. He could see it clearly.
Shun energy [///////////////////////]//
Shun happiness [///////////////////////]//////
“Hajime~” Shun cooed.
“Yo, what brings you here?” Kai asked with a wave of a hand.
“I have this studio booked next for a shoot,” Hajime said. “They didn’t stop me at the door from entering even though I’m not a part of this project.
“We were wrapping up anyways. No spoilers, thankfully,” Yoru said.
“Good, I want to experience it in theaters.” Hajime ruffled Yoru’s hair, unable to help himself. You supported his best friend when he stumbled a little.
“Oy, watch your strength, Mr. Iron Claw,” You chided.
“Sorry.”
“Hajime’s so strong yet gentle~” Shun awed. Hajime opened his mouth to retort but stopped himself. Kai elbowed Shun.
“Sorry, we can’t control what he says,” Kai said.
“I’m used to it,” Hajime dismissed though a thought lingered in his mind.
“I think Shun held back actually,” Rui said.
“Ehehehehe,” Shun grinned. “Oh Ruirui.”
“We didn’t need to know that, Rui…” Iku said.
“When it comes to Hajime, I have much to say!” Shun declared.
“Yeah, yeah, we know, but he has work now,” Kai said as he began to turn his partner around. Shun pouted. The happiness drooped a little.
Shun happiness [///////////////////////]////
Hajime let out a chuckle, “I have some time so I thought I’d come visit a bit early and play.”
“Play?” Procella repeated.
“Did Shun infect you?” You asked.
“Infect?” Shun gasped. “No, no! You mean ‘influence’!”
“No, I mean ‘infect’,” You snarked back.
“Regardless, Shun has a particular effect on people,” Hajime stated then quickly followed with, “Go change so the set managers can go home.”
“Yessir,” Kai hooked his arms around as many of his groupmates as he could and carry them over to the changing room despite their protests. The remaining (Iku) waved bye and walked after the hurdle. Hajime didn’t bother hiding the smile on his face as he watched the chaos disappear from sight. And how the levels dripped the further he was.
Shun energy [///////////////////// ]
Shun happiness [//////////////////// ]
Fascinating.
Many friends went home or were out for one reason or another. It was rare occasion for the dorm to be mostly empty. Hajime returned from his last assignment of the day to find Shun sitting on the couch of the common room, reading a book. He ws calm and collected, emitting a mature aura he only sometimes displayed when he wasn’t bustling with energy. Here was a moment to witness an elegant beauty befitting a fairytale royalty.
Hajime had noticed before. That when alone, Shun maintained a reserved 70%.
Shun energy [///////////// ]
Hajime took a seat next to him, immediately drawing his attention. He watched how that bar rose and those flowers bloom again.
Shun energy [///////////////////]
Shun happiness [///////////////////]///////
Although Shun was smiling, it was different than how it was before. It was always different when it was just the two of them. The man before him loved to play and pose grand insights, yet will also be the mature guidance and support when needed.
“I’m back,” Hajime said. He fought the urge to lean his head on that shoulder. A nap was enticing, but another part of him still wanted to play.
“Welcome back,” Shun smiled.
“No plans?”
“Work?” He asked instead as he closed his book.
“Ah.” They fell silent. Not a soul, not even the pets were home. It was the quietest the dorm had been aside from when they’re all out. “You seem content even when you thrive off people.”
“My, you make me sound as if I’m a vampire or some sort of leech.” Shun chuckled and closed his eyes. “A demon king is quite different I’ll have you know. Even I don’t seek to be with everyone all the time.”
“Even me?” Hajime spotted those sly foxlike eyes stealing a glance at him.
“I savor every moment with you.”
“Ah, so I’m the exception.”
“Always. One day you’ll cease underestimating my love for you.” Shun huffed lightly.
“Heh, sure.” Hajime chuckled. He didn’t see a shift in the levels though the flowers had disappeared. “Seeing as everyone ditched us, let’s go have dinner.” Hajime stood up.
“Oh? Hajime asking me out on a date?” Shun teased.
“I did not use those words.”
Shun energy [////////////////// ]
Shun happiness [////////////////// ]
“But, essentially yes,” Hajime continued. He could see a slight tinge of rogue on that fair skin and perhaps hearts struck by arrows.
Shun energy [///////////////////]
Shun happiness [///////////////////]///////
“…dinner?” Shun’s words were muffled as Hajime stared, a little lost in thought. “Ha. Ji. Me.” Shun stood with his hands on his hips as he enunciated each syllable. “Are you bewitched by my good looks to speak that hard?”
“Hmm,” Hajime leaned close without saying a word or flinching. Shun on the other hand, his eyes widened. “As I said before, you have a good face.”
Shun energy [///////////////////]
Shun happiness [///////////////////]////////////////
“Ack!” Shun clenched his shirt over his heart. “Critical damage!”
“Heh.” Hajime held out his hand. “Come on, let’s go.” Shun took the hand and practically hugged the arm.
“Just for now?” Shun asked as he leaned his head against Hajime’s shoulder.
“Just until we get to the stairs. I don’t want any accidents.” His response was met with a giggle but never the less, they slowly made their way towards the exit. As agreed, Shun straightened up and loosened up when they reached the stairs. Still, Hajime didn’t let go even if the fingers around his did. With him firm on his stance, Shun clasped his hand together again.
They walked outside like any other person, through the streets of Tokyo. Past the the business men and women. Past the students heading home. They were in their own little world scouting for a place to eat without even sharing a single word.
Hajime stole a glance to the left. Shun was observing as he does, taking in the whole moment. There hadn’t been a change in his mood since leaving the dorm. The other was humming lightly as the evening sun outline his face.
“What is it?” Shun asked without turning to meet the stare.
“Have you thought about what you want to eat?” Hajime asked.
“Mmm, anything you’d like I’d like too~”
“Seriously, you must have some preferences.”
“If someone put in the effort to make something for me, I’d love it. But why choose when we can greedily try it all?” Shun tilted his head towards Hajime, flashing his classic smile.
“We cannot feasibly eat everything…” Hajime sighed. “Well, whatever. If you see something you want, just say it.” Shun smiled at him, a look that said ‘are you sure you want to say that?’. “And I mean food.”
“Fufu, of course,” the other couldn’t help but laugh. There was something about how he laughed so freely that it was innocent and pure. It was dazzling, more than the sparkles that surrounded his joy. Something infectious. Hajime’s grip tightened. Shun’s eyes popped open but words didn’t roll off his silver tongue. He didn’t want to ruin the moment. Hajime could see the soft down casted gaze and a light rosiness on those cheeks again.
He was certain this heart was racing just like his own.
“There’s a pasta shop I want to try,” Hajime whispered into Shun’s ear.
“Is it a secret spot?” Shun whispered back. There was that playfulness emerging, a glint in those eyes.
Shun play [///////////////////]
Shun happiness [///////////////////]//////////////////
“I suppose you could say that. It’s a little hidden among all the restaurants around it.” Hajime maintained the unspoken secrecy in a hushed tone. His growling stomach was louder than his words. Even louder than the cars that drove past. Shun covered his mouth with the back of his hand, failing to mask the chortle.
“Let’s get our favorite idol some food,” Shun took a large stride forward, tugging the other in tow.
“Oi, you mean your favorite,” Hajime corrected and took several large steps. He strode past Shun, who had continued walking as well, almost as a teasing challenge. “Let’s go.”
“Yes, yes~” Hajime led them across two streets and around a corner into a plaza. There were people in taking photos in front of the fountain. Others eating at tables right outside the stores. Lines forming in front of smaller shops. The ambience was a loug, incoherent chatter. Sweets filled the air through the laughs.
“My, how long as it been since we came to this date spot?” Shun sighed and airy sigh.
“Just us? Several years,” Hajime answered as he guided them to the stairs going up to the open patio of tables in front of the restaurant. They sat by the balcony overseeing the plaza below with the sunset beautifully displayed in the distance. Wine was served to them first, each a glass with the remnant bottle resting in a bucket of ice next to them. Hajime faced his own glass but glazed across to where Shun swirled the wine in his hand, took a whiff and a sip as if it was the most natural thing to do with such grace.
“What’s on your mind?” Shun asked.
“What do you mean?” Hajime returned the question as he took a sip.
“Hmm? What do you mean what do I mean?” Shun stretched the tossed the words around.
“Nothing you need to worry about.”
“Are you lonely?” Shun teased.
“Do I look alone?” Hajime raised an eyebrow back. The other hushed for a moment.
“Haha! A date so you wouldn’t be lonely?” Shun grinned as he rested his cheek against the palm of his hand, elbow against the table. “How cute!”
“Oi, don’t make up narratives. Besides,” Hajime leaned forward, “I believe you benefit from this a lot more than I do.”
“And I’m savoring every moment!” Their food arrived causing them to sit back upright in the seats. Nevertheless, the mood kept up.
“Do you prefer,” Hajime began after a few bites of his pasta. His words drew the attention back onto him. “To spend time with me or everyone else?”
“What a cruel inquiry!” Shun gasped. His face contorted at the options. “What are you hoping to be the answer?”
“An answer and not a loophole.” The Black King witnessed the White King’s pout.
“I want to keep playing with everyone,” Shun said, twirling his fork in the noodles, dragging it all into one big bundle then pulled the utensil out. “Each and everyone’s precious laughter and energy, but the End will always yearn for the Beginning.”
“I want to hear it.”
“Mmm.” Shun didn’t speak but took a bite of his food, silently savoring it. “I want to spend more and more time with you.”
“Is that so?” Hajime reached over and wiped the sauce off the corner of Shun’s mouth with his finger.
“Oh my,” Shun quickly shifted from startled to cupping his hot face in a dramatic fashion. “This level of fanservice could send the average person into ascension!” The way his eyes didn’t meet the other yet Hajime could see a number of calculations and possibilities running through that brilliant brain. However the moment Shun stole a glance at the man across, Hajime licked the sauce off of his thumb. He could see the shock and fluster soon masked under a layer a ignorance.
“Hmm, not bad flavor,” Hajime muttered. The meal carried on in a silence, savoring the food and drinks with the remnants of the sun. Hajime watched how Shun observed the people below with the alcohol to his lips. The unfocused gaze was not at all on the sight.
Shun love [///////////////////////]////////////////////////////
A few days had passed since the date. Hajime paced back and forth in his room, arms crossed, finger tapping. A guilty question had been gnawing at him in the nights.
“Have I led him on?” He couldn’t help but wonder what started off as play nurtured deeper hidden feelings. But were they the same? Hajime continued to pace as he deliberated. The date flooded him with warm but greedy urges. Shun’s flustered face lingered in his mind. His heart thumped and thumped.
Eventually, he ran his hand through his hair and let out an aggravated sigh. “Get it together, Mutsuki Hajime…!” He chided himself. “You’ll figure it out over time. Now get to work.”
“The crowd never gets tired,” Shun commented as they peered through the curtains off stage. All of Six Gravity and Procellarum were in costume and read to enter. However, in someone’s mind, his thoughts were on the first words said to him in three days.
“Ah,” Hajime acknowledged. “Only gets bigger.” He could see the gauges the same as he last saw them but unlike himself, Shun had much better composure. Looking at him normally, you wouldn’t think something was off.
“All the more to give it your all, ne?” Shun elbowed the other leader.
“Of course.” Hajime took a deep breath.
“Not like you to be distracted. Perhaps there was something you wanted to talk about.”
“Well, certainly not at this moment,” Hajime answered. His hand accidentally brushed against Shun’s. Though gloved, Shun did flinched towards him a little. Their hand continued to sway in their natural idle motion, occasionally brushing against each other. Shun went quiet. “You look like you’re about to burst.” Hajime made the executive decision to take that hand into his own and gripped firmly. “Compose yourself, Demon King, the fans are waiting.”
“I’m trying, but someone doesn’t seem to understand what sort of effect his has on me,” Shun huffed a bratty pout towards the other before shifting back to professionalism. “I wonder who’s the true demon king…”
Shun [/////////////////////]///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
Behind them and their whispers, two pairs of securitizing eyes bore onto them. One leaned over towards his left and whispered, “Do you got a key to a room?”
“Most rooms don’t lock people in, Haru,” Kai answered. “But you really think a mere room can contain those two?”
“No…”
“They’ll work things out.” Kai patted his fellow vice leader on the shoulder.
“You don’t understand, I’ve been witnessing a smart man turn idiot about his own feelings for years. Years. And still at the beginning.” Haru gestured with emphasis at the two in front of him but kept his hands close to his stomach.
“Oh I do. Except more with the other smart guy who despite his boldness everywhere else, keeps this hushed and hidden.” Kai sighed. “But it’s not our business until it is.”
“… We can hear everything you say right behind us…” Hajime said.
“Oh good,” Haru answered. “Then our job here is done. You’re welcome.”
“Huh?” Kakeru shook his head and turned towards them. “We haven’t even—" Haru covered his mouth and petted his head.
“Shh, I’m talking about something else. You just focus on warming up, ok?”
“Eh??” Kakeru looked over at his leader for help.
“You heard him,” Hajime said.
“Eh???”
“Actually, why are you hold hands?” Koi asked, pointing at joined hands. “Are we supposed to?”
“Koi, Koi, Koi,” Shun shook his head and clicked his tongue multiple times. “Are you paying attention?” He teased.
“Eh?!” Koi looked at Hajime who looked back at him.
“You heard him,” Hajime said again.
“Follow the leader~” Shun said, holding up the example. Despite the stares of disbelief and darts of suspicion directed at a certain demon lord, everyone did as demonstrated, holding hands with their cross partner. As the signal rose, each of them ran onto the stage in pairs. Confusion still eminent on some of their faces. “Ne, Hajime,” Shun said under the volume of the crowd. “Let’s play some more? Today, tomorrow, and so forth?”
“Of course,” Hajime replied, his hold tightened as if to never let go. One day, he’d have to fess up about playing with his reactions, but for now, it was a later problem.