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Tomoya has always known that at core, he is selfish; only wants to protect and possess what is close to him feverishly. Because if anything he holds dear slips out of reach within his mundane perisphere, he'll never live to see it again. So Tomoya embraces "average" – presence opressive in its universality as his earnest smile dyes those special figures around him deutzia white, rendering immunity to him impossible.
To deny Tomoya Mashiro after all, would be much like denying needing air – normal is crucial to highlight the abnormal.
In showbiz, he is nothing but a "prey animal" – loved and treasured inside his little nest, yet unable to truly resist when the tides of change envelop him. Hence, "Tomoya Mashiro" doesn't care for idol politics; as long as he has a stage, the figures surrounding them is of no concern to him. Greedy execs, disciplinary idol seniors, wishy-washy lunatics – he can make due with them, can look away if that means his beloveds are safe. He doesnt have a problem with it, he is selfserving the way he ought to.
He knows Tenshouin isn't too fond of him (that cold stare from back when he brought Wataru into safety was momentary, but told Tomoya all needed to be known) and he wont blame him — after all, Tomoya has intruded multiple times on his orbit, biting too much of what he can chew much like a rabbit tends to do. So he tries to be palateable and play the game — by negotiating and ignoring the jabs without much resistance. It works as a arrangement. Temporarily.
That until Anzu tells him he wants to see Tomoya in his office. And so he does.
Theres a odd mirth in Tenshouins eyes contrasting the way he postures himself; legs crossed, fingers braided as he showcases a pristine smile.
"Good afternoon, Mashiro-kun," He starts, and Tomoya stiffens. He has the intuition of prey built into his core, will always recognize the undercurrent of contempt lurking in his eyes. "I have some news regarding a upcoming event i'd like you to receive from me. How would you like to take a seat?"
"….Understood, Tenshouin-san." He simply responds as he thinks of how to probe further, concealing any trace of anxiety present. "So what kind of event is it? I'd like to know the details before i take it on."
"Oh don't worry, i specifically thought of the concept being perfect for you in mind. Care to hear out the proposal?" Tenshouin simply repeats. A thick booklet is spread out on the table as Eichi scrolls through it's contents for the desired pages, and Tomoyas eyes travels towards it despite his reluctance. A actors society is arranging a play about a idols rise and fall, seeking feedback from a experienced idol interested in theater.
"Do i have any other choice?" He responds in exasperation, and this time, the other boy genuinely laughs.
Tomoya takes a seat as the deafing silence (tension) between them simmers in it's abnormalcy — whatever news he was about to tell him couldn't be positive for the other. Dragons Head had already turned out a headache, and neutrality was starting to seem less appealing for each day that passed. And why was he getting toyed around so nonchalantly by someone who had it all either way? Tomoya was being far too kind about this whole situation to start with.
He hates to admit it, but it was starting to irritate him.
Tomoya cannot help but feel it in his bones; that whatever unfolding here might be a crescendo, building up to a unevitable collision.