Chapter Text
5 pm, day 1
[17:45] iorinnn
[17:45] heeeeeeeeeeeelp
[17:45] 
[17:46] emeregencyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
[17:46] you there?
[17:47] talk to meee
[17:47] even calling me is fine
[17:48] 
[17:54] Hello? Are you alright?
[17:55] aaaa
[17:55] i forgot my keys again
[17:55] 
[17:55] can u help me get in
[17:56] plspslspls
[17:56] a bunch of girls waited for me till after rehearsal
[17:57] theyre followingme around rn too
[17:57] 
[17:58] ive just been walking n ignoring them but im almost at our apartment but i cant get in
[17:59] I see. Does the apartment have a window you can easily access?
[17:59] huh???
[18:00] we live on the seventh floor
[18:03] I see… that’s too bad. How about the door? Does the door swing inward or outward when you open it to step inside?
[18:05] whats up with all these weird questions
[18:05] ur getting scary iiorin
[18:06] i dunno inward?
[18:07] That could work.
[18:08] Use a front kick to drive the heel of your foot into the door. Aim for the space approximately near the keyhole—doors are typically weakest on the side where the lock is mounted, i.e. further away from the hinge.
[18:09] HUH??!!!!!!
[18:09] Y CANT U JSUST UNLOCK IT
[18:10] arent u at mikkis
[18:11] super close to our apt
[18:11] jog over n unlock the door pls
[18:12]
[18:12] u can go back to mikkis right after
[18:13] please
[18:13] I’m terribly sorry. I should have mentioned this earlier, but the situation felt urgent and so I got caught up with your immediate situation without properly explaining my end.
[18:14] That is to say: I’m sorry, but I’m afraid you’ve gotten the wrong number.
[18:15] HAH?!!!!!?!?
[18:15] 
[18:15]
[18:16]
[18:16] no way
[18:17] ur not iorin?
[18:18] I am not. Please accept my sincerest apologies.
[18:20] aaaaaa mannnnnnn
[18:21]
[18:22] iorinnnnnnnnnnnnn
[18:22] whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
[18:22] got a new phone and gave me the wrong NUMBER
[18:23]
[18:26] I am terribly sorry. Although I may not be Iorin, I will do everything I can to be useful.
[18:28] 
[18:28] stop apologizing
[18:31] I’m so sorry.
[18:31] Oh, I’m sorry for my last message. Before I had even stopped to think, I had already written and sent it even though your last message specifically said not to.
[18:35] aa man
[18:36] exhausting
[18:36]
[18:37] ive been walking around randomly for sooo long
[18:37] but the girls keep following me
[18:38] whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
[18:39]
[18:43] you there
[18:45] Attached .Mp3 file.
[18:46] You’ll have to bear this a bit too if you can, but download the attached file and play it on your phone at maximum volume. Before and while you play it, make sure to keep your phone behind you and have the speakers directed towards those who are following you.
[18:48] huh………..
[18:48] what is it…………………
[18:49] ur a scary person………………….
[18:49] It’s a highly simplified derivative of LRAD technology which has been adapted for use on mobile devices, albeit officially it is currently still undergoing beta testing.
[18:51] speak
[18:51] normal
[18:55] It’s a crude form of audible crowd dispersal weaponry.
[18:56] weaponry?!?!!?
[18:56] It’s an extremely devolved prototype which is non-violent! Mobile phones don’t have anywhere near the capability needed to produce even 0.0001% of the output/effect that true LARD technology does!
[18:57] I agree that it certainly isn’t ideal but it is better than you wandering around all night!
[18:59] arghhhh
[18:59]
[19:01] screw it im just gonna go home
[19:01] praying rn
[19:02] its been long enough
[19:03] iorin or isumin gotta be home, right
[19:05] 
[19:06] scary person
[19:07] talk to me
[19:10] My apologies, I really do not want to bring you discomfort or disappointment by speaking…
[19:10] huh
[19:10]
[19:11] ur reactions r so extreme
[19:12] I’m sorry…
[19:13] geez
[19:14] you got it wrong
[19:16] i meantt
[19:17] 
[19:17] its ok
[19:20] Ah, um, I’m not sure I quite understand, but thank you…?
[19:21] But, if I’m allowed to ask: considering that you’ve seemingly decided on a course of action and that you now know that I am not the person you actually meant to speak to, um… is there anything else I can help you with?
[19:35] 
[19:35] im home
[19:35]
[19:35]
[19:35] isumin let me in
[19:37] Ah, that’s such a relief…!
[19:39] just feel like it
[19:42] I’m sorry, I’m afraid I don’t understand your last message. Could you clarify please?
[19:43]
[19:43] ur question
[19:44] 
[19:44] u were kinda with me for the whole walk home
[19:45] so i talked to u even after i figured u werent iorin
[19:46] no good?
[19:55] No, no! It doesn’t bother me at all. I was simply asking because I figured it would be more of an inconvenience on your end than mine, In any case, I’m relieved and happy to hear that your roommate was present to let you in.
[19:56] Although, please don’t forget your keys next time! It’s important to make sure you have all of your belongings with you before you head out for the day.
[19:56]
12 pm, day 2
[12:04] hey
[12:04] i was thinkng
[12:05] where did u get that sound weapon anyway
[12:06] isnt that tlike
[12:06] super advanced military stuff
[12:07] ur not seriously a dangerous person r u
[12:15] Good afternoon. Although please, don’t say things in ways that would cause misunderstandings! I’m not a dangerous person at all. In fact, I’m actually an extremely unremarkable person by all accounts, and so I can assure you I am involved in nothing that could be even remotely dangerous.
[12:17]
[12:19] Please don’t look at me like that…
[12:20]
[12:20]
[12:21] I feel both embarrassed and ashamed.... it may be best for you to forget our entire conversation last evening, after all…
[12:23] so funny
[12:24] i wasnt even staring at u lol
[12:24]
[12:25] its just ousama pudding sticker
[12:30] Regardless, I felt the stare all the same…
[12:31]
[12:32] ok fine
[12:32] ur an extremist
[12:32] Um, moving on, I meant to ask: were you able to get the correct new number of your roommate?
[12:33] yup
[12:34] he pretended to not care
[12:34] or like he was tired
[12:34] but thats iorin
[12:35] i know that he was secretly worried
[12:35] n super guilty
[12:40] Fufufu. How dishonest, but endearing. I have quite a few people like that in my life as well. In fact, my housemate is similar in that regard. He pretends to be aloof and indifferent all the time, but he unintentionally shows how much he cares through his actions.
[12:42] ooo
[12:42] like what
[12:44] Well, he doesn’t say it to my face very often, but I know he thinks that I have a tendency to overload myself with responsibilities and work for other people, pull too many all-nighters, and generally just don’t care for myself very much.
[12:45] But, he’s built an image for himself wherein he’s jaded and on the outside of everyone… in reality, he has a soft heart that loves to care for others. Whenever he comes into my room and suddenly pressures me to drink or go out to see friends, that’s his way of saying to take a break.
[12:48] ouhhh
[12:48] wait
[12:49] how many all nighters
[12:52] Huh? Oh, please don’t worry about me! I wouldn’t say I do them any more frequently than is average for a doctoral student such as myself.
[12:53]
[12:54] 
[12:55] ooo
[12:55] u used a sticker
[12:57] 
[12:58] whats doctoral student
[12:58] ur gona be a doctor?t
[12:59] Not a medical doctor, if that’s what you’re thinking of. It’s much less impressive than that. Although I am a doctoral student, I am in a business management program. If I do become a doctor, it wouldn’t be a title I’d use in the traditional sense.
[12:59] ooo
[12:59] i dont get it but
[12:59] sounds smart
[13:00] actually iorin is in business too i think
[13:00] but idk about doctoral
[13:01] Oh, your roommate? Um, only if you feel comfortable with telling me this information, but-- I can probably tell you what the word is you’re looking for if you tell me Iorin’s age.
[13:02] were all 20
[13:02]
[13:03] me iorin n isumin
[13:04] Ah, I see; thank you. Well, based on age, Iorin must be an undergraduate student! Fufufu, I actually teach undergraduate students as part of my requirements for doctoral candidacy.
[13:04] If you don’t mind me asking, do you also attend university?
[13:04] no
[13:05] i work full time
[13:05]
[13:06] pro dancer
[13:07] What!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[13:07] You’re a professional dancer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[13:07] I mean, wow, that’s incredible! I really really admire the performing arts…! And for you to go pro after high school, that must mean you’re one of the best!
[13:08] whats this
[13:09] r u praising me
[13:15] Yes!
[13:16]
[13:17] im kinda embarrassed
[13:18] Ah, was I embarrassing? I’m sorry… I tend to get overly excited about these things even though it’s not my place.
[13:20] no!!! thats not what i meant
[13:21] how do u always twist what i say
[13:23] Ah… I’m sorry… I am someone quite useless, so it’s to be expected…
[13:23] NO!!!
[13:23] arghhh
[13:27] im telling u
[13:27] i say something
[12:28] n then u think its ur fault
[12:28] idk how to explain
[12:29] ugh
[12:30]
[12:31] IM embarrassed
[12:31] bc it made me happy
[12:32] get it?
[12:33]
[12:35] Ah… yes, I see now. Fufufu. Thank you for clarifying for me. I’ll make sure to work hard as well so that I don’t misunderstand anything else.
[12:36]
[12:36]
[12:36]
[12:36]
[12:37]
[12:39] Um… forgive me if I’m misunderstanding, but I do want to clarify so that I don't make the same mistakes next time… could it be that you’re trying to push the chatlog history up… because you’re embarrassed?
[12:39]
[12:40]
8 pm, day 2
[20:21] Attached .MOV file.
[20:21] dance practice
[20:25] guess which one i am
[20:54]
[21:27] just got home
[21:29] you there
[21:30]
“Yotsuba-san, whatever is upsetting you will still be on your phone even if you take your eyes off of it. You just came home from dance practice; please stop laying on the floor and go take a bath.” Iori wrinkled his nose for good measure, “You smell.”
From the other side of the living room, a shock of cyan hair sank helplessly into a giant beanbag. “You need me to refill your lives again, Yotsuba?”
“Please go shower.”
“You died already?”
“Please shower.”
Tamaki swatted at Iori’s leg in annoyance, “I got it, already.” Tamaki looked at his phone again. Still nothing. Tamaki let out an irritated sigh. He hated when he felt like this (and this time, over a complete stranger?!), but how could he interpret it any other way? Tamaki sent a video of himself dancing to someone he’d been messaging all day—because this person specifically said that they loved dance and admired him for being a dancer, mind you—and suddenly, the chat goes silent.
Tamaki groaned. He liked to think that he was generally an easygoing and confident guy, but dance was one of the only things he always had close to his heart. When everyone left him one by one, and he had no one left to call his family, the only thing he had was dance. He was damn proud of where he's gotten himself, but his pride was delicate with no one there to support it. Stranger or not, it stung for Tamaki to not get praised, let alone no response at all. Tamaki squeezed his eyes shut, frustrated most of all at himself for feeling this way. He was being childish... and all for the attention of some stranger.
"Hey. Bath." Iori kicked his shoulder.
Childish is okay sometimes, Tamaki amended to himself before pulling Iori’s sock off of his foot and throwing it across the room.
“Wh-! Yotsuba-san!”
“Fight! Fight! Fight!” Haruka chanted, sticking his arm out of the beanbag to pump his fist in the air.
Tamaki grinned triumphantly, feeling sufficiently vindicated. He looked at his phone one last time—nothing—before sitting up and placing the screen face-down on the coffee table. Tamaki stood up and stretched his arms above his head. “I have enough Ousama Pudding lives, Isumin,” he yawned as he shuffled towards the bathroom.
"You really have to start following conversations better," Iori muttered to himself, unimpressed.
Bewildered, Haruka furrowed his brow at Tamaki's retreating back. “Huh? What’s got you so upset at your phone then?”
Tamaki shucked off his sweaty shirt as he turned into the bathroom, “Some extreme person won’t text me back.” The bathroom door shut behind him.
“What… an extreme person?” Haruka pulled a face, “what does that mean?”
“Don't waste any brain cells trying to figure it out. Yotsuba-san is the worst at using his words to explain something.” Iori paused to clear his throat, “Whatever mess he gets himself into is usually easy to figure out if you give it a few days’ time, anyway.”
Tamaki finished up with his bath, feeling relaxed. Soaking in the tub seemed to wash away all of his negative thoughts, too. Humming to himself pleasantly, Tamaki padded down the narrow hallway of his apartment. He opened the door to his bedroom to see Iori sitting upright in his lofted bed, reading a book with one hand behind his back. Is he trying to hide those rabbits he sleeps with again...
“You’re lucky I’m your only friend, Iorin, ‘cause otherwise I would call you out on you hiding those bunnies you like all the time.” Tamaki quipped, closing the door behind him.
Indignant as ever, Iori immediately responded, “First of all, Yotsuba-san, they're called Usamimi Friends. Second, I do actually have other friends at my university.”
Tamaki flopped onto his bed, unconvinced. “Name one that you haven’t met through me or Mikki.”
A beat of silence passed.
Tamaki grinned smugly at his roommate, “I see.” Tamaki hugged his Ousama Pudding plush to his chest, settling into bed.
Iori glared at him from behind his book. (Tamaki could still see that the tips of his ears were red but decided to tease him about it another time.) “Just so that we’re clear, I'm going to repeat myself: I do have friends that you don’t know. In fact, I was going to invite you to meet one.”
“Ehhh, no way! Congrats, Iorin!" Tamaki applauded, genuinely amazed.
Iori receded further behind his book. “Why do you and Nii-san always react like this…”
“Because you and Isumin are battling it out for ‘most antisocial person on the planet’ number one ranking.”
“Anyway.”
“Oh? Subject change?”
“ What I was going to say was , I’ll be attending a ceremony tomorrow to receive an award from my major. The event itself isn’t a big deal, but I thought it would be nice to invite you. Nii-san will be there, too.” Iori cleared his throat, “But back on topic, I’d also like to introduce you to one of the PhD students in my department. He’s very kind and smart, and has become somewhat of a mentor to me. Apparently Nii-san knows him too, and we were all planning to hang out at Nii-san’s place afterwards.”
“Woah, Iorin, amazing! Super smart!” Tamaki cheered again, “Of course, I’m coming! My roommate is a genius!”
"Please. That's not true." Iori protested lightly, although he was smiling. “Also, here,”—he tossed Tamaki’s phone onto his bed—“you left this in the living room.”
“Oh! I forgot.” That bath was seriously so damn relaxing. “Thank you, Iorin!”
“Of course. I'll be turning off the lights now. Goodnight.”
"G'night—" Tamaki unlocked his phone to view his notifications.
A new message. Tamaki perked up.
[22:01] I’m sorry for my late response. To be truthful, I was a bit mesmerized by the video you sent me. Your movements are very clean and fluid, and you had the most performative and athletic energy out of the entire group. You’re quick and always on the beat, but your improvisations were so incredible…! That especially is something I could never do, and so I find it really admirable. It shows that you are a good, natural-born dancer, and not just someone who learns the choreography. I’m sorry for talking too much again, but I truly was so in awe of your dancing! If that was just a practice, I would die to go see one of your performances!
[22:02] Ah, that is, assuming that you’re the one to the left with blue hair? I’m sorry, I should have confirmed first…
Iori turned off the lights. Tamaki squinted through the glow of his phone screen and typed back.
[23:39] how did u know
Tamaki stared at the screen. Hardly a minute later, a response came in.
[23:40] Well, to be honest, I really couldn’t watch anyone else… I tried replaying it to track the movements of the other dancers, but my eyes kept getting drawn to… you, am I correct?
Tamaki turned onto his stomach and buried his face into his pillow, grinning from ear to ear.
8 pm, day 2
Oh no , screamed every single neuron in Sougo’s brain, he’s hot.