神宮寺 レン

" A rose by any other name would smell just as sweet. "

[on-yourheart-blog]

– Reiji is singing very loudly and excitedly in his room. The hype is real. But even with closed doors, people can hear him. Hopefully it’s not… irritating…

[rxnjinguji]

     Knock Knock.

                   ....

     Certainly not the person Reiji must have been expecting but-- 

     “My apologies. Ikki got caught up in the kitchen and said he’d be here shortly. ” Nonchalant as ever, Ren handed over the water Reiji had requested earlier.

    ”Ah.” He met the senior’s gaze, lips curved into a smile. He knew full well of the loud - and impressive - singing taking place. ”I hope I wasn’t interrupting you.”

[rxnjinguji]

“little lamb…” masato muttered to himself. “nanami? she came by?” his eyes widened before abruptly turning his gaze towards the other. “what happened while she was here? where did she go?” she must be busy… perhaps he was firing a little too many questions at him, but when it comes to ren he could never be too certain of something.

     “Who knows? Your guess is as good as mine.” 

     “She didn’t stay long, sadly.” Ren raised his shoulders nonchalantly, momentarily regretting his decision of not inviting her to spend some quality time. In addition to her sudden appearance earlier, he also recalled the way she stumbled out of there in a rush, but maybe Masato knew more that..? 

“She appeared as if she’s worked through the night again.” He meets the others gaze, a smile remained on his lips. “You’re not overworking her, are you Hijirikawa?”

[rxnjinguji]

[TEXT to Ren]: Anything I should pick up on my way? [TEXT to Ren]: ETA 30 min.

[TEXT to Ai]: Finally offering one of your jelly cups? [TEXT to Ai]: How could I refuse?

[rxnjinguji]

     He’s looking forward to spend this afternoon with Aimi and their other gaming companions.

[rxnjinguji]

    “Ah… Yeah,” Haruka replied absentmindedly as she searched for her wallet in her bag. And just as she pulled it out with a triumphant smile on her face, she found he had already paid for the groceries she got! For herself!

    "Ren!“ she blurted, only able to get out that much before he took the bag. Then he looked at her expectantly as if she was about to go ahead and follow him without thinking about it twice. Though now he was waiting for her, and she still needed to get the change.

    Gingerly, she took the yen left on the tray and rushed to Ren’s side. “You really didn’t have to do that you know…” she huffed as handed him the change. “But we should go back– Thank you for accompanying me… Aren’t you missing practice though?”

    “It’s my pleasure to accompany a lady as lovely as yourself.” 

     The words left the tip of his tongue with ease, eyes gazing the same way they always do when he finds her reactions delightfully charming. They’re walking now, and his lively exterior remains unfaltering - even when she questions his presence. 

    “You mean my practice with Ochibi-chan? We begin tomorrow.” Shining’s newest wave of insight created another round of projects for the idols, in which Ren would have the distinct honor of working alongside Kurusu. Fortunately for him, they have another free day and Ren is set on spending it with his composer.

    “Don’t worry,  Little Lamb.” They come to a stop somewhere between a bakery and outdoor display, her groceries still swung over his shoulder. Knowing her, she’ll probably go on about their dynamic as a duo, but Ren intends for her to focus on him for the time being. He winks, beaming his award winning smile onto his precious companion. It’s been a while since they’ve been able of spending time together, and Ren wasn’t going to let this date go to waste. 

     “It’ll be a while before we get another day off, so let’s make the most of this day together.”

[rxnjinguji]

“Huh…”

One, two, with three blinks and shock was soon gone, leaving differing levels of curiosity and disbelief in their wake. The disbelief only lasted momentarily, there weren’t too many things that Ren worried about, but he didn’t think a near burglar incident would be something ‘small’ to him either… Therein came curiosity peeking in.

Ren didn’t sound overly bothered, but he did sound… Weird, about it. There was no other word Otoya could think of where to pin that flash on ‘something’ down. Honestly, as much as he was a people person, some of his friends were kind of hard to get. Like Natsuki… But maybe that’s reaching out too far into conspiracy theory territory, the two weren’t too similar to one another.

Realizing the silence was dragging on dangerously close to awkward range, Otoya continued where Ren had asked him a question in order for more time to chew on the oncoming thought “Well, I can’t do a whole lot,” he admitted with an easy shrug “but I don’t think they had bad intentions y'know"

A pause “Actually, didn’t they ask for Ranmaru-senpai and everyone?”

     Moment of annoyance over (these extra security were more of an inconvenience but if it’s what the president ordered, there was nothing to be done about it) and with his attention back on Otoya.

     “Indeed.”

      Ren could humor the intruder talk some more. Especially with another moment was given to recollect the blow to their pride. The point where the fan expressed their desire to seek their seniors, not the idols themselves - instantly bringing most of them out of their shock, and fracturing their egos along with it. There was a bit of edge to Ren’s voice as another inquiry passed his lips. If anyone could prod around for answers it would be Otoya, considering the other units, however...

     “Buki hasn’t addressed it?” Although not the main targets themselves, they couldn’t completely neglect the situation. “Cesshi was unable to ask and Aimi had advised Shinomi and Ochibi-chan to remain focused.”

[rxnjinguji]

@sunlit-blossom

     ¿Entonces quieres plantar un jardín? -- Tenendio experienca cuidano sus rosales, Ren estaba disponible para dar consejos para este trabajo. --  ¿Como le puedo ayudar?

[rxnjinguji]

–Excite!!

And with enthusiasm Ren, unfortunately, didn’t seem to muster “Isn’t it great?!“

     “Very.”      Same enthusiasm indeed.

      Ren nonchalantly hands the phone over, no attempt to mask his indifference. Though his curiosity is piqued as to how the other came across this to begin with. “Were you watching videos with Ochibi-chan again?”

[rxnjinguji]

     The video ends, the screen goes dark, and several brain cells have died.

    “Ikki.. what is this?”

[rxnjinguji]

an irritated expression. right now, he wasn’t in a mood to play around with him. he never really was, actually, but he swallowed it down and kept his composure. “i came to pick something up. have you seen my piano scores around, by any chance? i think i left them here this morning.”

     “Can’t say that I have.”  Quality assistance as expected - not that the other’s issues were of any major concern of his to begin with. If anything Ren drew entertainment from the situation, and considering the high spirits and visitor from earlier, who was he to stand in the way of Masato and his music? 

     “Little lamb came by earlier.” He announces from the comfort of the couch and turns to another page of the article in his hands: indifference masked with an overlay of amusement.  "Perhaps she intended to bring them to you?”

[sunlit-blossom-deactivated20231]

Just a hang out

Mind blown and eyes matching up to par (well, almost. As much as his eyelids could allow), a startled yelp broke out in shock. How should he feel about this revelation; awe, dread, or happiness for his friend? Confusion for not noticing earlier? Maybe, all of the above.

Or maybe, he was spending way too much time with Rei-chan and Ren. Like now. He was becoming just as dramatic, wasn’t he? Even in his own mind, he could tell the metamorphosis had begun.

“So… Do you think Camus-senpai and Natsuki are friends??”

[rxnjinguji]

     It took Ren a moment to accept the friendship between those two as well. It wasn’t anything remotely scandalous, more... sudden than anything, but now that this was the topic of their discussion, well, who knew it’d spiral this far? He explained his discovery - walking in on Shinomi offering sweets and exchanging recipes like the generous man he is. And the person on the other end? None other than QUARTET☆NIGHT’s very own Camus. Camus. 

    “Hard to say, but we shouldn’t rule out the possibility.” He brought a hand to his chin and gazed at the other peculiarly. It appeared that Otoya was still processing the revelation, but nevertheless Ren posed his question. “Have you never seen them interact before, Ikki?”  

[rxnjinguji]

     “Is that all you need?” He waits for her approval before slipping the cashier a generous amount of yen, far worth more than the materials @on-yourheart has in her check-out bag. 

     “My Lady, allow me.” Before she could protest, he grabbed the bag and swung it over his shoulder, ready to accompany his composer back to his apartment the studio. 

[rxnjinguji]

     Ren knew that look all too well. 

     Awe. Fascination. Passion. The sudden inspiration - the need to work harder on their individual projects. overcome group issues for their deserving fans, and for their unbelievably talented composer. Nothing compared to the way she proudly cheered and congratulated them from backstage. Her angelic smile, the way she’s believed in them without restraint... 

     It was unfortunate the unwavering support applied to their seniors as well.

     Both he and @sunlit-blossom​ watched as @on-yourheart worked his routine, unfaltering and thriving on nothing but his own enthusiasm. The thought of their sweet composer spending a week with QUARTET☆NIGHT wasn’t entirely new -  it was business after all - but he was not fond of her falling for their tricks. 

      Eyes widened momentarily at this newest evolution of theirs, however, unlike the other, Ren was quick to compose himself. When routine came to an end he turned to Otoya, lips pressed in a thin line and voice unwavering in the face of a challenge.

      “It seems we've got some work to do, Ikki.”

[rxnjinguji]

Takes this as his cue to leave.

[rxnjinguji]

QUARTET☆NIGHT: we're out here winning competitions

ST☆RISH: oh yeah well we WON the S3 award!

QUARTET☆NIGHT: after a redo lmao

ST☆RISH:

[sunlit-blossom-deactivated20231]

“Let’s shout!“

[rxnjinguji]

“No doubt.”

[rxnjinguji]

masato slightly frowned his eyes and let out a sigh upon hearing the other’s words. “jinguji… in what way would this be a ‘pleasure?’”

     “Why don’t you tell me, hm?” A rarity indeed since it was Ren who usually nettled the other. “You are the one who approached me, after all.”