[ not the half a bite of pancake... tobari tilts his head in confusion but he doesn't want to waste it, so sure, he'll eat the rest.
except he's blinking in surprise when rafayel brings out a jacket for him.... why are they matching........ they don't have time to bicker about this so he'll just slip his arms into the jacket anyway ]
.... I thought I told you to stop spending money on me....
[ do they have this argument in every au. i think so ]
[ he's probably heard this before and he swiftly decides, he doesn't like hearing it, soooo. ]
Come on, let's head out. Is it okay if I put the accessories on in the car?
[ he's now carefully zipping tobari up, taking his time as he's letting his knuckles touch his body. when he's done, he smiles as he latches the top button over the zipper; tobari zipped up to under his chin is somehow really cute to him. ]
I said you have better things to save for. [ grumbling!! but also, ] .... thanks.
[ HE CAN'T BE INCONSIDERATE. he doesn't want rafayel to think that it's wasted on him... it's a nice jacket... so he frowns even as he lets rafayel zip him all the way up....
still, he'll reach up to gently pinch raf's cheek before letting go. he's a pain but he's tobari's pain ]
Mm, that's fine. There'll be a makeup artist on set.
[ but he'll grab their bag as well the keys, moving to head out and expecting rafayel to follow. ]
As long as I have my music, itās not like Iāll ever starve. Probably. [ so itās not for tobari to worry about, or so he thinks. heās about to pat him on the head, but is beat out by the way tobari pinches his cheek. heyā¦ heās the older one?
he gently pushes his shoulder against tobariās in a petty revenge as he moves past him. though, not before he grabs a drink packet out of the cabinet for tobari. health drinkā¦ since itās cold out, he figures he will need his vitamins and herbal supplements. he tucks it into his jacket pocket as he follows him out.
itās nice to be able to commute together. while he dutifully moved to sit in the back seat, itās not without him already trying to help tobari put his seatbelt on from behindā¦ ]
Is it the same makeup artist from last time? They didnāt go back to Yori? [ you thought i wouldnāt mention him here. ntrā¦ ]
[ the way that rafayel is like 'probably' but tobari has already prepared in advance for the possibility that one day he might get tired of idol life and tobari needs to have a specific number for raf to have saved up to make sure he never is at risk of being a starving artist................... tobari like 'you can retire comfortably when you hit x amount of dollars and i will not be terrified for you' like a worrywart
not the health drink... truly tobari's horrible lungs persist in every universe. he'll catch the seatbelt after raf is trying to help him put it on, huffing out a breath ]
I got it, Raf. [ even if he finds the assistance endearing...
and then he immediately scowls at the mention of yori ] Same one, but I can't convince her to drop him as a client even though he's an ass. So she still worked with him on his last editorial shoot... but she does good work. It takes skill to take such a putrid person and cover up all his shit.
[ grumble mumble......... yori probably looked great even though he's a BITCH ]
[ this is why tobari gets called mommybari... he can't even complain
tobari is managing his finances, while he is managing tobari's health. despite how resistant he is to schedules in general, and how prone he was to absorbed by his own whims— it's true that he did his best to also ensure tobari was being taken care of. was the venue warm enough? did he bring him an extra heat pack? scarf?
but, maybe it's easier to worry about him, when all his items are so well taken care of. it's why he doesn't think twice about trying to help him with his seatbelt. even if there may be an ulterior motive to it. he has to spice up their relationship (there is no relationship). ]
You say that, but I saw you staring. [ a pout as he releases his hold of the seatbelt as soon as tobari clicks it into place. he settles back into his seat with a small sigh, like he's a pet that's been abandoned all day. ] ... That other shoot you mentioned the other day, don't decline it.
[ he probably yapped about how he wasn't interested and how it had nothing to do with music,
[ raf is so thoughtfulā¦ it is what occasionally makes tobari wonder if they could make this work outside of just their tie to each otherās employmentā¦ and then he decides that he shouldnāt think about something like that when rafayel is clearly doing all this just to play (lol)
but he is glad that theyāre best friends š„ŗ
and best friends support each other in their pursuits of being sexy. even though tobari also glances at rafayel through the rear view mirror for a second. then he sighs, beginning to drive ]
Of course you can.
[ an easy agreement. fuck yori ]
But you donāt need to take on that work just to compete with him, you knowā¦ Once you let him get in your head, heās already winning.
[ tobariās solution is to just avoid thinking about yori at all!!!! ]
even if it isn't a lie. even if they weren't romantically involved (once again, delusion), rafayel could easily say that tobari is the person that knows him best. that despite all his complaining, he was always in his corner, ready to support him, even through his mistakes and constant faults. he trusted tobari more than he's trusted anyone, even himself. that doesn't mitigate any of his actual insecurities, nor does it control his moods, but it's there.
when he sees tobari's eyes in the mirror, he tries not to make it obvious that he stares for a second, before looking away. he feigns a certain nonchalance about the whole thing. though, it does almost make him smile when tobari says, "of course you can." he feels his heartbeat a little faster in the moment, before: ]
It's better he's in my head than yours. [ a shrug. ]
I'll outsell him, so you can hold your head high and look forward to it, Mister Manager.
tobari could acknowledge yori's ability to model well, but everything else reeks so badly of nepobaby and being such a shit person that it's hard for him to justify anything else. they used to spend hours together everyday, and every time tobari entertained the idea for five seconds that maybe yori could be decent, it'd be followed up with something else that pissed him off...
it's easier to spend his days focusing on rafayel instead. for all his moodiness and tantrums, rafayel was an artist genuinely earned tobari's respect and admiration. not to mention the fact that somewhere along the way, he became a genuinely important person in tobari's life. someone who he wants to see happy and successful, even outside the expectations of being an idol. ]
I'd rather you not think of him either. [ huffs ] But you'll do fine in the photoshoot if you want to book it. I'll confirm it when we get to today's site.
[ the way that it's probably some sexy concept and tobari's like yeah sure raf's hot he can do it. even if what comes out of his mouth can be nonsense, they don't need to capture that for the ad... ]
there's a shared past between yori and tobari that rafayel feels like he may never comprehend in full. he believes tobari's distaste, but as much as he does, he also has an equal amount of unwavering trust in the idea that tobari would support anyone in the same way. ... and it'd be a lie to state that it doesn't rub rafayel the wrong way.
was it a crime to want to be special in the eyes of your boyfriend?
which might be way that rafayel is already thinking of acting up just a little. but, for now. ] Thanks. [ a small pause, before: ] Then will you help me practice?
[ he cannot refute that all that comes out of his mouth is nonsense, yeah...
this is also tobari's fault for being the [redacted] of all time, even if he isn't actually dating anyone. ]
What, practice fanservice? Or finding your angles?
[ tobari actually thinks rafayel does just fine with fanservice? he does it with tobari all the time and he's not even working? though he supposes that rafayel's style is usually more of the annoying, bratty kind of flirty rather than anything actually sultry or sensual.... ]
Mm... yeah, that should be fine. [ should it. he's not even thinking about this being overly sexy. ] You already have a lot to work with, so it'd probably just be small tweaks...
[ tobari has eyes... rafayel... is hot... he's just also ridiculous and that shatters the illusion but realistically hot people should be goofy otherwise they're just boring ]
[ not him actually analyzing his flirting style...
the misunderstandings only grow, as rafayel wonders if this was the green light for him to be a bit more proactive in their relationship. as far as he was concerns, this was like receiving express permission to seduce him...
in reality, it's work.
but, his mood is already lifted with that promise alone, and he doesn't even consider for a minute it could mean anything different. he hums a little to himself now, seemingly more relaxed than he did seconds ago. the desire to send 45 orders of doordash to him is temporarily quelled. ]
A lot to work with, huh...? Sounds like someone's been looking at me in a strange way. [ lust? ... he wishes. ] I might be scared now. [ yet he sounds incredibly excited as opposed to being in fear. ]
Iām your manager, but I also have eyes? Donāt make it into something creepy.
[ little does tobari know that rafayel took this as a green light to seduce him? oh the misunderstandings continue.
nonetheless, they continue on their drive and eventually make it to their shoot location! it isā¦ amusement park, heho. tobari shows off their credentials to get them access to a private parking lot but explains they could only get one trailer approved due to the busy venue so itās why they donāt have an allocated changing space for rafayel even though they were able to set up a tent for makeup prep and touch ups. tobari explains the brief to be a combination of shots that would go in a magazine as well as be featured in b-roll for assorted tv appearancesā¦
once parked, heāll unbuckle his seatbelt and grab their bags again, heading out to open rafās car door for him ]
Any questions? Itās just this today, so give it your all and then we can rest since tomorrow is the debut stage.
[ and they will be grinding for the next few months afterā¦ so trying to find breaks for raf where they canā¦ ]
[ rafayel remains dutifully unbothered. one changing room, or not wouldn't change his ability to adapt on the fly. even now, he uses the time in between tobari checking them in to also slip in one of his earbuds and get into the vibe for the shoot. he relaxes a little, clearing his mind for how chaotic sets usually tended to be.
when tobari opens the door, he slips his face mask on. ]
No questions. I'll make it quick, boss. [ lol,
he winks in tune with the nickname, before hopping out and heading towards makeup. the process is easy, especially since he already came in with a clean base. the vibe of the makeup is subtle and goes by fast. if anything, it's doing the hair that may have taken longer...
when he's all done and ready, he's already asking around: ] Where's Tobari?
[ cue everyone calling rafayel out for always looking for him, and being attached at the hip.
if he says duh, he's my boyfriend... don't kill him. at least, it sounds like a joke coming from rafayel. ]
tobari accepts being called 'boss' so easily... the way that this nickname has probably lingered around the other staff whenever tobari and raf come together... it's true that tobari tends to run a tight ship on sets even when he has to defer to the director and other staff. he's quick about where to direct rafayel, doesn't mince words, and efficient in the workflow.
tobari would absolutely throttle rafayel for just calling him his boyfriend, but the fact of the matter is that he's busy. the staff point rafayel in the direction of the barricade set up a little further out where the most dedicated fans have somehow found out that rafayel would be on location today... how do they know this... like how did the shinee fans know that minho would be at the olympics and meet him at the airport? that's so insane to me
anyway tobari has gone ahead to thank them for their support and collect their gifts for rafayel so he can check them for security reasons... no weird track devices embedded in cookies on his watch... it gives him something to do while rafayel is busy modeling...
the fans try to ask him about rafayel, personal questions, etc etc but his answers are almost rote: ]
Thank you for your support. [ gets handed a giant teddy bear... tries to hold it along with his handful of fan letters ] Ah, thank you. He's busy as always.
[ ignores a fan asking him for aegyo... does he look like an idol to you.... no.... ]
[ maybe it's for a best he missed out on rafayel misbehaving then.
the staff know better than to run their mouths. especially, since the price of unverified rumors was high. they'd rather be cautious than fall into rafayel's whimsy, and maybe that's how they've managed to get by with no actual dating rumors. then again, rafayel also wasn't the type who got needlessly close to others idols. after all, the person he was closest to was right there in front of him, standing by the threshold of where the fans gathered and where the staff entrance was aptly blocked off.
not shinee... but no you're right. how do they always know? then again i did watch a documentary where people pay taxi drivers to stalk and send them the scoops, and how they just hang around placed for hours unprompted and just based off of snooping their sns.
the sight of tobari holding a giant teddy bear is oddly heart-warming, and so he appears from behind him. he wraps his arms around tobari, if just to grab the teddy bear from him and save him from aegyo because that's... for his eyes only? ] Thank you all so much. Sorry, but I'm going to have to steal this guy back. The shoot can't start or finish without the main character.
[ but, still holding the teddy with one hand around tobari, he does use his free hand to make a cat ear pose on one side.
annoyingly gives fan service while half-hugging tobari... how does he keep getting away with this ]
[ all the other staff also assigning this as rafayel's whimsy when he says things with his full chest is so funny.... him like why does no one believe me? are we not obviously dating? as tobari just ignores all his advances when they're at work
of course, at the sudden appearance of rafayel, the fans immediately start tittering with even more excitement. there's a few squeaks and squeals of his name, phones now brought out just to catch a brief video that will end up on social media later, and there's even someone who starts crying... he is so cute... he is so beautiful.... how can such a lovely person exist (imposes all my feelings onto this random fan)
tobari grumbles at the sudden appearance, but he's willing to give up the giant bear to rafayel if only because he needs to make sure he's collected all the other gifts diligently... there's a brief interaction where an especially bold fan starts to reach toward rafayel and tobari immediately switches gears to intercept their hand with a nudge of his own, putting himself between rafayel and the fan in half a second. warningly: ] Careful.
[ careful or you'll lose that hand is what goes unsaid based on the instant way his gaze sharpens into a glare.
but he'll move on quickly now that he knows rafayel is done at makeup, glancing back to him— ] You could've just gone to the director's tent without me. Let's go.
[ back to work.... even though these interactions will be all over the internet in 0.7 seconds... some of them already are.... ]
[ he is basically the little boy who cried wolf, it's true. he makes this joke so often that they're like yes, yes, whatever you say crazy man. probably made all the more convincing by tobari's complete lack of a reaction...
also i knew i would regret this... where are the fans demanding him to get out of their sims house.
so instead, we focus on how cool tobari is. per usual, he's quick to switch gears. it does make him laugh to think tobari can go from accepting large teddy bears to suddenly being so threatening... while he knows it's tobari's job, he can't help but think it also felt a little more personal than that.
rafayel gives them all a final wave— ] Be on good behavior, or this guy will have to bite you.
[ it's really all fun and games... but, he does end up diligently heading towards the director's tent. ]
What, and leave you to fend for yourself? They would have been asking you to meow next.
THOSE FANS AREN'T HERE!! IT'S JUST THE FANS WHO RIGHTLY LOVE RAFAYEL!! SNIFFLES!!!
either way, they leave. tobari will give all the fans one last nod... perhaps punctuating the truth of rafayel's statement, but also just in acknowledgement. he'll bring a hand around rafayel's back to guide and usher him in the right direction.... ]
And I would've said no... Your fans are almost better at handling rejection than you are.
[ rafayel is so annoying every time tobari denies him anything.... ]
[ using the teddy bear's paws to hit tobari lightly on the arm.... ] Okay, but you have to admit, you do fold sometimes? [ depending on what it is. but, he gets the feeling that tobari isn't nearly as unaccommodating as he may think or acts like he is. so who is really at fault for this? ]
rafayel's right but tobari has to at least put up a fight or else he'll get MORE spoiled...
tobari rolls his eyes as they approach the tent where the shoot-specific staff are waiting to direct and brief rafayel. he holds his arms open to collect the teddy bear so that it doesn't get in the way.... ]
[ the quick "no" does get a slight pout from rafayel. he even puts the teddy bear lower just so he can side-eye him bitterly... pettily, annoyingly. though, it does seem to slip off the moment they enter the tent. he deposits the bear with tobari, before adopting a more composed demeanor.
he greets the director with all the professionalism and enthusiasm expected of an idol. but, if tobari does look at him, he will continue to pretend to ignore him for the rest of the shoot. this is spoiled behavior... the good part is, he is efficient, and they don't have to do much reshooting at all.
[ IS THIS NOT PROVING HIS POINT, RAFAYEL... IS THIS NOT PROOF THAT YOU HATE BEING TOLD 'NO'....
regardless tobari just rolls his eyes and takes the bear. he lets rafayel do his thing and does occasionally look over, always keeping an eye on the set just in case... but otherwise occupies himself with opening the fanmail to make sure that nothing psychotic slipped in. good news, it's a safe batch... there's a bunch of other gifts like beaded bracelets, keychains, crochet crafts... adorable trinkets.
the photoshoot itself is whimsical and cute—set in an amusement park, of course it is. deito vibes... good advertising for the amusement park and also just a good place to get footage since it's a perfect set.
tobari doesn't even notice he's being ignored, he just assumes rafayel is focused.... eventually the photoshoot is over and the whole crew claps and says their thank you's. tobari is also exceedingly polite at this point.... waits for rafayel to come back to him ]
[ HELP, it's true, but rafayel remains willfully ignorant of that fact.
just like how tobari doesn't notice the way in which he's been (poorly attempting) to give him the cold shoulder throughout the shoot. ironically enough, it probably started out as a joke just to get tobari's attention, and yet... as time passed and he didn't actually notice him at all (????), it swiftly grew into being Real.
while the shoot is... fun, he can't deny that since he loves amusement parks (thanks tobari, but not right now), he can't deny thinking a few times during this shoot that it would have been a lot better if tobari was next to him instead. look, he can yearn and be angy at the same time.
that said, after he's done thanking the staff individually, he moves to grab some of his stuff he left earlier in the tent. once he returns, he does see tobari waiting there, and he ... fights the urge to wave him down. instead, as soon as they make eye contact, he's already walking towards the car by himself.
except, once he gets to the door, he realizes he doesn't have the keys...
[ help!!!! honestly tobari is pretty fond watching rafayel properly mind his manners and thank everyone individually... he's waiting but in no particular rush to leave—which makes rafayel heading immediately for the car confuse him a bit? he tilts his head but follows after with the giant bear tucked under his arm, frowning as he wonders what could be causing the mood...
when they make it to the car, he'll just raise a hand up to fuss with rafayel's hair, arranging strands back into place as he looks over his face for any signs of exhaustion. ]
Good job. Tired? [ if he's so quiet... ] I brought spare clothes if you wanted to get something to eat now that the shoot's done... but if you'd rather nap, I can drop you off at yours and then grab the food to bring back.
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except he's blinking in surprise when rafayel brings out a jacket for him.... why are they matching........ they don't have time to bicker about this so he'll just slip his arms into the jacket anyway ]
.... I thought I told you to stop spending money on me....
[ do they have this argument in every au. i think so ]
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[ he's probably heard this before and he swiftly decides, he doesn't like hearing it, soooo. ]
Come on, let's head out. Is it okay if I put the accessories on in the car?
[ he's now carefully zipping tobari up, taking his time as he's letting his knuckles touch his body. when he's done, he smiles as he latches the top button over the zipper; tobari zipped up to under his chin is somehow really cute to him. ]
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[ HE CAN'T BE INCONSIDERATE. he doesn't want rafayel to think that it's wasted on him... it's a nice jacket... so he frowns even as he lets rafayel zip him all the way up....
still, he'll reach up to gently pinch raf's cheek before letting go. he's a pain but he's tobari's pain ]
Mm, that's fine. There'll be a makeup artist on set.
[ but he'll grab their bag as well the keys, moving to head out and expecting rafayel to follow. ]
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he gently pushes his shoulder against tobariās in a petty revenge as he moves past him. though, not before he grabs a drink packet out of the cabinet for tobari. health drinkā¦ since itās cold out, he figures he will need his vitamins and herbal supplements. he tucks it into his jacket pocket as he follows him out.
itās nice to be able to commute together. while he dutifully moved to sit in the back seat, itās not without him already trying to help tobari put his seatbelt on from behindā¦ ]
Is it the same makeup artist from last time? They didnāt go back to Yori? [ you thought i wouldnāt mention him here. ntrā¦ ]
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not the health drink... truly tobari's horrible lungs persist in every universe. he'll catch the seatbelt after raf is trying to help him put it on, huffing out a breath ]
I got it, Raf. [ even if he finds the assistance endearing...
and then he immediately scowls at the mention of yori ] Same one, but I can't convince her to drop him as a client even though he's an ass. So she still worked with him on his last editorial shoot... but she does good work. It takes skill to take such a putrid person and cover up all his shit.
[ grumble mumble......... yori probably looked great even though he's a BITCH ]
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tobari is managing his finances, while he is managing tobari's health. despite how resistant he is to schedules in general, and how prone he was to absorbed by his own whims— it's true that he did his best to also ensure tobari was being taken care of. was the venue warm enough? did he bring him an extra heat pack? scarf?
but, maybe it's easier to worry about him, when all his items are so well taken care of. it's why he doesn't think twice about trying to help him with his seatbelt. even if there may be an ulterior motive to it. he has to spice up their relationship (there is no relationship). ]
You say that, but I saw you staring. [ a pout as he releases his hold of the seatbelt as soon as tobari clicks it into place. he settles back into his seat with a small sigh, like he's a pet that's been abandoned all day. ] ... That other shoot you mentioned the other day, don't decline it.
[ he probably yapped about how he wasn't interested and how it had nothing to do with music,
and here he is. flip flopping. ]
If he can do it, I can do it to, you know.
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but he is glad that theyāre best friends š„ŗ
and best friends support each other in their pursuits of being sexy. even though tobari also glances at rafayel through the rear view mirror for a second. then he sighs, beginning to drive ]
Of course you can.
[ an easy agreement. fuck yori ]
But you donāt need to take on that work just to compete with him, you knowā¦ Once you let him get in your head, heās already winning.
[ tobariās solution is to just avoid thinking about yori at all!!!! ]
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even if it isn't a lie. even if they weren't romantically involved (once again, delusion), rafayel could easily say that tobari is the person that knows him best. that despite all his complaining, he was always in his corner, ready to support him, even through his mistakes and constant faults. he trusted tobari more than he's trusted anyone, even himself. that doesn't mitigate any of his actual insecurities, nor does it control his moods, but it's there.
when he sees tobari's eyes in the mirror, he tries not to make it obvious that he stares for a second, before looking away. he feigns a certain nonchalance about the whole thing. though, it does almost make him smile when tobari says, "of course you can." he feels his heartbeat a little faster in the moment, before: ]
It's better he's in my head than yours. [ a shrug. ]
I'll outsell him, so you can hold your head high and look forward to it, Mister Manager.
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[ mumble grumble...
tobari could acknowledge yori's ability to model well, but everything else reeks so badly of nepobaby and being such a shit person that it's hard for him to justify anything else. they used to spend hours together everyday, and every time tobari entertained the idea for five seconds that maybe yori could be decent, it'd be followed up with something else that pissed him off...
it's easier to spend his days focusing on rafayel instead. for all his moodiness and tantrums, rafayel was an artist genuinely earned tobari's respect and admiration. not to mention the fact that somewhere along the way, he became a genuinely important person in tobari's life. someone who he wants to see happy and successful, even outside the expectations of being an idol. ]
I'd rather you not think of him either. [ huffs ] But you'll do fine in the photoshoot if you want to book it. I'll confirm it when we get to today's site.
[ the way that it's probably some sexy concept and tobari's like yeah sure raf's hot he can do it. even if what comes out of his mouth can be nonsense, they don't need to capture that for the ad... ]
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there's a shared past between yori and tobari that rafayel feels like he may never comprehend in full. he believes tobari's distaste, but as much as he does, he also has an equal amount of unwavering trust in the idea that tobari would support anyone in the same way. ... and it'd be a lie to state that it doesn't rub rafayel the wrong way.
was it a crime to want to be special in the eyes of your boyfriend?
which might be way that rafayel is already thinking of acting up just a little. but, for now. ] Thanks. [ a small pause, before: ] Then will you help me practice?
[ he cannot refute that all that comes out of his mouth is nonsense, yeah...
this is also tobari's fault for being the [redacted] of all time, even if he isn't actually dating anyone. ]
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What, practice fanservice? Or finding your angles?
[ tobari actually thinks rafayel does just fine with fanservice? he does it with tobari all the time and he's not even working? though he supposes that rafayel's style is usually more of the annoying, bratty kind of flirty rather than anything actually sultry or sensual.... ]
Mm... yeah, that should be fine. [ should it. he's not even thinking about this being overly sexy. ] You already have a lot to work with, so it'd probably just be small tweaks...
[ tobari has eyes... rafayel... is hot... he's just also ridiculous and that shatters the illusion but realistically hot people should be goofy otherwise they're just boring ]
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the misunderstandings only grow, as rafayel wonders if this was the green light for him to be a bit more proactive in their relationship. as far as he was concerns, this was like receiving express permission to seduce him...
in reality, it's work.
but, his mood is already lifted with that promise alone, and he doesn't even consider for a minute it could mean anything different. he hums a little to himself now, seemingly more relaxed than he did seconds ago. the desire to send 45 orders of doordash to him is temporarily quelled. ]
A lot to work with, huh...? Sounds like someone's been looking at me in a strange way. [ lust? ... he wishes. ] I might be scared now. [ yet he sounds incredibly excited as opposed to being in fear. ]
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Iām your manager, but I also have eyes? Donāt make it into something creepy.
[ little does tobari know that rafayel took this as a green light to seduce him? oh the misunderstandings continue.
nonetheless, they continue on their drive and eventually make it to their shoot location! it isā¦ amusement park, heho. tobari shows off their credentials to get them access to a private parking lot but explains they could only get one trailer approved due to the busy venue so itās why they donāt have an allocated changing space for rafayel even though they were able to set up a tent for makeup prep and touch ups. tobari explains the brief to be a combination of shots that would go in a magazine as well as be featured in b-roll for assorted tv appearancesā¦
once parked, heāll unbuckle his seatbelt and grab their bags again, heading out to open rafās car door for him ]
Any questions? Itās just this today, so give it your all and then we can rest since tomorrow is the debut stage.
[ and they will be grinding for the next few months afterā¦ so trying to find breaks for raf where they canā¦ ]
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when tobari opens the door, he slips his face mask on. ]
No questions. I'll make it quick, boss. [ lol,
he winks in tune with the nickname, before hopping out and heading towards makeup. the process is easy, especially since he already came in with a clean base. the vibe of the makeup is subtle and goes by fast. if anything, it's doing the hair that may have taken longer...
when he's all done and ready, he's already asking around: ] Where's Tobari?
[ cue everyone calling rafayel out for always looking for him, and being attached at the hip.
if he says duh, he's my boyfriend... don't kill him. at least, it sounds like a joke coming from rafayel. ]
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tobari accepts being called 'boss' so easily... the way that this nickname has probably lingered around the other staff whenever tobari and raf come together... it's true that tobari tends to run a tight ship on sets even when he has to defer to the director and other staff. he's quick about where to direct rafayel, doesn't mince words, and efficient in the workflow.
tobari would absolutely throttle rafayel for just calling him his boyfriend, but the fact of the matter is that he's busy. the staff point rafayel in the direction of the barricade set up a little further out where the most dedicated fans have somehow found out that rafayel would be on location today... how do they know this... like how did the shinee fans know that minho would be at the olympics and meet him at the airport? that's so insane to me
anyway tobari has gone ahead to thank them for their support and collect their gifts for rafayel so he can check them for security reasons... no weird track devices embedded in cookies on his watch... it gives him something to do while rafayel is busy modeling...
the fans try to ask him about rafayel, personal questions, etc etc but his answers are almost rote: ]
Thank you for your support. [ gets handed a giant teddy bear... tries to hold it along with his handful of fan letters ] Ah, thank you. He's busy as always.
[ ignores a fan asking him for aegyo... does he look like an idol to you.... no.... ]
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the staff know better than to run their mouths. especially, since the price of unverified rumors was high. they'd rather be cautious than fall into rafayel's whimsy, and maybe that's how they've managed to get by with no actual dating rumors. then again, rafayel also wasn't the type who got needlessly close to others idols. after all, the person he was closest to was right there in front of him, standing by the threshold of where the fans gathered and where the staff entrance was aptly blocked off.
not shinee... but no you're right. how do they always know? then again i did watch a documentary where people pay taxi drivers to stalk and send them the scoops, and how they just hang around placed for hours unprompted and just based off of snooping their sns.
the sight of tobari holding a giant teddy bear is oddly heart-warming, and so he appears from behind him. he wraps his arms around tobari, if just to grab the teddy bear from him and save him from aegyo because that's... for his eyes only? ] Thank you all so much. Sorry, but I'm going to have to steal this guy back. The shoot can't start or finish without the main character.
[ but, still holding the teddy with one hand around tobari, he does use his free hand to make a cat ear pose on one side.
annoyingly gives fan service while half-hugging tobari... how does he keep getting away with this ]
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of course, at the sudden appearance of rafayel, the fans immediately start tittering with even more excitement. there's a few squeaks and squeals of his name, phones now brought out just to catch a brief video that will end up on social media later, and there's even someone who starts crying... he is so cute... he is so beautiful.... how can such a lovely person exist (imposes all my feelings onto this random fan)
tobari grumbles at the sudden appearance, but he's willing to give up the giant bear to rafayel if only because he needs to make sure he's collected all the other gifts diligently... there's a brief interaction where an especially bold fan starts to reach toward rafayel and tobari immediately switches gears to intercept their hand with a nudge of his own, putting himself between rafayel and the fan in half a second. warningly: ] Careful.
[ careful or you'll lose that hand is what goes unsaid based on the instant way his gaze sharpens into a glare.
but he'll move on quickly now that he knows rafayel is done at makeup, glancing back to him— ] You could've just gone to the director's tent without me. Let's go.
[ back to work.... even though these interactions will be all over the internet in 0.7 seconds... some of them already are.... ]
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also i knew i would regret this... where are the fans demanding him to get out of their sims house.
so instead, we focus on how cool tobari is. per usual, he's quick to switch gears. it does make him laugh to think tobari can go from accepting large teddy bears to suddenly being so threatening... while he knows it's tobari's job, he can't help but think it also felt a little more personal than that.
rafayel gives them all a final wave— ] Be on good behavior, or this guy will have to bite you.
[ it's really all fun and games... but, he does end up diligently heading towards the director's tent. ]
What, and leave you to fend for yourself? They would have been asking you to meow next.
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THOSE FANS AREN'T HERE!! IT'S JUST THE FANS WHO RIGHTLY LOVE RAFAYEL!! SNIFFLES!!!
either way, they leave. tobari will give all the fans one last nod... perhaps punctuating the truth of rafayel's statement, but also just in acknowledgement. he'll bring a hand around rafayel's back to guide and usher him in the right direction.... ]
And I would've said no... Your fans are almost better at handling rejection than you are.
[ rafayel is so annoying every time tobari denies him anything.... ]
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Should I show you tonight?
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[ just. no.
rafayel's right but tobari has to at least put up a fight or else he'll get MORE spoiled...
tobari rolls his eyes as they approach the tent where the shoot-specific staff are waiting to direct and brief rafayel. he holds his arms open to collect the teddy bear so that it doesn't get in the way.... ]
Focus.
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he greets the director with all the professionalism and enthusiasm expected of an idol. but, if tobari does look at him, he will continue to pretend to ignore him for the rest of the shoot. this is spoiled behavior... the good part is, he is efficient, and they don't have to do much reshooting at all.
rafayel is locked-in... out of spite. ]
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regardless tobari just rolls his eyes and takes the bear. he lets rafayel do his thing and does occasionally look over, always keeping an eye on the set just in case... but otherwise occupies himself with opening the fanmail to make sure that nothing psychotic slipped in. good news, it's a safe batch... there's a bunch of other gifts like beaded bracelets, keychains, crochet crafts... adorable trinkets.
the photoshoot itself is whimsical and cute—set in an amusement park, of course it is. deito vibes... good advertising for the amusement park and also just a good place to get footage since it's a perfect set.
tobari doesn't even notice he's being ignored, he just assumes rafayel is focused.... eventually the photoshoot is over and the whole crew claps and says their thank you's. tobari is also exceedingly polite at this point.... waits for rafayel to come back to him ]
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just like how tobari doesn't notice the way in which he's been (poorly attempting) to give him the cold shoulder throughout the shoot. ironically enough, it probably started out as a joke just to get tobari's attention, and yet... as time passed and he didn't actually notice him at all (????), it swiftly grew into being Real.
while the shoot is... fun, he can't deny that since he loves amusement parks (thanks tobari, but not right now), he can't deny thinking a few times during this shoot that it would have been a lot better if tobari was next to him instead. look, he can yearn and be angy at the same time.
that said, after he's done thanking the staff individually, he moves to grab some of his stuff he left earlier in the tent. once he returns, he does see tobari waiting there, and he ... fights the urge to wave him down. instead, as soon as they make eye contact, he's already walking towards the car by himself.
except, once he gets to the door, he realizes he doesn't have the keys...
indignantly crosses his arms outside the car. ]
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when they make it to the car, he'll just raise a hand up to fuss with rafayel's hair, arranging strands back into place as he looks over his face for any signs of exhaustion. ]
Good job. Tired? [ if he's so quiet... ] I brought spare clothes if you wanted to get something to eat now that the shoot's done... but if you'd rather nap, I can drop you off at yours and then grab the food to bring back.
[ he's so unaware of rafayel's tantrum ]
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