[ NOT THE CULT. you say that but rafayel isn't particularly convincing. he just likes to gaslight people until they think he might be telling the truth, and then making fun of them for believing him... ragebaiting activities
but, at tobari's words, rafayel does make an, "oh" face...
that makes sense, actually. but, his brows do twitch a little when he backs up to the word EMPLOYEE!!! EMPLOYEE!!!! he rubs himself all over you!!! (platonic) ] Apparently, you just need to find yourself someone who always stays by your side, gives you all their attention, and takes care of all your things for you... [ if it sounds misleading, it's because it's definitely meant to be, but rafayel smiles. ]
"Sounds like you have a lover."
You should ask my manager about it next time. [ winking...
he probably jokes about this all the time. now who is just an EMPLOYEE!!! ]
rafayel laughs. ] So you have it. But, isn't that what a manager would say even if I did have a lover? [ he says with an easygoing shrug as he makes it a point to look back at tobari from the rear view mirror.
he's clearly smug.
maybe that's why no one seems to take it seriously. ] "Stop lying! You both stink of people who are siingle."
[ but, they're dating????
rafayel really is that meme. yet, at least it seems like no one believes him... damn. ]
... I'd argue you have lots of time, actually. With me?
[ he tries not to seem too happy about it, though. he has to keep tobari on his toes. which is also still very delusional of him. no fan seems to think too much about it, though. they just take it as his very crazy version of fan service.
but, also i'm dying... i can't wait for raf to find out and have the biggest industry crash out. ]
Even tonight, we agreed to spend all night together. [ yeah, he's telling his live this. when he probably overshares on live all the time... ] We are actually picking up food tonight, so the live is going to be short today, but I'll make up for it at tomorrow's comeback stage you've all been waiting for.
[ NOT THE BIGGEST INDUSTRY CRASH OUT........ HELP!!!!!
tobari just rolls his eyes.... this really is oversharing and yapping as much as he wants, but it's fine. this much he can tolerate and get over fairly easily.
even if at the mention of the comeback stage... he is nodding to himself... that's good, it's good that raf is also willing to work hard for it. tobari too is a fan who is looking forward to it even though he's also been working his ass off ]
[ IT'S COMING!!!! also the fact tobari is just happy he's going to work hard? wow
but he really does. is this a sign of his confidence, or is it arrogance to think he can do this and still manage his album and his image? then again, while saying bye he does almost slip up and read a thirst comment out loud, if just because it's about tobari?? he silently agrees. (at least it's not "thanks for coming.") ]
I'll be sure to bring him out on our next live. [ where's permission... ] But, you can't be drooling over him too much. You haven't forgotten I'm here, right? I'm going to be smaaaad. [ if just because he was possessive at his core. if only he knew he had no right to be.
that said, he soon logs off by the time they park. ]
[ also it's so funny because tobari just hears the second bit and assumes that rafayel is just being possessive over his fans' attention... ]
I don't even want to interact with your fans...
[ he can manage the politeness and thoughtfulness required of staff and he thinks their eagerness can be cute when it's not crazy, but he's still not a people person... but that said they've probably gotten to the apartment first because tobari was worried raf would be tired... the sushi place isn't far, at least. he'll open the door for raf and already reach out to get the bags and things from him ]
I'll drop you off and you can shower and rest while I go get the food.
[ tobari really is that video... where he has no idea the love songs are about him
even his response? rafayel tilts his head? now it's his turn to be a confused fish? he wonders if that was his way of drawing the line at work? or if it was a way to challenge him? in the end he decides it doesn't really matter.
when he ends up seeing the apartment as opposed to the restaurant, he can't help but sigh under his breath at tobari's consideration. ] Fine, fine. [ he's also holding a bag which he won't give to tobari. he can handle this much. ] You sure you want to walk me to the door? You should just leave from the lot? I'm not going to get kidnapped the second you take your eyes off of me, you know?
[ he has no idea... not a clue... even when he listens to them so much... idiot
tobari still frowns though? his answer is simple: ]
I don't like leaving you alone.
[ in raf's own apartment is fine and there may be some days where tobari genuinely has to take care of something else while rafayel is out and about, but even then he probably has a backup bodyguard they call to watch him... whenever tobari has the chance, he's always just overprotective enough to want to be the one with him ]
the statement ends up affecting rafayel more than it should. they're words that any manager may say (debatable), but coming from tobari, it just seemed like it carried a second, separate meaning. so he can't help but be fond as he leans in, pressing his shoulder right up against him, a small gesture of thanks.
when they make it to the door, rafayel is already grabbing everything from tobari and rushing him out so he doesn't waste more time. for someone who doesn't normally care about a schedule, he is pushy about how his bodyguard spends his time.
by the time tobari heads back, rafayel will have already been all showered and changed. while there is no fishly excuse to fall back on in this au, it's true that he probably still leaves his shirt unbuttoned for other reasons... (seduction), and so when tobari returns rafayel will be settled on the couch. his hair is still damp as he thumbs through the sheet music he's left strewn about on the coffee table. he doesn't look up, even as he says:
ALSO NOT THE ATTACKING THIS RANDOM TWITTER USER it’s fine tobari just rolls his eyes as he comes back and closes the door behind him ]
Ah. I’m home, headache.
[ is headache a petname. now it is. but he’s brought the promised sushi and also some dessert that he’s putting in the fridge first before he’s coming to join rafayel on the couch ]
So? What’s the plan for tonight?
[ since rafayel has demanded that tobari does whatever he wants ]
[ HE HAS TO!!!!! i also love how you also remembered their name jkhgkjk
this is tobari's fault for not noticing him 🥺 but also, his heart does kind of melt at being called headache like that (help me). his cheeks color just slightly as he coughs to clear his throat. once tobari joins him, he turns to face him. ]
Did you want to wash up here? [ this is pre-planned, but he also made sure to sit on the left, while he left the remote on the right. he makes it a point to lean over, placing his hand precariously close to tobari's thigh as he reaches over him to grab it.
he's already peeking at him from his peripherals to see if he's looking at him? i hate him. ]
also this is so funny. why is this so orchestrated. tobari just tilts his head uncertainly before going to reach for the remote and fitting it into rafayel’s hand so he doesn’t have to reach as far? ]
he's staring at the remote, and then staring at his hand that was planning to place right on top of his knee to angle for the remote. except, the remote is already in his hand. it's like he goes back between these three points several times in the span of seconds, before his brows furrow.
he tries not to show he's annoyed his plans fell through, but... he's not nearly that inscrutable. ]
[ when tobari bops him on the head with the remote, he looks...
more (sad) than offended. he purses his lips momentarily, as if holding back what he was really thinking, before he ends up giving a small sigh. he rubs his forehead as he takes the remote. he ends up turning on the tv...
but it's clear he isn't watching. he's mostly stunned? it didn't work?
he does end up backing off, but not before squeezing his thigh a little. ] Okaaaaay. Take your time. I'm almost finished with the lyrics for this one song and I should write it out before I forget. [ he's trying so hard not to pout and ruin the mood. ]
[ reining in his emotions wasn't always easy. especially not in moments like these where they seemed to change like the tides. one seconds he's lamenting that his boyfriend won't let him touch him, and then on the other, he's enjoying the attention he does dole out.
he shakes his head a bit, not so much to brush him off, but more like a reminder that he's okay. ] I'll wait. It's not like the food will go bad that quickly. [ he then grabs the notebook he left on the coffee table alongside his 5-6 novels— some on art (for album cover inspo), the ocean (same), and at least three novels based on dating your manager....
he already begins scribbling into the book. when tobari returns,
[ yes.... isn't it horrible when you can't touch your boyfriend who is definitely your boyfriend....
but tobari nods along, accepting that rafayel can at least divert his attention to his work for a bit. he'll rummage through the bag that he packed earlier in the morning, heading over to rafayel's bathroom and using it comfortably... he probably has his own towel here... wow what close best friends...
when he comes back out, he's toweling off his hair, freed from its styling and unruly... instead of saying anything to interrupt rafayel, he'll just peer over his shoulder to look at his notes... nosey... ]
[ the lack of self-awareness in this one specific case...
that said, even as he's writing out— "a relationship where you're close enough to touch, but there's a distance that's physical rather than emotional. you have their attention, but you wonder if you have their heart." there's lyrics scrawled out below it, but the second tobari's eyes land on the page, he shuts the book.
he then holds his hand out, trading the book for the towel. ]
I'll dry it for you. Come sit here. [ he motions on the floor between his legs as he swiftly lays a floor cushion down right there.
he at least pretends to be neutral, even if he's still a little disappointed. he did put on a detective drama, though. the one he mentioned they should check out a few weeks ago truly... just casual best friends stuff. ]
[ ???? tobari only catches some of the words before rafayel closes the page again, and he tilts his head? where does he get all this inspiration from when he's not dating or seieng anyone.... wild...
but he'll go along with the direction easily enough, ]
Oh? Are we swapping roles?
[ mister fussy manager rafayel... but tobari goes to sit on the cushion, lifting the towel up for rafayel to take it. tobari's hair is still pretty damp despite his best efforts, but he is feeling nice and comfy in the sweats he packed... even if the sweater still has a vneck so his tattoos are out. whore. this is not for seduction he just rebels after being covered up all day for work ]
while tobari's intention isn't seduction, it's still pretty effective considering rafayel can't help but stop a stare for a second. he may see tobari like this frequently enough, but it still doesn't stop him from admiring him.
it's not so much that he cares about appearances, as much as... who doesn't find the person they love attractive? it really is just a second, though, as he swiftly moves to dutifully begin drying his hair off. his hands are gentle as they also work to massage his scalp a little. he deserves it for all the stress he goes through. ]
Swapping roles? Then are you going to sing for me?
EVEN IF TOBARI CLOCKED THIS, HE WOULDN'T CARE OR THINK IT MEANS ANYTHING! HE ALREADY KNOWS HE'S SEXY! SO WHAT
tsuyukusa is right guys like this are the worst
instead he's just going to be someone utterly unconcerned that his best friend might've gotten distracted by how hot he was for a second, closing his eyes as he enjoys the little scalp massage... wow. he could get used to this ]
Hmm... no, I was thinking more along the lines that I get to be the pain in the ass and act out for no reason.
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but, at tobari's words, rafayel does make an, "oh" face...
that makes sense, actually. but, his brows do twitch a little when he backs up to the word EMPLOYEE!!! EMPLOYEE!!!! he rubs himself all over you!!! (platonic) ] Apparently, you just need to find yourself someone who always stays by your side, gives you all their attention, and takes care of all your things for you... [ if it sounds misleading, it's because it's definitely meant to be, but rafayel smiles. ]
"Sounds like you have a lover."
You should ask my manager about it next time. [ winking...
he probably jokes about this all the time. now who is just an EMPLOYEE!!! ]
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[ LOUDLY
FROM THE FRONT SEAT ]
Stop forcing me to intervene! He doesn't have a lover!
[ truly the "there's dating rumors about us" "yea i started the rumors" meme
WHY IS TOBARI SO EASILY RAGEBAITED ]
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rafayel laughs. ] So you have it. But, isn't that what a manager would say even if I did have a lover? [ he says with an easygoing shrug as he makes it a point to look back at tobari from the rear view mirror.
he's clearly smug.
maybe that's why no one seems to take it seriously. ] "Stop lying! You both stink of people who are siingle."
[ but, they're dating????
rafayel really is that meme. yet, at least it seems like no one believes him... damn. ]
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[ WHAT HAS HE DONE TO DESERVE THIS........ NOTHING ]
Who the hell would have time to date with a job like this.
[ says tobari who might be hooking up with someone on the side i can't remember if that was actually idol au canon or just a joke ]
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[ he tries not to seem too happy about it, though. he has to keep tobari on his toes. which is also still very delusional of him. no fan seems to think too much about it, though. they just take it as his very crazy version of fan service.
but, also i'm dying... i can't wait for raf to find out and have the biggest industry crash out. ]
Even tonight, we agreed to spend all night together. [ yeah, he's telling his live this. when he probably overshares on live all the time... ] We are actually picking up food tonight, so the live is going to be short today, but I'll make up for it at tomorrow's comeback stage you've all been waiting for.
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tobari just rolls his eyes.... this really is oversharing and yapping as much as he wants, but it's fine. this much he can tolerate and get over fairly easily.
even if at the mention of the comeback stage... he is nodding to himself... that's good, it's good that raf is also willing to work hard for it. tobari too is a fan who is looking forward to it even though he's also been working his ass off ]
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but he really does. is this a sign of his confidence, or is it arrogance to think he can do this and still manage his album and his image? then again, while saying bye he does almost slip up and read a thirst comment out loud, if just because it's about tobari?? he silently agrees. (at least it's not "thanks for coming.") ]
I'll be sure to bring him out on our next live. [ where's permission... ] But, you can't be drooling over him too much. You haven't forgotten I'm here, right? I'm going to be smaaaad. [ if just because he was possessive at his core. if only he knew he had no right to be.
that said, he soon logs off by the time they park. ]
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What did I just get signed up for.
[ also it's so funny because tobari just hears the second bit and assumes that rafayel is just being possessive over his fans' attention... ]
I don't even want to interact with your fans...
[ he can manage the politeness and thoughtfulness required of staff and he thinks their eagerness can be cute when it's not crazy, but he's still not a people person... but that said they've probably gotten to the apartment first because tobari was worried raf would be tired... the sushi place isn't far, at least. he'll open the door for raf and already reach out to get the bags and things from him ]
I'll drop you off and you can shower and rest while I go get the food.
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even his response? rafayel tilts his head? now it's his turn to be a confused fish? he wonders if that was his way of drawing the line at work? or if it was a way to challenge him? in the end he decides it doesn't really matter.
when he ends up seeing the apartment as opposed to the restaurant, he can't help but sigh under his breath at tobari's consideration. ] Fine, fine. [ he's also holding a bag which he won't give to tobari. he can handle this much. ] You sure you want to walk me to the door? You should just leave from the lot? I'm not going to get kidnapped the second you take your eyes off of me, you know?
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tobari still frowns though? his answer is simple: ]
I don't like leaving you alone.
[ in raf's own apartment is fine and there may be some days where tobari genuinely has to take care of something else while rafayel is out and about, but even then he probably has a backup bodyguard they call to watch him... whenever tobari has the chance, he's always just overprotective enough to want to be the one with him ]
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the statement ends up affecting rafayel more than it should. they're words that any manager may say (debatable), but coming from tobari, it just seemed like it carried a second, separate meaning. so he can't help but be fond as he leans in, pressing his shoulder right up against him, a small gesture of thanks.
when they make it to the door, rafayel is already grabbing everything from tobari and rushing him out so he doesn't waste more time. for someone who doesn't normally care about a schedule, he is pushy about how his bodyguard spends his time.
by the time tobari heads back, rafayel will have already been all showered and changed. while there is no fishly excuse to fall back on in this au, it's true that he probably still leaves his shirt unbuttoned for other reasons... (seduction), and so when tobari returns rafayel will be settled on the couch. his hair is still damp as he thumbs through the sheet music he's left strewn about on the coffee table. he doesn't look up, even as he says:
( sophia voice ) ] Honey, welcome home.
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ALSO NOT THE ATTACKING THIS RANDOM TWITTER USER it’s fine tobari just rolls his eyes as he comes back and closes the door behind him ]
Ah. I’m home, headache.
[ is headache a petname. now it is. but he’s brought the promised sushi and also some dessert that he’s putting in the fridge first before he’s coming to join rafayel on the couch ]
So? What’s the plan for tonight?
[ since rafayel has demanded that tobari does whatever he wants ]
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this is tobari's fault for not noticing him 🥺 but also, his heart does kind of melt at being called headache like that (help me). his cheeks color just slightly as he coughs to clear his throat. once tobari joins him, he turns to face him. ]
Did you want to wash up here? [ this is pre-planned, but he also made sure to sit on the left, while he left the remote on the right. he makes it a point to lean over, placing his hand precariously close to tobari's thigh as he reaches over him to grab it.
he's already peeking at him from his peripherals to see if he's looking at him? i hate him. ]
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also this is so funny. why is this so orchestrated. tobari just tilts his head uncertainly before going to reach for the remote and fitting it into rafayel’s hand so he doesn’t have to reach as far? ]
Ah, I can. I also have spare clothes in the bag.
[ comfy… oversized… incognito fits ]
1/2
he's staring at the remote, and then staring at his hand that was planning to place right on top of his knee to angle for the remote. except, the remote is already in his hand. it's like he goes back between these three points several times in the span of seconds, before his brows furrow.
he tries not to show he's annoyed his plans fell through, but... he's not nearly that inscrutable. ]
... Thanks.
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his wrist goes slack and the remote drops from his hand...
oops. he drops it right between tobari's legs. this is so thirsty, but also... tobari go shower. save yourself. ]
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tobari, still not sure what’s going on and definitely not being seduced: ]
What the hell are you up to?
[ said as he goes back to picking up the remote and lightly tapping it against rafayel’s forehead ]
Move. [ out of his personal space!!!! ] I’m gonna use your shower.
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more (sad) than offended. he purses his lips momentarily, as if holding back what he was really thinking, before he ends up giving a small sigh. he rubs his forehead as he takes the remote. he ends up turning on the tv...
but it's clear he isn't watching. he's mostly stunned? it didn't work?
he does end up backing off, but not before squeezing his thigh a little. ] Okaaaaay. Take your time. I'm almost finished with the lyrics for this one song and I should write it out before I forget. [ he's trying so hard not to pout and ruin the mood. ]
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[ but not the SAD!! tobari lingering on that and trying not to feel too guilty about it... he'll reach over to pat raf's head anyway ]
You can start eating without me if you're hungry. [ but, trying to make up for it, ] You can pick what we watch or play tonight? I won't complain.
[ movie or games... he might trashtalk if they're playing games but he won't complain ]
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he shakes his head a bit, not so much to brush him off, but more like a reminder that he's okay. ] I'll wait. It's not like the food will go bad that quickly. [ he then grabs the notebook he left on the coffee table alongside his 5-6 novels— some on art (for album cover inspo), the ocean (same), and at least three novels based on dating your manager....
he already begins scribbling into the book. when tobari returns,
he's in the same exact position. ]
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but tobari nods along, accepting that rafayel can at least divert his attention to his work for a bit. he'll rummage through the bag that he packed earlier in the morning, heading over to rafayel's bathroom and using it comfortably... he probably has his own towel here... wow what close best friends...
when he comes back out, he's toweling off his hair, freed from its styling and unruly... instead of saying anything to interrupt rafayel, he'll just peer over his shoulder to look at his notes... nosey... ]
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that said, even as he's writing out— "a relationship where you're close enough to touch, but there's a distance that's physical rather than emotional. you have their attention, but you wonder if you have their heart." there's lyrics scrawled out below it, but the second tobari's eyes land on the page, he shuts the book.
he then holds his hand out, trading the book for the towel. ]
I'll dry it for you. Come sit here. [ he motions on the floor between his legs as he swiftly lays a floor cushion down right there.
he at least pretends to be neutral, even if he's still a little disappointed. he did put on a detective drama, though. the one he mentioned they should check out a few weeks ago truly... just casual best friends stuff. ]
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but he'll go along with the direction easily enough, ]
Oh? Are we swapping roles?
[ mister fussy manager rafayel... but tobari goes to sit on the cushion, lifting the towel up for rafayel to take it. tobari's hair is still pretty damp despite his best efforts, but he is feeling nice and comfy in the sweats he packed... even if the sweater still has a vneck so his tattoos are out. whore. this is not for seduction he just rebels after being covered up all day for work ]
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while tobari's intention isn't seduction, it's still pretty effective considering rafayel can't help but stop a stare for a second. he may see tobari like this frequently enough, but it still doesn't stop him from admiring him.
it's not so much that he cares about appearances, as much as... who doesn't find the person they love attractive? it really is just a second, though, as he swiftly moves to dutifully begin drying his hair off. his hands are gentle as they also work to massage his scalp a little. he deserves it for all the stress he goes through. ]
Swapping roles? Then are you going to sing for me?
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EVEN IF TOBARI CLOCKED THIS, HE WOULDN'T CARE OR THINK IT MEANS ANYTHING! HE ALREADY KNOWS HE'S SEXY! SO WHAT
tsuyukusa is right guys like this are the worst
instead he's just going to be someone utterly unconcerned that his best friend might've gotten distracted by how hot he was for a second, closing his eyes as he enjoys the little scalp massage... wow. he could get used to this ]
Hmm... no, I was thinking more along the lines that I get to be the pain in the ass and act out for no reason.
[ ok damn bitch ]
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