Not that he would admit it, but dinners such as this particular one always gave him addition stress. Fidgeting with the tie around his neck, Tokiya found himself wishing to tear it off entirely. Gentle fingers pry his fingers off of the stubborn fabric, smoothing out the wrinkled ends left behind by his crushing grip.

"Stop fretting over unnecessary matters."

A sigh escapes his lips as he tried to visibly relax his shoulders from the tense state they had taken up. "I'm sorry. I hadn't meant-"

"I know. You don't have to explain yourself to me."

He's not sure where he would be if Masato wasn't by his side, offering comfort at a time only he would recognize as one of need. "Thank you."

"No need." Masato releases his fingers from Tokiya's jacket before sliding them to his own, straightening out what is already in order. Somehow, the action brings a familiar smile to Tokiya's lips. "The others will be here shortly."

"I know." He also knows what Masato is trying to do, yet welcomes the desired distraction without hesitation. Tokiya draws closer to him, resting his arms loosely on both the pianist's shoulders. "We still have time."

"Not much." Masato reminds him with a stern yet subtlely encouraging glance. There's hardly any discipline to his words or his actions as his hands find Tokiya's waistband under his suit jacket, hooking his fingers in the belt loops that sit on either side.

Tokiya takes in a deep breath as he watches Masato press closer. These are the moments he cherishes the most. Short encounters such as this one remind him of their busy lives, yet how incredibly lucky he is to work side-by-side to the one closest to him. Oh, so incredibly-

"Masa! Tokiya! The limo's-"

Swiftly, Masato pulls away from him in one practiced motion. It's one they've been practicing for years, however not one Tokiya enjoys at this time. Of course the others knew of their status together, but they did their best to avoid being open about it. After all, they would be doomed if anyone outside of STARISH caught them in such a fashion. They made it easier for everyone by avoiding contact outside of closed doors. Not that it prevented the brief glances of affection or ghosting of their fingers over one another's.

Otoya is faster than Masato is to pull away, bursting into the waiting room they're in. He pauses when he sees them, his face illuminating red when he figures out what they've been doing. Tokiya has a feeling Otoya will be avoiding him all night now. He was always one to feel secondhand embarrassment rather quickly.

Masato huffs under his breath, a sign of embarrassment that he's come to recognize over the years. An amused smile plays on Tokiya's lips as he tucks a hand into a pocket in his pants. "I suppose it's time to leave then." He begins pacing forward as Masato follows closely behind. Otoya only watches as they walk past him to join the others, who are waiting in the main lobby for them.

Briefly, Tokiya wonders why they chose Otoya to chase after them. He knows one of them had to do it in an attempt at a joke of some sort. Possibly Ren. A nudge to his right shoulder shakes him from his reverie. Beside him, Masato offers his same encouraging smile only his eyes send him silent questions. Tokiya mimics his smile in return to hopefully set his mind at ease. It doesn't seem to do much other than settle the topic outwardly.

"Oh? What'd you two do to Ikki?" Ren has a hand on his hip as he whistles at the shade of red on Otoya's face that seems bright enough to challenge his hair color.

Of course it was Ren. He's the only one willing to comment on their relationship as the others seem to be too uncomfortable to do so. Classic Ren.

"Nothing worth mentioning to you, Jinguji." Masato's words hold a bite to them, something reserved only for Ren alone. It would sound threatening if his cheeks didn't hold a rosy tint to them.

Tokiya has to stifle back laughter as he catches a side glance from Masato. Otoya coughs into his hand, hoping to distract himself from the embarrassment. As Ren pesters him, Syo jumps in to push Ren back while Natsuki cheers for the two of them. Cecil stands off to the side beside Nanami, both seem equally confused as to what just occurred before them.

The rowdiness doesn't last long as one of their security details walks in to let them know it's time to leave. Orderly, they all begin piling into the vehicle, letting Nanami go in first as courtesy. Tokiya does his best to not let his annoyance show as Ren slips in between himself and Masato. Another action done on purpose to annoy them both once more. From where he sits, Masato sends him a knowing look and then one of sympathy. Their silent conversations are another thing Tokiya loves about their relationship.

"You two are incredibly good at that. I wonder if you'll ever tell me what you're talking about when you do it." Ren crosses his legs as he gets himself comfortable on the leather couch situated against the left side interior. "I'd love to be a part of it."

It's the longest car ride he's ever had to take, Tokiya thinks to himself. Ren goes on and on carrying mindless conversations to pass the time, while other topics are only meant to aggravate the both of them. At one point, his hand is on Tokiya's knee, and it takes all the restraint left in him to not do something he'd regret later. He can see the twitch in Masato's resolve to the gesture as well. A part of him shivers at what will happen later tonight in response to the clear jealousy, while the other part of him wishes to smoothe away the furrow between his brows.

When they get to the restaurant, all of them begin piling out of the car in a flurry of activity. The majority of them are all but running into the building save for the three situated the farthest away from the limo door. Ren jumps out before the two of them, sending a wink in Tokiya's direction. He knows what he did. Tokiya rolls his eyes as he steps out, lending a hand to a frazzled Masato stepping out behind him. He refuses to say anything as he walks beside Tokiya into the restaurant.

The group is led to a private room that Shining had reserved for them especially. Shining had insisted they deserved something nice like this after all the work they had been putting in to end the season off on a high note. Tokiya appreciated it the most as he's barely gotten to see Masato during the daytime. The only time they shared together was very late at night when they were both beyond exhaustion.

They all sit down at the chairs with three on each side in positions Tokiya could've guessed from the start. Tokiya and Masato made it their mission to get the inner-most seats next to the wall, seeing as the others are going to make a bigger deal of the chair settled at the head of the table. At not too much of a surprise to himself, Ren situates himself next to Tokiya. This time, he's sending the wink in Masato's direction. It's not like they expected to have any sort of private conversation together at a table for eight anyway.

Natsuki slides in next to Masato, another predictable arrangement. It makes sense then for Syo to sit next to him with Otoya sliding in next to Ren, positioning him across from the shorter blond. Cecil takes the seat beside Otoya, while Nanami takes the last spot beside Syo. Tokiya already feels some sort of sympathy for the composer due to the position she's in. Unfortunately, he didn't realize how bad his own position was in comparison.

"How did your interview go for the new line of magazines? I heard Shining was hoping to arrange segments featuring all of us if you enjoyed it." It's casual conversation they normally always start with before Masato spins the conversation in an interesting way. It's another thing he's always enjoyed about the other. Conversation was never dull between them.

"She delved into topics that stayed away from the past. It was refreshing." High praise coming from the professional himself.

The time is cut all too short before Masato is frowning at him, though. It's those same wrinkles Tokiya wishes would melt away. "You're avoiding our last topic."

He's caught. "I didn't think it was one appropriate for-"

"Oh? What'd you do now, Icchi?" Ren's leaning his right elbow against the table, staring Tokiya down with a smirk.

This really isn't anything he wants to talk about now. Sighing, he briefly closes his eyes before opening them. He sets his jaw as he tries to put on a relaxed expression. It must be evident it isn't working. "Nothing that requires your attention." He wants to brush Ren off, but the other makes it impossible. "I will-"

"Your making excuses again." Masato's index finger taps against the cherry wood of the table. "I will honor your wish to discuss it later, but do not think you can escape. Your face is a window to the answer I wish to know."

Ren lets go of a low whistle. "Let me guess."

"Ren, now isn't the time-"

"What's your coffee to sleep ratio for the day? I'm guessing 5:2, or have you actually managed half a night's worth of sleep?"

He wishes to smack the grin off of Ren's face.

"I told you it's none of your-"

"Wha?! Tokiya, that's not good for you! You must be exhausted!"

Oh, how Natsuki doesn't even begin to understand the words he's saying. "Enough. That isn't-"

"Is Tokiya exhausting himself again? I knew he'd go back to his old ways." Syo piques up from beside Natsuki, clearly nosing his way into their conversation in hopes of ignoring the one he was a part of before.

The others begin to chime in their own responses to a falsity they've all come up with on their own. The most Tokiya can do is tune them all out best he can as he begins rubbing small circles into his temples. When he finally glances up at Masato again, he notices a look ridden with apologies. He tries to soften his expression to one less of anger and more of forgiveness, but he's let his guard down. Everyone at the table has gotten louder with their questions and curiosities. Tokiya is once again reminded of his anger. In one swift motion, Tokiya quickly hits the table with the side of his fist and all conversation dies away immediately.

No one speaks. They all stare at him as if they're still expecting some kind of answer.

Tokiya knows he's messed up, but he can't bring himself to regret his action in the least bit. Aggressively sliding his chair out, he excuses himself from the table and heads in the general direction of the bathrooms. A short escape is all he needs. The others will pick up any conversation in no time without him there. Besides, he needs to gather his own thoughts before relaxing into the rest of the evening.

After taking a few wrong turns and getting directions from employees, it's not too much longer later that he finds his destination. Pushing through the heavy-set doors, he finds a separate room before the bathroom set with three stools in front of a marble countertop and large mirrors. It's a bit gaudy with the wallpaper set to mimic an older time in its "aging" floral pattern with decorative golden leaves etched into it. He takes a seat in front one of the mirrors, refusing to gaze directly into one of them. He knows what sort of expression he's wearing. There's no need to see it for himself.

Deep controlled breaths... In... Then out... In... Then-

"I hope you don't plan on locking yourself away for the rest of the evening. Hijiri might get even more upset than he already is."

As if the night can't possibly get any worse, Ren has to be the one bursting in after him. If anything, he had been expecting Masato. Maybe Ren told him to stay at the table.

"Hijiri must have told you time and time again that you overthink everything." Ren plops down into a stool next to him. "Then again, he doesn't know how not to be serious himself, so I doubt it."

Tokiya shifts a glare in his direction but closes his eyes in an attempt to block him out. What he can't see doesn't exist, right?

"Ignoring me isn't going to get rid of me."

Ren is aggravating. It's a thought that's been very constant tonight. "I don't care if you stay or leave. However, it would be best for you to go back."

"Not without you."

Tokiya cracks open an eye to briefly steal a glance at him. "I'm only giving myself a moment. Of course I'm going to head back."

Ren huffs but doesn't speak again. Tokiya's not sure why he does this, but he doesn't question it as he slips back into his controlled breathing practice from before.

Only after a few more moments of silence does Ren open his mouth again, but this time, Tokiya is surprised by the care held in his tone.

"Are you okay now?"

Tokiya stares at him dumbfoundedly for only a few seconds. He wasn't truly expecting Ren to say much more if he's to be honest with himself. "I am."

Ren gives him an even more genuine smile. "Good. Shall we head back then?" Ren's already standing up and offering a hand to him.

Tokiya takes the hand offered to him and eases himself up. They make their way out of the bathroom and back towards the table. He was expecting him to pry more into the topic at hand. He's confused as to why Ren didn't ask questions, why there isn't any mockery held in his voice. There's not even a trace of the curiosity that was there before. It's all gone as if it's only ever been meant as a part of a facade.

Ren chuckles beside him but continues to keep his head forward and eyes focused on the path back. "Do I have something on my face?"

Tokiya's been staring at him. Stupid. "No. I'm sorry." He now tries to keep his eyes trained on the path in front of them as well.

Ren laughs again. "Don't be sorry. I'd let you stare any day." He trains bright blue eyes on Tokiya before winking at him.

It's Tokiya's turn to laugh, but this time in unamusement as he keeps his eyes forward. "Throw your meaningless words at someone else."

"Who said they were meaningless?"

The playful tone in Ren's voice isn't completely gone, but he sounds more serious than he did mere seconds ago. The stark contrast in his behavior again startles Tokiya. He tries not to let it show on his face as they finally arrive back at the table. Masato can tell something is amiss, but his expression is still as apologetic as it was earlier. It's clear what is holding primary focus in his mind, and Tokiya is sure he'll hear nothing but apologies for the rest of the night.

What's even more obvious is the clear tension that everyone holds once they make it back. Ren is quick to start up a new conversation with the crowd that had fallen into silence with their presence, flustering Syo enough to have him raise his voice and send Nanami giggling. Tokiya would be lying if he said he isn't jealous of how easily Ren is able to make things right. He has always been intelligent when it came to reading people and atmospheres surrounding crowds, especially redirecting more negative ones.

The evening flies by from that point forward, ending sooner than it felt it had begun. With just a bit of champagne in their systems, it's easy to tell how lighthearted their crowd now is. Syo, Otoya, and Cecil have their arms draped around one another, discussing some big soccer tournament they want to have on everyone's next day off. Ren had apparently decided to leave Masato and Tokiya alone, instead now distracting Natsuki and Nanami over something he couldn't quite hear. Though under his own dipsy spell, all he can really bother to think about is Masato.

It's clear that the champagne is affecting Masato as well, his shoulders not quite as stiff as usual and walking close enough for their hands to brush as they want back towards the limo. It's enough to send Tokiya's mind into a frenzy. All he could possibly want is for them to link their hands as if they were a normal couple, but alas it couldn't be, not if they wanted to work another day in Shining Agency at least.

It's in these moments that he wishes they could be normal, that they could cling to each other in their drunken stupor. He wishes they could share in a midnight kiss to ring in the new year. He wishes they could take photos and not worry about someone posting them everywhere on social medias, that paparazzi isn't trying to catch them like that. He just wishes they could share in what they have together and not worry about all the endless possibilities of things going wrong.

It's when they've slipped into the limo that's begun driving them back to the dorms that he's reminded of how insignificant all those details can be, though. Masato lets himself slip, now linking their hands together and squeezing three times as if to remind Tokiya that they'll be okay.

Tokiya stares down at their hands with a gentle smile before glancing up at Masato.

At the same time this happens, the champagne-fed distractions make him miss the longing stares Ren gives them from the other end of the limo. He's been pretending playfully to hit on Nanami, only to get an elbow to his ribs from Syo when he notices how loving Tokiya and Masato have become.

Syo follows his gaze and pretends to gag, causing laughter to bubble up in Otoya and a pink blush to stain Nanami's cheeks.

Tokiya misses all of this due to the happiness settling inside of him at how content everything seems. He also misses how quickly Ren's expression drops. It's as if their conversation from earlier never even happened. Tokiya should've remembered as it had mattered to him about an hour ago, but the alcohol only reminds him of his adoration for the one he's lucky enough to call his lover. How suddenly the evening had turned for the three of them.

But Tokiya's content right now. They'll have all the time in the world to dwell on the what-ifs and have-nots of yesterday and tomorrow. To Tokiya, it's the now that matters the most. All he wants is to relish in the comfort he feels overwhelmed with in the best way possible.

It's in this moment he knows all he'll ever want is Masato's brightest skies and darkest midnights, his every loss and acceptance speech.

It's the memories like these that he wishes to hold onto forevermore, and it's the smile Masato gives him in return that tells him he does too.

And Tokiya will surely hold onto him.