Chapter Text
“Where have you been.”
Rui froze in place. He had never seen Nene look this grim. Was she finally going to confront him about what happened?
“Honestly you have never been this secretive towards me of all people… what has gotten into you? Why didn’t you tell me the fact that you had left?”
“Ah, well I would have properly confronted you about this if you didn’t shun me away, wouldn’t I?”
“That doesn’t answer my question, where WERE you?”
Rui froze in fear.
“Oh, why am I even asking you. I found the window open—AND your discuises laid out on your bed! You sneaked out, did you not? JUST—- WHY were you out there in the first place? A few weeks ago you were TERRIFIED of going out there!!”
“Well, Tsukasa invited me and—“ Rui said, trying to stay calm so that this argument doesn’t get any more heated.
Nene stared at Rui. “First you sneak out without me knowing and NOW you’re befriending people who were previously out for your—BOTH of our blood? WITHOUT ME KNOWING?”
“WELL why do you care? You’re the one who never talks to anyone but me!!” Rui snapped.
“IT’S SOMETHING YOU’LL NEVER UNDERSTAND!!” Nene said as she slapped Rui straight across the face.
Rui looked at Nene in shock. Nene, realizing what she had just done, also looked at herself in shock.
“Listen, I know we are both angry at each other right now but… please, communicate with me what you want to say. I apologize for saying that to you.” Rui said to Nene, trying to calm her down.
Nene sighed. “I-I'm sorry for slapping you… it’s Emu… she just… I don’t know, I feel different around her. She makes me feel so special and she makes me want to be the person I’ve always dreamed of being. Ever since I met her, I’ve been wanting to perform more and more. She made me realize how much fun performing actually is and… most importantly she is the reason I’m talking to you about this. Last week, when you punched Tsukasa I already knew that the chances of us sneaking out again were very low. And the thought of… never seeing her again made me sad. I had finally found a person who brought out the best of me, a person who helped me overcome my fear and the fact that it was taken away from me the moment I got it made me feel frustrated. ”
Rui looked at Nene in guilt. He knew he messed up with her.
“I understand how you feel, no need to feel guilty! I’m sorry for acting that way last week, I guess I was just…impulsive? I didn’t have much time to think, so I did the first thing that came to mind. I have completely made everything up to Tsukasa and the others, so if you want to you can sneak out with me at any time. Just… try to not bottle up your feelings, alright? If there’s something bothering you, you can tell me anything!!”
Nene looked up at Rui. She smiled, knowing that Rui would always be by her side. But she couldn’t shake off the fact that she knew that Rui would never be able to understand her feelings for Emu—she didn’t even understand them herself, how could she possibly go up to him and ask? Oh well, at least he’s understanding about her actions at that moment…
The two of them sat side by side for a few minutes. It had been awkward, considering the fact that they hadn’t talked to each other in a week.
“It’s been a while, huh…” Rui chimed in.
“Yeah…” Nene added.
“Hmmm… me, Tsukasa, and the other knights are going to get something to eat in a few days. Would you like to join us?”
“…”
Nene was once again thinking about Emu—it made her chest feel really weird.
“Nene?”
“Hm? Oh, yes! Yes! I’d love to sneak out again! Um… do you think we can look for Emu before you guys go to eat? I think I’d like to discuss some things about our performances with her…” Nene asked.
Rui looked at Nene skeptically. It sounded as if something else was on her mind.
“Are you sure you’ve told me all you wanted to tell me? You sound as if something is off…” Rui asked.
“Don’t worry, I’m fine..”
Hm.. still a little strange, but he didn't want to force Nene to say anything.
“Hehe, alright. You and Emu can do whatever you want to do when we sneak out next. Anyways it’s getting late, and I’m pretty tired. Do you want me to walk you over to your room?”
Nene looked at Rui annoyingly, then laughed.
“Rui… you know I know my way back to my room. I've walked to and from there dozens of times.”
“Fufu, alright~ good night!”
Rui then closed the door and climbed into his bed. He stared at the ceiling, thinking about Tsukasa and the others.
“How much longer can I keep my identity a secret from them…”