Chapter Text
Nene slowly dragged herself out of her bed, unwilling to leave the comforts of the very soft and very wonderful bed she was sleeping in. And yet she did it anyway, for today was going to be…
Practice day… With Emu and Rui and… Tsukasa.
She felt like dying inside. How was she going to handle this?! In a matter of hours, she’s found herself unable to look at her troupe’s leader! But yet, she had to. She definitely had to. She knows she can’t keep hiding from Tsukasa, it’s not fair on him or Rui and Emu. And she’ll get there! She just needs some time.
As she lazily walked out of her room, she thought.
Should I… consult someone about this? But who? Rui already knows, and I talked my feelings out with him, but I’m still feeling a bit weird… Maybe Emu? Ah, maybe not. I'm not too sure how she'd react and telling another troupemate would feel too, uh, like the tension would be even worse. Oh my god, there's gonna be so much tension, isn't there?! No, Nene, you’ve got to act normal. Very normal thoughts and very normal behaviour, understood Nene?
Honestly, she hadn't even realised she'd even finished getting ready before she found herself walking downstairs for breakfast.
“Morning dear!” Nene’s mom cheerfully called out, noticing Nene’s arrival. “I’ve just finished making breakfast, so why don’t you go eat up and then head for school, hm?”
“Ah…” Nene felt really grateful to have her mom then. They may have not spoken much last night, but her mother was really such a supportive and wonderful person all throughout Nene’s life. Like… a constant that would always be able to keep Nene grounded, even when she felt all tangled up.
Just like someone else she loved.
No, no, no, Tsukasa’s different! He’s just warm, and kind, and a good leader, and annoyingly confident but in a weirdly endearing way, and– Ugh, is Nene actually down bad? For goodness sake…
“Nene dear, is something wrong?” Just as Nene had sat down, her mom turned to look at Nene in slight worry. “You appear a little troubled.”
“T-Troubled?” Nene stuttered. “I’m not troubled! I’m just, uh… thinking about our show!”
“Hmm… If you say so darling.” Her mom then shook her head. Just then, another figure made themselves present.
“Ah, look at our baby girl!” Nene’s dad chortled. “She’s a real actress, thinking about her next show, next performance! I’m so proud to be your dad, kiddo.”
Nene flushed in embarrassment. “Dad!”
Her mom tutted. “Now, dear, now’s not the time to tease Nene, alright?” Sighing, she turned to Nene. “Dear, ignore your father. Just eat up.”
Nene’s dad proceeded to feign offence, sighing on about “How both my wife and kid ail me so, I’m trying to show appreciation to my dear daughter!”
As the three talked, livening up the dining table, Nene smiled to herself as she felt a surge of gratitude for her parents. The presence of them made Nene feel slightly better about the worries in the back of her mind.
However, such blessings can all come to an end. Before she knew it, she was walking to school with Rui.
“Nene, don’t be so dull today~!” said Rui cheerfully. “You’re going to see Tsukasa and that’s why you’re nervous, right?”
Nene groaned. “Shut up, Rui. You could never understand me right now…”
Rui’s eyes flickered for a moment before continuing. “Perhaps I can’t. However, what I’m certain about is that Tsukasa is going to fear something is wrong if you’re all scattered.”
“Ah… Right…” Nene sighed. “Geez, this is so annoying. Why can’t I look at Tsukasa like a normal person…!”
“I guess that’s love for you, Nene.”
“Rui, please shut up before I throw you into traffic.”
“That’s a bit harsh, no?”
“Rui.”
“My lips are sealed~!”
The two went on in silence, with Nene trying to figure out how to handle being in Tsukasa’s presence and Rui on the verge of a full crisis with his conversation with Emu and also thinking on how to help Nene. Mysteriously enough, Nene could feel Rui’s worries seeping through his relaxed facade.
I said earlier that Rui wouldn’t understand, Nene thought. But, Rui himself seems to be a bit concerned about something. I shouldn’t have lashed out at him… I’ll say sorry–
“Oh, would you look at that~!” Rui turned, and Nene too, to see Kamiyama High School. “I see we’ll have to split ways soon.”
“Yeah…” Nene nodded. A shame. She should apologise now, before the two split. “Rui, I–”
“Oh, hey! It’s Kamishiro-senpai and Kusanagi-san!”
A loud voice - but not Tsukasa’s - resonated through the air as Shiraishi and Akiyama started walking towards them. As Shiraishi waved, Nene suddenly became uneasy. Which was strange, considering that Nene didn’t hold grudges towards either of them. Perhaps she’s just overthinking it. It’s probably because they’re too loud in the morning… Yeah, that sounds right.
“Hey, you two~!” Akiyama grinned as they and Shiraishi came over. “We just wanted to greet you a good morning, so here we are!”
“Good morning~!!!” The two chorused cheerfully. Was everyone always this energetic in the morning? Hopefully not… But there was something… strange about their arrival.
Rui appeared to notice this too. “Oh? Well, good morning to you too, Shiraishi-kun, Mizuki.” Rui chuckled. “But…
“That’s not all you two came for, is it?”
Shiraishi sighed. “Mizuki, I told you we shouldn’t look so suspicious…”
“But, An…” Akiyama whined. “I really did want to say good morning!”
“Hehe, that’s Mizuki for you, Shiraishi-kun~!” Rui joined in on the two, a playful smile on his face.
Nene was a bit confused however. “So… you came to say good morning. What else did you want to do?”
Akiyama and Shiraishi shared a look and nodded before facing them again. Akiyama continued. “Well… we kinda wanted to borrow Rui for a sec! But we didn’t want to look weird so I thought it would be a good idea to say good morning. Although, I guess we ended up looking weird either way, right?”
“Yup.” Nene bluntly agreed.
“Hey now, that’s a bit crass, no?” Rui tutted. “‘l’ll come with you two: an upperclassman should always look out for their lowerclassmen after all~!” He then turned to Nene. “It looks like we will be parting ways sooner than expected… Farewell, Nene!”
“You make it sound like we’re gonna never see each other again…” She sent Rui a tired look, before giving the three a small smile. “I’ll see you around guys.”
“Mhm! See you in class, Kusanagi-san!” Shiraishi beamed. As Mizuki shot Nene a “See you around~!”, the three went walking off. Nene thought it suspicious, but decided not to say anything… She really couldn’t be bothered with whatever shenanigans that were occurring with those three. Maybe that was the bad feeling she felt earlier… Huh. Just as she exhaled lightly, she heard a prideful voice that brought chills down her spine.
“A- Ah! Well, if it isn’t Nene!” Tsukasa, the star of Nene’s imagination theatre, walked up to her, his grin boyish and bright. … Boyish? Bright? Has she always described Tsukasa like this? “How are you today?”
“T-Tsukasa…” Although still recovering from the surprise of running into Tsukasa, she nodded. “I’m fine, thanks. You?”
Tsukasa puffed up his chest and placed his hands on his hips proudly. “I’m wonderful! I’m just happy to see you of course!”
What.
“What?”
“Ah, uh, what I mean is–” Tsukasa jumped a little, looking nervous as he tried to explain his remark. “You’re my fellow troupemate, and so it is simply pleasant to have run into you as a, uh, friend!” Was it Nene, or were his ears rather pink? Hmm, no it must be just Nene. It’s not as if Tsukasa returned her feelings or anything.
But, friend, huh? The word shot Nene like an arrow, swift and unrelenting. She knew this would happen but it did feel… painful. Damn, unrequited love sucks.
“R- Right.” Nene finally realised Tsukasa was waiting for her answer.
Tsukasa nodded. “Yeah… Uh, EARLIER!” Tsukasa suddenly yelled, giving Nene a fright. Geez, did he always need to shout? “Akiyama and Shiraishi were walking away with Rui, right?”
A topic change. One she was grateful for, at that. Things were going quite awkwardly earlier. “Ah, yeah. They came over to say good morning, but then they said they needed to borrow Rui and just… took him I guess.”
“Oh, is that so?” Tsukasa pondered, slightly curious. “I wonder why…”
“Probably for some shenanigans or something.” Nene shook her head. “It’s something we should try to stay out of.”
“Haha… Guess you’re right.” Tsukasa laughed again lightly. Nene’s heart did not skip a beat at that. Nope. “Well then, I’ll see you around, Nene!” Tsukasa beamed. “We have practice today, so let’s give it our all!”
Give it our all… Nene giggled, unaware of the expression Tsukasa made at that. “I’ll give it my best shot, Tsukasa.”
Tsukasa looked almost… dazed? He shook his head and laughed. Loudly and obnoxiously, but still he laughed. “As expected from my– our future diva! I shall see you soon!” Proudly, Tsukasa grinned and walked away.
Nene’s face was flushed. Was Tsukasa ill or something? “My”? His future diva?!
“There’s no way he’s saying all of these things intentionally… right?”
--- ---
“Hello Rui.” Mizuki said solemnly. “It is time we brought this to your attention.”
The three of them were crouched towards the side of the school, which wasn’t really seen or visited by many people. Amused at Shiraishi and Mizuki’s faces, serious with a trace of excitement, Rui spoke up.
“Shiraishi-kun, Mizuki.” He nodded. “It’s wonderful to see you two as well, but what could be so serious that we’re hiding from Nene?”
“Well, you see.” Shiraishi put her hand up to whisper. “We think Tenma-senpai has been super suspicious about Kusanagi-san! We saw him the other day, and…”
An and Mizuki tell Rui of their encounter with Tsukasa in vivid detail. As they tell Rui of their tale, he thinks.
Why would Tsukasa lie about running into Nene? He definitely didn’t, because either Nene would have brought it up with me back then, or I would have seen him whilst I was with her. Could it be that…!
Rui gasped lightly. No, Tsukasa couldn’t have possibly heard, right?
“Hey, what’s up Rui?” Mizuki looked slightly confused at Rui’s reaction, as did Shiraishi. They had turned to each other to whisper, but Rui was still deep in thought.
Now that he thinks about it, Tsukasa hearing Nene is probably unlikely. Tsukasa was a decent distance away from the classroom according to the two, so there isn’t a high chance he would have heard.
“Heard what, Kamishiro-senpai?” Shiraishi and Mizuki’s faces were alight with curiosity.
“Ah…” Oh dear. He’d… accidentally told them about the conversation. Nene would probably kill him for telling those two, but…
Perhaps they could be of help for their plan?
That wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Those two could help with their matchmaking plan. That’s right, when they were planning at the cafe…
--- ---
“You know, Rui-kun… Maybe we should get help from other people too!” Emu suggested, eager and excited.
“Hm?” Rui looked up at Emu, who was now enthusiastically eating some of her parfait. “Why would we need help, Emu-kun?”
“Well,” Emu started to explain. “Friends can help bring in a new perspective into what we need help with! And also friends can be good for plans that need more people!!”
Friends, hm? The idea seemed good, but…
“I think we should try avoiding getting too many people involved,” Rui furrowed his brow. “I’m not saying help is entirely out of the question, but it feels like a breach of their trust somehow… Does that make sense?”
“Ohhh!” Emu hummed in understanding. “Okay! That’s totally wonderhoy!”
Rui nodded, and the conversation seemed to be over, until Emu continued.
“But, but! Let’s not turn away from help, okay? If someone is willing to help our friends, then we should accept it!”
She pointed out her pinky finger and looked at Rui with pleading eyes. “Pinky promise, Rui-kun?”
Rui blinked in surprise before chuckling. “Well, who am I to say no? Your wish is my command~!” He linked his pinky with hers, a soft smile on his face.
As Emu’s warmth flowed through the pinkies, Rui found himself unwilling to let go.
--- ---
… So maybe it wouldn’t be too bad. Right. Rui bid his apologies to Nene in his head before continuing.
“It’s nothing for you two to worry about,” he said. “But it did remind me of something.”
“...?” Shiraishi and Mizuki looked incredibly confused, not to his surprise as he was being… pretty cryptic.
“You two wanted to figure out what’s wrong with Tsukasa, right?” asked Rui. The two nodded. “Well, it may not be the cause of Tsukasa’s worries, but it will definitely help him with what’s wrong.”
“Eh? Rui, what’s with you today, did you eat a metal bolt or something instead of your actual breakfast?”
“I ate no such thing.” Rui shook his head. “Alright, I’ll get to the point.
“Do you two want to help in getting Nene and Tsukasa together?”
A silence settled in after that question, one full of shock and surprise. Rui almost thought they’d say no. But then again…
“Wait a minute, are you for real?!”
“There’s no way!”
“It all makes sense now… We’d love to help!!!”
Considering those two… why on earth would they do that?
“Fufu~ I’m glad to hear that.” Rui had a seemingly mischievous tilt to his voice, but he really was grateful. After all, he did want to help Nene, and to leave her feelings to simply wither away when they could be easily requited? That just wouldn’t do. “Emu-kun is also helping out, so I’ll let her know too…”
“Ehhh, I really can’t believe it, we’ll be helping those two go on a date~!” Shiraishi gleefully cheered. “You know, I love Kusanagi-san, but I really can’t believe she doesn’t realise she likes Tsukasa! Those two aren’t subtle at all… Well, maybe Kusanagi-san is in denial?”
“I don’t know about Kusanagi-san, but Tsukasa-senpai is definitely really obvious!” Mizuki nodded, ready to gossip. “I remember one time I wanted to ask where Toya was, and he ended up rambling about Kusanagi-san somehow! And he definitely doesn’t know either!”
Rui laughed lightly. “That does sound like something Tsukasa would say.” Tsukasa, you are not subtle at all. Nene is truly remarkable for not knowing anything… “Alright, I’ve just made a group chat with us three and Emu-kun, for easier communication, because we’re in different year groups, and also Emu attends Miyajou.”
“Ooo, okay♪” Mizuki chirped. “That sounds totally fun! But at the same time, I feel so important…”
“I know right!” An hummed in agreement. “But I really do want to help Kusanagi-san and Tenma-senpai. They both deserve their happiness!”
“Yeah, yeah!”
Rui sighed in relief. He really made the right decision, although it is going to be a bit of a chaotic route.
“Hey, Kamishiro-senpai?”
“Hm? What is it, Shiraishi-kun?”
“So, uh… How are we going to get those two together? I just realised we don’t know yet…” An questioned Rui, her eyes holding a curious gaze.
“Oh, fret not about those aspects!” Rui reassured. “Emu and I have a, well, a ‘match-making-heart-goes-kaboom-plan’ ready for those two, and so we’ll just need you two to help out with some of those!”
Mizuki blinked. “Match-making…”
“Heart-goes-kaboom-plan?” An seemed equally confused.
“A name courtesy of Emu-kun. The point is, we have a good idea on a plan so it’ll be alright I hope.” Rui smiled knowingly. “Your roles will all be explained in due time.”
“Due time?” Mizuki asked. “Why not now?”
“Because school starts in five minutes, and we shouldn’t be late!” Rui smirked. He jumped up and swiftly turned to leave. “Farewell, you two~!” He raised his hand to wave and swiftly ran off.
“K-Kamishiro-senpai!” Shiraishi cried.
“Five minutes?! Shoot, An, we should hurry to our classes!” Mizuki panicked.
Rui apologised for leaving them behind with not much time to spare. You know, if he had a nickel for every time he did that recently, he would have two nickels. Which isn’t a lot but it’s weird it happened twice.
As he swiftly ran, his face slowly made a slow and small smile. Today was already turning out to be quite interesting. And he still had to go to practice, set up the two lovebirds, and also have that heart-racing conversation with Emu.
Rui chuckled as he slowed from his run to his classroom. “Today is certainly going to be fun indeed…”