Chapter Text
“HA! HA! HA!”
Tsukasa’s voice boomed through the park, scaring away birds from rocking trees and earning side-eyes from those passing by. The area was peaceful and undisturbed until a certain actor showed up.
“You want my advice?! Well, of course you do! As a star, you realise I give the best advice! Now what do you want your advice on?!”
Eagerly, he struck a pose. His grin was beaming towards Reki, who looked like he’d just been shone in the eyes with a flashlight.
”Tenma-san, are you experienced in…” Reki fiddled with the sleeves of his hoodie, looking down at the ground, “love?”
Tsukasa’s hands dropped to his sides, leaning forward to ask, “Did I hear that correctly?” His amber gaze bore into Reki, blinking rapidly as if he was still trying to understand the question.
”Look… I’m in a bit of a…. Situation?” Reki continued to look away, heat flushing his cheeks.
”…I mean. If i’m going to be honest, I’ve only ever dated one person in my life. But we weren’t the healthiest, so I’m not sure if could help..” Tsukasa replied sheepishly, crossing his arms over his chest. “But I want to help you! Please, carry on.” His voice suddenly spiked in volume, making Reki take a step back.
Tsukasa’s expression was earnest. He had a sparkle in his eye; it was clear he was eager to help in any way possible. Reki appreciated that effort, since he needed all the help he could possibly get at the moment. Reki huffed, his shoulders falling. Embarrassment creased his face, his lips dry and crusted from constantly biting them.
”I.. well… me and… Asahi kissed?”
Tsukasa’s eyes flew open, gawking at Reki’s revelation.
”YOU AND ASAHI WHAT NOW?!”
“B-be quiet!!” Reki scrambled to cover Tsukasa’s mouth. He took his hands away, staring up at his eyes.
Tsukasa seemed to finally process the words, his lips curling into a warm smile.
“Congratulations! That’s so sweet!! We should definitely make a show to celebrate such a moment… Oh! I can imagine it already!” Tsukasa’s hands landed on his hips, staring into the sky as he spoke his imagination. He was carefree when it came to moments like that.
Reki took a sharp intake of breath. He squeezed his eyes closed, admitting, ”..That’s the thing. I keep messing up. I’ve ghosted him…. And he asked me out on a date yesterday too!”
“Wh-?! Then say yes!!” Tsukasa shouted, confusion evident in his body language.
”…I want to,” He sighed, looking around. “But I want to do it in person. I’m always trying to run away, texting online to make sure I’m not seen. I just don’t know where he is..”
Tsukasa listened carefully, his brow furrowing. “I see, I see!” He nodded forcefully.
“Well, me and some classmates of Rui were going to talk today, so they may know where he is.”
”…Huh?”
“Asahi’s with Rui.”
Reki jerked back, seemingly offended.
”W-ww… what?! Why?! Since when?” He spluttered.
”…Rui said that Asahi asked him to talk over some food. Since I was going to hang out with Rui today, plus, Emu and Nene are out shopping with my brother and his friend, I had no one else. Then you showed up!”
“…Oh. W-what are they talking about?” Reki pressed, his breath growing heavy.
”Something quite serious about love, I presume. Which is a coincidence, since that’s what you wants to talk to me about!” He grinned, patting Reki’s shoulder.
Reki responded with a blank stare. Asahi is talking to Rui. That’s fine. They’re friends, after all.
Why was his fist clenching? Why was his foot digging hard into the ground? Why was he.. jealous?
Tsukasa grinned bashfully, reaching out to take Reki!s hands.
“Bakuno-san, you should go on that date. Trust me. A first date leads to everything.”
“H-how do you know?”
”When my then girlfriend took me to the aquarium, I thought it was just a friendly date. Then, she kissed me. Then, I realised everything.” He shrugged.
Reki nodded. It was true, he realised everything after Asahi kissed. He wanted those gentle lips on him all the time, he wanted to hold his hand through the crowds, he wanted to lean his head on his shoulder, let’s not get carried away. He awkwardly shifted his weight, aware that he was blushing in vibrant shades of red again, much to Tsukasa’s amusement.
”You’re really in love!” The star proudly exclaimed, striking a matching pose.
Reki found himself smiling like a fool, staring down at the ground again. His heart would beat fast when Asahi was near, feeling the butterflies in his stomach tingling. All his tensions and problems would melt away at his warm voice, and he gets lost in that sapphire gaze all the time. To spend his life with someone who does that to him? That’s a dream come true. A dream he dosen’t want written down on paper, but instead written in his mind as he experienced it.
“Bakuno-san, could I see the message he sent you?“
Tsukasa’s voice eased him out of his thoughts, and Reki nodded before reaching into his pocket for his phone. He passed over it over, letting the star observe the message.
Asahi 𖤓 16:46 ‘Reki, I’d like to properly ask you out. Any chance we could schedule a date tommorrow?’ - YESTERDAY
Tsukasa hummed expectantly. He looked up, cheering, “..I mean, you still have time. It’s only midday! In fact, text him now!”
When Reki didn’t immediately reach to write, Tsukasa decided to bring up the keyboard himself.
.’reki ° 13:04 ‘Absolutely!! Can you still make it today? I’ll send a location.”
“…and send! Perfect, just like me! Now you’ll definitely score him.” Tsukasa smiled, handing the phone back over like he’d just done him a favour.
Reki slowly took his phone back, extremely worried; you could tell by his shaking arms and wobbly smile. Did Tsukasa seriously just do that?! He’s only trying to help, but was it the right thing to do? Did Asahi even want to see him anymore? Did Asahi even like the kiss?
A notification pinged his phone.
”Well? What are you waiting for! Open it! It’s probably him!” Tsukasa yelled.
The taller waved his hand dismissively, scrunching his brow. Should he? He didn’t want to seem too desperate - he was still kind of mad Asahi decided to leave him for Rui. Even if Tsukasa’s confidence was contagious, Reki felt like a barrier was preventing him from even gaining it. Reki just awkwardly stood there, watching Tsukasa grin.
Reki sat at his desk,