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"Tsukasa really has quite a bit of charisma…"
In his messy room, a lone boy armed with a screwdriver was tinkering with one of his robots. "Charismatic eh?" Rui whispered.
The violet haired boy was thinking back to what KAITO had previously said.
Tsukasa has always been a strange fellow, but lately Rui felt that his troupe leader became even more dazzling. If he had to pinpoint exactly when, it would probably be after that show the blondie performed to express his true feelings.
"What I want is to make people smile!"
To become a star to put a smile on everyone's face… And true to that, just as he promised, Tsukasa was putting in work. As a leader (a self proclaimed one at least), he was trying his best to make everyone in the troupe comfortable enough so they could freely express themselves. He was able to match Emu incredible stamina doing who knows how many shows a day, making the pink haired girl feel so Wonderhoy as she would say and even the usually shy Nene was always acting sassy around him (a treatment reserved only for the closest of friends). As for Rui himself, he was finally able to test all of his craziest ideas.
"It is my responsibility to create an environment where the director can feel comfortable trying anything he wants!" He said looking straight into Rui's eyes.
At that time, was he blaming himself for the incident that happened during the Halloween show practice?
"Ah… Honestly… You could have blamed me, the director, in that situation." Rui sighed, a little smirk could be seen forming on his face.
But it was not only at the Phoenix stage, even during their school festival, Tsukasa was showing his charismatic side.
The show he proposed might have been wacky, but everyone in his class was enjoying themselves.
*Chuckle*
Just remembering it made Rui laugh. Apparently it was written as a tragedy, but no one saw it as that. Maybe it was one of his talents, to get everyone abroad with his ideas.
"Could I even do that?" Rui asked himself, a bit envious of the other accomplishment.
In the past he also had tried to get people to join his play, some might have even been interested in the beginning, but sooner or later they would leave him behind. Not that he blamed them, even with all the precautions, his ideas were risky, no wonder anyone wanted to try them. But he still waited for a long time. He had waited and waited for someone that would put trust in his work, so much he almost lost hope…
That's why, just as the lonely alchemist in his stories, he built his robots so that he could continue even if no one would be his side. Even if he knew that would limit the type of performances he could do, he had to convince himself it was fine like that.
"Rui! Let's make shows together again. Please!"
That day Tsukasa extended his hand towards him, reaching out to him, giving him hope once again.
That day, they gave him a place where he could dream one again.
Being with everyone… With Tsukasa, it made everyday more fun.
"..."
It was the first time he felt so strongly about something that wasn't theater.
"I'm down bad uh?"
Putting down his screwdriver, Rui paused for a moment, then looked at the cuckoo clock across his room.
"It's already 3 am uh?"
"I'm not getting any work done, I should just go to sleep..."
~~~~
A ray of light could be seen shining across the window signaling it was already time to go to school.
"Urhg…" Rui grunted, slowly getting out of bed.
Not wanting to skip school, he had no choice but to wake up. He would frequently stay up all night to work, but to believe he would stay up thinking about his troupe leader…
"I can't get you out of my head, uh?"
Before leaving for the day he gathered some of the blueprints for what he called "The Star Training Suit". The project was still in the very early stage, but the idea was to create a sort of exoskeleton to help carry staff and move more easily, meaning it was meant to make a certain someone jump impossible distances while also lifting heavy equipment. Just imagining Tsukasa flying from one side of the stage to the other made him shiver with excitement.
Fufu how thrilling~
~~~~
Even during class Rui continued to work on his blueprints.
"Eheheh if you do this then..." He mumbled, eyes wide open and a wry smile plastered on his face.
Once in a while, Rui would make little comments, not able to contain his enthusiasm. However no one would dare to ask a thing, too scared to know what atrocities the mad director was thinking about.
Lost in his thoughts, time passed quickly and it was already time for lunch.
"OHI! RUI!" before he could even stand up, a loud voice called out to him.
Not even a second after the bell, Tsukasa already materialized in his class. It was not a rare occurrence as they would often eat together during lunch while discussing their next show rehearsal and occasionally Nene and even Emu would join.
"What can I do for you, Tsukasa-kun?" Rui softly asked.
"I need some help with the script for our next episode of "Pegasus Odyssey". " He began to explain.
"I see, should we head to the rooftop then?" Rui proposed.
"Sure, let's go!"
The rooftop was their usual gathering spot. Since very few people would come there to eat, it was a great space where they could talk about anything without causing too much of a ruckus, in fact because it was usually so empty, you wouldn't need to worry about any prying eyes.
This wasn't the only reason the rooftop was chosen, since he was in middle school, Rui had a soft spot for it, many memories were associated with this place, both good and bad.
Today too, only two or three people could be seen there, mostly minding their own business. After finding a good enough spot where to sit, Tsukasa resumed his discussion.
"As you are well aware, the final boss -this means you- finally showed up. In the latest episode, the prince -me- and his party were completely wiped out."
"They even sent the heroes back to the starting village, erasing their progress. Fufu, truly befitting of the villain of the story." Rui affirmed, satisfied with how his role played out.
"Exactly, I think it was a good plot twist and a good way to not end the stories so early on." Tsukasa proudly declared.
"Indeed, our audience also seemed quite pleased. What is the problem then?"
"You see, I don't think it would be a very compelling story if the main antagonist was entirely evil. I want them to be more active in the story, if that's ok with you."
"Sure, I don't mind." He easily agreed.
Because he was mainly working as the director, Rui only played relatively minor roles, that's why he thought it would be a good experience to try a more prominent one.
"I modified some scenes in our next episode to set up some foreshadowing for the future. But I'm worried the story might get either too cliched or worse, confusing."
"I see, let me read it."
Tsukasa passed a copy of the script so Rui could begin to read it. To make it easier for his eyes, the younger boy attempted to move one of his strands of hairs behind his ears, but they ultimately delicately fell over his cheeks.
Wow… that looked kind of sexy… NOOOOO!! What are you even thinking!!
Tsukasa energetically shaked his head, trying to get rid of his intrusive thoughts.
This is Rui we are talking about, RUI! But…
Soon enough, he started staring at the violet boy once again. Rui's golden eyes were fixed on the script while a pen was lightly pressed against his rose colored lips.
Did he always look like this…?
Tsukasa gulped.
Brain please, have some mercy on me…
While fighting hard with his intrusive thoughts (a fight he was not winning), he couldn't help but notice some terrible bags under the taller guy's eyes. Had Rui been working all night?
"Tsukasa-kun…" Through his side bangs, Rui peeked at the shorter boy.
"If you keep staring at me with such intensity, I can't concentrate."
"Ah… S-sorry!" Tsukasa's voice cracked.
He was embarrassed at having been caught red handed. Not that he wasn't thinking anything strange, not at all, he was just worried about the other's well being. He really was, that was not a lie.
"You look tired. Are you sleeping well? Or at all?" Getting his composure back, Tsukasa asked concerned.
"Well…" Rui looked away.
The answer was no, he hasn't. He was up almost until morning thinking maybe a bit too much about the guy just next to him right this moment. He couldn't really admit that though, so he twisted the truth, just a tiny bit.
"You know when stars die? To put it simply, after they burn all their fuel supply, they will expand and cool, changing color and becoming a red giant. What happens next depends on the star's mass." Rui explained, trying his best to simplify the subject so Tsukasa could better understand what he was getting into.
"Um um." The latter nodded, it seems Rui was able to peak his interest.
"We are talking about you, so we have to consider a massive star! They experience a more violent end, exploding in a bright supernova! It's so bright it could actually be seen with the naked eye. So.. how about it?"
"About what?"
"Becoming a Supernova! I was awake all night thinking of a way to make you explode as brightly as one! Just imagine how spectacular that would be!" Rui stated teasingly.
"Please, no more explosions! Last time we got detained. Detained, do you understand??" Tsukasa cried out, exasperated by the other's antics.
"Ah… WAIT." The blondie suddenly paused.
"What do you mean when they DIE? I'm NOT going to die! OK?"
"Fufu.."
Tsukasa-kun sure makes the most interesting faces.
"Don't just laugh like that! I'm frightened here!"
"How sad, to think you are so suspicious of me! I would never dare to injure my guinea p… I mean, my dear troupe leader."
"I heard you!! You were going to say guinea pig!" Tsukasa rebunked.
"Urhg… Anyway, I know you want to do a thorough job, but don't forget to rest." He still admonished.
"My, are you worried about me?" Rui continued in his teasing.
"Obviously! It's my duty as the troupe leader to worry about your well being." Ignoring the other mocking tone, Tsukasa quickly replied.
"You are my esteemed director after all."
Your esteemed director…
It's not the first time he was called that, and every time it would make his heart skip a beat. Honestly, it was pretty fluttering to be thought of as that, but at times doubts would sip through his mind.
"May I ask something?"
"Sure, what is it?"
"Why did you choose me as your director? I guess you were desperate for new members, but…"
He knew Tsukasa was someone willing to make all of his plans a reality, but sometimes he couldn't help but get scared to be left behind, losing the place he longed for so long.
I won't hesitate anymore, but…
"It's true that in the beginning we needed more personnel to make Wonder Stage work, but not anyone would do." Tsukasa started answering.
"I asked you to be our director because I was enchanted by your performance. Your shows are well-paced and exciting. I'm sure both Nene and Emu think the same."
"You are always willing to try something new. Everyone can see just how much effort and passion you put in our show. That's why…"
"I can't imagine anyone else being my…. I mean Wonderland x Showtime's director." He firmly affirmed.
There was not an ounce of a doubt in his eyes. Tsukasa firmly believed in what he was saying.
Tsukasa-kun, you can be so honest…
"I see…" Rui smiled happily.
"And… Well…"
"You said it yourself before, no?… I am your fan." he whispered blushing.
That was… unexpected.
When they first met on this very same rooftop, he teased the boy to be one of his fans, but Rui couldn't imagine the day that Tsukasa would actually admit it.
Almost following the other lead, Rui started to blush too.
*Cof cof*
A cough broke through the awkward silence. Clearing his throat, Tsukasa quickly changed the subject.
"Don't lose your confidence now. Remember, a star such as myself choosed you after all."
"Yes, you are right. Then, let's keep working together, after all…"
"There are so many things I still want to try eheheh." The violet boy smirked.
"That face… I'm scared to ask what your future plans are."
"Well, who knows? I certainly don't want to spoil the fun."
"I don't mind doing not so over the top shows too, you know."
*DIN DON*
As their bunter continued the sound of a bell echoed in the air.
"Ah the bell! Is it already this late!? I didn't even have the time to finish my wonderful luncheon!!" Tsukasa observed.
"Wait, where is my lunchbox?"
He started to look around confused, but the only lunchbox he could find was Rui's.
"Sorry to break it to you, but you only brought your script here with you." Rui finally revealed the truth.
"WHAT!? Did I leave it in class?"
"I will have to make a run for it. Rui, be sure to eat something too!"
"Sure will." Rui answered sheepishly.
Will you really now?
Tsukasa stared at his director with skepticism. He would have to make sure after class ended. For the meantime he had to worry about his own lunch or lack thereof.
"I will leave the script to you, let me know what you think. I will also give a copy to Nene and Emu, so we can discuss it during our next rehearsal."
"Ok, see you later~" The taller boy waved.
And as a gust of wind Tsukasa was gone. The few other people on the rooftop were also leaving. He should probably finish eating too and head back to class.
"…"
The day was still far from over, and it was already so filled with surprise.
"I'm your fan."
He remembered what Tsukasa had previously said. It was just a little remark, and still, it made his heart beat faster and faster. The self proclaimed star had the power to change his mood so effortlessly.
"Ahhhhh…" Rui left out a deep breath in resignation.
He understood what this feeling meant, but it was difficult to express into words. He definitely liked the other boy, more than he could have ever believed in the beginning. Still, simply say "I like you", would that suffice? Were those even the right words?
This is more difficult than I thought... But for now...
For now it was fine like this, the relationship they now shared was something he wanted to treasure for a bit more. There was no need to fret over it, the happiness he found was already plenty.
The story of the lonely alchemist might be over, but what he gained in his journey was priceless.
"Let's continue making more fun shows together."
As the feeling in his heart grew even stronger, he left the rooftop, waiting for the day he could find the right words.