Chapter Text
Okay, so maybe Tsukasa had a little too much caffeine, and it was getting way past his bedtime, but a star never dropped out of a party first! Perhaps it was a mixture of these things that had led to his current situation: sitting in a circle with his friends, playing a game of 7 minutes in heaven. If he was to back out of a game, could he really call himself the best? Or maybe, it was just because one of the participants was… kind of attractive that he had begun to question his motives. Tsukasa almost laughed to himself at his revelation, stopping before he looked even weirder to his schoolmates.
Emu had, of course, offered the idea up. She’d heard from Saki, who’d heard from the idol Haruka, who’d heard from the girl he knew from SEKAI, Minori, who he’d himself determined, only came up with the idea for Haruka in the first place. Now, everyone had begun to calm down from the party and it seemed like a fun idea to do. The boys, including him, Rui, Akito and Toya had sat down with the girls to play, all in good fun. Akito seemed like he’d been almost dragged into it, while Nene looked as if she was going to throw up as Emu brought out the empty soda bottle to spin. Tsukasa’s eyes flicked over to the purple haired boy, searching his expression. Rui seemed almost disinterested in the whole game, low yellow eyes trained on his phone.
The first game went well, Tsukasa almost had a heart attack as the bottle slowly spun past him, over to Nene instead. She had turned a bright red and had gone so stiff she could have been mistaken for her robot counterpart. Emu had spun again, landing on herself, and they’d had their first lucky matchup of the night. As they were in Tsukasa’s house, he was the one to lead the two into the small cramped closet they’d be using for the game. Emu dragged her partner in giggling, Nene shooting a “please help me” glance to the others. Rui smiled and waved as they shut the door, muffling Emu’s already loud chattering.
The 7 minutes were already going by agonizingly slow. An and Akito were pressed against the closet door, trying to listen in as Kohane tried to pull them away. Rui stood with them, having the timer on his phone to keep track of the time as An had been very specific about the time being exact. Tsukasa sat on the couch with his childhood friend Toya, who despite his constant poker face, seemed concerned.
“You look odd Tsukasa-senpai, I’d say nervous,” Toya told him, his voice low.
“Heh— Uh— what?!” Tsukasa jumped, having almost dozed off. “Me? Nervous? Ha… Ha-ha-ha!”
The others turned to glance at his sudden outburst and he immediately quieted down, ears going a soft shade of pink.
“No no, a future world star never gets nervous. This is nothing!”
Tsukasa threw a smile in the other boy’s direction, earning a softer look from him.
“Not in a bad way I mean. It seems like you’re almost excited, or wondering if something’s gonna happen,” Toya looked over at the others. “Is it because you want to be with someone on your turn?”
“Be with someone…” Tsukasa followed his gaze, smiling as he watched Rui standing in the back of all the commotion. “Well… I dunno really. It’s someone I’m a little worried about getting chosen to go in with.”
“Worried…” He paused, noticing where he was staring. “Is it Akito?”
The blond boy immediately went pale, choking on his own breath. Toya watched him, worriedly patting his back.
“If you’re worried about his teasing I would take your place Tsukasa-senpai.”
Tsukasa quickly jumped to interrupt him, “No NO-! Not Akito, never in a million–”
“Hah? What are you two on about now?!” Akito snapped.
“Oh… Tsukasa-senpai’s just worried he might go in with someone he doesn’t want,”
Rui suddenly perked up at the conversation, staring up at Tsukasa with a smug expression on his face. His mouth curled into that signature cat smile.
“Well if he has a preference on who not to go with, then there must be the opposite. Isn’t that right?”
Tsukasa immediately sputtered out nonsense, going a fine shade of red. An looked over, sensing a bit of excitement going on. Her face lit up with a smile and she tugged at Kohane’s arm.
“Tsukasa’s got a crush! Tsukasa’s got a crush! How cute isn’t it Kohane! He looks just like you when I—”
“Annnn!” She squealed, mimicking Tsukasa’s current expression immediately. “I… I think we shouldn’t pester him!”
“Ah! Don’t worry, this isn’t something a star can’t handle!” The blond exclaimed, trying to regain his composure.
Rui grinned, opening his mouth to say some other sly remark before he was interrupted by the timer going off. 7 minutes, thank god. Everyone quickly crowded around as a jumping and excited Emu burst from the closet.
“That was so so wonderhoy!! Who’s next!” She exclaimed, running off.
Suddenly a snicker came from Akito as Nene was the second to come out. She was completely out of breath, flustered, and her green hair was all over the place. She almost looked as if she had just gone through hell, but it must have been a good kind of hell. Tsukasa did remember Emu wearing some pink sparkly lipstick when she’d come to the party but well… it was all over poor Nene’s face now.
“Oh… Nene your…” Rui covered his mouth to try and hide a smile.
Nene raised a hand in the air, “Don’t say a word. I’m… I’m going to the bathroom-”
She pushed through the crowd, stumbling to the bathroom and immediately slamming the door. The party stared at it for a few moments, blinking in silence before a muffled high pitched scream could be heard. Immediately the majority of them broke into hysterics, the more quiet amongst them even cracking a smile. Tsukasa was wiping his watering eyes as he laughed, casting a millionth glance over at Rui to see his expression. He looked absolutely shocked but was laughing along with everyone. It was cute.
“I think she liked it!” Emu grinned, pride plastered on her face.
“I’m starting to get nervous for my turn, I don’t think I can keep up with that!” An hummed.
“Pft– I think it’s good that someone’s made Nene have a little fun at this party,” Rui nodded, then looked over at Tsukasa with a new mischievous grin. “Maybe there’ll be some more interesting things that happen. Therefore, I think Tsukasa should go next!”
“GWAH-?! ME?” The blond almost jumped out of his skin, feeling his face grow hot again. “No no I’m the host of this party I can’t just–”
“Yeah I think you should go, I’m kinda curious what this whole personal preference is about!” Akito chimed in, crossing his arms.
Tsukasa began to stammer again, leaving room for Toya to cut in, “I think it should be a boy, it would make him more comfortable.”
“Do you want a Nene 2.0 Toya?” An giggled.
“Cmon, can’t a future world star handle seven minutes in a closet?” Rui smiled, stepping closer.
“Er– Um… Of course but–!” Tsukasa swallowed, looking around for any sort of pity from his guests. At least Kohane of all people!
Instead, she looked rather excited about it too, “If you do have someone you like… I um… I think it would be good to seize the opportunity!”
Seize the opportunity? The opportunity was… standing right in front of him wasn’t it? Well, quite literally at this point. He hadn’t really thought of what would happen if he did get chosen, but it would have been out of sheer luck. This time, it was personally chosen. But, no matter, he could handle any situation! Tsukasa looked up at Rui who was now standing barely a foot away with a defiant look. He was a star and he wasn’t going to be pushed around! Any peer pressure was worth nothing because he’d made up his mind! Of course if it aligned with his friends’ wishes then, that was just simply coincidence. At least now he was sure that he shouldn’t be making decisions like this so late in the night.
“Fine! I’ll do it. Since you all want it, I, Tsukasa Tenma, shall take up this challenge and step foot into the closet!” He placed a hand on his chest, putting on his most brave face as he stared Rui straight in the eyes. “No matter who or what follows me in.”
“Oh, he’s so chivalrous about it,” Akito raised an eyebrow while the rest of his band gave Tsukasa scattered applause.
Rui smiled, looking away as he rubbed his neck, “That’s good, I like the spirit! Ah… we might have to wait for Nene first though.”
“Ah– Yes of course!” Tsukasa cleared his throat. “It’s not fair if we’re missing one of our members! I think we should all… go get ready! Or I should! G-Give me a minute…”
He quickly squeezed through the crowd before anyone could say more, speed walking to the kitchen as calmly as he could. It was all the way down the hall so he could be sure that nobody would walk up on him and surprise him. Tsukasa gripped the counter in his hands, squeezing it to keep himself from shaking like a leaf. He then grinned to himself, rocking on the soles of his feet.
This had to be a dream, a dream come true. God, he could almost hope to be with Rui. What with his pretty and soft hair, and his gorgeous voice and his– But… pressed up close together in that small space, just the two of them? Maybe he could finally work up the courage to confess. Tsukasa felt his face grow hot again, he had to just be a star and push through this, he couldn’t look nervous!
Tsukasa let his hands run under the sink, splashing a bit of water onto his face to wake himself. Deep breaths Tsukasa, cmon what are you so afraid of? What would Saki think about all this? He smiled to himself as he imagined what her face would look like when he told her all this. Would she laugh at how flustered he became? Maybe she’d tease him for not being brave about this whole thing, he didn’t think she’d do it in a mean way at least. It’s just that he’d been bugging her for weeks about Rui now, she could literally recite a list of things Tsukasa liked about him because he had a hard time keeping his mouth shut. Well, if nothing happened then he wouldn’t say anything about it! But if it did… well he could do this. He couldn’t let himself or Saki down! (Of course, the Saki part was only to motivate himself to not lock himself in the bathroom and die.)
He took one final deep breath before brushing back his bangs with one hand and heading back down the hallway. Tsukasa heard some commotion coming from the room and slowed his pace, turning his head around the corner to see Emu collapse into Akito’s arms, one hand over her face dramatically. Nene had returned and was shaking her head over something he hadn’t been able to hear. The ginger looked as if he was an unwilling participant as Emu began speaking in a deep voice.
“Oh Rui! I love love love you! I’m so glad we’re in this closet,” She then cupped Akito’s face, giggling. “We should make out and stuff!”
“That’s not what he sounds like, stop dragging me into your schenanigans!” He pushed her back onto his feet, then picked up a high pitched voice. “It’s more of… I’m a star! Look at me!”
Rui laughed a little but he was covering his face the whole time, looking embarrassed, “You two, it’s really not–”
“But you like him, that’s what you said!” Emu poked him in the ribs, the only place she could easily reach.
Oh..? Tsukasa felt his throat grow dry, what was… what was going on?! He stepped into the doorway so he could see better, not sure if he should interrupt. Now he was closer he
“Mm… All I said was I thought I would enjoy having Tsukasa’s company the best,”
An crossed her arms, “That has romantic connotations! Didn’t you see what happened? I’d bet my dad’s whole cafe that we’d have that situation again.”
“Yeah, just confess, he’s not here anyways,” Akito nodded along.
“I mean it’s pretty–” Nene started, before glancing over at the doorway and locking eyes with Tsukasa. The both of them held eye contact in absolute silent shock for about 5 seconds before Rui spoke, completely oblivious.
“Listen, everyone let me put this straight—”
“Rui…” Nene whispered, the others beginning to catch on and look over too.
“I don’t… I don’t like him like that. Even if I did I wouldn’t be telling you, but I promise we’re just friends and coworkers. There’s no more than that, and… and there never will be. I’m sure if he does, he likes someone else who deserves it, but he probably wants to focus on becoming a star. We shouldn’t get in the way and pester him,” Rui continued, only the smallest hint of trying to reassure himself in his voice. “Besides I… I’d…”
He paused, noticing everyone’s attention had shifted over to the door. Rui’s eyes flicked over, and suddenly widened as he froze in place. Tsukasa had no idea how he looked at that moment, but he just knew he felt like the world was crashing down around him. All he could do was stand there and stare, for fear that if he moved at all he’d crash down with it.
“Tsu– Uh, You’re back!” Rui exclaimed, an embarrassed blush quickly growing over his face.
He nodded, plastering a smile back onto his face, “...Ha-ha! No worries! I, Tsukasa Tenma, have decided I’m going to… wait in the closet!”
Tsukasa quickly turned on his heels, his heart fluttering painfully in his chest. So much for that idea, damn it, he should have… he should have guessed or something. Was he really that wrong about Rui? No, a star was never wrong, maybe he had just been in denial and refused to see it going any other way. He… hadn't actually thought about what if he didn’t share the same feelings. Tsukasa had the sudden urge to go hide away in SEKAI, or anywhere he didn’t have to think about this.
“Hey hey, you aren’t allowed to go until the second person’s been chosen! That’s the rule,” An quickly grabbed the back of his shirt, stopping him from walking off.
“Since when was that a rule?” Tsukasa mumbled, looking back at her.
“Since… I said so. Listen, I have a good feeling!” She smiled a little. “Just wait 2 more minutes, for the sake of the party at least.”
The blond bit his lower lip slightly, looking over at everyone else. They seemed a little worried but still looked expectant of him, all for Rui who hadn’t cast a single look in his direction. Tsukasa swallowed hard, nodding. A star couldn’t let everyone down, and even if he wasn’t a star he was still the host of this party, and that meant he was responsible. There was no reason to get so upset.
“Yeah, okay! Let’s get this started before I chicken out!” He quickly wiped the corners of his eyes and spun back around.
“Yaya! This will be so wonderhoy I promise Tsukasaaa-!” Emu cheered, jumping on him and hugging him tight. “I’ll spin the bottle so fast it’ll go whrrrrr–!”
“GhK– Emu my BONES!” Tsukasa choked, feeling his spine crack.
She giggled, releasing him after deciding he’d been squeezed hard enough. Then Emu quickly ran back to the spot they’d been sitting earlier, picking up the soda bottle.
“C'mon guys sit down, let’s do this! Tsukasa you get to spin since you’re not in the circle now!” She quickly plopped down onto her knees, patting the floor beside her.
Everyone crowded around, sitting down in a circle and leaving a little empty spot for Tsukasa to crouch down. He glanced around, trying to weigh his options. Akito, definitely not. He wouldn’t make it alive out of that closet. An would be a good closet companion except for the fact that she’d probably question and tease him the whole time. Toya and Kohane, they would be fine to be with but they’d definitely be quiet. Plus… the same problem as before except with Akito and An possibly ripping him in half out of jealousy. He shuddered a little bit. Emu and Nene were also an option, he didn’t think Nene would actually enjoy being stuck in the closet with him, but she’d definitely be less embarrassed. Emu… He was a little afraid of what she would have planned, she’d talk his ear off the second she had a chance. Then Rui.
He looked away as quickly as he could, deciding not to think about it. Rui wasn’t really paying him much attention either, looking rather awkward since he’d been caught. It was a rare look, but it wasn’t good on him. Tsukasa bit his lip, it was a 1/7 chance. None of the options really felt… good. But it didn’t really matter, he would see what fate had in store.
An gave him a quick smile and a thumbs up, and he slightly smiled back. And then, he let the bottle spin. It went round and round the circle, already slowing down only after a few seconds.
“Oh… oh!” Kohane squeaked, getting nervous as it passed by her.
Then, it stopped.
The whole circle was quiet and shocked. Tsukasa slowly raised his gaze from the bottle to the 1/7 chance that he’d been given, and it stared right back at him.
“It’s Rui.”