Work Text:
Rui Kamishiro was in love with his childhood friend.
He's always been, ever since they were kids. Even since she invited him to see that play, ever since she supported him when no one else would, when she stopped him from giving up on the dream she had given him.
Even during middle school, when both of them were alone and lost, he still found time to think about Nene. About the good old times, about how much he loved her and how warm he felt when they were together.
Being how he is, he could've told her ages ago. He's the kind of person to tell his crushes how he feels without having any problem —probably. It's not like he's ever liked anyone else aside from her—, but Nene was different from everyone else.
After so many years, their friendship was strong, but it was dear as well. Rui was afraid to lose her after many years if his confession made things awkward. If she didn't like him back, and she began to feel uncomfortable —or even scared— around him, Rui couldn't imagine why would he forgive himself.
And he knew he didn't have a chance. Romance manga protagonists never choose their childhood friend, after all.
Still, his childish crush was going too far. And maybe being rejected was the perfect cure for that. If Nene said “no”, Rui could move on. What kind of loser would still be in love after the girl he's liked for a decade rejected her?
He was used to being rejected. It would be okay.
—
Nene Kusanagi was, too, in love with her childhood friend.
To tell the truth, it took a while for her to start feeling like that when they were kids, and she thought those feelings had disappeared during middle school. It was a shame that they came back when they started to spend more time together again. After all, there was no way the Rui who always denied to ever have liked anyone was interested in romance. And, even if he was, he deserved something better. Someone more similar to him, at the very least.
She wasn't brave either. In fact, she was quite shy. Even if she wanted to tell him, she would probably turn into a nervous mess. Even if she could find the courage to tell him, for someone as kind as him, having to reject his childhood friend would simply hurt. That's what she thought.
Her heart ached, begging her to tell him already so she could bid farewell to those unrequited feelings, but she couldn't do it. So, for the time being, she would just keep them close to her heart until they eventually fade away.
They had to fade away. Romance anime protagonists never choose their childhood friend, after all.
—
Rui breathed in, looking at himself in the school's toilet's mirror. He decided that was the day. He would let Nene reject him, and hopefully she wouldn't feel uncomfortable, he would move on and they could still be friends.
She was probably waiting for him to go home together. Not wanting to keep her waiting, he poured water to his face and walked towards his classroom.
As expected, Nene was waiting for him close to his classroom, looking at the floor while multiple students walked past her.
"Did I keep you waiting?"
"You're finally here. You did".
"My apologies. I had a inconvenient, you see”
“Yeah, I see where you're coming from. Don't go into details”.
Rui smiled as he went to take his bag. When he walked past Nene, he briefly put a hand on her hair, and she began to move next to her.
"Do you have anything to do today?"
"Uh…" Nene shook her head "I wanted to play again the game I bought, but it can wait".
"Ah, Fire Emblem Engage, right? You did say it was good, I'd love to play it one day"
"You know you can come over anytime. Anyway, why did you ask?"
"Since we don't have practice today, I wondered if you wanted to take a stroll before we went back".
"That's…"
"I could invite you to your favorite grapefruit juice if you come".
"…Fine. Let's not walk too much, though".
"Hm? Why is that? Didn't you want to exercise more?"
"Not today. I'll exercise in the game".
Rui let out a sigh, smiling fondly.
"That's such a you-thing to say".
Nene tilted her head with a sigh.
"Just what do you even mean by that…"
"My apologies. I'm just talking to myself".
"…Whatever. That's– huh? Where are you going?"
"There are two empty swings there. Shall we sit for a bit?"
He didn't wait for a reply. Walking there and hoping she would follow, Rui sat on a swing and moved back and forth.
He had repeated the things he wanted to say so many times alone in his room. Yet, now that she was getting closer, his mind went blank.
Just how do you confess to your friend whom you have known and liked for several years?
It wasn't until she sat next to him and pulled her phone that Rui lifted his gaze again. By the music that sounded for a second before she lowered the volume, she probably was opening one of the games on her phone. Which could be a good chance for him to speak— or awful, at the same time.
"You see, Nene. I have something important to say".
She didn't look up, but Rui could see she turned his phone off, holding her breath.
"We've known each other for years, right? So we should share things with each other".
What was he even doing? At least, Nene was looking at him now, though maybe that wasn't a good thing. Seeing his surprised expression, he was the one to look away.
"The truth is, I've been hiding something from you. And I think you should know it now. If you're okay with hearing me speak, of course—"
"I like you".
"What?"
Rui suddenly turned his head to her. She seemed to be even more surprised now, maybe more than him.
"Ah…!"
She just went ahead and said it. With a hand on her mouth, Nene's whole face turned red.
"I… I really don't know why I said that. Y-You were acting weird, and I just… I…"
"I'm glad" Rui laughed "I was struggling to find the words, but you said it before I could do so myself"
"Huh? Do you mean…?"
Rui got up and walked to kneel next to Nene. With a hand on her check, he smiled again.
"I like you too, Nene".
She opened her mouth, but no words came out. She placed her shaking hand Over Rui's.
"You… you do?"
"I thought I would get rejected for sure". He laughed. "I'm glad I was wrong, though".
Both of them looked at each other in silence for a few seconds. Nene's expression gradually softened, while Rui still smiled.
"I'll be the one to ask now, then". He stood up, as he let go of her face and hand. "Will you go out with me?"
Nene didn't reply. Instead, she slightly pushed the swing backwards, getting up as she walked past him.
"You said you'd get me grapefruit juice, right…? Since you're my boyfriend… just hurry up" Her hand was open, slightly directed to Rui.
"Fufu. Don't doubt it". With a smile, Rui held his hand, and both of them began walking away. "Will you let me play that game now as well?"
"Yeah. You're still invited".
Nene looked back one last time, smiling at the bow empty swings in the park. As embarrassing as it was, calling Rui her boyfriend sounded nice.
Maybe the protagonist can choose their childhood friend, after all.