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“Why even pack veggies if you don't want to eat them…?” The blonde questions, twirling the pile of lettuce placed in his lunch box.
Rui looks down at the blonde, tilting his head slightly. “That's what you're here for, my dear Tsukasa.” He grins, placing another vegetable on Tsukasa’s plate.
“Stop trying to sweet talk me into eating your leftovers…” He murmurs, not fighting the extra plant added to his lunch.
The two boys were “testing out experiments” in which Tsukasa would try the various atrocities Rui’s mother packed for him (she put lettuce in his burger.) Rui would usually spend his lunch alone on the roof tinkering, but recently he’s been thinking of various reasons he couldn't bare to eat alone. At first, his excuses were well thought out and meticulous, but after the past 2 months of having their lunch together, Rui didn't even have to ask. Tsukasa was there.
Rui was fiddling through his lunch, attacking any piece of spinach in his rice and delivering them to Tsukasa, who was just so happy to receive them.
“Rui! Stop! I can't even see my lunch. It's all green!” He complained, glaring at the plum boy above him, who was providing shade in the warmth of his lap.
“Tsukasa…” He pleaded, bringing out his best attempt at puppy eyes.
“Eat your lunch…”
“Please, my star!” Rui cried.
“FINE…” Tsukasa screamed, picking his head off Rui’s lap, “and don't call me that…” The blonde muttered, eyeing down the lavender boy in front of him. Rui couldn't help but laugh at Tsukasa’s adorable blush behind his ear.
Rui had recently taken an interest in Tsukasa. A little more than an interest. He found himself stuck on Tsukasa. Everything about him: His laugh, His flamboyant way of entering rooms, his weaknesses to the dark, the way he ate all of Rui’s vegetables even as he complained, and the way he would shrivel up whenever he was called a pet name. He thought he was so interesting but, he couldn't put his finger on it. He’d never felt this way towards someone… Maybe he was sick? He’d never heard of an ailment quite like the one he had.
The lunch bell ringing broke Rui’s train of thought, forcing his eyes on Tsukasa, who was hastily cleaning up his lunch; even though he was usually the first person in his class, he still packed up early as if he was racing the bell.
Rui didn't expect the lunch period would go so fast. It usually felt like 3 periods combined, but with Tsukasa, everything felt enjoyable… It was an odd feeling…
“Tsukasa-kun, what's your next period?”
“Theatre Arts I think, why?” He said, stuffing his lunchbox in his bag.
“It won't hurt to miss it just one day! I need your help with something.” Rui grinned, grabbing Tsukasa by the hand, and dragging him down to his level.
“Ehh…?” Rui hadn't thought this far of what exactly he needed Tsukasa for, he just needed an excuse to keep him on the roof. He wanted to inquire about this funny feeling that he feels around the blonde, an itchy feeling in his heart, maybe it was an illness.
“I think I may be sick Tsukasa.”
“I'm not a doctor Rui…”
“But you're the only one who can fix me!” Rui complains, pulling Tsukasa closer.
“And whys that?” He questions, humoring Rui out of curiosity.
“Well, I find myself staring at you, captivated by you. Your hair, it's nothing like Saki’s, it's free-flowing and smells like hazel and honey.” Rui rambles, ignoring the puzzled look on the other boy's face. “The way Tsukasa talks about his dreams is so interesting to watch, it's captivating.” Tsukasa was stuck, he knew Rui was odd but wow, that came out of nowhere. He thought he was going to talk about a tummy ache or something!
“Why would you say this… right before… I go to class…” Tsukasa murmurs, facing away from Rui, attempting to hide his flushed face and failing. Tsukasa had no idea where this came from. Well, he did notice the long stares, feeling like he was being examined, the lingering touches, the way Rui’s mouth curled at every joke he made, and Rui’s excitement to just eat with him, but he never thought twice of it because… he liked it too.
“Tsukasa…?” Rui questions, head slightly tilted at Tsukasa’s silence.
“Rui… are you… asking me out right now?” Tsukasa murmurs, shaken up from Rui’s “medical emergency.”
“Huh, well, looks like I am,” Rui says, rubbing the shorter man’s hand, itching for his reply. Tsukasa was having trouble piecing together what he wanted to say, I mean, he liked Rui, he liked him a lot, he liked him a little too much, but God, would he stop staring at him? It was making it hard to think!
No matter how much Tsukasa tried to rack his brain around it, he had no idea how to respond! I mean, this was his first confession and he seemed more phased by it than Rui did. He could feel his face exploding and to make matters worse, it looks like Rui finds it funny!
In a moment of desperation, Tsukasa let go of Rui’s hands, retreating to his previous position standing over Rui.
“I… have to go… I'll be late if I stay here…” Tsukasa reached for Rui’s face, cupping his cheeks in his hands and pushing a puzzled look out of the Alchemist. He reached his face towards him, giving a slight pec on the forehead before retreating to hide his face in his hands. “I'll see you tomorrow…” Tsukasa whispered, picking his bag up.
“Of course, my star,” Rui hummed, feeling the sting in his heart dissipate.