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Emu hates the sunset.
She hates the feeling of “This fun day is coming to an end” and how she will eventually have to return to the loneliness of her own room at the end of the day. She knows that sunsets are absolutely beautiful and she too, does want to watch the sunset at a random beach one day. But she’s still scared of it.
She told Tsukasa about her fear of the sunset one day during their highschool years of acting in Phoenix Wonderland. Emu still remembers how Tsukasa comforted her and how he reassured her that the night after sunset will always be sparkly, fun and resounding with laugher. Laugher. That’s all she ever wanted. Tsukasa always knows how to comfort her, telling her “If you ever feel lonely, please tell me about it.” which touched Emu personally. He means everything to her and whenever Tsukasa is around at the sunset, Emu would feel at ease and she could actually enjoy the one thing she hates.
Tsukasa makes Emu feel something different from everyone else. He is the sun who can make the sunset in her heart and chaotic feelings go away. He shines brighter than anyone else in her life and his smile is better than any sunset. Which is, what Emu believes. Maybe that was why Emu decided to confess to Tsukasa one random day during their daily video call when Tsukasa was away in America for his college years. 10853 kilometers. From New York to Tokyo. The future star in training just laughed at her silly confession and accepted it. This was the first time Emu and Tsukasa actually said the 3 words “I love you” for the past years of their friendship. And Emu’s silly confession finally started their long-distance relationship after years of them being oblivious to each other.
Loving someone from afar was hard. Keeping up with college and loving someone from afar was harder. Somehow, Emu managed to get through it all and completed her 4 years of college with a long-distance lover. Honestly, the 2 years experience of being Tsukasa’s long-distance girlfriend and finishing college was more fun than Emu expected. She would called him up after school at around 5 to 6PM in Japan and he would always answered her phone even though 6PM in Japan is 4AM in New York. At first, when Tsukasa suggested this to help Emu get her mind off the stress she was experiencing in college, Emu turned him off and said “But that’s 4AM for you in America! I would be a bad girlfriend if you let me do that!! Please sleep well, Tsukasa-kun!!!”. That was until one day, Emu felt extremely sad and lonely - as if the world has turned against her and her lively colors were fading away - and the sun was setting. Feeling all anxious, Emu called up Tsukasa at 3:56 in America. And he picked up. Tsukasa has always looked out for Emu.
When Emu finally graduated from college was also when Tsukasa came back from America. Emu still remembers that Tsukasa walked through the arrival gate right at the sunset. Tsukasa’s yellow silhouette was easy to spot and he immediately called Emu’s name in his low and captivating voice “Emu”. Emu. Emu. And Emu. That was all she knew in the couple’s reuniting moment. The sun was setting in the sky behind the glass and Tsukasa came back, he was now closer to Emu than ever. Jumping to tackle Tsukasa just like in the good old days, Emu’s feelings blossomed upon the tangerine colored sky. Emu hates the sunset. But in that moment, she had Tsukasa by her side. as her lover and closer than ever before.
Wanting to move out from her family and knowing that Tsukasa wanted the same. The two moved in together. The first thing that Emu did for Tsukasa after he returned was shaving his beard. He has grown a lot and it was the first time Emu has ever seen Tsukasa with a beard. Tsukasa is no longer a highschool boy but he is now a fully grown man. Emu’s man. He was still handsome in Emu’s eyes and she loves him with every look but his beard was not carefully groom. That was why Emu made him shaved his beard and asked him about it “Why is your beard so messy, Tsukasa-kun?” to which he replied “Because I… spent the whole month before returning thinking about you and preparing for our life together!!! From now on, I will take care of myself for you and our future together, alright?” Upon hearing his respond, Emu jumped at Tsukasa who still has shaving foam on his face and hugged him.
Despite living together, Emu still has nightmares from time to time. Of people leaving her at the sunset. Tsukasa leaving her at the sunset. Being an adult is more tiring than Emu initially thought.
It was a Friday. After walking home to their small apartment from her job of managing Phoenix Wonderland and continuing the legacy of her family, feeling all the weight on her shoulder, Emu curled up in her and Tsukasa’s shared bedroom. They have a huge window which can see the sunset directly and it hurted Emu who was in her most unstable state that another day was passing by. Tsukasa, who came home early to prepare dinner noticed his girlfriend’s behavior. So he went to their bedroom and hugged the crying Emu and said “Dinner is ready. I even bought you your favourite Taiyaki, Emu. Wouldn’t you want to eat it?” to which Emu did not reply.
It took a while before Emu said in her raspy voice “Tsukasa-kun, the sun is setting.”
“I know that.” and Tsukasa softy replied. He knows that his beloved girl is afraid of the sunset. Even though she said that she “hates” it, Tsukasa knew that she does not. Emu is more afraid of the ending day and people leaving her. So he wants to be there to support her during her bad days. Even if calamity falls on her, he will be there for her. And Tsukasa will not stop trying until he can see Emu’s smile again.
“Do you, want to watch the sunset together? I will be here and hold your hands. I promise. The sunset today is really beautiful, just like your smile.” Tsukasa broke the silence that was filling the room.
Yes. Emu loves Tsukasa, she loves how he spoils her and how he comforts her. So she finally answered “Yes, Tsukasa-kun!” with her cheerful smile.
Emu hates the sunset. She really does, even though Tsukasa thinks that she doesn’t really hate it.
But she has Tsukasa by her side, in their tiny apartment and until the end of time. So it’s not too bad after all.