Chapter Text
It was his 5th birthday.
Despite it being so long ago he remembered it vividly. Perhaps it could be because it was one of the few days where his parents let him do whatever he wanted. Or maybe it was because he saw his first show that day. But the most likely reason was that his future had been set in stone that day.
“Happy birthday, Rui. Me and your father have someone we’d like to introduce you to.”
As soon as Rui’s mom said that a small girl with her parents walked in. She looked like she was around his age, maybe a year younger? She had long greenish-tan hair that was tied up in the back, and beautiful amethyst-colored eyes. For some reason she looked timid, as if she was too scared to talk to Rui.
“This is Nene Kusanagi, your future wife. When you two turn 18, you will marry, connecting our kingdom to theirs. This will open up SO MANY trade opportunities for us, which is why we chose her to be your wife…”
Rui’s dad went on and on about some subject that neither Rui nor Nene had any knowledge about, so they didn’t bother to pay attention. To make the situation less awkward for the both of them, Rui decided to introduce himself to Nene.
“Hello there. My name is Rui Kamishiro. I take it that your name is Nene Kusanagi?”
“…”
Nene backed further away and buried her face further into her father’s coat.
“There’s no need to be scared of me. I mean, since we’ll be marrying each other it seems that neither of us have a choice, no? So lets get to know each other now.”
Nene stepped away from her father, which was the first time Rui saw Nene away from him. She beamed. It wasn’t really a smile, but it was definitely more positive-looking than before.
“I’m Nene Kusanagi… of the Aqular Kingdom. I am four years old, and one of my favorite things to do is sing-”
Rui’s face immediately lit up after hearing that.
“Really?”
Without a second thought he grabbed Nene’s hand and dragged her into another room in the castle.
“Ehh?? Don’t get so ahead of yourself all of a sudden!”
“Hehe. My apologies. I was just so excited to hear you sing.”
“…since when did I agree to singing for you?”
“Come on, please?”
Rui then gave Nene a pleading look which made her cringe.
“Really…”
“Yes! It would be fun, would it not? You know, me and you both have something in common-we love performing! I saw this amazing show earlier today and it was very entertaining. Maybe, we could work on making performances together?”
Nene’s expression then changed again.
“Well… okay.. but please don’t make fun of me. Promise?”
“Promise.”
Unfortunately, just as Nene was about to sing both of their parents stormed in the room.
“Kamishiro, what made you think it was ok to run off when we have guests over? YOUR FUTURE WIFE AND HER RELATIVES, of all people?”
Rui froze.
“I’m sorry- Nene told me she- and-“
Rui was at a loss of words because of how terrified he was.
“No excuses. As soon as our guests leave, go STRAIGHT TO BED!”
“Okay…”
Rui and Nene’s parents finished their conversation after what seemed like forever. Both of them stared into space the entire time they were talking, occasionally looking at each other to exchange looks of boredom. It was almost as if they were communicating to each other through facial expressions.
“Are you bored too?”
“Yeah.”
“When will this be over…”
At this point Rui didn’t mind that he would be going to bed soon, since all this sitting around doing nothing made him tired.
After what felt like 10 years they were finally done talking, and Nene and her parents left.
“It was nice to meet you, Rui… I hope we can perform together another time.”
“Of course we can! We will perform together soon, and that’s a promise.”
Nene let out a chuckle, then she finally left. Rui immediately went to his room at his father’s command.
“That Nene girl sure seemed nice…”
He paused for a moment, his expression changing to one of neutrality.
“Why… can’t I see me marrying her in the future, though?”
Rui thought. Maybe it was because he just met her, so the tension between them was still kind of awkward.
He shook it off, as he was too tired to think straight. He went to bed, with dreams of creating amazing shows with Nene for the people of their kingdom.