Chapter Text
The chilly breeze of February and winter had been forgotten, and spring had taken its place instead. Recently, the weather has been getting warmer. Tenma Tsukasa, a third-year student at Kamiyama High School, was walking to school while he was observing blooming sakuras. It wasn't just the weather or the change in seasons; Tsukasa experienced an intense, unbearable feeling that burned deep within his chest.
His inability to describe or explain it irritates him. He moved slowly, lost in thought.
"What could it be?" he wondered.
Sakura leaves were fluttering and dancing as they fell to the pavement making their own little show. Tsukasa could make out a figure running quickly in his direction in the distance.
He initially didn't think much about it, but as the person drew nearer and nearer, he recognised him.
Kamishiro Rui, the director of WonderlandxShowtime, the troupe of four members and a robot, of which Tsukasa selfishly proclaimed himself to be the leader, they have been doing shows for nearly two years, and it is slowly coming to an end, as both Tsukasa and Rui will be graduating in the next few weeks.
The oddball two to Tsukasa's oddball one; together, they made up the odd-ball one-two or Weirdo Combo.
Tsukasa wasn't particularly proud of this title, primarily because it destroyed his reputation as an exemplary student and now he is seen as a deliqent who blows bombs at school together with Rui. He wouldn't admit it to himself, but he enjoyed his special relationship with Rui.
Oh, and he does maybe have a crush on Rui—well, maybe not a crush, more like he is in love with him that he doesn't know how to act around him so he doesn't look like a complete fool.
He developed a flawless persona over the years and despite how tiresome it is to constantly pretend, he doesnt allow express his true emotions to others.That's not who he is meant to be; he ought to be someone who brings smiles, not worries. But somehow he fails to maintain this with certain purple-haired alchemist.
Tsukasa is comfortable around him, which is both reassuring and scary.
He is aware that these emotions are meaningless and that he would never ever confess.
But he is content with the way things are. At least he forced himself to believe it was okay like this.
He could spend every day with Rui, share a lunch on the roof with him, talk about show ideas, and listen to him ramble on about robots and his wild ideas. Tsukasa loved listening to him because of the way his eyes would light up when he talked about his projects.
He hates to admit it, but he loves Ruis teasing and how careful he is with Tsukasa. His ideas might be all over the place sometimes, but he would never hurt him intentionally. He takes a great deal of time preparing and checking if everything is safe and functioning.
Rui is handsome; his tall figure and athletic body are striking; his flashy purple hair with cyan stripes made him look unique; and Tsukasa most definitely didn't want to stroke his hair to see whether it was really as fluffy as it seemed, surely... and yes, his face, although he may have dark eyebags, it doesn't take away from his attractiveness in any way, he tries to hide them with makeup, but it doesn't help much. He never forgets to put on red eyeliner to highlight his eyes even more. Also, his eyes, those yellow cat-like eyes, every time he looks at Tsukasa, something in him clicks, and he doesn't know how to explain it. He has a piercing yet soft look, and Tsukasa wonders if Rui can see all his hidden thoughts. The cheshire smiles is almost everytime displayed on his face. Even though he has all the characteristics that are associated with cats, he always acts as a puppy around Tsukasa, never leaving him alone. Rui's hands appear a little rough. Perhaps because he spends a lot of time handling screwdrivers and all the tools. But still, he wants to hold his hand. Tsukasa is so head over heels for Rui, even more, he wants to admit.
But Tsukasa have to keep having to remind himself that this was okay, since they were both in their third year and the graduation was approaching, he decided it would be best to just let his feelings pass away as time went on. After all, these feelings can't possibly last this long, can they?
Tsukasa's chest was throbbing with this feeling.
Tsukasa was scared when he realised their paths were about to part, but he tried to comfort himself by telling himself that this was just a small step towards achieving his dream of becoming a star.
However, he doesn't even know any longer why he has this dream; it is simply an excuse for him to feel better about himself.
As a kid, he truly believed this dream would become reality but as he got older, he started to realize more of his limitations, that he cant reach the stardom just because he believes in it, he must to do more for it. He is driven by a greed to succeed no matter what it takes because it is all he has left; it isn't even something that makes him happy anymore.
He had to maintain his false persona of being perfect at all times and act as though nothing bother him much.
He had spent the past two years with his group, who are now close friends, and has come to the realisation that he can't just let them go. But he can't let his own selfish desires get over him, everyone had already decided on their own dreams, and soon enough all of this will become just a sore memories of past, but he is terrified of being alone once again. The thought sent chills down his spine.
He still finds it terrifying that he spent so much time by himself at home as a child. But he can't complain; Saki was sick, not him, and he couldn't even imagine the pain she had to go through.
But it has already been decided that their paths will diverge regardless of what he does or says; it is already this way, and he is powerless to change it. He feels miserable and useless because of his own limitations, but that is not how he should present himself; he will continue to act carefree and not allow anyone to see how scared and lost he is.
He not only met people who genuinely cared about him at least that what he likes to think, but he also met someone he loves dearly.
"Tsukasa-kun?" Rui waved his hand in front of Tsukasa's face.
"Are you all right? You look incredibly dejected.", he poked Tsukasa's cheek.
"I'm sorry for worrying you, Rui, I was just thinking about something unimportant.", Tsukasa feigned a smile.
"I don't know Tsukasa-kun, but I believe it is not nothing; if anything is bothering you, please let me know; okay? we're friends after all.", Rui said with concerned expression. "
"Yeah, but really, don't worry; it's nothing"
Was he really that obvious?
"If you say so..." Rui frowned and decided to let go for now.
"However, why did you run to me so fastly?
Do you need anything?
You might have tripped and hurt yourself!" Tsukasa spoke while displaying a curious expression.
"No! I just ran into Tsukasa-kun because I wanted to walk to school with him.", he said while flashing his signature cat-like smile.
"It must be an honour for you to spend this much time with a future star", Tsukasa choked out his characteristic laugh. "
Oh, okay, then, I'll be your company for this walk!" Tsukasa said with a flushed face.
Rui always knew how to get the best out of him.
Rui's gaze softened. "Of course I enjoy spending time with my star."
His star... perhaps he was hoping for it to become true, but since that was not going to happen, he simply forced a smile on himself once more.
Rui raised an eyebrow but chose to remain silent.
With sporadic conversation about their morning, they walked to school together mostly in silence. Tsukasa was once more surrounded by his thoughts as they approached the school gates and went inside. Before entering the classroom, he waved to Rui.
Rui was left alone, knowing that something was wrong and that he had to get it out off Tsukasa somehow.