Chapter Text
"What…on Earth?" Am I going crazy? Hallucinating maybe? This makes no sense! …Maybe I just need some sleep… Haha, yes! That must be it! I'm just tired after practice! That's all it is! After all, there's no way someone can actually have stars coming from their eyes. I'm probably just seeing stars because I'm destined to become one!
…
It's been two hours. I can't sleep. And my head hurts. It's not like I have a ton of energy right now. In fact, I'm exhausted. But it's like my brain just won't shut off.
What the…again? More stars start falling from my eyes. Almost like tears. Am I crying? No no, I shouldn't be crying. This is pathetic. I'm crying over nothing!
It's strange. Even though I have stars falling out of my eyes, it doesn't hurt. I can barely feel it, in fact. They look so…dull and colorless though. It's kind of disappointing. Why is this even happening anyway? Crying stars just isn't normal! I don't think any of Rui's inventions would have done that… Ah! The sekai! I could always ask one of the virtual singers for help! They always have good advice!
I open my phone and click on 'Untitled'. There's a big flash of white before I see all the familiar theme park attractions that never fail to make me smile.
"Tsukasa-kun? You are up rather late…" I just about scream. Does Rui practice being this sneaky or something! "Ah, Rui! Wait, why are you here?" He looks kind of uncomfortable for a second before he responds. "I just have a small question that I believe one of the virtual singers may be able to assist with. You look tired though. Are you alright?"
No. I don't think I am alright. I think I'm going crazy! "I'm fine. Just looking for some advice too!" My headache is getting even worse. Oh! There's KAITO! "Oh? Rui-kun and Tsukasa-kun? Do you two need something?" KAITO looks a little troubled… Is everything okay? "KAITO, you seem a bit upset. Something wrong?" He takes a moment to respond. "Hm, well, it's just that the plushies, well two; are acting a bit off. They aren't fighting. They've just been really quiet and reserved…"
Rui seems to think for a moment before he speaks up. "Well, I'm sure Tsukasa-kun's problem is more important than mine, so I'll go check on the plushies while he talks to you." Rui looks a bit stressed as he walks off. I feel like his issue may be more important. But I suppose it's probably not life or death if he's letting me talk first.
"KAITO, why am I crying stars?" KAITO looks a bit stunned, maybe I was too blunt about it. "You're crying…stars? That is rather strange…hmm…oh. There is one thing I can think of. It is something called 'Star Tears'." That's a redundant name. "What's that?" KAITO looks troubled for a second. "Well, it's a sort of disease I suppose. Apparently you'd only get it if you have some sort of unrequited love. If it's not dealt with, well apparently, over time, the stars will become more bright and colorful, and you'll lose both your vision, and any memories of the person you love. Are…you in love with anyone, Tsukasa-kun?"
W-WHAT?! There's no way I'm in love with anyone! And there's no way it would be unrequited! Hmm, but KAITO always has good advice. As embarrassing as it is, maybe I do love someone. Okay! Who am I close with? Emu? No. That doesn't seem right. I don't feel any different around her. Aside from my back hurting when she jumps on me. But I doubt that's love. Nene? No way. She's sweet, but I can't imagine her as anything but my friend. Toya? Absolutely not. He's like a brother to me. No way. Rui? …probably not? No. No! I am NOT in love with Rui! He's my friend!
"Tsukasa-kun, your face is all red. And you've been really quiet. You okay?" I just about jump. "Yeah! Totally fine! …Actually um, I may have a problem…" KAITO gives an understanding nod. I'm about to respond, but Rui starts coming back. Without even thinking, I run off and leave the sekai.
Wait, why did I even do that? He's my friend. Why would I run away from him? Surely I'm not scared of talking to him… Ugh, I really am pathetic. And now, I'm crying again. Who knew the sight of stars could make me so upset?