Chapter Text
Mika blinks. A Yumenosaki Academy classroom materializes around him. Well, it's not actually a Yumenosaki classroom. It's just modeled to look like one. He flexes his fingers and rotates his neck—fully operational. He's successfully landed in the Official ES-Sponsored Chocolat Fes Candy House "I Woke up in an Oddly Realistic Alternate World and Enjoyed Forbidden Romance With Idols?!" VR Cyber-Space (conceptualized by Switch). Apparently this kind of thing is normally called a "dating simulator." But Mika is only interested in one particular feature of this virtual world: part-time jobs. Partly because he can do them without being recognized by everyone he passes by, but mostly because it will grant him access to his ultimate goal. That being gifts. Gifts that he may give to one Shu Itsuki in order to raise his affection level to the max and cause him to fall in love with him.
He's been saving up "Koi Koins" for a couple weeks—the fruits of nonstop, arduous labor. And now he's ready. The moment has come for him to summon Shu and pelt him with presents until his code has no choice but to unlock the coveted SSS+ relationship rank—the highest one possible.
He hasn't actually spoken to Virtual-Shu a single time since coming to this place weeks ago. Once he learned that any relationship he tries to form would be slow-moving without adequate preparation, he resigned himself to buckling down and doing the work before attempting communication. Because he knows that if Shu's affections were locked behind a paywall, he would end up going on a blind rampage and getting himself banned from the game altogether. And then he would have no Shu Itsuki at all. There is the one in the real world, he admits. But he hasn't seen him in person in at least two weeks (coincidentally when he began his Koi Koin collecting).
He feels like he's going to shrivel up like a dehydrated flower left alone in the middle of a scorching desert if he can't touch Shu in some capacity soon. Even if it's an out of character version of him built for appealing to adoring fans. He is nothing if not Shu Itsuki's most zealous fan, after all. As much as he loves standing side-by-side with Shu on the same elevated stage—he wouldn't give that up for his own life—he has always wished that he had the chance to interact with Shu as a normal fan would at least once. This might be his best opportunity to do so, presuming that Virtual-Shu doesn't acknowledge him as Mika Kagehira of Valkyrie, but rather as a regular person playing a game.
He inhales deeply, the clean scent of the virtual classroom filling his nostrils. He flicks his hand, pulling up the menu screen and hovering his finger over the flashing "Let's meet idols!" button. His heart is beating faster at the thought of actually going through with his long-formulated plan. Somehow, it feels as if he's about to ask the real Shu Itsuki out on a date. 'S fine, he thinks. 'S not like Oshi-san'll ever find out about this. Shu won't ever have to know how Mika, depraved as he is, sunk so low as to chase after a fake version of him for something as base as romantic affection.
Shu Itsuki's bust portrait is displayed at the top of the idol list, pinned with a small red heart. Tapping on it reveals details about his character: 177cm (six centimeters taller than him), 59kg (less than what it is now, what with Shu's recent muscle gain), blood type 'A' (together, they make 'AB'), and favorite food 'Croissants' (thank goodness they were stocked in the game's store). Below that is a description: Pursuing the path of an idol via fine arts. He is a punctual and fussy person, and tends to have a short temper, expressing his emotions in extravagant ways.
A giddy grin possesses his facial muscles. His Oshi-san is the most perfect person in the world. And he's going to woo him... right now. A magical sound effect like the casting of a spell. Swirling pink sparkles like a miniature tornado. Shu Itsuki stands before him.
He's dressed in his old Yumenosaki school uniform with a glittering effect that seems to float around his head. He opens his mouth to speak and Mika doesn't dare breathe. Will Shu recognize him?
Shu crosses his arms and scoffs. "And who might you be? I'm busy, you know. If you have something to say, out with it. Otherwise I'll return to my sewing."
Mika is a gaping fish, face red with lack of oxygen. 'S just like when we met fer the second time at school...! 'Cept this time, I didn't up an' trip 'n fall right in front of 'im! He has to come up with a response or else Shu will say something like, "Is there cotton stuffed in your ears, or are you simply so dimwitted as to cease all functioning the moment someone speaks to you?"
Not that he would mind that.
And as per his written description, Shu's patience is short.
"I took you for a self-functioning automaton, but perhaps there's a hidden keyhole in your back that I must wind up? Speak, boy."
Yes, please, he thinks. He really needs to come up with something to say.
Shu glowers, his eyebrows furrowing in that way Mika is so familiar with. "Are you serious? Are you that hopeless? Fine. Turn around."
As if those floating pink sparkles hypnotized him, Mika obeys without a single thought. Then he realizes he must have said his thoughts out loud. Oh well. He needed to say something.
Hands touch upon his back, and Mika stiffens out of nervousness before relaxing under Shu's guidance. Those hands massage him firmly. While Mika is distantly aware that this is incredibly out of character for Shu to do to someone he just met, he can't bring himself to care all too much when it feels like he's being personally led to Valhalla.
Then Shu freezes, and Mika whines at the loss of movement.
Shu asks in an accusatory tone, "...What was that?"
Mika tries to think of what he could mean, but his mind is blank as white canvas. "What's what?"
Shu pulls his hands away completely, much to Mika's dismay. Only for him to then grasp his shoulders and spin him towards him.
"That..." His scowl deepens, and so does the crimson dusting his cheeks (since when was he blushing?) "That inappropriate groan. As I was touching you."
Groan...? He must've moaned without even noticing. He can't really blame himself, though. Not when Shu's hands feel like the touch of God, even through his clothes.
"Ehehe... My bad, Osh– Um, I-Itsuki-senpai...?"
Shu sighs. "You are incredibly empty-headed, aren't you? I would try to remedy that myself, but I have the impression that you are somehow beyond fixing."
Mika is about to apologize again when he suddenly remembers his original goal. Talking to this version of Shu really is too much fun.
"I gotta gift fer ya!"
"A gift?" Shu assumes a considering posture.
"Yeah, a whole lotta 'em!"
Mika swipes up to summon the menu screen and selects his entire inventory of presents. The spoils of war.
Shu becomes static like a statue. Gift boxes vanish above his head one after another. The pop of them being received meshes with the trill of the affection meter next to him steadily rising.
When it finally reaches the top, the heart crowning it swells and bursts into heart-shaped confetti before being replaced by a large golden heart indicating a maxed out affection status. Mika expects the gifts to stop being given at this point, but they keep going. It seems that he may have procured... quite a few more items than necessary. Well, that's fine. Virtual-Shu deserves all the love in the world simply for bearing his Oshi-san's likeness.
The gift queue ends at long last, but Shu is still in that frozen state. Worried, Mika goes up and pokes his cheek, looking for a response. "Oshi-san...?"
Then all at once, Shu erupts like fireworks. "Kagehira! Mon chéri! Très bien! Tu es magnifique! Je t'aime!"
Mika startles backwards. "Nnagh?! O-Oshi– Itsu– Oshi-san?!" Did he overload him so much that he forgot how to speak his native language?!
Shu invades his personal space, embracing him and stroking his hair like he's the most precious object in the world.
"What's wrong, my dear? ♡ Were you not expecting me to caress you? ♡ But I must show my love to you somehow! ♡"
And now there are hearts falling out of his mouth?!?!
Mika feels trapped in Shu's virtual warmth, his own body heat rising with it. God, he hopes his body isn't getting too excited in the real world. He supposes this kind of Shu is what he wanted, but... It's way too much! And way too out of character!
Mika struggles weakly. "Nn-nnah, Oshi-san... Ease up a lil', wont'cha?"
Shu acquiesces, but frowns and keeps a hand on his arm. "But... My love! I love you!"
Mika sighs. "Ya said that already. I..." love ya too?
He feels dirty. Like he's cheating somehow. Even though he and Shu aren't even dating in the real world, Mika reminds himself. His heart grows heavy against his ribcage,
"Look, I, uhh..." Mika pauses. "Maybe we can jus'... go on a date or somethin'...?"
Shu lights up. "A date? Why, of course! Where would you prefer? A fine restaurant for dinner? One of the great art galleries in the city? Or perhaps someplace more secluded, like the breathtaking sceneries of the countryside at dusk?" he speaks in an enthusiastic rush.
Mika finds himself longing for the way his Shu would lead him through a museum as if he were an experienced tour guide.
He laughs shakily. "I dunno... Can ya choose?"
Shu grins. "Me? Then I shall take you to all three! May we have a day full of joyous delight and bountiful romance!"
Mika squeaks, "H-hold up–"
The classroom door hits the wall with a bang. Mika startles and Shu wraps his arms around him protectively, cradling his head to his chest. Mika hears Shu's perfectly timed heartbeats.
"What is the meaning of this?!" Shu shouts.
Mika can't see the intruder, but Shu doesn't sound all too pleased with them.
"Should I not be asking you that?" Shu responds snidely.
...Shu responds?
Mika peeks out from where Shu is holding him and—
Shu Itsuki is standing in the doorway with a look of indignation, wearing the same school uniform as the original Shu.
Did Oshi-san come into the game an' find me?! But ain't it all played solo? That shouldn't be possible. But...
The new Shu storms forward and grabs Mika, pulling him into his chest in much the same way as the other Shu did.
New Shu speaks, "And what do you think you're doing with my Kagehira?"
He's definitely not the real Shu either.
Original Shu takes Mika's arm, attempting to pull him back. "Your Kagehira? You're not the one who was conferred dozens upon dozens of gifts!"
"He knew me first!" New Shu barks.
"I treat him with more love!" Original Shu retaliates.
"He belongs to me!"
"Well, he's chosen to be with me!"
They both have a hold on one of Mika's arms, tugging him back and forth. Mika seriously feels like a plushie that two petty children refuse to give up.
"And what makes you worthy to be by his side?" New Shu is practically spitting blood at this point.
Original Shu isn't faring much better, despite his gentlemanly demeanor. "Someone like you cannot–"
"Nnaaagh! Be quiet please!!" Mika shrieks.
That seems to shock them back into (virtual) reality.
"An' lemme go!"
Mika sighs with the weight of the world as he's freed. Where did this new Shu even come from? He looks between the two. They're both red-faced and glaring at one another. Probably trying to expel poison with their minds. If there's going to be two Oshi-san's, he'd at least like for them to get along!
"You two gotta sizzle down! Why the heck're ya fightin', anyway?"
They start speaking at the same time, causing them to promptly begin arguing again. Mika sighs, again.
"You go first." He points to Original Shu. New Shu frowns.
Original Shu clears his throat. "Because this barbarian stomped in here while you and I were making our day plans, my love. And he's trying to steal you away from me."
New Shu bites back immediately. "I'm not stealing, I'm taking what is rightfully mine." He turns to stand in front of Mika and tips his chin up to make eye contact. Mika is stunned still by the demanding intensity of his gaze.
"You don't honestly wish to be with this man, do you, foolish little doll? You'll come be with your rightful master, won't you? Or must I teach you to behave again? Though knowing you, you would probably enjoy that."
Through the haze his mind was drawn into, Mika is starkly reminded of a dream he once had that played out almost exactly like this. He flushes at the display, and the shame of being so affected by something as comically cliché as two jealous Shu's fighting over him only makes him even more embarrassed.
Predictably, Original Shu steps in. Indignation fills his voice as he shoves the other Shu away from Mika.
"This sort of behavior is precisely what I'm referring to, you brute! Treat my Kagehira with respect!"
New Shu scoffs. "There you go again, with the 'your Kagehira' nonsense. If you respect him so much, why don't you allow him the choice of who he'll belong to?"
With that, both Shu's look at him expectantly, seemingly confident that they'll be chosen.
Mika's mind is spinning, and he's sure that he has an equally befuddled expression adorning his face. He just came here to have some fun and hopefully feel less lonely in the absence of his beloved Oshi-san, so how in the world did things turn out like this? He's being asked to choose, but what he really wants is for his Shu to return and fuss over him like he always does.
He opts to be truthful.
"I don't want t' be with either of you. I'm sorry." Both Shu's look crestfallen at the declaration and pangs ravage Mika's heart. He doesn't want to see them be sad even if they aren't actually Shu. "I already... have someone I love. An' I'm realizin' now that bein' here talkin' to y'all ain't gonna make me miss him any less. So 'm sorry... Please don't be sad." Mika attempts a cheery smile at the end.
The Shu's don't appear to make any attempt not to look heartbroken, but they at least seem to be (albeit reluctantly) understanding.
Original Shu speaks first, "I see. So you've already fallen for someone... is how it is." He smiles peacefully. "I hope he makes you happy. You deserve nothing less."
He plants a kiss atop Mika's head. Mika is feeling a bit unreasonably emotional at the virtual Shu's words.
New Shu sounds more troubled. "I... suppose there's nothing to be done, then. If that's what you've truly decided." A pause. "I hope you're happy, as well."
Mika sniffles. "Thanks, you two... He does make me happy. A whole lot. More than anything else in the world ever could. I just... miss 'im."
They draw close and hug him gently. He buries his face into a shoulder while his back is rubbed. A few tears escape him. It's surprisingly cathartic. The two begin softly humming in a duet.
Mika soaks in the melody until the world around him fades away.
Taking a moment to reorient himself, he breathes in the scent of the VR room and brushes his fingers over the reclined chair he's sitting in. He takes off the headset and squints at the bright overhead lighting. Rubbing his face, he realizes his cheeks are stained with wetness. He stands up and stretches his spine.
Sighing, he resolves to make it back to his dorm room without anyone seeing the mess he's made of himself. And then he can call Oshi-san.
He grins.
♡ ♡ ♡
Shu has heard rumors of Switch's most recent project. Some sort of virtual world where players are able to speak to digitized versions of idols in a romantic manner. Needless to say, Shu is utterly disinterested, and he doesn't see how anyone could enjoy such a thing.
But then he learns that Kagehira's likeness is being utilized in the project.
And if his partner in art (and life, he adds) is going to appear anywhere, especially somewhere as interaction-focused as a virtual world, then it's his (self-imposed) righteous duty to ensure that it's done properly.
He repeats this justification in his mind like a prayer as he approaches the VR room.