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Beep! "Power off." RoboNene said, as Tsukasa pressed the power off button. A show had just finished and everyone was tidying up and getting ready to head home. He carefully placed the robot backstage and covered it with a cloth. Just then, Rui entered, carrying a box full of props and stored it away.
"Excellent show today, Rui!" the peach blond said as he stood up."The final act with the drones went really smoothly!"
The purple-haired individual organized the boxes and looked up, "Fufu~, As they should, I spent all last night fumbling around with the controls."
"You didn't sleep at all? Rui, that's not very good for your health." Tsukasa replied with a slight tone of disapproval, "As the leader and a future star, it is my responsibility to ensure everyone's wellbeing!"
"Well, at least it delivered a wonderful performance, wouldn't you say, Tsukasa-kun? Quite the charming ending." Rui stood up and did a little stretch.
"Yea, it seems your skills have really improved! I have to admit that it made quite an appealing finale, still, you should be getting some rest!" Tsukasa remarked, as he moved a backdrop to the wall.
"Hm? Do I hear the great star giving a compliment?" He dodged the comment about sleeping and teased.
Tsukasa rolled his eyes, acting annoyed but there was a hint of a smile on his face. "Don't get too cocky, I'm merely acknowledging the great effort you've put in and the unique charm the bots have."
"Just like a certain someone I know." Rui walks over, checking if everything had been put away.
Tsukasa looked at him with a hint of slight surprise, a light shade of pink tinting his face. "W-What are you implying, Rui?"
"Hmmm? What are you saying, Tsukasa-kun?" Rui asked, putting on a fake innocent smile.
Tsukasa walked over to the door, suppressing the hint of pink that is trying to show on his ears, "Oh, don't give me that innocent act, Rui, what are you hiding behind these words?"
Rui walked over to the exit as well, "But I simply do not know what you're getting at, fufu~"
"Oh c'mon, Rui, you know what I mean!" He looked away as Rui got closer and reached for the light switch.
"Oh? What do you think I mean?" Rui playfully replied, as he pushed the door and held it open.
Tsukasa paused for a second, studying Rui's expression before saying, "I think you're just trying to get a reaction out of me, your comments are always so uh...odd."
"Ouch, you wound me, Tsukasa-kun!" Rui gasped, pretending to be hurt and wiped a fake tear.
"Save the acting for our shows, Rui. You can't fool a talented actor like myself!" Tsukasa rolled his eyes, not falling for the other's act. He's slightly getting annoyed now, "You practically thrive by teasing me, you'd love to see me all agitated, don't you?"
"Fufu~" Rui chuckled, "There is more to me than teasing... or is that what you think of me, Tsukasa-kun?" There is a very hidden trace of sadness to the last part.
The peach blond's face softened a bit, picking up on the slight tinge of genuine emotion in Rui's voice, " Of course not! I don't think that you are that type of person! You're talented, kind- brilliant even! But it's hard to focus on expressing such when you're always so mischievous with your words," he answered honestly.
"Such high praise from our troupe leader, I'm grateful, fufu~" Rui had his usual cat-like smirk on his face again.
Tsukasa's cheeks flushed slightly as he realized what he had said, he looked away to turn off the light and cleared his throat. "Well don't let it get to your head, Rui, it's not everyday when I, a future star, acknowledge your many positive qualities."
The two stepped out, Rui gave an amused chuckle in response. "Fufu~"
"You're insufferable sometimes, you know that? How are we even friends?" Tsukasa huffed, and put his arms on his hips.
"If I recall, it was you who initiated this friendship," Rui responded.
The blond shook his head, "Yea yea, I remember, it was a weak moment of mine." He let out a sigh, then continued more sincerely for a moment, "But I've come to appreciate our friendship, even if you drive me up the wall from time to time."
"Glad you find my antics to be so unforgettable, Tsukasa-kun," Rui teased with a smirk.
Tsukasa rolled his eyes, "Of course you'd twist my words into praise for your stunts. But I guess it makes our relationship more...interesting." There was a hint of a smile on his face as he said the last part.
They both laughed, and Tsukasa shook his head, not being able to stay annoyed for long, the small smile still on his face, "You really enjoyed being a thorn on my side, don't you?"
"If I'm the thorn, then who would be the rose?" his friend shot back wittily.
Tsukasa considered the question, "Well obviously the rose would be me, since I am the star after all," the star paused, a playful glint in his eye, "and you're just like the thorns, unavoidable and persistent, but charming in your own way."
"Fufu~ I like your answer," the purple haired answered.
"Of course you do, but remember, roses come with thorns for a reason," he folds his arms, smirks and looks over at Rui, who had a genuine smile on his face. For a moment, Tsukasa was caught off guard by the sincere expression on his friend's face, it was a very rare sight. It made him feel a mixture of warmth and surprise inside, he can feel his ears tinting a pink shade. There was a pause, then the blond spoke, with a softer voice, "...You really do have a charming smile when you're not scheming something, you know."
Rui's eyes widened a little at his compliment, "That's because you make everyone around you feel happy," he replied.
Tsukasa was surprised by the unexpected honest praise from his mischievous friend. He didn't really know how to respond and he could feel his face heating up. He tried playing it off, putting on a smirk, "Well, that is just a part of my role as a shining star obviously!"
"Of course, dear star, fufu~" Rui playfully responded.
The blond's heart fluttered slightly at the nickname and the affection it carried. He tried to maintain his confident demeanour, " 'Dear star'? Flattery would get you everywhere, Rui."
They both laughed as the sun sets in the sky.