Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was a very calm day at Tenmas kingdom. Everyone was just peacefully living their lives, well except Tenma Tsukasa, the prince, he right now was suffering through a lecture from his lovely mother. Its not like she didn't love Tsukasa, no, she loved him very much and wanted the best for him, so since he was already 19 he needed to have a partner.

Her reasoning? One part motherly worry that her precious son would end up single for the rest of his life, and one part political responsibility. As a queen, she couldn’t let the next ruler, her son , rule without a partner. So, for the past few weeks, she’d been introducing Tsukasa to potential partners from the neighboring kingdoms: Shinonome, Hinomori, Yoisaki… She even considered Emu and Toya! And they aren't even royals! Thats how desperate she was... not to mention that emu was his best FRIEND, they loved each other but as FRIENDS... and toya was their kingdoms knight, he was almost like a brother to Tsukasa and Saki and thats still not even mentioning he was in a relationship  with prince Shinonome.

Logically he turned every "offer" down as they all were his friends, not partner potentials..... So after a while of that all he got tired. So he told his mom he doesnt want to date at all. So now he is where he is.. listening to this looooooonggggg and annoying lecture from his AMAZING mother.

"Mom-" he tried to interrupt.

"AND! As a prince you meed to-"

"MOM!" He finally succeeded to stop her yapping.

"What is it?! I need to get this into your cute little head so don't interrupt your mom!"

"Mom i said i dont want to date because i have someone!"

-and that, gentlemen and female gentlemen,  was a big f lie. (These who get this joke are the real ones.)

"What?? Tsukasa! Sweetheart why didn't you say earlier??" She asked clearly happy but at the same time you could hear the confusion in her tone.

"W-we didnt want it to be public a-and as royals it probably would need to be.."

Tenma tsukasa just say the truth, this is getting out of hand!

"I see... but you could've told your mommyyyyy!...."

"Yeah, yeah i know....."

" i want to meet them!!lets have dinner together soon, hm?"

Yeah. He was fucked. This was alllllll a lie. He, in fact, did not have a lover, so now, with his mother wanting to MEET his NON-EXISTENT lover he start panicking.

"S-sure! Ahahaha.....i-i will go now..."

Tsukasa fled the room, his heart pounding in panic. He slumped against the door to his room before throwing himself onto his bed.

What was he going to do?! His mother wanted to meet someone who didn’t freaking exist! She would be so disappointed when she found out he lied. He needed a plan, like, right now .

But then, he got pulled out of his overthinking by a sudden voice.

"Tsukasa? You thereee?"

Emu! She can help him!!

"I am, come inside!..."

"Woah! You dont look too wonderhoy, tsukasa... whats up?"

"I told my mom i have someone......."

"YOU DO??THATS SO WONDERHOY!"

"...no"

"Huh? No what?

"THATS THE PROBLEM EMU. I DONT HAVE ANYONE."

"oh."

"...."

"Well then thats not wonderhoy...."

"EMU PLEASE HELP ME"

"hmmmmmm..... Oh! I know maybe you could get someone to pretend ?"

"Pretend what?..."

"To be your lover!" WHAT.

"WHO exactly could i ask?......."

"Hmm... not nene, thats my gf c:< but maybe rui?"

"WHAT. NO. NONONONOONONONNONO."

" i know you two dont know eachother too well but hes not a stranger and im sure he'd agree! And im sure he's very nice, he's nene-chans best friend after all!"

"No way. He's a royal too. That would make too much of a mess!... and besides im not exactly sure id want to do that..  with him..."

There's NO WAY he will do that with RUI. From what tsukasa knows about him, and from how they met before, they definitely DONT go well with eachother .

"Awwhhhh... well, then do you have any other ideas? Maybe Yoisaki would agree?"

"NO. THATS ALSO A NO. Shes my friend! I treat her almost like my sister!That'd be awkward!..."

"Well then i think Rui is the perfect person for that!"

Then the two heard knocking.

"Tsukasa? May i come in?" Ah! Touya! Maybe he'll have some ideas!

"Ah Touya! Yes, Come in."

The other boy gently opened the door,

"I have an information from her highness. Ah, hello emu, nice to see you."

"You too, Touya!!!"

"Sooo what it is? Does my mom need something?"

"Im not very sure whats going on but her highness told me she has planned the dinner for you and "the special someone". It will happen in 5days."

"WHAT. NOOOOO IM SOOOOO DEAD."

"OH NO TSUKASA WHAT WILL YOU DOOOOOO! TSUKASA'S DOOMED!"

"is something the matter? Also i didnt know you have "someone special", especially one that her majesty would want to invite.

"TOYA THE PROBLEM IS I DO NOT HAVE A SPECIAL SOMEONE!...I LIEDDDDD...."

"Hm... i see, then i suppose thats what youve been brainstorming with emu about."

"Yeah! We thought maybe Tsukasa could find someone to pretend to be his lover for the dinner!"

"Yeah but we cant think of anyone..."

"Oh then maybe you could ask Kamishiro Rui? You two know eachother, no?"

"THATS WHAT IM SAYING! BUT TSUKASA WONT AGREE"

"Oh, why?"

No way. NOW EVEN TOUYA?

"NOT YOU TOO! U-Uh- H-his kingdom is far away right? We wont be able to make this believable if we get only like a day to meet eachother-"

"Oh well thats not a problem, from what i know from aki- prince Akito, he is right now in Shinonomes kingdom as a diplomatic representative."

"Yeah yeah! I heard from nene too! She will come here to meet up with me!"

WHY IS WHOLE WORLD SUDDENLY SUPPORTING THIS IDEA?!

"S-still i think its a bad idea"

"Oh come one tsukasa! Do you have any other option?"

"I... i suppose not...."

"Then its settled, right? I wish you luck, tsukasa. I should get going, will see you soon."

"Thank you? See you....."

Toya quickly walked out of the room and closed the door, now emu and tsukasa were left alone.

"EMUUU I CANT DO THIS!.. "

"TSUKASA! YOU CAN INDEED DO THIS YOURE THE STAR!! NEVER BACK DOWN NEVER WHAT??"

"never give up......."

"Oh come on!! Tsuu im sure youll get along with rui!"

"I guess...."

Well... was there anything else to do? I guess theres no other choice....

"So.. how should we ask him? When nene is coming here?"

"Tomorrow! Maybe you could get a messenger? They should be able to deliver the message today!"

"Yeah i guess... uh could you... could you ask nene to bring him with her? I dont want to write to him like that"

"Sureeeeee~ ill go right now!"

"WAIT NO DONT LEAVE-"

and emu leaved the room, she looked a little to happy about this but whatever.

Tsukasa was left alone. He hid his face in his pillow, regretting everything he just did and said. How is he going to do this?? He was tired from all of this, first his mothers nonsense, now he needed to pretend he was in love with Rui Kamishiro, almost a stranger and another prince! This is going to be such a mess...and thats even assuming he will agree... otherwise he'll need to tell the truth... eh.......  he should probably tell saki about this.. but maybe that later.. now... what to do in spare time....

"B-R-O-T-H-E-R!!!! U THERE TSUKASA??"

oop- there it is

"Saki! Yes, i am. Come in!"

"WHY DIDNT YOU TELL ME YOU HAVE SOMEONE?!"

"Mother told you, no?..."

"YES."

"Well ahahahah... i lied."

"Oh. TSUKASAAAAAAAA U SHOULDNT LIE ABOUT THINGS LIKE THAT!"

"WELL IM SORRY I WAS TIRED, SAKI"

"Eh.... what will you do now then?"

"I... i-i asked Emu to help me and uh were asking prince Rui if he could maybe help me out......"

"WHAT?? KAMISHIRO! UHASCUAEBVJIASBCOJABSVJOABS"

saki started jumping around and screaming

"S-saki?"

"WHEN YOU TWO MET I KNEW YOU WILL END UP TOGETHER"

"WHAT??!?!?"

" E-ekhem! nothing, nothing! Hehe~ when will he come here?"

"If everything goes right, tomorrow, he will come with nene...."

"well good luck then~"

"..."

"I WILL GET GOING NOW~ ichi is waiting for meeeee"

"Have fun, saki!...."

After Saki leaved, Tsukasa was just casually overthinking everything and silently screaming inside. He closed his eyes, just laid on his bed until he fell asleep. Until a sudden voice interrupted his peaceful sleep.

''Prince Tenma, we have a message for you."

"Im coming, please wait a moment" he yawned quietly and got up from his bed, he was honestly surprised as he rarely gets any messages.

"Hello, your higness. We've recived a message to deliver to you, Prince Tsukasa, from  prince Kamishiro, from Kamishiro kingdom."

WHAT.  NO WAY.. DIDNT EMU JUST SENT THE MESSAGE????

"A-ah i see, thank you.."

tsukasa took the list, the messenger said his goodbyes and then leaved.

The boy looked at the list intensively, did they really get the message so soon? Even if why did he write to tsukasa? What if he won't agree ? What if he WILL agree?.... This will be a disaster either way!... Okay uh... Lets just she what he wrote...

*"Hello, Tsukasa,

Nene has gotten the message.

- On shit oh no oh no.... -

I will arrive with nene to your kingdom by tomorrow's morning, assuming you'll get the message on time, Ive told the messenger its urgent so there shouldn't be any problem with that though.

I will gladly help you and to be honest, im kind of flattered you reached out to me. Lets talk about the details when ill arrive.

See you soon,

Your ''lover'', Rui;3''*

As tsukasa readed the letter slowly, his cheecks caught themselfs in light pink color, for some reson. Wonder why. His heart started to beat a little faster too, tough only a little tiny bit.

''Its so over for me....''

Chapter Text

Tsukasa couldn't sleep that night. He tried to, really, but he kept thinking about this situation as well as he was stressing over his outfit, what if he wont look good enough and rui will change mind?? He couldn't help but stress over this so he spent at least 2hours choosing what to wear and later he just stayed in the bed. Stressing as alwas. it was so bad that Tsukasa after a pretty long "while" of just laying in the bed, felt the sunlight on his face, he groaned out loud hiding his face into his pillow once again. Until.... he remembered what will happen in just few hours... or less! He jumped out of his bed, quickly grabbing the clothes he chose at night and went to the bathroom.

When he got there he looked in the mirror. Oh the terror on his face. He got VERY visible eye bags and he looked just like a big freaking mess! How will he cover this upppp!!?? He didnt know anything about makeup!... guess he will need to stay like that.... oh, this day is going to be a one big disaster...

The blonde fixed his hair, well now he looked at least a little more presentable..

Then the sudden knock and familiar voice.

"Tsu- prince tsukasa, prince kamishiro arrived. Should i guide him here or do you-"

"NO- TOYA UH I WILL-... i-i will come out in a moment, please tell him to wait for me uh in the royal garden maybe?..."

"Of course. " he clearly was still under Tsukasa's door, debating if he should say something.

"... tsukasa?"

"Y-yes Toya?!"

Toya gently opened the door

"Tsukasa, you sound nervous.. are you okay?"

"Ahahahaha I-im fine! "

"... you have eye bags... you sure everything's okay?"

"Im... im just a little stressed.. i  didn't get too much sleep today.."

"I see. No need to worry, brother. Im sure everything will be fine."

At that Tsukasa's heart fluttered, Toya rarely called him brother or even by his name because of that royal-knight thing, but when he did he knew it was genuine.

"Thank you toya... you're... you're probably right, so okay! I wont worry anymore!!"

He pulled off one of his usual poses, at that toya chuckled a little

"Good to see your star-self again, i will go to prince kamishiro now."

"Yeah, thanks again, toya. i dont know what i would do without you"

"No problem, tsukasa. Have a great day, ill take my leave now."

"Mhm"

Toya closed the door, leaving tsukasa alone again. okay.... so Rui is already here....... there is no going back now, huh?.. tsukasa went to his bathroom once again to try to somehow cover his eye bags. He didnt have much much make up skills but some corrector should work, right？Tsukasa did what he could, now somewhat ready he made his way to the garden, where the person he will soon have to pretend relationship with is waiting for him.

With every step, he was more and more nervous. He was almost there. When he saw familiar purple hair with blue strands, he stopped in his tracks, wanting to turn around and escape but, the very person has noticed him already

"Ah, Tsukasa" he smiled warmly and waved

"...kamishiro.." there was no going back now. He took few steps more until he was standing in front of Rui.

"Tsukasa, please if were gonna do this at least call me by my name, hm?" He chuckled at Tsukasas stiffness.

"Thank you for agreeing to help me out, R-rui"

Did he just stutter? Oh gosh thats so embarrassingggggg........ he wants to disappear 9feet under the ground, now even more...

"Oh How cute~ and dont mention it, really its nothing. Although i could ask for a favor in return after were done."

CUTE?? WHAT IS RUI SAYING NOW.

Tsukasa blushed a little at the comment but tried to make it seem he didn't hear that.

"O-Of course. If that's something im able to do, then you can expect me to do my best to help in return."

"Fufu~well, tsukasa should we go on a walk? Or maybe would you rather talk about the details in more private place?"

"We can go to my room..."

"Alright, then lead the way, my star"

"I-im sorry, what did you just c-call me?......."

"My star. We're in a relationship now, no?" Rui teased with a smirk on his face.

"R-rui!.. "

Kamishiro just laughed, enjoying the sight of flushed cheeks of the boy next to him.

"You're very entertaining, y'know it's quite fun seeing you all flustered like that~"

Tsukasa groaned internally, his face turning an even deeper shade of red. "C-Can we please just go?!" Tsukasa sped up.

Rui followed, his steps casual as he hummed a cheerful tune, clearly enjoying himself. "Of course, darling ," he teased again, causing Tsukasa to nearly trip over his own feet.

''RUI SERIOUSLY!!!!!...''

As they walked through the dimly lit corridors of the estate, Tsukasa tried to keep his composure, but Rui’s amused gaze on the back of his neck wasn’t helping.

“You’re awfully quiet now, Tsukasa,” Rui said, his voice lilting with amusement. “I didn’t scare you off with my charming presence, did I?”

Tsukasas breath caught in his throat,

"i-i!... Of c-course no! Im just-"

Rui chuckled again, with his usual smirk he  just stared intensively. "No need to panic, im just messing with you, tsukasa"

The answer was immediate "THEN COULD YOU NOT????" He cried out.

Few of the castle maidens noticed them and started giggling and whispering, as Tsukasa noticed that he went silent again, embarrassed even more than before.

When he realized that the door he's seeing not far away, are to his room he couldn't help but feel so happy, he was so relieved that they're finally here. Maybe the teasing would stop now..

"W-were here..."

Tsukasa yanked the door open, pushed rui inside and closed the door again, using a little too much force. The door made loud noise but it seemed the boy didn't care.

Rui, still a bit surprised at how he got pushed into the room, chuckled softly.

"In a rush, are we?"

The blonde smiled forcefully. Ignoring the comment, but still blushing at it slightly for some reason, he just asked his question.

"S-so.... the details? In the letter you stated, you want to discuss that."

Rui smiled, this time not teasing, he smiled softly, it almost looked genuine. Just almost. And that was just seconds before his teasing smirk came back.

"That's right. If we want to make this believable we need to prepare for questions ."

"Like what? "

"Like for example, for the start, how we met."

"Ah yeah thats... that's reasonable i guess..."

"Well, any ideas? "

Tsukasa thought for a while,

"M-maybe just on royal meeting? Both bored, we decided to talk and it e-escalated further"

Rui seemed a bit disappointed in Tsukasas answer.

"Tsukasa don't you think thats a bit boring?..."

"Then please, go on, come up with something better."

"Well maybeeee we met during a pretty ball and it was love at first sight?~ or maybe i saved you from a big bad dragon-no knowing you, rather you saved me from a big bad dragon hm?"

Rui smirked evilly

"Are you even taking this seriously?... Rui, i really need help."

Ruis smirk turned into a soft smile, this time really a genuine one.

"Sorry, i couldn't help myself. I am taking this seriously, i wanna help you out."

"O-okay" tsukasa blushed slightly, "then now for real, any ideas?"

"Well its not like we haven't met before, we can just tell the truth, no? We met on a royal ball, through nene and emu and we just meed to add a little detail like... hm since we met we knew we're suited for each other, orrr i was so charming that you fell in love~"

"More like insufferable..."

"Details. Well are you okay with that?" he asked, his voice unusually soft

"Yeah... its.. its fine"

as the hours passes, they've covered various points, questions that they might be asked. Of course there was a lot of teasing and fake annoyance. Then after a while of silence rui asked;

"All right~ then, should we practice?"

"Practice? Practice what?"

Oh no. Ruis smirk is back.

"Well you know to make this believable you cannot be so stiff around me. If we wont touch each other at all it'll become suspicious, so we should practice things like holding hands so you wont panic each time~"

Oh thats not so bad

"I AM NOT STIFF.  JUST- UGHH NEVER MIND... B-but! I guess that makes sense.."

"Sure, tsukasa." He said with a little tone of mock in his voice."then shall we try?"

"Fine!..." he said with annoyance in his voice, but that annoyance might have been just for show, just to hide embarrassment.

Rui offered his hand and looked at tsukasa REALLY softly, he looked like he wasn't pretending anymore, that he is in love of course. But who is tsukasa to assume anything.

Tsukasa just stared at rui not sure what that look means, but soon enough rui noticed and his soft look got replaced with the same, old smirk.

"Tsukasa? Don't  tell me you're too embarrassed?"

"I am not!" Tsukasa quickly took Ruis hand, with a barely noticeable blush on his face.

"Pfft okay, okay" he chuckled softly then he made a face like he just got an idea.

"What are you-"

Rui intertwined their fingers, took Tsukasas hand closer to his mouth and kissed it gently.

"W-what are... what a-are y-you?!"

Tsukasa felt the soft, cold feeling on his hand, suddenly his face became a total blushing mess, his face was burning, you could almost see smoke coming out of his head like in animes. what has just happened?!

"What? Cant my star handle just a little kiss on a hand from his boyfriend?"

"YOU ARE NOT MY BOYFRIEND "

"Alright, a fake one. But the point still stands, you want to make this believable? Hm, Tsukasa?"

"O-of course! And of course i can handle it! Nothing easier!! I-its just a little k-kiss"

"Thats good, youre a star after all fufu~ but if thats just a little kiss, you shouldn't have any problem with practicing a little kiss on lips, am i right, Tsukasa?"

"WHAT? I-I.... w-we're not kissing!"

"But if your mom will become suspicious and ask us to kiss? What will you do then?"

"T-that will not happen!"

"But if it does?"

".... i wont kiss you! T-that would be my... first kiss....."

"Oh? I see, you're saving it for someone special"

"I-i! Uh i... i guess? Wait no, i-its just that i never kissed anyone before- i-im uh... just nervous...." the last part was said barely as an whisper

"Fufu~" Rui chuckled "i see, so if i understand correctly, you're not against kissing?"

"I mean! U-uh if its necessary.... i just y'know never had anyone so i pretty have no experience with this stuff and its just kinda embarrassing and-" Tsukasa got cut off, to be exact, by a kiss.

Tsukasa’s rambling came to an abrupt halt as Rui stepped closer, his free hand lightly gripping Tsukasa’s wrist. The words stuck in his throat as Rui leaned in, his expression calm yet unreadable. Before Tsukasa could fully process what was happening, Rui’s lips brushed against his, soft and deliberate, stealing his breath and every coherent thought he had.

It wasn’t a long kiss—just a brief, feather-light press of warmth that sent Tsukasa’s heart racing like a runaway carriage. Rui pulled back slowly, his lips curling into a satisfied smile, as if he’d just solved a particularly tricky puzzle.

For a moment, the world stood still. Tsukasa’s eyes were impossibly wide, his mind completely blank except for the overwhelming realization of what just happened.

“Wha… wha… WHA—?!” Tsukasa stumbled back, his hands flying to his face as if to shield it from view. His cheeks were an alarmingly bright red, and his voice cracked with sheer disbelief. “W-WHAT WAS THAT?! RUI, WHAT DID YOU JUST—?!”

"Well you said its okay, and you were overthinking this so i decided to just do it so you wouldn't worry anymore~ was it bad?"

"I-i.... i-i suppose not... but a-at least give me a warning next time, please?!" 

"Next time? You already want another one? Are you sure you're not enjoying this secretly, hm Tsukasa?"

"I-I AM NOT!!!!"

"sure tsukasa, sure. How about we practice more then?"

"NO WAY"

"why? Are you still too embarrassed?? Or you just don't want to give out you secretly enjoy this?"

"NUH UH RUI, NO. WERE NOT DOING THIS AGAIN. YOU WONT TRICK ME"

"oho? But i wasn't trying to. Just now, when we kissed you blushed like crazy, we need to at least tone it down before the dinner"

"TONE DOWN WHAT. I WASNT BLUSHING."

"Tsukasa, be honest with yourself~ you were blushing, blushing more then you probably should, since i only gave you a little peck on the lips~"

"OKAY. RUI. stop the teasing! Ugh this was such a bad idea! Please have mercy and just stop!"

"Okay, okay.. sorry its just so funny to see you blushing so much, but i was serious. If you want to make this believable you cannot blush that much, as cute as it is, of course. In our story, we've been together for a while and it would be suspicious, y'know"

"F-fine! I get it!" Tsukasa crossed his arms, his face still tinged with crimson as he avoided Rui’s gaze. "I just need to... mentally prepare or something! It’s not like I can control it!"

Rui tilted his head with a playful grin, his fingers idly twirling a lock of his own hair. "Mentally prepare, hm? Shall I give you a few minutes alone, my dear ‘boyfriend'?"His voice dripped with mischief.

"Don't even start!" Tsukasa huffed, shooting Rui a glare that lacked its usual sharpness thanks to his lingering embarrassment. "I’ll get this under control, okay? Just stop messing with me!"

"But messing with you is the best part," Rui said with a melodramatic sigh, pressing a hand to his chest as if wounded. "You’re far too entertaining, my star~"

Tsukasa groaned, throwing his hands up in defeat. "This was such a mistake! Why did I even agree to this ridiculous act?"

"Oh please, tsukasa don't say it like it was my idea~ you asked me for help, no?"

"T-true!.. but it wasn't my idea to invite YOU! Its like everyone except me was with that idea! Ugh.."

Rui's smirk fell, he looked almost like... sad?

"Im sorry, if you don't want to do this with me then i can get someone from my kingdom to help you instead- i didn't want to make you so uncomfortable, Tsukasa."

Tsukasa just in shock, was staring at rui. Whats that about now?! Suddenly he feels bad? Oh come on!

Suddenly, the sudden coldness reminded him they were still holding hands, well until now, since rui let go of them.

Tsukasa, not even sure what he's doing, mostly on impulse, grabbed Rui's hands again. Rui's eyes widen, but then tsukasa pulled him down. Rui in shock just stood still, while tsukasa... kissed him??!

As he pulled away, he was blushing, less then before, but still blushing. He covered his face with one of his hands, the other one still holding Rui's hand, of course.

"Ahahhahahhaha..... i-im not blushing so much anymore right? "

"Tsukasa?" Rui sounded so... confused? No thats not the right word... ugh! How to explain this!

"W-what now?!"

"..."

"R-Rui?"

"A-ah, then i suppose we're still d-doing this together?" It was less of a sentence and more of a question.

And did rui just stutter?! Whats going on here???

"U-uhm, w-well! Y-you're not that bad as i thought you will be... i like you and this might be far more comfortable with you than with some stranger..."

"I see. Im glad, i thought i made you uncomfortable or you dislike me. Or both." He laughed awkwardly and gave a gentle squeeze to Tsukasa's hand.

"No, thats not the case.... i-i just... im sorry for saying something like that, no wonder you took it that way. "

Rui smiled, his sad look disappeared, yet his smirk was not back this time, his smile was genuine and soft.

"Okay then how about we call it a day, then?

"Yhm! yeah, sure. I am a bit tired"

"Ah! I forgot to ask, was your sleep bad today? You have eye bags."

Tsukasa's free hand traveled to his neck, he scratched it nervously, avoiding Rui's gaze.

"Its that visible?..."

"No, but we're standing close." His soft smile never left his face, and never was replaced with that smirk that tsukasa got to know so well today.

"A-ah... well i did have a little trouble with sleeping today, yes..."

"Hmm what could be the reason? Maybe me?"

Even tough the sentence was very much teasing, his tone didnt change, he still sounded as soft and gentle as before.

"Kind of? I was nervous.."

"Well then i hope you'll get good sleep today. And if i may ask, where am i staying tonight?"

"Ah! Yes, i totally forgot, sorry-  we have a guest room prepared for you."

Rui seemed to think deeply for a moment, until, his look screamed "ive got an idea"

"What it is?...."

Rui finally let go of of Tsukasa's hands and sat on the bed .

"Well don't you think if you will send your "boyfriend" to other room it'll be suspicious?"

"I-i mean... yes that makes sense but i trust you're not saying you want to sleep with me, right?..."

Rui laughed a little "no, of course no. I wouldn't do something like that, unless you're fine with it, of course. I can always sleep on the couch."

"WHAT. NO. That wont do! It will be uncomfortable!  I cant let my guest, who is already helping me out sleep on the couch, are you out of your mind?! You take the bed and i sleep on the couch."

"Tsukasa, no. You need sleep far more then i, you wont be able to rest much if you sleep on the couch. Dont worry i really have no problem with sleeping on the sofa."

"Rui! I said no! Take the bed or go to the guest room."

"That wont do tsukasa, you want your mom to discover were faking this?"

"Of course no!"

There was a loooonggggg pause. Silence that wasnt exactly comfortable nor uncomfortable it was just there.

"Are you sure you dont want to take the bed?..."

Tsukasa asked, his voice quiet like he didnt want to say what he was about to say.

"Im sure, you need rest."

"T-then i suppose im fine with sleeping together. O-of course if youre fine with it too!"

Well one thing was certain, tsukasa was embarrassed.

"Oh? Well im fine with that, but i cannot lie you surprised me. You sure you're fine with that?"

"Im not going to let you sleep on the couch and i don't wanna mess up our plan, so unless you finally agree to sleeping on the bed alone, i see no other option.."

Rui's smirk appeared again, first time in a while.

"Then sure, we can sleep together~ im gonna make sure today you will get the rest you need~"

"Seriously?...teasing again?"

"Oh but im not teasing, just saying what will happen "

"Whatever... well im going to go wash up, uh stay here i guess?"

"Im not planning to go anywhere. i will go after you, if thats okay."

"Of course, then uh ill get going..."

Tsukasa turned around, ready to go to the bathroom when Rui's voice sounded once again.

"Wait, tsukasa. One more thing."

He quickly got up from the bed and went up to Tsukasa. The poor boy turned around, about to ask what it is.

"What it- mh?!"

He got cut off, second time, by a kiss. Well again, more like a little peck on the lips but whatever.

Ruis smile widened as he pulled away, looking at Tsukasa's flushed face.

"Thats all~ and see? A little practice and youre not blushing so much anymore!" He tried to hide his laugh.

"I-im gonna go now........"

"Sure"

Tsukasa turned around again and went to the bathroom.

Rui just sat on the bed, staring at the wall, not sure what exactly to do. He heard the water running in the bathroom, so he guessed tsukasa was already bathing. Probably soon he will be back... ehhh how to make tsukasa fall in love with him? So far there was so little progress... he looked like he's going to explode every time they just touched hands.... not even mentioning the kisses.. ehhhhhhhhh why is tsukasa such a dense dumbass? Everyone would figure out Rui loves them if he acted like that with anyone else! For gods sake they even kissed, with no real reason...Well but there was SOME progress, at least...he seemed much more comfortable in Ruis presence now. Thats a small step but a step.

The first they met, Tsukasa was so awkward that it was almost funny, but what to do, rui still fell for him. The first time he realized that, he was watching one of Tsukasa's performances.

Rui himself sometimes, in the past, put on shows for nene. He loved making weird electronics, robots and things like that, but one time, there was an accident and he hurt himself, and what matters the most, nene, so he decided to stop doing these shows. He still makes robots and stuff but only for himself and rarely.

And when he saw Tsukasa's performance... it was like he felt that spark, the one he felt doing shows for nene, he suddenly got the motivation to do something like that again, so that night he was building weird things that could enhance Tsukasas shows,  without a break. Tsukasa woke his passion again, he felt like it was okay to do this again.

He truly admired Tsukasa.  And that admiration transformed into love. When he and Tsukasa met on that ball... he must admit he was a bit weird, even nene scolded him later for that, no wonder tsukasa didnt really like him at first. But he was just really nervous to finally meet tsukasa in person... well he didnt think much of Tsukasa's awkwardness at first, tsukasa might act so nervous with every newly met person! Until he saw him with emu and some other princess, he was sure they never met before because emu was introducing them, he wasn't awkward at all. So rui figured, he was a problem and he was sad and moody after that for like 5 days and nene snd mizuki needed to cheer him up, heh. Well he fell HARD for tsukasa. He just continued living alone, with almost no chance of being with tsukasa, until. When they were at shinonomes, with nene and mizuki, a messenger came up to nene and surprisingly gave her a letter from her girlfriend, emu... tsukasas best friend....... emu... tsukasa... letter........ AND WHAT?? SHE SAID TSUKASA WANTED HIS HELP??? Oh how he loved whoever is sitting up there now! Thank you world!

The letter was something around the lines:

*"Hello nene!!!!

How are you??! I cant wait for tomorrow!!!

Im writing because Tsukasa needs something !!

He needs  BIIIGGGG help from your best friend, rui!

He asked if Rui can come with you tomorrow!!

Because he made big super lie! He is single but now his mom thinks he has a lover and he need rui to pretend to be his loverrr!!!

Can you ask him if he could go? ???

WELL THATS ALL BYE BYE CANT WAIT TO SEE YOU NENE!!!*"

Rui couldn't help but chuckle remembering the language the letter was written in. Emu was such a funny person! She probably would love Rui's ideas..for shows..... never mind well now what was left, was to respond to tsukasa so he wouldn't worry!!

"Nene, im going to go write back response to tsukasa!"

"Sure, just don't blurt out "i Love you" or something"

"Nene!"

And now, here he is. In Tsukasa's room, waiting in his bed, they've kissed, oh he cannot waste this chance!

Then he got pulled out of his thoughts, the sound of water running, stopped. Tsukasa will be out in no time... ugh! Rui should've used this time better! He could've thought of a plan! And instead his head was in clouds....

Welp... now he needs to prepare himself mentally to see tsukasa again, to not gay panic like that one time on the ball.

Tsukasa went out of the bathroom, his hair wet and he in a cute pajamas.

AAAAA SO CUTE

"Rui? Hellooooo.... earth to Rui!!"

"Y-yes, Tsukasa?"

"You didnt hear me calling, is something on your mind?"

"Sorry, its nothing.."

"Okay..."

Silence

Silence...

Silence........

"T-the bathroom is free, you can go now..."

"ah thats right.."

Tsukasa sat on the bed, next to rui. Rui calmly stood up, when Tsukasa, suddenly, grabbed his hand.

"Rui are you really sure you're okay? You're acting weird.."

Rui smiled gently once again, he was sorry for making tsukasa worried but he couldn't help feeling happy, he was starting to really care!

"Im okay, thank you for the worries though, tsukasa"

"No problem..."

Tsukasa let go of Rui's hand, the purple guy shivered at the sudden loss of the warmth. Then he made his way to the bathroom.

Well now that rui was gone... Tsukasa can overthink again!!!! Yay!

Aaaaaaaaaaaa whats up wiith rui now?! Did he make him uncomfortable in some way????? What if he will decide to not help him in the end!..

Fuck fuck fuckkkk! He didnt even notice tsukasa calling him! He looked like he was thinking about something deeply? Was he sad or something?! What to doooo?!??!?!

When rui got to the bathroom he just looked in the mirror.

TSUKASA CARES FOR HIM AAAAAA AND HE WAS WORRIED. is the plan really working?!??

WAIT NO. He needs to to hurry up! He cannot leave tsukasa waiting!

He quickly did what he needed to do and went out of the bathroom.

Oh the view he got to see!! Sleepy tsukasa, he's just too cute for his own good!

"Hey... tsukasaaa~"

"Mnnn... r-rui? Sorry!... i fell asleep-"

"Its okay. You can go back to sleep in a second, just wanted to ask what side are you taking?"

"Side?... *yawwnn* a-ah the bed... to be honest, it doesn't matter..."

"Okay, then you can take the wall side and i take the other"

"Mnm... sure"

Rui squeezed himself in the bed, looked at tsukasa foundly. Oh he is so lucky! He can sleep next to the person he loves! After a little to no consideration, Rui gave Tsukasa a little kiss on the forehead.

"Goodnight, my love~"

"Mnn, goodnight"

To his surprise tsukasa didn't argue, he just smiled a little and hugged into Ruis chest.

Wait- hugged... into what?! Tsukasa probably doesn't know what he's doing! Should Rui wake him up?-

"You're so stiff, Rui, go to sleep finally...."

well thats new.

"Tsukasa, you sure you want to sleep- like that?..."

Oho, a little  blush appeared on Tsukasas face, he for sure knows what he's doing.

"Shut up, im sleeping..."

Rui immediately relaxed, well if Tsukasa wants that who is he to argue.

"Sure, Tsukasa. As my princess says"

Tsukasa hid his face more into Ruis chest, it was certain, his blush was growing.

"Cant you shut up for once?..." Tsukasa mumbled out

"Okay, okay, im shutting up"

"...."

":3?"

"........"

"Tsu-"

"I cant sleep without hugging anything okay?! Now shut up"

Rui giggled, he put his arms around Tsukasa's wait, hugging him comfortably "

"Thats cute, but what does that do with me, hm?"

"You're talking up the space where my plushie is usually at......"

"Oh i see.... well then hug me however much you want ~ "

"Mhm. Go to sleep"

Rui giggled once again.

"Fine, now for real, goodnight"

"Mm goodnight, rui"

Rui gave last one little kiss on Tsukasas forehead.

Then the two boys, in each others embrace, traveled to the land of dreams.

Chapter Text

Morning arrived.

Tsukasa stirred awake, though something felt… off. For once, he didn’t wake up shivering from the usual chill. Instead, a comforting warmth surrounded him.

Huh.

He tried to shift, blinking sleepily as his blurry vision adjusted. But his body wouldn’t move. Something—or rather, someone—was holding him.

The realization hit him like the truck in isekais.

"Rui."

A sleepy voice responded right by his ear, sending a jolt through him.

"Tsukasa? You’re awake?"

FUCK.

"M-mnn... good morning," Tsukasa managed, his voice cracking slightly.

"Good morning to you too, sleepyhead," Rui replied, a teasing tone in his tone.

To Rui’s delight, Tsukasa let out an unintentional giggle.

"Pfft, what’s with the nickname?"

Oh no. Rui’s heart couldn’t handle it—Tsukasa was way too cute, its unfair!!...

"Well, you slept for quite a while. It’s already 2 PM," Rui said with a small smirk.

"W-WHAT?!" Tsukasa sat up—or at least tried to, before Rui’s arms tightened around him.

"I must be really comfy," Rui chuckled, clearly enjoying himself.

"I-I suppose… uh… when did you even wake up?"

"About two hours ago," Rui replied casually.

"And you were just laying here the whole time?!" Tsukasa’s voice hit an octave higher. "You should’ve woken me up!"

"Oh, absolutely not. You were tired, and waking you would’ve been cruel." Rui’s grin widened mischievously. "Besides, this is really comfortable—just the two of us, cuddling like this~."

The situation got much clearer for Tsukasa, now that rui mentioned it, making his face burn bright red. He squirmed in Rui’s hold, desperate to escape, but Rui wasn’t letting go that easily.

"H-hey! Let me g-go!" Tsukasa argued, his voice growing more frantic.

"Nope," Rui said simply, pulling him closer.

"Wh-why not?!"

"It’s comfy like this. And I can see you’re embarrassed again—there’s no need, you know."

"S-shut up..." Tsukasa muttered, his face buried in Rui’s chest as he gave up the struggle.

Rui chuckled, resting his chin on Tsukasa’s head. "Aw, is my darling grumpy in the mornings?"

Tsukasa let out a groan of protest, but Rui could feel the tiny smile forming against his shirt. So sad Moments like this were rare... Well because of that tho Rui planned to enjoy every minute of it!~

Tsukasa grumbled something incoherent, refusing to lift his head. Rui, as always, found this endearing.

"You know," Rui began, his voice soft but teasing, "I never thought the great Tenma Tsukasa would be so... cuddly in the mornings. Or overall. What was that with the plushie yesterday? " He smirked even more, remembering the events of yesterdays.

"If only the world could see this side of you~."

Tsukasa immediately tensed, lifting his head just enough to glare at Rui.

"Don’t you dare tell anyone about this!!"

Rui tilted his head, feigning innocence.

"Tell anyone? Me? Dont worry about that~ I’d never expose my darling’s secrets."

"Y-you better not," Tsukasa muttered, trying to sound stern, though his bright red face betrayed him. "This is... this is already too much..."

Rui sighed dramatically, tightening his hold just slightly. "Too much? But we’re still practicing, aren’t we? For the act! And if we’re going to be convincing, you’ll need to get used to this level of intimacy."

"Th-there’s a difference between practice and... and this!"

Well Tsukasa was smart for once, maybe he wasn't that dense after all, just in denial.

Tsukasa squirmed again, but Rui held firm, clearly enjoying his reaction.

"Is there, though? Imagine how natural it’ll look when your family sees us like this." Rui’s voice dipped lower, more serious, though the playful glint in his eyes remained. "And for the record, it’s not that bad, is it?"

Tsukasa froze at that. His mind raced as Rui’s words sunk in, and against his will, a small part of him admitted... no, it wasn’t bad. In fact, it was almost... nice. A little too nice. But he wasn’t about to admit that out loud.

"I... I guess it’s tolerable," Tsukasa finally mumbled, looking anywhere but at Rui.

Rui’s smile softened, his teasing tone giving way to something more genuine. "See? Told you. Now, why don’t you relax a little? I won’t bite. Well unless  you ask nicely~."

"RUI!" Tsukasa shot him a mortified look, looking like he just saw a bug. Rui just laughed, a bright and carefree sound that made Tsukasa’s heart skip a beat.

Before Tsukasa could retort, a loud rumbling interrupted them. His stomach, evidently tired of being ignored, growled audibly.

Rui’s grin returned full force. "Ah, I see. My darling star is not just grumpy but also hungry. Shall we go eat breakfast? Or, well... lunch, technically."

Tsukasa’s stomach growled again, louder this time, as if agreeing with Rui. Tsukasa groaned, burying his face in his hands. "This is so embarrassing... why does this keep happening around you ?!"

Rui’s laughter bubbled up again, light and teasing. "Because I bring out the best in you, of course~." He shifted, finally releasing his grip on Tsukasa.

"Come on, let’s get you fed before you black out from starvation here. Can’t have my star dimming now, can I?"

Tsukasa huffed, adjusting his messy hair in a half-hearted attempt to salvage his dignity. "Fine. But no more teasing, got it?"

Rui tilted his head, as if considering the request seriously. "No promises," he said, standing and offering a hand to Tsukasa.

Tsukasa eyed the hand suspiciously before reluctantly taking it. Rui pulled him up effortlessly, their hands lingering a moment longer than necessary before Tsukasa yanked his away, his face still faintly pink.

As they made their way to the kitchen, Rui strolled ahead, humming an upbeat tune, somewhat familiar to Tsukasa, tough he wasn't sure why, while he trailed behind, muttering complaints under his breath. The events of the morning replayed in his mind, and every time he thought about it, his face burned anew.

"How are you so... unbothered by all this?" Tsukasa asked, finally breaking the silence.

Rui glanced back at him with an amused expression. "Because I know how to enjoy life, dear Tsukasa. Besides," he added with a smirk, "you’re very entertaining in the mornings. It’s hard to feel anything but joy when you’re around."

"That’s not a compliment!" Tsukasa barked, stomping his way into the kitchen after Rui.

Rui simply chuckled  "So i want to prepare something for my darling!~ do you want pancakes, eggs, or... do you want to be adventurous and try one of my ‘special creations’? They’re... very unique!"

Tsukasa froze, immediately suspicious. "Define unique. "

"Think of it as performance art in culinary form," Rui said, striking a theatrical pose. Almost as good as tsukasas poses.

"No," Tsukasa said flatly, his arms crossed. "Absolutely not. "

Rui pouted dramatically. "You’re no fun sometimes, Tsukasa. But are you sure? I promise you, i can definitely make some basic stuff! I’ve been told my ‘Kitchen Creations’ are unforgettable."

Tsukasa froze in the doorway, his eyes narrowing. "Unforgettable as in... edible, or unforgettable as in a disaster ?"

Rui’s expression turned mischievous, but he didn’t answer directly. Instead, he said, his tone definitely not the one that one would trust. "Trust is a vital part of any relationship, you know. You’ll just have to wait and see!"

Tsukasa’s heart skipped a beat—not out of excitement, but sheer terror. His mind flashed back to a conversation he’d had with Nene not too long ago.

"Rui? In the kitchen? Oh no. No no no no no again no! Ill never let him in there again. He  once set a saucepan on fire while trying to ‘experiment’ with molten sugar and—well, let’s just say we had to evacuate."

The memory sent a cold shiver down Tsukasa’s spine. There was no way he was going to risk his life—or the kitchen.

"Absolutely not," Tsukasa said, stepping forward and firmly closing the fridge.

Rui blinked, tilting his head. "Oh? No faith in my culinary prowess?"

"Faith?!" Tsukasa sputtered. "Nene told me you burned the kitchen down ! You’re not cooking anything. End of discussion."

Rui laughed, clearly unbothered by the accusation. "Ah, but that was an isolated incident! Besides, isn’t it more romantic if I prepare something for you?"

"No, it’s more romantic if the kitchen doesn’t catch fire," Tsukasa shot back, and quickly went somewhere. Without a word. Well thats mean.

Before rui could ask about it, he heard tsukasa talking to someone.

Aaannnddd tsukasa was back

"Who were you talking to?...."

"One of my maidens "

"Huh? Why?"

"I asked them to tell my chef to prepare something for us"

"Oh... i see...... so i cannot show my cooking skills to you today, huh? Such a shame"

Rui leaned dramatically against the counter, sighing as if the weight of the world rested on his shoulders. "To think my darling Tsukasa doesn’t trust me with something as simple as breakfast. My heart... shattered into a million pieces."

Tsukasa rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. "I’m just sparing us both from what Nene called ‘culinary calamity.’ You should be thanking me."

Then they heard a loud knock, ah the food arrived!! No more starving!

Tsukasa's face brightened, he was saved!!

Rui watched him with a sly grin. "I guess I’ll just have to enjoy breakfast as a guest of honor," he remarked, strolling over to the table. "But remember, Tsukasa," he added, voice low with a teasing edge, "the kitchen is still mine to conquer one day."

Tsukasa gave him a pointed look as he took his seat, now fully expecting another round of teasing. "You can try," he said flatly. "But we’ll see if we're still alive afterward."

Rui groaned, not playfully, for real. But it got quickly followed up by a overly dramatic response, so tsukasa haven't  even noticed.

"Oh how sad i am!! My lover doesn't have the slightest strand of faith in me!?"

"Quit being so dramatic.......the food is here, just eat....... maybe i will allow you to prepare something tomorrow but im bringing nene to watch you."

"Oh what am i? A child? Why does nene need to watch me over now.... eh Tsukasa, are you really sure you love me?" He said, his tone so teasing and his mouth curved into a big smirk.

"I dont." Well that was a really quick answer, but the thing rui didnt know, was that Tsukasas heart beat reeeaaaallly fast because of that question. Tsukasa himself tough still wasn't sure why that was the case.

"Oh tsukasa!" Rui sighed dramatically "why do you hurt me so much?"

"Im just stating the truth" *"am i?"* that were tsukasas thoughts. It was really sudden because Where did that thought even come from?! Of course it was true!- tsukasa wouldnt fall in love with rui! That's ridiculous!! Well even if it was that ridiculous, his heart began  speeding up again, and the slight hint of blush appeared on his face.

Oop- it seems rui has become aware of the blush.

"Then why are you blushing?" He came closer to tsukasa, pushing his face close to tsukasa, their noses almost touching.

"B-because you're asking embarrassing questions!"

"Well they wouldn't be so embarrassing if you really felt nothing, no?"

"Ugh! You're so stupid!.... it doesn't work like that! You're just teasing me again why do i even care..."

Then, something caught Ruis eye, a person to be exact. There was a pretty, young woman standing at the other side of door. The door were slightly open and she was peeking inside.

Oho. They have audience.

"Tsukasa stay calm and dont freak out too much, okay?"

"Wha-?"

He smiled warmly for a second before he intertwined his own lips with Tsukasas.

The kiss wasn't like the others, it wasn't just a little peck, no, this time it was longer and more... passionate?

It felt really nice tough.

NO TSUKASA WHAT ARE YOU THINKING.

tsukasa let out a little noise of surprise but to well, Ruis surprise, tsukasa closed his eyes and went along with the kiss.

He clearly enjoyed it, he looked like he melted right into it. It felt weird for tsukasa at first but it just became more and more enjoyable and sweet. Rui, of course, enjoyed it too, maybe even a little bit more then tsukasa, but well he was already aware of his feelings.

Their lips stayed closed together for a little longer, both boys were starting to become a little more breathless every second. It seems it was the time to stop, only for now though. Rui smiled again into the kiss, he pecked at the door again just to make sure, his lips still closed with tsukasas, until he saw the door close.

Yep, that would definitely make this look believable.

Rui pulled away, smirking at Tsukasa.

The kiss left a sweet aftertaste in tsukasas mouth... wonder what that is... soda candy?

rui haven't seemed to notice, he just looked at tsukasa and licked his lips.

"You seemed like you enjoyed yourself there tsukasa"

"I-i-... i-.... What was that even for?!?!" He almost screamed.

"A maiden of yours was peeking at us, so i figured we should let her know of our 'relationship'~"

"O-oh....... COULDNT YOU JUST GIVE THE "USUAL" PECK? WHY DID U DO THIS LIKE- LIKE THAT!?"

"Well this would definitely give her the answer she wanted, and a little peck on the lips? Who knows maybe, i,  Prince rui just greet like that pfft"

"You're so dumb....."

"And it seems you still enjoyed it nothenless~ you never pulled away and you even closed your eyes! Are you reaaalllyyy sure you dont love me?" Rui said, calmly, holding back laugh again.

"I-i dont!, " Well the deep red blush definetly didnt make the sentence believable. "B-but it was kind of nice tough..."

"Oh? Hehe, im glad~Then, maybe want to try again?"

"H-HUH?! N-NO!"

"Why? You said you enjoyed it, why not do it again" he said, his voice slightly teasing, slightly not.

"I-its weird! We're not together for real after all!"

"Well we could change that" the smirk disappeared entirely, to be replaced by a genuine smile that caught tsukasa of guard.

He was definitely teasing tough, right?....

"N-no way! What are you even saying??! Don't tease me so much about things like that!"

"Who says im teasing?"

Tsukasa eyes widen, his blush only growing. He was now fidgeting his fingers nervously.

Rui sighed, he knew it was too early to tell this to tsukasa, he will need to do this other time, maybe when tsukasa will seem more confident in his feelings.

"I was joking, don't tell me you took it seriously?~"

"R-rui! I told you to not tease me about things like that!... i was getting worried!"

"Worried? Why?"

"I-i..."

Tsukasa, apparently didn't know himself why he was worried. Why was he?... was he worried that rui loved him, for real? No he-... he... would be glad, if that was the case?

Would he?... no no no what is he thinking?! He wouldnt be glad! He would need to reject him then, right?! Or maybe...

Maybe He was worried he is joking, after all? Maybe he wanted him to be for real?

No one knows, even tsukasa.

"I-i... just don't joke like that anymore!"

"Fine, fine, i wont." The smirk returned to his face, he leaned in once more, giving another little, quick kiss to tsukasas lips. before tsukasa could argue, rui pulled away and went back to his seat.

"Shall we eat now?"

"Y-yeah!.."

They finally started eating, the chef got them one of Tsukasas fav food for breakfest, pancakes.

The breakfast-lunch went pretty calmly, they weren't talking but the silence was comfortable.

Until ruis gaze begun growing heavy on Tsukasa.

"Can you quit staring?"

"No. Why cant i look at my adorable darling?" He chuckled, definitely trying to fluster tsukasa once again.

"R-rui stop calling me that!..."

"Oh come on, tsukasa~ can handle pet names from your boyfriend? What will your family think if we will call each other only by our names?"

"That we are, i dont know, normal?!"

"But wheres the romance in that! Friends are normal, not lovers~"

"R-rui just dont call me that when were alone?"

"Why? "

Why?thats a great question. why... why does tsukasa react to that nicknames like that? Its not like this is for real... theyre only acting, just like he does on stage! So whats different? Why does his heart beat faster around rui?.... why does he blush so much? Saki, an even nene tease him too but he never reacted like that before.... whats different here?.... why does Rui make him so nervous?... wait... its not possible that he really-

"-Tsukasa?"

"Yes?!"

Rui chuckled softly, clearly amused by Tsukasa’s startled reaction. "Lost in thought?"

His voice was light, but there was an undertone of curiosity in his gaze.

Tsukasa quickly shook his head, "I was just…thinking about how annoying you are!"

He looked away, stuffing a bite of pancake into his mouth to avoid meeting Rui’s eyes.

Rui smirked, leaning his chin on his hand as he studied Tsukasa’s flustered expression. "Oh? Annoying, am I? I’ll have to work even harder to earn my ‘adorable darling’s’ affection, then."

Tsukasa nearly choked on his food. "W-will you stop calling me that already?!" He glared at Rui, though the effect was significantly weakened by the rosy hue spreading across his cheeks.

"Why should I? It suits you so well," Rui said with a sly grin, his tone playful but warm. He tilted his head slightly, his gold eyes twinkling. "Or do you prefer something else? ‘My prince,’ maybe?"

"Stop, stop, stop! " Tsukasa’s voice rose an octave, and he buried his face in his hands. Why did Rui have to be like this? Why couldn’t he just act normal for once? "Why are you so insufferable?!" he muttered through his fingers.

Rui laughed, reaching across the table to gently pry Tsukasa’s hands away from his face. "Because your reactions are priceless," he said softly, his teasing tone replaced with something almost tender. For a moment, his gaze lingered, and Tsukasa felt his heart skip a beat.

"And besides, you still said you'd rather to do this with me, yesterday. That means i must be doing something right, no?"

Tsukasa froze, Rui’s words replaying in his head. His blush deepened as he fumbled for a response.

“T-that doesn’t mean anything! I-I just—” He stammered, unable to meet Rui’s gaze. “I didn’t want to bother anyone else with this ridiculous charade, that’s all!”

Rui leaned back, his smirk growing wider. “Oh? So it’s not that you enjoy spending time with me?” he asked, faking a  pout. “I’m hurt, Tsukasa. Truly.”

Tsukasa gritted his teeth, glaring at Rui despite his embarrassment. “You’re twisting my words again! Why are you always like this?!”

Rui chuckled, tilting his head as he studied Tsukasa with that maddeningly calm expression. “Because it’s fun. And,” he added, his voice dropping to a softer tone, "i don't want my darling to think im boring"

"I'd rather you to be more like yourself then this..."

Huh? More like yourself????... why did he just say that?.....

Tsukasa’s words— “More like yourself” —echoed between them. For a moment, the teasing atmosphere dissolved, replaced by something heavier, quieter.

Rui blinked, clearly caught off guard. The usual smirk disappeared from his face, replaced by a look of uncertainty that Tsukasa had never seen before. “More… like myself?” Rui repeated, his voice softer than usual, almost hesitant.

Tsukasa realized what he’d said and immediately started waving his hands in a panicked attempt to backtrack.

“N-no, forget it! I didn’t mean it like that! It just slipped out, okay?!”

But Rui wasn’t letting it go. He leaned back slightly, his expression uncharacteristically thoughtful as he searched Tsukasa’s face. For the first time, Rui looked nervous. “You noticed something like that?” he murmured, almost as if to himself.

Tsukasa’s face grew redder by the second.

“N-noticed what?! There’s nothing to notice!” he blurted, his voice higher-pitched than usual. “You’re always dramatic and annoying and—and… that’s all there is to it!”

Rui’s lips twitched into a small smile, but it didn’t hold the usual teasing edge. Instead, there was a fragile quality to it, like he was trying to decide how much of himself he should reveal. “You’re always so observant when it comes to people, Tsukasa,” he said softly. “Even when you don’t realize it.”

Tsukasa froze. Rui’s voice wasn’t playful as always, It was more... serious? almost vulnerable, and it sent a strange pang through his chest.

“W-what’s that supposed to mean?” he asked, his voice more quiet, not sure how to feel about this.

Rui hesitated for just a moment before answering.

“It means… maybe you’re seeing more of me than I expected. Or maybe more than I meant to show.”

Tsukasa stared, his confusion only growing. Rui didn’t get like this. Rui was always confident, always in control, always the one teasing him. So why did he look so unsure now?

"Well!" Ruis smile came back, "lets mooovveee on, lets talk now a bit about you, hm?"

Tsukasa panicked, his blush spreading to the tips of his ears.

"M-me?! Theres nothing to talk about!!"

He grabbed his glass of water and took a hasty sip, hoping to cool down both his nerves and his overheated face.

“You must’ve meant something by this,” he pressed, his voice soft tough. “After all, you’ve been acting differently around me lately, haven’t you?”

“D-differently?!” Tsukasa nearly sputtered, slamming his glass down onto the table. “I have not! You’re imagining things, as usual!”

Rui’s lips twitched upward, his knowing gaze making Tsukasa’s heart thud uncomfortably in his chest. “Am I?” he asked lightly. “Because I think someone’s starting to notice how much they enjoy my company.”

“That’s ridiculous!” Tsukasa retorted, though the redness in his cheeks and the way he avoided Rui’s gaze betrayed him. “You’re just… you’re just infuriating, that’s all!”

“Infuriating,” Rui repeated, his tone thoughtful. “And yet, you said you’d rather I be ‘more like myself.’ If I’m so infuriating, why would you want that?”

Tsukasa opened his mouth to argue, but no words came out. Why had he said that? Why did the idea of Rui being completely genuine feel so… important?

Rui’s gaze softened as Tsukasa struggled to respond. “Tsukasa,” he said gently, leaning slightly closer, “are you sure you don’t know why you feel this way?”

Tsukasa’s heart skipped a beat, and he clenched his fists under the table. Rui’s tone wasn’t teasing or smug; it was sincere, and that sincerity made him feel exposed in a way he wasn’t ready to confront.

“I… I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Tsukasa muttered, his voice turning into  barely a whisper. “You’re just trying to confuse me again.”

Rui sighed, a small, wistful smile playing on his lips. “Maybe” he admitted, sitting back in his chair.

Tsukasa glared at him, his face still flushed. “You're insufferable..."

“And you’re adorable,” Rui countered without missing a beat, his grin returning. “But don’t worry, my darling Tsukasa. I’ll wait until you figure it out.”

“Figure what out?!” Tsukasa demanded, though his voice cracked. he was now more confused then a chameleon in a bowl of skittles.

Rui simply smiled, his expression unreadable. “You’ll know when you’re ready,” he said calmly, picking up his fork and turning his attention back to his pancakes.

Tsukasa stared at him, his mind a chaotic mess of thoughts and emotions. Rui’s words lingered in his head, teasing him in a way that no amount of pancakes could distract him from. What am I supposed to figure out? he thought, his heart pounding painfully in his chest.

But deep down, a small, hesitant part of him already knew the answer. It was just too terrifying to admit—especially to himself.

The two boys spent the rest of breakfast mostly in silence.

Tsukasa no sure what to say and Rui not sure how much more he can say..

When they were finished with the food, and putting the dishes away, Rui started humming this familiar song... no it wasnt just familiar.. it sounded like his own song! A one he preformed not so long ago... huh. this time he needs to ask...and hey! he will also break the silence!! Brilliant idea!!

"Uhm R-Rui?"

"Yes? "

"That song... youve been humming just now, it sounds familiar... i may be wrong but isn't it the theme of my last performance ?"

Rui just smiled at tsukasa "it is, it has been on my mind lately "

"W-wait what?! I-i thought im- how do you know it?"

"I watched your show of course"

Tsukasa froze again, his face heating up.

"W-what?"

Rui glanced at tsukasa, his smirk returning but it wasn't teasing just... it was nicer then usual "Yeah im always somewhere in the audience hehe"

"H-HUH??? Y-you watch my shows????"

"Yeah, of course. Ive been a loyal fan for few years now"

"WHAT??? YEARS???  YOU-! HOW COME YOU NEVER TOLD ME?"

"Hey hey, calm down no need to yell," he chuckled a little at tsukasas surprise, "there was just never a reason to tell you"

Tsukasa hesitated for a moment, but his curiosity won over

"...t-then how are they?"

"Hm?"

"I mean the shows... are they enjoyable?"

"Of course, why would i watch them otherwise?"

"N-no i meant like-! Uh like your personal opinion?... what you think of it and stuff"

"Oh then... hmm... let me put it like that- i really admire you, tsukasa. Thanks to you and your shows i was able to enjoy the thing i loved doing the most again. You really inspire me, and your shows are the best thing I've ever experienced. Well maybe except seeing you so sleepy and cuddly yesterday~"

Despite the teasing comment the whole sentence felt so honest... so genuine and there was something in it that tsukasa couldn't really understand yet..

He felt a slight blush forming on his cheeks, his heart beating faster and faster, his chest really warm and uncomfortably tight. It was weird and he couldn't understand why he felt that but it was a nice feeling. Really nice.

"I-i see... im glad"

"You know, you look very cute right now, tsukasa"

"H-huh?! Stop saying things like that!"

"But im saying the truth"

"Rui!!!!..."

"You're blushing so much, its so cute"

"Why do you keep saying things like that?!"

"Why not?"

"B-because its weird! Friends don't say things like that!"

Oh so he isn't that stupid, he really just in denial after all.

"Oh so you consider me a friend now? I got promoted! Hehe im glad "

"W-what do you mean?? Wasnt it obvious? "

"Well with you saying how insufferable i am so much, no, to be honest, it wasnt" he wasn't being serious, clearly. His tone was teasing and that familiar smirk was still visible on his face but well Tsukasa is Tsukasa and he now fell bad for that.

"Oh. Im sorry... uh i never meant that like for real for real, you may annoy me a little but i really enjoy the time together.."

Rui smiled softly, the words made him really happy, even if he knew that already, hearing it from tsukasa himself, made him so so happy it was almost unbearable   

"No need to apologize, i know. I was joking"

"O-oh okay" oho the blush is getting out of control

Rui chuckled a little "Pfft Why are you so nervous now?" That laugh was so nice, it was music to Tsukasa's ears. It made Tsukasas heart beat even faster, he could almost say it was cute to him, but only almost. Because it was weird to admit that. rui was only his friend, after all. He is only helping him out!

"I-im not nervous!!!!"

"Sure"

Rui stopped his task, came closer to tsukasa, leaned in closer, just so his face is inches away from tsukasa's.

"so cute"

And he leaned in even more and gave tsukasa a little kiss on the lips.

Again, the tingling feeling, how warm his chest felt. The world stood still for him, Ruis gaze locked with his own. It felt so right for some reason, so nice....

After what felt like eternity for tsukasa, Rui pulled away.

"Saying you're Not nervous yet you blush so much~"

"Why did you do that again?.."

"Why did i kiss you? Felt like it."

tsukasas face grew only redder and redder.

"H-huh?"

"I had no real reason, you looked so cute that i just wanted to kiss you"

"H-HUHHHH?! B-BUT- I... WHY?! "

"I just told you, no?"

Rui was grinning, his smile wide as ever, yet tsukasa could tell it wasn't a joke...

Whats up with rui?... why did he- uhm yeah, why? 'No real reason'? So it wasn't practice anymore? B-but that doesn't make sense! They're friends! FRIENDS. Why would rui kiss him just like- like that!?

It seems, he was lost in his thought for a little too long because ruis smile grew wider and he took tsukasas hand.

"Tsukasa~"

"YES?!"

"Pfft" he laughed a little "what you're thinking so much about? You're making a funny face"

"I-its nothing!"

"Yhm.. yeah sure i believe you"

"IM NOT LYING ITS NOTHING"

"Okay okay!" Rui was trying so hard to not burst out laughing.

"You're the worst!!!!"

"Yet you didn't pull away from the kiss~"

"I-i!- UH.. i just!..."

He is panicking, what to say!? He didnt know himself why he allows such a thing so how should he respond!?

Luckily for  tsukasa, someone interrupted their conversation by knocking on the kitchens door.

"W-who's there?"

"EMU AND NENE!!!!"

"Oh! Come in!"

YES. HE WAS SAVED

" TSUKASAAAAA RUIIIIIII HELLLOOOOOOOOOO!!"

Emu entered the room with her usual, cheerful and loud voice. Nene came right after her, not looking like she wants to be here but oh well.

"Hi lovebirds."

The two boys looked at them, tsukasa happy that girls saved him but a little annoyed at the name nene called them (was he really? More like embarrassed) and rui the exact opposite. He was about to tell nene t go away but now that he heard nene call them tak lovely name it seems it will be fun!

"Hahahaha!!!! Hello emu, nene!!!"

"Nince to see you both"

Nene nodded while emu jus flew to tsukasa immediately, she came closer and started whispering to his ear;

"Tsukasa! So how is it going?"

Tsukasa not really bothered, casually responds;

"Huh? Fine i guess"

Rui noticed tsukasas response, and probably overheard emu or something because he quickly adds, his tone of course teasing as always...

"Only fine??? Tsukasa you hurt me! You seemed like you enjoy this far more then to just call our relationship 'fine'!"

"Enjoy, huh?.... why do i doubt you rui...." nene clearly wasnt having it, or worse she was suspecting something.

"Oh come on nene! Why would i lie!"

Emu clapped her hands excitedly, her eyes sparkling, her face was basically the ":0" face "Ohhh! Relationship? Rui, Tsukasa, are you hiding something from us?"

"N-NO!" Tsukasa shouted, his face resembling a tomato. "There's nothing to hide! He's just teasing me, as usual!"

Rui tilted his head innocently, a sly smile playing on his lips. "Am I? I think I've been quite sincere today."

"Rui!" Tsukasa hissed, glaring at him.

"See? This is exactly why I doubt you," Nene said dryly, folding her arms.

Emu though, she was really interested into what rui said now. Shes was almost as exited as saki about this.

" But, Tsukasa, you're blushing so much! Hehe~ Rui, what did you say to make him this red?"

Rui grinned, his gaze drifting toward Tsukasa, who was desperately searching for a way to steer the conversation away.

"Oh, just the truth. Tsukasa's adorable, don't you think?"

Tsukasa almost choking on his saliva from shock quickly responded,

"W-WHAT?! Stop saying things like that in front of them! Or the best would be if you stopped overall!"

"But it's not weird if it's true," Rui replied smoothly.

Emu squealed, clearly enjoying every second of this interaction, while Nene groaned, pinching the bridge of her nose. "You two are exhausting," she muttered, though she couldn't stop a small smirk appearing at her lips.

Tsukasa took a deep breath, his face still burning. "Anyway!" he said, attempting to regain some semblance of control. "What are you two doing here? Did you need something?"

"We were just wondering if you wanted to hang out today! It’s been a while since we all did something together, right, Nene?"

Nene just nodded looking at the two suspiciously "yeah"

Well that a good way to avoid one-on-one teasing!! And he definetly needs to have some fun! Recently he was so annoyed with his mother and busy with the meetengs that happened because of her he didnt have any time!

"Great then lets go out!!! Let me and rui just change and lets get goinggggg!!!!!"

Anddd this asshole rui is smirking again. Great.

"Ppffft so eager to escape my teasing?"

"Maybe...WELL ANYWAY LETS GO." Tsukasa grabbed Ruis hang and dragged him into his room once again.

The two boys changed, of course not without ruis annoying teasing, he even had the audacity to say tsukasas abs are immpresive! Like where is he looking!?

But yeah, the two changed and the rest of the day went pretty smoothly. They all had fun together, they talked, went to royal garden and just hang out there for a bit as well as they visited the backstage of theater where tsukasa usually performs and there, put on the costumes and just tried playing some funny stories, the funniest mustve been rui and tsukasa roleplaying as romeo and juliet!! Haha it was really fun, but everyone knows that time flies faster when youre having fun so soon enough the day came to an end. Rui and tsukasa slept in the same bed again, of course, but this time Tsukasa had his plushie so no matter how many times Rui asked tsukasa if he wants to cuddle, this night tsukasa could say no.

And just like that, the next few days passed.

Chapter Text

~a day before the dinner~
Tsukasa, rui, emu and nene were hanging out again, this time they were just at tsukasas place and talking, as well as thinking all together about new show ideas for tsukasa and emu.
Nene suddenly glanced at rui, he was troubled. Why, you may ask? Nene asked herself too, until she saw rui glancing at tsukasa. 
"Tsukasa." Nene voice suddenly echoed in the room
Rui immediately lowered his head, probably trying to make it look like he was focusing on his work.
Tsukasa fairly quickly responded, though not looking at nene, still focused on sewing costumes for a new show "Yeah?"
"I want to ask you something "
Tsukasa nodded, and finally looked at nene.
"Not here though, lets go to the kitchen."
Tsukasa nodded again, 
Rui glanced at nene, clearly confused, just about to ask whats that about-
"Rui, Rui! Come here look at my wonderhoy  confetti explosiooonn idea!!"
Rui sighed quietly "alright"
Suddenly nenes voice echoed again, she was becoming impatient - "tsukasa you're coming?"
"Okay okay! Let me just quickly finish drawing this part-" he finished that in a minute or two and He quickly run up to nene. 
they went together to the kitchen
And nene was quiet, she was thinking.
"Soooo whats going on, nene?"
"Ah."
"What do you mean "ah." Why did you drag me here????"
"Wanted to ask you something,"
"I know that"
"You didnt let me finish. I wanted to ask you something about rui"
"Rui? Why? I barely know him, youre his best friend, no?"
" heh. Sure, you "Barely know him". You two are  acting like some love birds- barely know him lol."
" 'lol'? What does it mean"
"Its slang"
"Whats a slang??"
"Future stuff"
"Future?! What."
"Nothing, nothing let's get back on the topic "
"ALSO we're NOT lovebirds!!! We are A-C-T-I-N-G."
"Sure, anyway the question is- did you notice how rui is acting around you?"
"Huh? I think he's being normal what do you mean"
"He's nervous."
"He's nervous?... why would he? he seems fine to me"
"You said it yourself im his best friend i know when somethings up."
"But why would he be nervous around me? Have i done something wrong?.."
"Thats what im asking you, he was glancing all the time at you earlier too"
"He was?...."
"Yup"
"Ummmm....let me think "
Tsukasa tried to remember if something went wrong during this few days of their act- and he found this one thing in his memory bank.
How nervous rui looked when he said some weird shit about rui not being himself or something..
Could that be the reason?...
"I-i once told him something along the lines of "id rather you being more like yourself "... im not sure if that could be the reason but he seemed really... i dont know... odd? when i said that."
"Oh thats interesting, you could tell? Thats very surprising "
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN"
"Nothing, youre just usually very dense."
"Oh. Ok"
"i doubt thats the reason, he might be trying to hide some things but hes open with you like with no one else. Except me and mizuki of course."
Tsukasa blushed at that words slightly.
Nene glanced at him almost knowingly 
"Alright...then i have one more thing to say, the way you look at him and you blush at the very mention of rui tells me you might really love him, am i right?
WHAT.
"W-what are you saying, no. Were just friends"
"Uh huhhhhh...."
"W-well! do you have any other ideas why he might be nervous?...."
"Hm. No." (yes)
"So..... can we go back?"
Nene smiled a little but that smile... it wasnt just a smile. IT WAS THE EVIL SMILE OH NOOO
"Sure"
-
So 
They are back in the room
Emu came and hugged nene
Everything's great right
Rui is staring at tsukasa
Normal thing right
"Sooooooo what yall talked about?" Rui asked, clearly wanting to look like he doesnt care but well he was curious and it was visable.
Nene gave him a knowing look, smiled evilly again n said
"Just talked about yours and tsukasas relationship, nothing important "
Rui tensed, tsukasa tensed too, they both looked at eachother awkwardly.
No one said anything, the awkward silence continued and continued until SOMEONE decided to laugh.
"WAHAHAHAHAHAHA" 
"?..."
Tsukasa stared with his big beautiful disappointed eyes
"Emu?.."
Nene asked truly concerned 
"Emu, youre alright there?"
"Yay! No more weird not very wonderhoy silence!"
Everyone stunned. Until nene laughed a little 
"Ppfftt youre the best emu"
"Hehe i love you too nene!"
"Hm you know what, you two, you homosexual supporting cast or something, i just got a perfect date idea for me and emu so good luck with your dinner n figuring out if yall love eachother or not"
Rui shot nene a shocked look, immediately followed by crazy amount of blushing
Tsukasa surprisingly caught that n he started blushing too.
"Fucking god. You two are already together i swear to god"
"No! No! It's nothing! We're just... I mean, we were just... I don't even know anymore!" He threw his hands up in defeat
"Hahaha! You two are blushing so much its so cute!"
Rui put his hand on his face and tried to calm down, after this was achieved he tried to say something but because of how shocked n embarrassed he still was, he kinda fucked up by spilling some tea.
"Relax, Tsukasa. It was  just a kiss. Nothing to get worked up about, right?Haha- ha...ha." 
"A WHAT??!?" emu screamed with joy while nene eyes widened
"A KISS? Rui........didnt know you two went already that far" nene glanced surprised  at Rui
"Oh dont look at me like that nene.... it was just a little friendly kiss?" Well that was a question not a statement.
"E-EXACTLY! IT WAS NOTHING!"
"Mhm sure tsukasa. It was just a homie goodnight kiss mhm. Because i surely kissed with emu before we got together and before i realized my feelings for her."
"W-what are you saying now?"homie?"... "  He said awkwardly
Emu looked at him like he just said the stupidest thing ever, same for nene but she was a bit more disappointed while rui... Rui just stared
"Rui dont be angry at me later, im doing this for you two because youre both pathetic. Emu after im done with this dumbass we can go out, take your things, okay? 
"Yhmm!! Ill be waitingggg"
Nene smiled lovingly at emu and kissed her cheek.
"Now. Kasa. You. Me. Other room. Talk. Now." 
She took Tsukasa's wrist and dragged him to different room 
"What- WAIT HEY-"
In the other room, Nene closed the door behind her with a resolute click, crossing her arms and glaring at Tsukasa. Tsukasa fidgeted under her gaze, his cheeks still burning from the earlier conversation .
"N-Nene, what's this about?" he said quietly, trying to not stutter, trying to sound confident but failing miserably.
She pinched the bridge of her nose with a sigh. "Tsukasa, are you seriously this oblivious, or are you just pretending?"
"Oblivious about what?!" Tsukasa’s voice cracked, and he cleared his throat in an attempt to regain  face.
Nene stared at him for a moment, then leaned against the wall, her expression softening slightly. "About Rui, obviously. And how he feels about you. And well i guess how you feel about him"
 That brought Tsukasa up short. His mind raced, replaying Rui's teasing, the compliments, the kisses— NO.
"W-What are you talking about? Rui's just... Rui! He teases everyone, and we’re friends! That’s all! Besides we just talked about him and- and this! Can we just-.. just not?!" He cried
Nene raised an eyebrow. 
"You know before i didnt know you two already KISSED. That changes things. Friends don’t kiss each other like that, Tsukasa. Rui’s not just teasing you. He’s serious."
"T-thats nothing! That was for the act! To get used to it for the dinner!... a-and what do you mean serious?! There nothing serious about this!"
Nene raised an eyebrow, again, unimpressed. "Nothing? Really? Then why are you blushing like a maniac and acting like you’ve forgotten how to form normal sentences? Come on, Tsukasa. let me ask you the real question- how do you feel about him? Because you surely act like somethings up."
He hesitated, his face growing impossibly redder. "It’s just... Rui keeps saying weird things! And doing weird stuff! Like kissing me!" He waved his hands in the air dramatically. "How am I supposed to act normal?!"
Nene pinched the bridge of her nose. "Tsukasa, let me ask you again. How do you feel about Rui?"
"Huh?!" He blinked, startled. "What do you mean? He’s my friend! He’s... Rui!"
"Exactly. He’s Rui. The guy who teases you to the point its annoying, and now apparently kisses you when he feels like it." She sighed. "Do you like him?"
"Of course I like him! He’s my friend!"
Nene shook her head. "No, not like that. I mean, do you love him?"
Tsukasa stopped breathing for a second, her words sinking in. His heart was racing again, and the warmth in his chest from earlier returned. He thought about Rui’s teasing smile, his kind words, and the way his eyes sparkled when he spoke about things he loved. He thought about the kiss—how right it felt, how much he didn’t want it to stop.
"I... I don’t know," he admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper
*sigh*.... "tsukasa then just know, rui loves you, you're supposed to hear it from him but youre so dense you might actually never realize that no matter how obvious he makes it"
"H-huh? H-H-HUHHHH?!"
"..... do whatever you want with that information but just... think about this okay? From my point of view it seems u two like eachother" nene turned to leave the room, she unlocked the door and slowly got out
"I-i... i-i will?......"
Well tsukasa just stood frozen in place while in the other room Rui was... panicking? He was literally begging nene to tell him what she said... huh.
So maybe she wasnt joking?.... that would mean... rui... likes him?........
B-but that- thats not right! They're only friends!!!he doesn't like rui right?! No- no he cant rui is just an annoying guy its not- no no no not possible!  What is nene even saying! Its not possible rui likes him anyway! Right?! Ahahahahahahahahhaha
But wait- m-maybe he does like rui, he enjoyed the kiss after.....all.......No! 
no no no! it doesn't matter how much he enjoyed the kiss! The kiss meant nothing!! A-and he surely doesn't like rui!!!!!! Mhm mhm! And if what nene said is true he will need to reject rui! 
B-but.... the way his chest feels warm whenever hes with rui... a-and the way his heart beats faster at any word that comes out of ruis mouth...... the way he feels when hes with rui... maybe nene was right? Maybe he does like rui back?... ugh why feelings are so complicated?! But wait!- if he is indeed in love with rui wouldnt that be weird?? They weren't close before so they technically know eachother only for few days! Isint it weird to fall in love within few days of knowing someone? And is it really possible?? Wcth3w3ny2hcxqgcrvr4uj
While tsukasas mind continued to melt and eat itself cuz of the very intense overthinking, Rui gave up trying to get out of nene what she told tsukasa.
welp! It happens! 
He went to tsukasa, the poor boy was so lost in his own overthinking he didnt even notice rui, nor heard rui calling him so he decided to tap him on the shoulder to bring him back to earth.
Ruis mind was racing too though. Did Nene tell him? She wouldn’t, right? But then again, she wouldif she thought it would help. And now Tsukasa was acting all flustered and weird, so—oh god, did he know?
Rui swallowed, his fingers twitching slightly as he reached out and gently tapped Tsukasa’s shoulder again.
Tsukasa, who had been completely lost in his own whirlwind of emotions... screamed.
"KYAA— O-OH RUI!"
Rui immediately tensed. His heart was pounding now, and he had to force himself to keep his voice steady. "Yep... that’s me. You okay, Tsukasa?"
Tsukasa laughed nervously—too nervously. "O-of course! Why wouldn’t I be hahahahahahahah?!?!?"
Rui blinked. Okay. That was suspicious. That was really suspicious.
His usual instinct would be to tease Tsukasa about it, to make a dramatic comment about his ‘dear prince’s’ strange behavior. But something about this felt different. Rui didn’t feel in control of the situation this time—he felt exposed.
"Mm... I don’t know," Rui said slowly, trying to keep his tone light even as his hands fidgeted at his sides. "You seem... flustered."
Tsukasa immediately waved his hands, almost smacking himself in the face. "FLUSTERED?! M-me?! No no, absolutely not! Why would I be flustered?! I’m perfectly fine!!"
Rui’s stomach twisted. He knows. He knows. And he knows he knows. And he knows he knows.
He forced out a small chuckle, though his voice wasn’t quite as steady as usual. "Oh? Then why is your face so red?"
Tsukasa slapped his hands over his cheeks, looking way too panicked. "I-it's nothing! It’s just... hot in here!"
Rui clenched his fingers slightly, still trying not to let his nerves show. "Oh? But the window is open, i would say its rather cold right now.."
Tsukasa froze, looking like his brain had completely crashed. Then, with absolutely no explanation, he let out a strangled sound and yelled, "JUST IGNORE IT, OKAY?!"
Rui blinked at him, startled. What is even happening right now.
For a second, neither of them said anything. Rui could feel his heartbeat in his ears. He wanted to ask. He wanted to know. But at the same time, if he did know—if Nene had told Tsukasa about his feelings—what then?
Rui shifted slightly, forcing himself to keep his voice as casual as possible. "...You know, if there’s something on your mind, you can always tell me." His fingers twitched again. "I won’t tease you... too much."
Tsukasa visibly malfunctioned. His eyes darted around the room like he was trying to find an escape route. "I-it's nothing, okay?! Just... thinking about the new show!"
Rui stared at him. That was a terrible lie. Almost laughable, rui would've laughed if they werent in a pretty specific situation...
"...Right," Rui said slowly, not quite sure if he should push further. His chest felt tight, but he forced himself to smile anyway. "If you say so."
Tsukasa lowered his head and also asked, "if you have something on your mind you could always tell me too....."
"..."
The room had fallen into an uncomfortable quiet, both of them stiff and awkward. Tsukasa’s thoughts were still tangled up, and Rui was trying desperately to hold his composure, though he could feel his nerves getting the best of him. Neither of them knew how to bridge the gap that had suddenly appeared between them, so they just... stood there.
Rui scratched the back of his neck, forcing a grin. “Well, uh... I guess we should... prepare for tomorrow, right?”
Tsukasa blinked, startled by the sudden change in topic. “Oh, right, the dinner...”
Rui smiled a little again "yeah..."
...silence
.....awkward silence 
"Okay, tsukasa this is not going to work..."
"W-what do you mean?..."
"Were supposed to be acting as lovers, with how awkward it is now were not going to convince your mother,” Rui said, shaking his head 
Tsukasa lowered his head "yeah... thats true" he smiled a little
"Were acting like idiots why are we so weird anyway?"
Ruis smile returned too, forgetting about the awkwardness just for a moment "hm? "we?" Youre the one who blushes like crazy and is sooooo flustered though"
"H-HEY! YOURE ACTING WEIRD TOO! ITS NOT JUST ME!"
"Uh huhhhh sure tsukasa~"
Yay back to normal!
Just like that they both forgot about the conversation with nene and put aside their feelings for each other. For now.
"Anyway! Since were both better can we  focus? My mom CANNOT know this was all lies or im grounded for life and married to a random person i dont know..."
"Ah talking about marriage- your mom wont expect us to marry right? We just want to convince her you have a lover"
"..."
Tsukasas face turned into a tomato again
Shit.
"T-tsukasa? She wont, right?..."
"I-I DONT KNOW I DIDNT THINK ABOUT THIS GOD IM SO SORRY AAA"
rui blushed a little too
"oh.... i see. "
"I-i-im sure if ill tell her were not ready yet she wont force us!,"
Tsukasa's voice got quieter 
"Maybe."
"Tsukasa..." rui pinched the bridge of his nose and blushed a little more
"Im so sorry! i really didnt think about this!"
Rui sighed "well it is what it is, lets focus on making this believable at least..."
"Y-yeah!"
Silence again...
"S-so what else should we practice?..."
"Well we practiced holding hands, hugging and kissing," tsukasa blushed slightly more while rui chuckled at the sight "And we practiced not blushing like crazy when we say something or touch but i see we need to go over that again, pfft"
"A-and i'd like to go over our story again"
"Of course, anything my dear star wants~"
"How many times ill have to tell you to not call me that...."
Some time passes, practice started once again and Rui and Tsukasa found themselves in a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere. They had worked on holding hands and hugging without turning into blushing messes, but their next task was... well, a bit trickier. Again.
"Alright," Rui said, looking at Tsukasa, his tone a little teasing. "we should try kissing again next then?"
Tsukasa’s eyes widened slightly. "K-kissing? Again? I-I thought we were done with that!"
Rui just shrugged with a smirk, his eyes twinkling. 
"D-dont u think that if we actually kiss in public and i will blush or runaway or something will look more natural and b-believable?..."
"Well we are saying we knew eachother for a while so wouldnt that be a little weird? " Rui weirdly looked away. He was lying.
"Well but i could be still embarrassed in public?..."
.
..
...
.......................
WHATS UP WITH THIS SILENCE?! WHY DOES IT KEEP HAPPENING 
"Alright," Rui said, breaking the very annoying silence, "Since you’re still all flustered, let’s try the kiss again."
Tsukasa’s eyes shot wide open. "W-WHAT?! I-I thought we literally just agreed we were done with that!"
Rui smirked, "We never agreed to be done with it, we dont want your mother to realize thats somethings up, right?"
Tsukasa’s heart hammered in his chest. "I-I... well that's right but..." He trailed off, feeling ridiculous. "I mean, it’s not like this time is also 'just because you felt so'?...."
Rui blushed a little, his gaze dropping to the floor for a second before returning fully to tsukasa. He made up his mind. He stepped closer, his smile softening just slightly, though his eyes still held that teasing glint. "I thought you were an actor, Tsukasa. Isn’t this your thing? Pretending?" 
"Huh? W-" Before Tsukasa could finish his sentence Rui reached out and gently grabbed Tsukasa’s wrist, pulling him closer. 
Okay he knows anyway, fuck it. 
"Think of this whatever you want, can be practice, can be that i just wanted to or... can be you just wanted to"
Rui pulled tsukasa even closer,  so close that their foreheads were almost touching.
Tsukasa didnt take that well.
NOPE. NOPE. NOPE. TOO CLOSE.
Tsukasa’s breath was uneven, his hands trembling as they hovered between pushing Rui away and pulling him closer. 
“Rui, this is—” His voice wavered, barely more than a whisper. “This is too close.”  
Rui didn’t move away. His gaze, sharp yet unreadable, flickered over Tsukasa’s face, his expression softer than usual. “Then push me away,” ...
Tsukasa’s fingers curled against Rui’s sleeves, gripping the fabric as if it was the only thing keeping him grounded. But he didn’t push. He couldn’t.  
Rui’s breath ghosted against his lips, and Tsukasa’s heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst. “You’re not moving,” Rui observed, his voice carrying a teasing lilt—but there was something underneath it, something... different, something that made Tsukasa’s stomach twist.  
“I—” 
Tsukasa started, but he never finished. Rui had already moved.  
It was barely a kiss at first, more of a brush—his lips just barely pressing against Tsukasa’s, as if he was still giving him a chance to back away. But Tsukasa didn’t. He stiffened at first, breath caught in his throat, but Rui’s warmth was overwhelming, his presence intoxicating, and without thinking, Tsukasa found himself leaning in.  
That was all the permission Rui needed. His hand slid up, fingers curling lightly around the nape of Tsukasa’s neck as he deepened the kiss, slow and deliberate. It wasn’t forceful. It wasn’t teasing. It was careful—like Rui was savoring the moment, like he was afraid it would slip away too fast.  
Tsukasa shuddered. He didn’t understand this—didn’t understand why his chest felt tight, why his skin felt hot, why his hands were gripping Rui like he was afraid to let go.  
And then, all at once, reality crashed back in.  
With a sharp gasp, Tsukasa jerked back, eyes wide in something between shock and panic. His lips tingled, his breath came in short, uneven bursts, and Rui—Rui was just watching him, his own breath slightly unsteady.  
Tsukasa’s voice was hoarse when he finally spoke. “That—what are you—why did you—”  
Rui only smiled, but it was different this time. It wasn’t his usual smirk, wasn’t teasing or playful. It was softer. It was knowing.  
“You tell me,” Rui said as he gently smiled
Tsukasa swallowed hard, his mind a chaotic mess of emotions. He wanted to say something—to deny it, to argue, to deny what Rui was thinking—but he couldn’t.  
Because, deep down, he already knew.
No.
That was not just acting.
Tsukasa's brain was running at 1000 miles per hour, every damn single alarm in his head blaring. 
His heart, mind and body was still stuck in the moment Rui kissed him.
Rui was still watching him, waiting. His expression unreadable, yet somehow expectant. Like he already knew the answer—like he was just waiting for Tsukasa to catch up.
Tsukasa did not catch up.
"I—I—THAT WAS—" His voice cracked, and he slapped both hands over his face. "I CAN’T DO THIS RIGHT NOW."
Rui chuckled, his usual smugness creeping back in, but it was different now. Softer. More affectionate.
Tsukasa peeked at him through his fingers, his heart still pounding. "Wh—why are you looking at me like that?!"
"Like what?" Rui tilted his head, the corner of his lips twitching upward.
"Like you—like you know something I don’t!" Tsukasa accused, pointing a shaky finger at him.
Rui’s smile widened. "Oh? But I think you do know, Tsukasa."
Tsukasa opened his mouth—then shut it. Opened it again—shut it again. He was malfunctioning.
Tsukasa’s whole face felt like it was on fire. He aggressively shook his head like a maniac to shake off the feeling of Rui’s lips still lingering on his own. “Y-YOU CAN’T JUST—K-KISSING ME—A-AGAIN—WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?!”
Rui tilted his head, looking genuinely curious. “You didn’t stop me, you kissed me back"
Tsukasa opened his mouth again. Closed it. Again. Opened it also again.
“THAT’S NOT THE POINT!!!!”
Rui chuckled. “Oh? Then what is the point, dear prince?”
“THE POINT IS—” Tsukasa stopped, realizing he actually didn’t know what the point was.
His brain was too busy replaying the kiss over and over again in high definition, 4K Ultra HD, surround sound.
Oh god.
Oh god.
Oh no.
OH NO.
He liked Rui.
He really, really liked Rui.
Like-like.
Romantic like.
Tsukasa.exe has crashed.
“…I need to go,” he choked out, spinning around so fast he nearly tripped over his own feet. “I—I just—I NEED TO THINK—”
Rui watched him with open amusement, his hands tucked neatly behind his back as Tsukasa stumbled away like a man escaping a crime scene. Which, in a way, he supposed Tsukasa did feel like a victim—except the crime was a simple kiss, and the only thing stolen was his ability to function properly.
Well. Perhaps that wasn't all that was stolen.
As Tsukasa practically fled, Rui lifted a hand to his lips, pressing his fingers lightly against them as if testing to see if the warmth still lingered.
It did.
He smiled to himself.
How cute.
Tsukasa did not stop running.
Or, well, it wasn’t really running—it was more of a very fast, very frantic walk. Down the hall, past some very confused staff members, past Saki (who called out to him in concern but got nothing in response), and straight to the tenmas garden where he sat on the bench wishing he could just disappear into the ground.
 His face was burning. His hands were shaking. His heart was STILL going at a million beats per minute, completely ignoring his desperate attempts to will it into calming the hell down.
He had kissed Rui.
He had liked kissing Rui.
He wanted to kiss Rui again.
He loves him.
Tsukasa pressed his hands against his burning face.  
This was bad. Really bad.  
His heart was still racing, his lips still tingled, and no matter how many times he told himself it was *just acting*, his heart and mind refused to listen.  
“Ughhhhhh,” he groaned, running a hand through his hair. 
"Tsukasaaa something happened?"
Tsukasa stiffened 
Saki grinned.
He turned sharply to see Saki standing there, blinking at him with wide eyes. She tilted her head, looking *way* too amused at his reaction.  
“Ohhh, something did happen!" She said, grinning. “What happened?”  
“Nothing!” Tsukasa blurted out, way too fast. “Nothing happened at all! Absolutely, completely—”  
Saki squinted. “...Did Rui do something?”  
Tsukasa flinched so hard it was basically confirmation. Saki’s grin turned dangerous.
“Ohhhhhh,” she said, eyes sparkling with mischief. “*Ohhhhhhh.*”  
Tsukasa panicked. “S-Saki, whatever you’re thinking, stop thinking it *immediately!*”  
“I don’t know what you mean~” she sang, rocking back on her heels. “I’m just wondering *why* you look like you’ve been hit by a truck.”  
“I do *not*—!”  
“You totally do.”  
Tsukasa groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Why does this keep happening to me…”  
Saki giggled. "So whats the matter?"
Tsukasa sighed 
"I think i like rui... the like-like way......."
saki gasped loudly but it quickly got followed up by a scream "EEEKKKK NO WAY! TSUKASA IM SO HAPPY R YOU KIDDING ME?"
Tsukasa sighed again
"Huh tsukasa?Why are you sighing? Isint that a good thing?"
"HOW COULD IT BE GOOD?"
"I mean you two like eachother so i dont see anything bad  about it!"
Tsukasa froze again at the mention of rui liking him too..
"B-but saki isint this wrong? Me and rui are friends...l-"
"Yeah sure friends that kiss eachother"
"HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT."
"Im your sister of course i know" 
“What if it’s just... a joke to him? What if I’m just...He’s always teasing me, and I’m not sure if he’s serious or not.”
Saki raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp. “Tsukasa, you really think rui is like that? Youve got to be kidding me. you’re overthinking. Rui may be a little extra, but he’s not cruel. He’s clearly into you. He’s been showing you that from the start. You. just. have.to. accept. it.”
Tsukasa’s breath hitched, and his mind spun again. Could it really be that simple?
Saki grabbed his arm, pulling him out of his trance. “Look, you’re not gonna figure it out by just standing here and worrying about it. You’ve gotta go talk to him. No more hiding. Go on, go tell him how you feel. "
"I think he knows already though...."
"WHAT???"
"So well Rui kinda gave me a chance to push him away and like not kiss but i didnt and he did  kiss me a-and i kinda kissed him back and he did say this is not really practice or something and he looked at me with his damn annoying knowing smirk- and u-uh yeah i kinda ran off....."
Tsukasa lowered his head realizing he was spiraling again and whispered
"Yeah i think he knows...."
"Oh tsukasa" saki giggled "you still need to talk to him, you two need to talk it out, especially before the dinner."
"I-i mean nene told me rui likes me if we both know then theres no need for a conversation, right? Ahahahahaha-"
"Tsukasa?"
"Ha.. ha."
Oh god. Rui is here.
"Well since your boyfriend is here i'll get going, good luckk! Dont die!"
"H-huh?! Not Boyf- saki wait!-"
Saki ran off n soon disappeared 
"And shes gone.... "
Rui stared at Tsukasa
"u-um hey Rui....."
"No need for a conversation about what?"?
"H-huh?"
He still stared intensively 
"You said- 'theres no need for a conversation ',  conversation about what?"
"Oh."
Tsukasa looked away while Rui still stared
"So?"
"You know how i kinda ran off just now?...."
"Yep"
"I realized something...."
"Yhm"
"I kinda figured out what i feel "
"Okay, go on"
"Uhm i have some feelings for you.."
"Alright, what is it?"
Rui still just stared but a small smile tugged on his lips 
"WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME SAY THIS?! YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!"
"i want to hear it from you, tsukasa"
"I- i think i like you okay?!"
Rui chuckled 
"Hm still not quite it, try again"
"I HATE YOU."
Rui laughed just more
"I love you too, Tsukasa"
Tsukasas face turned into a tomato once again.
And rui just chuckled "youre so cute"
Annddd tsukasas face just turned even more red, very deep, dark red
"Soooo will i hear it from you? Or maybe another kiss will help you-"
"NO- NO KISSES-"
Tsukasa could barely breathe. This was absurd. They had danced around this for so long, and now Rui was standing in front of him, waiting for the exact words Tsukasa was terrified to say, terrified to admit that theyre true.
“I-I ...” Tsukasa swallowed hard, feeling the lump in his throat. His mind was a mess, but his heart was telling him one thing. Say it. Just say it. 
"I..." Tsukasa took a shaky breath, trying to calm himself, but the warmth in his chest was almost too much. “I think- no.. uh- I love you, Rui...”
There was a beat of silence.
Rui’s expression softened, his smirk replaced by a genuine smile, one that made Tsukasa's heart flip.
"Finally"
Rui grabbed tsukasa wrist his grip firm but gentle, as if he was afraid Tsukasa might bolt again. Tsukasa didn’t—he couldn’t. His whole body felt frozen in place, his heart hammering in his chest.
Rui’s gaze softened, the usual teasing smile still present, but there was something deeper- more real in his gaze now.
“See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?” Rui murmured.
. “I—shut up,” he mumbled, looking anywhere but at Rui. “You’re so annoying…”
Rui chuckled, tilting his head slightly. “And yet, you love me.”
Tsukasa let out an exaggerated groan, tugging his wrist in an attempt to escape, but Rui didn’t let go. Instead, he took a step closer, his voice quieter now, more sincere.
“I love you too, Tsukasa,” Rui repeated, and this time, there was no teasing-just the truth.
Tsukasa inhaled sharply. His heart clenched at Rui’s words, at how easily he said them, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Meanwhile, Tsukasa felt like he was about to pass out from how overwhelming this all was.
His hand clenched at his side before he finally met Rui’s gaze again.
...
Before tsukasa could spiral again, Rui suddenly clapped his hands together. “Well then! Now that we’ve finally gotten that sorted out…” He grinned . 
"Are we ready to convince your mother that we’re madly in love?"
Tsukasa nearly choked. “WHAT—?! Oh! T-the dinner!...I—I completely forgot about that—”
Rui laughed. “Oh, my dear prince, how could you forget the very reason we started this whole act?”
Tsukasa groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “God, this is a disaster…”
Rui hummed, pretending to think. “Mmm… a romantic disaster, perhaps?” (Rui kamishiro doesnt think confirmed, no thoughts, head filled w tsukasa)
Tsukasa shot him a glare. “Not. Helping.”
Rui only smirked, stepping closer again, and before Tsukasa could figure out whats going on, he reached out and took his hand, intertwining their fingers together like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“R-RUI??" W-WHAT ARE YOU—?” 
“Showing you my love and affection," he smirked, "i could kiss you to show you even mo-"
Tsukasa cut him off by shushing his mouth with his free hand. He groaned again, his face somehow getting even redder. “I hate you…”
Rui leaned in, his lips curling into a smirk. “Mmm, love you too, Tsukasa~”
Tsukasa wanted to die.
And yet, as Rui squeezed his hand playfully, Tsukasa found himself gripping back—just slightly.
"Oh? Youre so adorable tsukasa~"
"W-whatever.... should we go back to our room then?"
"Our? Hehe~"
"NEVER MIND. MY room. And you can go back to your guest one!"
"Awhh tsukasa... you're kicking me out? Thats so cruel! Weve been sleeping in the same room for days now and now that were together and have what to "celebrate " im not allowed there?"
Tsukasa groaned, dragging a hand down his already-burning face. “You’re insufferable, Rui.”
Rui only pouted dramatically, squeezing Tsukasa’s hand again. “So mean~ I thought love was supposed to be about kindness and understanding. And yet, here you are, casting me aside like a forgotten slipper.”
Tsukasa yanked his hand away, spinning on his heel to march towards his room. “If you’re going to keep talking, then I’m definitely making you sleep somewhere else.”
Rui gasped, pressing a hand to his chest. “Oh, my prince, how could you? After all we’ve been through, after all we’ve shared—"
“SHUT UP,” Tsukasa snapped. He spun back around, pointing a shaky finger at Rui, who was grinning like he just won the lottery. “Stop saying weird things before someone hears you!”
Rui tilted his head. “Weird? What’s weird about the truth? I mean, if you really think about it, the only logical step now is for us to—"
“Do NOT finish that sentence.” Tsukasa stomped toward his room, practically kicking the door open.
Rui chuckled, casually following behind. “Fine, fine, calm down… ” Then, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, he flopped onto Tsukasa’s bed with a dramatic sigh. “Ahhh, feels like home.”
Tsukasa stood frozen in the doorway, staring in horror. “You—YOU—WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!”
Rui turned onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow, looking entirely too comfortable. “Making myself comfortable in our—I mean, your room.” He winked. “Silly me, I keep forgetting we’re not official yet.”
Tsukasa nearly threw something at him.
Instead, he inhaled sharply, closing his eyes as if silently begging for patience from the universe. “You are the worst person I have ever met.”
“Is that so? You hurt me tsukasa.... and here i thought you love me~” Rui teased.
“That—THAT’S NOT—!” Tsukasa groaned once again, covering his face with both hands. “I don’t have the energy to deal with you.”
Rui hummed, tapping his chin. “Well, that’s a problem. You will need energy for tomorrow when we convince your mother that we’re completely, utterly, hopelessly and madly in love.”
Tsukasa stepped back immediately. “Oh, no. No, no, no. You’re NOT staying here tonight.”
Rui pouted. “But what if I have nightmares?”
“Then suffer.”
“Wow how heartless.” Rui dramatically clutched his chest before his expression softened “Hmmm…” 
Rui seemed to think about something before he patted the space beside him. “Come here, Tsukasa.”
Tsukasa eyed him suspiciously. “…Why?” (Bombastic side eye)
“Because I want to ask you something important, and I’d rather you not be standing ten feet away like you’re ready to make a run for it.”
Tsukasa huffed, but after a moment of hesitation, he   Walked over slowly, sitting at the very edge of the bed. 
Rui just chuckled, propping himself up on his elbow.
“So,” he started,  “Now that we’ve both established that we’re madly in love—”
“We’re not madly in love,” Tsukasa grumbled.
“Speak for yourself~” Rui shot back smoothly. “Anyway—since we do love each other, don’t you think we should make it… y’know… official?”
Tsukasa’s breath hitched. His heart, which had only just started calming down, started poundingagain. He turned to Rui, eyes widening slightly. “Official…?”
Rui just smirked, that familiar teasing glint in his eyes. “You know, like we actually would be dating." He leaned in a little closer, eyes never leaving Tsukasa’s.
Tsukasa’s heart was back to racing. 
Official. 
 His face flushed a deep red, and he found himself not knowing what to say.
“Well?” Rui’s voice was soft now, less playful but still full of that underlying confidence. “What do you think?”
Tsukasa swallowed hard, his mind swirling with a 2137 thoughts. He was scared—terrified even—but somehow, he couldn’t deny the truth anymore. Everything had shifted, and the idea of being with Rui... he liked it a lot. He let out a shaky breath, n finally decided to answer- or more like ask another question.
“ I thought that was already established?...." 
Rui grinned “Yeah, well with you i can never be that certain, just making sure we on the same page, you know" his grin softened suddenly as he continued "so let me ask once again, what do you think? "
Tsukasa hesitated for a moment, He looked up at Rui, his face still flushed, and for the first time in a while, he felt like he was being honest with himself. 
“I... I think I’d like that,” Tsukasa murmured, his voice quieter now, but his words clear. He glanced at Rui, his heart still racing, and smiled shyly. “I think I’d really like that.” 
Rui’s expression softened even further, and without another word, he reached over, gently taking Tsukasa’s hand in his, squeezing it lightly. Tsukasa’s heart skipped a beat as he felt the warmth of Rui’s touch, and suddenly, everything seemed to make sense.
Ruis hand traveled to tsukasas cheek, he caressed it gently with his thumb before leaning in to steal a kiss again.
Beforrreeeeeee
Tsukasa covered ruis mouth w his hand and and gently pushed him away blushing like crazy of course.
"No.."
"Too soon?"
"No just- uh....."
"Ohhh i seeee~ my little star is embarrassed? How cute, tsukasa, youre truly adorable"
"Y-you know what nevermind!-"
And there he goes. 
Tsukasa took ruis hand and and now he leaned in, and what's surprising, confidently, kissed rui.
"W-Whos the embarrassed one now-"
"..."
Oh definetly rui.
He was blushing sooo hard
Flustrated rui.
Authors fav trope.
That he cant write for shit.
"Rui?"
And rui covered his face with his hands
"Give me a moment tsukasa..."
"Dont tell me youre seriously embarrassed?!"
"..." his hands now supported his chin "maybe a little...."
Andddd now tsukasa is blushing too.
So they now both were sitting cutely in the awkward silence
"Okay thats it, im getting revenge "
Rui put his hands on tsukasas shoulders and smiled evilly 

"WHA- RUI??" 

Rui leaned closer looking at tsukasas lips.

“What, you can kiss me and i cant kiss you?... Not fair tsukasa….”
Tsukasa blushed once again, his voice desperate to disagree with rui
“You kissed me multiple times before!”
Rui just smirked 
“Well it was for the act, right?”
“THAT CHANGES LITERALLY NOTHING YOU MENACE!!!!!!”
Rui just grinned more and leaned even closer not bothering to say another thing
Tsukasa’s brain promptly short-circuited. His ears were red. His face was red. His soul might’ve been red.

“Rui Kamishiro, I swear if you come any closer I will—”
“You’ll what?” Rui teased, inching just a bit closer.
“I’LL—!”
He never finished that sentence. —boop— Rui tapped his nose with his finger and whispered, "You’re even cuter when you're angry, Tsukasa."

Tsukasa sat there, face turning even redder if thats even possible, his hands quickly trying to cover his face and hide yhe embarrassment visible on his face “I’m not cute!! Stop calling me—!!”
And then another—boop—Rui kissed his forehead gently and pulled back with an absolutely unbothered, satisfied look.

Tsukasas hands skyrocketed to his forehead and covered it, he himself was malfunctioning again- eyes wide, blush on his cheeks, his attempts to say something but coming out just as stutters.

“I– R-Rui!!”

Rui, still grinning like a smug cat , rested his chin in his hand, completely unbothered by the chaos he had just caused in tsukasas head.

“Yes, Tsukasa?” he asked in that annoying almost innocent voice 

“I swear to every star in the sky, if you do something like that again—!”

“You’ll what?” Rui tilted his head innocently. “Kiss me again?”

Tsukasa let out a strangled noise that sounded like a squeak and a groan combined, burying his face in his hands and kicking his legs lightly against the floor in flustered defeat. “You’re insufferable!”

“And yet,” Rui said with a playful lilt, scooting closer and nudging Tsukasa’s shoulder, “you still like me~”

“Shut up.”

“You dooooo~”

“I said shut up!”

“Tsukasa loves me~”

“RUI—!”

“Tsukasa definitely wants to kiss me again—”

“RUI I WILL SHOVE A PILLOW DOWN YOUR THROAT—”

Rui fell back onto the bed laughing, absolutely delighted, hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay! I yield! Spare me, o great prince!”

Tsukasa tried so hard to hold his pout but it cracked into a tiny smile. “…You’re the worst.”

“But,” Rui said, catching his hand again, intertwining their fingers without even thinking about it, “I’m your worst. Right?”

Tsukasa paused.

Looked down at their hands.

He sighed, but it was warm and soft, and he didn’t pull away.

“…. Unfortunately.”

Rui smiled.

“Lucky me.”

Immediate blush.

“ugh!- stop-.. stop saying things like that!!!!-”  Tsukasa sputtered, flailing a little like his brain was desperately trying to keep its cool but failing once again “You’re impossible!”

Rui tilted his head with a faux-thoughtful look. “Mm, i know i know but my tsukasa still loves me so it doesnt matter right?”

“…Shut up.”

“Ohoho~ victory,” Rui whispered triumphantly, resting his chin in his hand and gazing at Tsukasa with that soft sparkle in his eyes that was somehow both smug and fond. “You know… if you keep reacting like this, I’m going to have to make it a hobby. Flustering you might become my new favorite pastime.”

“Kamishiro Rui. I think you really want to know how the pillow tastes like.”

Rui just gasped again
“So cruel! Treated so coldly and cruelly by my own beloved!” 

Tsukasa rolled his eyes so hard it might’ve counted as a royal decree. “You deserve it.”

“But imagine the headlines,” Rui sighed dramatically, flopping backward onto the bed again. “‘Charming, handsome, and tragically innocent prince attacked by his fiancé—’”

“‘Fiancé?!’” Tsukasa choked, grabbing a pillow and hurling it at Rui without hesitation.

Rui caught it mid-air, laughing uncontrollably. “Well, not officially-yet-”

“Shut. UP.”

“No but really, Tsukasa-kun,” Rui said, sitting up just a bit, his smile turning a bit softer, his voice slightly quieter. “You’re cute when you’re mad, but you’re kind of… stunning when you smile like that ealier.”

“Wha— stop that!” Tsukasa clutched the second pillow defensively, as if Rui’s compliments were flying knives instead of words. “You can’t just say that!”

“Sure I can.” Rui winked. “I’ve got royal privileges.”

“You have royal audacity!”

“That too.” Rui leaned closer again, this time more slowly, letting the moment settle between them. “But if it’s any consolation… I really do like making you smile. And really like seeing you smile. Even if it means dodging pillows in the process.” Rui chuckled softly.

Tsukasa stared at him. For a second, he looked like he was preparing another flustered retort. But instead, he just… sighed.

And then said, very softly: “…You’re such a dumb idiot.”

Rui grinned, wide and victorious. “You forgot handsome, loving, amazing and the best.”

“Don’t push your luck.”

They sat there in quiet for a moment, the chaos winding down. Rui nudged Tsukasa’s hand with his. “Want to lay down for a bit? Just… talk? Or not talk. I don't want to get hit with another pillow.”

Tsukasa blinked. “No more teasing?”

“I promise. For now.” Rui offered his pinky.

Tsukasa narrowed his eyes. Then, cautiously, linked their pinkies together. “Okay. But if you even try to flirt or tease or-”

“I’ll die in silence, I swear.”

“…Fine.”

So they lay back on the bed, just side by side, shoulders brushing. The air felt a little softer. A little less charged.

“…Tsukasa?”

“Mhm?”

“Thanks for not hitting me too  hard with the pillow.”

Tsukasa smirked faintly. “That was me going easy on you.”

And for once, Rui didn’t reply with his usual teasing.
He just smiled.

“Hey rui…”
“Mm?”
“Im… im really glad it was you. You know .. the whole act and all … im glad it landed on you and that i got to know you better …”
…
“Me too, Tsukasa.”
~a day before the dinner~
Tsukasa, rui, emu and nene were hanging out again, this time they were just at tsukasas place and talking, as well as thinking all together about new show ideas for tsukasa and emu.
Nene suddenly glanced at rui, he was troubled. Why, you may ask? Nene asked herself too, until she saw rui glancing at tsukasa. 
"Tsukasa." Nene voice suddenly echoed in the room
Rui immediately lowered his head, probably trying to make it look like he was focusing on his work.
Tsukasa fairly quickly responded, though not looking at nene, still focused on sewing costumes for a new show "Yeah?"
"I want to ask you something "
Tsukasa nodded, and finally looked at nene.
"Not here though, lets go to the kitchen."
Tsukasa nodded again, 
Rui glanced at nene, clearly confused, just about to ask whats that about-
"Rui, Rui! Come here look at my wonderhoy  confetti explosiooonn idea!!"
Rui sighed quietly "alright"
Suddenly nenes voice echoed again, she was becoming impatient - "tsukasa you're coming?"
"Okay okay! Let me just quickly finish drawing this part-" he finished that in a minute or two and He quickly run up to nene. 
they went together to the kitchen
And nene was quiet, she was thinking.
"Soooo whats going on, nene?"
"Ah."
"What do you mean "ah." Why did you drag me here????"
"Wanted to ask you something,"
"I know that"
"You didnt let me finish. I wanted to ask you something about rui"
"Rui? Why? I barely know him, youre his best friend, no?"
" heh. Sure, you "Barely know him". You two are  acting like some love birds- barely know him lol."
" 'lol'? What does it mean"
"Its slang"
"Whats a slang??"
"Future stuff"
"Future?! What."
"Nothing, nothing let's get back on the topic "
"ALSO we're NOT lovebirds!!! We are A-C-T-I-N-G."
"Sure, anyway the question is- did you notice how rui is acting around you?"
"Huh? I think he's being normal what do you mean"
"He's nervous."
"He's nervous?... why would he? he seems fine to me"
"You said it yourself im his best friend i know when somethings up."
"But why would he be nervous around me? Have i done something wrong?.."
"Thats what im asking you, he was glancing all the time at you earlier too"
"He was?...."
"Yup"
"Ummmm....let me think "
Tsukasa tried to remember if something went wrong during this few days of their act- and he found this one thing in his memory bank.
How nervous rui looked when he said some weird shit about rui not being himself or something..
Could that be the reason?...
"I-i once told him something along the lines of "id rather you being more like yourself "... im not sure if that could be the reason but he seemed really... i dont know... odd? when i said that."
"Oh thats interesting, you could tell? Thats very surprising "
"WHAT DO YOU MEAN"
"Nothing, youre just usually very dense."
"Oh. Ok"
"i doubt thats the reason, he might be trying to hide some things but hes open with you like with no one else. Except me and mizuki of course."
Tsukasa blushed at that words slightly.
Nene glanced at him almost knowingly 
"Alright...then i have one more thing to say, the way you look at him and you blush at the very mention of rui tells me you might really love him, am i right?
WHAT.
"W-what are you saying, no. Were just friends"
"Uh huhhhhh...."
"W-well! do you have any other ideas why he might be nervous?...."
"Hm. No." (yes)
"So..... can we go back?"
Nene smiled a little but that smile... it wasnt just a smile. IT WAS THE EVIL SMILE OH NOOO
"Sure"
-
So 
They are back in the room
Emu came and hugged nene
Everything's great right
Rui is staring at tsukasa
Normal thing right
"Sooooooo what yall talked about?" Rui asked, clearly wanting to look like he doesnt care but well he was curious and it was visable.
Nene gave him a knowing look, smiled evilly again n said
"Just talked about yours and tsukasas relationship, nothing important "
Rui tensed, tsukasa tensed too, they both looked at eachother awkwardly.
No one said anything, the awkward silence continued and continued until SOMEONE decided to laugh.
"WAHAHAHAHAHAHA" 
"?..."
Tsukasa stared with his big beautiful disappointed eyes
"Emu?.."
Nene asked truly concerned 
"Emu, youre alright there?"
"Yay! No more weird not very wonderhoy silence!"
Everyone stunned. Until nene laughed a little 
"Ppfftt youre the best emu"
"Hehe i love you too nene!"
"Hm you know what, you two, you homosexual supporting cast or something, i just got a perfect date idea for me and emu so good luck with your dinner n figuring out if yall love eachother or not"
Rui shot nene a shocked look, immediately followed by crazy amount of blushing
Tsukasa surprisingly caught that n he started blushing too.
"Fucking god. You two are already together i swear to god"
"No! No! It's nothing! We're just... I mean, we were just... I don't even know anymore!" He threw his hands up in defeat
"Hahaha! You two are blushing so much its so cute!"
Rui put his hand on his face and tried to calm down, after this was achieved he tried to say something but because of how shocked n embarrassed he still was, he kinda fucked up by spilling some tea.
"Relax, Tsukasa. It was  just a kiss. Nothing to get worked up about, right?Haha- ha...ha." 
"A WHAT??!?" emu screamed with joy while nene eyes widened
"A KISS? Rui........didnt know you two went already that far" nene glanced surprised  at Rui
"Oh dont look at me like that nene.... it was just a little friendly kiss?" Well that was a question not a statement.
"E-EXACTLY! IT WAS NOTHING!"
"Mhm sure tsukasa. It was just a homie goodnight kiss mhm. Because i surely kissed with emu before we got together and before i realized my feelings for her."
"W-what are you saying now?"homie?"... "  He said awkwardly
Emu looked at him like he just said the stupidest thing ever, same for nene but she was a bit more disappointed while rui... Rui just stared
"Rui dont be angry at me later, im doing this for you two because youre both pathetic. Emu after im done with this dumbass we can go out, take your things, okay? 
"Yhmm!! Ill be waitingggg"
Nene smiled lovingly at emu and kissed her cheek.
"Now. Kasa. You. Me. Other room. Talk. Now." 
She took Tsukasa's wrist and dragged him to different room 
"What- WAIT HEY-"
In the other room, Nene closed the door behind her with a resolute click, crossing her arms and glaring at Tsukasa. Tsukasa fidgeted under her gaze, his cheeks still burning from the earlier conversation .
"N-Nene, what's this about?" he said quietly, trying to not stutter, trying to sound confident but failing miserably.
She pinched the bridge of her nose with a sigh. "Tsukasa, are you seriously this oblivious, or are you just pretending?"
"Oblivious about what?!" Tsukasa’s voice cracked, and he cleared his throat in an attempt to regain  face.
Nene stared at him for a moment, then leaned against the wall, her expression softening slightly. "About Rui, obviously. And how he feels about you. And well i guess how you feel about him"
 That brought Tsukasa up short. His mind raced, replaying Rui's teasing, the compliments, the kisses— NO.
"W-What are you talking about? Rui's just... Rui! He teases everyone, and we’re friends! That’s all! Besides we just talked about him and- and this! Can we just-.. just not?!" He cried
Nene raised an eyebrow. 
"You know before i didnt know you two already KISSED. That changes things. Friends don’t kiss each other like that, Tsukasa. Rui’s not just teasing you. He’s serious."
"T-thats nothing! That was for the act! To get used to it for the dinner!... a-and what do you mean serious?! There nothing serious about this!"
Nene raised an eyebrow, again, unimpressed. "Nothing? Really? Then why are you blushing like a maniac and acting like you’ve forgotten how to form normal sentences? Come on, Tsukasa. let me ask you the real question- how do you feel about him? Because you surely act like somethings up."
He hesitated, his face growing impossibly redder. "It’s just... Rui keeps saying weird things! And doing weird stuff! Like kissing me!" He waved his hands in the air dramatically. "How am I supposed to act normal?!"
Nene pinched the bridge of her nose. "Tsukasa, let me ask you again. How do you feel about Rui?"
"Huh?!" He blinked, startled. "What do you mean? He’s my friend! He’s... Rui!"
"Exactly. He’s Rui. The guy who teases you to the point its annoying, and now apparently kisses you when he feels like it." She sighed. "Do you like him?"
"Of course I like him! He’s my friend!"
Nene shook her head. "No, not like that. I mean, do you love him?"
Tsukasa stopped breathing for a second, her words sinking in. His heart was racing again, and the warmth in his chest from earlier returned. He thought about Rui’s teasing smile, his kind words, and the way his eyes sparkled when he spoke about things he loved. He thought about the kiss—how right it felt, how much he didn’t want it to stop.
"I... I don’t know," he admitted quietly, his voice barely above a whisper
*sigh*.... "tsukasa then just know, rui loves you, you're supposed to hear it from him but youre so dense you might actually never realize that no matter how obvious he makes it"
"H-huh? H-H-HUHHHH?!"
"..... do whatever you want with that information but just... think about this okay? From my point of view it seems u two like eachother" nene turned to leave the room, she unlocked the door and slowly got out
"I-i... i-i will?......"
Well tsukasa just stood frozen in place while in the other room Rui was... panicking? He was literally begging nene to tell him what she said... huh.
So maybe she wasnt joking?.... that would mean... rui... likes him?........
B-but that- thats not right! They're only friends!!!he doesn't like rui right?! No- no he cant rui is just an annoying guy its not- no no no not possible!  What is nene even saying! Its not possible rui likes him anyway! Right?! Ahahahahahahahahhaha
But wait- m-maybe he does like rui, he enjoyed the kiss after.....all.......No! 
no no no! it doesn't matter how much he enjoyed the kiss! The kiss meant nothing!! A-and he surely doesn't like rui!!!!!! Mhm mhm! And if what nene said is true he will need to reject rui! 
B-but.... the way his chest feels warm whenever hes with rui... a-and the way his heart beats faster at any word that comes out of ruis mouth...... the way he feels when hes with rui... maybe nene was right? Maybe he does like rui back?... ugh why feelings are so complicated?! But wait!- if he is indeed in love with rui wouldnt that be weird?? They weren't close before so they technically know eachother only for few days! Isint it weird to fall in love within few days of knowing someone? And is it really possible?? Wcth3w3ny2hcxqgcrvr4uj
While tsukasas mind continued to melt and eat itself cuz of the very intense overthinking, Rui gave up trying to get out of nene what she told tsukasa.
welp! It happens! 
He went to tsukasa, the poor boy was so lost in his own overthinking he didnt even notice rui, nor heard rui calling him so he decided to tap him on the shoulder to bring him back to earth.
Ruis mind was racing too though. Did Nene tell him? She wouldn’t, right? But then again, she wouldif she thought it would help. And now Tsukasa was acting all flustered and weird, so—oh god, did he know?
Rui swallowed, his fingers twitching slightly as he reached out and gently tapped Tsukasa’s shoulder again.
Tsukasa, who had been completely lost in his own whirlwind of emotions... screamed.
"KYAA— O-OH RUI!"
Rui immediately tensed. His heart was pounding now, and he had to force himself to keep his voice steady. "Yep... that’s me. You okay, Tsukasa?"
Tsukasa laughed nervously—too nervously. "O-of course! Why wouldn’t I be hahahahahahahah?!?!?"
Rui blinked. Okay. That was suspicious. That was really suspicious.
His usual instinct would be to tease Tsukasa about it, to make a dramatic comment about his ‘dear prince’s’ strange behavior. But something about this felt different. Rui didn’t feel in control of the situation this time—he felt exposed.
"Mm... I don’t know," Rui said slowly, trying to keep his tone light even as his hands fidgeted at his sides. "You seem... flustered."
Tsukasa immediately waved his hands, almost smacking himself in the face. "FLUSTERED?! M-me?! No no, absolutely not! Why would I be flustered?! I’m perfectly fine!!"
Rui’s stomach twisted. He knows. He knows. And he knows he knows. And he knows he knows.
He forced out a small chuckle, though his voice wasn’t quite as steady as usual. "Oh? Then why is your face so red?"
Tsukasa slapped his hands over his cheeks, looking way too panicked. "I-it's nothing! It’s just... hot in here!"
Rui clenched his fingers slightly, still trying not to let his nerves show. "Oh? But the window is open, i would say its rather cold right now.."
Tsukasa froze, looking like his brain had completely crashed. Then, with absolutely no explanation, he let out a strangled sound and yelled, "JUST IGNORE IT, OKAY?!"
Rui blinked at him, startled. What is even happening right now.
For a second, neither of them said anything. Rui could feel his heartbeat in his ears. He wanted to ask. He wanted to know. But at the same time, if he did know—if Nene had told Tsukasa about his feelings—what then?
Rui shifted slightly, forcing himself to keep his voice as casual as possible. "...You know, if there’s something on your mind, you can always tell me." His fingers twitched again. "I won’t tease you... too much."
Tsukasa visibly malfunctioned. His eyes darted around the room like he was trying to find an escape route. "I-it's nothing, okay?! Just... thinking about the new show!"
Rui stared at him. That was a terrible lie. Almost laughable, rui would've laughed if they werent in a pretty specific situation...
"...Right," Rui said slowly, not quite sure if he should push further. His chest felt tight, but he forced himself to smile anyway. "If you say so."
Tsukasa lowered his head and also asked, "if you have something on your mind you could always tell me too....."
"..."
The room had fallen into an uncomfortable quiet, both of them stiff and awkward. Tsukasa’s thoughts were still tangled up, and Rui was trying desperately to hold his composure, though he could feel his nerves getting the best of him. Neither of them knew how to bridge the gap that had suddenly appeared between them, so they just... stood there.
Rui scratched the back of his neck, forcing a grin. “Well, uh... I guess we should... prepare for tomorrow, right?”
Tsukasa blinked, startled by the sudden change in topic. “Oh, right, the dinner...”
Rui smiled a little again "yeah..."
...silence
.....awkward silence 
"Okay, tsukasa this is not going to work..."
"W-what do you mean?..."
"Were supposed to be acting as lovers, with how awkward it is now were not going to convince your mother,” Rui said, shaking his head 
Tsukasa lowered his head "yeah... thats true" he smiled a little
"Were acting like idiots why are we so weird anyway?"
Ruis smile returned too, forgetting about the awkwardness just for a moment "hm? "we?" Youre the one who blushes like crazy and is sooooo flustered though"
"H-HEY! YOURE ACTING WEIRD TOO! ITS NOT JUST ME!"
"Uh huhhhh sure tsukasa~"
Yay back to normal!
Just like that they both forgot about the conversation with nene and put aside their feelings for each other. For now.
"Anyway! Since were both better can we  focus? My mom CANNOT know this was all lies or im grounded for life and married to a random person i dont know..."
"Ah talking about marriage- your mom wont expect us to marry right? We just want to convince her you have a lover"
"..."
Tsukasas face turned into a tomato again
Shit.
"T-tsukasa? She wont, right?..."
"I-I DONT KNOW I DIDNT THINK ABOUT THIS GOD IM SO SORRY AAA"
rui blushed a little too
"oh.... i see. "
"I-i-im sure if ill tell her were not ready yet she wont force us!,"
Tsukasa's voice got quieter 
"Maybe."
"Tsukasa..." rui pinched the bridge of his nose and blushed a little more
"Im so sorry! i really didnt think about this!"
Rui sighed "well it is what it is, lets focus on making this believable at least..."
"Y-yeah!"
Silence again...
"S-so what else should we practice?..."
"Well we practiced holding hands, hugging and kissing," tsukasa blushed slightly more while rui chuckled at the sight "And we practiced not blushing like crazy when we say something or touch but i see we need to go over that again, pfft"
"A-and i'd like to go over our story again"
"Of course, anything my dear star wants~"
"How many times ill have to tell you to not call me that...."
Some time passes, practice started once again and Rui and Tsukasa found themselves in a somewhat more relaxed atmosphere. They had worked on holding hands and hugging without turning into blushing messes, but their next task was... well, a bit trickier. Again.
"Alright," Rui said, looking at Tsukasa, his tone a little teasing. "we should try kissing again next then?"
Tsukasa’s eyes widened slightly. "K-kissing? Again? I-I thought we were done with that!"
Rui just shrugged with a smirk, his eyes twinkling. 
"D-dont u think that if we actually kiss in public and i will blush or runaway or something will look more natural and b-believable?..."
"Well we are saying we knew eachother for a while so wouldnt that be a little weird? " Rui weirdly looked away. He was lying.
"Well but i could be still embarrassed in public?..."
.
..
...
.......................
WHATS UP WITH THIS SILENCE?! WHY DOES IT KEEP HAPPENING 
"Alright," Rui said, breaking the very annoying silence, "Since you’re still all flustered, let’s try the kiss again."
Tsukasa’s eyes shot wide open. "W-WHAT?! I-I thought we literally just agreed we were done with that!"
Rui smirked, "We never agreed to be done with it, we dont want your mother to realize thats somethings up, right?"
Tsukasa’s heart hammered in his chest. "I-I... well that's right but..." He trailed off, feeling ridiculous. "I mean, it’s not like this time is also 'just because you felt so'?...."
Rui blushed a little, his gaze dropping to the floor for a second before returning fully to tsukasa. He made up his mind. He stepped closer, his smile softening just slightly, though his eyes still held that teasing glint. "I thought you were an actor, Tsukasa. Isn’t this your thing? Pretending?" 
"Huh? W-" Before Tsukasa could finish his sentence Rui reached out and gently grabbed Tsukasa’s wrist, pulling him closer. 
Okay he knows anyway, fuck it. 
"Think of this whatever you want, can be practice, can be that i just wanted to or... can be you just wanted to"
Rui pulled tsukasa even closer,  so close that their foreheads were almost touching.
Tsukasa didnt take that well.
NOPE. NOPE. NOPE. TOO CLOSE.
Tsukasa’s breath was uneven, his hands trembling as they hovered between pushing Rui away and pulling him closer. 
“Rui, this is—” His voice wavered, barely more than a whisper. “This is too close.”  
Rui didn’t move away. His gaze, sharp yet unreadable, flickered over Tsukasa’s face, his expression softer than usual. “Then push me away,” ...
Tsukasa’s fingers curled against Rui’s sleeves, gripping the fabric as if it was the only thing keeping him grounded. But he didn’t push. He couldn’t.  
Rui’s breath ghosted against his lips, and Tsukasa’s heart pounded so hard it felt like it would burst. “You’re not moving,” Rui observed, his voice carrying a teasing lilt—but there was something underneath it, something... different, something that made Tsukasa’s stomach twist.  
“I—” 
Tsukasa started, but he never finished. Rui had already moved.  
It was barely a kiss at first, more of a brush—his lips just barely pressing against Tsukasa’s, as if he was still giving him a chance to back away. But Tsukasa didn’t. He stiffened at first, breath caught in his throat, but Rui’s warmth was overwhelming, his presence intoxicating, and without thinking, Tsukasa found himself leaning in.  
That was all the permission Rui needed. His hand slid up, fingers curling lightly around the nape of Tsukasa’s neck as he deepened the kiss, slow and deliberate. It wasn’t forceful. It wasn’t teasing. It was careful—like Rui was savoring the moment, like he was afraid it would slip away too fast.  
Tsukasa shuddered. He didn’t understand this—didn’t understand why his chest felt tight, why his skin felt hot, why his hands were gripping Rui like he was afraid to let go.  
And then, all at once, reality crashed back in.  
With a sharp gasp, Tsukasa jerked back, eyes wide in something between shock and panic. His lips tingled, his breath came in short, uneven bursts, and Rui—Rui was just watching him, his own breath slightly unsteady.  
Tsukasa’s voice was hoarse when he finally spoke. “That—what are you—why did you—”  
Rui only smiled, but it was different this time. It wasn’t his usual smirk, wasn’t teasing or playful. It was softer. It was knowing.  
“You tell me,” Rui said as he gently smiled
Tsukasa swallowed hard, his mind a chaotic mess of emotions. He wanted to say something—to deny it, to argue, to deny what Rui was thinking—but he couldn’t.  
Because, deep down, he already knew.
No.
That was not just acting.
Tsukasa's brain was running at 1000 miles per hour, every damn single alarm in his head blaring. 
His heart, mind and body was still stuck in the moment Rui kissed him.
Rui was still watching him, waiting. His expression unreadable, yet somehow expectant. Like he already knew the answer—like he was just waiting for Tsukasa to catch up.
Tsukasa did not catch up.
"I—I—THAT WAS—" His voice cracked, and he slapped both hands over his face. "I CAN’T DO THIS RIGHT NOW."
Rui chuckled, his usual smugness creeping back in, but it was different now. Softer. More affectionate.
Tsukasa peeked at him through his fingers, his heart still pounding. "Wh—why are you looking at me like that?!"
"Like what?" Rui tilted his head, the corner of his lips twitching upward.
"Like you—like you know something I don’t!" Tsukasa accused, pointing a shaky finger at him.
Rui’s smile widened. "Oh? But I think you do know, Tsukasa."
Tsukasa opened his mouth—then shut it. Opened it again—shut it again. He was malfunctioning.
Tsukasa’s whole face felt like it was on fire. He aggressively shook his head like a maniac to shake off the feeling of Rui’s lips still lingering on his own. “Y-YOU CAN’T JUST—K-KISSING ME—A-AGAIN—WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?!?!”
Rui tilted his head, looking genuinely curious. “You didn’t stop me, you kissed me back"
Tsukasa opened his mouth again. Closed it. Again. Opened it also again.
“THAT’S NOT THE POINT!!!!”
Rui chuckled. “Oh? Then what is the point, dear prince?”
“THE POINT IS—” Tsukasa stopped, realizing he actually didn’t know what the point was.
His brain was too busy replaying the kiss over and over again in high definition, 4K Ultra HD, surround sound.
Oh god.
Oh god.
Oh no.
OH NO.
He liked Rui.
He really, really liked Rui.
Like-like.
Romantic like.
Tsukasa.exe has crashed.
“…I need to go,” he choked out, spinning around so fast he nearly tripped over his own feet. “I—I just—I NEED TO THINK—”
Rui watched him with open amusement, his hands tucked neatly behind his back as Tsukasa stumbled away like a man escaping a crime scene. Which, in a way, he supposed Tsukasa did feel like a victim—except the crime was a simple kiss, and the only thing stolen was his ability to function properly.
Well. Perhaps that wasn't all that was stolen.
As Tsukasa practically fled, Rui lifted a hand to his lips, pressing his fingers lightly against them as if testing to see if the warmth still lingered.
It did.
He smiled to himself.
How cute.
Tsukasa did not stop running.
Or, well, it wasn’t really running—it was more of a very fast, very frantic walk. Down the hall, past some very confused staff members, past Saki (who called out to him in concern but got nothing in response), and straight to the tenmas garden where he sat on the bench wishing he could just disappear into the ground.
 His face was burning. His hands were shaking. His heart was STILL going at a million beats per minute, completely ignoring his desperate attempts to will it into calming the hell down.
He had kissed Rui.
He had liked kissing Rui.
He wanted to kiss Rui again.
He loves him.
Tsukasa pressed his hands against his burning face.  
This was bad. Really bad.  
His heart was still racing, his lips still tingled, and no matter how many times he told himself it was *just acting*, his heart and mind refused to listen.  
“Ughhhhhh,” he groaned, running a hand through his hair. 
"Tsukasaaa something happened?"
Tsukasa stiffened 
Saki grinned.
He turned sharply to see Saki standing there, blinking at him with wide eyes. She tilted her head, looking *way* too amused at his reaction.  
“Ohhh, something did happen!" She said, grinning. “What happened?”  
“Nothing!” Tsukasa blurted out, way too fast. “Nothing happened at all! Absolutely, completely—”  
Saki squinted. “...Did Rui do something?”  
Tsukasa flinched so hard it was basically confirmation. Saki’s grin turned dangerous.
“Ohhhhhh,” she said, eyes sparkling with mischief. “*Ohhhhhhh.*”  
Tsukasa panicked. “S-Saki, whatever you’re thinking, stop thinking it *immediately!*”  
“I don’t know what you mean~” she sang, rocking back on her heels. “I’m just wondering *why* you look like you’ve been hit by a truck.”  
“I do *not*—!”  
“You totally do.”  
Tsukasa groaned, burying his face in his hands. “Why does this keep happening to me…”  
Saki giggled. "So whats the matter?"
Tsukasa sighed 
"I think i like rui... the like-like way......."
saki gasped loudly but it quickly got followed up by a scream "EEEKKKK NO WAY! TSUKASA IM SO HAPPY R YOU KIDDING ME?"
Tsukasa sighed again
"Huh tsukasa?Why are you sighing? Isint that a good thing?"
"HOW COULD IT BE GOOD?"
"I mean you two like eachother so i dont see anything bad  about it!"
Tsukasa froze again at the mention of rui liking him too..
"B-but saki isint this wrong? Me and rui are friends...l-"
"Yeah sure friends that kiss eachother"
"HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT."
"Im your sister of course i know" 
“What if it’s just... a joke to him? What if I’m just...He’s always teasing me, and I’m not sure if he’s serious or not.”
Saki raised an eyebrow, her tone sharp. “Tsukasa, you really think rui is like that? Youve got to be kidding me. you’re overthinking. Rui may be a little extra, but he’s not cruel. He’s clearly into you. He’s been showing you that from the start. You. just. have.to. accept. it.”
Tsukasa’s breath hitched, and his mind spun again. Could it really be that simple?
Saki grabbed his arm, pulling him out of his trance. “Look, you’re not gonna figure it out by just standing here and worrying about it. You’ve gotta go talk to him. No more hiding. Go on, go tell him how you feel. "
"I think he knows already though...."
"WHAT???"
"So well Rui kinda gave me a chance to push him away and like not kiss but i didnt and he did  kiss me a-and i kinda kissed him back and he did say this is not really practice or something and he looked at me with his damn annoying knowing smirk- and u-uh yeah i kinda ran off....."
Tsukasa lowered his head realizing he was spiraling again and whispered
"Yeah i think he knows...."
"Oh tsukasa" saki giggled "you still need to talk to him, you two need to talk it out, especially before the dinner."
"I-i mean nene told me rui likes me if we both know then theres no need for a conversation, right? Ahahahahaha-"
"Tsukasa?"
"Ha.. ha."
Oh god. Rui is here.
"Well since your boyfriend is here i'll get going, good luckk! Dont die!"
"H-huh?! Not Boyf- saki wait!-"
Saki ran off n soon disappeared 
"And shes gone.... "
Rui stared at Tsukasa
"u-um hey Rui....."
"No need for a conversation about what?"?
"H-huh?"
He still stared intensively 
"You said- 'theres no need for a conversation ',  conversation about what?"
"Oh."
Tsukasa looked away while Rui still stared
"So?"
"You know how i kinda ran off just now?...."
"Yep"
"I realized something...."
"Yhm"
"I kinda figured out what i feel "
"Okay, go on"
"Uhm i have some feelings for you.."
"Alright, what is it?"
Rui still just stared but a small smile tugged on his lips 
"WHY ARE YOU MAKING ME SAY THIS?! YOU KNOW WHAT I MEAN!"
"i want to hear it from you, tsukasa"
"I- i think i like you okay?!"
Rui chuckled 
"Hm still not quite it, try again"
"I HATE YOU."
Rui laughed just more
"I love you too, Tsukasa"
Tsukasas face turned into a tomato once again.
And rui just chuckled "youre so cute"
Annddd tsukasas face just turned even more red, very deep, dark red
"Soooo will i hear it from you? Or maybe another kiss will help you-"
"NO- NO KISSES-"
Tsukasa could barely breathe. This was absurd. They had danced around this for so long, and now Rui was standing in front of him, waiting for the exact words Tsukasa was terrified to say, terrified to admit that theyre true.
“I-I ...” Tsukasa swallowed hard, feeling the lump in his throat. His mind was a mess, but his heart was telling him one thing. Say it. Just say it. 
"I..." Tsukasa took a shaky breath, trying to calm himself, but the warmth in his chest was almost too much. “I think- no.. uh- I love you, Rui...”
There was a beat of silence.
Rui’s expression softened, his smirk replaced by a genuine smile, one that made Tsukasa's heart flip.
"Finally"
Rui grabbed tsukasa wrist his grip firm but gentle, as if he was afraid Tsukasa might bolt again. Tsukasa didn’t—he couldn’t. His whole body felt frozen in place, his heart hammering in his chest.
Rui’s gaze softened, the usual teasing smile still present, but there was something deeper- more real in his gaze now.
“See? That wasn’t so hard, was it?” Rui murmured.
. “I—shut up,” he mumbled, looking anywhere but at Rui. “You’re so annoying…”
Rui chuckled, tilting his head slightly. “And yet, you love me.”
Tsukasa let out an exaggerated groan, tugging his wrist in an attempt to escape, but Rui didn’t let go. Instead, he took a step closer, his voice quieter now, more sincere.
“I love you too, Tsukasa,” Rui repeated, and this time, there was no teasing-just the truth.
Tsukasa inhaled sharply. His heart clenched at Rui’s words, at how easily he said them, like it was the most natural thing in the world. Meanwhile, Tsukasa felt like he was about to pass out from how overwhelming this all was.
His hand clenched at his side before he finally met Rui’s gaze again.
...
Before tsukasa could spiral again, Rui suddenly clapped his hands together. “Well then! Now that we’ve finally gotten that sorted out…” He grinned . 
"Are we ready to convince your mother that we’re madly in love?"
Tsukasa nearly choked. “WHAT—?! Oh! T-the dinner!...I—I completely forgot about that—”
Rui laughed. “Oh, my dear prince, how could you forget the very reason we started this whole act?”
Tsukasa groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “God, this is a disaster…”
Rui hummed, pretending to think. “Mmm… a romantic disaster, perhaps?” (Rui kamishiro doesnt think confirmed, no thoughts, head filled w tsukasa)
Tsukasa shot him a glare. “Not. Helping.”
Rui only smirked, stepping closer again, and before Tsukasa could figure out whats going on, he reached out and took his hand, intertwining their fingers together like it was the most natural thing in the world.
“R-RUI??" W-WHAT ARE YOU—?” 
“Showing you my love and affection," he smirked, "i could kiss you to show you even mo-"
Tsukasa cut him off by shushing his mouth with his free hand. He groaned again, his face somehow getting even redder. “I hate you…”
Rui leaned in, his lips curling into a smirk. “Mmm, love you too, Tsukasa~”
Tsukasa wanted to die.
And yet, as Rui squeezed his hand playfully, Tsukasa found himself gripping back—just slightly.
"Oh? Youre so adorable tsukasa~"
"W-whatever.... should we go back to our room then?"
"Our? Hehe~"
"NEVER MIND. MY room. And you can go back to your guest one!"
"Awhh tsukasa... you're kicking me out? Thats so cruel! Weve been sleeping in the same room for days now and now that were together and have what to "celebrate " im not allowed there?"
Tsukasa groaned, dragging a hand down his already-burning face. “You’re insufferable, Rui.”
Rui only pouted dramatically, squeezing Tsukasa’s hand again. “So mean~ I thought love was supposed to be about kindness and understanding. And yet, here you are, casting me aside like a forgotten slipper.”
Tsukasa yanked his hand away, spinning on his heel to march towards his room. “If you’re going to keep talking, then I’m definitely making you sleep somewhere else.”
Rui gasped, pressing a hand to his chest. “Oh, my prince, how could you? After all we’ve been through, after all we’ve shared—"
“SHUT UP,” Tsukasa snapped. He spun back around, pointing a shaky finger at Rui, who was grinning like he just won the lottery. “Stop saying weird things before someone hears you!”
Rui tilted his head. “Weird? What’s weird about the truth? I mean, if you really think about it, the only logical step now is for us to—"
“Do NOT finish that sentence.” Tsukasa stomped toward his room, practically kicking the door open.
Rui chuckled, casually following behind. “Fine, fine, calm down… ” Then, as if it was the most natural thing in the world, he flopped onto Tsukasa’s bed with a dramatic sigh. “Ahhh, feels like home.”
Tsukasa stood frozen in the doorway, staring in horror. “You—YOU—WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU’RE DOING?!”
Rui turned onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow, looking entirely too comfortable. “Making myself comfortable in our—I mean, your room.” He winked. “Silly me, I keep forgetting we’re not official yet.”
Tsukasa nearly threw something at him.
Instead, he inhaled sharply, closing his eyes as if silently begging for patience from the universe. “You are the worst person I have ever met.”
“Is that so? You hurt me tsukasa.... and here i thought you love me~” Rui teased.
“That—THAT’S NOT—!” Tsukasa groaned once again, covering his face with both hands. “I don’t have the energy to deal with you.”
Rui hummed, tapping his chin. “Well, that’s a problem. You will need energy for tomorrow when we convince your mother that we’re completely, utterly, hopelessly and madly in love.”
Tsukasa stepped back immediately. “Oh, no. No, no, no. You’re NOT staying here tonight.”
Rui pouted. “But what if I have nightmares?”
“Then suffer.”
“Wow how heartless.” Rui dramatically clutched his chest before his expression softened “Hmmm…” 
Rui seemed to think about something before he patted the space beside him. “Come here, Tsukasa.”
Tsukasa eyed him suspiciously. “…Why?” (Bombastic side eye)
“Because I want to ask you something important, and I’d rather you not be standing ten feet away like you’re ready to make a run for it.”
Tsukasa huffed, but after a moment of hesitation, he   Walked over slowly, sitting at the very edge of the bed. 
Rui just chuckled, propping himself up on his elbow.
“So,” he started,  “Now that we’ve both established that we’re madly in love—”
“We’re not madly in love,” Tsukasa grumbled.
“Speak for yourself~” Rui shot back smoothly. “Anyway—since we do love each other, don’t you think we should make it… y’know… official?”
Tsukasa’s breath hitched. His heart, which had only just started calming down, started poundingagain. He turned to Rui, eyes widening slightly. “Official…?”
Rui just smirked, that familiar teasing glint in his eyes. “You know, like we actually would be dating." He leaned in a little closer, eyes never leaving Tsukasa’s.
Tsukasa’s heart was back to racing. 
Official. 
 His face flushed a deep red, and he found himself not knowing what to say.
“Well?” Rui’s voice was soft now, less playful but still full of that underlying confidence. “What do you think?”
Tsukasa swallowed hard, his mind swirling with a 2137 thoughts. He was scared—terrified even—but somehow, he couldn’t deny the truth anymore. Everything had shifted, and the idea of being with Rui... he liked it a lot. He let out a shaky breath, n finally decided to answer- or more like ask another question.
“ I thought that was already established?...." 
Rui grinned “Yeah, well with you i can never be that certain, just making sure we on the same page, you know" his grin softened suddenly as he continued "so let me ask once again, what do you think? "
Tsukasa hesitated for a moment, He looked up at Rui, his face still flushed, and for the first time in a while, he felt like he was being honest with himself. 
“I... I think I’d like that,” Tsukasa murmured, his voice quieter now, but his words clear. He glanced at Rui, his heart still racing, and smiled shyly. “I think I’d really like that.” 
Rui’s expression softened even further, and without another word, he reached over, gently taking Tsukasa’s hand in his, squeezing it lightly. Tsukasa’s heart skipped a beat as he felt the warmth of Rui’s touch, and suddenly, everything seemed to make sense.
Ruis hand traveled to tsukasas cheek, he caressed it gently with his thumb before leaning in to steal a kiss again.
Beforrreeeeeee
Tsukasa covered ruis mouth w his hand and and gently pushed him away blushing like crazy of course.
"No.."
"Too soon?"
"No just- uh....."
"Ohhh i seeee~ my little star is embarrassed? How cute, tsukasa, youre truly adorable"
"Y-you know what nevermind!-"
And there he goes. 
Tsukasa took ruis hand and and now he leaned in, and what's surprising, confidently, kissed rui.
"W-Whos the embarrassed one now-"
"..."
Oh definetly rui.
He was blushing sooo hard
Flustrated rui.
Authors fav trope.
That he cant write for shit.
"Rui?"
And rui covered his face with his hands
"Give me a moment tsukasa..."
"Dont tell me youre seriously embarrassed?!"
"..." his hands now supported his chin "maybe a little...."
Andddd now tsukasa is blushing too.
So they now both were sitting cutely in the awkward silence
"Okay thats it, im getting revenge "
Rui put his hands on tsukasas shoulders and smiled evilly 

"WHA- RUI??" 

Rui leaned closer looking at tsukasas lips.

“What, you can kiss me and i cant kiss you?... Not fair tsukasa….”
Tsukasa blushed once again, his voice desperate to disagree with rui
“You kissed me multiple times before!”
Rui just smirked 
“Well it was for the act, right?”
“THAT CHANGES LITERALLY NOTHING YOU MENACE!!!!!!”
Rui just grinned more and leaned even closer not bothering to say another thing
Tsukasa’s brain promptly short-circuited. His ears were red. His face was red. His soul might’ve been red.

“Rui Kamishiro, I swear if you come any closer I will—”
“You’ll what?” Rui teased, inching just a bit closer.
“I’LL—!”
He never finished that sentence. —boop— Rui tapped his nose with his finger and whispered, "You’re even cuter when you're angry, Tsukasa."

Tsukasa sat there, face turning even redder if thats even possible, his hands quickly trying to cover his face and hide yhe embarrassment visible on his face “I’m not cute!! Stop calling me—!!”
And then another—boop—Rui kissed his forehead gently and pulled back with an absolutely unbothered, satisfied look.

Tsukasas hands skyrocketed to his forehead and covered it, he himself was malfunctioning again- eyes wide, blush on his cheeks, his attempts to say something but coming out just as stutters.

“I– R-Rui!!”

Rui, still grinning like a smug cat , rested his chin in his hand, completely unbothered by the chaos he had just caused in tsukasas head.

“Yes, Tsukasa?” he asked in that annoying almost innocent voice 

“I swear to every star in the sky, if you do something like that again—!”

“You’ll what?” Rui tilted his head innocently. “Kiss me again?”

Tsukasa let out a strangled noise that sounded like a squeak and a groan combined, burying his face in his hands and kicking his legs lightly against the floor in flustered defeat. “You’re insufferable!”

“And yet,” Rui said with a playful lilt, scooting closer and nudging Tsukasa’s shoulder, “you still like me~”

“Shut up.”

“You dooooo~”

“I said shut up!”

“Tsukasa loves me~”

“RUI—!”

“Tsukasa definitely wants to kiss me again—”

“RUI I WILL SHOVE A PILLOW DOWN YOUR THROAT—”

Rui fell back onto the bed laughing, absolutely delighted, hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay! I yield! Spare me, o great prince!”

Tsukasa tried so hard to hold his pout but it cracked into a tiny smile. “…You’re the worst.”

“But,” Rui said, catching his hand again, intertwining their fingers without even thinking about it, “I’m your worst. Right?”

Tsukasa paused.

Looked down at their hands.

He sighed, but it was warm and soft, and he didn’t pull away.

“…. Unfortunately.”

Rui smiled.

“Lucky me.”

Immediate blush.

“ugh!- stop-.. stop saying things like that!!!!-”  Tsukasa sputtered, flailing a little like his brain was desperately trying to keep its cool but failing once again “You’re impossible!”

Rui tilted his head with a faux-thoughtful look. “Mm, i know i know but my tsukasa still loves me so it doesnt matter right?”

“…Shut up.”

“Ohoho~ victory,” Rui whispered triumphantly, resting his chin in his hand and gazing at Tsukasa with that soft sparkle in his eyes that was somehow both smug and fond. “You know… if you keep reacting like this, I’m going to have to make it a hobby. Flustering you might become my new favorite pastime.”

“Kamishiro Rui. I think you really want to know how the pillow tastes like.”

Rui just gasped again
“So cruel! Treated so coldly and cruelly by my own beloved!” 

Tsukasa rolled his eyes so hard it might’ve counted as a royal decree. “You deserve it.”

“But imagine the headlines,” Rui sighed dramatically, flopping backward onto the bed again. “‘Charming, handsome, and tragically innocent prince attacked by his fiancé—’”

“‘Fiancé?!’” Tsukasa choked, grabbing a pillow and hurling it at Rui without hesitation.

Rui caught it mid-air, laughing uncontrollably. “Well, not officially-yet-”

“Shut. UP.”

“No but really, Tsukasa-kun,” Rui said, sitting up just a bit, his smile turning a bit softer, his voice slightly quieter. “You’re cute when you’re mad, but you’re kind of… stunning when you smile like that ealier.”

“Wha— stop that!” Tsukasa clutched the second pillow defensively, as if Rui’s compliments were flying knives instead of words. “You can’t just say that!”

“Sure I can.” Rui winked. “I’ve got royal privileges.”

“You have royal audacity!”

“That too.” Rui leaned closer again, this time more slowly, letting the moment settle between them. “But if it’s any consolation… I really do like making you smile. And really like seeing you smile. Even if it means dodging pillows in the process.” Rui chuckled softly.

Tsukasa stared at him. For a second, he looked like he was preparing another flustered retort. But instead, he just… sighed.

And then said, very softly: “…You’re such a dumb idiot.”

Rui grinned, wide and victorious. “You forgot handsome, loving, amazing and the best.”

“Don’t push your luck.”

They sat there in quiet for a moment, the chaos winding down. Rui nudged Tsukasa’s hand with his. “Want to lay down for a bit? Just… talk? Or not talk. I don't want to get hit with another pillow.”

Tsukasa blinked. “No more teasing?”

“I promise. For now.” Rui offered his pinky.

Tsukasa narrowed his eyes. Then, cautiously, linked their pinkies together. “Okay. But if you even try to flirt or tease or-”

“I’ll die in silence, I swear.”

“…Fine.”

So they lay back on the bed, just side by side, shoulders brushing. The air felt a little softer. A little less charged.

“…Tsukasa?”

“Mhm?”

“Thanks for not hitting me too  hard with the pillow.”

Tsukasa smirked faintly. “That was me going easy on you.”

And for once, Rui didn’t reply with his usual teasing.
He just smiled.

“Hey rui…”
“Mm?”
“Im… im really glad it was you. You know .. the whole act and all … im glad it landed on you and that i got to know you better …”
…
“Me too, Tsukasa.”