Work Text:
Rui sat back in his chair after grabbing a glass of water before cracking his knuckles together. He glanced down at yet another project of his on the table as sunlight filled his garage, an orange glint surrounding him. It had been a busy week for Rui, who was trying out different ideas for a party canon and a new robot for a future show.
So far, it had gone very smoothly, the only problem being he had to leave for school and rehearsal before returning to his devices. To add to the list, he was still Wonderland X Showtime’s director, and had his other responsibilities to take care of, which caused him to stop more than he’d prefer, leaving his project aside.
He let out a pleasant sigh, thankful that he was finally able to get back to his project after a successfully long rehearsal. He immediately got back into his rhythm, humming a small tune from practice as he did so. One piece at a time, he carefully took notice of his intricate work, making sure everything operated properly.
Not long into his project, however, he heard a knock on the door beside the garage door. Rui perked a curious eyebrow as he carefully placed his tools on the table before slowly sitting up and walking towards the door.
Who could be visiting at this hour?
To his pleasant surprise, his neighbor, Nene, was waiting there with a small bag at her side, wearing her casual outfit as she came into Rui’s view. She awkwardly raised her head to look at him as she fumbled with the straps on her bag.
“Nene, what a pleasant surprise,” Rui smiled warmly. “Are you here to see me?”
Nene nodded slowly before glancing at the ground. “I figured…it would be nice to stop by. We’ve been pretty busy and…. playing some games would be more fun…if I wasn’t by myself.”
“Well, I’m just working on my own contraptions at the moment. Care to join me?”
“I think I’ll stick to my games, but yes,” she quietly responded as she slipped past Rui into his garage.
He chuckled at her quiet response before closing the door and carefully making his way back into his chair. Nene cleared off Rui’s cluttered couch beside Rui’s desk to secure a comfortable spot.
The two teenagers quickly sank into their own interests, quietly enjoying each other’s presence, despite the silence engulfing them. Nene could be heard muttering under her breath every so often while Rui could be heard humming as he connected wires.
It was always this way when the two of them spent time together. It wasn’t everyone’s way of spending time with someone else, but in the comfort of a quiet dimly lit room, no one else’s opinions mattered. It was just them, as it had been since they were kids.
Every few moments, Rui couldn’t help but steal a few glances at Nene, who was deeply focused on her game as she could be seen mashing the controls at an impressive speed. Her face was scrunched up as she concentrated, the sunlight surrounding her softly. Every so often, she’d shift positions on the couch when she relaxed or tensed up.
A soft smile crept onto Rui’s face as he looked at her for a few moments, before focusing back on his own device. He couldn’t help it, the warm feeling in his chest that would take hold of him when he’d glance at her. The feeling was pleasant, like listening to a calming lullaby.
He wasn’t quite sure what he was going to do about that feeling, or if he would even do anything about it at all. To someone outward looking in, they might say Rui was in love, or infatuated even. But to him, this was comfortable, and safe. It was right. His love of inventing, his love of creating, his love of spreading happiness, and his deep care for Nene. All of it was perfect. All of his favorite things were here.
He didn’t want this to change. He didn’t want them to change. At least for now.
I’m glad she’s here, Rui thought pleasantly as he connected another wire.
Nene, who hadn’t noticed Rui’s glances moments before, was unfortunately met with the words “Game Over” on her screen before she groaned quietly. She was hoping that her strategy was the right move, but the other team had intercepted her group, which led to their loss.
“Not again,” she muttered in disappointment.
“Another loss?”
Nene glanced up from her screen to see Rui inspecting something in his hand. She pouted slightly at his comment before sighing softly as she turned off her game.
“Unfortunately. My teams are getting knocked out.”
“That’s too bad.”
“Hmm.”
She didn’t need to say much more as Rui went quiet again, writing something down on a piece of paper in front of him.
That’s how the two of them were. Light conversations, quiet time together, and pleasant feelings. Nene enjoyed that, especially since she didn’t have to speak. With a lot of other people, it was like her voice was stuck in her throat and she couldn’t shake off the ever growing uneasiness she felt in public.
But with her friends, with Wonderlands x Showtime, with Rui….she felt okay. She felt comfortable. And at this moment, after a long day, she was very comfortable with Rui.
For Nene, her fondest memories with Rui always made her feel warm inside. What exactly was that warmth? She wasn’t quite sure herself, but she appreciated it. If more was there, or could be there, that didn’t matter to her. Everything was perfect the way it was.
I’m glad I came here, Nene pleasantly thought to herself.
Nene tapped her fingers together as she watched her purple haired friend happily tighten a bolt onto his canon contraption. She smiled very softly at him, being able to see how content he was with his creations.
The two of them continued to enjoy each other’s company a while longer as the sky began to fill with dazzling stars in the beautiful darkness above them. Nene eventually started playing a new game while Rui continued to test out his party canon. The two began to indulge in more light conversation as they went, talking about school life and their common interests.
Neither of them wanted this peaceful moment to end. Because they were together. They were at peace. They were happy to have each other.
And that was enough.