Work Text:
Tsukasa looks over at Rui, who is looking down at a script as Asahi-san animatedly discusses his role in their next play.
Wonderlands x Showtime have been working alongside Arcland for a few months now. At Asahi-san’s request, Wonderlands x Showtime decided to take a few month placement at the Centre Theatre to help grow their talents, as well as grow the talents of the younger Arcland cast. As with the other times they’ve worked together, things have gone incredibly well. Tsukasa is getting to perform on one of the biggest stages in Japan alongside one of the biggest upcoming actors; he, Nene and Asahi-san are almost always at least one of the main roles in the few plays they’ve done together now. Of course, Rui is directing, and Emu has been able to participate both as an actor and behind the scenes setting up the backbones of the play - getting to go into meetings alongside the higher ups in the Centre Theatre to discuss resources. It’s been incredibly fulfilling for all of them.
Despite all this, Tsukasa feels something unpleasant in the back of his neck, eating away at him just a little.
He knows when it started. A few weeks after they took on this placement, Rui sat the group down and told them how Asahi-san had actually given him an offer to work at Arcland; of course Rui rejected this offer. It helped explain the weird dream version of their future they saw when Rui touched that tree in SEKAI. Tsukasa had immediately felt a surge of emotion at this news; it seems that Nene and Emu were not too surprised, as they said Rui had been acting strange the first time they performed with Arcland, but Tsukasa was none-the-wiser. Did his director trust him that little not to tell him of such important news? Tsukasa would have told Rui to accept the offer, and he figures that Rui also knew that, so he just told himself that that must be why Rui kept them in the dark.
Nevertheless, ever since finding out that information Tsukasa couldn’t help but view their situation slightly differently. Yes, Asahi-san had joked about poaching Rui right in front of everyone, but Tsukasa never thought he would go and actually try and do it. The way Asahi-san worked incredibly hard at Rui’s direction, the way his eyes sparkled the same way WxS’s did, it all felt soured now compared to before.
The main solace Tsukasa gives himself is that despite this, Rui still liked his acting enough to reject the offer. Asahi-san is a much better actor than himself, and everyone can see that - that Rui still values their troupe more, it brings Tsukasa an ounce of relief. He reminds himself of this when he feels bitter watching Asahi-san and Rui. He wants to be the actor that Rui is excited to direct.
Despite everything, Tsukasa is pretty in tune with his own emotions. He knows he’s feeling jealous, and it frustrates him to no end. He already won. WxS already won. Not that Rui is some belonging to “win”, he’s their treasured friend and director. This only makes Tsukasa even more frustrated in himself. How dare he reduce everything they’ve done together to some silly contest of attention-
“What are you doing? You’re staring.”
Nene’s voice is a relief that cuts through his mental turmoil. Tsukasa turns to face Nene, seeing her eyebrow raised and a less than impressed expression on her face. Tsukasa flashes a smile,
“Hahaha! I simply got distracted thinking about how I am going to portray the scene on page 18. Would you like to practice with me?”
Nene holds that same expression for a second longer before dropping her shoulders and sighing. Tsukasa’s pretty sure he can make any of his thoughts appear to be him being strange enough to make Nene back off, and is glad it worked again this time.
“Sure. I’ll start,” Tsukasa doesn’t notice how Nene is still staring at him, now looking down at his own script in order to distract himself from his previous thoughts.
“Tsukasa-kun, that was amazing! Your best one yet!” Asahi-san fidgets in place with glee, unable to keep himself still. Like always, he stares at Tsukasa-kun in awe, his eyes shining with emotion. Rui feels irritation brush up his spine, and looks away from Asahi-san, putting his focus back to Tsukasa-kun.
It’s taken an embarrassingly long amount of self-reflection for Rui to realise what’s going on. He had to have his own feelings for Tsukasa-kun literally spelt out to him by Mizuki, and have many a heart-to-heart with just about every virtual singer and several groups of plushies inside SEKAI. He almost wishes Mizuki didn’t pour out her heart on the rooftop and drag Rui’s out with it; things would have been so much simpler. But Pandora’s Box is now open, and with it the sickening feeling of jealousy clouds the air. Rui may not always be the best when it comes to his own emotions, but he finds others easy enough to interpret - and he recognises the way Asahi-san watches Tsukasa-kun as he performs. He sees it in himself.
“Thank you, thank you,” Tsukasa-kun hops off the stage, walking over to where Rui and Asahi-san were watching. Tsukasa-kun makes eye contact. “How did I do, Rui?”
Rui hates the giddy feeling he gets when Tsukasa-kun wants his approval. It’s not rational, and if anything will make their shows worse. He tries to swallow his glee, “I agree that it was your best performance yet, it’s really coming along well.” Tsukasa-kun puffs himself up, like a cat receiving good pets. “But I do think you could do a bit better. The scene where you are hit by the laser, for example, you leant a bit too far into the comedy and I think it could do with some toning down.” Rui watches as Tsukasa-kun deflates in real time, but quickly picks himself back up and smiles even more wide at Rui.
“I see! Do you think I should focus more on the pain, or just dull everything in general? I know that….” As always Tsukasa-kun picks himself up immediately, rattling off idea after idea on how to improve his performance. Rui feels his heart pick up. Somehow this is even more exhilarating than the sweet need for approval, Rui thinks that Tsukasa-kun’s ability to bounce back and improve time after time again might be one of his most wonderful qualities, alongside his trust for Rui himself.
They have a small back-and-forth, which is very typical for them. Getting to enjoy the creative process with a dear friend means more to Rui than he thinks he could ever voice. No wonder he fell so hard. He’s almost able to forget their ominous third wheel until Asahi-san suddenly joins in.
“Actually Tsukasa-kun, what if we did this?”
Suddenly Tsukasa-kun is no longer looking at Rui, and Rui feels a pang of anger, he wants Tsukasa-kun to look back at him instead. Again, Rui curses himself for this, and lets it pass. What is he even thinking? This isn’t like himself at all. Asahi-san is incredibly talented, and it’s an absolute honour that they can work together, this is invaluable to making their dreams come true, and Asahi-san has been nothing but kind to them. He watches the exchange change, but still feels this bitter feeling build up.
It’s not like this with other actors, with Emu-kun or Nene - heck, Rui has seen Tsukasa-kun act as a romantic side to the girls time and time again. It’s not even about Asahi-san being a guy. It’s about the way Asahi-san looks at Tsukasa-kun. The way Asahi-san charges forward, showers Tsukasa-kun with compliments. It’s all genuine, he can tell it is. Is this how he looks to others? Is he this obvious? He must be to Mizuki, at least. Probably Emu-kun too, being realistic.
The trio continue their discussion of the script, and if Rui’s hand is clenched a little tighter than usual in his jacket pocket, no one will notice.
Tsukasa isn’t sure whether to be annoyed or thankful that Asahi-san wants to spend so much time together. After declaring each other rivals, Tsukasa was over the moon, and wanted nothing more than to work with and against Asahi-san to become as good an actor as possible. But with everything involving Rui right now, it feels stained. Tsukasa isn’t one to often dislike his own emotions, after all he can use this experience to fuel his acting in future, but he does wish it didn’t have to get in the way of such a good opportunity.
Asahi-san has been going on about Wonderlands x Showtime’s recent plays for the past hour, and Tsukasa loves talking about himself and his troupe, but the constant praise about Rui’s directing just makes him feel worse and worse - and it shouldn’t! Because Rui is an amazing director who deserves to have his talents looked highly upon!
“The way Rui-kun used the lighting and wind effects to contrast your specific acting style was beautiful, he was really able to make you shine up there. That kind of coordination can only come from deep trust and a long time working together!” Something about the way Asahi-san said that, as if he didn’t try to break apart that coordination and take it for himself, set something off.
“Well it’s a good thing he rejected your offer and chose to stay with us then, hahahaha!” Tsukasa cringes at himself. Asahi-san would be able to tell, it’s not much of a joke, Tsukasa is being possessive. What he doesn’t expect is for Asahi-san to basically ignore his theatrics completely: confusion and an unusual expression on the older man’s face.
“Reject.. That’s… Well, that’s an interesting way of putting it.” Asahi-san looks away, refusing to make eye contact with Tsukasa. His mouth runs dry.
“What do you mean?” He's able to keep his voice steady, despite feeling an incredibly bad omen at the way Asahi-san’s expressions and demeanor changed, ignoring how rude Tsukasa was.
Finally Asahi-san looks at him, a sheepish expression on his face. “Rui accepted the offer. But he looked miserable, so I told him I’d ask him again later, and to not worry about the offer for the time being.”
It’s like a cold bucket of water has been thrown on Tsukasa’s head. Rui did say he rejected the offer, right? The things he’d been telling himself, that he was good enough to still be Rui’s most important actor, that he hadn’t lost to Asahi-san despite being clearly inferior acting-wise. Those were lies, weren’t they? Was Rui trying to spare his feelings when recounting the offer? Tsukasa feels a strong heat from behind his face, it was only down to Asahi-san’s kindness that Rui is still with them today. Rui wanted to leave. But he shouldn’t be upset, he would have left too, he would have told Rui to leave. Why do these feelings have to hurt so much?
And Asahi-san looks miserable recounting this. Tsukasa’s face burns. Asahi-san gives Tsukasa an incredibly sad look, a small smile on his face. “I’m glad. Wonderlands x Showtime has grown so much since the first time we met.” If Tsukasa wasn’t preoccupied with his own emotions, he might have noticed the way Asahi’s eyes shine. “You’ve turned into such an incredible actor, Tsukasa-kun. He’s lucky to have you.”
Tsukasa doesn’t need pity from this guy. Asahi-san is so kind, it makes his own negativity feel that much more disgusting. He can’t blame Asahi-san for falling for someone like Rui, who wouldn’t? He doesn’t need to give Tsukasa vague compliments to make him feel better. Asahi-san can probably tell that Rui lied to keep Tsukasa happy. Asahi-san is a smart enough guy, maybe he’s figured out Tsukasa’s own heart by now.
This is a dangerous conversation. Tsukasa needs to either change the subject immediately, or get out of it as fast as possible; he looks around for any escape.
He spots it when he notices Emu walk by in the background, out of her meeting with the Arcland execs.
“Ah sorry Asahi-san, but I must speak to Emu about something! We shall finish this conversation later!”
Not giving Asahi-san any time to answer, Tsukasa sprints away to an unexpected Emu.
“Wha-wha-wha Tsukasa-kun! What do you need?!”
“You have an incredible ability to bring out the best in others, Rui-kun”
Rui looks over to Asahi-san. They’ve just completed yet another play’s run together, and are celebrating with an after party. They’re in a high rise on the outskirts of the Arcland Theme Park in one of the administrative buildings, Rui looking out to view below.
“Fufu, thank you for your hard work as always, Asahi-san.”
“Man, Tsukasa-kun really nailed the climax. You were right to push for extra emphasis on the choreography during that part. The hard work you’ve all put into your physique has really paid off.”
Does Asahi-san have to bring up Tsukasa-kun yet again? Rui can’t help but lock into place, his shoulders stiff and haunched slightly. He knows he’s being illogical, after all Asahi-san brought this up to compliment him. But does it always have to come back to Tsukasa-kun? He gets it, Tsukasa-kun shone brighter than ever before. Does Asahi-san really have to remind Rui over and over again how much he likes Tsukasa-kun.
As Rui is beating himself up, Asahi sighs and leans in a bit closer. He sounds tired.
“Is it alright if we talk, Rui-kun?”
It feels like Rui is going to get scolded by a teacher. Unlike that though, Rui is actually nervous. He turns around to face the room so as to not be snuck upon by anyone. Asahi-san asked in a whisper, so presumably they don’t want to be heard. He nods slowly, nervously taking a sip of his lemonade.
Asahi-san sighs, looking down and to the side. “I think you should talk to Tsukasa-kun about how you feel.”
Rui feels like he’s been kicked in the chest. Is he that far gone that Asahi-san has to lecture him about this of all people? He frowns deeply, grasping the bottom of his shirt tightly with one hand, and covering his mouth with his drink. He wasn’t expecting Asashi-san to be so direct.
To his credit, Asahi-san doesn’t look like he wants to talk about it either. Rui licks his lips but isn’t able to formulate a reply.
“You’ve both been acting strange,” he gives Rui a sad smile, and they both look over to Tsukasa-kun. “I think you need to clear the air out.”
Rui tries to keep his cool. “I could say you should do the same thing.”
Asahi-san turns slightly pink, and looks away from Tsukasa-kun. “I don’t think it would go the same for me as it would for you.”
It’s easy enough for Rui to pick up on the implication, even if he isn’t so sure he agrees.
“My apologies Asahi-san, I never meant for this to get in the way of our shows.”
Rui feels a hand on his shoulder, and looks over. Asahi-san still has that sad smile on his face. “It hasn’t. I just want you two to stop… whatever this is.” Rui doesn’t answer yet again, feeling rather foolish for how obvious he’s been to Asahi-san. “Did you only just tell him about that job I offered you? He brought it up the other day.”
He’s thankful for the somewhat change in topic. “I see… I brought it up once we started working together, I didn’t want you to bring it up first and surprise the group.”
At Asahi-san’s pained expression, Rui carries on. “Why do you ask? Did he say something?” Asahi-san quickly shakes his head,
“No, not really.”
An obvious lie, but Rui doesn’t want to push this conversation in any direction. He’d much rather leave if possible. He looks back towards Tsukasa-kun, where Asahi-san had been looking for most of this conversation.
Rui is surprised to see Tsukasa-kun looking back with the sharpest expression he thinks he’s ever seen from the other.
Tsukasa feels himself being stared at before he looks over. Asahi-san and Rui are in deep conversation, and keep looking in his direction. Initially he tries ignoring it, trying to give the two privacy - this is a personal event, it isn’t right for Tsukasa to get himself involved, is what he tells himself.
But when he notices the two look uncomfortable, both with the faintest hint of blush, he suddenly can’t focus on anything else.
From what he can tell, Rui doesn’t blush easily. He’s only seen it a couple of times, and even then Tsukasa isn’t sure how much of it was acting versus actual embarrassment. He can’t help his thoughts rushing to the most dramatic options, and then cursing himself for it. Tsukasa Tenma is not one to overthink things, this shouldn’t change just because of some silly feelings.
Against his better wishes, Tsukasa finds himself yet again feeling frustrated at whatever is going on between the two. The conversation only seems to be getting more intimate, with the others going between refusing to look at each other, and vaguely looking in Tsukasa’s direction. Are they talking about him? Why would they talk about him? Seriously, what does Asahi-san have for Rui to let him in that Tsukasa doesn’t seem to have? This obviously isn’t a professional conversation.
He can feel himself glaring. He probably looks ridiculous, but it’s nothing out of the ordinary for him. He can always say it’s just another quirk of his-
“Tsukasa,” the voice is Nene’s, and soon enough Tsukasa feels her grab against his jacket, pulling him to turn his head and look at her. “What the hell is up with you?”
He opens his mouth to respond, immediately cut off. “Nevermind. You’re an idiot. Wait here,” Nene lets go of Tsukasa, giving him a pointed glare before storming over to Rui and Asahi-san. Tsukasa watches Nene grab Rui in much the same way, saying something to him and dragging him over to Tsukasa. Apparently whatever she’s bothered by is enough to make her interrupt their conversation without nerves.
“You two are both acting weird. Leave and talk it out. Now.”
Emu decides to join in, grabbing Tsukasa to drag him to the entrance alongside Nene dragging Rui. “You two are both so mur mur mur mur! Come back when things are sorted and you’re all smiley and wonderhoy again!” She gives a surprisingly soft smile. “I’m sure everything will be okay.”
And like that, the two of them are pushed out of the office door and into the hallway of the Arcland executive building.
So it’s come down to this, Tsukasa supposes. It makes sense that they’d notice, it’s not like he was doing a great job at hiding his negativity. Sighing deeply, he turns to Rui who is pointedly looking at the floor.
“Shall we go find an empty training room?”
The walk to the practice rooms for the Arcland troupe is unsurprisingly a quiet one. Tsukasa puts his hands in his pockets, thinking over and over again what he should say. He doesn’t need to go all the way, this isn’t a forced confession or anything. If he just brings up the offer and how the hiddenness of it all bothered him, maybe that will be enough to get them off his trail?
Since the troupe are mostly in the executive suite celebrating, the backrooms of the Centre Theatre are more empty than usual. It doesn’t take much searching to find a lockable practice room, and the two boys silently made themselves comfortable.
Running through his plans in himself once more, Tsukasa sighs to get Rui’s attention. It works, the two finally making eye contact for the first time since they were kicked out of the party.
Tsukasa steels himself, “You didn’t actually reject the Arcland offer, did you?”
Rui does look genuinely surprised, his mouth parting slightly before he tilts his head to the side, bringing his hand to his chin as he often does.
“I guess I didn’t, huh…”
“What do you mean you guess?!” Tsukasa doesn’t mean for it to come out that harsh, but he feels like he’s going to explode. “Did you just lie to us to keep us happy or what? You accepted the offer but it was taken away!” He has no right to be angry, Rui has done nothing wrong. This isn’t fair, he should stop himself as soon as possible. This isn’t going to make anything better at this rate.
Rui looks hurt, and Tsukasa immediately feels a flood of regret. “I didn’t want to accept it, but I knew I had to. I didn’t really like thinking about the offer, so misconstrued it in my head. I apologise.”
Tsukasa breaks, feeling himself deflate. “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have shouted. I was frustrated at myself, for thinking my acting was enough to keep you with us.”
“That’s not-”
“I know.” He sighs to himself, giving Rui a sad smile.
Rui frowns deeply. “I’m so glad I didn’t leave.”
“Me too”
Tsukasa isn’t sure where to go from here. It’s not often the silence between the two could be called awkward, but this is one of those few times. He’s sure that Nene and Emu would not consider this business finished as is, but he isn’t completely sure where to go. Does he explain his jealousy issues? How far can he go without Rui suspecting something more?
Rui looks deeply concerned about something, his brows knit very tight together. Tsukasa pushes forward.
“I… I think I’m jealous at how much Asahi-san wants your attention.”
He is sure that he’s blushing ferociously, it’s honestly humiliating to admit out loud, but if Tsukasa has learnt anything from his time with his friends, it’s that he can trust them. Even if Rui figures everything out, it will be okay. It has to be.
Rui immediately goes bright red, his eyes widening out of genuine surprise. That’s better than anger, Tsukasa figures. He breathes deeply to keep himself in check, despite wanting against all his better judgments to run out of the room. After far too long a silence, Rui starts looking more normal, a faint blush still covering him. Tsukasa notices him fidgeting with the corner of his long shirt - that’s something new, he thinks to himself.
“I think you’re misconstruing Asahi-san’s intentions.” It’s a very detached tone of voice, something not too strange to hear from Rui, although Tsukasa can tell he’s trying incredibly hard to keep his voice flat, although faltering in places. That makes both of them.
“He invited you to join his troupe, he’s constantly going on about your directing. He…” Tsukasa sighs, gripping his jacket close, arms crossed. “I think it’s something that goes beyond the scope of our jobs.” He hopes that what he means comes across. He doesn’t want to accuse Asahi-san of anything directly, or bring up personal relations directly.
Rui looks at Tsukasa with a frankly strange expression, something Tsukasa can’t even begin to place. All he can tell is that Rui must be thinking a lot, not that that’s unusual.
“If anything I think you’re the person Asahi-san is looking to become closer to.”
That makes no sense. Sure Asahi-san declared Tsukasa his rival, and they’ve talked plenty of times, but that hasn’t felt anything out of the ordinary? And Asahi-san didn’t try to recruit him. “The way we talk is completely different.”
“Is it really?” Rui’s voice gets a bit colder. Tsukasa looks to the door, trying to plan a potential escape. He can easily outrun Rui.
“I’m not the one he tried to recruit.”
Tsukasa almost thinks that Rui looks annoyed. “He is interested in my professional abilities as a director, nothing more.”
“Then what were you two talking about during the party?” Tsukasa knows it’s none of his business but he can’t help it at this point. Rui isn’t making any sense!
“You,” the answer is simple enough, and it stops Tsukasa in his tracks immediately. The heat hasn’t left his face.
He furrows his brow. “W-what do you mean?”
“He was saying how great you were on stage.” This conversation doesn’t feel real any more. What is Rui even trying to say? That Asahi-san is in love with him and not Rui? Rui is usually so right about everything, but Tsukasa has to show him wrong now.
“Okay? That doesn’t mean anything.”
“And the way he looks at you?” Tsukasa thinks back. He frankly hasn’t paid attention to how Asahi-san looks at him. Is it anything special?
“Obviously he’s smitten by my star power! Hahaha!” This is not the time to laugh, but this conversation is getting completely out of hand and Tsukasa has no idea what to do. In a game of chess against Rui he is always destined to lose.
“Tsukasa-kun,”
He gulps, Rui sounds much more serious now, a distanced look to his face.
“Why do you care?”
The question he doesn’t really want to answer. Tsukasa comes up with the most circular way round possible.
“As I said, I’m jealous of how much he’s vying for your attention.” He can play this off platonically, right? “I want your attention on me.”
The room goes silent. Too silent. Tsukasa can feel his heart beat in his whole body, a warm reminder of his own nerves. He’s messed up, he’s certain of it.
Rui covers his face, yet another strange behaviour. He almost chuckles, causing Tsukasa to become even more worried. What the hell is going on?
“What am I supposed to do with that?” Rui sounds louder than usual.
He pushes out the words, throat dry. “What do you mean?”
“What do you want from me?” He’s almost shouting now, and Tsukasa remembers why he thinks an angry Rui is so terrifying. “I’m already your director. You already have me! What more could you possibly want?!”
He wants Tsukasa to say it out loud, doesn’t he?
“I-” Tsukasa’s voice breaks. He breathes through it, in and out. Rui is almost glaring at him. “I want your attention. Outside of directing.”
Rui’s face starts distorting, his cheeks red and blotchy. He isn’t crying, but doesn’t look far off. Tsukasa just stares in awe, so many new sides to his director in one small conversation. He can’t even tell if Rui is mad at him anymore. What even is going on?
“Please,” Rui sounds broken, his voice a tiny fraction of before. “Please be direct with me, Tsukasa-kun. I need it.”
Rui collapses to the floor on his knees, he looks to be in so much pain. Tsukasa feels like the worst person in the world right now. His own horrible emotions have done nothing but hurt those he cares about, haven’t they?
Rui asked him to be direct. He can do that. He can end whatever horrible thing is going on right now.
Tsukasa kneels down on the floor so that he is face to face with Rui, who is almost cowering in on himself, again in a manner completely alien.
One deep breath. You can do it, Tsukasa Tenma.
Project your voice.
“I like you, Rui.”
Rui’s head feels completely empty.
It’s like there’s a huge cloud where the brain of Rui Kamishiro should be. How is he supposed to feel again? He’s overwhelmingly happy, he believes. He isn’t surprised, not really. This is the only thing that made sense of everything that has happened these last few hours.
It’s happened before. An overwhelming amount of happiness that zaps all reactions. His face is still hot, his tears ready to fall, but frozen in place behind his eyelids.
Tsukasa-kun looks about ready to die. Rui should probably save him from that.
He drags himself back to Earth. Back to the small practice room. Back to being opposite Tsukasa Tenma, the man he loves.
Spurred into immediate action the moment his head reconnects with his body, Rui grabs at Tsukasa-kun’s jacket sleeves, not daring to touch his actual skin. Speaking quickly, as if Tsukasa-kun will disappear at any moment,
“I like you too, Tsukasa-kun”
It was more wet than he intended. Man, Tsukasa-kun really is a talented actor, able to keep himself so calm. Rui tries not to fall harder.
Somehow despite all of this, Tsukasa-kun has the gall to look surprised at Rui’s confession. He could almost laugh if it wasn’t likely to also make him cry.
“Really?”
Rui nods frantically. “I do. I really do, Tsukasa-kun.” He never wants to stop saying Tsukasa-kun’s name. Tsukasa-kun.
Tsukasa-kun scrunches up his face. Rui lets himself find that adorable. It’s like he can finally breathe for the first time.
“Hey, Rui?”
“Hm?”
Tsukasa-kun looks slightly nervous again, but mostly back to his regular self. He’s blushing, of course, but he no longer looks ready to bolt.
“Can I hug you?”
Rui can’t help the giggle that escapes his mouth. Tsukasa-kun is really being adorable. It’s not that they haven’t hugged before, technically, but he supposes this would be the first hug between just the two of them, without their other teammates involved.
“Of course.”
Rui starts to scoot towards Tsukasa-kun, but is immediately outmanoeuvred by Tsukasa-kun basically stomping himself over on his knees, and grabbing Rui in the most intense, tight, hug possible. It’s comforting. Warm.
They grip each other like lifelines. They’re done with the stupid bitterness and jealousy. They’re here now, together.
Tsukasa-kun slowly lets the hug drop, but still holds onto Rui’s arms. Skin on skin. “First thing’s first, Rui! I must take you on the most wondrous date, befitting the boyfriend of a world future star!!”
The giggle escaping Rui this time is much softer and high pitched. He loves this silly excitable side to Tsukasa-kun, and would have this go no other way. He smiles back, sure he may look creepier than intended, but he knows that Tsukasa-kun doesn’t mind.
“Of course, my star.”
“Oh, and we must apologise to Asahi-san.”
“Definitely.”