Work Text:
Tsukasa took a shivering deep breath — a stupid attempt to calm himself from his nervousness.
why was he nervous anyway?
well, you see...
"Tsukasa-kun!"
a lavender haired boy called out, waving his hand at him to catch his attention. he had been waiting here for a few minutes after dismissal, going straight to Tsukasa's school to patiently stand beside the gate to meet up with him.
meanwhile the other boy who had just passed the school gate turned his head right at the sound. a bright smile replacing his grim face earlier. his mind has been reeling throughout the whole day because of their agreement today — that Tsukasa would finally introduce his dear friend to his parents and sister. it has been long overdue enough, so it would be better than later.
"psst, Rui! over here!"
Tsukasa walks over to the younger, standing on his tippy toes to ruffle his hair. the other complaining about his already messed hair getting even more messed up by the older. the two shared equal steps together. they both know damn well that this family meeting would either end in trouble, or acceptance. considering how Tsukasa described his parents as a scary and strict figure, Rui was surely more than terrified to meet up; but with Tsukasa's cute act of puppy eyes, he was left no other choice but to go. no one would dare decline that tooth decaying adorable pleads of the future star.
with frequent chats and senseless exchanges of banters, they didn't realize that they were already nearing the blond's residence. the younger ending to a sudden halt, almost bumping into the other. the duo looked up at the large house of the Tenma residence, their hearts beating a tenfold more than usual.
hah! cowards..
and that is how we got here right now!
"Rui..! w- what if they don't accept y- you...?"
he stutteringly lets out, a pathetic sound escaping him. eyes trying to hide the fact that he was scared as hell.
"l- let's... just hope for the better..."
with a hint of hope, Tsukasa looked up at Rui — feeling comfort from the small reassurance. the threatening tears from his bothersome anxiety took a few steps back, leaving him alone with his newfound confidence.
he takes the first step in the house, taking off his shoes.
"I'm home."
while his eyes darted around the living room, he spotted his parents on the couch with his sister Saki, possibly catching up to her after she had just gotten discharged out of the hospital yesterday.
he can't chicken out now! Rui was just an inch from the entrance, awaiting for a sign from the older to continue and enter the house.
"I- I.. brought home someone.."
with heavy stares, Tsukasa gathered up the guts to speak up. another half assed attempt to seem positive without any fear — a total opposite of whatever he was feeling at the moment.
"m- mom, dad, Saki, this is Rui.."
deafening silence.
until Saki spoke up.
"is he your lover, nii-chan?"
....
"w- WHAT?! NO!!"
and sure enough, his parents were silently giggling behind Saki. trying to hide their amusement as they cover their mouths, their shoulders bouncing up and down.
after a few hours of awkward talking with his parents, they finally seemed to get along very well.
Rui was still hanging onto the bars for security, trying to play safe and to not step on the wrong tile and fall down the depths below.. that is the least thing that he wants to happen right now.
Tsukasa sat down on a chair, Rui pushing it towards the table for him. the family meeting got too well to the point that they even invited Rui to eat dinner with them. and Rui, the gentleman he is, accepted the kind offer.
utensils clanking against the plates, a faint chewing sound can also be heard if you listen closely.
with a final bite, Rui's phone coincidentally rang at the same time.
his mother was calling him.
he bows to the four people before him, thanking them for their kindness as he turned to leave. Tsukasa volunteering to walk him to the nearest train station to get home safely as possible.
no words were needed to be expressed; just the warm company of each other was more than enough.
walking hand in hand, they turn to the entrance of the train station. Tsukasa, not wanting to let go — but had no other choice, frees the other's hand.
he waves good bye at him.
the pair of golden eyes still looked at him until the train moved out of his vision, as if Rui never wanted to leave his side in the first place.
he never did.
if he could, he would've stayed by his side and savor every sweet moment they share. to feel the love that was robbed from his poor mind and heart.
reality is far too harsh to grant that childish wish of his. to satisfy a harmless want of an innocent, desperate boy.
Tsukasa stops waving at the empty train tracks, his mind still yet to process the information shown to him.
for the very first time, he saw Rui's eyes contain a genuine spark of gleaming joy, unlike the obviously fake ones he usually wears to please those around him.
turning his feet around, he walked out of the station.
walking back home, alone.
★