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Momo: Before getting together
It was late afternoon when Momo and Towa visited their favorite cafe. Tomorrow Towa would travel to the GGC and the two best friends wanted to get a meeting in before it was time for her to leave. The quiet cafe they always went to was the perfect place for someone as Towa Amane to have a conversation in peace.
“So you're leaving tomorrow?”
“Yes, Oikatzo organized everything. He even booked the hotel rooms at his own expense.” Towa smirked.
“As if you're not used to fancy hotels.”
“Maybe, but it's all the sweeter when I don't have to pay for it myself. I'll get every expensive treatment there is and then some.” She smirked.
Momo shook her head at her friend. Even when Towa was more toned down than Pencilgon in game, when she was with friends her true personality shone through. The friendship she had with Towa was something Momo cherished deeply and it was rare that they didn't share something with each other. The only exception of course was when it came to game strategies, there Pencilgon was closed off if it didn't benefit her to share her plans. In SLF they not always agreed on tactics which explained why they were in different clans, but both of them were leaders. Momo knew most of her close clan members in real life thanks to the many meetings they had over the past year, but for Towa tomorrow would be the first time getting to know her two clan members IRL.
Towa had talked to her about them before, but seeing them together was different. When Momo had met Sunraku and Oikatzo in game the three clan members had a teasing dynamic, but what surprised her was how close Towa was with them. Having known and being friends with her for a while, Momo knew how picky Towa was when it came to letting people in. It had always been like this and now that she was famous it was even worse. Seeing her so open with Oikatzo and Sunraku warmed her heart. However while she had detected a siblinglike bond between Towa and Oikatzo, the connection between Sunraku and Towa seemed different.
In real life Towa was more on the flirtatious side, but never truly interested in someone. Momo knew that Towa had never let herself be vulnerable enough to let someone as close to her to risk falling in love, but the way she was with Sunraku... There was clearly something there, at least from Towa's side. Momo had only spoken to Sunraku a few times about Lycagon, so she didn't know how he was looking on their friendship, but it was obvious that he knew the real Towa as Pencilgon and still stuck around. That in itself was a good sign.
Seeing that Towa would meet Sunraku in real life tomorrow Momo just had to get a rise out of her. Finally after their years of friendship, it was her time to pay her back for all her teasing.
“Aside from making Oikatzo broke, is there something you're even more excited about? Let's say a certain trash gamer who usually wears a bird mask in SLF and had more encounters with Lycagon than I ever had.”
“You're really way too obsessed with Lycagon.”
Momo knew what Towa was trying to do. Deflection. It might have worked before, but now she was set on teasing Towa.
“Not working. I might be obsessed with Lycagon, but we're talking about you and Sunraku. Don't even deny that you're excited to see him IRL. You talked my ear off about him after the Scenario EX with Wezaemon.”
“I was just really into that scenario, that's all.” At this point Towa had averted her eyes.
“Not as much as you're into him. If I remember correctly you said and I quote 'We were really depending on him. I couldn't have done it without him.' and don't try to deny that you only talked about what he did. Not one mentioning of poor Oikatzo.”
“So what? He did the most in the fight.” Towa's voice was getting softer.
“We both know that you usually only brag about everything you do and anyone else is just a side character, your ego is big enough for that. You acknowledging him like that without bragging about yourself is basically as close to a love confession as you get.”
Momo watched in wonder how her normally confident friend got shy, a light blush showing on the model's face. Now she could see why Towa loved teasing people, it was highly amusing, but then again Momo had to smile. In all her years knowing Towa she had never seen that expression on her face and it made her happy that her friend finally found someone she could fully be herself around.
“It's not like that.” Towa's wistful voice interrupted Momo's thoughts. “He sees me as a great gamer and maybe a friend at best.”
“Did you tell him who you're IRL?” A nodded 'yes' was the answer. “Has he treated you differently since you told him that you're Towa Amane?”
“No, nothing changed. When I told him and Oikatzo they didn't care at all, despite knowing who I'm. Sunraku even told me that his sister is a huge fan of mine, so he immediately knew who Towa Amane is IRL.”
“That's great. He knows both of your sides and stuck around. Why not see where it goes when you meet tomorrow?”
Momo saw in that the moment how Towa shut down her own vulnerability and got back to the Towa the public knew. Her friend hardly let herself be so open and that she had, even if it was indirectly, admitted to her feelings for Sunraku was a clear sign how deep her feeling really ran and how much she valued her opinion.
“You now it's already late. I have to go, pack and all that. It was great talking to you again.” With that Towa quickly stood up and turned around to leave.
Accepting that this was as far as Towa would let her in Momo had only one last advice.
“Towa.” When she turned around Momo smiled at her. “Give yourself a chance and don't decide for him how he sees you. Let him know how you feel and see where it goes.”
For a second a soft smile showed on Towa's lips before she hurried away. Momo watched her friend go. Hopefully the next time they met Towa had started dating Sunraku.
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Rumi: Before getting together
At the same time in the Hizutome household Rakuro was packing his bag for the GGC, but he wasn't alone.
“How can you not be over the moon knowing that you're meeting Towa Amane tomorrow?” Rumi couldn't stop bothering her brother about it.
When he had told her that he would see the pro gamer Kei Uomi at the GGC she hadn't been all that impressed, but since he had causally mentioned that the supermodel would also be there Rumi had not let it go. Here was her trash game loving brother who never when talked about a girl, meeting the model who everyone wanted to be around. When she had asked him how he met her, it was of course through a game. That in itself surprised Rumi greatly because she knew everything there was to know about Towa, but never had she told the public that she played games as a hobby. Then again she deserved to have a private life that wasn't known.
“She is the best model and everyone wants to meet her, me included.”
“It doesn't matter that I'm meeting her IRL, I know her through games already. She is not going to be any different in person.” Rakuro shrugged, which made his sister even angrier.
“You idiot, you don't realize how huge that is. A meet and greet with her costs a fortune if it's even possible because she almost never does them.” Still no reaction from her brother. “She gets marriage proposals every day and even a few celebrities have tried.”
“Really?” It was the first time in their conversation that her brother stopped packing and was giving her his full attention.
“Of course, who wouldn't want to date a supermodel.”
“They don't know her.”
Now that was an interesting reaction. While he had always given Rumi the feeling that she was important to him and that he cared for her, him reacting about something she said was rare. Maybe there was something between Towa and her brother that she didn't know. It was time to investigate.
“Why would you care? They know her. She gives interviews and answers questions about herself all the time.”
“You can't really think that just because someone knows things about her like her favorite color, they know her. In game she is different, more real, more herself and more someone I-” He broke off and turned away from her. “All I'm saying is that if you love someone so deeply that you want to marry them you should know all sides of them.”
Rumi could only watch her brother continuing to pack with her mouth hanging wide open. He was still not facing her again and she was pretty sure that he had almost let something slip that he hadn't told anyone or maybe even hadn't fully admitted to himself.
“You care so much for her.” Rumi began softly. “When you come back home is it with her as your girlfriend?”
At her words he flinched slightly, but turned to look at her.
“It's not like that. She sees me as a great gamer and maybe a friend at best.” There was something in her brother's eyes that Rumi had never seen, but it was gone before she could analyze it. “So don't get your hopes up to meet her IRL and now let me pack in peace.” With that he gently shoved her out of his room and close the door behind himself.
The look in his eyes haunted Rumi even an hour after their conversation. They might tease each other a lot and have a small fight here and there, but she loved her brother and wanted only the best for him. Normally he was confident in everything he said or did, but in that moment back then he had been insecure. Could it really be that he had fallen in love with her idol? He had never shown interest in a girl, but the way he had talked about Towa had been passionate. That kind of passion was normally only reserved for when he talked about his games. For once Rumi would put her dedication to modeling and to Towa Amane as her idol aside and just hope that her brother's feelings were returned. He deserved happiness and someone by his side who understood him.
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Momo: After getting together
It had been a month since their last meeting when Momo met Towa again IRL. This time it wouldn't just be the two of them but Towa would bring Sunraku along with her. Momo had seen them after they had gotten together in SLF, but this was her first time meeting them as a couple in real life. In game she had already seen a few changes between them, but nothing much because due to their gaming styles they didn't really see much of each other in SLF.
To say that Momo was excited would be an understatement, so she spotted them before they saw her. That gave her a moment to analyze their body language. Towa was hugging Sunraku's upper arm while telling him something. Judging by the devious look in her eyes it was about a new plan she was about to execute in SLF. For once her clothes were more casual but still stylish, something she only allowed herself when she was feeling secure and relaxed. Even knowing Towa as long as she did, this side of her was new to Momo. Of course she was still the same Towa, but there was a layer to her that just made her seem more content and happy.
Letting her glance drift to the guy next to her best friend, the first thing Momo noticed was how tall he was. Towa was wearing high heels and he still was taller than her. He was also very handsome with blue eyes and dark blue hair. Momo knew that Towa hadn't fallen for him because of his looks, but her best friend surely hadn't complained when she had found out how he looked. Not that Momo could have known from his SLF character with the bird mask and all. The look on his face was an amused one with an eye roll here and there at what Towa was saying to him, so Momo's theory about another devious plan of Towa was probably true. His outfit was casual, just a simple shirt and shorts, but at least the colors matched which was a win in her book.
When Towa finally saw her at their usual table, she waved happily and Momo returned the gesture with a smile. Before they sat down Towa pulled Sunraku even closer by his arm and smiled brightly.
“This is my boyfriend Rakuro Hizutome also known as Sunraku.”
“I could have introduced myself, you know.” Said boyfriend mumbled.
“We both know how bad you're with IRL introductions. Remember how you greeted me the first time IRL with a mask on your face? Not the best first impression.”
“That was one time.”
Momo watched the bickering couple with amusement. She could read her friend better than most people and knew that she had been proud to introduce Sunraku, or now more like Rakuro, as her boyfriend. The model was excited to let her know that he was now her boyfriend and she had wanted that moment for herself.
“Nice to meet you. I'm Momo Saiga alias Psyger 100.” Momo interrupted their bickering.
After Rakuro had returned the politeness they all sat down, with Towa and Rakuro on one side and Momo on the other. A few minutes into their conversation Momo felt it was time to get back at her friend for all the years of teasing.
“The supermodel Towa Amane and her boyfriend casually eating at a cafe with me, who would have thought.”
At her words Towa blushed while the look in her eyes promised Momo that the blackmail she had on her would be put to good use, but Rakuro frowned.
“To be honest I don't see her like that. I'm more excited to be dating Pencilgon than the supermodel Towa Amane. I like her true self.”
If Momo had thought that Towa looked like a love-stuck schoolgirl before it had nothing on the expression she was making now. Her eyes shone with love and her smile was the most affectionate one she had ever seen on her friend. The blush on her face and the way she practically melted at his words were just a bonus.
Momo had already respected Sunraku as a great gamer who accomplished more with Lycagon than even her, but now she also saw him as the perfect match to her best friend.
“You really made a great catch, Towa. Impressive considering that he is your first boyfriend.”
Towa's soft expression changed in a second to an embarrassed one.
“Don't tell him that.”
“I'm your first boyfriend?” There was a smirk on Rakuro's face.
“You're not letting me live that down, are you?”
“Of course not. Do you know how many times you blackmailed me?”
And there they went from such a sweet couple to one that love bickering. They really were perfect for each other, Momo thought amused. This time however she wasn't the one to interrupt their bickering, but an attractive waitress asking for their order. The woman's eyes were fixed on Rakuro and her gaze was more than a little appreciating.
“What can I get you, handsome?”
While Rakuro looked back at the menu without any reaction at all, Towa's eyes promised the wrath of a critical strike.
“You can get me and my boyfriend the couple dessert to share.” She turned to Rakuro with a sweet smile and took a hold of his upper arm. “Is that alright with you?”
“Sure, why not.” He returned her smile with a little bit of confusion.
Having front row seats to that exchange Momo had to keep herself from laughing. This was the first time she saw Towa possessive over someone. Sure, in game she was possessive when it came to loot or EX Scenarios, but never when it came to someone, so that was highly amusing.
Momo saw how disappointed and slightly frightened the waitress looked, after all Towa was giving her a custom Pencilgon stare, before she took the rest of their orders and left. After that the three fell back into an easy conversation about SLF, but Towa kept close to Rakuro until the waitress came back with their order. When they began eating one of Towa's hands was still intertwined with his and they only let go when Rakuro excused himself to go to the bathroom.
It was the perfect moment to tease the model again and Momo wouldn't be her friend if she didn't take it.
“You're really affectionate when it comes to him.” Momo smirked at her when he was out of earshot.
“Of course, he is my boyfriend after all.” She smiled brightly, before it dimmed slightly. “Is it too much? Do you think he doesn't like it?”
Momo could only find this side of Towa cute. Her normally confident friend was insecure. Even when she had teased her in front of Rakuro about this being Towa's first relationship she would be supporting her all the way.
“It's just your love language. How does he show you his affection?”
“He lets me have the first hit on a new boss and the final strike we always do together.” Now the model sounded more excited and love-struck than Momo had ever hear her.
“So you might have different ways of showing it, but you both love each other and that is what matters.”
While Momo had thought that she had done a good job of defusing Towa's worries it seemed that quite the opposite happened. Towa's excitement about Rakuro's love language was gone and was replaced with a sad look on her face.
“I don't know if he loves me. We confessed that we like each other and that we want to start a relationship, but I didn't tell him that I love him.” A laugh without any humor escaped Towa. “We meet for the first time IRL and I drop that on him? He would have run for the hills.”
“Or he feels the same way.” Momo encouraged gently.
“It doesn't matter right now. It's fine as it is.” Towa said and turned around in time to see that Rakuro was on his way back to their table. “Not a word to him or I'll never let you in when I find something out about Lycagon.”
When Rakuro sat back down Towa's true smile was back and she intertwined their hands again. Rakuro returned her smile and squeezed her hand softly. Momo was happy to see her best friend like this, but she hoped that Towa would confess her love to him soon.
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Rumi: After getting together
If someone had ever told Rumi that she would met Towa Amane, she would have said that it was possible during a meet and greet or while visiting a fashion show, but the model coming to their home because she was Rakuro's girlfriend had never even seemed like an option.
When Rakuro casually announced on their Sunday dinner that Towa would come over on Saturday for dinner before they went out to see a movie, Rumi couldn't believe her ears. For him it didn't seem like anything special and he continued to tell them about the movie which apparently was based on a game they had played together.
At first Rumi was almost angry at her parents because they had different plans for Saturday, so they wouldn't be home, but then she realized that because of that she would have more time with Towa. Something that she would make use of.
On Saturday evening she was so excited that she volunteered to cook the whole dinner by herself, which Rakuro agreed easily to because so he had more time to play SLF. When the doorbell rang Rumi tried her best to hold her fan self back, but when Towa Amane greeted her with a smile, it was over.
Towa seemed to have experience with this because she was answering all her questions and staying polite throughout her fan girl moment. However when they sat down, it was obvious that Towa was waiting for Rakuro to show up. After Rumi offered to get him and dragged him away from his game, the two sibling entered the living room.
While the smile Towa had given her was polite and friendly enough, Rumi only witnessed a real smile from her when Rakuro sat down next to her. He was looking too casual for a date with a model, but Towa didn't seem to mind.
“It was time you showed up.” She greeted him mockingly, but when he gave her a short kiss she blushed and her smirk vanished.
“I just got caught up in SLF.”
“Another Scenario EX you didn't tell me about?”
“I can't keep secrets from you with the shared inventory, you know that.”
Rumi had never seen her brother so close with someone. She knew that he was friends with other gamers and spent a lot of time with them, but IRL she had never seen it. At first glance it wasn't obvious that these two were a fit as a couple, but when the evening went on she saw it. Rumi got Towa engaged in talking about modeling and while Rakuro wasn't interested at all in that, he still stayed by Towa's side while she didn't let go of his hand. Sometimes she even lay her head on his shoulder without breaking the conversation as if it was the most natural thing in the world and Rumi realized that it was for them.
There was only one question that remained for Rumi and when it was almost time for the couple to leave for their movie date she had to ask her brother.
“So you love her?”
“Of course I love her. Why would I be her boyfriend if I didn't?”
While Rumi considered teasing him, her full attention snapped to Towa who had gasped loudly.
“You love me?” Her voice sounded breathless.
“Yes, is that a problem?” Now Rakuro was looking more confused than ever.
“You never told me.”
“I thought it goes without saying.” Rakuro still didn't get the point.
Rumi couldn't believe her brother. He had never told Towa that he loved her? Judging by the deep blush on Towa's face and the love-struck look in her eyes she had wanted to hear these words for a while. The model Towa Amane was gone in that moment and Rumi understood for the first time what her brother had meant when he had said that other people didn't know her true self. However that didn't make his confession less clumsy.
“You idiot, that's not how you confess. What were you thinking?”
“You asked me if I love her and I answered truthfully. What is wrong with that? I really don't get it.” Rakuro sighed annoyed.
“Of course you don't.” Rumi shook her head before now facing Towa, a light smirk on her lips. “I'm sorry about him, but now that we're on the topic, what about you? Do you love my brother?”
She wouldn't be a true little sister if she didn't at least make sure that he wasn't alone with his feelings. No matter how much she admired Towa, she was still her brother's girlfriend and Rumi wanted him to be happy with her.
At first Towa was looking at her, but then all her focus turned to Rakuro who was still confused but giving her a gentle smile.
“Thank you for loving me.” Her voice was soft and Rumi could hear true emotion in it. Something she was sure only few had witnessed Towa expressing. “I love you too.” With that she leaned over and kissed Rakuro who returned the kiss with a blush on his face.
That was Rumi's cue to leave. She was happy for them, but having seen their love confession was already enough for her, this was her brother after all. Closing the door behind her, she smiled to herself.
She had always wanted to be like the model Towa Amane, because she was strong and confident. Now seeing her here in their home and how she was with her brother brought another longing to Rumi. One day she wanted to have what Rakuro and Towa had, something so honest and rare that she had never seen it before, unconditional love.