Chapter Text
It was the perfect day for a luncheon as Tsukasa settled on the rooftop by his friend, Kamishiro Rui. He sat cross-legged and placed the healthy bento he had made directly in front of him, feeling smug that most of his lunch today consisted of vegetables. Finally, his carefully planned meal would remain unaltered by a certain fussy eater. Even if it came at the cost of his beloved ginger-fried pork. Could you blame him after several run-on days of that thieving maniac continually finding ways to swap their meals around?
He unclipped the cover of the bento purposefully, ready to finally dig in without interruption. After Rui saw the greens he would surely keep to his own lunch after all! The fried vegetables were waiting for him, perfectly seasoned to taste, and he gripped one clump of it with a bit of rice with his chopsticks, almost salivating over it until–
"Would you choose friendship over love?" Rui came out of left wing, knocking Tsukasa's chopsticks cleanly out of his hands (metaphorically of course, Rui did not need to lift a finger to manage this).
Tsukasa looked over to see Rui with his head pointed towards the blue sky. He followed his gaze upwards, fluffy white clouds slowly sailing above the two of them. The sky, as beautiful as it was, did not seem like the source of the question. Evidently, something must be going through his director's head, but there were no clues as of yet to determine exactly what. His eyes returned to said boy, but it was no use. Tsukasa sighed and thought back to the question, deciding to process it verbally.
"Hmm, I believe so. I can have so many friends that I love and care about, yet if only one can take my hand..." He paused, wondering if he was going in the right direction. "And why wouldn't someone I love also have the capacity to just be a close friend? If that's the case then the obvious answer is to continue with friendship."
Rui glanced at him. "Someone who you loved deeply, then. So much so that you couldn't go on with your friendship, not without your romantic feelings conflicting with whatever their own feelings may be."
After a while of Tsukasa blankly staring back, Rui gently shook his head and returned to looking at the vast, blue sky.
There were a couple things Tsukasa couldn't understand. How would one get feelings that strong, for one? What did they feel like; had he felt that way? He had thought that romantic love was an extension of the love he felt for his friends; the feeling of protecting what was his, and giving his all for their smile. Yet Rui phrased his question in a way that seemed different to that. Like this love could overpower or transcend those feelings. In favour of what, though?
His mind resounded with an unnerving emptiness.
"I..." Tsukasa hesitated. "I don't think that would happen to me?"
"Well it's only a hypothetical, so just imagine it."
"I... can't."
"Huh?" Rui glanced back towards him, searching for... something. Something Tsukasa couldn't give him. Perhaps something he lacked. Or maybe, something he needed to discover himself?
Tsukasa suddenly slammed his bento onto the concrete floor with the force of all his Mikazukigumi training. "I can't Rui, I can't! This is terrible news! What if I have to act this some day?! I haven't considered a love so grand that it would ruin a friendship!"
Rui blinked as Tsukasa nearly tore out his hair, a half smile sympathetically spreading across his face as he took in the level of defeat the star seemed to be in. "That would be a problem now, wouldn't it."
"Exactly! Argh, Rui! How would you answer the question?!"
"Fufu, I'm the one who asked first my star. Please, do try to answer your best."
The star groaned. "Then at least give me a hint as to how that sort of passionate love differs from the love of friendship!"
The rooftop grew quieter as Rui's gaze upon him grew louder. The layers that made up Tsukasa peeled away at his director's careful attention; the star felt his insides being dissected and resisted the need to shiver.
"Is it possible that you've never experienced romantic love?" His diagnosis lay bare.
"I–... I..." Tsukasa bit his tongue briefly. "No, that can't be possible. Is it?"
Romantic love wasn't supposed to be unfamiliar. It surrounded him everyday, in his parents' tender kisses they never hid, music on the radio dramatising the heart's desires, and the very plays he acted out. He'd acted out romantic love! And now he had to question whether he'd done a disservice to the characters he'd portrayed.
"Is that really possible...?" He mumbled to himself.
"Humans have a large spectrum of lived experiences, I wouldn't be surprised if some may experience romantic love differently, or even not at all."
Tsukasa didn't know how to reply. He couldn't vow to suddenly fall in love, after all. Everyone else seemed to do it so naturally, what would it even mean to fall in love forcefully?
"...Stockholm syndrome?"
"Hm?"
"What if we trigger Stockholm syndrome to make me fall in love?!" Tsukasa whipped his head around to stare down Rui. "Come on, this world future star cannot go another second without understanding such a fundamental emotion!"
Rui stared straight back at him, not dismissively, rather a bit amused. "Firstly, Tsukasa-kun, Stockholm syndrome is a discredited affliction. Secondly, there are other methods we should try first, fufu~"
"Like?"
"Fufu, if you insist, how about going on a date for starters? Traditionally it's the fastest way to find your feelings for another."
"Hmm... that might be fine. Who should I go on a date with?" Tsukasa asked. Rui opened and closed his mouth.
"Well, that's up to you." He finally replied.
"Hmm, I'll think about it after lunch. I don't want to run out of time to eat my luncheon after all!"
"Of course, then let's dig in." Rui nodded, grabbing his own lunch for the day. Tsukasa almost followed suit, but impatience overtook him first. He thought it harmless to ask.
"What would be your answer, Rui? To your initial question, I mean."
Rui paused picking the vegetables out of his sandwich. Tsukasa almost got distracted by the urge to scold him, though Rui's certain reply stopped him in his tracks.
"I'd have to say love. Perhaps I'd try to hold out on friendship. Realistically, based on past evidence, the feeling would overwhelm me, and I'd be left with little choice but to end even the friendship. Does that help?"
Tsukasa gaped at the confession. Living proof that the sort of romantic love he couldn't dream of existed. Though it sounded absurd to himself, a part of him would never want to get rid of what seemed to be a perfect friendship.
"Yes... thank you for your aid." The thanks came out a bit more solemn than intended as he once more became lost in thought.
Rui nodded and looked mournfully at the soggy cucumber he'd taken out of his sandwich, before passing it onto Tsukasa.
"Oh come on!"
Straight after the absolute betrayal his so-called friend had handed him (for star's sake, he had made the luncheon perfect! That mean any additions were not welcome!) The world future star had decided to get up, move on from his consistent source of stress, and go seek additional advice on his newfound conundrum.
And who better to ask than their diva, Nene. Surely a girl her age had her own strong opinions on love, perhaps it came with the gender. It's not like his male friends had ever asked him about romance. Though they sometimes talked about girls of interest. And Taniyama had specifically referred to him being friends with others who were known for being popular among their female peers. But that was all just friendly kinship between fellow classmates, right?
Whatever! Nene was going to answers his questions!
He threw the door to class 2A open, planting a foot in the room. Heads immediately swivelled towards him, but only for a split second as they immediately recognised the guy who had taken liberties in making sure his friend was settling in. A small groan came from the far corner of the room, making herself known.
"What brings you here?" Nene sighed as Tsukasa strided over.
"Thank you for asking," Tsukasa asked. "Our director made the gravest offense; he added his unsightly cucumber to my perfect luncheon!"
Nene winced as she felt imaginary eyes on them, though they were just that. Everyone in her class were very used to their boisterous upperclassman.
"Is that it?" She asked, already exasperated.
"As a matter of the fact, it is not!" He sighed. "You see, Rui posed a very troubling question to me. One that I would like to ask your help with answering. Would you choose friendship over love?"
Nene's nose wrinkled. "No, never."
Tsukasa blinked. Even if it was in fact the same conclusion as his own answer, her speed was confusing.
"Never?"
"Don't tell me you would."
"No! I mean, no. I answered the same as you just not... with so much disgust?"
Nene rolled her eyes. "Well it's a dumb question. Anyone with a brain wouldn't even engage with that brain rotted junk."
"Brain rotted?"
"Yes. What are you one of those guys who'll say oh you just haven't met the right person, because I'll have to stop you there–"
Tsukasa shook his head fervently. "Not at all, I just didn't expect that you'd detest the idea of a romantic partner so much. Especially when you've acted those roles out fairly well."
Nene shrugged. "It's not that hard to act like a lovesick fool. They all act the same, a bit too happy with the idea of the person they think they're in love with, while actually not knowing anything about said person at all."
Ouch.
"Well, most of them anyway. Like geez, I wonder why Rui would ask you that question." She asked, gaze piercing through Tsukasa.
"Well, I think he was just trying to point out something for my acting."
The knowing look in Nene's eyes was replaced with disappointment. Tsukasa continued to elaborate. "I know my portrayals have been mediocre thus far, and I believe Rui has found the source of that. I haven't experienced romantic love yet!"
"You... haven't?"
"Nope. Have you?"
A flash of pain flitted over Nene's eyes. "Yes."
Tsukasa didn't catch it and moved on with his own revelation. "Well I don't think I have. Hence! I need to try my best to put myself out there and experience it for the first time! I was trying to think of a couple of ways, but Rui said Stockholm syndrome didn't exist and–"
"Excuse me, Stockholm syndrome?" Nene asked, unimpressed. "You know people usually go on dates and stuff, right?"
Tsukasa opened his mouth. And then shut it. And then opened it again. And shut it again. He finally settled on a dumbfounded stare.
Nene could only sigh. "You really only do focus on shows. Honestly, I feel sorry for anyone who has even thought of asking you out."
"H-Hey! That's besides the point! Anyone would be lucky to go on a date with this world future star!" Tsukasa confidently exclaimed. "So. How does one go about dates?"
"Have you ever heard of a coffee date?"
Tsukasa shook his head.
"So you go up to someone. Tell them they look good. Ask them if they want to grab coffee. Boom! By the end you have some semblance of whether you could stand their face for another day. Easy enough, even for a show idiot like you."
Tsukasa made a mental note of the steps.
"Ok, got it," He coughed a bit. "Nene! You look absolutely stunning today, how would you like to grab some coffee with me after school!"
Nene punched him through his stomach.
Personally, Tsukasa thought that that had been very rude of Nene.
He had let out the most unstarlike scream in response to her attack, and a teacher had come in to pull him into a scolding. In front of his kouhai! How embarrassing! After that he had no choice but to abandon his pride and walk away... He hadn't even gotten a proper reply from Nene about what he had done wrong.
Where even to go next! The rooftop housed his traitor director, he had just been kicked out from Nene's classroom. Perhaps his own classroom, though he had really wanted to get more advice from Nene. Oh well, there wasn't much other option. He could get to his classroom and work on something perhaps.
He made his way to his homeroom. Opening the door, he immediately noticed purple hair in front of his desk, and sighed. Seemed his assailant had reached before him, though his emotions from prior had cooled down, so any hard feelings had dissipated by now. It seemed he couldn't ever be mad for long at his director.
"Rui!"
"Tsukasa-kun?" Rui turned around, his signature smile already stretched across his face. "Back so soon~?"
Tsukasa huffed. "Well I had gone to consult Nene about your question and she suggested I try going on a date. I tried practicing how she suggested I go about it, and she almost made me lose my lunch!"
Rui smiled sympathetically. "Did you let her know it was for practice?"
"No... is that a problem?"
"Yes. Don't take it to heart, Nene hasn't got the best attitude towards romance."
"I see. Though it leaves me in an awkward position. I'm not sure who I should ask out! It can't be anybody who would expect something serious, I can't guarantee returning feelings after all."
Rui nodded. "Well, putting Nene aside you might be able to ask Emu. She would understand your situation."
Tsukasa blinked at the man in front of him, blankly staring at him for a moment before a light bulb lit in his head. He slapped his fist on top his palm. "Well what about you?"
Before Rui could reply, he chuckled and struck a pose, one fist above his chest, the other hand stretched out towards his target. "Rui! You're quite handsome yourself, surely you wouldn't mind if this future star took you out on a date!"
“...”
For a quiet moment, Tsukasa imagined Rui reacting as negatively as Nene. It was quite irrational, but the memory of her punch was fresh on his stomach, and Rui's eyes had widened in near the exact same way Nene's had.
"Is... This practice too?" Rui finally said, in a neutral tone usually reserved for conversing with a stranger. Tsukasa's outstretched hand retracted to sheepishly scratch the back of his neck.
"Well, it could be. Though I would appreciate if you considered it. It's just a test date, you know? Nothing will come of it."
Tsukasa had added that to reassure him, but it didn't appear to have the intended effect.
Rui glanced towards the empty classroom, let out a small sigh, and smiled. "It would be my honour, Tsukasa-kun."
"Really?!"
"Of course, I'm the one responsible for your curiosity correct? It'd be rude of me not to take responsibility fufu. So, what do you have planned?"
Tsukasa broke into a huge smile. "Worry not my dear director, I have the best date planned ever! Just keep your Saturday open and you won't regret it!"
"I'm looking forward to it~" Rui smiled back, the muscles in his face slightly straining against the unnatural expression.
Perhaps his overconfidence would be the death of him someday. Today couldn't be that day though, he needed to find the perfect date location to take Rui to! Otherwise this test was doomed from the beginning!!!
He had been scrolling through his phone for much too long at this point, nothing quite seemed correct. Maybe he should just swallow his pride and tell Rui that he might need a bit of guidance, but somehow that didn't feel in the spirit of asking someone out on a date.
"The aquarium...?"
Tsukasa screamed, snapping his head towards the voice. Ah, Saki was back. He let out a sigh of relief as she laughed.
"Geez Onii-chan, what's gotten you so worried about the aquarium? I wasn't even quiet while coming in!"
"It's not just about the aquarium Saki." He sighed. "Truth is I'm going on a test date with Rui–"
Saki squealed. "Date?!"
"Ah, don't get the wrong idea! It's just to get some experience for any future shows I may put on."
"Oh... Well, a date is a date!" She smirked. "And with Rui-san no less, why him?"
"Nene dislikes romance, and Rui was the next available person who wouldn't question a test date."
"Geez, that's so straightforward of you Onii-chan. And you were thinking of going to an aquarium?"
"Y-yes. Well, no. I can't help but think, surely there are better places to take him. Like maybe the planetarium! Seeing a bunch of stars has got to be better than seeing a bunch of fish. But there are also plenty of cool fish," Tsukasa groaned. "None of this matters, I don't know the name of any stars, or any fish!"
"I think that sort of information would be provided?"
"But it wouldn't be very star-like of me to go to a place on a first date and not have anything interesting to say about the place, you know?"
Saki nodded. "Ok, I see your point. What about choosing a place he would like to go?"
"We've already been to all the museums in Tokyo! Any further might not be appropriate for a test date..."
"Umm, what about a cafe? That's a classic!"
Tsukasa shook his head. "We've been to most of the popular ones as after-party celebrations for shows, and anything more basic... I promised to give him the best date, Saki! What do I do!"
"Well, you would have gone with your whole group and not just you and Rui-san right? You could still–" Saki's eyes lit up. "That's it! You've been everywhere with your troupemates, right Tsukasa?"
He nodded.
"But I'm guessing you haven't been with just him to most of these places."
"We've been to a handful of locations, but it's true it's significantly less than where we've been as a group."
"Exactly, there's a difference between going as a group and going as a date you know? So why not go to a place that you've gone to as a group, and experience the difference between a group outing and a date!"
Tsukasa shot up. "Saki, you're a genius! The whole point of this test date is to try and understand what makes something romantic, so I'll have a clear baseline by going to a place that I've already experienced!"
"Mhm, and if that's the case I have the perfect location for you. Phennyland! They have plenty of couple's exclusive stuff, like certain rides can be experienced as a pair instead of a group, you can get couple's discounts... um. Though maybe that doesn't stack with your employee's discounts."
"Well, we technically don't work there anymore." Tsukasa chuckled. "That sounds amazing, my sister certainly has the best ideas!"
Saki puffed up. "Well, there's more where that came from, I can give you reference material for theme park dates, so study up! I'll go get them."
She ran up the steps as Tsukasa vibrated with anticipation on the sofa, and returned with a delicately balanced stack of books that Tsukasa met her halfway on the staircase to help with. They set them down on the coffee table, which is where Tsukasa got the first look of the cover.
"Saki, is this manga?"
"Yep, specifically ones that have a theme park date in them. I recommend you read them to get an idea of what to do on your date, and get idea of how you'll go about wooing Rui-san~"
"Wooing?" Tsukasa asked, confused.
"Yeah! Like, it's a date, you're planning on trying your hand at flirting, right~?" Saki teased to a blank-faced Tsukasa.
He hadn't thought about flirting, and in all honesty he had never understood it. Though he could guess why now, with the recent revelation that he didn't understand romantic gestures. Maybe this was his opportunity to finally get it.
"Yes, Saki." He replied, determined. "I shall read up and come out of this victorious!"
"That's the spirit! Well, you have fun reading up, I'm gonna go talk to the girls." She said sweetly. Perhaps if Tsukasa hadn't been so focused on which book he was going to choose, he would have found her tone suspicious. Fortunately for her though, he had already sat down with intent, and she was free to make her pleads to her group, for better or for worse.