Chapter Text
1~
The time was 6pm, and the sun could be seen setting, creating a gradient of blue to orange and yellow. The troupe had practiced till late afternoon, and everyone was sweating like crazy.
“Uwaaaah!! That was so much fun! I loved the part when you went ‘bwah, phoo, whoosh,’ Tsukasa-kun!” Emu said loudly sweat running down her forehead, as NeneRobo announced her voice to be 110 decibels, around that of a subway train.
“Ah.. Yes! As always, a future star must put on his best performance at all times.” Tsukasa exclaimed, as Rui and Nene walked over with bottles of water.
“Of course, we expect nothing less,Tsukasa-kun…—That being said—how about we head over to the Sekai and discuss the show with Miku and the others? Perhaps we’ll get some pointers before our show tomorrow.” Rui smiled, much too cat-like, as he handed Tsukasa one of the bottles in his hand—Nene handing Emu one as well.
Hearing that made Tsukasa tense. They’ve been to the Sekai countless times, so what was different now?
The difference was, Tsukasa had finally (as of yesterday, staying up all night, should he add), realized his feelings for someone. Particularly, a purple-and-blue-haired, mischievous alchemist, who also happened to be the director of Wonderlands x Showtime!
Yes. Tsukasa had a big fat crush on Rui.
Kamishiro Rui.
‘Why is that a problem?’ You ask,
Well, because the Sekai was created out of feelings, Tsukasa’s crush—or as he tried (and failed) to convinced himself, pure admiration—was no acception. In fact, he visited the Sekai late at night, as terror washed over him upon this realization, only to find countless changes that made his face flush with embarrassment. Miku, the first to realize this, was nothing but excited, anticipating seeing the two together likely tomorrow in the Sekai.
Tsukasa tried to create an aversion, ‘Maybe we could go for ice-cream, or…’ he thought—but before he could speak, Emu excitedly agreed and Nene smiled, clearly not against the idea,
“It has been awhile since they went to the Sekai all together, hasn’t it?” Nene spoke, as Rui hummed in agreement.
‘Great. More of incentive to go. Looks like there’s no stopping this…’ Tsukasa sighed, not wanting his true feelings to be exposed, but was conflicted with anything else he could do at this point.
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As they enter the Sekai, they’re immediately greeted with something new. A kaleidoscope of butterflies immediately surround them—rui in particular—and all Tsukasa can do is scream over his fear of bugs, and die of embarrassment internally.
“GAHHHHHH. GET THEM AWAY!! RUI, ANYONE, HELP!” he screamed, trying to wave them away, but wincing every time he actually touches one.
Rui grabs Tsukasa’s hand, dragging him away from the mess of butterflies, a couple still following Rui, as Nene and Emu stay, fascinated by them.
Now, Tsukasa worries about something new. The fact Rui has his hand in his own. He immediately sweats, and hope it doesn’t gross the other out. ‘what if he thinks I’m weird for having started to sweat?! We’ve held each other’s hands countless times anyway, so how is this any different??’ he wondered.
As they finally find a place without butterflies, they take a seat, still hand in hand, neither wanting to let go.
“Tsukasa-kun, what happened? It’s rather odd seeing something you’re so afraid of in the Sekai. Has something been bothering you?” Rui questioned, as Tsukasa’s heart swelled over Rui being so caring.
“Ah… I’m fine! T-though I’m not entirely sure why there were so many butterflies.” Tsukasa then stared down at their hands, a blush growing on his face. Rui noticed this and hesitantly pulled his hand back.
“Sorry. I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.” he quickly said, as Tsukasa shook his head, looking to the side.
“Nothing to apologize for! A star can handle some hand holding!” Tsukasa yells before getting noticeably quieter, “…Plus, I can’t say I really minded it.”
Red grew from Rui’s cheeks all the way to the tips of his ears as he hummed. “Mm. I’m glad, then.” his signature cat-like smile reappearing.
Admiring the sight for too little, Tsukasa yells as he notices the butterflies starting to swarm them yet again, but is somewhat grateful for them, as they were an excuse for Rui to take hold of his hand.