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Tsukasa Tenma, the absolutely charming and boisterous star who was a failure always had to shine so brightly under every condition! He had to try, try and try again no matter what it’s never enough, that’s where success lies after all. That would also apply to the time he joined the rehearsal at Phoenix Wonderland with his troupe while being sick. It wasn’t anything that the star wouldn’t be able to deal with, he was confident he’d succeed! That was until his friends would get concerned for him, until his vision would go black, and until his legs wouldn’t be able to carry him anymore.
***
“Tsukasa-kun…” his name echoing in his ears coming from a certain someone, as well as an incessant ringing sound. That familiar voice called for the weak boy so softly. To his ears, he sounded just like an angel and it was so pleasant. Rui’s voice, the remedy to the blonde’s headache. The sick boy had been feeling like he was on fire, which made him feel unbearably warm in his boyfriend’s embrace.
“My love, please,” Rui whispered, waiting for a response. But for Tsukasa, his boyfriend’s lap was too comfortable as a pillow. He didn’t want to get up, or even say a thing in Rui’s embrace. Yet his eyes fluttered open after Rui moved his bangs to the side, and he immediately locked eyes with his lover. Rui continued the eye contact, tilting his head a little, and waiting for a response. He could wait forever like that without saying a thing, and showing all the love he has by only caressing his lover.
They were on Rui’s couch, Tsukasa didn’t question it as he is in Rui’s room quite often. his own house would often be empty, it was familiar to him. He must have brought him here when he passed out. Does that mean he carried Tsukasa all the way? He couldn’t remember anything after he fainted. Or maybe he could walk while being unconscious, it’s possible when you have a fever.
Tsukasa finally began to awaken as he yawned loudly, making his boyfriend giggle at him.
“Slept well, huh?” Rui asked with a playful smile.
The blonde opened his eyes fully to try to process what happened, “What time is it?” he suddenly raised his head from his boyfriend’s lap and asked.
Again, he was such a disappointment, that’s what he himself thought. He made the rehearsal with his trope end early for such a small and selfish reason. A star shouldn’t use a little sickness as an excuse, he should be able to endure it all and deliver a perfect performance!
When Tsukasa moved in a haste, Rui caught his hand right away. “Tsukasa it’s okay, the rehearsal doesn’t matter now…” he said.
These words being gently spoken, the blonde held onto his boyfriend, “I’m sorry Rui…”
Now he was resting his head on his lover’s chest, as Rui was tracing soothing circles on his back. Tsukasa already felt like a burden on everyone, and accepting his boyfriend’s affection made him feel even more selfish.
Rui sighed, “There’s absolutely no reason for you to apologize, my star… You are truly deserving of my love and care,” he said, as his chest felt wet as tears poured from the blonde’s eyes.
Why? Tsukasa didn’t get it. No one has ever been this understanding and affectionate towards him. Facing a problem, he would always get over it alone, that was what his standards were to become the perfect star. So no, he didn’t get it, even so his heart couldn’t say no to Rui’s affection.
“You’re soft…” Tsukasa murmured, holding onto his boyfriend’s body. Rui couldn’t help but kiss his boyfriend right there, and he did so by pecking on his lips.
Just as Tsukasa was going to warn him, Rui interrupted him, “We’ve been cuddling for a long time, I would get sick anyways…”
The blonde started sitting on his lover’s lap now, still holding onto his boyfriend who now rose from the couch. Now that the blonde was facing Rui, he could stare into his boyfriend’s eyes lovingly and not say a thing. The two could only focus on their intimacy with no thoughts in mind.
“How are you feeling now?” Rui asked the sick boy, while running his fingers through his curls. Tsukasa couldn’t help but sigh and close his eyes to appreciate his lover’s sweet gesture before answering.
“Well, weird… it’s like the world is spinning around me,” he cracked a laugh that sounded weak. “That must be because I’m a star!” the blonde exclaimed, with his voice that was loud enough to make his lover shudder.
Rui wondered how one could be this loud while being sick. He giggled at his boyfriend’s joke while continuing to play with his hair, “Oh my star, let me take care of you please.”
Saying those words Rui kissed his forehead. Once again, such sweet words were spoken to Tsukasa, who didn’t even know if he was deserving of them. Though he has finally let himself immerse in Rui’s affection.
With that, the boys continued savoring the sanctuary they found in each other’s presence. As Tsukasa was resting on his boyfriend, Rui could feel his steady breath on his neck, which was warm and tickling.
“Do you need a blanket?” Rui asked, with a voice full of care, “I will also make tea for us”.
Tsukasa lifted his head up to look at his boyfriend with his sleepy eyes, “Yes please love…” he murmured. Rui chuckled at his boyfriend’s response, and left a kiss on his cheek before leaving the room, “Okay, I’ll be right back.” When Rui was leaving the room, Tsukasa’s body felt colder as the room was slowly going silent. But then, the sick boy felt a wave of gratitude knowing that his boyfriend was in the next room, preparing tea for him. That sweet promise was enough to make him warmer.
Moments later, Rui returned carrying a tray with two cups of tea with one of his hands, and holding a blue fluffy blanket with the other. He was being cautious with his steps not to disturb the sick boy, or lose his balance. He placed the tray on the table next to the couch that Tsukasa was laying on, before sitting beside him.
“Here you go, my love.” Rui said softly, covering the blonde’s cold body with the blanket he brought.
“Thank you, Rui.” he said softly, which was out of the ordinary for the ‘loud’ boy. Rui was so glad that he could see this side of his lover.
“Anything for you, my star.” he said, leaning to plant another kiss on his boyfriend’s face, this time it was on his nose. Tsukasa couldn’t help but smile at this sweet gesture.
“It smells so good, what is it?” he asked Rui, who was reaching out for the cups.
“It’s rosehip tea,” he answered eagerly, “it is known for improving the immune system, I want you to get better as soon as possible…” he added while handing Tsukasa one of the cups.
Tsukasa’s eyes welled up, how could one be this thoughtful to him?
“Rui…” he said in a sincere tone, before taking a sip of the red tea.
“Do you like it?” his boyfriend asked in an excited tone.
The warmth of the tea spread through Tsukasa’s whole body, giving him sudden goosebumps. He nodded, a smile spreading across his face, “Rui, it’s perfect… Thank you.” But Rui didn’t need those words, the smile on Tsukasa’s face alone was more than enough.
Seeing Tsukasa’s eyes light up and his lips curve into a radiant smile, Rui couldn’t help but smile too. Rui then took one of lover’s hands in his, and brought it to his lips, planting a gentle kiss. Tsukasa’s heart swelled at this affectionate gesture, feeling his face getting hot.
“Rui...!”
Rui looked into his boyfriend’s eyes and let out a giggle, “You know, your well being is all I need…” he said. Rui’s caring words made Tsukasa’s troubles go away.
After enjoying their tea together, the boys cuddled under the blanket, finding warmth and comfort in each other’s arms. The ambitious boy who has been striving to be a star would rarely give breaks. To his relief, his boyfriend was there for him to hold him dearly, and let him forget about everything else for a moment. Rui, the one to see his star when he was only dimly shining, still loved him just the same.