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The day had started like any other for Tsukasa.
He walked through the school halls with his usual confident stride, ready to take on whatever challenges lay ahead. His uniform was impeccably neat, his bag slung casually over one shoulder, and his face set in a determined expression. Kamiyama High was bustling with the energy of students, the usual mix of chatter and laughter filling the air. Tsukasa thrived in this environment, and his reputation as a charismatic and talented performer meant he was no stranger to attention. Normally, Tsukasa revelled in the admiring gazes of his peers, basking in the glow of their admiration and curiosity. It was part and parcel of his vibrant personality.
But today, as he made his way down the bustling corridors, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. Out of the corner of his eye, he kept catching glimpses of a group of three boys he didn’t recognize. They were huddled together, whispering amongst themselves and casting furtive glances in his direction. At first, he brushed it off as typical high school behaviour. After all, he was used to people talking about him. But this...this was different. Their stares weren't admiring or even curious—they were unnerving.
In first period, he spotted them lingering near the door, their eyes following him as he took his seat. During break, they were loitering by the lockers, their whispers growing hushed whenever he walked by. By second period, their presence had become impossible to ignore.
Tsukasa tried to shake it off, telling himself he was overthinking things. But a nagging feeling of anxiousness settled in his chest, making it hard to focus. It wasn’t just the glances; it was the way they seemed to be plotting something. It was as if they were waiting for the perfect moment to strike, and Tsukasa had no idea what they could've possibly had in mind.
By the time third period rolled around, he was on edge. He walked through the hallway, clutching his books a little tighter than usual. The group of boys was nowhere in sight, and for a brief moment, he allowed himself to relax. Maybe he was just being paranoid.
But as he turned the corner, he felt a sudden, forceful bump against his shoulder. His grip on his books slipped, and they scattered across the floor in a disarrayed mess.
"Hey, watch it!" Tsukasa exclaimed, looking up to see one of the boys from the group smirking at him, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction.
"Oops, my bad," the boy said, his tone dripping with insincerity. His friends snickered behind him, their eyes gleaming with a mixture of amusement and malice before they turned heel and walked off.
Tsukasa let out a frustrated sigh, kneeling down to begin gathering his things. But suddenly, a pair of hands joined his, quickly and efficiently helping to pick up his scattered books.
"Toya," Tsukasa acknowledged, feeling a wave of relief wash over him upon seeing his friend's face. "Thanks."
"No problem," Toya replied, his expression serious with a twinge of concern. "I saw what happened. Are you okay?”
“Yeah, just…those guys have been acting weird all day," Tsukasa explained, his hand rubbing at the back of his neck nervously. "Do you know who they are?”
Toya shook his head. "No, but they seem to enjoy making life difficult for others. I heard that they were bothering a first-year last week. Akito mentioned recognizing them from somewhere, so I'm assuming they probably transferred in from another school recently."
Tsukasa frowned, his annoyance giving way to concern. "Why hasn't anyone reported them?"
Toya shrugged, standing up and offering Tsukasa a hand. "I guess people are too scared to. Others just don't want to get involved. But if they keep this up, someone will have to step in. Be careful, Tsukasa-senpai."
Tsukasa nodded, a sense of unease settling in his stomach. "Yeah, I will. Thanks for the heads-up, Toya."
“Nothing major,” Tsukasa said, trying to avoid Rui’s prying gaze. “They just keep giving me these…weird looks. And, well, they knocked my stuff out of my hands earlier. But Toya helped me pick it up, so it’s fine.”
"They knocked your stuff out of your hands? That's not okay," Rui said firmly, his expression darkening. "Do you want me to talk to them? I can be rather persuasive, you know."
"No, no, that’s okay," Tsukasa shook his head quickly, eyes widening. "We don’t need you getting involved...you’d probably just try to blow them up or something."
Rui's expression remained serious. "Well, if they're bothering you that much..."
"No!" Tsukasa interjected, cutting him off before he could continue, mustering up as much bravado as he could in a desperate attempt to diffuse the conversation. "Seriously, Rui, it's fine! I don't want to make a big deal out of it. Besides, I'm Tenma Tsukasa, after all! There's no challenge I can't overcome!"
Rui looked at him for a moment, his gaze intense and unwavering. Finally, he sighed in defeat, his shoulders relaxing. "Alright, I understand. But promise me you'll tell me if anything else happens. I don't want you dealing with this alone."
Tsukasa smiled, feeling a twinge in his chest. "I promise. Thanks, Rui. Really."
Rui nodded, his serious expression softening as he leaned back against the fence. "Tsukasa-kun," he began after a moment of silence, "seeing as we don't have practice today, would you like to walk home with me?"
Tsukasa felt his heart skip a beat, a flush creeping up his neck. "W-Walk home? With you?"
"Yes, with me," Rui chuckled softly, the sound warm and comforting. "Unless you have other plans...?"
"N-no, I mean, I don’t have other plans, but…" Tsukasa stammered, trying to gather his thoughts.
"Wonderful!" Rui grinned, clapping his hands together enthusiastically. "It's a date, then."
"HUH?!" Tsukasa blurted out louder than intended, the sound echoing across the schoolyard. He glanced around nervously, hoping no one had heard his outburst.
Rui giggled, clearly delighted by Tsukasa's reaction. "Relax, Tsukasa-kun. I'm just teasing."
Tsukasa's face turned an even deeper shade of red, and he crossed his arms, pouting. "You shouldn't joke about stuff like that! It's embarrassing!"
Rui only laughed in response, turning back to his bento.
For the rest of the lunch period, Tsukasa found himself relaxing more and more, the morning's events slowly beginning to fade from his mind. They chatted about mundane things—their classes, upcoming performances, Rui's latest set designs—and Tsukasa felt an undeniable warmth spreading across his chest...one that had nothing to do with the sun overhead.
For the rest of the day, Tsukasa couldn't shake the feeling of being on edge. Every time he turned a corner or walked down a hallway, he half-expected to see the trio of boys lurking somewhere. But as the hours passed and he didn't encounter them again, his anxiety gradually subsided. It appeared as though they'd gotten bored and decided to leave him alone, or at least, he hoped that was the case.
When the final bell rang, Tsukasa quickly gathered his things and headed to the locker area. His excitement grew with each step, looking forward to walking home with Rui. He leaned against the lockers, glancing around the bustling hallway. After a few minutes, his phone buzzed with a message from Rui.
'My apologies, Tsukasa-kun. A teacher asked me to run an errand, so I'll be a few minutes late. Wait for me?”
Tsukasa sighed, a bit disappointed but understanding nonetheless. 'No problem. I'll wait your locker,' he replied before slipping his phone back into his pocket.
As he stood against a row of lockers, the bustling noise of students leaving gradually faded, and the hallways grew eerily quiet. The once-crowded corridor was now almost deserted, the distant sound of a door closing echoing through the silence. Tsukasa felt a shiver run down his spine but brushed it off, idly tapping his foot and humming a tune to pass the time.
But as the minutes stretched on, his patience began to wear thin. He pulled his phone back out, about to send another message to Rui, when he suddenly heard the distinct sound of footsteps—multiple footsteps—approaching.
"Well, well, look who we have here."
Tsukasa's heart sank as he turned to see the three boys from earlier approaching, their expressions smug and their posture relaxed in a way that sent a chill down his spine. The leader of the group, a tall boy with a devilish grin, stepped forward. "If it isn't the one and only Tenma Tsukasa."
"What do you want?" Tsukasa asked firmly, keeping his voice as steady as possible despite the nervousness bubbling up inside of him.
“Ooh, feisty,” the second boy mocked, sharing an amused glance with the other two.
"Relax, buddy. We just wanted to chat," the leader of the group spoke again, his tone oozing with mock sincerity as he took a small step forward. "You're quite the star around here, aren't you? Always so confident, so...enthusiastic."
Tsukasa narrowed his eyes, trying to gauge their intentions. "Yeah, well, what can I say. I have a lot of fans. Not everyone can handle it."
"Must be exhausting," the third boy chimed in, his eyes gleaming with a mix of amusement and malice. "Always having to keep up appearances. Always having to be the best."
"Yeah," the leader continued, taking another step closer. Tsukasa gulped. "Must be tough. Don't you ever get tired of it? Of always having to be on top?"
Tsukasa felt his pulse quickening, but he desperately tried to maintain a neutral expression. What kind of star would he be if he couldn't handle a few nosy classmates?
"What’s your point?" he asked, exasperation creeping into his voice. "Do you want an autograph or something?"
The trio exchanged amused looks, their smirks widening. "Nah, we’re not here for that," the leader said, his tone turning darker. "We’re just curious...how long can you keep it up?"
Tsukasa’s jaw clenched. "What do you want?" he repeated, his patience wearing thin.
The leader’s smile faded slightly, his eyes narrowing. "We want to see what you're really made of, Tenma. Without your fans, without your spotlight...just you."
Tsukasa’s mind raced, trying to think of a way out. The hallways were almost empty now, and Rui was still nowhere to be seen. He could try to run, but they might catch him. He could shout for help, but who would hear? No...he needed to buy time, needed to keep them at bay until Rui arrived. Speaking of which, where was Rui? Surely one small errand wouldn't take this long—
“Oi, look at me when I'm talking to you, Tenma,” one of the boys sneered, snapping Tsukasa out of his thoughts. “Aw, is the golden boy scared?”
"Of you? Give me a break." Tsukasa scoffed, gripping the strap of his bag and attempting to brush past the group, promptly deciding he didn't have the time nor the energy to deal with such morons. But before he could get far, a hand grabbed the sleeve of his uniform, halting him in his tracks.
“Not so fast, blondie,” the boy jeered. “We’re not finished with you quite yet.”
Tsukasa yanked his arm from his grasp, his frustration growing as he glared at the group. "Seriously, what's your deal? Why are you singling me out like this?"
"Because people like you make us sick," the shorter boy spat, stepping closer. "Thinking you're so special, prancing around like some kind of celebrity. You need to be put in your place."
Tsukasa's hands balled into fists at his sides. “Put in my place? And what place is that, exactly?"
The boy chuckled darkly, his tone dripping with disdain. "You're just a drama kid, pretending to be something you're not. We're here to remind you that you're nothing special."
Tsukasa felt a surge of frustration and anger course through his veins. He knew better than to retaliate, that keeping his mouth shut would likely be the best option in such a scenario. However, he couldn't help but defend his pride. What gave these jerks the right to talk about him in such a way? What did they know?
"I'm not pretending to be anything. I work hard, I have dreams—"
"Save it," the leader interrupted, his voice cold. "Nobody cares about your dreams. You're never going to amount to anything."
Tsukasa’s breath hitched. That stung a little more than it should have.
“Do you really think your fans would still like you if they saw the real you?” the leader continued, his tone dripping with disdain.
Tsukasa squared his shoulders, trying to appear unfazed, despite feeling his hands beginning to shake. “I don’t have anything to hide.”
“Oh, really?” The leader’s eyes gleamed with malicious glee. "What about that weirdo gadget dude. What was his name again...Kamishiro Rui?"
Tsukasa felt his eye twitch. “What about him?” he demanded, lowering his voice dangerously.
The boys exchanged knowing looks, their smirks widening. “You’re always hanging around him. It’s kind of disgusting, don’t you think?” one of them said.
Tsukasa’s fists clenched tighter at his sides, his nails digging into the skin of his palms. “What are you talking about?” he demanded, his voice growing sharper.
“Come on, it’s obvious,” the leader said, his tone mocking. “You two are always together. It’s like you can’t keep your hands off each other. Pretty gross, if you ask me.”
A wave of anger surged through Tsukasa. He could handle a few jabs to his precious ego, but when it came to his friends—especially Rui—that was a line he wouldn't let anyone cross.
“You don’t know anything about us!” he snapped. "Rui is my friend! And...and he's more talented and kind-hearted than you could even imagine! You have no right to talk about him like that!"
“Touchy, touchy,” one of the boys laughed, exchanging mocking glances with the other two.
Tsukasa's fists clenched tighter at his sides, his heart pounding with a mix of anger and frustration. Sure, a part of him wished they were right—wished that there was something more between him and Rui. However, he quickly put a stop to that train of thought, cursing himself for entertaining such ideas that were very beside the point at the moment.
"Oh, come on, Tenma," the leader taunted. "We're just having a bit of fun. No need to get so worked up. Unless...there really is something going on between you two."
“Shut up!” Tsukasa shouted, anger burning in his eyes as his voice rose with each word. "Even if there was, that wouldn't be something to be ashamed of! You're just insecure assholes who can't stand to see someone genuinely care about another person!"
The bullies laughed, their taunts echoing in his ears. Tsukasa’s heart was now pounding loudly in his chest, his desperation growing with every second. Seriously, where the hell is Rui?!
Suddenly, the leader took another step closer, now significantly invading Tsukasa’s personal space and giving him nowhere to run. "You know, it's funny," he drawled mockingly. "I always thought you were just an annoying loudmouth. Now I see you're also a disgusting fag, just like that purple-haired freak."
Tsukasa's vision blurred with rage as he lunged forward, propelled by an overwhelming surge of anger and protectiveness. "You son of a bitch—"
Without another thought, he stepped forward, shoving the leader backwards with all the strength he could muster, sending him tumbling to the ground.
The other bullies hesitated, momentarily taken aback by Tsukasa's sudden burst of violence. But it only fueled his rage further. "You think you can talk about him like that?!" he shouted, his voice hoarse with fury. "You have no idea what you're talking about! Rui is—"
Tsukasa couldn't finish his sentence before one of the other bullies stepped forward, placing their hands on his shoulders and slamming his back into the lockers behind him. The impact completely knocked the wind out of him, sending him crumpling to the ground. Pain radiated through his body, and humiliation burned in his chest. He squeezed his eyes shut, fighting back tears of pure frustration and anger. The bullies' laughter echoed around him, their jeers like daggers piercing his pride. He didn’t move, frozen in place wondering how on earth he had ended up in such a ridiculous situation.
He was supposed to be with Rui right now, walking home beside him. Maybe they would have stopped for bubble tea on the way, or even ice cream. And then perhaps they would have ventured into the arcade and played a few games together, and Tsukasa’s heart would flutter as Rui laughed alongside him. And then, before they parted ways for the night, maybe he would’ve finally gotten the courage to tell Rui how he really felt. Tsukasa would’ve smiled at the thought if it weren’t for the throbbing pain spreading across his shoulders.
Suddenly, the sounds of laughter and taunts were interrupted by a the sound of footsteps running down the hallway and a familiar voice. "That’s enough!”
‘Rui…’ Tsukasa thought, his heart leaping with relief. But that relief was quickly overshadowed by mortification. The last thing he wanted was for Rui to see him like this, crumpled and utterly humiliated in a heap on the ground.
The bullies turned to face Rui, their expressions shifting from amusement to annoyance. "Oh great, here comes the boyfriend to the rescue," the leader sneered.
Rui ignored their jabs, focusing solely on Tsukasa. He crouched down beside him, gently placing a hand on his shoulder. "Tsukasa-kun, are you alright?" he asked quietly, his voice filled with concern. “Can you stand?”
Tsukasa could only nod weakly, wincing as Rui helped him to his feet. Rui's expression hardened into a glare as he turned to face the group of three, his usually warm eyes now cold and steely. "That's enough," he stated firmly, his voice cutting through the tension in the air. "You've had your fun. Now back off."
The leader of the bullies scoffed, stepping forward with a cocky grin. "And who's gonna make us, pretty boy?" he taunted, crossing his arms defiantly.
Rui's eyes flashed with anger, but he kept his composure. "Perhaps you didn't hear me the first time, so I'll repeat it once more," he warned, his tone icy. "Fuck off."
“Wow, freak number two has a mouth on him," the leader of the bullies sneered, shaking his head. "You think you're tough, huh? Freak one over there went crazy and attacked us. We were just defending ourselves."
"Tsukasa wouldn't have done that unless provoked," he stated firmly, stepping protectively closer to Tsukasa's side. "He defended himself because you were harassing him. If you had any decency, you'd leave before things escalate further."
The leader snickered, taking a step closer to Rui. "Aww, look at him defending his little boyfriend...it's almost cute—"
“Call it whatever you want, that doesn't change the fact that you're nothing but a bunch of cowards," Rui growled, cutting him off. "You really think you can keep this up? You think you’re tough? Picking on someone just because they’re different. Is that the only way you can feel powerful?”
The leader’s face twisted in anger as one of the other boys chimed in. “You think you’re better than us or something?”
“Yes,” Rui replied bluntly. “And so is Tsukasa. He’s got more talent and courage in one finger than all three of you combined.”
Tsukasa sent a nervous glance towards Rui, only to be met with golden eyes blazing with fury. He honestly felt nervous on the boys’ behalf. Angry Rui was terrifying.
Then, without warning, the leader lunged at Tsukasa again, shoving him back against the lockers once more. Tsukasa let out an audible gasp at the impact, the searing pain returning and shooting through his back once more.
“See?" the leader chuckled, glancing over at Rui. "He's nothing but a weakling. A pathetic waste of space.”
“You bastard!” Rui moved faster than Tsukasa could register, his fist connecting solidly with the boy's face and sending him stumbling backwards.
"Rui!" Tsukasa gasped, half in awe, half in fear of the consequences.
The other two stepped back, their bravado faltering. "What the hell?! You...you're crazy!" the leader spat, his voice shaking with a mix of rage and disbelief.
Tsukasa was stunned. He had never seen Rui like this before—so protective, so…angry. He felt a strange mix of admiration and guilt twisting on his stomach.
But just as Rui turned around to check on him, one of the other bullies stepped forward. Before either of them could react, a fist was connecting with Rui's nose, sending him staggering back into Tsukasa. “Oh my god, Rui!"
Rui winced, wiping the blood from his nose with the back of his hand, his gaze never leaving the bullies. "Is that all you've got?" he spat after a moment, his voice edged with defiance despite the pain.
The leader sneered, wiping a trickle of blood from his split lip. "You're dead...both of you," he growled, gesturing to his friends to regroup.
Tsukasa's heart pounded in his chest. He knew they were outnumbered, but he couldn't stand by and watch Rui get hurt again. But before he could formulate a plan, a booming voice cut through the chaos, stopping the group in their tracks.
"Oi! Knock it off!"
Tsukasa’s head snapped up, and through the haze of his panic, he saw none other than Shinonome Akito sprinting down the hallway, Toya and a teacher (thank god) trailing right behind him. Relief washed over Tsukasa, his body sagging with exhaustion.
The teacher, a stern-looking woman with her hair pulled back in a tight bun, reached the group and glanced around, taking in the scene: Rui’s bleeding nose, Tsukasa’s enraged expression, and the bullies’ guilty faces.
“What is going on here?” she demanded, her voice cold.
The leader of the bullies quickly pointed at Tsukasa and Rui. “They started it, miss! We were just minding our own business when they attacked us out of nowhere!”
Akito rolled his eyes, letting out an audible scoff as the teacher glared at the bullies. “Really? Because I’ve heard quite a bit about you boys and your ‘minding your own business.’” She turned her gaze towards Tsukasa and Rui, her expression softening slightly. “Are you two alright?”
Tsukasa, still shaking with anger and adrenaline, nodded, unable to find his voice. Rui, however, managed a weak, smile. “We’re okay.”
The teacher’s expression hardened again as she turned back to the bullies. “In my office. Now.”
The bullies tried to protest, but she silenced them with a sharp glare. Reluctantly, they trudged down the hallway, the teacher following closely behind. Akito, Toya, Tsukasa, and Rui watched them go in silence, but not without Akito flipping them off for good measure.
As soon as they were out of sight, Rui immediately turned to Tsukasa, his eyes full of concern. "Tsukasa-kun…are you alright?" he asked softly, reaching out to touch his arm.
Tsukasa abruptly brushed his hand away, his eyes widening in exasperation. "Rui, seriously, what were you thinking!?" he scolded, his voice trembling. "Why did you have to be so reckless!? Look at you—you’re bleeding!"
Rui winced slightly as he touched his nose, checking for any serious damage. "Tsukasa-kun, I..."
"No!" Tsukasa interrupted, his voice wavering. "You don't get it, Rui! They could have really hurt you! They could have..."
Rui stepped closer, gently cupping Tsukasa’s cheeks with his hands. "Hey, it's okay," he said softly. "I'm okay."
"But you got hurt! Because...because of me!" Tsukasa cried, unable to hold back the flood of emotions any longer as a wave of tears spilling down his cheeks. "It’s all my fault...if I had just kept my mouth shut, if I wasn't so weak..."
"Tsukasa-kun," Rui interrupted, his voice firm yet gentle. “None of this is your fault, and you’re certainly not weak. In fact, you’re the strongest person I know. It was my choice to step in, and I did so because I care about you."
Tsukasa sniffled loudly, before surging forward and wrapping his arms around Rui in a tight hug. "I’m sorry," he whispered, his voice muffled against Rui's shoulder. "I’m so sorry, Rui."
Rui quickly wrapped his arms around Tsukasa in return, one hand reaching up to gently stroke his hair. "Don’t apologize," he murmured soothingly. "If anything, I’m the one who’s sorry…I shouldn’t have made you to wait for me."
Tsukasa shook his head against Rui’s shoulder, his grip on Rui’s cardigan tightening. "No, I wanted to wait for you. I just…I didn’t expect them to—"
Suddenly, Akito stepped forward, clearing his throat awkwardly.
"Um…I hate to interrupt," he began, looking between the two. "But, uh…you guys mind explaining what the hell just happened?"
Toya nodded in agreement, his usual calm demeanor showing hints of worry. "Yeah, we heard shouting and came running. Are you both alright?"
Rui sighed, reluctantly pulling away from Tsukasa but keeping a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "They cornered Tsukasa-kun and started provoking him. Things escalated, and I...reacted."
Akito raised an eyebrow, exchanging a glance with Toya. "Reacted how?"
"Ah...well...I may have punched one of them," Rui admitted, his jaw clenched.
"Idiots," Akito sighed, shaking his head slightly. "Why didn't you call for help?"
"I couldn't simply stand by and watch," Rui reasoned.
Akito nodded slowly, his expression shifting as he glanced between Rui and Tsukasa. "I guess that’s true, but I gotta admit, that was pretty gutsy, man." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "I mean, stepping in like that, not everyone would do that. I gotta commend you for it."
“Yeah,” Toya nodded, crossing his arms. "I don’t condone violence, but those guys deserved it. Especially if they laid hands on Tsukasa-senpai." He paused, his gaze hardening. "They’ll be expelled for sure, especially now that things have gotten physical."
Akito glanced over at Rui, noticing the remnants of blood above his upper lip. "Is your nose okay, dude? Looks like they got a good hit in."
Rui touched his nose gingerly, wincing slightly. "It’s alright, just a little sore. Nothing broken...though I suppose my dodging skills could use some improvement," he chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood.
It didn't work, as Tsukasa immediately shot him a glare.
Toya nodded solemnly at his response, his earlier sternness softening. "Thank you, Kamishiro-senpai," he said sincerely. "For looking after Tsukasa-senpai. I know he can handle himself, but it's nice to know someone's got his back."
Akito glanced at Toya with a knowing look before turning back to Rui and Tsukasa. "Hey, why don't we give you guys some space?" he suggested gently. "You both look like you could use a moment."
Rui nodded gratefully, exchanging a brief glance with Tsukasa. "Ah, I suppose that would be good," he replied, his voice still tinged with concern. "Thank you Shinonome-kun, Aoyagi-kun."
Toya and Akito nodded in understanding before giving them a reassuring pat on the shoulder and heading down the hallway, leaving Rui and Tsukasa alone to process the aftermath of the confrontation.
"Tsukasa-kun," Rui began softly, turning to brush a stray tear away from Tsukasa's cheek. "Are you finished crying yet?"
Tsukasa's eyes widened in surprise, and he felt a flash of irritation. "Excuse me?" he huffed, pulling back slightly. "You can't just ask someone that!"
"I’m only joking,” Rui chuckled lightly, pulling his hand as his expression shifted into a more concerned one. “Are you really alright? Are you in any pain?"
“I’m fine, Rui,” Tsukasa reassured, wiping away the remnants of his tears. "It’s you that I’m worried about. You’re always so reckless…" he gently reached up to grab Rui’s chin as he spoke, tilting his head to inspect the bruise forming on his nose. "We should get some ice for that. Come on, let’s go to the nurse’s office."
Rui smiled gratefully, allowing Tsukasa to fuss over him. "You worry too much, Tsukasa-kun," he teased lightly as they walked down the hallway.
"And you don't worry enough," Tsukasa shot back, his tone fond.
The sun was beginning to set as the pair finally made their way out of the school gates. As they began their quiet walk home, Rui held the ice pack to his nose, earning some strange looks from people passing by in the process. Tsukasa couldn't help but smirk at the odd sight, his heart feeling lighter now that they were away from the events from earlier.
When they finally arrived in front of Tsukasa's house, Tsukasa stopped and turned to Rui, his expression still a mix of disbelief and gratitude. "I still can't believe you did that," he said, shaking his head.
Rui raised an eyebrow, a teasing glint in his eyes. "What, you thought I'd let my star actor get wounded on my watch?"
Tsukasa scoffed in mock-offence, crossing his arms over his chest. "Oh, so that's all you care about? Your precious actor?"
Rui laughed, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Of course! Gotta protect my investment, right?"
Tsukasa playfully punched Rui's arm. "You’re the worst, Kamishiro. Here I thought you were doing it out of the goodness of your heart."
Rui feigned a dramatic gasp, placing a hand over his chest. "You wound me, Tsukasa-kun. My heart is pure, I assure you."
"Yeah, sure it is," Tsukasa retorted, rolling his eyes. "I bet you were just thinking about how to keep the director's chair warm."
Rui smirked, leaning in a bit closer. "And what if I was? Gotta keep my star happy, after all."
Tsukasa's cheeks turned a light shade of pink, but he didn't back down. "Well, maybe your star would be happier if his director wasn't such a pain."
Rui chuckled, the sound warm and genuine. "Can't have one without the other, I'm afraid. It's a package deal."
Tsukasa sighed dramatically, placing a hand on his forehead. "Oh, the burden I must bear, being stuck with someone like you."
"Careful, Tsukasa-kun," Rui said with a playful glint in his eyes. "You're starting to sound like you enjoy my company."
"Maybe I do," Tsukasa retorted, his voice softer. "Or maybe I just don't have a choice."
Rui laughed, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "You always have a choice. But you keep choosing to stick around, don't you?"
Tsukasa looked away, his cheeks warming again. "Yeah, well...it's not like I could just leave my director behind."
Rui's expression softened, and he stepped a bit closer. "Is that all I am to you? Just a director?"
Tsukasa's blush deepened, but he forced himself to meet Rui's gaze. "No, you're...you're more than that. A lot more."
Rui's eyes widened slightly. "Is that so?"
Tsukasa nodded, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah. And...you know, you did look kinda cool back there. When you were protecting me."
Rui’s cheeks tinged with pink, a rare sight. He quickly masked it with a teasing grin. “Oh? So Tsukasa-kun was impressed? Shall I take up boxing, then?”
Tsukasa's blush darkened as he nudged Rui lightly. “Shut up. I’m being serious.”
“Me too,” Rui replied, though his teasing tone remained. “I mean, if it gets your heart racing, I may have to consider it...”
Tsukasa scoffed, choosing to roll his eyes dramatically rather than say something in fear of his voice betraying him.
Rui chuckled lightly, his teasing expression softening before shifting into a more serious one. “What really matters is that you’re okay. Those things they said...I hope you didn't take any of it to heart."
Tsukasa shook his head firmly. "I didn't. They were just trying to get a rise out of me, but their words don’t matter. I know who I am, and I know I have friends who care about me. That’s what’s important."
“That’s right,” Rui assured, letting out a relieved sigh. "Because you’re amazing just the way you are, Tsukasa-kun. You’re talented, passionate, and incredibly strong. Don’t let anyone ever make you doubt that."
“Rui, that’s…” Tsukasa shifted uncomfortably, his cheeks heating up.
Rui grinned mischievously as he noticed Tsukasa’s composure falter. "Oh? Embarrassed, are we?" he teased, leaning closer to Tsukasa’s face. "I thought Tsukasa-kun loved compliments."
Tsukasa huffed lightly, trying to play it off. "I-I do! It’s just...when it’s you saying them..."
"When it's me saying them...?"
Tsukasa stood there for a moment, the silence stretching between them as he gathered his thoughts. Then, in a sudden burst of impulsiveness, he leaned up and pressed a quick kiss to Rui’s cheek.
Rui froze in surprise, his eyes widening as the ice pack slipped from his fingers and fell to the ground with a soft thud . For a heartbeat, everything was still. Tsukasa pulled back abruptly, his face burning red with embarrassment. "I-I...um," he stammered, the words tumbling out in a rush. "I mean...that was...it was a thank you. For everything today. You know, for being there and...and...uh..."
Rui blinked rapidly, his cheeks turning pink as his hand unconsciously reached up to touch the spot where Tsukasa’s lips were just a moment ago. "A thank you…" he repeated, his voice soft and a little dazed.
Tsukasa nodded, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and overwhelming affection at seeing Rui so flustered. "Yeah…and maybe a little bit of an 'I think you’re amazing' too."
Rui's eyes sparkled with mischief as he recovered from his initial surprise. "Well, if that's how Tsukasa-kun thanks people, I may have to start doing nice things for you more often."
Tsukasa's face turned an even deeper shade of red. "Don't get any ideas, Kamishiro!"
Rui's grin widened. "Oh, but it's quite the incentive, Tsukasa-kun. Knowing that a simple act of kindness could earn me such a sweet reward..."
"You're impossible!" Tsukasa retorted, trying to sound annoyed but failing to hide his flustered smile.
Rui paused for a moment, a strange, thoughtful expression crossing his face. Before Tsukasa could ask what was wrong, Rui stepped closer, his eyes locking onto Tsukasa's with an intensity that made Tsukasa's breath catch. Tsukasa barely had time to register what was happening before Rui's lips were on his, soft and warm. The shock coursed through Tsukasa's body, freezing him in place.
His mind raced a mile a minute, trying to process the whirlwind of emotions that surged through him—surprise, warmth, a budding sense of something more profound. But just as he began to respond, his lips parting slightly to kiss back, Rui pulled away.
Their eyes met, and Tsukasa could see a mixture of affection and amusement dancing in Rui’s gaze. “You...I... what—" he stammered, struggling to find his voice.
"That, my dear Tsukasa-kun,” Rui began his eyes twinkling with amusement, “was a 'you're welcome' kiss.”
"You…you kissed me to say 'you’re welcome'!?" Tsukasa replied, his voice incredulous.
Rui chuckled softly, his hand still resting lightly on Tsukasa's cheek. "Well, you did say 'thank you' with a kiss earlier. I figured I should return the favour."
“Y-yeah but—” Tsukasa's mind raced, trying to make sense of the situation. “I-I didn’t do it on the lips!" he exclaimed, his heart beating wildly.
Rui's eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned in slightly, his voice a teasing whisper. "Well, I thought this way was better. Don't you agree?"
Tsukasa's breath hitched, his cheeks burning even hotter. "It’s not a competition, Rui!" he protested.
"Of course not," Ruii said, his tone gentle but playful. "But I do think it's a rather nice way to express gratitude."
Tsukasa huffed, crossing his arms and trying to regain some semblance of composure. “You’re ridiculous,” he muttered, though there was no real annoyance in his voice.
Rui’s expression softened, his teasing demeanor giving way to something more tender. "Maybe," he admitted, his eyes locked onto Tsukasa’s as he reached forward again to cup his cheek. "But I meant what I said earlier. I know what it feels like to be bullied, all of middle school was..."
Tsukasa’s sympathy melted through his embarrassment, and he reached up to gently place his hand over Rui’s. "Rui..."
“But that's in the past," Rui quickly reassured, intertwining his fingers with Tsukasa's. “What I mean to say is that you’re strong, Tsukasa-kun. But it’s okay to rely on others too. You have people who care about you. You have me.”
Tsukasa’s eyes widened, his blush returning full force. “T-thank you, Rui. I...I feel the same way,” he whispered, his voice coming out slightly shakier than intended. “Though I would appreciate it if your ‘being there for me’ didn’t consist of you getting your nose broken...” he added, huffing a laugh.
“Well, luckily it’s not broken,” Rui reassured, a grin spreading across his cheeks. “Though I would gladly break every bone in my body if it meant keeping you safe.”
Tsukasa felt his breath hitch at Rui's words, his heart racing in his chest. "Rui, you...you can't just say things like that," he stammered, trying to hide the warmth of his cheeks. "And also, could you please tell me where is all this coming from? One minute you're talking about sending me into orbit or getting me into other dangerous situations, and now you're talking about breaking bones for me!?"
Rui chuckled softly, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "Ah, Tsukasa-kun, how little faith you have in me. My experiments are perfectly safe! Well, mostly safe," he amended with a teasing grin. "You know that I would never put you in real danger. I care about you far too much for that.”
Tsukasa let out a nervous laugh, feeling his pulse race at Rui's sincerity. "You have a strange way of showing it sometimes," he admitted, his gaze softening. "But I appreciate it. A lot."
For a moment, they stood there in silence, the air between them charged with unspoken feelings. The world seemed to fade away, leaving just the two of them under the dim glow of the streetlight. Then, before he could overthink it, Tsukasa leaned in, his eyes fluttering shut as he savoured the warmth and gentleness of Rui’s lips against his own once more.
The kiss was soft and tentative at first. Tsukasa felt the delicate pressure of Rui’s lips, the faint taste of berry lingering from the soda Rui had been drinking at lunch. His heart pounded in his chest, a steady drumbeat that echoed the intensity of the moment. He could feel the slight curve of Rui’s smile against his mouth, the warmth radiating from his skin as they pressed closer.
Rui’s hand found its way to Tsukasa’s cheek, his touch light and tender, almost reverent as the kiss deepened, slow and unhurried. He felt Rui’s hands on his waist, pulling him closer as his grip tightened on Rui’s shoulders.
When they finally pulled back, breathless, their foreheads rested against each other’s as they caught their breath. Tsukasa opened his eyes slowly, meeting Rui’s gaze. There was a tenderness there, a silent acknowledgment of everything that hadn’t yet been said out loud.
Rui’s thumb brushed gently over Tsukasa’s cheek, and he smiled softly, his eyes filled with a warmth that made Tsukasa’s heart flutter all over again. “Goodnight, Tsukasa-kun,” he whispered before pulling away.
Tsukasa stood on his doorstep, rooted to the spot as he watched Rui saunter off into the night without another word. The ice pack, forgotten and melting on the ground from when Tsukasa had first kissed him, lay in a small puddle. Tsukasa stared at it for a moment, his heart racing and his mind spinning.
Hopefully Rui had another one at home.