Chapter Text
A new chapter! Now, where were we…?
“MIKU?!”
Oh, right, that's where we left off last time. Minori just arrived, out of breath, and ready to help her friend!... Well, that was until she got spooked by the Miku variant.
Minori stared at the Vsinger of another SEKAI in disbelief. Now, she, of course, knew about the other SEKAIs. She paid very close attention during the lunch talk the other day, where everything came to light.
But Minori was still part of the camp that had yet to witness another SEKAI, so even if she was knowledgeable, it was reasonable that she was shocked to see a Miku she wasn't used to.
“So this is Tsukasa-san’s Miku…” She made sure to use the correct distinction since Tsukasa made the SEKAI, not his group. ‘She's so cute, but why is she a cat?’ Minori had a confused look on her face as if she was trying to answer the question of why life slumbers.
Miku, in return, confusingly tilts her head. Not exactly sure what this new friend was doing or thinking, she decided to take the next step. She raised a hand and waved, “THAT'S ME! HI!” She was very excited to meet another person like last time.
Minori immediately waved back with a smile. She was energetic, like her Miku, but maybe dialed up to eleven. ‘She's so colorful, too!’
“You're so cute! It's nice to meet you, Miku! I’m Minori!” Minori greets. She can't just be staring at Miku, now, can she? Miku’s ears perked up as Minori spoke, swaying excitedly in response to her enthusiasm.
“Honestly, I think everyone found her cute.” Tsukasa chimed in. How many times has someone said that about this Miku? While he can't help but agree, he also knows the horrors that were sometimes in her imagination.
Minori giggled, “Can you blame me?! Look at her!” Miku gave them a cat face, which only made Minori swoon with cuteness some more. Her tail wagged back and forth, appreciating the endless compliments she gets from people.
He smiled, “Heh, that's true. How about your Miku? Or SEKAI for that matter?” Tsukasa asks in return. Right, he wasn't there when the girls were talking about it at lunch, and they didn't have a representative who went to the other school. So, while she knew of his SEKAI from Emu, he didn't know about hers.
“Oh! In short, it's this massive stage with a crowd of people. There are also other stages and a flower garden! Our Vsingers are idols like us!” She gave a quick rundown, to which Tsukasa nodded. It makes a lot of sense that their SEKAI is like that.
“That sounds like fun, though, are the people…real?” He questioned.
“I don't know! They're usually there if the VSingers are performing!” Huh, that's…interesting. But Tsukasa couldn't question the oddity of SEKAIs, considering the chaotic mess that was Wonderland SEKAI, which he'd come to accept.
“It's just like when the townspeople come to watch our performances and shows!” Miku said, remembering them always performing to a crowd themselves.
“Anyway, I'm sure you know about my SEKAI. An amusement park, a place full of color and music! Our Vsingers are an acting troupe, and they're amazing!” Tsukasa proudly states. In a way, it was another home to him, a place very close to his heart, physically and spiritually.
“Yeah! From the way Emuchan was describing it, it sounds like a lot of fun! All these rides and living plushies, right? I want to go there one day and see for myself!” No one is going to hear the description of Wonderland SEKAI and not want to go there, right?! It's too mystical not to see.
“Well, depending on how well this venture is, if we have enough time…then I'm sure we can take a trip to Wonderland SEKAI! I've been meaning to test out if other people can travel to other SEKAIs anyway, so this would be the perfect opportunity to do so!” Tsukasa explained, raising the hopes of Minori, who was thrilled to help out if she could!
“Yay! I just hope it works like Emuchan said! It'll be pretty sad if we all learn about each other’s SEKAIs and we can't even go into them.” Minori clapped. They didn't know all the rules of SEKAI, but they hoped they were lenient enough to allow this.
“Kaito said we should be able to, and out of everyone I know, he's the most knowledgeable about SEKAIs. So there's no doubt it's possible!” Tsukasa put all of his faith in the Virtual leader. He was sure he wouldn't mind.
“Kaito’s really, really smart! And he takes care of everyone! So he's like everyone’s mom! ” Miku spoke up. While she was mainly listening to the two, she found a good time to jump back in.
“Mom?!” Minori’s gaze quickly shifted down to the projection before returning to look at Tsukasa.
“Miku, I still don't think he'd want to be called that…” Tsukasa remembered how it had happened and how he had been the cause of the plushies and Miku calling him Mommy. Once again, he silently apologizes to the troupe leader for his actions.
“Well, your Kaito sounds wonderful! Honestly, our Kaitos are sort of similar! He's mainly backstage handling things and helping people out. He also says he's everyone's fan!” The two reps (and Miku) continued bonding over their SEKAIs for a bit before turning the conversation to a new topic.
“Anyway, I want to know more about you and Nenechan! I didn't know you two were dating!” Minori switched her curiosity quickly.
“Haha! What do you wish to know, my curious friend?” He poses with bravado. “Ask away, and I'll do my best to answer your questions.” He couldn't help but put on the showman act.
And thus began the interview. Also, imagine WxS Miku turning around each time someone speaks. She probably was already doing that beforehand while she watched, but now she's doing it more cutely, somehow.
Minori asks the obvious questions: “How and when did you start dating?” Gotta start from the beginning.
“A little over two weeks. Nene confessed by accident!”
“Woah!” She was not expecting that, Minori hums, before moving to the next question. “How much do you love her?”
Tsukasa looked at her with a confused look. “What kind of question is that? I love her with all my heart! So an infinite amount!” He answered with one hundred percent certainty.
“I never doubted you!” Minori panicked, "But I clearly see you mean it!”
“Any more questions?” He asked her.
“How intimate have you guys gone???” Minori leaned in and silently asked the question. It's not something you'd ask in public normally.
Tsukasa flinched when he heard her ask that. But he saw the stars in her eyes as she really wanted to hear the answer. With a quick Ahem, he leans in and whispers, “We've kissed many times and shared a bed once. No further than that.” He hoped that his answer satisfied her curiosity.
“Wowowow! You two are so wholesome! ” Minori was conflicted. She looked like she wanted to say something else, but was holding back. A girl like her couldn't hide anything, considering everything was written on her face.
“Hmm? Is there something else you want to ask?” Tsukasa doesn't shy away from asking. If it's worrying, then he'll do his best to help, granted, he actually could.
“Can you tell me more about how it feels to kiss someone?!” Minori leaned in further, this time because she was eager to know the answer. As a maiden in love herself, she must learn all there is to such an intimate act!
Tsukasa reeled back in his seat a little from the sudden movement. “Oh, uh, you sure seem interested in the subject. What ails you, a fair lady, to want such knowledge?” He wasn't trying to change the topic, he just wanted to know the reason.
“Um! There's no reason! No reason at all!” Yeah, she wasn't hiding this one, either.
He gives her a questioning look, which she easily cracks. What he also saw in the distance was two people approaching, but before he could inform the one in front of him, she started gushing.
Minori fidgeted for a second, rubbing the back of her head. She then takes a DEEP breath before… “Okay, there's someone I really, really like. It's someone from my group, and she's so very cute. I look up to her, and she's done so much for me ever since our group formed. I can't help but think about her, and I keep imagining doing all kinds of fun things together, like when I see couples doing cute stuff in movies, and I don’t want to mess up something as simple as getting closer to her! What if I get all awkward? What if I make things weird?!”
Tsukasa blinked. Once. Twice. Was there a breath in between any of that? Was she even capable of stopping?
“Minorichan’s love story sounds like it could be a song!” Miku clapped her hands. At least one of them was enjoying it.
Minori continues, for a bit longer, “And when I see her perform, it’s like she’s shining! And then I think about how much she’s done for me, and my heart feels so full! And then I get all flustered because she’s so nice, and I start panicking about—AHHHH, I’m talking too much, aren’t I?! Wait, wait, wait, let me get to the point! So please, tell me what it's like and how you felt!” She bowed at the end as if she were asking a master to train her. Except he's still getting very much used to it as a whole, too.
“While I'd love to get into the feelings and the experience…” He awkwardly looks at the two girls standing behind Minori, who looks behind her as well to follow his gaze. Ena chuckles awkwardly, but Airi…she was looking away, wearing a frown.
Airi bit the inside of her cheek. She wasn’t sure why she felt like this—but she hated it. Did she say something to herself? Tsukasa couldn't hear it.
Ena glanced at Airi before speaking, “Hey there, we didn't mean to eavesdrop, but we got here a few minutes ago.” Ena explained. “I couldn't find it in me to stop Minori from fangirling so hard.
Minori internally panicked; they heard it. All of it. She looked at Airi, who refused to make eye contact for some reason. ‘What's wrong with Airichan?’ Was all she wondered. Minori tilted her head slightly. “Airichan, are you okay?”
Airi opened her mouth, but no words came out. The weight in her chest felt heavier than she expected. Why… Why was she feeling like this?
“WHOA, IS THAT MIKU?” Ena quickly interrupted as a means to save Airi, who seemed to be struggling after hearing Minori say all of that. She grabbed Airi’s hand and led her to the table instead of just standing behind Minori.
“HI, NEW FRIENDS!!!” Miku waved excitedly. “I'm Miku!”
“I really need a picture of you…” Ena pulled out her phone to start taking some. “Look, Airi, A cat.”
For the first time, Airi looked at everyone at the little table and not at some plant off in the distance. Her eyes are on the phone in the middle of the table, housing a cute cat girl, Miku. She gasps as she looks at the adorable creature. “Oh my God…”
And just like that, the two newcomers joined the table, though a bit awkwardly. Due to Minori and Tsukasa sitting on opposite ends, this meant that Ena and Airi had to take sides. No matter what, Airi couldn't run away from having to sit next to Minori for a bit.
“So, what else were you guys talking about other than love?” Airi deadpanned, looking at the two.
“We were just talking about SEKAI! I wanted to know about yours since I wasn't present to hear about it before." Tsukasa answered.
“T-that’s right!” Minori was still recovering from embarrassment after being caught by Airi and Ena. However, she was much more embarrassed by one of them than the other.
“Oh? But you seemed so into that last topic, Minorichan.” Ena couldn't help but tease the idol a little. After hearing all of that, who wouldn't think she was head over heels for whoever she was thinking about?
This caused her to grow pink instantly and sputter. I-i w-was just curious.” She covered her face with her hands, “Hueeeee…” She released a funny sound while trying her best not to die of embarrassment.
“So who's the lucky girl?” Ena pushed the conversation forward, but Minori was still recovering and was too shy to answer the question. ‘If I say it here, then-’ Minori’s thoughts were interrupted.
“Leave it, Ena.” Airi sighed, her “protectiveness” acting up again, and besides, she'd rather not hear the obvious-sounding answer to that question.
Ena frowned, subtly looking between the gloomy and the flustered. She sighed and only thought of a single thing, ‘Airi…’ She'll have to follow up with Airi when she gets the chance. Otherwise, whatever she's feeling will swallow her whole.
Tsukasa, also recognizing the awkward atmosphere, coughs and gets everyone’s attention. “Now that we've all gathered, I think I should introduce myself to the one person I don't know very well.” He turns to Ena. “Shinonome-san, I know we've spoken before, but it's nice to meet you!”
“Likewise, Tenma-san. I heard from Airi, but this is about getting Nenechan a gift, right?” She clarified. ‘Might as well help. It'd be rude if I only came because he was offering free cheesecake…’
Tsukasa chuckles nervously, "Indeed it is! I am completely stuck, and I don't want to get her a boring gift! So I asked for help and assembled you all here today to help me figure it out!”
“Right, but before that…” Ena started, grabbing Tsukasa’s attention. “I don't mean to be rude, but I really can't believe you and her are dating.” Blunt as ever she was.
“Hah?!” Tsukasa gasps, “What makes our relationship so unbelievable? We were made for each other. It's destiny, I say!”
‘Loud as ever…’ Ena thinks to herself, but makes sure not to say it. Before she had met Tsukasa, she thought Akito was exaggerating whenever he complained, but after a couple of interactions, she learned that this was normal. Does that mean the bombs and explosions at school were true, too?!
“Sorry, it's just that she comes off as very shy and introverted. You are nowhere close to that. So you know, personalities clash.” Ena explained it in the least offensive way she could without comparing them to something like Beauty and the Beast.
“That's fair. Maybe we are an unexpected couple, but I know well how much she loves me, and she knows how much I love her.” Tsukasa’s smile softens. And just like that, he's thinking about his lover again, which means he gets all mushy while wondering what she's up to.
“Alright, loverboy, let's get some food and think of something before you go off into Dreamland and get no progress done.” Airi teased as she got up first, prompting everyone to do the same. Minori was still worried about her, but Airi’s walls were up, which meant that she was out of reach. Was it something she did?
Tsukasa got up, and Miku retreated into the SEKAI. “You're right! Come with me, everyone! And I'll buy you all some cheesecake or whatever you like as a token of my appreciation!” He walks to the front door and opens it. Doing his “opening a door for a lady pose”. This just entails him opening the door and bowing as if he were a butler, but with extra pizzazz. This elicits three different reactions from his current companions.
Already used to Tsukasa’s antics, Airi huffed a resigned breath before her face betrayed her with a smile. This was exactly what she was signing up for, so this is what she got. Anyway, she decided to enter first.
Ena rolled her eyes, not very impressed with the blonde. But she could already smell the cheesecake as he opened the door, so she followed Airi.
Minori enjoyed the display and cheerfully entered. Happily thanking Tsukasa for holding the door for them as she goes inside.
As everyone walks in, Tsukasa finally enters, and they all take a seat at a table. A waiter came by and left some menus for them to muse over.
Now Ena hadn't been here or eaten here, but the menu’s selection looked delicious and she wished she could try them all, but she didn't want to run Tsukasa’s pockets. Also, it occurred to her that she was probably the only semi-broke one here. Two idols and an actor who works for an amusement park…meanwhile, she doesn't work, technically. Kind of embarrassing, but she'll live.
They had taken their time and looked through the menu and decided on what they'd get. Ena especially was conflicted. ‘I'll have to tell Akito to get me more another day.’ Ah, yes, plans of getting your sibling to do the work for you. Classic.
So when the waiter came by and took everyone's order, while giving them water, they had some time to chat before their pastries came.
“Shinonome-san, I might have forgotten, but what school do you go to?” Tsukasa asked. Maybe she goes to Miyajou? But Emu never spoke about her going there. And he doesn't see her at Kamiyama. Maybe she's taking online classes like Kanade does?
“Kamiyama. Like you do, but I take night classes, so you'll never actually see me. Maybe at graduation.” Ena answered she wouldn't survive day school because…that would involve waking up at a reasonable time and being awake in the morning. She shudders at the thought. "I don't want to get up early for school, and I hear too many crazy things from Akito and Mizuki to make me want to stay in night school.” She wouldn't even survive a day there anyway.
Tsukasa thought about it for a second. The only third years were just him and Rui. So if Ena did go, then she'd probably be their classmate. Figures she wouldn't want to be near them while they do something weird.
“Then how did you find out about everything? Did Akito tell you?” Tsukasa knew they were siblings, but he could also tell that their sibling relationship was starkly different compared to his and Saki's. Yet he knew they still cared for each other.
“It was Akito and this one right here.” Ena points to Airi, who is looking very somber at the moment, and Tsukasa takes note of this for later. He wanted to help remedy whatever was bothering her. “I was just doing my own thing when Airi called me and told me about SEKAI. Here I'll just tell you what happened.”
*Yet another Flashback to Friday afternoon*
Ena just got back from Night school, and there was still a bit of time before 1 A.M, so she might as well do some homework or some drawing for the next music video they just started working on.
Ena did a big stretch, “Thank God it's Friday…” She dropped her bag next to her desk and plopped herself down in her chair. She pulled out her tablet and began doing whatever for a bit until she heard her phone ringing.
‘Ugh, who's calling me now?’ Her hands moved to her phone and picked it up to see the caller ID. To her surprise, it was Airi, who obviously knew when she got out of classes, but why couldn't she just send a text instead?
With a small sigh, she presses the accept call button and holds the phone to her ears. “Airi? What's up?”
“Ena! There's something very important that I need to talk to you about!” Ena didn't know what to expect. ‘What could be so important that she’s like this?’
“Alright then, out with it. What's the matter?” Well, now Ena had to hear her out. She's part concerned and part curious about whatever the idol had to say next.
Airi clears the throat on the other end of the call and begins talking, "You… have a SEKAI, am I right? Or at least, a part of one? ”
A few seconds pass in silence. Ena’s brain could be heard trying to process that question with all its might, but finding itself short-circuiting. "Uh, Ena? Are you alive there?”
The artist finally recovered and responded with a very delayed and shocked, "HUH?!” Ena did not know how to respond to that question. How did Airi know about SEKAI???
Airi’s sympathy could be felt from one phone to the other, “Trust me, I understand that feeling, but I'm not lying when I tell you that there are other SEKAIs other than yours.” She explained.
“And what, you have one?” Ena tossed out, that's the only reason she knows, right?
“Yep, a lot of other people I know have one, honestly. That includes Akito-kun.” Airi could be heard snickering. She just knows that this is going to surprise the living hell out of her friend.
And surprise it did, “HE DOES?!” Ena quickly rose to her feet and stomped to her door and across the hall. Akito should be home, so Ena is free to interrogate her little brother for answers. She brings her free hand up to a fist and pounds on the door. With how loud she's doing it, he's guaranteed to hear it.
Just then, the music stops, and footsteps can be heard walking towards the door. The knob twisted and the door swung open, revealing an annoyed Akito. He looks down at Ena with a frown and simply asks, “The hell do you want?”
Ena quickly barges into the room with no words, which causes Akito to let out a confused “Oi!” but is unable to stop her from doing…whatever she's doing as she sits on the edge of his bed.
Akito, now utterly confused, walked over to Ena and stood in front of her, “Ok, out with it. What do you want, barging in so late?” Akito’s patience is running out as he speaks.
Ena brings up her phone, turns on the speaker, and says, “Say hi”. Akito then directs his attention to said phone, leans in a little, and hears a very familiar voice on the line.
“Hey, Akito-kun! How's it going~?” Airi sounds very nonchalant, even though she's the reason Ena’s in whatever mood this was.
“Momoi-san, it's been good. Now, can you tell me why Ena’s grumpily sitting on my bed and not saying a word?” Akito bluntly asks. He just wanted to practice, do any semblance of homework, and get ready for an important day tomorrow.
“Well, let's say her 'Sekai' of knowledge has expanded.” Airi giggled, giving Akito all the information he needed to know. Airi told Ena that there were other SEKAIs. But that doesn't explain why she's here acting like this.
“That's cool and all, but…” He looks at Ena, “What are you even doing?"
Ena didn't make eye contact, instead, she asked a question. “Did you know? That there were other SEKAIs?” She mumbled.
“Yeah?” He was acting as if it were normal. She wasn't a fan of being left in the dark here.
“Why did you tell me?!” She's not pissed about not being special, but other people knew and she didn't? Airi, seeing as her job there was finished, ended the call. Seems like they'll be having a private conversation that she doesn't want to eavesdrop on.
“I only learned about it yesterday! It was an accident that everyone found out about other SEKAIs, and everyone at Kamiyama who was a part of a SEKAI was there. Akiyama was there too, you know?” Akito scratched the back of his neck while looking away from her.
“Yesterday? Mizuki never mentioned anything about other SEKAIs in the group call…” Ena stated.
“Well, they forgot. That's what they said at lunch today. Maybe they'll bring it up later. There, problem solved, now can you get out of my room?” Akito grumbled. There was a good chance that they would've brought it up later because of the lunch conversation at Kamiyama.
She straight up ignores his request for her departure and continues to stay seated, then chuckles. “I can't believe we both had SEKAIs and we've never once noticed.”
Akito sighed, knowing that this might last for a bit. He walks over and sits down next to her. "Well, we were keeping it from each other. Sides, Tsukasa Senpai, and his little sister seem to have SEKAIs of their own, and they managed to keep it hidden…” Akito explained, still not believing it. If anyone were to accidentally discover another SEKAI, it'd be those two very loving siblings, right? Unlike him and Ena, the two seem like they barely kept secrets from each other.
Awkward silence, there were no arguments, no bickering. Just the two siblings sitting in silence, with one of them processing this new revelation. Akito looks over at Ena, who seems to be staring at the ground before remembering what Toya said earlier at lunch. About checking in with Ena…especially after learning what kind of SEKAI she's in.
Akito exhaled through his nose, staring at the ground. His hands balled into a fist as he powered through any feeling of embarrassment. “…Hey… Ena?” He awkwardly calls out, gaining her attention as she looks at him.
“Yeah?” It was soft, guess she was a little more mellowed out right now.
“I heard from Akiyama and your Miku. About your SEKAI and everything surrounding it. I know you didn't make it, but you're part of it. So I guess I'm just trying to ask if you're alright…” He was looking away shyly. He truly cared for his older sister, and he knew that she cared for him. It's just that they both have a hard time expressing it. So even he checking in on her like this is weird, to say the least.
Ena was caught off guard by the act of kindness. She didn't expect to be having this kind of conversation with Akito in her life, but here we are. Ena opened her mouth to say something sarcastic, but the words never left her lips. Instead, she sighed and answered truthfully. “I'm doing much better, thanks for asking. If you asked me that last year, I think the answer would be much different." She was touched that he was making the effort.
“Cool. That's good,” Akito wasn't sure how to continue this conversation. ‘What else should I say? What else can I say?’ He wasn't sure, but he was doing his best, okay? You have to understand.
Silence, once again. Not a word spoken, but Akito could feel some shifting. Looking to his side once again made him realize that Ena had shifted closer to him. Fair, they were having a deep moment, and closing the distance is understandable.
“Well, I hope you know that I'm here for you. Even if it doesn't seem like it.” Akito muttered. It was quiet, but thanks to Ena getting closer, she was able to hear it.
She giggled, “What's this all of a sudden? Didn't know you cared so much about me.” Well, maybe she had an idea, but now it's being outright stated.
Akito, in response to the teasing, sputters and looks away. “Shut up. I don't want you dying, that's all. Akiyama talked about the feeling of wanting to disappear, which seems like a part of your SEKAI. It kinda scares me and I don't want to lose you.”
It felt heartwarming as she listened to this and smiled in response as she pulled him in for a hug. “!” Akito stiffened for half a second before sighing and returning the hug. He didn't see this coming, but he welcomed it.
“Thanks, it's nice hearing that from you. I'm happy you're my little brother, and I wouldn't trade you for anyone else. I love you.” Ena spoke softly, words that these tough siblings wouldn't normally use around each other. But if only just for a little, could they be vulnerable around each other? That's enough for them.
“Don’t get used to it.” Before he murmurs back, “I love you, too.” They silently sat in each other's embrace for a bit before breaking apart.
“Now that we're done with the mushy stuff, how about telling me about your SEKAI.” Ena changed the topic; they can show that they care every once in a while, but there's a limit to that.
“I can probably take you to it another time if you want. It's a street with a cafe that my Meiko runs.” Akito complied. He was sure that Ena would enjoy the scenery change, at least compared to whatever the hell he'd heard of for her SEKAI.
Ena nodded and asked the one thing she was wondering, “Does it have cheesecake?” She heard ‘cafe’, so surely they serve those, right?
“I mean, I'm pretty sure they do. They serve pancakes, and I could always just ask.” He shrugged; he never ordered cheesecake there. “I'm pretty sure Meiko, Len, or Kaito could make some.”
“And you're confident I can even go into your SEKAI?” Ena was skeptical. I mean, she only just found out a couple of minutes ago.
“Well, a Kaito from one of my Senpai’s SEKAI said it should be possible, and the guy looked like he knew what he was talking about.” Akito wasn't sure either, but if it's possible, then that'd be fun.
“Kaito, huh,” The Kaito Ena knew was a very Mr Grumpy Pants kind of person. So she wondered what other Kaitos were like. If she had to guess, she'd say they have quite unique versions of the well-known Vsingers.
“Yeah, maybe we can try another day. You need to get out more often, even if it's a different SEKAI.” Akito jokes, there was quite a bit of sun in Street SEKAI, so it's close enough.
“Yeah, yeah. Speaking of going out, why does it look like you're preparing to do just that? Don't tell me you're sneaking out.” She looks around the room and sees different sets of clothes all over the place.
“I'm not, I'm just picking a set of clothes ready for tomorrow. I'm hanging out with Kohane, and I'd rather have everything good to go when I wake up.” Akito sighed, though his room looked like a tornado had come by, he did finally decide on something…so now he just needed to clean up.
“Just Azusawa-san? Hehhhh,” Ena lets out a knowing hoot as Akito shyly looks away. “My little brother is going on a date! I'm so proud.” She smirked, she's been suspecting something as of late, but now, it's quite obvious.
“Shut up…I don't even think she thinks it's a date. So it's just a hangout unless she doesn't see it as one.” He sighed. Sometimes he just can't read that hamster of a girl. All he knows is that she's an adorable person who does her best to act cool.
“Get it together. I'm sure it'll be fine.” Ena assures. The last thing she's going to want to deal with is them going in circles. She may not know how Kohane felt about Akito, but she hopes it'll turn out well.
Now that the conversation ended, she got up and patted his shoulder. “It's tomorrow, right? Good luck.”
“Thanks, Ena.” Satisfied with everything that just happened, Ena leaves the room to go back to hers. So that she can get back to business.
*Le end of flashback*
“That's basically it.” Ena shrugged, "Airi called me, told me the news, and then left. Then I had a nice chat with Akito.” She flickered her eyes at the one sitting next to her, who had been silent ever since they sat down.
Airi took a quiet breath. She couldn’t let herself dwell on this—now wasn’t the time. So, she smiled and responded like normal, “You're very welcome!” Sitting there sulking wasn't helping anyone, so for the sake of everyone (including herself), she just acted like nothing was wrong!
To which Ena groaned in response, not just at the remark, but also just at Airi’s mood in general. To say she was worried since the morning phone call was an understatement.
Any further banter was thrown out the window when they looked at Tsukasa, who was on the verge of tears?!
“Um, Tsukasa-san?! Are you okay? ” Minori was the first to ask, very much concerned about her friend.
“Don't mind me! It's just that…your story moved me so much! I believe that siblings should always look out for one another, and clearly, you and Akito love each other dearly!” Tears of joy continued to roll down his face as he wiped them with his hands.
“You’re so dramatic…” Ena deadpanned, before returning to the topic. “It's something that's more silently agreed upon rather than something we normally tell each other.”
“That's interesting.” He nods at the difference in familial bonds. “I always shower my beloved little sister with love and praise!” He states very proudly that his love for his sister is second to none! Well, maybe to his beloved girlfriend, but they're on the same level. He can't just put one above the other. That's blasphemy!
“If Ena and Akito-kun acted like that, it'd be hilarious,” Airi giggled. All Ena did was gag at the thought of them acting anything resembling it.
“Anyway, from the sounds of it, you're now in the loop, yes?” Tsukasa simply asks.
“Yeah, I'm basically caught up, and from the looks of it, even Kanade was caught up thanks to Honamichan and Mafuyu.” Ena shrugged.
‘Then it looks like everyone is now everyone is on the same page! Perfect!’ Tsukasa nods. “Then, are you aware of the party planning? I wanted to host one at my place one day to celebrate the joyous occasion of all of us finding out about our major similarity in having a SEKAI.”
“Mizuki mentioned it, yeah. It sounds fun. When you have a set date, let me know. Or like have someone relay a message to me.” Ena was on board, plus, why not go to it? Ena knew a lot of the SEKAI havers anyway, and it seemed like even Kanade and Mafuyu were going.
“Do you have a date in mind? Still gotta figure out if More More Jump will be busy that day.” Airi asked. If there's some time between then and now, then maybe they could try to have that particular day off.
“I was hoping to kill two birds with one stone! As in, have it set on New Year's.” It was an ambitious date. Not only could New Year's be very busy for many, but also it was like 10 days from now, so if everyone agrees to that date, then Tsukasa’s going to need to start preparing for it VERY soon.
“New Year's?” Minori thought about that date… “We normally have a stream on New Year's, but aside from that, I think we're free!”
“Should be. Maybe our families would probably like to do something, but I'm sure they'd understand if I'm celebrating with friends.” Airi agreed.
“That's okay! I probably could have the party start later so that everyone has a chance to do whatever they must! Like two in the afternoon.” Tsukasa notes. Gotta find a time that works for everyone. He even needs to think of a way to get his parents out of the house since they normally wouldn't be a problem, he's sure they'd welcome him hosting a party for friends and help, but the SEKAIs, though…yeah.
“That'll work. Just finalize the details and then tell everyone.” Airi suggested. Guess she'll put the big day down on the calendar. “So what's the plan after we eat?”
“...” Tsukasa’s eyes widened in response to that question. Wait a minute…
Minori awkwardly chuckled, “Tsukasa-san…, you didn't exactly come up with a plan, did you?” She could relate.
Tsukasa coughs, “Well, we'll improvise! After we eat, we can walk around and try to come up with some ideas!” He looks over at Ena and Airi, “I was also talking to Minori about trying to get you guys to visit Wonderland SEKAI if we have the time! It's a fun place, I promise!”
The two girls looked at each other before looking back at Tsukasa. “No objections here.”/ “Sure,” Ena and Airi responded respectively.
Tsuaksa aggressively nodded, “It’s decided then! Today will be an amazing day!” With that, the group continued to talk until their food came. Minori would worryingly glance at Airi and even try to ask once again about what was bothering her, but was easily brushed off as she continued to listen to Tsukasa and Ena, who were talking about their younger siblings. Correction, it was just Tsukasa singing Saki’s praises. And once enough time has passed, the food arrives, so that they may fill their stomachs before their journey.