「Not-so Secret Admirer」

(🌟🎈) Hurt

Their rehearsals are going well. Nene facing challenges to act a role that is a complete opposite of her well, Emu does well in voice acting, Rui's inventions became more challenging for Tsukasa to do stunts. He didn't struggle that much since he knew what to do.

They did so much better at acting the most difficult part. It almost like it's real. Striving to become professionals is challenging so they worked really hard for that.

"Wonderful, everyone! Now, let's time to clean up. It's almost time."

Rui commented in impressed tone, well, with a faint smile of course.

"WOOHOO! EVERYONE! LOOKS LIKE WE CAN MAKE THIS INTO THE GREATEST SHOW!"

"Rui, Emu, Tsukasa, I'm glad you guys helped me through this"

"HAHAHA! THAT'S WHAT THE FUTURE STAT IS FOR!"

"Uh, here we go again"

"EHEHE! THIS FEELS SO FUN!"

"Actually, you guys can go home if you want. I'll take care of this"

"Huh? Rui, are you sure?"

"Rui-kun?"

"It's alright, everyone. I respect everyone that have other things to do."

"I can help"

Tsukasa interfered.

"Eh? Tsukasa-kun?"

"HUH? WHY WOULD I LEAVE YOU ALONE THERE?"

"Fufu, it's fine"

"No no no! I insist. Now come with me! It's the leader's duty to help the director!"

Tsukasa pulled Rui's hand and started to clean up all these props.

He's always been kind to Rui. The purple haired doesn't know why he would want to offer to help him. He knows he would go and visit Saki after that. He also got helped by him some time. But why?

Just like Honami said to Emu, Tsukasa is always looking out for others, no matter how hard they're going through.

He reassured Rui that he can make his inventions for the show as he like. He showed that he doesn't hate him. But there's still something wrong. It's been a while since they're friends but something feels strange to him.

They have interacted the most in schools and in shows. Even, outside of both of these. He's grateful to know him better. But what happens if his feelings towards him would affect their bond?

What he felt right now is, one-sided love? He always knew. He believed that they will stay as friends. But he strived to be more than that. No matter how he was reassured by Tsukasa, the feeling is still there.

"Rui? Is there anything wrong?"

"Fufu, it's nothing. I just couldn't figure out how to clean this part"

Lies, it's all lies. He tried to hide his feelings from him. He doesn't want him to figure it out. He always knew that he would never stand a chance. It's either Emu or Nene who will end up with Tsukasa.

"Ah, how fleeting"

Their bond won't even last if he revealed his true feelings, no? Surely he still have Nene by his side. But he knew that Nene loves Tsukasa as well. But she doesn't know about Rui's crush. If he revealed to his childhood friend, their bond might as well die. Same with Emu. Because both of them are his cherished friends and if that happens, it will form an argument.

"Here, Rui. Let me help you"

Feeling this close, he offered to clean with Rui at the dirtiest part that is so hard to clean. His warmth is all he need. He still felt better but his mind is still clouded by those thoughts.

"Ah, thank you, Tsukasa-kun"

"No problem! Tell me if something happened. Of course if you're okay with it though!"

"I see, alright then."

The purple haired smiled at the blone. It was a soft smile yet you can see how hurt he is when his mind is clogged and his heart is cold.

"Tsukasa-kun?"

"Hm?"

"Eep, nevermind. Just goodluck for the show, okay?"

"Okay! I'll do my best!"

They part ways and Rui walked home alone while, crying? He doesn't look like crying but his tears are kind of visible. His eyes are slowly losing its light. Until Mizuki said hello and asked him to come over.

"Yahooo! Rui! Check this out! My classic lolita dress! Isn't it cute?"

"My, you look very great!"

"Fu~ fu~ fu~! I'm always cute but this lolita dress makes me SUPER CUTE!"

"That's correct! Did you sew that perhaps?"

"Ding! It's sooo hard to find inspirations to make it super cute but look at this! This is one of the best dresses I made!"

"I know right!"

"There's one time I was looking for inspirations in clothes shop but there's an upperclassman I know worked there. She knew about my crisis so she kicked me out. Haaah, I couldn't even study"

"I'm sorry about that, I think it's my classmate. I'll talk to her for that"

"Really? Oh my goodness, I'm so happy! I know you don't really need to do that but hey!"

Mizuki hugged Rui as if they're grateful.

"It's my duty as an upperclassman to make sure all of my friends who are underclassmen are safe and sound."

"Eee, Rui, you look strange today? Did something happen?"

"It's that again, hah."

They walked to the empty side where there's no one around.

"So it's about Tsukasa-senpai again, huh?"

"He actually offered to help me. But I still feel somewhat hurt. I pushed all my troupe members away so I could have some alone time. And they could have some time as well. But he..."

"Rui, you see, it's okay to give yourself some time alone even though it's hard. But if someone offered you to help, you can accept. Just be careful who you're accepting an offer. Because it might be dangerous"

"I see, thank you, Mizuki."

"Fu~ fu~! I'm just stating my thoughts. However, Tsukasa-senpai is really a nice person so I don't see why you should decline the offer"

"It's not like I want to decline the offer but, whenever I'm with him, my heart gets warm. Especially when he's close to me. He is my light. But also darkness because, my heart aches real bad."

"True love hurts. Love can bring you to painful episodes. But that's okay! Just let it out! You don't have to reveal it to him if you don't want to. I'm sure Tsukasa-senpai will still be friends with you!"

"Oh- sure!"

"He really cherished you, so I don't see how he would hate you for that."

"I see... Hmm, I appreciate that"

"Fufu! I'm glad if it's helpful to you! See you again!"

Both parted ways. Rui went home and laid down in a couch. His heart ache and he started crying a little.

"Tsukasa-kun, will you hate me if I said that I love you?"