❀ A3! Fanfic Collection ❀
To dream and never stop.
Wishes that you can share with your friends...
Step on stage to discover something new.
Welcome to the world of A3!
- - - 【❀】Marks the 20 minute Point
Further edits will be made beyond this point t...
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♡
"Tsumu-kun! Tsumu-kun!"
You can't help but grin from ear to ear as you spot him at the other end of the crosswalk, and your pose of nervous anticipation transforms into one of giddy excitement. It doesn't matter that the wind has been lashing at your floral dress, making you shiver, or that the other pedestrians are staring wide-eyed at the loud girl over-dramatically hailing her companion, today is monumental.
"Y/n-chan!" He's more subdued than you, but Tsumugi's happiness is apparent, too, his smile is as dazzling as you remember. You haven't seen each other in years, but time and distance melt away as he comes to a stop before you. "That's a cute dress," he says, not seeming to notice how his little remark could make you melt into the sidewalk.
"Your outfit, it's also good," you reply, trying to keep your awkwardness at bay. "Oh, but your collar," you reach for the offending flap of fabric, whipped out of place on his commute, and smooth it down. Tsumugi stares back at you, the cool blue of his eyes contrasting with the hint of pink gracing his cheeks.
"Thank you," he murmurs. Then, as if coming out of a trance, he breaks away from your close proximity and clears his throat. "So, Esteemed Movie Expert, you said there's one playing today that would help with my comedic acting?"
"Yup," you gesture toward the theater. "It's a classic dark comedy that was also adapted into a Broadway musical, so it translates well to the stage. Also, I think you'll be interested in the subject matter."
You hand him his ticket, and Tsumugi raises his eyebrows. "Huh. I've never heard of Little Shop of Horrors. Is it a horror-comedy, then?"
You shoot him a wink. "You'll see."
The theater is near-deserted as you find your seats, nestling against the soft velvet and positioning your snacks on the armrest for optimal sharing. You glance over at Tsumugi's face in profile, glowing in the light of the preview trailers. One thought has been repeating itself in your brain since he contacted you a few weeks back. Is this a date? - - - -【❀】
You had the biggest crush on him back at university, but you were sure it was unrequited. He had always been a little closed-off. Polite, compassionate, but out of reach. When you heard he had become an actor, you were shocked, but when you saw him perform, everything made sense. The Tsumugi you knew was only a shell of the person you saw on stage—someone full of passion, someone captivating. You fell in love all over again.
On the other hand, seeing him shine so brightly hurt the selfish part of you that wished you could have known sooner, that you could have supported his dreams back then instead of hopelessly pining for an idealized image. He must have thought you were so shallow, being drawn to his princely demeanor without really understanding his struggles. You were a mere audience apart, but you weren't brave enough to face him back then, even to wish him well.
That's why you were so surprised that he asked you out of the blue for movie recommendations. You'd been texting constantly ever since, filling each other in on your lives, hardships and aspirations, but you fully expected him to be too busy to meet. So what does this unlikely outing mean for your relationship?
"Popcorn?" You jump at Tsumugi's voice in your ear, and he lets out a chuckle as he holds out a piece. Instinctually, you open your mouth, realizing too late that he meant to hand it to you, and while he looks a bit shocked at first, Tsumugi pops it into your mouth, eyes twinkling.
Your whole face goes red as the sweetness of caramel blooms on your tongue. Pouting cutely, you point at the screen, silently reminding him to pay attention.
The movie began, and just as you had hoped, Tsumugi gets that cute wrinkle in his brow when Seymour names his little plant, Audrey II. And, just as you expected, his eyes go wide when that tiny, cute plant makes a habit of feeding on human blood and grows into a smooth-talking, ravenous monster.
"This is the worst-case scenario for a gardener, huh, Tsumu?" You jab him playfully on the arm, and he covers his mouth to stifle a laugh. "I see why you picked this. Cheeky." He pauses. "Hey," without warning, he takes your hand in his own, concern etched into his features. "Your hand is freezing, are you cold?"
"Um, a little," you admit. Gently, he massages warmth back into your fingers, but even when your hands are the same temperature, he doesn't let go. Your heartbeat pounds in your ears. Is this happening right now?
Hands entwined, the two of you watch in silence for awhile, munching on your food and muttering whispered commentary back and forth. You can't help but be thankful for the empty theater. Finally, you reach the scene where Audrey and Seymour sing their big love ballad. "This is my favorite part," you murmur giddily. "It's so romantic."
~Suddenly, Seymour is standing beside me/ He don't give me orders, he don't condescend~
As the music swells, you silently mouth the words to Tsumugi, gesturing emphatically, and he beams, his eyes fixed on you.
~Suddenly, Seymour is here to provide me/ With sweet understanding~
You jokingly take his hands in your own as the song crescendos and the on-screen couple embraces, but suddenly, Tsumugi is drawing you close and planting a very real, soft kiss on your lips. His action stuns you both, and he pulls back a bit at the awed look on your face.
"I'm sorry, was that wrong? I-I should have at least asked first—," His glances away.
"N-No," you cup his face in your hands, blushing. Your heart is overflowing with warmth. "Let's do that again."
Usa-Chan's Note: If you haven't seen Little Shop of Horrors, I would definitely recommend it! Unless you're squeamish or hate musicals, haha. If you wanna listen to 'Suddenly Seymour', I recommend the Broadway version :)
Luka's Note: Erisu <3 I hope you enjoyed this! c: Tsumugi is just so great. And you are so amazing too! Good luck with school and please keep writing A3!!!
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