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Chapter Text

"Thank you everyone for coming!!! See you next time!!!" - The whole team shouted, waving goodbyes to their audience.

Todays show was super spectacular!! It was a story about a bard who tried his best to impress a flower goddess, but in the end he tried too hard and made her wither away, which broke his heart. They worked hard on the decorations on this one, so it would be truly a memoriable experience both for the audience and the actors. Rui hired "a special someone" to make a long dress for the flower goddess, and built special robots that would make the scene look more alive, full of animals and plants, and Emu asked her brothers if they could allow them to play around with lights around the stage and to turn them pink, so it would create a perfect mood for this story. 

And, it seems people really loved it, because almost every seat was taken! People cheered while standing, and clapped their hands even after the young actors left the stage!

"That was a good one! I'm so happy we could pull it off!" - Rui started, who played the bard. The show was his idea, and his facial expression showed how much he was proud of what they did today. 

"ME TOO!!! THAT WAS SO AMAZING I COULD DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN!!!!!" - Said Emu, who played the bards best friend, who tried to make him calm down about his wild dreams about finally making the goddess look at him with amazement after listening to his ballads. The friend was a cheerful poet who tried to find positives in every situation, and yet knew when to let go and try another time. 

"But if we did, the audience would eventually memorize every line of dialogue. Remember that the show was supposed to be an experience you would never forget. If we overuse the idea, the show wouldn't be special anymore." - Nene tried to chill Emus enthusiasm so she won't accidentally make mess on the backstage (which Tsukasa desperately tries to keep clean). Nene played the flower goddess. She was a calm nymph, cold and calm from the outside yet caring and sweet from the inside. She was afraid to show that side that to others, but the bard tried to desperately bring it out to the surface. After she realized she kept hurting the bards feelings even though she really enjoyed his songs, she chose to wither away to never hurt anyone again. Truly, a tragic story that almost made Tsukasa sob, when he was observing them in the backstage when he wasn't needed on the stage.

Tsukasa in question was playing an evil elf who in the end of the story showed the goddess how to wither away by selling her a magic potion, for which she paid with a magic flower that granted him immortality. Tsukasa wasn't the biggest fan of the character he played, he was an asshole and after the goddesses feelings, the main antagonist of the story, but he was really an important part of the plot and propably without him if wouldn't end so bittersweet, and the way he acted was actually similar to how Tsukasa acted.

"Sorry Emu, but I think Nene is right. But it's alright!! We can make more amazing stories like this one!! Ha ha ha!!!" - He finally answered.

"Awh.... But you're right!! WE CAN LOOK FOR OUR NEXT SHOW IDEA TOMMOROW!!!" - Emu jumped, gaining back her enthusiasm.

"Hmm, yeah. Emu is right, after all tommorow is Saturday, we can spend the whole day on stage." - Said Rui, who just left the dressing room, now dressed in his normal clothes. - "After all, our next show is in two weeks, and if we want to beat todays visits record we need to start working on it now."

"YEAH!!!!! AND I THINK I HAVE AN IDEA ABOUT WHAT WE COULD MAKE NEXT!!!!"

"Then let's meet here tommorow, at 9 am??" - Tsukasa said, as the troupes leader its natural for him to choose when their practices take place.

Everyone agreed, and after some time, they parted their ways. Tsukasa waited for around 10 minutes in the nearest bus stop, he spent 30 minutes in a traffic jam, and after he finally reached his home, ate late dinner and finally settles in his bed, he realizes he propably won't be able to sleep anytime soon. He can't focus on anything. Literally anything. He tried to read a book that Toya recently recommended him, but he realized he didn't memorize the past sheet and needs to start again, which he really didn't want to. Then, he tried to come up with ideas for their next show. He really wanted to think of any amazing ideas that would make his troupe members jaws drop when they hear it, but no idea came to his mind. Only thing he could think of was one of his best friends, a girl he spent his past months with, that he may or may not caught some feelings for that aren't completely platonic.

Is he in love with Emu Otori? Sadly.

It's his first time ever feeling romantic feelings to anyone. When he heard the saying that love makes people dumb, he thought it's really really exaggerated, but today, laying in his bed trying to remember all of todays moments he spent with Emu, he might actually agree with that. But, he would change it to "People in love lose their minds". This one suits his situation better.

He spent his past three weeks mindlessly thinking about her. At first it wasn't very alarming, he just thought about how much he'd prefer to be with her and not studying during really long and stupid classes. Then, he started zoning off during breakfasts with Saki, thinking about how much he can't wait to meet Emu today (which wasn't an issue, because Saki always forgave him, until she asked him about who he was thinking about because he's red like a tomato). And finally, here we are, where he can't sleep because all he can do right now is think about her. Who knows, maybe love is some sort of stage of insanity? Because he really feels like he is insane, losing his precious hours of sleep because of his crush best friend. He opens his phone, realizing he propably won't be able to doze off in a while. 

3.32 AM

Well, he's totally going to be a wreck tommorow. Tomorrow's practice is at 9 am, so he will need to wake up at 7 am to get ready, eat breakfast and try to not get stuck in a traffic jam... Yeah, he changed his mind. He should try to fall asleep now if he wants to get at least 3 hours of sleep. 

After a while (which felt like years, thinking about his troupe member with pink hair and a precious smile) he finally felt himself doze off.

Saturday, 13 days left to the big show!

He woke up startled by his alarm. The events of the past night slowly returned to him, realizing he needs to get up now if he doesn't want to be late. He turns to his phone to turn off the sound that ruined his beauty sleep, only to realize.. 

8 AM!! SWIPE TO TURN THE ALARM OFF.

8 AM??? HE WAS SUPPOSED TO WAKE UP AT 7. DID HE FORGET TO SWITCH ALARMS??

He looks in the mirror, he looks like mess. But if he doesn't want to be late he needs to leave in around 10 minutes. He quickly dressed up and took a snack to eat later, and ran out of his house. Of course, with his luck, he missed the bus, so it looks like he needs to run to the wonder stage, 3 kilometers away from him, in around 30 minutes, while feeling like shit. It's his best idea in the moment though, and looking that he doesn't have time, he starts running, better now than later.

"My fucking god I should get a raise for this."

He arrives at the wonder stage 2 minutes before 9 AM, guess his running skills aren't so bad after all. 

Yet, he realized how shitty he feels, all of his energy went wasted into that run, now he could propably fall asleep again. He went backstage to meet Emu and Rui, chatting about something using the weirdest words possible. He didn't even bother deciphering what they meant, too much energy would go wasted. But instantly when Emu saw him, of course she came jumping at him, making both of them fall down. He should get used to it, he knows it, and yet his heart skips a beat when they both end up on the floor, with Emus hands wrapped around him.

"HI TSUKASAAAA HOW ARE YOU!!" - She said, of course screaming. Even though he loved to see her cheerful and energetic, ready for the day, she really needed to stop screaming right into his ear, especially when he was barely alive.

"Could be better, how about you??" - He answered, struggling to stand up.

"I'M AMAZING!! ME AND RUI HAVE AN AMAZING IDEA FOR THE NEXT SHOW!!!"

Great, at least he won't have to share that he spent his last night making zero progress about his show ideas.

"IT'S FROM-"


"Hey Emu, you promised me something didn't you?" - Rui joined the conversation, taking Emu off Tsukasa to give him a chance finally sit down. Yet, Emu didn't seem to take the hint, and jumped at him again once he finally sat down.

"We were supposed to tell them once everyone is here, only Tsukasa is here." 

"OHHH THEN SORRY TSUKASA WE WILL NEED TO WAIT FOR NENE!!!"

"Nene sent me a message earlier that she got into a traffic jam and she will be around 20 minutes late, so we have some free time."

Great, he ran there like if someone was chasing him only for their practice to be moved by 20 minutes. But he can't bring himself to be mad at Nene, he knows there is a chance that if he took the bus it could be him that is currently rotting in some loud bus, with no idea when he will reach his destination. At least now he is around people he knows, and he can use this opportunity to rest.

"Great, now if you excuse me, I'd use this time to take a nap."

"Huh, did someone stay up at night a little too long?~" - Said Rui, a small smirk visible on his face. Oh god if he will pull a prank when he's asleep...

"Yeah, and ran here like if it was burning"

"It's alright Tsukasa!! Rest how much you will like!!" - Said Emu, tightening her grip (because she never let him go in the end) around him. Oh only if she knew how messy it makes him feel, being hugged to sleep by someone he loves while she doesn't even realize it. Actually, maybe it's not such a bad idea, and it will help him sleep? If he can't do anything but think about her when he tries to sleep, maybe today her presence will actually allow him to rest?

He closed his eyes and was about to drift off, but suddenly he heard steps on the stage. Great, if Nene really is here that would mean his precious nap time won't happen.

"I'm sorry I'm late, there was a big car crash which stopped the traffic completely, I had to go here by foot." - Yeah, it was Nene. Tsukasa slowly opened his eyes, first thing he saw was Nene apologizing to Rui. Great.

"OH MY GOD IF BOTH TSUKASA AND NENE ARE HERE IT MEANS I CAN FINALLY SHARE MY IDEAS!!!!" - Emu jumped from the bench she was sitting on with Tsukasa (and accidentally hit his head with her hand). Then, she ran off back on the stage looking for something in her backpack.

"Oh yeah, she showed me them already. To be honest, I think that's a great idea" - Rui said, grinning at Nene and Tsukasa.

"If you say it's amazing I fear how weird the ideas are.." - Nene stared at him, making him chuckle.

"I GOT IT!!!!!!!" - Emu came back into the backstage, jumping at Nene.

"Emu I'm excited too but please stop jumping at me, you're going to break my spine..."

She didn't reply, instead she showed her a pink book with some colorful paintings on the cover.

"Well, I thought to myself about how much I liked how magical our last show felt and I looked through my room to find any inspirations and look!!" It's the Brothers Grimms' fairytales!!"

She pointed her finger at the title of the book, "The best of Brothers Grimms' fairytales". 

"I thought to myself I'd pick one of them because I loved them when I was younger, but I can't choose any of them because I love all of them so much... SO LET'S PICK IT TOGETHER!!!"

To be honest, Tsukasa didn't remember any of Grimms' Fairytales, no idea if it's because he feels so tired he can't recognize who is speaking right now, or because he doesn't really remember his childhood well. Lately he found out he doesn't remember how he spent his days as a kid when he was home alone, which kinda creeped him out but he thought to himself that it's propably because it was really boring. But he remembers that Grimms' fairytales exist, and maybe he even read it with Saki when he was younger, so it's propably just his lack of sleep. No need to panic, not at all.

"Well then! If we want our show to be even better than our last one, we need to look for it now!!!" - He said in the most energetic tone he could get out of himself, so they don't think he doesn't want to be there. Also, they need their leader to be with them, so he obviously isn't going to let them down!!

"Puss in boots??" - Emu said, showing a picture from her book.

"I'm not the biggest fan of it." - Answered Nene.

"LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD??"

"I am in, if you make Tsukasa play the wolf~!"

"I AM NOT PLAYING THE WOLF RUI."

"OMG LET'S DO RAPUNZEL!!!"

"Our hair is too short, Emu."

Then, Emu's eyes sparkled with excitement.

"I KNOW!! LET'S MAKE A SLEEPING BEAUTY INSPIRED SHOW!!"

Rui and Nene looked at themselves, and grinned. Tsukasa didn't recognize that show.

"Rui, about what is fairytale?"

"Oh, there was a princess who was cursed to fall asleep forever, locked away in an old tower sealed by thorns, and there was a prince who saved her, a simple and short but a beautiful one indeed."

Doesn't ring a bell, at all. Maybe he just didn't read it? But looking how his troupe liked this idea, of course he had to agree to it.

"Then of course! I really like the idea!!"

"OH OH CAN I BE THE PRINCESS??? I WANT TO BE THE PRINCESS!!!" - Emu jumped in, with sparkles in her eyes

"SURE!! THEN I SHALL BE THE PRINCE WHO WILL SAVE THE DAMSEL IN DISTRESS!! HA HA HA!!!"

Rui grinned, like if that show had an other meaning... DOES IT HAVE ANOTHER MEANING???? Before he had a chance to ask, Rui spoke again.

"Then, I shall be the king! That leaves the role off the evil witch for you, Nene."

"I guess.. But I hope I will get a pretty dress for that."

"I'll take care of it" - Rui winked at Nene - "It will be the prettiest dress you ever saw in your life."

All is great, they have their roles, but maybe it's just Tsukasa's sleep deprivement but something seems wrong here. It seems like Rui didn't share the whole story with him.

"Alright, so now that we have our roles, I will write the scenario for us! I'd change the story to make it more interesting for kids, and I think I'd change the relationship between the princess and the prince, I don't think the audience would like the "love at first sight" stuff, everyone uses that. That would mean todays practice is over."

Tsukasa nodded, but took attention to how he said "love at first sight". It wasn't supposed to be a love story.

Unless, Rui didn't share everything with him about the fairytale.

He excused himself that he needs to call Saki that he will be early today and that she won't have to eat dinner alone today, but really he went to check if Rui pulling a big joke on him. He opened his phone browser and looked up sleeping beauty story. Rui didn't lie, it was just like he said, a princess was cursed by an evil fairy that in the eighteenth year of her age the princess would prick herself with a spindle and shall fall down dead. But thanks to another fairy, the curse was changed to falling asleep. Then, the king would destroy every spindle in the kingdom, but in her 18th birthday she would find an abandoned tower with the evil witch inside, in the end making her fall asleep. Then comes the prince to wake her up by kissing her, they got married, and lived happily ever after. Classical end. 

Hold on, rewind.

Then comes the prince to wake her up by kissing her, they got married, and lived happily ever after.

He plays the prince, Emu is the princess.

RUI SET HIM UP.

He ran back to the backstage, only to realize that Rui already left. Nene said he had to "go and meet his friend about the dresses", but he was 100% sure he left so that he won't have to deal with angry Tsukasa.

He was about to say he doesn't like the idea actually and wants to change, but Emu jumps at him (again.) and tells him that she goes shopping with Nene for decorations and that he should go rest. Well sure he will, he totally won't be able to fall asleep today, not when he has to think about kissing his crush on stage.

But before he realizes, he's alone, Emu and Nene left. Hopeless.

"Well, I'm done for."

Chapter Text

After going back home, Tsukasa spent the rest of the afternoon trying to think how to get out of this situation. They already agreed on this show, and switching it just because suddenly he doesn't like the idea would be a shitty move, and he isn't that type of person to leave his team hanging and leave them alone in the last second, which means he will in fact need to kiss Emu on stage. In front of the audience. He didn't even came to accept his feelings for Emu, and right now he has to kiss her in front of the whole audience??

He would prefer to eat seven peppers in one go than to confront his feelings. 

Ring!!

Great, if it's the alarm to wake up he is actually going to punch a wall or something, first he stayed up yesterday and today he didn't even get a hour of sleep too? He checked the hour. It was 9pm, not so late. But, that means someone really wants to talk to him, since no one usually messages him this late. It's literally dark outside! He got up from bed (Geez, how long did he lay there in the same position thinking about her?) and checked his phone. He actually expected a message from Saki that she's staying at Ichikas house at a sleepover again, but to his surprise it was actually a certain guy that was his current source of problems. What would Rui want from him at this hour?

You up?? You looked really tired today so I wouldn't be surprised if you're actually asleep right now.

??Yeah, is something happening

Can I call?? Typing all of this out would be too tiring.

"Well then, - Tsukasa sighs - At least I have a chance to talk to him about it." - He said, looking for Rui's number in his contacts. He didn't need to wait long for him to pick up the phone, before he could even say hello he already started talking about all of his ideas.

"Okay sooo I've finished the scenario!! And trust me it's wild!!"

"That's great Rui but-"

And that's when Rui starts to speak so fast Tsukasas sleep deprived brain can't make much sense of it.

"Well!~ The story goes classic at the start like that fairytale! The king has a daughter and he invites some fairies to give her gifts for her first birthday! But then! Evil witch played by Nene appears!! She's mad that she wasn't invited, so she curses her to die after eating something sweet on her 18th birthday!! She leaves the stage, and thats when good fairy RoboNene appears!! She didn't give her a gift yet, so she changes the curse to make her fall asleep when she eats something sweet, and only a true love kiss can save her!!~" 

"HUH, EATING SOMETHING SWEET????"

"Yeah I made it more child friendly, they will all live in a candy kingdom!! And then the king BANS every sweet thing that exists in the castle and is very overprotective of his daughter and forbids her to leave the castle!! Also he forbids her to make friends because he's scared one of them would be someone coming from the evil witch, so he hires a young prince in princesses age to keep her company!! The prince will be you!! They spent their whole childhood and teens together, and slowly fell in love with eachother!!!~ "

"About the prince role-"

"And then finally her 18th birthday!! The princess gets mad at her father because she's finally an adult and her dad even forbids her to leave her room, and at the prince because she thinks he knows why her dad is like that, which he doesn't, so she runs away from her room and hides in the closed part of the castle! The king figures it out and gets the kinghts to chase her, so she hides away in an abandoned tower!! Inside she finds a bunch of sweets and... evil witch Nene!! The witch convinces her to try it, and she was about to decline but then she hears the knights bounding at the tower door so she eats the candy just to spite them and to prove her father she can be alright on her own!! Little does she know the curse is complete and she falls asleep!!!"

"RUI LISTEN TO ME-"

God, is he even taking breath breaks???"

"The knights arrive to late, and see her unconcious on the floor!! They see she's alive, just sleeping but after they call the king and the prince the king reveals the curse and what he did to protect her, and leaves the room with the knights to hunt down the witch!! And the prince is left alone with her, lamenting about what happened to her!! That's when he confesses his love to her and apologizing he was too scared to confess earlier before it was too late!!"

"CONFESSES?????"

"Yes!~ And he kisses her as a goodbye and was about to leave the tower but.. the princess wakes up!! They're both very happy there is a big love confession and they get married and live happily ever-"

"I AM NOT GOING TO PLAY THE PRINCE RUI!!!!'

SIlence.

"WHAT???? And you didn't tell me???"

"I TRIED TO BUT YOU WERE SO INVESTED INTO THE STORY YOU DIDN'T LET ME SPEAK! But yeah, I thought about it, and I don't think the prince role actually suits me, maybe you'd like to switch?? I could be the king and you the prince."

"No way. I already wrote the roles and I am currently going to my friend to ask them if they can make clothes for us."

"RUI I CAN'T PLAY THE PRINCE PLEASE."

He could hear Rui chuckle, god why is he making fun of him.

"My my Tsukasa, is someone afraid of the stage?~"

"WHAT? OF COURSE NOT. I PLAYED WORSE ROLES THAN THIS ONE!!!!"

"Then why are you so afraid of playing this one, hmm?~"

Fuck, cat is out of the bag.

"I don't think this is a topic for a phone conversation Rui."

"Then, how about go with me on a walk? As I said, I'm currently going to my friend, and they live pretty close to you, of course if you're not planning to go to sleep right now."

Should he? I mean, if he admits for his feelings, Rui will definetly tease shit out of him the next time they meet. But also, some advice would definetly be needed right now, since he can't even sleep at night because the only thing her can do is think about her.

"Ehh sure, a walk will definetly help me fall asleep later."

"Oh, so you actually struggle with falling asleep??~"

"I TOLD YOU ITS NOT A TOPIC FOR A PHONE CONVERSATION!!"

"Haha! Then, I'll be at your house in around.... 5 minutes. Get ready, because I don't want to be late!~ They have a lot of things to do today!"

Rui hung up, making silence fill Tsukasas room. Oh my good into what did he agree?? He definetly isn't going to leave him alone after that, and the worst case scenario is if he shares the news with Nene, which will surely share the news with Emu, propably because she'll brutally force that information out from poor Nene. Anyways, he doesn't want Rui to be late because of his weird brain scenarios, so he went downstairs to put on a warmer jacket and left the house. It didn't take long for Rui to arrive.

"One thing before you start complaining about your life, my friend I talked about invites you to join us. Would you like to come with me? You can help us with designs."

Well, that doesn't sound like a bad idea. Also, maybe he'll get the chance to change the script a little, so he won't have to go through the confessing stuff.

"I guess, sure. I don't have anything better to do, and sure my help will make our show even better!! Ha ha ha!!"

"Wow, you finally sound like yourself! That means the prince's role means a lot to you! But then, what's biting you so hard you don't want to be the prince??"

Is he really so easy to look through?

"Okay so." - Tsukasa took a deep breath in. Here we go. - "I think I may have a really really really small crush on Emu." 

He looked at Rui if he is laughing at him, but he was looking at him with a straight face. Great, at least he's not laughing, but that definetly isn't helping. It seems like Rui isn't going to speak anytime soon, and oh god he needs to fill this uncomfortable silence.

"And it's just that, just thinking about confessing my feelings RIGHT NOW to her makes me feel sick. I need more time to prepare myself, to think it all out. And here I go, I need to fucking kiss her on a stage and confess my feelings while our audience is going to watch my every move. I can't bring myself to look at Emu, and I am supposed to kiss her right here, right now? No way."

Rui stared at him. God he feels so stupid right now. If he sounds pathetic Rui could at least tell him about it.

"Okay... And is there something I don't know? You know, making an intro about things we know already is good only in criminal shows."

.

.

WHAT.

"YOU KNEW???"

"I'm pretty sure everyone knows Tsukasa. Well, everyone except for Emu, shes too blind for these things."

Great. Amazing even. For how long did they know?? Did they make fun of him for that??

"You're not helping Rui."

"And let me guess, she's the reason you weren't able to sleep today, right??"

Tsukasa didn't like how he looked through him like if everything was written on a sheet of paper he just reads from. 

"Yeah. I couldn't focus on anything, and could only think about her."

GOD HE SOUNDS SO FUCKING TERRIBLE MAKE IT STOP.

"Well then, I'm sorry Tsukasa, but I really can't change the roles now, I already ordered those clothes, right now we're going to talk about their design and decorations, and there is no way I'd fit in your small outfit. Also if it cheers you up, at least Emu was really hyped up when she heard YOU will be the knight so..."

"Yeah I see what you're doing here, and no way. Also, if you knew about my whole situation, it means you wrote the scenario specially like that to make me embarass myself in front of the audience, right?"

"Well embarass yourself is too much said, I thought you'd like the encouragement." - Rui said grinning at him. 

"Right now you're encouraging me to fucking punch you so hard in your face you will fly to the wonderstage." 

"Come on, you're going to beat me up on the streets? Not cool man. But anyways, just for you to know, if you ever want to talk more about it, or come into some issues and need some advice, you can come to me to talk about it."

"What do you know about love hmm? Have you ever crushed on someone?"

Rui's grin dropped. 

"Well, for your information, yes I did."

"Based on your facial expression you weren't really an expert on that."

"Okay, maybe I did get kind of heartbroken, but at least I know how the feeling feels! That's what counts, right?"

""Kind of" heartbroken??"

"Let's just say I didn't act on these feelings before it was too late. I don't want to talk about it, really."

Well then, at least he knows how it feels when you fucked up much. Still he won't push it. If Rui ever feels comfortable enough sharing it with him, he will. For now, Tsukasa won't push.

"Well, we are here!"

Rui said, with his usual grin came back"

"Well then, let's go in!!" - He said storming in.

"HEY, AREN'T YOU GOING TO AT LEAST KNOCK???"

God he feels like he is babysitting a kid. From where does he have this energy??

"Hmm, you're right." - He said, before knocking loudly three times on the door.

"COMING!!!!" - A voice from the inside yelled. Wait, does Tsukasa recognize this voice?

Before he had a chance to think, a pink haired person opened the door. In the entrance stood no one else than Mizuki Akiyama.

"Well what do we have here!! Come in, come in!! I prepared most of the things already!"

"Sorry we are late, Mizuki, but our little friend right here didn't walk fast enough."

"HEY, NOT MY FAULT YOUR LEGS ARE SO LONG! I BARELY KEPT UP WITH YOU!!"

"Hahaha!! It's alright guys, no need to fight. I prepared the materials in my room, so let's go in, shall we?"

"Sure then, just give me a minute. Mizuki, can I please make some coffee for myself? I'm about to pass out here."

"Okay, you know where the kitchen is right?"

"Yeah, thank you really."

"Alright then Tsukasa, let's go upstairs!!"

That's how Tsukasa was left alone with Mizuki, Rui's dissapearence made him slightly less confident. They went right into their room, full of materials inside.

"Alright, so that's the materials I'm planning to use, but before we start..."

They said, turning their head to face Tsukasa.

"Rui said that you had a really important thing you wanted to talk about with him, and I'm really sorry for asking but would you like to tell me? Maybe I can help!!"

Great, he knew telling Rui was a bad idea, but he didn't think he would share the news so soon. It seems that Mizuki saw his sudden mood change.

"Of course, you don't have to!! We can drop the topic right here!!"

"Nonono, it's alright, really. Rui didn't really help much and maybe you will be able to at least give some advice."

Is he seriously going to ask for love advice his friend's friend?

Yeah, why not?

"So, there is a girl that I am in a troupe with. And the show we are currently planning and make the clothes for today is a love story based on sleeping beauty. I am the prince that will save the wake up the princess, and the girl i talked about earlier is the princess in question. And Rui wrote the script specifically to make the story end with a love confession and a kiss. The biggest issue is, I have a small crush on that girl, and I will have no choice but to confess and kiss her on stage."

"Oh."

Well for fuck's sake it made him feel even worse when Rui stared at him. 

"Let's think rationally okay?? Yeah, you will kiss her on stage, but remember you're doing it on stage, as a show!!"

"You mean, I shouldn't worry too much because she will think about it only as acting?"

"Exactly!! That way you won't have to worry about it too much, and confess later when you feel like you're ready!!"

That actually makes sense, and it calmed Tsukasa a bit. He would be okay with kissing Emu when he is sure she knows it's acting and doesn't suspect anything. And like Rui said, she didn't seem to notice his weird behaviour. There is only one issue.

Does Tsukasa really  want her think of it as an act?

He sounds like he lost his mind. He spent his past two days trying to get out of this situation, and here he is now, actually wanting Emu to think that he means it. 

"It really sounds reasonable and really smart, but I don't think this is really the best option for me, sorry."

"Awh then, I'm sorry but I don't think I can help more. I'm not really a heart expert, all I did was get heartbroken."

Wait, Mizuki too??

"Sorry that I'm nosy but would you like to talk about it?"

"As a secret for secret? Sure I guess!"

They took a deep breath in.

"Well, Let's just say I didn't act on my feelings before it was too late. Before I noticed, he was gone, he found someone else. Maybe if i acted earlier, it wouldn't end up like that. But yeah, not everyone is destined to get their happy ending."

That sounds similiar. Tsukasa isn't going to push it though, he knows he shouldn't.

"I'm so sorry." - He said whispering, like if speaking in a higher tone could scare them away. After all, they shared a big secret with him, he isn't going to laugh in their face 

He looked at Mizuki, and he could swear he could see their teary eyes, but they looked away too fast for his (still sleep deprived) brain to register.

"It's alright, I got over it now."

"Sharing secrets without me, huh?"

Here he is, our lost in action man. 

"How much of it did you hear?" - Asked Mizuki.

"Nothing, I reached the door when Tsukasa whispered something."

"I sure hope so."

"Even you, Tsukasa, against me?"

Mizuki burst out laughing, followed by Tsukasa. In this room, filled with heartbroken people, he doesn't feel too bad about his situation anymore. He could have ended up in a worse situation. They picked the materials for Nene's and Emu's dresses, and then used Tsukasa as an alive mannequin to try out the best clothes for the prince. Mizuki tried to make Rui also act like a mannequin, but he dodged their materials everytime they got in 5m radius of him. They spent around two hours running around Mizuki's room and polishing the clothes, until they were finally satisfied with sketches that Mizuki made.

"Well then, It's almost 1am, I think it's time for me to take my leave. I want to get some good quality sleep tonight." - Said Tsukasa, trying to hide his yawn.

"Alright then, I would walk you back but I have something to do on 1am and can't really plan it out, sorry." - Mizuki answered, looking over her computer.

"Nono, It's alright!! Thank you so much for helping me today!!"

They bid their farewells, and Tsukasa went back home. The sky was beautiful tonight, there was no cloud up on the sky, and honestly it wasn't too cold. Maybe, just maybe, the night sky and the stars glimmering above him gave him enough confidence to finally make up his mind. He will confess his love to Emu Otori.

After reaching home, he was finally able to fall asleep.

Chapter Text

Tuesday, 10 days left to the big show!!

Yesterday, Rui finished the script prototype. Which means, the love confession is ready and he needs to practice it now! At first Tsukasa thought that because he finally accepted his feelings, thinking about it will definetly be easier. Well, he was painfully wrong. After he received the script from Rui, he thought to himself he will practice and practice to make it perfect.

How it went? Not the best.

It's around 6pm, and Tsukasa is walking around his room desperately trying to recite his role. But no matter how he tries, everytime the princess is mentioned, he can't get a word out of himself.

"My lord! The princess ran away!! We need a search party right now! I am so worried ab-about h...her... UGH!!!"

He really felt like giving up. Yes, thanks to Rui's and Mizuki's help he made up his mind, but he didn't ask himself if he is actually ready to do it. Wanting something and being ready to get it is such a different thing that it makes him want to rip his hair out. Is he going insane? He really feels like that. If he could, he would go and track every person who called falling in love "such a sweet thing". Losing your mind is a sweet thing? I wish.

He was about to start again, but he heard loud three knocks on his door.

"Tsukasa? Can I come in?" - He heard Saki say from the other side of the door.

"SURE!! WALK IN!!!"

Just like he said, she went inside his room and met him with a hug. One thing he realized, that based of her facial expression she was... concerned, to say at least. Is she worried about him?

"Tsukasa, is everything alright?"

"HUHHH?? WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THAT??"

Tsukasa despised that question. It is too general, you don't know what they mean by that. Are they asking about your physical health, mental state, or what? He didn't like inprecise people.

"Well, It's not such a hard thing to hear that you were stuttering for the past hour. And that never happens to you!! Is the role you're going to play super difficult or something??"

Hell yeah it was difficult. Really, confessing to your crush while people are watching? No biggie!!

"Well, depends in what context.. I am playing the prince, one of the main characters!!!! Ha ha ha!!!" But, the bad thing about is that it's a romance, I need to confess to someone on stage."

"Ohh it makes sense now...."

She burst out laughing. Great, can't wait for her to ask on who he's crushing.

"ARE YOU HINTING SOMETHING???"

"You've never been the romantic type Tsukasa, don't you remember when we watched romantic comedies with our parents? Everytime a kissing scene went in you were about to throw up!!!"

He can't remember. It creeps him out that he can't remember anything from his childhood. Yet, he won't tell it to Saki, not yet, he can't dig a deeper grave for himself now. That's an issue for another day.

"Not really, but sounds like something I'd do!!"

"Yeah!! So really, I'm not surprised you find confessing to your crush embarassing!!!"

"SHE'S NOT MY CRUSH!!!"

Saki looked at him, grinning. She kinda reminded him of Rui right now, he always grins like that when he is about to tease shit out of him.

"Hmmm, really?? Then, let's act like I am the princess for a second!! Try to practice your role now!!"

He doesn't like where this is going. Is he going to decline? Of course not.

"Well.. Maybe you're right, maybe it will work.. Ekhem." - He said, taking two steps back.

"You scared me!! I was worried I will never be able to see you smile again!! Please, never do that again, my heart wouldn't be able to survive that!!"

"See? You nailed it!!! Now you really sound like some kind of important prince guy, and not some blushy mess!! Which means...."

Well, guess he needs to tell her after all. But the idea she gave him about practicing while thinking the princess is played by someone else is great!! That means maybe she can help him with her too??

"..Yeah. The princess is my crush."

"OOOOOOOHHH!!!" - Why is she more excited about it than he is??

"NO NOT OOOH, I AM FUCKING MISERABLE!! I CAN'T BRING MYSELF TO EVEN THINK ABOUT HER."

"Heyy no need to bring yourself down now!! At least you are confident about your feelings right?? May I ask, who is that person? You know, I may give some tips about the flowers you could give them!!!"

"I AM NOT GIVING HER FLOWERS!!!"

"SO ITS A "HER"!! OMG OMG LET ME GUESS...."

No way she's guessing. He feels like she's playing a kahoot game because she really seems to enjoy herself. But to be honest, he liked how positive she was about it. Maybe he isn't so fucked up after all.

"Emu Otori." - She stared at him, no expression. He tried to hide his embarassment again. I mean, SHE REALLY GOT IT FIRST GUESS. HOW IS HE SUPPOSED TO STAY CALM. 

"IS IT THAT OBVIOUS?"

Saki nodded. Well nevermind, he is fucked up. But, she came up to him and hugged him.

"Hey, I know the situation sounds hopeless, I was in a similiar situation before too, but i figured it out! I'm sure you can do something about it big brother!!"

"Thank you so much..." - He said, hugging her back.

Hold on.

"I was in a similiar situation before too"

"Saki, what did you mean when you said that you were in a similiar situation?"

"Oh, I had troubles with coming to senses after realizing I fell for Ichika!! But I sorted it out and gained confidence to confess! Looking back at it now, it wasn't so bad actually!!"

Not so bad, huh? Are they feeling the same love?? He can't sleep because of Emu now, does it get worse?? And that's when it clicked for him. Ichika, Saki's girlfriend. Her and Tsukasa were actually kinda similiar, both band/troupe leaders, in love with their best friend. Maybe asking her isn't such a bad idea?

He is going to take a bet on that one.

"THANK YOU SAKI, YOU'RE A GENIUS!!"

"HAHA, ALWAYS FOR YOU!!!!!"

"I'M GONNA GO NOW, I HAVE A GREAT IDEA!!!" - Tsukasa said, taking his yellow cardigan and storming out of his room

"ALRIGHT!!!!! BYEE ..But why am I a genius?"

But Tsukasa didn't hear her anymore, since he already left his house, desperately looking for Ichika in his phone contact book.

In the end, they decided they will meet in the park near Ichika's house. Tsukasa was sitting on a bench, praying for Ichika to come quickly, because he slowly started to doubt himself. Is this really a good idea? To ask your sister's girlfriend for love advice? Everyone with a brain would say no. But well, after all he is in love, and people in love do stupid things.

"Tsukasa, long time no see!!"

There she is, she said while sitting next to him.

"What's so urgent? Normally we don't meet so fast here unless there is-"

"Nono, there is nothing wrong with Saki don't worry!!!" 

He could see the tension leave her body, and her worried expression changed to a more cheerful one.

"You have no idea how much you scared me!! But anyways, you said you wanted to talk about something. What is it? I'm all ears!!"

He took a deep breath. Really asking Ichika of all people? But the milk is spilled now, he won't tell her he called her for no reason. 

"So, I have a big struggle, and I have no idea how to deal with it. And because we are kinda similiar in a way, I thought maybe you could help me."

Ichika looked at him with a surprised expression. He wonders what shocked her more, that he's speaking in a calm tone, which he never does, or that he came to her for help of all people. 

"Well, I'll try to help as much as I can!"

That's when the panic comes to him. They are similiar yes, but what if she never struggles with her love life and his issue will sound funny to her? 

"PROMISE YOU WON'T LAUGH."

"HUHH" - It seems his sudden burst of energy shocked her even more. - "Geez Tsukasa, you're acting weird today."

"JUST PROMISE YOU WON'T LAUGH"

"Alright alright, I won't laugh."

Great. He takes a deep breath now. He can't say "forget it" now.

"So... We're you ever in a situation that you were singing a love song with your band?"

"Hmm.. Let me think... There was one time we played a love song, not long ago actually! Maybe like, two or three months ago? Why are you asking? And what do you mean by "we are similiar"?"

"I'll get to it in a secon-"

"You're in love?"

"LET ME FINISH!!!"

"Alright alright!! I'm listening!!"

Too bad that he could see how she's trying not to crack a smile.

"Okay... And can you tell me more about the love song? Can you tell me more about it?"

"Well, it was more like an appreciation song, or admiration in this case. The vocalist was praising everything about the girl they loved, about their golden hair, cheerful personality and how she never let them down and more cheesy romance stuff like that."

So he was right!! She was in a similiar situation he is now!! The golden hair and personality description really fits Saki, so now let's see how she dealt with it.

"Well, how did you feel singing it? Like were you nervous or anything.."

"I don't know what you are hinting but I don't like it."

"I guess the description really matches Saki so-"

"YOU THINK I'M IM IN LOVE WITH SAKI??"

Wait, what?

"Weren't you two dating??"

"YOU KNOW????"

"I KNOW WHAT???"

She looked at Tsukasa with a serious face.

"Did you tell anyone?"

"No, why?"

"Who told you?"

"Saki herself?"

He still remembers that day when he was sitting alone in his room, reading a criminal novel when he heard Saki barge inside the house screaming from excitement. When he came down, she explained to him that Ichika confessed to her, and that now they're offically dating. Of course, he felt happy for his sister. Then why is Ichika acting like that?

"Listen, do not tell anyone about this okay."

"Sure, but aren't you two official?"

"Kinda? I guess. I mean we are dating but aren't sharing the news just yet. My parents are.. not really supportive to say at least."

Oh.

Oh. 

Now he realized how bad his whole plan is, Ichika is risking much just talking about it and here he go, asks her about it like it's nothing. Good that he didn't ask her on the phone.

"I'm so sorry I didn't know."

"Hey don't feel bad! You didn't know so you have no reason to feel guilty!! But coming back to the topic... Yeah I were kinda nervous because the description fit Saki really well, and we weren't dating back then."

"And how did you deal with it?"

"Hey, don't you think it's kinda weird that I am the only one talking? Why are you asking me this stuff?"

Oh no, she caught up.

"Wait... You said we are similiar, so you mean.."

Oh no, she caught up.

"Finish your story first!"

"Hey, no changing topics!!"

"UGHHH"

Okay, three deep breaths Tsukasa, you can do it.

"So.. By the "we are similiar" line I meant that we are both the leaders of our groups... that fell in love with their best friends from the group."

"WHAT."

"HEY DON'T MAKE IT SOUND SO DRAMATIC I SWEAR I'M HANDING IT... almost..."

"ALMOST???"

"STOP SCREAMING!!!!!!"

"I'M SCREAMING BECAUSE YOU ARE SCREAMING!"

He thought that after Mizuki's reaction nothing can surprise him anymore, but this one he definetly didn't expect. Ichika, the calm and caring friend of Saki, currently screaming with him.

"Okay okay sorry for reacting like that, it was just... unexpected. You know, asking your sisters girlfriend really isn't a popular type of love advice."

"I know I know, but I'm really desperate. Based on what you told me, you had a similiar experience to mine so... please could you help me?"

"Alright, then mind sharing the whole story?"

Ichika is the fourth person he will tell. Kinda ironic how he couldn't come to terms with his feelings for weeks, and here he goes, shares the news with his friends in less than 4 days.

"So, there is that girl that I like, right? We are a part of the same troupe."

"Is it that pink haired girl Saki talked about?"

Ichika is the fourth person who knew. But for his sanity's sake he won't point it out.

"Yeah. And we are making a show where I need to kiss her on stage."

"So that's why you asked me if I was in a similiar situation, to find a reasonable way to get out of this situation? I get how you feel."

Her words of comfort really made him feel better about the situation, and not terrible after his other friends comments on the situation. Having someone to understand you how you feel because they went through similiar situations was a dream come true for Tsukasa. The only person that ever related to him was Emu, and how she wanted to make everyone around her smile (even at cost of her own). Finding someone that actuallly related to his struggles is way better than having someone say "I'm so sorry to hear that" even if they don't understand the issue.

"Thank you, you have no idea how much it means to me."

"Hey, that's for what friends are right? But answering your question with how I dealt with it..."

She took a deep breath.

"I just imagined I was really singing it to Saki! And guess what, it helped!"

WHAT.

"WHAT??? YOU EXPECT ME TO THINK THAT I AM SAYING THIS TO EMU AND NOT THE FAKE PRINCESS???"

"Her name is Emu??"

"ANSWER MY QUESTION!!"

"Well, yeah! Being honest to yourself AND the girl you are crushing on can't do much harm!! Lying to yourself will definetly bring more harm both to your sanity which is already on the verge of snapping, and to your relationship with that girl."

"For your interest my sanity is completely okay."

"I'd believe that if you didn't ask me for help. Asking your sister's bestfriend really is a last line of defence."

There is no point of arguing with her, she's right. He is fucking miserable and can't put his mind together. Can't even sleep at night. Maybe really being true to yourself will do something? 

"Maybe I'll try that, but how? I can't even bring myself to think about her."

She chuckled, but after noticing that Tsukasa is staring at her, or remembering about her promise, she instantly put a straight face.

"Well, the show isn't today, right? You have a lot of time to prepare yourself! If you think positive you can sure do it!!"

That does make sense. Tsukasa smiles.

"You're right, thank you. I should repay you somehow, you helped so much!! How does ice cream sound?"

"No problem! But sorry, I have a meeting in around..." - She checked her phone - "TEN MINUTES??? I'M SORRY I REALLY NEED TO GO."

"HAHAHA IT'S ALRIGHT!!! THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN!!"

Noticing Tsukasa's change in mood, she knew he felt better. Tsukasa thanked her once again and watched her run off to the distance. 

Is he going to listen to her advice? Propably. But he would need to discuss it with Rui first, so that Tsukasa can write the love confession himself (which has it's positives, now he can make sure it won't be too extreme). He took out his phone, and when he was about to call Rui, he noticed.. seven missed calls? No one calls him this much unless his house is burning. Well, no one except a special someone that made his heart beat faster everytime she's around.

"Please don't be her please don't be her I am not ready for this today."

Seven missed calls from Emu Otori!

"FUCK."

He felt his heart reaching insane speeds, definetly unhealthy. Standing in the middle of an empty park, Tsukasa Tenma, the world's future star dies of a fucking heart attack because his best friend called him, an ironic way to go, isn't it? But to Tsukasa's unluck, he's alive and well, not dying, just hyperventilating from stress. 

Why is he so stressed anyway? It's just his best friend.

A sigh escapes his lips.

"Guess we are doing it today..!"

He murmured to himself, while typing out Emu's number.

Two seconds have passed, she didn't pick up.

Three seconds have passed, she didn't pick up.

Seven seconds have passed, she didn't pick up.

Well, guess luck is with him today! He thinks to himself, about to get off the call, when-

"HELLO TSUKASA!!!"

"AHHHH!!!!"

Her sudden scream really surprised him, almost making him drop his phone.

"HOW ARE YOU?? ARE YOU FEELING GOOD TODAY????"

"I'm doing really good today, thank you!!! And how are you feeling, Emu?"

It wasn't really a lie, he felt really good today! Lately he could get enough sleep thanks to Mizuki's help, and thanks to Ichika he finally had an action plan! 

Yet, he hopes she can't hear the small hint of stress in his voice.

"THAT'S SO GOOD TO HEAR!!!! ANYWAYS RUI ASKED ME TO CALL EVERYONE TO REMIND ABOUT TODAYS PRACTICE!!!! REMEMBER THAT WE NEED TO PRACTICE MUCH IF WE WANT OUR SHOW TO BE EVEN MORE WONDERHOY THAN OUR LAST ONE!!!"

Wait, what day is it today?

Tuesday, 10 days left to the big show.. TODAY IS THE PRACTICE DAY??? HE COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT IT. 

"OH!! I ALMOST FORGOT, THANK YOU FOR REMINDING ME EMU!!!"

"YOU'RE WELCOME!!! REMEMBER TO MEET US IN A HOUR!!!!"

"SURE THING!!!!"

"ALRIGHT, CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU!!! BYE BYE!~"

She said, getting off the call.

But the only thing Tsukasa had on his mind was how she said that she can't wait to see him. Are those normal formalities you say when you try to act friendly? Yeah, but-

If only she knew how much it made his chest flutter. People say that when people talk or think about their crush they might experience "feeling butterflies in their chest". 

Well he hopes he fucking suffocates on them.

Guess he wasn't ready after all.

"TSUKASA, YOU'RE HERE!!!" 

The pink girl screamed as she saw Tsukasa enter the backstage, instantly jumping to hug him, which resulted in both of them falling on the ground. Again.

"OWWWWW!!! EMU, YOU NEED TO BE MORE CAREFUL!!" - He said, trying to take that big pink ball of floof off him.

Good to see you too, I missed you. He doesn't dare to say.

"HEHE!!! SORRY, SORRY!!!" - She said, helping him stand up.

"Welcome Tsukasa, congrats on not being late!~" - Rui said, watching him struggle to stand up with amusement.

"Well since everyone is here, I think we can start for today." - Nene popped up from the changing room, it seems she was only a minute or two faster than Tsukasa.

Tsukasa went to change into his stage outfit, and after he came back, Rui announced that today (luckily) they won't show off their roles, but actually will work on the title of the show and the details, so that they can show the work to the park directors so that they could announce their work properly. After designing the poster, it's time for the show title! Rui tried to creep up some inside jokes about Tsukasa's situation, but to his luck Nene was there to stop him everytime. And in the end, they decided to name it "Sleeping beauty in the kingdom of sweetness! (or, lack of it.)"

"ALRIGHT, I AM GOING TO SHOW THE POSTER TO MY BROTHERS, I'M GONNA BE BACK IN A SECOND!!"

Emu waved off to her troupe, and ran to the centre of the park. Tsukasa couldn't help but watch as she runs away, already missing her cheerful aura. 

"Tsukasa, is there something interesting on the horizon, because I see nothing!!"

"STOP IT RUI, I AM SO DONE WITH YOU!!!"

Finally, now that they are alone, Rui can tease shit out of him without a fear he will get punished. 

"But why, Tsukasa? Are you afraid of something, hmm?"

"NO I AM NOT, STOP IT NOW."

"Cmon, but I am sure that through the whole meeting you were really focused on something...someone~..!"

Well, it wasn't really a lie. During the practice he kept noticing he is staring at Emu. And everytime he stopped and looked in a different direction, he realized he couldn't focus on anything now and feels a big urge to get back to admiring her. People say love is like addiction, and this one time he can agree with it. Love is like fucking drugs because it keeps destroying you from the inside, and he really feels his common sense leave him everytime Emu is around.

"Stop it you two. You are really getting on my nerves." 

"Hehe, sorry Nene!~"

"Well I don't want your sorry's, I want to know what is going on."

Shit.

"Well, as we all know, Tsukasa has-"

"A SISTER!!" - Tsukasa tried to react.

"...huh... That doesn't make any sense." - Nene noticed the game he is playing.

"WELL YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW REALLY"

"Is it about Emu?"

"..god fucking damnit can you all stop guessing it first try."

"Sorry Tsukasa, but it's painfully obvious you are losing your mind because of her."

"AND IT'S ALL BECAUSE OF THAT STUPID SHOW!!!"

"You're scared of confessing on stage?"

"..yeah."

"Wow, never imagined you can be scared of something."

"HEY!!"

"Well anyways, if you are so scared of confessing then don't do it."

..huh?

"What? What do you mean?"

"Do your act, kiss her on stage, the end, you forget that show. Easy. Remember It's all a show, she won't take you serious."

She won't take you serious. In the end, no matter what he does on stage, Emu will think of it like if she is taking a part in a child's show. The realization hits him like if cold water was just thrown on him. He's drowning in those thoughts. Only thing he thought about was how he will succeed, but never thought about what will happen if his plan backfires. Maybe it's in fact better to leave it just as a show, and don't bring any emotions into it?

"TSUKASAAAA ARE YOU WITH ME?????"

"H-HUH???????"

In front of him was standing Emu, jumping around. Geez, for how long did he zone out?

"Finally!! I thought you broke him, Nene!"

"It's a miracle he is still functional after all those shows you got him through, Rui!! Don't put the blame on me!!"

"STOP IT!!! I DIDN'T MEAN TO ZONE OUT, SORRY! NO NEED TO MAKE A WHOLE FUSS OUT OF IT!!!"

Rui and Nene stared at eachother, and then began to laugh. 

"Yeah, sorry to argue over such a stupid thing."

He knows it wasn't directed towards his issue, but it still hit a little too close to home. His emotions, stupid?

"ANYWAYS.... MY BROTHERS ACCEPTED OUR SHOW!!! WE CAN DO IT IN TEN DAYS!!!!"

Great, there is no turning back now.

Maybe he really should take it only as an act..?

"ALRIGHT THEN, THEN WE HAVE NO TIME TO SPARE!! LET'S MEET TOMMOROW IN SEKAI TO SHARE THE NEWS WITH MIKU AND OTHERS, OKAY???"

"Hmm, you're right Tsukasa. Sekai will be the best place to practice our show!"

"ALRIGHT, THEN TOMMOROW 5PM??"

"Sounds good to me."

They were about to walk their ways, Rui and Nene left the stage quite some time ago. Tsukasa was about to head off too, but then...

"TSUKASA!!!!"

There she is, Emu is running straight at him. Before she had a chance to fall right on top of him, he catches her as she almost reaches the ground with her face.

"HEY, YOU NEED TO BE MORE CAREFUL, ALRIGHT?!?!?"

That gave me a fright dear, please don't do it again. I'm worried about you.

"I HAVE A QUESTION, ARE YOU FREE TODAY???"

"H-huh?"

"WELL MY SISTER ISN'T HOME TODAY AND I HAVE NOTHING LEFT TO DO SO I THOUGHT I WILL SPEND SOME TIME WITH OUR TROUPE BUT RUI AND NENE ALREADY LEFT SO YOU ARE THE ONLY ONE LEFT!!!"

Make an excuse make an excuse make an excuse!!! He can feel his face heat up, he is propably red like a tomato right now. He can't do it he can't do it he can't do it. - only thing he can hear, spiralling through his brain.

"O-oh I'm so sorry Emu, but tommorow I have a math test.. I really need to study more, sorry about that. I really need to go now, byebye!!'

And he doesn't know how he did it, but he gave her a small hug. Oh my god he is a mess, can't even hug a friend. After making sure she realized he hug her, he pulls back before she has a chance to hug back and runs off waving at her.

"Alright... But you don't have maths tommorow.."

The pink girl said, after turning back and walking towards the centre of the park. Good thing that she didn't notice two people sitting in a bush nearby, violently whispering at eachother. If they could, they would propably be screaming their lungs out.

"I TOLD YOU RUI THIS SHOW IS A BAD IDEA."

"HEY IF WE LEFT THEM AT IT TSUKASA WOULD GO INSANE."

"HE IS GOING INSANE BECAUSE OF THIS!!!"

"WELL HE DEFINETLY IS GOING INSANE BECAUSE OF WHAT YOU TOLD HIM!!!"

And the fighting has no stop, even after hours passed since Emu left the stage. 

But they were both right at one thing, this whole situation made Tsukasa feel insane. 

And he doesn't know it yet, but there is a place that highly reacts to the feelings he goes through right now.

Chapter Text

Monday, 4 days to the big show!!

4 days. That's not really much time. Not enough time for Tsukasa to fucking make him mind up. To be honest, he didn't even realize that he spent 6 days doing NOTHING to get out of this situation. Anyone who is smart enough would propably use that time to gain enough courage and just go and confess. But not Tsukasa. He spent the past 6 days thinking about what Nene told him, if she is right about that. Don't get him wrong, he WANTS to tell Emu, but is he ready for this? Is SHE ready for this?

Propably not.

Right now Tsukasa has three big issues on his mind. One, the show. He memorized all of his lines, and Mizuki said that their clothing will be ready soon, so now he should work on scenography, right? Well fuck no he memorized all of the lines EXCEPT for the love confession. Rest of the role came naturally for him, he even got a hold of the lines when he mentions the princess to the king. But the love confession? He tried and tried AND NOTHING. It makes him want to rip his hair out. He keeps forgetting what he is supposed to say, or even better in the middle of the confession he messes up and makes a loop. He blames Nene for that.

Second issue, Rui and Nene's teasing. He never regretted much in his life (or maybe he did, his memory doesn't serve him well lately), he learnt that he can't find a magical device that would teleport him to the past and stop himself from doing that, and thanks to that he was living his life to the fullest, not worrying about making things he will regret later. Well he did, until he decided that sharing the news with Rui will be a great idea! Talking about the issue with Nene was like adding gasoline to the fire. He could handle Rui's teasing, but he definetly can't handle what they are doing with him now. They are dropping way-too-obvious jokes about his crush on Emu, and when the crush in person is nearby they would think out loud about "a perfect match for Tsukasa". Of course, Emu always joined the fun (which kinda made his heart crack everytime, thinking that she didn't even think that she is the one for him.) which only made him more flustered about it. And it seems Rui and Nene were really enjoying themselves, their grins almost never left their faces.

And of course, his third issue, Emu. Well, not in his "oh my god how am i supposed to do it" way that was common through the past week. For some reason, Emu decided that her new point in life will be spending time with Tsukasa way more than ever. Everytime they finish practice, she asks him if he wants to go for tayaki, ice cream, cinema, ANYTHING. He loves it. He loves the fact that she cares about him, wants to spend more time with him. 

But she propably sees it in another way than I do.

Everytime Emu asked, he declined. At first he said he needed to study, then that he needs to practice his role, but after a while he ran out of excuses. Don't get him wrong, he would love to go and spend time with him, but everytime she got closer to him, everytime she smiled at him, his heart started to beat so fast it could propably jump out of his chest and run a marathon. Not a healthy way to deal with problems, he knows that. But everytime he makes his mind, there is something (or someone, cough cough Nene) that makes him realize there is an issue he never paid attention to.  That's why he is currently lying on his bed, thinking of another excuse to not have to spend an afternoon with her in some park eating ice cream. 

He looks at the clock. It's 4pm, on 5:30 they have a practice. Normally, he would be running around his room now looking for good clothes and fixing his hair, but he knows he doesn't need to do that today.

Today, they practice in his Sekai!

It was actually Rui's idea, he said that they didn't talk with vocaloids for a lot of time, and that they propably should visit them and share their ideas. Also, the wonderland sekai is a perfect place to practice! They have a bigger stage, more atributes they can mess around with, and of course have a lively audience that is eager to give them tips! 

Tsukasa actually planned to do something productive while waiting. Reading a book, practicing his role, anything sounded better than wasting himself in his bed. 

Ring!

Well, seems he didn't need to look for something to do, it came right to him without even trying! Now let's take a wild guess who might it be? He expects Emu, reminding him about their practice, asking him to go for ice cream or just send a chaotic cat photo with the most random description. Maybe it's Saki, asking him if he ate dinner yet, or saying that she won't be home today? Or maybe even Nene, asking when they were supposed to me?

He bets on Emu.

The text was from Rui. 

If it's a text about Emu he will fucking throw a spinach on this bitch.

"Hey, are you avainable? " 

"Depends on what you mean by avainable"

"Can you leave your house, like now???"

"??yeah why"

"So, I kinda can't leave my house right now but clothes for our show are ready, and I would love to have them on today's practice."

That means another trip to Mizuki.

"!!!alright, you can count on me"

To be honest, he really wanted to see what Mizuki prepared for them. And also, Mizuki lives like 10 minutes away from him, he'll be quick!! 

Knock knock

"COMING!!!" - He could hear Mizuki scream from inside, and after that running through the room. The door opened.

"Oh, Tsukasa!! Welcome, come in, come in!! I guess you are for the clothes, right?"

"YEAH!!! I CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THEM!!!"

"Haha, then let's go upstairs!"

And so they did, they ran into Mizuki's room, with a big package in the middle.

"Okay, so first the outfit for... the king!!"

Mizuki opened the box, and took out a big outfit. It kinda reminded him of the outfit he had during their show when they used the whole park as their stage. Mizuki also took out a big crown from the box.

"It looks amazing!! Like if it was supposed to fit Rui's head completely!!"

"You have no idea how hard that was! Everytime I tried it came out a little too big or too small, this is the best I could do- HEY WATCH OUT IT'S REALLY FRAGILE!!"

"OKAY OKAY SORRY."

"HMPH. But coming back on track, the next outfit is for... the prince!!"

They said, while taking out a shining armor from the box.

"WHERE DID YOU GET IT?? IT LOOKS SO COOL!! DID YOU MAKE IT YOURSELF??"

"OF COURSE I DID!!! DO YOU LIKE IT???"

"I LOVE IT!!! I'M SURE I WILL LOOK AWESOME IN IT, HA HA HA!!!"

"If you find this one awesome, then look at the dresses! This is the dress made for the evil witch!"

But this time, they didn't take out anything from the box. Instead, they went into a big cabinet standing near the mirror and took out a big, sage green dress with a train. 

He had no words to expain how pretty it was. It really suited the evil witch motive, the train ended with a darker shade of sage green, and was filled with dark, almost transparent flowers. It looked like it was really stolen from a fairytale.

"Oh my god. How much is Rui paying you because that's literally the best dress I've ever seen."

"THANK YOU THANK YOU, HERE ARE THE HAIR ACCESSORIES THAT MATCH THE FLOWER PATTERN!!"

They said while handling him over a small, blue box. He opened it, and found a beautiful flower pin, propably a lily (Tsukasa wasn't good with flowers sadly, even though Emu and Saki tried to teach him most of names. He didn't memorize much, only that Emu's favourite flowers are sea asters.) made of a thin golden wire and a very delicate transparent sage green cloth.

"YOU MADE THAT YOURSELF??? OH MY GOD IT'S BEAUTIFUL!!"

"AWW YOU FLATTER ME!! BUT IF YOU LOVE THIS ONE, THIS ONE WILL MAKE YOUR JAW DROP!!"

After that, they opened the closet wide. And inside of that was a mannequin with a light pink princess dress, with a golden tiara on top of its hair. It looked magnificent. The bottom of the dress faded with white glitter made it look like if it was made of stardust. 

Tsukasa had no words to express how much he loves that.

And how pretty it will look on Emu.

"Wow, I am indeed proud of this one, but I didn't expect to see your jaw drop Tsukasa!"

"No matter what I would say it wouldn't be enough to express how much I love it!" It will look beautiful on the princess!"

"Aww thank you!! It was a pleasure to help!"

After that they discussed the price. Tsukasa actually had some money with him right now, but Mizuki didn't even want to look at it, saying that "Rui already paid for that!". Mizuki gave him a big, pink bag for those outfits so he won't accidentally destroy them on the way home, or even worse accidentally make them dirty. (Mizuki said that the material won't look really good after washing, and can even get destroyed by that!) Good thing that the first place they take it too will be their sekai, that will propably be the safest place for them. He never checked, but there is no way that damage done in digital world can be transferred to the real life, so leaving them there is the best idea for now. Mizuki accompanied Tsukasa to the exit, throing jokes around and talking about how much they loved this project. Tsukasa was about to leave, both of them bid goodbyes, but then..

"Wait, I'd almost forgot!!" - Mizuki said before he had a chance to stand outside.

"Hmm? What is it Mizuki?"

"Sorry to bring it up, but uhh..." - They stuttered, like if they were wondering if the topic they're about to pick up is a safe thing to do.

"Did you confess to your crush yet?"

Not again.

He wishes he did already, to get this over with. But he fucking didn't because he is a coward and can't even talk to her. 

"Well, no. I wished I could, but didn't get a chance."

"Oh. Well sorry if this comes out as rude, take this as a friendly advice." They said, while grabbing his shoulders like if they were about to shake him hard. Maybe he needs that, some kind of a reality check.

"Tell her."

"I WILL DON'T WORRY!!"

"TELL HER!!"

"I WILL!!!"

"YOU WILL??"

Will he?

"I WILL!!!"

"GOOD. Don't waste your chance."

"Like you did?" - Best defense mechanic? Attack where it hurts the most.

"HEY!!! Yes but we don't talk about that, if you don't want to end up miserable like me then do it, you might not get another chance."

Mission failed they got over it. (Well, kinda.) But the words you might not get another chance stuck to his brain. There is a chance they are right, and that this is the best chance he will ever get. A shot of motivation he really needed right now.

"Sure I will, thank you so much for your help."

They finally let go of him (and god, he just realized how fucking hard they were holding him, maybe it will leave bruises?), small smile on their face. It made him feel better actually. Finally someone that has some fucking faith in him.

"No problem!! Alright, Rui said you have practice at 5:30 which is around... 20 minutes! I don't want you to be late because of me."

He won't be late, traveling to the sekai takes around three seconds. But oh well, he ain't gonna tell her!

"OH MY GOD YOU'RE RIGHT I'LL BE LATE!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU AND FAREWELL, MIZUKI!!!!" - He said, running off to his house.

Mizuki was still standing in the door frame, watching him as he ran with her pink bag. Hmph, didn't fit his outfit at all, they could give him a blue bag at least.

Don't mess up like I did, Tsukasa.

Traveling to Sekai was always a funny thing to Tsukasa. How does it happen? How a full ass human can fit in some computer program? Is that a computer program, or another world? Did he make another universe that he can go inside of it just by playing a random song? Did he invent multidimensional travel? Too much questions and too little answers. Only thing he was sure of was that it was actually a super silly way to travel, press a song and the world around him dissapears in sparkles, and before he gains his senses back, he's already in a different world. That's why he always liked traveling to Sekai, even just to go on a pointless walk to gossip with KAITO about stuff that is happening in his life right now.

That's why he didn't even hesitate to play The world hasn't even started yet and was pretty excited to feel sparkles surround him.

Sparkles sparkles sparkles!!

"TSUKASA!!!!!!!!!"

After he regained his consciousness, he realized two things. One, he is laying on the ground. One of the two minuses of traveling to Sekai, the second one is not being aware of your surroundings (this fact was used by Rui to play many pranks on Tsukasa without him being able to react). Two, that his pink haired friend is standing right next to him, waving at him. Oh well, he expected to meet her there, but not now. 

Get a hold of yourself, Tsukasa!!

"EMU!!! HELLO!!!!" - He said, getting up from the ground.

After Emu realized Tsukasa is already awake, she jumped at him and hugged him. This time though, he reciprocated it. It was sure a nice surprise meeting her here.

"HELLOOOOO!! OH OH WHAT'S IN THAT BAG??"

"HERE?? OH, IT'S OUR CLOTHES FOR TODAY, I RECEIVED THEM JUST A SECOND AGO, HA HA HA!!!"

Emu jumped at him, hugging him from behind. It's making his heart skip a beat. Why is he getting this warm feeling in his chest everytime she touches him? Make it go away. No point of lying to himself about his crush no more, but just please make it so that he can function near her.

"SORRY EMU, BUT I WANT TO GIVE ALL OF THEM TO EVERYONE IN THE SAME TIME!!! ..That saying, where is Nene and Rui?"

"OH OH, THEY ARE AT THE CIRCUS DEALING WITH MIKU!! THEY TOLD ME TO GO AND FETCH YOU!!!"

Huh, deal with Miku? That sounds like a cheap excuse to make Tsukasa even more embarassed! Are they out of their brains!?

"Emu, what do you mean by deal with Miku?"

"WELL WHEN YOU WEREN'T HERE WE ALL MET HERE AND DECIDED TO WAIT FOR YOU AT THE CIRCUS!! BUT WHEN WE WENT IN WE MET MIKU AND SHE WAS ACTING REALLY BUBBLY AND CHEERFUL TODAY!! SHE WAS SPINNING SO SOOO MUCH!!!" - She said, starting to orbit Tsukasa propably to show how she was spinning. She's orbiting him like if she was the planet earth, their world, orbiting the sun.

She is his whole world after all, so what she's doing right now isn't so far away from the truth.

STOP THIS ROMANCE NONSENSE. Miku is acting weird. And why the hell is that?

"Alright, I suppose we need to check it out together!! Let's go Emu!!"

"YAYYYY!!!" - She took his hand and started to run to the circus. Tsukasa tried his best not to trip, no idea if it was because he was still not accustomed to the Sekai and still shaken after the change of worlds, or because Emu is holding his hand.

The chance that it's the second option is way way bigger, because after she let's go of him after they reach their destination, everything seems to go back to normal.

Both of them went inside, looking for Rui and Nene. Tsukasa took a deep breath, hoping that it wasn't another of their silly pranks that were supposed to make Tsukasa spend more time with Emu. God, why did he tell them? 

And here they are, standing on the middle of their stage, with Miku acting... normal. By normal he means not like she always acts, but more similar to Nene actually. She was way too calm, sitting in one place staring at Rui.

"HEY GUYS TSUKASA IS HERE!!!!!"

"EMU!!!" 

Suddenly, life went back to Miku in an instant. She jumped from the ground almost hitting Nene with her head, and sprinted towards Emu and jumped at her, similar like Emu does to Tsukasa.

"EMUUU I MISSED YOU!!!"

"And when I thought I got a hold of the situation, you two arrived! It seems your presence has a weird effect on Miku, hmm~" - Rui walked down from the stage and joined them. 

"What do you mean "weird effect"? Is there something wrong with Miku?" - Tsukasa said. Well, it does seem weird. Miku completely ignored his presence and went instantly to Emu, when usually she goes to all of them and talk about her day and how much fun she had with other vocaloids. But now?

Now, she is spinning around Emu and jumping around her. Which he would consider normal, if she wasn't saying nonsense. All of her sentences were made of random words, sometimes even gibberish. Guess Rui didn't exactly prank him, there is something wrong with Miku.

"Miku, are you feeling alright?" - Tsukasa said, holding her shoulder.

And it seems that it was a terrible idea, because it worked like an energy shot on her. She started running around the stage like crazy, screaming gibberish again.

"IM FINEE!!! I AM FEELING SUPER REALLY AMAZING!!!!!" - The only sentence he could undestand from her.

"What is happening here?" - Suddenly, three figures appeared out from the backstage.. KAITO and the Kagamine twins!!

"Welcome KAITO!~ We have some issues with Miku right now, maybe you can help us out?~" - Rui came closer to them, joining the conversation. 

"EXACTLY, WHEN USUALLY MIKU IS WHOZOOM TYPE OF HAPPY, NOW SHE IS BADOOOM BADOOM TYPE OF HAPPY!!! THAT'S NOT GOOD!!!" - Emu jumped on Tsukasa, Miku following her like in a trance. Luckily, he moved away in time, if he would stay still and get flustered because Emu hugged him again, because if he did Miku would propably end up on him, making both Emu and Tsukasa fall down. No harm done to Tsukasa, but he wouldn't want Emu to accidentally hurt herself.

"Hmm, racionally speaking it seems that Miku is changing!"

"CHANGNING?" - Rin jumped to Miku. - "OH MY GOD THAT'S SO COOL ARE YOU GOING TO CHANGE INTO SOMETHING????" - She said, and started to spin around Miku. 

"I DOOOON'T KNOW!!! SOMETIMES THE SUN DOESN'T SHINE!!"

"I don't know Rin.. She sounds out of her mind, the change propably won't bring her any good.." - Len tried to make Rin stop spinning, but with no effects. But there is something that made Tsukasa think.

It's not only Miku who is out of her mind. Rin and Len are acting weird too. Only KAITO is normal. But why? What is happening to them? He needs answers. 

"Alright, let's think Tsukasa." - Rui came closer to him. "Because I think I know what is going on!~ Think about what happened after our last time we were here!"

Last time they were in Sekai? Hmm, it should be somewhere before their last show. So after that they had their show, he had some hard math tests, he couldn't sleep at night around seven times, they decided what show they will make...

Oh no.

Are they acting different because of him?.. One way to check!

Normally, he would've asked Miku, after all she knows about everything that is going on in the Sekai. But today, when she is spinning around Emu and talks about balloons and sunshine there is no way he would get any information out of her. So the second most reasonable vocaloid in Sekai is...

"OKAY, I HAVE A PLAN! EMU!!" - Tsukasa put on the most serious tone he could get out of himself.

"AYE!!"

"HERE ARE OUR CLOTHES FOR TODAYS PRACTICE!!" - He said, giving her the bag Mizuki gave him.

It suits her haircolor.

"AND I WILL GO AND HAVE A TALK WITH KAITO!!!"

"YES SIRE!!~ EVERYONE COME HERE FOR OUR COSTUMES!!!" 

"COME ON KAITO, YOU HAVE SOME EXPLAININGS TO DO."

That saying, Tsukasa dragged off KAITO from the circus. They decided to go to the train station not far away from the circus, but far enough for the rest of the troupe to not hear them.

"Well, mind explaining to me what the fuck is going on here?" - He stared at KAITO, hoping he looks intimidating.

"Ahh.. I didn't want to say it there because I didn't want to embarass you in front of your troupe. Rationally speaking, us vocaloids are influenced by your emotions, so we change our personality if you feel some extreme emotions and don't know how to deal with them. And rationally speaking because Miku and the rest acts like that, there is something bugging you, hmm?"

"Well, yeah. But I think you know already."

"Hmm? Is it about Emu?"

"Yeah."

"Then it explains it all! I think I figured it out now. Rationally speaking-"

"Stop with that "rationally speaking" crap it pisses me off!!"

"Sorry sorry, I can't really control it!!"

"Hold on, you mean that all of you are influenced by my emotions right?"

"Yeah."

"Then why is Rin so cheerful and energetic, and Len is so sad and without any energy?"

"Well, rationally speaking.. sorry for that, Rin would symbolise your optimism and how you think it will all work out somehow, your energy to do something and the happiness you feel whenether Emu is near."

"You made that sound like it's a good thing!! I can barely think!!"

"And rationally speaking right now you are acting like Len!! He propably took your pessimism, how you can't think of talking about it, your lack of energy and how scared you feel whenether Emu is near."

That's possible. Really, mirrored versions of themselves!! It kinda amazes him, how similiar and yet different they can be.

"Well, I suppose you are my "rationality" that tries to simplify it all for me and makes a list of pros and cons."

"Rationally speaking, it would in fact be right."

"Then, what does Miku symbolize?"

KAITO thought for a second.

"I'm sorry, but no solution seems rational enough. I guess she's just Miku but more crazy."

"Wouldn't be too surprised if it was it. But more important, are those changes pernament?"

"Nono! Rationally speaking, we will be back to our "normal" selves once you deal with your feelings!"

Oh. 

People say that when someone falls in love, people close to him will also get involved and try to help. Well, Tsukasa agrees, but he would change it to "When you are losing your mind because of your crush, people around you lose their mind too."

"Do you plan to tell her?"

"OF COURSE I DO!! I TRY TO CONFESS FOR LIKE.. A WEEK NOW?? BUT EVERYTIME SHE IS NEARBY I AM GOING INSANE AND CAN'T EVEN THINK!!! ...Ehh I know it's stupid, after all what could go wrong if I tell her? Worst thing she could do is decline."

"Or make wxs disband because she wouldn't be able to see you the same again..."

"LEN WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT!!!"

Tsukasa and KAITO looked behind them, startled by the sudden commotion. And behind them, hidding in a train carriage, Rin and Len!?!

"One, YOU WERE OVERHEARING US??" - Tsukasa screamed at them. - "TWO, RIN, YOU CUSS???"

"ONE, uh yeah we heard our names so we came here and we heard you two talking about confessing something and I guessed it's to Emu!! TWO, YOU CUSS SO I CUSS!!!"

"THAT'S NOT AN EXCUSE??"

"All of you suck."

"Guys, rationally speaking we should stop, your screaming will attract..."

"POTATO CHIPS!!!"

"...Miku."

Fucking amazing. They could see Miku running to them from the circus. Tsukasa hopes no one from his troupe will run after her.

"Guys, I think it's time to go back to the circus, unless we want Miku to actually spill the tea to everyone." - He started, looking back at all of the vocaloids, which stopped arguing propably in fear of Miku.

All of them nodded.

"HIII HI HELLO HELLOO!!"

"Miku, we are already going back to the circus." - Len said to her, holding her shoulders.

"OHHH OH SURE SURE SURE!!!"

And here she goes again, runs back to the circus.

Tsukasa runs after her, just to make sure she won't say something to Emu about him.

And after he enters the stage he is stunned. 

Emu on the middle of the stage, wearing that dress that Mizuki made. She looked gorgeous, it fit her perfectly! She was spinning around the stage, admiring how fluffy it looked. And then she noticed him staring.

"TSUKASA YOU ARE BACK!!!" - She started running towards him. IN FUCKING HIGH HEELS. If she's not gonna trip then she's gonna hurt his back terribly with those heels once she jumps at him.

Of course he didn't move from her course, he didn't have a heart to. Luckily, she only hung on his neck, propably her dress getting in the way to propably hang on him. 

"DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS HAPPENING TO MIKU NOW!!!"

"Well.. No." Lying now is the best thing he could do. - "But It's not pernament!! So they will be back to their normal selves sooner than later!!"

..Well, he hopes so.

"Look Nene, our prince charming is finally back!~ Go dress Tsukasa, let's start practicing before Miku decides that jumping at Emu again will be a good thing!!"

Sure, let's get this over with! Wait, jump at Emu again?!? WHAT DID HE MISS???

"Mhm, and then they kiss, confess, marry, and live happily ever after!!" - Rui said in his narrator tone. 

The practice went great! Almost perfect! Almost, because in the middle of the practice Miku decided that suddenly she wants to clinge to Emu and not let her move. So all of them practiced their roles in one sitting. Thanks to that Tsukasa didn't have to practice his kiss, which definetly got rid of much stress.

"It was soo soo good! And we all memorized our lines too!!" - Emu tried to jump to show her excitement, but Miku desperately held her down. God, why is Miku so obsessed with her? Is it because Tsukasa would do it too, spend his whole days with Emu and not let her move from him, fearing that she would dissapear? 

He sounds like a creep.

"Alright then, I should get going, I need to pay some people. Goodnight everyone!~" - Rui said, bowing before the actors and Miku and stopped the song playing on his phone, which resulted in him dissapearing in sparkles.

"Yeah, I should be going too. I have homework to do, see you tommorow." - Nene added, dissapearing in sparkles too.

Great, he is alone with Emu again.

"Aren't you going Emu?"

"Oh, no I'm planning on staying for a little while. You?"

"I'd love to, but I have much to study for tommorow." It wasn't necessary a lie, but Tsukasa thinks Emu would enjoy being alone for a while. 

"Oh, alright!! See you tommorow!!"

"You too!! Sleep well, Emu!"

That saying, he turned off The world hasn't even started yet  and dissapeared in sparkles, like the rest of his friends.

..

..wait!!

..

He woke up in his room, it was already dark outside. 

Today he really got much out of himself, huh? He was proud of himself that he managed to recite his role without stuttering, even though his crush was looking prettier than ever, and he was dedicating it all to her. He almost perfected his role. Almost, because he still couldn't remember his love confession. But he still has time, he will perfect it and leave her stunned. 

He went for a change of clothes and grabbed a book he prepared for himself in the morning.

"Little red riding hook.. I don't remember it at all."

Yet, it was sitting on his bookshelf, which means he read it at least once. Sitting alone in the house when he was young made him bored out of his skull, which resulted in him taking a great interest in piano and books. He read all of the books in the house countless times, example he read the whole Parry Hotter saga like seven times! 

Time to jog his memory for a bit.

He spent the whole afternoon reading, and after finishing the book (still not remembering if he ever touched it) he went to sleep.

Thinking of a certain pink girl.

Not knowing she thinks about him too.

..

That saying, he turned off The world hasn't even started yet  and dissapeared in sparkles, like the rest of her friends.

Then, a sudden energy burst hit her. She doesn't want him to go. She doesn't want to stay here alone.

"TSUKASA, WAIT!!"

She was too late, he already dissapeared, propably didn't even hear her. Great, amazing even. 

Another chance wasted.

Since the first time she saw Tenma Tsukasa during his job interview, she couldn't get him out of him mind.

I hope Tsukasa is doing alright, I want to make more shows with Tsukasa, I can't wait to meet Tsukasa again!!

And it was like that for MONTHS. It took her MONTHS to realize that it's not how you feel about your best friend.

Is she in love with Tsukasa Tenma? Yeah!! 

And she is really happy because of that. She was never the romance type, she could never imagine herself falling in love with someone. Well anyone except of her blond-haired best friend. No words could explain her happiness when she realized he is in fact the one she fell for. Because he was perfect. She loved everything about him. She could explain for HOURS how much she cares about him.

But she won't, because it will make her even more sad.

"Emu, you're still here?" 

Who's there? She thought the vocaloids went to sleep a while ago, Miku left her alone around ten minutes ago?

A small blonde haired boy appeared from the backstage.

Tsukasa? No. There is no way.

She was right, it wasn't Tsukasa. It was Len Kagamine, acting more sad and stressed than ever.

"Is there something bothering you? You aren't smiling."

Oh, really? She didn't even realize. 

"Well, you could say that. I have a feeling that the person I love keeps ignoring me, everytime I try to spend more time with him he pushes me away. Do you think he figured it all out and is disgusted by it?"

Len looked at her worried.

"Well, I don't know who that person is but.. I don't think he is ignoring you on purpose."

"SO I AM RIGHT, HE IS IGNORING ME!!"

"I didn't say that.. But maybe. But still that's not the reason to be sitting here alone almost crying at night, I'm sending Tsukasa a notification."

GREAT, TSUKASA OF ALL PEOPLE.

"THERE IS NO NEED!!! I'M GOING HOME IN A SECOND ANYWAY AND I AM FINE!!!"

"Are you sure..?"

"100% SURE I AM OKIE DOKIE!!! DON'T BOTHER!!"

please take a hint please take a hint please take a hint...

"Well, if you say so. But trust me, if he is hurting you, confront him about it. I don't want you to be sad because someone you love figured it all out and is ignoring you because of that." - That saying, he dissapeared behind the stage, similiar way how he appeared there. But Emu didn't even register that, her mind already thinking about the worst case scenario.

He figured it out? Len says so and 99% of the time he is right.

She tries to counter the thought with reason.

No, there is no actual way, she wasn't acting different than always. She was still good old Emu who always greeted him with a hug, tried to meet after practices and just spend time with him in general... 

Okay there is a way he figured it out she wasn't necesarily hiding it all.

Maybe he is really just busy?

Maybe.

Guess she needs to tell him, for her sanity's sake.

Chapter Text

 Thursday, one day to the big show!!

Yeah. One day to the big show. Where did the time go?

Everything is ready for tommorow. The decorations are placed around the stage, the costumes are ready and are currently lying on the table in the backstage, and everyone already memorized their roles and are 100% ready for the show!! Almost everyone. 

It was 5pm, and wonderlands x showtime have their last practice, making sure everything is polished up, no room for mitstakes and feeling-akward-about-confessing-to-your-crush-without-her-knowing-about-it type of issues!! 

The whole practice went amazing! The troupe had much fun with their roles, and not much change were needed. Right now, they're about to practice the moment when... Tsukasa confesses his love. This time, with real words, real actions. Which means he has to kiss her right now.

This is the reason why Tsukasa is looking at the stage panicked, he is about to go in and kiss not-so-sleeping Emu. Right now, Rui is bidding his farewells to the princess, and the second he leaves the scene Tsukasa goes in.

"I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you my dear.. I tried as much as I could, but I guess it wasn't enough, your fate was already decided sob I'm about to... go for the guards. We will move your body to... somewhere pretty. Maybe your favourite garden..? sob I'm sorry I-I need to go." Rui said, kneeling next to "sleeping" Emu. He stood up, and stormed off the stage, covering his eyes, still acting. Once he entered the backstage, he nodded at Tsukasa. It's his turn.

You can do this Tsukasa!!

He slowly entered the stage. Time to put on his best act.

"The king told me what happened, on my way here.. If only I knew you were cursed maybe you could still be standing here, right in front of me, laughing like we always did.." - He chuckled. - "I'm so sorry we had to part our ways like that, when you were still mad at me." 

He got closer to her, standing right above her.

"If only I knew, I wouldn't say all those things to you.. Everything I said were lies, I wanted to buy more time.. sob The thought of you d-dissapearing and l-leaving me alone here.."

He knelled next to her, facing her.

"sob I should stop justyfying myself. I shouldn't do it. I could've worked it out another way. sob ..I'm sorry I let you down like that."

Alright, this is going smooth for now. Time for the worst part.

"sob I don't know how I am going to do this without you. You were all I had.. And I still left you alone like that. I was supposed to be always there for y-you.. I'm so sorry."

He got even closer to her. Time for the kiss! 

Well, it should be the kiss.

Tsukasa chickened out. He got closer to her, almost kissing her, but he just couldn't do it. He was so close, too close.

He backed up. 

Oh my god what should I do What should I do??! 

Act like it was what you were supposed to do. After all, after you make a mistake, play it easy. No one else will know that you missed a part.

"I-I'll miss you dearly, princess. I wish we could have sob more time."

No one reacted yet, great. Maybe Rui and Nene didn't notice that? Maybe he was so close to Emu that she thought he really kissed her but didn't notice? 

Play along.

He stood up, just like it was written in the script, and started to leave. Emu should wake up around....now.

But it was quiet. 

Huh?!?!? Is she playing tricks on him? What if she..

..WANTS THE KISS??

But he didn't turn around. He kept going, almost reaching the backstage. That's when he heard a yawn.

She "woke" up.

He turned around, and saw the "princess" stretching on her bed. She rubbed her eyes and looked around, and then she met his gaze. 

Alright, first worst part done, time for the second worst part!!

"PRINCESS!!!" - He screamed, running to her.

She jumped from her bed, and ran towards her prince, meeting him with a hug.

"I-I thought I will never see you again!!"

"And I thought I will never wake up again! I am so sorry for everything I did, I didn't mean for this to happen! If only I knew about the curse.."

That's when Rui and Robonene arrived on the stage.

"I told you my king! Her future wasn't set in stone! There was a spell that could break the curse!!"

Rui ran up to Emu, hugging both of them.

"I'm so sorry my dear.. I could've told you about the curse. I was so scared for you.. I didn't think that my own paranoia could lead to this."

"It's alright dad, I forgive you."

Robonene appeared right next to them, making them break the hug.

"Well this calls for a celebration!! Time to open the castle again!! I'll get the greatest chefs and we will make the biggest cakes the world ever saw!!"

"What if the curse is still active? I don't want to fall dead-asleep again."

"Then, I'd love to break the curse again!" - Tsukasa improvized. He was going to say "There is no way something like that would happen like that twice." Oh my god why did he say this.

He looked over at Emu, who didn't seem to respond to his sudden improvization.

And she was there, staring at the ground, blushing.

OH MY FUCKING GOD SHE IS BLUSHING SHE TOOK THAT SERIOUS HE IS DONE FOR HE IS DONE FOR!!!

"Hehe, I'd love that too!!"

That took.. a long time to say. She really took her time to find an answer to that.

"Alright alright lovebirds!" - Rui is improvizing too, the scenario planned that he was about to ask robonene about the curse and if it would work again,not this. Looking at the fact that he is currently grinning, he enjoys it more than he should. Oh my god if he decided to keep it in the final version.. - "Let's head off then, shall we?" 

Both Emu and Tsukasa nodded, and ran off the stage, leaving Rui alone. They were supposed to hold hands, but no one initiated the action, so they just let it be. 

"And this is how the story ends, everyone." - Rui said, facing the empty seats in front of the stage. "They all partied until midnight, the curse was broken for good! Then, the prince proposed to the princess, they got married, and they all could live happily ever after in a world without worries! The end!"

The whole troupe came from the backstage to Rui, and bowed before the "audience." 

"Great job, everyone! I see all of us- most of us remembered the script!" - Rui said, suddenly staring at Tsukasa. God fucking damn it.

"HEY!! I REMEMBERED THE SCRIPT!!! I JUST THOUGHT IT WOULD SUIT IT MORE!!!"

"Haha, I'm joking!~ You're right, it really suits the situation better. You should say it during our real show too!~"

"I SURE WILL!!!"

"Great!! Emu, you can also use the line you said there, it was great!"

But Emu stayed silent, staring at something in the distance.

"Emu? Is everything alright?" - Nene touched her shoulder gently, bringing her back to reality.

"OH?? YEAH SURE!!!" - She jumped, her face becoming more cheerful, not even looking one bit like the one she had seconds ago. But what is so important it made Emu zone out?

Tsukasa looked at her closer, not really paying attention to Rui's monologue.

She was again, staring at the ground. Blushing.

Oh my fucking god she is still blushing. Whatever she is thinking about made her so flustered she doesn't even pay attention to what is happening around her, even though usually she would be always the first one to scream her answer to Rui.

Is she still thinking about what he said? Is she taking the show seriously? Does she think he said to her that he doesn't mind kissing her again???

Then, he felt something hit him very hard on his shoulder. Both Rui and Nene were looking at him concerned.

"OW!!" WHAT WAS THAT FOR???"

"For not paying attention to what I'm saying, I was asking for both your and Emu's opinion like seven times!!" - Rui crossed his arms, like a mother that is about to lecture their kids. - "What is wrong with both of you today?" 

"Well... Ehh..." 

"I didn't sleep well today, and now I am reaaally tired after the whole day!! I'm sure that's Tsukasa's reason too, right??" - Emu jumped next to Rui, to show that she is still alive and this time she is listening. And he isn't going to ignore the opportunity for an excuse she just gave him.

"Yeah! Haha, I had such a looong day at school, I am completely worn out!!"

"Oh really?~ Maybe then both of you should get a coffee? Or tea, if that suits you more. I know a really well café nearby that you two could go in together!~"

Now both Emu and Tsukasa are standing there, blushing at Rui's comment and his suggestion.

"NO THANK YOU RUI I AM ALRIGHT!!!"

"Aww, if you say so~ But don't do this tommorow! We need to get everything we have for this show!"

"Actually, Tsukasa? Can I talk with you for a moment? Alone?" - Emu tapped his shoulder gently.

"Oh? Sure thing!!"

"YAYYY!!! BE RIGHT BACK EVERYONE!!" 

And saying this Emu grabbed Tsukasa's hand and dragged him behind the wonderstage.

"Alright, so I have a question for you!!"

A sudden burst of anxiety hit him. Emu is looking at him with shakey breath. She is stressed. She wants to talk about their play. Doing his best not to show the panic in his voice, he answered.

"What's wrong, Emu?"

"Well, you said you had a long day and maybe you'd like-"

"Stop."

Tsukasa felt something heavy suddenly hold his shoulders. 

"AAAAH!!!" 

He jumped back, which resulted in him ending up on the grass, almost falling at Emu, also surprised. 

"Sorry, didn't mean to frighten you two."

"MR.MASCOT!!! HELLOO!!!" - Emu's attention shifted to the plush mascot who almost gave Tsukasa a heart attack, and was actually ready to jump at it.

"I have a message from your brother's miss Emu. For all of you actually"

Oh.

Tsukasa stood up. If their brothers personally wrote a message for the whole troupe it meant something really special happened.

"Well then, what is it? It's nothing bad, right?" - He said, instinctively grabbing Emu's hand, like a small sign that whatever happened he is always with her.

"Of course not."

The tension left from both of them. Great, it means it's really great news!!!

"THEN WHAT IS IT?? WHAT IS IT???" - Emu started jumping around, her usual cheerful mood came back to her after learning that it's nothing bad.

"Your next show, the one that is tommorow. We sold out every ticket. You will have the full audience, maybe you will even need to bring more chairs."

Emu started squeaking from happiness and jumped at Tsukasa.

"YOU HEAR THAT??? OUR SHOW WILL BE A HIT!!! PEOPLE WILL LOVE IT TSUKASA!!!"

Even if it scared Tsukasa a little, he couldn't help it and was happy too. I mean, they put really much in this show, and much much people will come and see it!!

One issue, it means the whole audience will have to see Tsukasa kissing Emu. But he tries to not think about this right now, and be happy with her.

"HAHAHA! THAT'S SO GREAT EMU!! WE NEED TO TELL THE OTHERS RIGHT NOW!!" - He said, reciprocating her embrace.

"That's everything, wish you luck on your show." - The mascot dissapeared as fast as it appeared. Before Tsukasa had a chance to make a funny remark on it, Emu was already dragging him back to the stage, where Nene and Rui were supposed to wait for them.

And they were right, they were sitting at the stage, whispering something.

"NENE!!!! RUI!!!!" - Emu almost ran into them. That would definetly leave some bruises, two people crashing at them with high speed.

"We have some great news!!" - Tsukasa said, helping Rui stand up.

"Oh?~ Is that something you two talked about, hmm?" - Rui grinned at Tsukasa, like if he was pointing something out. It took him a second to realize that Emu actually never let go of his hand, still holding it. Great, now he's stuck with her.

"NO IT'S EVEN COOLER!! WHEN WE WERE TALKING MR. MASCOT CAME UP TO US AND GUESS WHAT!!! EVERY TICKET GOT SOLD, TOMMOROW WE HAVE THE WHOLE AUDIENCE!!!"

"Oh my god that's great news!" - Nene answered. - "I can't wait to do this!"

"That will probably be our record! We never sold out all of the tickets!~ I guess the idea of this show to be a refference to a fairytale kids love was a great idea!" 

"I agree Rui! But that also means we can't let our guard down, we need to give it everything we have!!" - Tsukasa said in his leader voice.

All of the troupe cheered for a while, celebrating their success. After that, they brang additional chairs from the backstage so everyone will have a place to sit in, and made sure even people in the back will hear and see what's going on. 

Tsukasa was helping Rui with the sound system in the backstage, they had to make it a little louder so everything is clear to hear.

"Tsukasa, you're here?" - They heard a quiet voice enter the room, and from behind the wall appeared their green haired friend.

"HERE I AM!!! IN WHAT DO YOU NEED MY HELP??"

"Oh, nothing. Just Emu wanted to see you but she was busy with something in the back of the audience and asked me to find you."

Oh. They weren't done with their talk, he just realized that.

"O-oh! Actually, I need to be going right now!! Tell her I can't make it today, okay?"

If his suspicions were right, she was going to ask him about the play. And he is NOT ready to do that.

Rui crossed his arms.

"Sigh Tsukasa, you can't run away from her forever, you know?"

"I know Rui, but seriously if it is what I think it is I definitely CAN'T DO IT!!"

"Oh come on, suddenly our big super leader chickens out? I'm telling Emu you're here." - Nene grinned and left the backstage.

Oh no oh no he isn't doing that.

"Well, sorry Rui but got to go!!"

"HEY!! I WASN'T DONE WITH THE MICROPHONES!!"

"ASK NENE TO HELP YOUU!!!"

And he ran out of the backstage by their back entrance, and ran somewhere in the middle of the park to make sure they won't find him.

Ring!

He looks up his phone.

Nene is calling him right now. She is propably so mad she will personally choke him to death.

To be honest, he was mad at himself too. He didn't want to do this. How is he so sure that this is what Emu wants? Maybe she just wants to make sure he is alright?

He didn't pick up, and muted his phone so that they won't disturb him no more. 

"TSUKASA!!!" 

He turned around, and saw Nene running around the centre of the park. Great, he has nowhere to go, if she finds him he's dead. Think Tsukasa, think! What should you do now? 

"THERE YOU ARE!!!"

He felt something pull his cardigan by it's collar, making him choke.

"H-HEY NENE I CAN'T BREATHE!!"

She let him go, making him fall to the ground.

"You can't just run away from your problems like that!!"

"I know!! It's just-"

"It's just what?" Stop justifying yourself!!"

She was right, he kept getting the weirdest excuses ever just to avoid the person he actually never wanted to leave alone. 

"Were you ever in love Nene?!? Do you know how it is?!?"

"For your information, I was and I am right now and trust me your silly crush isn't an excuse for your bitchy behaviour!"

"You're right- Wait you are right now?"

"I am not answering that, right now you are going back to the stage to apologize to Emu, say something popped up or I don't know I couldn't care less, and GO TALK WITH HER."

"FINE FINE NO NEED TO SCREAM!! I'll go there and talk with her! There, happy?"

"Very."

Nene grabbed his collar again and practically dragged him to the stage, dropping him next to the entrance. After he finally caught his breath, they entered in, just to find Rui sitting alone, reading a book.

"Rui? Where is Emu? I told her to stay with you." - Nene came up to Rui, guessing by her voice he is about to get chocked too.

"Hmm? Oh yeah, she left around two minutes after you left, she said she had some stuff to do at home. I tried to keep her to stay and said you will be back in a second, but she already left."

"SEE WHAT YOU DID? YOU MADE HER UPSET!!"

"HEY!!"

"I agree with Nene, that wasn't cool Tsukasa."

But the harm was already done. And he can't even apologize now.

"My fucking god Tsukasa if you won't apologize to her the second she arrives here tommorow I will personally make sure that you will be the first Tenma sibling to die." - Nene said, staring at him.

"HEY I GET YOU ARE MAD AT ME BUT YOU DIDN'T HAVE TO BRING MY SISTER TO IT."

"Oh really? I'd do it again, and she would propably do it too after she learnt what you did here."

"..Fair point. But yeah, I will 100% apologize. Shit I'll even confess while we're at it."

"That sounds more like it."

After helping Rui finish that sound system, they all split up. Tsukasa was about to head home, but the feeling of guilt inside him didn't even allow him to think properly. My god he is such a coward.

He looked at his phone, one message from Nene saying "Remmeber what I said", usually she is joking around those things but right now? He wouldn't he surprised if he woke up to a knife to his throat.

He needs to do something, talk to someone to at least get his mind away from what he just did. He scrolled more through his phone. 

His phone.

Maybe he should go into the Sekai? Nene can't murder him there.

He was about to press the song, but something made him think.

What if vocaloids will be mad at him, the same way he is mad at himself? Even better what if he meets Emu in the Sekai?

He shrugs that off. Well, he deserves it.

He turned on the song.

Sparkles sparkles sparkles!!

"...Banana peels....Television series..... Meds.... Maths.... Month of May!!!!...."

"....What are you, a word randomizer?..."

Tsukasa slowly opened his eyes, to realize he is laying on the ground somewhere behind their circus. He slowly stood up, so he doesn't accidentally make him even more dizzy than he is now. 

"TSUKASA!!!"

"Finally, a word that makes sense!!"

He turned around, and noticed Miku, MEIKO, and Luka sitting on a bench. Well, Luka was technically asleep on that bench. 

"COME ON!!! SIT WITH US!!!!"

"You seem down, is everything okay?" - MEIKO looked at him with a worried expression.

"Not really, I messed up big this time."

"Let me guess, the same reason why KAITO left me here with Miku saying nonsense for like 7 hours now?"

"Emu? Yeah." - He said, sitting next to Miku on the bench.

"What did you do????? Pooooor Emuu!!!!" - She said, throwing herself at him.

 "I ignored her all day for such a stupid reason. And I made her upset about it."

"Why did you ignore her, hmm?" - MEIKO took Miku off him, so at least he had some space to breathe.

"Well... She said she wanted to talk. And before she wanted to talk with me I kinda messed up in our show and flirted with her. I was scared that she took it to herself, and wanted to confront me about it."

"...And? You could say you improvised or something. Even better you could tell her that's how you feel actually."

"I KNOW!!! I HAD SUCH A CHANCE AND EVEN MADE IT WORSE. WHAT IF SHE HATES ME NOW!?!"

"Hey Tsukasa, I don't think she would come this far. Remmeber, it's Emu!"

"EXACTLY, IT'S EMU!! I DON'T WANT TO HURT HER LIKE THAT!!"

"Then, what do you want to do?"

But it wasn't MEIKO who just spoke. And not Luka, she was still asleep (maybe going with KAITO's theory she represented his lack of sleep?) like if Tsukasa didn't just scream out his lungs.

It was Miku, with a dead serious expression, no trace of her crazy side that he just dealt with.

"I don't know, Miku."

"What do you mean by "I don't know"?"

"Well, I'm too scared to think what she thinks about me right now-"

"I don't want to hear what you think, Tsukasa. What do you want? What do you feel?"

"I am scared."

"Of what?"

"Of what she thinks about me."

Miku grinned.

"So you're scared of rejection!"

"Exactly."

"There is no need, Tsukasa. Do you love her?"

"A LOT!! I THOUGHT THAT WHAT I JUST DID PROVES IT!!!!"

"Haha, a lot! But if you do love her, don't be afraid!! Say it to her, doesn't matter if she feels the same or not, get it off your chest!!"

"What if she will hate me for that?"

Now it was MEIKO's turn to speak.

"It's Emu we're talking about. She was crushing on you since the beginning!!"

"WHAT??"

"Even if she doesn't love you, she will never hate you! You two are so close together she could never bring herself to even dislike you!"

They did make sense. But his paranoia was still getting to him.

"But what if-"

"NO WHAT IF'S!!" - Miku covered his mouth with her hands. - "Tell her, no matter how you plan to do that!"

"...Thank you, both of you."

"Coconut!!"

MEIKO looked at Miku with disbelief.

"Are you playing with us right now? Really??"

"Choo Choo!!! Train travel!!"

"...I guess not."

All of them laughed.

"MEIKO, one question."

"Hmm?"

Tsukasa smiled.

"You didn't change like they did, am I right?"

"Haha, they need a smart one in this group, right?"

"KAITO-"

"Rationality this rationality that. Sometimes you need to listen to your heart, Tsukasa."

And this is exactly what he is about to do.

This time for real.

He thinks so.

NO THINKS SO.

He knows so.

Chapter Text

Friday, ....wait, no more days to the big show?!?!

The day everyone waited for! Yeah, even Tsukasa! He couldn't wait for his classes to end, the math lessons seemed even more boring than they always do. 

He found it ironic, how he couldn't bear the thought of the show for two whole weeks, and right now he can't spend a minute in one sitting because of how excited he is. Not only he's excited to give this small chapter of his life to a close, finally doing stuff he needed to do weeks ago, but also he really wants to apologize to a certain someone. 

He thought he will get a chance to get it all off his chest earlier, during their break time. Emu always sneaks out and joins them during their long break on days when they plan to make a show, mostly to practice one more time. 

But today? She didn't arrive. 

Tsukasa waited with Nene and Rui (which were basically dragged behind him) at their school gate, waiting for Emu to show up. Tsukasa wanted to apologize as fast as he could. He would show up first, surprise her as she is always the one to find him, apologize for everything (maybe even confess while they're at it. Whatever the cost is to make Emu happy.) and practice once more. This is why Tsukasa was walking nervously around Nene, like if orbiting her (which made her really annoyed, dropping mean remarks every now and then) after she didn't arrive after 15 minutes. They had only 5 minutes of break left.

"Tsukasa, she's not coming." - Rui stopped him, by grabbing his shoulder gently.

"Let's wait two minutes more, okay? I have a feeling she's coming!"

But she didn't. 

And Tsukasa didn't blame her. After what he did yesterday, he wouldn't appear too if he was her. Still, it hurt a little. Expecting something, and at the end his hopes being shattered quite drastically.

He couldn't help to chuckle. Huh, how ironic.

That's why Tsukasa ran out of classes the second the bell rang, instantly aiming for the wonderstage. Their show was in three hours, before he reaches the park it will be around two. Emu always comes early, he will catch her by surprise.

Since when is he more excited to meet her than scared to be in the same space as her?

He thought of taking the bus, but the fear of getting stuck in a traffic jam was too big. Too much to risk. That's why he ran and ran to the park.

It reminds him. He did the same on the eventful day when he didn't know about the show yet.

He got to the stage faster than he thought he will. Instead of an hour, he made it in 45 minutes! New record, great job!

...He had too much spare time. 

What can he do now? Rui and Nene will be in an hour, Emu maybe in half if he's lucky. What is he supposed to do now!? WHY DOES HE NEVER THINK AHEAD? He went inside the backstage and looked around for a place to sit. He isn't going to stand for the whole hour, right? He found a chair near the stage entrance, it's amazing how it wasn't carried outside yesterday. 

It's the same one he tried to rest on during their practice on a special Sunday two weeks ago. Again, ironic. He keeps doing the same thing he did at the start, like a circle.

Time to break the cycle then!!.... Later. He's tired as hell, he's going to rest for a while. It's not like someone will come in like right now, right? He thought to himself.

..Wrong! Even a minute didn't pass, and Tsukasa could already hear footsteps on the stage. Someone was going to join him very soon. He closed his eyes, preparing for the worst.

A door cracking.... And silence. The footsteps continue, walking around him.

Someone was in the room with him, but clearly didn't want to even say hello! Hmph, how absurd! Not welcoming the world's future star?!?

He opened his eyes, and saw a part of pink hair enter the changing room. 

Emu was here!!!

And this time it's a good thing!! Tsukasa is really happy to see her today!!

..But she didn't even notice him sitting on a chair literally facing the door. UNLESS she ignored him on purpose.

He stood up, and stood there. Waiting for her. He's going to apologize NOW.

..By which he means when she leaves the dressing room!!

He stood there, observing the door to the dressing room, like if it was supposed to make Emu leave the room quicker.

Finally, he could hear the door crack again. Emu already got into her princess dress.

"Tsukasa!!"

"Emu, hello!! You're pretty early today!" - He said, coming closer to her.

"Says who? We have like, two hours to the show now!!" 

...Something isn't right. 

Tsukasa got even closer to her, and hugged her.

"H-HUH??? TSUKASA IS EVERYTHING ALRIGHT??"

As long as you're here.

That's what was missing! Their usual welcome hug!

"Mhm! Everything great!"

She hummed, and finally reciprocated it, hugging him as hard as she could. Now this is the chance he was looking for!

"Emu?"

"Yeah?"

He took a deep breath.

"I'm sorry I was ignoring you for those two weeks."

"Tsuka-"

"No wait. There is really no excuse for what I did but I was actually such a coward and I was making up excuses because-"

"Tsukasa sto-"

"Let me finish please! I was so scared because I couldn't even think normally for those two weeks and everythin-"

"You're spiraling!!"

'And you're gorgeous!!' goes left unsaid. He's going to confess if he won't stop.

And he actually doesn't mind.

"Not important! It took me so long and would take shorter if-"

That's when he realizes he broke the hug a while ago, and is currently walking around Rui's table like a maniac.

"-if there weren't two people that just couldn't stop teasing me and stop me from making up my mind-"

"Speaking about us?"

FUCKING GREAT.

Rui and Nene appeared from behind Emu, both awfully grinning like if they just overheard their whole conversation. 

"How much did you hear." Tsukasa said with a dead stare.

"Not much, just arrived. But we heard something about two people and teasing, so it seems you two had much fun gossiping about us while we weren't here." - Nene replied, still grinning.

"I can't with you two." - He turned around to finish his apology, but he was stopped by Emu jumping at him.

"I get that you apologize, no need to beat yourself over for it! Apology accepted!"

He missed what he had with Emu before his stress ate it all away, and he just realized that. He hugged her back, trying not to cry to her sleeve.

"Cool lovebirds but we have a show to make!!! If we won't start with decorations now-"

"WE'RE NOT LOVEBIRDS!!!"

"Mhm I get it Tsukasa but cut your romance act now because you know, turning on those robots and eveything doesn't take a second! We need to start now!" - Rui walked past him, entering the dressing room.

"OH OH NENE I NEED TO SHOW YOU SOME COOL DRESS MOVES YOU CAN USE!!!!!" - Emu screamed and dragged Nene to the stage, Nene not even realizing what's going on, without a chance to call for help. 

Tsukasa was all alone again with his feelings. He's feeling great actually! Almost great! He's alright! 

HE FEELS LIKE SHIT.

If he got his mind together maybe he would get it all over now? MAYBE EMU WOULD ALREADY KNOW WHY IT WAS SO STRESSFUL FOR HIM?? 

WHY CAN'T HE GET EVERYTHING RIGHT?

"Tsukasa?" - A gentle touch on his shoulder brang him back to reality.

"You did great, I may have joined earlier than Nene, and trust me you did alright."

Tears started coming up his eyes. He hates Rui so fucking much but sometimes, sometimes it's so great to have him there.

"Thank you Rui."

"Aww come on, no need to cry now unless you want her to see you like this!! Go dress up, we need to prepare now!!"

And so he did. He went inside the dressing room and looked at himself in the mirror, face already getting red and puffy, happy tears falling down his face. He wiped his tears, and looked at himself once more.

He can do it!

"Oh my god." - Nene screamed, looking at the stage from behind the curtains.

"What is it Nene? Is something wrong? Did we miss a decoration or-" - Rui came closer to her with a screwdriver in hand. He still had one last touches to do.

"No, just look."

"...Guys you need to see this!" - He turned around after a while, facing Emu and Tsukasa.

Tsukasa was helping Emu with her make up, trying his best to make his face not turn red like the lipstick she has currently on.

"Is it really so important? I'm almost finished!"

"Oh trust me it is!~" - Rui walked up to him and snatched his brush away.

"HEY!! I'M REALL-"

"C'MON TSUKASA!! IT HAS TO BE REALLY IMPORTANT!!!!"

"...Fine, Emu."

Both of them walked to Nene, and looked at the stage. Tsukasa found nothing worth of his attention.

"I see nothing!!"

"Look at the audience, silly!!" - Emu said.

Sure I guess- OH MY GOD.

The audience is the biggest they ever had. Every seat is taken, and even then people are standing next to the stage. That's definetly their record. There is so much people! Tsukasa scanned over the audience. Most of them are kids and teens, of course their parents also with them... 

And he also sees some familiar faces in the audience. In the first row, he can see Toya and his friend Akito sitting, it's funny because Tsukasa didn't even notify him about their show. In the third row, he sees Saki and Ichika, excitement literally bursting from his little sister. Maybe Toya learned about the show from Saki? Three seats away, he can see Mizuki. Of course they were invited, they made the costumes after all. And based on how they locked eye contact with him, they are also cheering for him to not chicken out. They waved over to the troupe, and both Rui and Tsukasa waved back. Guess Rui noticed them too. 

"Woah!!! So much people!!"

"You're right Emu!~ But you know what it means? We need to get everything out of ourselved for them!!" - Rui dragged all of them back to the backstage. -"We have 10 minutes for last touches, I guess you might want to finish that makeup." - He said, giving Tsukasa his brush back.

"OKAY!!! LET'S DO EVERYTHING WE CAN!!!!"

Ding.. Ding!! Suddenly, an upbeat cheerful song starts playing.

The audience becomes quiet. Their show is starting! 

The first one to appear on the stage is Rui. After a while of their practices, they realized they don't have a narrator, so they gave this role to Rui. He can do both of these roles well.

"Far.. far away, there was once a beautiful kingdom. It was one of the biggest, magical and strongest kingdoms in the whole world! And guess what?" - He walks over to a small box, placen on a fancy table on the stage, and took out a big crown from it.

"I am the king of it!" - He put on the crown, and walked closer to the audience, facing them directly.

"But this story is not about me. This is a story about a unfair curse, fear, and destiny. This is a story about friendship, love, and not everything is set in stone. This is the story about my daughter."

He moved slightly backwards, close to a golden (totally not made from cardboard) throne, and pressed a small button, so small the audience wouldn't see it. Then, small fairy-like robots flied from the backstage, carrying a doll wrapped around with white cloth, dropping it in Rui's hands.

"The day of the birth of my daughter was the happiest day of my life! My little sweetheart, she's so cute isn't she? I hereby announce a big party to celebrate!! Invite everyone you can!" He said to the fairies, who after that flied to the backstage. He walked closer to the audience, and started spinning around.

"Oh, how much I love her! She's so beautiful! Everyone wants to look at her!!"

"I too, wish I could look at her."

Suddenly, Nene walked up to Rui from the backstage, making the music change to more slower, more melancholic. Her long sage green dress already made some kids in the audience gasp.

"Oh, welcome! It's a pleasure to meet you. Legends say you are one of the strongest witches in our kingdom."

"The sayings are true. Can I hold her?"

"Of course you can!"

That saying, he handed the doll over to Nene.

"Hmm, really a sweetheart. It would be such a shame if something happened to her."

"..Pardon?"

"You know, a small revenge thing. I was so happy when I heard about this celebration, but the second I learnt I wasn't invited my heart shattered in pieces."

"But I asked to invite everyone!"

"LIAR!" - Nene drastically changed her tone. 

"I wasn't going to be so cruel, but after you keep going on with your lies, I have no other choice."

After that, she sprinkled some green glitter on the doll - She casted a spell.

"On the day of your eighteenth birthday, you will get hurt badly. This will also be the day of your passing."

She handed the doll back to Rui, with a smirk on her face.

"Next time don't even try lying to me!~" - She said, walking back to the backstage, waving at him and giggling.

Rui looked at the doll again, and hugged it close to his chest.

"Oh my sweetheart, why did I let this happen to you.. I could beg her to curse me or anything... Why did something so cruel had to happen to you..?"

"I'm sure there is something I can do." 

From behind the stage appeared Robonene!! She had some small improvements, so now instead of her usual green skirt she had a pinkish one, a witch hat, and a wand basically glued to her hand.

"You yourself said she is one of the strongest witch in the whole kingdom. It just so happens I am also one of them too. And sadly, the curse is too strong, I can't remove it. But sure I can change it for something better!"

"PLEASE, TRY THIS. I CAN'T LET MY POOR SWEETHEART END LIKE THIS.." - Rui dramatically screamed, adding sobs in the middle of his speech.

"Let's see... How about this. On your eighteenth birthday, uhm.. How about eat something sweet?"

Now, Rui could hear laughing coming from the audience.

"...What?"

"It will be easier to avoid!"

"Alright, sure, anything!! Just so my poor girl won't suffer.."

"Great. So, on your eighteenth birthday you will eat something sweet. It will make you fall asleep forever."

Nenerobo sprinkled some pink glitter on the doll.

"So... I just need to ban every sweet from the kingdom!!!"

"I suppose so? But a curse is a curse, it can't be avoided so easily.."

"Then, what after she falls asleep? I can wake her up, right?"

"I... I still don't know if that's possible. There is possible there are spells strong enough to do that, but my research in spells isn't advanced enough to tell what could do this.. I'm sorry.."

Rui wiped his eyes.

"Mhm.. Thank you. You did everything you could. Thank you."

Ruinene left the stage, absolutely muting the music.

Rui walked closer to the audience again, facing them again.

"Well, so be it!! I won't give up so easily! From this day onward, no sweet thing has the right to enter the kingdom! I won't allow my daughter to leave the kingdom ever!! Everything to make her live..."

The curtains dropped. In the meantime, Rui quickly ran backstage and dropped the doll away.

"Emu, Tsukasa, you ready?"

"Of course we are!!"

"Great!!" 

He ran to the stage again, sitting on the throne. The curtains raised again, and another cheerful song started to play.

"It's my daughters fourteenth birthday! How the time flies, right?~"

That was the code to make Emu appear on the stage. She quickly gave Tsukasa a thumbs up, and ran to the stage, next to the throne.

"Ah here she is! Happy birthday sweetheart!"

"Thank you dad!!"

Rui stood up, and faced the princess.

"I have a special gift for you! Well, for a really long time you kept saying how you got bored of all those "old people" in the castle, so I thought about a special birthday present!! Wait for me here!~" 

That saying, he went close to the curtain, where Tsukasa was staying. He's ready.

He went closer to Rui, and of them walked back to Emu.

"This is a prince from another kingdom! He's your age sweetheart, and just like you he never had much friends."

Both of them looked at eachother, acting confused at first, but then Emu grabbed Tsukasas hand and started spinning around him. Both of them started running around the stage, just to dissapear behind the curtains again, still giggling in the background.

"I knew they will like eachother!!" - Rui said, facing the audience again.

"My little princess is fourteen now.. She grew up so fast, I didn't even realize she has four years left.. I asked at other kingdoms, if there is a chance the curse can be lifted. I even hired the strongest wizards and sorcerers, nothing. That's why I got this boy, to keep her company. I don't want her to grow up alone.. I want for her short life to be as cheerful as it is, living to its limits.. Best i can do now is just... watch as she grows up."

The curtains fell again. This time, Rui left the stage, and both Emu and Tsukasa ran to the middle of it, and sat on special pillows they left there before the show even started. The curtains rose up.

"Happy eightteenth birthday, my prince!!"

"Skip those formalities, we know eachother for too long to keep those weird nicknames!!"

"Alright alright, my prince~"

"Sure, then in four months during your eighteenth birthday I will keep calling you my princess to mess with you too!!"

"You are doing this right now, though.."

"UGH STOP IT!!!"

"Hahaha!! Anyways, What's your birthday wish? I can get you anything you'd like!!!"

"Hmm... Just time spent with you is enough for me!!"

"HEY!! IM BEING SERIOUS!!!"

"ME TOO!!!"

"Ugh so be it!! Now you need to keep talking to entertain me!!"

"As you wish, my prince- UGH"

"I have a special wish if you don't want to use yours!!"

"Your wish is my command!!"

Emu moved closer to Tsukasa, and his heart skipped a beat at this action. No chance it was in the scenario.

"Would you.. like to talk about how everything looks outside of the castle?"

"Well, about what would you like to hear!!"

"OH OH, I READ IN MY BOOKS ABOUT SOMETHING CALLED 'MEADOW'!! I ASKED SOME PEOPLE ABOUT IT, AND THEY SAY ITS SIMILIAR TO MY FAVOURITE GARDEN!!"

"The one we keep making our tea parties at?"

"THIS ONE!! Can you tell me more about them!!"

"Sure!!"

The curtains fell down again. 

"Oh, how I wish I could leave this kingdom!! But I'm almost eighteen, my dad will sure let me once I become eighteen!!!"

Emu ran backstairs after saying that, and Tsukasa moved over to a corner of the stage, grabbing a book.

Ironically, a romance book. But that won't be important in the story.

The curtains rose up.

Tsukasa sat there for a while, when in the background you could hear Emu and Rui whispering. Then, the angry princess entered the stage.

"My princess! Happy birthday!!"

"Save it. It's not happy at all!!!"

"..Huh? Is something wrong??"

"IT IS!! MY DAD IS ACTING LIKE IM SOME KIND OF A PORCELAIN DISH!! I'M EIGHTEEN NOW AND HE STILL DOES'NT ALLOW ME TO LEAVE THIS CASTLE!! HE DIDN'T EVEN WISH ME A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!"

Tsukasa dropped his book and went over to Emu, hugging her.

"Did he at least say why?"

"No, but he really seemed out of it!! He didn't even notice I walked in!! He is really gloomy these days and for what!?! But don't worry, I already have a plan for that!!"

"..Huh? You will go talk with him again?"

"No silly! I'm running away from the castle!!"

Tsukasa broke the hug and jumped away from her.

"WHAT??"

"Ah come on, it will be just for a week!"

"A WEEK????"

"Yeah!! I have so much ideas about places I'll visit!! I'll go to a magic forest our main guard likes to talk about, then I'll head over to the famous bakery at the crystal hill!! Oh oh and after that I'll go to that meadow you talked abou-"

"I am DEFINETLY not going to let you leave!! It's too dangerous to leave the castle alone, definetly if you don't even know how A DOG looks like!!"

"What's a dog?"

"THAT'S WHAT IM TALKING ABOUT!!"

"Well, I didn't come to ask you for permission!! I actually came here to pack my things!!"

"you WHAT??? NO WAY!!!"

"COME ON, IT WILL BE FUN!!!"

"THERE IS A REASON WHY YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE CASTLE."

"YOU ACT LIKE MY DAD RIGHT NOW."

"AND?? MAYBE IT'S FOR YOUR GOOD?!"

"IT WAS NEVER ABOUT MY GOOD!! MY DAD IS JUST A COWARD!!!"

"BECAUSE HE IS WORRIED ABOUT YOU!!!"

"Like if you care about that!! I don't care about your opinion, let me leave!!"

"OH YEAH?? SURE THEN I DON'T CARE ABOUT YOUR SAFETY!! I NEVER DID! GO, LEAVE AND NEVER COME BACK!!"

"GREAT WE AGREE ON SOMETHING!! I'M LEAVING NOW!!"

This saying, Emu stormed off the stage, leaving Tsukasa alone. 

"Wait.. PRINCESS WAIT I DIDN'T MEAN IT!! PLEASE DON'T LEAVE!!"

He stormed off the stage too.

The music changed to a complete different style of music. From an fast and funny song it turned into a slow and creepy melody. Emu appeared from another side of the stage.

"And the way how I spent YEARS of my life thinking he even cares about me, UGH!! And here he goes, abandoning me like that!!"

From another side of the stage, Rui walked out, after him ran Tsukasa. Emu hid behind the throne.

"MY KING!! PLEASE LISTEN TO ME!!!"

"Sorry, but I am really not in the mood for-"

"THE PRINCESS IS RUNNING AWAY."

"..She is doing what now??"

"SHE SAID SHE IS TIRED WITH YOU TELLING HER WHAT TO DO, SO SHE RUNS AWAY. LIKE RIGHT NOW."

Rui stood there in one place, with a shocked expression, and stormed off the stage. After him ran Tsukasa.

"Oh no. I need to be fast!!"

And so she ran around the stage, looking for a place that she could hide in. 

"NOTHING, UGH!! I NEED TO ACT FAST!!!.. Wait, this old tower right here.. It was put out of use a long time ago, they won't look for me there!!"

And so she went inside. The lights dimmed, locking on Emu.

On Emu, and on another dark figure on the stage.

"Oh, princess. I waited for you!"

"OH NO PLEASE DON'T TAKE ME TO MY FATHER!!"

"To the king? Never! I actually wanted to say happy birthday to you!!"

The light filled the whole stage again. The misterious figure was in fact the witch, near her stood a big birthday cake.

"Awww thank you!!"

"I have something for you! Here, a birthday cake!!" - Nene said, and cut her a fragment of the cake and handed it over to her.

"Cake? What's that?"

"You never had cake? Poor child, you don't know what you're missing! Quick, try it!!"

Emu stared at the cake, and then grabbed the spoon. 

KNOCK KNOCK

"SWEETHEART I KNOW YOURE IN THERE. OPEN NOW!!!"

But the princess didn't hear her father. She was focused on finishing the cake. She finished it in seconds.

Then, the door burst open, Rui running through it. At the sight of him, Nene ran to the backstage.

"SWEETHEART I WAS SO WORRIED ABOUT YOU... What are you doing?"

"Me? Oh this nice lady over here gave me a thing she called 'cake'!! It was so delicious!!"

"..Oh no no please no-"

"Dad, what's wrong?"

"DID YOU EAT IT??"

"I did yeah... What about it..?"

Then, the princess dropped on the ground, Rui catching her in time.

"SWEETHEART?? ARE YOU WITH ME?? PLEASE DON'T DO THIS TO ME."

But she didn't respond. Rui dropped on his knees. He started sobbing.

"I'm so sorry I couldn't protect you my dear.. I tried as much as I could, but I guess it wasn't enough, your fate was already decided sob... I'm about to... go for the guards. We will move your body to... somewhere pretty. Maybe your favourite garden..? sob I'm sorry I-I need to go." Rui said, kneeling next to "sleeping" Emu.

He stood up, and stormed off the stage, covering his eyes, still acting. Once he entered the backstage, he nodded at Tsukasa. It's his turn.

Tsukasa waited a moment. You can do this, Tsukasa!

He slowly entered the stage. 

"The king told me what happened, on my way here.. If only I knew you were cursed maybe you could still be standing here, right in front of me, laughing like we always did.." - He chuckled. - "I'm so sorry we had to part our ways like that, when you were still mad at me." 

He got closer to her, standing right above her.

"If only I knew, I wouldn't say all those things to you.. Everything I said were lies, I wanted to buy more time.. sob The thought of you d-dissapearing and l-leaving me alone here.."

He knelled next to her, facing her.

"sob I should stop justyfying myself. I shouldn't do it. I could've worked it out another way. sob ..I'm sorry I let you down like that."

He got even closer.

"sob I don't know how I am going to do this without you. You were all I had.. And I still left you alone like that. I was supposed to be always there for y-you.. I'm so sorry."

He got even closer to her and..

He was so close, too close.

He looked at the "sleeping Emu". 

He was so close.

He got even closer, and...

Gave her a kiss on the cheek. A small, and fast one. Then instantly backed away. He looked at Emu's face, which was growing more and more red by the second. His face is propably even redder.

"I-I'll miss you dearly, princess. I wish we could have sob more time."

He stood up, and started to leave towards the curtains.

Emu should wake up around.... now.

He hears a small yawn from behind him.

She "woke" up.

He turned around, and saw the "princess" stretching on her bed. She rubbed her eyes and looked around, and then she met his gaze. 

"PRINCESS!!!" - He screamed, running to her.

She jumped from her bed, and ran towards her prince, meeting him with a hug.

"I-I thought I will never see you again!!"

"And I thought I will never wake up again! I am so sorry for everything I did, I didn't mean for this to happen! If only I knew about the curse.."

That's when Rui and Robonene arrived on the stage.

"I told you my king! Her future wasn't set in stone! There was a spell that could break the curse!!"

Rui ran up to Emu, hugging both of them.

"I'm so sorry my dear.. I could've told you about the curse. I was so scared for you.. I didn't think that my own paranoia could lead to this."

"It's alright dad, I forgive you."

Robonene appeared right next to them, making them break the hug.

"Well this calls for a celebration!! Time to open the castle again!! I'll get the greatest chefs and we will make the biggest cakes the world ever saw!!"

"What if the curse is still active? I don't want to fall dead-asleep again."

This time, Tsukasa was confident in what he was about to say.

"Then, I'd love to break the curse again!"

"Hehe, I'd love that too!! - She took his hand. That is becoming too much for him.

"Alright alright lovebirds! Let's head off then, shall we?"

Both Emu and Tsukasa nodded, and ran off the stage, leaving Rui alone. Still holding hands.

"And this is how the story ends, everyone." - Rui said, facing the empty seats in front of the stage. "They all partied until midnight, the curse was broken for good! Then, the prince proposed to the princess, they got married, and they all could live happily ever after in a world without worries! The end!"

The curtains fell again, and after a small pause it rose up again, revealing every member of their troupe. They bowed in front of the audience, which resolted in a bunch of cheers and applause. Tsukasa could see smiling faces of the audience, and suddenly it all was worth it.

The curtain fell down for the last time.

"WOOHOO WE DID IT!!" - Tsukasa literally jumped into the air.

"Congratulations, I really cried at the end!~"

"Mizuki! I'm so happy you had time to check it out." - Rui walked over to them, greeting them with a hug.

"Anything for you! It was the best show I've ever seen!"

"Good job everyone!!~" - Nene said smiling.

"I AGREE!! I LOVED IT SO MUCH!!!" - Emu jumped over to the conversation.

But Tsukasa is left unsatisfied. And he knows exactly what he needs to do.

"Emu?"

"Yeah?"

"Can we talk for a second?"

"Sure!!!"

He grabbed her hand and took her away from the rest of the group (and Mizuki, who was giving him thumbs ups) so they won't overhear anything.

"What is it Tsukasa?? Was it something about th-"

"Would you like to come to the ferris wheel with me?"

Chapter Text

"Would you like to come to the ferris wheel with me?"

Emu looks at him, shocked. Maybe even kind of worried too. Her face is a bunch of emotion he can't decipher, and her face growing more red every second makes that task even harder. Then, a big smile enters her face.

"I'd love to!!" - She said jumping at him.

Tsukasa tries his best not to fall down. God, he's so shaken he might actually be sick, maybe he'll even faint in a second. 

"Well then, what time does suit you, Emu?" - He said, looking at her.

"Hmm... Actually even now!-"

"Emu?" - A male voice suddenly enters the backstage. Tsukasa does recognize that voice.

"Oh, mr.Otori!~ To what do I owe the pleasure?" - Now he can hear Rui speaking, and more footsteps.

"Welcome. I'd like to congratulate you all a very succesful show. You officially beated the whole park's audience record. I'd like to talk more about it with my sister, do you know where she is?"

"Hmm~ She's in the changing room if I am not mistaken, I'm sure she will come here in a second!"

"Well then, would you like to tell her both me and Shousuke will wait for her in our office. Tell her to be quick, we have much to do today."

"Sure thing~ Have a nice day sir!"

Another bunch of footsteps, and after a while a bunch of giggles.

"No idea you could be so formal Rui!" - This time it was Mizuki who spoke, still giggling.

"He's my boss, right? I need to leave a good impression!~"

Both Emu and Tsukasa looked at eachother.

"So... How does 8pm sound? I think it's enough time for you!"

"SURE!!! I'll be as fast as I can, promise!!"

Emu quickly waved him goodbye, and then ran through the backstage after her brother. Tsukasa sighed. While everytime Tsukasa DIDN'T want to confess life decided to play with him and give him the best opportunities ever, and now? He was to wait A WHOLE HOUR. No. Way.

Tsukasa quickly changes his clothes, that knight attire started to annoy him. Why did the prince get to live a happy life and confess without any bigger troubles?

Like if the princess practically dying wasn't an issue.

He left the changing room, and was instantly met with three stares.

"..What?"

"DID YOU TELL HER??" - Mizuki almost jumped at him, but thanks to Rui and Nene holding them in one place they didn't get a chance.

"Sadly, no."

"UGH AND I GOT EXCITED FOR NOTHING??"

"Take care of your own love issues okay? I'm trying my best this time!!!"

Mizuki gasped loudly.

"HEY!!! AT LEAST I DIDN'T IGNORE MY CRUSH FOR TWO WEEKS!!!"

"You have a crush Mizuki?!?" - Rui looked at them in shock, while Nene stared at them.

"HEY I AM NOT THE ONE WHO WAS ABOUT TO CONFESS RIGHT NOW!! WHY DIDN'T YOU DO IT???"

"I WAS ABOUT TO!! I ASKED HER IF SHE WANT'S TO MEET UP WITH ME AND SHE SAID YES BUT HER BROTHER CAME HERE!!!"

"UGH YOU COULD JUST DROP IT ON HER INSTANTLY!!"

"THAT'S NOT HOW YOU CONFESS!!" 

"Mizuki, stop it. You sound like you're an expert at those things and looking at what Tsukasa just said you're not exactly it. He's doing big steps in small time which is already much for him." - Rui tried to calm them down.

"ME? SOUND LIKE AN EXPERT? LOOK AT YOU!"

"WHAT. RUI YOU TOO?!?" - Nene looked in disbelief at Rui. - "AM I SERIOUSLY THE ONLY ONE WHO ISN'T LOVESICK HERE???"

"HEY I AM NOT LOVESICK!! AT LEAST I CAN DEAL WITH ME HAVING A CRUSH!"

"Do you have a partner."

"No. And so do you."

Tsukasa came closer to Nene, but she instantly jumped away.

"DON'T COME ANY CLOSER WHAT IF ITS CONTAGIOUS!?!"

"THERE IS NO WAY FALLING IN LOVE IS CONTAGIOUS NENE."

"HOW DO YOU KNOW?? RUI WAS CRUSHING ON THEM FOR AGES! AND YOU TWO SPEND SO MUCH TIME TOGETHER IT MIGHT'VE JUMPED ON YOU, IN THE SAME TIME ON MIZUKI???"

"YOU KNOW WHO RUI CRUSHES ON!??" - Both Mizuki and Tsukasa screamed, while Rui gave Nene a 'don't you dare' death stare.

"Of course I do. And I can say the same on every one of you."

All of them exchanged glaces.

"I'm out of this." - Mizuki said while running out of the stage.

"Hey!~ Don't leave me here alone!~" - Rui called, while running after them. Nene and Tsukasa stayed alone in the backstage.

"Finally, some peace and quiet."

"Nene?"

"Mhm."

"They're both crushing at eachother right?"

"No way you are so fucking dense you just figured it out."

"HEY!!! ...Yeah. Do you think they will talk it out?"

"No."

"Hmm, fair."

Both of them stood there in silence. Tsukasa thinking very very hard about what just happened while Nene didn't seem bothered at all.

"You acted like you just figured it out too."

"If I said it earlier I would be dead by now."

"Oh."

The silence continues.

"Alright, I think I'll head out now. If both of them plan to kill me right now it would be better if they didn't do it here."

"Stay safe, Nene!"

"You too. And good luck."

That saying, she left the stage. Tsukasa was all alone again.

He looked at the clock. He still has 50 spare minutes. Why not head out to the ferris wheel now? Waiting for her will be easier there, right?

Wrong.

Tsukasa can't sit in one place. He keeps walking in circles, spiralling.

Ironic. Just like he did through those two weeks!

He tries to prepare himself for every possibility, so he won't be shocked by what will happen.

Two possibilities:

- Emu arrives! What now?

•  Take her to the ferris wheel and confess.

But how? What is he supposed to say? 

Scratch that.

• Take her to the ferris wheel and talk with her.

TALK ABOUT WHAT?!? WHAT TO DO WHAT TO DO??

He took a deep breath.

• Take her to the ferris wheel and talk with her about the show.

...Okay, he can work with that! Maybe he can connect the show to his feelings?

But how? 

He took a deep breath. Again. He can't work with that actually.

...Maybe let's look onto what to do if she actually won't arrive?

- Emu doesn't arrive! What to do?

"TSUKASA!!!" - He hears a familiar voice scream from somewhere in the distance.

..She does arrive. He stops walking in circles and starts to wave at her.

"EMU! I AM HERE!!!"

Emu looks around, and then when she finally spots him, she starts running towards him at dangerous speeds. Tsukasa should prepare for the impact, try his best to not fall or whatever.

But he stands there with opened arms.

He was right, she crashed into him so hard she made both of them fall on the ground. But Tsukasa doesn't mind. He finds it awfully sweet actually. People say that people in love might find a thing that would usually annoy them adorable. Maybe this time they're right? No way this would be so easy.

"ARE YOU ALRIGHT EMU???"

"YEAH YEAH I'M OKAY!! HOW ABOUT YOU??" - Emu said while helping him stand up.

"DON'T WORRY ABOUT ME!! I'M ALL OKAY!!" 

"GREAT!! Then, shall we go now?"

Tsukasa smiled.

"OF COURSE!!"

A thing Tsukasa realized that he made Emu awfully scared. He saw it in her eyes. At first he didn't realize that, but then it all clicked to him. Everytime both of them are alone here, on their ferris wheel, something bad happens and it means they can't deal with it alone. A meeting on the ferris wheel is like a silent call for help.

Not like it's super far from the truth! But still, he didn't mean to make her scared!

"Look at the beautiful sunset Emu!! I love the view!!"

"..You're right!!"

But Emu doesn't seem convinced. He learned to recognize when she is smiling just for others to not feel worried. 

Well.. Here we go!!

"Emu? ...I'd like to apologize."

"Huh?? But you did that already! And I told you I'm not mad at all!!"

"Please let me finish!! I didn't even get to say why I was ignoring you!!"

"It's not important! I forgive you, don't feel guilty about it now!"

"It is imporant! You are important to me!"

Emu stayed silent. It's like an invitation for him to keep going.

"I was ignoring you for those two weeks because the show was stressing me out so much! The roles we both had made it even worse for me and the thought I will have to kiss you on stage in front of everyone made me so scared."

Emu stayed silent, she slowly hugged him. He's crying, isn't he?

"A-and I did NOTHING to make the situation better! I could've just talked to you about it, ask for a scenario change but I did NOTHING to fix the mess I did!! Even better I kept digging my hole deeper and deeper by avoiding you like if that was supposed to make the situation better!!"

He hugs her tighter, like if she was about to dissapear, to run away from him.

Just like he did.

"I was so scared that if i ask y-you about it you will think worse about me... T-that you won't feel the same."

Cat is out of the bag now.

Emu just held him there while he cried his heart out. Two weeks worth of emotions and guilt. Emu didn't even move an inch. 

After a while, his crying changed into quiet sobs, to eventually completely die out. Emu was still with him. She didn't run away from him after his confession. Does that mean..?

No, don't get your hopes out.

"Feeling better?"

"..Mhm."

"Well then, my turn to talk for a while. I actually noticed you acting strange lately."

"When?"

"Thursday last week."

Guess he failed at being secret about it.

"I thought you were just busy at first, you were really invested in that show- or so I thought. Then, around Sunday last week I started to panic that it's actually not about you, but about me. I noticed that you were acting completely normal about the others, you were just more... self concious while near me. I thought that you... figured out how I felt about you. I even asked vocaloids about it!! I was scared you didn't like me back the same way I like you so-"

"Oh my god I am so sor-"

"Stop it or you will cry even more silly! I am not mad at all!! I wanted to talk about it with you yesterday but then you completely ran away and well... We know how stuff went from this point of the story."

"But I left you there-"

"I left you today too! I knew that you were wainting, Nene told me. But I was so scared to actually get there.. I preffered to ignore the problem. Guess we're both good at doing that! But that doesn't matter now, turns out we were both wrong, right?"

"..That's an interesting way to accept a love confession."

"Want me to do it just like we do during our shows?"

"Hmm.. I'll settle for this one." - He hugged her again.

They stood there for a while, enjoying their presence. Tsukasa haven't felt so happy in weeks. 

"Would you like to go with me to a nearby Tayaki shop tommorow? For all the time we've lost."

"As like a date?"

"As like a date."

Emu laughed.

"Of course I will!!"

The ride ended shortly after, and Tsukasa (like a gentleman he is) offered to escort her home.

They talked. About much things. Tsukasa explained how everything what happened in Sekai was his doing, how he asked Ichika, Saki and even Mizuki for help and ironically, turns out Emu asked Mizuki for help too after Rui encouraged her too. They talked about what happened when Emu left the stage today and how Tsukasa propably made two couples get together, which only turned out to be true after they passed Rui and Mizuki walking through the park holding hands.

"Ooh, holding hands? Romantic, Tsukasa!~"

"Look at yourself Mizuki!!"

Their journey didn't last long. They got so invested in their chat, however, that they almost missed Emu's house. 

"See you tommorow at the stage, 10am?"

"Sure!!! See you tommorow Tsukasa!!" - Emu said, jumping at him once again.. And kissing his cheek.

Like if she was mimicking how Tsukasa kissed her on the stage. A quick, small kiss.

Tsukasa was so shocked he didn't even wave back at her while she was running inside of her house.

He stood there next to her house, red like a tomato.

The sun finally set down. He stood there for a long time he supposes. He chuckled to himself, and finally started going home.

People say that love is a beautiful thing. This time, Tsukasa won't even try to dissagree.

'Tsukasa remember when you said that the vocaloids acting weird was your doing? Well I suppose you got your shit together because I just had a normal conversation with Miku and the others. Congratulations.'

- Rui, 23:35 (read)