Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

A star - someone who could light up the entire place by simply existing, someone who can ease anyone’s troubles, someone who can make anyone smile no matter when or where.

A star, someone who his loved ones could always rely on, someone who would never fail to deliver.

That was who Tsukasa Tenma decided to become at age of 7, as he looked around him in astonishment and awe. He turned to his right, witnessing his little sister finally smile - a true and genuine smile, one unriddled with uncertainty - after such a long time. He saw the way her eyes lit up, and how she exclaimed in pure excitement. He saw the way her feeble and small stature, usually down with the weight of her pain, was now slowly relaxing.

He then turned to his left, where his parents sat. He saw the way their eyebrows, usually furrowed with worry, eased. He saw the way they smiled at the story unfolding in front of them.

He felt his own lips curling into a huge smile, watching the ones that adorned his loved one’s faces. He wanted them to have that expression forever present.

And so, at the tender age of 7, the blonde made a silent promise - a promise of becoming a star.

.

.

.

He was 10 years old when his soulmark appeared on his wrist.

A soulmate mark were words that materialised on one’s wrist when they turned 10. The words were the most important words spoken to them by their soulmate.

He felt a sudden warmth on his wrist in the middle of the show he was putting on in saki’s hospital room, when he dropped the plushie he held in his hand, abruptly stopping his play. His parents quickly rushed to his side, seeing confusion and fear on the blonde’s face as he held up his hand.

His mom quickly understood what was happening and assured the little boy, telling him that the unpleasant warmth will only last for a while and that his soulmark was manifesting.

Tsukasa’s face instantly turned back to an elated smile, a complete 180 from his expression moments ago. he was so happy - the thought of someone out there who would be by his side and accompany him, someone who understood him in ways he himself didn’t, brought a sense of ease he did not even realise he yearned, even at such a young age.

And so, when the uncomfortable warmth slowly stopped, he immediately read the words written.

He read them.

and read again.

and again, and again, and again.

He thought it must have been a mistake.

“you don't have what it takes to become a star.”

This had to be a joke... right?

A wave of emotions suddenly drowned him. He felt frustration, anger, resentment, but the most overpowering of them all - sadness.

Was all he worked for in the past three years amounted to… nothing? Were his hopes and dreams and ambitions - his desire to see people smile all meaningless? Why? Why were these words plastered onto his wrist? Why was this wretched message forever printed on his body?

He couldn’t breathe all of a sudden, the air escaping his lungs as he kept staring and reading and reading and reading.

He distinctly heard something drop, too lost in his thoughts to recognise what it was, when he felt another warmth - this one more pleasant, more familiar - holding his cheeks. He was gasping for air.

But he couldn’t keep his eyes off of them, it felt as if the universe was mocking him, trying to pick on him and see what it would take for the young boy to finally snap.

He felt the warmth - the comfortable one - slowly turning his head upwards. His vision was swimming, all the colours mixing together, all the shapes blurred. He could make out someone in front of him, who he guessed was the owner of the relaxing warmth.

“…..eath….asa!”

He heard a voice trying to talk to him. He tried grasping the remaining air in his lungs, as he attempted to see who it was in front of him.

He felt the nice warmth slowly envelop him, as he made out something coloured yellow, opting to focus on it for now. He heard the voice much clearly now, “I need you to follow my movements, okay baby?”

He felt himself nod, shifting his gaze, trying to replicate the person in front of him breathing. He took a big breath in, but started coughing before he could let it out. He felt the warmth slowly pat him at his back.

He tried again and again until he was finally able to regain his breath. His vision slowly steadied and he could see his mother in front of him, the two of them on the ground. He felt his eyes slowly dropping, exhaustion washing over him.

“Tsukasa? can you hear me?” he heard his mother ask.

He nodded, too tired to speak.

“What happened? Is it your mark? Can I see it, my dear?”

He felt himself flinch and the mention of the… treachery now present on his body. But he let his mother turn over his hand to read, feeling too exhausted to fight.

He saw his mother’s body suddenly stiffen, a confused but worried expression on her face. He saw the various emotions his mother was experiencing, when his body simply decided to be swept away by his exhaustion, eyes too heavy to be kept open.

As he let himself be carried away, he heard a soft hum, a melody that never failed to make him feel better, even now as he felt absolutely crestfallen.

He finally gave in, his mind shutting down with the sudden onslaught of emotions it just went through.

---

When the blonde awoke again on his bed, he hoped, from the bottom of his heart, he pleaded, to let whatever happened be a dream.

He hesitantly pulled his left wrist up, turning it.

It was still there.

He felt hollow. In spite of the outburst of emotions he had a few hours ago, right now he felt… nothing.

Growing up, he had read and heard stories about soulmates - how perfect it feels and just how beautiful such a bond is.

He even witnessed that bond first hand due to his parents being soulmates. They went through so much, with saki’s frequent stays at the hospital and the overload of work they had, but whenever they were together, Tsukasa could see they were still happy and content. Because they were fated to be together.

As the despairing emptiness took over him, he thought,“Maybe I was fated to be alone forever.”

The little boy quickly shook his head, willing the bad thoughts to go away. The despair slowly turned into bitterness and resentment towards his soulmate. It was then when he decided that he was going to become the biggest, brightest and the greatest star the world has ever heard of. No matter what those words said.

He was going to prove his soulmate wrong.

.

.

.

Tsukasa Tenma, at the age of 17, finally found his troupe. It was his first step - his first real step - towards becoming a star. and to prove his soulmate wrong.

He was beyond happy. He was finally able to put on a show on a stage - an actual stage, not his empty living room, or the restraining hospital room.

He had found people he truly enjoyed being around, and hoped they felt the same towards him as well.

They were about to put on their very first show the next day. Tsukasa walked towards the wonderstage, where his fellow members were. He saw Emu, dancing alongside nenerobo, asking her about the various features she was equipped with. Nenerobo - or Nene, Tsukasa assumed - answered the energetic questions back in her robotic voice.

His eyes turned to Rui, who was sitting on the ground towards the back of the stage, leaning to the wall as he worked on some sort of machinery.

The blonde walked towards Rui, sliding down beside him as he reached him.

“Oh, hi there Tsukasa-kun! Are you done practicing your lines?”

“Of course! A future star such as myself would never be held down by such a measly task!”

“Hehe, of course.”

Rui continued on talking about what he was working on, but Tsukasa didn’t quite follow. He couldn’t understand most of what Rui was telling him about but he didn’t mind. The blonde found himself enjoying simply sitting there, listening to the director, putting in his inputs here and there to what he did understand.

Tsukasa liked the way Rui sounded when he talked about his inventions and the new show ideas he was constantly coming up with. He liked the way Rui’s usually calm expression lit up with pure joy when he talked about them. He liked the way Rui’s voice calmed him. He liked the air the two of them had around them, it was peaceful.

“TSU-KA-SA-KUNNNN!!!!! RUI-KUNNNN!!!!!!!!” they heard a loud voice calling them, cutting their conversation short.

The two looked at Emu and Nenerobo, as the latter said, “let’s do a dress rehearsal one more time.”

The two nodded as they got into position.

“...and that’s all, everyone! we hope you enjoyed our show!" Tsukasa said as their rehearsal finished. He was satisfied with how everything was coming along. He looked at his troupe members, their faces brimming with excitement as well.

Rui suddenly turned to Tsukasa, catching him off guard.

“I didn’t expect you to implement all of my stage directions. Thank you. Working with you has been a true pleasure.”

A quiet heat spread through Tsukasa’s chest at Rui’s words, a soft, unfamiliar feeling settling deep within him. For a moment, he simply blinked, the corners of his lips twitching upward before he quickly brushed it off as excitement. Of course, that’s all it was - just the thrill of a successful rehearsal, the rush of a job well done.

He straightened, clearing his throat as he smoothly continued the conversation, pushing aside the lingering sensation still buzzing beneath his skin.

Eventually, the troupe parted ways, laughter and energy still hanging in the air as they each headed home to rest for the day ahead.

---

As the blonde made his way home, he felt his chest tighten with an emotion he couldn’t really put a name on. He frowned, feeling as if a million bolts of lightning were going through his body. It was an odd, yet familiar feeling. it wasn’t the first time he’d felt this way. He didn’t like it.

His gaze slowly drifted down to his left wrist, where that resided - it was a habit he developed whenever he felt that sensation.

He lifted his sleeve up, but before he could take a proper look at that, he brought his other hand to cover it. His nails started digging around the area, as if it were a silent protest, slowly scratching it.

“Just you wait,” he murmured under his breath, “this will be the best show ever.”

Everything had to be perfect. There was no room for mistakes.

Because Tsukasa was a star.

Chapter Text

Everything seemed to be going well. Everything was under control. Not a thing out of place.

Tsukasa felt his heart racing as he walked on stage, acting his role out.

“I must set off with my trusty sword to slay the dastardly demon! Well, if it isn’t Ne-Ne the Cyborgian! Perhaps she would join me on my treacherous journey?”

“Your Highness, you have restored peace to our village, which had long been troubled by monsters,” Nenerobo replied, “I bring you a Hyper Drink, my tribe’s famous revitalising potion, as a token of our gratitude.”

Nenerobo held out a glass of water, handing it to Tsukasa.

“A gift for me, how splendid! Based on its slimy, disgusting appearance, it must be highly effective. I shall drink it at once!”

He took the drink, instantly drowning it. His face warped into an expression of disgust as he continued, “Blah! What is this?! Oh, how could I have not realised… the Cyborgians only drink oil!”

The audience laughed, and he took a moment to simply listen. He loved this. Hearing that cheerful sound around him, caused because of him, brought him so much joy.

He heard rustling from the wings of the stage; it was his cue.

“Something’s there… I sense a dangerous presence!”

The kids exclaimed with curiosity as Emu came on stage yelling, “I’m Emumu, the demon lord’s dragon keeper! My dragon will pancake you, foolish prince!”

“Curses! How am I supposed to fight a dragon this enormous?!”

Everything was set. They were so close to the end—all that was left was Nene’s singing solo and the finale.

“Ah, I see! This dragon can be lulled to sleep with a song! I must think of some song to sing…”

“Your Highness, please allow me to take care of this. I shall sing to the dragon,” Nenerobo interjected.

The song started, resounding throughout the stage. Tsukasa heard the little kids in their audience squeal in joy because of the lovely song.

“Splendid! The dragon is falling into a deep slumber!”

They were so close to the perfect end to their perfect performance.

It was only a matter of a couple more minutes.

Two more scenes.

When Nenerobo’s voice faltered.

The song faded as the robot slowly shut down, its arms coming down to its sides and its eyes losing its light.

What happened? Why did it randomly freeze? Did it somehow break? But that’s not possible; Tsukasa was positive nothing was wrong with its hardware or software.

What should he do now? The show must go on. It has to be perfect. It had to be. But what now? He couldn’t do the scene where he defeats the dragon unless it’s put to sleep. What is he supposed to do? Why was everything always going wrong for him? Was his soulmate right?

“I need you to sing just a little longer! Perhaps Ne-Ne needs some encouragement from our wonderful audience! Can you please help us?” He tried. He desperately tried. All he could do right now was hope Nene and Rui could come up with something in time. Why was he so worthless?

The children started cheering for the cyborg, despite their initial confusion. C’mon, Rui! Nene! Do something! “Ne-Ne, you can do it! Please, Ne-Ne…”

Nothing was working. Of course it wasn’t.

Their show was a disaster. Of course it was. What did you expect?

“Eek! The loud cheering is confusing my dragon!”

He distinctly heard Emu improvising an ad-lib on the spot. Maybe, just maybe, they could still salvage this show.

“Thank you, dear audience! Now that the dragon is stunned, I shall make short work of it!”

As he started making his way towards the dragon, he heard some metallic clanking behind him. Before he could even process what was happening, he found himself on the ground, lower body buried underneath something heavy and big. It was Nenerobo.

He couldn’t move.

“N-No…. I can still fight!”

He had to.

“I can’t fall in battle…until I defeat the dragon!”

He can’t stop now. Not until those words still remained.

“I can’t lose now and disappoint all the children who believed in me!”

He couldn’t fail here and disappoint everyone - his parents, his sister, his soulmate.

“Prince Pegasus befriended the dragon and its keeper. His journey was to continue for a long, long time, before he would finally cross swords with the demon lord. The end,” Rui's voice suddenly rang out, catching Tsukasa's attention.

“What happened next? Is it really over? That's boring!”

“The prince had to be rescued by the bad guys? What a wimp!”

“That was a confusing play…”

“It started well, but then it became unwatchable. Let's go and check out something else.”

No.

No. No. No. NO!

Not like this?!

He was so close. It was within his reach.

It’s all her fault.

You were never meant to be a

-

The air was heavy with tension. Emu sat on the edge of the stage behind where Tsukasa stood, Rui in front of him alongside a green-haired girl who he understood was Nene.

“So, you’re the real Nene who was controlling that robot?”

“Nene-chan... It’s okay, no need to feel bad,” he heard Emu behind him say.

It’s okay? No, it’s not okay! They just made a fool out of him there! It’s like they wanted to make him look bad! Why else would she say that?!

“I recharged the robot. It’s fully operational again,” Rui spoke up.

Recharge…?

His show got ruined because she forgot to charge the damn robot?!

His one chance to prove himself, to put on the best show, all of it – everything – gone just because she didn’t CHARGE THE ROBOT??

“You forgot to charge it... I can't believe my show was ruined all because of such a stupid mistake!”

“I’m…sorry….”

“I don’t need apologies!”

What he needed was his show back.

“Tsukasa-kun, it's not like Nene did it on purpose. After we left yesterday, she stayed behind to rehearse until late. It's partially my fault too. I forgot to check the battery before the show. Next time, I'll make sure—”

“Next time? And what about today's audience?! There's a different show every day. Each time we perform, we're battling to win over the hearts of the audience. That's why we must succeed each and every time! Didn't you all want to make today's show a success?! Or are you going to tell me you didn't care?!”

How dare Rui even say something like that? Trying to defend her when she is clearly the one at fault?!

“It's... It's all my fault...It's because I was...too scared to perform in person. I shouldn't have relied on a robot…”

Oh, so she knows? What, is she trying to mock him? If she knew all along, why didn’t she step up in the first place? She ruined everything.

“So you admit it?! I should've known there was something wrong with you, staying hidden and only talking to us through a robot! So you're a shy girl? Not good with public performances? You think that's an excuse?! If you can't even face your audience, how can you put on a good show?!”

“...sorry…I’m s-sorry!”

He saw Nene running away from them.

Good.

They didn’t need her.

He didn’t need her.

All she was was a roadblock in his journey of becomi-

“Don't you think you went too far?”

He looked up to find Rui’s face, expression filled with rage.

“You’re right that it’s impossible to do great shows when one of the actors can’t face the audience.

“But you seem to be forgetting about something even more basic.

”You can’t stage great shows alone, either.”

What… was Rui talking about…?

Tsukasa had been performing alone all his life.

Even if he was alone his entire life,

even if it meant he gave up countless nights perfecting himself,

even if those words reminded him of reality everyday,

Despite everything, he kept on going.

“Maybe I'm a hypocrite. I've been performing solo for a long time, after all. But since joining this troupe, it's become clearer to me than ever before how much more interesting shows become when you work together. I'm disappointed to see that you don't seem to have a true passion for theatre after all.”

How can he say something like that? He had no idea how much effort, energy, and time Tsukasa put into his shows every single day, time and time again – he did so much!

“No! You’re wrong! I put my heart and soul into making our show the best it could be! I’ve always given my all to performances! Always trying my best to one day achieve stardom!!”

“To achieve stardom, you say? That’s all you care about? So, I’m right then.”

Tsukasa looked into Rui’s eyes – it was tinted with anger, disappointment and…guilt?

”To you, theatre is just a means of achieving some selfish, personal goal.”

What?

Rui’s cold voice cut through him, sending jolts down his spine as an eerie sense of dread took over his entire being.

“I won't be coming here anymore.”

No, wait. This feels wrong.

“Oh, and by the way…

”you don’t have what it takes to become a star.”

No….

His wrist felt warm.

No, no, no, no, no.

Unbearably warm.

This was wrong.

It was reality.

Why?

He heard footsteps walking away.

Rui… was his soulmate?

and now his soulmate hated him.

Chapter Text

Growing up, Rui always found himself fascinated by the concept of soulmates. The idea of someone who was supposedly his ‘other half’ and who ‘completed his soul’ seemed surreal to him. It was interesting, really. The universe had many mysteries, soulmates being one of them. 

On his 10th birthday, he felt a warmth on his wrist. He was expecting it, so he wasn’t all that surprised. Instead, he was brimming with excitement as he sat down on his bed, eyes fixated onto his right wrist.

He watched as letters slowly appeared into place on his skin, the black contrasting his naturally pale complexion.

He read the words aloud,

“Rui! Let's make shows together again!! Please!!!”

Shows?

His soulmate wanted to create shows with him?

Before he even realised it, the tiny boy’s eyes filled with tears, the drops trickling down his face.

He wasn’t the most… sociable growing up. He was constantly shunned by his peers, ever since he was in elementary school. Only Nene, his neighbour, stayed with him. 

Yet, now that he knew there was someone out there, someone who actually wanted to create shows with him, he could not let his emotions at bay. He was over the moon. 

He couldn’t believe it. 

There really was someone out there who accepted him for who he was. His mom was right. The words on his wrist, in all their beautiful glory, told him that. 

He caressed his soulmark, his fingers trailing over the words, as the smile on his face grew even larger. He couldn’t stop himself from reading his mark over and over and over again. He kept on reading and reading and reading. He couldn’t stop, the warmth filling his chest was overwhelming in the best way possible.

What he could not understand, however, was why his soulmark implied that he had stopped creating shows, but he decided to shrug that small detail off. That’s future Rui’s problem.

10 year old Rui was just happy he had a soulmate.

A soulmate who wanted to do shows with him!

As he got older, nothing really changed. His classmates still didn’t treat him well - a lot worse than before, in fact. 

At times, the only reason he kept going was the thought of his soulmate and the presence of his soulmark, a reminder of them existing.

‘I can’t let my soulmate be alone, can I? I need to keep going for them,’ he’d think in those moments where he’d lay on the ground, amidst the darkness.

His soulmate had saved him even before he got to even know them.

.

.

.

Rui kept on walking, steps becoming faster and faster until he broke into a run. What little tears pooled in the corner of his eyes, he wiped off before anyone could notice. He eventually came to a stop, catching his breath. His nails were digging into the inside of his palm, a subconscious attempt at grounding himself.

He was angry - angry at Tsukasa, for the way he lashed out, angry for the way he treated his childhood friend. 

Yet deep down, he knew that the one he was truly angry with was himself. 

Why did he let himself believe that he actually had a chance? Let himself trust Tsukasa? Trust himself?

He had been shown time and time again how his attempts at making friends, at being understood, have been in vain.

Why did he think it would be different this time?

And this time, he roped Nene in too.

He took in a harsh breath, the guilt washing over him. 

He let her go through that again.

He wasn’t there for her the first time, when she went through the insults hurled at her by her old troupemates. And this time, he was the reason she had to hear that again.

He’d made a solemn vow to himself he wouldn’t let anyone hurt her. Yet…

His old self would hate the current him.

He really is a terrible friend, isn’t he? 

He took another breath as he turned around the corner. Rui looked up, seeing a familiar figure of green in front of him.

“Nene,” he breathed out before he could stop himself.

The green haired girl turned around and Rui could see the red streaks of dried up tears on her cheeks.

“Oh..”

“I’m sorry, Nene. For making you join that troupe. Also, I should’ve checked the robot’s battery.”

“...No, I… I messed this up…”

No, she’s not the one at blame. It was all his fault. He was the one who forced her to join in the first place.

He should say something. Tell her that this entire mess was all because of him.

“Um… Where’s Nenerobo?”

He looked up, surprised. She felt guilty. Because of him.

“We won’t be needing it anymore. I left it back at the stage.”

“Huh?”

“I won’t force you to perform in a show ever again.”

He hurt his best friend.

He could practically see his old self staring at the current him with cold, disapproving eyes.

He couldn’t bear to see her. 

So, before she could say anything, he ran away.

Like he always did.

.

.

.

Rui woke up the next day with his head in his hands.

He opened his eyes slightly, but they felt impossibly heavy, as if they were weighed down by stones, preventing him from seeing. 

His head hurt, and his vision was swimming. 

He wanted to think, but he couldn’t. The pounding in his head wouldn’t let him.

He tried moving, but his limbs defied him. He let out a groan, as he shifted slightly, only for a dull ache to pulse through his body. 

He tried recollecting what had happened. 

Right.

He ran away. Again.

He was such a coward.

He should have stayed. Or at least he should’ve said something, anything. But instead he left Nene alone again. Just like before. 

He finally gathered up the strength to fully open his eyes, the morning light filtering through his garage-turned-room. 

It was suffocating. It felt like there was a weight pressing down on his chest, creating a crater. 

His left hand subconsciously went up to his right wrist, his fingers tenderly caressing his soulmark. 

It was a habit he had picked up over the years. It always provided him with comfort, a sense of hope that everything will eventually be okay.

Sighing, he picked himself up from his couch. He didn’t have time for self-wallowing. He had to somehow make it upto Nene.

But first, he really needed to clear his mind.

And what better way to do so than with a show?

-

Rui walked down the alleyway that led to the Main Street, a massive backpack filled with his drones and all other sorts of machinery swung over his shoulder. 

He stopped at one of his favourite spots on the street to showcase his plays and removed his gizmos from his bag, preparing to set the stage.

He was going to perform his story, ‘The Lonely Alchemist.’

And so he started.

“Once upon a time there was an eccentric alchemist. Thanks to the wonders of alchemy, he lived a life free of worries, but that made the common townsfolk envious.

“One day, a traveling theatre group visited the town. The alchemist took a peek at the show and saw that it made the townsfolk very happy. It was then that he made a decision. 

“He decided that he too wanted to stage marvellous shows that everyone would enjoy!”

This was his story.

“The alchemist came up with his own ideas, and rehearsed them alone, trying to match the performance of the traveling theatre troupe.

“Eventually, he invited the townsfolk to see his show. And when they did, the townsfolk greatly enjoyed it. The alchemist finally won their acceptance and respect.”

All he had wanted his entire life was to spread joy and smiles through his shows. 

“He lived happily...but not ever after.

“The townsfolk told the alchemist they wanted to take part in his shows.

“At first, the alchemist was overjoyed at their request…

“However, each of his ideas was met with ridicule. One after another, the townsfolk began to avoid him.”

Even if he was shunned because of it.

“But we must not blame either the alchemist for his odd ideas, nor the townsfolk for their lack of understanding. They simply had a different way of thinking.

“Unfortunately, in the end none of the townsfolk wanted anything to do with the alchemist, and he was left all alone once again.”

He was disillusioned to think he’d find a place he belonged. 

Rui let out a soft breath as one of his drones descended onto the ground. 

No one stopped by this time either.

“Rui…”

“Rui-kun!”

He turned around, to find Nene, Emu and… Tsukasa?

Why was Nene with him?

“Nene and Emu?” He asked, surprised.

He then moved his gaze to the blonde beside them, “…And I see you’re here as well.”

He scoffed. Why was he here? To apologise? What’s done can’t be reversed.

“I'm finished with my show. As usual, no one stopped to hear the story.”

“Wait, Rui! I need to talk to you!”

“About yesterday? There’s no need. You should move on.”

He started to walk away, too annoyed to talk. 

“Rui... I... I decided to not give up theater.”

He stopped in his tracks.

Nene… is still going to perform? 

“I’m glad to hear that.”

He was. He truly was. 

Nene deserved to shine on stage. Let her talent be showcased for the world to witness.

He was just a little sad that he couldn’t play a part in her future success.

“Rui... Be honest. Don't you want to perform with others again?”

He did, he really did want to. 

But what was the point?

He’s tried so many times, kept giving others so many chances, kept giving himself chances, but it never worked out. 

So he gave up.

As much as it hurt.

“Rui, I'm...really sorry about yesterday.”

He looked up to the blonde.

“I was so disappointed that the show flopped that I couldn't think clearly, and I forgot what was really important.

Like you said, it takes more than one person to stage great shows! What I did was plain wrong! 

I'm not expecting you to just forgive me, but at least, if you could come back…”

Rui resisted letting out a bitter laugh. How convenient was it for Tsukasa to suddenly realise his mistakes and that too so soon. 

“So you thought about what I said? Not to offend, but I really don't care. 

“The argument was between you and Nene. If she forgave you, then that's good. 

“But we are simply not compatible.”

“What… what do you mean by that?”

Tsukasa’s voice wavered a little. Odd.

“Your ambition to perform is motivated solely by your desire to be a popular star, correct?

I, on the other hand, want to create wonderful shows for the audience to enjoy. Our values are worlds apart.”

He had had enough of the blonde’s empty words.

“It... It used to be like that, but now I-”

“I appreciate that you gave Nene the opportunity to return to acting. But I don't feel like staging shows with you again.

“For a while, it was fun… thank you for that.”

As he walked away, the crater in his chest grew deeper, swallowing him whole.

-

A couple of hours had passed. Instead of going to his usual spots to perform, Rui simply wandered around, backpack slumped over his shoulders.

He couldn’t stop thinking. 

He didn’t understand why he couldn’t get over this already. He has done so before, what’s stopping him now?

Maybe it’s because of Nene.

Maybe it’s because all of his show ideas were actually used.

Maybe it’s because he liked working with them.

Maybe it’s because he actually…

liked working with Tsukasa.

Ever since he first saw Tsukasa, way back when he caught sight of him at Miyamasuzaka, the blonde plagued his thoughts.

Rui didn’t understand why.

He felt warm whenever he was around the other. It felt right.

His chest hurt, but he simply could not for the life of him figure out why.

Maybe he was just caught up in his delusions this entire time. 

He could hear his classmates from middle school yelling  and scorning at him.

‘What the... I'm not doing something that dumb. Don't you have any better ideas?’

‘Are you having a laugh trying to get us hurt?’

‘I've had enough of you and your stupid shows.’

He let out a sigh for what seemed like the nth time that day.

He heard footsteps behind him. And to his right. And to his left as well?

…

What?

He looked around, only to be surrounded by the very people he ran away from earlier in the day.

“What is this, an ambush? I’m sorry, but I’m not changing my mind.”

“I need to show you something,” he heard the male say.

“Whatever it is, it won’t make a difference. Like I said, I don’t want to stage shows with you ever agai-”

“NOW!! I GOT HIM!!!”

“Uh…here!”

????

The two girls grabbed his arms, in an attempt to keep him from running away.

“What are you doin, Emu? And you too, Nene?”

“Do it Tsukasa-kun!!!!”

“Good job!”

Rui looked at Tsukasa, bewildered at the sequence of events unfolding.

Tsukasa stared into Rui’s eyes. 

“Rui, I’m going to show you my true feelings!”

As the four got enveloped in a bright white light originating from the actor’s phone, Rui felt his heart rate increasing, fluttering because of those words.

What?

-

“You brought me here again?” Rui exclaimed, annoyed as he stood in front of the massive stage of the Wonderland Sekai.

“Hello, everyone!! Tonight, we have a special performance guaranteed to put a smile on your face~!!” Miku said, her joyful smile brightening the air.

Of course they ignored him. 

“Are you ready to put on a good show for the audience?” He heard Kaito faintly address Tsukasa.

“I couldn’t be more ready!” was the reply the vocaloid received.

Well, it’s not like he could go back to the real world since his phone wasn’t used for the transit between the two realities.

So why not just watch?

“Once upon a time, there was an eccentric traveling theater troupe. There was an attention-craving showman, stubborn clown, and a songstress too shy to sing in front of people!” Miku started narrating, “The oddball group staged many shows, but they never managed to attract an audience! Then one day, as they were traveling through a forest, they encountered an alchemist who was performing a show all alone.”

Tsukasa started performing as the Troupe Leader, “What an incredible performance? If you joined us, our troupe would make a name for itself at last!”

“Who are you?” said Kaito, the one playing the Alchemist.

“I am a showman, and I could use your help to put on wonderful shows! I promise that our spectacles will be a joy to see and a joy to perform in!”

“You wish to make shows with me? I see. I suppose I could help you out a little.”

Emu, or rather, the Clown exclaimed in excitement. The songstress, that is, Nene instead sighed.

“But will I… find the courage to sing?”

Rui’s breath hitched. 

“Nene…”

“The alchemist made a doll for the shy songstress, which carried her voice even as she hid behind the stage,” Miku continued.

“He also constructed various contraptions such as a machine which could produce lightning, a stage with jets of air, and even an enormous dragon!

“Alas, their performance came to an abrupt end when the singing doll broke in the middle of it!”

“What a shameful fasco! It's all your fault!” Tsukasa lashed out.

“The showman was so overwhelmed with disappointment that he blamed the rest of the troupe, and their previous joy and excitement turned to sorrow.

“They all left, each going their own way.

“The showman suddenly felt very lonely. He remembered how much he enjoyed preparing the show with the rest of the troupe…

“His thoughts were interrupted by the appearance of a cute fairy.”

A bunny plush, who remembered seeing the first time he visited the strange sekai, floated in, acting as the fairy, and asked the Troupe leader, “Why were you making shows? Wasn't it because you wanted to make people happy?”

Huh? 

“The showman remembered the first time he saw a theatrical performance, and regretted the way he treated his troupe members.”

“I've always wanted to become a star like the actors in the first show I saw. I wanted to be a star so that I too could make people as happy as I was then.

“It was very important to me, but I forgot it along the way. I shall never forget it again!

“What I want is to make people smile. I want to perform with my troupe again!”

He…forgot?

“The showman sincerely apologized to the rest of the troupe and they agreed to come back...all except the alchemist, who didn't believe him.

“The alchemist was convinced that the showman didn't care so much about theater, as about becoming a star.”

“Yet, the showman didn't want to give up his hopes of convincing the alchemist to return. He resolved to try a different approach...

“He made a play just for the alchemist. After the passionate performance, he spoke to him.” The twin-tailed singer now turned to where Rui stood, faintly smiling.

“It's true that it's my dream to become a star. A star who brings joy to everyone!

“To me, a star is someone who delights the audience as much as his fellow performers with the most wonderful shows!”

Rui felt the corners of his mouth slightly curl up.

“Please, believe me this time! With our next show we can spread joy to everyone around us!”

It was honestly a very unpolished play. The scenes were rushed, and the costumes were haphazardly made.

Yet…

“Won't you join my troupe again?”

“What do you think the alchemist said?” Kaito asked Rui.

“What do I think? This is your role…”

He knew what they were trying to tell him.

“No, I am just a stand-in. How the play goes from here has yet to be decided.”

…Maybe…

“Did you think you could express your feelings better through a performance?”

“Yes, as a matter of fact I did! Theater has given me so much. I've seen shows which stirred my feelings, shows that filled me with enthusiasm! They made me dream of starring in shows like that myself!”

…maybe he’d give it another try. For the last time.

“That's why my feelings can be communicated most clearly through a show!” Tsukasa continued, the slight desperation now visible in his eyes.

He went down on one knee, as if he were to propose, and stretched out his left hand, the right on his chest over where his heart was located and he said,

“Rui! Let’s make shows together again!! Please!!!”

It felt as if time stopped there and then. 

Those…words….

Tsukasa… was his soulmate?

The crater in his chest slowly closed, the void that was gaping moments before, now was filling with warmth.

Tsukasa was his soulmate.

“…Heh.”

He couldn’t believe it. 

He loved this feeling. 

“Wonderful shows...which delight both the audience and the performers, hmm? I like the sound of that.”

But maybe Tsukasa didn’t know they were soulmates.

“But a passionate monologue alone isn't enough to move an audience.

“Let's think of how to make your performance more expressive, Tsukasa.”

But… he couldn’t help himself.

“Huh?” The blonde said, surprised.

He couldn’t stop himself.

“Tsukasa… you’re my soulmate?”

He heard the star’s breath hitch.

“Wh-What?” 

“We’re soulmates!” Rui reiterated.

Something was odd. He looked into the star’s eyes. 

“Yeah…! Yes, we are!! I’m sorry, you caught me off-guard!!!” Tsukasa said, a huge smile now set on his face.

But, Rui saw it.

“You knew?”

It lasted for a split second, but Rui saw it.

“I did! I’m sorry I didn’t tell you sooner… I wanted you to find out in your time!”

Tsukasa’s expression, in that split moment, was filled with dread.