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Chapter Text

Rui always dreamed of a partner. Rui always dreamed of true love.

It's not bad, right?

It's normal to crave a little tenderness and love, even if you're a reclusive inventor who spends his days hiding in his workshop, creating various bizarre little things, right?

Even if you're too shy and insecure to take the first step to meet someone?

Even if you're just a loser who can only dream that someday in the future some wonderful and kind soul will take pity on him and give him at least a little bit of that love that the inventor so desperately craves?

𓇚

The lonely inventor exhaled heavily, resting his head on his hand as he gloomily twisted a screw between his fingers, his head full of thoughts.

Lately, his loneliness has been affecting his mood more and more, more and more acutely on cold spring nights, when he tossed and turned in bed, when he passed happy couples chirping to each other while sharing a delicious meal in a restaurant packed to the brim with the same couples.

Oh, how hard it is, this existence, this life.

Rui knows that he will achieve nothing if he just hopes that someone will pay attention to him one day without doing anything. He knows that he needs to change something about himself if he wants his dream to come true, to stop being so shy, so insecure and self-conscious, but God help me, how hard it is to just breathe, to just straighten your shoulders, to approach and talk, to invite someone to beforementioned restaurants. After all, as they say, "to be loved is to change so that you are loved"? Hmm, no, so.. how was it..

Ding

The sudden ringing of the front door bell snapped Rui out of his miserable thoughts, bringing him back to reality as he hurriedly stood up to greet the person who had visited his shop.

"Ah, good afternoon! I'm Kamishiro Rui, welcome to my humble shop," Rui began to say out of habit, hoping he didn't act too pathetically with the way he had rushed his greeting while he quickly cleared away various spare parts from the counter to make the place look at least a little presentable. "Can I help you with something, or did you just come to..," the man finally looked up from the nuts and other junk to look at the guest, ..look around.."

Oh. 

 The visitor, the man standing before Rui, was nothing less than an angel.

The figure was dressed in a white suit with blue accents and a corset. Shoulder-length blond hair, also with peach tips, framed the man's face. And the way he moved, with such elegance and grace..!

The curve of his jaw, the shape of his nose and lips, even the twinkle in his eyes that held a hint of playfulness and warmth. He looked about the same age as Rui, with gentle, almost feminine features that still somehow retained a masculine charm.

Oh.. he is.. gorgeous..

The man smiled at Rui's stunned expression, a smile that could only be described as radiant. He took a step closer, tilting his head slightly, and appreciating the inventor.

"Good evening," the man greeted softly, his voice like molten gold. "I think I'm your guest. I couldn't help but notice your wonderful shop as I passed by. I just had to stop by and see your inventions with my own eyes."

Oh.. Rui is silent for too long..

Chapter Text

Tsukasa had always dreamed of a lover. Tsukasa had always dreamed of true love.

Well, it's probably obvious, because when he was a child, his parents, in the rare moments when they were free from work and taking care of Saki, often told him stories about princes on white horses and princesses they protected.

Oh, how wonderful it is to have someone to cherish and protect! How romantic!

Of course, he has his wonderful little sister, his beloved Saki, and as her older brother, it's his duty to protect her and help her in any way he can, but of course, that's not what he means when he says he wants to love someone.

 Tsukasa wants to love, to protect, to shower with love until he is knocked someone off his feet, he wants a smile to appear on his love's face from his actions, he wants to be the one who will wipe the bitter hot tears from the cheek of his love, he wants.. he can spend eternity thinking about that!

..But sometimes, deep in the night, even when he doesn't want to admit it himself, Tsukasa just as passionately wants to be protected, to be showered in love until he is knocked off his feet, he wants his love to do everything to make him smile.. to him.. have someone who would lovingly wipe the bitter hot tears from his cheek in moments of short-term weakness..

It's normal, right? Wanting tenderness, even if you have to be strong, stable and reliable?

 𓇚

Oh, he's... quite sweet..

Tsukasa couldn't help but think as he looked at the hesitant inventor, Rui, in front of him, his gentle smile widening as he noticed those golden eyes looking at him. 

Honestly, Tsukasa himself couldn't deny that his gaze wandered a little over the man's face. Oh, those wavy purple bangs with a blue strand falling over one eye, those golden eyes, that tall, thin figure.. Tsukasa had to give it, this man is... very handsome..

"I... I'm Kamishiro Rui," the golden-eyed man muttered, not realizing he was repeating himself. "Welcome to my humble shop. Are you... are you looking for something specific? I have a variety of inventions, and I'd be happy to show you anything you're interested in..."

Tsukasa smiled broadly at the nervous greeting, quickly walking over to the inventor to grab his hand and wrap it around both of his.

"It's so nice to meet you, Mr. Kamishiro!" he chirped, still holding Rui's hand. "I'm Tenma Tsukasa! I've heard so much about you. My little sister loves your inventions, she always talks about you whenever she gets the chance," he smiled again, finally moving away from the inventor to look at the other inventions again.

"Now that I'm here, I realize that every word she said was true. There's something about your creations... um, how should I put it. A uniqueness that sets it apart from anything else I've seen in my travels."

Rui blinked in surprise at the sudden touch, a faint blush filling his cheeks as Tsukasa grabbed his hand. He barely knew how to react, but the praise slowly began to ease his panic.

"Oh, I see!" Rui exclaimed, the nervousness fading from his voice a little. "Well, I'm glad to hear that she likes my work. Her appreciation means a lot to me. And yours too, of course.."

Rui smiled warmly, his golden eyes alight with new enthusiasm as he watched Tsukasa examine his inventions with such obvious admiration. The blond walked over to one of the music boxes, completely encircling the intricate engraving, "How wonderful..."

He moved closer to stand next to his visitor, gesturing to the intricate engravings that adorned the box.

"Ah, you have a keen eye! This particular design is one of my favorites. It took many days to engrave this delicate filigree by hand. The pattern is meant to evoke the impression of a graceful dance of lilies swaying in the wind," Rui explained, a note of pride in his voice. He watched Tsukasa's face, eager to gauge his reaction, and the blond's interested expression took the inventor's breath away. 

Tsukasa's eyes shone with genuine admiration as he turned the exquisite music box over in his slender hands, admiring the leather's final, thoughtful detail. "Lilies, you say? How charming!" he exclaimed, his voice melodious, sending shivers down Rui's spine. "The craftsmanship is simply breathtaking. I can almost imagine the delicate flowers dancing to the enchanting melody," he chirps admiringly, looking at the lovely box in his hands.

A truly captivating thing, elegant, neat, and beautiful, like the very lilies that Tsukasa adores so much. He raised his gaze to Rui, his amber eyes shining with admiration so brightly that they could have blinded the inventor. "How much would you charge me for this beautiful work?"

Rui felt his heart skip a beat at the sheer delight and joy that shone in Tsukasa's amber eyes. The way he held the music box, caressing its every curve and detail with such obvious gratitude, sent shivers down Rui's very being. It was as if Tsukasa could see into his soul, comprehending the love and passion Rui put into each creation.

At Tsukasa's question, Rui hesitated, suddenly losing his confidence once again. The price of this music box had already been set, but for some reason he didn't want to name a sum that might put it out of reach for this charming visitor... this angelically charming visitor.

"Well, normally I would say..." Rui began, but stopped, biting his lower lip as he studied Tsukasa's expectant face. A mischievous idea began to form in his mind, a bold idea that went against his usual shy and reserved nature, but somehow felt... right.

"You know what," Rui began, his voice trembling slightly, "I'll make an exception for you. Take it. Consider it a gift."

Tsukasa blinked in surprise.

"A gift?!" he asked, a faint blush rising to his cheeks. "Mr. Kamishiro, there's no way I could accept such a generous offer without paying! Your work is too valuable and beautifully done to be given away for free."

Rui shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"It's important to me," he insisted softly. "Seeing this go to someone who appreciates it so deeply is my pay. My true reward." 

Impulsively, Rui reached out and grabbed Tsukasa's hand again, squeezing it gently.

"Please take it. Let me make this small act of kindness."

Tsukasa gazed at the inventor before him with awe, his amber eyes so wide that it looked comical, along with his mouth parted and a slight blush that gradually colored his cheeks as his gaze traveled from Rui's face, to his hand that held his own so tenderly, and to the box.

This man.. he's like a prince from those much-sung novels.. Like a prince who Tsukasa always wanted to be himself. 

He shifted his gaze from the exquisite music box to Rui's serious face, seeing the sincerity that shone in his golden eyes. A gentle, happy smile spread across Tsukasa's lips, his amber gaze softened with gratitude and a glimmer of something greater.

"You are truly a wonderful person, Mr. Kamishiro," Tsukasa murmured in a low, warm voice. "Your kindness and selflessness are as beautiful as your creations."

Slowly, almost reverently, Tsukasa wrapped his slender fingers around the music box, holding it to his chest like a precious treasure. He bowed his head, and a lock of blond hair fell across his face.

But Tsukasa hesitated, not wanting to impose himself.

"Are you sure, Mr. Kamishiro? I don't feel comfortable taking such a precious object without compensation..." he murmured, even as his fingers almost imperceptibly tightened around the exquisitely crafted music box, unwilling to let it go.

But even as he said this, Tsukasa felt his fingers tighten slightly around the box, not wanting to let go of it, when he looked at it again, his smile wide and bright. At that moment, the shop seemed to brighten, illuminated by the pure warmth and joy emanating from the blond, and Rui felt his heart skipping its beat once more.

"Yes, I'm sure." Rui insisted, never feeling so brave. "I really insist, actually. Please, I'll be much happier if I give it to you for free than if I take even a single penny from you."

Tsukasa leaned the box towards him as he listened to the inventor's assurances, never taking his eyes off those captivating golden eyes that seemed to bewitch him, his heart skipping a beat with each new word. Oh, but this is stupid, Tsukasa thinks, to feel this way just because of this small kindness from a stranger, but oh my god, is that a bad thing? 

He stood silent for a while, mesmerized by the wonderful gift in his hands and, before he seemed to pull himself together again and spoke.

“Then let me buy something else from you? I’m not sure I can give this wonderful gift to your sister as I planned to do before…” he raised his gaze to the wonderful inventor before him, “but this time I insist on paying full price.”

𓇚

"Thank you, Mr. Kamishiro! I promise, I'll definitely visit you again!" Tsukasa happily says, holding tightly to the two bags that Rui had carefully wrapped his inventions in before leaving the shop, disappearing into the crowded street.

Rui happily waves back, following Tsukasa's figure with his gaze, his heart full of the excitement reflected in the silly smile on his face that he couldn't wipe away no matter how hard he tried.

Tsukasa

This man... is so captivating. An angel, as beautiful as those white lilies, ineffable, unforgettable.

Oh, Rui wants to see him again.

...

Suddenly, the silly smile disappeared from his face as a certain thought occurred to him.

He forgot to ask Tsukasa for his home phone number.

Chapter Text

It was already evening when Tsukasa finally returned home. As soon as he got inside his small apartment, the blond quickly took off his shoes and jacket, hanging it on the first convenient hook before hurrying to his room. Once inside, the man carefully placed on his desk, which was littered with various scripts, the package that was intended for his beloved sister as a gift for her upcoming birthday, mentally reproaching himself once again for the mess that was unbecoming of a star like him in his room, before plunging onto his bed.

The blond rolled onto his back, holding up the music box, once again admiring the beauty of the magical gift from an equally magical inventor. He once again ran his elegant fingers over the neatly carved lilies, then carefully opened the lid, pausing for a moment to examine the three magnificent wrought lilies that were located in the very center of the box, before finally opening it, holding his breath with anticipation of the melody that was about to come from it. 

A moment later, the lilies began to slowly spin, and music began to spread throughout the room.

Oh.. how unearthly it is. 

How gentle, fabulous. Each note seemed to touch Tsukasa's very soul, transporting it to another place where there were no worries, calming it down, lulling it. 

"How wonderful.." the blond murmured with a gentle smile, his eyes brimming with a warm emotion that was hard to describe as he contemplated the lovely dance of lilies, absorbed in this moment. He couldn't help but think of Rui, this wonderful inventor who had given him this no less wonderful gift for nothing, unable to understand how a person, having created something so fabulous, having put so much effort, soul and a piece of his heart into it, could give it to a stranger so simply, without a twinge of conscience. 

"You are truly an amazing person, Mr. Kamishiro." — he thinks warmly, winding up the box again as soon as the melody ended, determination began to burn in his heart. 

If this man shared with him this wonderful piece of himself and his creativity, it is clear that he, as an actor and future star of the theater, is simply obliged to repay him in kind!

𓇚 

A couple of days have passed since a charming customer named Tsukasa visited Rui's shop. The lonely inventor was sitting sullenly behind the counter again, reproaching himself more and more for letting this person of his dreams go so easily, without asking for his home phone number or at least where he could be found to, well.. get to know him a little better.. The man, with a quiet, disappointed groan, rested his head on his hands, trying to drive away the annoying thoughts. How unbearable! He thinks everything. That's how to miss his chance! 

Of course, before leaving, the charming customer said that he would visit his shop again someday, but how can Rui be sure that it really was a promise, and well, it was only said out of politeness, and in general when "someday" should it happen, if Tsukasa's words were true?

"Good afternoon, Mr. Kamishiro!" 

Suddenly Rui hears, jumping a little from such an unexpected and rather loud greeting. He looked up in surprise at the front door of his shop, his eyes shining with surprise and incredible joy at the person who had visited him. He couldn't believe it, it was Tsukasa! 

"Mr. Tenma, I can't believe you've come to see me again!" He says warmly with a wide smile. "What can I do for you this time, dear customer? Are you looking for something? During the time you were gone, I made a couple of new products that you might like." 

Tsukasa quickly approached the counter, crossing the shop in a couple of quick steps. This time the man looked even more beautiful to Rui than last time. This time his blond hair was loose, falling in silky curls over his shoulders, and on his head was a small dark blue hat, which contrasted beautifully with his light hair. He himself was dressed in ordinary trousers of the same color as the hat, and a light gray shirt with wide sleeves, over which was worn a slightly lighter blue vest, and over his shoulders was thrown a long, dark blue coat that matches his jat and trousers, with a blue lining and gold embroidery that vaguely resembled stars. 

"No, Mr. Kamishiro, I don't plan on buying anything from you this time, although I can't take my eyes off all these wonderful creations yet again," he began, putting his hands behind his back, "I came to thank you once again for the music box you gave me, it's truly incredible, both its appearance and its melody, I still can't stop listening to it, it's so deeply ingrained in my soul! Truly fantastic and unique, I've never been given anything so incomparable before, especially by someone I'm meeting for the first time!"

He paused for a moment, barely catching himself that he might have accidentally overdone it with compliments. He had always been a man who could passionately describe anything, sometimes without even realizing it. 

Rui blinked in surprise as he listened to this compliment to his work, a slight blush began to appear on his cheeks: "...Mr. Tenma, you are too kind to me.. but I am grateful for your kind words, it warms my soul that my work has brought you so much joy." 

Tsukasa smiled happily before continuing, "Of course, I didn't just come to shower you with my flattery. I felt it would be wrong not to repay you for sharing something so beautiful that you made with your own hands, I'm sure you spent a lot of time making this box, so I'd like to thank you for that time," he reached into his coat pocket and handed the inventor two tickets to a theater performance. 

Rui's gaze fell on the tickets handed to him before rising again to the charming man's face, continuing to listen to his every word.

"Here, these are tickets to my upcoming performance. I'd like you to take them, invite one of your friends, and go see it." — The blond finally finished with a wide, expectant smile. 

Rui's eyes widened for a moment before he regained his composure. Bring a friend? How high does Tsukasa think of him if he thinks such a recluse has someone he can invite to the theater: "Mr. Tenma, you shouldn't have.."

But looking back into those shining eyes and no less bright smile, Rui felt too weak to refuse this invitation. His voice trailed off a bit and he paused for a second, already forgetting what he wanted to say, before he quietly cleared his throat and continued speaking, taking the tickets he had been given to examine them better: "Your performance? Are you an actor, Mr. Tenmo?" 

 His gaze fell on the tickets again, studying them better: "Wonderland X Showtime.. Of course, how could I not recognize you right away! Why, how wonderful, Mr. Tenma, I think I can't refuse your generous gift, I will definitely attend your performance." 

Tsukasa's whole face had never been so radiant and looking at her, Rui felt his heart skip a few beats. 

Soon Tsukasa went about his business again, and the enchanted Rui once again caught himself letting him go without asking for his home phone number, but this time he wasn't too upset, after all, they would definitely meet again.

𓇚 

"Oh, what's should I do.." Rui mutters later that evening, looking at the second ticket while sitting in his workshop. Invite a friend.. Haha, how funny.. 

In his entire life, Rui can only name two people he's ever had any contact with, but one of them lives far from the capital, and the other, well, Rui has to pray and hope that they'll be free on the day of the performance. But it's not like Rui has any choice, he doesn't want to seem like a loser with no friends to Tsukasa, does he? And in fact, the inventor wouldn't refuse to meet her at all.