Nene gathers her clipboard and tucks it firmly beneath one arm. Her expression remains stern, but the tension around her eyes has eased.
Nene
I will keep your confidence. Both of you. Now get out of the prop area before I have to lecture you again.
She gives them one final, pointed look, then turns toward Wonder Stage. Her footsteps fade into the ordinary rhythm of rehearsal preparations.
Tsukasa
That went better than expected. I must not make the next conversation into another grand performance.
Tsukasa
Director Rui, perhaps we should step away from backstage for a simple meal. Somewhere quieter, where we can speak honestly without an audience.
Tsukasa remains beside Rui, still pink-eared but calmer now. He glances toward the park’s nearby paths, then waits without pulling Rui along or deciding for him.
“Rui follows”
SUCCESS (Good Agility, rolled -2)
Rui follows Tsukasa away from the prop area and onto the quieter park path beside Wonder Stage. As he passes, his shoulder clips a folded sign, sending a sharp clatter through the backstage corridor.
Tsukasa
Ahem! A minor sound effect, nothing more. Come along, director Rui. Our peaceful meal awaits.
Tsukasa glances back at the disturbed sign, then carefully sets it upright before continuing. The small delay leaves his ears pink again, but he keeps his pace matched to Rui’s.
Tsukasa
He followed without hesitation. Even with that noisy farewell to the prop area, this already feels wonderfully ordinary.
They reach a shaded bench overlooking the park’s walkway. Tsukasa gestures toward it, then checks the nearby foot traffic before settling into the quieter corner.
Tsukasa
There. No audience, no clipboard inspections, and no scenery threatening to collapse. We can finally eat and talk like ordinary young men.
“They grab sandwiches and sit down”
They stop at a small park kiosk and grab two wrapped sandwiches, then carry them back to the shaded bench. The paper bags crinkle softly as they sit.
Tsukasa
A simple meal at last! No elaborate presentation, no dramatic entrances, and no props requiring immediate repair.
Tsukasa unwraps his sandwich with exaggerated care, inspecting the bread and filling as though judging a festival dish. Nearby footsteps pass without disturbing their quiet corner.
Tsukasa
He chose to come with me, and now we are simply sharing lunch. This ordinary happiness feels almost more precious than applause.
Tsukasa
The seasoning is respectable, the portion is adequate, and the bench is stable. I declare this outing a tremendous success.
He takes a bite, then relaxes against the bench with a pleased hum. Sunlight filters through the leaves, warming the quiet pause between them.
+ New Item Acquired
Wrapped sandwiches
“Tsukasa, you seemed tense earlier. Is there anything you'd like to tell me?”
SUCCESS (Great Conversation, rolled +1)
Rui
Tsukasa, you seemed tense earlier. Is there anything you'd like to tell me?
Tsukasa pauses with the sandwich halfway to his mouth. The park continues around them, but his attention settles completely on Rui, his expression turning thoughtful.
Tsukasa
There is. I was tense because I kept worrying that our private happiness might somehow become another performance I had to manage perfectly.
Tsukasa
He noticed without demanding an explanation. I can be honest with him instead of hiding behind grand declarations.
Tsukasa
I am not ashamed of what we shared. Quite the opposite. I simply want to protect it, and I was afraid of saying the wrong thing afterward.
He lowers the sandwich into its wrapper and turns toward Rui on the bench. His shoulders gradually loosen, while sunlight shifts across the paper bag between them.
Tsukasa
Thank you for asking directly. With you, I would rather speak plainly, even if my voice becomes embarrassingly dramatic.
“Rui smiles and offers a quick hand squeeze to Tsukasa, as he's aware they're in public.”
Rui smiles and gives Tsukasa’s hand a quick, discreet squeeze between them. The small gesture disappears beneath the crinkle of sandwich wrappers and the shade of the park bench.
Tsukasa
Ah... a subtle gesture, director Rui. Very subtle. I believe I understood it perfectly.
Tsukasa’s fingers curl briefly around Rui’s in return before he releases him, careful of the nearby foot traffic. His shoulders settle, and his smile grows less self-conscious.
Tsukasa
He is reminding me that this can be ours without becoming a spectacle. I do not need a grand speech to treasure it.
Tsukasa
I will endeavor to remain plainspoken, then. I am happy here with you, and I am grateful you asked.
He lifts his sandwich again, though his attention lingers on Rui for another warm moment. Leaves stir overhead, and the ordinary park sounds fill the pause.