A/N: tsukasa is out of the hospital. and above all, he is NOT jealous.

THE PLOT THICKENNNNNNNNSSSSS

this is what the summary was referring to. but more importantly. tsukasa is. so. so. wrong.

—

"You seem happy," Rui commented, sitting cross-legged on the cold floor of the Empty SEKAI. Mizuki had thoughtfully planned to bring their quote-unquote "SEKAI diary" to this visit, too, so that was what currently occupied Rui's mind as he wrote down all the important details of their conversation with Mafuyu. The way he was hunched over so he could write without having to move from his sitting position would certainly not be beneficial for his back, he thinks distantly, and despite that he doesn't change it.

"Happy?" Mizuki replied. They were properly laying on the floor, staring up at the "ceiling"; if it even counted. Rui wondered how high the "sky" of the SEKAI went, and started drafting plans in his mind to send one of the Wonderland plushies to space to find out. He knows the idea will be rejected by KAITO, anyway, but it's a fun possibility to think about for him. Ah, he truly believes the physical limitations, or in this case, lack thereof, of the plushies weren't properly explored due to his protective nature. But well, who is he to go against his dearest father-older brother figure?

"When Asahina-san asked why she should do this for us, especially. You looked strangely delighted to hear it from her." He hummed.

"Hm, I didn't know it was that obvious." Mizuki chuckled, sitting up. "Well... you know how Mafuyu is always in so many activities and clubs and such?"

"Yes, because all you do is complain about how you almost never see her at a time where you can show off your outfits to her."

"Shush. That's not the point." They laughed, and Rui's chest found itself filled with warmth at the sound. He tried to ignore it. "Well... Mafuyu has a hard time saying no when people ask her for things."

"She's been sort of conditioned by the people around her, mostly her mother, to always do what's asked of her, so..." Mizuki smiled to themselves. "I'm glad she's regaining a sense of freedom. Of autonomy, I suppose. To be able to ask "why though?" instead of going "yes ma'am". It makes me happy we've had a positive influence on her— although, I'm sure her mother wouldn't think the same."

"..." Rui said, and a comfortable silence fell between them, only filled with the sounds of Rui's purple pen on the paper. Until he spoke. "I'm glad."

"Hm?"

"I'm glad you're able to save people, Mizuki."

I'm glad Mafuyu isn't scared of you, or hates you. I'm glad the people around trust you enough to speak their mind without fear of repercussions. I'm glad the people around you are able to rely on you and feel safe in your care.

I'm glad you're able to do what I can't.

Mizuki never hears these words from him, and he only smiles, the bitter taste of guilt on his tongue preventing him from running his mouth.

And yet, the words are there, nonetheless, pricking his heart like a thousand needles of sadness and self-blame.

—

Tsukasa doesn't know exactly how long it's been.

He spent a few days in the hospital, that he's sure. What he's not sure about, however, is exactly how many, seeing as staring at the sickeningly white walls never proved to be a good time-telling strategy.

His parents visited on day two. He heard them talk with Ran about something in a hushed, worried tone, but they didn't seem all that concerned once she told them he'd be fine in a few days. Tsukasa pointedly skipped over the part where he had caused this to himself during his explanation. Saki didn't bring it up, either.

From then on, it was a blur. Point is, he's out now, and he has to get himself together. That break had been "nice", but he can't sit around being useless much longer.

"Thank you very much for your care, Suzuki-san." Tsukasa bowed, having picked up the very little stuff he had in the room, mainly his phone.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. Are you sure I shouldn't ask the front desk to call your parents?"

Tsukasa wishes they came without being called. He doesn't say it. "No, they're busy. I can go home on my own."

"Okay. Goodbye, Tenma-kun." Ran waves as he leaves, and so he sets off to his house.

It's only been two blocks of walking when tears start forming in his eyes, and he starts running instead, eager to get home before anyone he knew saw him like this. Crying was unbefitting of a star, after all.

A turn away from his house, he stops, wipes his tears, and then puts on his most convincing smile, walking up to his place of residency and knocking on the door. To his surprise, his mother opens.

"Tsukasa, you should have let us pick you up!" She smiles, wrapping him in a hug, and he forces himself to hug back.

"Shouldn't you be at work, mom?" He asks, walking into the living room he (hates) loves so much. Saki's sitting at the dining table, but immediately rushes to hug him once she sees him. He reciprocates this one with a bit less reluctance.

"I was just waiting for you to come home, and then I'd leave." She responds. Of course. His mother doesn't have time to spend with him. He's used to it, by now.

"Okay, mom. See you later."

True to her word, their mom leaves, giving them both a kiss on the cheek. The room falls into silence.

"Nii-chan—" Saki starts, but is quickly interrupted.

"Don't worry, Saki! Everything is alright now, a star can't dwell on his problems too long! I'm going up to my room, call me if you need anything!" Tsukasa said, already being gone before Saki could respond. He ignored the sigh he could very clearly hear from the living room and shut his door.

As expected, any and everything potentially dangerous is gone from his room. Upsettingly, this includes some of his sewing supplies, but he's sure if he asks very nicely, maybe after a week or two, he'll get them back. Other than that, the lock on his door is also missing, as if that would solve anything.

Tsukasa sighed and practically collapsed onto his desk chair, pulling out his phone.

Rui ♡ - 2:36 pm

Text me when you get home

Saki told me you're leaving the hospital today

WORLD FUTURE STAR - 5:19 pm

HELLO

Rui ♡ - 5:22 pm

[surprisedpikachu.png]

Hello, my star <3

Are you doing well?

WORLD FUTURE STAR - 5.23 pm

HAI HAI!

YES, I AM DOING GREAT!

HOW ABOUT YOU?

Rui ♡ - 5:25 pm

Me, Nene, Emu and Mizuki are at a cafe

(Tsukasa did his best to ignore the pang of jealousy he felt at that.)

WORLD FUTURE STAR - 5:26 pm

OH

OKAY HAVE FUN BYE

Rui ♡ - 5:27 pm

?

Oh, bye?

A small part of him wishes Rui had invited him to go with them, too. His text saying "are" instead of "were" told him they were still at the cafe, which means he could have very well gone over there and spent time with them.

The other part of him calls this selfish. He couldn't expect his friends to have rearranged their outing to fit him. That's stupid. As much as he acts like it, the world doesn't revolve around him and it never will. His friends don't need to do anything. They don't need to consider him in their plans if they don't want to.

(It hurts.)

He decides he needs to get his mind off of that feeling bubbling in his chest.

He has just the perfect idea.

—