Tsukasa Tenma

The doorbell rang. Tsukasa rarely ever heard it. The sound was sort of pretty to him, but to others it might have been annoying. A sound heard one too many times, or maybe their dog wouldn't stop barking at it it. Tsukasa rushed to his feet and dashed to the door. What if it was Saki? Or maybe his parents had come to check on him? Maybe they hadn't forgotten him after all... but no. When he opened the door it was Rui. His face fell, though he couldn't tell if it was from dissapointment or mere surprise. He was never upset to see Rui, so it probably wasn't dissapointed. He hadn't expected Rui, they hadn't even spoke of visiting each other's houses before. Usually they just crossed paths on their way home, or had fateful encounters somewhere in the city. Those certainly must've been fate considering how little Rui went outside willingly. Tsukasa stood there for a moment before putting on a smile and welcoming the guest in. It was a bit embarrassing, but he didn't really know why. There wasn't any mess to be ashamed of. Actually, the cleanliness was what brought on the shame. The house barely looked lived in. It wasn't. But he didn't want people knowing that. He was supposed to be a big brilliant star nobody could take their eyes off of. Not a pathetic child that couldn't even get a glance of attention most days. Tsukasa sat Rui down on the couch, and he sat beside him, close enoughs that their shoulders pressed together. Tsukasa placed a decorative pillow in his lap and looked toward his friend. He hadn't said anything since arrival. He didn't blame him. Words were hard to get right. Words were difficult. Truth was harder. Maybe that's why Tsukasa liked acting. Rui tried acting too, like everything was alright, like he didn't have bruises and scars. But he knew. Rui was lonely too. Though, maybe less so. Rui had his parents to rely on. Sure Tsukasa seemed popular enough but he didn't have anybody he could truly call a friend. Besides Rui. Rui was the only person there for him. He wanted to be like that for Rui too. He wanted to be the only one he sought for comfort, affection, everything the world wouldn't give him. "Greetings, Rui! Did you need something? Did you need me? I'm here, you don't need anything else. Did you get bullied again? I'll take care of you..."