Latest Posts by hugs4shizu - Page 8

the stars are prettier. - scaramouche

entry for @versadies ’s event farewell love !

warnings : gender neutral. angst. major character death. injury. slight spoilers for scaras backstory & use of his real name. spoilers for the aftermath of 3.2 archon quest. traveler is not specified. english is not my first language.

w/c : 1883

the inazuman night flowers have always been beautiful to kunikuzushi.

yet, as you sit there with him, their beauty dims in comparison with yours. the same could be said for you, as to you, he’s the most beautiful creature you’ve laid your eyes on.

“hey, kuni, i sliced some lavender melons. would you like some?”

he nods eagerly and scooches closer to you so you can share the sweet fruit slices. a gust of wind rustles the leaves of chinju forests’ trees and pushes the young boys’ veil to his shoulders, at which you chuckle.

reaching out to help fix it for him, he pauses his munching and looks at you with a startled look in his eyes. you finish your actions and glance over at his face, smiling softly when you catch him staring.

“you’re very pretty, you know that? it’s slightly unfair. how am i supposed to compete?”

Keep reading

woa if u r still takin requests maybe nazuna or rei :o?

nazunyan for you (^_−)☆ ty for the request!!

Hamtaro song Intro with English subs

i tried my best!! shinobu almost killed me.......

[ izuleo || いずレオ ] 

  #izloweek Day 7-  Free Day: First Meeting 

Wahahaha! ☆ You have such a pretty face, but your singing is way outta tune! Hilarious! 

 A scene so dear to my heart ;v; 

enstars art

drew a horribly inaccurate ritsu on the whiteboard but wasn't able to finish it bc the teacher was coming😓

Imagine waking up to Shiina Niki cooking. As your senses return to your body, the aroma of breakfast fills the room, effectively enticing you to remove the covers. You rub your eyes before taking a stretch, already thinking about what you may find in the kitchen. As you're about to remove the covers to get up, you find that the door opens and Niki comes in, holding a tray of waffles in his hands and a smile on his face. "Good morning!"

they beefin totally betting my money on natsume 💯

¡! ❝ REDAMANCY .. ❞

╰┈➤ ❝ [18] is it? is it really? ❞ | m. list | prev. | next

natsume sakasaki x reader smau

warning(s) : none i think !!!

w/c : 716

mika has lost all awareness the moment he was informed of your whereabouts. he’s pretty sure he was in class barely a minute ago, so now why is he suddenly desperately gasping for air right outside the infirmary? how did he even get here? he doesn’t quite remember. all he knows is you’re in there and you’re not doing well.

Keep reading

rises from my deathbed cutely

SoumaPs I think I can post smth today

Being tumblr mutuals isn't enough I need to hug them

reblogging bc everyone must look at how my mutual slayed and how nattsun must get more fans‼️‼️‼️‼️

do u guys want to see my halloweek '22 fits :0

izumi i changed my mind about you being a creepy mid asshole i think i'm madly inlove with you and i want to marry and have children with you and then we run a little ice cream shop and then put our toes in between eachtoehrs and have intense eye contact before we sleep and live happily ever after

helloo! i love ur work and was wondering if i could request your last leo work with izumi and natsume? thank u have a wonderful day/evening<3

hellaur hellaur! im so glad you liked it! ofc you can dear, please enjoy!

[ leo ver. ]

bandaids - s. natsume & s. izumi

he was reading one of his spell books when you stormed into the house in tears, which was surprising in itself.

naturally, he got up to follow after you and find out what had you at your wits end. hopefully nothing a little magic trick couldn't fix.

when you agreed to tell him he made you both a cup of hot chocolate (or tea, whichever you prefer) and sat you down in the living room, ready to listen to whatever troubles could have possibly dimmed your shine.

you told him about your day and how shitty it was and mans was flabbergasted

what do you mean your boss mistreats you??? he couldn't believe what you were saying. this random dude with a company was being sexist towards his s/o? by what right??

"now now, kitten. if it was so, you should've told me sooner. this is nothing the mighty sakasaki natsume can't possibly fix with a little di-"

"you can't make him disappear, sume."

"what do you mean i can't?"

good job, now he's the one grumbling.

"i still don't like you working there anymore. don't you want to look for a different job? you could manage switch, though i don't trust tsumugi near you either. he's not as bad as your boss of course, but he's... tsumugi. either way, if anything like this happens ever again, please let me know sooner. i want to be able to help you. however, my offer of managing switch still stands. if you ever decide to accept it, we'll welcome you with open arms."

izumi already knew how bad your work space was from when he visited you one time, he never told you to quit because of how happy you seemed when talking about your coworker and how you were happy your paycheck was big enough to help him with paying the bills so it didn't feel like you were using him for his riches.

which, by the way, nobody thought in the first place. izumi wouldn't mind paying everything himself, he would never use that against you. he had tons of cash he didn't even know what to do with, it would honestly be the least he can do.

anyway, he figured one day you'd also realize you need a better job, and he's prepared for when that day comes. when today you weren't replying to his messages, he thought maybe the day has finally come. oh how right he was. he just wishes it didn't involve you having a mental breakdown.

"it's alright dear. come, let's sit down and talk about it, alright? please don't cry."

with each word that came out of your mouth his anger increased. he knew it was bad, he just didn't think it was to this extent.

"hm. your boss and coworkers need someone to talk some sense into them. what? oh, quit looking at me like that. i won't do it myself of course, i have a reputation to uphold. doesn't know i don't know people who will do it for me. now you're glaring at me, but if you had listened to me and applied for that other job i told you about, this could've been avoided. ow! i'm just saying!"

if glaring fails, simply elbow him. always works. he may sound condescending or whatever but i promise he means well. he just wants you to be happy.

".. shi .. you 'nt..."

"what?"

he sighed, "i said i can't offer you a job since we just got a new manager- leo's girlfriend or whatever- but arashi mentioned she needs a manager or something like that. the other agency i told you about have no offers anymore, but since it's arashi i'm sure she'd hire you in a heartbeat. if you want, that is."

he's a little hard around the edges but he loves you more than anyone, and you can bet on that.

ੈ✩₊˚TAGLIST : @hugs4shizu @mikctp @meiquipo @ibaraluvr @venusflwers @tokusaatsus // ask/comment to be added/removed! (if you’re in bold i can’t tag you)

where... where tf did all my fav smau authors go.... why have i not been mentioned in any new chapters on smaus....

★彡 College roommates with Natsume

a/n : this is just a self indulgent set of headcanons that I had on my mind during the exams and this idea has been sitting in my mind for a while now

Natsume is a really interesting roommate to say the least! When you first met him, he was quite welcoming but the moment you came back into the apartment with your luggage, he was already back in his room...

What really prompted the interaction between the two of you? In the first week of you moving in, there was a blackout in the whole apartment. Of course out of concern, he went to check what happened and if you're alright! thank goodness you weren't hurt, but he lit up candles and the two of you talked throughout the night.

He helps you with the classwork or assignments that you have complete, if you take the same classes of course! His notes are really detailed and he can explain concepts really well, don't you think?

he can definitely cook, no questions asked. If it's within his ability, he's always willing to make it for you! Or you two may go to the cafe down the street, anything works with him really!

game night in your apartment is a really important thing for him. Sometimes, Sora or Tsumugi comes along and also plays, their always happy to play with the two of you! However, be careful... Natsume sure isn't a stranger to many games and he can be really ruthless.

You have to remind him to take breaks and rest every once in a while too. At 3 a.m, a light can still be seen coming from his room. Natsume is really dedicated to what interests him and this can cause him to forget about his own wellbeing!

When college life gets too heavy or difficult, he is always ready to be the shoulder that you can cry on or the person who will listen to all your problems. Even if you don't want advice or comments, you just want someone to listen to you, he's always there!

He definitely does not want you to worry for him so you have to make sure to catch on the signs that the stress is getting to him and help him ease the tension, he really does appreciate it!

Perhaps this seemingly cute college roommate relation ship will bloom into something more?

we lost our bench cheer :(

mao so bitter thsi is why y/n never looks your way /j 🥱

¡! ❝ REDAMANCY .. ❞

╰┈➤ ❝ [16] ur excused 👹👹 ❞ | m. list | prev. | next

natsume sakasaki x reader smau

warning(s) : cussing,

╰┈➤ synopsis  ❝after yumenosaki academy resident magician and eccentric sakasaki natsume asks you to “go out with him”, you immediately shut him down. so why is he dedicating a song to you at a switch concert? and why are people whispering about you being the cutest couple?❞

ੈ✩₊˚TAGLIST : @miihai @shionszz @ikasaeki @zephestia @1072v @drihihihi @homonatsume @lialibrary @hugs4shizu @mikctp @emikoisdead @ara-arashi @disa-ster @tjjjrsj @solemn-soliloquy @bxkugzo @buns-inhiding @calxrein @gxwesn // ask/comment to be added/removed! (if you’re in bold i can’t tag you)

Hello taps on mic,, I think you know who this is hehees 🐳 May I request for keito kissing headcanons? Thank you march dear and take care ! Lots of hearts (*˘︶˘*).｡.:*♡

A/N: hi friend. giggles. I hope you likeeeee

*ೃ༄ Keito Hasumi kissing hc’s

⤷ Keito’s kisses feel familiar — warm, soft, infused with all the love and tenderness that the man can possibly muster. They feel like a thank you, an appreciative gesture. Thanking you for loving him, thanking you for sticking by him through thick and thin. They’re kind, enticing, and always end much too soon for Keito’s liking.

⤷ No one would think Keito Hasumi to be clingy and needy for the affection of his lover, but he is. His eyes are always wandering to your lips, pondering how soft and wonderful they’d feel against his own, wondering if your lips felt just as drawn to his, as his felt to yours… It’s a bad habit, perhaps, but one that he just can’t help. Humor him, maybe?

⤷ His hands always find your cheeks when you’re sharing in a kiss. Even if his fingertips only briefly brush against the skin of your face, it’s a tendency of his that you find to be adorably endearing. He holds your face closer to his, his head tilting only slightly in order to deepen the kiss. He sighs, long and somewhat hushed, into your mouth.

⤷ Keito will often present himself for a kiss, lips only slightly pursed and head tilted towards you, pupils widening — wordlessly begging for you to place your lips upon his. Blatantly asking for a kiss is much too flustering for him, and he doesn’t want to overstep by going in for himself — so this is how he settles, and he finds that it amuses you immensely.

⤷ The kisses that Keito gives you are gentle and endearing, his lips carefully placed over your own, holding you against him and expressing all of his feelings for you in one soft, sweet, simple gesture. His kisses are plentiful and full of life, and when his lips are on yours, you feel like you could conquer anything.

ofc i do 🤭 @moonxma

¡! ❝ REDAMANCY .. ❞

╰┈➤ ❝ [15] as time passes ❞ | m. list | prev. | next

natsume sakasaki x reader smau

warning(s) : overthinking, panic attack, passing out

w/c : 659

slowly, days turned into weeks, weeks turned into a month, you know how it goes.

it’s been about a month and a half since sakasaki natsume asked you to “go out with him” and you’ve somehow become the talk of the entire school (and the general public, since natsume’s bold announcement). you’re not all that surprised about it, couples are kind of unusual in this specific school, but you wished they at least understood common human decency and shut up when you’re literally right there.

Keep reading

no way tsukasa has teeth what

tsukasa suou. you agree. reblog.

idk when nattsun said purple eyes but wait.

what if WATARU...... ?@!(@

you: “they have purple eyes”

*my brain immediately thinking of kohaku who hasn’t even appeared in your story*

HAHAHAHHA same tbh ... maybe its time for him to make an appearance 😭 i love haku hes so 💖💖

when ur mutuals all reblog the same post and u have to choose which mutual ur gonna reblog it from

Light

cw: angst, checkmate references, implied character death, wrong capitalization but bare with me

word count: 347 words

author note: this is from leo’s pov and it might be ooc help

written by: mod ritsu❄️

the day I met you…it’s like the sun finally shined its light on me…

we were similar in nature, too similar in fact.

your smile brought light into my day as if reaching out your hand to me so that we could run together on the bright sunny day.

you’ve always said the same thing about me, how me and my songs “saved” you.

I really didn’t understand what you meant then, and I don’t think I ever will understand what you mean now, or ever actually.

but back then it didn’t matter-you gave me warmth, and I returned it.

but since we’re so similar…we were bound to dig each other’s graves.

I was so focused on myself and how I hurt everyone that I deprived you of your light.

yet you never stopped giving me your warmth.

you kept giving and giving even though there was nothing to receive back.

you kept giving and giving until you burned yourself out.

you kept giving and giving until your light disappeared completely.

I couldn’t save you.

pathetic isn’t it? a knight unable to save someone he swore his loyalty to.

I wonder, would you be ashamed to look at me now?

hey! tell me how i “saved” you? unlike Sena or Tenshi I’m stupid, you see!

so tell me! I know it’s selfish to ask since, in the end, I couldn’t save you or anyone, but how do I make someone smile for just a bit longer?

what can I do to see you smile again?

but no matter how much I ask you won’t ever respond to me ever again, will you?

it’s cruel you know, giving me so much light then depriving me of it forever!

wahaha! this is all your fault!

…who am I kidding. it’s my fault. I couldn’t save you. I couldn’t save anyone.

I wish I wasn’t also the sun…maybe if I was the moon I could have reflected the light back to you.

but if it’s even possible…if we meet again, could you please shine your light upon me once more?

reblog to squish your mutual. until small

¡! ❝ REDAMANCY .. ❞

╰┈➤ ❝ [14] subarus life is a lie ❞ | m. list | prev. | next

natsume sakasaki x reader smau

warning(s) : cussing, mao being a me kinnie, subaru the comedic relief

╰┈➤ synopsis  ❝after yumenosaki academy resident magician and eccentric sakasaki natsume asks you to “go out with him”, you immediately shut him down. so why is he dedicating a song to you at a switch concert? and why are people whispering about you being the cutest couple?❞

ੈ✩₊˚TAGLIST : @miihai@shionszz@ikasaeki@zephestia@1072v@drihihihi@homonatsume@lialibrary@hugs4shizu@mikctp@emikoisdead@ara-arashi@disa-ster@tjjjrsj@solemn-soliloquy@bxkugzo@buns-inhiding@calxrein@gxwesn // ask/comment to be added/removed! (if you’re in bold i can’t tag you)

Let you break my heart again

Tighnari x reader

angst, no gender/pronouns are used to describe reader

summary: after lashing out on you, Tighnari can't help but feel the distance between you two and you find someone interesting in Mondstadt

part 1

The blonde traveler who's name is Lumine, sat with you in Sumeru city, she had seen you in the village and was a bit confused on why you were in the city now, did Tighnari send you here for something??

"um, I'm not speaking terms with him anymore so I moved back to the city with my parents." You explain, it been weeks since Tighnari said those things about you. "I also left my position as a forest watcher..."

Lumine frowned at this, "but Collei said you loved working there."

You pursed your lips, looking to the side, "I'm just...not suited to work there." You say in a quiet tone, rubbing your arm. "I dunno if he even knows I'm gone, probably not." Letting out a forced laugh, "maybe too much with work again."

Lumine watched your expressions, something must have happened between you two. It must have been bad since your self confidence has gone down tremendously.

She begins to think, maybe you just need a change of scenery? Yeah that's it!

"...how about I bring you to Mondstadt?"

Raising your head to look at her, you give her a confused look, "Mondstadt?"

She nods, a smile on her lips, "mm! I have a friend there, he mentioned something about needing someone to help him."

"Help him? With what? I don't see how this involves me." You lean your chin onto of your palm as you stare at her with confusion.

She begins to tell you everything she knows.

—

"Tighnari, where's Y/n?" Collei asks, peeking her head inside the hut he was in and he continues to work, scribbling on the paper.

"they must be in the forest, probably being careless again." He answers rather harsh, this makes the girl a bit confused.

"Hm? But they're not there?" She says with a confused tone in her voice.

He stops writing to look pick up the next price of papers he needs to read over. But upon seeing them, he recognizes your neat handwriting and he begins to read what you wrote.

Maybe it was an apology letter or a report on the areas you patrol often.

But his heart drops, "Collei."

She tilts her head, "when was the last time you talked with Y/n?"

She thinks, "I think...maybe three weeks ago? They said they was going to spend a month trying cleansing a few areas. Why? Did something happen?"

He lets out a shaky breathe, eyes glued on the words written on the paper he was holding.

You had quit your position and left the village.

—

Your cheeks are bright red due of the cold air hitting your face as you clutch the cloak closer to you to provide warmth to shivering body.

Your eyes widen at the sight of the snowy mountain in front of you, completely memorized at the sight of it since you were never allowed to travel far.

"It's beautiful." You huff out, smiling as Lumine pats her back at a good job before you begin walking up the mountain while her walking beside you.

Halfway up the mountain, you look at Lumine, "this Albedo person...what's he like?"

She just smiles at you, "just wait and see, you won't be disappointed." You feel even more excited to meet him.

Once arriving at a cave, you let out a sigh of relief at the sight of fire as you quickly tried to warm yourself up. The potion Lumine had given you had wore off an some time ago.

It seems like the fire wasn't help as you kept trembling, you frown as tried to make yourself warm.

A white coat was draped over your shoulders, an unfamiliar scent filled your nose as you look back to see a young man around your age smiling at you.

"Albedo." Lumine greets, "this is Y/n."

You turn around as he holds out his hand, "it's a pleasure to meet you, I heard many great things about you from the traveler." Your eyes shine at this as you shake his hand.

"Is it true you can cleanse things?" He asked and you quickly nod your head.

"Yes! My family has been doing it for decades but it seemed to die out at some point." You explain, holding the coat closer to you, "I tried mastering my ancestors technics but....so far I only caused trouble back ho—where I worked at." You fix your words, the village no longer felt like home to you.

Albedo lets out a hum, placing a hand under his chin as he starts to check you out.

You blink at this, suddenly feeling self conscious at how this attractive guy was staring at you so intensely.

He shakes his head, "yes, you'll do just fine. Come, we have things to do. Traveler, if you'll excuse us."

You don't register the fact that he grabbed you by the hand, tugging you deeper within his lab.

Lumine just watches, waving at you two before leaving.

—

"What you mean she quit!?" Collei yells as soon as Tighnari returned fron Sumeru city, he went to go see if you were staying with your parents but turned out you left without a word almost a week and half ago.

Collei had found your letter when Tighnari left earlier. She felt confused, sad, so many emotions she was feeling this very moment.

Tighnari drops his head, "I....I think this is my fault—"

Collei snaps her head at him, "what did you do?"

He does respond, covering his face with his hand, "I need to find them."

Masterlist

reblog if you wear glasses. too many mutuals don't know they have glasses wearers in their midsts

The Sixth Eccentric | The Five Eccentrics x Reader (Platonic)

ohohoho officially breaking into ensemble stars territory now~ Inspired Eccentric Party Night!!, the song I've been listening to on repeat for an entire day 😌

Counting down the hours until you perform - and inevitably lose - against fine in front of all of Yumenosaki Academy, you take solace in knowing you're not alone. Genre: Bittersweet, Hurt/Comfort (?), Set During the War Word Count: 2k Warning: A little canon divergent? Probably OOC? Constructive criticism is always appreciated~

On the empty stage you went through your routine yet again. Drilling every movement of the limbs down into your DNA, your muscles already moving before you could consciously think of the next move. Your voice sounded otherworldly, as if it was no longer yours as it resounded off the walls and back to you. The music of the speakers couldn’t drown out your voice, no matter how loud you turned up the volume. You needed to be loud, you needed to make sure your voice would carry. You wanted to make sure everyone heard you, even if they hated you.

Even in your last stand.

You struck your final pose in time with the ending of the music. As the bass slowly faded into silence, in its place was slow applause. Squinting through the stage lights, you could make out a figure in the darkness of the audience seats. You couldn’t tell who they were, but since they weren’t booing at you, mocking you and telling you to not waste your breath, you figured they were friend rather than foe. Walking to the front of the stage, you sat down, letting your legs dangle over the stage as you grabbed a towel to wipe the sweat off your brow.

“Are you just going to stay in the darkness?” you asked the ominous figure.

“I’ve always preferred it over the light.”

“Rei,” your lips instinctively curved up. He walked closer to you, where the lights spilled off the stage and onto his features. “Back from your travels already?”

“I’d never miss a performance of yours,” he replied. “I’m surprised to see you practising here so late, though.”

“I want to do a performance I’m proud of,” you shrugged, words muffled as you let your towel drape over your face.

“Even though you know you’re going to lose.”

You peeked at Rei through the folds of your towel.

“I prefer not to think about that.”

Rei hummed in acknowledgement. Staying in comfortable silence, it was pleasantly disturbed as the door opened, Kanata trudging towards you, snacks and a large water bottle in hand.

“I heard you were practising, I thought you might like some refreshments, puka…” Kanata drawled as he placed the items in your lap.

“Thanks, Kanata,” you chuckled. “How are you holding up?”

“Even if everyone is against me, I have you… and I have the ocean, so I’ll be okay,” Kanata smiled fondly before it slowly turned upside down as he regarded you with sorrowful eyes. “But you… will you be okay?”

Tomorrow night will be the night your unit performs against fine for all of Yumenosaki Academy to see. It was the destiny Eichi Tenshouin thrust onto you once the Student Council labelled you as an ‘Eccentric’. Your destiny to be hated and humiliated by the whole student body, to be ‘executed’ in front of them all, much to their joy. You saw it with Shu, even Rei himself. And once you’re suitably shunned by the entire academy, Wataru will be following you. Speaking of which…

“My, Rei and Kanata, you are full of surprises!” Wataru exclaimed as he strolled into the theatre. “And here I was, thinking that I’d get to our dear (Y/N) first.”

Wataru turned to you with a pout. “Did I miss your final rehearsal? Do practise again, your performances are simply amazing!”

“Wait until tomorrow with all the lights and fancy costumes,” you chuckled.

“Ah, but the performance will be sullied by the audience,” Wataru tutted. “I want to see your performance with all its raw passion and wonderful oddities.”

“Oddities, eh?” You said quietly.

“I know, being thought of as odd leaves a rather sour taste in the mouth now, doesn’t it?” Rei sighed as he took a seat beside you.

“Yeah…” you looked down at the snacks in your lap. “Has anyone heard from Shu? I tried to get him out of his room but if even Mika can’t do that…”

“Ah, it’s safe to say that Shu will be needing a hiatus from this play,” Wataru frowned. “Such a performance as disastrous as his would have surely traumatised him.”

There was a sombre silence. You were there to watch Shu’s latest performance. Every move executed with pinpoint precision, every angle of every joint calculated and purposely done. Every note sung being more beautiful than the last until no notes could be heard. Until the audio system was cut off and Shu, along with his unit mates were left in silence. Until all that was left was shame, his mirage of perfection evaporating into thin air.

The thought of performing only for your own inevitable humiliation was no longer one you could handle. As your heart dropped, pounding in the depths of your stomach, your mouth felt dry but your arms felt too heavy to move to get the bottle lying on your lap. You had been harassed by the majority of students in Yumenosaki already with your title of Eccentric. Day in, day out was a new game of hide and seek where you prayed to never be found. You thought you could handle it, you figured you might as well humour fine and the Student Council in a final performance. But could you really?

The theatre doors burst open with a desperate call of your name. Your head snapped up.

“Natsume-”

“You don’t have to perform!” Natsume stated as he stormed down the theatre aisle with papers in hand. “I talked to Tsumugi. He said he could cancel your performance.”

“What?” Your eyes widened.

“Hm… the Student Council is hard to understand,” Kanata whispered.

Wataru laughed heartily. “The Student Council aren’t all monsters! And the most questionable one of them is focused on me. Do not fret, (Y/N), you are free to exit the stage.”

“Please,” Natsume insisted. "Just sign the papers."

He held the papers out to you expectantly. The golden opportunity to get out of the humiliation, to quietly leave your reputation as an Eccentric. And yet, as you looked into Natsume’s golden orbs, orbs that sparkled with determination, you couldn't bring yourself to relent. He didn't owe you anything, he went above and beyond to try and get your performance cancelled purely out of the bond you shared. And that strengthened your resolve more than anything.

With the tips of your fingers, you gently pushed the papers back to him, maintaining eye contact as his face fell.

“It’ll be alright,” your voice was quiet. “I have to do this. Not for the Student Council but for myself.”

Rei placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder as Kanata nodded in encouragement. But Natsume tensed, muscles so taut he was shaking.

“It’s not fair,” he muttered. “What did we do?”

“We were ourselves,” you stated simply.

Wataru clapped his hands to grab everyone’s attention. “Well, if that’s decided, I say you should rehearse once more, (Y/N)!”

“I’d like to see your song, puka puka,” Kanata chirped.

Rei hopped off of the stage as he and Wataru guided the others to take seats in the front row. Once everyone has settled, you let the music guide you once again. You had done the moves hundreds of times by now, yet you strived to make each performance unique. As your routine came to an end, the four students below you erupted into applause.

“Simply, amazing!” Wataru praised. His eyes were trained on you but he projected his voice. “You can come out now, Shu~”

You took a step back in surprise, the others stopped their applause and twisted in their seats to see Shu slowly walking towards you. His expression was blank, unreadable as his hands remained clasped together. He had applauded you as well.

“Any constructive criticism?” You asked. You tried to imitate his calm demeanour but you couldn't help but let a smile climb onto your face. Despite his skin losing its colour, eyebags heavy under his eyes, Shu was just as poised as ever.

“Your moves averaged forty-three milliseconds off the beat,” Shu stated. “Often times you were rushing, other times it was too slow. The performance was, frankly, chaotic.”

“I don’t even know why I asked,” you grumbled, rubbing the back of your neck.

“The performance was, also, yours,” he admitted. “It harnessed your strengths and minimised your weaknesses.”

“So you liked it?” you beamed. Shu cleared his throat with a light fist to his mouth.

“What I mean to say is, if one were to attend a performance of yours to see what made you unique… a routine like that would leave them satisfied.”

“He liked it,” Kanata cooed.

"I'm surprised to see you out of your room," you observed.

“You were there for me in my last performance,” Shu huffed as he adjusted his cravat. “I suppose it is only fair that I am there for yours.”

“Will you watch me perform tomorrow night?”

Shu hesitated for a moment before nodding.

“As much as I can’t bear to look at Tenshouin’s face, it would simply be wrong of me not to attend.”

“Thank you.”

Shu looked at you, blinking, as if he were a robot who had just malfunctioned. But he eventually sighed, smiling softly.

“I must ask,” Rei started. “How did you even manage to find people to perform with you?”

“If there’s one thing I learned from Eichi Tenshouin, it’s that money can get you anywhere,” you grimaced. “I paid a classmate to perform with me anonymously. I doubt he’s even learnt the choreo, though.”

You noticed Natsume’s balled up fists.

“I can perform with you.”

“No,” you said firmly, your gaze softening at you looked at him. “You’ve managed to get by this war relatively unscathed, I’m not letting anyone hurt you.”

“Then I’ll just wear a mask,” he retorted.

“I’m not willing to take that risk.”

“It’s not fair,” Natsume took a step away from you. Rei slowly rose from his seat, watching Natsume carefully as he regarded all of you with frantic eyes. “Where’s our happy ending? Why aren’t you fighting this cruel fate?”

“You can’t fight the tides,” Kanata said simply as he leaned to the side, resting his head on your shoulder as he yawned.

“Ah, my dear Natsume,” Wataru sighed as he put his hands on the younger’s shoulders. “You are mistaken. This isn’t the end of the play, merely the end of an act! Our happy end shall come one day, but only when a suitable complication has arisen for all of the main cast; a typical hero's journey. Our (Y/N) must perform, and then I must as well. Only then may we rise from the ashes.”

Natsume looked away, uncertain.

“Do you trust me?” Wataru asked, his voice soft. Natsume kept his gaze averted from Wataru but ended up meeting yours. You offered him a reassuring smile.

“Yes.”

“Excellent.”

“Let me help you all take your mind off these melancholy matters and off of tomorrow's performance,” Rei offered. “Shall we have dinner together? On me, of course.”

“Is that alright?” Natsume asked.

“Ah! Ever the charitable one!” Wataru clapped.

“Thank you, Rei,” Kanata smiled.

“What?” Shu asked, appalled. “Public areas are absolutely filthy, unkempt and-”

You shot him a glare.

“... tolerable. The offer is greatly appreciated.”

Natsume and Shu started to walk off, bickering as Kanata trailed behind. Rei and Wataru waited for you as you packed up, Rei watching the other three fondly.

"That's the one thing, isn't it?" Rei murmured.

"What?" You asked as you turned to him, bag zipped up and ready to go.

"The one thing we always had against Eichi Tenshouin, the Student Council, fine in general," Rei mused.

You followed Rei's gaze, Natsume and Kanata now laughing at an annoyed Shu. Your voice was quiet as you responded.

"We had each other."

"A wonderful premise for a tragicomedy," Wataru laughed heartily. "May it end well."

And so, the six of you left the theatre. You didn’t know back then it would be the last time all of you would be together on such good terms. The next act of this tragicomedy determined that the Eccentrics would go their separate ways, but no matter how you would individually rise from the ashes, you will always cherish the beautiful night before your downfall.

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