(pfp by @heiwwwwwwa)

Every day, Tsukasa went to school and saw him in the corner, covered in bandages. Rui always went to class like that, and no one bat an eye anymore. After all, just one look at Rui could spell out the trouble you'd endure if you get involved with him.

Even so, Tsukasa still tried to approach him every day, only to be met with harsh words and a pair of dead eyes.

"What, worried? Are you trying to play savior or something? Your motives are as clear as day. Go away." "Your kindness is gross. I bet you just want someone to depend on you. Don't use me to validate your existence." "I'm not hungry at all. Don't even try..."

Rui's stomach growled again, and he reluctlantly accepted the anpan Tsukasa gave him.

"Why are you staring at me?" Rui glanced at Tsukasa with his good eye, the other bruised and covered with an eyepatch.

"Ah, I'm just thinking that you are kinda cute," Tsukasa smiled softly.

"What's cute about someone covered in bruises? You are being gross."

Well, even when Rui was so on guard, Tsukasa couldn't help but want to take care of him. If only it was that easy.