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“It’s not working.” Nene muttered to herself, taking a pencil and scratching out the previously scribbled notes on her music sheet. Next to her, Rui looked over, gaze dropping to her.
“Nene?” The two high schoolers were perched on stools, and Rui scooted closer to Nene. “Is something the matter?”
Nene sighed. “It’s not…it’s fine. I’m just having some trouble with this.” She trailed her finger along the sheet. “It’s the song that they asked me to sing, at the Christmas Festival. I know it, and it’s not difficult or anything, but I do want it to sound…as good as it can.” She slid it over to Rui, who picked it up, peering at it quizzically. “I…I wanted to make some notes for myself, but I’m struggling with what to even put down.”
Rui nodded. “I see.” He looked over at Nene. “Would you maybe like to sing it for me?” He smiled shyly. “If that’s alright with you.”
Nene was surprised for a moment, but then shrugged. “I suppose that’s fine…if you don’t mind.”
“I don’t.” Rui said, still smiling softly at Nene. Nene felt her face heat up, and she glanced away. That stupid smile of his…
Nene turned on her phone, scrolling through it to find the piano track she’d recorded. After hitting play, Nene picked up the sheet music and began the first notes of the classic Christmas tune.
“ Have yourself, a merry little Christmas… ”
Nene allowed herself to get lost in the song, her vocals carrying her all the way. During the higher parts, she let her voice soar, but refuses to make eye contact with Rui.
As the song came to an end, Rui began clapping, the beginnings of a smirk on his face.
“Well,” he started. “That was simply lovely.”
Nene blushed at the compliment, but then crossed her arms. “Well, thank you, but I am looking for constructive criticism.”
“You’re doing better at not focusing so hard on your technique.” Rui admitted. “You seem more comfortable than you have in the past. You can definitely still get more into it, but you were most likely losing yourself in the song enough to not notice.”
Nene gave Rui a puzzled look. “Noice what?”
Rui tipped his head up at the ceiling, Nene following. She felt her whole face flame up as she realized what Rui had done.
“Rui, what in the world -“
A bought of mistletoe was hanging from the ceiling. Nene hadn’t even seen it.
“You do know the rules, right, Nene?” Rui was still smirking, clearly amused by his little joke.
Nene shot him a glare, then shook her head.
You know what?
Fuck it.
Nene grabbed Rui’s collar, leaning in and kissing him harshly. He let out a small noise as the two met, and was practically shoved away by Nene, who looked very embarrassed.
“Um.” she began, and Rui chuckled to himself, and he pulled her in again, meeting once more.