Chapter 61 Leaving as Well
Rui's POV

"Greetings, Nene", I said after opening my door. "Have you brought Nene-Robo for her tune up?"

"Yes", Nene replied.

"Good", I said. "Then please bring her inside."

With this, Nene brought Nene-Robo into my room, and I then spent some working on it.

"All done", I said afterwards. "This should help ensure that Nene-Robo will not break down while I'm gone."

After months of pre-production, Tom Gray's film based on my stage play was now ready to move onto the filming stage!

However, the film would be shooting overseas for about four months. And since I was the assistant director, that meant I would be going away for that time.

After I mentioned being away, I heard sniffing coming from behind me.

I then quickly turned around…and saw Nene trying to hold back tears.

"Nene", I said as I started walking to her.

"I'm sorry", she apologized. "I know I shouldn't be crying. I mean, you're only going to be away for a few months, and we can still see each other in Sekai. But, even so…I…I…"

Before Nene could finish…I pulled her into my chest and wrapped my arms around her. Then, she grabbed onto my shirt and began letting the tears fall.

"I'm going to miss you so much, Rui", she said.

"I'm going to miss you too, Nene", I said.

Then, I cupped Nene's face with my hands and tilted it up so she was looking at me.

"But it's like you said", I started. "We can see each other in Sekai. And before you know it, we'll be together in the real world as well."

After I said this, tears started falling from Nene's eyes once more.

Then, she wrapped my arms around me, and I did the same to her.

The Next Day

I was at the airport, saying goodbye to my loved ones.

"Waaaaaaaah", Emu cried out as she held onto me tightly. "Rui-Kun is leaving too!"

"I know, Emu-Kun", I said, before pushing her away slightly. "But fear not. Tsukasa's school year will end soon, and then he'll be home."

"But you won't be here", Emu cried out.

"I know", I said. "But this won't be forever. I'll be back home before you know it!"

"Okay", Emu said, but she was clearly still sad.

After I said goodbye to her, I turned to look at Emiko.

"Rui", she started. "Thank you so much for everything you've done for me."

"You're very welcome, Emiko-Kun", I said. "Good luck with your shows. I'm sure they'll be great."

After I said goodbye to Emiko, I turned to look at Nene, who was once again trying to hold back tears.

"Rui", she said.

Then…she ran straight into my chest.

"Rui", she started as her tears began to fall. "I love you so much."

"I love you too, Nene", I said, before placing my forehead on top of hers. "I'll be back soon. I promise."

After I said this, I pulled away from Nene.

Then, I grabbed my bag and began making my way towards the gate.

When I reached it, I stopped to look at my loved ones one last time.

Then…I turned away from them…and walked through the gate.

(Tsukasa-Kun, how have you done this so many times?)