bar "banana fish" / ash x reader

chap XXII

Eiji merely stared. He just stayed still as if he was a little boy who'd just heard a love confession for the first time, being confused in the thousands of messy thoughts. You, on the other side, didn't feel anything. It indeed made you feel uncomfortable, it's just like you're using your dear friend for your own goodness, even if that may hurt somebody else, however, it won't matter if Eiji wants to, right?

"Me?" - He almost stuttered, but pulled himself together, "Woah, that's a bit surprising."

Eiji smiled as he continued, looking away, - "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, more than ever."

Not true.

"Wow...It's uh, really nice to hear!" - His positive energy importunately spread around the whole room, why is he so happy about that?

"I'm sorry, but I don't think we should go out, Y/N..."

________

ASH's POV

"Hi, Sing."

"Look at who's calling, a big boss!"

"Cut it out, I have something to offer."

"An offer? I'm interested."

"Want to replace me?"

"R- Replace!? Are you out of your mind, Lynx? Why would you even want to leave?"

"There's someone really important to me, which is not incompatible with this shitty job."

"Oh... I see. Well, if it's easy to pull it then you didn't even need to ask, man."

"Okay, got it. I'll do everything needed."

After a quick conversation with a perspective new boss Sing, I made it to the main group office to leave a note. I don't want to talk to them, I do not have to tell them about me leaving because they won't affect my choice: Sing's replacing me.

I left a note on the little desk next to the door and sighted with relief – I am now able to leave.

My chaotic emotions were feeling me up.

I am going to see them...

END OF ASH's POV

___________

"I'm sorry, but I don't think we should go out, Y/N..."

As these words flew out of Eiji's mouth, you felt offended yet at peace. You didn't really want to date him, it was only to fill the emptiness.

"Oh, okay." - you murmured.

A sudden feeling of scratching inside your heart made your hands shake, you started taking steps toward the door, slowly turning.

"Y/N?"

You ran away feeling your heart beat raise for no reason.

Panic attack? - you thought.

Going down the street with hands around your own chest, your mind started reminding about all the good times when you were going out with Ash here. How he smirked, laughed, how he handed you your favorite coffee.

I miss him.

Few salty tears collected in the corners of your eyes, you had no idea of how he is.

I wonder if he—

"Y/N.."

That voice.

It was too familiar to not recognize.

"Y/N!"

Strong hands tightened up around you, squeezing all the air out of your lungs.

"Ash..." - you mumbled, not realizing the present.

He lifted you up with sparkling tears falling down his hot cheeks, pulling you back into a long-awaited hug.

"Ash!"

"Y/N, I missed you, you can't imagine how much I missed you." - he breathed.

"It's really you!" - You hugged him tighter, "I thought I will never see you again, I was so so so worried, why didn't you tell me anything, I- I-"

"Shh, I am sorry, I had no choice. Now it's fine, everything is fine, I am here." - he said into your ear, gently patting the top of your head.

"But why? Why?!" - you started increasing your own voice uncontrollably, "Don't even tell me it was for the best! Do you know how worried we all were?!"

"I know and I said sorry! I will explain I promise!"

"Ash, why couldn't you just tell me that you're leaving... Why do you have to be so selfish!?"

"Because I love you god damnit!"

He... what?

His words were said before he thought of them, you could tell that by the way he flinched right away. Blankly looking at him, all the words disappeared with no trace.

After going through all the facts and memories you have realized the simple truth.

It's not platonic.

"Ash—Mmph-"

His soft lips connected to yours, removing the need to say anything else. The kiss you shared this time wasn't passionate, it wasn't for fun, it was meaningful.

He was the first to pull away, giving you a reassuring smile.

"I think I... might be crazy in love with you too.."