Everlasting; The Promised Neverland [Reader Insert]

32 | The Reason

A forest always has this calming and majestic vibe during the day. It's a something that you have pointed out since your first stroll on the Grace Field's forest.  The heat while the sun is on its peak is supposed to be piercing when it lands on your skin. Yet when you are under the shadows of these trees around you, and with a few of leaking rays between the leaves, the whole atmosphere always manage to put your mind and heart at ease. Like you were lost in another world.

This is also one sole reason you can enjoy your expedition or patrol on these kind of terrain. It's a nice change of view if you don't consider the part where you have to be more careful to any kind of danger that is hidden under those trees. Especially when you're not strolling on a forest that you have been familiarized with, but rather around where Lord Geelan and his followers are hiding. Who knows if maybe some demon who actually couldn't resist the temptation are trying to devour the three of you?

Compared to you, as expected, Norman manages to maintain his tranquility. That is, until he decides to kill the silence as he hits you with a clearly direct question, "So are you still not telling me what's been keeping you on edge?"

You know well what his actual mean but choose to not digging into this matter more than the surface.

You said, "We're on the enemy's territory, it's inevitable to be slightly on edge."

"Fair point." Norman nods. "Now, is your problem with Ray and Emma is not over yet?"

"We don't have any problem," answered you.

"Because you're the only one who stress over it?"

"I told you, I am not."

"Just for an advice, keeping this to yourself isn't going to help."

You huff. "That's rich, coming from you."

As his expression become more serious, Norman is also seriously scolding your response as well. "I need to remind you, our plan is already around the corner and it won't result well if you keep being childish over whatever your problem is."

There's a low growl from you. You want to reply, give him another strong answer so Norman will stop talking over it. But you realize you're fully in the wrong this time and that you was expecting that this lecture is bound to happen.

You answered in a low voice, "I'll deal with it, soon."

When the both of you are arguing back and forth, Zazie only can take turns to look at you then Norman as the both of you were speaking. He isn't able to grasp heavy talk and ambiguous sentences and the two you have talked and it is giving him a confusion.

"Faa?" asked Zazie.

"No, Zazie, we're not fighting," you answered.

After that, Norman stops his steps, followed by Zazie and so you as well in the midst of your walk. The area seems to be safe, fortunately, and looks like a perfect spot to take a break that you don't want.

With a stern expression and voice, Norman spoke up, "Listen, Knight. This behavior of yours could effect our entire team while the battle is coming near. You have to deal with your problem fast, and that's not what you're doing right now."

"I'm taking care of this—"

"You are not, you're running away and let your mind stress over it. You think no one will ever notice? Our team members? Vincent has sharp eyes, for your information and you assume it will be slipped away from my eyes?"

Once again, he is correct. All what Norman has said are all correct.

Those are exactly what you wish the situation is and his words slaps you with the fact that you've failed to deal with your personal problem. Your mouth is left with in ajar, failed to form any sort of word to fight his words this time.