224 || Kurokawa Izana

- 12 -

A few weeks passed and you wouldn't say things were going well. Izana continued to struggle with his depression while you tried to be there and at the same time manage earning enough money to pay the rent.

You did your best to hide it from Izana but you're not sure how much longer you can cope. Kakucho didn't know about anything either since you weren't able to hangout as much.

On the other hand you and Izana's relationship was growing in strength, you had a little thing between the two of you now where instead of saying 'I love you' you'd tap each other twice, twice again, and four times.

224

You loved everything about your little code, it made you feel warm inside, especially knowing that it was something the two of you alone did to each other.

It was nearly half past 8AM when you were about to leave for work that you were stopped by Izana. He still had a tired look in his eyes, but something about his gaze made your heart ache.

He looked like he was in pain.

"Y/N," his voice wavered.

Instantly, you dropped your bags and rushed to him, cupping his cheeks with your hands. "What's wrong, baby?"

"I- I-," he choked up slightly, tears pooling in his eyes.

"It's okay my love, shhh, it's okay, you're okay," you comforted, rubbing his back gently as you pulled him into your embrace. "Tell me what's wrong."

"P-Please stay," he whimpered, wrapping his arms around you. "Please don't go..."

Your eyes widened slightly, "What?"

"Don't go," his voice was so weak as he begged. "Don't leave me alone."

Your arms tightened around him as you nodded your head. Work didn't matter right now, Izana needed you and that was enough of a reason for you to stay.

"Okay baby, I won't go anywhere. I promise," you whispered, kissing his cheek. "I'll stay today."

"I love you," he whimpered, unable to stop his hands from trembling as he held on to you.

"I know baby, I love you so much," you told him, hugging him tightly as you gently rubbed your fingers against his back.

He sniffled as he carefully wrapped his arms around your waist, tightly pressing your body up against his as he refused to let go.

It was the first time Izana broke down suddenly in front of you like that, and you couldn't help but worry that his condition may be getting worse.

"Come let's go back to bed, okay pretty?" You rubbed his back, gently breaking the hug as he kept an arm around you, following obediently as you led him back to your room.

It was a while ago when the two of you started sharing your bed every night, you wanted to keep him as close as possible at all times. It was merely by luck that your bed was big enough for the both of you.

You laid on the bed with him cuddled into your stomach, holding you tightly as if you'd disappear if he let go.

"I'm sorry," he whispered ever so softly, so weak, so fragile.

"For what?" You asked quietly.

"Giving you such a hard time," he sniffled, burying his face into your stomach.

You shook your head, threading your fingers through his hair gently. "You're worth the world to me, you're the most important thing in my life."

"Don't do that," his voice cracked. "Don't put me on a pedestal I don't deserve to stand on."

"You deserve more," you tell him gently, kissing his head. "You're amazing my love, I wish you could see through my eyes."

"Don't leave me," he whimpered.

You tightened your hold around him before whispering in his ear. "Never."

* * *

You woke up a few hours later with Izana still asleep in your arms, not wanting to wake him, you decided to remain in that position until he wakes up, continuously threading your fingers through his hair.

Suddenly, a loud bang followed by a familiar voice echoed through your apartment.

"Where's my favorite cousin?!" He yelled.

Your eyes widened as you cursed under your breath, looking down at Izana who's eyes fluttered open from the commotion.

"Y/N?" He mumbled, confused as he looked up at you with those pretty eyes of his.

"Just a second love, I gotta get up first but I'll be right back, okay?"

He hesitated for a moment before retracting his arms, nodding his head. "Okay."

You stood up from the bed and quickly rushed outside your room to spot a certain black haired male, silver highlights adorning his intense curls.

"Hajime!" You grinned, rushing over to him.

He smiled as soon as he spotted you, opening his arms as you landed in for a hug. "It's been a while, cousin."

"You've grown so much," you teased with a smile. "You were my height last time we met face to face."

"Get used to it shorty," he retorted with a grin, laughing as you smacked his chest playfully.

"How've you been?" You asked as the two of you sat on the couch.

He shrugged, "Y'know, this and that. Just making money like I should."

"Yeah you stupid genius money maker," you sighed. "Mind sparing some cash? I'm a little low on budget."

"I can lend you my card for a week," he says seriously.

You stared at him with your mouth agape, "You're shitting me."

He laughs loudly, shaking his head. "No, I'm not. You're my favorite cousin and if you need me I'm gonna help you out. You're the only reason I got through my teenage years."

"That was just me helping you as an older sister," you mumbled. "I never expected anything in return for that."

"That's exactly why I love you, cuz. You're the most genuine person I know and you deserve the world."

"You're so grown," you utter dramatically, wiping a fake tear.

He laughed, slapping your shoulder lightly, "I'm a man now, of course I'm grown."

You smiled, shaking your head. "Have you found a girlfriend yet?"

He shifted awkwardly in his seat, something was bothering him and you noticed it right away.

"What's wrong?" You asked.

"I- uh..."

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