The Way I Loved You || manjiro sano - yandere au

chapter eighteen

MANJIRO is staring blankly at the tatami floors of the Dojo. Photos of him and his childhood friends were scattered around the floor. He didn't have the heart to throw them away in a fit of rage, for he feels like it will the only things that will remind him of Baji again.

They used to be so young and idiotic, but at least they were happy. Manjiro wanted to experience the level of innocence and carefree they used to, at least then he would find closure.

Would Baji want him to feel this way? In truth, Manjiro doesn't even know what he's feeling. He feels angry about the death of his best friend, sad because he knows there won't be anyone like him, and above all that, empty.

Placing a hand on his chest, he feels it squeeze, reflecting his emotions. He can't find the energy to scream or cry further. He wants to tear everything that reminds him of Baji, their time together while he is still struggling to grasp his death.

Again, this is too familiar. Manjiro is experiencing the first stages of grief all over again.

He's scared.

He's scared that slowly, he will have to experience this level of pain in the future again. It's a fear of his, one he can't control. He may be a great fighter, but deep down he knew that he can't protect everyone dear to him.

Manjiro finds an old photograph of the three of you. He believes that Shinichiro was the one who took the photo, but he had forgotten that he kept these pictures. Slowly, manjiro knelt to pick up the picture.

His finger slowly brushes against the rough texture of the photo paper and at this angle, he could see that there was something written at the back.

I hope you guys treasure every insignificant moment together.

Grow up to be happy adults and don't forget about each other.

- Shinichiro

The door slides open and you stepped inside to find manjiro on his knees. No tears were shed, he remained silent as he read the short message that his brother wrote many years ago.

You made your way to him and kneeled to slowly embrace him from behind. Your face is buried in his neck and the end of his hair is brushing against your sensitive skin. At your soothing touch, Mikey visibly relaxes. His back presses against your chest, most of his body weight crashing against yours in the process.

"(Name), I'm happy you're still here. Everyone may leave me but, I know you'll always be here." Mikey whispered knowingly.

You're caught off guard when Mikey suddenly pushed you to the floor, your back harshly taking the fall. Now, he was in between your legs as he turned to face you, briefly adjusting his position so his arms would be at either side of your face.

A hand tugged your hair, bringing your face to him. Your roots were pulled with how roughly he grabbed your hair.

"And even if one day you choose to leave, I'll make you stay no matter what. I'm sorry for the person I will become in the future."

Mikey's black eyes stare back at you without a hint of malice or emotion, simply stating it nonchalantly. His tone was firm, with no place for doubts whatsoever.

In an instant, you managed to turn the tables. You grabbed his shoulders with ease, pushing him off of you before switching your positions. You slammed him to the floor, him in your position earlier and you climbed on top of him.

You seemed to have caught him off guard as his once emotionless eyes widened with surprise and a mix of amusement. He doesn't fight back, allowing you to lean down next to his ear.

"That's where you're wrong, Manjiro."

Oh, how satisfaction runs through his body when you call him by his first name with such authority.

"Because I don't think I will ever choose to willingly leave you. We can be miserable or be happy together, anything is fine by me."

Your mind goes back to what Baji mentioned in his letter. It did arose suspicion in you and if he sees you now he'd call you an idiot. Be it what they say to you because what you have with Mikey is all you want.

Baji was right about one thing though. The fact that you will choose Mikey above anything else, even if it meant losing something in return.

A smile graced Mikey's lips as you pulled away, merely hovering above his face. He takes a moment to admire your features in the dark room.

Beautiful was an understatement. He believes no words can describe how he truly felt about you. A feeling that's more than admiration, something incredibly difficult for even him to understand.

But all he knows is that he loves everything about you. The small details about you to your biggest dreams. The way you talk, smile and laugh. He can't get enough of your presence.

There were days that he questions if he even deserved you. Whatever reasons the deities brought you together, he'd forever be thankful.

His hand made its way to your cheek, thumb brushing small circles on your skin. "I love you, (name)."

"I love you more, manjiro." You slowly leaned down, deliberately missing his lips before pressing a gentle kiss on his forehead. He merely smiles at the simple act of affection, gratitude and warmth bursting in his chest.

"I won't ever leave you okay? So promise me you'll do the same thing too. Let's stay by each other's side in the mean while. I'll protect you and you protect me."

"I promise. I'll make you the happiest. I'll be yours until the end of time. You have my word." Manjiro raised a hand to tuck the messy strands of hair behind your ear.

Life with Mikey was never lonely. You only had each other to rely on and depend on. In days when the future was unclear, you were the only thing clear to him.

When everyone left him, you stayed by his side and will continue to.

Mikey realizes that with you, he feels as though all the burden of the world disappears. You never fail to make him feel complete. He's allowed to feel vulnerable when he's with you. He cries loudest when you're holding him close and whispering soothing words to his ear.

You tell him stories about your future dreams. He listens without fail, not wanting to miss a single detail. He also tells you stories. About his deepest fears and his dreams about your future together.

It's easy being with you. Mikey can't see himself living in a world without you in it.

And perhaps... He's allowed to be selfish. Was it selfish if you wanted the same thing? He doesn't want you to leave, he wants you to stay by his side as he will for you. He'll do everything in his power to make sure you'll spend eternity together.

The saddest moment is when the person who gave you the best memories, becomes a memory.

You can't make new memories with them but you can only cherish the memories you once had.

Now, you need to continue moving forward.
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Maybe, Forever
Was a word meant
For memories and
Not people.

-

Hello everyone, I decided that tomorrow I will post the season one finale. So that means the chapter after season one a new arc will begin.

To answer your questions, no this story is not ending yet. I just wanted to separate the plots. The next upcoming chapters will feature a lot of spoilers and content warnings as we will be diving into the bonten arc.

And I may need time to publish season two so I will take a rest from the daily updates while I prepare.