Projection (Male reader x Female OC)

042

*** Rin POV ***

Carrying a great deal of things up and down the nearby apartment. I can't help but be deathly aware of how things might get complicated really quickly if I don't sit down with Cameron and talk about it but that could come off as weird.

Like warning someone not to upset my boyfriend that might be a little bit insecure. I am sure it comes from a good place but in reality, I don't expect someone who hasn't fallen for someone or dated someone properly ever to know how to deal with emotions like that.

Then again... I could definitely have picked better friends in my time alive.

"Akari,"—Cameron calls my name and pulls me out of my thoughts—"your boy doesn't like me, does he?"

I snort, he chuckles after me but he doesn't know that I find the timing amusing. "Don't stress, he's like that to everyone that hasn't shoved a tongue down his throat."

He cocks his head at me. "And the sample size for that hypothesis?"

"He likes me," I answer with a matter-of-fact attitude.

"Dunno I don't think I want to get along with him nearly as much as I want to kiss the guy. Apart from the fact that you hit me with the news that you managed to find what turns you on is great and all doesn't help you made me look a fool before telling me you have a boyfriend."

I roll my eyes at him. "The flirting attempts were somewhat in poor taste, and also pretty gratifying."

He crosses his arms as he leans against the counter where we stack the boxes. "Not the first time a girl used me just for the attention," he sighs. "But it is different with you considering I've known you for a long time now. Though it is hard to compete with someone that grew up with you like a brother."

"There wasn't a competition," I say sternly.

"Yeah... I have poor choices in words. You know that," he chuckles. "But I'm cool with and have been for a long time."

"Hmmm."

"What?" He laughs again. "You really aren't going to let me live that one down are you? You know I almost cried myself asleep that night because I felt so fucking stupid because you just let me waffle on before crushing my spirit."

I can't help but feel a bit sorry but I layer it with our joined laughter. "Yeah, I dunno I felt like I could have some fun with my situation but that's in the past. The near past, but still the past. I love (Y/N) and he-"

He stops me. "Don't wanna hear why you love the man, just happy you changed."

"Changed?"

He nods. "Don't pretend I wasn't there, dumbass. I saw how you were carrying yourself when you came over on your break. You looked like shit,"—he sighs before dropping his gaze to the floor—"how are you feeling, by the way? Depression is nasty."

"Don't have to tell me that," I exhale. "But I am better, significantly better actually. It won't disappear overnight but I have some ways to go before it all fades away. Nothing's ever as easy as that I suppose."

"It never will be," he makes sure I understand the reality of the situation. "But I am going to need you to introduce me to one of your hot girlfriends. Your boy is lonely."

I shake my head at him as I express, "There's plenty to choose from for you, the problem is them choosing you. Dumbass.'

"Fuck you," he chuckles. "Do you want me to tell your boyfriend that I find you physically appalling? That your attitude stinks worse than your breath?"

"He'd agree with you," I quip. "Just don't make me the topic of conversation and you'll be fine."

Dumbass.