You're One Of Us (Inazuma Eleven!Various X Reader)

Chapter 28

Previously on Chapter 27

"Sorry, Otonashi!! But I have to be stronger!" I yelled out, without turning around. I hear a protest behind me. But I couldn't comprehend what she's saying. I can only hope she won't be too harsh on me later. I just can't help it. I have to be stronger, and these hellish training session is what I need in order to achieve that.

-They're Here-

Y/N P.O.V

We're all taking a break after yet another intense training session. I lay on the ground with my hands behind my head. We're slowly building up our strength thanks to all these equipment.

"Um, hey, L/N..." Endou called out. I turn my head to look at him. I hum softly to let him know I'm paying attention to him. "I didn't mean to rush you. But... your talk with Otonashi. It's clear that you have feelings for one of us. So, will you ever tell us who is it?" He asked. After he asked that question, every heads turns towards me. I just stare at them for a brief moment. They are all looking at me with a hopeful gaze.

I let out a sigh as I close my eyes. "Yeah, I will..." I said, nodding my head. I slowly move to sit up, turning my body around to face them. They stare at me, waiting for me to speak up. I move to stand up, with my hands on my hips as I stare at them with a small smile.

"The day we return to Raimon Junior High after we end our battles against the Aliea Academy, is the day I'll give an answer to one of you. That's my promise..." I said. I give them a close-eyed smile. "Until then... let's all focus on our matches, okay?" I said. I turn around and walks away after telling them I needed to freshen up.

I enter the washroom. I lock the door behind me. I take off my clothes and steps under the shower. I turn it on, letting the water wash over my body. My muscle starts to relax a little once the warmness of the water hits my body, giving me a sense of comfort.

I lift my hands, running them gently through my damp hair. "How much longer are we going to have to fight? I'm getting exhausted..." I mumbled softly to myself. I move to sit on the floor and hug my knees.

"I miss you, dad... you'd know how to cheer me up at a time like this. Why did you have to leave me so soon?" I said. I feel my tears starts falling from my eyes, mixing up with the water dripping on my face. I hug my knees tighter as I bury my face into my arms, not caring if I'm still sitting under a running water.

"L/N?" I hear someone called out. I lift my head. I raise my hand, turning off the water. "Are you okay? You've been in there for a while now? Everyone's getting pretty worried" the person said. I realize it's Kino. I stand up and dry myself.

"U-Uhhh... yeah! Yeah yeah... I'm fine. The water feels so nice that I lost track of time" I said. I put my clothes back on and leave the bathroom to come face to face with Kino. I smile softly at her. "Sorry for worrying you" I said.

"At least you're okay... wait, have you been crying?" She said. My eyes are probably still look bloodshot. I start to stammer, trying to come up with an excuse. But failed miserably. "You've been crying a lot lately. Are you sure you're okay?" She asked, staring at me with a worried gaze.

"Y-Yeah. I just remember my dad" I said, giving her a sad smile. My eyes starts to get teary once again. She lift her hand, placing it on my shoulder. She pulls me into a hug. I just bury my face into her shoulder as she tries to comfort me.

"Thank you, Kino. We should head back to the others" I said, as I slowly pull away from her. She stared at me with a worried gaze. I smile softly at her and wipe the remaining tears. "I'm all right now. But we'd worry the others if we take longer to get to where they are. So let's go" I said. She let out a sigh and nod her head, realizing I'm right about it. I turn around and walks ahead of her. I hear her footsteps as she walks behind me.

We finally reach where the others are. Endou is the first one to take notice of me. He smiles at me. I just give him a small smile. He frowns at my reaction and gets up. He rushes over to me, placing his hands on my shoulders.

"Have you been crying again?" He asked, leaning his face close to mine. I back away a little to create some distance. I notice his question catches the attention of the others, who instantly rushes over to circle around me. I feel a drop of sweat rolling down the side of my head as they stare at me with a worried gaze. This sure happens a lot, with them catching me with bloodshot eyes after crying so much.

"Eh... I uh. I just remembered my dad. That's all. This is not something for you all to worry about. I'm fine. Sorry that you have to see me like this a lot" I said, rubbing my neck sheepishly.

"We don't mind, L/N" Fubuki said. I turn to look at him. He walks over to me. He lift his hand, cupping my cheek. "We would much rather you come to us at your lowest. That way, we can make sure that you would feel better, and that we're the reason for your smile. It makes us the happiest, right guys?" He said, turning to look at the others. I blink my eyes as the others let out a sound signaling that they're agreeing with Fubuki's statement.

"Thank you, guys... that means a lot to me" I said. They smile at me and gathers around me, embracing me in a group hug. I close my eyes as I appreciate their affection gestures. These guys never failed to make me feel better for myself. I don't know what I would've done without them.

***

The next day, we start the day by training again. We can feel that we're getting significantly stronger. But I'm still not back to my old state. I still have a long way to go in order to achieve that level of agility. But I'm not going to give up.

A black ball suddenly comes falling down from above, landing in the middle of the field. We turn around to face the center of it. A group of figures appear. After a while, the smoke clears to reveal them. They're finally here... Epsilon.

*to be continued*