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--- "ara, ara, tomioka-san! how adorable you look in that outfit of yours!"
"ah, thank you, shinobu," he replied, his voice calm.
the high-pitched tone of her voice made you flinch, a wave of discomfort washing over you. you, shinobu, and giyuu were all in the same class, working on a group project together, but instead of camaraderie, a bitter taste filled your mouth.
as they chatted, a feeling of isolation enveloped you. giyuu and shinobu laughed easily, their voices blending into a pleasant melody, while you felt like an outsider in a world you once thought included you. they looked more like a couple than you and giyuu ever had, and the thought stung like a sharp pang in your chest.
you respected both of them, but every time you were paired together, it felt like a duo leaving you behind, an uninvited guest in your own relationship. you scribbled notes, focusing on your side of the project, your heart heavy with unspoken words.
"tomioka-san, we should go to this café i found online! they have these adorable coffee art drinks!" shinobu suggested, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"yeah, maybe after class?" giyuu replied, his tone light.
"yes, of course! y/n-san, would you like to join us?" she asked, turning her attention to you, the sincerity of her smile cutting through your already fraying composure.
"ah, no, i have some work to catch up on, but thank you for the offer," you said, forcing a smile as you turned back to your notes, the lie tasting bitter on your tongue.
giyuu glanced at you, concern etched on his features, but you quickly averted your gaze.
ding! the school bell rang, signaling the end of class. students rushed to submit their projects, the bustle around you fading into a dull roar.
"shall we get going, tomioka-san?" shinobu asked while packing her things.
"yeah, just give me a minute," he replied, but his hand on your shoulder made you look over, the warmth of his touch contrasting sharply with the cold ache in your heart.
"y/n, are you alright?" he asked, his voice laced with worry.
"yes, i'm fine. don't worry about me. go ahead to that café; i'll see you later," you said, the forced smile feeling like a mask that was slipping.
"you'd usually let me hold your bag. let me—" he started, but you cut him off.
"it's quite alright, giyuu. you guys should head on now; it must be busy at the café! i have work to do. you two have fun!" you shooed them away, desperation mingling with your words.
giyuu's eyes lingered on you, filled with concern, but shinobu pulled him away, their laughter fading into the distance.
once they were gone, a heavy sigh escaped your lips.
you trudged down the long hallways, your footsteps echoing in the emptiness, each step amplifying the feeling of loneliness swelling within you.
'oh,' you thought bitterly as you entered your dorm, shutting the door behind you with a soft thud. dropping your backpack, you let your head hang low, the weight of inadequacy pressing down on you.
"ouch," you murmured softly before your hand moved to your chest, clutching it as hard as you could.
the ache intensified, a physical manifestation of the pain you had been holding back during class. tears began to blur your vision as negative thoughts rushed in like a torrential river, drowning you in doubt. was giyuu thinking of you, or was it shinobu who occupied his mind?
you felt like a mess, a sobbing wreck.
'does he love me because i'm his girlfriend, or am i just a placeholder for her?'
you sank to the cold floor, feeling utterly defeated, your heart racing as the tears flowed freely. the thoughts spiraled, relentless in their assault. you clutched your chest, desperation consuming you as the ache grew unbearable.
a sudden touch around your waist startled you. you looked over your shoulder, but the familiar face was buried against your shoulder, hiding in your grief.
silence enveloped you both, the only sound being your quiet sobs echoing through the room.
"i'm sorry, y/n. i didn't mean to be so neglectful. i shouldn't have gone out with shinobu or talked to her the entire time without acknowledging your presence," giyuu's voice broke the stillness, filled with regret.
"please let it out. i know how that squeeze in your chest feels, my love."
hearing him speak, the floodgates opened, and you sobbed harder. giyuu felt the guilt wash over him; he never intended to make you feel unwanted or neglected. his job was to make you feel cherished, to remind you that you were his one and only.
"giyuu, it's okay, i'm the one to b—"
"no, my love, you can't always blame yourself in these situations. i neglected you, and i should take the blame for that," he insisted, his grip tightening around you.
"i want you to be happy, not a sobbing mess. i'll do anything to make you feel safe and loved. just tell me what you need," he continued.
you looked up at him, your heart swelling with emotion as he wiped your tears away with gentle fingers.
"i love you, y/n. i don't ever want to lose you like that again," he whispered, kissing the crown of your head softly.
"i know, i love you more," you replied, looking into his eyes, your voice steadier now as you leaned in for a tender kiss.
in that moment, you both understood the importance of communication, vowing never to misunderstand each other again.
-----------------
BONUS SCENE!
"say, giyuu, i think we should canc—" shinobu stopped mid-sentence.
"giyuu?" she asked, looking around and realizing he had run off somewhere.
giggling at the thought, she knew where he went. she felt a pang of guilt for being a problem in your relationship, planning to apologize later.
"what an idiot," she muttered about giyuu as she walked into the café, only to be greeted by the sight of her professor gyomei, covered in cats, even one perched on his head, tears streaming down his face.
'what the f—'
after witnessing that, shinobu couldn't help but snap a picture. she turned to leave, shaking her head in disbelief.
"i've seen enough chaos for one day," she said, chuckling as she headed back to her apartment, feeling relieved she wasn't the only one having a rough day. -------
author nim here!! SORRY!!!! AHHHH THIS WAS SO SHORTJDICNC, I PROMISE TO WRITE LONGER BUT I HOPE YOU GUYS ENJOYED :,))
