✶ !? LOVE PANGS

꒰🎐꒱ ，obanai iguro﹒！﹒zᶻ

obanai iguro x nb! user.

written in third person.

(A/N) I kind of struggled with Obanai, so he's probably acting incredibly ooc, so in advance I apologise to all the obanai lovers.

Whispered Promises.

The evening air was cool and crisp, the last rays of the setting sun casting a golden hue over the winding path through the forest. The leaves rustled softly in the breeze, creating a gentle melody that seemed to echo the peacefulness of the moment. It was the kind of evening that invited quiet reflection, where the world seemed to slow down just enough to savor the beauty of it all.

Obanai Iguro walked with measured steps along the path, his mismatched eyes scanning the surroundings with practiced ease. Kaburamaru, his trusted white snake, coiled loosely around his shoulders, occasionally flicking its tongue to taste the air. Obanai's expression was as stoic as ever, but there was a softness in his gaze as he approached the small clearing ahead.

There, beneath the sheltering branches of an ancient oak tree, sat [Name]. They were leaning back against the tree trunk, a book resting in their lap as they gazed up at the sky. The light filtering through the leaves dappled their face with a warm, golden glow, and the serene look in their eyes made Obanai's heart ache with a quiet longing.

He slowed his pace as he approached them, not wanting to disturb the peace of the moment. But even as he tried to stay silent, [Name] seemed to sense his presence. They looked up from their book, their lips curving into a soft smile as they met his gaze.

"Obanai," they greeted, their voice gentle and welcoming. "You're just in time."

Obanai felt the tension in his shoulders ease at the sound of their voice. "For what?" he asked, his tone quieter than usual as he stepped closer.

[Name] gestured to the sky above, where the first stars were beginning to twinkle in the fading light. "For the best part of the evening," they said, their smile widening as they looked back at him. "The moment when the day finally gives way to the night, and the stars come out to play."

Obanai's gaze followed theirs, his eyes lingering on the sky for a moment before returning to [Name]. "I'm glad I didn't miss it," he said softly, his voice carrying an unspoken meaning.

They looked at him for a long moment, their expression tender and understanding. "You're always welcome here, Obanai," they said, patting the spot beside them on the ground. "Sit with me?"

Obanai hesitated for only a moment before he nodded, lowering himself to the ground beside them. He sat close enough that their shoulders brushed, a simple contact that sent a warmth through him he could never quite explain. Kaburamaru slithered down from his shoulders, making himself comfortable on the grass nearby.

For a while, they sat in comfortable silence, watching as the stars continued to appear one by one in the darkening sky. The quiet was peaceful, a soothing balm to Obanai's often restless mind. But more than the tranquility of the night, it was [Name]'s presence beside him that brought him the most comfort. There was something about them—something steady and unwavering—that made him feel like he could finally let his guard down, if only for a little while.

After some time had passed, [Name] spoke again, their voice soft in the quiet. "You seem more relaxed tonight," they observed, turning their head to look at him. "Is everything okay?"

Obanai glanced at them, his mismatched eyes searching theirs for a moment before he nodded. "I... I feel at ease when I'm with you," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. It wasn't easy for him to express his feelings, but he knew that [Name] deserved to hear the truth.

Their eyes softened, and they reached out to take his hand in theirs, squeezing gently. "I'm glad," they said, their tone filled with sincerity. "You deserve to feel at ease, Obanai. You carry so much on your shoulders."

Obanai looked down at their joined hands, a strange mix of emotions welling up inside him. He had never been good with words, never knew how to say what he truly felt, but [Name] had a way of understanding him without him needing to say much at all.

"You make it easier," he murmured, his thumb brushing lightly over the back of their hand. "To bear it all."

They smiled at him, a smile that was so full of warmth and affection that it made his chest tighten. "You don't have to carry everything alone," they said softly. "I'm here for you, Obanai. Always."

Obanai's heart swelled at their words, a rare emotion rising within him—something he had only ever felt when he was with [Name]. It was a feeling that both scared him and made him feel more alive than he had in years.

He turned his gaze back to the sky, his hand still holding theirs. "I don't know what I'd do without you," he confessed, his voice so quiet it was almost lost in the wind.

[Name] leaned closer, resting their head on his shoulder in a gesture that felt as natural as breathing. "You don't have to think about that," they whispered, their breath warm against his skin. "I'm not going anywhere."

Obanai closed his eyes for a moment, letting the weight of their words settle over him like a blanket. He had spent so much of his life in isolation, wrapped in his own pain and guilt, but with [Name] beside him, the darkness didn't seem so overwhelming. It was as if their presence had created a small, safe haven in his heart, a place where he could finally find some semblance of peace.

"I don't deserve you," he murmured, his voice laced with a hint of self-doubt.

[Name] lifted their head from his shoulder, their expression firm but kind as they looked at him. "Don't say that," they said gently but firmly. "You deserve to be happy, Obanai. You deserve to be loved."

Obanai met their gaze, his heart beating a little faster at the intensity of their words. He had spent so long believing that he wasn't worthy of love, that he didn't deserve the kindness that [Name] showed him every day. But when he looked into their eyes, he saw something that made him want to believe—something that made him want to try.

"I'll do my best," he said quietly, his voice filled with a resolve that surprised even him. "To be someone you can be proud of."

[Name]'s expression softened, and they cupped his cheek with their free hand, their touch gentle and reassuring. "I'm already proud of you," they whispered, their voice filled with warmth. "You're stronger and kinder than you give yourself credit for. And I'm so lucky to have you in my life."

Obanai felt his throat tighten at their words, and he leaned into their touch, closing his eyes as he allowed himself to be vulnerable in their presence. "Thank you," he whispered, the words carrying a depth of emotion he couldn't fully express.

They smiled, their thumb brushing lightly over his cheek as they leaned in to press a soft, lingering kiss to his forehead. The gesture was so tender, so full of love, that it made Obanai's heart ache in the best possible way.

When they pulled back, they settled against him once more, their head resting on his shoulder as they both gazed up at the star-filled sky. The night was calm, the world around them quiet and peaceful, and for the first time in a long while, Obanai felt like everything was exactly as it should be.

In that moment, under the canopy of stars and the sheltering branches of the old oak tree, Obanai made a silent promise to himself—and to [Name]. He would do everything in his power to be the person they believed him to be, to protect the love they had found together. Because in them, he had found a light that chased away the shadows, a love that made him feel whole.

And as they sat together, their hands still intertwined, Obanai knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, he would face them with [Name] by his side. Because in their love, he had found a home—a place where he truly belonged.