Guardian (Nishinoya x Reader) 🏐

Chapter 31: Forgiveness

*Nishinoya's POV*

"From that day... the nightmares stopped. Tobio took away my blades and became the supportive, overprotective brother he is today." She gave off a nervous giggle. Ugh, why is she so cute?

"The first and only person I could trust... until you." She stared directly into my eyes, a serious, yet appreciative look now plastered on her face. "Of course I had other friends I trusted. Like Iwa and Oikawa. Or the Karasuno team. But I never trusted any of them with such heavy information. You opened my eyes to new possibilities... and from there, I was able to open up to more people," Y/N admitted.

I just sat and stared, still clutching onto Y/N's tiny hand, letting it all sink in.

I took hold of her other hand, flipping over both her bare arms, inspecting them for scars.

"There's nothing there..." The words escaped my lips as a confused murmur.

She gently tugged her arms away, slipping only one hand back to mine and tangling our fingers together. "The scars are long faded. Twice wasn't enough to leave a mark."

I nodded my head in understanding. Quietly, I asked the question that's been engraved in my brain. "Why did you forgive me for reading your journal?"

"Why did you read my journal?" she responded with a question.

"Because I wanted to know more about you. I was hoping there were answers or explanations behind your eating disorder. Maybe even a piece of me hoped I was in there," I answered truthfully.

In return... she smiled... a sweet, intoxicating smile. "Why did I forgive you? Because you were honest with me. Your intentions were good. We all make mistakes here and there... but most importantly, I trust you."

She shook my hand free and snatched her notebook off the nightstand before flopping back onto the fluffy blue comforter. "Let me read you something, Yuu."

Y/N steadied the velvety blue notebook in her lap, flipping it open in search of a specific page.

"April 2nd. My first day at Karasuno. I ran into a cute boy with hair just like mine."

She shuffled past a few pages.

"May 3rd. Nishinoya Senpai took me out for ice cream. It was peculiar, eating with him. I didn't feel anxious, like I had forgotten how to be afraid, ignoring the taunts radiating off the sticky cone in my hand. I don't know how, but I spilled my secret. Maybe it was the kind look in his eyes or gentle touch, but something told me I could trust him."

More pages flew by.

"June 20th. When Noya walked me home from our date at the zoo, he kissed me on the forehead. Seriously thought I would faint right then and there. I swear, this boy sets off fireworks in my heart."

Her finger traced down the stack of pages once more.

"July 29th. Suga, Tobio, and Yuu stayed overnight with me at the hospital. I am grateful everyday for their undying support. It was a terrifying experience, but what hurt me more was knowing Yuu wasn't okay. He wasn't okay and he refused to lean on me for support."

She shut the book and looked back up at me. I was at a complete loss for words.

Impulsively, I leaned forward and pulled her into my arms. I rested my forehead on her shoulder, my body relaxing into the hug as she combed her fingers through my hair.

"Y/N? Let me make this up to you. Can I take you on date? Tomorrow?" I asked.

"Yes," she answered instantly and pulled away to look at me, smiling brightly. "Where to this time, Yuu?"