Let Me be His Replacement

He's Back [2]

Third Person's POV

Now that they're alone, they don't have to worry about anyone interrupting them so they can talk at ease.
"Are you okay?" he asked in a worried tone, a few tears escaped her eyes as she sniffled. She wiped the tears while shaking her head telling him she's not okay, he then pulled her into a hug to comfort her, he thought that she should calm down first before they can properly talk.

A few minutes later, the two sat by a step on the staircase and Ichigo told him about why she ended up like this.
"When I saw him I suddenly remembered about how he rejected me and the awkwardness when we're in the same place. I didn't know what to do so I just ran" Ichigo explained, she hugged her knees to her chest as she lowered her gaze
"I want to forget him..." she said in a low voice. Naoto glanced at her then sighed as he leaned back.
"I don't think you should" he said, Ichigo straightened up then whipped her head towards him with wide eyes,
"As much as it hurts you, I think you shouldn't. He's a part of your past, and the people and experiences of the past helps you grow into what you are today. It may hurt you but it's something you'll be able to overcome" Naoto said
"When you think of him, uncomfortable memories come back. But there are good memories too, right?" he asked.

Ichigo thought for a bit and remembered, the moments where she, Aoi, and Itsuki would smile and laugh together. She nodded
"There are..." she replied as Naoto leaned forward
"As long as there are good memories then that's all that matters. Not only that, but you should think more about the present. Itsuki is your past love who won't make much of an appearance every day" he said, he then turned to Ichigo, his piercing yellow eyes staring into her crimson red ones.
"And I'm your current love who appears before you almost every day. So instead of thinking about the uncomfortable memories with him, you should think about me and your friends. The memories you make and will make with them. With me" he continued. Ichigo's eyes widened as she let Naoto's words sink in. Naoto on the other hand, thought he said too much and averted his eyes with tinted cheeks from embarrassment.

"So are you telling me to replace my thoughts and uncomfortable memories of Itsuki with my memories of you and my friends?" Ichigo asked bluntly, Naoto slowly turned his head to her
"Not really what I meant but..." he said but wasn't able to continue when Ichigo stood up and did the guts pose
"Alright! I'll think more about my friends, my idol career, you, and our future together!" she declared
"Our future?" Naoto asked, Ichigo turned to him in determination
"Yes! Keeping the friendship with my friends, keeping up as an idol, and keeping our love strong!" she said proudly as Naoto lightly blushed from the last phrase she said.

Ichigo crouched down as she clasped Naoto's hands with hers and put them against her forehead.
"Thank you Naoto. Your words helped me a lot" Ichigo said raising her head to look at him with a smile, Naoto returned the smile
"It's nothing" he said as Ichigo giggled. He then returned to his serious expression as he stood up, still holding Ichigo's hands and guided her up with him.
"I think you should talk to him. To Itsuki" he said, Ichigo stared at him then looked down
"Wh-why?" she asked
"To have closure. If you talk to him then you'll be able to settle things and be at peace. You won't be thinking about uncomfortable memories and instead will only look back at it with a smile" he explained. Ichigo thought about it for a while and huffed
"Okay. I'll try to talk to him!" she said as the two shared a smile.

"Ichigo, don't you have work to do?" he asked. Ichigo froze then held her head
"I-I forgot!" she yelled. She ran out of the emergency staircase and started dashing her way to the studio, Naoto followed her and called
"Ichigo!" Ichigo halted and looked at him
"Yes?" she asked in a hurry
"I'll be there whenever you need me" he said with a sweet smile that touched Ichigo's heart. She grinned from ear to ear with flushed cheeks
"Thank you! I'll do the same too!" she replied. Naoto blushed lightly as Ichigo continued running her way back to work.