Unwavering (Ichika Nakano x Male Reader)

Chapter 3 - Realization

[Ichika's POV]

Nino's words had caught me by surprise, and I could feel the tension building inside me. What had she seen? I tried to reassure her, my voice trembling slightly.

"What do you mean, Nino?"

She looked at me with a mixture of concern and curiosity in her eyes. "I was trying to buy ingredients for our dinner tonight at the local mall, and I found you walking with someone."

I took a deep breath and decided to be honest. "Oh, that's (Y/N)-Kun. He's... He's a great friend of mine."

Nino's expression softened, and her concern was replaced by a reassuring smile. "It's not that I want to put my nose where it doesn't belong, Ichika. I just want you to be careful, that's all. Okay?"

I nodded, grateful for her understanding. "I know, Nino. Thank you for your concern. Don't worry! (Y/N)-Kun's a great guy! I think you'll like him!"

"That's a relief then," Nino said, her smile widening. "You go rest now. I know you have a lot of work. I'll prepare our dinner later."

"Thanks, Nino!"

As I lay on my futon, I couldn't help but reflect on the encounter with Nino. It had turned out better than I expected. I knew that Nino could come off as easily irritated, but deep down, I understood that her protective instincts were driven by love. She cared about all of us.

"Finally," I thought to myself as I undressed and settled onto my futon. I wanted to take a nap before dinner. Just as I was about to close my eyes, my phone beeped, breaking the silence of the room. I grabbed my phone and saw a message from (Y/N)-Kun.

[(Y/N)-Kun]

Hi Ichika-chan! I don't know if you're at home now, but take care on your way, alright? Thanks again for today! 😊

He had also sent a cute sticker, making me smile.

[Ichika]

I'm home now, (Y/N)-Kun! Thanks for asking! I'll just take a nap, then I'll have my dinner later.

[(Y/N)-Kun]

That's good to hear, Ichika-Chan! Well, I wouldn't want to disturb you from your naptime. Rest well!

He sent another sticker, this one featuring a sleeping koala.

[Ichika]

[Thanks, (Y/N)-Kun!]

His messages made my heart fluster. I couldn't help but feel special and cared for by his thoughtful gestures. But as I lay there, I couldn't deny the growing feelings I had for him. A sense of fear washed over me.

"No... I might just fall for him," I admitted to myself. "I... I think... I already like him... (Y/N)-Kun, if you continue to make my heart race like this, I might start to love you. I'm afraid of that happening. I'm afraid to be hurt by love again. I don't want him to think that I'm just using him to move on from Fuutarou-Kun. I'm afraid of that happening."

[(Y/N)'s POV]

It had been a few days since I last saw Ichika-Chan. Those days felt strangely empty, as if something was missing. I had never spent so much time thinking about someone, and it was a bit unnerving.

I decided to send her a message, hoping for a chance to see her again. However, I couldn't help but overthink what to say.

"Argh... What do I send her? I don't want to be a bother... I might make her feel like I'm pushing myself on her. But... I want to see Ichika-Chan."