Chapter Text
It has been a few weeks since that break down of yours. You realize how heavy you really feel all this time from holding yourself back.
Aoi-san didn't ask any question as to why you cried that time. He even covered up for you when you took the day off the next day. You were so surprised with the amount of worried and get well soon messages you got.
It made you think, that maybe it won't be so bad. Besides keeping to yourself is just so stressing. So slowly you try opening up to them. You go to the weekly drinking spree with your co-workers. Aoi-san even joined making the team tease the both of you again. You just laugh at them. They were surprise when they heard your laugh for the first time but that just makes them ecstatic to ask you different questions, friendly questions that doesn't make you uncomfortable.
Aoi-san was looking at you differently that time, you just can't put your finger as to what it is.
Taro-san even commented good naturedly how "It looks like Aoi-san did a good job in breaking our Ice Princess." And you can't find the humor in that sentence.
You really don't get why everyone keeps on pushing you two. Office relationship isn't allowed, right?
That's not the only thing bugging you though. Ever since that breakdown, Aoi-san is more attentive to you. It's like you were always in his line of vision. You will notice how he will stare at you when he thought you're not looking. And the slightest brush of your skin with his will set his face on fire.
It's not that it's a bad thing. It was just fine. More than fine maybe because he was so cute. It sometimes makes you smile to see how he will blush so bright. Sometimes your heart skipped a beat everytime Aoi-san encourages the team with a gentle smile, especially in stressing moments for the team when the deadline is near. You notice more of him but you just ignore it but Aoi-san just kept on popping in your head.
One time in the weekly drinking spree one of your male co-worker, Araki-san, commented, "Aoi-san and (L/N)-san just keeps on dancing around each other. Why don't you two just get together already?"
Your hand froze, you didn't notice the commotion around you after those words came out. It's like those words had been a trigger. It was like those words awoke your senses as to why you want to distance yourself. It awoke your past. Your hands started shaking so you put them down on your lap. Aoi-san was the first to notice. "Are you okay (L/N)-san?"
You nodded your head, "yeah. Can I be excused for now? I kinda forgot that I have to do something important. Thank you for the food. I'm going ahead. See you on Monday." With that you gather your things much to the protest of the others and left. Not seeing the sad look in Aoi's face.
That's right. You can't just open up to them. What will they think? It won't turn out good. No more. Not anymore.
With that you turn back to what you were in the beginning. Araki-san apologized but you told him he didn't do anything wrong. You just focused on your work. You try your best not to focus on the worried gazes Aoi-san throws in you.
It can't be fixed.
You're already broken as it is. Who would dare pick up your trashy pieces anyway?
Without you noticing the annual magazine gathering between different companies came. You know yourself that you're going to bump into one of your ex-co-workers sooner or later.
How you wish it was more later. You saw your ex-boss who is also your ex-boyfriend coming towards you. You pretended not to see him though.
"Well if it isn't (F/N). It's very nice to see you here. Looks like you still stuck to the magazine business can't get over me that much?" Your ex said being so high if himself. Why did you date this prick again? It's very much obvious the big difference between him and Aoi-san.
"Gomen. I don't talk with strangers." You said to him putting on your best plastic smile. "Eh? So now we're strangers? You do know that's not a good thing to say (F/N). Anytime I can just---"
"(F/N)-chan there you are! I've been looking all over for you!." You jumped a bit when you felt hands circling your waist. You look at your right to see Aoi-san with a gentle smile!
'Aoi-san!! Why is his arm on my waist??' You thought panicking inside your head.
"A-aoi-san? What are you doing here?" You asked him blushing at the sudden action. Who wouldn't anyway.
"Taro-san and the others are looking for you seems the room is gettung stuffy now. We can't have our great photographer be snatched by someone." And when Aoi said that last part he was looking at your ex.
"But I think your forgetting something Aoi-san she was ours first though." Your ex smirk anf you wanted to punch him.
Aoi-san did a thinking pose which is so damn cute. "That is true.... until you let her go and left her. If she was so important then you wouldn't have believed your lier of a team. But! That doesn't matter anymore. She's under my care now." You were shock at Aoi-san's words. You've never seen him so serious before. Aoi-san was always smiling.
You can feel your ex seething inside but his next words made you shiver. Why is it that it looks like your past is repeating again "This is absurd! Does your boss even know you two are in a relationship? If this gets out---"
"If this gets out our boss will be ecstatic and won't be frustrated anymore as to why we're not together. Office relationship is pretty much allowed in our company. Why isn't yours like that? Ahhh... that's just sad, right?" Aoi-san said with a smirk. When did Aoi-san starts looking cool in your eyes? He looks at you this time with a gentle smile.
"This conversation is getting long. It's about time me and MY princess go back. Excuse us." With that he stirred you away.
"Aoi-san?" You asked him but he squeezed yout waist lightly making you blush. "Let's talk about that later. For now let's get back with the others." He said seriously and you had this twist in your gut that makes you think something happened.
Which it really did. When you saw the others the atmosphere seems heavy. Kiyo-san (one of your female co-workers) and Araki-san looks like they are about to burst and when they saw you they really did.
"(L/N)-san!! Your ex-co-workers are so mean! And stupid I hate them all!" Kiyo-said first.
"We saw them and just started conversing but then you were brought up and--" Taro-san was interrupted by Araki-san this time.
"Those pricks!! They had the guts to talk mean about you! As if we believe those. It's very obvious that they set you up!"
"Yeah! They were just jealous because they're not as talented and great like (L/N)-san!" Another one joined in.
"It was a good thing that you left that office already (L/N)-san. If I was there I won't be able to stand it too!" Kiyo said nodding her head.
Everyone started agreeing and consoling you as you cry in front of them which they don't mind. You feel relieved that everyone accepts you and that they fought for you. You were so grateful to all of them.
Now there's no more hiding.
That night Aoi-san never left your side until the gathering ends. Sometimes he will hold your hand to squeeze it to either reassure you or something else. You never know, all you feel is how warm it is and how fast your heart is beating.
He took you home that time accompanied by playful jabs from your co-workers. "Aoi-san! Take care of (L/N)-san okay? And get some too! Ouch! Taro-san that hurts!" You just laugh at them while Aoi-san blush cutely again.
When you both arrived Aoi-san stopped you. "(L/N)-san can I tell you something for a moment. Just listen to me...." you stop and liiked at him waiting.
"I know you've been through a lot. Especially in the past... I understand how it feels to be bullied when all you want to do is just give your best and be liked. I also know you need time to heal and everything. But (L/N)-san is a strong person. And I hope I can be there to help you too. To stand by you in everything that you're going through." Aoi was so nervous when he's saying this but it is now or never.
"What do you mean Aoi-san?" You were confused as to why he's saying this. You felt yourself hoping but for what?
"What I mean is...." he took a deep breath then let it out.
"I'm in love with you (F/N). I know it was sudden. But when you came in my office you showed me something that I lost. You were so determined to change your life. I admired that and you were so kind and caring though you didn't show that. I know this is not the right time and I'm willing to wait for your answer but will you go out with me (F/N)?"
He was looking at you so lovingly and you know how honest those words are. Maybe this is it. This will be a new start for you too. Maybe this is the big step you need to finally move on.
"You don't have to wait though Aoi-san. Coz I think I'm in love with you Shouta-san. And I won't mind giving THIS a try."
The blooming smile on both of your face shows the feelings you feel for each other.
It doesn't matter what both of you experienced in the past. No matter how painful it is, no matter how shattered you become.
What matters the most is now. The soft lips in yours. The petite but strong arms around you. All of that is what matters coz you feel safe and loved.
No more hiding. You're finally free.
THE END