[Chapter 8: Once More, Trying to Understand]

Why...?

It was as if I was stripped up of energy— limp against the couch. My arms were spread out, basking in the silence. It was dark, with no light in sight. Yet, I felt so very awake.

Why did I run away?

I didn't know what time it was when I got here, covered in sweat when I immediately went to my room. Naruto, Sakura, Sasuke, and Kakashi complained at me— as I left the ice cream— but... at the moment, that was the last thing in my mind.

I mean— could you blame me?

I took a deep breath, pressing an arm against my eyes. There was a trace of bitterness at the tip of my tongue, as an uneasy darkness seemed to swirl in my stomach. How the hell did all of this go wrong? So many questions lingered in my mind, yet not enough answers.

His hand— they pushed me away before the murderer got close. I thought back, a frown tugging my facial features. My brows creased at the memory. Despite everything, he was worried about my safety.

But then I remembered his expression: his guilt.

If it was all bullshit, he would've definitely said something about it. But, he Which means... what that person said, was true. I concluded, despite my dislike. But if so— why? Why did Hiro do it? What was his reasoning? Why does it conflict with the person I know?!

Wait. Does it even? Because... because he was so hesitant in telling me.

I don't know. I didn't fucking know.

"You're awake?" My breath hitched at a new voice, moving my arm up just a bit. Narrowing my eyes, I stared at what was in front of me as they got used to the dark. Holding a cup, water I presume, Sasuke stared down at me with an indifferent expression.

I sighed, straightening my back with a forced smile. Not that it mattered: it was in the dark. "Yup— is anyone else awake?" I asked him.

The boy shrugged. "No, I don't think so." Walking forward, he placed down his cup on the coffee table, sitting down next to me. "...That guy didn't come back."

Ah, he means Tae-young. I fought back the grimace before it could appear on my face. "Oh yeah, kinda ditched him." I laughed it off. He didn't buy it for a second, I thought at the sight of his stoic face, pushing my lips together. Another deep breath. My shoulders sagged, leaning back as I finally dropped my smile. "Stuff happened."

"Figures," He commented curtly, turning away. "He always rubbed me the wrong way, anyway."

With my elbow propped at my knee, I placed a hand under my cheek with averted eyes. "No, it's— it's not that." I felt the need to defend him. But wasn't it correct? In a way... it was like Hiro was a bad person. And yet... his actions kept on contrasting each other. "I just... got overwhelmed." Now that I think about it, I never actually waited to hear him out, did I?

I let out a laugh— yet nothing was amusing in this. Yeah, in the end, I ran away. Just like with every problem I faced. My hand reached up, clasping at air over my eyes. God, I'm such a fucking coward.

"It doesn't matter to me."

I turned my head at the Uchiha, furrowing my brows. "Then why talk about it?" I hissed out, though I think we both know it wasn't genuine. Are you trying to comfort me? I felt from his words. If so, it's terrible. At this point, I wasn't even mad. I was just... confused, dumbfounded, to be honest.

And tired. So very tired.

The raven-head let out a huff, giving me the side-eye. "Hn. I wouldn't need to if they didn't nag so much." Ah, so he didn't actually want to comfort me. I glanced away, shame pooling my mind. I huddled my knees close to my chest, sinking my head in. Why did I even bother? "To be honest, we were at a loss. Nee-chan was the best at these types of situations."

My eyes darted up at his figure. Megumi? My lips pursed together reminded me of that little secret. "Is that so?" I was curious about what he thought. Well, that makes sense. I tried my best to appear welcoming and kind.

The boy nodded, his dark eyes seeming to soften— though that could just be me being messed with by the dark. "Nee-chan was always the first to comfort someone, always having the right words to say."

I almost scoffed at that. That's wrong, I couldn't help but think. He says that and yet here I am, completely helpless. My words were also just rehearsed and something that anyone would say. "Well, what would she say then?" I mused, not expecting a good answer.

My ears picked up a small rustle, perhaps him getting more comfortable. "Nee-chan... she'd probably tell you to be patient and to take some time to process things." I blinked, breath hitching. "Along the lines of 'all you need is some time and communication' with a fit of giggles..." I... huh. I stared at Sasuke, who seemed to look lost in his memories. He then shook his head with a small huff, stray hairs swishing along. "Hn. But then again, she could just tease you. I can't tell."

My head ducked down at the last part, narrowing my eyes. For fuck's sake, always ruining these moments. But then I giggled, raising my head with a small smile. In the end, he ended up doing what he didn't want to do. I can't fucking believe it. But then again, I shrugged, I was the cause of that, wasn't I? "Who knows?"

"She's a lot like you."

I blinked, tilting my head. "Really?" That wasn't right, I told myself. That be right.

When I reincarnated— when I was in a different place, body, everything— I wanted to forget this. I wanted to forget about Ashley. I wanted to be different from Ashley. I wanted to be precious in someone's eyes. I wanted to belong—

I wanted what I made in Megumi.

And yet, I realized, the line between Megumi and Ashley had long been muddled.

"Mm," Sasuke made a noise for filler, bringing me out of my thoughts. In the dark, my eyes could make out his head craning up towards the ceiling. "I can't describe it clearly but," A breath. "There's something about you two— that look in your eyes that makes me feel assured. It's full of warmth."

My eyes widened. To think that out of all people would say this. A sort of fuzzy feeling settled in my body, causing me to look away. I... I felt my lips quirk up. I giggled. "You really are like your sister's fanboy."

In that instant, I heard a very exasperated groan. "Never say that again."

I giggled once more, my shoulders shaking slightly in amusement. "Ah... thanks, I feel a bit better." There was nothing fake in that. I leaned back against the sofa, lowering my legs with a sigh. 'Some time and communication.' I thought back on his words. "...I think I know what to do," I announced after a moment, narrowing my eyes. Yeah, I should get my answers directly. I glanced back at the ninja. "You should go to sleep, your young body needs it."

"Hn, don't treat me like a child."

But you are, I said in my mind.

But I kept my mouth shut.

Because unlike him, I don't intentionally ruin moments.

Me: Hey

Me: can I meet at your house tmmr?

Me: I won't yell at u. I just want to clear things up

TanjiroKamadoBoi1422: ...ok

TanjiroKamadoBoi1422: I'll send you the address.

That was yesterday.

Glancing up from my phone, I checked the address once more. Huh, I was expecting something grander. I thought at the sight of the door in front of me. But then again, he didn't like being called rich. The house wasn't anything too fancy, just one-story and little to no outside decor.

Placing a hand against one of the pearl white walls, I took a deep breath. Aah... calm down, my heart. I said that but, the squirming nervousness only got worse. I l pressed my hand on my chest, closing my eyes. One of my hands fiddled with my hair, eyes opening up as I steeled my resolve. Alright... my lips pressed together. I was still very anxious about this, just by how my hands fidgeted. However, I had already come this far. Let's go.

With one balled fist, I knocked on the door. My heart pounded, waiting as time ticked by. I could hear some noises from the other side, so I wasn't surprised when the door swung open. Tae-Young popped his head out, hair slightly disheveled and breathing out slowly as he stared at me wide-eyed. "Oh, um," The man stammered, averting his eyes away as he pushed the door away more. "Come in,"

I exhaled through my nose, my lips quirking up just a bit. He's definitely not faking that act. I noted, stepping in. I mean, I doubt he'd be able to fool me after all this time. Hearing him close the door behind me, I examined the place. "Hmm..." The place was clean, whether it was because I was there or not, yet also bare. Like he didn't know what to do with his life. I turned my head at him. "Suits you."

The Seong tensed, my comment breaking out of his fidgety state as he furrowed his brows. "What is that supposed to mean?" It was more curious than accusing.

"Nothing really," I shrugged nonchalantly, walking into what seemed to be the kitchen. Blinking, I noticed a table at the edge of the room. "Can I sit there?" I asked.

"Yeah," He agreed, causing me to skip by the table. Skidding a chair out, I watched as the boy then pointed towards the cabinets and fridge. "Hold up, I'll get us something to eat."

A soft hum rumbled out of my throat, placing a hand under my cheek as I nodded. My eyes trailed off of his figure as he worked, analyzing every detail. His clothes were clean— yet also somewhat wrinkly. His movements, as he sorted through the cabinets, were sort of careless yet also quick— as if in a rush.

There... there's nothing that tells me that he's a bad person. I thought to myself, straightening my back when he finally got what he wanted.

"Hope you don't mind eating these, but I know they taste good."

I nodded, glancing up to what was in his hand— only to snort. "Pfft—" I automatically slapped a hand over my mouth.

His face scrunched in genuine confusion. "What?"

"Sorry, sorry," I waved him off, taking the bag of Honey Buddha chips from his hands. "I just got flashbacks, that's all." Fiddling with the package, I ripped open the top, taking a chip and throwing it in my mouth. In an instant, a sharp taste of crispy sweetness entered my taste buds, causing me to hum. "Mmm... Do you know what would taste good with this? Dr. Pepper."

I ignored how his nose scrunched with both bewildered and disgust. Taking yet another bite, I handed over the bag to him, urging him to take one. He blinked, reeling back slightly, but then slowly shoved his hand in.

Bite after bite after bite. That was all that was heard: just the sounds of us eating. And yeah, the chips were great but... it was getting a little awkward.

I let out a sigh. "You don't have to be so nervous," I noted how Tae flinched as if he was dreading this moment. In his seat, he shuffled around, getting into a better position. At that moment, I smiled. A smile that was full of reassurance. "I'm not— okay, I am a bit disbelieved of what happened yesterday but," Tenderly, I took his free hand with my own, causing him to meet my gaze. "That's why I want to hear it from you. I want to know your story."

He took a sharp breath, eyes wavering. But then seconds after, he looked away, head hung low as his shoulders hunched. The dark-haired man curled his hands on his lap. "...are you sure?" I heard his quiet question.

"Yup."

"Even when that pers— after all that has happened?"

I let out a small giggle. "Yeah. I've decided to believe in you. In the person I got to know."

I should've done this from the start— I should've stayed there and waited for him. But, at least I'm doing this now.

And that, judging by his body language, was all it took.

With one swift glance at me, Tae-young opened his mouth, delving into his story.