Unwavering (Ichika Nakano x Male Reader)

Chapter 1 - Cutting Ties

[(Y/N)'s POV]

We walked toward the bus station, both of us drenched by the rain. I offered her my jacket, saying, "You're all drenched; you can take this."

She hesitated for a moment, replying, "Oh, you don't have to."

"It's okay, I insist," I reassured her, handing over the jacket. She accepted it, and we continued our walk.

Curiosity got the better of her, and she asked, "What's your name anyway?"

I replied, "It's (F/N) (L/N). My friends call me (Y/N)-Kun. I'm from class 3-3. You?"

"Nice to meet you, (Y/N)-Kun. I'm Ichika Nakano from Class 3-1."

As we continued, her mood seemed to dampen, and she said, "How did you end up there anyway?"

Feeling her discomfort, I quickly replied, "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to impose—"

She cut me off gently, "Oh, it's okay. I'm sorry. I just... I prefer not to talk about it this time."

Understanding her need for privacy, I said, "It's alright, I understand."

We arrived at the bus station, and after a few minutes, a crowded bus pulled up. It seemed like there were too many passengers for the available seats. As we boarded, I noticed there was no empty seat for Nakano-San.

We found ourselves standing on the bus, and due to the rain, more people were trying to get inside. The bus was getting packed, and some passengers were pushing their way in. Nakano-san was about to be pushed, but I used my body to block the incoming passengers.

"Thanks, (Y/N)-Kun..." she expressed her gratitude.

"Don't mention it," I replied.

The bus was so full that I couldn't help but realize how close I was to her. Our bodies pressed against each other, and I did my best to shield her from the pushing crowd.

Finally, we reached the hotel. In the lobby, I found Seiji and my other classmates. As I scanned the area for anyone waiting for Nakano-San, it appeared she was on her own.

"(Y/N)! Where have you been?" Seiji approached us, glancing between Nakano-San and me.

I explained, "I went to Fushumi Inari Shrine to take some photos and ran into her. She's Ichika Nakano from class 3-1. By the way, Nakano-San, this is my friend Seiji."

"Nice to meet you, Seiji-San! (Y/N)-Kun, you can drop the honorifics and just call me Ichika if you like. It's the least I can do for what you did for me today," she said, offering a warm smile.

This smile was different from when I had first seen her today; it looked more genuine.

"Oh, and about the jacket, let me wash it first before I return it," I suggested.

"Okay, got it," she agreed.

"Well, see you then!" I said.

"See you."

As Ichika-chan walked ahead, making her way back to her room, I couldn't help but notice Seiji giving me a smug look.

"What's with that look?" I inquired.

Seiji teased, "Who would've thought that the water we drank from the waterfall would take effect immediately?"

"Oh, you think? It was just a coincidence. I just ran into her. The rain was pouring, and I couldn't just let her get drenched."

"If you say so, then!" Seiji replied with a smirk.

[Ichika's POV]

I made my way back to our room, where my four sisters were waiting. On the way, I overheard Fuutarou-Kun discussing the groups for the final day of the school trip. It seemed he would be in group E.

Entering the room, I was met with Nino's scolding. She insisted that I apologize to Miku, our third sibling out of the five quintuplets. I knew she was right.

But Fuutarou-Kun knocked on our door and entered. He explained how the final day of the school trip would unfold, with each group visiting a designated location. I knew which group he was in, and it gave me an advantage.

We decided to draw lots to determine our respective groups, believing that we would each choose differently. We made our selections, and I ended up in group E.

"That settles it. Any objections?" Nino asked, but no one protested.

I had initially wanted to be in Fuutarou-Kun's group, but after today's events, I felt it would be best if I helped Miku instead. I asked her to switch with me, and surprisingly, she agreed. I ended up in group D, determined to make amends for my actions.

The final day of the school trip arrived, and I excused myself, feigning a stomach ache, so I could join group E and help Miku. After a couple of hours, the four of us quintuplets successfully assisted Miku, and I realized I wasn't the only one with the idea to help her.

This day was filled with emotions. I apologized to my sisters, especially Miku, who was understanding and didn't hold my impersonation against me. It was heartwarming to see that my sisters cared for me just as much as I cared for them, even Nino empathized with me.

As time passed, I spotted Fuutarou-Kun standing in front of one of the attractions. I approached him, wanting to apologize for my previous actions.

"Fuutarou-kun... I apologize for what happened last time," I said.

He replied, "About that... I'm sorry too. What I did might've been too much."

Teasingly, I responded, "You're right! I was really hurt, you know!"

"I'm sorry," he said sincerely.

"Just kidding! Forget what I said yesterday. It was all a lie," I admitted.

It pained me to say those words, but I couldn't reveal my true identity. I couldn't risk losing a friend by admitting the truth. Tears welled up in my eyes, but I forced a smile, remembering all the moments we had shared.

I was the girl he had played with five years ago, but I chose to lie and keep my identity hidden. It was a lost cause, and I couldn't bear to lose a friend over it.

After our conversation, I waved goodbye to Fuutarou-Kun and walked in the opposite direction, seeking a moment alone to collect my thoughts.

"What I did was for the best, right? It's for everyone's sake. He didn't see through me, right? I think I did okay. Yeah... I'm okay..."

Tears suddenly streamed down my face. I couldn't suppress them any longer. I had tried to smile through the pain, but I couldn't deny that it hurt. It hurt to know that I had done this to myself, all for the sake of competing with my sisters.

"It hurts. It hurts so bad. Maybe I deserve this. Maybe it's to atone for what I did. I don't know anymore..."

In the midst of my thoughts, I heard a familiar voice calling out to me.

"Ichika-Chan?"

I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder and turned around to see who it was.

"(Y/N)-Kun?"