The Aizawa Effect - (Aizawa X OC)

Longing Begets Heartache

He silently nodded and sighed, but I continued before he could say much. The words were pouring out of my mouth, and I decided to take advantage of that since my nerves were trying to get the best of me.

"There's one other thing."

I held his hands tighter and looked up into his eyes. "We've known each other from other conferences, talked briefly, and always promised to stay in touch. This time around, we not only stayed in touch, but we both got new experiences I never thought were possible a month ago. I appreciate you for opening up that opportunity, but more importantly, thank you for showing me what it feels like to have a genuine person care for me like you do. You literally mean more than the world to me, and I... "

My words began to get softer as I neared my main point, "And I love you. I love you so much, and I care for you deeper than I ever thought was possible. I'm in love with the person you are, and I really am just so honored to be able to care about you in this way."

As I finished, his face turned a light red.

"Rae, I just- wow."

"I'm sorry I took so long to say it. I felt this way a month ago when this all started but I didn't want to be irrational. I also wanted to give you time to get comfortable as well, but as we got closer, I realized that I was so happy and lucky to be able to spend my time with you. I care too much to not fight these investors for my ability to return to Japan."

Aizawa looked down and smiled briefly before a more solemn expression took its place. "I definitely understand, and I appreciate everything. Right now things are..."

My smile began to fade as he struggled to get the words out. A recognizable jolt of anxiety hit my nerves, and I noticed his facial expression was more serious than not.

"Things are what? What's wrong? Did I say something wrong? Did I rush this?"

Aizawa shook his head and cleared his throat. "No, you didn't do anything wrong. In fact, you really are the victim in this whole situation."

I looked up at him, confused. "A victim? How?"

He turned his head away but I moved to follow him. "What? Say it, Sho."

"Given the entire situation and its unpredictable nature, I think we should end things. I don't see how we can keep this going when you're over in the U.S. And even if you manage to come back, it'll be for two months and then you're leaving again. Our lives just don't align right now."

My eyes widened, and I clung to him, pulling his head toward mine. "No, no! Please don't say that. Please don't end things. I want this more than anything. I want us more than you even know. Did those nights we spent together talking about our hopes, dreams, and fears mean nothing to you?"

"Of course it meant something. It meant everything. It was a fresh start but a constant reminder of a bitter end. Logically, you knew that this wouldn't last long, didn't you?"

My breathing became shallow as my worst fears played out in front of me. "I thought we would last forever! I was going to talk to Nezu about extending my contract; I was giving us time to navigate our emotions; I was ready to move everything here for you!"

"That isn't a sound resolution. You have so much going on back home. You can't give that up for me."

I shook my head aggressively. "I can do both! We'll see each other even after the contract ends! You know I had plans to open opportunities for the UA students so they could intern with us in the summers. There are so many chances for us to thrive!"

"We can't stay distracted on something that will probably fall apart in the end." Aizawa looked deep into my eyes as if searching for something.

"Shota, I was prepared to do whatever it took to get back to you. Why can't you see that?! Give me a chance, give us a chance! Let me into your heart, please! It feels like you're locking me out!"