I'm Not Afraid of the Dark (Yuto x Reader)

Chapter 19

Yuto takes a hesitant step towards you, fully aware of the conversation you just had with Shun.

"Soooo... you want to learn how to XYZ summon?"

Your resolve wavers slightly at how quickly he brushed off what happened.

"Cut it out. I won't be able to learn anything until we get..." You gesture to the two of you. "...this sorted out." Though it pains you to say it, it's the truth. You won't be able to focus until you know how he feels about . . . everything. "We need to talk."

He looks nervous, and uncomfortable at the request. You aren't an expert on boys or anything, so you put no faith in these actions, but at least he isn't cold and indifferent to the subject. That had to be a good sign. Right?

"Okay."

His eyes search yours then, and you mentally kick yourself at the spark of hope that flares to life in your chest.

"You already said that you heard everything. Does that mean you heard me when..."

You find yourself unable to finish, but you don't have to. Yuto jumps in and completes the sentence.

"...you said that you like me? Yeah, I did."

Before he even finishes you have your back to him and your face in your hands.

"Why did it have to be like this? Why do I have to like you?! All it does it complicate things!"

It takes a moment for Yuto to respond. "Are you saying you wished you didn't like me?"

"Yes! No. Maybe? I don't know! Do you see my problem? I don't know anything anymore!"

Angry tears cloud your vision, but they are not because of Yuto, but rather yourself. You don't even realise how close Yuto is until he rests a hand on your shoulder. It is meant as a comfort, but all it does is confuse your heart even more.

He stands there awkwardly for a moment, until muttering a quick curse at the sight of your tears and pulling you into a rough hug.

"Is liking me really so bad?"

The raw pain in his words shatters the last of your resolve. You feel yourself start to shake as the simple question pushes you over the edge and the tears begin to fall. You manage to give him an answer between sobs.

"No."

He cups your face in his hands and tilts your chin up so that you have no choice to look into his storm-cloud-grey eyes, now heavy with emotion – and longing.

"Good. And what about you?"

You blink.

"I-I don't understand."

"Is liking you really so bad?"

That spark in your chest catches, and the hope shines through your voice, clear as day.

"No."

"That's a relief. You see I'm falling and I don't think I can stop." He absently plays with a loose lock of your hair as he says it. "I don't want to stop."

You giggle in giddy relief, euphoria banishing all those negative emotions.

"Then don't."

A smirk graces his lips as he moves a hand to rest on your waist, pressing you closer. Yuto's spare hand tucks the rogue lock of hair behind your ear, and you hope he can't hear your heart as it beats wildly in your chest. His hand then returns to your cheek as he guides your face closer, leaning down to press his lips against your own.

The flame burns brighter, and although it remains contained, that potential to burn up and consume your world lingers at its core. And in that moment you feel as if you wouldn't mind the heat of its kiss. No, you would welcome the savage beauty of the destruction if only you could stay like this. Damn the consequences. This is what you wanted. To remain here, with him. With Yuto.

But like a candle, the kiss is fleeting. Yuto pulls away, and steps back, as if your touch were a poison. Shadows darken his expression and you realise it is not your touch, but his that he is afraid of. He is worried for you. The thought offers little heat in a world so suddenly cold.

"Yuto, what is it?"

He won't look at you when he answers.

"(y/n), I don't think I'm good for you. Everyone I care about only gets hurt."

Your heart breaks at the despair written across his features.

"Yuto, please don't do this to yourself. I can protect myself. You don't need to worry. And it's not your fault if people around you get hurt, either. It's Academia's."

You try to take a step forwards to comfort him, but he just moves further away.

"I know you are strong, but it doesn't change the past. It's the same as with your father. We seal those Fusionites we find into cards. (y/n), I'm just as bad as them. I'm not a knight in shining armour. I can't save you from every dragon. They call me the Dark Duellist, and I guess that runs deeper than my clothes. With all the things I've done, to the people of your homeland, to your people . . . don't you hate me? With all the things I've done . . . aren't you afraid of me?"

All you can do for him is speak from the heart.

"Yuto . . . you should know by now. I'm not afraid of the dark."

The hope in his eyes mirrors yours, making it impossible to looks away as his severe expression finally breaks into a smile. Yuto closes the distance between you and scoops you up into his arms, bridal style. You make a small noise of protest, which he soon stifles with a kiss.

When he pulls away for air you just glare at him.

"No fair! You can't just kiss me every time you want me to shut u-"

He only presses his lips to yours again before you can finish and you smile into the kiss.

"Hey (y/n)?"

You pause to look him in the eyes.

"Yeah?"

"This is new to me, but . . . will you be my girlfriend? I mean, with the current situation I won't be able to take you anywhere nice on dates and stuff but-"

This time it's your turn to silence him with a kiss.

"Yes Yuto, I'd love to be."

He leans in quickly to kiss your nose, and you smile up at him.

In that moment, the weight of this war you were both apart of didn't seem so heavy anymore. No matter what lay ahead, you would face it together. As long as you had Yuto by your side, you knew you would be okay.

You just didn't know how long this hope would last.

[A/N]

So very sorry guys in the lack of updates!! School has been really busy, but I am trying to update this every second week alternating with my other Yu-Gi-Oh! Arc-V fanfic.

Still, I hope you liked the chapter. Sorry it was a bit short!

♡RackyQuokOut♡