Waiting for your love (Edo AU! Choso x Fem! reader)
Chapter 1: «Birthmarks»
If someone had told me years ago that this was my destiny... I would have accepted it all over again just to see you one more time. Your words are still tattooed on my skin, and I think more about you than I do about myself.
Some call it madness, others obsession, and my family thinks I can't move on. But the truth is that you are a sweet melody that stays in my head, and I do not wish to drive you away.
I never did. I never will.I wish I could return to that winter. A winter colder than usual, and I still did not understand what drove my parents to send me away from home. My duty as the eldest brother is to take care of my younger siblings, but that day I understood there were other obligations as well.
"Your complaints won't make your father decide not to send you to Europe, do you understand?" —my mother said in that soft voice of hers, but her gaze said much more. I could sense her fear of me going into the unknown.— "It is an opportunity for the family and—"
"An honor and a privilege that allows us to maintain a high status and display our abilities," —I said with a sigh, reciting from memory the typical phrases my mother, father, and even grandfather repeated endlessly.—"Can you understand why I feel uneasy about leaving my younger brothers behind?"
"A mother takes care of her children. You only have to watch over them. What reason do you have to feel uneasy?"
"I have been with Kechizu since he was a baby because you refused to breastfeed him due to his skin condition. You also hate Esou's back and keep them hidden from everyone else."
"You will never understand, Choso. To see those oni come out of me..." Her hands clenched her silk kimono as the sweetness in her eyes turned into intense fury directed at me. "My insides twist just thinking that I carried those two beings for nine months."
"My brothers are just as human as Yuuji," I said, hurt and angry because the woman I called mother could never admit her mistakes. She always pointed at others. Never herself. "Kechizu shows interest in his writing lessons..." A gentle smile appeared on my face for a few seconds. "But his scaly, cracked skin is the only thing you see."
My head turned sharply when my mother slapped me.We looked at one another. As if we were two strangers, and perhaps we were. Because it was not until I met you that I discovered myself. At that moment, I simply left with the things my mother had prepared for my new profession: oranda tsuji.
My parents were happy knowing that the shogun had promoted me to that position.The work was boring; I went to the port of Dejima. I met Dutch merchants and translated what was being said. Transactions, inventory inspections, and requests for goods. That profession brought status to the family, but at the same time it took away freedom. Constant surveillance and countless details to keep in mind so that no one would think I sympathized with foreigners.
"Hey!"
I turned around, not knowing why he was calling me or whether it would get me into trouble; still, I turned. But I did not speak and only glanced at him from the corner of my eye. A rare moment without supervision.
"Yes?"
"Japanese boy, is that paint on your face?"
"On my face? Ah... No. It is not paint. They are birthmarks."
"Birthmarks?"— His laugh was rough, but I noticed a glimmer of admiration on his face. I never thought those marks my parents despised would be interesting to foreigners.
"Funny!" He shook his head. "Come, Japanese boy. Come." He motioned with his hand for me to approach.
"Come?" I stepped back. "No... I should not... No..." My eyes darted from side to side as I hunched slightly. "I'm coming."
I saw him leading me toward the ship. At that moment I only thought that perhaps there was heavy cargo he wanted help carrying aboard. But I was foolish to go down first, because that Dutchman pushed me, causing me to hit my head.
By the time I regained consciousness, everything was dark. Sometimes I could feel the movement of the ship when the sea storms were fierce. Every now and then I could catch a glimpse of light, on days when I assumed the weather was fair. On particularly lucky days, I could eat something or drink a little water that was not in very good condition.
Seven months? Nine months? I spent that entire time locked away, unable to escape. Out of fear. Fear of being attacked. Fear of never seeing my younger brothers again.
The first time I saw sunlight was when that Dutchman and several others dragged me out. That place was chaotic. People shouted and moved in every direction. I looked around, seeing countless ships and cargo constantly being transported. Various smells—tar, mud, and rotten fish—hit me all at once, making me dizzy.
"Quick!"
"The cage!"
"Take off his clothes!"
I could not react. I was weak from malnutrition and thirst after spending so long in that dark place. The foreigners organized themselves. Two brought a large, sturdy cage, while two others tore at my clothes. In their haste, they only managed to rip my garments apart.
"Come closer and take a look!" one of the foreigners shouted.
"A monster straight from Cipango itself!"
"Mom! Mom! Look, a monster!"
The boy tugged at his mother's skirt, and she, horrified by my marks, pulled her child away from me.People soon surrounded me. Frightened, I stepped back without knowing how to escape, but the blows, spit, and insults quickly followed. I covered my face, horrified by myself; for the first time, I understood my mother. My birthmarks are hideous.
"Stop!" —you exclaimed as you pushed your way through the crowd. "What are you doing? Putting a person in a cage just because they have something different about them? Just because they come from another place?"
Your voice was gentle. My frightened gaze met yours. Those eyes (eye color) They were the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my life. Your hand did not tremble when you snatched the padlock from that Dutchman's hand. You opened the cage. You gave me the freedom that had been stolen from me for so long in a matter of seconds. You saved me, you helped me... You were the first person to do that.
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Forever in Malaysia (No magic AU! Nanami Kento x Fem! Reader)
Chapter 5: «We Were Never a Mistake»
Y/N was sitting on the sand near the shoreline. Her loose dress clung to her body while Nanami sat beside her with an arm draped over her shoulders, holding her in a warm embrace.
The sunrise was slowly spreading across the sky, creating a beautiful contrast as the fading blue was gradually swallowed by shades of pink and orange.
The silence between them was comfortable. What mattered was simply the moment they shared together.
"I'm sorry."
Nanami was the first to break the silence.
Y/N looked at him, not fully understanding his words, while Nanami continued staring at the horizon.
"What are you sorry for?"
"Everything. All the pain I've caused you."
"It's okay."
"Sweetheart, it isn't."
He pulled her closer against him and sighed.
"Our marriage wasn't beautiful."
"It was."
She corrected him immediately.
"It was always beautiful."
"Y/N... Please. Let's be honest. Let's not cling to these idyllic weeks."
"Stop."
She stood up and moved away from him, but Kento wasn't about to let her leave so easily.
"No. Y/N, look at me."
"I'm going back to the hotel."
"Please, look at me..."
Y/N shook her head.
She walked away without looking back, wanting to force her husband to drop the subject so they could return to their happy vacation, where they spent their days sightseeing, tanning under the sun, eating at expensive restaurants he chose, and sleeping in each other's arms at the hotel.
"I'm tired... Nanami..."
I know you're exhausted. You've been fighting alone for a long time.
"That's not true. You were always by my side."
I'm hurting you.
"No. You're not."
She closed her eyes and sighed.
I am. Look at yourself. Alone and suffering.
"I don't want to talk about whatever it is you think we need to talk about."
Then what? Are you just going to go back to the hotel, drink, and go back to sleep?
He grabbed her wrist abruptly.
Will you cry forever?
"Nanami, stop."
It's hard for you to call me by my name. You despise me.
"No. I don't despise you. I don't."
Yes, Y/N. You do. You hate me because I left you alone. You hate me because I was seeing someone else. You hate me because I make you suffer, and I hate myself for hurting you so much.
"No..."
She clung to Nanami.
"I could never hate you."
"What happened is in the past, Kento. We don't have to look back. Only we matter. Only our present matters."
You refuse to see that there is no "us" anymore.
"Why are you saying this now? We were fine before... Why are you doing this to me?"
He called you. Why won't you answer him?
"No one called."
She held Nanami tightly.
"Nanami..."
Nanami's arms wrapped around her as Y/N finally broke down crying.
She trembled in that vulnerable state, and Kento could only try to comfort her and make her smile, even though he hadn't known how to do that for a long time.
"Let's go back to the hotel."
Nanami whispered, earning a nod from her.
Back at the hotel, Y/N went straight to bed, completely exhausted.
Soon, Nanami lay down beside her and caressed her cheek.
"Y/N..."
He spoke softly.
"Get some rest... Tomorrow will be a better day."
"Do you promise?"
"I promise. I'll make tomorrow better."
Nanami kissed her forehead.
Y/N closed her eyes.
At that moment, she was taken back to several months ago.
She arrived home exhausted. Hiromi had been more demanding than usual that day, and she understood why. When a case involved a company that had promoted harmful products through negligence, there was no room for mistakes.
The moment she stepped inside, she knew something was wrong.
Her wedding ring sat on top of the shoe cabinet.
In the space where her shoes should have been, there was another pair that didn't belong to her.
There were no clothes scattered around; Nanami would never be messy.
There was no dinner waiting for her.
But there were two dirty plates in the sink.
An open bottle of wine.
And two glasses.
One empty.
The other half full.
She didn't need to hear the muffled moans or the creaking bed.
The moment she walked into the house, Y/N already knew what was happening.
That didn't make it hurt any less.
Even if their marriage had grown cold because of work and how little time they spent together.
Being home that night was unbearable.
"Y/N?"
Hiromi said, clearly not expecting to find her sitting outside the law office entrance.
She didn't answer.
She was still crying silently.
Nanami had been her boyfriend since secondary school, and there had never been any betrayal before.
In her shock, the only place she could think of going was the office.
"Are you okay?"
Concerned, he approached, sat beside her, and rubbed her back.
Y/N turned and hugged Hiromi before breaking down into tears.
Hiromi tensed at first. Not being used to situations like this, he soon relaxed and hugged her back.
He didn't let go until she calmed down.
Then he offered her a handkerchief.
"Thank you."
"Now that you're calmer, what happened?"
"Nothing, Mr. Higuruma. I'm sorry. I didn't know where else to go and... this was the only place I could think of."
"I don't think someone as pretty as you cries here..."
He looked around.
"At her workplace, after five in the morning, over nothing."
"I..."
She hesitated.
"I don't want to go home."
She confessed, still in shock from the infidelity.
"My husband..."
She couldn't finish.
She started crying again.
Higuruma immediately let her cry against his chest and comforted her.
She didn't need to explain anything.
He could already imagine Y/N's pain.
He offered to let her stay at his house that night.
That night, Hiromi let her sleep in the bed while he stayed on the uncomfortable couch.
"Mr. Higuruma..."
She whispered softly as she gently tapped his shoulder.
"Is something wrong?"
"I can't sleep alone. Could you come lie in bed with me?"
He opened his eyes and remained silent for several seconds, debating with himself.
But in the end, he couldn't refuse.
Y/N, who always seemed so fierce in court, now looked vulnerable.
Even so, he left space between them and placed a pillow there as well.
Y/N faced away from him while he stared at the ceiling, his heart refusing to slow down.
"Mr. Higuruma."
"You can call me Hiromi. Are you uncomfortable?"
"No."
She paused.
"I feel more comfortable with you beside me."
Hiromi blushed, choked on his own saliva, and closed his eyes.
He opened his mouth, but he didn't know what to say.
He turned to look at her back.
Was it wrong?
Would he be taking advantage of her if he moved closer?
He didn't have time to think any further.
Y/N turned around.
They stared at each other.
Hiromi stopped thinking.
He simply leaned forward and kissed her.
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Your only option (No magic AU!Hiromi Higuruma x Fem! Reader)
Chapter 9: «First Case: Getting Closer»
⚠️ Content Warning / Reader Discretion Advised ⚠️
This story arc contains themes that some readers may find sensitive or distressing.
Throughout the "First Case" arc, topics such as transphobia, discrimination, prejudice, intolerance toward LGBTQ+ individuals, social exclusion, and hate-motivated attitudes are discussed and depicted as part of the narrative conflict.
These elements are included for storytelling purposes and to explore the experiences, challenges, and injustices faced by certain characters. The presence of discriminatory language, opinions, or actions within the story does not reflect the views of the author, nor is it intended to promote or justify prejudice of any kind.
This arc also features the relationship between Kinji Hakari and Kirara Hoshi, and explores themes related to identity, acceptance, and the impact of societal attitudes on personal relationships.
Readers are encouraged to approach these topics with discretion and sensitivity.
Thank you for reading.
Kinji was sitting in the chair at the end of the table, the one where Hiromi would normally sit. His legs were spread apart, and Kirara was sitting on his lap, hugging him. Hiromi watched as Y/N connected her laptop to the projector. The lawyer's gaze traveled over Y/N's figure; Kinji caught him doing it, as he knew perfectly well when a man was looking at a woman.
"You're very beautiful, Y/N."
"Thank you, I went to the hair salon today."
Hiromi narrowed his eyes, annoyed by the compliment, but then looked up at her.
"You went to get your hair done?"
"Mr. Higuruma, it was just a visit to keep it healthy, nothing expensive. I have money saved up."
He stood up and touched her hair, making her look at him. Higuruma noticed how full of life she was, and her hair impressed him a great deal. It wasn't as though he often came into contact with women who sparked his interest.
"Y/N…"
"Yes, Hiromi?"
"Save your money and don't be irresponsible." He scolded her as he stepped away. "Your hair can wait until I can pay you a decent salary. Yesterday I only gave you…" He shook his head. "We're working. Show us what you've been keeping secret."
"They've definitely started dating recently." Kirara whispered to Kinji while leaning against him, and they kissed passionately.
"Oh, God… Y/N, the evidence, or they'll turn my law office into a love hotel."
"It's ready!"
The defense lawyer turned around and looked at the screen where Y/N's investigation was being projected. His eyes widened in surprise.
"Here are photos of the three neighbors who convinced the neighborhood association to file the complaint against you."
"How did you do that?"
"I just stayed around the area for three days."
"You went back without me?"
"Was I supposed to tell you?"
"I'm your boss. It would be nice if you did. Besides, being out alone that late is dangerous." He looked at her, and his expression softened for a few seconds. "And this isn't what I meant by investigating."
"Well… you never said how I was supposed to do it."
"I really like your style, babe." Kinji smiled happily while Kirara nodded in approval.
"No. Don't listen to them." He moved closer to her and placed a hand on her waist; it wasn't necessary, but Hiromi had been holding himself back for a while. "If you do this and find good evidence, the association's lawyers could argue that it shouldn't be considered."
"Stop being such a bore." Kinji yawned afterward.
"I'll be careful, Hiromi." She pointed at the photos. "The man leading everything is Mr. Gakuganji."
"That old bastard." He took Kirara's cheek and made her look at him. "You don't deserve any kind of hatred, babe."
"Kin-chan…" She closed her eyes, and they melted into another passionate kiss that made Higuruma sigh while Y/N watched the couple with admiration.
"Love is so beautiful. It's a shame I'm single now."
"With how pretty you are, I'm sure you could get another boyfriend right away."
Hiromi froze completely before his stoic expression shifted into horror at the thought of Y/N meeting another man. Kirara's comment awakened both fear and guilt inside him.
"Don't listen to them." He waved a hand dismissively. "Having a partner while focusing on your professional future is a distraction. Trust me, I've never had a partner in my thirty-six years."
"Are you bragging about being a virgin or about being single?"
"Hakari, perhaps you should remember you're being sued and focus on the case."
"When is the trial?" Y/N's question caused the meeting room, which had been noisy despite only having four people in it, to fall into silence as everyone looked at one another.
"Very good question, and an essential one." He sat down near Y/N again and looked at her closely. "I completely forgot to ask for that information. You work with such insight that…"
"This lawyer is definitely falling in love, isn't he?" Kinji laughed and hugged Kirara. "The train of love stops at every station." He fell silent for a moment and then suddenly shouted in surprise, making Y/N jump, while Higuruma kept the same annoyed expression at his jokes. "I'm missing Pure Love Train!"
Kirara stood up, knowing how important it was to him. Confused, Hiromi looked to Y/N for information about what they were talking about.
"You watch that anime?! Hiromi, they're talking about Pure Love Train."
"I still don't know what that is. I don't watch anime."
"It's about a high school girl who travels by train and has to choose between several boys who are in love with her."
"I've never heard of it."
Hiromi quickly stood up and leaned out through the doorway before his clients left.
"Tell me the date."
"October 12th, in the morning."
"What?! That's tomorrow."
Defeated, he sat down again, knowing perfectly well that he would have to spend the night preparing an emergency defense.
"I hate irresponsible clients."
"Hiromi, I'll stay with you for as long as necessary to help." Her hand rested on his back and gently stroked it, comforting him. "I don't mind, and you don't have to pay me overtime."
He closed his eyes. His body relaxed, and Y/N's voice wrapped around him like a lullaby, becoming a balm for his exhaustion.
"You don't have to do that. You should get proper rest."
"I don't care. I want to help you."
"You already help me a lot. Overworking yourself is foolish. You're doing your job very well."
"Don't make me insist. I'm staying, and that's final."
"Y/N… if you were the protagonist of that anime…" He fell silent for a few seconds. "I mean the one we were talking about before… which boy would you choose?"
"Well… Gojo… my ex…" She sat beside him. "I still love him, or at least I think I do… It was two years."
Hiromi lifted his head in horror; he didn't want to hear any more about her ex-boyfriend. It irritated him.
"I understand your feelings, but he wouldn't be on that train, Y/N. On your train of love, there can't be anyone who hurt you that much."
Hiromi's large hand took hers and drew it closer to him as he looked at her with a silent plea.
"Who would you choose?"
"I don't know," she whispered while holding onto his hand. "What about you? Who would you choose if you were on that train of love?"
"I don't know either," he whispered back before closing his eyes and pulling Y/N a little closer so he could rest his forehead against her arm.
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Forever in Malaysia (No magic AU! Nanami Kento x Fem! Reader)
Chapter 1: «The Day It All Began»
Life would be much easier to enjoy if it weren't for such a monotonous routine where free time simply didn't exist.
Nanami woke up at five in the morning to exercise. Every morning, he ran fifteen kilometers before stopping to buy the same breakfast: two croissants and two black coffees with no sugar. Once he got home, he took a quick shower, put on a suit, checked that he had everything he needed, and hurried out the door to catch his train.
Y/N woke up later, at eight-thirty in the morning. She would find the takeaway coffee and croissant Nanami had brought back from his workout. Taking a sip of the bitter, cold coffee, she would set it down and get rid of the unpleasant taste with a bite of the croissant. The moment she noticed the time, she would rush to shower and get dressed before running to her car and driving to Hiromi's law firm.
Coming home was another story entirely.
Nanami always prepared dinner. Without a doubt, it was his favorite part of the day: cooking. He would put on some soft jazz music, look through the ingredients, and decide what to make. He poured himself two fingers of whiskey and enjoyed the process.More than anything, he enjoyed dinner itself, even if he had to eat alone.
By the time Y/N returned home, it was usually four in the morning, and Nanami was already asleep. Her dinner waited for her, cold and unappetizing. She would push it aside and go straight to bed, too exhausted to even change out of her clothes.
Every day was the same.The days blurred together into a homogenous cycle, each one indistinguishable from the last.
Until one day, Nanami stayed awake until four in the morning.
"I never realized you came home this late."His voice carried its usual seriousness as he sighed before standing up and helping her remove her coat, hanging it neatly on the rack.
"The cases have been difficult lately, and Hiromi needs more help. The entire team has been staying this late."
"This has to change. I can't keep living like this, Y/N."He ran a hand through his hair before helping her sit down, ever the gentleman."I need you. I miss you."He gently kissed her hand. First the back of it, then her palm, and finally the spot where he could feel her pulse.
"I miss you too. A lot."She whispered the words tenderly."I thought that after we got married, I'd eventually get tired of seeing you. But it feels like we don't even live together."
"I know. I know. Listen to me, sweetheart."He walked into the kitchen and returned with several papers in hand, placing them in front of her."What do you think?"
Y/N stared at them in surprise.Plane tickets to Malaysia.A long time ago, she had begged him for a romantic getaway. He had always refused. The destination itself didn't matter to her; all she had ever wanted was her husband.But now, she wasn't so sure anymore.
"Are you crazy? These say a month and a half in Malaysia. Nanami... I don't think Hiromi will let me take that much time off."
"You've worked hard for years and put in more overtime than anyone else. Explain the situation to him, and I'm sure he'll understand that his best employee needs a break."
"And your boss approved this?"
"Yes. He didn't complain at all. In fact, he was the one who suggested I take some vacation time."Nanami stepped closer and pressed a kiss to her neck."Just imagine it. The two of us in Malaysia, sitting in the shade on a beach, hiding from the scorching sun while we read and enjoy the breeze. Sleeping in every morning and making love whenever we want."
"That doesn't sound bad at all..."She turned toward him, and they shared a soft, tender kiss."I'll tell Hiromi tomorrow at the office."
That day was the only day in a long time that Y/N found herself still lying naked in bed well past ten in the morning.She slowly opened her eyes and stretched.Then she glanced toward the window and squinted against the sunlight. Pulling the sheet around herself, she reached out in search of Nanami.
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Your only option (No magic AU! Hiromi Higuruma x Fem! reader)
Chapter 1: «Monday, October 1st»
Y/N had never thought her life could fall apart so quickly. Then again, she had never imagined herself living a perfect, problem-free life either. She had been happy with the family she had chosen for herself—or at least she had been before this week.
On Monday, Y/N arrived at the office where she worked as a secretary. She hated that job, mostly because of her boss. Their relationship was simple: he hated her, and she hated him.
"Miss L/N, bring the agenda to my office."
His voice was serious and distant, carrying a hint of disdain.
"Right away, sir."
Y/N stood up, rolling her eyes. She glanced at her gold wristwatch to note the exact time she was being summoned. As she stepped into the office, she paused for a few seconds when she noticed a blonde woman sitting there.
"Hello."
Her voice came out tense before she took a seat.
"What's going on, boss?"
"Nothing. Nothing at all. I simply wanted to introduce you to Miss Russo."
A soft, deep chuckle escaped the fifty-year-old man.
"She's a very suitable candidate for an administrative position."
"Oh... that's nice..."
Her C/E eyes narrowed slightly.
"So you're telling me there's going to be a new addition to the company?"
"No, no. Miss L/N, I think it's time you started considering new opportunities elsewhere. What exactly are you still doing sitting in that chair with your cute little butt?"
"Excuse me?"
She slammed the agenda onto the desk.
"I don't think I'm fully understanding you... or maybe I'm reading perfectly between the lines. At this point, I'm not sure which option is better."
"Look, your work isn't exactly impressive. Everything takes you too long. You're not qualified for this position."
"So am I overqualified or underqualified? You just changed the entire direction of your argument."
"I'm not changing anything. I'm pointing out your flaws, but you never listen."
He spun his office chair toward Miss Russo, rolling his eyes and making the blonde laugh.
"Just say it... directly..." she growled, clenching her fists.
"What exactly should I say directly?"
"That you're having an affair with this woman and that's why you're firing me. Though I'm sure you'll tell me to resign instead, so you won't have to pay severance."
For the first time, Y/N's boss looked genuinely shocked.
He had never expected her to figure it out.
He cleared his throat, trying to recover from Y/N's bold accusation. She had always been quiet, always kept her head down, but today it seemed she had finally found her voice.
In the end, all Y/N could do was gather her belongings and leave.
There wasn't much else to do.
That company had been the worst job she'd ever had, but bills didn't pay themselves. Neither did the rent her landlord constantly demanded.
It felt strange being home at ten-thirty in the morning, not having to organize other people's schedules, arrange meetings, or send reminders about important events.
Y/N sat down on the couch and closed her eyes, letting out a long sigh.
Her phone became her saving grace when a notification appeared.
She smiled when she saw that her boyfriend, Gojo Satoru, had sent her a voice message.
"Y/N. Look. It's not me, it's you. I'm exhausted by this relationship, and I'd rather end things now than keep lying to you."
"Gojo, you idiot. You're supposed to say it the other way around."
"Right, right. Thanks for reminding me, Suguru."
A brief cough followed.
"Let's start over. Y/N, you're not the problem. I am. I feel like... you... no... like I've exhausted this relationship, and I'd rather end it than keep lying to you and hurt you even more. What we had was nice while it lasted, but now it's over. Bye."
Y/N froze, phone still in hand.
Today marked their second anniversary.
And he was breaking up with her.
Like this?
Through a voice message and a rehearsed speech he couldn't even be bothered to edit after messing it up.
Her C/E eyes filled with tears, but she didn't have time to cry.
The doorbell rang.
Y/N stood up and looked through the peephole.
Her landlord.
Immediately, she turned off the lights and remained silent.
"Y/N!"
He pounded on the door.
"I'm here about the overdue rent. I'm not letting it slide anymore."
The banging grew louder.
"I don't care whether you're home or not. I'm leaving this here. You have one week to pack your things and get out, or I'll call the police."
Once the landlord finally left, Y/N felt completely devastated.
She had worked herself to exhaustion at that company, but her salary had been a cruel joke. For months she'd struggled to keep up with rent payments.
Today was already awful.
All she wanted now was to see her best friend.
To avoid being spotted, she slipped out through the emergency staircase.
"DEADBEAT!"
the landlord shouted the moment he spotted her climbing down.
Y/N froze.
She immediately turned and hurried back upstairs as the landlord started climbing after her.
"So you've been pretending not to be home just to avoid paying rent?!"
"That's not it, sir."
She shut the living room window that overlooked the area below.
"I'm just... not having the best day, and honestly... you wouldn't understand."
"I'm coming up there!"
As he continued climbing the emergency stairs—old, neglected, and barely maintained—the structure suddenly gave way.
Part of the staircase broke off beneath him, leaving him stranded.
Y/N simply took the opportunity to leave.
Today was not a day for kindness or heroics.
Especially not for helping her landlord.
The same landlord who had spent years making her life miserable.
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Waiting for your love (Edo AU! Choso x Fem! reader)
Chapter 10: «The Fear That Comes When Goodbye Arrives. Part 2»
Standing before your oak door with its golden handle, I knocked softly and closed my eyes.
I knocked once more, unwilling to leave.
My persistence was enough for you to come out.
Your hair was slightly disheveled, your eyes red from crying, yet there was still a proud gleam in them.
"What is it?"
"Y/N, I am so angry that you are suffering this much."
I took your hand and kissed it three times with devotion.
However, you pulled it away with a grunt.
"I don't think you understand what my pain is, because you are not me."
"I empathize."
A cruel laugh escaped your lips.
The atmosphere became tense and distant between us once again.
"Yes, of course."
You rolled your eyes.
"We can conveniently forget that empathy is merely a way of invalidating someone else's emotions."
"No. I don't want to diminish anything about you."
I took both of your hands and looked at you seriously.
"Empathy means understanding another person's pain so that you can accompany them through it."
You laughed again and wounded me deeply by making me feel like a joke.
"When you put yourself in another person's shoes, what you're really doing is appropriating their feelings so that you can occupy a morally superior position."
You crossed your arms and leaned against the doorframe.
Your room was spacious and filled with books and loose pages scattered across the oak desk.
Your bed was far too large for you, yet the lilac silk sheets matched the curtains and windowsill beautifully.
"That's cynical and completely loses sight of the other person."
"Of course I lose sight of the other person."
You shrugged.
"Since the day I was born, men have viewed me as 'the other.' But I am my own being, and I constantly create myself. The other does not construct me as a woman. I become one through myself."
"Y/N, let's leave this subject alone. I'm only trying..."
My hands clenched into fists.
"I'm only trying to take care of you."
"I don't need it."
I watched you begin to close the door.
My body moved on its own.
I pushed the door open roughly and stared at you with a furrowed brow.
"I'm not asking whether you need it or not. I need it."
I grabbed your wrist firmly.
"To take care of you."
You did not resist, yet those arrogant eyes only angered me more and more.
"And what suddenly made you decide to take care of me now?"
"Boyfriends take care of their girlfriends and stay beside them through their pain."
My voice trembled.
"That is the role of a good boyfriend."
Your laughter returned, louder than before.
You doubled over with amusement, your cheeks flushed as you clutched your stomach.
"Stop laughing at me."
My grip on your wrist tightened.
"How can I not laugh?"
You slipped from my grasp with frustrating ease.
"Do you hear yourself? You just called yourself my boyfriend when we aren't even together."
"What?"
My eyes widened.
"Explain yourself, Y/N."
"The fact that we kissed or slept together does not mean we're a couple, nor does it mean I'm going to marry you."
This time you shoved me away.
"Kissing and making love was simply a form of physical comfort that we both needed and wanted at that moment. It wasn't a way of making anything official."
"But... only couples kiss and do those intimate things."
I covered my face as I struggled to process what you were saying.
"I don't believe in monogamy. It's something society imposes."
You sat on the bed and sighed.
"I remain free to be with whichever man I desire. That doesn't mean just anyone will do. You have the honor of being among the privileged few."
"Stop it, Y/N!"
I seized your arm tightly and shut my eyes as tears blurred my vision.
"We kissed and held each other tenderly all night."
I pulled you into a tight embrace while your hands tried to push me away.
"In the same way I've embraced Mr. Nanami many times."
Another sharp shove.
My chest tightened.
My head spun as though I had a fever.
My tears gathered, and my grip became painful as Naoya's words—words I had defended you against—echoed violently through my mind.
"No!"
The cry tore from my throat.
"It wasn't the same."
My voice broke into a whisper.
"It was special."
I looked at you desperately.
"It was a unique moment. Stop being stubborn just to hurt people. What do you gain from it?"
"I'm being honest, Choso."
A growl rose from deep within my chest.
I grabbed the collar of your dress in frustration and tore the fabric, exposing part of your chest before pressing desperate kisses against your neck.
"Stop... Choso..."
Your hand went to my hair and tugged gently.
"Please let me go."
Despite your pleas, I continued kissing your neck hungrily before moving upward, placing kisses along your jaw before pressing my lips against yours just as I had the night before.
I wanted to claim you as mine in my desperation.
"Stop, Choso..."
You spoke between kisses before biting my lip hard enough to draw blood.
With a pained sound, I pulled away and touched my mouth.
I saw your torn dress.
Your heaving chest.
The marks on your neck.
The tremble running through your body.
The shame in your eyes.
"I..."
I stammered.
"I'm sorry, Y/N."
I stared at the destruction I had caused because of that suffocating pressure inside me.
"I never wanted to hurt you. Believe me, Y/N. Please believe me."
The tension shattered when your hand struck my face with such force that my head turned to the side.
I endured the pain.
I deserved it.
I said nothing.
I only stared at the floor.
"Get out!"
You covered yourself and turned your back on me.
Had I spoken then, I would only have made things worse.
In the end, my behavior had been that of an animal rather than a gentleman.
I left your room and decided to go for a walk.
I did not care that I knew nothing of London.
I was afraid that if I stayed near you—or even in the same house—that animalistic behavior would return.
Aimlessly, I wandered through crowded streets filled with noisy people, hurried footsteps, and families spending time together.
A collision stopped me.
"Great. Now everything's on the ground!"
"I'm sorry."
I crouched down to gather the papers that had scattered across the street.
After organizing them as best I could, I stood and handed them back to their owner.
Seeing trousers, I had assumed it was a man.
But when I looked up and saw a tall woman with long blonde hair and brown eyes, I froze in surprise and nervousness.
Forever in Malaysia (No magic AU! Nanami Kento x Fem! Reader)
Chapter 4: «A Lover's Desperation»
Hiromi sat in his office with his hands on his head, completely desperate.
He picked up his phone and dialed Y/N's number for the twentieth time that day. It rang at first, then the line became busy before going to voicemail.
It didn't matter whether he called her work number or her private one; the same thing always happened.
He closed his eyes, thinking about what to do, but his mind drifted back to that day.
"Mr. Higuruma, can we talk in private?"
She asked in a soft voice.
"Fifteen minutes. Then I have to talk to Shimizu and see if I can get Mr. Nakamura's inheritance papers."
Y/N closed the office door behind her.
Hiromi sighed, relaxing, and looked at her affectionately before standing up and walking over to hug her.
"Is something wrong, sweetheart?"
"It's not that anything is wrong."
She whispered softly before noticing that Hiromi was about to kiss her, but she pulled away.
"Don't hide things from me, Y/N. You never turn down my kisses."
He caressed her cheek with his thumb.
"Do you want to get some sleep? Do you have a fever? Are you sad?"
Y/N hugged Hiromi tightly, and he quickly began stroking her head while comforting her.
"It's okay..."
"Hiromi... We can't keep doing this."
"With the case?"
He asked, confused, as he sat on the edge of his desk.
"No, no. The case is already won. Did you see the email I sent you?"
"The original draft you got from Mr. Nakamura's mistress?"
She nodded and took out her phone. Before looking at Hiromi, she put it away again.
"It's in the email, but I didn't want to talk about the case. I wanted to talk about us."
Hiromi nodded seriously and took her hands before pulling her closer and hugging her.
"What do you want to tell me?"
"I talked to Kento yesterday."
At that moment, Hiromi's heart began beating faster with the hope that a divorce was finally underway.
"And what did you talk about?"
"Kento and I are going to fix things. Yesterday we told each other everything. We spoke honestly and realized that we love each other."
She pulled away from Hiromi, but looked at him with sadness and regret.
The defense attorney stood up and placed his hands on her shoulders.
"I'm happy that you can be with the man you love."
He gave her a smile.
"Nanami is lucky to have you. It's enough to make anyone jealous."
"Hiromi..."
She said with tears in her eyes.
"Thank you. Thank you."
"Don't be silly. Don't cry. There's no need."
He carefully and gently wiped away her tears before looking at her closely.
"You've always been so kind..."
He whispered before hugging her.
"And I'm breaking your heart like this."
"Hey, hey... Don't say that."
He held her a little tighter.
"You're not breaking anything, not in any way. I knew you were married from the very beginning. I won't lie and say that I didn't think you'd tell me you were going to..."
He wasn't sure whether to continue speaking or leave it there, but he couldn't lie to Y/N.
"You thought I'd leave Kento?"
"Yes, but I know that's a foolish fantasy. I'm the other man, and Nanami is your husband."
He closed his eyes.
"I knew what I was risking, and I don't regret it at all, because you've been the best thing that's ever happened to me, sweetheart."
He kissed her forehead for a few seconds and closed his eyes.
"I love you."
"Hiromi..."
She hugged him once more.
"Come here. One more hug."
The defense attorney hugged her again, tighter and closer, because this would be the last loving embrace they would ever share.
"So how are you going to fix things?"
"Kento's boss gave him a month and a half of vacation."
"A month and a half?"
He asked in surprise.
"Y/N... I... I can give you a month and a half off as well, so..."
He paused.
"Enjoy it. The only condition is that you take it after this case is over."
He gently tapped her nose, making her laugh.
"Thank you, Hiromi. I know it may be inconvenient for you not to have me here from the beginning, but I really appreciate it."
That day, although he was hurting, Hiromi accepted that a married woman had chosen her husband.
But now things weren't as clear as they had been back then.
The attorney couldn't let go of Y/N.
Not when he knew she needed him right now.
Growing more desperate, he selected her contact and called again.
It rang.
Busy.
"Hello, I'm currently on vacation with Kento. Please leave a message after the beep, and I'll get back to you."
Voicemail.
Annoyed, he hung up and slammed the phone down onto his desk.
✨ Banner designed by @alebrasil0101 for this story ☺️.
🙅♀️ Please, if you're going to leave negative comments, don't just use two words. If you don't like it, just ignore it.
Forever in Malaysia (No magic AU! Nanami Kento x Fem! Reader)
Y/N and Nanami Kento are a happily married couple, but their hectic schedules and monotonous routine leave them with barely a moment to spend together.
Y/N finds herself longing for the early days of their relationship, when their love was passionate and all-consuming. As a surprise for their wedding anniversary, Nanami decides to fulfill one of Y/N's dreams: a vacation in Malaysia.
However, what begins as a peaceful getaway soon forces Y/N to confront a painful reality she refused to face in order to overcome her emotional struggles.
Can love alone keep a person tied to the world when they have lost everything?
⚠️ READER NOTICE ⚠️
This is a Reader Insert fanfiction. Y/N's physical appearance is intentionally left undescribed, allowing readers to imagine themselves however they wish. No specific features, body type, ethnicity, skin color, hair color, eye color, or other defining physical traits are assigned to the reader.
⚠️ Content Warning⚠️
This story contains sensitive themes that may be distressing to some readers, including:
• Grief and the process of accepting the death of a loved one.
• Denial and difficulty coping with a traumatic loss.
• Marital infidelity.
• A troubled marriage and the deterioration of a romantic relationship.
• Feelings of guilt, regret, and self-loathing.
• Depression, loneliness, and intense emotional suffering.
• References to the death of major characters.
• Psychological and emotionally distressing content.
Reader discretion is advised 👀.
While this story explores painful themes, it also focuses on healing, forgiveness, acceptance, and the ability to move forward after a devastating loss.
🎁 A huge thank you to @alebrasil0101 for creating the beautiful banners and cover art for this story.
✨ If you're interested in the fanfic, check the masterlist to find out when the episodes will be released.
✨ The Spanish version of the story is now available on Wattpad.
🙅♀️ Please, if you're going to leave negative comments, don't just use two words. If you don't like it, just ignore it.
