In another life ( Iso x reader )

10

''You okay?'' He asked you softly, immediately taking his hand off you. ''Y-yeah- just uh-... Well-...'' You didn't even know what to say- you were flustered and disoriented at this point. ''...Does it embarrass you that I'm still here?'' Iso asked carefully- trying to understand what was making you so nervous. ''Yes? No? I don't know- I just-... I'm just confused- on everything.'' You mumbled out, and Iso let out a small hum.

He laid back down in the bed, deciding to pull you back against him, even if you were tense. He kept his hands in the clear, not roaming, just staying around your waist. You were tense, but mostly due to your thoughts buzzing, rushing as you just tried to understand and make sense of the situation. He gently rubbed your side, just holding you as you tried to work through one thought at a time, giving you a moment.

It was several minutes later he broke the silence, his hand on your waist still slowly rubbing up and down your side, trying to provide comfort. ''You need help sorting your thoughts?'' Iso asked gently, trying to provide some support for you. ''I... well...'' You paused a moment, trying to think on how you'd ask your question, reformulating it multiple times in your head. ''Why did you come over last night?'' You asked- even if the answer seemed obvious.

''Because I like you. And I was drunk. And I might have momentarily forgotten that text was a dare- not an exact invitation until the moment I was in your room.'' Iso said in the same gentle tone, genuine as he spoke. He continued to rub your side, letting you process his words.

''Wait- You like me-?'' You asked, turning to look at Iso- he readjusted his hand on your waist, now just lazily resting his arm around you. ''Well... Like sounds tame. But I do have feelings for you, yes.'' Iso said, making eye contact with you as he spoke. ''But-... You literally ignored me up until not long ago-'' You muttered out, still trying to make sense of his confession.

''Because you are my Duo. I didn't want to allow myself that idea- because I felt like I'd get reckless if I fed into that narrative.'' Iso said, letting out a small breath. ''And it was easier to ignore you than try to ignore the feeling. That's why I am so sorry I continuously ignored you.'' He said, his grip around your waist tightening slightly.

''But... Then why were you always with Sage?'' You asked, confusion etched on your face. You couldn't understand why he'd go to her so often when ignoring you- even though she was a very friendly person, you were starting to wonder if he didn't do it to try to fall for her instead.

''She was just very friendly- I opened up to her first and talked to her a lot. She knew I liked you... And that day at the park she was pissed after hearing I wasn't talking to you much. I think even my own mother hasn't scolded me as much as she did-'' He said, a bit sheepishly , but also honestly.

'' Sage had told me you had requested to have me as your duo.'' You added on, your words feeling less and less strained as you worked through your barrage of thoughts one at a time. ''That's true.'' Iso said, nodding slightly at your words. ''Yeah... She said she would have separated us if you didn't start making up for your lack of 'effort'.'' You added on, looking at Iso. You saw his face drop a bit, slight panic appearing.

''What-'' ''Don't worry, it's not going to happen- not now. But she was ready to do it - she wasn't too happy that day.'' You said, a small smile starting to form on your face. He let out a small sigh, sinking back into the bed. ''I understand. Sage just wants what's best for everyone.'' Iso said, relaxing a bit, keeping his arm around you.

There was a small silence once more- you only had one question left, but you weren't to sure if you wanted to ask it. You let yourself fall back down comfortably in the bed, enjoying the warmth provided by Iso. ''Oh.. Also, you can just call me by my name instead of my code name-'' Iso added in a bit awkwardly- shifting in bed a bit. You had a small moment of silence, then let out a small hum. ''Um... question. Is your first name Li or Yu...?'' You asked a bit awkwardly- you knew that Chinese names didn't have the same 'order' as the typical American ones, but you felt a bit stupid asking.