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Nao’s entire life was practically controlled by his mother. The only aspect of his life that she hadn’t medelled with was his lies.
They were his only escape from absolute hell. He never meant for his lies to harm anyone, especially a little girl.
His teammates had all understood and forgiven him once he had explained himself, but he still felt an intensive guilt. He traumatized An by locking her in the infirmary just so a tennis match could be canceled. His actions disgusted him. Why would he try to lie about that.
Everytime he replayed that memory in his head he felt so terrible. The full extent of what he’s done hit him as soon as he snapped out of his daze. But the initial feelings hit him over and over and over .
His discomfort must have showed on his face because he suddenly felt Taiyo’s hand on his shoulder.
“Nao are you okay?”
The words slowly processed in his mind as Nao properly took in his surroundings, “I’m fine!”
The lie slipped out of his mouth easily but Taiyo’s expression immediately alerted Nao that he knew the truth.
His hands were suddenly enveloped with Taiyo’s, “We forgave you for that Nao, don’t think about it as much as you used to”
“You should be upset with me, I don’t understand why you guys aren’t” Nao deflected Taiyo’s hand but Taiyo persisted.
”What you did was wrong but you weren’t there mentally Nao” Taiyo’s eyes were full of understanding but Nao’s had uncertainties in the corners of his own.
“That’s not an excuse Taiyo… I should have been in more control instead of letting my mother get to me”
Tears filled Nao’s eyes as Taiyo suddenly pulled Nao into a hug. He allowed himself to sink into the touch despite feeling undeserving of it.
“It’s okay Nao, seriously, we love you anyways. Especially me, I’ll always be here for you!”
“Even with my lies?”
”Even with your lies”
And with those words Nao finally began to feelokay again.