Strictly Professional (gojo x reader)

Chapter 39

Summary:

When you decided to take some space from Satoru, you expected to be more productive, for your stress to be slightly less. The one thing that you didn't expect for some reason, was to absolutely hate every second of it.

Author's Note:

Hello guys, back again with this chapter. I would say that this chapter really begins the turn of events that we've all been waiting for, so I hope you like it! Also, the songs may look really deceiving but I promise we are almost out of the angsty woods.

Recommended Songs:
Alewife by Clairo
Strange by Celeste

****************************************

For the past few weeks, you've buried yourself in your work, trying to get back to how you operated in the office before Gojo. It was odd passing by his office or him in the hallways and not having him say a word to you, and it drove you insane sometimes.

You didn't realize how much his notes affected your mood until your heart sank when they no longer sat on your desk every morning. You didn't realize how you looked forward to lunch hour, hoping to banter with the tall, white-haired man. You did like him bothering you— no you loved it. Whether you were on good terms with him or not.

Maki had been right from the very beginning. He made work so much more enjoyable for you, and without him, the office became dreary, the lights and color of the walls more muted and grayscale. Maybe you were more efficient at getting work done, working ahead, but you didn't care anymore.

You fiddled with the glass jar in your hands full of the crumpled notes. I know he said to choose him, but I can't. He doesn't feel the same way I do, and it's too scary. Imagine how humiliating it would be to confess and for him to just—I don't know. I just know that if the response wasn't reciprocal, it would shatter me beyond what I could imagine. So this is what I'll do. I know I can't feel numb for him, but I don't have to choose him. I'll just wait it out until the feelings fade. That's what will work. Pretend until it's my reality. Fake it till you make it.

"You and I are going drinking, [Y/n]," Shoko announced, walking into your office and sitting on your couch. "This Thursday." You opened your mouth to decline, but Shoko cuts in, saying, "Before you use your bullshit excuse of work, I know you've been working ahead, and it's also my birthday. So you can't say no."

Right, it's the first week of November. Christmas is so far away. Shit, time is running so slow. You pouted, placing the jar down and crossing your arms, knowing that she got you. "Plus," she added, "We can talk about what's going on with you and Gojo."

You shook your head vehemently, "No. No, Shoko. There's nothing to talk about anyway. We don't talk. And that's how it should be."

Shoko rolled her eyes as you stood, plopping down in the armchair adjacent to the couch. "You've been lying to yourself for how many months, [Y/n]? It's been about five months, and you haven't given him a chance to explain."

You shrugged, "And why should I? I can't trust him, Shoko."

Shoko groans, tilting her head back. They're both so stubborn and clueless at the same time . She mumbles, "I need a drink right now."

You chuckled, saying, "Sorry, I don't have a stash in my office."

Shoko shakes her head, her face full of disappointment. "You can't call a room a bathroom without a toilet, and it's the same for an office and alcohol."

Laying your head on the armrest, you mutter, "Mhm, yeah sure, Shoko. Buy me some then."

She smiles, "I have great recommendations for you."