Ataraxia 平静 | Gojo Satoru

-'๑'-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟔-'๑'-

The setting sun painted the sky with hues of soft tangerine and lavender, casting long shadows through the open window. Its golden rays touched the clouds, turning them into strokes of fiery gold. The air held a peaceful stillness as daylight gracefully faded into dusk.

Sinking deeper into my hot bath, I released a soft moan, feeling the soothing embrace of the foamy water melting away the tension in my strained muscles. The heat worked its magic, calming the sting of a few scratches and bruises. With my head thrown back and eyes closed, I welcomed the tranquility.

Finally, some peace, I thought to myself. My mind drifted back to the hectic fight, a surge of anger at Gojo's audacity, his dumb grin etching itself into my memory.

"You did good today."

His words replayed in my head, stirring a conflicting feeling in my chest that made me cringe.

"Asshole," I muttered, dunking my head underwater.

Despite the day's chaos, a sense of contentment washed over me. It had been ages since I experienced such an engaging, thrilling battle. Connecting with so many people in one day—Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara. They seemed like good kids, each in their own way. They'd been nothing short of accepting and warm to me, despite the circumstances.  It felt refreshing to watch them, fight alongside them.

Emerging with a small gasp, I inhaled the steam's alluring essential oils, savoring a satisfied breath. My hands glided gently over my face and damp hair.

Shoko assured me Megumi would be good as new in a few days, though he had a still-healing wound that required five stitches when he finally made it to the infirmary. A miracle, she claimed, for him to endure so much damage and keep his composure. Worry twisted in my gut at the image of him on the bed, patched up, while the others already pestered him. Yet, pride also welled up— could sense his strength, bravado aside. All three of them were very powerful.

Yuji and Nobara got a few bandages here and there, but they didn't seem affected much. The image of the pink haired boy trying to force feed Megumi a slice of pizza, while also staining his fresh sheets with tomato sauce appeared in my mind. I chuckled, shaking my head to myself.

Whoever put those three together, must've been oblivious to their polarized personalities. Though I guess, if they were to be mentored by someone, Gojo Satoru wasn't the worst choice. He was the biggest, fattest question mark himself. And though he fooled around so much, I knew he had a bunch to teach that lot.

I frowned. He might've been a selfish, arrogant idiot, but he truly was the strongest. History showed he had a knack for shaping people, bettering them, even if it was through mere example alone. Megumi was living proof. He was only seventeen, yet his abilities were honed meticulously, his potential overcoming them.

I flicked the surface of the water idly as I brought my knees to my chest, still deep in my thoughts.

"You did good today."

Before I let myself spiral further, I rose from the bathtub hurriedly, shivering at the sudden chill in the air. Glancing at the open window, darkness had already enveloped the outside world.

I made my way to the foggy mirror, draping a loose shirt over myself before patting my long hair dry with a towel. After a brief skincare routine, I sprawled on the bed—a larger one than my old dorm's. I stared blankly at the ceiling for a good while, before a faint commotion outside caught my attention. Quickly throwing on pajama pants, I ventured barefoot to my door.

A surprised eyebrow arched as I observed Geto duck-walking with a stack of boxes, obstructing his view.

"Leave them at the entrance," Shoko's voice echoed down the hall. I peeked into the lobby, warm light spilling from an open door at the end. Geto sighed wearily.