Ataraxia 平静 | Gojo Satoru

-'๑'-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟕-'๑'-

I don't know for how long we walked. A buzzing silence had settled between us after leaving the building, and I trailed him blindly, too tangled in my own thoughts.

It was comical; my mind was roaring, yet no words wanted to spill. I wanted to speak, hit him with all the questions tangling in my head, but I found myself struggling to strike up a conversation. As if it was that big of a deal.

Just say anything, Yue.

I averted my gaze from the pavement to his broad back, watching as he moved with casual strides. Not once did he look back; not that he had to, but it only showed me how little interest he had in my presence or any conversation I wanted to have. I nibbled on my lower lip, now turned red from all the biting.

"I didn't know you lived right up in my face," my voice felt vulgar against the silence.

For the first time in what felt like hours, Gojo looked over his shoulder. He didn't seem startled at all, though I quickly realized his mind was elsewhere. He shifted his attention back, and I paced up to his side in an attempt to pressure him into speaking. He didn't seem fazed. A new silence blanketed over us, and I didn't hide my pout.

I knew I wasn't his company of choice, but blatantly ignoring someone was definitely rude, especially in this situation.

I looked up at him expectantly, the gears in my head turning. How can he be so indifferent? Does he just not care about anything that's going on around him? I debated tugging on his sleeve but decided it would feel too desperate. Instead, I spoke again, hiding my impatience.

"I never even heard anything coming from your door. I just assumed it was vacant."

I saw him smirk from the corner of my eye, and my heart jumped, simply for getting a reaction out of him.

"My room is soundproof," he said amused.

I narrowed my eyes at his allusion, but the satisfaction of getting him to talk outweighed my indignation.

"How'd you do it?" I asked casually, clasping my hands behind my back.

I focused my attention on the small, colorful pebbles on the ground, kicking at a bigger one as we walked. Gojo eyed me for a few seconds, as if debating whether to answer my question.

"It's something my Limitless allows me to do," he winked, "It can come in rather handy."

The snort that escaped me did not match my detached façade. "That's an amazing piece of information, thank you."

"You asked."

"I know," I sighed.

"Speaking of which," he paused, swaying the small stone away from me, "Ask away."

I glared at him while he continued to kick it ahead effortlessly. Another defeated sigh.

"Do you have trouble sleeping?" I chose my words carefully.

His eyebrows raised at my question. "I didn't think you would invite me for a chat to discuss my well-being, but to calm your deep concern, I do not."

It took a good amount of willpower not to groan at Gojo's usual condescending pokes. I combed a hand through my hair impatiently. "You are the one who invited me for a walk."

He brushed me off with a dismissive wave. "Figures."

"Why did you not rest last week?" I pressed, clicking my tongue.

"Why'd you think I didn't?"

"People talk," I shrugged, "Besides, the kids are complaining about you."