Ataraxia 平静 | Gojo Satoru

-'๑'-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟔-'๑'-

The ride back to the inn was painfully quiet, the tension so thick that not even the sharpest blade in my arsenal could cut through it.

My mind raced, the chaos within so loud that I could barely register the world around me. The sounds of the night seemed to dim as we stepped out of the car and into the resort. I vaguely heard Gojo say something to the driver before he strode down the path ahead, shooting me a side-long glance.

His face was tense, every feature strained with a mix of emotions that I was sure mirrored my own. Yet, despite this, there was still something unreadable in his demeanor, something that made my gut churn with unease.

My body felt cold, and my mind was in shambles.

I followed him towards the ryokan's entrance, where a small, elderly lady appeared on the now-illuminated wooden porch. A warm smile graced her wrinkled complexion as she greeted us.

"Welcome to River's Heart," she bowed deeply, "I'm so relieved you could make it after all."

Returning her smile, I stepped closer into the light and bowed politely.

"Oh, no, no, dear, please, there's no need for all that formality," she waved her frail hands at me.

"Thank you so much for receiving us," I shook my head in wary disapproval, "we didn't expect such hospitality at the late hour."

She placed her hand on top of mine with a gentle touch only a mother would have. "My late husband would turn in his grave if he heard I failed to greet our guests properly!" she chuckled.

My heart warmed, and I gave her hand a careful squeeze. "We deeply appreciate it," I said, bowing my head again, nudging Gojo's ribs in silent request to do the same. He clicked his tongue at me but complied with a small bow.

"We appreciate it," he mumbled, forcing a smile, which caused the old lady's cheeks to flush.

"My, what a handsome husband you have, dear!" She fanned her fingers over her face, completely oblivious to my dumbstruck expression.

Oh.

"No, no—" I stumbled, laughing awkwardly at the ridiculous statement, "You've got it all wrong, we're not close like that." Gojo shot me an unimpressed look, though I could see the slight amusement playing on his lips.

"Ah!" the lady widened her eyes. "My apologies . . . I must say, though. . . this is unfortunate. I had assumed you two were lovers after the young master's call."

I blinked rapidly, mulling over her words. Young master?

Then I realized—Yuta. He had been the one to make the reservation.

"He mentioned a couple that was to spend the night. I even prepared the bath so that you two could—"

"That won't be necessary," I blurted out, feeling my cheeks burn.

Yuta, you dumbass.

Her shoulders slumped in unfeigned disappointment, and I felt a strong pang of guilt.

"Then I suppose I should make rearrangements to your room, since the bedroom was meant for a couple . . ." she trailed off, and I bit my cheek. "It might take a while, though—"

"That's alright," I found myself dismissing her worries, "it's way too late, and you've done so much for us already."

Despite not relishing the idea of sharing a bed with him, I wouldn't under any circumstance allow myself to bother her further. She looked so tiny and frail, like the wind could blow her away at any given moment.