Ataraxia 平静 | Gojo Satoru

-'๑'-𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟒-'๑'-

I felt disconnected from my body as my eyes traced the gray clouds above. The sound of the car and the gentle patter of rain were the only things tethering me to reality, my mind scattered and adrift.

Gojo never returned to bed after. . . what had happened the previous night, leaving me to twist and worry in his absence. I'd never second-guessed myself so deeply over an impulsive decision, but the creeping regret was hardly surprising.

What had I expected to happen? And how was I supposed to feel about it?

I knew it had been a reckless, stupid choice.

But then, why did it feel so right?

When we returned in the morning, Yaga allowed Yuji and me only a quick breakfast before dispatching us on an intervention mission—Nanami had requested assistance. We had scant information about the situation, only a vague mention of a force overwhelming a grade one sorcerer alone. Even if Yaga had provided more details, I doubted I would have paid enough attention.

It was wrong of me. Unprofessional and selfish—my job rarely allowed for carelessness or indifference, given the constant stakes of lives. Yet, here I was, consumed by my own little boy problems.

I had to snap out of it.

"Sensei," Yuji's voice broke through my train of thought as he leaned forward from the backseat, concern etched across his features. "Are you okay? You look troubled."

I blinked, turning to meet his gaze. "Ah, sorry, Yuji. . . I had a rough night's sleep, and I can't seem to shake it off," I offered him an apologetic smile.

He studied me intently, his expression serious, a departure from his usual demeanor. "I hope you know you can talk to me if something's bothering you, Sensei."

His words caught me off guard, and I felt a warmth spread in my chest. "I know that, thank you," I replied, my smile softening, "but for now, let's focus on the mission."

Yuji nodded, a grin finally spreading across his face. "I'm ready," he declared confidently, "it's been a while, but I'm ready."

His enthusiasm was infectious, and I felt a weight lift off my shoulders, if only momentarily. This boy truly was a ray of sunshine.

"We're here," Ijichi announced in his usual monotone voice, pulling the car to a stop at an empty curb. "Nanami-san is supposedly inside; if the situation escalates, don't hesitate to fall back or request further assistance."

Yuji and I exchanged a concerned glance before nodding and stepping out of the car. "Thank you, Ijichi-san," I acknowledged with a raised palm, "we'll keep you updated."

"Need me to raise a veil?" he offered.

I shook my head. "Doesn't seem necessary, but I'll handle it if the situation calls for it."

Ijichi gave a curt nod and revved the engine. "Be careful," he advised before driving off.

Taking a few cautious steps toward the eerie building, Yuji stayed close behind. It appeared to be a detention center for youth, now ominously empty.

Too empty.

"I'll go inside, see if there's any—"

"No," I cut off Yuji, his frown deepening in response. "We're not splitting up."

"You don't have to worry, Sensei, I can handle myself now. If Nanamin is in danger, it would be better to cover more ground. . ." he trailed off under my disapproving stare.

"My decision is final—"

The loud explosion shattered the air, and we instinctively dodged as concrete and rubble flew overhead. Nanami Kento emerged from a massive crack in the main building's wall, accompanied by a human-looking cursed spirit with a patchwork face.