Failing For You - Gojo x Reader

Chapter 31 (Toji's POV)

I let myself into Y/n's apartment a bit ago using the a duplicate key I had made. 

Somehow, she hasn't caught on to the fact that it should be impossible for me to show up like this when she's not home. I huff a laugh, knowing she probably won't notice it today either because she'll be anxious about me meeting with her precious Gojo.

The thought of him sobers me up instantly. 

I sigh, checking my watch. 

Shit, I've still got an half-hour to waste before Y/n gets home from class and probably even longer before I get to torture that white-haired freak a little. 

I pull myself up from the couch and walk heavily to the fridge, stretching my shoulders. I hit a PR in the gym today on bench but realized with bleak resignation that there is not a single person to brag about it to. Y/n would probably laugh at me. Almost died getting that last rep in and now I'm dealing with the lingering soreness for nothing. 

Damn, when did I become so cynical?

I pull open her fridge to survey some drink options. There's so little in there that I get mildly concerned for Y/n's financial situation. Not like I could really help her out though. With her fancy degree, she'll be fine soon enough. 

Fucking Gojo can pay for her shit. 

I scowl as I grab a seltzer water, remembering his nice clothes and watch. I still don't really have a plan for what I'm going to say to him. I didn't like him the first time I met him and still trust that initial judgement that he's the type to fuck around and play games. Rich boy with a superiority who thinks he can mess with my sister who...well...who has had it hard and who sometimes lacks judgement. She's been the victim to manipulation too many times. 

I smile a little. Confrontation is fun for me and I know it'll be a great night on my end as long as it doesn't end in a screaming match with Y/n. I wish I could just talk to Gojo alone, but I have the feeling that Y/n will linger around to monitor the situation. 

Just as I sink back onto the couch, I hear a knock at the door. Well, lots of knocks. Someone is slamming on that door like a crazy person. 

Setting my drink down on the coffee table, I pull myself up with a groan and walk to the door, scratching the back of my head. I don't even bother to check who it is, I just fling the door open.

My breath catches.

Elaine stands there, tears streaming down her face. 

"Oh...hey Toji," she cries, too upset to be self-conscious. "Um...is Y/n home?"

"What happened?" I ask, staring at the mascara trails on her cheeks as something dark and dangerous swirling inside of me. Anger. "What the fuck happened to you?"

"I--uh, well..." Elaine looks completely torn up, like even thinking about what happened to her is too hard. She struggles for a moment to try to find the words and then gives up, sobbing into her hands. She looks so small as she curls up on herself. 

I watch her with unease, feeling restless. Should I go to her? 

I want to tell myself that the sudden protectiveness that overwhelms me is the same that I feel for my sister...but I can't. It's not the same.

"Hey, hey, it's okay," I take a step forward, stopping short. What the hell am I doing?

"Oh God," she cries so pitifully that I start to become anxious. It's hard to look at her and I'm torn between looking away and staring at her, almost unable to stop. All of that sweet gentleness and innocence seems to radiate from her, mixing with whatever this terrible pain is. I'm drawn to it, drawn to her.