𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚 | 𝐓𝐨𝐣𝐢 𝐅𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐨

- Chapter 30 -

Toji slowly opens his tired eyes, squinting slightly as he's greeted by a harsh ray of sunlight streaming through his window. A sharp pain shoots through his head, signaling the arrival of a splitting headache.

He groans in discomfort, lifting a hand to rub his temples in an attempt to relieve the throbbing. The aftermath of his drunken night is catching up to him.

As Toji's foggy mind slowly recalls the events of the previous night, pieces of memories come rushing back. The alcohol-fueled conversation with Helia replays in his mind, and he now realizes the depth of his confessions and apologies.

He can't help but feel a pang of embarrassment and frustration as he remembers the vulnerability he had displayed the night before.

The confession of his wrongdoings and the genuine apologies had been a rare breach in his usual tough and distant exterior, and he's not sure how to feel about it. Anger boils within him as he considers the fact that he had allowed himself to be so weak, especially in front of her.

Despite his anger at his own vulnerability, there's a part of him that inexplicably doesn't regret the apologies he uttered. The alcohol might have loosened his tongue, but the words he spoke held a sense of sincerity that he can't completely dismiss.

[...]

Helia is diligently going about her chores, cleaning up the aftermath of the party with the other maids. The room is a mess, filled with discarded glasses, empty bottles, and the remnants of the festivities.

The thoughts of Toji's apologies still linger in her mind as she continues with her work. A part of her wonders if his sudden vulnerability and confession mean that he will revert to his usual distant self, creating a distance between the two of them once more.

The idea that Toji might not remember his apologies and confessions because of his drunken state is a possibility that crosses her mind.

She knows that alcohol can have a strong influence on behavior and memory, causing people to say and do things they wouldn't normally. She shakes her head.

She wonders why she's even thinking about it. After all, Toji's apologies don't erase the things he's done. Yet, a small part of her can't help but feel a flicker of curiosity and intrigue.

[...]

Later in the morning, she approaches Toji's room, a feeling of nervousness washing over her. Knowing that she will see him makes her a bit anxious, especially since her last encounter with him after the party was quite...eventful.

Despite her reservations, she takes a deep breath and reminds herself that it's just part of her deal with him. She knocks on the door gently, waiting for his response.

After a moment, Toji's voice calls out from inside the room, his tone casual as always.

"Come in."

He looks up from whatever he's doing on his desk, his gaze locking with hers as she enters.

"Good morning, I'm here for the toilets." She says not really looking in his eyes.

Today, his usual nonchalant demeanor is back, no trace of the vulnerability and apology he displayed the night before.

"Oh, right. The toilets... Knock yourself out."

He gestures towards the bathrooms, returning his attention to the papers on his desk, seemingly unfazed by her presence.

But in reality, he was struggling not to look in her direction. Because he knew that if he did, a flood of emotions would probably drown his thoughts. So instead, he tries to stay focused on the papers on his desk, as she heads to the bathroom.