𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚 | 𝐓𝐨𝐣𝐢 𝐅𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐨

- Chapter 33 -

Over the past 2 days, Helia finds herself plagued with thoughts about her conversation with Toji. Regret and frustration consume her mind as she replays the scene in her head.

Her self-blame intensifies as she reprimands herself for asking about Toji's childhood. The more she dwells on it, the more it becomes clear to her that expecting him to open about something so personal and painful was unreasonable.

She can't help but feel ashamed for even broaching the topic in the first place.

But she realizes that a part of her had secretly hoped Toji would open and trust her enough to share his past.

However, the reality of the situation sets in, and she acknowledges that it's not his fault for shutting down; it's her fault for even asking in the first place. This small flicker of disappointment only adds to the weight of her regret and guilt.

Her conviction regarding Toji's childhood further solidifies as she remembers his reaction when she asked about it.

The way he bristled and shut down, spoke volumes about the reality of his past. There's no doubt in her mind now that his father must have inflicted some form of abuse or mistreatment upon him, given the profound effect just mentioning his childhood had on him.

Her heart aches for Toji, but simultaneously, she feels a sense of helplessness. She's reminded by the fact that they're not very close friends, and that there's a significant gap between the two of them in terms of trust and connection.

She thinks back on the days following her questions about his past. She's somewhat surprised to recall that Toji's behavior towards her remained generally civil and devoid of his usual rudeness.

Despite his obvious shut-down and emotional withdrawal, he didn't lash out at her or treat her badly. She had expected him to be a jerk to her after her curious questioning.

She thinks about Toji's enigmatic dark eyes, and she concludes that trying to figure out what's going on behind them is a fruitless attempt.

The intensity and inscrutability of his gaze seem to transport a depth of emotion and complexity that is nearly impossible to decipher.

She lets out a heavy sigh, attempting to shift her thoughts away from Toji as she enters the library to clean. However, the weariness sets in as she finds herself constantly replaying the events of the past few days in her mind.

The constant thinking about him has left Helia feeling exhausted and weary. The act of cleaning the library becomes a mindless routine, her body going through the motions while her thoughts continue to swirl around the enigma that is Toji.

As she makes her way to the back of the library, her attention is suddenly drawn to a familiar voice - Anna's voice. A sense of curiosity mixes with a hint of apprehension within her, wondering why she's here and what business she has in the library.

She slowly makes her way towards the source of Anna's voice, intrigued by the possibility of engaging in conversation with her. As Helia draws closer, she can hear Anna speaking with someone, though the words are still indistinct.

Helia's steps halt abruptly as she finally glimpses the person Anna is engaged in conversation with -

Gojo.

She feels a mix of surprise and curiosity, wondering what Gojo and Anna could possibly be discussing together in the library.

Helia catches a glimpse of Anna's smiling face, a radiant happiness radiating from her expression.

Helia's surprise escalates to an even greater level as she witnesses Gojo lean in and kiss Anna right before her eyes. The unexpected act of intimacy between them leaves Helia shocked.