𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚 | 𝐓𝐨𝐣𝐢 𝐅𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐨

- Chapter 34 -

Toji's tired gaze meets Helias as she finally reaches him. "Toji?! Are you okay!?"

A weary smile tugs at the corners of his lips, and he lets out a soft sigh.

"Heh... I've seen better days."

Her eyes travel over his battered and bruised body, taking in the various cuts and injuries that mar his skin. The sight of his bleeding wounds and the purpling bruises fills her with concern and sympathy.

"We have to get those wounds cleaned up!"

He leans against the wall, his breathing ragged and labored. He shakes his head stubbornly, refusing her assistance, determined to maintain his pride and act tough even in his weakened state.

"No... I'm fine. Just let me catch my breath. I can take care of myself."

His words are filled with exhaustion yet tinged with a hint of defiance, as he tries to hide the extent of his pain and fatigue.

"No, you're not fine!" Helia grabs his arm and puts her arm around his waist to help him. Toji's initial resistance melts away. He reluctantly relents, letting her take on some of his burden.

His weakened body leans heavily on Helia, a testament to the extent of his exhaustion. He realizes that he can no longer maintain his facade of invincibility in her presence.

"Take me to my room."

He directs her to the place where he can find some solitude and rest, a place where he can tend to his injuries and gather his strength in private.

"Alright, hold on."

With each step, she supports Toji, his weakened form heavily leaning on her for support. The journey to his room is a slow and arduous one, filled with grunts of pain and the sound of labored breathing from Toji.

Despite his tired state, he clings to his pride, trying to hide the depths of his pain and fatigue. His gritted teeth and clenched fists give away his struggle, but he presses on, grateful for her help.

[...]

Finally, after the long and labored walk, they reach the door to his room. With her free hand, Helia manages to open the door, allowing access to the private space he calls his own. The door creaks open, revealing the dimly lit room that lies beyond.

As she helps Toji into his room, her mind swarms with questions. Seeing him in this condition is a new and unsettling experience for her.

She has never witnessed him so weakened, wounded, and exhausted, and she can't help but wonder what could have possibly happened to bring the indomitable Toji to such a state.

She carefully guides him to his bed, gently lowering him onto the soft surface. He lets out a soft sigh as his weary body makes contact with the mattress, grateful for the respite.

Leaning back against the pillows, he closes his eyes for a moment, taking the opportunity to catch his breath and find some momentary relief from the pain and exhaustion.

"Do you have anything to clean those wounds?" She asks hastily.

He opens his eyes and nods weakly, gesturing towards a small cabinet near the bed.

"There should be... some medical supplies in there." He mutters, his voice hoarse, pointing towards the cabinet.

As she moves towards the cabinet, she can feel Toji's weary eyes watching her. He remains lying on the bed, his breath still uneven and labored.

She opens the cabinet, revealing a small assortment of medical supplies - bandages, antiseptics, and various creams and ointments.

His exhausted gaze remains fixed on Helia as she searches through the medical supplies in the cabinet. His mind wanders, plagued by uncertainty and exhaustion.