𝙏𝙖𝙠𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚 | 𝐓𝐨𝐣𝐢 𝐅𝐮𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐮𝐫𝐨

- Chapter 40 -

A few days have passed since the training incident, and Toji's pain has subsided. Though the memory of the kick to his privates is still lingering but more as a source of occasional amusement than genuine discomfort.

He's currently making his way through the estate, searching for Helia. A slight frown of concentration crosses his face as he moves and looks around, a hint of determination in his gaze.

He notices a figure in a maid uniform bent down, the person's head hidden from view. A smile begins to form on his lips as he approaches, hoping that it's Helia. He takes a few steps closer, his pace casual but purposeful as he closes the distance between them.

As he gets closer to the maid, he almost expects to see Helia's face, but when the maid stands up, revealing their red hair, Toji's smile instantly fades.

Disappointment flickers across his face as he realizes it's not Helia, and a hint of annoyance flickers in his eyes.

He schools his features into a neutral expression, resuming the facade of indifference and disinterest that he typically wears around others.

The red-haired maid's face lights up upon seeing Toji, a wide smile spreading across her face as she speaks to him. Her tone is filled with excitement, and she seems genuinely happy to see him.

"Toji!"

He glances at the red-haired maid's exuberant greeting, his expression remaining cold and almost disgusted. Without giving her a second look, he turns around and begins walking away, clearly uninterested in engaging with her further.

The maid follows behind him, but Toji continues to walk away, his stride unfaltering, his expression distant and detached.

"Wait! I have something to tell you!" He doesn't acknowledge her pursuit, continuing on his way, his silence signaling his disregard for whatever she has to say.

The maid's voice rises as she raises her voice, desperate to get Toji's attention.

"It's about Helia!"

The mention of her name causes him to involuntarily slow his stride, his pace faltering just a bit, but his expression remains stoic and distant.

"What about her?" He responds, his tone short and clipped, his interest piqued despite his attempt to appear indifferent.

The maid takes note of his faltering steps and the flicker of interest in his expression, a sly smile spreading across her face as she realizes she has finally captured his attention.

"I'm a friend of Helia, and even if she didn't tell me anything, I know there is something going on between you two..."

His expression remains guarded, but there's a subtle flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"What the hell are you talking about?" He snaps, his voice laced with irritation and denial, trying to maintain his facade of indifference.

"But don't worry I won't tell anyone! It's just that, I think you should know something..."

She stops and takes the most innocent tone she can before continuing. "...Every night she goes into your father's office..."

His expression hardens, a mix of surprise and suspicion crossing his features. He responds with a dismissive scoff, refusing to believe the maid's words.

The notion of Helia sneaking into his father's office every night seems like a ridiculous fabrication, and he calls bullshit on her claim.

He turns away, his shoulders tensing in frustration, intending to walk away from the conversation.