Between the Darkness and Light | Satoru Gojo x OC

- Chapter 17: Echoes of the Past -

I look at him, confused by his tone. Did I do something wrong? I can't imagine what it could be.

"O-okay..." I say, trying to hide the sudden nerves I feel. "What is it, Gojo?"

He leans back on his hands, his gaze still fixed on me behind his blindfold. "You still haven't told me much about yourself."

I shift uncomfortably under his intense gaze, "Well...there's not much to tell..."

Which isn't entirely true. I'm just not really willing to share a lot of details about myself.

"Come on," he says, sounding almost amused. "Don't sell yourself short."

He frowns suddenly, "Like, for example...why didn't you tell me your grandpa died?" He leans back even further, sprawling out on my bed.

His words make me freeze. I'm caught off guard, shocked that he'd bring that up so suddenly.

"H-how do...you know..." I trail off weakly.

He smirks, clearly amused by my reaction. "I have my ways. I always know what I need to know." He props himself up on an elbow, his gaze still fixed on me. "So... I'm a little interested in why you kept it a secret."

I take a shaky breath, trying to steady my nerves. I'm not used to this kind of direct questioning. The fact that it's Gojo makes it even worse.

"I...well, it's n-not like I kept it a secret...it just wasn't ever brought up," I say weakly. "And I didn't want to bother you with any more problems..." I feel hot tears welling up in my eyes. It's been a while since I've really talked about it.

Gojo snorts, "You call being left all alone in this world a minor problem?" Despite his harsh words, his voice is surprisingly gentle. "Your grandfather raised you since you were a baby. Then he dies, and you're left all alone. That's not a small problem, Kira. That's life-changing."

I let out a choked sob, "Just--" Tears stream down my face. "S-stop...Just stop it!" I beg weakly.

He regards me silently as I cry, my shoulders shaking. For a moment, I expect him to make a witty comment or a joke to lighten the mood.

Instead, he speaks up again, his voice gentle, "No one should have to go through something like that alone. Especially not someone your age."

He pauses for a moment as if mulling over his words before continuing. "We all lose people dear to us at one point or another. Sometimes too soon. But..." He sits up, his face now more serious than I've ever seen it before. "The important thing is you don't have to go through it alone. You have people here, you know." He says these words firmly, but there's a hint of vulnerability beneath his confident exterior.

It's almost like I'm looking at a completely different person. Gone is the carefree, playful attitude he always wears. In its place is a man of wisdom and understanding. Someone who has likely seen far more than his young face lets on.

His words hit me like a ton of bricks. And it only makes me cry harder.

I bury my face in my hands, unable to stop the torrent of tears. It's like a dam has broken inside of me, releasing all the pain I've been holding in since my grandfather's death.

Gojo is surprisingly quiet. He doesn't try to make jokes or tease me in this moment. Instead, he reaches out a gentle hand and places it on my shoulder. I feel his touch and it's warm and comforting. I turn and wrap my arms around his torso, burying my face into his chest, still sobbing heavily. He doesn't say anything as I cry into his chest. He just wraps his arms around me in a firm embrace, holding me close. He gently pats my back, his touch gentle and steady. I feel his hand rubbing soothing circles on my back.