Bound In Love's Curse [Gojo Satoru x Female Readers]

156 ~ Hundred And Fifty-Six

[T]he industrial zone was eerily silent, broken only by the distant hum of machinery. As Gojo materialized, his cursed energy rippled through the air, thick and unmistakable.

You hissed instinctively, your head snapping toward him, eyes hazy and out of focus. A trickle of blood dripped from your nose, your body trembling slightly as you sat cross-legged on the ground, clearly far past your limit.

His steps faltered at the sight of you—wrecked, disoriented, and brimming with raw cursed energy that danced around your form like a live wire.

Nanami stood further away, his usual calm expression betrayed by the concern in his gaze. He wasn't avoiding you out of indifference—he was giving you space, just as you had requested, trying not to aggravate your already fragile state.

Closing the distance, the plastic bags dangling from his hands seemed oddly misplaced in the heavy air. His gaze briefly flicked to Nanami before locking onto you, all focus and quiet intensity.

"Why didn't she call?" His tone remained steady, but concern wove through the question.

Nanami didn't look at him directly, but his reply came evenly. "Her phone was damaged during the accident with Yuki-san. She wouldn't have been able to, even if she wanted."

This cause the strongest sorcerer to pause mid-step, the information sinking in.

You hadn't told him? It felt like someone was rubbing salt in a wound he hadn't even realized existed. He exhaled softly, pushing aside the uneasy feeling that crept into his chest.

It wasn't the time for that.

"I'll get her a new one," he muttered under his breath, already running through ways to fix the problem. Until—

"No need." The blonde's voice was calm, his tone respectful but firm. "I've already given her a replacement."

For a brief moment, Gojo's expression shifted, but not in irritation—just the faintest glimmer of something deeper, something almost uncomfortable. He wasn't used to this, being on the outside, needing to catch up. But he pushed through, taking a few careful steps toward you.

"I can handle things from here." His voice was gentle, more of a request than an order, as if giving Nanami the choice to leave.

The blonde didn't argue. He simply produced a nod, staying at a distance while Gojo slowly approached.

Your gaze was already locked on him, but not with anger. No, it was something else entirely—a hunger, a need that simmered beneath the surface of your dazed expression. It made Gojo stop in his tracks, hesitating for the briefest of moments. He wasn't scared of you, not even close, but the intensity in your eyes made him question the situation.

What would happen if things went wrong? Could he even help you right now?

"Why call him, Nanami-san?" Your voice was soft, strained, but still held a flicker of defiance. "I said I was fine."

The blonde's sigh was quiet, but loaded. "I thought Gojo might be able to help in ways I couldn't." He responded, tone calm but warm.

Gojo's lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn't quite reach his eyes. He pulled his sunglasses off, rubbing the bridge of his nose. There was no irritation, no frustration—just a quiet understanding that Nanami had done what he thought was best.

Crouching down beside you, his voice softened even more. "Hey... You alright, sweetheart?" He kept his distance, though you could feel the weight of his presence, the concern etched into his features. "Think you can stand? Or..." He trailed off, the usual playfulness gone, replaced by genuine care. "Do you want me to carry you?"

Your eyes, still glazed, flicked up to meet his.

The tension between you, the raw energy, was palpable. You could feel his cursed energy pressing against you, a force so overwhelming that it sent another involuntary moan slipping past your lips.

The way his power wrapped around you was intoxicating, and despite yourself, you craved it, craved him. But you were also barely hanging on by a thread, your senses overloaded from the mission and your own overexertion.

You couldn't help the faint chuckle that escaped your lips, your voice shaky. "What, you're offering to be the knight in shining armor now, Satoru?"

His smile widened, a little more genuine this time. "Only if you let me. No slaps this time, okay?"

"I don't need you to carry me, Satoru."

He gave a small nod, not pressing the issue. "Got it. But I'm not letting you push yourself, either. We'll take it easy."

His cursed energy wrapped around you—not overbearing, but steady, like a calm tide. You could feel it, grounding you, and despite your exhaustion, you basked into it. His eyes held an unspoken worry, and even though your body felt like it was barely holding together, you trusted him. More than you cared to admit.

Headlights cut through the dim surroundings, almost blinding, and instinctively you flinched, raising a hand to shield yourself. Gojo was in front of you in an instant, placing himself between you and the approaching car.