𝐕𝐈𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍 | gojo s.

𝟓

As we sat in the quiet darkness, the sound of the door sliding open from the house broke the silence. I turned my head toward the sound, recognizing the soft, familiar steps of my mother approaching.

“Sakura? Are you out here?” her gentle voice called, with a hint of concern.

“Okasan,” I responded, feeling the warmth of her presence before she even reached us. Her steps grew closer, and I could tell she’d spotted us by the way her pace slowed.

“I thought I heard someone outside,” she said softly, her voice laced with motherly care as she drew near. I heard her kneel down beside me, the rustle of her clothes brushing the blanket. “Are you okay, darling?”

There it was — that quiet, constant worry in her tone. Since the accident, my mother had never stopped being my guardian, not just as my parent but as a vigilant protector. She had every reason to be, especially after what happened with Aiko and her minions — Hinata and Keiko — just a few days ago. Though I hadn’t asked for it, Gojo had taken it upon himself to shadow me ever since, insisting on being my unofficial bodyguard.

I nodded slightly. “I’m fine, Okasan. Gojo brought me outside… just to get some fresh air.”

I could feel her attention shift from me to Gojo, a silent exchange passing between them. My mother wasn’t one to let things slide easily, especially when it came to me. Her protective nature had only grown since I lost my sight. Though Gojo had earned her trust — more or less — she wasn’t someone who let her guard down.

“Gojo-kun,” she addressed him, a note of formal politeness in her tone. “I didn’t realize you were still here.”

“I thought Sakura could use some time outside, Mrs. Umeko,” Gojo said, the playful edge gone from his voice. It was rare to hear him so serious, but he had that tone whenever he spoke to my mother, perhaps out of respect. “Nothing too far, just right here.”

There was a pause, and I could sense my mother weighing her response. She had known Gojo for a while now, and despite her initial reservations, she knew he meant well — even if he was a little… much sometimes.

“I see,” she said after a moment, her voice softening. “Thank you for looking after her.” Then, more gently, she added, “But, Sakura, don’t stay out too long. It’s getting late, and you need your rest.”

I nodded again. “I’ll come in soon.”

She gave my hand a light squeeze, a silent gesture of her love and concern before standing back up. “I’ll be inside if you need me.”

“Goodnight, Okasan,” I whispered as she turned to head back inside.

Gojo and I remained silent for a moment, the sound of her footsteps fading as she retreated into the house. When she was finally gone, Gojo let out a soft breath, and I could sense him relaxing beside me again.

“Your Okasan’s sweet, but she’s definitely cautious when it comes to you,” he said with a slight chuckle. “I guess I can’t blame her after what happened the other day.”

I stiffened slightly at the mention of the bullying incident. Aiko and her minions, Hinata and Keiko, had always been cruel, but the last time was different. They had pushed me too far, their taunts cutting deeper than before. Even now, their words echoed in my mind — words I couldn’t forget. And as much as I hated to admit it, Gojo stepping in had been a relief.

“I didn’t need a bodyguard,” I muttered, trying to brush off the subject, though a part of me knew I wasn’t convincing anyone — not even myself.

“I know,” Gojo said lightly, “but you got one anyway.” His hand squeezed mine briefly, a silent reassurance. “Besides, I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. Not when I saw them treating you like that.”