𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐓𝐨 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 || 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐢 𝐀

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝟑𝟒 : 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐎𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐬

The sun's fiery orb had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape. As the stars began to twinkle in the night sky, I made my way down to the riverbank, the soft grass beneath my feet a gentle caress. The sound of the river flowing gently in the distance created a soothing melody, one that seemed to match the rhythm of my heartbeat.

I walked along the riverbank, I spotted a familiar figure lying on the grass. Toji. My heart skipped a beat as I approached him, his eyes fixed on me with an unreadable expression.

"You're late," he said, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes.

I rolled my eyes good-naturedly and sat down beside him, feeling the cool night air envelop me. The stars above twinkled like diamonds scattered across the velvet expanse, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of wonder at the beauty of the night.

"What brings you back to the city?" I asked Toji, my curiosity getting the better of me.

Toji's gaze locked onto mine, his eyes burning with an intensity that made my heart flutter. "You," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I wanted to talk to you about something."

Before Toji could pose his question, I beat him to it. "Why have you been avoiding my calls and messages?" I asked, my voice tinged with a hint of frustration.

Toji's expression turned serious, his eyes clouding over with a mix of concern and caution. "You know what kind of work I do," he said, his voice low and measured. "Staying close to a civilian can be risky. I didn't want to put you in harm's way."

I scoffed, a surge of indignation rising within me. "Why didn't it bother you when I was living with you two years ago?" I asked, my voice laced with accusation.

He sat up, his movements fluid and deliberate, and looked me straight in the eye. "Are you that oblivious?" he asked, his voice tinged with incredulity. "Are you really that blind?"

I frowned, taken aback by Toji's words. "What do you mean?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Toji sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly as he released a deep breath. "Ever since I bumped into you in high school, I've done everything in my power to be close to you, to protect you," he said, his voice laced with emotion. "Why do you think I did that?"

I hesitated, my mind racing with possibilities. "Because...you're my friend?" I ventured, my voice uncertain.

Toji's response was immediate, a sarcastic chuckle that cut through the air like a knife. "You're an idiot," he said, his voice dripping with amusement, but also with a hint of sadness.

I asked Toji, my voice firm but laced with a hint of desperation. "Tell me why," I demanded, my eyes locked onto his, searching for answers.

Toji's gaze never wavered, he pointed out things, his words painting a picture of a past I thought I knew.

"Why did I protect you from bullies in high school?" he asked, his voice low and measured. "Why was I always there when you needed someone? Why is my living room filled with photos of you?"

Each question struck me like a blow, forcing me to confront the reality of our relationship. I had always thought of Toji as just a friend, a confidant, but his words revealed a depth of emotion I had never acknowledged.