Over the past 2 days, Helia finds herself plagued with thoughts about her conversation with Toji. Regret and frustration consume her mind as she replays the scene in her head.

Her self-blame intensifies as she reprimands herself for asking about Toji's childhood. The more she dwells on it, the more it becomes clear to her that expecting him to open about something so personal and painful was unreasonable.

She can't help but feel ashamed for even broaching the topic in the first place.

But she realizes that a part of her had secretly hoped Toji would open and trust her enough to share his past.

However, the reality of the situation sets in, and she acknowledges that it's not his fault for shutting down; it's her fault for even asking in the first place. This small flicker of disappointment only adds to the weight of her regret and guilt.

Her conviction regarding Toji's childhood further solidifies as she remembers his reaction when she asked about it.

The way he bristled and shut down, spoke volumes about the reality of his past. There's no doubt in her mind now that his father must have inflicted some form of abuse or mistreatment upon him, given the profound effect just mentioning his childhood had on him.

Her heart aches for Toji, but simultaneously, she feels a sense of helplessness. She's reminded by the fact that they're not very close friends, and that there's a significant gap between the two of them in terms of trust and connection.

She thinks back on the days following her questions about his past. She's somewhat surprised to recall that Toji's behavior towards her remained generally civil and devoid of his usual rudeness.

Despite his obvious shut-down and emotional withdrawal, he didn't lash out at her or treat her badly. She had expected him to be a jerk to her after her curious questioning.

She thinks about Toji's enigmatic dark eyes, and she concludes that trying to figure out what's going on behind them is a fruitless attempt.

The intensity and inscrutability of his gaze seem to transport a depth of emotion and complexity that is nearly impossible to decipher.

She lets out a heavy sigh, attempting to shift her thoughts away from Toji as she enters the library to clean. However, the weariness sets in as she finds herself constantly replaying the events of the past few days in her mind.

The constant thinking about him has left Helia feeling exhausted and weary. The act of cleaning the library becomes a mindless routine, her body going through the motions while her thoughts continue to swirl around the enigma that is Toji.

As she makes her way to the back of the library, her attention is suddenly drawn to a familiar voice - Anna's voice. A sense of curiosity mixes with a hint of apprehension within her, wondering why she's here and what business she has in the library.

She slowly makes her way towards the source of Anna's voice, intrigued by the possibility of engaging in conversation with her. As Helia draws closer, she can hear Anna speaking with someone, though the words are still indistinct.

Helia's steps halt abruptly as she finally glimpses the person Anna is engaged in conversation with -

Gojo.

She feels a mix of surprise and curiosity, wondering what Gojo and Anna could possibly be discussing together in the library.

Helia catches a glimpse of Anna's smiling face, a radiant happiness radiating from her expression.

Helia's surprise escalates to an even greater level as she witnesses Gojo lean in and kiss Anna right before her eyes. The unexpected act of intimacy between them leaves Helia shocked.

She decides to look away from the intimate scene unfolding between Anna and Gojo. She recognizes that it's not her place to intrude on their moment, and she turns her gaze away, allowing them the privacy they clearly seek.

Helia silently walks towards the exit of the library. As she walks away, she now understands why Anna looked so happy recently.

It becomes clear that her cheerful demeanor is likely an outcome of her growing closeness with Gojo, a relationship she would have never suspected.

A genuine sense of happiness for Anna fills her heart. Helia trusts Anna to share the details about her budding relationship with Gojo when she feels comfortable, understanding that timing and discretion play a significant role in such matters.

Helia's recent encounter with Toji has taught her the importance of understanding and respecting boundaries. She has come to recognize that forcing someone to share their thoughts and feelings is unproductive and potentially harmful.

As a result, she has learned that allowing people to talk to her when they're ready and willing, is usually the better approach.

Helia exits the library, when she catches sight of an elder who was about to enter. She interrupts him.

"Excuse me sir, the library is closed for a few hours, there is a water problem inside."

The elder listens his demeanor calm and understanding. He gives a reassuring nod.

"Ah, I see. Water problems, you say? No worries, I understand. I'll make sure to come back later when the library is open again. Thank you for informing me."

She bows. "No problem, we apologize for the trouble sir."

The elder responds with a gracious smile and a slight bow in return.

"There's no need to apologize, young one. These things happen. I appreciate your explanation and your respectful manner."

With that, the elder turns and walks away, his demeanor courteous and accepting of the situation.

Helia releases a small sigh of relief, thankful that the elder bought her lie about the water problem. She was glad that she was able to stop him from seeing Anna and Gojo together.

As she walks away from the library, a content smile graces her face as she thinks about Anna's new relationship and the happiness it brings her.

However, inevitably, her thoughts slowly shift back to Toji, as his presence persists in the back of her mind, unable to be fully dismissed and forgotten.

[...]

Night has fallen, and Helia has just completed her nightly report to Naobito. Exhaustion weighs on her shoulders as she approaches the end of another day.

Within her, a decision has taken root: she has chosen to omit certain details about Toji when reporting to Naobito.

She's almost certain that Naobito wasn't a good father to Toji and that in consequence, Toji's childhood was likely marked by neglect and coldness instead of love and nurturing.

Consequently, she finds herself holding back on the information she relays to Naobito, carefully choosing what to share and what to keep to herself.

[...]

She walks slowly in the corridors, the darkness of the night surrounding her. As she walks, her footsteps echo softly in the silence.

She turns the corner, and her eyes fall upon a silhouetted figure at the end of the corridor. The dim light makes it difficult to discern their identity or features.

Taking tentative steps forward, she approaches the moving silhouette. The figure seems to be moving slowly, adding to the air of mystery surrounding them.

Her eyes go wide as she realizes the silhouette belongs to Toji. However, her surprise turns to shock when she sees the state he's in.

His appearance reveals the signs of a fight or a beating, his ragged clothing and weary stance speaking volumes about the ordeal he's just been through.

Helia quickly approaches him.

"Toji?!"

[...]

Her voice filled with concern, and he turns his gaze to her. His eyes are weary, and a tired smile plays on his lips.

"Hey... didn't expect to see you here..." He says in a hoarse voice.

His expression momentarily betrays a hint of vulnerability and shame. He desires to appear strong in her eyes.

He didn't want her to witness him in such a weakened and weary state, hoping to maintain his usual facade of unflinching strength and resilience.

As Helia quickly draws closer, his weary eyes take in her appearance. In the depths of his exhaustion, he finds himself contemplating her beauty.

He silently ponders if she has always been this stunning, or if his drained state has intensified his perception of her attractiveness.

In that moment, he sees her as an angel who has descended to save him from the hell he's trapped in.

Her presence becomes a lifeline in the darkness, bringing a sense of hope and relief to his exhausted soul.

•=•=•=•=•=•=•=•

Exciting chapters ahead!

How was this one?

Sarah ☆