𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡...?
❝ 𝗐𝖾 𝗌𝗍𝖺𝗋𝗍 𝖿𝗋𝗈𝗆 𝗍𝗁𝖾 𝖻𝗈𝗍𝗍𝗈𝗆. 𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻. ❞
MORNING
You and him didn't talk much the night before, after you headed into the school for the first time in forever, you ended up at his house after your excuses piled up.
His face was different. He looked more masculine and mature, he had grown during the years you left him. That's what hurt you the most, you never grew with him.
You knew the days ahead would be rough but it had to be started. You laid awake in Gojo's sheets. You decided to leave, in that moment yet you didn't have the strength to confront the man, not yet.
The bed felt too warm for your own comfort. Every muscle in your body wanted to stay for a few minutes but you couldn't allow it. You let out a sigh and touch the cold floor beneath you.
The harsh air greeted you. Your breath became more ragged as you struggled to pile your clothes on you. You slipped into your winter clothes before silently walking out the bedroom door.
Unbeknownst to you, Gojo opened his eyes and sat up while rubbing them.
He was awake the whole time, he just didn't have the heart to speak up.
| LATER
Your heels clicked on the ground, your journey leading to the red shrines of the school. You appeared fairly early so you wouldn't attract much attention from the students
Whilst you visited your old high school again you couldn't help but admire the scenery that withered under the white sky
The stairs were the same as you remembered, long and tiring. You chuckled at the memories that flooded your mind.
" fuck." You hear a low curse. Your eyes darted across the place, you spotted a brown haired girl picking up something.
You observed the way they stood back up again, they seemed way too familiar to you.
' Shoko..?' Your mind wandered
After so many years. Did she resent you? Did she hate you for leaving her alone? Your breath became heavy as you approached her silently
" need a cigarette?" You jokingly let out a tease. " no I quit long ago..." you hear Shoko's voice trail off as her eyes register who you are.
Her voice seemed more mature. And her eyes were heavier.
" [y/n]?!?" Shoko straightens up in utter disbelief. With her face in view you could see the tear marks that were imprinted on her cheek.
Had she been crying? What happened?
" glad to hear that" you could only reply with a sorrowful look
There's a glint of happiness in Shoko's eyes but they turn weary rather quickly. Shoko swallowed intensely before hitting your arm. " ow" you act out, massaging your arm
" where were you all these years!?! You didn't call or text at all" Shoko scolded like a mother.
" I'm sorry. There were a lot of things happening." You tried to excuse the years. " what type of excuse is that...you should've called at least. At least once!" Shoko's tone seemed to lower down
" I'm sorry, it's entirely my fault" you honestly speak. Shoko relaxes at those words and continues to look at the view behind you
" so...what brings you here?" Shoko switched the topic after a glimpse of hope resides in her chest.
" I missed everyone here.." you took a deep breath in. " everyone huh...a lot has changed" Shoko looked around
In the corner of your vision you noticed how she nervously peeled the excess skin off her nails. " everyone...where's everyone" you tilted your head
" some moved schools and some..." Shoko's voice only got quieter. It was as if she couldn't tell you that your dear friend had recently pasted away not to long ago.
" it's complicated" Shoko pushed back her hair. " I see." You didn't question it any further. Now that you were looking at her, her hair was really long...she had changed so much
There was seconds of silence after that. It was ironic because you had so many questions to ask her yet you just couldn't ask her. It was like the bond you had before had broken
" have you met Satoru" Shoko appeared to look you up and down. " Satoru, I have." You honestly confess
" i can tell" Shoko softly chuckled, adjusting her collar to signal a message to you. You felt your cheeks turn red, prompting you to adjust your turtle neck.
" got busy right away." Shoko obnoxiously replied—
" okay you didn't have to say it that way" you felt embarrassed. " I knew you two wouldn't last...considering what happened" Shoko crossed her arms
" is it weird for us to do that..? I think he hates me" you had a gut feeling. " darling he could never hate you. Even if he tried" Shoko scoffed
You hid your surprised expression from her words. " maybe it is weird and awkward. But we can talk later, I have work" Shoko patted your shoulder
" working at the school?" you scratched your head. " yes, a lot of people need me here." Shoko rubbed her shoulder
" well can I join you...I haven't began the search for jobs yet, I'm basically free all week" you pointed out. " yeah I could introduce you to the staff" Shoko beckoned, making you follow her
| LATER
" I look terrible" you looked at the old newspaper Shoko displayed in her office. " I can't believe you kept it" you wiped the dust off the image
" it's the only thing I have of us...Everyone together" Shoko rested on her table, her voice never failing to turn sad
" oh right...sorry I left without ever getting back to you" you apologise again. " I'm over it. I've coped without you and you don't have to apologise every time, you're not a kid anymore" Shoko reassured.
'Kid...yeah that was the term'. " how many kids do you get here per day" you continue to venture around the black and white room
" a lot. It's surprising how-"
" Shoko I need some bandages, some people fell over" a voice barged in through the door
" fell over? What did you do this time?" Shoko straightened up, after all, seeing the man, Gojo was always a bad sign for her, " nothingggg just took them to a cliff to test out-"
Shoko gave a death glare, taking out some spare wraps from her draws to give to the white haired man. " thank you" Gojo caught the paper box. His eyes drifted to you, who was also in the room
His lips parted like he was star struck at seeing you, again. It was the same for you, you two ended up locking eyes for what felt like a long time.
A part of him believed everything was still a dream, yet you were still here. After last night, how could he face you again, let alone greet you and have a normal conversation
" are you going to go?" Shoko interrupted Gojo's gaze. " ah! yes I am, see you" Gojo changed his attitude quickly, charging out the room immediately
You frowned at the interaction but there was nothing you could do.
" so. Where were we ?" Shoko tilted your head back to you. " we were talking about how we were young" you recount
" oh that, it's true. Everything's in the past" Shoko's finger brushed past the papers on her desk. " do you still think he has feelings for me" you bluntly call out
Shoko seems surprised at your inquiry. " is that even a question?" She chuckles, crossing her arms.
" forget I asked, I was lost in thought" you discard the idea. There was no way he still liked you. Not after what you did to him. Still, your mind wondered to last night, all the things he said
" anyway. Is there anything I could help you with for the time being?" You offered, despite not working at the facility
| LATER
Your feet ached walking down the stairs you had to go through. You had forgotten just how frustrating the terrain of the school was
The whole day was spent helping Shoko, she took your word for it and made you run errands. You didn't get a chance to ask her questions.
Just where was everyone? All you've seen was Shoko...Gojo. There was no sign of Utahime or Geto at all
You wondered what happened to them.
You continue to walk down as students overtook you in running down the steps. You harshly sigh again and stare ahead, seeing a black haired man waiting at the bottom of the staircase
Minding your business you pay your attention back on the steps. That was until you heard an voice call out
" Megumii! Did I keep you waiting?" A familiar ringtone enveloped your ears. " like always" the boy could only scoff
Gojo. There he was again, this time he cheered to the teenage boy like a parent greeting their child after school. " how about we get some snacks right now Gumi!?!" Gojo teased, slinging his arm around the boys shoulders
" I told you I'm not a kid anymore. Stop calling me that" you vaguely deciphered in the distance. " still a toddler to me" Gojo's cheery voice toned down
" let's just go" the boy embarrassingly beckoned his parent. You watch as Gojo continues to spark another conversation with 'Megumi' before disappearing among the trees
You drop your bag, resting on the steps to recollect your thoughts. ' kid?' What did he mean. Could Gojo possibly have a kid?
You cover your mouth from the shock. There was no way...
| TO BE CONTINUED