Chapter 6

''Utahime, this is Shoko Ieiri. A dear friend of mine.''

A perplexed Utahime stared at Gojo squashing his dear friend in a hug as the woman named Shoko flared there lifelessly with zero emotion on her face. 'What a sight to see' she thought to herself, she had never seen Gojo so giddy (and that was saying something even for Gojo) outside of joking around with Geto. The two must have been very close Utahime observed.

''Hi Shoko, I'm Utahime Iori, it's nice to meet you.'' Utahime offered a warm handshake to Shoko which she returned tiredly. Close up Utahime could see that Shoko looked stoic and tired, the purple dark bags under her eyes gave it away. This made Utahime wonder if that tiredness had come from Gojo. Knowing how annoying and childish the man could be firsthand, she wondered how someone like Shoko could stand him. How did he even have any friends was the question?

''Likewise. I've heard a lot about you from Choso.'' Shoko spoke laxly, her response got Gojo's eyes to dart in interest.

''Really? Wow. I'm thankful to him for bringing you here today, I need to get checked up.'' Utahime responded. 'Checked up for what, her back' Gojo thought leaning forward towards Utahime's face with pleading eyes hoping for her to explain the context of what was going on before Shoko pulled him back shaking her head like she'd done this many times before.

''Sorry Utahime, this dummy doesn't know the meaning of personal space,'' muttered Shoko before swiftly kneeing Gojo behind his left leg. The 6'3 adult man yelped in agony, cowering on the floor of a corridor, wailing like a blubbering baby with his hands around his left leg rocking himself back and forth. The sight of Gojo being taken down so bluntly by another woman was one for the books to Utahime, it was nice to see another lady not be affected by the ''pretty face, idol, singer'' archetype, plus it was funny. However a coy smirk appeared on Gojo's face making Utahime know this was probably a routine the two shared in their friendship, but it was still worth the sight.

Light tiny sounds of chuckles escaped Utahime's mouth innocently without even knowing it, she calmly covered her mouth to stop the laughter from growing as she shut her eyes tightly turning a little away from the two. A little snort occurred, and Gojo's ears twitched at the unfamiliar sound. It sounded foreign, a rare tone, a mix between sweet & groggy. He never would have thought Utahime would be one to snort. She seemed so prim and proper, collected. It was somewhat….quirky Gojo thought to himself with a sly smirk. It felt like a victory to see Utahime laughing with a tiny smile on her face, she had never smiled at him once since working with Sweet Debauchery. Only Nanami and Choso were able to speak with her normally, but right now it seemed Gojo had finally gotten something from her other than a glare or complete avoidance. It was all thanks to Shoko which he would thank late on in some way.

Although she was only laughing because Shoko humiliated him, Gojo took this as a little win regardless. He had learned something new about Utahime and now was on a path into the dark tunnel hoping one day he'd get to the other side. Right now he had a long way to go, so Satoru made a mental note to himself to ingrain in his brain, the new knowledge he gathered about Utahime

1- She snorts when she laughs

2- She laughs at my embarrassment

''I'm surprised that you can easily bring him to his knees, he can be very annoying.'' Utahime chimed at Shoko who dusted her hands emphasizing her annoyance towards Gojo.

''Annoying. That's an understatement, Gojo was worse in middle school. He would not shut up. He's like a talking chatterbox high on candy. The fact that he's not diabetic is insane. Plus you couldn't walk anywhere without him touching you or invading your personal space. I hope he isn't bringing you much trouble?''

''Hey! I'm right here Shoko. If you're gonna speak about me the least you could do is hype me up.'' Gojo rushed out fixing up his black silky robe before waving a loose hand into his white messy hair.

''If I hyped you up that would mean that I like you, and I wouldn't like you if I was paid a million yen to do so. I'd rather be penniless, starving, and broke begging for scraps on the streets of Tokyo.'' Shoko deadpanned examining her long pale red nails in complete boredom. Gojo was going to rebuttal but saw that again Utahime held back a laugh before it could escape. She noticed the blue swirls of Gojo's eyes staring at her with interest every time a laugh appeared in her mouth. It felt awkward when Gojo would stare so Utahime decided to believe he was just playing with her for his amusement as she couldn't fathom why else he would be.

After a few seconds of staring at Utahime, Gojo forced himself to divert his eyes on Shoko as he felt himself losing his attention towards his friend.

''Anyway, why are you here so early? I thought I and Suguru would meet you for dinner after our schedules were over. Oh, and congratulations Shoko. I never thought you'd settle down so soon.'' Gojo said sincerely waddling with his hands on his cheeks at the mere fact that his best friend was taking the next step, but then Suguru's face flashed in his mind causing him to deflate like a balloon.

Had Suguru truly moved on? Moments from before were recalled in Satoru's mind between Geto & Utahime in the makeup. Suguru shown had some sort of interest in Utahime which left him feeling a little displeased.

Where did this interest stem from?

''Settle down? As in marriage? Congratulations Shoko that sounds incredible.'' Utahime nodded at Shoko with a respectable little bow which Shoko returned kindly. Utahime noticed Shoko wasn't wearing an engagement ring on the fourth finger of her left hand, her hand looked extremely naked, deprived of any signification of her engagement.

''Thank you Utahime, but it's no big deal.''

''Aye Shoko! Let me get Suguru out quickly, just one sec.'' Gojo suggested happily getting ready to run towards the makeup room but Shoko shook her head quickly, a dash of panic ghosted her hollow eyes for a split second before they became numb again. A glimpse of a frown caught onto Satoru's mouth, both of his best friends hadn't spoken for a while since they debuted and it seemed there was a shift between them in terms of awkwardness. He'd hoped the dinner tonight could fix this. He needed Geto to be fine with Shoko's marriage, however, in Satoru's gut he knew Suguru may still care about Shoko.

''No….leave him I will see him later anyways.'' she breathed fanning a hand into her long brown locs of hair before she continued speaking.

''I'm here dummy because Utahime scheduled for me to check her back. You know the one you fell on top of and injured? Choso informed me of everything. Are those long limbs of yours not working? If so just let me know, because you did have issues controlling them in the past. You've always been so lanky. Also. I hate everything about your outfit. It reminds me of the slender man'' Shoko said robotically.

How many times was she going to roast Gojo Utahime thought to herself. It felt like she was at the cinema with popcorn watching Shoko tear Gojo up like scissors to paper. Gojo stood speechless with his mouth flapping open a little glancing between Shoko and Utahime, before pulling Shoko aside to whisper to her in a quick frenzy. All Utahime could hear was the muffled sounds of Gojo's fanciful voice as he spoke into Shoko's ears before turning around in a blitz of a second like nothing had even happened. He had his long arm slouching around Shoko's neck with a huge fake smile on his lips, while Shoko looked extremely exhausted bobbing her head to the side.

''Ignore everything she just said. Shoko's been working overtime, she's delighted as hell''

When he is around Shoko, Gojo has some sort of a playful, brotherly dynamic Utahime thought to herself. She recalled the night at the mansion, how he yelled at those women, and how he looked at them lustfully and only saw them for his pleasure. With his fans he played the part by flirting with them, charming them whenever he could to give the best fanservice. However, this contrasted heavily with the dynamic of familiarity he had with Shoko. It seemed she was one woman who he cared for in his life as a close friend. Maybe he was capable of treating women as people.

''You know…I think Shoko is right. I mean you did fall on me that day. Maybe those limbs of yours need checking.'' Utahime joked in a mocking manner picking up on what Shoko was throwing out. The tiniest creep of a smile formed on Shoko's face eyeing Utahime. It was time Gojo had a small taste of his own medicine.

''Really?'' Gojo floated over to Utahime with his hands on his hips playing with his black silk robe, eager to get over in her space. His messy white slivered hair covered his eyes, his smile was wide and toothy.

''Yes. Really.'' Utahime replied looking away due to how close he'd gotten to her. His performance makeup glowed on his pale skin, and the grey-black glitter surrounding the bottom of his eyes complemented the grey dull color scheme the group was going for today. Utahime struggled to look directly at him.

''Well, that snort of yours was something. Maybe you should get that checked out? I need you breathing properly if you're ever gonna fall in love with me.'' he breathed lowly.

''I don't snort Gojo.'' Utahime blushed in embarrassment, a hard hue of red had formed on her cheeks which Gojo took in with delight.

''Yes, you do. I just heard you before when you were laughing. Don't worry though, it's cute. Very dorky.'' he tilted his head letting his blue gems of eyes leak through the locs of white strings of hair flushing down his face. Again Utahime found herself looking away from his eyes, it had a weird effect on her where she felt being pulled in by it. Plus the fact that Gojo kept insisting on her falling for him irritated her. Shoko stood witnessing the two bickering with some sort of fascination towards it all.

''No I didn't, and I'm not going to fall in love with you. You need to give that up.'' Utahime countered before her eyes opened in the realization that Gojo had a performance to do, she checked her watch counting how much time they had spent in the corridors. Before Gojo could even say anything more, Utahime reminded him of his performance as he started to jet off leaving his reunion with Shoko on pause for now, before he quickly turned to Utahime.

''But do you forgive me? For the kiss? And for your hurting your back?''

Sincerity covered his voice, there wasn't a trace of mockery or teasing but earnestness. Satoru's gaze locked on Utahime with wide eyes anticipating an answer, it felt like the two were in their zone, just in silence glancing at each other. A quick harsh breath left Utahime's mouth flabbergasted at the sight of Gojo. He just kept shocking her. One moment he's playful & flirtatious, in the next breath he's a cheeky manchild, and then he's serious but honest.

It was all confusing.

Gojo was confusing. But who cared? She didn't want to be thinking of that manchild at all.

But since he asked sincerely and had admitted to his fault in kissing her why wouldn't she spare some forgiveness? It just hurt though that her first kiss was stolen from her, but at this moment in time, she couldn't reverse what had happened. All she could do was hope her second kiss was with someone she truly loved.

''Okay….I'll forgive you Gojo. But you better not pull a crazy stunt again or I'll slap you. Do you promise me that?''

Gojo placed a warm soothing hand on Utahime's head ruffing up her hair in the process before bidding her a wink.

''I promise.''

Uthaime was too stunned to speak and In a flash, Gojo was gone calling out a ''see ya later'' to Shoko leaving the two ladies behind in the corridor. Now being on break, Utahime could finally go get changed into dry clothes & get checked up by Shoko to see if her back was okay. Right now she wasn't in pain but if she moved a certain way the pain would strike back out of nowhere, especially when she breathed. This was constant and had not gotten better. This worried Utahime as she hoped this injury wouldn't affect her plans to get back into baseball. The female baseball team for Tokyo was still training as a finalized team hadn't been picked yet, therefore Utahime still had a chance to be a trainee again once she saved enough money to pay the fees. The thought of seeing her old teammates again made her heart swell. The two ladies made their way to the critical unit within the buildings of JJK Records for the check-up.

—--

''Where have you been Toru? We need to do a quick rehearsal. Our performance is in 30 minutes." Geto called out to Gojo who had rushed into the Practice area. The practice area is the room that all artists at JJK Records use to practice their vocals, write music, think of ideas, or prepare for a performance. It could be used at all times of the day

The five members of Sweet Debauchery waited tiredly for Gojo at a black piano. Sukuna lay on top of it with his eyes shut and arms behind his head, with his legs wide open. Nanami and Choso sat at the opposite sides of Geto who played the piano, while Toji sat at the side of the piano slouching with his hands placed on his chin.

''Sorry, Suguru. I was just with Utahime.'' Gojo yelled without thinking jogging over to the piano for rehearsal.

A small smile formed on Toji's lips as he patted Sukuna's arms, Nanami looked rather concerned at Gojo's answer as he hoped nothing was going on between the two.

''Don't tell me you're banging her?.'' Sukuna questioned grumbling with a wicked smile.

''As if I could do that in 10 minutes? You know I need more than 10 minutes when it comes to any woman. Anyway, I'm not interested and she's off-limits. We don't need another Yumi incident am I right Nanami?'' Gojo spoke in a song lying like a Cheshire cat but Nanami sat there silently looking unconvinced. Nothing ever got over Nanami's head when it came to the group, as leader he is a hawk, the overseer, the ''ass of a den mother'' a nickname Sukuna gave him. Being by the book and strict was not something Nanami wanted to do but was thrust upon him since he was the member who naturally had these qualities out of everyone else. He knew how to get them together when things got too chaotic, plus all the members had some sort of deep respect for Nanami since he had a natural act to protect others without the need for anything in return. He didn't entertain other women like they did

Everyone saw him as the one with their head on straight, but sometimes Nanami hated that. How could he be perfect when he's breaking one of the biggest clauses of his contract? It would be hypocritical for Nanami to be on Gojo's tail when he's dating Tiana, but he had to be for the sake of the group, at least Nanami didn't sleep with their assistant to then break her to the point that she developed stalker tendencies.

The compulsive infatuation effect is what Nanami called it when it came to the effect Satoru has on women, all the members had it to a crazy degree. But with Gojo, it was borderline insanity. He was thankful Utahime didn't succumb to this effect, however he saw how somewhat intrigued Gojo had been about this.

''Agreed we don't need another Yumi incident. But I'm not convinced you have your head on straight Gojo.'' Nanami lectured, his voice stern and thick like a parent speaking to their child.

''Nah man. Utahime's too boring for me, plus she hates my guts anyway. I have much more fun teasing with her.''

''It didn't look that way when you split water on her. Satoru you seemed rather covetous when she spoke with Sukuna.'' Suguru spoke freely, Gojo turned to him sticking out his tongue.

''You looked like you were seeing red or something, you're lucky you didn't try anything because you know I'd beat your ass into a bloody pulp.'' Sukuna teethed in glee, Gojo rolled his eyes pretending as if he didn't hear Sukuna.

''I'm clumsy, you know I've always been Suguru.'' Gojo was happy Utahime wasn't present in the room since he'd be proving Shoko right. He was clumsy, but it had gotten better over the years after training with the help of Suguru and Kento's lessons of poise. However he had to use that excuse to lie about Utahime, he couldn't let the members know about his plan to woo her, especially Nanami. He'd shut it down like clockwork.

''If you say so Toru?'' Suguru gave up the fight. He knew Gojo was lying, he had some interest in Utahime but he couldn't decipher if it was just attraction or wanting to conqueror a conquest. He hoped to speak with Satoru privately later on about it since he'd been wanting to pursue Utahime in private but wondered if that would make his dear friend angry.

''You know…I think we should all be trying to befriend Utahime. She works so hard to help us with activities but has to deal with you four teasing and messing with her just for fun.'' Choso finally spoke up. After driving her to the mansion nights ago Choso and Utahime grew to be friends. He was the closest member out of the group to Utahime, they both could talk to each other without there being any deceitfulness or weird energy. With Nanami it was hard to have that friendship energy since he was always busy ensuring the group energy was intact for each schedule, but whenever the two did speak he was nothing but kind and helpful. Utahime even confessed that she'd been hoping to have that with Sukuna as they had been acquaintances from high school, however, that fell through the window once Sukuna's true personality crashed through.

''You want us to crank up at a campfire and all sing together Choso?'' Toji laughed before it turned into a long overdrawn yarn, Sukuna crackled a loud hearty laugh at Toji's joke. This conversation was getting boring for him, all he cared about was seeing Gojo lose for once. He always got everything so easily handed to him, while Toji had to dive into the mud and grind to get where he was. To him, Utahime was nothing more than another pretty face in a suit. He was itching to entertain her too but he wasn't as interested as Gojo seemed to be. But if the chance arose to get at her (if it ever did) he'd take it.

''Absolutely! It would be nice if we could all do something together to break the weird ice between her and you all. We are going to be around her 24/7, it's better if she's not so on edge & guarded all the time.'' Choso continued

A brow raised on Nanami's face as he mulled over the idea Choso suggested. The idea wasn't bad. If everyone was friends with Utahime nothing sexual or romantic would be less likely to happen. He knew Gojo had said he wasn't interested in Utahime, but he had to make sure that all specs of any interest would evaporate.

''You know what Choso that's not a bad idea. It's been a month since she's worked with us but it doesn't feel like she's a part of our team yet.''

''So what you gonna have us do Nanami? Privately rent some lukewarm cafe and drink some crappy ass coffee together?''

Sukuna just had to be difficult Nanami thought to himself.

''There's nothing wrong with having a quiet get-together as friends. I'm always doing what you guys want to do all the time, but whenever I suggest anything it's too boring for you all?'' Nanami complained

''I don't mind the cafe, but partying would be more fun,'' Choso spoke up shyly.

''I'm not a cafe kind of guy Nanami you know this. If it's not the strip club, bar, rave, mansion party, or anywhere with alcoholic women and a fun time I'm not going.'' Sukuna emphasized darkly

''Agreed. Cafes have schoolgirls and boring office workers there. The clubs are where all the action happens, especially the famous hot spots.'' Toji interjected

''Then why not take her to Takada's 20th club party? It's next week and it's a way she can get to know us better. I'm sure Utahime's a fan of Takada, every young lady is, I'm sure she would love to hit it up there with us.'' Gojo suggested. Deep down he only suggested this for his gain, he wanted to see Utahime in a different setting outside of work. If he was ever going to get her to fall for him he had to work his plan into motion. The dream of Utahime in red glowing at Satoru in the aquamarine pool had to become his reality.

Nobuto Takada was a young famous artist known for her cute charm and visuals, she was at the height of her career just like Sweet Debauchery. The group had been invited by her representatives to her 20th birthday party where all the top celebrities in Japan and around the world would attend.

''That's not a bad idea Satoru, for once you came up with something.'' Geto joked, Gojo slapped his friend's head lightly as they both laughed. Choso nodded in agreement and Toji gave a thumbs up.

''Y'all can babysit her ass, I aint got time for that,'' Sukuna complained laying back down on the piano. Nanami sighed tiredly before speaking. It was tiring arguing with Sukuna, it often left Nanami drained. If he didn't want to do something he wouldn't and no one could change his mind.

''That's fine with me, now let's get practicing.'' Nanami gestured to Geto who was in charge of vocal training as the main vocalist and practice therefore commenced.

--

''You are injured Utahime.''

Injured?

What?

Utahime sat in the critical room opposite Shoko who looked over the results of her checkup, Shoko had changed into the standard light blue nurse suit with a white doctor laboratory coat on, she wore a blue hospital mask which was pulled down under her chin. Utahime wore a light blue hospital gown to get checked up.

All Utahime could do was stare blankly, the four words uttered from Shoko's mouth had not registered yet.

''Based on your x-ray there's been an injury to the tendon under your shoulder blade. The injury right now is present but it can heal in 3-5 months. But…''

Shoko noticed Utahime had stopped listening, her eyes were wide and panicked. Utahime shared how she was a baseball player who trained with the Tokyo female baseball team but had to take leave due to expenses. This job was a means to an end for her since it was the only one she could get that paid well. Being injured was the last thing any athlete would want to hear.

A crisp slender hand touched Utahime's which got her out of her daze, her eyes met with Shoko who had a tiny bit of understanding in her eyes. Before Shoko continued she waited for Utahime's attention. One of the poisons of having a job as a physician associate is relaying bad news, it was harder when Shoko was a new doctor, but over time she learned to build a stoic wall. It was easy since she had always been emotionless. It was a part of her nature. However, seeing someone like Utahime was different. She was a young lady working a job to fund her dreams, it just seemed to resonate with Shoko a tiny bit.

''Listen Utahime. Like I said…you are injured right now but it's not permanent. You can still practice baseball in your own time like you plan to before training officially again, but you must not over-exert yourself. However, with your line of work, you're always on the go. I suggest you may need to take a break?''

''H,..H..How can I?'' Utahime whispered dejectedly

If she was to ask for a break she'd be replaced. Sweet Debauchery would need someone else to fill in, they are the country's most popular boy band who are everywhere. Even getting to be on this break to get checked out took a lot to be granted Yaga since it would run into the group's schedule.

''For this sort of work, I'd lose my job if I took a break….I just don't know….''

''Okay, well if you can't take a break, I will inform the group and Yaga that you're injured, so maybe they will accommodate your injury somehow?'' Shoko suggested but Utahime shook her head at that, worried about how that would work.

''I can't do that either, if they know I'm injured Yaga can just get someone else. Plus the members of Sweet Debauchery…. are still acquaintances so I'm still replaceable. I really need this job to get back into baseball training. I really miss playing...''

''Replaceable? All Satoru and Choso could say about you is how great of a worker you are. All the former personal assistants were incompetent or stalkers, you know about Yumi, right? Well, the company had to get more bodyguards to protect all the artists in this company because she kept stalking them to get to Satoru. The personal assistants before her were obsessed with all the members. You on the other hand haven't been like that, that's something the group needs.''

Shoko held onto Utahime's shoulder to calm down her anxieties, the more she spoke, the more calmer Utahime got.

Wait a second? Gojo had spoken about her to Shoko?

She'd get Choso talking about her since he scheduled for Shoko to come check her up, plus Choso was her friend but Gojo?

Why would he care to speak about her outside of work?

And the fact that he thought she was a great worker?

''Gojo said that?'' Utahime asked and Shoko nodded calmly.

''Look you're break is almost over. How about we keep in touch? If you have any problems regarding your back please let me know. But I advise you to work slowly, don't tense up your posture, and remember to ice your back every night before sleep. I also will prescribe you these.''

Shoko gave Utahime a pack of painkillers for her back which she advised her to take three times a week with a glass of water, she had to eat before taking the painkillers or she'd be at risk of fainting.

''Thanks, Shoko…you've been a real help.''

''No problem. Also, I feel you're very tense because you're working too hard. Do you ever take time to hang out with any friends? That would help ease the stress which would help your back. If your whole body is calm then your back would recover easily.''

Friends? Outside of the friendly chats with Choso at work, Utahime was pretty much a loner.

Playing and training in baseball, watching anime, being with her parents, that's all she had.

It was kind of nice speaking with someone like Shoko, a woman around her age. The moment they had shared teasing Gojo in the corridor felt fun. She felt included somewhat in some way. Also talking to Shoko felt nice, she wasn't stuck up, mean, or rivaling her in a way. There was zero judgment between her to Utahime.

It was like a blank slate.

''N..Not really.''

Shoko reached into the right pocket of her doctor's coat, it took some seconds before she reached what she was looking which was a red I phone.

''My number is 80-2635-7478. What's yours?''

Huh? What was she doing Utahime thought.

Why did she want her number?

''I can repeat it if you want. And just so you know…outside of Satoru and Suguru, I don't either. Especially girl friends.'' a tiny smile appeared on Shoko's stoic face, was she proposing they'd be friends? A glimmer of warmth appeared in Utahime's chest.

It had been a month without anyone to talk to outside of work, and going home felt bleak and lonesome.

Due to working overtime, Utahime didn't have much time to even attempt to make friends. Plus she wasn't even social so it was rather hard.

However, out of the blue, she had Shoko wanting to be her friend.

Not only that, Shoko had been just like her. A woman without girl friends.

''You don't treat Satoru like he's the perfect being, it's the same with Suguru too…..I like that. It means you can see people for who they are, and not what they have. You kind of remind me of me….you seem like good company too.'' Shoko revealed with her eyes closed.

''Don't worry about your back, with proper care it will heal. And I'll do everything I can to help you out so you can train again.''

Utahime smiled agreeing with Shoko before exchanging her number.

A new friendship was formed.

—--

The rest of the working day went by fast after Utahime parted ways with Shoko. She had gotten to learn a little more about her in the time they spoke, & had learned that she was meeting Gojo and Geto for dinner that night to introduce her fiance to her dearest friends.

It felt nice to finally have a kind friend to talk to, and it was a plus that Shoko is also an anime fan like herself. Jujutsu Kaisen is her favorite manga/anime series, and the two planned to speak more about the anime recommendations they had.

A groggy yarn arose from Utahime's mouth from the depths of her stomach. She was spent and ready to go home walking her way to the elevator. The members had already gone after finishing shooting the first half of their concept video for their upcoming album while all staff members stayed back to garner some touches onto the video. One version of the album would be romantic and sweet, while the second version would be dark and gritty. The album's name would be called Symphonies of Love.

After pressing the elevator button for the ground floor, Utahime waited for the doors to open. It was now almost 10:30 pm and her eyes struggled to stay open.

A loud ding sound brought Utahime awake, as her eyes opened up to see Toji in front of her.

Why was he there? He just appeared out of nowhere like some invisible man or something.

Hadn't he gone home?

Toji leaned backward onto the elevator walls, his head turned to the wall with his eyes lost in space, Utahime hoped he wouldn't look and see her wishing to wait for the next elevator but he noticed she was there meeting her eyes. He seemed very aloof and not there, it almost felt like Utahime's eyes were playing tricks on her.

To not come across as rude, Utahime decided to take the elevator with Toji. Things had already been awkward whenever she spoke to Toji, he wasn't a person of many words and whenever he did speak to her it was very flirty.

''...Hello….'' Utahime spoke lamely and Toji just gave a small nod. His eyes stayed on her as she walked in going to press the ground floor bottom before noticing it was already pressed. Toji notices her awkwardness letting out a low laugh before crossing his arms. His eyes close and Utahime is left flustered in embarrassment standing in the elevator.

A quiet low instrumental of relaxing jazz music plays as the elevator goes down.

An artificial haze of yellow shines on the two bouncing off of the silver metallic walls.

It felt like an eternity as Utahime counted down in her mind, only to feel a heavy jolt rock the elevator out of nowhere causing her to fall hard onto the ground letting out a scream.

Toji had composed a stance by shifting out his legs in a quick motion.

The yellow lights began to flicker on and off and the music had stopped.

Toji bent down towering over Utahime's form on the ground as she quickly moved away from him covering herself out of fear. Her back began to hurt a little and Toji noticed this.

''What's happening?'' Utahime asked more so to herself in confusion.

Toji eyed the whole elevator his eyes concentrated on the surroundings before turning to Utahime.

''I think we are trapped.''