Chapter 7

Violins serenaded the atmosphere with soft sounds as chatter played in the background, bored hands tapped on a white slik table in a repeated motion as a tired breath drew out from Shoko's mouth. The restaurant for tonight's meeting was called 'The Clove'—a place for people of patrician class and household names in the music & acting industry. Without a name to stand on you couldn't get in. It was not the place for the overworked practitioner who would rather dissect a rabbit's heart for fun than be surrounded by those of the elite class. Although Shoko Ieiri came from a wealthy clan, she never fitted in with the customs and appearances of it all. Having close ties to other clans such as the prominent Gojo clan allowed her to befriend Satoru (she was thankful for this), but Shoko was a nobody individually. She only had status in her family name (as a collective). The Ieiri clan was known for their famous line of apothecaries and practitioners two generations before Shoko was born. However, there has yet to be an elected figure to represent the clan.

In other words, despite having her family name Shoko was viewed as a nobody. The name was of status not her. Dining gowns, crisply tailored suits, sleek stilettoes, and leather shoes. This was the dress code everyone followed to the dot at 'The Clove', showing up in a white lab coat, jeans, and a black turtle neck ruined that dynamic. Inquisitive eyes leered at Shoko the moment she arrived at the restaurant, it mostly came from other women who would mutter to their partners or whoever accompanied them. Most of them were actresses. But, Shoko did not care much about TV shows unless it was anime. She wasn't starstruck by the figures around her.

Gojo had chosen the restaurant tonight for the meeting since he and Geto couldn't go anywhere anymore due to their fame, it had to be an establishment that did not host the everyday regular person.

At this moment in time, Shoko didn't know what to think. She had been waiting alone for almost 30 minutes wondering where her fiance had been before her mind went empty. She had spoken to him an hour earlier and was told he was on his way but he still hadn't arrived.

''Excuse me, miss. Would you like anything to drink?''

A waiter dressed in a black shirt and trousers gestured to Shoko the menu left on the white table that her hands tapped on.

''No, thank you. I am just waiting for three more people to arrive before I order anything.'' Shoko replied.

This was the third time a waiter had come to ask her this question. It started to get tedious.

What was more tedious was introducing her fiance to Geto & Gojo. Why couldn't she tell them she was getting married without the formalities? As soon as she broke the news to Gojo he was shocked she was tying the knot, like it was out of character for her. Well, he wasn't entirely wrong, Shoko was a person who never really cared about anything substantial, she had been that way since she was a child, and it was something she couldn't help. It was in her nature.

However, being a member of the Ieiri clan meant something as substantial as marriage would matter down the line for her, especially as a woman. Therefore she planned to marry a mate that fit her based on her character, lifestyle, and terms. Ideally, she wasn't planning on getting married now, but after meeting her fiance at the bar randomly one day, the two kept in touch, became an item, and after some time of dating he proposed. If Shoko could describe her fiance, she'd call him the male version of herself. Stoic but incredibly relaxed, hype intelligent, aloof with a sense of detachment. They work well together because they can understand each other on a level of ambiance. And for Shoko, this worked for her, she needed someone who made her feel safe on the ground, the common man for the common woman like herself. That's what she loved about him.

A man of unpredictability, rush, and passion is something Shoko believed wouldn't work for her. A faint memory of her mother and father played in her mind before she heard familiar voices echo her way. It was them. They finally arrived, and Shoko saw them both laughing amongst one another. It was like a vision from her past. It had been forever since she'd seen Satoru and Suguru together. They both looked so casual despite being dressed exorbitant in black crisp shirts, gold earrings, chains, and leather pants. The moment they arrived you could just feel every eye center on them, how every woman lost their composure and focus, you could see the struggle with them holding back a scream and how the men eyed jealously. Even the famous were starstruck by them.

Gojo played with his purple sunglasses as the ladies swooned at him.

It took a moment for them to reach Shoko as they took some photos and greeted the people around them, as Shoko watched from the distance.

They owned the spotlight.

Everyone knew who they were. They are Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto of Sweet Debauchery.

''It took you idiots long enough. Any minute later you'd both found me stabbing a fork into my eyes out of sheer boredom,'' Shoko spoke still staring at the white table, her hands had stopped tapping as she calmly let them lay on the table as the two finally approached her.

''Hey, you know we're always fashionably late to everything. And are you still doing experiments on your eyes again? You said you would stop after you temporarily blinded yourself for a week.'' Gojo mocked his dear friend on the forehead.

''I was being sarcastic, you dummy. And stop that, it's annoying'' Shoko said as she playfully pushed Satoru's finger from her head as a small smile formed on her lips.

''So where's the man of the hour?'' Satoru said looking around, as he did so many of the women at the restaurant swooned at him.

''He's still on his way but will be here soon,'' Shoko replied.

Suguru had been quiet the whole time watching them bicker. His eyes were unreadable, his mouth thin and his hands clenched together behind his back. The usual whimsical posture was now sharp. Shoko noticed his demeanor changed when talking with Satoru seconds ago. Shoko felt like there was a tiny glimmer of distance between Suguru and herself. It was perplexing.

''Does the cat have your tongue or something pretty boy? You haven't said a peep.''

A ghost of a smile formed on Suguru's face as he sat down opposite Shoko, Satoru followed suit cracking a laugh to ease the tension. Satoru knew deep down Suguru would feel weird about this, despite how he felt about Shoko he did once have feelings for her. It just dawned on Satoru why Suguru never shared how he truly felt back then.

Suguru struggled to look at Shoko. Her simple white lab coat, purple hollow eye bags, and frail-looking skin she look like home to him. Suguru imagined the past where he would watch her experiment operations on animals for fun during her trainee period as a doctor. He remembered the times were he'd share his poems with her after she had found them in his room one day accidentally. How she'd help him whenever he felt depressed and anxious about life, especially during his trainee days. Shoko just had this effect on him, she along with Satoru was a good constant in his life. An amazing friend, a beautiful kind soul underneath that nonchalant skin, it was something you had to dig deeper to see to get from Shoko.

That's one of the things he loved about her.

It baffled Suguru how someone he never knew of could enter Shoko's world, how Satoru and especially himself weren't aware of this nor ever invited into it until now after the engagement was settled. But this wasn't the time for him to think about that now, he had to play a brave face.

''Well, you and marriage in the same sentence is total blasphemy to me Sho. Is there anyone pointing a gun to your head? If so don't forget to blink twice.'' Suguru teased winking with one eye open.

''Ha, ha very funny. Shoko rolled her eyes before Suguru sighed giving a smile. For a moment she noticed he looked a little meek. It came from his eyes. Maybe he was just feeling sentimental because of the occasion?

''Congratulations Sho''. The tone in Suguru's voice was deep, it was filled with longing and hints of tenderness. His onyx-coloured eyes locked onto hers softly then followed by another smile. This time the smile looked more…authentic. Shoko noticed Satoru was looking at his friend with concern before the waiter came to the table and all three of them made their order for the night.

''Thank you ...Suguru…Now stop looking at me all sentimental alright?'' Shoko snickered at Suguru, for the first time of the night he gave a relaxed smile at Shoko.

He liked seeing her smile at him.

''Sorry, it's just that I've missed you,'' Geto spoke looking down.

''Well I missed you too, I've missed hanging out with both of you.'' Shoko smiled and Suguru and Satoru smiled back.

The three took a silent pause. A few seconds of silence passed. before Satoru went on a little rampage.

''Now the waterworks are over, let's get to the big guns. What I wanna know is why you never talked about the guy to us at all. No photo, no name, nothing. I bet you haven't even talked to him about us?'' Gojo questioned leaning his lanky form forward to eye Shoko as he continued to babble on, Suguru just continued smiling in the background.

''You're right Satoru. The guy could be a serial killer for all we know. You failed to let your best friends pass judgment on this man'' Suguru joked with a wicked smile.

''Like I'd let you dingbats do that? You'd probably scare him off by asking too many questions. Plus I just needed the time to get to know him on my own'' Shoko countered, from the corner of her eye she saw Suguru's eyes loom in question for a bit. She wondered why he wasn't acting like himself.

''Well…. you're not wrong ... But, it still would have been nice to meet him,'' Gojo muttered to himself.

He hated it when Shoko was right.

''Where is your engagement ring?''

Shoko's eyes shot open at Suguru's question. It was quick and rushed out abruptly with no thought behind it.

An engaged woman should be wearing an engagement ring Suguru thought to himself. Why did seeing Shoko's finger naked make him pleased?

''Apologies for being late.'' said a relaxed voice.

A familiar small smile formed on Shoko's face as she got out of her seat, Satoru and Suguru turned behind them to see the man of the hour.

Loosened was the word to describe him. He wore a black chunky work suit that was untailored to his body, held a black leather briefcase, and had spiky gelled black hair with sunken hollow eyes and brown eye bags. His skin was washed in a sandy brown tan that looked a little dewy, paired with a long curved nose. The man stood before the three in a relaxed manner as if this meeting wasn't such a big deal.

Shoko walked over to stand aside from the man before introducing him to her best friends.

''Suguru, Satoru, this is my fiance…Hiromi Higuruma.''

—--

The air was stale and summery as Utahime tried to take in a quick breath. It became a bit harder to breathe due to zero air circulation in the elevator since the air condition stopped. Toji and Utahime had been waiting for almost 30 minutes with no knowledge of what was happening outside. Had anyone noticed that the elevators were stuck? Surely someone had? But to Utahime she started to feel like she'd be stuck in there forever. She was tired and honestly felt awkward being around Toji. She only had to talk to him at work, but never alone. Toji tried to call for help but he couldn't get any internet service, the same for Utahime, meaning the two just had to wait for someone to miraculously get them out somehow.

Toji sat laxly on the ground with ease like he had no care in the world, while Utahime continued on her quest to get a bar on her phone. As long she could get one would be enough for her to get out of the elevator and go home to rest. He hadn't spoken a word to Utahime and just sat quietly to himself with his eyes closed and a smirk on his mouth.

Toji watched as Utahime pranced around with her iPhone in hand waving it around like a madman as she winced at herself in annoyance.

''You're gonna tire yourself out waving that phone around like that.''

So now he decides to speak?

Utahime shot back a glare she couldn't on back to Toji who continued to smirk at her.

''I'm trying to get us out of here. All you've done is sit down like nothing happened. Don't you want to get out?'' Utahime questioned turning away from Toji, continuing to search for a bar.

''Yeah right! Like waltzing and huffing around is gonna get us out? I'm done with all the activities today, can a guy get some rest?" Toji groaned with a low yawn

From the month spent working with Sweet Debauchery Toji has been nothing but an enigma to Utahime. And this was out of all the members she just couldn't get a read of him. Even the man-child idiot Gojo seemed to be complex in comparison to Toji and that was saying something for Utahime.

Gojo is loud, playful, cocky, and lacks personal space, but surprisingly can apologise to her confessing the error of his ways of kissing her. Despite how annoyed Gojo made her feel at least she had some little grip/understanding of what she'd get from him.

But with Toji it's all blank.

"You know, what's your deal? Because you seem relaxed and calm regarding the situation? To be honest you always look like you don't care about anything?"

''Well, what do you want me to do?'' Toji asked with a hand on his cheek, Utahime stared puzzled, not answering his question.

She hadn't expected him to ask her that, but then again, what was she expecting?

''No answer? Cat got your tongue?'' Toji laughed, making Utahime feel embarrassed.

''It's not funny. Anyway, I'm being serious here. Why are you so relaxed about all this?''

''Because I know we're going to get out. I know someone in the security & surveillance team will find us. There's a microcamera on all the elevators so they probably know we're stuck. Prancing around like you only makes the air hotter and thinner than it already is.'' Toji spoke standing up swiftly as he began to remove his shirt, wapping the sweat forming on his forehead, Utahime turned away from him in a frizzle which Toji noticed. Toji eyed Utahime in interest as he kept down a laugh at her sudden reaction.

''Don't be shy, no need to be nervous. You act like you've never seen a man half-naked before.''

Utahime almost turned as red as a ripe tomato in full bloom. What did he know?

''I'm not shy, I've seen that before. I just was caught off guard.'' Utahime said. This was technically a lie but wasn't at the same time, Utahime had seen Gojo half naked the night she had to stay at the mansion to get the group on time for schedule. But she hated Gojo. However, there was a huge contrast to his build in comparison to Toji's.

Toji's chest, arms, and stature were bulky. He had more muscle and his skin was tanned than Gojo's pale slivered skin. He also had a few marks on his skin, one on his chest and another on his arm. The cuts were thin and dark pink. While Gojo's build was athletic and slender. Long, strong, and defined. She remembered how bold his upper body looked in front of her that night. Like an elegant athletic swimmer.

''Whatever…Anyway, it's my turn to question you.'' Toji tossed his shirt to the side, and Utahime opened up a quizzical eye. Yet again she couldn't tell what he was thinking, she didn't expect him to be interested enough in her to ask her anything. It didn't help that she was stuck in the elevator with him.

''Do you like me?''

Like?

What? Why would he ask that?

Was he playing games for fun like Gojo?

''Excuse me? I'm afraid I don't understand. What do you mean?'' Utahime asked truthfully.

''Do you like me? The question is simple. Utahime.''

Toji never really used her name much, it felt foreign hearing him use it now. He spoke very slowly in a low tone and put emphasis on each word he spoke.

''I don't know. I honestly don't know anything about you, I feel over time and happenstance I'd get to know you. If I like who you are, then sure I'd like you.''

''And if not?''

If not…what was he suggesting?

''If not, I just won't like you. Simple as.'' Utahime shot back. She had just got Gojo to get off her back with his stupid nonsense (she'd hoped), and Geto had toned it down a bit, she didn't need this from Toji.

A small tint of light shining from the reflexive metallic elevator walls reflected off of Toji's onyx eyes, they widened a little which was a first from Utahime, she'd never seen him look anything but bored.

Most people treated Toji like everything due to his fame based on their convoluted biases. But Utahime didn't do that. He knew Gojo had an interest in her somehow, which caused him to wonder if Gojo had thought the same.

Toji was nothing special to Utahime. She treated him like how his family did. The Zenin clan were the only ones to see him as a nobody. He didn't fit their insane standards to be nominated as head of the clan which he longed for. He was untalented, unwise, and uncontrolled to the elders, leaving him outcasted. The way Utahime treated him reminded him of that, however, he liked that she didn't judge him on what he had.

He had to prove himself to her not based on his talents, but on who he is.

''Nice answer..'' Toji mumbled, a rough hand of his cast over Utahime's forehead wiping off the beads of sweat, her fringe stuck to her forehead like glue. Utahime tried to move away but failed to do so fast enough as she froze from the shock of his actions. His touch felt rugged but hard in contrast to Gojo's which felt soft and firm.

Darn it Utahime thought to herself. It annoyed her that she kept comparing the two but they were the first men to be in close contact with her like this. It's like her mind was dissecting this new experience despite herself.

The stale air and heat had begun to wear Utahime out as she breathed a little loud from the mouth. Without knowing she fell forward only to find Toji holding onto her.

''You're soaking wet. How are you not baking in that suit of yours?'' Toji began to remove her work tie casually as his hand easily pulled the tie loose swiftly in one goal. Utahime wailed weakly trying to get him to stop but he kept continuing to remove her black work blazer, placing it to the side leaving her in her white work shirt.

Despite being tired and feeling weak, Utahime was grateful her back wasn't hurting because if it was she wouldn't be able to bear it.

''That's better…no need to be shy just trying to help.''

Utahime sat on the ground lamely hoping somebody would get them out soon. From observing Toj she could see that he was trying to help her out, somehow she could feel this.

''Aye. You okay?''

''I'm just a little lightheaded….but thank you.''

That was all that came out of Utahime's mouth before Toji walked forward to the metallic elevator door forcing his fingers roughly into the elevator doors. His bulky muscles stretched as he moved the doors.

''What are you doing?''

''I'm getting us out of here.''

—--

''So….how did you both meet?''

Shoko stopped herself from taking another bite of her Kiwami omakase Sushi, turning slowly to Hiromi with a tiny smile on her face. Her eyes met Hiromi's who sat next to her, he tilted his head towards Shoko, and she gave a simple nod before he answered Geto's question. It felt to Geto like they both were speaking in code of something, this displeased him since he, Shoko, and Gojo were so close, but now Shoko is here speaking to someone new without even uttering words.

''Well…I met Shoko after work at a bar not too far from my workplace. I was working overtime that day….after I got off work I decided to have a drink to end the day. I then saw her sitting at this good-looking woman's bar drinking alone. And the rest is history.''

His answer was straight to the point but lacked excitement. Hiromi didn't speak with enthusiasm as he answered, he seemed relaxed and calm. This bothered Geto because he didn't know what to think of it. He didn't want to judge Hiromi so early, but he felt unhappy about all of this. Mostly because of his unresolved feelings towards Shoko, were they making him have a bad bias towards Hiromi?

''Okay, but where are the meat and bones of the story? When you first saw Shoko how did you feel? Same for you Shoko? Were there fireworks? Butterflies? Lightening! How did you two get to know one another!'' Gojo fished out, he was curious to know more about this as he was happy about the occasion. Despite knowing how Geto felt he still wanted to be fair and support Shoko. She is his best friend too, he had to support them both despite the situation. But before anything else he had to see if Hiromi was right for Shoko.

''There wasn't anything like that Satoru. I told you before it all happened so slowly. It was over time that my feelings changed for him. Most of our talks and meetings took place at the same bar we met at after work, then he asked me out and we dated until he proposed.'' Shoko answered

''I felt lighting when I first got Shoko to laugh at my jokes. It was an incredible moment, finally getting her to laugh like that.'' Hiromi spoke before taking a small sip of his dark red wine, whirling his glass wine cap in his hands for a bit before putting it down on the glass table.

''Really, well let's hear the joke. I'm quite the jokester so I will judge,'' Gojo asked, trying to ease the conversation. At the side of his blue eyes, he could see Suguru wasn't being himself. He got how Suguru felt, but he should at least be supportive of Shoko. This night was important for her, Satoru could tell as Shoko wouldn't be the one to introduce them to any of her boyfriends formally like this. The least they could do was try and be there for her. This was a new experience for all of them.

''It's not funny. What was more funny was the fact that it came from Hiromi. He's not the funny type.'' Shoko smiled as Hiromi planted a small kiss on her cheek, placing his large hand over Shoko's small one.

''Don't worry, me and Suguru have plenty of jokes we can tell Hiromi that will get Shoko dying of laughter. Isn't that right Suguru?'' Satoru elbowed Suguru bringing him into the conversation, but all Suguru did was nod as everyone else let out a laugh or two before a pregnant pause occurred as they ate their Sushi. With each bite, Geto took he stared at Shoko trying to get her eyes on him, but all she did was eat and stare at Hiromi.

''So, Gojo and Geto, what do you guys do?'' Hiromi asked simply

His question came out left field for Gojo and Geto, everyone knew who they were. They both guessed that Shoko never told him about their profession.

''Have you heard of Sweet Debauchery? The J pop boy band?'' Geto shot out

''J pop? No, not really. I'm not a huge fan of that scene. Do you both work in that industry or something? Is that why people in this restaurant keep taking pictures of us eating?'' Hiromi questioned pointing at the flashes coming from the ladies' phones at the other tables.

Not a big fan? Everyone loved Sweet Debauchery. Utahime seemed like an anomaly, but Hiromi not knowing who they were popped a hole in the balloon of Geto's ego.

''Yeah. We're both in the group Sweet Debauchery, we just debuted last year. And sorry about the flashes we've got many fans across the world. It can get a lot sometimes'' Geto answered with a tone of pride and confidence which Shoko eyed.

''No, that's fine. I don't mind. My work is tied to the music business in some way.''

''Really? That's dope in what way?'' Gojo asked.

''I'm an entertainment lawyer for musicians/artists. You know the J-pop artist named Nobuko Takada? Well, I'm her lawyer.'' Hiromi spoke and Gojo reached out over the table giving a handshake to Hiromi which he returned with ease. Geto's face clutched in shock at Satoru's gesture. What was he doing? Again Shoko eyed Suguru giving him a mean look but Suguru just turned away.

What was up with Suguru today?

''That's where it's at! You know, maybe you can look over our contracts? Suguru has a hunch something is wrong regarding his songwriting credits for our songs. '' Gojo shared truthfully before he winced in pain, Shoko and Hiromi looked confused as to what was happening. Under the table Suguru had pinched Satoru's pants, he didn't want his best friend to share that information with Hiromi. Suguru was dealing with this songwriting issue with Nanami, this was an issue between Sweet Debauchery, and Hiromi didn't need to get involved.

He already had Shoko.

''It's all fine. We're taking care of it.'' Geto said firmly

''Oh, it's no bother at all. I enjoy looking through contracts for fun in my spare time, it's no biggie.''

''I said it's fine,'' Geto muttered harshly

''That's it! What is wrong with you today Suguru? You haven't been your snarky self this whole time? Is it due to the songwriting issue? Because if it is, Hiromi can help you.'' Shoko spoke seriously, her face angered by how Suguru was acting had left him feeling bad.

Suguru had years to confess his feelings to Shoko but never did, deciding to shove his feelings down to keep everything the same between the three of them. He had no right to be acting this way to Hiromi for his lack of agency regarding his feelings for Shoko.

He hadn't been selfish enough. That was one thing he admired about Satoru. He knew what he wanted and went after it despite what others thought. He needed to be more like this.

''Sho, I apologize. I'm sorry Hiromi. I'm just tired, that's all, we've been working nonstop with schedules. And yes…we could use your help regarding our contracts if you don't mind.'' Geto spoke

''Absolutely. I can do that. Anyway, enough about that, I'd like to know more about you guys. So you're both in a J-pop group, doesn't that mean you can't date anybody? Most of what I know is from word of mouth and gossip. If that's true don't you feel constrained by it all? ''

''Hiromi, these two idiots don't follow the rules when it comes to that,'' Shoko smirked and Hiromi raised a lazy eye at the two. Gojo looked around the restaurant taking off his sunglasses to scan the area before speaking.

''By contract, we can't date, but we still find our way to have fun if you know what I mean,'' Gojo whispered with a wink

''These two will never settle down by they are going.'' Shoko joked taking a bite of her sushi

''Well…recently I've been craving something different. Playing around with the same type of women at once does start to get boring after a while. I mean seeing you and Hiromi together is nice.'' Gojo answered and a coy smirk appeared on Shoko's face as moments of Satoru and Utahime bickering appeared in her mind.

''You're not talking about Utahime are you?''

Gojo almost choked on his red wine, coughing loudly as he tried to collect himself together with a wheeze. Geto patted his best friend's back in deep thought as he mulled over his thoughts once again as he had done the whole night. He knew Gojo had an interest in Utahime, but so did himself. It wasn't anything strong but he did like her appeal and straightforward personality, and he did consider pursuing her but his feelings for Shoko kept resurfacing. However since his gut feeling was right regarding Satoru feeling Utahime, how would he pursue her?

That could mess up his friendship with Gojo, or at least bring some sort of adversity between the two. Despite not being allowed to get close to Utahime due to the way things ended with the last personal assistant Yumi, Geto knew deep down that Gojo was not going to stay away from Utahime.

The way he acted when Sukuna got so close to her the other day in the makeup room said it all, he was quick to shut that down. Also, Geto always saw Gojo staring at Utahime as if he was trying to dissect her in some way. Gojo seemed curious about her, which Geto had never seen him do before for any woman.

''Utahime is just a friend. It's all professional there's nothing more to it at the moment.''

—--

It was now 11:45 pm and the surveillance team had managed to locate the elevator Toji and Utahime were in. Toji managed to break open the elevator doors with his bare hands which shocked Utahime, just how strong was this guy? After opening the doors, Toji was able to signal a bar on his phone reaching his phone outside of the elevator, therefore allowing him to call the surveillance & security team for help. Toji also received a call from Gojo who he had planned to go out with after meeting up with Shoko and her fiance for dinner. Geto was supposed to come but had gone home after the meeting, therefore Gojo decided to call Toji and find out about the situation.

Utahime couldn't hear much of what was said on the phone between Toji and Gojo but she could hear Gojo's voice sounded very loud.

It took another 25 minutes for the surveillance team to get the elevator running again before it went down to the ground floor of the reception at JJK Records.

It was finally over and Utahime was glad. Now she wanted nothing more than to lay her head at home in her bed. Toji held onto Utahime for support as they walked out of the elevator. His hand held onto Utahime's slender waist as he guided a weak Utahime forward while his other free hand held onto her black work blazer & tie.

''Are you both okay? We're so sorry we didn't get you out on time, we were on a break and the stand-ins were asleep.'' said one of the surveillance officers

''It's good, we're out, aren't we? Thanks for the help.'' Toji responded to the officer who kindly nodded back.

Toji placed Utahime on one of the sofas in the reception lobby so she could catch her breath. He saw he was exhausted so he went to get a drink of water for her from the vending machine to hand over. Utahime took the bottle feeling grateful for his gesture and quickly drank it to refresh herself.

''You want me to take you home?'' Toji asked calmly, looking elsewhere.

''It's okay. You've already done enough for me tonight. Thanks, Toji if it wasn't for you I would have felt even worse in there. I'm just gonna call a cab home. I'm sure you have somewhere else to be.'' Utahime replied, her eyes closed placing the cool water down her mouth. Every sip re-energized her body and helped keep away the fatigue.

She needed to find a balance with her work as she was often feeling drained from overworking, and her back was now a priority because she needed to heal to train again.

''You sure?''

''I'm sure''

Toji slowly put on his t-shirt which he removed many hours ago, before handing back Utahime her work blazer and tie. He then tapped Utahime's shoulder lightly before he made his way out of the building before turning back to look at Utahime.

''Have a good night,'' he said with his back turned to Utahime as he walked out of the company building. In a moment he was gone like he was never there to begin with.

Some more officers checked up on Utahime to see if she was okay and get a relay of what happened before Utahime was left alone.

The reception was now empty and Utahime had called a cab to take her home, it was to arrive in 10 minutes. As Utahime waited she continued to drink the cool water Toji had given her. Her mind replayed the moments in the elevator and how he acted. Although she didn't have a clear inkling of his character, she now knew that he cared a lot about how she thought about him. She saw he was strong, observant, and very calm under pressure.

That surprised her.

A rush of wind came from the outside door blowing onto Utahime, she turned to see a figure entering the company reception before her tired eyes could register who she was looking at.

The first thing Utahime could see in her range of vision was the color blue blazing through before she could fathom that it was Gojo.

Gojo?

What?

Why was Gojo here?