At our worsts ; Nanago [Nanami X Gojo]

CH.4 GOJO

After my jog, I returned home and headed straight to the bathroom, seeking solace in the warm embrace of a refreshing shower. The water cascaded over my body, washing away the physical exhaustion and leaving me feeling rejuvenated.

As I stood beneath the soothing stream, my thoughts began to drift, and a sense of melancholy settled upon me. It was as if the weight of the world had found a way to seep into the corners of my mind, dampening my spirits. The water provided a temporary respite, but it couldn't wash away the longing that tugged at my heart.

Leaning against the tiled wall, I let the water envelop me, losing myself in the rhythm of its flow. In those quiet moments, a thought slipped into my mind, unbidden yet persistent. "I wish I could get a little closer to him," I whispered to myself, the words barely audible over the gentle splashing.

Nanami Kento, with his unwavering dedication and unyielding presence, had captured my attention in a way I couldn't quite explain. There was something about his calm demeanor, his stern yet caring nature, that drew me in. It was as if a magnetic force compelled me to seek a deeper connection, to bridge the gap between us.

With each encounter, whether it was through our discussions about Megumi or the fleeting moments of banter, I found myself yearning for more. I longed to delve beyond the surface, to unravel the layers that shrouded Nanami's true self. It was a desire both exhilarating and intimidating, for I knew that breaching his defenses would require more than just charm and wit.

As the water continued to cascade over me, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness. The distance between us felt vast, and the professional nature of our interactions only served to highlight the barriers that stood in the way. But despite the hurdles, I couldn't suppress the persistent thought that whispered in my mind — the desire to bridge that gap, to explore the uncharted territory of our connection.

In that moment of vulnerability, just as the weight of my emotions threatened to pull me under, a familiar sound broke through the mist of my thoughts. My phone, perched on the bathroom counter, emitted a soft chime, signaling a new message.

I reached for it, my fingers trembling slightly from a mix of anticipation and trepidation. It was a message from Nanami, a thread of connection in the darkness. The text contained information about Megumi's grades, a reminder of the professional context that bound us together. But beyond that, it served as a lifeline, a glimmer of hope that perhaps our connection could extend beyond the confines of our roles.

As I read the message, a flicker of warmth stirred within me. It was a reassurance that Nanami cared, even if it was in a professional capacity. In that moment, the sadness and longing that had enveloped me began to subside, replaced by a renewed determination to nurture our connection, to find a way to get a little closer to him.

Stepping out of the shower, water droplets clinging to my skin, I couldn't help but feel my lips curve into a smile.
Although Nanami was direct about our relationship being merely professional and setting up strict boundaries it still somehow had hope that we could be at least close enough to invite each other on important occasions.

I put down my phone for a while to grab a towel. As I stood there, wrapping the lower body towel around myself, the room filled with an unexpected sound—a distinct ding from my phone. With a curious glance, I reached over to retrieve it, my wet fingertips brushing against the screen.

The towel momentarily forgotten, I gazed at the device, the sound still reverberating in the air. It was as if the world had paused, holding its breath in anticipation of what this new message might reveal. With a mix of intrigue and apprehension, I unlocked the screen, and as the words unfolded before me, the towel slipped from my grasp, forgotten on the floor. The message held a weight I couldn't ignore, its contents stirring a whirlwind of emotions within me.

The ding had shattered the tranquility of the moment, but it had also brought with it a surge of uncertainty, leaving me standing there, vulnerable and exposed, both physically and emotionally.