♱ ̱͞ ִ 㡜 𝐓 ' 𝖮𝖩𝖨 𝑂𝑂𝟸

The hallway was almost empty. It was early, too early for most… but not for Toji. As always, he walked with calm steps, backpack slung over one shoulder, his uniform immaculate, his expression serious… the kind that made anyone think twice before approaching him. But inside, his mind was already mentally reviewing tasks, schedules, formulas… anything but social interactions.

Until he stopped. His locker was open.

And you, crouching down, half leaning inwards, clearly putting your hand through the cracks as if you were trying to pull something out… or hide something. Toji remained completely still. Her first reaction wasn't anger, just utter confusion. "Is he... looking for something? In my locker? Did I do something wrong? Should I say something?" Her mind was racing... but her body wouldn't react, she just stood there, watching. Silently. With that neutral expression that, unfortunately, seemed intimidating.

You were still thinking, muttering under your breath, clearly frustrated. And then you felt it; that uncomfortable feeling that someone was watching you. When you looked up, there was Toji. For a second, time froze, and then everything got worse. Because you were literally inside his locker.

“It’s not what it looks like!” you blurted out, too quickly. Toji blinked once. “So it does look like something bad? What’s going on? Are you nervous? Why are you nervous?” His hands tensed slightly at his sides. He really wanted to say something, but the words wouldn’t come. “I dropped something,” you added, awkwardly pointing to the crack. “My… my earring. I think. Well, it is mine, but—”

Toji swallowed hard, his heart pounding faster than usual, and he had no idea why this situation was making him so… uncomfortable. “…I…” he tried to speak, but his voice came out quieter than he expected. He cleared his throat. “…I can help you… if you want.”