The shower was as advertised—excellent water pressure, multiple shower heads that could be adjusted, and the water temperature was perfect once you got it set. The bathroom had been stocked with high-quality products, and everything was meticulously clean. It was the kind of shower setup that invited you to take your time and actually relax rather than just quickly cleaning off.
The door she'd closed had a simple lock on it—nothing complicated, just a basic bathroom privacy lock—and the door itself was solid and well-fitted in its frame.
Noa looked at the bathroom door, the lock it had on it, before deciding that she needed to focus on her shower. Her anxiety was slowly creeping up & she need a distraction. She picked up one of the shampoo bottles and nearly bulked. It was an expensive brand, like really expensive. She gave a little laugh, "Haha, no wonder his dyed hair looks so good."
From the kitchen, Gojo's phone buzzed with Shoko's response:
"Yea, definitely a trauma response. Checking exits/locks is hypervigilance, common with PTSD. The fake smile is a protective mechanism—'I'm fine' performance to avoid vulnerability or questions. Why, what happened? Is something going on with one of the students??"
He stared at the text for a moment, his jaw tightening slightly. He typed back quickly:
"Nothing specific. Just noticed some things about a new friend. Thanks."
He set his phone down and continued with dinner prep, though his movements were more deliberate now, his mind clearly working through something. He pulled out ingredients for what looked like it was going to be a homemade curry—something warm, comforting, and substantial.
His enhanced hearing couldn't help but pick up her small laugh from the bathroom, and despite his concerns, it made him smile slightly. At least she was finding some amusement in something, even if it was just his expensive hair products.