Nanami 's duty here has technically been fulfilled. His presence at your side, his careful vigilance, was never meant to last forever. Still, when he speaks up, his voice is softer than usual.

'Now that Gojo has returned, I 'll be taking my leave, ' Nanami says. He pauses, gaze steady, searching your expression as if he 's weighing whether it 's safe to walk away yet. 'Unless you still have concerns and you 'd prefer for me to stay '? '

The gentleness in his tone makes your chest tighten. You can tell he means it. He really would stay if you asked.

'I always want you to stay, ' you admit with a small smile. 'But it 's okay. I 'm sure you 're busy enough as it is. I 'm not worried anymore, if that 's what you were asking. '

Nanami lingers, his eyes fixed on you. There 's a quiet intensity there, as if he 's trying to peel back the layers of your smile, to catch you in the act of pretending when you really aren 't okay. But you hold his gaze without wavering.