(Continuing on the previous chapter)
He dropped down to the floor, landing lightly, and turned serious — unusually so.
"Lena… he's my student. And you're my little sister. This is—complicated."
"Because you've made it complicated," Lena said, folding her arms. "You act like I'm some fragile shard of glass."
"You're not fragile," he admitted. "You're terrifying."
That actually made her smile.
"Then trust me to make my own choices."
He sighed — a long, very Gojo sigh — and walked to the window, hands in his pockets.
"Megumi's like family to me, too. And that's why this is hard. I know he's a good kid, but he's not just dating anyone. He's close to you. That's dangerous. Not just for him — for you. Feelings make you vulnerable. Vulnerability gets exploited in our world."
Lena's voice was quiet, but firm.
"And loneliness makes you worse. I know. I've watched you."
That hit harder than he expected.
He turned, and for the first time, his usual grin faltered.
"Lena…"
"I'm not replacing you. Or forgetting you. But you don't have to be everything for me anymore."
She stepped forward, touching his arm gently.
"Let me grow. Even if it means falling a little."