hii it's me again, I think you know why I'm here :)
-that one anon that does not play about upper east side gojo
𝖩𝖩𝖪 𝗑 𝖥𝖾𝗆! 𝖱𝖾𝖺𝖽𝖾𝗋 [𝖴𝗉𝗉𝖾𝗋 𝖤𝖺𝗌𝗍 𝖲𝗂𝖽𝖾!𝖠𝖴]
𝖢𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋 𝟣𝟨: 𝖲𝖾𝖾𝗇, 𝖭𝗈𝗍 𝖧𝖾𝖺𝗋𝖽 (𝖸𝖾𝗍)
♠︎ • ♣︎ • ♥︎ • ♦︎ • ♠︎ • ♣︎ • ♥︎ • ♦︎ • ♠︎ • ♣︎ • ♥︎ • ♦︎ • ♠︎ • ♣︎ • ♥︎ • ♦︎ • ♠︎ • ♣︎ • ♥︎ • ♦︎ • ♠︎
5:28 PM
Satoru 🔵: i’m calling it now regent is going to be mid
Shoko 🖤: everything is mid to you except yourself
Satoru 🔵: correct
Your phone lay face-down on the counter as you wrapped a robe around yourself, stepping out onto the marble floor. Droplets traced a slow path down your skin before disappearing into the warm fabric.
Steam still clung to the bathroom mirror. The air was heavy, softened by heat and something faintly expensive.
You had barely stepped into your bedroom when you heard the faint click of your front door unlocking.
A voice followed immediately after. “Hello?? Are you done being bent over and can finally focus on getting ready for tonight?!”
You exhaled slowly, tilting your head back for half a second.
“I have two outfits to choose between, and I’m not sure if I should do a full outfit change mid-event,” she added, already walking in.
She appeared in your doorway with a flourish, holding two garment bags.
Then she stopped mid-step.
Her eyes narrowed. “…You let him give you a hickey.”
You blinked. “No, I didn’t.”
Utahime lifted a perfectly manicured finger and pointed at your collarbone.
You turned sharply toward your vanity mirror, tilting your head to the side to inspect your reflection.
Utahime, without missing a beat, tossed her bags down onto your couch and clapped once. “Okay. No time to spiral. Regent night. We’re behind schedule. Hair. Outfit. Damage control. Move.”
You stared at her for a second. “Behind schedule? I literally just showered—”
“And now you’re sporting a hickey like someone's frumpy girlfriend,” she replied immediately. “So get dressed.”
You pointed at her. “That’s not helping.”
Utahime ignored you completely, already dragging you toward your vanity. “Sit,” she ordered.
“Didn’t you want me to get—.”
Hair tools appeared on your vanity. A brush. Gel. Three different sprays that all claimed to do fundamentally the same thing but cost wildly different amounts. Utahime was already sectioning your hair and working with practiced hands.
“So,” she began casually, “First thing. Suguru and Shoko.”
You blinked at the mirror. “What about them?”
A pause as Utahime met your gaze. “You know….”
You narrowed your eyes slightly. “I know…what?”
“That they’ve been hooking up.”
Utahime leaned closer to you. “They’ve been doing this for weeks.”
You frowned slightly. “I knew they were hooking up, but…Suguru doesn’t do things for weeks. Neither does Shoko.”
Utahime snorted. “Exactly.”
That made you pause. “…Huh.”
Utahime moved on, tilting your chin in her direction.. “Okay. Makeup.”
“No glitter,” you warned immediately.
“Too late,” she said, already opening a palette.
She leaned in, brushing concealer under your eyes with soft, precise strokes now. “Tonight feels different.”
You met her gaze, furrowing your brows. “Different? How?”
She tilted your chin in the opposite direction. “Everyone’s been…weird all day.”
“Paranoia isn’t a good look on you.”
“It’s not paranoia,” Utahime said, stepping back slightly. “I have a sixth sense about these things.”
You couldn’t deny it. She really had a sixth sense about things. She’d predicted the market dip last spring, the Redford divorce months before it went public, and—more impressively—called that three separate “exclusive relationships” on campus were already over before the couples themselves figured it out.
You turned to admire her work in the mirror. “Ugh, sometimes I think I should hire you.”
Utahime made a face. “Ew. Don’t degrade me like that.”
You snorted. “Never change.”
You smoothed down the front of your dress, checking your reflection in your phone camera one last time—angle, lighting, expression.
The limo sped through the clustered streets of the Upper East Side, city lights already beginning to flicker awake as dusk settled in. Storefront windows glowed gold. Sidewalks buzzed. Everywhere you looked, people were moving with purpose, or pretending they had one.
Inside the car, it was quieter. Dim lighting. Soft leather. The faint hum of the engine beneath it all.
Utahime sat across from you, one leg crossed elegantly over the other, lips parted slightly as she applied gloss with the kind of focus usually reserved for surgery.
“Don’t look at me,” she said without glancing up. “You’ll make me mess up.”
“I’m not doing anything,” you replied, lowering your phone slightly.
“You’re existing,” she shot back. “It’s distracting.”
You huffed a quiet laugh, leaning back against the seat.
The limo slowed, gliding to a stop beneath the awning of The Calderon.
Utahime glanced out the window. “God, I hate this place.”
“You love this place,” you corrected, already reaching for the door handle.
“I love what happens inside this place,” she said. “Big difference.”
Reginald opened the door before either of you could move further. Cool evening air slipped in, brushing against your skin.
“Christ, it’s cold for September,” Utahime muttered as you both stepped out, heels clicking softly against the polished stone of the courtyard.
You sidled up beside her, slipping an arm around her shoulders. “I’ll keep you warm, babygirl.”
She snorted, leaning into you anyway as the doorman pulled the glass doors open. “You’re so full of shit.”
You both laughed as you crossed into the lobby and toward the elevator.
Suguru stood behind his bar, sleeves rolled, four glasses already lined up in front of him. “Right on time.”
You didn’t respond, just tossed your bag onto his couch and slid onto one of the barstools.
“Whatever’s strongest,” you said. “Utahime stressed me out.”
She flicked your ear before padding off down the hallway.
Suguru’s mouth curved slightly as he reached beneath the counter, retrieving a bottle of aged Japanese whiskey. “Of course she did.”
He poured, the amber liquid catching the low light before he slid the glass toward you.
You knocked it back in one go, before grimacing. “Eugh.”
Utahime reappeared, with Shoko in tow. “Found her.”
You glanced over, before narrowing your eyes at Shoko.
She waved you off in a ‘We’ll talk later’ gesture.
You smirked before turning back towards Suguru. “We’re all leaving from here, right?”
He nodded, downing his second shot. “Yep.”
A sharp knock cut through the air.
You didn’t even turn. “Who else would it be,” you muttered as the door swung open.
Satoru stepped inside like the room, dressed in a loose silk shirt with just enough of the buttons left undone to suggest carelessness, not accident. Silver glinted at his wrist.
“It’s okay,” Satoru announced, spreading his arms as if blessing the room. “I’m here to save you all.”
Utahime let out a long, suffering sigh. “No one asked you to.”
Suguru didn’t move, just lifted his glass slightly.
Satoru sauntered into the apartment, before taking the barstool on your other side. “Aren’t you looking mighty fine tonight?” he murmured, leaning in towards you. “You pick this out yourself?”
You glared at him. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Oh, nothing.” He said, before peering down your cleavage.
You shoved him backwards slightly, unable to help the smile growing on your lips. “You’re so annoying.”
He grinned before reaching across the counter for Suguru’s glass and bringing it to his lips, before quickly handing it back to him. “Eugh. The fuck are you drinking?”
Suguru smirked, taking the glass back. “Nature’s Viagra.”
Shoko rolled her eyes, already reaching past him to steal a bottle of Clase Azul.
“Why’re you here so early, anyways?” Utahime asked, taking a sip of her martini. “You usually show up at the last second.”
“She’s right.” You mused, turning back to him and narrowing your eyes. “You’re usually two strokes deep in the apartment staff when we’re pregaming. Something’s up.”
Satoru raised his hands and scoffed. “Please, you make me sound like a whore.”
Satoru clicked his tongue. “Hello?! Not even a denial, or a sympathetic glance? Sugu? Hello?!?”
Suguru shrugged, leaning back against the counter. “Truth’s the truth, playboy.”
You snorted, before taking a sip of Shoko’s drink.
Utahime set her glass down before pointing at Suguru and Shoko. “Alright, we need to address something.”
Shoko raised an eyebrow, her gaze following Utahime’s finger. “What are you talking about—”
“This—” Utahime gestured. “Whatever you two have going on.”
Suguru smiled, entirely too calm. “We’re standing.”
“Now you’re being an ass,” Utahime snapped.
You leaned your elbow on the counter, resting your chin in your hand. “No, no, let her cook.”
Shoko sighed, dragging a hand through her hair. “It’s not a thing.”
“It’s been a thing,” Utahime shot back immediately.
“It’s not a thing-thing,” Shoko corrected, narrowing her eyes slightly.
It was Suguru’s turn to raise his eyebrows. “So I’m not a thing-thing?” he said playfully.
Satoru leaned closer to you, voice dropping. “Ten bucks says this blows up before midnight.”
You didn’t even look at him. “Fuck off.”
You turned your head slightly, meeting his gaze with a wicked smirk. “You’re on.”
“Ah-ah!” Utahime said, pointing at the two of you. “You two aren’t innocent. You two hook up all the time.”
You and Satoru shared a glance. “Yeah, but it doesn’t count.” you said, shrugging. “It’s…Satoru.”
Satoru nodded. “Yeah. It’s me.”
Shoko exhaled, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Can we not do this right now?”
Utahime crossed her arms. “That’s not a denial.”
“That’s a not your business.”
“Everything is my business,” Utahime said flatly.
“What’s her business?” Came a voice from the door.
It was Haibara and Kento.
“Shoko and Suguru are fucking.” Satoru said plainly.
“OhmyGod.” Shoko muttered, burying her head in her hands.
Kento didn’t even pause as he slipped his jacket off, voice flat. “That was obvious.”
Shoko groaned, dragging her hands down her face. “I hate all of you.”
Haibara lit up as he bounded forward. “Wait, how long has this been going on?”
“Long enough,” Satoru said breezily, peering down your dress again.
Shoko whipped her head toward him. “Why are you talking?”
Kento poured himself a drink. “This explains a lot.”
Shoko pointed at Kento. “You’re supposed to be neutral.”
“I am,” he said calmly. “That was neutral.”
Utahime clapped once, delighted. “See? I’m never wrong.”
“You’re rarely quiet, that’s for sure,” you muttered.
She ignored you completely, eyes flicking between Shoko and Suguru. “So what is it? Casual? Complicated? Sex is too good to stop?”
“None of the above,” Shoko said quickly.
“All of the above,” Suguru corrected at the exact same time.
You slowly turned your head back towards Satoru, eyebrows lifting. “Oh, that’s interesting.”
Satoru leaned in again. “Told you this was blowing up.”
Shoko bit the inside of her cheek. “We are not doing labels.”
Suguru’s smile didn’t drop, but something in it sharpened slightly. “No, of course not.”
“Whew!” You interrupted, reaching across the counter and grabbed a bottle of Macallan 18. “Let’s all take a shot to that.”
Utahime grabbed a shot glass immediately. “This conversation is paused, not over.”
Shoko pointed at her. “Drop it.”
“Never,” Utahime said sweetly.
Haibara leaned over the counter, eyes lighting up as he read the label. “Is this—”
“Don’t finish that sentence,” Suguru cut in smoothly, sliding the bottle out of his reach. “Just drink what you’re given.”
You snorted, pouring out a round for everyone.
Satoru grabbed his shot, tilting his head toward you. “What are we toasting to?”
You paused, gaze flicking briefly to Shoko. Then Suguru.
Then Utahime, who looked entirely too pleased with herself.
You smirked slightly. “To making bad decisions.”
“To shutting up,” Shoko muttered.
Suguru huffed a quiet laugh. “Consistent.”
“Predictable,” Kento added.
“Necessary,” Satoru corrected, clinking his glass lightly against yours.
The shots went down in one clean motion—burning, smooth, expensive in a way that almost justified itself.
Haibara blinked, coughing once. “Okay—yeah, that’s—wow.”
Utahime winced. “That’s smooth.”
You exhaled sharply, setting the glass down. “Okay—again.”
“Absolutely not,” Kento said immediately.
“Absolutely yes,” Utahime countered, already reaching for the bottle.
Haibara was halfway through pouring another before anyone could stop him. “So what’s the plan? Are we showing up to Regent together or…?”
Utahime perked up immediately.
Kento adjusted his cuff. “It would be better if we staggered arrivals.”
Utahime frowned. “No, I hate that. It feels disjointed.”
You reached for your phone, glancing at the time.
“Fifty minutes,” you said. “Plenty of time for more rounds.”
“Absolutely not,” Kento replied at the exact same time that Satoru said, “Absolutely.”
“Okay, but the arrival thing—if we stagger, who goes first?” Haibara asked, before downing his shot with a grunt.
“Not us,” Utahime said immediately, grabbing her glass. “We don’t arrive early. That’s embarrassing.”
“Agreed,” you said. “Early is for people who need attention.”
Satoru snorted. “That’s ironic.”
Suguru leaned back against the counter, thinking. “We split into two groups. Create some space.”
Kento nodded. “Less predictable.”
“More dramatic,” Utahime added.
Haibara clapped his hands together, breaking the moment. “Okay! Groups. I call not being with Kento because he kills the vibe.”
“I maintain the vibe,” Kento said calmly.
The resulting silence was telling.
Suguru exhaled a quiet laugh. “Fine. Satoru’ll take Kento.”
Satoru grinned wickedly, while Kento soured significantly.
“I’m not babysitting him,” Kento said flatly.
“You couldn’t handle me,” Satoru shot back, already reaching for another pour.
“I don’t want to handle you.”
“Sounds like a personal problem.”
Utahime pointed between the rest of you. “Okay, then what—me, you, Shoko, and Haibara?”
You gave a quick shake of your head. “That’s uneven. Two to four? And Suguru’s left out.”
Suguru pushed off the counter, grabbing his glass. “Alright, enough. Final groups.”
He pointed lazily. “Me, Shoko, Haibara.”
You and Utahime shared a glance.
Kento adjusted his watch. “That leaves—”
“You, me, Utahime, and Satoru,” you finished, already knowing.
Satoru brightened instantly. “Perfect.”
Utahime clapped once, triumphant. “I love when things work out.”
Shoko huffed, reaching for a bottle of Belvedere. “Alright. Final decision. Groups are set.”
“A shot to celebrate.” You said, holding out your glass.
Kento looked at the various bottles decorating the bar. “Mixing all these shots definitely isn’t a good idea.”
Satoru didn’t even look at him as he reached for the Yamazaki. “Neither is half the stuff we do. What’s your point?”
“Longevity,” Kento replied.
“Boring,” Haibara said, already raising his shot.
You tilted your head, watching Kento over the rim of your glass. “You can sit this one out, Ken, if it makes you feel better.”
“I won’t,” he replied calmly.
“Then stop bitching,” you shot back.
Then, Kento reached forward, picked up his glass, and held it out. “Fine.”
Haibara cheered. “Yes! That’s what I’m talking about.”
Shoko tapped her glass against the counter. “Are we doing this or just talking about it?”
Utahime, of course, couldn’t help herself. “To…questionable group decisions.”
“To worse ones later,” Satoru added.
The second (or perhaps, third?) group round went down quicker.
You exhaled, setting your glass down with a quiet tap. “Okay. Now I feel it.”
“Yeah,” Utahime said, wincing slightly. “That one hit.”
Haibara exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “Oh wow. Okay. Yeah.”
“Give it five minutes,” Shoko said. “You won’t care.”
Suguru checked his phone briefly, then slid it back into his pocket. “Car’s here in five.”
Haibara perked up. “First wave!”
“Stop calling it that,” Kento said.
“It is that,” Haibara insisted, already halfway to the door before realizing no one else had moved. “Wait—who else is showing up tonight?”
Suguru shrugged. “Everyone.”
Haibara bounced lightly on his heels. “No, but actually, who do we need to look out for?”
Kento adjusted his cuff again. “No one, if you behave.”
Satoru snorted. “So everyone.”
You tilted your head, thinking. “Well, obviously Kugisaki, Maki, and Mai.”
Shoko leaned back against the counter. “You think Naoya’s showing up?”
“Definitely.” You and Utahime said in unison.
Haibara groaned. “That already lowers the quality of the night.”
Suguru pushed off the counter, draining the last of his glass. “Two minutes.”
Satoru raised a finger. “I think Megumi’s coming. I invited him.”
You blinked. “Toji’s kid?”
Satoru hummed, like he’d just mentioned the weather, pouring himself another shot. “Yep.”
Haibara looked between you all. “Toji?!”
“There’s only one,” Kento said, his lips pressed in a flat line.
You studied Satoru. “Thought you hated that whole family.”
“My family doesn’t like them,” he corrected easily, knocking back the shot. “But the kid’s pretty cool.”
You shared a glance with Suguru, who shrugged. “As long as the kid’s down to hang.”
“He is,” Satoru said. “Kid’s got a spine.”
Utahime tilted her head slightly. “...We’ll see.”
Then, Suguru’s phone buzzed.
He glanced down. “Car’s here.”
Haibara clapped once. “Okay! First wave—”
“Don’t,” three voices said at once.
Shoko pushed off the counter, slower, more deliberate. She grabbed her clutch, checking her reflection in the darkened screen of her phone for half a second before slipping it away again.
At the door, Haibara turned back around like he physically couldn’t leave without one more comment. “Okay but seriously guys, if something happens before you get there, just check my story.”
Suguru reached past Haibara, opening the door. Cool air slipped into the apartment again, brushing against warm skin and expensive fabric.
“Phones on,” Suguru said casually. “Just in case.”
Utahime watched the three of them closely, eyes narrowing just slightly. “Don’t do anything stupid.”
Suguru glanced back at her. “That’s a big ask.”
Haibara laughed, then finally stepped out into the hallway.
The door shut with a soft click.
“So…” you started. “Another shot?”
“Thought you’d never ask.” Satoru quipped, sliding his shot glass forward.
And what a night it was about to be.
♠︎ • ♣︎ • ♥︎ • ♦︎ • ♠︎ • ♣︎ • ♥︎ • ♦︎ • ♠︎ • ♣︎ • ♥︎ • ♦︎ • ♠︎ • ♣︎ • ♥︎ • ♦︎ • ♠︎ • ♣︎ • ♥︎ • ♦︎ • ♠︎
P.S. for all you guys to look forward to - i've been working on a little project for this fic and hopefully i get to release it with the next chapters!!! 🤭 so stay tuned for chapter 17/18