ཐི Pairings: Spider-Man!Gojo x f!Reader
ཐི Content warnings + tags: 18+ MDNI: blood/injury, mild language, brief suggestive tension, emotional vulnerability, mentions of past trauma/injury, friends-to-lovers tension, slow burn maybe, shirtless Gojo in distress (you're welcome)
ཐི Synopsis: You always knew something was off. The bruises, the excuses, the way Satoru smiled like nothing was ever wrong. But you never expected to catch your best friend climbing through his dorm window in a torn Spider-Man suit—bleeding, limping, and very, very confused to find you already in his bed. Turns out, the mask was the easy part. Explaining why he kept it from you? That’s going to hurt more.
Look, in Satoru Gojo’s defense, he didn’t mean to get bitten by a radioactive spider.
It wasn’t like he woke up one morning and thought, “You know what would really spice things up? Permanent genetic mutation.” No—he was just eighteen, bored, and dared by his best friends to sneak off during a field trip.
It had been Suguru’s idea, naturally. Haibara backed it up with that reckless grin of his and a, “Come on, Gojo! Don’t be a coward.”. And Gojo—never one to turn down a challenge, especially with you watching from the corner of the lab, arms crossed and suspicious—took the bait.
Next thing he knew, he was sneaking behind the barrier in one of the restricted research wings, alone, because of course his friends had ditched him to go flirt with the grad students.
But then he took one wrong turn, finding himself in a closed-off lab, staring at a glowing containment case he definitely shouldn’t have opened. And then—snap. Right on the web between his thumb and index finger. Like the thing had been waiting.
Yeah. He got bit. Sue him.
It was small, and honestly, the bite had barely hurt. You’d scolded him for wandering off, of course. Dragged him out by the sleeve of his lab coat and threatened to tell Yaga about the whole thing. But he never got the chance to explain the bite. Not before the symptoms started.
First came the dizziness. Then the freaky super strength. The creeping sense of pressure in the back of his head every time something bad was about to happen. And then the wall-crawling incident. That one was hard to ignore, especially when it ended with him stuck to the ceiling of the boys’ dorm for two hours before Suguru had found him. He was the only one who knew.
And the weird powers? They never went away.
The getting-stuck-to-the-walls thing just got worse. Along with his super strength that he hadn’t learned to control, resulting in him accidentally flicking an entire cafeteria tray into Nanami’s face (which he still hadn’t been forgiven for).
The rest, well...it escalated.
He got a mask. A suit. A name.
And for the past few years, he’d been juggling college classes, part-time tutoring, and the occasional city-wide disaster. It wasn’t glamorous. He wasn’t rich or famous. He still showed up to class ten minutes late with iced coffee and fresh bruises he refused to explain. But someone had to look out for this city—and it might as well be him.
Most nights were spent slinging webs across the skyline, fighting weirdos in mech suits or mind-control cults or whatever flavor of chaos happened to be trending. It wasn’t exactly what he had imagined his early twenties would look like, but hey—at least the cardio was good.
Tonight had been one of the rougher ones.
The villain had some sort of magnetic field tech—don’t ask, he’s still figuring it out—that completely messed with his web cartridges, which was honestly just rude. His ribs were sore, his suit was torn along the left thigh and shoulder, and he was pretty sure there was dried blood on his chin.
All he wanted to do after was crawl into bed and maybe sleep for the next week.
He didn’t bother swinging all the way across the city. Not tonight. He cut through a few back alleys, scaled a fire escape, and ducked into the familiar creak of the window that led to his dorm bedroom.
He dropped down inside with a grunt, one leg over the sill and already halfway to peeling off the top half of his suit when he heard it:
A soft rustle. The distinct turn of a page.
His head snapped up.
You were there.
Not a hallucination. Not a dream.
Just you, curled up on his bed like you belonged there—hoodie sleeves pushed up, a paperback balanced on your knees.
You blinked.
He blinked.
Both frozen.
And for once, Satoru Gojo had absolutely no idea what to say.
It was almost midnight when your phone buzzed again.
Another text from Gojo.
still working late :( don’t wait up
You stared at the message for a second too long, thumb hovering over the screen like you were tempted to cuss him out one more time. But then you rolled your eyes, locked it with a sigh, and tossed the phone onto his nightstand with a quiet thud.
Liar.
“Working late,” your ass.
He always said that. Or some variation of it—meetings ran long, had to help Yaga with something, emergency tutoring session. All suspicious. All delivered with that same infuriating grin, like he knew you wouldn’t push.
Sometimes you did. Sometimes you tried.
But he always wriggled his way out of it, brushing you off with a joke or a wink, or a “God, you worry too much.” Like caring about him was some kind of thing you should’ve been embarrassed about.
It was infuriating how vague he could really be—always making it seem like he was out actually doing something normal. But the bruises told you otherwise. The busted knuckles, the limping gait some mornings, the way he winced when he thought you weren’t looking—it all added up to something much bigger than “late-night tutoring sessions”.
So you stopped asking. Mostly.
Suguru was even worse. You’d begged him once, cornered him in the campus café after class when Satoru had come home with his ribs wrapped and his knuckles bloodied. “What is he doing at night?” you’d asked, giving him a look that said I’m serious this time.
Suguru had just looked at you for a long moment before quietly saying, “It’s not my place to tell. Satoru’s just…a complicated guy.”
Like you didn’t already know that.
Then he paid for your coffee and changed the subject.
You’d never felt so helpless in your life.
Satoru Gojo was your best friend. Had been since high school. Loud, ridiculous, impossibly smart—annoying, in that way that got on your nerves like it was his full-time job (though, he made it incredibly hard to actually stay mad at him). He was also the one who carried you home on his back when your feet hurt. Who sent you memes when he knew you were upset. He made you laugh. Made you feel safe, even when the rest of the world didn’t.
Somewhere along the way, the closeness stopped feeling purely platonic.
You never admitted it. Not even to yourself—not really. But it was there, humming under your skin like static.
And lately…he’d been pulling away. Or maybe hiding something. You weren’t sure which felt worse.
He was so secretive. Always brushing things off, changing the subject, vanishing in the middle of plans. You’d started pretending not to notice. That maybe it was just work, or stress, or something he’d eventually tell you when he was ready.
But that excuse had been wearing thin.
So tonight, instead of going back to your own dorm, you waited.
You’re not even sure why. Stubbornness, maybe. Or something softer you don’t want to name.
You were already curled up on his bed, one leg tucked beneath you, a paperback open in your lap as you reread the same sentence three times now. The hoodie you were wearing was one of his—oversized, soft, with a faded Digimon print on the front and sleeves that fell over your hands. It still smelled like his detergent—that faint peppermint-and-cotton scent that always made you feel like you were here, with him, even when he wasn’t.
His dorm was quiet, except for the occasional shuffle of someone in the hallway and the low hum of traffic outside the cracked window. The room was small and messy, barely big enough for one person, let alone two (he shared with Suguru). His desk was cluttered with open notebooks and loose pens. A pair of round sunglasses rested crooked on top of a physics textbook. The desk chair was pushed back at an angle like he had left in a rush.
You turned a page.
And another.
The clock ticked past midnight.
You didn’t know why you were still here. Maybe out of spite. Maybe hope. Maybe because you wanted to be there to make sure he was okay. That if he came back again limping or bleeding or cracked open, you’d be the one to catch him.
But deep down, you were hoping—just a little—that tonight would be different. That he’d walk through the door and sit beside you and finally tell you the truth.
You glanced at the window. It was cracked slightly, as always. He insisted that it was for ventilation, but you always suspected it was just another one of his stupid quirks.
You sighed, stretched your legs a little, and settled deeper into the pillows.
If Satoru wanted to keep secrets, fine. He could have his mysteries and his midnight escapades.
But he could at least have the decency to come home before you fell asleep in his bed.
You were just about to give up and call it a night when the window creaked.
Not loud. Just enough to make your head lift.
You blinked once, slowly, glancing up, expecting him to walk through the door like a normal person.
But no.
Of course not.
There was movement—a shadow pulling itself over the sill, graceless and muttering.
And then he dropped into the room.
You froze.
So did he.
One leg still hanging out the window, one glove halfway peeled off. His other hand tugged at the edge of a white mask, lifting it high enough to expose his jaw—his bruised, bloody jaw—and a familiar mop of white hair.
And your stomach dropped.
He hadn’t noticed you yet, not fully. He was grumbling under his breath, tugging at the top half of his suit as he peeled it down to his waist with a wince. His hair was a mess, clinging to his forehead with sweat, and there was a cut on his temple that looked like it hadn’t stopped bleeding.
But that wasn’t what made your heart stop.
It was the suit.
Mostly black and white. Torn at the sleeve. Streaked with dirt and ash. And right at the center of his chest, printed in bright, unmistakable blue—
A spider emblem.
Your breath caught.
He looked up. Finally saw you.
And everything in the room just—stopped. He was like a deer caught in headlights.
You felt your heart kind of stutter, because it’s him. It’s Satoru. Except—it’s not.
You stared at him.
Then at the suit.
Then back at him.
Your mouth dropped open. There is no way. No fucking way…
You’ve seen Spider-Man before—but who hasn’t? He was on the news, in blurry tabloid photos, grainy clips online. The masked vigilante who swung in to stop a building collapse downtown. The guy who took on four robbers at once outside the Midtown bank. The same one who—
—saved you once.
But that had been months ago.
And he hadn’t said a word.
Just lifted you out of danger, bridal style, and disappeared before you could even thank him. You’d told yourself it could’ve been anyone.
But now, with him standing in front of you—torn suit, wild hair, and a look of complete panic settling across his features?
There was no denying it.
The book you were barely reading slipped from your lap, hitting the mattress with a dull thump.
“Y–You’re Spiderm—” you start, the words tumbling out before your brain can catch up.
His eyes went wide.
“NOPE—NOPE NOPE NOPE—” he yelped, practically throwing himself across the room.
You shot to your feet, voice rising. “You’re Spider-M—!”
“SHHHHH—” His palm slammed over your mouth mid-sentence.
Your hands flew up in protest, eyes wide, muffled complaints coming fast and still loud. He looked equally horrified and apologetic, the panic written all over his face.
“Stop talking. Stop—please—shhh. You’re gonna give me a heart attack.” He glanced wildly at the window, as if worried someone might’ve heard you from four stories below. “Why are you here?! Why are you—why are you awake?!”
You glared up at him.
He winced, looking like he was two seconds away from passing out. “Right. Yeah. Okay. That’s a dumb question. But this is fine. Totally fine. Normal, even.” he muttered mostly to himself.
You raised a disbelieving eyebrow.
“Okay, not normal,” he amends quickly, eyes darting around like the room might start recording him. “But manageable. Kind of. If you just—stop screaming and don’t say the name again—"
You swatted at his hand until he finally took the hint. He slowly peeled it away from your mouth, like you might bite him. You didn’t—but only barely. You gaped at him for another beat. Your eyes flicked back to his suit, to the emblem, to the blood on his temple. “You’re Spider-Man?!”
“That’s…um.” He scratched the back of his head, grinning weakly. “A surprisingly complicated question, actually.”
Your hands flew up again. “Are you insane?!”
“Okay see, that’s more fair—”
“You’ve been lying to me this entire time—”
“Not lying,” he said, holding up both hands like he could Jedi-mind-trick you into chilling out. “Just, you know. Withholding certain city-saving, occasionally life-threatening details…”
You were still too stunned to speak. Your pulse was thundering in your ears.
Satoru Gojo—your idiot best friend—was the Spider-Man.
“What the fuck, Satoru?!”
“I can explain!”
“Can you?!”
“...Well, no. But I will! Eventually!”
There was another beat of tense silence. Then you both spoke at the same time.
“You’re a superhero—”
“You were not supposed to be here—”
Another pause.
You looked at him again. This tall, ridiculous man in front of you, standing in his half-peeled suit, covered in bruises, and desperately trying to hold it together with pure denial.
And you couldn’t help it.
You bursted out laughing.
“You’re Spider-Man?” you ask again, still breathless. “You trip over your own feet walking across campus.”
He pouted, deeply offended. “I don’t trip—okay, that was one time, and the floor was weird.”
You shook your head, a hundred questions forming at once. None of them left your mouth.
Because suddenly, everything—every late-night excuse, every wince, every disappearing act—made a terrifying kind of sense.
And it hit you, like gravity finally catching up, that he’d been doing this alone.
So, the laughter faded. Slowly. The corners of your mouth still twitched, but your chest felt tight again. It didn’t just disappear completely—but it quieted. Simmering beneath the weight of everything you’d come to realize.
Satoru looked at you, and you looked at him—this idiot, this liar, this half-dressed, scraped-up mess of a best friend— was still standing there, scuffed and bloody and too tired to keep the smile on his face. His shoulders were tense. His eyes—usually so loud, so annoyingly bright—were just…quiet. You felt everything all at once. Relief. Anger. Confusion. That familiar knot of worry that always settled in your stomach whenever he came home bloodied.
But mostly? You were hurt.
You crossed your arms over your chest, with a pout matching his own, “Why didn’t you tell me?” It hadn’t meant to come out so quietly, a little too raw.
He flinched as if you slapped him. “I—I wasn’t trying to keep it from you, I just—”
You stepped back before he could get any closer. “No, seriously. Don’t start with that. You lied. You disappeared. You let me sit here for months, wondering where you were. You let me think you were just being a dumbass, going out and getting into fights for fun, when you were out there risking your life every single night.”
He flinched again. You hated that he looked so small sitting there with his arms half out of his suit. Like he knew he’d messed up and didn’t know how to fix it.
“Suguru knew,” you snapped. “And not me. Do you have any idea how shitty that feels?”
His mouth opened—then closed. He scrubbed a hand through his hair, like he didn’t know where to start.
“Okay, that wasn’t—on purpose,” he said eventually. “He walked in on me stuck to the ceiling of our dorm one night. I was still figuring everything out, and he… just found out. I didn’t tell him. He saw. And I couldn’t really explain that away, could I?”
You didn’t say anything. You just stared. Because you believed that part—but it didn’t fix the ache.
He looked up at you then, eyes wide and a little too honest.
“Look, you’re right. I should’ve told you. I just…I didn’t want you to know,” he admitted.
That made your eyes narrow. “What?”
He exhaled, long and rough-sounding. “Not because I don’t trust you. It’s the opposite.”
“Satoru—”
“I’m serious,” he said, cutting you off. “I’ve seen what happens. Bad guys figure out who matters. They look for leverage, and people get caught in the middle. People I care about. I didn’t want to put a target on your back. If anything ever happened to you because of me—”
His voice broke off shakily, swallowing hard. “I wouldn’t survive it,” he said, quieter. “I’d never forgive myself…”
You blinked, feeling your throat tighten. “But I’ve always been there,” you said, voice barely above a whisper. “Whether I knew or not. I was already close. That didn’t change anything. You just…kept me in the dark.”
He just looked at you like you were breaking his heart. “I know…I’m sorry, okay? I didn’t want to lie to you. I just—wanted to keep you safe.”
There was a long, slow silence. Your shoulders sagged. The tension in your chest didn’t disappear, but it softened.
“…You’re such an idiot,” you muttered, stepping forward and tugging at his wrist. “Sit down before you fall over.”
He obeyed without argument, slowly sinking onto the edge of the bed with a quiet wince. You didn’t wait for permission—you turned on your heel and disappeared into his tiny bathroom, hands trembling as you opened the cabinet under the sink.
You needed a minute to breathe. To focus on something real, like disinfectant and gauze pads. Something you could control.
When you returned with the first aid kit, he hadn’t moved. He looked up at you with those stupidly blue eyes like he expected you to throw it at his head (which he definitely deserved).
Instead, you knelt down in front of him, pulling the kit open with practiced fingers. “You look like shit.”
“Thanks,” he mumbled, smiling just a little.
“You don’t have to do this alone, you know,” you said, your voice fell quiet again. It wasn’t meant to sound so soft, but it was the truth.
He didn’t say anything, but he held your gaze.
You gestured toward his shoulder. “Suit.”
His eyebrows shot up.
“For the wound, asshole.”
“Oh. Right.” He winced, hesitating for a moment before he peeled the rest of the top down, the fabric sticking to a bloody scrape along his ribs. His chest was broad and flushed in patches of bruised skin and dried blood. Strong. Vulnerable.
Your fingers trembled slightly as you reached for the gauze. You tried not to look too long, but your gaze lingered. On the muscles shifting beneath his skin. On the curve of his neck, the dip of his collarbones, the pale trail of a healing scar across his ribs that you’d never seen before. His chest rose and fell, shallow and slow.
Your pulse fluttered, and it made you angry—because he was reckless and stupid and hadn’t told you anything. And it made you terrified, because you didn’t want to think about what could’ve happened if he hadn’t made it home tonight.
He winced when you dabbed the cut a little too firmly. “Baby,” you teased, gently. “You jumped off a building tonight. I think you can handle a little antiseptic.”
He snorted in response, smiling just a little, but it was smaller than usual. More tired. “That’s rich, coming from the person who cries during animal rescue commercials.”
The silence stretched. Your fingers moved more slowly, feeling the tension between you suddenly shift. It softened, changed shape.
You realized you were still kneeling between his knees, still tending to the bruise blooming down the side of his chest, and his eyes hadn’t left you once. When your hand brushed along the exposed skin, his jaw ticked.
The air felt warmer now. Thicker. His eyes flicked from your eyes to your lips. Yours flicked to his.
And he leaned in. Just barely.
And you let him.
Your heart stuttered against your ribs once more, this time for a very different reason. Your lips parted slightly—
—and then the door swung open.
“Hey, Satoru, have you seen my—” Suguru’s voice cut off midway.
Both you and Satoru whipped your heads around, flustered, wide-eyed, practically jumping apart.
Suguru stood in the doorway, eyes landing on you. Then Satoru. Then the awkward tangle of limbs and exposed skin between you.
There was a beat of silence as he blinked. But then he smirked. “Oops,” he said, backing up with his hands raised into the air. “My bad.”
The door clicked shut behind him.
Then, slowly, you sat back, pressing the gauze firmly to his chest like it was his fault. “Tell him if he walks in like that again, I will kill him.”
Satoru coughed, trying and failing to look innocent. “Technically, he does live here.”
You glared. “Whatever.”
And this time, he laughed.
You cleaned the last of the cuts in silence, fingers steadier now. The sharp edge of anger had dulled into something quieter. Something that felt like grief, maybe. Or relief. A kind of tenderness you weren’t sure what to do with.
And it wasn’t awkward between you anymore. Just heavy. Full of things unsaid.
You taped down the last bit of gauze and let your hand rest—briefly—against the uninjured part of his chest. The warmth of his skin. The steady beat of his heart beneath your palm.
He didn’t move.
You knew he was still watching you. He always watched you like this—like he was memorizing the shape of you. Like he was afraid you’d disappear if he blinked.
And maybe you would’ve. If things were different.
When you finally sat back on your heels, you expected him to deflect. To joke. To shove it all down again, the way he always did when things got too real.
But he didn’t.
Instead, his voice came low. Careful. Afraid he didn’t deserve to ask.
“…Can you stay?”
You looked up at him. Really looked—at the bruises, the bandages, the blood still drying in his hair. But more than that…you saw all of it. The fear. The loneliness. The guilt he’d never once said out loud.
You wanted to yell at him again. Or maybe hold him forever.
But instead, you just nodded. Quietly. Without hesitation.
Because he didn’t need to ask.
Because you were already here.
Because you’d always stay.
And that was enough.
Author's Note: I've had this oneshot in my drafts forever now, but I was feeling inspired by Only One's Who Know by @indiewritesxoxo, because this superhero au of Gojo and Geto is chef's kiss. And I HIGHLY recommend you guy's go give it a read (I'm addicted)!
As always my lovelies, if you enjoyed, a repost is always appreciated! <3
divider: @strangergraphics! | Art by: @aliyartss on instagram
synopsis. Gojo Satoru has never been the jealous type. He's confident, untouchable, the strongest — why would he ever feel threatened? Then some guy at a work event puts his hand on your lower back, and Satoru learns something new about himself. He's very, very jealous. (And terrible at hiding it.)
pairing. gojo satoru x f!reader
content & warnings. fluff, jealous gojo (soft version), established relationship, possessive but not toxic, satoru is EMBARRASSED about being jealous, protective vibes, kissing, LOTS of pet names, shoko and geto teasing gojo HIHII
series. part 1 of "Satoru as Your Boyfriend" series!! all parts will be found here!
word count. 3.4k+ (does not include text messages!)
A/N. HES SO CUTEE AWHAWH
Satoru didn't get jealous.
That was the thing about being him. He was Gojo Satoru — the strongest sorcerer in the world, the most wanted man in every room he walked into, the kind of person who could have absolutely anything or anyone he wanted. Jealousy was for people who had something to fear. People who weren't sure of themselves. People who weren't him.
And he had nothing to fear.
Or so he told himself, standing in the corner of yet another boring Jujutsu High networking event, a glass of champagne dangling from his fingers that he hadn't taken a single sip from.
"You're doing it again," Shoko said, not even looking up from her phone. She was leaned against the wall next to him, already bored out of her mind, watching the room through half-lidded eyes.
"Doing what?" Satoru asked, his voice casual. Too casual.
"That thing where you stare at someone like you're calculating exactly how to make them disappear from the face of the earth. You know. Your specialty."
Satoru's jaw tightened almost imperceptibly. "I'm not staring at anyone."
"You've been staring at that guy for seven minutes," Shoko replied, finally glancing up. Her eyes followed his gaze across the room. "Seven minutes, Satoru. I counted."
"I've been observing," he corrected, his tone clipped. "There's a difference."
"Mm. And what, exactly, are you observing?"
Satoru didn't answer. Because he couldn't. Because if he opened his mouth right now, he might say something he couldn't take back — something like "I'm observing the way his hand keeps finding excuses to touch my girlfriend's arms" or "I'm observing how he's standing way too close to her" or "I'm observing the exact angle I'd need to Infinity his stupid face into next week."
Shoko finally looked up from her phone, following his gaze across the room. You were talking to someone — some assistant from the Kyoto branch, some guy Satoru didn't recognize and didn't care to know. The guy was tall, annoyingly handsome, and he kept laughing at things you said. Too loudly. Too eagerly. Like he was trying to impress you.
Like he didn't see Satoru standing right there.
"You're jealous," Shoko said flatly.
"I'm not jealous."
"You're literally turning green."
"I'm not turning anything—" Satoru started, but then he saw it. The guy's hand slid down to the small of your back. Casually. Like he had any right to touch you there. Like your boyfriend wasn't ten feet away, watching the whole thing.
Satoru's eye twitched.
Shoko smirked, taking a slow sip of her drink. "Oh, this is going to be good."
You were mid-conversation — something about mission protocols, something boring that you were only half-paying attention to because this guy had been talking for five minutes and you were starting to wonder where Satoru had wandered off to — when you felt an arm wrap around your waist.
Not roughly. Not aggressively. Just... there. Warm and familiar and distinctly his. The arm tightened just slightly, pulling you back against a solid chest, and you felt the brush of lips against your temple — soft, almost absent, like he couldn't help himself.
"Hey, baby," Satoru said, his voice smooth and easy. But you felt his fingers press just a little more firmly into your hip. A reminder. A claim. Mine.
You looked up at him. His blindfold was on, but his head was tilted in that particular way that meant he was looking at the guy across from you. Not glaring. Not threatening. Just... looking. The kind of looking that made lesser men break into a cold sweat.
"Hey, sweetheart," you said back, playing along even though you knew exactly what he was doing. "I was wondering where you went."
"Got bored," he shrugged, but his arm didn't move from your waist. Not an inch. "Who's your friend, pretty girl?"
The guy — you'd already forgotten his name, something with a K maybe? — shifted uncomfortably under Satoru's unseen gaze. "I'm— we were just discussing—"
"Great." Satoru smiled. Not his real smile. The other one. The one that didn't reach his eyes and made everyone who saw it take a small step backward. "Well, we should get going, my love. Things to do. People to see."
"We do?"
"We do." He was already steering you away, his hand sliding from your waist to the small of your back — right where that other guy's hand had been. Like he was erasing the touch. Replacing it with his own. "Nice meeting you. Enjoy the rest of your night, yeah?"
He didn't wait for an answer. He just guided you across the room, his touch warm and steady, until you were standing by the windows at the far end of the venue, away from everyone else, the city lights glittering behind the glass.
"Satoru," you said, turning to face him. You crossed your arms, raising an eyebrow. "What was that?"
"What was what, darling?" He was playing innocent, but his ears were already turning pink.
"You just... dragged me away from a conversation."
"I didn't drag you, princess. I escorted you. There's a difference."
"That's literally the same thing."
"It's really not."
"Satoru."
He sighed, running a hand through his white hair. His blindfold had slipped slightly during his dramatic intervention, and you could see the edge of his eyebrow, the furrow in his brow. He looked flustered. Embarrassed. Cute.
"Who was that guy, anyway?" he asked, trying to sound casual and failing miserably.
You blinked. "I don't know. Some assistant from Kyoto? I think his name started with a K?"
"And he had to stand that close to you?"
"He was just talking, Satoru."
"His hand was on your back, sweetheart." Satoru's voice dropped, losing its playful edge. "I saw it. He put his hand on your lower back and left it there for way too long."
"He was just being polite, Satoru." you pointed out, though you were struggling not to smile. "Not everyone is trying to steal me away."
"I touch your back when we talk," he said, stepping closer. His hands found your waist again, pulling you gently toward him. "He doesn't get to."
You stared up at him — at his pink ears, his slightly furrowed brow, the way his bottom lip was caught between his teeth like he was trying not to say something he'd regret.
And then, slowly, you smiled.
"Satoru," you said, drawing out his name like a tease. "Are you jealous?"
"No."
"You are. You're totally jealous."
"I'm not jealous. I'm protective. There's a difference, princess."
"Name one difference."
"The difference is—" He stopped. Paused. His ears went from pink to red. "I don't have to explain myself to you."
"You're so jealous, baby."
"I'm not—" He groaned, dropping his forehead to your shoulder in defeat. His arms wrapped around you fully, pulling you against his chest. "You're impossible, you know that?"
You laughed, reaching up to run your fingers through his messy white hair. He melted into your touch instantly, his whole body relaxing against yours, a soft hum escaping his throat.
"I don't get jealous," he mumbled against your shoulder, his voice muffled. "I'm not that guy, sweetheart."
"You're literally that guy right now, my love."
"I'm never that guy."
"You're being that guy, darling."
"I hate you."
"No, you don't, pretty boy."
He sighed. His arms tightened around you. "...I really don't, baby. I really, really don't."
Later, when you got home, Satoru was quiet.
Not the bad kind of quiet — not the distant, unreachable kind that made you feel like he was a thousand miles away even when he was right next to you. Just... thoughtful. Introspective. His hand found yours on the couch, his thumb tracing lazy circles on your palm while he stared at the ceiling.
"You know I trust you, right, sweetheart?" he said finally, his voice soft.
You turned to look at him. His blindfold was off now — just his eyes, soft and blue in the dim lamplight, reflecting something vulnerable. Something honest. He looked young like this. Unprotected.
"I know, Satoru," you said.
"It's not that I don't trust you, baby." He paused, searching for the right words. "I just... I don't trust them. I don't like the way they look at you, my love. Like you're something to be... taken. Like I'm not standing right there. Like you're not mine."
"Satoru—"
"I know it's not rational." He laughed, but there was no humor in it. Just a hollow, self-deprecating sound. "I know I'm being stupid, princess. I'm Gojo Satoru. I'm not supposed to feel... threatened. By anyone. I'm the strongest. I've faced down curses that would make grown men weep. But when I see someone touch you — when I see someone look at you like they have a chance—" He stopped. Swallowed hard. "I want to remind them that you're mine. And I hate that, pretty girl. Because you're not mine. You're your own person. You can talk to whoever you want. You can let whoever touch—"
"Satoru."
He looked at you.
You leaned over and kissed him. Soft. Slow. Deliberate. You poured every ounce of reassurance you had into that kiss, and you felt him exhale against your lips, felt his shoulders drop, felt his hand come up to cup your cheek like you were something precious.
"I am yours, baby," you said against his lips. "I'm yours and I'm my own person. Both things can be true at the same time."
He stared at you for a long moment — at your eyes, your lips, the small smile playing at the corner of your mouth. Then his shoulders relaxed completely, and he pulled you into his lap, burying his face in the curve of your neck.
"I'm sorry, sweetheart," he mumbled against your skin. "For being weird tonight. For being jealous. For dragging you away like a caveman."
"You weren't weird, my love. You were... cute."
"Cute?"
"Jealous you is very cute, darling."
He pulled back just enough to look at you, one eyebrow raised. "I'm never being jealous again, princess. I'm above it."
"Sure you won't, baby."
"I won't. I'm the strongest. I don't get jealous."
"Mmhmm."
"I'm serious, sweetheart."
"The strongest jealous boyfriend."
He groaned, dropping his head back against the couch. "I'm leaving you."
"You're not going anywhere, pretty boy."
He sighed. His arms tightened around you, pulling you closer until your chest was pressed against his and you could feel his heartbeat, steady and warm. "You're right, baby. I'm not."
The next time it happened, you were at a small café down the street from your shared apartment.
It was a Saturday morning, the sun was golden through the windows, and you'd just wanted a quiet coffee before heading back to curl up on the couch with Satoru. Nothing fancy. Nothing worth noting.
Except the barista was cute.
You noticed — because you had eyes, not because you were interested. He was tall, lanky, with kind brown eyes and a friendly smile. The kind of guy who probably had a dog and went on hikes and remembered people's orders.
"One oat milk latte," he said, sliding the cup across the counter. Then he leaned forward, resting his elbows on the counter, his smile widening. "It's on the house today. For the pretty customer."
You laughed politely, reaching for your wallet. "Oh, thank you, but I can pay—"
"She said she can pay."
Satoru's voice came from directly behind you, smooth as silk and cold as ice. His hand appeared on your lower back — firm, possessive, deliberate — and he stepped up beside you, towering over the counter like a warning sign.
The barista's smile faltered. "Oh, I didn't realize—"
"Clearly." Satoru's smile was razor-sharp. "Thanks for the coffee. Very generous. We'll be going now, baby."
He took the cup from the counter, wrapped his other arm around your waist, and guided you out of the café before you could even process what had happened.
The door swung shut behind you. The morning air was cool on your flushed cheeks.
"Satoru," you said, turning to face him. "Did you just... jealous-interrupt me again?"
"No, baby."
"You did. You totally did, my love."
"I was being efficient, sweetheart. He was wasting your time."
"He was being nice, Satoru."
"He was being flirty, pretty girl. There's a very big difference."
You stared at him — at his red ears, his stubborn jaw, the way he was holding your coffee like a trophy. He stared back, unblinking, refusing to admit defeat.
"You're impossible, darling," you said finally.
"You've mentioned that before, princess."
"I'm dating a toddler."
"You're dating the strongest sorcerer in the world, actually."
"You're a jealous toddler, baby."
"I am not—" He stopped. Took a breath. Ran a hand through his already messy hair. "Okay, sweetheart. Fine. Maybe I'm a little jealous."
"Maybe?"
"...A lot jealous, my love. I'm a lot jealous. Are you happy now?"
You smiled — wide and bright and full of affection — and reached up to cup his face in your hands. His eyes fluttered shut immediately, his whole body leaning into your touch like a sunflower seeking the sun.
"I'm not going anywhere, Satoru," you said softly. "You don't have to scare off every guy who looks at me, pretty boy."
"I know, baby." He opened his eyes, and they were soft now. Warm. Vulnerable. "But I want to."
"That's not healthy, darling."
"I never claimed to be healthy, sweetheart." He pressed a kiss to your palm. "I just claimed to be yours."
You laughed — bright and surprised and so full of love it made your chest ache — and he kissed you right there on the sidewalk, coffee forgotten, the world fading away around you.
"You're ridiculous, Satoru," you whispered against his lips.
"I'm yours, princess," he corrected, his forehead resting against yours. "There's a very big difference."
Later that night — after the café incident, after you'd spent the afternoon curled up on the couch together while watching bad movies, and after Satoru had apologized approximately seventeen more times (you'd stopped counting) — his phone started buzzing.
He glanced at the screen. Rolled his eyes.
"It's Shoko," he said, already reading through the messages. "She's being annoying."
"Nothing new there," you said, leaning over to look.
The group chat was, as always, chaotic.
Satoru's fingers flew across the screen, his expression indignant.
He hesitated for a moment, thumb hovering over the keyboard. Then, with a dramatic sigh you could hear from across the couch, he typed:
You laughed, the sound muffled against his shoulder. Satoru shot you a look of betrayal. "You're supposed to be on my side," he complained.
"I'm on no one's side," you said sweetly. "I'm an agent of chaos."
He muttered something under his breath that sounded suspiciously like "traitor" before turning back to his phone.
You watched his thumbs hover again. He was typing, deleting, typing again.
Satoru stared at his phone for a long moment. His ears were turning pink again. You could see him trying to come up with a comeback.
He failed.
You burst out laughing — actually laughing, the kind that made your stomach hurt and your eyes water. Satoru tossed his phone onto the couch cushion beside him and flopped backward with a dramatic groan.
"They're the worst," he declared, staring at the ceiling.
"You love them," you said, still giggling.
"I tolerate them. Barely."
"You literally just said you don't hate Shoko."
"Don't quote me at me."
You grinned, crawling over to curl up against his side. His arm came around you automatically, pulling you close like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"You're cute when you're flustered," you said.
"I'm never flustered."
"Your ears are red."
"The room is warm."
"It's November."
"The heater is warm."
You reached up and tugged gently at his earlobe. He swatted your hand away, but he was smiling — that soft, private smile he only let you see.
"I love you, you know," he said quietly.
"I know, baby."
"Say it back."
"I love you too, Satoru. Even when you're a jealous mess."
"I'm not a jealous mess."
"Your phone says otherwise."
He groaned, burying his face in your hair. "I'm never looking at that group chat again."
"Sure you won't, pretty boy."
"…I really hate you sometimes."
"No, you don't."
He sighed, his arms tightening around you. "…No, I don't."
That night, you were lying in bed, half-asleep, the sheets tangled around your legs and Satoru's arm draped across your stomach. The room was dark except for the faint glow of the city outside the window, and everything was quiet and warm and safe.
"Hey, baby," he whispered.
"Mm, Satoru?" you mumbled, barely conscious.
"I'm sorry. For being... like that tonight. At the café."
You opened your eyes, blinking in the darkness. He was propped up on one elbow, looking down at you. His hair was a complete disaster — flattened on one side, sticking up on the other — and his eyes were soft in the dim light. He looked adorable like this. Unprotected. Yours.
"Like what, my love?" you asked, your voice still thick with sleep.
"Jealous. Possessive. Weird." He paused, his thumb tracing small circles on your hip. "I've never been like this before, sweetheart. With anyone. I've never cared enough to be."
You reached up and brushed his white hair back from his forehead, your fingers trailing down to trace the line of his jaw. He leaned into your touch like a cat seeking warmth, his eyes fluttering half-closed.
"I know, Satoru," you said softly.
"I don't like it, princess. Feeling like I could lose you. Even when I know I won't." He swallowed hard, his throat bobbing. "It makes me act... not like myself, pretty girl."
"Maybe this is yourself, darling," you said, your thumb brushing across his cheekbone. "Maybe you've just never cared enough about anyone to feel it before. Maybe jealousy isn't weakness, Satoru. Maybe it just means you love me."
He was quiet for a long moment. His eyes searched yours in the darkness, looking for something — reassurance, maybe. Or permission.
"That's... actually really insightful, baby," he said finally.
"I have my moments, my love."
He smiled — that soft, private smile he only gave you in moments like this, when the world was asleep and nothing existed except the two of you — and leaned down to kiss you. Slow. Sweet. Full of everything he couldn't say out loud.
"I love you, sweetheart," he whispered against your lips.
"I know, pretty boy."
"Say it back, princess."
"I love you too, Satoru. More than all the baristas in the world."
He laughed — a real laugh, warm and surprised — and buried his face in your neck, his arms wrapping around you like he never wanted to let go.
"I'm still going to glare at anyone who touches you, baby," he mumbled into your skin.
"I would expect nothing less, my love."
"And I'm not sorry about the Kyoto assistant."
"I know you're not, darling."
"Or the barista."
"Definitely not the barista."
"And if anyone ever puts their hand on your back again, sweetheart —"
"Satoru."
"—I'm not saying I'll do anything violent. I'm just saying I might, pretty girl."
You laughed, pulling him closer until there was no space left between you, and pressed a kiss to the top of his messy white head.
"Go to sleep, Satoru," you murmured.
"Can't, baby."
"Why not, my love?"
"Too busy being jealous of your dreams, princess."
"My dreams, darling?"
"You might dream about someone else, sweetheart. Someone with better hair."
"No one has better hair than you, pretty boy."
"That's true." He paused, pulling back just enough to look at you. "Wait. Was that a compliment, baby?"
"Go to sleep, Satoru."
"...I love you, my love."
"I love you too, darling."
"More than the barista?"
"Satoru."
"I'm just asking, sweetheart!"
You rolled your eyes, but you were smiling so wide your cheeks hurt. And when you felt his breathing even out a few minutes later, his arms still wrapped around you like he was afraid you'd disappear, you pressed another kiss to his forehead and held on just as tight.
Jealous Gojo was a lot.
But he was your jealous Gojo.
And you wouldn't have him any other way.
A/N. if you can't tell, i am NOT talented at writing jealousy, so i hope you guys still enjoyed this!! 😭
next up: sick gojo.. or maybe a cooking disaster?.. 🧐
Plagiarism not authorized. Do not feed my work to AI. Feel free to req!! <3
Context/Plot/Synopsis -> Chapter 1 -> Chapter 2 ✨️
WC: ~17.5k
Tags: Gojo x Fem!Reader, Long-Fic, Slow Burn, Childhood Friends, Bonding Moments, Slice of Life, Found Family, Protective Gojo, Fluff to Angst (eventually), Clan Politics, Jujutsu Kaisen, JJK, JJK x Reader, Jujutsu Society, Coming of Age, Reader-Insert, Darker Yandere Themes Later (be warned)
AN: Finally getting to the teenage years, ahhh! I hope you all enjoy 💙🥹
The passage of time only brought the two of you closer together, strengthening your friendship and bond across life events—like your birthday, trips to nearby places, and the start of a new school year.
All the while, neither of you ever seemed to notice how much the world was watching. Waiting, even, to see what would come of this seemingly unshakeable connection between the Morisato and Gojo clans.
Try as your eldest sister might, Satoru never respected many of the limits she tried to enforce when it came to the two of you. Though that was to be expected, given who and what he was. Sometimes, she suspected he pushed against appropriate behavior with you out of spite toward her. But deep down, she knew it wasn't the real reason—which was worse in hindsight.
Why?
Because it meant all of his less-than-subtle and increasingly frequent gestures were leading down a path that might not be the best for you.
Especially since you'd told her once before that you had considered leaving the country when you were older.
Maybe that would be better. For you to leave this world behind, and all the misplaced esteems and expectations of the clan's elders.
At least one Morisato deserved to be away from all of this darkness, this complicated life in the shadows.
And as long as you were happy, safe and free, she and all of your other siblings would support your decision. Monetarily, even.
Satoru Gojo, on the other hand… she was more than sure would not be so keen to let you go. He wouldn't be able to follow if you left permanently, which was a simple, undeniable truth that even he couldn't fight against.
She knew you were smart enough not to tell him about your potential plan. But if he ever found out… what might that insufferable idiot do to keep you here?
And the answer to that hypothetical question was what worried her most.
But perhaps this move to Tokyo for Gojo would help build a healthier level of separation between the two of you. At least, she hoped that would be the case… for your sake.
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August 14, 2004.
The Nara Tokae Lantern Festival.
The seasons passed in what felt like the blink of an eye, and before you knew it, you found yourself preparing for the local Nara festival your family had been a part of for years. The event ran from August 5th to the 14th.
As usual, the entire Morisato clan was formally set to attend on the final day, along with extended family members. Among them now included Harunobu Kamo—Hana’s fiancé. He’d proposed to her only a month ago, so it was a relatively new addition.
But you’d watched your sister’s year-long courtship, seen when they met and how they slowly fell in love. It was sweet. Genuine. Mutual.
Mixed with your happiness for her was a quiet envy for fear you might never get to experience a fairytale romance of your own one day—like in all the films you'd forced Satoru to watch or grown up seeing with Hana and Mitsuki.
Enchanted love stories were one of the only interests you and your sisters seemed to share when you were a child. Thankfully, that had changed over the years, and you’d grown quite close with both of them. But even before that, you'd always idolized Hana.
And now with this, too… how could you ever live up to everything your eldest sister was? She was perfect in your eyes.
Satoru had made a joke of it when you’d told him the news, stating something borderline offensive that made it very clear how sorry he felt for the man. It’d made you laugh before you reprimanded him for being so rude and mean to your eldest sister. Though his reaction shouldn’t have come as a surprise—Hana and Satoru had a tendency to butt heads, even over the smallest of things, but especially anything that involved you.
Like Satoru wanting to match the pattern on his yukata with yours for the festival, for instance.
Hana had been firmly against it, later telling you in private that doing so might imply something more. You didn’t go against her advice, choosing not to tell him despite his insistent pestering. Unfortunately, Satoru still managed to figure it out—going so far as to seek out the seamstress your family had nearly employed for every request and event in the past decade.
This revelation was only sprung upon you and your family the day of the festival, when it was far too late for you to change into anything else.
“You’d think they’re the ones engaged with how well-matched they look.” Hana sighed, walking alongside her fiancé.
“I don’t think he can help it,” Haru replied gently. “He seems smitten with your sister even if he doesn’t quite realize it yet. And I can’t blame him,” he stopped, gently caressing Hana's cheek with his hand as he finished his statement, “because I went through the same feelings with you.”
“Don’t try to get them out of trouble by being so sweet with me,” Hana murmured, smiling as she tucked herself closer to his side and rested her head against his shoulder. “I'm still not happy about the way it looks, but I’ll let them be until tomorrow.”
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Satoru Gojo was not one to share—especially not when it came to you and your undivided attention.
So he couldn’t quite hide his disappointment when he realized he had to do just that today, not only with your family, but with your friends, too.
He felt a flicker of annoyance watching as you laughed and talked along with your group, all six of them. Some of whom you’d known your whole life, which he envied to no end.
It wasn’t until someone suggested feeding the deer around Nara Park and he'd observed your face light up at the idea that his mood shifted in a more positive direction. If only slightly.
The deer were already roaming freely, unbothered by the crowds as lantern lights flickered softly between open fields, stone staircases, and the trees.
Trying to show off a bit, he purchased several bundles of deer treats to share with you. For once, you'd just let him pay without protest. He figured it was because you didn't want to make a fuss in front of your other friends. And that was fine by him, but it also bothered him that you were acting a little different than usual.
You crouched near one of the deer, holding a cracker out carefully between your fingers. It accepted it with surprising gentleness, its nose brushing your hand as it chewed. You smiled, delighted, already reaching for another.
That was when a second deer approached. Then a third.
Within moments, the calm curiosity turned into eager persistence. Soft snorts and impatient nudges pressed in as more deer caught on, noses bumping at your sleeves and the hem of your yukata.
“Okay- hey- wait,” you tittered, trying to step back as one tugged lightly at your sleeve. He'd laughed at your lack of control before stepping in to rescue you, offering his own treats to redirect their attention.
“Thanks, Satoru,” you said, smiling at him kindly.
“Try not to get eaten before the rest of the festivities, yeah?” he teased.
You scoffed playfully. “I'm not trying to. I didn’t expect them to zero in on me like that so quickly.”
Without looking, he noted Keiko and Seiji approaching, offering their own set of crackers to the deer that had initially surrounded you. Their help eased the chaos further, and he didn’t mind it—out of everyone in your group, they were the ones he tolerated the most.
Keiko was your cousin, after all, so there was no getting rid of her. And Seiji, as you’d told him more than once, was like a bonus older brother you'd grown up with because of his family’s long-standing relationship to yours.
“I'll never understand how you still manage to get swarmed by the deer after living here our entire lives,” Keiko said, laughing and poking fun.
Seiji chuckled along, feeding one doe at a time. “It’s a talent the way you attract trouble at this point, Y/n.”
Satoru smirked, thinking to himself that Seiji's assessment hadn't been entirely wrong—especially after that fiasco with you and that kid in the alley. Though, as long as he was around, he'd always find a way to get you out of whatever trouble you landed in.
“I can't help that the deer have good taste and always prefer me over you two,” you shrugged, handing off another treat to a baby deer.
Satoru laughed under his breath in response, clearly amused as he watched you handle their teasing with ease—that was one type of problem he never had to help you with.
Before they could reply, Rin called out to the four of you from across the way.
“Hey everyone, look over here. I'm going to take your picture!”
Click. Shutter. Flash.
“Let's do one more. And this time get closer together.”
To no one's surprise, he'd followed her instructions without hesitation, getting closer to you in an instant before the second flash went off.
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“Are you sure you want to row the whole time, Toru? I feel bad not helping.”
“Please. This is nothing. I’m still enjoying everything with you from here,” he responded, guiding the small boat in a slow arc across the pond with every dip of the oars.
“If you say so,” you shook your head, knowing there was no point in trying further. Instead, you turned your attention to the beautiful display of lanterns surrounding Sagi-ike pond. No matter how many times you'd attended, it always looked so magical during the festival.
“We need to light our lanterns before the fireworks start later,” you murmured, still mesmerized by the scenes around you.
“Don’t worry, we still have time,” he said. “And I figured out the perfect spot for us to watch them from.”
“Just us?” you asked, holding onto the edge of the boat with one hand as it drifted, already knowing the answer.
“Yeah. Why wouldn't it be?” he grumbled.
It was obvious he wasn’t fond of your other friends since the day you'd introduced him to them. You chalked it up to his upbringing, knowing from your friendship and time together how selfish he could be. But in some ways, you didn’t mind it. It helped keep the two worlds you were a part of separate, something you’d slowly realized was a blessing of sorts. Jujutsu society and all that it encompassed were often suffocating, and your non-jujutsu-related life came as a much-needed relief.
Nonetheless, it might do Satoru some good to interact with that side of your life more before he leaves for Jujutsu High in Tokyo.
“If you gave them a chance, you’d see they’re not so bad, you know?” you replied.
“Haven’t I?” he asked, looking away and feigning ignorance as he continued to row.
“Keiko and Seiji don’t count.”
“They’re fine,” he said after a beat. “I just don’t see why I have to like every one of your friends.”
“I guess that’s fair,” you sighed softly. “But… don’t forget they’re the type of normies you’ll be protecting as a sorcerer later.”
He didn’t answer, just dipped the oars into the water again and watched as the ripples spread across the pond.
You decided to change the subject, not wanting to sour the happy mood of the festival.
“By the way, how’d you get Mrs. Toshino to tell you what I’d be wearing?”
You watched as his eyes lit up, a mischievous grin carving itself across his face.
“Promised her my family’s business for the foreseeable future.”
You snorted. “What?” then continued laughing as you asked, “are you serious?”
“My elders were pissed.”
“I bet they were,” you shook your head, smiling and once again admiring all the other delights around you before continuing.
“You’re lucky Kamo was here to calm Hana down.”
It was his turn to laugh. “The look on her face was worth it.”
“You’re terrible. Stop being mean to my big sister.”
He scoffed in feigned offense. “She’s the one who’s been mean to me from the start.”
“And whose fault is that?”
“Excuses, butterfly. Cheap excuses.”
You huffed out a giggle. “You know you probably got me in trouble with your stunt.”
“Nah, I’ll take the blame for it and tell her myself that you weren’t involved.”
You rolled your eyes before adding, “well, that’s the least you can do, Toru. But I have a feeling she won’t believe that I kept it from you.”
“Hmph. She can ask Mrs. Toshino or my family if she doesn't believe us.”
While he spoke, you found yourself looking up at the sky, drawn to how much darker it had become, the stars now sparkling brighter than when you’d first gotten into the rowboat with Satoru.
“The stars are already out,” you commented, almost absently going off topic.
“Like the ones in my eyes? I remember you said something like that the first time we met,” he said, glancing up and then back at you.
You softly bumped your knee against his as you corrected him. “Galaxies. I said I saw galaxies in your eyes, so these aren't enough stars.”
“Do you still think that?” he asked, tilting his head as he gazed at you from across the boat.
You reached out briefly, brushing strands of hair away from his face to get a better view. “Your eyes haven’t changed, Toru. So the galaxies are still there.”
He smiled, and you smiled back at him. It felt like an eternity as you looked at each other, until a yell from the Ukimido pavilion that rested over the pond broke the moment.
Your two brothers were waving you both down. And you excitedly waved back with Satoru doing the same beside you, though with far less enthusiasm.
“We should head back to shore,” he said after returning his attention to you. “Don’t want us to miss anything.”
You nodded, letting the moment pass as he rowed the two of you back to the dock and festivities.
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No matter how hard he tried to focus on the task at hand, on the steady rhythm he’d set for himself, the moment that had just transpired refused to leave his mind.
He couldn't shake the feeling of your fingers brushing his hair away from his face or the sweet smile you’d given him from across the boat.
If he didn’t know better, it could’ve passed for a scene out of one of those silly romance films you’d force him to watch—right before the first kiss happened between star-crossed lovers.
But, no.
That was wrong.
This was you and him he was thinking about.
Not romantic partners in a stupid movie.
‘Stop being weird, you idiot,’ he told himself, tightening his grip on the oars as the boat bumped gently against the dock.
He exited first, lending a hand to help you up and out of the rowboat. The wood creaked softly beneath your feet as you climbed out after him. Now back on solid ground, the two of you began walking towards your family in the pavilion.
Matching your stride, he couldn’t help but steal a glance at you from the corner of his eye.
Geez. Were you always this beautiful?
“Hey- we got you both a lantern,” Rento shared, interrupting his thoughts as your brother passed one to you and him. “Let’s go light them at our usual spot by the Kōfuku-ji Temple, Y/n.”
“What about Hana and Suki?” He heard you ask.
To which your brother replied, “we saw them earlier and they're heading that way too. So let's catch up to them.”
Satoru followed a step behind, listening to the easy, familiar chatter between you and your siblings while quietly wrestling with emotions he hoped no one could read on his face.
Once the group reached the spot your brother had spoken of, he lit his lantern and placed it beside yours without comment. The two seemed to glow softly together among all the others—though maybe that was just his imagination.
He watched as you closed your eyes, praying quietly alongside your brothers and sisters near the temple’s shrine.
And despite himself, he briefly wondered if maybe, just maybe… any of your prayers might include him.
Was this just a passing thought? Or wishful thinking?
He wasn’t sure of the answer as he, too, shut his eyes and prayed for clarity.
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While everyone gathered for the firework display, he’d quietly grabbed hold of your hand and snuck you away from your friends and family, weaving through the thinning crowd toward a private spot he’d refused to share with you until now.
He couldn’t risk you telling your friends about it beforehand.
The sounds of laughter and chatter faded behind you with each step uphill, replaced by the soft brush of grass beneath your sandals.
“Slow down a little,” you called out, tightening your grip on his hand. “It’s hard to walk uphill in these.”
He glanced back to make sure you were still moving ahead steadily, his hold on you firm but careful.
“Just a little more, butterfly,” he reassured, slowing slightly for your sake despite his hurry. “We’re almost there. I don’t want us to miss them.”
Finally, after what felt like forever, the two of you reached the top of the hill—just as the first fireworks soared into the sky, erupting above you in brilliant arrays of color and light. The sharp crack echoed across the open space, the glow reflecting off his pale hair and painting your surroundings in fleeting hues of red and gold, then purple and blue. For a moment, the world below seemed to disappear, leaving only the thunder of each illumination overhead and the warmth of his hand still interlaced with yours.
The two of you watched as one burst followed another in steady succession. But his attention wasn’t solely on the sky anymore. It kept drifting back to you. He lingered on the way your eyes lit up with pure joy and the unguarded smile on your face. Everything about you was making his heart race.
And just like before in the rowboat, it felt like a scene lifted straight out of a fairytale as you turned toward him, beaming brightly like you always did—like this was just another shared moment between friends.
He smiled back, taking in every detail of the moment—even the way your cursed energy seemed to be bursting with delight.
So many times, he'd hated that his eyes forced him to see the cursed energy in the people around him.
Yours, though?
He'd become addicted to it.
“Look at that one, Toru,” you exclaimed in excitement, tugging at his arm. “It’s so pretty.”
“Yeah,” he answered as the truth crashed into him all at once, his voice dropping under the cover of the fireworks, “you are.”
This whole time, all the things he’d felt—needing to be near you as often as possible, pushing himself to get stronger to protect you, thinking about kissing you, desperately wanting you to come with him to Tokyo—had been pointing to this.
Damn it.
How had he not realized what this gnawing tension in his chest meant sooner?
He liked you.
He really, really liked you.
Now what the hell was he supposed to do about it?
He gripped your hand tighter, contemplating whether he should confess his feelings to you here, right now.
The moment was perfect for it.
But… what if you didn’t feel the same way?
The idea made him feel dizzy, his pulse pounding so loudly in his ears that he could hardly hear the fireworks anymore.
Could he live with that, if it were true?
Yes, he could… right?
No… damn it.
No, he couldn't.
And he’d be lying to himself and you if he said otherwise because… just picturing you with someone else, some other sorcerer your family might set you up with, had his blood boiling.
“You alright, Toru? Are the fireworks too much for your eyes?” you interrupted his thoughts with your concerned remarks.
Had his emotions been too obvious? At least you’d given him an out.
“A little,” he admitted falsely, forcing himself to give you a small, grimacing smile. “But I’ll be fine. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world right now, butterfly.”
And that was the only truth he had decided to share with you for the time being.
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The walk back down felt shorter than the climb, but not by much. The grass still brushed at your sandals, and the lantern light grew brighter the closer you got to the main paths. Below, the festival had already regained its rhythm, as if the fireworks had never paused it at all.
Your fingers were still warm from holding Satoru’s hand for so long during the display.
In your distracted excitement, you’d forgotten to let go. And judging by the way his grip had remained unhurried, it didn’t seem like your best friend had minded at all. But something about him almost felt different on the way back down. Maybe you’d ask him about it later.
The moment the two of you came back into view near the lantern-lit path that led towards the food stalls, Keiko’s head snapped in your direction like she’d been waiting for the exact second you’d reappear in the crowd.
“There you are,” she called, dragging out the words with unmistakable suspicion.
Seiji looked up from where he stood beside her, expression more amused than surprised, already taking in the sight of the two of you together. Rin hovered nearby as well, fingers hooked through her camera strap as though she’d been snapping photos of everything that caught her eye. A few steps back, Asami lingered with Toma and Shu, the three of them mid-conversation until they noticed Keiko’s sudden interest shift.
Keiko’s eyes quickly flicked between you and Satoru. Then she smiled before continuing.
“So,” she said sweetly, “where did you two disappear to?”
“Somewhere with a better view,” Satoru answered before you had a chance to.
“And you couldn’t have shared that with us, huh?” she asked with a smirk, already looping her arm through yours and stealing you away from him. “Well, since you’re back, we were about to hit the food stalls. Want to join us?”
“Yeah, let's go,” you cheerily replied.
The crowd thickened as you were pulled toward the food stalls. The air buzzed with voices and laughter, layered with the unmistakable smells of frying batter, grilled meat, and something sweet caramelizing.
Keiko wasted no time.
“I’m starving,” she announced, scanning the stalls like she was on a mission.
Rin’s eyes had already locked onto a stall piled high with cotton candy and candied fruit, glossy tanghulu skewers catching the light.
“Oh,” she breathed. “They have the shiny strawberries.”
Asami, on the other hand, lingered near a stall flipping hashimaki on a griddle, arms crossed as she read the handwritten menu. “This is the one for me,” she said, lining up.
Satoru stayed close at your side as the group spread out, his presence easy but deliberate. The smell of takoyaki drifted past, followed by grilled squid sizzling over open flame, and he leaned slightly toward you.
“Anything you want?” he asked casually. “I’m buying, but just for us.”
You huffed at his clarification, eyes bouncing from stall to stall. “I don’t even know where to start.”
“Start sweet,” Rin declared, already halfway back toward you with a candied apple in hand. “Then salty. Then sweet again.”
Satoru clicked his tongue in agreement. “Her system isn’t half bad. I’ll go with that.”
He disappeared briefly, reemerging moments later with two skewers of tanghulu, the hardened sugar shell cracking softly as he handed one to you.
“Careful,” he said lightly. “They’re kind of sticky.”
You thanked him, holding on to the skewer carefully as you took your first bite, the sweetness exploding on your taste buds. “Mmm,” you murmured as he laughed at your reaction.
Nearby, Toma and Shuichi had gravitated toward the yakisoba stall, watching noodles fly through the air as the vendor worked.
“Fig sauce yakisoba?” Shu read aloud, skeptical.
Toma shrugged. “Festivals are for trying different things.”
Keiko returned with a sausage on a stick, mustard already dripping dangerously close to her hand, eyes flicking briefly to where Satoru still stood at your side, tasting the snack he’d just bought.
Keiko took a bite, hummed approvingly, then gestured with the stick toward a nearby stall where a small crowd had gathered.
“Oh- look,” she said. “They’ve got one of those shooting games.”
Seiji followed her gaze, a grin spreading across his face. “I’ll win you something, Kei.” He paused, looking at you for a second before extending the invitation. “Want to try it out, Gojo?”
Since Seiji was one of the few friends in your group Satoru could actually stand, you’d asked him to make more of an effort to include Satoru when everyone was together. You silently thanked Seiji with a quick smile, taking another delicious bite of your shiny fruit after.
Satoru glanced at the stall, then at the prizes lined across. You watched as his eyes flicked briefly to you before he shrugged.
“Sure,” he said. “I'm game.”
Before long, Shu and Toma had joined in too, drawn by the promise of competition and bragging rights. Boys really were simple creatures.
The vendor slid a wooden rifle across the counter, followed by a small tray of cork bullets.
“Five shots each,” he said. “You knock it off the stand, you keep it.”
Keiko leaned forward, squinting at some of the prizes that were balanced on narrow wooden blocks.
“So it’s not about hitting it,” she muttered. “You have to knock it down.”
“Exactly,” the vendor replied. “Let’s do two at a time, yeah?”
By the time the last cork bullet clattered to the ground, Seiji and Toma had already claimed their rewards—but it was Satoru who drew the small crowd’s attention when his final shot hit the biggest prize, wobbling it once before it finally toppled cleanly from its stand.
He thanked the vendor and then passed on the prize to you without hesitation, much like Seiji had done with Keiko.
“It’s so cute,” you commented, turning the plush over in your hands. “You sure you don’t want it, Toru?”
“Nah. I won it for you, butterfly.”
“Why?”
“So you don’t forget me when I leave to Tokyo,” he teased, poking your cheek with his finger.
“Still with that?” you replied, rubbing the area he had touched with a huff. “As if anyone could forget you, Toru.”
He smiled at you, clearly pleased by your words, when a familiar face approached. It was Mr. Fukase, the photographer your family had been hiring for years for the festival.
“Miss Morisato, would you and your friends like some pictures taken together?” he asked kindly.
“Oh—yes, please, Mr. Fukase,” you happily replied. “That would be amazing, thank you.”
“Then follow me, please.”
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After taking several pictures of your entire group, Mr. Fukase had saved Satoru the trouble of asking for one with just the two of you, pointing out your matching outfits as the reason.
“Ready? One… Two… Three…”
Click. Shutter. Flash.
The first image was more formal, proper. Both of you were standing at an appropriate distance from one another. Hana and the Gojo clan would approve of it. That's the one he'd let your family keep.
“Could we get another one, Mr. Fukase?” he asked before you could walk away.
“Of course.”
“C’mere, let’s do a fun one,” he said, tugging at your sleeve.
You smiled and nodded as he wrapped an arm around you, his hand on your shoulder as the two of you put up your fingers in a peace sign.
It was innocent enough, but rather more intimate compared to the first. Hana and the Gojo clan would not have approved, making it the picture he preferred. That one was his to keep.
Afterwards, he had approached Mr. Fukase alone to ask if he could have the second picture rather than the Morisatos. Besides wanting it for himself, he also wasn’t looking to get you in more trouble. Luckily, Mr. Fukase agreed to honor his request after a little bribe.
“What was that about?” you asked when he returned to your group.
“Nothing. Just wanted to make sure I got a copy of our pictures,” he replied with a knowing grin.
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Once the festival came to a close, Satoru naturally followed you home, staying over at your house for the night after informing the Gojos of his plan.
You left him for a moment to change out of your yukata into your pajamas, and he did the same in the guest room he usually slept in.
It was late, so you really only came to say goodnight to him afterward. He thought you looked so cute with your messy hair and tired eyes, the soft smile you gave him making something in his chest tighten.
“Hope you had fun today,” you mumbled, rubbing your eyes and stifling a yawn behind your hand.
“I did,” he replied, watching every one of your sleepy movements. “We should do this again next year.”
“Yeah, that would be nice,” you agreed, giving him a final smile and wave as you began walking away. “G’night, Toru.”
“Night, butterfly,” he replied, staring at you until you were out of the room.
Alone now, he tried to fall asleep to no avail. He kept tossing and turning, trying desperately to quiet his mind. But it wouldn't stop. The realization of his feelings during the fireworks display was keeping him awake.
And all he could think about was you, you, YOU.
It felt like he was spiraling when he suddenly sat up in bed, a dangerous idea forming in his head.
Maybe he could just go watch you sleep for a little while. It would be harmless, right? And that just might calm him down enough to get some sleep after.
He could do it quietly. Get in, get out without anyone knowing.
Yeah. That's what he'd do.
Using his technique, he quickly and silently slipped into your room with ease—something he noted distantly as concerning, but useful in the moment. Maybe he’d have to bring that to your attention later, somehow.
He stood at the edge of your bed, watching your chest rise and fall as your head rested on several plush pillows.
You looked so perfect lying there, only a few inches out of his reach. Your calm cursed energy settling something restless inside him.
He'd been enjoying his view, considering getting even closer, when you suddenly stirred and opened your eyes, noticing him.
Thinking nothing malicious of his presence in your room, you groggily asked “Satoru?”
You sat up slowly, blinking your eyes several times while adding, “mm, did- did you need help with something?”
“J-just a blanket,” you heard him stammer. “D'you have an extra one?”
‘Man he must really be cold,’ you innocently thought.
Looking over to the left, you grabbed the blanket at your side that you hadn't been using for the night.
“Is this one okay?”
“Y-yeah,” he replied, reaching over and accepting it from you, his fingers lightly brushing against yours. “Thanks, butterfly.”
“Welcome,” you murmured, closing your eyes and getting comfortable underneath your sheets again. “Sweet dreams, Toru.”
And that was the last thing you said before sleep pulled you under once more.
‘Damn. That was close,’ he thought to himself, heart racing as he stared at you for a bit longer.
While he would’ve preferred you not catching him at all, it was… comforting, knowing you trusted him enough to be this vulnerable around him.
He sighed, eventually and reluctantly moving out of your room just as quietly as before.
Back in the guest room, he flopped onto the bed and covered himself with the blanket, reveling in the fact that it was yours as he breathed in the faint scent of you that still clung to it.
Yeah.
He might be in trouble.
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September 4, 2004.
The Gojo-tax.
That's what your friends had called it ever since primary school.
Whenever he'd come by and steal you away during the school day or an event, you had to add an I-O-U to the Gojo-tax box.
Basically, it was their way of poking fun at your friendship and evening the odds, given the leeway the school gave you whenever he randomly showed up. Not like your teachers or administrators could complain, though—you were an excellent student otherwise. Plus, your family's long-standing presence in Nara, along with their monetary contributions to the school, was more than enough motivation for them to turn a blind eye.
Your classmates and friends, however, were not so understanding. They didn't think it was fair, and you knew it wasn't.
Thus, since its start, you accepted their conditions willingly, living with whatever the Gojo-tax required of you.
Oftentimes it led to you taking on additional after-school chores or class assignments that no one else wanted to cover.
And privately, when they piled up past a certain number… you had to throw a sort of party or gathering for your six friends at home.
It was the only time you really ever deliberately avoided and excluded Satoru from something, deciding it was better he didn’t know about the tax.
Why?
Because you worried he would dislike your friends even more than he already did. Knowing his character well, you also believed he'd have tried to bribe your way out of the chores or tasks, too. Or worse, threaten your classmates for ever instating such a thing against you. And him doing either would've made things… complicated, to say the least.
This was one of those days where you owed your close friends a party.
Luckily, your parents were out of town, and your siblings were off “camping” in the forest near Higashiyoshino—at least, that’s what you had to call it in front of your non-sorcerer friends.
In reality, they were ridding the area of cursed spirits.
Having the house to yourself, you were actually excited to host your usual, close group of friends. You had movies, games, and food ready for them even before they arrived.
The evening passed in a blur of laughter and overlapping conversations.
You started with games—video games first, then a few rounds of board games when the group grew too competitive for the screen. There were constant arguments over rules, playful accusations of cheating, and more than one dramatic complaint when someone lost.
Dinner followed not long after, with a hot pot set in the center of the table that had everyone gathered close as ingredients were tossed in and claimed just as quickly. Between that and the steady stream of snacks you’d laid out beforehand, no one could really complain about going hungry.
By the time you moved on to movies—ones you’d rented earlier in the week—everyone had settled into a more relaxed rhythm, spread out across the living room with blankets and pillows, talking just as much as they watched.
It was easy. Normal. Fun.
You almost wished Satoru were here—until you remembered exactly why he couldn’t be… and why that was for the best.
“Kinda crazy, we’re not gonna have the Gojo tax anymore,” Shu suddenly commented, popping a handful of popcorn into his mouth.
“Seriously,” Rin added from where she was sprawled across the floor. “It's going to be weird actually seeing you every day at school, Y/n.”
Everyone laughed.
“When's Gojo supposed to leave anyway?” Asami asked you.
“Sometime in February next year,” you replied, reaching for your glass of water and taking a sip.
“That’s not even that far away,” Rin said, frowning slightly. “It sucks that Nara's losing its cutest eye candy.”
“Guess we don't count for much to you, huh?” Shu added, rolling his eyes at Rin before continuing. "That's like… what, a few months?”
“Four,” Seiji said absentmindedly. “Give or take.”
“Are you two going to be okay?” Asami asked, nudging your shoulder softly, her expression turning more thoughtful. “I mean… you’ve basically been attached at the hip ever since you met.”
The question caught you off guard more than you expected. Before you could come up with a response, your cousin Keiko replied for you.
“Oh, they'll be fine,” she emphasized. “Pretty sure Gojo’s gonna be calling the house all the time—and he’ll visit her, too.”
“Or we'll end up in Tokyo more often,” Seiji added with a smirk.
“And who says Gojo would invite you Sej?” Toma joked. “He just wants to see Y/nnn…”
You watched as a few of them quickly exchanged looks, already knowing what was coming before they started with their teasing.
“His butterfly,” they echoed together, drawing out the nickname in exaggerated unison before bursting into shared laughter.
“Oh, shut up,” you shot back, rolling your eyes and waving them off. But even though you had grown accustomed to their teasing, you could still feel the warmth creeping up your neck anyway.
“You know he's got it bad for you, right Y/n?” Shu added, staring at you from across the room. “He's almost worse than Seiji is with Kei.”
“Hey- why am I being dragged into this?” Seiji retorted. “Leave me out of it.”
“Says the guy who folds every time Kei looks at him,” Shu replied to Seiji as you huffed quietly and reached for another piece of popcorn just to give yourself something to do before replying.
“You guys read way too much into everything,” you said, shrugging as you brought a kernel to your mouth. “We're best friends. That’s just how he’s always been with me.”
“Maybe that's how you see it,” Asami offered with a comforting smile. “But—I don't know, Y/n. We all think he's crushing on you. Especially after the way he acted at the festival.”
“If I were you, I'd have already gone for it,” Rin playfully interjected—likely to lighten the mood of the conversation for your sake.
“We know you would, but Y/n isn't boy-crazy like you, Rin,” Keiko taunted.
Everyone laughed again. Even you. Only yours was more quiet as you took in the implication of their observations.
After a pause, you decided to say something that would hopefully put an end to the conversation and topic.
“Maybe all of you are right, but I don't see him that way,” you admitted simply. “And crushes come and go. So he’ll get over it at some point.”
“Yeah ‘cause that works,” Toma said dryly.
“Better than ending a friendship, I guess,” Shu retorted, shrugging.
“Damn, Y/n's totally going to break Gojo's heart,” Rin offered.
“Oh, shut up. It won't kill him,” Keiko countered. “Don't guilt trip her over nothing.”
Rather than ending the topic, it seemed you’d only started a debate.
You sighed to yourself, leaning back slightly to stare up and away from your friends.
Suddenly, over all the opinions and noise, you heard Seiji's voice.
“Hey- Y/n, want to do a snack run? Looks like we're running low on chips already.”
You were so grateful for the reprieve, even if the excuse had been a lie. There were more snacks in the pantry, and Seiji knew this. Still, he had a habit of stepping in when you needed it. It was one of the many reasons you saw him as something like an older brother.
On the walk to the store, Seiji had tried to reassure you that things would eventually work themselves out with Satoru and not to dwell on what everyone else was saying.
“All that stuff is between you and Gojo. Just try to set boundaries if he ever crosses a line. I don’t think he'd risk never seeing you again over a crush anyway.”
“Aren't you the worst example with Kei, though?” you'd replied.
“Nah, that's different,” he'd said, waving you off. “We're soulmates.”
“Not according to that fortune teller we convinced my grandparents to hire that one year,” you murmured.
“Yeah… that was not our best idea. Was it?”
The two of you laughed, reminiscing about times before Satoru Gojo ever entered your life for the rest of the trip.
Thankfully, after the two of you returned with chips and everything else requested, the remaining conversations of the evening no longer centered around you or Gojo.
It was quite late when your friends began to leave, but overall, it was a fun time, and you were glad to have hosted it.
The front door slid open a while later as you cleaned up, followed by the familiar sounds of your siblings returning—voices overlapping, footsteps heavier than usual, the faint rustle of clothing and gear being set aside.
You greeted them cheerfully, relieved to see they’d all made it back safe and sound. Only by then, you were already tired, so you excused yourself for the night not long after they arrived.
Before you walked away from them completely, Mitsuki asked if she could come sleep in your room later. You agreed without a second thought.
She always had nightmares after assignments, especially the heavier ones.
For whatever reason, your presence helped keep them at bay—even the worst ones where she'd wake up crying.
And though you didn't understand why she found someone as average as you comforting, you were more than happy and willing to help your dear sister.
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Your four battle-worn siblings gathered around the dining table, enjoying the leftovers you'd saved specifically for them.
Their clothes still carried the faint scent of smoke and damp earth, hair slightly disheveled from the long journey back from their assignment.
There was a heaviness to them tonight, and it wasn’t just from exhaustion.
They had also recently lost someone.
Takahiro—once a classmate, a friend, and a fellow jujutsu sorcerer.
His death was a reminder of their mortality, and how they too might end up the same way one day—devoured or killed by a cursed spirit on a mission gone wrong.
It was a morbid truth that every jujutsu sorcerer had to face and come to terms with.
Still, Hana, ever the eldest, refused to let the night sink entirely into mourning.
She reached for a bottle of sake from the pantry and poured each of them a cup without asking.
“Just one,” she said, though it was clear by the look in her eyes that she wasn’t planning on stopping there.
Ren accepted his quietly, offering no protest.
Bo leaned back as he took his, while Mitsuki hesitated only a moment before following suit. Neither of them were of age to be drinking, but Hana allowed the exception without comment. It was just for the night.
“For Takahiro,” Hana said softly, lifting her cup. “May they be at peace.”
The others followed.
“For Takahiro.”
Porcelain met porcelain with a quiet clink before they all drank.
Silence settled briefly at the table.
Then, gradually, the tension eased as the sake continued to flow and stories of memories followed—some fond, some bitter, some ending in quiet laughter that didn’t quite reach their eyes.
And eventually, as it always seemed to, the conversation drifted to their youngest sister—you.
“You know what I realized?” Bo started, tipping his cup idly as he glanced toward the now-empty living room. “She never invites Gojo to these things.”
Ren let out a short breath through his nose. “You’re just noticing that now?”
“No, but she invites him to everything else, except this stuff with her normie friends?” Bo continued. “Doesn't make sense.”
Hana’s gaze lifted slightly at that, her expression sharpening with pointed amusement.
“Maybe she just needs a break from him sometimes,” she commented. “I know I would.”
Mitsuki hummed softly, resting her cheek against her hand as the world began to swirl around her. “We know you would. Y/n isa’nother story.”
“Think she’s upset with him?” Bo offered.
“Upset?” Ren echoed, pouring himself another glass. “About what? I've never seen them argue about anything.”
“I have but it was trivial stuff,” Hana said, trying to think straight, fingers tapping lightly against the table.
“Wait- what if its ‘cause Gojo doesn't like her friends?” Mitsuki slurred.
“Pfft, you're probably right,” Bo laughed. “He's gotta be jealous of them or something.”
“Wouldn’t be surprised if that’s true about us too,” Ren snorted. “He didn't look happy when we interrupted their boat ride at the festival.”
“It's kinda cute the way he dotes on her,” Mitsuki smiled, cheeks ablaze from the sake.
“It's not,” Hana curtly interjected, annoyed.
“Okay, then maybe she jus’ doesn't want him to feel bad,” Mitsuki continued.
“Or maybe she got sick and tired of being called a butterfly all the damn time,” Hana countered with a drunken frown, even surprising herself from her lack of usual decorum.
The ridiculousness of the idea combined with the level of sake consumed by all four of your siblings led to them bursting out in a bout of uncontrollable laughter.
And all at Gojo's expense.
But it was a much needed outlet after what they'd endured that horrific week.
They'd never forget this night, raising a final glass of sake to their little sister and your seemingly infinite patience for Satoru Gojo, the most annoying person alive according to your eldest sister.
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November 20, 2004.
Hana was the most radiant, beautiful bride in your eyes. Draped in layers of pristine white silk, her shiromuku was embroidered with delicate cranes and flowing patterns that shimmered softly with every movement. A traditional watabōshi veil rested over her head, giving her an almost ethereal presence as she stood beside Haru. They both looked so happy throughout the entire celebration.
Seeing it all on full display brought you and your siblings so much joy.
Your elders looked so annoyingly proud throughout the event, as if this union with one of the big three clans had been their doing—or due to the Morisato name alone.
It wasn't either, but you were sure they'd find a way to claim and spread that it was.
The whole ceremony was wrapped in tradition, with some typical practices and others that were exclusive to sorcerer families, including several that were secret to the world and followed only by the Kamo clan.
It was part of the reason Satoru Gojo was not allowed to attend.
Hana and Keiko were overjoyed by this fact, knowing your attention would have been pulled away from the festivities if he'd been around. You had remained neutral while he sulked.
And given that the Kamo clan was one of the three big families, Satoru was unable to bully, weasel, or buy his way into the small, intimate familial affair.
To appease his incessant whining and indignation, you had agreed to meet up with him afterwards at the Gojo estate since the ceremony had taken place somewhere private in Kyoto.
It was around 4:26pm by the time you arrived, having stayed in your attire to avoid further delay. You already knew he was going to complain anyway.
“What took you so long?” he announced before looking in your direction from the couch in one of his personal rooms.
“Sorry, my sister getting married took so long, young master,” you teased, bowing as you rounded the corner and stood in front of his view of the newer television he’d forced the Gojo clan to purchase.
He seemed almost stunned to see you. Was it the outfit?
“What’re you looking at?” you asked, slightly confused.
“N-nothing. I just thought you’d have changed before coming over.”
“I would’ve gotten here later if I did that,” you replied, sitting down next to him. “And you were already complaining when I walked in.”
“Yeah, okay, that’s on me. But what wedding takes six hours?”
“Turns out a Kamo clan one. Though that also included the meal after.”
“How was it anyway?”
“It was perfect. Hana looked beautiful, and they were both so happy,” you turned to look at him. “The food was so good, too. You would’ve loved the desserts.”
He pouted, brows furrowing in annoyance. “And you’re cruelly dangling that information in my face.”
“Maybe,” you replied, laughing at his expense.
“Think I could get away with having only sweets at mine?” he mused.
“Everyone would be sick by the end of it,” you said, shaking your head. “But I’m sure you could get your family to agree. Maybe not your bride’s side though.”
“If she cares about me, she’ll agree to it. But you’re definitely not getting any after taunting me today.”
“Keeping your best friend from the only food at your wedding isn’t very nice, Satoru,” you shot back.
He huffed, muttering something under his breath that you couldn’t quite understand.
“What was that?” you asked, nudging his shoulder as he turned and looked at you with a grin.
“Nothing you need to know yet, butterfly.”
You rolled your eyes at his attempt to be mysterious.
“Well, whatever you said, people are going to think the Gojos are cheap just having desserts.”
He snorted. “Let them. I don’t think I’ll care in the moment.”
“But how could you live with yourself if jujutsu society thought so lowly of you?” you replied, mimicking your grandfather’s unmistakable tone.
“Okay, Mr. Morisato, you can go home now,” he said, poking your sides. “Can I talk to my br- best friend again?”
You giggled, hunching over as you enjoyed the moment, not noticing Satoru's slip of the tongue.
Once the two of you settled down again, he rested his head on your shoulder.
“Did you want to do something today?” you asked him.
“Can you do anything fun in that thing?” he replied, idly brushing his fingers against the fabric of your kimono.
“Fair point.”
He remained quiet for a moment before speaking up. “I could get you clothes, if you want to go explore Kyoto or walk around the estate. Just need to ask.”
“You’re not going to let me pay you back if I do, though.”
“Hmm. Not a chance,” he replied.
“Guess we’re stuck here with the TV, then.”
He moved away from your shoulder almost immediately, standing up and heading towards the sliding door, where he called out for someone.
“Could you get something for Y/n to wear, Yui? She didn’t get a chance to change because of me, so I feel responsible.”
“Of course, young master. I’ll be back as quickly as possible,” she replied.
“You know you’re crazy, right?” you asked him after Yui left. “She doesn’t even know my size.”
“I talked to your family's seamstress, remember? She knows your size.”
“My family still can’t believe that you won Mrs. Toshino over. Like she was even raving about you the last time she came by the house.”
He smiled as he sat back down beside you. “Yeah, I bet. With how prudish she was at first, she reminded me of Hana.”
You kicked his foot with your own. “Rude jerk.”
“So, arcade, movies, or shopping?” he asked, unfazed and setting the previous conversation to rest.
“Doesn’t that depend on how long it takes to get the clothes?” you answered with a question.
“Nah, the Gojo estate isn’t that big.”
“What are you talking about?” you looked over at him, confused
“I figured you’d need clothes here eventually, so she just has to go get them from storage. Guess I forgot to mention that.”
You blinked at him in surprise before allowing yourself to fall back on the couch. “Yup, you’re totally crazy.”
“Oh, c’mon, butterfly. How many sane sorcerers do you know?” he countered.
“Zero now,” you answered with a grin. “You were my last hope.”
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Nighttime, November 20, 2004.
Each time he closed his eyes, all he could picture was you in that kimono. The colors had been so vibrant, so perfectly suited to your bright smile, that he’d almost forgotten how to breathe when you stepped into his line of sight.
You’d looked like Spring in the middle of Fall.
And the worst part was knowing everyone else had gotten to see you like that too. It had made him especially envious of all the guests at Hana's wedding.
But what stung even more was hearing you refer to yourself as a simple guest at his hypothetical wedding when you were the only person he’d ever want standing beside him. As the bride and nothing else.
He'd almost spoken that truth out loud by mistake while joking around. Thankfully, you hadn't noticed, but he was dead serious.
Should he start thinking about talking to your family before leaving for Tokyo?
Or was it too soon for arranging that?
Would you hate him if he did?
He didn't exactly want to force you into it just yet… honestly, he'd prefer if the feelings were mutual.
But what if they tried to bind you to someone else after he was gone?
Should he risk that? Risk losing you?
The thought alone was almost unbearable, and he'd never be able to handle it if it actually happened.
Hell, he might even make the unlucky bastard and his entire lineage disappear if it did.
No… not might.
He knew he would, either with the Gojo's influence, money, or other, more permanent means if necessary.
What did that say about him? About his feelings for you…
He sighed, turning onto his side and staring at the picture frame he had on his nightstand—the one holding the more “inappropriate” image from the festival with the two of you.
Looking at you smiling beside him in the photo, he realized he didn’t care what these extreme thoughts and sentiments meant for himself.
He just knew he wanted you in his life.
And that wasn’t something he planned on giving up on.
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December 7, 2004.
Somehow, he’d managed to convince both his family and yours to allow you to spend the night at the estate for his 15th birthday.
Hana, now preoccupied with her husband and the Kamo clan, had not been around to object. And with her absence from the Morisato household, there was little standing in the way of the arrangement.
Unfortunately, it was only permitted under Yui's supervision—and on the condition that Keiko and Seiji join the sleepover as well. He knew their presence was meant to stave off rumors of a possible “engagement” between the two of you. Such news, real or not, would've been ideal to have spread throughout jujutsu society before he left for Tokyo soon.
But, much to his disappointment, his elders had stood their ground on this matter.
Even so, having you around had been his only wish for the occasion, so he had been more than willing to deal with the requirements rather than let the opportunity slip away. He was sure there would still be some talk about it anyway.
The day had been filled with an almost carefree kind of joy.
One that started with a snowball fight along the stone pathways in the garden between the four of you, with Yui watching from the hallway. She was delighted to see Satoru enjoying himself alongside you, noting how he lingered close—always finding some excuse to brush against you, to pull you behind him, to intercept anything thrown your way.
She found herself wondering if you could ever imagine just how much of a fuss you'd caused within the Gojo clan already.
Whole meetings had been held to discuss the possibility of an alliance with the Morisatos without the young master's knowledge—otherwise, he might have taken that as permission to ask for your hand.
Throughout such discussions, they weighed both the positives and negatives of such a union, taking into account your family's history, your shortcomings in jujutsu sorcery, and other factors. You weren't their first choice, nor their second or third, really. Honestly, they never would have considered you an option for the Gojo clan heir.
But… seeing the way he was with you had changed that opinion for many.
You were at the top of their list now. Or rather, you were the only one on it, per Satoru's wishes.
As such, it could not be ignored that you'd given him motivations to seek additional strength and power. Though less important to some in the clan, it was also undeniable how happy you made him. Both of those circumstances worked in your favor.
Further, they realized it did not particularly matter that you weren't a strong sorcerer either. With Satoru around, no one else would be born with the Limitless technique or the Six Eyes, and whatever children that resulted from the union would undoubtedly be special anyway. So, in the end, they had found no reason strong enough to prevent him from pursuing what he so clearly wanted for his future.
And your family, of course, would be of no issue.
Thus, the only obstacle he might face in his pursuit of that desire would be… you.
A sharp burst of laughter rang out across the garden, followed by the soft thud of packed snow hitting fabric.
Lifted from her thoughts by the commotion, Yui watched as a snowball meant for him never quite made it. And it wasn't his Limitless technique that had prevented the hit. No, you’d stepped in first, laughing as it burst harmlessly against your sleeve instead.
“I can protect you too, Toru,” you'd shouted, throwing snowballs back at Seiji and your cousin, Keiko, who quickly returned with an onslaught of their own.
“You don't have to do that—I can handle everything,” he'd called back, despite the grin on his face as he took the hits for you now instead, turning his back to shield you while wrapping his arms around you to guide you both toward cover.
“So what if you can?” you shot back, laughter still in your voice. “I still want to.”
Yui stilled, her eyes widening slightly before a quiet warmth settled in her chest as she looked away.
Perhaps… this was not as one-sided as she had believed.
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Eventually, the cold drove you all back inside, where you'd crowded around the television as Satoru insisted on winning every round of whatever video game you were playing. Neither you nor Seiji allowed that to happen often, much to his dismay.
Afterwards, a grand meal with all of Satoru’s favorite dishes had been prepared by the Gojo estate. They truly did spoil him rotten when it came to occasions like this.
There had also been a strawberry creme cake, of course, with fifteen candles, singing, and many gifts.
And through it all, he’d stayed close to you, like he always did.
But, while the day had been filled with nothing but merriment, there was a bittersweet feeling lingering beneath it too—as if the world itself knew these moments between the two of you were coming to an end.
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That night, he broke the rules—sneaking into the room you were staying in and stealing you away from your cousin for a few hours.
He’d come prepared, of course, with a coat in hand and proper footwear for you tucked under his arm, already anticipating your quiet protests about the cold. You couldn't tell him no after seeing that.
The two of you ended up at your usual spot in the forest, where he'd also already prepared a small fire near the pile of rocks to keep you both warm. He’d even dragged over a dried tree trunk earlier in the day, setting it up like a makeshift bench for you both to use. The setup made it painfully obvious that he had planned to ignore the conditions of your stay from the start.
The low temperature and camp-like fire were the perfect excuses to huddle together under a blanket he'd also brought along. Taking full advantage of the circumstances, he'd wrapped one of his arms around you, pulling you against his shoulder to keep warm.
The night sky, along with all its stars, was so visible from here. He'd caught you looking up in awe several times before you finally spoke.
“This reminds me of when I'd go camping with my brothers and sisters near Higashiyoshino.”
“The area your family is in charge of purging?”
“Yeah.”
“I'm surprised they let you go.”
“I wasn't. I snuck off after them. No one realized until it was too late to take me back home.”
“Now I get it,” he sighed, secretly impressed by your stubbornness. “Guess I'm not the only person you act reckless around.”
You smiled. “I couldn't help it. I grew up seeing my family go up there. I was impatient to be a part of it.”
“How old were you then?”
“Maybe 6? I still thought I was going to be a sorcerer like them,” you replied as the fire crackled.“But anyway, did you enjoy your birthday?”
“Yeah. ‘Cause they didn’t drag me through another one of those formal dinners like last year.” He nudged a stick into the fire with his free hand, watching the embers shift. “And I wasn't almost bored to death by old geezers before getting to hang out with you.”
“You're never going to let me forget that, huh?”
“Never.”
You pouted. “But aren't they doing that for your coming of age ceremony next month?”
“Ugh. I told them I didn't want that.”
“Well, they already told us about it, sooo I don't think you're getting a choice, Toru.”
“That means you'll be there, right?” he asked.
“Yeah,” you nodded. “We all should be.”
“Then I guess it won't be too terrible,” he replied, still staring at the fire. “Just don't ask me to sit away from you this time.”
You sighed, your breath visible in the cold air. “I don't think that'll be allowed…”
He groaned, looking over at you now. “Seriously? Why does it even matter?”
“If it helps, Haru and Hana might be closer to you this time.”
“You think you're so funny, don't you?” he joked, pulling you closer to his side.
“Maybe I do,” you teased, pushing back. “But it's the truth.”
“Then find an excuse to come sit with her,” he said, frowning. “Or I'll shout across the room to talk to you if I have to.”
“They'll be mad at both of us if you do that, Toru,” you reminded him.
“Tsk. I'll talk to them tomorrow,” he murmured, feeling you shiver slightly. He knew he couldn't keep you out here much longer.
After more conversation, laughter, and maybe another thirty minutes out in the cold night, the two of you returned to the estate. He quietly helped you back to your room before going to his own, happy to have gotten some time alone with you.
In the morning, he spoke with several of his elders about the ceremony. Threatening that he wouldn't attend if they arranged seating by hierarchy like on his birthday last year.
They fought him on it for all official proceedings—like the ceremony itself—but ultimately allowed for you to sit with your sister and brother-in-law as a guise during the dinner. That was better than nothing, he supposed.
‘Guess Hana marrying into the big three had its advantages.’ He'd thought as he sensed you around the corner, excited to share the update with you.
⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔
December 27, 2004.
After his birthday, Satoru had almost been visiting your home on a daily basis, even if only for a few hours.
It should've been considered inappropriate… but your elders had been quite happy about it when they were told.
They'd gone as far as to encourage you, not too subtly suggesting to secure some kind of binding promise from him before he left for Tokyo in the coming months.
You thought their intentions were disgusting. Shameless. Wrong.
And their pushiness had only reinforced your feelings from before. You'd never give them what they wanted most, power and influence in the jujutsu world through a marriage like this.
Which meant you refused to let yourself see Satoru as anything more than a friend.
Even if… no.
You couldn't. Wouldn't.
‘He'd get over that eventually, right?’ You thought as you watched him unbox the package he'd received in the mail. ‘You were just a stupid, childhood crush he'd eventually forget about when he met someone else, someone better,’ you quietly reassured yourself.
“Oh, it's my uniforms,” he finally said, stealing you away from your thoughts. “Should I try it on for you, butterfly?”
“Yeah, go ahead,” you replied, faking a smile.
“Be right back, then.”
Satoru hadn't expected tears, but here you were crying on his shoulder as he rubbed circles onto your back. Normally he would’ve been ecstatic for an excuse to hold you like this, but not now.
“Butterfly. What's wrong? Aren't you the one who said we're going to be fine?”
“I know and we will,” you mumbled, voice muffled against his shirt. “But it's going to be so weird not having you around, too.”
Were you just realizing that?
“Just come with me then,” he replied, desperation slipping into his voice. “I can still talk to your family and Jujutsu High. I won't let either tell me no.”
“Toru… I can't.”
Fuck. Why did it feel like you were breaking up with him right now? It didn't make any sense. You weren't even “a thing” yet. Why did it feel like this was killing him?
“I'm sorry,” you started, moving away from him while wiping at your eyes. “It just hit me all at once seeing you in this. I'll stop…”
He was about to force the issue when your mother walked into the room with a tray of snacks. She'd just set it on the coffee table when you quickly spoke up.
“Look, Mom. Satoru got his uniform today,” you said, trying to play it off. “Doesn't it remind you of Ren and Bo?”
She smiled at you and then him before she agreed. “It is quite similar to your brothers. They used to complain about how stiff they were at first. Make sure you break it in properly, or you’ll be uncomfortable during assignments.”
“I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Mrs. Morisato.”
He watched your mother place her palms together before she continued. “The house is going to feel even quieter without your visits,” she said gently. “But you’ll always be welcome here, Gojo.”
“He knows that,” you added softly, smiling at him sincerely this time. He returned it with a yearning you probably couldn't read.
Should he just come out and ask your mother right now if he could steal you away? Would you forgive him if he did? And what if she said no? There were too many unknowns, damn it. He knew he couldn't. Not yet at least.
“Then I hope you also know how all of us, including my eldest daughter, are proud of you for taking this on. It's not easy being a sorcerer, though given your abilities I'm certain you'll be just fine.”
“I doubt Hana is, but I appreciate the support of most Morisatos,” he replied, huffing out a bit of a dry laugh.
Your mother smiled in response, looking over at you as she responded. “She has her reasons for being protective. Anyway, I'll let you two get back to your movies. Let me know if you need anything else, sweetheart.”
“Thanks, mom.”
She nodded back at you before exiting the room.
“You okay?” he asked almost immediately, nudging your leg with his own.
You leaned back and tilted your head on the couch in his direction.
“I’m fiiiiiine,” you replied, stretching out the word. It was obvious you didn't want to talk about it.
“That’s not convincing.”
You stretched out your hand towards him then. “Is a pinky promise good enough?”
“For a kid, maybe,” he answered, staring at your hand.
“Hey, I’m still fourteen, so I can act as childish as I want,” you continued, still holding out your pinky. “Final offer.”
“Only because it’s you,” he said under his breath as he intertwined his pinky with yours.
“See,” you laughed sweetly despite your earlier tears. “We’re fine.”
“Yeah, yeah,” he waved you off before standing up. “I’m going to change out of these, and then we can start our marathon.”
“‘Kay, Toru.”
For your sake, he hadn't dwelled on the matter. Making you cry again wasn’t something he wanted to do anyway.
Even so, he had really wanted to ask you more.
Was it just that you'd miss him when he was gone? That you'd worry?
Or could it be that you might… reciprocate his feelings?
No.
Save for today and unlike him, you hadn't given signs of that. As much as he wished you had. What’s more, you treated your other friends the same way you treated him, with genuine kindness, laughter, and warmth. That was part of the reason he couldn’t stand them.
But… that didn't mean he couldn't change your mind eventually.
And he wouldn't let this separation keep him from trying.
Already he'd come up with a way to make sure he'd still be present in your day-to-day life.
Technology. Cellphones.
He'd planned on going to get a pair with Yui later and would ask your parents for permission to cover all the resulting, ongoing expenses today before he left.
After watching movies with you for hours, he was finally heading back to Kyoto with Yui.
However, without you knowing, he had made sure to speak with your parents about the cellphones idea privately on his way out.
They'd been resistant at first, stating that they couldn't possibly impose on or allow the Gojo clan to purchase and pay for such a thing.
But eventually, they’d given him permission after respectfully insisting that his family had already given him the ‘okay’ to do so. Yui had supported his claim, despite it being a lie at the time—not like he'd give the Gojo clan much of a choice in the matter anyway.
This would likely be his final gift to you before he left, and he was going to make it count.
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January 10, 2005.
The Genpuku.
The Coming of Age Ceremony.
In the weeks leading up to it, preparations moved quietly through the Gojo estate. Formal rooms were restored, ceremonial garments prepared, and invitations sent to the other major clans and select members of the Jujutsu Council. Nothing about the event had been left to chance. Not when Satoru Gojo’s name alone carried as much weight as it did.
On the surface, it was like any other traditional rite.
A formal acknowledgment that the Gojo clan heir had reached a level of maturity where he would no longer be regarded as merely a gifted child, but as a young man expected to stand as a representative of both his family and their power within jujutsu society.
But in truth, it was much more than that.
Save for you, very few knew that Satoru had made it clear to the Gojo clan that he intended to attend Tokyo Jujutsu High, even if it meant severing ties with them completely. That would have cost them their leverage and place within jujutsu society—which is why the Gojo clan had eventually compromised and allowed his wishes, but not without some terms. This ceremony was one of them.
And what else was this public display of unity supposed to mean?
That even if Satoru Gojo left home for Jujutsu High and strayed from his intended role as future head of the clan, the family was still together. Harmonious.
As the morning progressed, formal attire replaced his usual preferences, every layer chosen for him with care to showcase the Gojos' wealth and standing within the Jujutsu community.
Words were spoken by the officials of the ceremony, reaffirming roles and responsibilities while offering congratulations to the “new adults” and their families and friends.
To those who cared, his place within the clan, and by extension the structure of jujutsu society itself, was made unmistakably clear as he stood among the crowd of other emerging adults.
Overall, the entire affair was elegant.
Seamless.
And somewhat suffocating.
By the time it was over, very little had changed on the surface.
He would still leave for Tokyo soon.
But now there would be no mistaking what the Gojo clan intended that departure to mean.
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You’d caught him glancing at you several times throughout the procession of the Genpuku ceremony.
He looked annoyed, standing in a crowd of strangers that were mostly non-sorcerers.
What else could you do but smile at him in reassurance?
Just like the Gojos had done for Satoru, your family had dressed you quite elegantly for the occasion. So much so, that you felt like an ornate decoration meant to be admired—gawked at, even. You hated it. But unfortunately, given the significance of the event, you couldn't refuse their choice of attire for you.
Looking away from Satoru, you caught someone else glancing in your direction as well. You didn’t recognize him per se, but you were aware of the family he belonged to—the Zen’in. Both Satoru and others you trusted had warned you to stay away from that clan. They were not kind to women, nor particularly honorable in any regard from the stories you'd heard.
You wondered briefly why he might be staring at you—though, given how you’d been dressed, perhaps it wasn’t so surprising—before your attention returned to Satoru, whose eyes had already found their way back to you.
You smiled again, giving him a small wink that earned a faint grin in return.
The two of you continued this quiet exchange until the ceremony came to a close, and the Gojo's guests began making their way to the estate.
You didn’t get to speak to him properly until the official, celebratory dinner. Even then, it was only through brief, superficial exchanges around other people.
Just as Satoru had told you, you'd been seated by your sister Hana and her husband, Haru Kamo. Though your sister’s position at the front of the table kept you from looking entirely out of place, you still felt it.
Worse, you finally understood why Satoru was bored half to death by these conversations. So much so, you planned to apologize for last year whenever the two of you were alone.
Either way, you listened politely, offering the appropriate reactions and expected commentary of a young lady from the Morisato clan—just as you'd been taught to do.
When the meal was over, representatives from each family began presenting Satoru with congratulatory gifts. You could see his patience wearing thin the longer it dragged on.
Finally, he was able to peel himself away from formalities and quickly made his way to your side while you sat among your three other siblings—Hana was busy with your parents. They’d offered him their own congratulations and genuine advice for the next chapter of his life as a jujutsu sorcerer.
You could tell he was relieved to be talking to people who weren't here to win favor. It made you proud that your brothers and sisters could give him that.
Not long after, the two of you had snuck out to your usual spot at the Gojo estate—far from prying eyes and ears.
“I owe you an apology, Satoru,” you started, sighing as you leaned back against the familiar stack of stones. “That really felt like torture.”
“Oh, now you believe me?” he said, approaching you and bracing his arm just above your head as he leaned in.
“Yes, and I'm sincerely sorry,” you replied, slightly bowing with your head.
The two of you laughed together then, like you always did—right before he surprised you with something bolder.
He pulled you forward and away from the stones, resting his forehead against your shoulder as his arms wrapped loosely around you, his weight slumping just slightly into your space.
“You okay?” You asked quietly, internally wrestling with the thought to politely push him away.
This felt too romantically charged, and you shouldn’t have been allowing it given what you’d decided before, but... it was difficult to set boundaries with Satoru.
“Just exhausted,” he groaned.
“You know, I could leave so you could really rest, right?”
“Hah! Screw that,” he answered quickly, moving back from you with a frown on his face. “I barely got to speak to you today.”
You shrugged, quietly grateful for the distance he’d put between you again. “I'd be a bad friend if I didn't offer.”
He rolled his eyes. “You got it backwards. Leaving me after putting up with fake people all day would make you the worst best friend.”
You laughed before replying. “I guess you've got a point.”
“Like my haircut, by the way?” he asked, running a hand through it, showing it off.
“Mmm, it's not bad,” you hummed, moving away from the rocks and sitting down on the tree trunk Satoru had previously brought over on the night of his birthday a few weeks ago. “But I think longer hair suits you better.”
“Yeah,” he agreed, joining you. “Don't worry, I plan on growing it out again.”
“Was I supposed to worry you wouldn't?” you asked, sarcastically.
“Maybe,” he smirked, looking over at you.
“I must've missed that requirement on the invitation, then.”
He chuckled dryly, nudging your knee with his own as he changed the subject.
“You look very pretty today. Forgot to tell you that earlier.”
“I think it's a little too much,” you disagreed. “Felt like a peacock showing off its feathers at some point.”
“Mm, except the ones with the pretty feathers are guys.”
You turned and looked at him, catching the teasing look across his face. Narrowing your eyes slightly, you matched his all-too-pleased smirk with a grin. “You know what I mean, jerk.”
He poked your cheek with his finger. “I actually don't, so please explain.”
“You weren't the only person looking at me at the ceremony and I'm sure it was because of this,” you answered, gesturing towards your kimono.
“Oh yeah? Was some dumb normie staring at you?”
“No, some Zen'in clan kid. But I don't know his name...”
You swore the air felt thinner around you after you'd said that.
He curled one of his hands into a tight fist, away from your sight in a feeble attempt to hide how angry he was at the revelation.
“What did he look like?” he asked, tilting his head slightly, voice quieter than before.
“I couldn't tell you,” you mumbled, running a hand over the silk of your kimono. “Didn't stare back long enough to notice. I was mostly looking at you, remember?”
Almost instantly, he felt his body relax at your words, fist unfurling slowly at his side.
“Yeah…”
He was glad that he'd been your main focus, but it was still concerning that a piece of trash Zen'in was looking at you.
Were there talks going on between your family and the Zen'in, maybe? He hadn't heard anything from Yui or his other sources… but it was always possible with those bastards.
Before he could stop himself he sighed and blurted out, “Listen, Y/n. There's something we need to talk about.”
“O-okay,” he heard you stutter, watching you look down at the ground rather than up at him.
“Are you- do you- ugh,” he started and stopped twice, unable to decide what words to use so as not to sound too insane.
“When I’m gone… they’re not going to try to marry you off, are they?”
You remained quiet for a moment. The seconds felt like an eternity for him.
Damn it. Why weren't you answering the question?
“I don't know Satoru… But Hana-”
He'd stopped listening after you'd muttered the first three words.
“You can’t let them do that,” he said, more firmly than he meant to, cutting you off as he panicked.
He exhaled sharply, dragging a hand through his hair before continuing, still not realizing he hadn’t let you speak.
“If they try anything like that… just say no. Refuse and use my name if you need to. Hell—use the clan if it comes down to it.”
“Satoru-” you tried to say, but he was still too busy spiraling.
“The Gojos will back you up if I say so. They wouldn’t risk this whole bullshit ‘unity’ charade and-”
Suddenly, you clapped your hands in front of his face, snapping him out of his trance-like rambling as you said his full name. “Satoru Gojo!”
Heat crept up from his neck to his cheeks as he immediately stopped, looking down at you as you sighed. He knew he'd gone overboard.
“Sorry… butterfly,” he mumbled, scratching the back of his head as he tried to do damage control. “I just worry about you, and what might happen if I'm not here to help with your family's annoying marriage fixation.”
“I appreciate it, Toru. But that's not your problem,” he watched as you started fumbling with your hands while you spoke. “And I don't want you worrying about that in Tokyo or on assignments.”
He listened to you sigh again, more deeply than before. “I'm not really supposed to tell anyone this, specifically you. But Hana’s already working on using her status as a Kamo to keep them from doing anything until I’m older.”
“So, things will be okay here even after you're gone… You just focus on staying safe over there, please? As a favor for your best friend.” You smiled at him then so brightly, so sweetly that he felt tears threatening to form at the corners of his eyes from the reassurance.
He reached for you before he could convince himself not to, pulling you into a tight embrace while you were still seated beside him. He felt you relax into his arms, albeit slowly.
“Pinky promise?” he murmured against your ear.
“I thought you said pinky promises were childish, Toru,” you whispered back.
“Yeah, well, right now I want one.”
“Pinky promise,” you replied, leaning away from his weight and offering up your hand.
He moved his arms back reluctantly and intertwined his pinky with yours as you both smiled at each other.
You were so annoyingly cute, he could stare into your eyes forever right now. Damn, maybe he should try to kiss—
“Young master! Miss Morisato!” The two of you suddenly heard Yui calling out into the forest.
He grumbled, knowing all too well that it meant your family was likely leaving and you had to follow suit.
“Can I come over tomorrow?” he asked as the two of you stood up and started along the path back.
You nodded, adding a slight laugh as you asked, “you can, but since when do you ask for permission? You never have before.”
Because he wanted to hear you say yes—so he could pretend, even for a second, that he was already… courting you? Dating you?
Geez, you were really turning him into one of those delusional guys in all those sappy romance films without trying.
Whatever the case, he obviously couldn’t tell you that.
“I'm an adult now, so I've got to act more responsibly,” he lied.
You shoved his shoulder lightly, scoffing as you quickened your pace just enough to move ahead of him. “Oh, please. I'll know the world's ending if you ever take something too seriously.”
Laughing at your words, he caught up and reached for your hand, instinctively threading his fingers through yours—only to feel you hesitate with a small twitch beneath his touch.
Had you almost pulled your hand away just now? The movement had been so subtle… but enough for him to still notice.
He slowed slightly, glancing over at you as he muttered a seemingly innocent, “what?”
You slowed as well, your gaze flickering down to your hands before tightening your grip—this time holding onto him just as warmly as he was you.
“Nothing,” you said after a beat. “But if Hana scolds us about this…”
You lifted your joined hands, swinging them lightly between you.
“Just say I almost fell and you're helping me or something.”
He grinned—devilish and entirely unapologetic as a wicked idea passed through his mind.
“You make it sound like we have something to hide,” he teased, stretching the last word with just enough emphasis to make your stomach flip. “When I’m just being a good host to my younger guest.”
You huffed, squeezing his hand gently as the two of you continued along the path.
“This whole ‘I’m an adult now’ thing is going to get old before you even leave.”
Ouch.
He knew you'd meant it as a joke, but it still landed harder than it should have. Trying to hide the sting it left behind also proved impossible.
“Well, don't sound so eager for my move either,” he pouted, tugging at your arm, unable to hide the hurt in his voice. “At least pretend like you’ll miss me a little.”
“I'm not eager-” you started, faltering as your eyes flickered away from him. He swore he saw a faint blush on your cheeks, too, but maybe it was just the cold air. “You already know I'm really going to miss you, Toru...”
“Yeah, but…” he said, pausing as his attention was pulled to Yui, who was standing by the grand garden's gate ahead. “It's still good to hear you say it.”
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February 12, 2005.
Satoru would be leaving in one week.
It almost didn't seem real that in a few days, your friend would be miles and miles away.
While he had been busy preparing and sending things of his to Jujutsu High, you'd been occupied working with Mrs. Toshino making a gift of sorts for him.
An omamori.
One partly embroidered by you, though you weren't the best at it. You’d made mistakes—crooked stitching here, uneven spacing there—but you figured Satoru would appreciate the effort more than perfection. He might even prefer it that way, actually.
The fabric itself was a deep navy, rich and dark enough to make the lighter embroidery stand out.
On the front, you’d tried to carefully stitch a butterfly in soft shades of pale blue and gold, its wings outlined just enough to catch the light against the darker fabric. At the top, there was a thick, gold braided cord looped into an intricate knot that secured the charm closed.
After finishing the pouch, you’d taken it to a nearby shrine while offering a quiet prayer for Satoru with it in your hands.
It was meant to bring him luck and protection during his first year at Jujutsu High.
You'd decided to give it to him when you saw him later today, along with some other gifts you and your family had prepared for him.
It'd be better this way. He'd likely be very busy the closer his departure date got. You might not even be able to see him by then… but maybe that was for the best. Or at least, that’s what you had told yourself.
You heard him exchanging pleasantries with your parents before walking into the kitchen as you were finishing up a recipe.
“Hey Toru,” you started, not looking away from your stirring. “Just gimme a bit, I'm almost done here.”
You felt his arms wrap around your waist from behind, his head dipping to the side to see what you were doing. It surprised you so much, you felt yourself jolt. He noticed.
“Did I scare you?” He laughed, loosening his hold and placing one of his hands on the counter.
“A little,” you were honest.
“Sorry, my bad. What're you making today?”
He might’ve said that, but he didn’t look all that sorry to you.
“Sweet curry with my own twist on it,” you answered, giving him a side-eye. “You'll be one of the first to try it.”
He smiled. “Oh yeah?”
“Mmhm,” you hummed. “I added a bit of honey and apples this time—so it'll be a little different.”
“Can't wait to taste it then,” he said before adding, "anything I can help with in the meantime?”
“Wanna chop some veggies?” you replied, tipping your head towards the washed vegetables you had yet to get to.
“Sure.”
The meal came together easily after that.
Between the two of you, the kitchen filled with the warm, comforting scent of curry, your earlier nerves settling into something softer, more familiar. By the time everything was plated on the dining table, your parents and Mitsuki had already gathered around.
Unfortunately, your brothers were away on assignments, and Hana now lived with her husband, which left the house even emptier than usual.
Satoru took the seat beside you without hesitation, but that was to be expected.
He was surprisingly well-behaved throughout the meal.
Polite when speaking to your parents, attentive when they addressed him, even offering to help clear the table and wash dishes after—though you suspected that had more to do with staying close to you than anything else.
Still, he played the part well.
And when he wasn’t speaking, he leaned just slightly into your space, close enough that you could feel his presence without it being too obvious to anyone else.
“This is really good,” he said after the first bite, glancing at you with something softer than his usual teasing. “You might have to make this for me again before I leave.”
Your parents agreed, complimenting both the dish and your added twist, while Mitsuki happily went back for seconds.
You smiled to yourself, happy and relieved that everything had turned out the way you'd hoped.
When the meal began to wind down, you turned to your parents.
“Would it be alright if Satoru and I went out for a bit?” you asked, politely. “There’s a new arcade that just opened in town that we wanted to visit.”
Your mother exchanged a brief look with your father before nodding.
“Just don’t stay out too late,” she replied with a smile.
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The arcade was loud that evening, filled with flashing lights and overlapping sounds of machines chiming, coins clinking, and distant cheers from other players.
It didn’t take long for the two of you to find something to your liking—challenging each other from one game to the next.
“You’re cheating,” you accused, narrowing your eyes as Satoru effortlessly beat your score again.
“Nah, I’ve just gotten better,” he shot back with a grin, not even looking away from the screen.
“Better at being annoying, maybe.”
He laughed at that, stepping away as the arcade game flashed his high score across it.
“C’mon, don’t be a sore loser. I’ll let you win the next one.”
“That’s even worse,” you huffed, though you followed him anyway. “I miss when I used to beat you more often.”
It wasn’t until after a few rounds of games that Satoru pulled something from his pocket.
“Oh—almost forgot to show you. Look what I got.”
You glanced over, curiosity piqued as he held up a sleek flip phone, its gold-colored surface catching the glow of the arcade lights.
“This is how I’ll be calling you,” he added casually, though there was something a little too intentional in the way he said it.
“That’s really cool, Toru,” you beamed as he flipped it open and handed it over for you to see.
“It's supposed to be the newest model with the best camera out right now,” he continued, pointing at the button with the corresponding symbol. “Press this and it’ll start it up.”
You clicked it, and immediately the arcade floor came into view on the small screen.
“Come stand next to me so we can try it out,” he directed, reaching his hand out. You passed it back to him as you moved to his side like he’d said.
He wrapped an arm over your shoulder, tugging you a little closer than necessary as you put up a peace sign.
The first photo came out crooked, his aim quite a bit off from the lack of practice.
The second was a bit better but blurry, catching the two of you mid-laugh because your face had been mostly cut off in the first image.
The third, fourth, and fifth were finally what you sweetly called “cute” as he tapped through the photos next to you.
Without asking and in your full view, he clicked to set his favorite of the three as his homescreen.
“Satoru, what’d you do that for?”
“Just showing you how customizable it is,” he replied, grinning before adding, “remind me to give you my number when we get back to your place later, yeah?”
You nodded, deciding to change the subject slightly.
“I will if you promise to take pictures of all the places you go to in Tokyo,” you said. “So you can show me when we see each other.”
“Already planned on it, butterfly.”
You smiled up at him, something soft settling in your chest at his words before remembering that you meant to give him gifts today as well.
“Want to head to a café for a bit? I have some things I want to give you.”
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After ordering drinks, the two of you settled into a booth at the nearby cafe. Thankfully, it wasn’t too busy so you both received the items rather quickly.
He watched you pull a wrapped package from your bag as he finished up his treat.
“This is from the Morisato family,” you said as you slid it over to him on the table.
“Can I open it here?”
“Yeah, and I'll put the stuff back in my bag so you don’t have to carry it after.”
He began unwrapping the package to find several stationery items a student would need. It was boring stuff really, but he didn’t want to seem ungrateful in front of you even though he wasn’t fond of the elders from your family.
“These seem great,” he commented. “I’ll make sure to tell them thanks when we get back.”
You laughed. “It’s okay, I know you wouldn’t be too excited about that one.”
“But I have my own to give you that you should like better…” you continued, bringing out your personal gifts for him and passing them over.
Once more, he tore away the wrapping and opened up the box to find a portable gaming device and a few games, too—including Digimon and Pokémon among them.
He chuckled, turning the Pokémon game over to you as he said, “really?”
“Yeah, really, and you better catch a Butterfree in my honor when you play it.”
“‘Course I will, but these gifts are kinda sending mixed signals,” he teased. “One side of the family gives me stationery to study and the other an excuse to slack off.”
“It is not!” you nudged his leg with your own underneath the table. “My brothers use stuff like that to pass the time when they have to travel for assignments.”
“I’m kidding,” he said, chuckling. “I love the gift.”
“There’s one more thing in there for you,” you replied, tilting your head to the side as you took a sip from your tea.
After a moment, he pulled out the navy blue omamori with the pale blue and gold butterfly. He traced his fingers along the design, able to tell it wasn’t entirely constructed by a professional.
Had you made this for him yourself?
“I know it's not the best embroidery, but I tried,” you admitted, smiling a little as you tucked a strand of hair behind your ear, warmth creeping into your cheeks. “But don’t worry, Mrs. Toshino helped make sure it wouldn’t fall apart on you.”
“It’s my way of wishing you luck and protection during your first year, Toru,” you continued.
“I’ll keep it on me always. Thank you, Y/n,” he said, beaming with pride before adding, “I think the design’s my favorite part.”
“Yeah? I thought you might like that. This way you’ll still have a butterfly bothering you in Tokyo,” you teased lightly.
“Well, I wouldn’t need this if you just came with me,” he pointed at it, playfully complaining despite the truth in the statement.
“Not this again, Satoru,” you waved him off before he dwelled on the topic. “Are your parents joining you at the train station, by the way?”
“Pfft, those two strangers?” he scoffed. “No way.”
Wait, why were you asking him that to begin with?
“Why do you ask?”
“I just figured they’d want to be there. Or I guess if not your parents, someone else from the Gojo clan? Maybe Yui?”
“Huh?” he asked, confused. “Who else would I want there but you, butterfly?”
He could tell that his words had caught you off guard.
“Oh… I actually expected us to say goodbye today,” you replied after a pause.
“W-what? Why?”
“Well, I thought you’d be too busy preparing to leave. Was I wrong to think so?”
“Sorry to disappoint, but you’re still stuck with me this week,” he said, pouting in your direction. “Here I was trying to finish everything early so we could have this last week to ourselves, and this is the thanks I get?”
“Ah- but you never told me that,” you countered, slightly annoyed and amused at the same time. “How could I have known otherwise?”
He exaggeratedly sighed. “Well, you made some pretty horrible assumptions, but I guess you’re right.” He glanced at you, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. “You still have to make it up to me though.”
You laughed under your breath, accepting his childish antics despite the whole coming of age ceremony. “And how am I supposed to do that?”
“Don’t worry,” he grinned. “I’ll think of something by the end of the week.”
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Midday, February 19, 2005.
And just like that, the week had come and gone, leaving the two of you only with a hard goodbye.
Yui had accompanied you both to Shinkansen station in Kyoto as instructed, but she remained behind near the gates. You had thought that was where you’d say your final farewell, but Satoru had other plans. Somewhat crazy ones, in fact, but it had worked.
He’d wanted you with him until the very last second, so he’d gone as far as reserving two seats just to get you through to the platform where he would board the train.
It was selfish of you, but you almost wished you weren’t here with him today. Why? Because it was proving difficult not to show how sad you actually were after initially meeting him at the Gojo estate.
He’d been a bit down too, despite the brave smile he was wearing here, sitting next to you on a bench on the platform. You could tell he was giving this performance for your sake.
“It almost feels like one of your stupid movies,” he suddenly said, filling the silence between the two of you. “Where the guy goes off to war and leaves his wife behind at a train station.”
“How in the world does that apply right now?” you countered, eyes growing wide with unfiltered disbelief as you glanced at him briefly before looking at the ground.
“Well, I am going off to fight cursed spirits sooo,” he pointed out, playfully leaning towards you to whisper, backpack hanging over one of his shoulders. “That counts as a war. One that never ends either.”
Despite knowing he was right about the first half of his earlier statement, you rolled your eyes at him. “Mm, okay fair. Except I’m your best friend, not your wife, remember?”
He laughed, poking your cheek. “Yeah, but don’t people say that they should be the same person?”
You blinked at him, genuinely at a loss for words at his boldness right before his departure. Were you really going to have to tell him that you didn’t want anything other than friendship right now? Put boundaries in place? Of all times?
“Calm down, I’m just messing with you,” he said when you failed to reply quickly enough. “Though, I would be a pretty good husband with all the money I’m about to earn, I’d definitely be able to spoil you.”
“Says the person who’s already rich and spoiled," you added, laughing somewhat nervously, still uncomfortable with the topic despite his reassurance. It was best to just deflect and ignore whatever it was that he was doing, right? He was leaving in a few minutes anyway… why ruin anything now?
“Speaking of,” he started, placing the backpack on the ground as he unzipped it and pulled out a gift bag. “This is for you. It’s an early birthday gift since I won’t be around for the actual day.”
“You didn’t have to do this, Toru,” you mumbled as he handed it over to you, carefully placing it on your lap.
“I wanted to,” he replied. “You can’t open it till later, though.”
“I’ll wait till my birthday then,” you said.
“Nah, you can open it sooner, just not right now.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” you asked, puzzled.
“You'll know when, trust me.”
You huffed a quiet laugh, already accepting that your pushy best friend would always be something of a mystery. “Well, thank you. Whatever it is, I’m sure I’ll love it.”
“You better,” he added, nudging your leg with his own.
Just then, a soft chime echoed through the platform, followed by an announcement for the arriving train—Satoru's train.
“Guess that’s my cue,” he said, zipping up his bag and slinging it over his shoulder again before turning back to you.
“I’m going to miss you so much, Y/n,” he said, the sincerity in his voice breaking straight through the composure you’d been trying so hard to hold onto as he stood up. “C’mere.”
Your vision blurred behind tears as you quickly stood, nearly fumbling with the gift bag in your hands before he pulled you into a tight embrace, arms wrapped closely around you. Instead of fighting against it like you should, you held him just as warmly. Maybe this was your own parting gift to him…
This was nothing like any of the times before. It felt like more—too much more. You forced yourself to ignore it.
“I meant what I said about using my name if you ever need something to get your elders to back off,” he murmured into your hair. “Even if it isn’t about marriage. I’m always going to be on your side, so use me as an excuse as much as you want.”
He felt you nod before he continued.
“And no matter what they try to tell you, you’re something special. To me,” he paused, like that alone should’ve been enough. He only went on for your sake. “...to your stupid friends I can’t stand… and your annoyingly cool siblings, too. Even Hana.”
You let out a soft, broken laugh against his chest.
He pulled back just enough to look at you then, gently wiping away the tears that had slipped free. “Hey, stop crying or you’re going to make me cry.”
“M’sorry,” you smiled up at him through the tears, his hand still on your cheek. “If it isn’t obvious, I’m going to miss you, too.”
The two of you laughed softly, the sound tinged with something heavier in the moment. Was it sadness? Or maybe something more akin to grief… loss.
Another soft chime echoed through the platform, followed by a final boarding call that warned of only one hundred seconds remaining. He had to let you go now, as much as it hurt to do so.
“Please take things seriously and be careful out there, Toru,” you said quietly, removing your hands from his back. “And call me if you can, when you get to Tokyo.”
“I will,” he promised, pressing a quick kiss to your forehead before stepping back from you for the final time. “I’ll catch you later, butterfly.”
“Bye, Toru,” you replied, waving as you watched him board the train.
Only a few seconds later, you heard a noise coming from the bag in your hand. It was a jingle of sorts. You tried to ignore it, but…
Why did it sound like Satoru's phone?
Your heart jumped as the doors closed to the train. Did he accidentally leave it behind while packing your gift?
Quickly reaching into the bag, you pulled out a cellphone. It looked identical to his, except for the color.
The one in your hands now was pastel blue, with a small floral and butterfly charm hanging from the side.
You flipped it open to see “Satoru Gojo” flashing across the screen, the motion answering the call.
Putting it up to your ear, you said, “Hello?”
“See, I told ya you’d know when,” he said, staring at you through the window as the train started to move away.
“Now about that favor you still owe me…” he continued, a grin tugging at his lips. “Think you can keep me company for two hours? I already miss you too much.”
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Tag list: @ms-aman, @ilyannailyanna, @mel-vaz, @cursedadoration, @chiefsandwichcrown, @b-e-d-o-m, @s1sc1pl1n3, @sakura666777, @fingwh0r3, @juneburrow, @problematicthinker, @itskimsara (let me know if you'd like to be tagged as well <3)
I haven't caught up to latest chapter, but jjk 222 (?) Spoiler I guess
#goyuu where now that Gojo is out of his prison cube refuses to let Yuji out of his sight even for a second after learning what happened to him while he was gone.
Apparently, no one can be trusted with taking care of Yuji (Not even Yuji himself) so he'll take it upon himself to protect the precious tiger.
Just wanna see Gojo who's already a bit unhinged after spending all that time in the prison cube, being overprotective of Yuji.
Just gimme unhinged Gojo in love with sweet Yuji who's just happy his sensei is back
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: 呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Manga), 呪術廻戦 | Jujutsu Kaisen (Anime)
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Characters: Gojo Satoru, Fushiguro Megumi, Itadori Yuuji, Kugisaki Nobara
Additional Tags: Parental Gojo Satoru, Protective Gojo Satoru, Blood and Injury, Hurt, Mild Hurt/Comfort, Injury, Blood, Hurt Kugisaki Nobara, Hurt Itadori Yuuji, Author Is Sleep Deprived, The Author Regrets Nothing, Gojo is a father figure, father figure Gojo, gojo thinks of his students as his kids, :3, enjoy
Summary:
When a routine mission goes wrong, Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara find themselves outmatched by a group of powerful curses. Just when things seem bleak, Gojo arrives, reminding his students that he's not just their teacher—he's their protector. With a mix of lighthearted teasing and genuine care, Gojo steps in to defend his students, showing just how much they mean to him.
Okay, first thing first. !!Warning!! This is an Omegaverse fic, but this DOES NOT contain SMUT at all. It's a perfectly SFW, BUT I still would like MINORS DO NOT interact, because this fic still contain Omegaverse element. I do explain a little about the heat cycle. I prefer to think this is in gray zone because the genre itself. And there’s some namecalling too (bitch)To be honest, the fic could even be written without any omegaverse element actually. I put some omegaverse element just for fun. I have never wrote one and want to try it. So, with the warning out of the way, please enjoy this super long one shot.
Oh, the name is changeable by the way. And we have a SIMP Satoru here. So, I apologize if you are looking for headbutting enemy to lovers trope. I... don’t think my skill is that good to write that. 🥲
Happy Reading!!! Enjoy!!!!
It's raining…
The sound of pitter pattering rain finally registered in my ears.
I don't know how long it has been raining or how long I have stood here. But I do know that my school uniform is soaked thoroughly. The only saving grace is the color of the uniform is not white.
I exhale a small sigh, a white puff formed out from it. This shows how cold the weather is. My mind reels back to the event that happened not long ago.
"Hisaki-chan, let's break up.
"Eh?" I was taken aback by his statement. "What's this? A new type of prank?" I felt a bad feeling when they showed up together.
"Sorry, Raika-chan. I know this is wrong. But… But I can't lie to my heart. I like Hibiki-kun." My best friend, no should be soon to be ex best friend apologized as she cried.
"It's all my fault, Hisaki-chan. I… I am the bad one. Don't blame Himeka. I am your boyfriend yet… her smell…Himeka-chan’s smell is really pleasing. I think she is my partner…No, I am sure about it."
Realization finally dawned into me. Their secondary genders have manifested. Hibiki is an alpha and Himeka is an omega. It’s not like I am upset they find each other smell pleasing, but… "I see...How long…how long you two have been going out behind my back." I clenched my fist.
"Sorry, Raika-chan… I know I am wrong. I am sorry." She cried.
"Please answer me." My voice came out steadier than I would have thought.
"2 months." My soon to be ex, no it should be now ex-boyfriend answered.
"2 months… I see… 2 months…. So, why you wait until now?" I frowned.
"Hisaki-chan, don't blame her. You can blame me all you want. But please don't blame her. Aren't you two best friends?"
"Were is the correct word." I tilted my head. "You have a lot of time to tell me before you make this kind of decision. Yet, you didn't? Why? You thought of me as a spare in case something went wrong? You were waiting for my secondary gender to manifest so you will know which smell is more pleasing?! Disgusting!"
"I am not thinking like that." He shook his head.
"Whatever. I don't care and do not want to care. You could just tell me the truth and I will understand. Yet, you choose this kind of method. If you two have finished revealing your disgusting affair to me then you two can go now." I shrugged, gestured the exit to them. 'I can't cry yet…'
"Hisaki-chan!!" He frowned.
"Please don't act like you didn't do anything wrong. Don’t use secondary gender as an excuse. Cheating is still cheating. You have no right to justify it, It's disgusting. If you don't want to go, I will go." I slung my bag. "Oh, and you can consider this over, the friendship and the relationship." I slammed the door, not caring whether they answered or not.
That's the end of the flash back. "I thought… we will be those rare couple that will stay together even after our secondary genders manifest. Seems like the dream ends now.” I smiled mockingly. I…picked up some sign early, the way they looked at each other, the way they spoke to each other. I… want to believe that was not true. Because I tried, I tried hard to become his ideal.
People might have told me it's fine to be just yourself. Better search for another one if he can't accept the way we are. I understand but, even so, I want to make an effort. Loving someone is about compromising after all. In the end, it was no use. And… somewhere deep inside my heart… I feel a little relieved. I… don't need to keep up or make a wasted and unappreciated effort. I might not love him as much as I thought.
Middle school, second year, second semester is the last time I spent my time in my old middle school. Due to my father's job, we moved to Tokyo. I was put in a prestigious school, Rubrum Academy. Where I start over with my new circle of friends and a new love. ~”~
Woman and man, the genders that exist on earth. But research shows that aside from being woman and man, there is a secondary gender. The invention of second gender shed some light to some mysterious cases of human bodily function and personalities. For example, the sudden surge of libido in a certain time and will last for a period of time. Sometimes, it’s so severe that they will attack a random passerby. Or some people getting attacked by not intentionally bumping into their partner. It’s not just simple assault, the victim suffered severe injury. Or sudden strong various smell that made people feel lightheaded. So, researchers start to do intensive research, of course with the consent of people. Fortunately, the calmed down attackers are all cooperative. They described their feelings to the scientists.
Scientists also make research by interviewing some long-lasting married couple and some quickly divorced couple. Long-lasing healthy couple usually have two patterns, either one of the partners comply with their partner’s need or they switch depend on the mood. The quickly divorced couple usually because they refused to compromise with each other, leading to a frequent fight and then divorce. Thus, they finally confirmed the existence of secondary gender.
Those secondary genders are categorized into 3. Alpha, just like the name has suggested, it’s the leader of the pack. People with this trait is usually charismatic and dominating sometimes to the point of arrogant. They have a high leadership skill, easily making other people submit to him, either with charisma or intimidation.
Beta, if the alpha is the leader, then beta is sort of like vice-leader. They have sufficient charisma and leadership skill, but fell a little short compared to an Alpha. Usually, they are in the middle zone of Alpha and Omega, the normal one. They are not dominant or submissive. Or they can be depending on their needs. And Beta is the most common secondary gender in the world.
Lastly, Omega, is described as people who aroused a protective instinct of alpha and beta. They are generally viewed as more submissive, only to their partner. They don’t like conflict, and always try to be a peacemaker.
And lastly, those are only general views of secondary genders, not all omega is submissive. Not all alpha is charismatic and not all beta is normal. Whether the secondary gender is, in the end, human compatibility still depends on their personalities, interaction and compromise.
Though existence of secondary genders is confirmed, it’s not like it affected much of people’s daily life. There are some changes, but not drastic. Secondary genders are developed in their teens, around 14-17. When they fully developed it, a new organ is also developed, a scent gland. And heightened sense of smell. And the cycle of heat. Whether you are alpha, beta, omega or gamma. Well, whatever your main gender or secondary gender are, you will have a heat cycle. It’s usually fully manifest when you are 20. There are some cases that it manifests earlier than usual, but it’s always after the secondary gender is fully developed.
Heightened sense of smell is not an ability that can track people. It's more like people can smell their body pheromone when they are in close proximity, the maximum radius is only 2 m, just to that extent.
Heat cycle is very consistent, it's once a month. The period of heat cycle is usually 3 days. There won’t be any affect in your daily life. There’s already a law that allow 3 days off when your heat cycle hits. The changes that were mentioned above include this. After the heat cycle is fully manifested, you usually need a partner… well, if you judge you don’t need one is okay too.
So, for the partner thingy. Most people after manifest their secondary gender will submit their id card to a matchmaking consultation. There, they will have an expert to find them a partner, usually a month or two months before their birthday, just like blind dates. Because the heat cycle will manifest 1 to 3 days after their 20th birthday. If their partner matches with each other, they will most likely get married at a later time. Most married couples will say their partner has a very pleasing smell, this is very subjective. I am certain no one will say their own partner smells bad after all.
Though this can be used as a reference. Scientists have made some research according to this theory. They first have a few couples smell a belonging to one that is not their partner. The result 65% said those belongings smell bad, 35% said they didn’t smell good or smell bad. And then they did another test, having single group of people divided to male and female and have they smell their counterpart belongings. The result 65% didn’t have the same opinion, while the male A might say female A smell good, female A might not say the male A smell good. 20% with the same bad opinion and 15% with the same good opinion.
Again, they put male and female with the same good opinion of their smell in a blind date. Some couples with the same bad opinion. And lastly, some couples with the same bad opinion. The result, 25% with different opinion get along very well, some even become a couple at the end of bind date. 5% with the same bad opinion managed to last until the end of blind date, but didn’t have any interaction. And 8% with the same good opinion become couples at the end.
In conclusion, having smelling good smell coming from other people doesn’t mean they are automatically your destined partner.
And this doesn’t matter if they homo or hetero, the existence of secondary genders actually make society is more open to same sex couple. So, many businesses like this are booming like there’s no tomorrow. They boasted a 100% rate in finding your future partner.
And the last change is a mating mark. Like the name suggests, a mark that is proof they are mates. It's not required to have a mating mark, but most people do to show their loyalty to each other. Mating mark can be given after your secondary gender has developed and determined. This is no small matter, because the mating mark is very restrictive. Any person who has received mating mark will become more territorial of their partner. Some even find it repulsive to have another people approaching them. And when your hit cycle hits, you can only have your partner with your mating mark, if you already have one to claim you. Or else, nothing will work, not even suppressant pill.
Fortunately, we are already at the age where secondary genders have already integrated nicely as part of daily life. Unlike the times when the existence was discovered. It can be said, chaos ensued. A nation almost collapsed due to many misunderstandings of secondary genders. ~”~
"Do you reaaaaallllyyyyy have to go back to your hometown?" A pouty white head whined as he rocked the chair back and forth.
"It can be helped, Satoru. It's a job." I smiled.
"We can just leave it to another team. Why does it have to be you?" The chair stopped with a thump and he towered over me.
"Because it's my hometown? I knew the city better than the other team?" I blinked, amused at his antics.
"Technology has advanced so much. We could just use a map." He snorted.
"Are you worried?"
"Worried? Why would I?" He turned his head away, obviously averting his eyes.
"Thank you, Satoru." I smiled lightly. "Look at me please."
Satoru very slowly and reluctantly turns to me. I wrap my hands around his head and pull his forehead to mine. "Don't worry. Nothing will happen to me. And I will never choose him over you. Rest assured." I closed my eyes as I spoke.
"I am not worried about you choosing him over me. I am obviously way better than him. Why would you choose him over me? If you are, then your head has some problem." He pulled me closer as he wrapped his long limbs around my waist.
"It's not like I will stay there forever. Just for a few months in the name of exchange study program." I smiled. "I am just sent to scout."
"But still."
"Satoru." I pressed my lips onto his soft one. "I will call you."
"Video call."
"Yes."
"Every night for 3 hours."
"Okay."
"Then, I will give you permission to leave my side for a few months." He pouted like a small child.
"Thank you, Satoru." ~"~
When I moved to my new school. I made a new circle of friends. Most of them have manifested their secondary genders but they don’t change their dynamics that much. It’s just their personalities. And to my surprise, my secondary gender is Alpha. I always thought I will be a Beta actually… not that it matters much. Besides, according to my friends’ opinion, I do act like an Alpha, a quiet alpha temperament.
So an alpha like me getting together with the most alpha-ish alpha like Satoru is a very very rare case. Because Satoru is a very perfect example of a template alpha… to be honest, whether he is alpha, beta or gamma actually no one is as annoying as he is. We started as friends. I know him through my new classmates who became fast friends, Shoko.
We hang out, play, getting roped into his shenanigans and then…one way or another we just end up together. And it was no surprise to the other, they have long predicted this. They even bet how long it will take to get us together. Even after I was revealed as an Alpha, they all have the same reaction. Satoru is a simp for me. He might be template alpha to the others, but in front of me, he is just an omega begging to be spoiled by their partner.
I almost sputtered my drink when I heard this. I… didn’t realize this at all. I might… have spoiled him more… because he always has this cute begging face when he did. And then Satoru said it doesn’t matter whether he is alpha or omega or beta or gamma. He only wants me… even way before my secondary gender manifests. At first, he tried to flaunt his alpha-ish traits, being reliable, charismatic or something along that line and then when it was revealed I was an Alpha, he changed his tactics, to let me spoil him. and, I think I took the bait.
Of course, it was only the start. He did all sort of things behind the scenes and well… I fell in love with him.
And another thing that I found out after I was transferred here is Rubrum Academy is the headquarters of a government organization that combat extraterrestrial lifeforms which we gave the name witch and familiars.
They are called witches due to their likeliness to human women. They have intelligence and can communicate with each other using their own language, which we call a song. Because it really looks like they were singing. And familiars because they are beast-like lifeforms with very low intelligence.
These extraterrestrial lifeforms have abducted people from earth to their plane. Scientists said they were abducting humans to seek their life force. To awaken their one and only Queen. To be honest, there are still a lot of questions about them. For example, why do they need to abduct humans? How they managed to tear a space open. Tearing a space requires astronomical energy. But they can do it with ease. Especially witches. And what is their purpose after they awakened their Queen? World domination? This is the most plausible conclusion we draw. And not to mention, during the last biggest raid in Rubrum Academy, when we were in our third year of middle school. We managed to wound the almost awakened Queen, only the hand and boy it was a gigantic hand and put her to sleep again.
My father is one of the scientists that worked in government. And I also exhibit some potential in being a hunter, a name we gave to the combatant. Thus the transfer. Anyway, whether it’s my daily life or love life. I am very fulfilled. As for our conversation just now is because a new command I have received. The spirited away rate in my old hometown is abnormal. Thus, I was briefed to scout and report any clue regarding to this. Given I used to live here, I might be the best choice. ~”~
“I am Hisaki Raika, nice to meet you.” I smiled as I introduced myself.
"Hisaki-san is a Rubrum Academy student exchange from a study exchange program. She will stay here for a few months. Please welcome her." The teacher said. "Any question?"
The students start being noisy, Rubrum Academy is just as popular as the rumor said. "I have question." One student raised her hand.
"Okay, Yanagawa-san."
"What is your secondary gender?"
"It's alpha." I answered and here it comes, gasps of surprise. Female alpha is not that rare, but still uncommon. Because most females are either 20% omega, 70% beta and 10% alpha. While males are 30% alpha, 65% beta and 5% omega.
"Do you already have a partner?"
"...Can I keep that as a secret? I don't really like to talk about my private life." I smiled politely.
"Sorry for prying." She apologized.
"No problem."
"Are there any more questions?"
"Hisaki-san… are you by chance the Hisaki-san that lived here until middle school?" Another boy asked.
"Yes. I moved to Tokyo in my second year of middle school. Until then, I did indeed stay here." I answered.
"As I thought. Hisaki-san, I was your schoolmate. Kitamura from 2-B." He grinned.
"Kitamura…-san… Ah, Kitamura Yuhei-san. It has been a long time."
"Hehehe. I am happy that you still remember." He grinned.
"Okay, Hisaki-san will sit over there. And Kitamura-kun, you will be Hisaki-san's guide for the rest of her stay." Sensei instructed.
"Yes." ~"~
Class 2-C, the class I transferred into. And now it's lunch time. As a transfer student with a different uniform, I stick out like a sore thumb. I almost fail to have my lunch of not for Kitamura-san's nice save.
"I am glad I can have my lunch before it ends." I laughed.
"Hahaha. Hisaki-san sure is popular. Well, we are really excited that someone from Rubrum Academy came here. Who would've thought it's Hisaki-san. You did disappear suddenly that time…Ah, sorry!!" He apologized.
"There's nothing to apologize for. I was hesitant to transfer or not, that's why I didn't say anything. Then, a lot happened, so I decided to transfer at the last minute." I said.
"...Is it because of the break up…?"
"Hm?" I tilted my head.
"Ah, no. You see, after you moved away, there was a rumor about your break up with Yanagizawa. The rumor said you can't accept the fact that Yanagizawa and Takemura-san are partner and you raised a hell of storm…" He trailed off.
"Is that so?" I blinked.
"Is that really true?" He asked.
"What do you think?" I asked back.
"Well… I don't think Hisaki-san is the type to do that. I might not know you very well. At the very least, from what I have seen, I think like that." He spoke.
"Did they say anything?"
"You mean Yanagizawa and Takemura-san. Not really, all they say was it's their fault and not to blame you." He answered.
Amused expressions etched to my face. They truly didn't say anything except misleading everyone. "Yanagizawa-san cheated on me."
"WHAT?!"
"They said they are partners, but he should break up with me first before getting together with each other. Instead, they went out behind my back while Yanagizawa-san was still in a relationship with me. If that's not cheating, I don't know what is."
"What?! He did?!!!! What a scum!!!" He scolded. "No wonder you moved out just like that. If I were you, I would have done the same. And gave him a few punches before that."
"You believe me?" I blinked.
"It's a lie?!"
"It's not." I shook my head.
"Then I believe in you." He nodded. "Let's have them clear up the misunderstanding. Yanagizawa and Takemura-san are also enrolled here."
"There's no need. It's already in the past. Even you said it now, no one will believe it."
"But, it's not fair that you got wronged."
"Thank you. But it's fine. Let them think whatever they want. I do not care. Thanks to them, I met wonderful people in my new school. When you fully trust someone, you will either get people for life or lessons for life. I have experienced them all." I smiled.
"..."
"What's wrong?" I titled my head at his dazed expression.
"Ah! No! It's nothing! I think I know why you are alpha." He quickly covered his face with his hands.
"I see?" I blinked. ~"~
Few days later news of my return spread amongst old classmates. Most of them have visited me at lunch time to catch up a little. Though there are still some that asked about a certain rumor. Apparently, Kitamura-san somehow blabbed about the truth to them, so they come to verify. I just answer truthfully to them.
Now after a week. The main hero, heroine and their entourage finally make their appearances. "Raika-chan." The now older Takemura-san, Yanagizawa-san and my group of friends back in the middle school are already waiting for me in the school gate.
"Long time no see, Takemura-san." I nodded politely.
"Aw, don't be like that, Raika-chan. We are best friends." She pouted.
"Were." I corrected. "We ceased to be best friends or whatever relationship we had 3 years ago. We are not that close. Please refer me to my last name." I said.
Her smile falters a little. "Then is Hisaki-chan okay?"
"I prefer you use another honorifics, but it's okay, I guess." I shrugged. "So, is there something I can help you with, Takemura-san?"
"Hisaki-chan, it's our fault. You don't need to hold a grudge anymore. You can even hit me if it makes you satisfied." Yanagizawa frowned as if saying I was being unreasonable.
"You seem to be mistaking something, Yanagizawa-san." I looked at him. "Do I look angry? I don't hold any grudge on either of you. I will accept your apology now, but that doesn't mean I will become your friend again. If you don't have anything to say, I will take my leave. And please use another honorifics." I walked pass them.
"Wa-wait, Hisaki-chan."
"Yes?"
"We are going to karaoke together. Do you want to go? We can also catch up a lot. I heard you are attending Rubrum Academy. Amazing! I want to listen a lot about that." She smiled.
"Sorry, I already have an appointment. But my after-school time is already reserved."
"Then, I will come to get you tomorrow." She smiled. ~"~
Coming back right to my temporary abode, I reorganized some facts that I managed to get this week. There is an urban legend. If you go to a certain place at a certain time on a certain day, you will be spirited away. The most legit lead I have. I will have to scout tonight. But right now, I put on a video call with Satoru.
"Rai-chan~~~~~" His whiny voice came out as soon as we were connected.
"Good evening, Satoru." I smiled.
"I am so lonely."
"Be patient."
"I can't." He sobbed.
"Don't be so needy." I rolled my eyes.
"Because Rai-chan didn't give me my daily hug. I can't even smell your scent in my body anymore." He pouted.
"I gave you my blanket."
"It's not strong enough."
"I did imprint my scent on you."
"It's starting to fade."
"...But you said you gave me permission."
"...I don't know it's this unbearable. If I have known, I won't let you go."
No, this had nothing to do with secondary gender. It's just Satoru being needy and whiny and clingy.
"Be good, Satoru. When I come back, I will let you cuddle me all day."
"...really?"
"Really." I nodded.
"...okay…" He nodded.
"I will tell the dorm leader to have you sleep in my room."
"You will?" His eyes lit up.
"Yes."
"I am going to pack now."
"Oh, should I hang up?" I teased.
"No!!! I still want to talk." Came the reply. "Do you know…" So we continued chatting while he packed his things. Most of the chat just him complaining how lonely he is, how dreadful Suguru and Nanamin are. Maki, Nobara, Shoko and Tsumiki keep showing off their partner to him. Yuuji didn't get his jokes, while Megumi just straight up ignored him.
…Now that they have pointed it out. He does seem like an omega is to their partner. Maybe it's because he is Satoru?
"Rai-chan, you can't think of another man while I am with you. I will be so jealous that I might have just locked you up and kill whoever inside your mind now."
"But I am thinking about you." I answered honestly.
"Oh…" A pinkish tint appeared on his cheeks. He was so caught off guard that he didn't make a comeback as usual. "What a coincidence, I am also thinking about you too. I always think about you." He grinned as he stroke the tribal tattoo like mark on his right side of neck. The same mark is also on my left neck which I covered up with make up in school, to avoid troublesome questions.
"Have you finished packing?"
"Yep."
"Then I will call the dorm leader. I will call again after you settle down in my room."
"Okay." He nodded quickly.
Dorm leader agreed as long as he didn't set foot in another place that is not my room or cafeteria. It didn't take long to convince her since alpha Satoru becomes omega Satoru to his alpha Raika is pretty much an open secret to everyone in Rubrum Academy.
Another call from Satoru is here again. "Rai-chan."
"Have you settled down?"
"I have. Smells like you. Want to stay here forever." He took a deep breath to take in my scent.
"The bed is too small to accommodate two people."
"Let's change to a bigger bed."
"Let's not do that. The school will scold us." I sweatdropped.
"When we get into college, let’s have a bigger room for the two of us and of course a bigger bed." He pouted. "And then we can lay there all day cuddling."
“But I haven’t agreed to anything yet.” I smiled. “I don’t even know that if we are going into the same college and it’s still 2 more years?” I giggled. Then I see his jaw is hanging down as he gapes. "Satoru?"
"Noooo!!! Rai-chan, move in with me! We will go to the same college too!” He cried out.
“Eeehh? I wonder about that?” I knitted my brows in fake thinking pose. “What should I do?”
“Rai-chan~~~”
"Why don't you beg?" I smiled with a commanding tone.
His breath hitches at my tone. "Ra…Rai-chan… want… want to stay with you, please… need you…" His eyes watered as he spoke with a desperate tone. "...please…"
"Good boy. I will ask permission from my father later."
“Re…really?”
“Yep, really.” I nodded
"Th…thank you…" His pretty smile bloomed. ~"~
When the clock strikes 11 at night, I donned up my gear. Just the black version of our school uniform but without school emblem. Instead, there’s a button indicating we are student of Rubrum Academy and a function to camouflage my scent. I grab my chosen weapon, an ootachi. The height of it is even taller than me, but I still can swing it like there’s no tomorrow. So, it’s not a problem at all. now, off I go.
The place that the urban legend said is a park near the center of the town. A certain day and a certain time, they have to be Wednesday and midnight. And today is Thursday, but I don’t think what day matter at all. They are witches and familiars we are talking about. I put on a goggle vision that will allow me to see whether there’s disturbance in the space and if there’s witch or familiar nearby.
“Kyaaaaa!!!!”
“Himeka!!!”
“…I am just trying to do my mission, but I met annoyance instead.” I sighed, pitying my luck. But my goggle gives me a reaction. “A familiar.” I who have been standing on a lamp post quickly jump to another one until I arrived at the crime scene. I see 2 familiars are chasing 2 people. “Ha…” I exhaled. Half having the mid of leaving these two being abducted, but then against it. So, even if it’s annoying, I still save them….half-heartedly.
“Wh-who are you… wh-what’s that thing? Wh-what are you going to do with u-us…” He stuttered, standing in front of Takemura-san who is peeking behind him, clutching his uniform sleeves and is forever having her watery eyes. I roll my eyes at them and then jump back to the lamp post and go back to my abode. I don’t think they will leave there anytime soon. So, it’s a waste of a time waiting for them to disappear. ~”~
Next day, I go to school like usual. “Good morning, Hisaki-san.”
“Good morning, Kitamura-san.” I greeted.
“Have you heard the latest gossip?”
“Gossip? What kind?”
“Apparently yesterday Takemura-san and Yanagizawa-kun were attacked by some sort of monsters. Those two were trying to investigate that famous spirited away urban legend.” He whispered.
“Attacked? Monsters?”
“Right. I am sure they are just saying that for attention.” He snorted. “There’s no way that monsters exist. Tsk tsk tsk. They become more and more despicable. I wonder why those two still stuck with them.” He clicked his tongue.
“You mean Kurokawa-san and Kunnugi-san? Well, because they are best friends?” I blinked. “They are betas, right? Takemura-san is a template omega, you know. One look at her will arouse any protective instinct of normal human being.” I blinked.
“…Will you?”
“Do I look like someone who has any protective instinct to her?” I raised my brows, amused.
“I guess not.” He laughed.
“How about you, Kitamura-san?”
“Hmm… I don’t. I don’t dislike her nor like her. Moreover, after listening how they treat you made my impression of her turned worse.” He said.
Our class is also buzzing with this new gossip. “That’s just a load of bull.” Kitamura-san rolled his eyes. “If they were truly attacked, they should have just reported to the police. Why bother saying it now? And you think they can escape without any injury if they were attacked?”
Kitamura-san’s reasoning seems to make sense for them. And they also begin to lean more into Kitamura-san. “Think carefully, why a couple go to a park at dead of night. If not doing something that should not be seen.”
“…Why are you so against them anyway? Did Takemura reject you or what?” One of the students asked suddenly.
“That…” Kitamura-san looked at me. I just smile and nod my head.
“Why are you looking at Hisaki-san?”
“Don’t tell me this involved Hisaki-san?” Female student A gasped and the whole class got rowdy.
“A rectangle love?”
“Is this related why you suddenly moved back then?” Female students B looked at me.
“A little.” I smiled.
“What? What? What? We are curious! Can you tell us?”
“I don’t really mind. It’s all in the past anyway.” I answered. “Then, Kitamura-san, please go ahead.”
“Hehehe. Now, let me tell you this story.” He grinned as he narrated the story of my first love.
By the end of the story, they are all ahh'ed and ooh'ed and finally understand why I take such a stance against them. Suddenly, I am the baby of the class. I mean sure, I am a little bit shorter. Everyone suddenly crowds around me, some are patting my head, some are speaking some encouragement words, some even said they will chase her away the next time she comes here.
“Let’s not go that far, okay? There’s no need for you all to trouble yourselves like that. But I appreciate your thought.” I laughed lightly.
“…” They suddenly in a daze.
“What’s wrong?” I blinked.
“No, we just finally realized why you are an alpha.” They said in unison. By lunch time, everyone already knows about my past involvement with them. The power of technology and internet are so scary. And now, two angry beta females are glaring at me.
“Why are you spreading false rumor?” Kunnugi-san growled.
“False rumor? I did nothing of such.” I blinked.
“Don’t play dumb! You told people that Himeka stole your boyfriend! Who do you think you are! Just because you are jealous of Himeka, you did that despicable thing!” Kurokawa-san slammed my desk.
“You got it wrong.” I sighed. “I have never once said Takemura-san stole my former boyfriend. What I said was only the truth, it’s Yanagizawa-san cheated on me with my best friend. I never once said it’s Takemura-san that started the whole thing? Or did she?” My voice lowered.
“Of course she didn’t!” Kunnugi-san retorted.
“Then, it’s no problem. All of the students here also heard it’s Yanagizawa that cheated, not Takemura-san stole. Was that right, everyone?”
“Yes. That’s true. We all heard that it’s Yanagizawa-kun got together with Takemura-san behind Hisaki-san’s back. No one said it’s Takemura-san stole her boyfriend.” All of my classmates nodded, agreeing with me.
“I do not know who started twisted the truth. If you want to search the culprit, it’s best to trace the rumor. Not come to me.” I yawned.
“Even so!” Kunnugi-san yelled. “Even if Yanagizawa-kun got together behind your back, what right do you have?! They are partner, of course it’s natural they got together! If you want to blame, blame yourself for not being his partner! You don’t need to slander them!”
“Oh? Well… Yanagizawa-san did say they were sure they were partner by smell alone. Yes, if they are partners. It’s natural that they got together. I just didn’t understand why he chose that kind of method to break up, rather than make a clean break with me. If you were on my place. What would you think? Having your then best friend and then boyfriend dated behind your back, while you two were having a relationship? Don’t use secondary gender as an excuse. Human is high intelligence animal. They should be able to think the consequence of their own action. Human relationship is not based on how good they smell. It’s interaction and compromise.” I sighed. “If it’s only based on how good they smell. Then half of the male students back in our middle school is Takemura-san’s partner then. They all said she smells good.”
Kitamura-san bursts out in laughter at that. “Indeed. That will be the very case. Don’t justify cheating by using secondary gender as excuse. If they were so-called destined partner, why didn’t Yanagizawa like Takemura from the start. I heard you all meet him few days right after Hisaki-san got together with him. At that time, he didn’t have any reaction. Rather, he is very devoted to Hisaki-san. He started acting weird after they got their secondary genders.” He snickered nastily.
“Uwaa… the worst. So he judge people based on their scent? So creepy. Besides, scent is very subjective thing. If you don’t like someone, of course you find their scent repulsing.” Female Student D shuddered.
“Then, does that mean he was waiting for Hisaki-san’s secondary gender manifested and judge who smells better?” Female Student F questioned.
“I heard Hisaki-san is a late bloomer. Her secondary gender manifested at 15, almost 16. Maybe he didn’t have the patience anymore?” Male student A added.
“Scary… what a scum…” They murmured.
“You all!”
“Hisaki-chan!” Our classroom door slid open for the second time. A watery expression Takemura-san walked to my table. “Hisaki-chan, I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t like Hibiki-kun. You can hate me all you want. But please don’t slander Hibiki-kun.” She sobbed.
“I didn’t slander him. I only said the truth. He was cheating on me. No matter what the reason. If you still feel he is not cheating. Why don’t we ask all other people in the internet anonymously. Let them judge whether he was cheating or not.” I smiled maliciously.
“No… Please don’t.” She shook her head pitifully. “Hibiki-kun was just didn’t know to bring it up without hurting you.”
“Oh? You sure about that? All I saw was how happy he looked like while spending time with you right after he told me he was busy.” I smirked wider.
“That’s…” Her eyes widened.
“Did you know? I knew you two were having an affair even before you two told me. Some of nice classmates told me. But I wanted to believe in you two. I keep praying you two would bring it up yourself and cleared your names. But you didn’t. instead, the time he got busier increase. Even though he doesn’t have club practice. How weird.” I giggled. “I was in denial. Until you two snapped me back to reality by justifying cheating saying you two were partner, soulmates or whatever.”
“I…” Her tears drop like crystals.
“But I am very much thankful to the two of you. No, to all of you.” I looked at them. “Thanks to you, I learned a lesson for life.” I smiled.
“Hi…saki…-chan…” She hiccupped.
“Himeka!!!” It’s the third time for today, I pray the door won’t be broken. His eyes widens at the sight of his crying girlfriend. “You…” He stomped to me. “What did you do to her?!” He roared.
“Oi, Yanagizawa. Don’t go too far!” Kitamura-san got up from his desk.
“Shut up!” He bellowed. “This has nothing to do with you!” He then turns to me again. “What did you do to Himeka?” He growled. “You better speak or…”
“Or what?” I taunted. “What are you going to do?” I rested my chin on the back of my propped up hands, eyes narrowing slightly.
“I will do this.” He gritted his teeth and grabbed my collar pulling me out of my desk. “Speak!” He glared.
“Oi! Yanagizawa!” Kitamura-san walked to us.
“Don’t worry, Kitamura-san. Don’t come any closer or you will get caught in this.” I said, eyes shining brighter than usual. I grab his hand and twist it away like it’s nothing. “Don’t touch me. You are filthy.”
“You!” He lunged to me.
“You better stop it if you want to stay forever cool in your beloved eyes.” I rolled my eyes and dodge the very easy attack and swiped his feet, making him tumble down magnificently.
“What’s happening?!” Sensei roared. Someone apparently reported our fight. And now we are in principal office. I narrated the story but their version includes how I make Takemura-san cried and how I spread nasty rumor about them, and how Yanagizawa-san stepped in to defend his girlfriend’s innocence.
“I see. I understood the problem. But Yanagizawa-kun, you raised your hand first. No matter what’s the reason, violence is not allowed. You will be punished, suspended for 4 days. Is that clear?”
“Yes…” Yanagizawa hung his head.
“Sorry, Hibiki-kun… because of me…”
“It’s fine.” He assured her.
“And, Hisaki-kun.” He turned to me.
“Just because you are a exchange student from prestigious school, that doesn’t mean you can just do whatever you want. Slandering people is not a good conduct. I believe it’s just a misunderstanding.” He sighed.
“With all due respect sir. I did tell an old story of mine to my classmate, but I didn’t twist the truth. I do not know who changes the content and uses that to slander Takemura-san. And frankly, I do not care. It was all in the past. It has nothing to do with me.” I shrugged.
“…Then, you shouldn’t tell that story of yours.”
“My classmates asked me, I figured it was just an old story anyway and won’t do any harm. It’s just a story about me being heartbroken by Yanagizawa-san. That’s all. And I want to get along with everyone since we have a sharing story session.” I replied.
“Fine. Hisaki-kun, I know it’s a self defense, but you also provoked Yanagizawa-kun. You will be suspended for 2 days and I will have to tell your school about this.”
“Understood.”
“Now go back to the class.” He sighed, rubbing his temple. ~”~
“Are you okay, Hisaki-san?” Kitamura-san asked worriedly. He has been waiting outside the office.
“Yes. I will be okay. I just got suspended by 2 days and they will report this to my school.” I nodded.
“You are not okay at all.” He cried.
“No problem. I am glad you didn’t meddle or you will get punishment too.” I laughed.
“But it’s not fair. You were only doing self-defense.” He grumbled. “And, your uniform…” He sighed, referring to my in not so good state uniform. The collar has been pulled forcefully that it become a little loose. The buttons are also popped out broken, only the first two, so it didn’t show much, but my collarbone. “Here.” He offered me his blazer.
“No, someone will be fussy if I have other people’s scent. Don’t worry, I still have my track suit. I will change to that.” I declined his offer.
“You…have a partner?”
“Yes. But keep this a secret for now.” I grinned.
“Roger.” He laughed. He has a feeling he will have a good laugh later. Then, I change into track suit and continue my lesson. ~”~
“Rai-chan~~~~” This is what happened every time after the video call connected. Satoru is wrapping himself with my blanket and hug my pillow.
“You fit in nicely, Satoru.” I giggled. “You are not in my room, how rare.” I commented.
“We are here too, Rai-chan.” I heard Shoko’s voice and the angle changed showing all of my friends and kouhais together.
“Everyone, long time no see. It’s only 2 weeks though.” I waved to them.
“I heard you requested new uniform? What happened?” Suguru asked.
“The news spread fast. I just barely finished the call about that.” I sweatdropped.
“I was there at that time. Did you meet horde of familiars or witches?” Megumi inquired.
“Really? Are you okay, Rai-chan?” Tsumiki quickly quipped in.
“Don’t worry. There was horde of low class familiars. They weren’t enough to tear my uniform, this is because…” I told them about the accident and how I got suspended. Right after I finished, Satoru stood up and then there’s chaos.
“Wait, Satoru!”
“You are seriously going there? Right now?”
“There are no more train.”
“I don’t care!” He practically roared. “How dare he, how dare he!”
“Satoru.” I called. “Sit.”
“Rai-chan…” He gave me a kiity eyes. I can see the ears flattened and tail tucked in between his legs.
“Don’t be hasty. Sit down first.” I said again.
“…yes…” He sat back down and curled himself with my blanket and pillow again.
“Amazing as always.” Yuuji blinked.
“Bizarre as always you mean.” Megumi sighed.
“I have reported my findings to principal. Indeed, the number of the familiars are abnormally large. They might have sent you guys soon. So wait until then, okay Satoru?”
“Okay, I hope the quicker the better. Need to scent Rai-chan soon. He mumbled. We then chat about anything, the usual mundane thing and I continue my work at night, exterminating familiars. Until now, there is still no witch spotted. But I have a feeling one will pop out soon. ~”~
Since I have been suspended for 2 days, I didn't do anything except enjoy my free time. Principal Yaga has called me to assure me, there will be no problem at all and to just enjoy my free time or collect more information on familiars.
This is what I will do. Going out to town to take a walk, while keeping my ears open on new urban legends. Or anything that might be related. So far, the most famous one is still in that central park. What a coincidence tomorrow is Wednesday. Let's try it out.
I spend the whole day dilly-dallying until the school is over and back to the house, video calling Satoru.
The next night, again donning the black uniform and vision goggles, I checked out the central park.
The park is more eerie than usual. There's no sign of life, not even a small animal. My goggle hasn't picked up anything yet, but my feeling told me something is here.
A faint song entered my ears. "Bingo." I grinned as I sped through the park, avoiding anything that can produce a sound. I stopped short and hid myself behind a tree when I finally found them. A horde of familiars and a witch. The witch is communicating with those low intelligence beasts and then produces a barrier.
'Uh oh.' A warning bell rang inside my head. If I am trapped in a barrier, I will be instantly found out. The caster can sense everything that is inside the barrier. I make a mad dash to the outside, hopefully out of her range. I panted roughly as I just barely got out of it.
"Need to report this quickly." I murmured and pulled out my phone. My team will come here as first part of reinforcement. Which means, Satoru is coming. ~"~
Satoru has been hugging me ever since he arrived and refusing to let go. The first thing he did right after meeting me was scenting me. He will whine if I pull away so I let him be for now. "How do you feel having a bear crushing you?" Shoko snickered.
"Very heavy." I answered dryly.
"I am not a bear."
"You are a teddy bear."
"Okay, I am a teddy bear."
“…” Shoko and Suguru looked at how quick he changed his stance.
"So we are going to check later?" Suguru asked.
"Not today, let's do it tomorrow. You guys have just travelled here. Rest up, we will do it tomorrow. We most likely have to fight hordes of familiars. Right now, I only spotted one witch. I am not sure if there are more hiding away.
"Okay, I will have my shikigamis to collect more information." Suguru nodded and pulled out human-shaped papers. "Go and become my eyes and ears." He commanded. Those papers then flew outside of the apartment.
"Where will you guys stay?"
"Next you." Shoko grinned.
"I will stay here." Satoru tightened his hold.
"Yeah. We didn't count you when we rented the rooms." Shoko said, rolling her eyes.
"Is that so? Then, let's eat outside. I found this cozy new cafe. It matches our taste. We can have private rooms too. Lest you know his alpha pheromone attracts annoying bees."
"No, I think his omega-ish attitude makes him even more confusing and more annoying bees are coming for him. So yes, we would like a private room."
"I am not annoying."
"Yes you are." Shoko and Suguru deadpanned.
"Rai-chan~" He looked at me.
"Satoru is cute." I smiled. His smile also blossomed. "But I don't like it if you attract annoying bees."
"I won't. I promise, I won't. I don't even want other people approaching me. They are going to make your scent go away. I don't like it." He shook his head vehemently.
"Then you better stick to me all the time."
"Of course. Nothing is better than that."
"...Don't forget we are here too." Suguru sighed.
The four of us then have a nice meal in a private room. And yes, we do get weird looks. It's like they were trying to determine whether Satoru is an alpha or omega. His scent is clearly an alpha, but he acts like an omega. Though it's said that not all alpha is dominant. Most of the alphas they have met are like that. They must also have realized that I am also an alpha. Alpha couple is the rarest couple. Because they usually clash with each other. But then again, people's relationships are not completely determined by their secondary genders, so they didn't let their stares linger too long.
"Actually, I think most people in Tokyo have somehow got used to how Satoru is like this, so when we get the weird stares it kind of feels refreshing…?" Shoko started to question her sanity now.
"I know right. Even I feel it is a little refreshing." Suguru agreed.
"Satoru, order."
"Yes." Satoru quickly pushed a bell implanted on the table to call for a waiter and then proceeded to list every menu that fits my taste.
"If other alphas see him like that, they will mock him as pathetic." Suguru laughed.
"And then got demolished by said pathetic alpha." ~”~
“Here are your orders.” The waiter is back with our orders.
“Thank you.” I smiled politely.
“Please do enjoy.” He then left the room.
“Satoru, feed me.” Overjoyous Satoru quickly picked some dishes and put them on a plate then slowly fed them to me.
“This alpha power couple really doesn't shy away from PDA.” Shoko sweatdropped.
“Acting shy will only encourage some idiotic people to push their already pathetic luck.” I answered as I munched my food.
“And you were surprised when you came out as an alpha.” Suguru sweatdropped. They then told me any interesting news from school no, they were complaining how annoying Satoru was. He was annoying even before meeting me, getting a little more annoying after meeting me and becoming much more annoying when I am not at his side.
As for the source of their problem is floating in cloud nine being fed by me. In short, he didn’t hear anything they said. Or he most likely filtered out anything they said. After a meal, we decided to walk around in the garden not far from here to help us digest food. ~"~
The next day, I am back at school. While Satoru and the others already got permission to leave for a week. Until we complete our mission here.
So here I am, surrounded by my classmates again. After the whole ordeal, my classmates are all completely on my side. Takemura-san and Yanagizawa-san's reputation took a hit. Though no one say it out loud, sometimes they whisper to each other when she is there. Actually, I am in the same situation. There are some believe I am still madly in love with Yanagizawa-san and are doing everything in my power to break them up.
"...Their nose must be clogged." My classmates shook their heads.
"Yeah… They didn't know there's already another smell on Hisaki-san. A scent of dangerous alpha at that." Another lamented.
"No wonder Hisaki-san is thankful for them. She already has another partner. And a strong one at that." Another added.
"We will definitely have a good laugh at them later. I can feel it." They broke into laughter.
"When that time comes, we better get our video camera ready."
"Don't worry. My old man is a pro. I will ask him to lend me one."
"Huehuehue." They cackled evilly.
It's decided that we will have a celebration for me after school. They even have booked the cafe we are going to. Only I didn't know anything. But I do appreciate their effort so I went along with them.
We talked, nah they gossiped how does my partner a.k.a Satoru looks like. All I give them is the hint of him wearing round sunglasses. We only booked part of the cafe. So regular guests are still here. And we take care not to be too loud.
Apparently there's another group that booked the cafe too. Their table will be beside us. "Welcome."
"We came here for the reservation we made. On Gojo's name." A very familiar voice said. I look at the entrance and see Shoko smiles while pointing to Satoru secretly. Satoru looks absolutely disinterested and left all the talking to Suguru… until he spots me. His eyes lit up like Christmas tree, but was elbowed by Nobara. Satoru might not notice it, but when he looks so disinterested, that is when he looks the most handsome, according to strangers. Though, I like all of Satoru. I mean rather than handsome, I will say Satoru is on the cute side.
"Ah, it's R-" Megumi quickly clamped Yuuji’s mouth shut. While Nanamin is looking like he wants to just leave the whole group and go home.
"Wow, they are so good looking, I wonder which one is alpha?" My classmates whispered.
"I feel like all of them look like alpha."
"Why can't we smell their scent?"
"They must be taking a medicine to suppress it. But my guess the tallest one is alpha. He is exuding the whole demeanor of a template alpha."
"I think so too. If they are all alpha, it's a wonder why they didn't get into a fight."
"Well, their personalities match? I mean just because they are alphas, doesn't mean they will literally start fight when they meet with another alpha."
"While it is true most alphas are all prefer to be alone, or having a group to lead. Not all of them are like that. If all of them are alpha, then they must be in the odd side of alpha."
"Nah, I doubt it. I bet the tallest guy is the alpha, the rest is beta. Template alpha is very hot-headed. They want to be number one."
I can't deny that. It's true that we are all oddities. They took the tables beside us. They are eye catching, because they are a group of alphas and all bishounen and bishoujo. Our group are entranced by them. Can't be helped, they are just that good-looking. Satoru even positioned himself so he sits in the most outer part, the closest one to me. See, how cute he is when he is trying hard to get my attention.
"Are we going to stare them the whole day? I thought we are going to celebrate?" I teased.
"Eh? Ah…" They finally snapped back to reality and cleared their throats, shaking their head to clear the blush. They continue to gossip again about how they think Satoru looks like.
While the other table are silently watching what kind of random act that Satoru will do. Much to their surprise, Satoru did nothing more than stealthily linking his long pinky into mine, while pretending not to see but keep glancing at me secretly. The whole table snorts and boos him. The loudest one being Shoko and Suguru.
They also trying to hold their laughter when they heard my classmates description of Satoru. They even add little something or correct something amongst themselves.
I got a text from Shoko showing Satoru's mark is covered. 'What a naughty boy he is.' I raised my brow and continue reading it. Apparently, Satoru has this idea to seduce me once more. 'How cute. Let's see how much effort he put in then.'
"Hisaki-san, please give us another hint aside from sunglasses." They pouted.
"Okay." I withdrew my pinky and put my hand on the straw, drinking my beverage. Satoru looks like he wants to pout to me, but hesitated. He was at loss. "He has black hair." I started and the table beside me are trying their hardest to stop laughing. "His eyes so deep and dark like night veil." When I finished describing someone that is total opposite of Satoru in appearance only. My classmates are trying to piece them together.
Our neighbors are torn between to laugh or pity him. Satoru's expression is so cute. He looks like he is going to burst into tears. He looks at me, opening his mouth and then closing it again. Not sure what to say. I mouth a naughty boy to him and point to his neck, smirking. He looks like a deer caught in the headlight, his head hanging down pitifully. I text Shoko to tell Satoru that I am looking forward how he will seduce me away from my imaginary partner.
Shoko shows that to him and he quickly regains his confidence. He looks like a small kitty puffs his chest to look bigger. He then keeps staring at me, throwing winks and smirks, but I didn't heed it. I am just chatting away how wonderful my partner is. My classmates must have caught on that our neighbor alpha is trying to flirt with me.
They even whisper in my ear. But I told them not to care, because I already have a wonderful partner. By the time we have finished our celebration, Satoru didn't even manage to get a word out from my mouth. Even my classmates are starting to pity him and urge me to say something. Even a rejection is okay. But nope, I still didn't say anything. ~"~
"Rai-chan~~~~" He hugged me tightly, refusing to let go.
"I want to sleep, Satoru."
"But you didn't talk to me today, let alone looking at me. I am so lonely."
"Oh? I thought you said you will never cover up your mark no matter what?" I smiled.
"That's… I just…want Rai-chan's attention." He mumbled, playing with my fingers.
"Do I not give you enough attention?" I pressed.
"I…I am jealous!" He suddenly admitted. "I know Rai-chan covered the mark to avoid unnecessary attention from your former friends. But…but… because of that some people still thinking they had a chance to take you away. I don't like that. That's why…"
"I thought you said you are going to seduce me on public again."
"There's that too…. But Rai-chan didn't even look at me, how can I start seducing you?" He pouted.
"You see, Satoru. That is what I will do to any other man that is not you."
"But you just did it to me."
"That's because you are being naughty. Covering your mark like that. Did you see how many people are looking at your way, wanting to devour you?" I hissed. I feel irritated every time I remember it. how dare they look at mine like that.
"...Sorry… Rai-chan… I didn't mean to make you angry. I am sorry. Please don't get mad."
"I am tired. I want to sleep." I slid down inside the cover.
"Rai-chan, I am sorry. Please forgive me. I won't ever cover my mark again. I promise." He knelt on the floor.
"Promise?" I scowled.
"Promise." He grinned happily. "I won't ever cover up my mark or else I will have to feel Rai-chan's wrath." He raised his hand and made an oath.
"Okay, then. Come here, I am cold."
"Right away." He dived into the cover, pulling me to his chest, humming a random tune. He then easily lulled me to sleep. ~"~
"Are you guys in position?" My ear piece that served as communication device, called RAID transmitted Nanamin's voice.
"I am." I answered. Then chorus of okay and in position followed.
"Let's get this thing quickly so I can cuddle with Rai-chan."
"Don't speak unnecessary thing using RAID." I sighed.
"...okay…" I can already imagine his pouty face.
A faint song floats down to our ears. "She is coming. Get ready and….NOW!" We jumped out simultaneously to ambush the witch. We have been killing her familiars to reduce their numbers, but as expected she quickly summoned replacement for them.
"Just like we planned. Team A will deal with the witch, team B draw familiars’ attention." Suguru instructed.
"Roger!" ~”~
“This is the last.” Yuuji delivered a finishing blow to the last familiars.
“What a number, is there something so valuable in this town?” Nobara frowned.
“The witch was destroyed. I doubt they will amass this many again in a short time. But this matter is quite concerning. Why would they amass their force here?” Nanamin pushed up his glasses.
“In any case. We will need to report this.” Megumi said. After finishing our report to Yaga-sensei. Yaga-sense told us to come back, another group will be stationed there permanently. With this our mission is officially over. We will go back the day after tomorrow. Yaga-sensei will handle all transfer procedure tomorrow.
“Everyone is nice to me.” I smiled at the thought of my classmates.
“Rai-chan, I am here.” Satoru pouted.
“I am thankful for them for making this exchange more enjoyable. Don’t be so jealous.” I poked his cheek.
“Because Rai-chan can only think of me.” His finger brushed over the mark. Small electricity flows into my body every time he does that.
“Don’t be so cheeky, Satoru.” I pouted, blushing a little.
“I am your cheeky.” He brushed my hair away and pressed a forehead kiss.
I roll my eyes at his soft subtle signal. “Kissing is like this.” I wrapped my hands around his neck and pulled him into a kiss. Tongues battle for dominance which he lets me win and explore his cavern to my desire. “You better always kiss me like this.” I panted as I pulled back.
“Rai-chan, you are just too adorable.” He chuckled and leaned for another kiss again. ~”~
“And so, Hisaki-san’s student exchange program has come to the end.” Sensei told them.
“Eeeeehhhhh?”
“Hai, please calm down.” Sensei sighed. “But I am happy that you have become friends in such short time.” Sensei smiled at the last part. “Sensei is also happy that Hisaki-san is very cooperative, even though you got suspended.”
“I am very sorry.” I apologized.
“So is that true that you were still madly in love with Yanagizawa-kun?” She whispered.
“Sensei, you think two people in love will have a fight like that?” I sweatdropped. “I do wonder what did I see on him anyway?”
“Sensei, you don’t know the inside story. It’s like this…” She then narrated the whole thing again. The old story from middle school.
“What?! Isn’t that cheating?! How could he do that?!” Even sensei came into the same conclusion. “Well, I do understand that he didn’t know how to bring it up. But he is also wrong for not telling you first. Because relationships doesn’t only involve one person.” Sensei huffed indignantly.
“But I was thankful to them. I am able to meet my current partner thanks to them.” I said.
“Ah, yeah… Hisaki-san.” Sensei called.
“Your current partner…is not some kind of delinquent, right? He smells dangerous.” Sensei spoke.
“No. He is not a delinquent. I can promise you that. He is a little annoying, troublesome, pretentious, eccentric. Not to mention a little narcissistic. But he is cute.” I smiled.
“…I become more worried after you describe him.” Sensei sweatdropped.
“At least his scent keeps some annoying people away.” My classmates giggled.
“We should celebrate today again.” Kitamura-san suggested.
“Ah, sorry today I have an appointment.” I apologized in advance.
“Hoho, are you meeting him?”
“Yes.”
“Hohoho…should we…”
“You will meet him tomorrow.”
“Then we will refrain until tomorrow.” They sighed in defeat. “We will let you two lovebirds have your own time.”
“Hisaki-san, you might think sensei is meddlesome. But do not give your mating mark just yet. I know teenagers will always feel like he is the one, I want to give him everything. But I want you all to think about this long and hard. Mating mark is a no joke.” Sensei said seriously.
“I know, Sensei. Don’t worry.” I assured. ‘Sorry, sensei. My mating mark, I have had given to him long time ago. Just like how he has had given his to me.’
After school, we change into more comfortable and casual clothing and then go out. I am taking Satoru out on a date. I didn’t bother to cover my mark to deter some annoying pushy people. Hands intertwines with each other, I take him to shopping district. That district is crowded as always. There are a lot of food stalls too. We bought one and share it, so we can taste a lot more food.
We have our own little culinary tour. I didn’t know many stores owner still remember me and even give me some freebie because I got a nice boyfriend. Though, we are not complaining. We then finished our last meal in the park bench. “How was it?”
“Date with Rai-chan is always wonderful.”
“I mean the food.”
“It’s sweeter when Rai-chan is feeding me. I like it very much.” He smiled.
“I take that as delicious then.” I giggled.
“There’s more here.” He leaned in and licked something off from the corner of my lip. “The sweetest one.” Glacial blue eyes kept staring at me as he said so. I take that as an invitation to close my eyes and press my lips against his. Kissing with Satoru is of course won’t end with just lips touching. Because he has been trained we have established the fact that he always eager to literally devour my mouth. ~”~
Today is the last day I am in my hometown. I am supposed to go back now, but my classmates want to see me for one last time and exchanging chat id, that’s why I go to school. Satoru and the others will pick me up after they finished packing. They said they will be picking me up on lunch time. Sensei also gave me permission to stay in the class until then.
"Hisaki-chan." Takemura-san called me with her soft voice. It’s the first time she comes alone, usually she will be stuck with Yanagizawa-san or two others.
“You are not welcome here, please go back.” My classmates scoffed at her pretentious attitude.
“I…I just want to ask Hisaki-chan something…Don’t be so mean to me…” Her eyes watered. Her eyes might be really made up from water after all. How can she just will her tears like that. What a frightening kid.
"Is there anything I can help you with, Takemura-san?" I asked.
“You see… yesterday… I saw you…”
“Oh, you saw me have a date with my partner?” I nodded in understanding, no wonder she is here. “So, is there any relation with you?”
“No…It’s just…I don’t know you have a partner…” She fidgeted, trying to act cute. So disgusting.
“Why would I tell you if I have a partner. You are not my friend or something.”
“I thought…we were best friends…” She sniffled.
“Whatever relationships we have had ended 3 years ago. I told you such. You were the only one thinking we were still friends….No, I am certain that you didn’t even think me once as a friends.” I rested my chin on my hand, smirking maliciously.
“I…really think of you as friends even now. That’s why I want to transfer to Rubrum Academy too. I want us to get along like before.”
“Then you can consider the dream is crushed. I don’t know how to get into Rubrum Academy. My father arranged all that to me.” I snorted. “Because I can bet my life, you want to go to Rubrum Academy not to get along with me. But to get along with my new friends and steal them away along with my current partner.” I giggled at her shocked expression. “You know, I keep thinking that you really like my things.”
"People are…not objects."
“But he is so happy being called my thing. What should I do?" I put on a troubled expression. “And when I said my things, I actually didn't refer to him or any of my friends. I refer to many things, literal objects that I gave to you back then because you always say how envious you are. And you won't stop saying it until I give them to you."
"I didn't…" She staggered back.
“Besides why are you here alone? Usually you will stick to Yanagizawa-san like he is your oxygen. What? You come here alone to ask me about how to get into Rubrum Academy right after meeting my partner yesterday. You do know people are not stupid, don't you?" I pressed. The paler she is the happier I am. "Your life-long partner will become so sad that you dump him for another taken man." I taunted.
"Himeka-chan!!" Our classroom's door slammed open. Yanagizawa-san stomps through to my table.
"Hi…Hibiki…" Crystal tear fall down, making her look more pitiful. Truly a perfect visual to invoke any normal humans' protective instinct.
“Your partner has come. Please take her away. We don’t want to repeat another violence. The only difference is this time, I will crush you.” I glared.
“What did you do to Himeka?!" He glared.
"I didn't even lift a finger. You can have the whole class as a witness." I shrugged, feigning ignorance.
"You!" His eyes swept through the classroom. All of the eyes are currently on us.
"Hisaki-san didn't do anything." Kitamura-san was the first one to open his mouth. "Are you okay in the head? Takemura-san was the one came to our classroom, not the other way around." He snorted.
"So, why did Himeka cry?" Yanagizawa barked back.
"How should we know? When Hisaki-san said she didn't know how to get into Rubrum Academy she started crying." Another girl rolled her eyes.
"Rubrum Academy?" He turned to his lover.
"...I just want to stay together with Hisaki-chan. If I made it over there, we might become friends again." She sobbed.
"If you believe her, then you must be a full blown idiot. I wonder what did I see in you? My eyes must be covered in shit." I pity myself in the past crying over an idiot.
"Himeka…Himeka is not like you. This part of you is what I don't like. Even before your secondary gender manifested you were always a control freak. Always planting yourself beside me, monitoring everything I said and do!" He screamed.
"I see." I sighed softly. "I guess it can be seen like that. In any case, it's already in the past after all. I do sincerely wish you two happiness forever. So you two can also sincerely wish me happiness with my current partner." I smiled.
"Let's go, Himeka-chan." Yanagizawa-san dragged the unwilling Takemura-san away.
"He seriously thought like that?" Kitamura-san blinked his eyes bewilderedly.
"He said like that." I smiled.
"Wow, he must be truly blind." Kitamura-san shook his head sighing. "All I see, no I think all people who saw you that time knew how much love you look at him with your eyes. In fact, there were some people even jealous of how he was so lucky getting someone to see him like you." He grinned.
"Thank you. But now, I am fine. I already have a partner. A wonderful partner that appreciates my effort." I thanked him. “It’s time for me to go back. If you come to Tokyo just give me a call. I will guide you to famous hotspots.”
“Will do. And you promised you will let us see your partner.”
“He should be waiting in front gate.”
“What?! Let’s see.” They crowded the windows to take a glimpse on him, while I just walk down to the school gate.
As expected, Satoru came to pick me up. He has been waiting with everyone in the school gate and I think I heard my classmates screamed that he is that alpha from café.
"Rai-chan!" He flew to my side, smothered me into his hug. Gone was his cool appearance. "I am so lonely, Rai-chan. Why didn't you take me to school?" He cried.
'Is that really an alpha? How come he is different from what we saw back then.' Is what my classmates thought.
"Here, good boy." I patted his head. He smiles blissfully while having his head rested on my shoulder and let out small purr.
"It's good?"
"So good." He nosed my neck.
"Ah…Hisaki-chan, it's not nice calling people as 'thing.' A disgusting smell approached us.
"So what?"
"You called your partner a 'thing.' That's very rude." Takemura-san stood there with her cheeks painted red, watery eyes. Her soft doe eyes are looking at my omega-ish alpha.
"I am your thing?" Satoru pulled back and looked at me. Takemura-san looked so happy when Satoru asked me that.
"Yep. You are my thing." I nodded.
"How rude. No one wants to be your partner if you don't treat them right." She huffed.
"Rai-chan." Satoru fidgeted as he played with my fingers. "Can…can you say it again?" He practically has heart eyes.
"You are my thing, understood?" I repeated it again.
"Yes…" His breath hitches. "I am your thing. I am Rai-chan's thing. So happy…I am Rai-chan's thing." He babbled with pink blush dusting his cheeks.
"Wh-what?" Takemura is flabbergasted by the unexpected turn of events.
"See what I told you? He likes it when I say he is my thing." I sneered.
'Is that really an alpha? Did the result come out wrong?' Again, the whole students think the same thing.
“Is she the boyfriend stealer?” Nobara pointed at her.
“Is she seriously aiming for Gojo-senpai? Did she hit her head?” Megumi knitted his forehead.
“Gojo-senpai is Raika-senpai’s boyfriend. He is a taken man. I thought she already has a partner. Raika-senpai’s former partner. Why is she aiming for Gojo-senpai?” Yuuji tilted his head, not really understanding.
“Itadori-kun. There are a lot of people that never satisfied with what they have. Your neighbor’s grass is greener than yours. It means, other people’s thing looks more desirable than their own.” Nanamin pushed up his glasses as he explained to him right there.
“That means she is a bitch who likes to steal people’s thing.” Nobara simplified it for him. “You don’t need to be so pretentious. Your act is not fooling anyone. Well, if it does, then sucks to be them too. They are far more idiotic than Yuuji then.”
“I think she is more better to be called garbage collector.” Suguru added brutally, he has no tender heart for fairer gender at all. “She likes to take people things after they are being used after all.”
“Ah, it can be seen that way too.” Shoko ahh’ed.
“I am not idiot.” Yuuji complained. “Nobara, your English test is lower than me.”
“Shut up, idiot.” Nobara smacked his head upside down.
"Himeka!" Again, another repulsive smell approached.
"Haaa… one after another… They bothered at lunch time, now they bother me again." I sighed.
Satoru notices my mood's change again. "Rai-chan." Satoru pulled me back into a back hug. "Let me handle this." He patted my head and then his hand slid down to cover my eyes. I pout and pull his hand down a little to take a peek.
"Did you not understand what human language is?" He growled at them. "Rai-chan said she doesn't want anything to do with you yet you two are just like pests, buzzing around her. Don’t ever bother her again.” He hissed. “The only reason I haven’t ended your whole existence is because thanks to you, I got to meet Rai-chan. I am quite thankful for you especially.” He leered at Yanagizawa-san. “Your mistake is the best thing that ever happened to me. You can rest assured, unlike you, I won’t ever let Rai-chan go. Now that you have served your purpose, please disappear completely from her sight.” Eyes glaring with such ferocity and hatred, yet to me it's beautiful.
"Satoru." Satoru looked down at me when I called. His eyes softened considerably, smiling softly while looking at me. I can see how his eyes are cooing how precious I am to him. "You are pretty."
"Mmn. I am your pretty. Let's get you home, yeah?" He whispered.
“Okay. I want to meet everyone soon.” I nodded. ~”~
We finally go back to our school. And Satoru is regretfully moving back to his dorm. But not before imprinting his scent to every object in my room. Even left some of his shirts to me, fortunately he gave me back my blanket or I will freeze to death at night. On the bright side, he is happy that he won’t have to spend his time alone in school.
Yaga-sensei also situated another group to my hometown. He apologized for making me go through something like that. Of course it’s no problem at all. They are annoying, but do not count as a trouble. And the case is closed, or so I thought.
It has been few months after my mission in my hometown. Another case happened over there. The team that was situated over there are all annihilated and abducted. The last communication they gave us is 2 people are seen to command witches.
“They are not abducted?” Suguru frowned.
“No. it’s said that the witches willingly protect them.” Yaga-sensei shook his head.
“Did they see how they look like?” Shoko inquired.
“That’s…” ~”~
"So they look like boyfriend stealer and her lover? Unbelievable." Nobara made a face.
"Don't tell me, she is jealous of Raika-san so much that she is willing to make a deal with alien? Really unbelievable." Panda added.
"She might actually do that. I won't put her past that. I wonder why she is so fixated with my things anyway?" I sighed.
"...Maybe she has no reason at all…?" Toge murmured.
"That kind of person is the absolute scum." Maki replied.
"So, what if we met her on our mission? Fire on spot?" Yuuji asked.
"Capture her if possible. But that is a low priority. Our highest priority is to eliminate the threat. That includes the other one." ~"~
"Why?!! Why is it always you?! Be it Yanagizawa or him! Why is it they always want you?! Why not me?!"
"I don't know about Yanagizawa-san, since he has chosen you in the end. Frankly, I don't want to know too. I don't want to divide my attention from Satoru." I rolled my eyes at the former human which named Takemura Himeka.
I am not sure what happened to her since she has changed physically to something that we can call a monster. Tall and unbelievably long limbs that are now shaped like spider feet. Not that this matter much to me.
"But I don't like how you covet my things." My eyes shone, glaring at her. "He is mine. Satoru is mine. And don't you ever have this foolish idea to take him away."
"I will… I want… all of yours… not fair… I am cuter… why I can't have him?"
"If people got the thing they want just because they look cute. Then human will face extinction then. Because cute is subjective. To him, I am the cutest, the most precious treasure. And look at you, objectively you don't even look human anymore. And going by your standard I will say you look like monster." I mocked. "And you see this mark. He gave it to me. I also gave mine to him already. So give it up." My voice is an octave lower.
"Lie…lie…lie…lie…LIE!!!! I WILL TAKE HIM AWAY FROM YOU!!!"
"Then you will have to die. Everyone that looks at him with greedy eyes will have to be gouge out." I swung my blades. I hear slicing sounds and then the abomination is sliced cleanly into parts.
"Will…take…"
"Shut up, don't even think about him." I stabbed the head on the brain, effectively silencing her forever. "Disgusting bitch. Satoru is forever mine. I won’t let you take him away, let alone look at him. Know your place." ~"~
"....uwerhh…"
"Wow, you can't even comprehend human language now. Or are you learning a new language?" Gojo mocked the boy in front of him. The boy is none other than brainwashed Yanagizawa. He still retains his human body. But the shape of his body is sticking in weird places.
"Grhr…"
"Guess you can still show some hostility to me?" He snorted. "Let me tell you one thing. I know you have been trying to reach out for Rai-chan after you two saw us in the park. You think you are being so subtle, huh? Coming all the way to Tokyo to secretly meet Rai-chan. Don't get ahead of yourself." He glared.
"Uarrggg!!!"
"Didn't I tell you do not ever show yourself to Rai-chan anymore. Because I will end you instantly." His deep ocean blue eyes shone. "I tell you, Rai-chan is mine. She has given me her mark." He proudly showed him where the mark is, earning another incorrigible word from the former human.
"You can just stay with your new lover. I won't have you see Rai-chan again. I loathe you from the first meeting. You stole Rai-chan's firsts. You breathed in the same space as Rai-chan. Because of you, I can't be her number one in everything. I can't forgive you." He growled. "Even though there are still a lot of Rai-chan's firsts I will have later, that is why you need to disappear. Dead people won't talk. You won't be able to tell people that you are her first boyfriend." He giggled.
"Arrgughh!!!!" He lunged.
"Die. Don't even leave your ash." Gojo snapped his fingers as hollow purple annihilated everything on its path, including the brainwashed Yanagizawa. ~"~
"It's a shame that we won't be able getting a complete sample. But still thank you for at least getting the corpse. This might aid us in our new discovery." The head of R&D department lamented.
"I don't think I have enough time to subdue it without killing it before it calls new familiars. Sorry."
"Well, it was quite a hassle with only one team. So I understand. Even if it's only a corpse. This is the first case of human allying with witches. We might find something out of this. Thank you."
"It was no problem." Then I was dismissed to have my own rest. Coming back to my room, Satoru somehow has been waiting me. “You sneaked in again?” I blinked at the intruder.
“Rai-chan. Here.” He patted his lap as he has comfortably settled down on my bed.
“Let me change to my pajama first.” I turn to the bathroom and changed out of uniform. I come out wearing the shirt he left last time. I have decided it become my most favorite pajama and crawled to the bed.
“Rai-chan is wearing my shirt.” He sniffed. “Smells good. I will change it to other shirts tomorrow. I want to smell like Rai-chan.” He nudged his head onto my shoulder, hands on my hip, tracing patterns.
“We need to wait until we are 20, Satoru.” I hummed as I buried my hands into his soft tresses.
“I know. Just want to hold you.” He sighed blissfully. We just spend our time like this, basking in each other presence.
“Satoru…” My eyes started dropping as I listened to his heartbeats.
“Hm?”
“You are not allowed to leave me…” I mumbled, already half asleep.
“Never dream to.” I heard his airy chortle, but I am already gone too far in sleep. “Sleep well, my precious. You are my one and only, just I am to you.” ~”~
A very long omake
"I am Hisaki Raika, nice to meet you." This is my first day on coming to my new school. Not sure if it's because they are students of prestigious school or something. They just look really calm.
"...Where is Gojo?"
"Sensei, Satoru is late. He was gaming until late night." A girl raised her hand while talking it nonchalantly.
"Gojo Satoru…" I saw how sensei grinded her teeth and crumpled the paper on her hand.
I take that back. Wherever it is, students never change. "Haaa…." Sensei exhaled and recomposed herself. "Is there anything you want to ask to our new student?"
"Yes yes. Here here." Another one raised her hand.
"Yes, Takamichi-san, go ahead."
"Have you got your secondary gender?"
"I am sorry. But I haven't got it yet." I answered.
"Oh… Please don't be sorry. I am Takamichi Sora, my secondary gender is beta. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too." I smiled politely. To be honest, after what happened I don't think I will be making new friends soon. At least until I can sort out my own feelings first.
The questions and answers session is filled with usual questions, what do I like? My hobby? Favorite food or drink? Pet? Or something like that. After 10 minutes or so, Sensei ended it and have me sat on my would be seat, in front of this still not anywhere to be seen Gojo Satoru.
"Pleased to be your acquaintance." I smiled politely to my desk mate. The girl that tattled to sensei why this Gojo student is late.
"Ieiri Shoko, nice to meet you. The student behind you is the Dumber of the duo dumb and dumber." She casually introduced and mocked the still elusive student.
"Ah… Dumber? Then there's the Dumb?" I blinked.
"That one with bun head and strange bang. Just call him bang guy."
"I see."
"Shoko. It's not nice to introduce people like that. And my bang is not strange." The said bang guy chimed in into conversation. "I am Geto Suguru. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you." I nodded.
"You don't deny that you are the Dumb then." Ieiri-san giggled.
"I am also not dumb. Only Satoru is dumb." He protested.
"Hai, calm down. I am happy that you are getting along, but now focus on the lesson first." Sensei clapped her hands.
"Sorry, sensei." I apologized.
"It's okay. I will have you share with Ieiri first."
"Yes." Ieiri-san motioned to move my desk over, so I did. Ieiri-san became sort of my study buddy. She also guides me around the school.
"So where is Satoru?" Ieiri-san looked at the bang guy who tagged along in our little excursion.
"He was punished for writing a report because of yesterday. But he spend his time gaming. And the rest is history." Geto-san snickered.
"Does that mean you did too?"
"I have completed mine." He shrugged.
"This Dumb and Dumber duo. Sooner or later Yaga-sensei will kick you two out of school." Ieiri-san rolled her eyes.
"Not happening." Geto-san countered confidently.
"Like he can kick us out. Not when we are the strongest." Another voice suddenly joined in. A white haired boy with very very pretty pair of glacial blue eyes, wearing small round sunglasses which fortunately didn't completely hide his eyes snorted.
"Yo, Satoru, you finished your report?" Geto-san waved to him. He must be the Gojo Satoru that Sensei talked about.
"Suguru. Why did you run off on your own?" Gojo-san scowled.
"I didn't run off. I finished my report."
"You still ditch me to my own, nonetheless." He scoffed.
"Let's just ignore this Dumb and Dumber or else we will be also dragged into their stupid argument."
"..." Gojo-san looked at me strangely intensely.
"...Did I make you uncomfortable?" I blinked at his obvious stare. "Sorry, I will get going now." I knew I had intruded into their circle and quickly made myself scarce.
Unbeknown to me, even after I walked away, Gojo's stare didn't leave me at all. "Why are you staring at her like that? She hasn't done anything to you? Not even fawning." Shoko grumbled as she hit him.
"That one. I want that one. I want my mating mark on her. I want her."
"...Did writing the report mess up your brain?" Geto raised his brow, amused.
"No. I just want her. I can feel it, she is the one." He shook his head.
"Yeah right…" His teammates and best friends thought he was in that phase. The usual teenager's phase.
So my first day passed without a hitch. As per rule, I should be in the school dorm. But my room is still being prepared so to speak. For now, I am just going to commute from home to school. ~"~
It's been a week since I transferred to a new school and everything is going smoothly. Now that I am here, Rubrum Academy is just like any other school. Maybe their curriculum is more advanced, not to mention their uniform design is cute. But it's not that different from other schools.
Today too, just like any other day, I walked home alone. Gojo-san was…very kind to offer to walk me home on my first day. But I declined. I almost feel bad when he looks like an abandoned puppy. Later I found out from Shoko that he is very (in)famous. Because of his looks, he has a lot of fans outside school, not to mention he is exuding alpha pheromone everywhere he goes.
I…don't want to get caught in another troublesome situation after what happened in my old school. I just… don't have the energy to care or deal with whatever trouble will come if people saw him walking me home, that's why I declined.
"...weird…" I mumbled as I halted my footsteps. Too quiet. I didn't see anyone on my way home. It's like everyone just vanished or maybe I was the one who vanished? Then I remembered that Shoko did tell me about an urban legend. About how people suddenly spirited away in the crowd or in any other places.
Sense of unease resurfacing in my mind. I clutch my bag tighter, hand inside it, feeling a cold temperature of an object to calm my mind. My father gave me a gun as a form of protection. Well, it's a very real-like model gun with rubber bullets. Enough to scare some shady people.
I gulp and start walking again, while darting my eyes left and right, praying that nothing will happen. But yes, the universe always answers differently from your wish. The wall of the house on my right suddenly exploded and broke. I let out a scream due to shock, covering my head and closing my eyes.
"Grrooaoarrr!!!!" A loud roar echoed.
"Wh…what's this?" I looked at it, eyes wide in shock and fear. The monster looks at me and let out a low growl, preparing to pounce on me.
'Run!' My mind screamed. I desperately lifted my legs that were like lead, rooting firmly on the ground. I turned back and ran, but my feet stumbled on the rubbles, making me tumble down on the ground. My bag and the content inside sprawled out near me.
The monster stomps leisurely as if savoring my fear. I scramble to take the gun and fire it. Fairly certain that it won't work but desperately hope it to buy me some time. Though I don't even know what should I do next.
To my surprise, the bullet works. This is not a rubber bullet at all. I was so stunned. I am sure that I see father put rubber bullets inside. But…how come this come out like real bullets?
The monster groaned in pain and became angrier. Scared, I keep firing the guns, not stopping even after all the bullets are gone and the monsters stopped moving a few feets from me. The gun clatters down while I try to steady my breathing and trembling body. A lot of questions are running through my head. But I do know I need to get away from here first.
Shakily, I lift myself out. Not even bothering to pick up my bags anymore. Just as I take a step another one falls down from the sky, the gust knocks me down onto the asphalt again. I look at it and just close my eyes, waiting for my imminent death.
I hear a loud roar and then nothing. I take a peek and see the monster is laying on the ground, unmoving. In front of me is a giant human shaped paper? Literally a paper shaped like a human. It's moving around.
"Hisaki-san." I saw Geto-san standing behind me, smiling.
"Rai-chan." Shoko peeked out from his back. "Are you okay?"
"...I…am not sure…?" I answered. I was so shocked that my brain stopped processing the whole thing.
"Can you stand?" Geto-san offered his hand to me.
"Thank you." I let him pull me up.
"I am glad we are on time." Shoko heaved in relief. "I don't want to know what happened if we were not."
"...What's that…?"
"We will explain to you later. But first let's get you back to school." Geto-san said kindly.
"Does the school know this too?" I blinked.
"More or less."
"Oi, Suguru did you find… " He stopped short when he saw me?
"Oi, Satoru. Your hunch is right. We are glad that we find her." Geto-san waved to his friend.
*Slap* Gojo-san slaps Geto-san’s hand away. The hand that still holding into me. ‘Ah, he must be the type that doesn’t like when his friends being touched by another stranger.’ It’s territorial thing.
“Sorry… I will get going to school on my own.” I frowned when my voice came out shakier than I would have like.
“Are you alright? Are you hurt? Did they scare you?” Gojo-san scanned me from head to toe.
“I…think…I am…”
“You are hurt.” He frowned as he spotted my left ankle. I follow his line sight and see indeed that my left sock has some blood on it.
“I didn’t feel-“ I let out a gasp as I suddenly being lifted bridal style. “G-Gojo-san?”
“It’s Satoru.”
“Uh….” I looked for the other two for help.
“Satoru feels formalities should just go to hell by its own.” Shoko shrugged.
“That’s why he is always being scolded for being disrespectful.” Geto-san nodded.
“…Gojo-san…” I called softly, but he gave no response. “Gojo-san?” I called louder but still no response. “Gojo-kun.” He just walked without any care. “Sa-Satoru!” I yelled and he stopped.
“Are you feeling uncomfortable?” He finally looked at me.
“Uh…” I tried to formulate my words. ‘It’s not uncomfortable per se…’ “I can walk on my own. Please let me down.” I spoke softly. ‘Being carried like this is a bit embarrassing.’
“Oh…” Suddenly I feel like I just scolded a kitten for being naughty. “But you are hurt.” He…pouted?
“It’s not that bad. I feel a little embarrassed being hold like this.” I finally blurted it out.
“I see.” He slowly, very slowly and gently put me back down. Only after he is sure that I won’t suddenly fall down, he releases his hold. Only for him to squat down with his back to me.
“…Ano…”
“If you are embarrassed being hold like that, then piggy back won’t be a problem, right?”
‘A fair point. But still…’ “I can walk slowly on my own.” I answered.
“Hop on, Rai-chan. We just got the report that the witch is disposed. The barrier will dissolve soon. And we then will have to deal with people’s stares.” Shoko nudged her elbow to me.
“Witch? Barrier?” I tilted my head.
“It’s better if we explain to you after you got treatment. Can’t leave your leg like that too long.” Geto-san added.
“…okay… but promise me you will tell me everything.”
“Of course. No worries.” Shoko grinned as she packed up all my things. I then wrap my hands around Gojo-san’s neck and he in turns secures my legs with his hands. Faint smell of wisteria flower wafts to my nose.
‘Weird. I haven’t developed my secondary gender, yet…’ The smell is really calming and I feel my eyelids drop. The adrenaline must have worn out. “Smell nice…” I fall asleep like that.
Gojo stopped on his track right after being told smell nice by his crush, ears turn red because her steady breathing. And by God, she hasn’t even developed her scent gland yet but, he swore she smells very heavenly, her smell mixes well with his own. It’s like their smells are supposed to be one but split into 2 instead.
“Wow, never thought I will live the day to see Gojo Satoru blushed.” Shoko snickered.
“Let’s snap some pic.” Geto pulled out his phone and snapped some. The flashes are hurting Gojo’s eyes
“Shut up. She is sleeping.” He growled.
“Yeah yeah, you better thanks us for helping you just now. There is no witch in this area. The barrier is made by Suguru’s shikigami.” Shoko commented. When they are going inside to a barrier, Geto uses his shikigami to make another one outside the already existed barrier. So, they are trapped inside double barrier. That’s why when the final familiar is dead the barrier hasn’t dissolved. ~”~
After I woke up in a room that would be my room in school dorm. Father explains everything to me. From witches to familiars to why this school exists. The school itself is a secret organization, funded by government. All of the students here are either hunters or training to be staff in the said organization.
Father is also one of the scientists that studied the extraterrestrial life forms that we call witch and familiar. Hence, the always out of town business trips. Father said I have potential to be hunter, if not he also wants me to get involved in his research, since I will find out sooner or later. But he would have never thought that I will encounter familiars on my own. And is glad that I am safe and sound.
I told him about the gun and he answered that’s the proof that I can be a combatant. I subconsciously poured my energy inside the rubber bullet to change it into a bullet that is effective to kill familiars. And then I was put into Gojo-san’s team, because the team leader, Gojo-san said so. ~”~
Gojo-san is…very strange and unique. Those are my assessments of him. I heard from Shoko that he is an alpha. A very template one. It's no wonder that he is like that. Though he is not as hot headed as template alpha usually would.
How do I describe him…. He is very unique… and strange…? He is… a very template alpha, very charismatic and likes to be the one who gives orders. But at the same time, he is very open to suggestions or ideas. Usually template alpha likes to go his way whether he is right or not and hates it when other people question his means…. That's how he is to another person. He will even happily put them in their place. But when I questioned him, somehow, he kept praising me? Even pondering about my suggestion? I mean, in the end his strategy is always the best though. But he took time to consider it.
And then all of them will have this…how do I put it? Very tired face. Though they said they are all very fine. Nothing is wrong. Maybe they were just being nice to me because I am the newest member of the team. I basically have zero experience in this alien hunting field. Gojo-san might be just trying to make me feel welcomed in their team. ~”~
An alpha. That is what my secondary gender is. I was really surprised. I thought I would be a beta. I don’t think I have an alpha quality. But my friends digress. They said I have the most alpha quality, that quality being can put the most annoying and template alpha in his place properly.
I have vaguely aware that most of my friends are alpha. I didn’t really ask about their secondary gender, but after I got mine. I realized all of them are alphas. We are alpha groups, which is very rare indeed. But that is just a small matter, we just clicked with each others. Even though we all have weird personalities, it’s like we complement each other. Though our alpha trait sometimes made us butt our head with each other.
Today I took a day off from school. The smells are so overwhelming that I feel a little nauseated. This is understandable, after living for 15 years without the ability of smelling body odors when you are not practically sniffing them yourselves. You are suddenly assaulted by many smells at once. Now, I am resting in my room and trying to get use to it by having some students and senseis or even some staffs to check on me.
Gojo-san made a point to visit me everyday and I was thankful for it. His smell is helping me calm down, but I do feel bad having taken his time away. “Gojo-san… I am very thankful that you visited me everyday, but I do think you should also spend some times for yourself. You don’t need to come just because you are my team leader.” I smiled.
“…Does this mean I am not welcome?” Here it is, that look again. The look of abandoned kitty in the rain. Does he realize that he looks cute when he does that. That makes me want to tease him more.
“You are very welcome.” I answered quickly, before I blurt something that will make him cry. Even though I kind of want to see that.
“Then, can I stay here?”
“I don’t mind… But I think you will get bored without having anything to do.” I said.
“I won’t be bored. Never.” He grinned. “…Do you realize how heavenly you smell at all? I can just stay here to integrate your smell into mine forever.”
“Hm? What were you saying, Gojo-san? I didn’t catch it.”
“I said, how long are you going to use Gojo-san on me? I thought we have long past that.” He pouted. This time he pouted.
“But you are my team leader and you are older than me. Even if we are in the same grade.” I blinked.
“Then as your team leader, I will order you that you have to call me by my first name.” He declared.
“No.”
“Eh?” His jaw slacked, his sunglasses skewed a little. “Rai-chan~~~~!!” He cried.
“Sorry. When you said it like that. I suddenly have the urge to make you cry.” I scratched my cheek, admitted it’s a little shameless.
“…So, if I cry and beg, will you do it?” He asked me very seriously.
“Okay.” I agreed without much thinking. I mean, there’s no way he’s gonna beg and cry. Gojo-san is a proud alpha, you know.
“Rai-chan…can you…can you please call me Satoru?” He shyly grabbed my hand and played with it, while asking me with watery eyes, batting his eyelashes. “I…want you to call me, Satoru. Please please please. I will be such a good boy.” He sobbed.
I feel something inside me snapped and my hand reached out to his head. “Okay, Satoru. Since you cried prettily for me.” The joyous look he had in his face will be forever engraved in my memory. I can’t help but coo how cute he is looking right now. And I hope he will only show this side of him to me. ~”~
To finally celebrate of me coming out from my room after getting used to it. We are going to a beach this weekend. The girls took me to a swimsuit shopping trip. In the end I choose a bandeau two pieces bikini in icy blue color.
And the day finally arrived, 2 hours of bus from school. A beach. Boys and girls quickly went to respective toilet to change into swimsuit. When I finished changing into mine, everyone is already playing. I am the last to be out, but Satoru apparently is waiting for me. He is wearing a high wide collar zipped jumper and navy blue swimming trunks.
“Satoru, are you okay?” I waved my hands in front of him when I saw him not responding to my call.
“Rai-chan.”
“Yes?” I blinked when he suddenly unzipped his jacket and zipped it on me while mumbling something incoherent. “Satoru?”
“Rai-chan, you are not allowed to take off the jumper because you will get sunburn.”
“But I applied sunblock.” I tilted my head.
“Still no.” He huffed. Satoru is acting weird again… There’s time when he suddenly becomes this stubborn, refusing to heed anything. Somehow, he looks cuter? It’s like a kitten you are petting suddenly went into sulking mode because not enough attention. It’s almost like that. Of course I am not going to say it out loud. It’s quite disrespectful… but… I do want to see his reaction.
“…” I looked at him looking away like that, while some passerby are giggling at him. Somehow, they make me feel irritated. “Then, Satoru do you have another jumper?”
“I do.” He nodded slowly, not understanding my intention.
“Okay, I will wear this on one condition. Satoru, you have to wear a jumper too and can’t take off without my permission. If you do, I will call you Gojo-san forever.”
“Okay.” He nodded his head frantically. “I promise I won’t take it off, so you can’t call me by my last name.” He whined.
“If you don’t take it off, nothing will change. Can I trust you on that?”
“Of course.”
So I spend the rest of my day swimming with the jumper on. Though I sometimes tease him by unzipping the jumper and pretend to take it off. Every time I did that, he looks at me wide eyed, mouth quivering while stopping everything he is doing and stomps to me, zipping it up all the way again. I feel like I can get addicted at his reaction.
ʚ synopsis. He's loud, annoying, and absolutely insufferable — but he's also yours. Gojo Satoru is many things: the strongest sorcerer alive, a menace to society, and a man who has never been jealous a day in his life. (Until some guy puts his hand on your lower back at a work event, and he learns something new about himself.) From jealousy to heartbreak, from aquarium dates to summer festival confessions, from mood swings to carrying you back to bed — this is a collection of soft, fluffy and vulnerable moments with Satoru as your boyfriend. He's down bad, he's not subtle about it, and honestly? You wouldn't have it any other way.
ʚ pairing. gojo satoru x f!reader
ʚ cw. fluff, established relationship, mutual pining, friends to lovers, soft gojo, gojo is down BAD, pet names, forehead kisses, cheek kisses, forehead kisses, real kisses, idk bro everywhere kisses, clingy gojo, jealous gojo (soft version), period comfort, mood swings, protective gojo, shoko and geto being menaces (affectionate), mild suggestive themes (kissing and tension), tooth-rotting fluff, established friendship to lovers, pining, yearning, gojo being pathetic (affectionate), gojo loves his girlfriend (and soon-to-be-wife) agenda, comfort, happy endings!!
ʚ taglist. open!!
ʚ A/N. I LOVEE writing soft fluff for gojo !! he deserves them all <3 he's so cute and i just knoww he'd be such a great partner 🥹🥹 please lmk if you'd like to be added in the taglist!! <3
ʚ credits. div: @giraisol and @suupersonic | art: unknown, please let me know if you have the artist's social media so i can credit them properly!
01. GREEN EYED MONSTER
Gojo Satoru has never been the jealous type. He's confident, untouchable, the strongest — why would he ever feel threatened? Then some guy at a work event puts his hand on your lower back, and Satoru learns something new about himself. He's very, very jealous. (And terrible at hiding it.)
02. THE WORLD'S WORST PATIENT
The common cold has met its match. Unfortunately, that match is a whiny, dramatic, blanket-buried Gojo Satoru who is convinced he's on his deathbed. You're just trying to get him to drink soup. (He wants candy instead. And cuddles. And for you to call him a good boy.)
03. KNEADLESSLY IN LOVE
Gojo Satoru can bake. He's actually pretty good at it. But tonight, he's not trying to impress you — he's trying to make you laugh. (The flour is everywhere. The cookies are burnt and are practically charcoal. He's never been happier.)
04. I'LL FIND YOU (I ALWAYS WILL)
You're tired of being his second priority. Tired of loving someone who's never there. So you leave — into the cold, into the rain, into the dark. He follows. He always follows. But this time, he's scared he won't find you in time.
05. AISLE BE THERE FOR YOU (IN THE SNACK AISLE)
You brought him for emotional support. You forgot he's the reason you need emotional support. Grocery shopping with Satoru was supposed to be quick. Thirty minutes, in and out. That was an hour ago. He's put pudding cups in the cart three times. You've taken them out three times. He's now fake-crying in the frozen foods aisle. You're dating a toddler. You wouldn't trade him for anything.
06. GOLDEN HOUR (AND SALTWATER KISSES)
The beach at 2 AM is empty, quiet, and yours. Satoru drags you there to wait for the sunrise — but somehow, you spend more time watching him. (He pretends not to notice. He's lying.)
07. I'M FINALLY HOME
He's been gone for weeks. Missions, meetings, responsibilities — always something. You miss him. He misses you. And then one Saturday, you come home to find a dress you've never seen before, and a man who's been trying to find his way back to you.
08. CARRY ME HOME
Gojo Satoru carries you to bed when you fall asleep on the couch. You mumble "love you," in your half-asleep haze. He doesn't forget. The next morning, he teases you about it — and you both end up laughing, blushing, and tucked back into each other's arms.
09. GOJO SATORU'S GUIDE ON HOW TO SURVIVE A FAMILY DINNER
It's the first time you're bringing Gojo Satoru home to meet your family. They have no idea he's a sorcerer. You know. He thinks he's being subtle. He's not. ("The baby photos are worth it!" he says.)
10. HOPELESS (FOR YOU)
Gojo Satoru is absolutely useless at folding laundry, but he's an expert at stealing your heart. ♡
11. THE STARS YOU LIKED
Gojo Satoru pretends to forget your one-year anniversary. You try not to be hurt. He's been planning this all along. (He remembers everything.)
12. JUST BECAUSE (I LOVE YOU)
Gojo Satoru's been working on this for weeks. Late nights, crumpled paper, messing up the folding, starting over. He wanted to give you something that showed how much you mattered. (He's never been more nervous in his life.)
13. A STUDY IN SAYING "I LOVE YOU" (Part 2 of "Just Because (I Love You)")
Gojo Satoru spends three weeks writing you a letter — 520 reasons, pipe cleaner flowers, gifts and all the words he couldn't say out loud. A letter about love as something you can hold.
Context/Plot/Synopsis -> Chapter 1 -> Chapter 3 ✨️
WC: ~10.8k
Tags: Gojo x Fem!Reader, Long-Fic, Slow Burn, Childhood Friends, Bonding Moments, Slice of Life, Found Family, Protective Gojo, Fluff to Angst (eventually), Clan Politics, Jujutsu Kaisen, JJK, JJK x Reader, Jujutsu Society, Coming of Age, Reader-Insert, Darker Yandere Themes Later (be warned)
AN: And so the fluff and friendship continues between Gojo and you, the reader! Sorry it took a bit! Please enjoy, and thank you so much for reading~ 💙
Summer 2003.
It had been two years since your initial meeting in the surrounding forest of the Gojo estate.
And in that time, the two of you had grown much closer, almost inseparable. So much so that he’d come and visit you at your family’s residence whenever he felt like it.
On a whim, he’d run off and find you wherever you were—be it at home, school, or other locations around Nara, your hometown. It wasn’t very far from his family’s manor in Kyoto if he took the train, which only made sneaking out more tempting.
Despite the trouble caused by his frequent disappearances to see you, his progress in sorcery had not slowed. In fact, he had continued to gain power by the day. At only thirteen, he could already exorcise second-grade curses entirely on his own.
His growing strength wasn’t the only thing that had changed about Satoru since that first meeting two years ago.
He was different now. Less serious and more fun to be around. At this point, you could even call him a bit of a rebellious punk, really.
It was always a back-and-forth between the two of you, taunting each other playfully until a clear victor emerged in whatever you were discussing.
And that was only part of the trouble you'd get into together.
Other times you were running around Nara, sneaking into arcades during the school day, catching movies, and laughing about anything in between.
Seeing these unsanctioned visits from Gojo as an opportunity, your parents allowed him to come and go as he pleased. Hell, they even took it a step further by only enforcing some rules of decorum when it involved the two of you. Hana, however, was the exception to this ridiculous, inappropriate approach.
She disliked how much leeway they gave him when it came to you, her youngest sister. Especially since his presence seemed to disrupt the order of your almost normal life, which was a facet of yours she secretly envied.
Hana was no stranger to the harsh expectations placed upon you regarding a political marriage, as she herself faced something similar before her cursed technique fully manifested.
You were unaware of that truth, and she had no plans of telling you—at least not anytime soon.
No, she still wanted you to look at her like you always had, with eyes full of admiration and trust.
Plus, she figured you might be more inclined to listen and take her advice when she offered it if she kept things like this a secret.
It was one of the many ways she was trying to protect you quietly from the shadows, so as not to alert the Morisato clan elders of her interference.
It worried her how set they had become on the matter of your future, already having a complete list of potential marital prospects.
And of course, at the very top of it was Satoru Gojo.
They’d spoken of no one else ever since a friendship had bloomed between the two of you.
But what if their ambitious plan for you didn’t work out?
She feared they might become even more resentful towards you then.
And in their dissatisfied disdain, she expected them to retaliate and force you to marry someone who wouldn’t value you. Or worse, someone violent—like one of those bastards from the Zen’in clan.
She couldn't let that happen to you.
No way.
Over her dead body.
As things were, she already felt guilty for being unable to protect you from the family sooner.
You were such a free spirit before all this had weighed you down. A different little girl altogether—one who hated dressing ‘fancy’ and loved exploring, learning, and running as fast as you could.
In hindsight, the way you used to be made sense when she thought about the nature of your cursed technique.
It centered around propulsion, surging your speedy feet forward in sudden bursts, like an engine catching fire. But no matter how hard you pushed yourself, your ability had always been restrained by the cursed energy you simply did not have enough of.
Her poor sister.
She wished she could've done more to keep them from clipping your wings at such a young age.
Though it pained her to think or say aloud, Gojo had brought back parts of you that she had already considered lost.
And she couldn't deny how much happier you'd been since meeting the Gojo clan heir, despite all her fears and reservations.
You smiled more. Laughed much more easily, too. She was grateful to Gojo for that, but… she couldn't fool herself into thinking it was just another simple, innocent friendship.
Not after she'd witnessed just how attentive he was with you—always paying for things, opening doors for you, or making sure you walked on the inside of the sidewalk, like some old-fashioned gentleman. And she wasn’t the only one to notice, all your siblings had, too.
Ugh.
Unlike anyone else in the family, it annoyed and worried her to no end.
So she decided she’d play the strict older sister if she had to, keeping a close eye on the two of you whenever Gojo was involved—ready to step in the moment things seemed to get out of hand.
⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔
You knew you should reprimand him for the disappearing acts he played on his teachers and clan, but they, in most circumstances, deserved it.
You hated the way they viewed him, like a political puppet and strategic weapon to be used when they deemed it fit or necessary.
Maybe that was why you made it a point to make sure he had fun whenever he came around, even if it was happening more and more often these days.
On one of those days when he showed up unannounced at your doorstep, you decided to drag him to the playground you’d loved as a kid.
“We’re too old to be at a playground, y/n,” he'd whined.
“What do you mean? We’re only thirteen! And you just said you never really got to visit any when you were younger.”
“So? It’s fine that I didn’t. Let’s just go do something else. Like a movie or-”
“I won’t change my mind, Satoru. We’re doing this. Besides, no one is here. Now quit acting like a baby and c’mon~” you grabbed at his hand and tugged him towards the empty playground.
He huffed, but followed your lead, allowing himself to be pulled along by little you.
You first moved towards the swings, sitting yourself on one while pointing at the adjacent, open seat to your left, inviting him to join you.
He listened to your quiet request and sat in the swing, looking over at you as you began to cheerfully push yourself back and forth.
Whoosh, clink, whine—the sounds of your movements and metal against metal filled the air as he admired the view of his precious friend for a moment.
‘Beautiful,’ he thought to himself, envying how you found joy and happiness in the smallest of things like this.
Your willingness to share all of it with him made him feel so grateful, so appreciative to have been born in the same century as you.
Was that too extreme a sentiment to have already? Even if it was, that’s how he'd come to feel about you, his best friend.
It's why he constantly wanted to be around you, someone who made the darkness of jujutsu society bearable.
He smiled at your merriment before joining the fun, pushing himself back and forth, matching your speed and rhythm.
After a few minutes, the two of you slowed down, coming to a steady swing that better allowed for a conversation.
“They’ve been annoying me again with meetings that never go anywhere,” he complained, kicking at the dirt.
You listened to him.
“When are they going to realize there’s no changing my mind?”
“Do adults ever take our decisions seriously when it doesn’t follow their plan?” you countered.
“Pfft. You’ve got a point.” He leaned back on the swing, eyes drifting toward the sky before adding, “do you think it’s such a crazy idea?”
“No. It makes way more sense to me than you being stuck as the head of your family,” you said, swinging forward and back a bit higher.
“Right? I can’t picture myself being part of all that political crap!” he yelled, kicking harder to soar past you.
You laughed, calling after him. “I can’t either!”
Without really meaning to, the two of you turned the swingset into a bit of a contest, each of you pushing harder to outdo the other until the chains began to protest.
Eventually, you relented, slowing yourself down and letting your feet drag against the ground until you fell back into an easy rhythm. A moment after claiming victory, he followed suit.
He shot you a sideways grin, unmistakably smug and proud.
You rolled your eyes before continuing the conversation from earlier.
“I don’t get why they’re so bothered by it anyway. I think it’s admirable that you want to be a sorcerer, Satoru.”
“With the way they’re acting, you’d think I’d told them I was running away from Japan or something,” he muttered, still half-smirking.
You both laughed, the sound resonating across the empty park.
“Well, it’s not final yet,” he said, catching his breath, “but I’ll keep pushing for it until they have to agree.”
“I wish you luck,” you teased, nudging the toe of your shoe into the dirt, “but something tells me you’ll get your way in the end.”
He stopped moving altogether and turned toward you then, acting more serious than before. “You should come with me.”
You blinked, unsure if you’d heard him right. “What?”
He repeated himself, adding more details this time. “You should come with me to attend Jujutsu High in Tokyo.”
You gave him an awkward smile. “I don’t think there’s much point in me going to a school for sorcery. Y’know I’m not fit for that.”
“So?” He shrugged, eyes bright, hopeful. “It’d still get you away from your grandparents.”
“While I'd love that perk, it'd just end up being a wasted spot,” you murmured, shoulders drawing in as your swing slowed to a near stop.
“It wouldn’t be wasted,” he argued. “You can still do some jujutsu. And you’re from a legacy family too, so it makes sense—just like you said it did for me.”
“That's because you're talented and so strong already. I'm neither of those. And anyway, my family attended the Kyoto branch, so Tokyo doesn't make sense for me at all,” you pointed out.
“Gee, way to poke holes in all of my points.”
“Sorry, it's just the truth.” You laughed softly, almost awkwardly given the tone of the conversation.
He went quiet for a moment, kicking at the ground beneath his swing before speaking again.
“But what about me and you?”
The question really caught you off guard. You opened your mouth to say something in response, but he had already continued.
“We won't get to see each other all the time like this,” he gestured at the playground, at the two of you on these creaky swings.
“That's reason enough for you to come with me to Tokyo.”
You smiled, glancing at him before staring off into the distance—toward the horizon.
“Are you worried we wouldn’t be friends anymore if we couldn’t see each other so often? ’Cause that’s just not something I see happening.”
You took a slow breath in and out before carrying on.
“I promise we’ll still be close, even if we’re cities apart. You can always call me at home, you know my parents won't care if it's you.”
“No- I meant-” he sighed, scratching the back of his head. “I know we’ll always be close. I’d just miss seeing you, is all…” His voice grew quieter before braving his next question, adding almost shyly, “wouldn’t you miss me too, Y/n?”
“Of course I would, you big dummy,” you assured softly—unaware that those simple words had calmed his racing heart.
“But that's what phone calls and train stations are for. We can plan visits here or there whenever we have time.”
“Yeah… I guess you’re right.” He squeezed the swing chains in his hands. “I still hate it, though.”
“Oh, please,” you laughed, nudging his foot with your own. “Someone as important as you will be too busy to even notice I’m not around in Tokyo.”
It was your attempt at lightening the mood after things had taken such a sad turn all of a sudden.
“You really think I wouldn’t notice when my favorite person isn’t around?” he said, pausing to look at you, not really expecting an answer. “And you call me the big dummy, butterfly.”
Ah.
There it was—his special nickname for you.
He’d begun using it not long after your first meeting, the term originating from your favorite Pokémon, Butterfree. You'd expected it to fade out with time, but somehow, it had just stuck around through the years. And you weren't sure why, but it often disarmed you whenever he used it—especially in serious moments like this.
Really though, you'd considered it endearing that he had given you such a personal nickname. It showed you how much he valued your friendship, and that fact alone had motivated you to do the same for him.
Over time, you’d come up with several, but many quickly waned or lost his favor.
‘Char’ lasted a few weeks as you'd followed his lead in using Pokémon as a reference point.
Then came ‘Metal’, after he complained and reminded you he actually preferred Digimon.
Later, there was ‘Sky’, inspired by the color of his eyes, when he finally grew tired of the Digimon one.
Until you finally settled on something simpler, less flashy—just shortening his first name into the childish sound of ‘Toru’.
It was the only one that had stood the test of time these past two years, sticking around just like ‘butterfly’ had for you.
And though simple, he loved it all the same—more so because these two terms of endearment were special, reserved only for the two of you to use with each other.
No one else could.
He hadn’t quite realized the reason behind his irritation whenever someone else had tried.
“How silly of me to think I'm so easily forgettable. Sorry, Toru,” you answered, half serious, half playful.
“I’ll forgive you for today since you've ‘realized the error of your ways’," he replied, mimicking and mocking his family’s infamous, pompous tone.
You laughed, playing along with his jest. “Oh yes. I definitely have, young master.”
You gave an exaggerated bow in his direction from your seat.
“Ugh.” He dragged out the sound in utter disgust. “Don't ever call me that. It doesn't sound right coming from you at all.”
“I know, you tell me every time.”
“Pfft, so much for realizing the error of your ways,” he muttered, sarcastically.
The two of you laughed together before he naturally moved on to another topic—one that gave him a small peek into your past, from before he existed in your life. A fact that he wasn't particularly fond of, especially when he was reminded of it by your family or friends.
“Did you come here a lot with your brothers and sisters?” he suddenly asked.
“Yeah, and my friends and classmates also,” you replied.
“So, just about everyone?” He rolled his eyes, his tone caught somewhere between teasing and something closer to annoyance or jealousy.
You didn't notice.
“Mmhm. This place has lots of good memories with them…” you paused, a faint smile tugging at your lips before it faltered as your voice cracked. “But some bad ones, too.”
“Oh, yeah? Did someone fall flat on their face or something?”
“Many times,” you giggled, “but that’s not the kind of bad I’m talking about.”
Your swing slowed until you came to a complete stop again. Leaning your head against the left chain, you stared toward the far end of the playground—where the old tree stood.
“See that spot over there by the tree?” you said, lifting a hand to point. “A cursed spirit showed up there once when I was here with some friends.”
“Oh, crap. What grade was it?”
“I don't know the exact number, but my brother took care of it pretty easily, so it must’ve been a lower grade.”
“Did anyone get hurt?”
“No. Thankfully, my cousin Keiko was here with me at the time, or I’d have been the only one who could see it. I might not have been able to get everyone to leave without her help.”
You let out a quiet breath before adding, “I mean, how do you convince people to run away when they can’t even see the monster in front of them?”
“Guess that’s fair. I probably would've called you a liar if I was a normie.”
“Without a doubt,” you playfully narrowed your eyes in his direction.
He grinned at you before asking, “so what'd you'd end up telling them?”
“We had to lie and say that there was a wasp nest in the tree that had been disturbed,” you shared.
“Huh. Well, that's believable enough.”
“Yeah…but-,” you hesitated, glancing down at your hands that now rested in your lap, your swing rocking faintly as you worked up the nerve to tell him the truth. “But I didn't run with them. I stayed back… as bait.”
His swing stopped abruptly as your words fully registered in his mind, the chains clinking and creaking at the sudden halt in momentum.
“You what!?” he shouted, turning toward you with wide eyes and a flash of anger.
“Well, I had to give them enough time to get away,” you said quickly, words tumbling out. “And Keiko went to call my siblings for help, so it wasn’t that dangerous.” You sounded like you were trying to convince both of you that was true.
“Anyway,” you rushed on, pointing across the playground, “I managed to trap it in that jungle gym over there. Well, not that one. That’s the replacement after the curse and my brother destroyed the original.”
He didn’t say a word. The look on his face said enough to tell how he really felt—he was seething.
“Stop giving me that look, Toru,” you muttered. “Acting as bait was all I could do to keep them safe. I’m not you, y’know.”
“It really sucks being useless.” Your gaze dropped from him back to the ground.
He sighed, loud enough for you to hear. “If that were true, then all your friends would've died.”
You blinked, caught off guard, not expecting that kind of response.
“You really can’t see how much of a badass you are, huh, butterfly?” he said with a small grin, leaning forward slightly on the swing as he looked at you.
His voice had softened, the earlier anger replaced by something warm and almost proud.
“You knew the risk and still did something. Most people would’ve frozen up or run away.”
He nudged the heel of his shoe into the dirt, glancing away for a moment before continuing.
“Despite knowing your limits, you still stepped up and protected everyone. Not just anyone could’ve done that—much less pulled it off.”
His eyes met yours again, steady and sincere, all traces of frustration gone.
“So don't sell yourself short. You're braver and stronger than you think.”
Full of appreciation, your lips curled into a small, shy smile. “Thanks, Satoru…”
It got quiet for a moment after that, the kind that felt heavier than either of you cared to admit.
Both of you started idly swinging again, letting the creaking sound of the chains fill the silence until he finally spoke, lightening the mood with another joke.
“See? You just gave me another reason to get you to come with me to Tokyo. I can’t trust you here on your own.”
You raised a brow as a mischievous idea sparked in your mind.
At the peak of your next swing, you jumped off, landing perfectly on your feet.
“Mmm, maybe I'll consider it—if you can catch me!”
You flashed him a taunting grin and took off across the playground, sneakers thudding against the field as you dashed toward the jungle gym.
“Oh, so that's how you wanna play?” Gojo called after you, laughing as he leapt from his own swing. His shoes hit the ground with a solid thud, kicking up a puff of dirt around him.
“Don’t you dare cheat!” you shouted back, your voice echoing under the plastic slides. You ducked beneath the main play structure, slipping behind one of the poles just as he rounded the corner.
“That goes for you too,” he replied, watching as the cursed energy within you swirled to life.
“Oh whatever—using my technique against you isn't cheating.”
He slowed his steps, smirking as he mirrored your every move—left when you went left and right when you shifted right.
“Fine. Go ahead. It won't change the outcome anyway, butterfly.”
The two of you circled each other around the jungle gym and swings, weaving through patches of sunlight and shadows as breathless laughter filled the warm summer air.
Until finally, he cornered you against a rope ladder that connected several platforms, the coarse nylon biting lightly into your palms as you tried to back away.
Again, the world went quiet as neither of you made a move. You stared each other down instead—his gaze remaining steady, quietly daring you to try.
“Nowhere left to run,” he teased, his grin annoyingly too triumphant for your taste.
Still, you made a play for it, feinting left and bolting right instead. Unfortunately, his hand still managed to catch your sleeve. But before he could tighten his grip and pull you in, you slipped free, leaving your jacket behind in his grasp as you sprinted towards the far side of the playset.
“Hey- thats not- you said no cheating!” he called after you, holding up the jacket like evidence.
“Slipping out of my jacket isn’t cheating, it's just working with my—what did you call them? Limits!” you shouted back, climbing up to the top of one area.
Though you had just gotten the best of him, he couldn’t help but grin. You were impossible, always managing to challenge him in ways no one else did—but that was exactly why he liked chasing after you, his surprisingly fearless butterfly.
Moving quickly, he darted towards you, trying to catch up after being fooled by your tricks.
You dashed across a narrow bridge, the boards clattering beneath your feet and swaying with each step until you reached the next platform—the one specifically housing an enclosed slide. Bracing your hands on its rim, you spun around, catching his eye from across the playground.
“See ya, Toru!” you called confidently, your laughter echoing off the vibrating plastic walls as you disappeared inside.
Gojo lingered for a moment, his Six Eyes flickering faintly as he scanned the park—searching for anyone nearby who might catch him using his abilities. The area was empty, save for the hum of the wind and the fading sound of your laughter spiraling through the slide.
Seeing as no one was around, he pushed off the ground, rising effortlessly into the air. Weightless, he glided toward the slide’s exit—the same one you’d so proudly claimed as your escape and means of victory.
And he just couldn’t wait to prove you wrong.
He landed soundlessly, settling at the foot of the slide and eagerly waiting, listening to your boisterous giggles as you neared the end.
As the walls opened up and the tunnel spat you out, you realized too late that you’d fallen straight into Gojo’s trap.
He planted a hand on each side of the slide, sunlight catching in his white hair as he leaned over you with a grin far too smug for its own good.
“Caught you, butterfly~”
You stared up at your impossible friend, momentarily caught in the glow of his bright blue eyes—you’d probably never get used to the sight of them, especially when he was this close.
Still, you weren’t ready to admit defeat just yet. No, not when you had one last move left to try.
Twisting suddenly, you spun around, scrambling to climb back up the slick curve of the slide, your shoes squeaking against the hard plastic as you fought for traction.
His eyes widened at your unexpected defiance—first in disbelief, then amusement. You really never failed to surprise him.
He released his hold from the sides and pulled himself into the slide after you, reaching out with his hand to grab as you struggled upward.
But he was too late—you’d already made it just high enough to stay out of his reach. He was just about to begin climbing himself when lady luck failed you.
As you pushed your foot up to take another step, the undone lace on your right foot caught under your shoe. You gasped, realizing too late that gravity had taken over.
The plastic rattled beneath you as you slid back
down,
down,
down,
until you landed straight into Gojo’s arms.
It all happened so fast that it took him a few seconds to register your presence between his arms, caging you there without him meaning to.
His pulse drummed in his ears as he blinked down at you in shock. Though really, neither of you could believe what had just transpired.
“Don't you dare say anything,” you managed to squeak out between breaths, your face burning hot with embarrassment.
“Pfft.” He snorted before the two of you doubled over laughing at the sheer absurdity of it all, gasping for air until tears pricked at the corners of your eyes.
The sounds faded slowly, replaced by quiet giggles and the warmth of the moment settling in.
In the calm that followed, he leaned forward just enough to rest his forehead briefly against yours—a quiet peace replacing the chaotic chase from only minutes before.
You smiled up at him in response, rubbing away the tears that had slipped past your eyes from laughing too hard.
“Thanks for not saying anything, Toru.”
“You’re welcome, but y’gotta admit that was hilarious.”
“It was,” you giggled one last time. “But c’mon, get off—you’re all sweaty and heavy!”
Your hands playfully pushed up at his chest.
“Ehhh! Oi, that’s such a rude thing to say about your best friend. Now I’m definitely not letting you go.”
“What? But we still need to get snacks for later.” You protested, pouting.
He laughed under his breath.
“Then take it back, or we’re going to be stuck here for a while.”
You rolled your eyes, but rescinded your earlier statement. “Alright, fine. I take it back. Satisfied?”
“Not very convincing, but I’ll take it,” he said, amusement flickering across his face.
Reluctantly, he pushed himself up and offered you his hand to help you out of the slide.
You accepted it, placing your hand in his as you slid your way out of the remainder of the tube.
As the two of you made your way out of the playground, you glanced at him with a soft smile.
“So, did you have fun?”
“Yeah,” he said, matching your pace. “I’ll admit it—I did.”
Just then, he remembered the whole reason he'd been so hell-bent on catching you.
Snapping his fingers, he shot you a sidelong look, mischief playing at the corner of his mouth. “Oh, and don’t think I forgot what you said.”
“Huh? What’d I say?” You blinked at him, feigning ignorance. He didn’t buy it.
“Since I caught you, that means you have to move with me to Tokyo for high school.”
You scoffed. “No way. I escaped twice! And my shoelace technically won that exchange.”
“Oh, that’s such a cop-out,” he groaned dramatically. “I won, and now you’re backing out of your promise.”
“I made no such promise. I remember saying I’d maybe consider it if you caught me. Not that I would.”
“You slipped straight into my arms! That totally counts,” he said, throwing his hands up. “Don’t start rewriting history just because it doesn’t fit your agenda.”
“Agenda? What agenda?” You laughed, nudging his arm. “You’re just going to have to live with a shoelace stealing all the glory of this match.”
He clicked his tongue, pretending to pout, though the excited sparkle in his eyes betrayed him.
“Fine. But next time, tuck your damn shoelaces in.”
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By the time the sun had begun to dip lower in the sky, the two of you had arrived at your usual grocery store for snack runs.
The soft chime of the door alarm rang out as the two of you stepped inside, the store’s air-conditioning cooling the warmth that clung to your skin.
It was a familiar routine as the two of you drifted down the aisles, pointing out old favorites and new things to try.
Somewhere along the way, you ended up with a little of everything in your basket. Some things salty, some things sweet—altogether a perfect variety of treats meant to last a few movies, though they rarely ever did.
The real Gojo-Morisato ritual, however, began when you headed toward the register.
You'd continuously insist on paying because he was your guest. He'd shut it down immediately, arguing that if it was something for both of you, then he was handling it—end of discussion.
Naturally, it never actually ended there. You kept arguing your point all the way up to the counter, only for him to wave you off before you could even reach for your wallet.
And, as always, he refused to let you carry the bags after. Not that you minded. You were used to that kind of quiet chivalry, having grown up with two older brothers who did the same.
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Outside, the air was still warm, the glow of the sunset fading to a vanilla-colored sky as the two of you stepped onto the sidewalk. The faint buzz of cicadas filled the silence as you headed in the direction of your home, past the narrow alley beside the store.
You'd walked by it countless times before now, so often that it had practically faded into the background and out of your notice.
But not today. No, today, there was a young boy, no older than six or seven, in the alley.
And he wasn't alone.
A curse had him cornered, its mouth stretching open to horrifying lengths as it readied itself to swallow its victim whole.
Things escalated quickly as the fight-or-flight instincts hardwired in you kicked in.
But rather than flee, your body moved forward before your mind could fully catch up—or register what Satoru had yelled after you, for that matter.
“I’m going to stall it,” you shouted back to Satoru, unaware of what he had said to begin with.
All of a sudden, you found yourself running towards the boy, towards the danger you had no way of stopping on your own.
Even so, you just had to do something.
Anything to help.
As you got closer, you activated your cursed technique and shouted their way, calling out to both the frightened child and the curse, hoping that the noise or acting as bait might buy him even a second more of time as you sprinted in their direction.
The boy turned toward you, fear and desperation welling in his wide eyes. With this one look, you knew he was begging for your help as you closed the distance.
You couldn't stop now.
But, as it turns out, your impulsive plan had worked. Almost too well, in fact.
You watched as the curse’s head snapped in your direction, abandoning the boy as it crawled forward, limbs cracking and scraping against the pavement in a grotesque rush towards you.
“I'm luring it away! Be ready to run!” you yelled to the boy as you took several fast steps backwards, still trying to give him more time to escape in the face of danger.
As you turned to continue drawing it away, you barely managed to get out his name before crashing straight into his chest.
“Sato-”
His arm wrapped around you instantly, pulling you close to him as he leapt back, the grocery bags bumping lightly against your back.
Somehow, even in a precarious moment like this, he was still holding onto the bags of snacks. If it wasn't a life-or-death situation, you might have laughed.
‘He must be so mad at me right now,’ you thought, peeking up at his face to quickly gauge his expression before shifting in his arms to face forward again. There was no point in trying to get out of his grasp—you could clearly tell Satoru wasn’t letting you go.
With your attention back on the spirit, you gripped his forearm, where it stayed firm across you, bracing yourself as the curse continued its mad dash toward you both now.
“Tch… Hey ugly! This is what you get for interrupting movie night with my best friend.”
Your eyes followed the movement of his right hand as he swept it across in a horizontal motion toward the curse.
Then everything stilled.
Hell, even the curse seemed to hesitate, its grotesque form trembling mid-motion as the air around you thickened.
It looked… afraid? Was it scared of Satoru?
A second later, you received your answer as it screeched out in pain, quickly disintegrating before your eyes, vanishing in a shimmer of light and heat that resembled flames.
Incredible.
With one seamless move from your formidable friend, the danger had been eliminated as if it was nothing.
It almost didn’t feel real.
With the threat extinguished, you let go of the breath you’d been holding in before turning your attention back to the young boy. He was still frozen in fear, paralyzed and unable to move from where the curse had left him.
As if sensing your intentions, Satoru moved his arm away and released you from his hold. It seemed like he was letting you off easy for now, but he’d definitely scold you for your borderline suicidal stunt later.
Kneeling beside the boy, you offered a reassuring smile, gently resting a hand on his shoulder as he continued to cry. You could tell those were tears of relief and lingering fear.
“Shh, shhh, it’s okay now,” you murmured, your voice calm despite the adrenaline still coursing through you. “Everything’s alright now, you’re safe.”
The boy’s wide eyes slowly focused on you as he nodded, his breathing gradually steadying after your reassuring words.
“My name’s Morisato, and that’s my good friend Gojo. What’s yours?”
“Saito,” he sniffled.
“That’s a pretty name,” you said warmly. “Do you live around here?”
He nodded again, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.
“Want us to walk you home, Saito-kun?”
“Yes, please. I'm still scared. What if- what if it comes back?” The poor boy kept shivering as he spoke.
“It won't, right, Gojo?” you asked, glancing over at your friend.
Gojo had moved closer to the two of you, quietly watching the interaction unfold. His stern expression softened slightly as he crouched beside you, voice steady when he answered.
“Right. I took care of it so you don’t have to worry about it anymore, kid.” He reached out to pat the boy’s head, ruffling his hair for a second. “Let’s get you home, yeah?”
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Though it wasn’t far from the convenience store, Saito’s home was situated in the opposite direction of the Morisato residence, adding about twenty minutes to the initial snack run.
Satoru had watched in silence as you continued to reassure and comfort Saito the entire way over. After passing a few blocks, the boy had settled completely. No longer whimpering or afraid, he spent the last stretch thanking the two of you profusely for your help.
Now standing at the gate of his residence, the two of you watched as Saito raced towards the front door, turning back to give one final wave goodbye before walking past the threshold. At last, the young boy was home, safe and sound.
Not waiting another second, Gojo spun you around and pinned you to the neighboring fence, caging you in between his arms for the second time today. Only this time it wasn't accidental.
Standing like this, he realized just how much taller he’d grown compared to you in such a short time.
‘When had that happened? And how had he not noticed?’
Seeing the size difference only made his overprotective instincts flare up even more.
His brows furrowed in irritation, barely able to contain his anger as he stared down at you, his vulnerable and stupidly brave little friend.
He shouldn’t have complimented you earlier. Maybe you’d have hesitated if he hadn't. Just for a second, and he’d have been able to handle the situation without you putting yourself in harm's way.
“Do you have a death wish or something? You're never pulling a stupid stunt like that again, Y/n.”
“No, but-” you tried to protest.
“No buts, nothing. Your plan was dangerous and irresponsible as hell.”
You looked down at your shoes, like a scolded child.
“Did you even hear me when I said to stay back? I even called out after you when you took off running.”
“I didn't…” You trailed off, still looking down at the ground. He watched as you fiddled with your hands before you continued. “But I think, now that you’ve mentioned it, I can vaguely hear you saying something to me. It’s just- everything happened so fast I missed it.”
“'Cause you should've just asked me to help.” One of his hands flexed against the fence beside your head before stilling once again. “I could’ve taken care of it without you acting like bait. Despite what you believe, that’s not all you're good for.”
“I was going to. I mean, I had just started calling for you when I bumped right into you, Toru,” you sighed, deciding to look up from the sidewalk and directly into his eyes as he still hovered over you.
“Yeah, only after you almost got yourself killed. Bit too late, don’t you think?”
“I’m not saying it was smart, but I couldn’t just stand there and do nothing. Still… I’m sorry for making you worry.”
“That’s your idea of an apology?” He sighed, shaking his head. “And for the record, I could’ve reached him in time.”
“You say that, but there’s no guarantee you would’ve,” you shot back.
“Butterfly,” he huffed, his knuckles tapping restlessly against the wooden fence. “You wouldn’t be second-guessing me if you saw how hard I train.”
“Then why didn’t you just run past me?”
“Because you caught me off guard, that’s why! You didn’t even hesitate when you activated your technique and ran. Makes me regret calling you brave earlier since it probably egged you on.”
He watched the corner of your mouth twitch as you tried not to smile up at him. That small reaction only irritated him further. It made it seem like you weren’t taking the recklessness of the situation seriously. And yet, it also brought him a quiet sense of relief. Knowing how much you already endured from your elders, he hated having to add to it—but you’d left him no choice this time.
“Well, maybe I felt safe enough to be reckless because you were with me,” you said, your shoulders lifting in a small, helpless shrug beneath his arms as you looked up at him with a purposefully charming smile. He recognized it immediately for what it was—your attempt to soften him up and lighten the mood.
“Pfft. Are you trying to sweet-talk your way out of this?” he scoffed, tilting his head to one side, eyes narrowing in suspicion.
“Maayyyy-be. Is it working?” you teased.
He fought the urge to smirk, biting the inside of his cheek instead.
“Not a chance.”
“Really? Not even a tiny bit, Toru?” you said lightly, tip-toeing to bop his nose.
He caught your hand before you could pull back, lacing his fingers through yours.
“You’re such a pain,” he muttered, squeezing your hand tighter.
You grinned up at him, unbothered. “And yet you keep visiting me. All. The. Time.”
He laughed, shaking his head. “You got me there.”
Still, he didn’t let go of your hand.
“Since it's obvious you’re not sorry and acted like a total baby today,” he said after a pause, his tone turning mock-serious, “I’m gonna have to hold your hand all the way home. Just to keep you out of trouble.”
“What? That’s not fair!” you protested, tugging against his grip to no avail.
“And,” he added with a playful grin, “as punishment, we’re watching action films instead of your boring romances.”
“What? But I really wanted to see the one that just became available to rent! Please, can't we just watch that one at least? I've been waiting for monthsss.”
“Tch. Fine. But just that one.” He eased back from the fence, his grip loosening just enough to give your hand room, though he never let go of it. He felt you squeeze back as the two of you began walking together, side by side.
“By the way,” you said softly, looking up at him with a sweet smile, “thank you for saving me and little Saito, Toru.”
He glanced at you, getting caught by that familiar softness in your expression. Something about it made his chest tighten in a way he still didn’t understand. Without warning, a heat crept up from his neck to his whole face.
Crap. Was he… blushing? Why the hell was that even happening?
He quickly looked ahead, pretending to focus on the sidewalk and hoping you wouldn’t notice as he answered you.
“Y-you don’t have to thank me,” he stammered, trying to sound casual and completely failing. “You know I’ll always protect you, butterfly.”
“So you've told me like a hundred times now. But still, I want you to know how much I appreciate you.”
His lips twitched, and the warmth across his face from before turned into a raging hot fire.
“Same goes for you, y’know,” he managed.
“I do,” you replied as he felt your fingers tug his hand into a gentle, back-and-forth swing.
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By the time you both reached your house, the sky had already turned a deep shade of indigo. The cicadas and crickets hummed softly somewhere beyond the garden walls of the Morisato residence, and the warm glow from the porch light made everything feel a little calmer after the chaos from earlier.
As always, you welcomed him into your family’s home, inviting him inside and greeting your household as though the two of you hadn’t just been through something almost life-threatening.
Your two brothers called out to him, one half-joking that Gojo might as well start renting out the guest room with how often he was over. The comment had made the room laugh, with even your parents joining in—the sound felt strange, almost foreign, coming from them. But then again, Satoru Gojo was always an exception to their rules.
Neither you nor Satoru were blind to that fact, or to their hypocrisy. False politeness and shallow acceptance were simply a part of the culture, especially among sorcerer families.
Still, it was better than at the Gojo estate, where every glance felt rehearsed and every word served as a reminder of who Satoru was expected to become. Here, at least, the conversations and laughs with your siblings sounded real.
Despite their lax restrictions, your parents did require one thing from him if he planned to stay the night, and that was to personally call the Gojo residence and inform them that he’d be at the Morisatos again.
It was an obvious power play on your family's part. Satoru didn't care if it was, he just wanted to prolong his time with you whenever he could. The Gojo clan weren't keen on these overnight stays, however. They had tried to protest them when they first began, citing how such actions might be misconstrued as something more than friendship.
But their efforts never succeeded, and eventually, they stopped trying altogether. So, truly, him calling and letting them know where he'd be had become little more than a ‘formality'.
And tonight was no different.
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Later that night, you sat cross-legged beside him on the floor, a bowl of popcorn and other snacks from the convenience store between you as the two of you watched the single romance movie he’d reluctantly agreed to. You kept sneaking little smiles his way whenever something sappy happened, clearly amused at his exaggerated groans.
And yet, somewhere between your laughter and the flicker of the over-the-top scenes on the TV, Satoru realized something. He felt happy here—calm, at ease.
That unguarded feeling wasn’t something he had anywhere else, and it only ever surfaced when he was with you.
Is this what having a ‘home’ felt like? He wondered.
Without really thinking, he leaned his head against your shoulder, his white hair landing and lying on your shirts sleeve.
“You getting sleepy already?” you teased.
He only grinned. “Nah. Just bored to death with your tragic love story.”
A moment after he said that, you paused the film and turned your head toward him. “If you really don’t like it, we can change it.”
He waved a hand dismissively. “What? And miss finding out if these two defy the odds and get married? How could we ever go on living, butterfly?”
You squinted at him. “I’m serious, Toru.”
“And so am I,” he replied with a smirk, peeking up at you from the corner of his view. “Press play. We finish what we start.”
You rolled your eyes but did as he asked.
He shouldn’t have been surprised by your offer—you were always so selfless. You’d proven that to him more than ever today.
It wasn’t long before the star-crossed lovers on screen were reunited in a flurry of breathless declarations and swelling music, the woman rushing into the man’s arms as he swept her off her feet and spun her around in a tight embrace before sealing it all with a kiss meant to promise forever—or a happily ever after.
Without quite realizing what he was doing, his eyes had drifted upwards to your lips. Then he wondered—briefly, stupidly—what it might feel like to do the same, to kiss you.
Moving from your shoulder, he shook the thought away and grabbed another handful of popcorn, pretending to be extremely invested in chewing to distract himself.
It didn’t help.
He still snuck another glance a moment later.
When the credits rolled, he cleared his throat and reached for the remote. “Alright, that’s enough sappy romance for today. Action time.”
“Thanks for enduring it for me, Toru,” you said cheerily.
“It’s fine. Wasn’t so bad.”
You laughed. “Really? You’re not lying?”
“Yeah. I liked that they got together at the end.”
“Me too,” you murmured, stretching out your arms. “So many movies have been so sad lately.”
“Yeah, we shouldn't have to worry about that with this one,” he said, tapping the case of his chosen film.
Satoru fixed his gaze on the screen as the previews played across it. But despite himself, his mind still drifted back to that ridiculous reunion scene once more—the twirling embrace, the kiss between lovers.
Why the hell was he so fixated on it?
Stop it.
Stop thinking about it, you idiot.
He tried to ignore the question lingering in the back of his mind, but it proved impossible.
“Hey, butterfly.”
“Yes?”
He kept his eyes on the TV, pretending to sound casual.
“Want to try that scene at the end? I could lift you up, easy.”
You blinked at his sudden suggestion, then smiled while nodding. “Sure, but you better not drop me.”
“Pfft. Fat chance,” he replied, already springing to his feet. “After today, you should know that I wouldn’t.”
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After moving to a more suitable empty spot in the room, the two of you stood across from each other.
“Ready when you are,” he said with a grin.
You took a few steps forward, careful not to activate your technique or go too fast. The soft tap, tap, tap of your socks on the floor filled the quiet silence as you neared him. Satoru braced himself with an exaggerated seriousness that made you giggle.
The second you were close enough, his hands slid to your waist—and in one fluid, overconfident motion, he lifted you right off your feet as your hands instinctively shifted onto his shoulders for balance.
Then he twirled the two of you around—not once, but twice.
The first spin was a little wobbly, sending both of you into a fit of laughter. The second turn smoothed out as he adjusted his footing and grip, his grin growing more and more triumphant as the room blurred in a soft circle of color around you both.
He softly guided you down, gently setting your feet back onto the floor. “See?” he puffed, trying to act cool. “Told you. Zero chance I’d drop you.”
“Yeah, yeah, Toru,” you rolled your eyes at him as you moved away and out of his arms. “I can see why they do it so often in the movies now.”
“Was it that fun? Maybe you should try to twirl me around a bit, huh?”
“I wouldn’t be able to do that, Satoru.”
“Maybe not like this, but if I activate my technique then I’d be practically weightless.”
“You can’t be serious,” you said, shaking your head as you stepped back toward the couch and floor cushions. “Even with your help, I’d totally drop you.”
He clicked his tongue, following after you and flopping down beside you. “Yeah, but it’d be hilarious.” Then, with a lazy bump of his shoulder on yours, he added, “C’mon. Movie’s waiting, fraidy-cat. Press play.”
As the movie came to its climactic end and the credits began to roll, Satoru stretched out his hand and poked your cheek to grab your attention.
“Hmm?” you hummed, still half-focused on the screen.
“Why don’t we make it our thing,” he said, without adding the proper context—which left you a bit lost in the moment.
You turned toward him, confused. “Make what our thing?”
“The thing we just did? The twirl,” he said easily, swirling his finger in the air as a demonstration. “When we see each other from now on, I'll greet you with it.”
You scoffed, incredulous. “Hah! As fun as that was, isn't it a bit too much? People would look at us like we’re crazy, Toru”
“So?” he shrugged. “It'll be our own inside joke. And we don't have to do it every time, just when we feel like it.”
He watched your expression shift as you thought it over.
“C’mon, butterfly,” he nudged, smirking. “Don’t act like you didn’t enjoy it.”
You bumped his shoulder back, giving in to his suggestion with hardly any convincing. “Okay, fine. Fiiiine. But not all the time—and only one spin from here on out.”
His grin widened. “Deal.”
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Two action films, empty snacks, and a goodnight wave later, you found yourself lying in bed, staring up at the ceiling of your room as you recalled the events of the day—like the memories of your childhood at the playground, the adrenaline rush of saving that sweet boy, and the new tradition you and Satoru had laughed into existence.
Despite the dangers you’d faced, each passing reflection made you smile as sleep slowly crept in, your eyelids beginning to droop.
Briefly, your mind drifted back to Satoru and the strength he'd shown you only a few hours ago. ‘To have power like that,’ you thought drowsily, ‘would’ve changed everything for you.’
How could you not feel even a little bit envious of your friend then? Especially when your grandparents' words constantly echoed in your head.
Even now you could hear them as you floated between the land of dreams and reality.
“The only way to restore your worth to this family is to marry a powerful sorcerer and provide him with heirs. Strengthen this bloodline the only way you can or else.”
Is that what they expected from your friendship with Satoru?
You could never do that to him—trap him and use him like that just to satisfy the demands of your horrible elders. The thought alone made your chest tighten as the room faded from focus, sleep finally claiming you for the night.
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Sunday, December 7, 2003.
Satoru Gojo was now fourteen—and one year closer to leaving, despite the uproar he'd continued to receive from the Gojo clan for his choices.
It was just as you'd said, though. Being a jujutsu sorcerer made sense for him, and it would be a waste if he didn't pursue improvement elsewhere—away from their pointless monitoring and interference.
He’d made up his mind. They’d just have to come to terms with it eventually—or risk him publicly severing ties with the clan altogether. He knew he could leverage that against them. They’d never gamble with the position he gave them in jujutsu society.
Already, they were trying to put on a false united front, hosting a birthday dinner at the Gojo estate in his honor. Of course, they had made sure to invite the Morisatos—he'd have skipped the event otherwise if they hadn't.
It was the usual elegant affair with luxurious traditional clothing, an abundance of tasteful foods, and elaborate entertainment.
Somehow, he'd let you convince him to observe the proper etiquette requirements—which, given your family's status compared to others in attendance, meant you were seated farther away.
It made having a conversation impossible, unless the two of you yelled across the room. Satoru wasn't opposed to doing so, but you'd forbidden him from trying.
So now here he was—sitting bored at the head of the table during this grand dinner, surrounded by people that annoyed him to no end.
He watched you from afar as you mingled with your siblings and others seated near you. Eventually, you noticed his gaze and gave him a sweet, reassuring smile that read ‘you're doing great, and it'll be over soon’.
He sighed, taking another bite full from his plate of food.
As the dining portion of this so-called celebration came to a close, the guests were escorted to another hall, where the evening's entertainment would be held.
He'd had enough of following rules for the day and waited for your group, walking alongside you rather than where he should've been.
“Toru, shouldn't you be over there?” You whispered quietly.
“Yeah, but I played along during dinner already, butterfly. Isn't that enough? Can't I sit with you now?” He replied just as hushed, almost pouting at you when the conversation was interrupted by your eldest sister.
“Gojo, make sure not to get lost on your way to your seat. The Morisatos wouldn't want you to miss out on your celebration,” Hana smoothly said with a pointed smile before moving away again.
‘Damnit.’ He thought, knowing all too well that he had lost this battle.
“Go before you get both of us in more trouble. We'll do something after this. Promise.”
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“Uuugh. It felt like that was never going to end,” Gojo complained, kicking the dirt beneath his feet as the two of you walked the path around the Gojo estate—the same one that had led to your meeting.
“It did seem to drag on a bit more than usual.” You agreed, following behind him.
“See? Even you can't defend them this time.”
You laughed and shrugged your shoulders.
“And please don't ever ask me to sit away from you again. Listening to those old geezers go on and on was basically torture.”
You rolled your eyes at his overdramatic words, though you still felt sorry for him—especially since it was supposed to be his special day.
“At least it's over with?” you added.
“Yeah,” he paused. “Want to head out to our spot, butterfly?”
“Think we can? It might still be a bit wet after the snow melted today.”
“We should be fine. Besides, I can always carry you if need be,” he teased, tilting his head in your direction.
You laughed, nudging his arm. “Just ‘cause it's your birthday, I'll take the risk. But, I'd rather we not have to resort to that, Toru.”
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Luckily, the melted snow did not make a damsel in distress out of you. The two of you had made it to the pile of rocks where you’d first met, safe and sound.
As he leaned his back against the stone, you pulled out his birthday gifts from your purse—one was in the shape of a letter and the other a small, yet artfully wrapped present.
“Surprise! Happy Birthday Toru~” you excitedly said, handing over the gifts to your best friend.
He took them from you carefully, turning them over in his hands as if weighing something more than their size. A slow, bright smile spread across his face, one brow lifting with quiet amazement.
“You’re something else, you know that?” he said softly. “Spoiling me like this…”
“Of course you can.” You beamed back.
He glanced back up at you, eyes alight.
“Can I open them here?”
“I'll start with the present then,” he replied, carefully removing the wrapping from the gift to reveal a box.
Inside it were two small canvases you'd painted yourself. One was of the butterfly Pokémon you still loved, and the other was of his favorite Digimon—together, the pair were a silly reminder of the start of your friendship. How appropriate that he'd opened them here.
He laughed before he could stop himself, blinking hard as something unfamiliar pricked at the corners of his eyes.
“Geez, is my painting so bad that it made you cry?” You giggled.
“Nah, are you kidding?” They're so cool. I love them.”
“I'm glad you think so, my teacher called it a waste of materials.”
He clicked his tongue. “Shows what she knows. This is something special.”
“I can hold them for you if you want to open the letter now,” you offered, extending your arm. He handed the box over to you as he moved on to your next gift, noting the attentive excitement on your face as he unfolded the card.
Inside the envelope was a heartfelt note from you, money from your family, and a folded-up map of Kyoto marked at specific locations.
He unfolded it, brows lifting as he took in the familiar streets—and then the locations you'd marked yourself.
“What’s this supposed to mean?” he asked, glancing up at you.
“It's your birthday adventure,” you said, rocking back on your heels. “My brother told me they started putting up all the holiday lights, so I thought it would be fun if we went to see them. And we can explore wherever else you want, too.”
He stared at it for a second longer than necessary before a grin formed across his face. “Wow. You really went all out, huh?”
“Mmhm,” you hummed before continuing. “And I already got permission from my side and yours. You just have to choose when.”
“It'll have to be soon, then. They've got me doing something at the end of the month that'll keep me away for a while.”
“Oh? How come?” You questioned aloud.
“It's really just extra training, but I can't tell you specifics. Or I'd have to kill ya'” he joked, winking at you before adding, “don’t worry, I’ll be done before your birthday. Promise.”
You rolled your eyes. “That’s not why I asked.”
“I know—just thought I should mention it.” He paused, thinking for a moment. “How about this Friday?”
“Yeah, I think Friday will work out just fine.”
“Then it's settled,” he said, pushing off the stone structure, lacing his hands behind his head as he turned toward you. “I'm actually excited. I've never been to the festivities in Kyoto before.”
“The Gojo clan has never taken you anywhere normal, have they?” You sighed as you walked in his direction.
“Nah, guess not.” He laughed, bumping his shoulder lightly against yours as the two of you started back toward the estate. “But that’s what I’ve got you for, butterfly~”
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Friday, December 12, 2003.
The week had seemingly dragged on, each day blending into the next as Friday approached at a frustratingly slow pace. Your schooling, after-class lessons, familial obligations, and Satoru’s training filled the hours, leaving little room to dwell on anything else. And yet, beneath it all lingered the quiet anticipation of the sightseeing trip to Kyoto for his birthday.
When the day finally arrived, everything moved so quickly.
By early evening, the two of you were walking side by side through the streets of Kyoto, coats pulled close against the cold. The winter air carried a sharp chill, only softened by the glow of holiday lights strung overhead and wrapped around storefronts and the trees lining each area the two of you wandered through. You both slowed more than once to admire the displays, lingering beneath the lights before moving on, unhurried and content to let the evening unfold at its own pace.
You found yourself tugging lightly at Satoru’s sleeve whenever something interesting caught your attention. And, without fail, he had followed your gaze every time, though his eyes sometimes lingered on you afterwards.
Street booths lined the busier paths, their warm lights, hanging lanterns, and inviting scents breaking up the walk the two of you were on in gentle increments. You drifted from one establishment to the next, sampling sweets and small treats meant to be enjoyed in this cold weather. And each time you reached for your wallet, Satoru stepped in without hesitation, brushing off your protests and paying anyway, as if this trip were your birthday celebration rather than his. You teased him for it, of course, but he only shrugged it off, already moving ahead as though the matter had never been up for debate—an act that was truly reminiscent of your every snack run and movie night with him.
At some point, the two of you ducked into a small photo booth tucked between several shops in Shinkyogoku. The pictures came out uneven and imperfect—there was one caught mid-laugh, another with exaggerated expressions, and one where the two of you were looking at each other rather than the camera. Neither of you minded; they felt more real that way. Candid. For safekeeping, you tucked the photo strips into your purse afterward.
Not far from the shopping district, the familiar glow and hum of a small arcade drew the two of you inside. It was a welcomed reprieve, a pocket of warmth away from the cold. The air buzzed with electronic sounds and muffled music, lights flashing across rows of claw machines as you wandered between them. You challenged each other to a few rounds of Street Fighter, laughing when things didn’t go as planned and celebrating small victories as if they were somthing far more impressive.
In the end, you'd beaten Satoru by one match—something he protested immediately, blaming your unfair advantage after you'd spent years playing against your brothers. He'd only stopped being a brat about it when you won him a prize at one of the claw machines as an olive branch.
It had been over an hour by the time you both stepped back outside—the crowds had already thinned as the evening began to wind down around you. With your hands full of small souvenirs and the last of the arcade’s warmth fading, the two of you turned toward the train station. When the train finally came, he boarded it with you without hesitation, taking a seat beside you as it pulled away. It carried you both back to Nara—and away from the Gojo residence. Outside the window, Kyoto slipped past in a blur of lights before giving way to the darkness.
Once the train arrived back in Nara, the two of you stepped onto the platform together. The night settled comfortably around you as the outing quietly came to an end. Well, at least the Kyoto part of it—since Satoru seemed to be planning on staying over at your house again. The Gojos would not be happy about that. Not in the slightest. And you both knew it.
But that was just another detail to add to this collection of memories you were building together. One more “remember when” tucked carefully into the shared history of your friendship.
And as far as either one of you could tell, there was no end to this closeness in sight.
Tag list: @ms-aman, @ilyannailyanna, @mel-vaz, @cursedadoration, (let me know if you'd like to be tagged as well <3)
