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Chapter 3 — Catch You Later, Butterfly

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.”

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.”

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.”

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.”

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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.”

⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂ ⠂⠄⠄⠂𐀔

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