Archive of Our Own ^beta

When Gojo sees him for the first time, he thinks he has just met an angel.

Smooth and supple looking skin. Long eyelashes with eyes that shine as if they’re the most exquisite, rare jade jewels. Moist and dewy pinkish lips that look like a temptation itself. Graced with a stunningly beautiful but still sharp face, completed with a lean but sturdy-looking figure, he looks like the descendant of the Aphrodite herself. 

It’s glaringly obvious that he’s his new junior. The only one, with how he’s all alone while trailing behind Yaga like some kind of a duckling. Instead of having a normal ceremony like other schools, any active students of Jujutsu High are being herded into an empty meeting room to be introduced to the fresh batch of students, considering their small numbers. It’s important to know each other in this tightly-closed community after all, when connection and power can bring you anywhere you want.

He curiously studies him. There’s no emotion on this newbie's face, as if he’s used to schooling his expression. His cursed energy is abundant too, mayhaps another one like Yuuta? But he hasn’t heard anything about a newcomer. Surely with this level of energy it’d have incited gossip and talks, at the very least. 

Unfortunately, that impression lasts for only a couple of minutes before the younger man opens his mouth.

He watches how the pretty boy sweeps his eyes to the occupants who are sitting across from him. “Hello. My name is Megumi. It’s nice to meet you, Senpai. Please take care of me.” He bows down politely.

Gojo tsk-es silently in disappointment. He expects more. This Megumi’s pretty basic. Polite and curt like Suguru but having none of his playfulness. Not shy but brave like Yuuta or bold and brash like Maki. 

With that stiff attitude he might not last long in this world. 

Being up close like this, he scans him up and down with his eyes. His interest is piqued again when he notices how his cursed energy is focused in his shadow instead. Wait-

“You’re a Zenin?” Gojo remarks bluntly as something clicks in his head. “You’re that Zenin Megumi? The prized heir of that damn clan?” He frowns in distaste as the image he had previously is completely shattered now. 

He has heard some things about the secret heir of the Zenin Clan. Some said that he’s sold when he was a child by his father, who ironically has gotten out of that cursed clan. Some said that he’s abducted and being held by force by the main branch of the family (which could be the truth, with how vile Zenin is). The rumor also said that ever since he’s absorbed back into the main family, he has lived inside the Zenin’s compound and been kept under the wraps by the current Head’s order, Naobito.

He heard that how he looks isn't known by many, since he’s never brought into any clans’ meetings or whatnot despite his title as the heir. 

Very unlike him or other clans’ heirs.  

Well, until now. 

After hearing his remarks, Megumi’s face hardens instantly as he openly glares at him. His jaw is tight while Maki chuckles across him. “My name is Megumi.” The recently introduced first year says coldly. “Please make sure to address me as such instead of that clan’s name, Senpai.” 

“Calm down, Megumi-chan.” Gojo immediately pushes both of his hands in front of his chest with an appeasing manner, surprised with the sudden bite. “I’m just saying. I don’t like that clan as well- no offense Maki-chan.”

“Oh.” His expression melts back into what it was before and he blinks at the whiplash. 

“So you’re like Maki-chan?” Shoko voices out kindly, in which Megumi nods. 

Before it can escalate even further, Yaga raises his hand to shut them up. “Everyone, this is Zenin Megumi.” He says while gesturing his hand to the first year. “He’ll be the only admittance for this year, so no pranks or anything untoward at all.” The middle aged man glares pointedly to the current line of third years, in particular one person.   

Feeling the heavy weight of Yaga’s stare, Gojo gasps dramatically while putting his right hand on his chest. “I would never.” 

“I’ll keep him in line.” Geto responds to his teacher with a convincing smile. 

“I’ll keep them both in line.” Shoko rectifies. “Just tell me if these two bother you, Megumi. I’m Shoko Ieiri and this one is Geto Suguru.” She introduces the black haired third year who only smiles and waves at him. “The other one is named Gojo Satoru. Don’t hesitate to kick him if he bothers you.” She ends solemnly. 

“Hey!” He protests at the slander. 

“I’m Okkotsu Yuuta. Pleased to meet you, Megumi.” Okkotsu grins shyly. 

“You know me.” Maki smirks. 

Megumi smiles in return. “Pleased to make your acquaintance, Senpai.” He bows once again. 

“What grades are you, Megumi?” Geto speaks out curiously.

“Semi Grade One.” The younger boy responds. 

Gojo whistles in interest as the other occupants of the room aside from Maki and Yaga blinks in surprise at the revelation.

He knows both of his juniors are powerful, with Yuuta as another Special Grade and Maki with her stupid Grade Four status when she could easily be a Grade One. But this boy has just been admitted and he’s already a Semi Grade One? 

“Well, welcome to hell Megumi-chan. Let’s have fun here.” He grins. 

.

.

.

Wrong. 

He’s so wrong. 

Megumi is so boring. Even worse than Yuuta.

Always so polite, calm and collected. Whenever he pokes fun at him he’ll just stare at him uninterestedly, as if he’s the pest in the first place. He doesn’t know how to have fun, always either sparring, studying, or helping the staff. More often than not, he’ll also find the young heir either under the shade in the dorm’s backyard or at one of the gardens in Jujutsu High’s area with a book in his hand. Sometimes he’s accompanied by his divine dogs - confirming to him that Megumi inherits the famous Ten Shadows. 

Sure, he’s powerful considering his age. His Semi Grade One status apparently isn’t only for show. Agile and strong, it seems that Megumi has also mastered his technique to some degree, albeit he has never seen him practice or do a domain. Megumi’s definitely lacking the knowledge and experience, but he’s also a fast learner to balance it out. 

It’s such a shame that Megumi is also so righteous and rigid that sometimes he sees him as the boring version of Suguru. He seems to hold -more or less- the same morality and ideology with his best friend, even though not as broad as the latter. 

That’s his only saving grace, choosing the people he saves is such a cheeky thing for doing something “good”. 

And oh, their mutual dislike of Zenin. 

But that’s that. 

Truly. 

.

.

In retrospect, he should’ve expected that Megumi and Suguru would be compatible with each other.

“Ah, it’s too hot.” Gojo complains as they finally slip into the other building of Jujutsu High. “I don’t understand why they have to put the cafeteria so far away from the classroom’s building.” He adds while fanning his face.

“Isn’t it because that other full-fledged sorcerers also eat their meals here?” Geto replies. 

“Then they should’ve made a separate cafeteria for them.” Shoko for once agrees with Gojo. “It’s too troublesome.” 

“A little walk is good for your- Oh Megumi is here.” The black haired male cuts his own word as he glances at the lone back of Megumi. They end up getting their food first, before they approach the first year. 

“He’s alone?” Shoko hums as they walk. “I wonder where Yuuta-kun and Maki-chan are. They usually stick close to him right?” 

“They’re probably on a mission.” Gojo shrugs. 

“Megumi-kun.” Shoko calls out kindly, making the younger man snap his head to the back where he sees three of his seniors. He immediately nods his head politely. 

“Can we join you?” Geto asks kindly as they approach him. 

“Of course, Senpai.” Megumi replies. 

Shoko takes his left, while Geto takes the seat across Megumi, leaving Gojo to sit across her. 

“Where are Yuuta-kun and Maki-chan?” She asks while starting on her meal. 

“They’re on a mission.” Megumi answers.

“Together?” Geto asks curiously. 

“No, separately.” The younger man shakes his head. “Maki isn’t entirely happy with it.” 

“Who wouldn’t?” Gojo scoffs. “Those Zenin fuckheads should be toppled down.” 

“You can get in trouble just for saying that, Satoru.” Geto sighs as he eats his meal, used to his best friend’s frank and filter-less mouth.

“Gojo-senpai isn’t wrong.” Megumi defends the white haired man. “They’re too old fashioned and such sexist pigs on top of that.” He calmly voices out his opinion. 

Gojo can’t help but snicker at the insult. “I’d have said trash, but pig isn’t bad either, Megumi-chan.”

“For the umpteenth time, please just call me Megumi, Gojo-senpai.” The younger man sighs defeatedly as he eats the last of his salad. He tentatively stares at the lidded milk pudding at the corner of his bento box. Before he can do anything, Geto takes the milk pudding and puts a piece of his chicken katsu on his tray in exchange. Megumi blinks at the gesture, before a grateful smile adorns his face. “Thank you, Geto-senpai.” 

Gojo, who surreptitiously watches the exchange, frowns at the rather intimate gesture. It gets even deeper when he sees the smile on his junior’s cute face being directed to his best friend. “Why did you do that?” He turns his head to Geto. 

“Megumi doesn’t like sweets.” Geto shrugs. 

“Yes, I’m not fond of sweets.” Megumi affirms. “The lady of the cafeteria won’t accept that I don’t want the dessert.” He explains before nibbling on the chicken katsu. 

“You don’t like sweets?” Gojo affrontedly asks. 

“It nauseates me if it’s too sweet.” He shakes his head. 

“You should be firm with her next time.” Geto advises. “She meant well.”

“I will, thank you Geto-senpai.” The first year nods as he tidies up his tray. “I have to go now. Goodbye, Shoko-senpai, Geto-senpai, Gojo-senpai.” He politely nods his head to them, before slipping out from his seat with his empty tray. 

“How did you know that Megumi doesn’t like sweets?” Gojo immediately interrogates his best friend.

Geto stares at the other contemplatively at the sudden question. “I talk to him from time to time. Sometimes we’ll text each other too.” He says after a while. 

“Why?” Gojo says as if he’s being scandalized. 

“Megumi’s kind of cute, you know.” Geto nonchalantly remarks while carefully gauging the other’s response. “I’m actually pretty close with him. Why?” He throws the question back to his white haired friend. 

At the question, Gojo seems to snap out of it. “Nothing. Just curious.” He casually replies before he resumes on his meal.

“Are you sure?” Geto’s eyes twinkle amusedly at the rather abrupt change of attitude. “Somehow I have a hard time believing that.”

“It’s nothing. Why are you being weird?” Gojo looks back with an appalled face. 

“You’re the one-”

Before they can bicker even further, Megumi suddenly appears back to their table with a can of coffee in his hand. 

“Thank you and sorry for the trouble yesterday, Geto-senpai.” Megumi nods respectfully, before he puts the cold beverage in front of him. 

“Don’t mention it, Megumi. Relax.” Geto laughs. “But thank you.” He takes the can and shakes it gently. 

“Aw, where is our share, Megumi?” Shoko teases. 

“I’ll bring more next time, Shoko-senpai.” Megumi replies with a polite smile. He nods at them before leaving once again.

“What did he mean with yesterday? Weren’t you on a mission?” Gojo asks. 

“I was, but I accidentally met him on my way back.” Geto answers.

“What happened?” Shoko asks curiously.

“He’s on a mission too and the victim was a little kid. Megumi seemed to be bothered that the kid had to go back to his house by himself, so he ended up searching and accompanying him until he’s reunited with his parents.” He explains while opening the extra milk pudding. “I came across them and I followed them in the end.” 

“Ehh, I didn’t think that Megumi would be bothered with that kind of thing.” Shoko comments. “I’d never thought that you’d accompany him too, Suguru.” She raises her eyebrow. 

“It’s Megumi, so it’s fine.” Geto shrugs. “As I said, he’s kind of cute.” 

“Eyy, I should keep Megumi away from you then.” The only girl of the trio teases, earning a laugh from Geto in response.

Both of them don't miss the sudden silence from the white haired man for the rest of the lunch. 

Gojo tentatively stares at the phone in his hand. It’s been two weeks, but he never receives any request to spar anymore from Megumi. The younger would sometimes ask him for a simple training session here and there, but it’s been radio silence from him.

Not like he wants to per se, but it’s always kind of fun to see someone grow to their rightful potential. 

He also likes sparring with Yuuta and Maki. 

Yes, he also likes sparring with the second years, so it’s not weird for him to look up to Megumi’s. The younger probably train with them too, in retrospect. It’s not like he’s the only option.

But he’s the strongest. Surely he’ll benefit more if he trains with him instead. 

There’s someone else with the title as the strongest though, his mind whispers. 

“Fuck it.” Gojo curses as he stands up from his bed. Being cooped up like this won’t do him any good. 

.

.

He’s going in the direction of the vending machines, when he notices two familiar figures walking together from the opposite direction. 

Megumi and Suguru.

It seems that they’ve just trained together, if their outfits and Megumi’s disheveled look aren’t glaringly obvious enough.

“Gojo-senpai.” Megumi greets him politely as they meet right in front of the vending machines. 

“Yo.” He responds as he stares at them.

“I thought you’re on a mission?” Geto asks with a curious tilt. 

“Nah, it’s cancelled. The on-site curses are lower than expected so I was switched out at the last minute.” Gojo shakes his head.

“Ahh.” Geto hums with a thoughtful look. “What are you doing here though?” He inquires as he casually circles his arm to rest on the younger’s shoulder.

Gojo narrows his eyes at the skinship behind his glasses, but he maintains his expression well. “This.” He gestures with his chin toward the vending machines. “You guys have just finished training?” He asks nonchalantly. 

“Yeah. Megumi asked me to spar with him, right Megumi?” Geto turns his head to the younger. 

Megumi nods. “I asked Geto-senpai and he kindly agreed to help me.” 

Gojo feels his jaws tighten when he sees the satisfied smile on Geto’s face. “I see.” 

“Yep. You need me or something?” The black haired male asks. 

“Nah, just wondering where you are.” Gojo coolly denies while putting his hands on his pocket. “Well, don’t let me hinder you two. It’ll be bad for others if they have to put up with your awfuo smell, Suguru.” He mocks teasingly. 

“Fuck off.” Geto laughs as he pulls the younger and walk past Gojo. 

.

.

Forget getting fresh air, it’s just dampening his mood.

(Something ugly and hideous burns in his chest.)

“That old man is so annoying.” Gojo grumbles as they walk in the corridor of Jujutsu High. 

“Says the one who is responsible for this mess in the first place.” Geto replies calmly as he brings three thick reports in his hand.  

“I should be the one nagging on both of you for dragging me in too.” Shoko sighs. “If you didn’t goad on the curse-user, the building wouldn’t have exploded and we’d have been spared from this.” 

“But Ieiri-chan, that’s no fun~ And we have to stick by each other right?” Gojo exclaims with a false sugary tone as they turn left to where Yaga’s office is. 

“Hi, Megumi.” Shoko ignores her friend and greets her junior instead. 

“Good afternoon, Senpai.” Megumi bows politely to the three third years. 

“Are you waiting for Yaga-sensei, Megumi?” Geto asks kindly. 

“Yes, I’m waiting for him.” Megumi replies. “I need his signature, but it seems that he’s still in a meeting.”

Geto takes a look at the time. “He should be done soon.” 

“He has to, if we don’t want to be late for the movie.” Shoko says, also checking on the time.

“If you just need to submit the reports, you can just leave it to me.” Megumi offers. “I’ll give them to him.” He says. 

“Nice.” Gojo comments. “Let’s go then.” 

“Thank you, Megumi.” Shoko adds. 

Geto keeps his silence, before he looks up to his friends. “You guys go and buy the snacks and tickets first. I’ll try waiting on Yaga-sensei until the last minute.” He decides.

“Megumi has offered to give them to him though.” Gojo grumbles. “Just leave them to him.” 

“Nah, you guys go first. Yaga-sensei will nag us endlessly if none of us shows up. I’ll keep Megumi company at the same time.” Geto insists while shooing them. 

“Fine.” Gojo huffs before turning around and walks toward the exit with Shoko in tow. Vaguely, he can hear both males are already making small talk. 

“The reports are really thick, Senpai.” 

“Yeah. Yaga-sensei punished us because we forgot to put up the curtain again and the building exploded.” 

“Again?”  

“That’s why he made us write five thousands words on why putting a curtain is important. I shouldn’t have let Satoru-” 

Curious, Gojo takes a glance to the back, where he sees Megumi is chuckling at his best friend. He exhales in irritation before hastening his pace. 

.

.

.

“Hey, Satoru.” Shoko calls as they walk across the yard. It’s a particularly bright day, but not enough sun to make it too hot, a perfect day for an outing. The gloomy aura around the white haired male is also as clear as the current sky. 

“What?” Gojo asks curtly.

“What do you think of Megumi?” Shoko starts. 

“Why would you ask me that?” Gojo replies with distaste on his face. 

“Just answer me.” She says.

“He’s just another junior. A strong sorcerer, but a very boring, uninteresting one at that.” Gojo dramatically waves his right hand. “Have you seen him? So righteous and polite, annoying.” He replies while making a blegh face.

Shoko smiles curiously at the answer. “Are you really sure?” 

“What do you mean?” The taller male asks her. “Look at him now, he even made Suguru wait with him instead of being with us.” He complains. 

“Hmm…” She mulls. “Satoru, could it be that you’re interested in Megumi?” Shoko bluntly asks.

“Haa? Did you get hit on the head by the curse yesterday, Ieiri?” Gojo snaps his head to the shorter female. “Where did you even get that idea in the first place?” He incredulously stares at the shorter female. 

“Well, I think you’re not annoyed because Suguru chose to accompany Megumi for the time being, but rather, it’s because Megumi let Suguru accompany him. We both know that they converse really well with each other too.” She reasons. 

“Me? The Gojo Satoru? The strongest and greatest Jujutsu Sorcerer of this era? Liking that flat-faced dull poofball?” Gojo stares at her with a slack jaw and exaggerated disgusted expression, while pointing at himself. “Are you kidding me, Ieiri-chan? Please I have taste and standard.” 

“I didn’t say anything about liking Megumi.” She smirks with a knowing look. 

Gojo shakes his head and gasps dramatically like some kind of offended korean-drama mom. “That’s it, Ieiri-chan! I’m taking you to the medical wing, we need to check if you’re truly hit in the head somehow.” 

“You’re dodging the subject, Satoru.” She says while amusedly looking at him. 

“I didn’t! Oh right, how about your application as a healer?” Gojo asks curiously to her as they finally nearing the entrance of the school’s parking area. 

“It went well.” She replies, letting him off the hook. “If all goes well, Yaga-sensei will help me to apply for the license.” 

“I don’t understand why you would need a normal medical license when you can use reverse technique in the first place.” He comments. 

“It’s always good to be prepared.” Shoko shrugs. “Who knows, maybe someday you’re going to be pierced in the lungs and I can’t save your ass because I’m not sure how to work it out.” She says. “Then you’d die with regret since you haven’t confessed to Megumi.” 

“Point’s taken and nulled.” He solemnly says. “Nothing can touch me and I’ve told you, Ieiri-chan, I don’t like Megumi!” He huffs. 

“If you say so, Satoru. If you say so.” 

.

.

“I really don’t…” Gojo mutters while walking back to his room that night. 

The image of Megumi’s smile to Suguru flashes behind his eyes and Gojo grits his teeth in annoyance. 

He really doesn’t. 

There’s no way someone like him likes someone like Megumi.

(Then why is he so annoyed at Suguru?)

Three of them are in the middle of a hot debate about whether a fire-based curse will be exorcized easily with just enough water that’s been used to submerge S-class curse weapons, when four knocks echo in the room. It’s not long before the door is slid open and shows their one and only first year kouhai. 

“Um…” He hesitantly says as he stares at them incredulously.

From the outside perspective, it must’ve been a funnily awkward scene. Him and Suguru on top of the desk, arguing intensely while Shoko is sitting on the teacher’s desk with the long ruler to poke at them. 

“Is this a bad time?” Megumi asks the calmest of the three. 

“No, these trashes are just arguing on something stupid and I’m here to flame it up.” Shoko answers composedly. “Do you need anything, Megumi?” She asks kindly.

“Uh, I was going to ask a few question to Geto-senpai but I think it is a bad time-” 

“No, of course not. I’d rather have an actual discussion with you rather than trash number two.” Geto immediately interjects while having his usual patient smile on his face. “Let’s talk in the corridor.” He tugs on Megumi’s hand.

“Why am I trash number two?” Gojo complains as he plops down back to his seat. Surreptitiously, he watches from the corner of his eyes how Suguru and Megumi talk animatedly. They’re just exactly on the edge of the door, enough that he can see them both but not enough that their voice will be heard clearly. 

“That’s your concern?” Shoko teases as she taps his head with the ruler. 

“Shut it, Ieiri.” He grumbles while shoving the ruler away. 

Ever since the little talk between him and Shoko, he’s so hyper aware about Megumi. How he talks and whom he talks to, how his usually disinterested jade eyes will go sharp and blazing with fire as he fights with his shikigami, how he really avoids any sweet things (which at some points he wonders how Suguru knew about it. Did Megumi tell him or did he ask? Or did they often have meals together, enough for Suguru to notice it?). 

He also doesn’t miss how his best friend has really befriended the Zenin's heir. This is not the first occurrence where Megumi will openly seek Suguru’s help and guide rather than him or Shoko. 

Objectively, it’s completely logical considering Suguru’s technique. He has broader knowledge about shikigami and the like, which is the entire point of Megumi’s own.

(Which also, shouldn’t have annoyed him. He never likes people who bother him with pointless and mundane questions. So why now?)

He’s descending down on the stairs of the dorm when he sees someone familiar from the corner of his eyes. He stops in his path and comes closer to the transparent glass wall where it faces the dorm’s backyard. From this angle, he can’t see the face clearly, but he has a hunch on who it is. 

There’s only one person in this dorm who would wear such an ugly brown shoes. 

Curious, he hastens his pace and comes down to the first floor. He walks to the border of the lounge and the backyard area. 

Just like he suspected, it’s Megumi. But instead of reading like he thought, Megumi is leaning on the big tree, completely fast asleep while a book is rather awkwardly positioned on his hand. 

Beautiful, his mind supplies out of nowhere. 

He’s instantly reminded of his initial impression of the young man, but unlike back then, he knows this side of Megumi is more fixating. 

He likes how the sun’s light that penetrates the shade of the tree shines on his face. How the cool wind gently shakes his hair. How the sun’s warmth seems to lull him into a comfortable slumber. 

Megumi looks so soft and unguarded, completely innocent and serene, free of any trouble and heavy thoughts. 

It ignites something warm in his chest, a weird desire that he thought he will never have. 

Maybe it’s the mood. Maybe he’s always been interested in someone who wields the potential to be as strong as him and Suguru. Maybe he’s just a weak man when he’s presented with such vulnerability. 

Maybe he’s just being weirder than normal. 

Yet in the end, he concedes to the urge and takes a step into the backyard. Silently and carefully to not disturb his sleep, he approaches Megumi and crouches right next to him. Being this close, he can absolutely say Megumi’s even more beautiful. 

His eyes then fall to the book in his lap. If he’s not mistaken, it’s a famous non-fiction book from years and years ago. The wear on it clearly shows how many times it has been read.

So Megumi likes non-fiction. 

He files the knowledge to the back of his mind and shifts his attention back to the him. 

As someone who’s brought up in the Zenin’s, he honestly thought Megumi would be more guarded and wary. But to be fair, the dorm’s area is heavily protected with multiple layers of charms and seals of protection. Unless a special grade is barging in, which also means Tengen’s barrier doesn’t work, the area is actually pretty safe. 

Perhaps it’s even safer than Zenin’s own grounds. 

But to think that Megumi’s not even awake when he’s this close to him is a little bit concerning. He’s close enough that he can clearly see and count the younger’s long eyelashes and yet he’s still deep in his slumber. Or does Megumi unconsciously trust him that much? 

The wind picks up slightly and it messes up with his hair. Gojo reaches and strokes his hair while fixing it a bit. 

Soft. 

Despite the erratic look, Megumi’s hair is really soft. 

Slowly, his fingers begin to descend down. He rubs his thumb gently against his cheek, feeling the soft skin. He chuckles lightly before he flinches as something suddenly dawns on him. 

Oh fuck. 

It seems that his recoils also awakens Megumi, because he suddenly stirs up. Gojo immediately retracts his hand and maintains a cool expression as Megumi opens his eyes. 

“Senpai?” He raspily calls. 

“Yo, Megumi.” Gojo coolly raises his right hand, as if he hasn’t just caressed his cheek like a lover. “Why are you sleeping out here? You’ll get a cold.” He scolds.

“Ah, I must’ve fallen asleep.” Megumi replies while holding back a yawn. “The weather is nice.” 

“It is, isn’t it?” Gojo hums as he stands up. “Well, just don’t fall asleep like this anywhere else, okay Megumi?” He laughs while stroking the top of Megumi’s head distractedly. He immediately turns around and leaves the first year alone, going to the direction of the dorm’s exit as fast as he can. 

His mind endlessly circles in one little thing.

Could it be that he likes Megumi? 

.

.

(It’s such a shame that Gojo will never be aware of the redness on Megumi’s own face.)

After his rather abrupt revelation, Gojo can’t help but to be painfully aware and get even more annoyed with Suguru’s closeness to Megumi. 

The irritation and the jealousy burns bright in his veins. 

But there’s no way he truly likes Megumi, right? 

“Why are you so close to Megumi?” Gojo complains as he lounges around Geto’s room. They’re currently off duty, after doing almost a week worth of missions for the past couple of days. 

He appreciates the holidays, but he’s getting a little bored too. 

“Why can’t I?” Geto replies without even looking up from his phone. 

“It’s just weird.” He excuses. “You’re never really close with anyone else.”

When he receives no answer, Gojo throws the round plushie in his hand to his best friend, who dodges it while still on his phone. 

“Just who are you texting with?” The white haired man irritatedly asks. 

“I’m close with almost everyone.” Geto responds after locking his phone. “I’m close with Yuuta and Maki as well, for example. And it’s Megumi.” 

“You’re texting with Megumi?” Gojo raises his eyebrow in disbelief. His irritation grows at the newfound fact. 

“Why would I lie?” Geto throws back the plushie to him. “And why do you look like I’ve eaten the last of your cake?” He laughs heartily when he sees the expression on the other’s face. 

For someone who claims to be the strongest, his best friend is surely dense.

And in heavy denial. 

“Well it’s- you’re practically ignoring me you ass.” Gojo sputters a little bit before regaining his composure. “I’m hurt, honey.” He exaggeratedly put his hand on his chest. 

“What can I say, Megumi’s more pleasing to look at than your face.” Geto says before holding back a laugh when Gojo throws the plushie back to him at full speed. 

“What’s so important than me anyway?” Gojo sulks as he puts his chin on the chair. 

“A lot of things. You’re setting the bar really low with that one.” Geto solemnly nods, earning a middle finger from his best friend with the lack of things to throw on his hand. 

“Megumi asked for my help. I’m going to be his knight in shining armor tomorrow.” Geto chuckles when he sees the surprised - affronted look on his best friend. “He wants me to bail him out from his school’s meet up.” He explains further. 

“Why can’t he just outright reject it?” Gojo frowns. 

“Unlike you, we can’t just reject social norms and do as we please.” Geto reminds him kindly. “It seems that he’s coerced to it, because he said they even go as far as matching up with his off days or something, so he can’t avoid it any longer.” 

“Ah, that’s so annoying.” He comments. 

“Yeah, that’s why he’ll just attend the compulsory lunch and escape from the rest of the activities.” Geto chuckles. 

“What will you guys do afterward?” Gojo nonchalantly asks. 

Or tried to, really. 

Geto smirks internally at the obviously fake disinterest his best friend put up. 

“I don’t know. Since we’re already there, we might as well go around I suppose. We’re going to pretend that he’s my boyfriend after all.” Geto shrugs while unsubtly goading him. “Megumi must be really cute if he dresses up.” 

“His what?” Gojo snaps his head to the black haired man. 

“I said that I’m going to be Megumi’s knight in shining armor, didn’t I? Might as well play the part for the whole day. Who knows, maybe he'll really become my boyfriend.” Geto smiles innocently. “Enough about Megumi, let’s just grab some dinner. I’m starving and you’re paying, Satoru.” 

Gojo sighs as he tosses and turns on his bed. The last time he checked it’s almost one am and he’s still unable to sleep. He can’t put his mind to rest, as it continuously replays his conversation with Suguru this evening. 

He hates how it bothers him so much. 

They’re just going to pretend anyway. 

Right?

Suguru himself said that he’s close with everyone and he knows he is. This shouldn’t have bothered him. 

"...maybe he'll really become my boyfriend."

Cursing how his imagination goes in every direction, he kicks out his blanket and forcefully closes his eyes. 

Megumi shivers slightly as he gets out from the communal bath. He quickly makes his way back to his dorm’s building while rubbing on his exposed arms. The sun has just risen, giving a warm morning glow, albeit the wind is still pretty cold against his warmed up skin. 

There’s a perfectly working, convenient bathroom in the dorm’s building, but he wanted a good, nice soak to relax his tired muscles.

Perhaps he’s a little bit too early. 

He’s jogging a little, going past the field for a shortcut when he notices that there’s someone running around the track field. He stops in his path as he watches his two years senior run around in nothing but training pants and shoes. 

Megumi feels his face warms up for an entirely different reason as he’s raptured with the sight of Gojo’s very much naked top. His defined muscle is up for him to see (ogles) freely, as his white hair is also obviously drenched with sweat, giving off a sexier vibe. He knows this particular senpai of his is very gifted in the physical department. He has also acutely realized how he’s slowly unable to see Gojo in the eyes without feeling hot and shy, despite (sometimes) their clashing personalities (he still doesn’t know how Gojo’s cockiness is forgivable in his mind). Gojo’s strong and he has always admired him for that, but he fears that this admiration has grown into a wholly different direction, as he keeps on hearing interesting bits from Geto whenever they’re dispatched together in a mission or a simple study session. 

“You must be lying, Geto-senpai. There’s no way that Gojo-senpai did those to Gakuganji-san and Naobito-san.”

“He did, Megumi. He very much did. Why did you think the higher ups hate Satoru so much? Except your clan’s Head though. He seemed to be amused rather than angry.”

“Gojo-senpai can be… a handful if he wants?”

“You know a handful doesn’t even cover it. He’s rude, has no tact, he does as he pleases. But it’s precisely because of that, that I think you can learn a thing or two from him.”

“Me?”

“He’s still the heir of the Gojo’s clan, like how you are yours. He knows his worth, his strength and possible weakness and he won’t let anyone push him around, not even the higher ups. He hates them too, in fact. I think it’ll be good for you to learn from him how to utilize your worth and potential as your own weapon against them in the future.

After all, don’t you hate Zenin, Megumi? Enough that you’d rather be called as Megumi instead?”

He is. 

He really hates Zenin. 

Despite the good treatment he receives, he’s painfully aware how rotten and disgusting the Zenin clan is. He knows precisely how sorcerers that are deemed as not good enough are treated there. 

Maki and Mai are enough live proofs of that. 

His dad too. 

The same dad that has abandoned him back in the same clan that he left behind. 

Sometimes, he wonders if he doesn’t possess the Ten Shadows, or even the slightest hint of cursed energy, would his dad abandon him still? Or would he keep him by his side? 

What’s the point of being the strongest, if he has no purpose for it? 

“...gumi.”

“..egumi.”

“Megumi!” 

A snap of hand in front of his face shakes him out of his deep thought. A little bit startled, Megumi is already halfway forming his hand sign to summon his divine dogs, when he sees Gojo’s face right in front of him. 

“You okay, Megumi-chan?” Gojo tilts his head concernedly. 

“Ah- it’s- I’m okay.” Megumi replies while looking up to the older male a little bit dazedly. He tries his hardest to focus on Gojo’s teal, crystal-like eyes instead of his very much naked chest.  

“I’ve been calling you for a while, but you didn’t respond at all.” Gojo shrugs. “I thought you were ignoring me but you didn’t flinch even when I’m standing in front of you.” He explains. That, and he's internally a little bit concerned with how Megumi’s cursed energy suddenly moves and cocoons him, as if they’re protecting their master. 

“I was just deep in thought. I’m sorry, Senpai.” He apologetically says. 

Gojo raises his eyebrow before he waves his hand down. “Relax, Megumi-chan. I won’t scold you just because you accidentally ignored me. I’m not those stupid- what did you say back then oh right- sexist pigs.”

Megumi can’t stop his amused chuckle at the utter repulsion in the insults. “You truly hate them.” 

“Who wouldn’t?” Gojo sighs. “I’m itching to kill them, but Suguru said it’s not good and too troublesome. But let’s see in a few years.” He smirks haughtily.

“Should I be concerned?” The younger man laughs at this. “But please do invite me if you intend to do so, Senpai.” 

“Don’t worry, Megumi-chan! You’re definitely going to be on my first invitation list.” He raises his thumb. “Anyway, why are you here?” 

“Ah-” Megumi swiftly remembers the initial predicament they’re in. “I was from the bath and I took the shortcut here. What are you doing though, Senpai?” 

“I can’t sleep well. I thought some training would tire myself out.” The white haired man casually states. 

“While being half-naked in this hour?” Megumi blurts out confusedly. 

“It’s not that cold, Megumi-chan.” Gojo replies. “You, on the other hand, look like needing another hot bath.” He laughs as he takes his hand and rubs them with his. “See, it’s so cold.” 

Megumi’s gaze can’t help but zero-ed at the six packs of the older’s body and he feels his face flushed as he’s reminded once again how close they actually are. 

Gojo grins when he notices the sudden redness on the younger’s cheek and how his eyes are fixated on his chest. 

“Like what you see, Megumi-chan?” He leans his head and whispers in Megumi's ear. “You can touch them if you want too.” 

That snaps Megumi out of his stupor and forcefully pulls his hand back. “It’s not like that- and stop calling me with -chan Gojo-senpai.” Megumi curtly says as he tries to control his blush. 

Which fails spectacularly. 

Gojo out of nowhere holds his chin and brings his face close to him. “Are you sure, Megumi? I really don't mind. Or should we take a bath together? You can wash me up while you warm your body again.” He whispers seductively. 

Megumi feels horrified as untoward images flashes in his mind. “Stop teasing me, Senpai!” He shoves Gojo’s hand from his chin and immediately leaves, fuming. Unaware that his usually stoic face has gone into a bright tomato.  

.

.

Gojo laughs heartily at the obviously flustered younger man as Megumi leaves the field. He feels the burden and annoyance he feels in his heart lessened a bit. He really should hit the bath and sleep while he can. Maybe when he wakes up, it’s already tomorrow and he won’t be reminded about Geto’s supposed faux date with Megumi today. 

.

.

Mitsukoshi Mall, Tokyo

01.30 PM

Megumi sighs inwardly as he puts on his blank face. Their lunch session has almost finished and he texted Geto an hour ago but there’s still no sign of him until now. 

“What do you think, Zenin-kun?” One of the girls asks him as he pays for his share of the meals. “We should go to the karaoke first right?” 

“No! We should watch the movie first, right Zenin-kun?” Shimakawa, a girl he vaguely remembers as his class president, peeps in. 

“Of course not! We’ll just get sleepy. It’s better that we play in the arcade for the time being. I’m sure Zenin-kun will agree, right?” 

Megumi feels his patience is grated even more with every call of “Zenin-kun” he has received for the past two hours. 

“I’m not sure, Mikami-san.” Megumi says after checking his phone. With or without Geto’s help he really has no interest in joining this outing even further. “I don’t think I can join you all after all.” He tries to refuse politely.

“Eh, why?” Another girl, Hana protests. “We have booked your schedule from a month ago, Zenin-kun!” 

“Yeah. You promised to stay through the outing.” Mikami butts in.

“I didn’t promise anything, Mikami-san.” Megumi reminds her sternly but politely. “I-”

“Megumi.” A very familiar voice cuts through the other noises before a very nice scent hits his nose. A weighty hand also circles around his shoulder. “You’re finally done?” He hears him say loudly before his left cheek is kissed. 

Megumi feels his rationality flows out of his mind from the light peck. 

Chorus of gasps immediately break out, followed by frantic, hushed whispers as the spectators are left speechless with the sudden presence of this very Good Looking man. The same stanger who can casually sling his arm around their cold, quiet and equally attractive former classmates. 

“Gojo-senpai.” Megumi chokedly greets as he turns his head to his left, completely shocked with the very forward skinship.

“Gojo-senpai?”

“He’s his senpai?” 

“He’s so hot.” 

“Fuck, Zenin-kun swings that way.”

“Who wouldn’t?”

“Very tall too. Do you see their size difference?”

“Hello. You guys must be Megumi’s old schoolmate. My name is Gojo Satoru.” Gojo politely greets them with a smile, ignoring all the curious whispers. “Thank you for taking care of my boyfriend.” He charmingly says.

Another chorus of gasps break out at the revelation, as they watch their class mate also blushes heavily. 

“What the fuck-” 

“It must be true- Zenin-kun is so red.” 

“Maybe we should’ve applied to Jujutsu High-” 

“Zenin-kun…” 

“Shush Hana. They look good together.” 

“You’re done, right?” Megumi hears Gojo ask him with such gentleness that flusters him.

He can only numbly nod. There are a hell lot of questions running amok in his mind, but he can’t say anything in front of his former classmates. 

“It’s pleasing to meet you all. I’m afraid that I have to take my boyfriend back for the time being.” Gojo laughs as the hand on his shoulder falls down and is intertwined with his instead. 

He can acutely feel how warm and big Gojo’s hand is and it does things in his stomach. It is a lot smoother than he thought too, considering their profession. Gojo must’ve taken good care of his skin. 

“Come on, Megumi.” Gojo tugs him. 

“I- Goodbye.” Megumi distractedly nods his head to the barrage of his classmates before he lets the older male lead him away from the crowd. 

“Your classmates do look like a headache splitted into twenty-ish.” Gojo comments as they walk side by side together. 

“Gojo-senpai, what were you doing?” Megumi asks as his rational side starts to boot up. 

“Being your knight in shining armor.” Gojo hums. “Your hand is really cold too this time, Megumi. Are you naturally a cold person or what?” He laughs amusedly. 

Megumi opens and closes his mouth as he’s left speechless with the remark and the view. His cheeks are still upturned with the remnants of the laugh and he feels his heart ripples at the sight. 

Gojo’s truly handsome. 

He’s wearing a fully unbuttoned navy denim shirt over a simple white t-shirt with the sleeves being rolled neatly to his elbow. An obviously expensive, black watch adorns his left wrist while light brown pants and white sneakers adorn his bottom half. His black glasses are still round, but it’s different from what he used to wear on the school’s ground. This one is more fashionable and less weird. 

His outfit is simple and effortless, but he still looks exceptionally attractive in them. 

“I thought I asked for Geto-senpai’s help.” He manages to reply. 

“And yet, here I am.” Gojo muses. “Hey, you like to read right? Let's go to the bookstore. There might be something new you’d like to buy.” 

“Huh?” 

“Come on, since we’re already here.” The older one insists. “It’ll be a waste to come back now.” 

“Can you let go of my hand first though, Senpai?” 

“No can do.” The white haired male tuts. “Some of your friends might have followed us and what would they say if they saw it?” He hums. “Besides, you look cuter when you’re flustered like this, Megumi-chan.” 

“Gojo-senpai!” 

.

.

.

“Somehow I’m not surprised that you like non-fiction books.” Gojo comments as Megumi leads him towards the section. A transparent thick plastic bag to carry any books he might want to buy is held around in his hand. “Why do you like non-fiction books? Aren’t people supposed to like fiction instead?” 

“Because they’re not fiction.” Megumi answers with a shrug. His hand reaches out a book and he reads the back content. 

“Very helpful, Megumi-chan.” Gojo sighs as he takes the same book and reads the summary too. “I really don’t see the appeal.” He comments as he puts the book back.

“Non-fiction means it is what it is. No unrealistic dream or plot. It’s not subjective and it doesn’t offer empty promises or hope, but gives us realistic perspective and advice based on what has happened.” 

“Who hurt you huh, Megumi?” Gojo mutters lowly after he listens to the younger’s reasons.

“The world. People.” He replies indifferently as he tiptoes to get another book from a higher shelf behind him.

“Doesn’t mean you should have a cold view of them.” Gojo says as he stands behind Megumi and easily reaches the book he wants. “It’s you who should control how the world and the people around you, not the other way around.” He states as he gives the book to the other’s hand. 

“Easy for you to say that, Gojo-senpai.” Megumi shrugs. “You already have the world by your feet from the moment you were born. Or so I heard people say.” 

“Aren’t you the same though, Megumi?” Gojo tilts his head confusedly. “You, by all means, are on par with me. Your technique is historically on the same level with mine. You’re also the official heir of the Zenin as well. We’re literally on the same boat here.”

Megumi shakes his head as he returns one of the books and dumps the other into the bag. “It’s different. I’m the heir because my dad exchanged me with some cash. I don’t want… this.” He lifts his hand in a give up manner. “At the same time, Zenin is such a shitty clan too that I have no doubt that had I not possessed the Ten Shadows, I’d have been treated badly. My dad left this damn clan, I don’t understand why he threw me back there instead.” 

“Do you miss him?” Gojo probes gently.  

“Dunno. I barely remember his face.” Megumi lies. Flashes of warm, rough hands and a heavy hand stroking the top of his hair fills his mind. His heart aches at the painful reminder. Of the silent apartment and forever unopened door, waiting futilely for a father that would rather get some cash instead of taking care of his own blood and flesh.  

“You’re such a bad liar, you know Megumi?” Gojo says softly as he takes the plastic bag from his hand, holding it for him instead. 

Megumi sighs and throws his head to the side, opts to stare at the rows upon rows of books rather than facing his senpai’s watchful gaze. 

“He’s still my dad at the end of the day.” Megumi confesses honestly after a while. “What do you think?” 

“I think that you really love him and he probably loves you too.” Gojo states delicately. 

“Loves me?” Megumi scoffs loudly at this. “He surely has such a kind way of showing it.” He sarcastically says. “He doesn’t even contact me- he left me, Senpai. How am I supposed to think of it?” 

“I don’t know either, but from my perspective, it’s kind of weird.” The older man shrugs. “If he didn’t care for you, he should’ve abandoned you without bothering to contact the Zenin. Or he could’ve given you to them much much earlier. It would’ve saved him a lot of money and whatnot you know? But no, he gave you away when you were what, six? Seven?” He asks. 

“Eight.” 

“Eight years of trying to take care of you by himself, despite how lousy he was or whatever.” Gojo points out. “I heard that you manifested the technique when you were four or five right? While it’s not as hard-proof as my Six Eyes, it’ll be enough for any clan to try to take you away from him.” 

Megumi’s silent as he processes his senpai’s words. 

“It doesn’t excuse him for being a jackass. But it doesn’t mean you’re just this tragic heroine being held hostage by the dragon either, Megumi. You’re too narrow minded.” Gojo flicks his forehead, earning a protest from the younger. “Use Zenin, exploit them to the fullest as your stepping stone. Be powerful enough that they won’t dare to mess with you.” 

“Like you?” Megumi mutters while rubbing on where he’s flicked.

“Like me.” Gojo nods. “It’s useful if you’re feared by them. Go high, be the head of Zenin and maybe you can destroy it from the inside.” Gojo muses. “That sounds interesting actually, don’t you think so Megumi?” 

“I think you’re kind of dangerous to talk to, Gojo-senpai.” Megumi says. “Who knows whether you might successfully talk me into actually killing them all?” 

“I’m just very persuasive, Megumi-chan.” The white haired man teases as the atmosphere is back to a more lighthearted one. 

“Do you read, Gojo-senpai?” Megumi curiously asks when he sees the older man take a random book, reading the summary, frowning and putting it back to the shelf.

In less than ten seconds, in that exact order.

“I don’t read anything beyond my phone’s thickness, unfortunately.” He admits as he opens the bag with both of his hands, letting the younger to put another book in. 

“No wonder then.” Megumi sighs. 

“What?” 

“The Jujutsu rule book is at least dictionary thick. No wonder you keep breaking them left and right.” He teases him. 

“They’re just shitty rules.” Gojo gives him his signature blegh face. 

“Even if you do something bad, you have your name to save you, I suppose.” Megumi chuckles. 

“Exactly.” Gojo grins. He takes a look at his kouhai. “That’s why Megumi, you should control the world and the people around you and not the other way around.” He repeats his advice while mimicking Yaga when he's lecturing them all. 

Megumi laughs at the other’s insistence. “Alright, alright. I’ll heed your advice, dearest senpai.” He says before he turns to the other aisle. 

Completely unaware, that his term of endearment has forced Gojo to cover his face with his hand, while a hint of redness still can be seen behind it.

.

.

As they walk out from the mall, the younger male asks curiously, “How do you know I like to read, Senpai?” 

Images of Megumi’s serene face under the shade a week ago immediately flashes in Gojo’s mind. “Anyone who is often in Jujutsu High would’ve known Megumi-chan.” He says instead as he leads them to the parking area. 

“Oh.” 

“Would you rather have me saying that I pay special attention to you?” He teases the younger, liking how Megumi slowly but steadily turns red with embarrassment. 

“Again, stop teasing me, Senpai. It’s not nice.” Megumi grumbles. They’re now walking toward the VIP parking area, where there are several expensive cars and sport bikes parked neatly. 

Megumi’s jade eyes widen when Gojo turns to the bike area instead. 

“You can drive a motorcycle, Senpai?” He bewilderedly asks. 

Gojo looks… a little bit too pretentious to ride one, if he’s to be honest. He thought he’d only drive a car at the very least, or constantly be chauffeured here and there. 

“Why are you so surprised, Megumi-chan? I’m hurt.” Gojo feigns his disappointment before throwing a spare helmet to Megumi. 

“You don’t look like someone who is willing to ride one in the first place.” Megumi honestly states as he catches the heavy, red helmet. 

Or maybe he’s wrong. The one Gojo’s riding is definitely a sports bike and while he’s pretty blind about the prices, it must not come as cheap. 

Megumi tentatively looks at the helmet before he puts it on. While it’s quite weighty in his hand, it’s surprisingly not that heavy once it’s on his head. There’s a faint scent that he associates with the older man and he feels a little bit flushed at the familiarity. It’s soon forgotten as he struggles with the latch, unused with the item. 

Megumi hears Gojo’s muffled laugh before warm hands nudge his own's away. He shifts his eyes to look at the older male as he helps him with the latch. Unlike him, Gojo’s black helmet is already on and safely latched. He can’t see it clearly, but it seems that Gojo has forgone his glasses. 

In a few seconds, it’s already clicked in place. He protests lightly when Gojo taps on his helmet twice.

They’re barely three steps ahead before the taller male stops and turns around, looking at him with some kind of deep thought. He blinks perplexedly as he watches Gojo take off his navy shirt and exchange his plastic bag of his purchased books with it. 

“What-”

“Wear it, Megumi. While it’s not that thick, it will shield you from being hit from the wind directly.” Gojo explains. 

“I’m not a damsel in distress, Gojo-senpai.” Megumi tries his hardest to complain with a flat tone at the sudden, attentive gesture. 

Isn’t it nice that the dark visor helps him to hide his hot cheeks? 

“You’re not, but your body gets cold so easily. See, your hands are already cold.” As if to prove his points, Gojo reaches and rubs his left knuckles. “Or should I put it on you myself, Megumi-chan?” 

“Fine.” He grumbles defeatedly as puts on the article of clothing. Faintly, he can smell Gojo’s cologne even with the helmet on. Since Gojo’s body is different from him, the denim shirt falls rather baggily on his smaller figure. He looks up and his breath hitches slightly when Gojo is already in front of him, fixing up the button so his chest is completely covered. 

“What’s the point if you don’t button them up, Megumi.” Gojo scolds him lightly as he unrolls the sleeves too. 

“You’re unexpectedly fussy, Gojo-senpai.” Megumi responds. 

“I’m not.” Gojo denies coolly. He gives his bag of purchase back to him before he walks toward his bike. A completely matte black bike, with some dash of red and a brand logo on its side. With his tall stature, he easily swings his leg over the motorcycle and turns it on. The soft hums of the machine echo in the open area as he warms it up. 

A little bit nervous, Megumi approaches him and hesitantly sits behind Gojo. 

It’s… kind of scary now that he’s up here.

“Megumi, we face hideous curses almost everyday and this scares you?” Gojo teases. 

“This is my first time riding a bike.” Megumi mutters. If he can faintly smell Gojo’s scent earlier, being this close to him practically gives him a front seat to the source of the scent. 

“You should hold on to me, Megumi-chan.” Gojo says as he manages to grab his wrist and put it to his stomach. “Just put the books between us both, it won’t fall off I promise.” He continues as he reaches for the other hand. 

“This is too close-” Megumi protests. 

“You really don’t want to fall off now, do you Megumi?” Gojo says knowingly. He successfully grabs his other wrist and puts it on his stomach too. 

“This is really too much, Gojo-” Megumi’s sentence is cut off when Gojo purposefully runs the bike a few centimeters to the front. Surprised with the sudden movement, he instinctively clutches on to the other’s very hard, very defined abs. 

“Now that’s more like it, Megumi.” Gojo smirks. “Hold on tight like this, okay? I’d hate to inform the pigs that their precious heir has fallen off the road.” 

.

.

.

“Thank you for today, Gojo-senpai. Sorry for troubling you too.” Megumi says as they walk back to the dorm’s building. 

“No problem.” Gojo replies. “So how’s it? It feels liberating, right, to be on a bike once in a while?” He asks. 

“Yeah, it’s surprisingly refreshing.” Megumi nods in agreement.

“Right?” Gojo says rather excitedly.

“I didn’t expect that you’d like something like that, Senpai.” He admits. 

“Me too, actually.” Gojo shrugs. “I forgot the details but the elders in my clan suddenly got really strict on where and how I should be chauffeured. I was with Suguru and Ieiri when I got the call and I got pissed off. Long story short, I ended up buying the bike just to spite them off, but I found out that I like it. Pissing them off is the bonus instead.” He muses. 

“Sounds fun.” Megumi remarks with a smile.

“It is, Megumi. The best.” Gojo raises his thumb. “You can try pissing them off once in a while for starters. We can go slowly from there. Gojo-senpai will patiently teach you.” He grins as they finally arrive in front of the stairs.

Since Gojo is the third year while he is the first, as per tradition, they’re on the different floors and different sides of the building. He is on the second floor along with Yuuta, while Gojo and Geto are on the third floor. 

“I’m going to the common room first, Gojo-senpai. Thank you again for today.” He nods his head politely. 

Gojo just hums in response before they go their separate way. 

.

.

Megumi has just turned into the common room when he sees Yuuta is sitting on the dining table, eating a bento while watching something on the television. 

“How’s the reunion?” Yuuta asks as he pushes a big sized plastic bag to him on the table. 

“Almost unbearable.” Megumi sighs as he takes a seat across from him. His bag of books is casted on the side. “You’ve just arrived, Senpai?” He asks curiously as feels the faint warmth inside the plastic bag. 

“Yeah. Should we three go out for tonight’s dinner? I think I’m craving for some good ramen.” Yuuta replies. 

“You’re literally still eating, Yuuta-senpai. But sure.” Megumi replies as he peers inside the plastic bag.

Another three boxes of bento, some warm onigiris, some paper bags with fried stuff, four bottled ocha and some cakes and bread. 

“Why did you buy so much?” Megumi asks flabbergastingly. 

“Figured out you must be hungry. Maki should arrive from her mission anytime now too.” Yuuta replies after chewing his food. 

“I am, but aren’t these a little bit too much?” He sighs as he takes a bento out. “Thank you for the food.” He murmurs before digging in. 

“It’ll be fine. We have Geto-senpai and others too here- Megumi, is that your clothes?” Yuuta peers curiously. “It looks so baggy on you and I swear I saw you get out of the dorm only in a simple t-shirt this morning.” 

Megumi curses as he looks down on his body. 

He’s still wearing Gojo’s denim shirt. 

Swiftly, he takes it off and drapes it off on the chair next to him. Yuuta raises his eyebrow. “I assume it’s not?” 

“It’s Gojo-senpai’s.” He replies. “We went back with his bike and he forced me to wear it.” Megumi explains shortly.

“Gojo-senpai, eh?” Yuuta stares at him with a contemplative look. 

“What about it?” 

“Nothing.” Yuuta smiles convincingly. “I thought you asked for Geto-senpai’s help?” 

“I did, but it’s Gojo-senpai who showed up.” He shrugs. “Then Geto-senpai texted me that he’s caught up somewhere else, so he sent Gojo-senpai instead.” 

“Is that so?” Yuuta responds. “Both of you went to the bookstore too?” He’s side eyeing the plastic fulls of books on their side.

“Yeah, anyway Senpai. Can I ask you something?” Megumi says after he takes a bite from the shrimp roll.

“Shoot away.” Yuuta replies as he puts on the lid of his empty bento box. 

“Do you think I’m too narrow minded?” 

“About what?” Yuuta frowns at the sudden random question.

He proceeds to tell him the summary of his conversation with Gojo at the bookstore. 

“Hmm… He’s not wrong, you know.” Yuuta says after a while. “I mean, your path might have already been decided for you, but you can still pave your way with your own style. It’s not as restrictive as you think, with the technique you possess. Isn’t it the main pride and joy of Zenin?” He throws the question back. “I think what Gojo-senpai said has some merits, Megumi.”

“You think so too?” Megumi says pensively. 

“It doesn’t mean that you should embrace Zenin's name.” Yuuta adds. “But as you grow, you’ll have a bigger influence inside the clan. Aren’t you geared up to be the next head either way?” 

“There’s Maki.” Megumi points out. 

“What about me?” Maki’s voice makes them snap their heads to the entrance of the common room. “Please tell me you bought more, Yuuta.” She sighs tiredly as she takes a seat beside Yuuta. 

“I did.” He pushes the big plastic bag to her. “Let’s get ramen for tonight’s dinner.”

“Cool.” She says as she takes another bento box. “You bought too much.” She idly comments. 

“There are a lot of us here. We can just share them later.” Yuuta defeatedly says. These two sometimes feel like twin siblings instead of cousins for him. 

“So what about me?” Maki asks again. 

Megumi repeats his conversation with Gojo again to Maki, with his own discussion with Yuuta. 

“Satoru is an annoying ass most times, but he has some good points.” Maki gives her opinion. “You’re literally given three steps ahead in comparison with me with some degree of power within your hand. You should’ve just used them. Do you really think that they won’t use you too?” She narrows her eyes at him. 

“That’s why I’ve been avoiding them.” Megumi admits honestly. 

“It won’t resolve anything.” Yuuta notes. 

“I’ve never considered that perspective too, to be honest.” Maki inputs. “It's sound advice. Satoru must’ve dealt approximately the same thing within the Gojo’s clan.” 

“I still don’t want the title though.” Megumi sighs as he closes the lid of his bento box. 

“Then destroy it. Do you really think I’m going to reform it when I’m the head, Megumi?” Maki raises her eyebrow. 

“I’m ready to be your support team if you ever need it.” Yuuta raises his palm. 

Megumi points his fingers at them. “Both of you are scary.”

“Knowing you, you might end up wanting to reform it.” Maki ponders amusedly. “I’m cool with it. You need to cleanse the scums out first though.”

Megumi groans at the thought. “It sounds troublesome already.” 

“Sounds like it’s fun too, right?” Maki grins. “Killing those fuckers should be a pleasure for both of us.”

He looks at Maki contemplatively. “The option is either me or you who have to be the head, then.”

“Looks like we have a fun project now, Megumi.” She smirks. 

“And you said that we are the scary ones.” Yuuta shakes his head fondly.

The next day 

Megumi groans before he opens his eyes to the darkness of his room. He turns his head and sees the clock, where it shows him it’s barely six. 

Lazily, he performs a hand sign and calls his divine dogs. 

“Hey.” Megumi nuzzles on Shiro’s fur while Kuro envelops him from the back. He basks in the warmth and sense of safety from his divine dogs. Absent-mindedly, he recounts his schedule for today. 

As well as yesterday’s events. 

The older’s confident skinship as if they’re truly lovers. His nice scent. The warmth from their intertwined hands. The sensation as he back-hugged him tightly. 

His hand tentatively touches his left cheek, where he put his lips on yesterday. 

“Thank you for taking care of my boyfriend.”

Even without looking at the mirror, he knows his cheeks must be a little red. 

He texted Gojo last night about his shirt, but he told him to just keep it for the time being. 

Which doesn’t help, at all. 

Megumi groans to Shiro’s furs, who howls quietly in response. 

He should take a shower and clear his head. 

.

.

.

“Oi, Megumi!” Geto calls out from the side as he makes his way back to the dorm’s building after a quiet morning stroll. 

“Morning, Senpai.” He greets politely as Geto approaches him. 

“Sorry for yesterday.” Geto says. “I suddenly got caught up in something.”

“No, it’s okay.” Megumi shakes his head. “Gojo-senpai has helped tremendously.” 

“He was, eh?” Geto grins. 

Something niggles on the back of his mind at the expression Geto makes, but he lets it go. 

“Yes. You’re up very early, Senpai.” He notes. 

“Yeah, Shoko wants to eat breakfast in this one particular restaurant.” The taller man explains. “So here we are, the henchmen, ready as per Her Majesty’s request.” 

Megumi chuckles. “Well, don’t let me hinder you then.” He excuses himself.

“Why don’t you join us, Megumi?” Geto offers. 

“Ah, I couldn’t possibly impose-”

“It’s just breakfast. The more the merrier, right?” He grins. 

“But-”

A familiar scent hits his nose as a weighty arm circles around his shoulder. A sense of dejavu hits him immediately. 

“Yo, Megumi.” Gojo says. “You’re up early again today.” 

“Gojo-senpai.” Megumi greets quietly.

“Again?” Geto raises his eyebrow. 

“Met him yesterday morning.” Gojo shrugs, eyes staring straight at his best friend, challenging him to comment further. “You’re coming with us then, since you’re already here.” He turns his head back downward.

“Ah, I really don’t think-”

“Morning, Megumi.” Shoko greets him with a smile. “I see you’ve met my minions for the day.” 

“Morning, Shoko-senpai.” He politely nods his head. 

“You’re coming right? Let’s go then.” Shoko nudges to the left with her head. “Suguru, you’re driving.” 

“Yes, Ma’am.” Geto bows like he’s a butler. 

“But-”

“Come on, Megumi. It’s just breakfast.” Gojo puts him in a headlock as he drags him, not wanting to let him go. 

“He’s paying. Let’s milk his wallet dry, Megumi.” Shoko laughs. 

.

.

.

“Want to grab a breakfast?” 

“I’m with Geto-senpai, Gojo-senpai and Shoko-senpai. Sorry, Yuuta-senpai.” 

“Don’t worry. Just wondering where you are.” 

“Ok.” 

“Maki, do you want to come with me, Gojo-senpai and Geto-senpai to grab dinner together?” 

“Sure.” 

“Ok. Meet me in ten in the lobby.” 

“Yuuta-senpai, are you in the dorm?” 

“No, why?” 

“Oh ok.

I thought you are.

Geto-senpai invited us with Gojo-senpai for dinner.” 

“Maki?” 

“Visiting Mai.”

“Okay.” 

“Megumi, do you have any coffee left?” 

“Yeah I have some.

Just come into my room. 

You know where the spare key is.”

“You’re not in the dorm?” 

“No. I’m whisked into an early dinner by Gojo-senpai.” 

“Have fun.” 

“Maki, do you want to come with me and Gojo-senpai for lunch? Yuuta-senpai is on a mission.” 

“No.” 

“Maki, are you with Megumi?” 

“No. Why?” 

“He’s not in the dorm and he’s not on a mission either. 

Just wondering.” 

“He’s out for some brunch with Yuuta, Satoru.” 

“Hoo~”

“Megumi, please tell Satoru to pick up some snacks for me.” 

“Ok, Geto-senpai.” 

“Thanks.” 

“Megumi, let’s grab dinner.” 

“I’ve promised Maki to get some dinner with her. 

Would you like to join in, Senpai?” 

“Nah. I’m going to bother Suguru then. 

Enjoy your dinner~” 

“Megumi, are you with Satoru?” 

“Yes, Shoko-senpai. 

Something’s wrong?” 

“Nothing. Just tell him to check on his phone.”

“Will do, Senpai.” 

“Thanks, Megumi.” 

“Megumii, let’s eat some pancake. 

Where are you?” 

“I’m sorry Gojo-senpai. 

I’ve promised to grab dinner with Yuuta-senpai.” 

“I see.” 

“Would you like to join us?” 

“Sure, where are you guys now?” 

“Dinner, Megumi?” 

“Sorry, I already ate with Yuuta-senpai earlier.” 

“Aw, ok.” 

“Suguru wants to eat skewers, wanna go?” 

“I’ve promised to cook curry for Yuuta-senpai. 

Sorry, Gojo-senpai.” 

“Don’t worry~ Want me to bring some skewers for you too?” 

“Thank you for the offer but no, Senpai.”

“Okk.” 

“Suguru...” Gojo whines pathetically as he stares at his phone. This is yet another failure of him taking Megumi out for some food. “He rejects me again because he promised Yuuta that he will cook for him. Cook! For him!” He whines again. “I even checked his mission’s schedule and today’s the last day he’ll be free.” Gojo pouts. “I’ll need to wait until Saturday.”   

Geto, who’s still rummaging through his friend’s personal refrigerator, stares at Gojo with a slightly bemused expression. “You’ve become a full-fledged stalker, Satoru.”

“Just for Megumi.” Gojo agrees shamelessly.

Geto raises his eyebrow. “I’ll inform Megumi to stick close to Yuuta and stay away from you then.” 

“Not funny.” Gojo hisses as he throws a pack of biscuits to Geto. “You should be on my side!” The white haired man theatrically says.  

“I am. Who do you think made you realize that you like Megumi?” Geto raises his eyebrow. Honestly, he knows his plan would’ve worked regardless, -his best friend is dense, but not that dense-, but he also didn’t expect that it would work that fast. The white haired man showed up at half past eleven on his doorstep with messy hair, declaring that he likes Megumi and demanding to know if he likes Megumi as well. Just in time where he’s almost going out to help Megumi with his classmate. 

He’s almost tempted to say yes just to poke fun at him, but seeing the genuinely troubled look on Gojo’s eyes he didn’t push through. 

It’s kind of funny that his best friend only needed the image of Megumi as someone else’s boyfriend to push him out of his denial. 

Gojo ended up going in his stead and the rest is history. 

“That’s still not funny though.” Gojo grumbles. “I really thought you like Megumi for real. I thought we’d have to fight for his attention.” 

“Well I’d love to date him.” Geto calmly says, avoiding another thrown biscuit in time. “But why did you always ask him out for a meal? Ask him on a date. For someone brilliant you truly are dull in this department.”

“Shut.”  Gojo complains, but still unlocks his phone to text Megumi.

“Hey, Megumi.”

“Yes, Senpai?”

“You free this Saturday?”

“I think so? Why, Senpai?” 

“Accompany me to buy new glasses.”

“Did you lose yours?” 

“No.

It’s just too small now.

I’m bored with this too.” 

“Sure.” 

“Ok. See you.” 

A few days later

“Sorry for the trouble, Megumi.” Maki yawns as she leans her head on the kitchen’s island. 

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it, Maki.” Megumi hums as he stirs the porridge in the pot. “Don’t forget to pick up some additional fever and aches medicines. I have some if you don’t want to drop by the convenience store.” 

“Mai should’ve some in her dorm and I need to buy some pocari for her either way, but thank you.” Maki hums. “I didn’t expect that you’re already awake though.” 

“I was finishing up some reports when I saw your text.” He replies as he turns off the stove. “Mai should’ve told you that she’s unwell much earlier though. It’s not good that she let herself get sick this bad.”

“You know her. So stubborn.” Maki shrugs as she watches him pouring the porridge into a food thermos. “Why are you doing the reports so damn early? You could’ve done it this afternoon.” 

“I have to accompany Gojo-senpai today, so I’m finishing up my reports now.” Megumi replies as he pours down the chicken broth into a flask. “Maki, you can just heat up any rice with the broth for the afternoon and tonight okay? I’ve diced some tofu, enoki and meat. I'll pack them up into a tupperware so it won’t just be plain rice and broth for Mai to eat. Don’t forget to put them into the refrigerator once you’re there.” 

“Yeah yeah.” She waves him off. “So you’re going on a date with Satoru?” Maki raises her eyebrow with interested twinkles on her eyes. 

“What? No!” Megumi immediately denies. “It’s not a date.” 

Maki scoffs in disbelief.  

“It’s not, Maki.” Megumi reiterates as he puts down the tupperwares.

“Satoru has been weirdly sticking close to you for the past few weeks.” She points out. “He only asked you out for meals these days. Sparred with you. Hell, he’s often popping in wherever you are whereas I and Yuuta could barely see him last year. If it’s not for the fact that Yaga-sensei often complained about him, we would’ve thought that he’d keeled over.”  

“We just went out for some meals. I do that with you guys too, it’s nothing special.” He reasons out. “It’s still not a date, Maki.” Megumi insists.
“And Mai is not currently so sick that she finally conceded on telling me about it. Sure.” Maki scoffs amusedly. 

.

.

.

“It’s not a date.” Megumi says to himself as he faces the mirror in his room. 

It's not a date, it's not a date, it’s not a date. 

And yet, he still leaves after trying to look his best.

He thought they’re going to go with Gojo’s bike just like last time, but they end up using his car after checking the weather’s forecast for today. It’s not less pretentious, but at least it’s not flashy. Enough to garner some attention with the brand, but still elegant and screams of old money. 

As they walk through the streets of Shibuya, Megumi can’t help but notice that it’s more crowded than he remembers. He tries to walk side to side with the taller male, but it’s a lot harder with the people who are coming in from the opposite direction. 

He’s about to ask Gojo where they’ll go first, when his wrist is grabbed and he’s pulled rather roughly to the older’s side. In the next second, someone comes stumbling in with a tall box on her hands and she would’ve crashed into him if it’s not for the white haired man. 

“People.” Gojo tsk-es distastefully, before he looks down at him. “You okay, Megumi?” He asks gently. 

“I’m fine.” Megumi mutters. “Thank you, Senpai.” 

Gojo just hums, before he holds and intertwines their hands together. It’s is so warm against his and Megumi’s a little bit flustered with the sudden action. He tries to tug his hand back but the older teenager just holds it more firmly. 

“Don’t try to let go of my hand, Megumi. You’ll get lost.” Gojo briefly turns his head to him with a smile before he focuses back on leading both of them through the throngs of people easily. 

Megumi belatedly realizes that Gojo’s been enveloping them both in his infinity and there’s no reason for them to hold hands like this. None of the people graze them, even though they should’ve been with how close they are. It’s a bit unfair, but hotness blooms at the back of his neck and ear all the same. The skin where they touch each other burns and Megumi feels like he’s shrunk one centimeter as the shyness drowns him inside out.

His admiration for the older male also goes deeper at the simple showcase of his mastery over his technique. There’s also this steady thunks of his heart as sparkly tingle pool in his stomach. 

For the rest of the day, Gojo never lets go of his hand as they venture around the area. 

They don’t even go to the optic in the end.  

.

.

.

Maki is right. Maybe this is a date and he’s just a bit oblivious. 

The night has fallen as the orange-ish glow turns dark as ink. The streets are now brightly lit with multiple eye-catching boards and lamps, while the crowd has thinned into little groups and couples. It’s not particularly windy or cold, perfect for a night time stroll while enjoying what the big city has to offer. 

They’re now walking around the less crowded area, giving them enough space to breathe and relax after their dinner. There are a few paper bags of their purchases in each of their hand, but nothing big or hassling enough.  

Megumi looks up when a very light drizzle is falling from the cloudless sky, but they keep walking. Gojo’s infinity ensures that none of it even touches their clothes.  

It’s very pleasant. This is probably the most pleasant evening he has ever experienced. He feels all fuzzy and warm and comfortable. Maybe it’s making him braver than usual. Maybe he’s just curious about Gojo's intentions with all of these admittedly weird behaviors around him. 

Holding on to- no, intertwining your hand with someone else for hours should be enough proof, right? 

He tugs on Gojo’s hand as he stops moving forward. 

“What’s wrong, Megumi?” Gojo asks gently while tilting his head. “Did you get wet? I’m sure my infinity is completely enveloping-”

“Gojo-senpai, is this a date?” He blurts out. 

Megumi watches how surprise paints Gojo’s face, before it turns solemn. 

“What if I say it is?” Gojo replies as he takes a step back. Now he’s standing right in front of him. 

“Why didn’t you tell me?” He asks while looking up to him. 

“You didn’t ask.” Gojo shrugs. 

At the answers, Megumi stays silent as he mulls on what he’s going to say next. 

“Then, do you like me, Senpai?” He asks point blank. He wants to see Gojo’s reaction, if he’s not serious then he’ll most probably laugh and tease him like usual. If he is… Well. 

“Isn’t it obvious?” Gojo throws the question back to him. “I don’t take just anyone to Shibuya on the weekend with my own car. I don’t spend my time walking around in a packed area while holding their hand, or being their pretend boyfriend even if it’s just for laughs, Megumi.” 

The straightforward answer catches Megumi off guard. He expected a simple yes or no and a tease here and there, but not this. 

“Since you’ve popped the question, I’ll ask it away then.” Gojo says while staring straight at his eyes. “Go out with me, Megumi.” 

“As your boyfriend?” Megumi clarifies with the same low voice. He doesn’t break their staring content, unafraid of the weight of the Six Eyes. 

“The one and only.” The white haired man nods. 

Megumi exhales softly.

This is not how he imagines his evening would turn out. 

His free hand reaches to take Gojo’s glasses off. He immediately tip toes a little before leaving a light kiss on his mouth. “Does that answer your question, Senpai?” He whispers back. 

“That’s not a kiss, Megumi.” Gojo chuckles. His hand reaches for his chin and he lowers his face. Their lips meet halfway, molding against each other gently, unhurried.

When he breaks their soft kiss, Megumi can’t help but let out an amused chuckle. “Senpai, you’re so cute when you’re blushing.”

“Teasing your boyfriend isn’t nice, Megumi-chan.” Gojo pouts, but the wide smile on his face is unable to be hidden for long.

“My boyfriend, huh?” Megumi murmurs. He likes how it rolls in his tongue. 

“It’s so unfair. I have thought of a cool way to ask you out, but there you go, asking me that out of nowhere.” Gojo messes the top of Megumi’s hair. “My little blessing is a little cheeky.” 

“Your little blessing?” He raises his eyebrow. 

“Of course. I’ll kick anyone else who dares to steal you away from me.” Gojo huffs. 

“You unexpectedly have this cute side too, Senpai.” Megumi laughs as he tugs Gojo to walk again. 

“I’m adorable inside out, Megumi-chan. You’ll fall deeper and deeper for me that there’s simply no way out from my love.”

“I’ll look forward to it then, Gojo-senpai.” 

.

.

It is already empty and silent when they arrive back at the dorm. 

He has just barely taken a step when he’s pulled into the other’s tight embrace. 

“I’m…” Gojo inhales deeply as he nuzzles to the top of his head. “I’m really happy, Megumi.”

Megumi feels his ears get hot at the sincere, tender confession. “I’m happy too, Senpai.” He admits quietly as he puts his arms around Gojo’s waist. He also buries his face to the older’s chest, sighing at the surprisingly comfortable feeling. “I really like you.”

“I really like Megumi as well.” Gojo whispers back. His right hand is now caressing and tucking Megumi’s side hair. “Please take care of me from now on, Megumi.” He murmurs softly.

“Me too, Senpai.” Megumi shrunks a little more at the affectionate stroke. “Please take care of me.” 

“My Megumi is so cute.” Gojo chuckles as he leaves a kiss on his forehead. “Go and rest now Megumi, or I’ll take you back to my room instead.” 

“Senpai!”

.

. 

Omake

“By the way, Senpai. Why did you tell my former classmate that you’re my boyfriend?” 

“You asked Suguru to be your pretend boyfriend, why couldn’t I?” 

“I didn’t? I asked Geto-senpai to pretend as my senior who has to pull me out because I’m needed for something.”

“...That fucker, I’m so going to kick his ass later.”