Chapter Text
The weather is wonderful today. The sky is a bright blue, the birds are singing, and sakura petals are beginning to fall, covering the tiles and cobblestones in a soft pink hue. Maki, Toge, and Panda were sparring in the training ground, while Kugisaki and Fushiguro watched from the classroom window. This Monday should have been a great day for Yuuji.
But it wasn’t. Everything was a huge mess !
It’s been months since he realized just how much he had fallen for his dear teacher, Gojo Satoru—the man who saved his life, taught him everything about cursed energy, introduced him to his new best friends, and gave his life purpose. Why does everyone think Gojo-sensei is nothing but an insufferable smartass? Well, to be fair, he can be an insufferable smartass sometimes... But Yuuji managed to see beyond that daily façade Gojo wears when he talks about himself or those he considers weaker than him. Through the cracks in that mask, Yuuji glimpsed something real : Gojo’s kindness. It wasn’t calculation or hypocrisy when Gojo tried to cheer him up back in the basement, wearing Kugisaki’s skirt and making a dumb face. When Yuuji was mourning Junpei’s death, Gojo visited him more often, despite his busy schedule. A few times, Gojo even offered to watch some weird French comedies with him, just to make him laugh and forget. By that point, their training was just an excuse. The truth was that Yuuji felt so damn alone and desperate after what happened with Mahito that it wasn’t surprising Gojo sensed it through his Six Eyes and decided to help him, just by being there for him through the long process of mourning.
Maybe because Gojo-sensei knew exactly how it felt to lose a friend.
It was precisely at the end of this difficult period in his life that Yuuji realized just how much Gojo Satoru meant to him. This wasn’t about friendship or respect for his elders—Yuuji needed Gojo’s presence in his life. The way he sought his teacher’s attention, the happiness he felt from his sensei’s approval, the warmth of Gojo’s smile, or the comforting weight of his large hand ruffling his hair… Everything Yuuji felt in Gojo’s presence reached an intensity that was completely new to him. These were feelings he had never experienced for anyone else—only for Gojo Satoru.
Now, with his mind set on the true nature of his affliction, Yuuji felt an uneasy stress at the thought of having to grapple with these feelings for the rest of his school years…
There were two options : first, he could try to hide his feelings from Gojo-sensei and continue his exorcism training as if nothing had changed. But, honestly, Itadori didn’t want to do that. He was terrible at deceiving people ! Everyone could read him like an open book; that’s just who he was : dumb and honest at the same time. Wearing a mask every day and pretending that Gojo’s presence didn’t affect him? There was no way that could work!
With that in mind, Yuuji decided to take the only other option left: be brave and try to court Gojo Satoru ! And that’s where the mess begins, ladies and gentlemen !
First attempt at a romantic approach: having lunch with Gojo-sensei. It worked most of the time, but Yuuji didn't know how to make his teacher understand that he wanted to have lunch with no one else but him ! The Strongest always brought another student along, usually Megumi or Kugisaki. Yuuji thought meal times could be a perfect strategy to get closer to his dear sensei. After all, it wasn’t something new for them—they often had dinner together when they were training in the basement, back when Yuuji had to hide and pretend to be dead. So, having lunch with his teacher didn’t seem strange… Well, now that he takes the time to reflect on it, maybe it was a bit odd from a certain perspective : one day, Maki and Kugisaki teased him, saying he was just trying to get on Gojo-sensei's good side by having lunch with him. Itadori loved them, but they could be such harpies sometimes !
Still, Yuuji was desperate enough to try anything to get closer to the love of his life. Back in the basement, Yuuji felt so proud when Gojo enthusiastically enjoyed the dishes he cooked ! Ginger chicken meatballs, onigiri, chazuke... Once, Yuuji stepped out of his comfort zone and tried his hand at baking when he learned that his beloved sensei had a sweet tooth. He attempted a cupcake recipe—Gojo absolutely loved them! All these wonderful memories are the reason behind Yuuji’s motivation to have lunch regularly with his sensei. He wanted to recreate the joy of sharing those happy moments with the one he loves. Was that too much to ask? Apparently so, because his plan didn’t work at all. Being around other students wasn’t the right setting to take his relationship with Gojo-sensei to the next level. After several failures, Itadori finally gave up on that strategy.
Second attempt : using their common interest for movies to convince Gojo to watch some with him ! Each time he tried to make a move, there were two different outcomes. At best, Gojo made an apologetic smile before refusing the offer. He often had an urgent mission pop up at the last minute, preventing him from organizing his evenings as he wished. At worst, he agreed to go to the movies... but made it a group outing with the rest of his students! Yuuji was tearing his hair out. His intentions were still not clear enough, to the point where Gojo kept interpreting his invitations as just socializing initiatives with his fellow sorcerers. Of course, Yuuji was happy to spend time with his classmates... but he saw them every day in class ! Because of his missions, Gojo could only be at the school a few days a week... Yuuji needed to find another strategy to get closer, and fast !
Last attempt : sparring with Gojo - sensei. The hand-to-hand combat training sessions were serious moments, given what was at stake (Yuuji didn’t take these sessions lightly—they were meant to help him become stronger). That being said, with Gojo-sensei being who he is, the flurry of strikes and Gojo’s many victories (he could easily put Yuuji on the mat most of the time) didn’t stop Satoru from teasing him, encouraging him to retry a move until Yuuji mastered it, and praising him when he succeeded. These sparring sessions were more than just training—they were an opportunity to deepen his bond with Gojo-sensei through the challenges and intensity of close combat. Maybe, just maybe, this could lead to a kind of romantic connection, right?
However, Yuuji hadn’t anticipated a crucial flaw in his strategy. Now that he realized just how deeply he had fallen for Gojo Satoru, how could he possibly hope to stay serious and focused in moments where their physical proximity increased without warning? Yuuji remembered, with a mix of discomfort and awe, a moment when Gojo had grabbed him to demonstrate the mechanics of a submission technique. Needless to say, Yuuji thought he might join his late grandfather in the afterlife when Gojo swiftly pinned him to the ground with inhuman precision, wrapping his arm around Yuuji’s neck with a gentleness that contrasted sharply with his previous move. Yuuji’s heart was pounding so fast, it felt like it was going to burst out of his chest ! Yuuji could still recall the sensation of his sensei’s powerful chest against his back, realizing for the first time that he had underestimated Gojo Satoru’s physique. He seemed so lean under that loose sweater… Yuuji hadn’t expected to feel the strength of what he imagined to be perfectly sculpted abs, or the width of his teacher’s arms as they locked him in a chokehold. Oh god, this man was going to be the death of him. It was too many discoveries and sensations to handle at once; using training as a means of getting closer had turned out to be the worst idea for Yuuji. At that time, even Gojo noticed the change in his behavior and commented on his flushed cheeks.
“What’s wrong, Yuuji ? Do you have a fever ?” The Strongest asked with his velvety tone, his lips being way too close to Yuuji’s ear.
Yep, Yuuji thought. I have the worst fever of all time, and it’s called love.
The third attempt was another failure, Yuuji not being brave enough to take the risk of having a huge boner in front of his sensei.
Megumi and Kugisaki, his most trusted friends, knew about his feelings for Gojo. During lunch, Yuuji seized the opportunity to talk to them about his last desperate attempt.
For the first time, Yuuji felt so down. His friends might have sensed the change in his behavior.
"Honestly, you should just give up! I’ve told you a million times that guy isn’t worth it!" Kugisaki asserted passionately, pounding her fist on Yuuji’s desk. She was fuming. “And you know what ? Even if you managed to make him fall for you, I’m sure he would be the cheating type !”
“Kugisaki, you’re too loud !” Yuuji whispered urgently, his face flushed with embarrassment, pressing a finger to his lips while nervously glancing around. It would be just his luck if Gojo showed up right now.
“She’s right, though.” Fushiguro agreed calmly in his usual blasé tone. "Gojo - sensei is a lost cause. He always says he doesn't have time for romance, or some shit. It’d be a shame to waste any more time on this dummy. But, in the end, it's up to you, Itadori."
"Aaaaah..." Yuuji sighed, feeling helpless about the situation. "There's probably some truth to what you’re both saying, but... you can’t just turn it off, you know? Despite the countless failures I’ve had... every time I run into him in the hallway, when he gives me that casual smile, teases me, or hugs me... How am I supposed to just forget and move on when he acts like that with me ?"
"Ugh, spare me the details, we're not in some soap opera ! It's gross," Kugisaki groaned with an overly dramatic grimace before switching back to a serious tone. "And don’t you think you’re romanticizing things a bit too much ? Gojo-sensei acts like that with everyone ! Sure, he was there for you during some really tough times... But you can't just go around hoping for something as big as a relationship when all Gojo-sensei is doing is his job as a teacher ! You get that, Itadori ?"
Of course, Yuuji understood! Deep down, he was starting to realize that he was expecting far too much from his relationship with Gojo. With each passing day, it became clearer that the path he had chosen could only lead to one thing: disappointment.
" Finally, you’re starting to see sense! " sneered Sukuna's voice in his head. That guy always chimed in at the best moments, didn’t he? " Need I remind you who you're infatuated with? Gojo Satoru certainly doesn't have time to waste on an insignificant brat like you. After all, it's not like you can offer him any descendants ! " Sukuna continued, full of malice, determined to do what he did best: drag Yuuji down.
But today, Yuuji was in no mood to listen to the nonsense of an ancient demonic relic. Feeling the heavy silence that had settled over him, Kugisaki placed a comforting hand on her friend's shoulder, snapping him out of his thoughts.
"Itadori, I wasn’t saying this to hurt you. I just want to help you see things more clearly and move on. It’s painful to watch you mope around like this for the sake of that idiot sorcerer !"
Drawing a faint smile, Itadori covered his friend's hand with his own, trying to reassure her. "I know, Kugisaki. Thank you, both of you. You've always given me your attention and support, without fail. I'll be okay, don’t worry for m-"
"What’s with this gloomy atmosphere ?" a voice suddenly exclaimed in the classroom with far too much cheerfulness. "We’re not attending a funeral, are we ? Snap out of it, you youngsters ! You’ll have wrinkles before your time !"
The break was over: Gojo-sensei made his dramatic entrance into the room, as usual, about ten minutes late. For the first time, Yuuji dreaded Gojo-sensei's class. He had secretly hoped that his sensei would be absent at the last minute, giving him time to calmly reflect on everything happening to him without the added stress of maintaining his composure in front of the man who made his heart race every time he looked at him. What bad luck, indeed !
Everyone took their respective seats. Gojo clapped his hands together cheerfully, looking eager. His enthusiasm isn’t always a good sign…
"Alright, listen up ! No theoretical lessons today, kids! I’m taking you on a trip downtown to do some scouting around Akihabara! Nothing beats hands-on experience!"
"Huh!?" Nobara exclaimed, her face tightening with irritation. "You’ve got to be kidding me! What about the exercises you asked us to do? Aren’t we going to review them?"
Gojo paused for a moment, looking thoughtful before responding with calm indifference, "Oh, those exercises! I completely forgot about them! Oh well, we'll go over them in the next class. I’d rather take you all to Akihabara!"
“I can’t believe this,” Kugisaki muttered under her breath, before adding aloud, “We’re starting to get to know you and your half-baked plans! Admit it—you’re just lazy and would rather chill in a café while we’re stuck dealing with Curses in your place !”
"Kugisaki, chill out ! Let him at least explain himself; he hasn’t told us how it’s going to go yet!" Yuuji tried to defuse the situation, sensing Nobara’s frustration rising. The class had barely started, and she was already clashing with Gojo ! Yuuji tried to add a bit of positivity to the conversation, "Maybe it’ll turn out to be a good training opportunity!"
"Yuuujiiiii-kuuuun," Gojo sang out. "You're the only one who trusts me! Always ready to lift the team's spirits!"
"Our spirits are just fine, thank you very much!" Kugisaki and Fushiguro snapped in unison, clearly irritated.
Yuuji couldn’t help but burst out laughing. This was just another ordinary situation with their group. This unexpected trip to Akihabara, even if it was meant for scouting, might not be such a bad idea after all. Yuuji felt so tense that using Curses as punching bags sounded incredibly appealing! It wasn’t easy, but Yuuji decided to set aside his insecurities, at least for today’s lesson. He would have plenty of time to dwell on his recent failures during his breaks. He needed to sort his feelings out.
⁂
On a cloudy Saturday afternoon, Itadori decided to head out on his own. His gloom hadn't lifted, and he figured that nothing could brighten his mood better than a cheesecake and a matcha latte from Starbucks. Or at least, he tried to convince himself that food was the solution to his funk.
It felt good to ditch his school uniform and dress more casually for a change. Seated on a high stool, Itadori savored his sweets while reflecting on the reason behind his failure with Gojo. Yuuji had spent the week mulling over everything and had come to a conclusion, spurred by Sukuna’s snide remark : "Blah, blah, blah, Gojo doesn’t have time to waste on an insignificant brat like you!".
What if Gojo wasn’t attracted to him simply because, in his sensei’s eyes, Itadori was still just a kid? Despite being 18, Yuuji readily admitted his lack of knowledge when it came to things like romantic relationships. After all, he had never really sought anyone’s company, never made an effort to attract anyone. His friends from the Occult Club and the support of his grandfather had always been enough for him to feel like a happy teenager. Love had never been something he took seriously... which drastically changed during the time he spent training in secret with Gojo. Yuuji remembered with cruel clarity one particularly difficult evening : two days had passed since his chaotic fight against Mahito, and Yuuji’s mind was haunted by the memory of Junpei, by his distress before he…
In short, Yuuji was far from feeling like himself. Burdened by regret and guilt, he definitely wasn’t expecting Gojo to show up in the basement, holding a bag from KFC in one hand and a pack of Coca-Cola cans in the other. Gojo cheerfully explained that he’d managed to get out of an incredibly boring mission and, as a result, was in the mood for a movie night with his student over a KFC bucket. Normally, Yuuji would have jumped at the chance... but at that moment, he didn’t have the heart to do anything other than sit silently on the couch, staring blankly at the TV that had been on a loop since the morning.
He thought Gojo would be put off by his bad mood and would decide to spend the evening elsewhere. Yuuji wouldn’t have blamed him; the last thing he wanted was to ruin his sensei’s rare night off. But that’s not what Satoru did. Against all expectations, he let out a heavy sigh at his student's lack of enthusiasm, placed his purchases on the coffee table in front of the couch, and decided to sit down next to him. The words he shared that night would stay with Yuuji for a long time :
“The role of sorcerers isn’t to save everyone. Reality doesn’t work like it does in comics, Yuuji. There will be other moments when you feel powerless. You’ll witness the worst injustices, the worst crimes. That’s why Nanamin told you our job is awful—it's hard to stay sane when all you see is misery.”
Yuuji listened to these words religiously, struggling to hold back tears. He stared at the floor and didn’t see Gojo remove his blindfold, place it on the coffee table, and then take one of Yuuji’s hands in a grip that was both firm and warm, encouraging him to look up. Yuuji complied, albeit reluctantly, but he didn’t regret it. He was dazzled by the azure blue of Satoru’s eyes, shining with a determined light.
“Our job is indeed awful,” Satoru continued, his voice softer than one might expect from him. “But that’s exactly why I encourage my students to form friendships, to not stay alone. Because if this world can’t be changed as we wish, it’s better to dive into this hell surrounded by people who will support us until the end. People who will share the same sorrows and understand us.”
A treacherous tear escaped, and Yuuji quickly wiped it away with an annoyed gesture. However, he was caught off guard by his sensei's other hand, which rested on his head, drawing him in for a comforting embrace. Pressed against Gojo's chest, Yuuji realized he hadn't felt the warmth of another since his grandfather's death. The soothing embrace of someone close, helping to dry his tears.
“No matter what you go through, I will never leave you alone, Yuuji. Even if you try to push me away. You know I can be a real clingy leech when I want to be !” Satoru joked with a light laugh, before adopting a more serious tone and holding Yuuji a little tighter. “Anyhow, I will stay with you. I will endure with you.”
Yuuji was saved by these words. Lost and swimming in an ocean of self-loathing for the past two days, Gojo had jumped straight into the turbulent waters to help him resurface. Breaking into sobs despite his attempts to hold them back, Yuuji let himself go in his teacher's arms. He surrendered completely as Gojo gently stroked his back and hair, whispering, "It’s okay, Yuuji. Let it all out. Just let it go." After a long moment needed to let his emotions settle, Yuuji decided that the movie night would indeed take place. He finally allowed himself to enjoy and live despite his pain and regrets. Watching Hitch , he found himself laughing out loud with his sensei—something he thought would be impossible for months after what had happened. Satoru proved him wrong.
Of course, with his emotions still unstable, there were moments during the movie night when Yuuji would break down in tears, overwhelmed by his grief. But even in these chaotic moments, Gojo was there, wrapping his arm around Yuuji's shoulders and encouraging him to release all the pressure. It was through these moments that Yuuji came to the realization that he couldn’t imagine his life without Gojo. This man gave his life meaning, providing direction amidst all the chaos he observed.
Sighing heavily at the memory of that powerful moment, Yuuji could only confirm his fear: he couldn't give up. He couldn't just move on, pretending his feelings never existed, or that the strength of his bond with Gojo was merely imaginary. Moreover, did Yuuji truly imagine the intensity and tenderness of their relationship? Certainly, Gojo is known, beyond his goofy and arrogant demeanor, as a teacher who takes care of his students, creating a dynamic that could be described as paternal. Yuuji knew it would be delusional to say that his relationship with Gojo was exceptional, as that would be false: Megumi spent his childhood with Gojo, and his second-year senpais had known Gojo long before him. But... his tactile nature sometimes causes moments of doubt and frustration for Yuuji. Gojo sends ambiguous signals. He loves all his students, but Yuuji has never seen Gojo hug Megumi, Nobara, or Maki... or maybe Yuuji is fooling himself and unconsciously trying to convince himself that his bond with Gojo is something unique and exclusive. Yet... Yuuji really did feel a special connection back in the basement !
Sighing for the second time, Yuuji felt a throbbing pain in his head, a result of his overthinking. Taking his revenge on his matcha latte, he finished it in one gulp, his mood decidedly at its lowest. Yuuji started to understand why some people choose to drown their sorrows in alcohol. Perhaps, when he's old enough to drink, he might become the kind of person who downs shots of whiskey until he's completely hammered. The thought chilled him to the bone: it's definitely not a dream future.
Well... let's admit that the bond he shares with Gojo might indeed be something special. The reason why their relationship can’t progress further must be Yuuji's lack of maturity. What if Sukuna wasn’t wrong, after all ? What if Gojo preferred to surround himself with people who can understand the issues specific to the adult world—a world still unknown to Yuuji, who has barely emerged from that carefree period called adolescence? It would make sense, wouldn’t it? Someone like Ieiri-san or Nanami-san would likely bring much more to Gojo. Their knowledge of the world of exorcism, their great rationality, their charm, their skills...
Of course Yuuji doesn’t measure up to them ! Obviously, the young sorcerer didn’t feel entitled to expect a response from Gojo to his feelings.
But understanding that didn’t change the fact that Yuuji was too deeply in love to accept defeat and move on as if nothing had happened! So what was he supposed to do now? All his attempts to get closer had failed. Feeling backed into a corner, Yuuji couldn’t even bring himself to finish his cheesecake and got up to leave the Starbucks, deciding that his outing had brought him nothing but potential diabetes and a headache. He felt completely lost, and he hated that feeling more than anything !
⁂
"Hey. You’re coming to Shinjuku with me. Now!" Kugisaki declared in a clipped tone, her arms crossed as Yuuji opened his bedroom door after her knocking.
Flustered by the unexpected invitation, Yuuji avoided eye contact, clearly not thrilled at the idea of being dragged around stores like a puppy and carrying Nobara’s shopping bags.
"Uh... don’t wanna ?" Yuuji tried, bracing himself for Kugisaki’s reaction.
"It wasn’t a question, Itadori!” Kugisaki complained, her brow twitching. “You’d rather stay in your room moping around? You think Fushiguro and I haven’t noticed? We see you’re struggling! You’re way too quiet and distant during Gojo-sensei’s classes now, when you used to be so chatty. You’re down, and the best fix for that is a shopping trip!"
"I'm really not sure about that, though..." Yuuji mumbled, convinced that Kugisaki was just finding an excuse to drag him along with her.
"Who cares? You've got 10 minutes to get ready. Fushiguro's waiting, too. If you're not ready by then, we'll come drag you out, so watch out!" Kugisaki said, pointing a threatening finger at Yuuji before heading off.
Yuuji sighed, a mix of exasperation and fondness. Nobara didn’t sugarcoat things, but that was just her way of showing how much she cared about him. Fushiguro must have been just as worried; it’s not like him to agree to go out on a Sunday afternoon. Megumi valued his peace and quiet, after all: the fact that he sacrificed one of his reading sessions to lift Yuuji’s spirits... Yuuji was extremely grateful to have such dedicated friends. He really doesn’t know what he’d do without them.
Maybe it’s time for Yuuji to pull himself together and get out of his cave! It’s been a week of moping around—he hasn’t even been in the mood to read his Jump magazine, and his appetite hasn’t been the same… Maybe Kugisaki’s right; he needs to snap out of it and have some fun! Because damn, life doesn’t revolve around Satoru Gojo! Deciding to allow himself a good time with his friends, Yuuji tried his best to push his worries aside as he got ready to head out. He decided to wear a white T-shirt, a black jacket, and slim jeans. A very basic outfit, but it suited him perfectly. It's not like he had a date or anything, anyway !
⁂
"Gosh, Kugisaki, don’t you have enough clothes already? This is the sixth store you've gone into!" Itadori sighed, struggling with a bunch of shopping bags (courtesy of Nobara, as usual).
"Shut up! My day isn’t complete without checking out the latest pieces from Balenciaga!"
"Since when can you afford to buy Balenciaga?" Fushiguro asked.
“Don’t rub it in! I’m allowed to window-shop, okay?” Kugisaki whined theatrically, frustrated that she couldn’t afford her dream pieces.
“Fine, but don’t take all day! We said we’d hit McDonald’s after this! I’m starving!” Yuuji grumbled, tapping his foot impatiently.
As Kugisaki charged into what Yuuji hoped was her last store of the day, Fushiguro nudged his friend’s shoulder to get his attention. “Itadori, you’ve just been trailing behind Kugisaki all day. How about checking out a store yourself while you wait? Might as well make the most of this afternoon.”
Surprised by this thoughtful suggestion, Yuuji blushed slightly and scratched his cheek. "Well... I did want to pick up volume 7 of Demon Slayer, but I can't really imagine walking into a store with all these bags!" Yuuji laughed, lifting the six bags he was carrying. Fushiguro was in no better shape! "Go for it, Itadori. I’ll hold onto the bags. We’ll keep in touch by text," Megumi encouraged, gesturing for his friend to leave the bags beside him.
“Oh! Thanks, Fushiguro, you’re a lifesaver!” Yuuji exclaimed, glad to have the help. He then hesitated, struck by a thought. “But... don’t you want to do the same? Like, check out your own stuff? I don’t want you to be bored or anything!”
Megumi didn’t seem bothered by the idea, shaking his head. “Don’t worry about it. I don’t have anything specific I need to buy, and window-shopping isn’t really my thing. Do your thing, Itadori. We’ll catch up later.”
Warmly thanking his friend, Itadori hurried to Mandarake, his favorite store for buying manga.
Twenty minutes later, Yuuji emerged from the store with a satisfied smile—he almost seemed to sparkle with happiness. He didn't regret giving in to his passion: in addition to his Demon Slayer volume, he had come across two charming figurines, one of Izuku Midoriya and the other of Yoruichi. He couldn't resist; they would look perfect on his room's wall shelf!
Pulling out his smartphone, he quickly typed in their Messenger group chat : I'm done! Where are you guys at? Should I come over?.
The reply came quickly: Fushiguro let him know that Kugisaki had just finished and they were on their way to meet him. Mentioning that he was outside the Mandarake, Yuuji put his phone away and waited, deciding to pull out his volume of Demon Slayer to flip through.
Suddenly, an unknown hand began to tap Yuuji’s shoulder, making him jump. Looking up from his manga, Yuuji was met with a man, likely a salaryman given his attire (suit, bracelet on his wrist, tie…). Why did he look so much like Ijichi - san ? Except for the huge baldness, perhaps…
“Excuse me for interrupting, young man. Do you have a minute to spare?” the stranger asked, his tone trying to sound warm but barely masking his nervousness.
Something felt off. Itadori forced a smile and replied politely, “Uh, sure! How can I help you?”
"Well... how to explain this without sounding weird?" the man mumbled to himself before continuing aloud, "My name is Kenta Saito, and I’m an agent working for the Nebula magazine. Does that name ring a bell?"
"Uh, sorry, it doesn’t!" Itadori confessed, looking embarrassed. Was he supposed to know?
Sensing his discomfort, the agent named Saito replied, "Oh, don’t worry, it’s not a mainstream magazine! Anyway, I’m currently scouting for Nebula. I’ve been approaching people on the street for days, looking for a specific type of young man, and it seems luck is finally on my side!"
Not understanding where Saito was going with this, Yuuji tilted his head in confusion. With sudden enthusiasm, Saito spread his arms as if he had just received a divine revelation.
"Young man, you are exactly what we need! Your physique immediately caught my eye. I took the liberty of observing you from a distance, and let me just say, you have a dream body!"
Not expecting such a declaration, Yuuji turned as red as a beet, stammering in embarrassment as he replied, "W-What? Y-You were checking me out ?"
Realizing his blunder, the agent quickly added, "Oh, my approach is purely professional! Please don’t take it the wrong way! Actually, we’re looking to recruit young models with a physique that’s both lean and strong. These are the hardest profiles to find, and I’m lucky to have come across you! Whether it’s your legs, your upper body, your flawless face... you’re perfect!"
Completely caught off guard by this barrage of compliments on his physique (which doesn’t happen to him every day!), Yuuji suddenly realized that this man was offering him a job as a model. If someone had predicted this to him, he wouldn’t have believed it for a second! But… how could he explain to this man that he couldn’t accept the offer?
Deciding to be straightforward, Yuuji cleared his throat, regained his composure, and replied, “I… I’m really flattered by what you’re saying, but… becoming a model isn’t really feasible for me. I’m still in high school, my schedule is packed, and I—”
The man didn’t give Yuuji a chance to continue, quickly adding:
“Don’t worry ! We can work around your schedule, no matter how limited it might be! Does your school allow students to have a job ?”
“Uh, yes, but—”
"You're at least 18, right ?"
"I am, but—"
“Great! No legal obstacles holding you back!” Saito declared cheerfully, pulling out a calendar and a pen from his bag. “When would you be available for a job interview?”
Starting to get annoyed by Saito’s persistence, Yuuji decided to take a firmer tone. “Look, it’s not just about permissions! I can’t be a model, even if you adjust to my schedule! Sorry, but you’ll have to look elsewhere!”
Suddenly, Saito’s relaxed expression turned into one of deep frustration, his eyes welling with unshed tears. Yuuji was taken aback: had he gone too far? Dropping his bag and agenda to the ground, Saito dropped to his knees in a dogeza position, literally imploring Yuuji in front of everyone in Shinjuku, leaving the high school student mortified with embarrassment.
“Please! You’re our only hope! If you don’t accept, I’ll keep wandering the streets of Tokyo day after day with no results! My feet can’t take it anymore! I’m begging you, save me from this nightmare! I just want to go home and stop thinking about this recruitment mess!”
Panicked by the curious stares of passersby, Yuuji hurried to reassure Saito. "Sir, please calm down! There's no need to go so far!"
Saito, lifting his head slightly from the ground, had tears welling up in his eyes. "Nebula's numbers are at an all-time low; we can’t seem to attract a younger audience! You’ll be paid generously! Just name your price, and we’ll gladly agree! Experience isn’t required either; we’ll train you on the job!" "
As he was about to reiterate his refusal, a sudden realization hit Yuuji, making him fall silent.
Just yesterday, he had been lamenting his immaturity and lack of knowledge when it came to love and attraction. He had concluded that this was indeed what was driving Gojo away, what was preventing him from reaching the heart of the person he had been longing for months. Yuuji didn't know much about the modeling profession, but he had a fairly clear image of it: the role of a model is to stand out, right? It's about drawing attention to oneself, making one's own body pleasing to others' eyes... Essentially, it's about seduction. What if this opportunity was the long-awaited solution to Yuuji's problem? What if becoming a model allowed him to take his first steps into the adult world? It felt as though he was being given access to a vast manual on how to captivate the elusive Gojo Satoru.
Keeping this gig a secret would definitely be a challenge... But since Nebula wasn’t a mainstream magazine, maybe Itadori didn’t need to worry too much about being noticed by the wrong people—his friends, Principal Yaga, and, of course, Gojo. He’d probably have to come up with some way to keep this under wraps, but one thing was clear: the idea of modeling intrigued him. Maybe Kenta Saito had just opened a door that could help ease this inferiority complex that had been haunting him.
Yuuji could be wrong; he might be hoping for too much, and this so-called solution might be way too off-the-wall to actually work... But no matter what, Yuuji had a strong gut feeling pushing him to give it a shot and see where it led.
Worried by Yuuji's silence, Saito seemed to be resigning himself to his grim fate, starting to get up. "I don't want to force you or anything, young man. I just wanted to explain the gravity of the situation our magazine is facing, but I understand that these issues don't really concern you."
"I accept your offer." Yuuji responded calmly.
"Thank you for listening to me, anywha— What?! Come again ?" Saito exclaimed excitedly, springing to his feet with wide eyes.
Laughing softly, Yuuji repeated, "I said yes! Watching you beg was too much, and... you did say you’d pay me generously, right?" Yuuji added slyly, a mischievous grin spreading across his face at the thought of a generous paycheck. After all, the school scholarship wasn’t exactly a fortune.
Overjoyed, Saito grabbed Yuuji's hands in a gesture of gratitude, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh, a thousand thanks! You have no idea what this means. I promise you won’t regret your decision!" Hastily picking up his things from the ground, Saito reopened his agenda and repeated the same question as before, a big smile on his face, "So? Shall we schedule that interview?"
"Of course! Uh... How about next Wednesday? I finish classes at 4 PM," Yuuji asked, still feeling a bit out of his element in this new situation. This would be his very first job (if you don’t count exorcism) and his first-ever job interview! It was a bit nerve-wracking, but Yuuji was ready to embrace the new experience.
"With pleasure... Uh, forgive me, I just realized that with all the excitement, I didn't even take the time to ask for your name! You are Mr...?" Saito asked, readying his pen.
"Yuuji Itadori! I'm looking forward to working with you !" Yuuji declared, bowing respectfully.
"Wonderful, Itadori-kun! Does 5 PM sound like a good time for you?"
"That's perfect! Where should I go?" Yuuji asked, getting ready to jot down the address on his phone. "Oh, don't worry about that!" Saito replied, rummaging through his pockets before pulling out a small business card. "Here’s my card! You’ll find my contact information and the address of Nebula’s agency on it. Does everything look clear to you? Any questions?"
"Everything’s clear, thanks!" Yuuji said, glancing around only to spot Kugisaki and Fushiguro in the distance. Panic set in as he hurriedly added, "Uh, I really have to go now! My friends are waiting for me. See you on Wednesday, for sure!"
"With pleasure, Itadori-kun! I won’t keep you any longer. Have a great day!" Saito said warmly.
"Great, see you later!" Yuuji quickly replied before rushing off towards his friends. They were too far away to have overheard the conversation, but another two minutes and he would have had to explain everything to the two sorcerers. And wait a minute... Did he just say "see you later" to his future agent without even realizing it? Oh no, Yuuji wanted to die! How embarrassing!
Yuuji stopped running, out of breath, as he reached his two friends. "S-So, how was the window shopping?" he asked, trying to catch his breath.
"Why’d you run? We were coming at you." Nobara grumbled, sipping on a bubble tea she had probably bought along the way. "Yeah, it was cool. Looks like you did some shopping yourself!"
"Yeah, I'm so happy!" Yuuji exclaimed, holding up his bag like a kid showing off a new toy. "Wait till you see the figures I got, you're gonna lo—"
"Damn otaku," Nobara interrupted with a disinterested tone, finishing her bubble tea like she hadn’t just said something super hurtful.
"That’s really not cool, Kugisaki!" Yuuji whined, clutching his bag tightly as if to protect his precious haul. He was genuinely hurt.
"Itadori," Fushiguro called out, his tone curious as he stared at a point behind Yuuji, "You were talking to some guy earlier. What did he want?"
Itadori cursed internally. Damn it, think fast! "Yeah, he, uh... he was just asking for directions! Nothing important!"
Yuuji didn't like keeping secrets from his friends. But for now, it was crucial that he kept this to himself. Maybe deep down, Yuuji feared that his friends, whether students or teachers, would criticize him for his lack of judgment in accepting a modeling job alongside his sorcerer’s duties. It might give the impression that Yuuji wasn’t taking his studies seriously… which couldn’t be further from the truth! But didn’t he have the right to devote at least a little time to his personal life? To try new things? If his life was only about exorcism and nothing else, it would be incredibly depressing.
Some might say that his romantic problems are insignificant, that they don’t matter and only slow down his progress as a sorcerer. But the fact is, those self-doubts are still there! And Yuuji is determined not to let them linger any longer.
“It won't hurt anyone, right?” Yuuji thought to himself. “It won't interfere with my studies, I'll be generously paid and... this job might help me better understand seduction. This should increase my chances with Gojo-sensei ! Whether Sukuna, Fushiguro, and Kugisaki like it or not !”
"Alright, you were begging me to hurry up so we could eat, so let's go?" Kugisaki suggested to Itadori, gesturing for the two boys to follow her.
"Yes, I'm starving!" Yuuji replied, pushing aside his annoying thoughts.
" Idiot ..." Sukuna muttered with a condescending tone. His comment went unnoticed by Yuuji, who was too focused on his excitement about discovering the world of modeling... the world of adults.
It’ll take time, but Yuuji will eventually become worthy of his sensei!
Notes:
Sukuna speaks inside Yuuji's head btw. No one hears him, unless I specify that Sukuna's mouth appear somewhere on Yuuji's body.
Kenta Saito = the plot excuse to introduce Yuuji to the world of modeling LMFAO. That's literally the only reason this character exists. I hope you’ll still enjoy him—he’ll show up multiple times along with other OCs! In the next chapter: Yuuji discovers a new world and new possibilities for growth. Lots of love and see you next time!
PS: The author of this story knows absolutely nothing about the world of modeling. Keep in mind that the scenes described are purely fictional, and it’s very likely that reality is much different lol.
Chapter 2: I am beautiful
Notes:
Here we go for chapter 2 ! First of all, I wanted to thank you all for your kudos and nice comments ! I was genuinely surprise that my story could receive so much support and love, so thank you very much !
Just so you know, music plays a huge role in the creation of my stories, and this fanfiction is no exception! So, from time to time, I’ll be making song suggestions based on the events of each chapter. For this chapter in particular, "Because Of You" by Ne-Yo feels particularly fitting. I grew up with 2000s and 2010s pop music, so you can expect a lot of song suggestions from those eras, lol
I mentioned this in the end notes for chapter 1, but I’ll say it again—I know absolutely nothing about the world of modeling! The way I depict it in this story is entirely from my imagination, so it’s likely very different from reality. But honestly, I’m not trying to stick to real life here. I just want to see Yuuji become a model!
Anyway, I’ll stop talking (for now) and let you dive into chapter 2. Enjoy!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
"How would you define your relationship with the homosexual community, Itadori-kun ?"
Well, Yuuji definitely didn’t see that one coming! Answering questions about his resume (which is quite sparse, except for some volunteer work here and there), his personal situation (skipping, of course, the taboo subject of exorcism), or his views on modeling is one thing. But why this particular question ? Yuuji is clearly thrown off balance. He’d better calm down and think of a suitable response... but what kind of answer are they actually expecting ?
Yuuji knew that job interviews could be stressful, but this was starting to make his stomach churn in all sorts of ways !
"Uh... I must admit, that's a tough question you've thrown at me !" Yuuji laughed nervously, scratching his cheek.
"Take your time to answer," the woman, apparently an HR representative, reassured him with a calming smile, ready to take notes in her notebook.
Well... Yuuji had no clue ! Sure, he's in love with Gojo Satoru, but to consider himself part of the homosexual community ? Yuuji didn't feel attracted to men in general, only to his sensei. It might not be the norm, but that's just how he feels ! Can he even call himself "Gojo-sexual" ? Oh, and screw these label issues; they’re just wearing him out !
"The only thing I can say for sure is that other people's sexual orientation doesn’t matter to me. If I end up working with homosexual individuals, it won’t change anything on my part ! Homosexuality isn’t an issue for me... um, does that answer work for you ?" Yuuji asked, uncertain about the quality of his response. He hoped he hadn’t said anything wrong !
"That's excellent. Thank you for your honest answer," the HR representative responded, taking detailed notes on the conversation she just had with Yuuji.
The young sorcerer had expected the interview to last much longer—it had only been about thirty minutes ! This reminded him of a question he'd had the day before :
"Tell me, is it true that my lack of experience won't be an issue ? Saito-san assured me that I would be trained on the job, but I'd like to clarify that with you! I mean... if you decide to hire me, of course," Yuuji added, trying not to celebrate too soon.
"I confirm what my colleague said—beginners are welcome within our organization !" With a beaming smile, the Nebula employee closed her notepad and pulled out a document and a pen from one of the drawers of her desk, presenting them to Yuuji.
Curious, he leaned forward and read the words "employment contract."
"It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Nebula, Itadori-kun ! Since we are a magazine primarily aimed at the homosexual community, it was crucial for me to understand your relationship with it. Your response was full of open-mindedness and respect, which perfectly aligns with the values our group stands for."
Yuuji learned for the first time that Nebula was a magazine aimed at the gay community. He paused for a moment before expressing his excitement. Does it matter if he models for this type of magazine ? Probably not ! From what little he had seen during his internet research, it seemed unlikely that he'd be asked to do anything too risqué on camera, like getting naked or doing anything inappropriate. Yuuji felt confident. He could handle this !
"All that’s left is for you to sign this contract, and our collaboration will officially begin!" the HR representative declared proudly, encouraging Yuuji to take the pen she was offering.
Overcome with a surge of excitement he hadn't felt in weeks (thanks to his recent bout of depression), Yuuji eagerly grabbed the pen, warmly thanking the HR representative before signing the contract without reading it in detail.
⁂
Two weeks had passed since his job interview. After going through a training period on the basics of the job, Yuuji was now ready for his first real photoshoot! Using his badge to access the employee-only section of the building, he hurried down the hallway leading to the studio, barely able to contain his excitement. He knew he was far from being in his element and that he'd probably make a mistake or two... or three. But despite the anticipation, he was genuinely thrilled to finally get to the practical part of the job. Up until now, he had only been observing from a distance as his fellow models posed in front of the camera, with Saito-san constantly by his side, ready to answer any questions.
Upon arriving at his destination, Yuuji took a deep breath before opening the door to the studio where the photoshoot would take place. Before getting down to business, Saito-san had explained that he first needed to go through a crucial step: physically preparing for the shoot. In other words, Yuuji had to go through hair styling, makeup, waxing, and dressing. It felt really strange to think that he was about to be pampered... The last time someone had helped him get ready was when his grandfather used to dress him before school. But that was when he was seven! Not to mention, he had zero knowledge when it came to makeup and waxing.
"Itadori-kun?" Startled by the unfamiliar voice calling his name, Yuuji turned to face the unknown speaker.
He saw a woman he had never met before, though she seemed to know him already. She had an Afro hairstyle, a red bandana on her head, a beautiful coffee-colored complexion, and was dressed in casual clothes. She didn't seem to be a fellow model.
"Y-Yes?" Yuuji asked, still surprised.
"Here you are! I’m Leila Takahashi, the head of Nebula’s esthetician team. I’ll be taking care of your makeup and waxing. Shall we head to the backstage?" Leila said enthusiastically, her friendly smile brightening her face.
Excited by this new encounter, Yuuji hurried to follow the esthetician to the dressing area. They arrived in a part of the studio where there was a booth. Leila invited Yuuji to step inside. The young sorcerer was surprised to see what looked like a treatment table, similar to those found at the doctor’s office. Completely bewildered, he asked what probably seemed like a silly question :
“Uh... are you going to do a check-up or something ? I’m in good health, though,” he asked with a childlike look of confusion.
As she closed the door behind her, Leila paused for a moment before bursting into laughter. "Oh no, don't worry ! This is where I handle the waxing for the models ! I promise, no injections !" Leila joked as she rummaged through a cabinet, pulling out latex gloves and paper strips. "Today, we’ll be doing your arms, torso and underarms. Take off your top and lie down !"
After complying, Yuuji couldn’t help but feel a bit self-conscious. He had been asked to undress for medical visits before (Ieiri-san had even seen him fully naked, by accident), but this was the first time he was showing his body in such a specific context. Yuuji was fortunate not to have very visible hair, unlike Fushiguro, for example, whose hair was black. But his pink hair was still fairly long...
Noticing the young man's slight tension, Leila approached the table where Yuuji was lying, a soothing smile on her face. "Is this your first time with wax hair removal?"
"Uh, yes ma'am!"
"It's okay to call me Leila!" the esthetician said, before continuing. "Do you usually shave?"
"Yes, but not my whole body! I’ve never shaved my arms, legs, or chest, just... um..." Yuuji's cheeks turned red with embarrassment. He was thinking very hard about the pubic area but felt too awkward to say it out loud.
"Got it, don’t worry!" Leila reassured him, understanding the implied message. "It’s actually a good thing that you haven’t shaved the areas we’ll be working on today. The hair follicles shouldn't be too thick, which means the pain should be bearable... in theory." She added, preparing a portion of warm wax on a wooden spatula and applying the liquid to a part of Yuuji's right arm.
"In theory, you say?" Yuuji stammered, sweating a bit at the mention of pain. "Is it really that painful?"
"Some people handle waxing more easily, while others feel like their skin is coming off with the hair... Skin sensitivity is quite subjective. The only way to know your tolerance is to try it." Leila explained calmly as she applied a strip of paper to the young sorcerer's arm. "Are you ready? I promise to be quick."
Taking a calmer breath, Yuuji nodded, signaling to Leila that she could start. Without hesitation, the esthetician swiftly and precisely pulled off the strip of paper, skillfully removing the waxed hair. Within seconds, she had rendered a large portion of Yuuji's arm hairless. Once she finished this area, Leila paused, looking at Yuuji with concern: "How are you doing? Are you holding up alright?"
To her surprise, the young model’s expression showed no signs of discomfort. She had expected to see pained grimaces, beads of sweat, or trembling—none of that was there! Yuuji remained impassive. Was he managing to ignore the sensation? It seemed almost inhuman at this level!
“Uh…” Yuuji started, looking a bit embarrassed. “I didn’t feel anything at all. Is that normal?”
Absolutely stunned by what she had just heard, Leila couldn't help but exclaim in pure disbelief, "What the heck?! You didn’t even feel any pulling or burning sensation?"
“Uh... no! So it’s clearly not normal, right?” Yuuji chuckled, feeling relieved that he hadn’t experienced any pain.
“No, that’s definitely not usual, but consider yourself lucky, Itadori-kun! Your pain threshold is clearly higher than average! Many of your colleagues would envy you, believe me!” Leila laughed, dipping her stick back into the warm wax. “So, are you reassured? Shall we continue?”
As he admired the results of the waxing with awe, Yuuji realized he liked being hairless more than he had imagined. His skin looked completely different, feeling much softer to the touch. He was excited to see how he would look once the session was complete! Delighted, Yuuji encouraged Leila to continue.
Regarding Yuuji's pain threshold, a theory crossed the student’s mind: how does the pain of waxing compare to the pain of a severed hand? This was indeed what happened to him during his mission at the detention center, facing the Special Grade Cursed Spirit. His body had experienced far worse than having hairs pulled out... that might explain his lack of reaction. But of course, he would keep this to himself !
⁂
The whole preparation took a good hour! Yuuji now understood why Kugisaki sometimes took a while to get ready before going out. Leila introduced Yuuji to makeup: she showed him the use of powder foundation, concealer, mascara, and kohl pencil. The young sorcerer was amazed at how much the results transformed his appearance! He looked much fresher, with his slight under-eye bags concealed, the powder filling in some of the creases on his skin, and the mascara and kohl pencil accentuating his gaze and highlighting his eye color.
"Your face is already very handsome naturally, Yuuji, but with a bit of makeup, you can enhance whatever you want!" Leila explained enthusiastically, now comfortable enough with him to call him by his first name.
Leila was absolutely delightful! Yuuji had known her for only a short time, but he already adored her. Vibrant, passionate about her work, and gentle... Itadori felt extremely at ease with her. He was glad to have the chance to be pampered by such a talented and caring esthetician!
"Thank you so much, Leila-san, you're amazing!" Yuuji exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "To be honest, I was pretty apprehensive about the makeup part. I was afraid I'd end up looking like a paint palette, with colors way too flashy smeared all over my face!"
"Oh no, that will never happen with me!” She said as she completed applying the kohl pencil. “My philosophy is to enhance a person's natural features, not cover them up with tons of products. I told you, your face is naturally beautiful; adding heavy colors would not only be unnecessary but also completely inappropriate for your style! A light makeup look suits you better !"
Yuuji felt himself blushing, deeply flattered by Leila's compliments. He had never really considered whether he was attractive or not. Back in middle school, he wasn't very popular with girls, but he never had trouble making friends with both sexes. Maybe learning the basics of beauty would help Yuuji become someone more appealing, more desirable? He hoped so. He didn’t want to make any mistakes. After all, Gojo was the man of his life.
"Oh!" Leila exclaimed, putting the kohl pencil away. She rummaged through her kit and pulled out what turned out to be a lip balm. "I almost forgot! Your lips are a bit dry, they need some hydration. This one is lightly tinted, so it'll give your lips a subtle rosy color. You're going to look amazing! I deserve a raise for this!"
Holding back a laugh to let the esthetician finish applying the balm, Yuuji remembered a question that had crossed his mind during the waxing. Waiting for Leila to complete the application of the moisturizer, Yuuji finally spoke up again:
“Leila-san, I noticed that your first name doesn’t sound Japanese… Do you have any roots or heritage?? I hope I’m not being too forward!”
Surprised by the sudden question, Leila quickly regained her composure, displaying a warm smile. “No worries, Yuuji! I’m flattered that you’re interested in my background! You’re right though, my father is African-American, and I take after my Japanese mother. My parents are divorced. I visit my father in the United States from time to time, but I mostly live in Tokyo. I have no desire to live in the U.S. permanently!”
"That's so cool! I've never met an American person in my life! Do you speak English?" Yuuji asked, as enthusiastic as a child.
"Yes, thanks to my father!"
"Oh !" exclaimed Yuuji as the light bulb went off in his mind. "Could I ask you for some tips for my studies? I manage okay with writing, but I struggle with pronunciation!"
"With pleasure, Yuuji!" Leila agreed, closing her makeup kit and letting Yuuji admire the final result in the lit mirror.
"So? Are you satisfied with the lip balm?"
Leila was right! The sorcerer’s lips were a bit glossy, which matched wonderfully with the rest of the makeup. It made him think that Gojo-sensei's lips had a similar hue... Did he use lip balm too? As he nodded enthusiastically, Saito-san arrived unexpectedly, as he was looking for Yuuji.
"Itadori-kun, the set is done ! Are you ready for the shoot?"
"Uh, isn't there the dressing left?" Yuuji asked, a bit confused.
Saito waved his hand, explaining, "No, you won't need specific clothes for today's shoot. Your body will be covered by drapes, so the only thing you need to do is put on your underwear!"
⁂
Thank goodness there were sheets!
Yuuji wasn’t embarrassed about showing certain parts of his body, like his torso or legs, but doing a photoshoot in just underwear? That was a whole new level of exposure, and he wasn’t ready to cross that line yet. Maybe with experience, he would feel more comfortable…
The young sorcerer had been informed in advance that today’s shoot was for a product placement in this month’s Nebula magazine. The ad was for a luxury bedding brand called Tansu. The shooting set was designed accordingly: a king-size round bed was draped in the brand’s linens, predominantly in red. Yuuji was instructed to cover himself with the sheets, leaving only a part of his calves and shoulders exposed for now.
“Alright, Itadori-kun, we need to capture you in different positions. The goal is to create a sensual image that readers can directly associate with the brand. Feel free to use the sheets as you please to find the best poses. We’ll guide you from start to finish! Any questions?” asked Saito-san, standing next to one of the photographers, whose camera was already poised to capture the young model’s performance.
“Uh...” Yuuji could feel his anxiety returning, causing him to hesitate. “None, Saito-san. I think it’ll be fine.”
The spotlight, the three photographers staring at him through their cameras, the gazes of his fellow models and superiors... Yuuji could never have imagined how overwhelming it could be to perform as a model. It was almost suffocating. What was he supposed to do? What poses was he supposed to strike in that king-size bed, ten times too big for him, with those silk sheets covering his entire body?
Yuuji felt blocked, an overwhelmingly unpleasant sensation. His mind went blank; any action he could mentally picture was immediately rejected by his brain, as the young sorcerer felt that no matter what he did, nothing would be right, nothing would satisfy his team.
There it was again, that damned complex. That feeling of not being legitimate.
Disoriented, Yuuji felt like a fish out of water, his chest tightening under the weight of stage fright. As he struggled to steady his breathing and his fingers turned white from gripping the red sheets too tightly, he noticed someone waving at him from the corner of his eye. Lifting his head, which had drooped under the weight of uncertainty, he saw Saito-san giving him a big smile, raising his thumb in a gesture of approval, and mouthing, " You’re going to nail this! ". Just behind him, Leila's confident smile was also directed at him. She nodded, as if to say she was with him all the way.
It was at this moment that Yuuji remembered why he had come to Nebula. He was here to learn how to push past his limits, to let go of his limiting beliefs in order to better achieve what he wanted. To prove to himself that he, too, was capable of influencing how people perceived him, just like Gojo could drive anyone crazy with just the tone of his voice and the intensity of his gaze.
For any of this to be possible, for Yuuji to reach his sensei’s level and become worthy of him, he needed to believe in himself, just as Saito-san and Leila-san believed in him. He had to keep repeating the same phrase to himself at every photoshoot, until it was so deeply ingrained in his memory that he would never again doubt his ability to captivate.
“ I am beautiful ,” Yuuji thought, his gaze now filled with determination to see this session through and allow himself to try. Of course, a stubborn part of his mind resisted, rejecting that statement as too ambitious, too arrogant... but Yuuji held firm. He wouldn’t fall back into self-pity! Not now, not in front of all these cameras!
From that moment on, Yuuji acted purely on instinct. He lay on his side, resting his head on his left hand for support, his gaze fixed straight on the center camera, a confident smile on his lips, masking all his insecurities. Yuuji clearly remembered his training: don’t look at anything but the camera—nothing else exists around you.
"Yes, perfect!" Saito-san exclaimed as the photographers captured shots in rapid succession.
Spurred on by the compliment, Yuuji continued, now inspired by another pose. Lying on his back, he raised one leg, letting it slightly peek out from the cocoon of fabric, his arms lifted around his head, forming a halo. Turning his head to the side, Yuuji stared voluptuously into the camera, his mouth slightly open. He imagined himself alongside Gojo to fully embrace the intensity of the moment. The sorcerer had a clear image of what would happen in those sheets : his sensei enveloping him with warmth, making Itadori feel how much he wanted him, stroking his student’s torso, traveling along his stomach, passing by his navel and gaining access to his most sacred areas.
"Great expression! Hold that, the intensity is striking!" Saito-san directed as the photographers began to move around, capturing Yuuji from different angles.
A few minutes were enough to get the green light from the team to try a new pose. Now lying on his stomach, Yuuji let the silk sheets drape over his back, his right foot raised, and his chin supported by his hand. With a sultry gaze, Yuuji playfully bit down on his little finger, sending a clear message to anyone who would come across these future photos: the young model was hungry. Starving, even.
And there's only one man in this world who could satisfy his insatiable appetite.
⁂
The shoot ended later than expected. It was past 7 PM when Yuuji entered the dormitory. Excitement radiated from him; he struggled to keep from bouncing around like a child, muttering "I did it, holy shit!" under his breath to avoid being overheard (unlikely, given the empty hallways. The other students were either out in the city, in their rooms, or at the dining hall). Cheerfully making his way to his room, Yuuji was bubbling with satisfaction. For a first shoot, it was a resounding success. Saito and Leila had warmly praised him, applauding the creativity behind each pose he had chosen. A marketing representative from the Tansu brand was also present, and if his smile and acknowledgements were any proof, he agreed with the praise from the sorcerer's agent.
As Yuuji pulled his keys from his pocket, he began to hum unconsciously, starting to unlock his door when a sulky voice buzzed near his ear: "Yuujiiiii, where have you been?"
Feeling his heart leap out of his chest, Yuuji spun around abruptly with a gasp, hand on his chest and his back pressed against the door. Gojo-sensei had a knack for appearing exactly where he wanted, courtesy of his ability.
"Damn it, Sensei! You scared me!" Yuuji complained, a sweat drop on his temple and a frown of disapproval on his face.
Satoru stood up straight, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he scanned his student through his blindfold. "You’re such a nervous wreck; you need to toughen up, or you’ll die from a heart attack!"
"Because of whom did I just have one?" Yuuji muttered through his teeth.
"Anyway," Satoru continued abruptly, deliberately ignoring his student’s comment, "you still haven’t answered the question !"
Remembering what Gojo had asked him, Yuuji did his best to stay calm. No rushing, just speaking as normally as possible. Nothing should show.
“Oh, I’m just coming back from a trip to the city! I lost track of time, honestly. Why? Did you need something, Sensei?” Yuuji asked innocently, his smile slightly twitching despite his efforts to control it.
"Uhmmm, you had a falling out with Megumi and Nobara, or something ? You usually hang out with them," Satoru asked, looking thoughtful.
"Not at all! I sometimes go out alone. It helps me... clear my mind." Yuuji stopped there, feeling that providing more details might raise unwelcome suspicions.
Nodding, Gojo seemed to accept this answer. Thank goodness Leila had removed Yuuji's makeup before he went home, and his clothes hid his waxed arms!
With his hands in his pockets, Satoru flashed a toothy smile and added, "Actually, I was looking for you to suggest a movie night, like the old days! Interested?"
Yuuji blinked, feeling a jolt of surprise. He must have misheard. "A movie night?" he asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.
“Yep !”
“Just the two of us ?”
“That’s what I had in mind, unless you thought about bringing Megumi and Nobara with you !”
Absolutely not! No fucking way in hell ! This is too good an opportunity to pass up!
Just a week ago, Yuuji had begun to think that Gojo didn’t want to build a relationship with him outside of class. Which, honestly, made sense ! After all, it could be seen as inappropriate for a teacher to seek out contact with his students beyond academic concerns. This thought had saddened Yuuji immensely, nonetheless. Of course, he was aware of his status as a student and of Gojo’s important yet delicate position... but, damn it, you can’t choose who you’re drawn to! Yuuji was ready to go up against principal Yaga himself if it meant being allowed to connect with his sensei the way he wanted. Gojo Satoru represented far more than just a teacher in Yuuji’s eyes.
What a relief to see that The Strongest had come to seek out his presence in person!
“Ah, n-no! Just the two of us is perfect!” Yuuji stuttered, feeling his cheeks flush. He was genuinely thrilled that his sensei had proposed a one-on-one evening, something the young sorcerer hadn’t managed to arrange in months! “W-When did you want to do this?”
“Next Monday, around 6 PM. Would that work for you? I have a free evening. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that the old geezers don’t dump an urgent mission on me.” Satoru grumbled with irritation.
Yuuji understood he was referring to the higher-ups at the school. He was aware that Gojo’s days off were often interrupted by emergencies. Being the Strongest might not be so enviable from that perspective… Yuuji felt a pang of sympathy for him.
Just as he was about to accept, his brain decided to remind him of a crucial detail that his earlier joy made him completely forget. Saito-san had informed him that a photoshoot was scheduled for Monday starting at 5 PM, and Yuuji had agreed without hesitation. "Count on me !" he had said, with a broad smile. Yuuji must have been cursed by someone. He must have committed some unforgivable sin in a past life, and someone was out for revenge. There was no other explanation for this level of bad luck!
However, as Yuuji recalled Saito-san and Leila waving goodbye to him, he suddenly realized that accepting Gojo’s invitation might not be the best idea, anyway. Diving back into his operation of winning Gojo over so soon ? He had only just started his new venture, and the success of today’s shoot shouldn’t go to his head and make him think he had the world at his feet.
Yuuji didn’t want to make any mistakes. If he was going to be alone with Gojo again (outside of class, of course), it needed to be in a context where Yuuji had gained enough confidence and maturity to handle the situation and prove to Gojo that he was worthy of him. It broke Yuuji’s heart to admit it, but it was still too soon to make a move. He needed to be patient and follow through with his plan, even if it meant turning down an offer from his sensei.
Life sucked.
His eyes couldn’t hide his disappointment as Yuuji declined his mentor’s offer. “I already have something planned for Monday. I might be busy all evening and get back pretty late. I’m sorry. Maybe we can reschedule another time, if you’d like.”
The last part was rather hypocritical, considering Yuuji was secretly hoping that Gojo wouldn’t offer this type of meeting again anytime soon. It was already hard enough to hold himself back, and if Gojo made it even more difficult, Yuuji knew he still had a lot of ground to cover.
Gojo seemed genuinely taken aback by this response. Did he expect an immediate "yes"? He opened his mouth as if to say something, then closed it, looking suddenly thoughtful. Was he pouting? This unexpected (and incredibly cute, damn it!) reaction caught Yuuji off guard, making him feel a pang of guilt: he didn’t want to disappoint his sensei! Before he could even apologize again, Gojo’s expression softened, his confident smile returning to its usual place.
"I see! It’s not a problem, Yuuji. We’ll find another opportunity."
"Y-Yes! Of course!" Yuuji replied awkwardly. "Is there anything else you wanted to discuss?"
“Nope!”
“Got it! Well then… have a good evening, sensei!” Yuuji concluded politely, grabbing his keys to unlock and push open his front door.
“Yuuji.”
Before he could enter his room, his sensei interrupted him with a serious tone. Surprised, Yuuji turned back toward his mentor. He noticed that Satoru’s smile had vanished.
“Don’t overdo it, okay?”
Not understanding where his sensei was coming from, Yuuji fell silent, silently urging him to clarify his thoughts.
“I’ve noticed your frequent comings and goings between the school and the city center for several weeks now. Not to mention your drastic drop in energy during classes. Take it easy. I know you : when you set a goal for yourself, you’re willing to go to any lengths to achieve it.”
Moving closer to his student, Satoru couldn't help but ruffle Yuuji's hair, as he always did—whether to tease him, reassure him, or comfort him. "I can tell you're putting a lot of pressure on yourself. Find a balance, and come back to class with that contagious good mood of yours, okay?"
Yuuji took a quick breath, feeling tears well up in his eyes, barely managing to hold them back. Was the fatigue from his day making him a thousand times more sensitive than usual? Or had he always reacted this way to his teacher's kindness? Hearing his sensei worry about his change in behavior meant a lot to the young sorcerer. Yes, Gojo had always cared about him, Yuuji was aware of that. But Satoru was concerned to the point of noticing even the slightest change in his habits or the smallest fluctuation in Yuuji's energy. There was no doubt: Yuuji needed to continue working on himself to one day be worthy of such kindness.
"Thank you, Gojo-sensei," Yuuji said, his face lighting up with a grateful smile. Seemingly satisfied with this reaction, the special grade sorcerer returned his student's smile and decided it was time to leave. Yuuji felt a pang in his heart as he felt that warm hand leave his hair. His sensei gave him a final wave as he departed.
⁂
Three days after that conversation, Yuuji was even more convinced that he was cursed. He had hoped that his teacher wouldn’t complicate things by seeking him out… but in class, Gojo-sensei was now a thousand times more attentive to Itadori’s daydreaming, not hesitating to call him out in front of Kugisaki and Fushiguro to keep him from getting lost in his thoughts: " Yuuji-kun, wake up! I don’t know where your mind has wandered off to, but it’s definitely not focused on what I’m saying ! ". If only he knew...
The Sixth Eye bearer even tried to invite him to lunch. Several times. Again, it was a proposition just for the two of them, one-on-one. It's a topsy-turvy world! Yuuji had tried for months to get his sensei to go out with him, without success. And now that he wanted to distance himself, his sensei seemed determined to make his life difficult, coming back at him almost every day! Did this big idiot have any idea how much determination it took for his student to refuse each of his offers? Yuuji didn’t even know what excuse to come up with anymore to get himself out of this mess!
Living a double life was far from easy. Gojo-sensei wasn’t wrong when he called him a nervous wreck. That’s exactly what Yuuji had become since being recruited as a model! Constantly watching what he said about his frequent outings, making sure not to raise any suspicion, pretending like nothing had changed in his life... It was mentally exhausting, especially for someone like Yuuji, who had always chosen to speak the truth as it was. Keeping secrets was just a breeding ground for trouble.
But what other choice did he have? Talking about this double life was already tricky enough on its own. If his friends started digging into the reasons why he chose to work for Nebula... Yuuji would rather have his heart ripped off a second time than endure that! Silence was his only option. And he would keep his distance from Gojo because he didn’t feel emotionally equipped to handle a one-on-one with him without messing everything up.
“ Everything’s fine ,” Yuuji tried to convince himself mentally while vacuuming his room. “It’s tough, but I’m handling it! No one seems suspicious. And modeling really does bring something extra into my life! I With Saito-san’s guidance and Leila-san’s talent, I’m discovering my body. I’m embracing a new way to assert myself through appearance... there’s no way I’m letting this fall apart! ”
“ So what ? You’re happy to learn how to be a whore for your dear Gojo ? Please ! You have no sense of dignity.” Sukuna snickered inside his host's head, never missing an opportunity to belittle Yuuji. It was almost as if he was born for it !
As usual, Yuuji did not respond to the comment, which was as uninteresting as it was inappropriate. However, his cleaning was interrupted by the sound of someone knocking on his door.
Stopping his vacuum cleaner, Yuuji went to open the door and found Kugisaki standing there, dressed in her ever-present Moana-themed pajamas (Yuuji had sworn to stop teasing her about her Disney obsession).
"Hey, Kugisaki! What brings you here in the middle of the evening?"
Yuuji lost his smile as he realized something was wrong. Nobara looked wound as tightly as a spring. She was holding her phone in her hand, her lips trembling.
"Hey, Itadori, um... Can we discuss this inside? It's better not to stay at the door, believe me."
Yuuji was starting to get really worried! Adopting a serious expression, he let his friend in, carefully closing the door behind them to avoid any eavesdroppers. It was possible that something big happened during a mission…
The two high schoolers settled on Yuuji’s bed, Nobara’s eyes hidden behind her bangs. Is she sad, or something ?
“Kugisaki, you’re scaring me! You look really shaken up. Did something serious happen?”
“What?” Nobara suddenly seemed more surprised than truly worried. “No ! You’re way off! Nothing bad happened !” Nobara gave a tight, uneasy smile that did little to convince Yuuji of her words. “Actually…”
Taking a deep breath, Kugisaki unlocked her phone and scrolled through her many apps while explaining, "Do you remember this morning? You borrowed my phone to log into your Gmail account."
“Yeah, that's right! What about it?”
“You forgot to log out. Earlier, I wanted to check my new emails and didn’t realize I was still logged into your account when I opened the app. I instinctively clicked on an unread message, thinking it was meant for me..."
Kugisaki seemed to have found what she was looking for and opened a file, showing it to Yuuji while struggling to hold back her laughter. Oh no... Nobara hadn’t been stressed earlier; she was just trying not to laugh.
"Itadori... can you explain what you're doing wrapped in sheets like a burrito?" Kugisaki's voice was trembling with the effort to keep from bursting into laughter.
Yuuji was officially cursed. Someone, please bury him six feet under, for pity's sake!
His secret lasted three and a half weeks. And he thought he could keep it up for months! What an idiot he was! A simple, avoidable mistake, and now look at the consequences! Yuuji seriously wanted to die a second time.
"Oh my fucking god, Kugisaki, DELETE THIS!" Yuuji begged, his face pale as he lunged to snatch the phone from her, but she quickly jumped off the bed to get away.
"Oh, no way, sweetheart! I just stumbled upon a real gem!" Now that the laughter had passed, Kugisaki wore a wide, predatory grin, her eyes gleaming with mischief. "So, you're working for Nebula, huh? Planning a career change? Quite the turn!"
"Kugisaki, I swear to God, if you show this to anyone...!" Desperation fueled Yuuji as he lunged at his classmate again, only to be pushed back by her hand against his face.
"Relax, I’ll keep this to myself ! Honestly, it was more funny than anything else—it took me a good fifteen minutes to recover the first time I saw this !" Kugisaki giggled before her expression grew more serious. "Itadori, I promise I’m not trying to humiliate you. But seriously... what the fuck?! This is the last thing I expected to find out about you! What, are you strapped for cash? I know the school doesn’t pay us much, but going all out doing product placements for Nebula...?"
Yuuji finally gave up and sat back down on his bed, letting out the longest sigh of his life. Well, where to start? Now that it was all out in the open, he might as well spill the whole story, just to make sure Kugisaki didn’t jump to any wild conclusions!
⁂
"So, let me get this straight... You accepted your agent’s offer because you saw it as an opportunity to better understand how seduction works?"
"Yeah..." Yuuji sighed, utterly defeated.
"And you're trying to become a stud to lure Gojo-sensei into your bed?"
"WHAT!" Yuuji yelped, turning beet red, outraged by the image his friend had painted of his intentions... only to realize that, in a way, she had basically hit the mark. "Okay, fine... but it’s not just about sex, and you know it!" Yuuji added, raising an accusing finger, determined to prove his point despite the overwhelming embarrassment.
"Yeah, right!" Kugisaki said dismissively, then added, "So that's how it is, huh? You’re not giving up on him?"
Surprised by the question, Yuuji took a moment to ponder it. Megumi and Nobara had indeed advised him to give up on his pursuit, arguing that Gojo wasn’t worth the effort, and that Yuuji had better things to do than trying to make the Strongest understand that he wanted more than a friendship with him (after all, hadn’t Gojo become some sort of friend, over time?). Yuuji understood his friends' arguments, and it was clear that Kugisaki and Fushiguro wanted to spare him unnecessary pain by advising him to move on. There was even that time when Fushiguro had confessed that Gojo tended to date women and men (Yuuji had done his best to ignore the pain this tidbit caused). These were just one-night stands, with his teacher changing partners as easily as changing socks.
Given that Megumi was Satoru's adopted son, Yuuji knew that the information shared by Fushiguro was likely accurate due to his daily contact with Gojo during his childhood. This anecdote revealed an unflattering side to the man who had captured Itadori’s heart. Yuuji was not known for his brilliance, but even someone like him understood the risks of trying to woo a man as inaccessible as Gojo Satoru. Socially unreachable due to his status as a clan leader and special grade sorcerer, and especially difficult to understand on a personal and emotional level. Yes, Yuuji risked coming out of this experience scarred if things went wrong. But he was determined to explore this aspect of life to its fullest, despite the problems it might bring. After all, isn’t that what a young adult is supposed to do?
“I...” Yuuji finally replied, with a resigned yet determined look. “I know I’m getting myself into a complicated situation, and the risk of ending up with a broken heart is far from negligible. But despite that, I want to try! If one day…” Yuuji stopped, biting his lip as tears welled up in his eyes. “If Gojo-sensei were to marry someone… I don’t want to have regrets, watching him live a happy life with someone else while I’m on the sidelines. I don’t want to think that I didn’t try hard enough… I don’t want the what ifs to ruin my life. I love this man that much, Kugisaki. It’s not just a fleeting crush. So yeah, as long as there’s still a chance to achieve my goal, I’m going for it. I won’t give up until I’ve exhausted every possibility.”
This was the first time Yuuji had confessed, with such sincerity, the depth of his feelings for Gojo. He didn’t know what the future held, but he wanted to place his hopes in himself and the kindness he had observed in Gojo. The same kindness that had rescued him from the cruelties of this world.
"Honestly, Itadori? I'm not even shocked by your response!" Yuuji, who had previously been looking down, lifted his gaze to see his friend with a tender smile, her elbow resting on her knee, and her hand supporting her chin. "I knew you wouldn’t give up so easily. That’s the kind of person you are. A real idiot, who takes unconventional paths to get what he wants... but a sincere idiot who genuinely wants to do well. You’re a good guy, Itadori. You deserve to be happy."
"Kugisaki..." Yuuji sighed, filled with gratitude for his friend. It was the first time she had shared her opinion of him so openly!
"That being said, whether your feelings are reciprocated or not, Gojo-sensei better treat you with respect! If not, you can count on me to give him a piece of my mind with my voodoo doll ! I’ll have no mercy! And you, don’t let yourself be pushed around by that blindfolded idiot! If he messes up, we’ll kick his ass together! Got it?"
Not expecting such an aggressive declaration, Yuuji burst out laughing, a cartoonish image of Gojo-sensei getting an earful from Kugisaki coming to mind. "Count on me to put him in his place !" Yuuji responded with complicity, wiping a tear of laughter from the corner of his eye. "Kugisaki... thank you so much."
"Thank you for what? I haven’t done much! You, on the other hand..." Oh no, the return of that devilish grin. "You’ve got a hidden talent for suggestive photos, it seems! Maybe your chances of charming that idiot aren’t as slim as I thought."
"You said I looked like a burrito!" Yuuji scoffed with a skeptical look.
"That was a joke, silly ! Stop being whiny !" Kugisaki unlocked her phone to pull up the images sent by Saito-san. "I'm serious, though. The shots are really beautiful! The brand featured isn't my thing, but they did a great job with the setting! Honestly, well done!"
"Flattery won't get you anywhere, but thanks anyway," Yuuji teased, a humble smile on his lips.
"Did they do your makeup?" Kugisaki asked, zooming in on Yuuji's face and noticing Leila's work on his eyes.
"Yeah, my beauty specialist is exceptional! She did an amazing job."
Suddenly, the atmosphere grew heavy, with a murderous aura emanating from Kugisaki. Terrified, Yuuji wondered what he had said wrong, turning his head jerkily to meet his friend's jealous gaze.
"What do you mean, 'your beauty specialist'? Are you telling me you have a personal beauty therapist?"
"Uhh... yeah?" Yuuji hesitated, his voice small.
"You bastard ! I want to get pampered for free too!" Kugisaki fumed, shaking poor Yuuji back and forth. "When I first arrived in Tokyo, I tried to get recruited by an agent too! He turned me down, saying my look didn't fit what he was looking for! It's not fair! Why does this idiot Itadori get all the luck?"
Kugisaki ended up whining dramatically, burying her face in her hands, while Yuuji, now dizzy with spinning eyes, was finally released.
While Yuuji was recovering from the fierce attack, Nobara grew serious again, adding, 'As long as you’re getting something out of being a model, and you're not doing it just to please that asshole Gojo-sensei... then I think you made the right choice in getting into it!'"
Yuuji, having regained his composure, clearly heard Nobara's statement. Touched, he nodded eagerly, his cheeks flushed with enthusiasm. "Yeah! Saito-san was right, I don’t regret my choice! I feel like it’s helping me manage my emotions better !"
Nobara sighed with affection, a proud smile forming on her lips. Yuuji genuinely seemed to be doing better compared to last week. She felt relieved.
"That being said, there's something else we need to discuss," Nobara suddenly declared, clapping her hands together solemnly to shift the topic. "Are you planning to tell Fushiguro too? Not that I can’t keep a secret, but... since we see each other every day, it’s hard not to slip up," Nobara explained, warning her friend about the risks.
"Uhm... I don’t mind telling Fushiguro," Yuuji responded thoughtfully. "I trust him; he wouldn’t go around blabbing it to everyone. However!" Yuuji quickly added, pointing firmly at his friend, "This info needs to stay between the three of us! The fewer people who know, the better! Not a word to our senpais, got it? You’re a real chatterbox with Maki-san, so the risk is real!"
"It's fine! I can keep a secret when I want to!" Kugisaki exclaimed, her cheeks flushing pink at the mention of her close relationship with Maki.
With that last point clarified, the rest of the evening was spent by the two of them browsing the online version of the latest Nebula magazine, with Kugisaki taking great pleasure in criticizing the female models and ogling the male ones, some of whose faces were familiar to Yuuji, as he had likely crossed paths with them at the studio without even realizing it.
Yuuji hadn’t managed to keep his secret as long as he’d hoped, but in the end, he was glad it was Kugisaki who found out. The thought of being able to share his personal journey in the modeling world with his two most trusted friends, without the fear of being reprimanded; lifted a significant weight off his shoulders. Keeping secrets just wasn’t his thing! That Gmail slip-up turned out to be a blessing in disguise after all.
Notes:
There’s another song that really inspired me for this chapter, one that perfectly captures Yuuji’s very first steps as a model, right from the moment he signs his contract: Hot Stuff by Craig David! Don’t ask me why, some things just can’t be explained lol. But I can totally picture Yuuji during those first few weeks at Nebula: struggling, experimenting, doing fittings with Leila, slowly becoming closer with her and Saito, sprinting back to the dorms like a ninja to avoid his friends’ questions… A great track !
Yuuji is slowly but surely gaining confidence! You'll soon see how this will affect his personality and his relationship with Gojo. The song I suggested in the chapter's opening notes fits well with Yuuji's mindset during the photoshoot: Gojo, his obsession, becomes the motivation behind each of his poses! I love the symbolism there. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this chapter, and I'll see you soon for the next one!
Chapter 3: All I need is time
Notes:
Hi everyone! Here I am with Chapter 3! Once again, thank you so much for your kudos and sweet comments. You have no idea how much it means to me to receive such positive feedback from you! It really boosts my motivation, especially during this tough time when I’m preparing for exams to become a teacher (life sucks).
Here’s a little music suggestion! The title of this chapter comes from "Sometimes" by Britney Spears. I recommend listening to this song during the city outing scene! I mean, if you enjoy listening to music while reading, of course! It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, after all. The lyrics perfectly capture Yuuji's mindset at that moment... but I won’t say more! Enjoy reading, my loves, and I’ll see you down below!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The warm air blowing on the school’s large courtyard felt fantastic, as spring was in full bloom. Fushiguro and Itadori, after getting ready for their afternoon classes, left their dorm and descended the school's grand steps to enjoy the greenery outside. There was still time before the start of their first class. Gojo joined them to spend the midday break with his students.
Yuuji sat on a long, horizontal stone pillar, while Fushiguro and his adoptive father chatted about this and that. Megumi had noticed that Yuuji remained slightly withdrawn, nodding when necessary but otherwise contributing little to the conversation. He knew exactly why Yuuji was acting so shy.
Anyway, Megumi chose not to intervene. If Yuuji wanted to fade into the background to feel more comfortable around Gojo, that was his choice. However, the Ten Shadows user doubted that Itadori’s attempt to keep a low profile would go unnoticed by their clingy sensei. Gojo had a knack for recognizing who adored him and who avoided him like the plague. And, of course, as the eternal jerk he was, Gojo always made it a point to pester those who disliked him. Just look at how he fixated on Utahime-sensei or Nanami-san—it was clear how childish and arrogant Gojo-sensei could be. Megumi sincerely wished that Yuuji wouldn’t become the next target of his adoptive father’s immaturity… though his hopes weren’t very high.
There was also the matter of Yuuji's modeling gig. Itadori sure had a knack for getting himself into unnecessarily complicated situations (we’re talking about the guy who ate Sukuna’s finger without a second thought). Naturally, Fushiguro hoped Yuuji could keep his double life a secret for as long as possible, if only to avoid embarrassing himself in front of his crush. That being said, Itadori didn’t seem to realize that by distancing himself from Gojo, he might be digging his own grave, attracting exactly what he’s been trying to avoid all along…
"Yuuji, I'm heading to Sendai tomorrow !" Gojo suddenly exclaimed, turning to Sukuna’s vessel with a wide grin. "Want me to bring you some Kikufuku?”
Caught off guard by the question, Yuuji felt his cheeks flush, touched by the gesture. This dessert brought back many happy memories for Yuuji, who grew up in Sendai.
"Oh, that’s really kind of you, but you don’t have to, Sensei!" he replied, trying to hide his flustered expression.
"Oh, but I don’t feel obligated at all!" Gojo countered as he moved closer to Yuuji, leaning in slightly, his face just inches from his student's. His voice was smooth, almost velvety, carrying a playful undertone "I just want to do something nice for you. You only have to say yes or no."
Yuuji could feel his sensei's amused gaze, even through the blindfold. Taking a discreet breath to steady his racing heart and the heat rising to his cheeks, Yuuji forced himself to meet his sensei's hidden eyes. Don’t focus on his lips, don’t focus on his lips, don’t focus on his lips...
"O-Okay, then ! It's been a while since I've had some, actually, haha," Yuuji awkwardly laughed, caught off guard by Satoru's closeness.
"Got it! Count on me to bring back tons of them, Yuuji-kun!" Satoru straightened up, brimming with motivation, giving a victorious thumbs-up as he often did in moments like these. Yuuji exhaled (he hadn't even realized he'd been holding his breath), relieved to have his personal space back. Whenever Gojo added the kun suffix to his name, it meant he was back to his usual self: playful and childlike. Some might say insufferable, but love makes even the worst flaws bearable.
If Gojo constantly spoke to him in that same tone he used earlier—a deep, purring voice—Yuuji would definitely end up imploding. This man is trying to kill him !
"I need some muscle!" The three sorcerers turned towards the voice calling out to them. It was Kugisaki, carrying two paper bags in her hands.
"What are you carrying, Nobara?" Gojo asked, intrigued.
"I took advantage of our free morning to go to Ikea and buy some knick-knacks. I don't feel like lugging these bags up the stairs. Anyone want to help?"
An awkward silence followed.
"That's not really in my job description," Gojo shrugged, raising his hands in mock innocence.
"Typical of you, sensei : annoying and useless!" Kugisaki grumbled, a vein pulsing on her forehead as she turned to Fushiguro.
"You've got working hands and legs, use them," Megumi muttered, annoyed by his friend's whim.
"Some friend you are!" Kugisaki grumbled to herself, before turning her impatient gaze to Yuuji.
" Oh, crap ..." Yuuji thought, a bead of sweat running down his forehead.
"Kugisaki... your bags don’t look that heavy, do they? I’m really not in the mood to go back upstairs," Yuuji tried to justify himself, but he quickly grew uneasy when he noticed Nobara’s upper lip twitching in irritation.
Suddenly, a devilish smile spread across the voodoo specialist’s face. "Oh, that reminds me! Itadori, about those photos of you wrapped up in sheets like a burri—"
"AAAAAAAH!" Yuuji screamed, leaping from his spot and snatching the bags from his so-called friend’s hands at lightning speed. "These bags weigh a ton! Fushiguro and Sensei really have no heart, leaving you to do all the work! Come on, let’s get these to your room, Kugisaki …" Despite his efforts to act as if everything was fine and that his friend wasn’t leading him by the nose, his last words were said through gritted teeth, brimming with frustration and resentment.
Victorious, Kugisaki replied with a radiant smile, following Itadori toward the dorms. Now too far to hear the exchange, Yuuji and Nobara missed Gojo’s completely lost expression. Tilting his head in confusion, he turned to Fushiguro: "What photos was she talking about?"
Megumi shrugged indifferently, thinking to himself that Nobara really has no shame. Besides, calling Yuuji a burrito is really pushing it!
Yes, Nobara had shown him the infamous photos the night before, while fending off Yuuji's attempts to stop her.
⁂
Damn Nobara and her stupid blackmail! It was already bad enough on its own, but she dared to do it in front of Gojo! Yuuji was mortified! Kugisaki could feel the intensity of her friend’s resentment throughout the day, and she half-admitted that she might have (definitely) taken the joke a bit too far. To make up for it, she promised to treat Yuuji to a strawberry milkshake during their next outing. Yuuji’s kindness would be the death of him, but of course, he wasn’t going to stay mad at Nobara for long.
Anyway, the day was over, and there was no point in dwelling on its events. Dressed in a loose orange T-shirt and cream-colored shorts, Yuuji was eagerly reading a new chapter of My Hero Academia in the Jump magazine when someone knocked on his door.
" Ha! I guess someone else found those photos of yours. " Sukuna suggested, his mocking voice echoing unpleasantly in Yuuji's mind. Yuuji hoped that the cursed spirit was wrong. Reluctantly getting up to answer the door, Yuuji wasn’t sure what to think when he found Gojo-sensei... dressed casually for a change.
"S-Sensei! What brings you here?" Yuuji stuttered. He hadn’t expected a visit from the Sixth Eye bearer at all, so once again, he had to draw on all his resources to keep calm and avoid messing up. He'd been doing this all day, and it had been the same routine for almost a month now. Yuuji was starting to get tired from all those efforts to keep his composure in front of this man.
"I told you about my trip to Sendai, right?" Gojo responded. "I'm leaving tomorrow night and will be there for at least a week. Which means if we want to spend some time together, it's now or never!" The sorcerer explained casually, hands in the pockets of his jeans, observing his student's reactions through his sunglasses.
Completely caught off guard, the rational side of Yuuji's brain urged him to refuse once again, to come up with some excuse (no matter how flimsy) to get out of this overwhelming situation. But... Yuuji had been refusing for so long! It was starting to emotionally hurt him to keep rejecting Satoru's invitations, especially since it was clear that Gojo was determined to spend time with him, no matter what...
"Oh... yeah, you’ll be gone for quite a long time..." Yuuji muttered, clearly conflicted, still uncertain of the right course of action to take.
"You see? Those old geezers have no consideration at all!" Satoru complained, grimacing before regaining his composure. "Listen, Yuuji, I'm not trying to force you. If my invitations are bothering you, just tell me, and I'll stop."
Sensing that Gojo was starting to misunderstand his refusals, Yuuji acted on instinct and quickly clarified, "No, you’re not bothering me at all! You could never annoy me; on the contrary, it makes me really happy that you’re offering those meetings..."
"But?" the teacher continued, sensing the clear hesitation in his student.
But I’m terrified , Yuuji thought, clenching his fist in frustration. I’m scared that I’m not good enough for you and that I’ll drive you away for good...
That’s the real reason behind his repeated refusals... but it seems that his instinct to avoid his sensei's presence has led to an unexpected consequence. Gojo now seems to think that his student doesn’t enjoy being around him. Nothing could be further from the truth!
But the only way to prove Gojo wrong was to… Oh no, Yuuji’s resolve was starting to weaken!
"Yuuji." Interrupted in his downward spiral of thoughts, Itadori looked up toward his sensei's concealed gaze. "It’s not as complicated as you think. If spending time with me genuinely makes you happy, and you have the opportunity… why not seize it?"
Was this guy reading minds ? A secret ability belonging to the Gojo clan that no one knew about ? Anyhow, these words were all it took to completely erase the remnants of Yuuji's resolve. This time, he no longer had the strength to hold back. Did he truly want to, anyway ? If Itadori was being honest, he wished for nothing but to give in to his desires, at least for tonight!
"I... I'm sorry for having turned you down all this time. I-I’m available tonight!"
" Entirely available?" Gojo pressed, a teasing smile on his lips. "No urgent assignments to finish? No impromptu hangouts with friends? No sudden illness striking you down?"
Gojo listed with amusement the countless excuses Yuuji had invented to justify his refusals. Blushing furiously, Yuuji shook his head vigorously, insisting, "No! I promise, nothing and no one will come in our way tonight !"
A nearly predatory smile appeared on the teacher's lips before vanishing almost instantly, as Gojo clapped his hands to urge his student. "Then hurry up and get dressed! We're going out! I'll treat you to dinner, and then we'll hit the arcade. How does that sound?"
"That sounds great! I'll be right back!" Yuuji beamed, quickly closing the door behind him. Now alone, he began to bounce with excitement, barely stopping himself from letting out a cry of mixed exhilaration and nervousness. He tried to calm down, halting his erratic movements to take a deep breath and start rummaging through his closet. He hastily pulled out a white hoodie and a pair of jeans. Once dressed, he slipped on his sneakers and joined his sensei, his heart racing like never. How long had it been since he felt this way ?
⁂
"Those ramen were divine! Thank you so much, sensei!" Yuuji walked alongside his mentor through the lively streets of Akihabara, feeling content with a full stomach.
"I'm glad you liked it! We’ll go again sometime," Gojo replied.
Internally thrilled by the idea that his teacher was planning another evening like this for them both, Yuuji nodded eagerly, his face lighting up with joy. He was starting to feel foolish for having pushed his method of earning legitimacy in Gojo's eyes to such an extreme. Why had he deprived himself of moments as wonderful as this, as if punishing himself for not being good enough for Satoru Gojo?
His sensei had noticed his stress the other day (without even knowing the real reason) and had strongly advised him to take things less seriously. Yuuji still held onto his plan to become an adult worthy of the affection of the greatest sorcerer of the century, but... maybe he could afford to be less rigid when it came to his interactions with his sensei.
The last thing he wanted was for Gojo to think that Yuuji didn’t enjoy his company or was trying to push him away. Gosh, losing Satoru so stupidly would be an unforgivable mistake! Yuuji had to find a new balance between learning the art of seduction and his innate desire to be close to the one he adored... He didn’t know yet how it would all come together, but he had no choice but to try.
"Yuuji, where are you going? This is our stop!" Gojo chuckled, standing not far behind Itadori, pointing to the entrance of the arcade.
"Ah! Sorry!" Yuuji exclaimed, quickly rushing back to Satoru, embarrassed for having walked straight ahead without realizing it, lost in his thoughts.
As he was about to enter the gamer’s paradise, Yuuji was suddenly stopped by Gojo’s hand gently pulling back the hood of his sweatshirt. Confused, Yuuji turned around, only to feel his cheeks burn when he found his face just a few centimeters away from his sensei’s. Godamnit, why did Gojo always feel the need to come closer to his face when he wants to say something important to him ?!
"Yuuji, you’re with me tonight. Whatever might be bothering you, I want you to leave it all behind and think of nothing but having fun. Understood?"
Those words were spoken firmly, but… Yuuji couldn’t help but feel his heart race as he detected an infinite tenderness in them. A sincere desire to see Yuuji happy and fulfilled… to protect him, just as Gojo-sensei had always done. Itadori was reminded of the reasons why, no matter what the future might hold, he would never stop loving Gojo with all his heart, nor cease feeling an endless gratitude toward the man who had taken responsibility for his life, against all odds.
"Got it, sensei! Sorry!" Yuuji felt his eyes start to well up with emotion, both because he was touched by Satoru’s words and because this special-grade idiot hadn’t backed away, still standing incredibly close, gazing at him intently through his sunglasses with a wide smile.
"Good!" Gojo declared, giving a playful flick to his student’s forehead before straightening up with a toothy grin. "Shall we blow off some steam with Tekken 7?"
Relieved to have his personal space back (which Gojo invaded quite often these days), Yuuji’s eyes sparkled at the mention of his favorite fighting game. "Awesome! Watch out, sensei, I’m unbeatable when I play as Kazuya!" Yuuji stroked his chin confidently, giving his sensei a mischievous look. "You won’t stand a chance against me!"
Ready for the challenge, Satoru kept a nonchalant demeanor, looking unimpressed with an amused smile on his lips. "No chance, huh?"
Twenty minutes later, Yuuji was fuming, his frustration evident. "Are you kidding me?! How are you winning with Xiaoyu, of all people? She’s impossible to control!"
"Wrong, Yuuji-kun!" Gojo declared with mock seriousness as he handed his student yet another defeat, the fourth in a row. "No character is unplayable. You just have to practice and memorize their combos. The rest is pure luck," Satoru explained with an all-knowing look that was starting to get under Yuuji’s skin, especially since he hadn’t won a single round yet.
Dropping another token into the machine, Yuuji shot a fiery glance at his sensei, who he loved with all his heart but had now become a rival he absolutely had to beat. "Let’s go again! I refuse to leave this arcade without winning at least one round!"
Initially surprised by such determination, Gojo burst out laughing, also inserting a token into his machine. "You really take everything to heart, don’t you? That’s why everyone finds you so adorable."
Yuuji was so lost in his frustration that he didn’t even register the compliment from his sensei. This time, victory will be his !
⁂
"Yuuji!"
"...."
"You're walking too fast, Sensei can’t keep up with you!" Gojo complained in a mock-whiny voice, inwardly amused by his student’s behavior.
"...."
"Your technique wasn’t bad at all, you know! You just need to be less hasty when going after your opponent!"
“...”
"Yuujiiiii, stop sulking!"
18-0 : that was the final score of their Tekken 7 session. Yuuji was utterly crushed, having been beaten to a pulp in a game he loved, one in which he’d played thousands of rounds with Fushiguro. And he wasn’t lying when he said he was unbeatable with Kazuya! Fushiguro had never managed to defeat him when he chose that character, so Yuuji had come to consider Kazuya his lucky charm. Yeah, right! Since when was Gojo-sensei so good at video games, anyway ? It’s like he is good at everything, that jerk!
If only the humiliating defeat had been limited to Tekken 7! Yuuji had the bright idea of challenging Gojo to other games—Dead or Alive, Street Fighter, Soul Calibur—hoping to finally take down his overly smug, know-it-all professor. But no, Gojo kept winning, all while looking annoyingly sexy in his khaki cardigan and jeans that fit just right. No, Yuuji wasn’t checking him out! He was, uh…analyzing Satoru’s fashion sense, trying to learn more about him, that’s all!.
Wait… No! Yuuji wasn’t going to do what most people do when faced with the great Gojo Satoru—he wasn’t going to forgive him just because he was as handsome as a Greek god! Gojo could make puppy eyes all he wanted; Yuuji could sulk all night if he felt like it!
A childish pout adorned Yuuji's face as he crossed his arms, continuing to ignore his sensei's attempts to get his attention. After a while, Gojo-sensei finally stopped trying to talk to him. Had he finally understood that Yuuji didn’t want to speak to him? Good!
Except Yuuji was wrong. Silent thanks to his activated Infinity, Gojo had managed to catch up with his student and, without warning, wrapped his strong arms around Yuuji’s shoulders from behind, pulling him into a tight embrace. Yuuji didn’t see that one coming! The young sorcerer was completely thrown off by the close contact, something Gojo rarely initiated (he usually stuck to ruffling hair, placing a hand on Yuuji’s shoulder, or giving playful flicks). Sensei’s hugs were saved for meaningful moments, Yuuji knew that for a fact after the mourning period he spent with Gojo.
And there it was again—his heart was about to leap out of his chest!
"Sensei, we’re in public !" Yuuji alerted his sensei, panicking at the thought that his teacher might have forgotten their current surroundings.
"I don’t care!" Satoru replied cheerfully, resting his chin on the top of Yuuji’s head. "If I buy you some dango, will you stop sulking?" The Sixth Eye user tightened his embrace, pulling Yuuji even closer, his chest now pressed firmly against Yuuji’s back.
That chest... that damn chest that had made him feel things he'd never imagined during their hand-to-hand training sessions. Yuuji felt like he might die right there, whether from joy or excitement, he couldn't tell.
"D-Dango?" Yuuji repeated, completely out of it.
"Don't you like them? We can go get crepes if you'd prefer."
"Oh, no no! Dango is perfect!" Regaining his composure, Yuuji quickly maneuvered to separate himself from his sensei's godlike embrace by lifting Gojo’s arms off his shoulders, finally looking at Satoru after ten minutes of sulking. Damn, his arms are just as muscular and powerful as his abs! Yuuji’s hands were practically twitching at the thought of having briefly touched those marvels of nature.
"Perfect! There's a little stand at the end of the street. Shall we head to a park to eat them? The crowded streets are starting to give me a headache."
"Great idea, sensei!"
No, not a good idea at all! Unaccustomed to going to the park at night, Yuuji wasn’t aware of a crucial detail. During the day, parks are mostly filled with families, with children enjoying the playground and having picnics. But in the evening, they’re crowded with lovey-dovey couples! If there is a god up there, then he’s decided to make Yuuji's life a thousand times more complicated than necessary!
Well... maybe Yuuji is overreacting a bit. Gojo had the foresight to choose a bench far enough away to avoid the gaze exchanges, giggles, and nighttime kissing scenes...
“That makes me nostalgic for your cooking!”
“Huh?” Yuuji reacted, having not heard what Gojo said, too focused on his surroundings.
“Still lost in your thoughts? Don’t make me give you another flick on the forehead!” Gojo grumbled with an accusing tone.
“I was saying that I miss your cooking. It was great coming back from missions and having a hot meal ready!” Yuuji realized that Satoru was reminiscing about their time spent in the basement. So, Yuuji wasn’t the only one feeling nostalgic for that time? Gojo also thought about it?
“But sensei, if you want me to cook something for you, just say so! No need to live in hiding for that!” Yuuji joked, his cheeks turning pink. “I help Fushiguro with his bento sometimes!”
"Haha, you're right... I should think about it. Cooking with Yuuji sounds really appealing."
Flattered, Yuuji seized the opportunity to deepen the conversation. "Do you like cooking, Sensei?"
"Hmm..." Gojo pondered. "Not as much as you do! I had to learn to take care of Megumi and Tsumiki. Otherwise, I think my diet would have stayed the same as when I was a teenager!"
"What did you like to eat?"
"Mostly fast food," Gojo replied instantly, biting into the first mitarashi dango on his skewer. "Don't follow my example—I was an idiot! I want you to live a long life!"
Laughing and feeling relaxed, Yuuji remembered Gojo's unconditional love for sweets. It seemed there was still some work to be done when it came to improving his sensei's diet!
" Maybe I'll have the chance to help with that ," Yuuji thought, his mind drifting to a fantasy of living with Gojo and sharing his daily life. " No... better not get ahead of myself ," he cautioned himself, refocusing on the present moment. He really didn't want to get another flick on the forehead ! They could hurt quite a bit when Gojo was annoyed.
"And did you like going to arcades when you were a teenager too? That would explain your endless knowledge about video games !" Yuuji teased, still vividly remembering the humiliation his sensei had inflicted on him. He continued with his questions, pleased to find an opportunity for this kind of exchange. After all, the classroom was far from being a suitable setting for such conversations.
"Oh, absolutely! It was my weekend ritual! I always hung out with Nanamin, Haibara, Shoko, and Suguru," Satoru recalled fondly, a peaceful smile lighting up his face.
Yuuji didn’t know Haibara and Suguru yet, but he made a mental note to ask about them later. He let his teacher continue: "Shoko only knew about Tetris, can you believe it? I had to introduce her to everything else! I once gave her a PlayStation 2, but I don’t think she ever really used it... It's like she’s only interested in alcohol and dissecting bodies!" Satoru said with a mockingly disparaging tone, and Yuuji burst out laughing, imagining Ieiri-san not understanding how to use the PS2 before throwing it away.
"And what about Nanamin ? What was he like back then?"
"Honestly? He was still the same blunt talker, the same obsessive stickler for punctuality, and had the same jaded view on all forms of life! Well, except when it came to Haibara, his first-year colleague! I don’t know how Haibara managed to get the notoriously uptight Nanami Kento to relax. He even managed to make him laugh once!"
"Nanamin laughing... Why do I find that a bit creepy?" Yuuji wondered, his face contorted as he imagined what Nanami's laughing face must have looked like.
"I totally agree! It’s so out of character it becomes unsettling !" Gojo added, nodding vigorously. "It’s clear that Haibara had a very special relationship with Nanamin. The proof is that I’ve never seen Nanamin form such a strong bond with anyone else since then."
Yuuji hesitated to ask for more details about Haibara. The way Gojo spoke seemed to suggest that this person was no longer part of the jujutsu world... Was it because he had changed careers or… Not wanting to risk dampening the mood, Yuuji decided to focus on his hanami dango, which he hadn’t touched yet. Just as he was about to take a bite, he paused and turned to Gojo with a big smile.
"Do you want to try my dango?" Yuuji offered, extending a skewer toward Satoru. "We didn't get the same ones." A brief silence followed his proposal. Gojo inhaled slightly, his gaze fixed on the skewer through his glasses... before a devilish smile slowly spread across his lips. Why had the atmosphere suddenly shifted?
Yuuji flinched slightly as he felt his sensei’s hand gently rest on his, the one holding the skewer. Satoru slowly brought the treat closer to his face, leaning in as he began to open his mouth. At an angle where Yuuji could see his sensei’s uncovered eyes, his heart skipped a beat when he met the piercing blue gaze of the man he loved. The Strongest didn’t break eye contact with Yuuji as he took a voracious bite of the dango. Yuuji caught a glimpse of his canines, and a shiver ran down his spine as he imagined those teeth on something like his pectorals instead... And those lips! They looked so soft—what would it feel like to meet them in a kiss?
Yuuji was losing his composure, feeling his fantasies take over at a moment when it was crucial to stay grounded and not let any troublesome emotions show. Gojo pulled the treat off its stick, straightening up slowly, never once breaking eye contact with his student, who was currently in an internal meltdown.
Yuuji struggled to breathe as Gojo chewed the dango nonchalantly, completely unaware of the chaos he had just caused in his student's mind. After a moment, Gojo finally gave his verdict: "It's bland. It could use some sauce on top!"
Yuuji blinked in disbelief, barely able to comprehend how his sensei could remain so casual after what just happened. The intensity of it all… Yuuji clearly was the only one who felt it ! Meanwhile, Gojo stretched his arms with a satisfied grin, seemingly oblivious to the emotional whirlwind he had just unleashed.
"I’m glad to see you’ve finally relaxed around me."
Itadori inhaled sharply. Gojo had noticed his stress to the point of realizing that he was the cause of it? Yuuji really needed to be careful about what he said and did, or all his secrets would be exposed in no time... For now, it was better to feign innocence.
"I-I’ve never really been tense around y—"
"Lying doesn’t suit you, Yuuji-kun," Gojo interrupted, a smug smile on his lips as he glanced at a random couple chatting nearby. "I think we’ve reached a point where you don’t need to be so embarrassed that you avoid me or keep your worries to yourself."
"But I’m fine, Sense—"
"You're asking for that flick!" Gojo declared, raising his finger in warning, making Yuuji scoot to the other end of the bench, protectively covering his forehead.
"I don’t like it when you seem to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, Yuuji. No one’s asking you to do that. I just want to play my role as your teacher and support you in tough times, like I promised."
" But you can't do anything for me, this time ! " Yuuji screamed inwardly. If there was one thing Gojo couldn't help him with, it was his feelings of inadequacy. The outcome of this situation depended solely on him, on his progress, on his growth. It didn’t depend on his sensei: if he confided in him, at best, he might be rejected, and at worst, pitied. Yuuji didn’t want that to happen.
Faced with the silence of his stubborn student, Satoru let out a heavy sigh. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his gaze distant, and his usual smile nowhere to be found. "I’ve already lost my best friend because of some shit as absurd as pride and shame."
Aware that Gojo was talking about a part of his life that was completely unknown to him, Yuuji decided to listen intently.
"He was someone who functioned in a way very similar to you, Yuuji. He was incredibly sensitive, more so than I ever was. He always wanted what was best for others, even if it meant sacrificing himself for the peace and safety of this world. He was ruthless with himself, had a sharp sense of responsibility, and never shared the burdens he carried. He was a fool... a fool whose heart was far too righteous for this corrupted world."
Yuuji began to study his sensei more closely, noticing how uncharacteristically tense he seemed, his head bowed. Was this story really that difficult for him to tell? Thousands of questions raced through Yuuji's mind—questions about the identity of this friend, the reasons Gojo was sharing this now—but he knew that such curiosity might only deepen the wound. Yuuji could see clearly that his sensei was struggling. He realized that he couldn’t bear to see him like this.
Hesitant at first, Yuuji eventually reached out his hand towards Gojo's shoulder. "Sensei, I—"
"So, even the great Gojo Satoru is capable of sentimentality? How disappointing! The sorcerers of this era are really no better than trash!"
Hearing Sukuna's malevolent voice cut in to mock his sensei, Yuuji tried to shut him up by placing his hand over the King of Curses' mouth, which had appeared on his left cheek. "I-I'm sorry, sensei! He does as he pleases !" Yuuji's attempt was insufficient; Sukuna seemed determined to be heard today. Usually, he was content with mentally tormenting Yuuji... Why did it have to be different this time?
Sukuna’s mouth slyly shifted, now appearing on the hand Yuuji was using to stifle the King of Curses' voice. "Gojo Satoru, you should stop sanctifying your precious student. I know things about him that you’re completely unaware of, and trust me, they’re far from flattering!"
Feeling rage surge through him, Yuuji let out a growl of pure hatred as he covered the traitorous mouth with his other hand. "Ignore him, sensei! He's just trying to stir up trouble, that's all he's good for!"
But behind this simmering anger was a deep, intense fear: the fear that Sukuna would reveal to Gojo the full extent of Yuuji's feelings for him, his decision to lead a double life as a model to become worthy of him... Sukuna’s taunts held no power over Yuuji; he had become immune to the curse’s malevolence after constantly sharing his body with this entity. But... could Yuuji endure hearing his sensei’s reprimands? Seeing his confusion... his disappointment?
No... he wouldn’t be able to bear it. He would choose death, instead !
Appearing on the exposed cheek of his host, the parasite known as Sukuna seemed to revel in the intense turmoil plaguing Yuuji. "You and I are the same, Gojo Satoru. The weak hold no interest for us; they are nothing more than a nuisance, their insignificant existence causing us nothing but disgust and irritation. So why do you give so much importance to this brat ? The blond guy with glasses or the Kyoto brute would make far more worthy partners for someone of your caliber."
Yuuji knew all too well that Sukuna was deliberately comparing him to Nanami and Todo, the two people who surpassed him in every way. The King of Curses seemed to take wicked pleasure in stirring up Yuuji’s inferiority complex, one that he had only recently managed to calm since his successful photo shoot. Powerless against Sukuna’s venomous words, Yuuji could do nothing but pray. He prayed with all his heart that Gojo wouldn’t agree, that he wouldn’t side with Sukuna by calling Yuuji weak and insignificant. Because if that were to happen, he knew he would never recover.
"Do you want to know, Gojo Satoru? How pitiful and utterly lecherous your dear student really i—"
"I suggest you stop right there, Sukuna."
Suddenly, the atmosphere grew heavy, catching both Sukuna and Yuuji off guard. It wasn't just a feeling—it was a physical phenomenon. Was Gojo-sensei using his cursed energy to confront Sukuna? Yuuji was too stunned to intervene.
"You’ve got some nerve," Satoru continued, letting out a laugh that sent shivers down Yuuji’s spine, the menace lurking behind it unmistakable. Removing his sunglasses, Gojo’s tone turned cold. "To show yourself at such a precious moment and disparage Yuuji in front of me as if there would be no consequences. You think you know me, Sukuna? What you just did proves you know absolutely nothing about me."
Now with his eyes uncovered, Gojo fixed his blazing pupils, dilated with anger, on Sukuna’s sneering mouth. " Fuck off ."
Even though Gojo's words were not directed at him, Yuuji felt suffocated by the intensity of his sensei’s cursed energy. Normally perfectly controlled, it was now unstable and unleashed, oozing with raw bloodlust. Hearing Sukuna's disdainful " Tch ," Yuuji felt a wave of relief as that cursed mouth finally vanished under the force of the threat. Suddenly, the young sorcerer felt a wave of dizziness, as if he were falling despite himself.
"Yuuji!" Gojo exclaimed, catching his student and preventing him from hitting the ground. Yuuji was conscious, but his body had struggled to handle the sudden pressure from Gojo's energy, which explained his vertigo. Taking a moment to breathe and regain his composure, Yuuji grabbed on his sensei’s shoulders for support. He fully grasped the confrontation that had just occurred. Realizing that Sukuna had just undermined and completely ridiculed him in front of the person he loved with all his heart, Yuuji felt a deep sense of disgrace.
“S-Sensei, I…” he whispered, his voice trembling and his fists clenched in frustration on his Sensei’s cardigan.
"Yuuji, look at me." Gojo's firm command prevented his student from sinking further into his self-doubt and spiraling into apologies. Yuuji hesitantly lifted his head, meeting the now calm blue eyes of his teacher, the storm of rage that had filled them seemingly gone.
"Sukuna doesn't do anything without a reason. He despises our closeness, and he's clearly trying to incite tensions between us. But I want you to understand something—no matter what he says about you, it will never, and I mean never , hold any weight with me."
Struggling to believe these words, knowing that his sensei had no idea about his true feelings, Yuuji tried to avert his gaze again, the shame creeping back in. But Satoru didn’t let him. He gently but firmly grasped Yuuji's chin, forcing him to meet his eyes. Gojo’s expression was serious, his frustration evident.
"Sukuna knows nothing about humans. He tries to convince himself otherwise, but the truth is that a relationship like ours is beyond him. It drives him mad, not being able to grasp the depth of the bond between you and the person he hates the most. I don’t want you to let his poison get to you, Yuuji. You hear me ? In no world could I ever be disgusted by you. And anyway, if you got to know me better, you'd realize I’m in no position to lecture anyone about virtue."
Gently helping his student to his feet, Gojo never once let go of his hold on Yuuji's shoulders. His smile returned, as if he could sense Yuuji opening up to him again, listening intently, clinging to his words like a lifeline pulling him from the depths of doubt.
Yuuji didn't want the evening to end with Sukuna trying to ruin everything, to strip away the small amount of joy he had managed to experience.
"I don’t need Sukuna’s shitty comments to know you, Yuuji, because I already do! Yuuji Itadori, my adorable student, the sunshine of the first-year class, a martial arts prodigy with a heart too kind to stay mad at anyone for more than a day. You’re loyal and caring to everyone, even to your insufferable Gojo-sensei, who everyone secretly dreams of punching at least once in their life!"
A genuine giggle escaped Yuuji as a faint smile spread across his face. He let his sensei envelop him in his positive energy, his kindness... his eternal protection.
"You forgot to mention that my type is Jennifer Lawrence! Are you sure you know me that well?" Yuuji teased, secretly thinking that while he had always admired the actress’s charm, it was never quite love. It hadn’t been true then, and it was even less true now that his feelings for Gojo were as clear as day.
"Who cares about Jennifer Lawrence, you punk?" Gojo replied, clearly annoyed, as he tugged at both of Yuuji's cheeks. "You just ruined my emotional moment! You meanie!" Yuuji burst into laughter, struggling to escape from his sensei's playful but stubborn grip.
As he finally freed himself, Yuuji felt his breathing return to normal, the relief washing over him. Everything was back to the way it should be, as if Sukuna's malicious presence and mocking voice had never interrupted their evening. That confrontation now seemed like a distant memory, forgotten without a trace of regret.
By unspoken agreement, the two decided it was time to call it a night; it was already past 10 PM, and Yuuji had classes the next day. Although, if it were up to him, Yuuji would have stayed out all night—hanging around in arcades, eating street food, and chatting about anything and everything with the person he cared about most. A simple pleasure, perhaps, but it meant the world to Yuuji.
As they walked side by side toward the subway, Gojo broke the comfortable silence. "I'm sorry about those dizzy spells earlier. I had to let my cursed energy loose at full force to pressure Sukuna into backing off… I couldn't hold back."
Yuuji shook his head, looking calm and reassured. "When Sukuna decides to show up, I can't do anything to shut him up. You did us both a favor. Thank you, Sensei."
Yuuji didn’t get a verbal response, only a hand ruffling his hair, making him laugh.
⁂
"You didn’t have to walk me all the way to my room, you know?"
"But what if Yuuji gets lost, huh? Don’t you realize I’m officially responsible for you?" Satoru pouted, using a high-pitched voice, the kind overprotective moms use with their toddlers.
"What do you take me for? I’m not that clueless!" Yuuji grumbled, feigning exasperation, but then softened, a smile tugging at his lips as he looked at his sensei's comically exaggerated expression.
"I… I really enjoyed tonight, Sensei. Thank you for spending time with me."
Gojo regained his seriousness, nodding as he slipped his signature sunglasses back on. “It’s been years since I played in an arcade this late! I don’t often get the chance for these kinds of late-night outings…”
“I can tell! You’re not the slacker everyone thinks you are…” Yuuji teased, noticing Gojo’s slight grimace at the word "slacker," which made him chuckle before continuing, “I know how much people rely on you. So, take care of yourself, okay? If…”
Yuuji hesitated for a moment, but decided to take a chance. “If going out like this with me helps you unwind, I’m all for doing it more often! To help you get a new routine, like when you were a student!”
A moment of silence hung between them, Satoru seemingly taken aback by the offer. Yuuji felt his cheeks burn with embarrassment, his lips trembling—had he crossed a line? Did he make his sensei uncomfortable somehow? He cursed himself for not keeping his mouth shut.
Panicking, he quickly added, his hands flailing and eyes darting around, "Uh, it doesn’t have to be just with me, you know? You could bring whoever you want, like Fushiguro, Kugisaki, anyone—"
Yuuji’s rambling was gently interrupted as Gojo, moving quietly closer, placed his hand on Yuuji’s head and slowly brought their foreheads together. The smile on Gojo’s face was warm yet hard for Yuuji to decipher, sending his heart racing even faster.
“It’s not fair, being this cute... You make your sensei feel all kinds of things when you say stuff like that.”
Yuuji felt as if he were caught in a spell, an enchanting sorcery that made it impossible for him to break free from the physical and spiritual hold his sensei had over him so effortlessly. That voice… that damned voice overflowing with sensuality for no damn reason sent shivers coursing through his entire being. It was a pity that Gojo’s eyes were hidden behind those ever-present sunglasses—Yuuji was secretly dying to see what kind of expression his sensei wore while speaking to him like this.
Itadori realized how much harder it was becoming to endure these moments of closeness with Gojo without knowing if his professor would ever understand the depth of desire he harbored for him, the true intensity of his affection…
" Good grief, can’t you see that I’m at your mercy? That with just one word, I’d be on my knees, obeying your every command? I love you to that extent, you idiot ! " Yuuji could no longer silence his heart, which now pounded against his chest with a ferocity he had never felt before. It was as if every beat was a desperate attempt to convey the overwhelming emotions he could no longer suppress…
Before Yuuji could make a reckless mistake, like leaning in to kiss his sensei, Gojo ended their embrace, breaking the spell. Yuuji held back a protest that almost slipped from his lips—he really needed to calm down and come back to reality! This touch was nothing more than a gesture of recognition and camaraderie. It was tough to endure, but Yuuji had to remember the true meaning behind his sensei's actions. Otherwise, he risked overinterpreting certain signs and making an irreversible mistake.
Adjusting his sunglasses back into place, Gojo started teasing Yuuji. "Be good while I’m gone! And don’t be sad; I’ll be back before you even know it!"
"I-I’m not going to fall apart over a week, Sensei! Geez!" Yuuji stuttered, still struggling to calm his unruly heart.
"Oh?" Gojo seemed delighted, a mischievous hand covering his lips. "So you’re saying if I’m gone longer, you’ll actually miss me? Now I’m tempted to test that out!"
"You want me to inflate your ego by telling you how indispensable you are? Not gonna happen!" Yuuji shot back, his cheeks less flushed than before.
But secretly, Yuuji longed to show, in the most beautiful way, just how much Gojo was the oxygen that kept him alive… Argh, stop! His brain was losing all rational thought; he needed to end this conversation before things went too far.
"R-Right! It’s getting late. I think we both need to get some sleep, don’t you?" Yuuji quickly retrieved the keys to his door, feeling himself grow increasingly flustered.
Gojo chuckled. "You’re right, let’s be good and get some sleep!"
As Yuuji opened his door, he paused mid-motion and turned back to his sensei one last time. "Good night, Sensei! Have a safe trip and… Don’t forget about the Kikufuku !"
With a sincere laugh, Gojo made a smile full of promise and nodded, wishing Yuuji good night before teleporting to his destination with his signature ability.
Despite his efforts to stay calm and avoid jumping to conclusions, Yuuji couldn’t deny that the bond between him and Gojo-sensei had grown stronger. Only time would tell where this connection might lead them; Yuuji could only hope it was towards something good.
No, he would make sure it ended in the best possible way. Yuuji resolved to work even harder, determined to keep progressing and prove himself worthy of that bond.
⁂
Three days passed since that blessed outing.
“The set is ready; go join Leila, Itadori-kun!” Saito-san called out with a friendly pat on Yuuji’s back. Yuuji nodded eagerly, heading toward the backstage area with a spring in his step. Today’s shoot was another product placement, this time for a new Shiseido fragrance called Silva . The photos had to capture the essence of the wild, with Silva meaning "forest" in Latin—or at least that’s what Saito-san had explained to Yuuji in an email.
Yuuji wasn’t alone for this one; he would be working alongside Usami Tatsuya, a seasoned model who had been with Nebula for several years. The thought of collaborating with someone so experienced made Yuuji nervous. The last thing he wanted was to mess up or seem clumsy in front of such a pro.
"Hello, Earth to Yuuji!" Leila called out, waving a hand in front of his eyes. "I can feel your stress from over here! Take a deep breath and talk to me instead of brooding by yourself!"
"But Leila-san, I don’t want to embarrass myself in front of Tatsuya-san! What if I trip or—"
"Stop! Repeat after me!" Leila ordered firmly, halting the brush she was using to apply powder to Yuuji’s face. The young sorcerer pressed his lips into a thin line, obediently waiting for instructions from his makeup artist, who had become a friend.
"I’m a total hottie, and I’m going to crush this. Repeat it, come on!"
Blushing a deep shade of red, Yuuji struggled to say such things out loud, especially since they felt completely unnatural to his humble nature. His lips trembled, and he squeezed his eyes shut in embarrassment. Yuuji tried to recall his first photoshoot, remembering how he had mentally repeated to himself that he was beautiful. He had told himself so many times that he eventually embraced the idea fully, feeling almost divinely inspired to strike the best poses possible (or so Saito-san and the marketing director of Tansu had said!). He needed to repeat that same positive cycle now, and everything would be fine. He had to believe it!
"I… I’m a total hottie, and I’m going to crush this!" Yuuji stammered, his cheeks still pink but his gaze filled with determination as he met Leila’s proud eyes.
"That’s exactly what I wanted to hear, Yuuji! Now, up you go! I want to see the final result—stand in front of the mirror!"
Obeying without hesitation, Yuuji admired his outfit in the large mirror framed by neon lights. His makeup was kept simple, allowing the boldness of his leopard-print jacket, worn open over a white tube top, to take center stage. He paired the look with black fingerless gloves and matching skinny jeans, but had requested flat shoes for comfort—opting for white derbies with black soles. Though simple, the dresser had approved his choice with enthusiasm.
For today’s photoshoot, Yuuji had to step way out of his comfort zone. This outfit was a far cry from what he was used to! Accustomed to wearing the most straightforward, understated clothes possible, Yuuji had never really tried to stand out or strategically choose his attire, paying attention to styles, colors, or potential combinations. But Leila and Saito-san had explained that dressing in the modeling world required far more thought than one might think—nothing was left to chance!
Yuuji found himself surprisingly on board with this new approach, realizing just how much he liked his outfit. It was quite the change from his initial reaction: Yuuji was drinking water when the dresser first showed him the leopard-print jacket. He nearly choked on his water in shock! If Kugisaki saw him in this outfit, she’d probably cry from laughing so hard… And that skinny jean—Yuuji couldn’t help but notice how incredibly tight it was! Since when were his hips and butt this defined? Had he gained weight? Maybe it was time to cut back on the fast food…
“Your thoughts ?” Leila asked eagerly, her eyes sparkling with admiration. “I think the final result is incredible!”
“Thank you, Leila-san! I really like it, too! I never thought these kinds of colors would suit me... I’m starting to question my entire sense of fashion, haha!” Yuuji joked as he spun around, taking in every detail of his outfit.
“But...”
“Hm? Is there a problem, Yuuji?” Leila asked, starting to pack up her makeup kit.
“I just can’t see myself wearing something this tight in everyday life... Not because I don’t like it—quite the opposite! I’m actually finding myself enjoying this style more than I expected, but...”
Sensing what was on Yuuji's mind as his expression darkened, Leila paused her packing with a sympathetic sigh. She approached him, placing her hands gently on his shoulders and tilting her head slightly to the right, gazing calmly at his reflection in the mirror. Yuuji seemed to be second-guessing the new perspective he was developing on his own body.
“Ask yourself the right questions, Yuuji. Are you avoiding wearing these kinds of clothes because you genuinely don’t like them? Or are you worried about how others might react?”
Caught off guard by Leila's question, Yuuji fell silent, his brows furrowed in thought. He didn’t know how to respond. It was true that he had imagined Kugisaki teasing him, but...
"No need to answer right away, handsome!" Leila teased, giving Yuuji’s shoulders an encouraging tap. "But let me give you my personal take on this, and you can do with it what you will : life’s too short to worry about other people’s opinions. No matter what you choose, there’s always going to be someone out there who’ll criticize you, trying to convince you that your decisions are wrong. Focus on what really matters, Yuuji."
Leila's powerful and thought-provoking words left Yuuji feeling unsettled, his mind swirling as he stared at his reflection in the mirror. What was he so afraid of? What was holding him back?
"Is everything okay on your end?" Saito-san suddenly appeared, a tablet in hand. "Tatsuya-kun just finished, Itadori-kun. We're only waiting on you!"
"Understood, Saito-san!" Yuuji quickly snapped out of his thoughts, forcing himself to push aside his worries. He rushed towards the shooting area but stopped midway, turning back to Leila with a grateful expression. "Thank you so much, Leila-san."
Giggling, the makeup artist waved him off, signaling him to stay strong. "You're going to rock this! Make that stoic Usami blush!"
Clenching his fist with determination, Yuuji nodded, waving goodbye before heading off to explore the decor of the room where he would be performing.
The photoshoot set was nothing short of impressive, fully embracing the theme of the wild forest. Thick, green vines hung from above, draping gracefully around the providing natural-looking props for them to interact with. These vines could be used for various poses, allowing the models to grip or lean against them, adding an element of dynamic movement to the shoot.
The floor was covered in a faux wooden texture, designed to mimic the rough, natural surface of a forest floor. Large, sculpted pieces of artificial wood extended upward, forming structures that the models could climb or perch on, enhancing the primal and adventurous feel of the scene.
The backdrop was masterfully crafted to resemble a dense tropical jungle, complete with rich greenery, shadowy undergrowth, and subtle lighting that created the illusion of sunlight filtering through a thick canopy of leaves. The overall atmosphere was immersive, transporting everyone into what felt like an untamed, lush rainforest, perfectly capturing the essence of the perfume Silva .
"Wow! The setup is amazing, Saito-san!" Yuuji exclaimed, clearly impressed by the elaborate set design.
“Haha! Glad you like it, Itadori-kun! Just be careful if you use the vines. You’ll need Tatsuya-kun to hold you steady to make sure you don’t slip! Ah, speaking of the devil!” Saito-san gestured for Yuuji to turn around as Usami Tatsuya and his agent approached to introduce themselves.
“Our young prodigy is finally ready?” Tatsuya-san's agent teased, directing a playful glance at Yuuji, who felt his cheeks flush at the unexpected comment.
“P-Prodigy is a bit extreme, sir...?” Yuuji stammered, unsure of who he was speaking to.
“Hiro Mishima, at your service.” The man extended a friendly hand, which Yuuji shook politely. “I’m the agent of the tombstone standing right next to me!” Mishima-san joked, pointing at Usami, who indeed matched Leila's description of being taciturn.
He hadn’t said a word since they’d met—not a smile, not a wave—just a bored expression that closely resembled the one Fushiguro often wore. With his smooth, square-cut auburn hair and finely sculpted features, Yuuji understood perfectly why this model was so sought after for ads like this. Despite his mysterious demeanor, there was no denying that he was drop-dead gorgeous!
"In addition to being talented, you're humble too! Saito proudly showed us the results of your first photoshoot. It was an impressive performance! You can trust Usami to do justice to your beauty today." Mishima-san discreetly patted Usami's shoulder, subtly urging him to introduce himself properly.
Getting the message, Usami bowed respectfully and spoke for the first time in a slightly gravelly voice, "I’m Usami Tatsuya. I'm looking forward to working with you, Itadori-kun."
"Oh! Me too, Tatsuya-san! Let’s do our best!" Yuuji bowed in return, genuinely honored to be working alongside such a prominent figure from Nebula.
Itadori discreetly glanced up to better take in his colleague's outfit. It had to be said that his stylist had been particularly inspired! Usami was wearing a light beige linen shirt, slightly open at the collar, revealing a fine silver necklace that subtly gleamed under the lights. The shirt, with its sleeves rolled up to the elbows, gave him a look that was both relaxed and elegant. He was wearing brown cargo pants, cut from a thick fabric that evoked the natural textures of the forest. The straight cut of the pants accentuated his slender silhouette without being too tight, and the side pockets added a utilitarian touch to the style. His black leather boots, worn just enough, completed the ensemble with a touch of ruggedness. A brown leather bracelet, wrapped around his left wrist, added the final touch to this outfit.
Usami exuded a mysterious and refined aura, a striking contrast to Yuuji's dynamism, but their differences only made their collaboration all the more intriguing.
Fifteen minutes later, everyone was in place, ready to start the session. Standing in the middle of the wild set, Yuuji scanned his surroundings, trying to come up with pose ideas, but... where had his flash of genius from last time gone? Damn it, Saito-san didn’t have to go around shouting his praises to everyone! Now Yuuji was putting immense pressure on himself, desperately wanting to meet the expectations of his team. There was no room for mistakes; his performance had to be flawless, or else he would lose all credibility.
“Itadori-kun.”
It was Usami who snapped the young model out of his anxious thoughts. Turning toward his partner for the day, Yuuji saw him leaning casually against one of the giant fake branches, waiting for the signal from the team leaders to begin.
“No need to rack your brain now. We’ll come up with pose ideas in the heat of the moment. Posing isn’t something you plan in advance. You have to let yourself be guided by what you feel, to express an emotion, a desire...”
Surprised by how unusually talkative Usami was being, Yuuji fully realized how fortunate he was to be receiving advice from such an experienced professional. And deep down, what Usami was saying made perfect sense; it shed light on what had happened during Yuuji's first shoot. He didn’t need any particular talent to illustrate today. All he had to do was let himself be carried by his present emotions, by the inspiration of the moment, and commit to his choices fully—without hesitation.
As it happened, it was the thought of Gojo-sensei by his side that had allowed Yuuji to find the inspiration and strength to assert himself in front of the camera. Maybe, just maybe, he needed to call upon the image of his sensei, his secret muse, to excel once again today.
Yes. Imagining his sensei close to him, all over him, inside him, doing unspeakable things to him, showing how much he loved and craved Yuuji's warmth, Yuuji's love. That's what Itadori needed to imagine if he wanted to shine today.
"Everything is ready, gentlemen. Please take your positions as soon as possible!" Mishima-san called out, seated next to Saito-san, who was watching Yuuji with a smile that combined pride and high expectations.
The starting signal was given, and with it, a seemingly unrelated memory surfaced in Yuuji’s mind. A week ago, Kugisaki had dragged him into her room when he mentioned that he had never seen Disney's Tarzan in his life. Outraged, his friend made him sat in front of her computer with her, stuffing themselves with soda and chips while watching the animated film that, as Kugisaki had insisted, turned out to be an absolute masterpiece. Yuuji even shed a tear at the death of Kerchak... but that wasn’t the point!
During one of the film’s songs, Yuuji had been struck by a brief but incredibly beautiful scene: Tarzan and Jane, at night, gripping vines and swinging joyfully before slowing down, turning around each other in a graceful movement, gradually drawing closer until their faces were only a few centimeters apart, their gazes locked on one another... a love as pure and raw as the jungle that surrounded them.
There it was—his flash of genius!
"Tatsuya-san, can you come here for a second?" Yuuji motioned for Usami to approach. Complying, the older model leaned in to listen as Yuuji whispered his idea. Nodding several times, Tatsuya straightened up and said, "Okay, I understand. I can do that."
"Wonderful ! Saito-san!" Yuuji called out, waving to his agent. "Can we get some stools or something like that? We need to be stable for our first pose."
"Stools?" Saito repeated, sounding surprised. "I can find some, but can I ask what they’re for? They might look out of place!"
"It's a bit complicated to explain, but trust me, okay? We can edit the stools out in post-production anyway!" Yuuji replied with enthusiasm, an unusual confidence emanating from him. He was determined to see his idea through to the end and see how it turned out.
"It's good to see you taking the initiative. I wasn't as bold when I first started," Tatsuya commented with a subtle, almost imperceptible smile. Before Yuuji could respond, a technician arrived on set to place the stools opposite each other, directly beneath the vines.
"Okay! Is everything set for you two?" Mishima-san asked, receiving nods from both models. "Perfect, go ahead!"
Having memorized Yuuji’s instructions perfectly, Tatsuya followed his lead, stepping onto the stool just like Yuuji, gripping his vine, and slowly bringing his face closer to his partner's. Yuuji could feel his heart pounding wildly; he knew this was just work, that this idea was purely professional, and that there was no romantic significance behind it... But despite that, Yuuji couldn't help but feel a sense of pride at the thought of being approached so intimately by another man. He could totally brag about this to Kugisaki and make her jealous!
"Oh, I get it! Move in closer, everyone!" Saito urged the photographers, quickly catching on to Yuuji's idea. "We need a close-up angle on their faces to make it look like they’re perched high on a vine, about to kiss. The stools won’t even be visible, killing two birds with one stone!"
The photographers immediately got to work, snapping photos in rapid succession to capture every possible angle. Yuuji and Usami remained focused, their breaths mingling as they were only inches apart, eyes locked with intense concentration.
For Yuuji, this moment was overwhelming, though he didn’t let it show. Standing so close to such a renowned figure, having the honor of being his partner for this shoot—it was more than he could have ever dreamed of. He would never be able to thank Saito enough for giving him this opportunity. And Yuuji was determined to make the most of it, to leave a lasting impression on his team.
"Great, you two! Change poses but keep that intensity, it’s perfect!" Mishima-san instructed, clearly pleased with how the shoot was unfolding.
The photographers quickly removed the stools from the set, which were no longer needed. Caught up in the heat of the moment, the models decided to take individual poses this time. Usami moved to the left side of the set, gripping a vine and unbuttoning two buttons of his shirt with one hand, pulling it slightly down to reveal a hint of his chest. He held this pose as photographers flocked to capture the shot.
Yuuji took a different approach. Using his athletic skills, he climbed onto one of the faux wooden branches, positioning himself in a feline stance with his arms stretched forward and his hips raised. He gazed at the camera with a hungry, intense look. Needless to say, he imagined with shameful ease Gojo -sensei right behind him, passionately entering him from behind, making his student submit to his every whim and desire. Yuuji unconsciously raised his pelvis even higher at the thought, a low moan passing through his throat unintendedly.
How would it feel to have his beloved's hands gripping his hips to hold him in place ? Refusing Itadori any possibility to escape while The Strongest pounded inside his student, chasing after his own pleasure ? What kind of sounds would Gojo make? Is he the growling type? Would he scream? Or maybe he would savor the moment in silence ? Yuuji was plagued with questions that remained unanswered, much to his frustration.
How Yuuji envied the men and women lucky enough to share this exceptional man's bed!
“Great, very nice energy!” Saito-san praised. “Give us one final pose, and we’ll be all set.”
It was time for the two partners to come together and close the shoot with a flourish. Yuuji didn’t lie when he said he wanted to make a lasting impression on his team. He wouldn’t do things halfway! After all, the theme of the ad was the wild nature, right?
When comforting him after Sukuna's intervention, one of the first words Gojo used to describe Yuuji was "adorable"... except that the young sorcerer aimed to be much more than just adorable in his sensei's eyes. He wanted to make him literally crazy with desire. To achieve this, Yuuji knew he had to continue pushing his boundaries and exceed the limits of political correctness. If he didn't commit to doing this, Yuuji knew in advance that he would never reach his goal.
Deciding to go all out, Yuuji called Usami over. In the midst of the tropical set, Yuuji instructed Tatsuya to stay put while he grabbed two vines. He used them to elevate himself off the ground. Reacting quickly, Tatsuya understood his partner’s intent and came to support him. He wrapped his arms around Yuuji’s waist, while Yuuji wrapped his legs around Tatsuya’s torso. The pose was daring : the two models were entwined in a visually striking embrace.
There was just one final touch needed: Yuuji tilted his head back, exposing his neck to Usami, who took the opportunity to press his face against it, pretending to kiss the area with passion. Yuuji’s lips quivered—was he really about to fall apart over such an innocuous touch?
“Fantastic, stay just like that, don’t move!” Mishima-san directed, as the photographers snapped away. Yuuji wore a look of intense emotion, mimicking the behavior of a young lover discovering new sensations.
Perfectly focused as he was, Itadori couldn't hold back a jolt when he felt Tatsuya's hands move down to his buttocks, now supporting him with a firm grip on his two plump spheres. What the hell is he doing ?!
“You don’t have to go that far, Tatsuya-san. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable,” Yuuji murmured, remaining in his pose.
Suddenly, Usami placed his lips near his younger partner’s ear, his smooth voice sending shivers down Yuuji’s spine. “Oh, believe me, I don’t feel forced at all.”
What... Was this the same Tatsuya Yuuji had been working with? How could he go from a silent, taciturn guy to... Yuuji couldn’t bring himself to complete the thought or turn his head to face his partner, afraid of seeing an emotion in Tatsuya’s eyes that might make him lose his composure.
“Great job, both of you! We’re done with the shoot!” Mishima-san congratulated as the entire team applauded the models’ performance. “You’ve clearly exceeded our expectations!”
Usami helped Yuuji get back on solid ground—both literally and figuratively. Letting go of the vines that had held him aloft, Yuuji sighed in relief; his arms were really feeling the strain! He started to rotate his arms in circles to relieve the cramps when he felt Usami’s hand rest on his shoulder. “Well done, Itadori-kun. I’m heading back to the dressing room to change.”
The professional model quickly slipped away, not even giving Yuuji a chance to thank him for his cooperation. It seemed that Tatsuya had returned to his usual self—direct and discreet. Had Yuuji only imagined the shift in atmosphere between them during that last pose?
In the end, it didn’t matter. Yuuji quickly forgot about those questions as he focused on the joy of hearing everyone’s applause. Saito-san approached him with a broad smile, ready to give him a debrief. It was still too early to put it into words, but Yuuji could feel that today’s shoot had been a turning point in his personal journey. Something was slowly but surely changing in the way he perceived others and his own body. Only time would tell what the consequences of this change might be.
Notes:
So, what do you think of our dear Usami Tatsuya? To be honest, he’s one of my favorite OCs! I drew a lot of inspiration from the physical charm of Sasuke Uchiha and Megumi when creating him… He’s a hybrid between Naruto’s hottest guy and JJK’s eternally indifferent one, LOL.
Here’s a completely useless anecdote, but I’ll share it anyway: the outfit Gojo wears during the outing is identical to the one he wears in the Season 1 episode where he’s training Megumi in a flashback (I think it’s in the second-to-last episode, but I’m not sure). You know, that iconic scene where he says to Megumi, 'When you die, you’ll be alone,' or something like that. You know what I’m talking about, right?
In the next chapter: big changes ahead! That’s all you get for now, my darlings. Sending you lots of love, and see you next time!
Chapter 4: Reassessment
Notes:
Hey guys! How’s it going? I’m back with Chapter 4! I have to admit, I’m pretty proud of how it turned out—I can feel my heart racing, I’m so excited to see your reactions, lol. I don’t want to say too much and risk spoiling anything, but just know that the story is heading in a very, VERY interesting direction, haha. Alright, I’ll stop talking and let you dive into the chapter!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
A week after the second successful photoshoot, Yuuji was over the moon. Not only had he just received his first paycheck as a model (200,000 yen plus the 80,000 yen monthly allowance from the school), but he also noticed that his decision to pursue modeling had a positive impact on his self-esteem! He felt much more confident when it came to putting himself forward : there was a time when he barely thought about how he dressed... Now, he understood just how crucial even the smallest details could be when it came to attracting someone!
Last night, Yuuji found himself doing something he had never done before, driven by an inexplicable urge: he started browsing clothing brand websites, looking for new styles that caught his eye—styles he had never tried before. He also reflected on a conversation he had with Leila while checking out Zara's catalog: his esthetician had told him that life was too short to worry about others' opinions.
That’s why Yuuji, albeit with some hesitation, decided to disregard the boundaries between men's and women's clothing. Why should customers be deprived of fashion choices, of meaningful combinations, just because of gender? Yuuji found joy in both the men's and women's sections! Why should it matter, as long as he felt satisfied with his wardrobe? Yuuji began to understand what Leila meant last week: social norms about appearance can be absurd, and blindly following them can do more harm than good.
Quite frankly, Yuuji couldn’t see himself wearing skirts or mini-shorts! However, when it came to certain types of pants or tops, men’s collections were often limited and lacked creativity. The women’s section, on the other hand, was overflowing with variety! Yuuji had already spotted a few items he liked and wanted to try on in-store today. A shopping day was in the making this Saturday!
Initially, Yuuji planned to go alone, but then an idea crossed his mind.
"A shopping day, Itadori?" Fushiguro repeated, looking uncharacteristically astonished as he set his chopsticks down beside his bowl of oyakodon.
"Did you hit your head ? Are you feeling alright?" Kugisaki asked, her eyes as wide as Fushiguro's as she straightened up slightly to gauge their friend's mood.
"Of course I'm fine! Why are you both so surprised that I’m suggesting an outing? I’m not forcing you to come, you know," Yuuji chuckled, watching the hilariously bewildered expressions of his two best friends and confidants.
"Oh, no, it’s not that I don’t want to go, it’s just that..." Fushiguro struggling to find words? Now that’s rare!
"Well, let’s just say that every time I suggested a shopping day," Kugisaki gestured to herself with a thumb, "you were the first to sulk and come up with excuses not to join me. And now you show up with that goofy grin asking us to come with you!"
“Yeah, you usually hate that kind of outing, Itadori…” Fushiguro explained, still confused.
The trio was in the cafeteria, eating lunch alone since the other upperclassmen weren’t around. Taking advantage of the empty room, Yuuji decided to clearly explain the reasons behind his sudden change in mentality.
"I get it, this is definitely out of character for me. But... let’s just say a conversation with my esthetician and the perfume ad I talked to you about really changed things! It took me a good week to come to a decision, but I want to push myself out of my comfort zone and try new things. If I want to impress you-know-who, I need to learn how to stand out and take risks—otherwise, nothing’s going to change!"
Listening intently to their lovestruck friend's explanation, which had been simmering for nearly six months, Fushiguro and Kugisaki exchanged glances before nodding, a knowing smile on their lips.
"Say no more, Itadori! I was surprised at first, but honestly, I’m thrilled to think I won’t have to resort to blackmail or threats just to get you to hang out with me anymore!" Nobara cackled wickedly, a sly grin spreading across her face.
"I get where you’re coming from, Itadori. I don’t know much about this stuff, but if me being there helps, I’m in," Fushiguro added calmly, his expression serene.
Yuuji’s face lit up with joy, his eyes sparkling as he eagerly anticipated sharing this pivotal moment in his development with the people closest to him, aside from Gojo-sensei.
Overcome with affection, Yuuji stood up slightly from the table and wrapped his arms around his two friends. "Thank you so much, guys ! Going alone wouldn’t have been nearly as fun, and it’s always cool to get an outside opinion."
"Count on me! I’ll be totally impartial!" Kugisaki declared solemnly, patting Yuuji’s back affectionately with a gentle smile on her lips. "Now, let go, we need to get ready!"
"Let me finish my oyakodon, first!" Fushiguro grumbled, his usual exasperated expression back in place.
And that’s how they found themselves in Shinjuku. To say that Nobara was thrilled would be an understatement! Seeing Yuuji so motivated and curious about fashion made her want to drown him in tips and tricks, playing the role of teacher to the novice who had only just discovered he liked taking care of himself.
Of course, while Yuuji might have been clueless about the differences in style between various clothing brands, he already had a fairly clear idea of what kinds of clothes he could see himself wearing—or not. Nobara tried to convert the budding model to brands like Balenciaga and Desigual, among others, but let’s just say it didn’t go well!
"Ugh, you have no taste!" Kugisaki whined, putting down a pair of Desigual pants she had just shown to a skeptical Yuuji, clearly disappointed.
"Even I, who knows nothing about this stuff, think Desigual goes way overboard with its color combinations..." Fushiguro muttered, eyeing a multicolored bag with a disgusted expression.
"Thank you, Fushiguro! Finally, someone with some sense!" Yuuji teased, a smug smile on his lips while he glanced over some weird T-shirts.
Kugisaki saw red.
"Oh, you! Since when did you get such a big mouth? Looks like someone needs to be put in their place!" Nobara growled, grabbing Yuuji by the neck and playfully ruffling his hair, making him burst into laughter.
"Young people." A store clerk approached the students, standing as straight as a rod, her polite smile doing little to hide her irritation. "Please keep your shopping quiet and respectful."
Taking the stern warning as a cue to make their exit, the young sorcerers decided to head toward Zara , the store Yuuji was eager to check out.
"So, what caught your eye on their site?" Kugisaki asked curiously.
With an endearing childlike excitement, Yuuji fumbled with his phone, pulling up images of his planned purchases and showing them to his two friends as they walked.
"There are a few things! First, a white t-shirt... um, I think it’s called a baby tee! It’s simple, but I like that it’s loose and doesn’t go higher than the navel. I’m also going to buy two pairs of skinny jeans, one black and one white, since I only have regular fits. Oh, and there’s this khaki denim jacket that really caught my eye! As for the rest, I’ll see if anything else grabs me in the stor—"
"Boring!" Kugisaki suddenly shouted dramatically, throwing her hands up in exasperation and startling her two friends. "Is that what you call 'taking risks'? That’s not how you’re going to make that idiot Gojo-sensei get a hard-on !"
"KUGISAKI, FOR GOD SAKE!" Yuuji yelled, his face turning crimson as he clapped a hand over his friend’s mouth, panic in his eyes as he checked to see if any passersby had heard.
"Did you really have to say that in front of all of Shinjuku?" Fushiguro groaned, eyes narrowed in exasperation at Nobara’s over-the-top behavior.
Pulling Yuuji’s hand away with force, Nobara’s forehead vein throbbed with irritation. "Fushiguro! You can’t tell me I’m wrong! It’s going to take more than tight jeans to catch the eye of that blindfolded idiot!"
"It’s already a big change for Yuuji to wear fitted clothes. Maybe you’re not putting yourself in his shoes enough!"
Fushiguro shot back before turning to Yuuji, who seemed to be mulling over his best friend’s harsh words. "Let’s head to Zara, try on the clothes you like, and we’ll take it from there, okay?"
Snapping out of his thoughts, Yuuji gave Fushiguro a grateful smile and nodded, his enthusiasm seemingly restored.
Now inside the store, Nobara and Yuuji were buzzing with excitement as they dove into the aisles, hunting for their fashion finds, while Fushiguro trailed behind, watching the two gleeful idiots with a slight smile. It was clear that he was pragmatic when it came to clothing: he already had everything he needed, so there was no point in browsing new collections or imagining new color combinations. Megumi was content to simply observe and offer his opinion when necessary, it didn’t bother him in the least.
"Oh! They sell makeup in the men’s section!" Yuuji exclaimed as he headed toward the displays of powders and mascara.
"Did your esthetician teach you the basics?" Nobara asked, checking out the available eyeliner colors.
"She didn’t teach me the precise techniques, but she explained what each product is for!" Yuuji replied, picking up a concealer tester. "How am I supposed to know which shade to choose, Kugisaki?"
"There’s a trick: show me your wrist!" Yuuji held out his wrist, and Nobara analyzed the area with a focused expression. "See how your veins are blue?" Kugisaki pointed at the spot. "That means you should use lighter shades. For the rest, just apply the concealer directly on your wrist. As long as it doesn’t turn orange, you’re good!"
"Got it!" Yuuji nodded.
"Are you planning to buy some?" Nobara asked, genuinely surprised by her friend’s enthusiasm for makeup. So many changes today!
"Yeah! Leila-san really got me into it. I used to have a stereotypical view of makeup—thinking it was just about piling on layers like a painted mask. But I’m realizing you don’t need to go that far to improve your complexion!" Yuuji explained his new perspective as he tested different powders and concealers.
"You’ll need some practice, though! Applying eyeliner or mascara isn’t exactly intuitive. I can give you a tutorial if you want!" Nobara offered with an encouraging smile.
"You’re the best, Kugisaki!" Yuuji gave her a thumbs up, deeply grateful.
His shopping basket was now filled with the essentials for a flawless complexion: powder foundation, concealer, mascara, eyeliner, and a lip balm (Yuuji chose a neutral one, still not quite ready to add color to his lips). One task down!
Now, Yuuji wanted to track down the clothes that had caught his eye online. With the help of a store clerk, it didn’t take long for his basket to fill up with the coveted items. As he walked toward the fitting rooms with his two friends, something caught his eye—a mannequin dressed in an outfit that was both striking and unconventional.
Stopping abruptly, Yuuji took a moment to study the ensemble: the entire outfit was black, and the pants had an unusual shape—almost like disco dancer pants, but less exaggerated. The top was also unique; Yuuji thought it might be a crop top, though he wasn’t entirely sure.
“Is something wrong, Itadori?” Fushiguro asked, stepping up beside him and following his gaze. “Do you like that outfit?”
“Uh… I’m just not sure what kind of clothes these are. It’s intriguing,” Yuuji admitted.
“Oh, you want to know what it is?” Kugisaki chimed in, analyzing the mannequin. “The top is a halter cross crop top, and the bottom is a pair of flared pants. These are women’s clothes—does that bother you?” she added, watching Yuuji ponder.
“No… I’ve already decided I won’t hesitate to pick from any section to refresh my wardrobe! The only thing that makes me hesitate is the top… Do you think it’s too bold to wear something like that? Will it suit me?” Yuuji worried, clearly torn between his curiosity and fear of making the wrong choice.
“Don’t overthink it, Itadori. If you like the clothes, try them on. If they don’t work, don’t buy them,” Fushiguro’s pragmatic approach was invaluable in moments like this, when Yuuji was overanalyzing every decision, always fearful of making a mistake—especially with his sensei’s opinion looming in his mind.
“Fushiguro’s right! Stop overthinking it!” Kugisaki scolded, poking Yuuji’s cheek playfully. “Go to the fitting rooms and try on the clothes you’ve picked out. I’ll grab the two pieces you’re curious about. I’ll be right back!” she instructed, heading off to find the crop top and flared pants.
Not entirely convinced, Yuuji still let Kugisaki go fetch the clothes, following Fushiguro to the fitting rooms. Ten minutes after entering the booth, he emerged wearing his baby tee, the khaki denim jacket, and the black skinny jeans. He admired the result in the mirror, turning from side to side to ensure everything fit well and that the clothes were in good condition. Yuuji really needed to lose some weight—since when had his behind gotten so rounded?!
Overall, he was satisfied with the combination and showed it to Fushiguro, who silently nodded in approval. Just as he was about to return to the fitting room, Itadori noticed Kugisaki coming back, not only with the clothes he was curious about but also with a pair of white platform sneakers.
“Do you need new shoes, Kugisaki?” Yuuji asked curiously, grabbing the outfit Nobara handed him.
“Nope, I picked these for you! I think they’ll go great with the all-black outfit. Just make sure I got the right size. Now, get back in there and change! I can’t wait to see how it looks!” Kugisaki encouraged, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
She felt like a stylist—it was so much fun! She hadn’t enjoyed a shopping trip this much in ages... What a joy that Yuuji had crossed over to the dark side of fashion! Nobara was ecstatic: there it was, the outfit that would really make Yuuji take some risks!
However, after fifteen minutes of waiting, Kugisaki began to grow impatient. What was that idiot doing?
“Itadori, are you okay in there?” the voodoo specialist called out through the curtain.
“Uh, yeah, yeah!” Yuuji’s panicked voice replied, making Kugisaki suspicious.
“Actually… I really don’t know what to think of the result. I don’t want to come out like this!” Yuuji confessed, sounding genuinely distressed.
Sensing her friend’s unease, Kugisaki sighed and crossed her arms. “Okay, I get that you’re embarrassed to step out in front of everyone. Would it help if I came in to give you my opinion?”
After a few seconds of silence, Yuuji timidly agreed, allowing his friend to enter the booth.
She slipped inside, under the intrigued gaze of Fushiguro. Poor Yuuji! Megumi silently hoped that all the effort and self-reflection Yuuji had gone through these past months would pay off...
No one deserved it more than him.
“Holy shit !” Nobara’s excited and high-pitched voice echoed, startling Fushiguro.
“Is something wrong in there?” Megumi called out, moving closer to the fitting room where his friends were.
“Oh, Fushiguro, you have to see this! Itadori, get out here!”
“N-no, wait, let me mentally prepare!” Yuuji whined, the curtain rustling as he tried to delay the inevitable under Fushiguro’s bewildered gaze.
“Not a chance! You’re coming out now!”
Victorious in the tug-of-war that ensued inside the fitting room, Kugisaki dragged her blushing friend out by the arm. Yuuji tried desperately to cover the parts of his body that his crop top revealed. Kugisaki placed Yuuji in front of the large mirror in the aisle, forcing him to lower his arms and stop hiding.
Fushiguro’s eyes widened, his mouth slightly agape in surprise.
“Fushiguro, just look at this hottie !” Nobara exclaimed, ecstatic as she gestured to her mortified friend. “The crop top hugs his torso perfectly and reveals just the right amount! And those pants are exceptional! They highlight his thighs while defining his butt! And what a butt, Itadori!” Kugisaki complimented, her eyes sparkling as she admired the outfit from every angle.
“G-Goodness…” Yuuji mumbled, hiding his flushed face in his hands, inwardly flattered by his friend’s praise.
“Seriously, Itadori ! If this doesn’t get that idiot Gojo Satoru to fall into your arms, I don’t know what will ! Right, Fushiguro?” Nobara asked, turning to a Fushiguro who was still processing what he was seeing.
After several seconds of silence, Fushiguro felt a flush of embarrassment creep up his cheeks as he realized he’d been unconsciously eyeing his friend’s hips. Besides, Kugisaki was right—the platform sneakers really added an interesting touch to the outfit ! Turning his head away, clearly flustered, Fushiguro muttered:
“If Gojo-sensei doesn’t fall for this... he must really be blind.”
“Exactly!” Kugisaki exclaimed, grabbing Itadori by the shoulders. “Did you hear that, Itadori? You almost missed out on this killer outfit because of your stupid insecurities! Don’t you get it?”
Now much calmer, Yuuji took a moment to really look at himself in the mirror, admiring the flared effect of the pants and the way the crop top sat just right at mid-torso. Leila-san waxed his upper body a few weeks ago, so his body hair was much less noticeable than usual. Although he was muscular from his intense training as a sorcerer, his abs weren’t overly defined, they were quite discreet.
Despite all his initial hesitations, he realized… he actually liked this outfit! He could totally see himself wearing it for a casual hangout with friends, no problem!
Feeling far more confident in his choice, Itadori flashed a radiant smile at his two friends:
“I don’t even know how to thank you. Having you here with me means so much… I don’t know if you realize that!”
Suddenly overcome with emotion, Yuuji felt tears welling up. He took a deep breath, trying to keep them in check. Touched, Fushiguro and Kugisaki moved closer, each placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
“It’s going to be okay, Itadori,” Fushiguro said, offering encouragement. “No matter how this all turns out, there’s no need to have regrets. You’ve found what you like, and you have a better understanding of yourself… that’s all that matters.”
“I couldn’t have said it better myself! We’re really happy for you, Itadori, no matter what happens next!” Kugisaki added, a calm smile on her lips.
Sniffling loudly, Yuuji took a deep breath before looking at his friends with tearful eyes, smiling. He realized just how incredibly lucky he was to be surrounded by people who cared so much.
⁂
"Since when can you afford to pay for our meal? This never happens between broke students!" Kugisaki exclaimed as she sat down at a table with her two friends, carrying a tray with a muffin and an iced tea.
Fushiguro, initially silent, suddenly had a realization as he noticed the smug smile on Yuuji's face. "Oh! You got paid, didn't you?"
"Exactly, Fushiguro! My hard work has been duly rewarded!" Yuuji declared with a falsely lofty air, crossing his legs while sipping his milkshake.
"Pfft! Your 'hard work,' my ass ! Anyone can roll around in sheets or climb vines!" Kugisaki grumbled condescendingly, her chin propped up by her hand.
Envious and not fully admitting it, she averted her gaze and muttered, "How much are they paying you?"
"200,000 yen a month!" Yuuji flashed a wide grin, infuriating his best friend even more, who was now seething like a volcano.
"I can’t believe it!! And he gets a free esthetician on top of that! I'm going to kill him one day, I swear!" Kugisaki fumed as she took her frustration out on her iced tea, gripping the glass tightly and biting down fiercely on her straw, trying not to hit her smug friend who was openly taunting her with his superior attitude.
"Do you ever show some gratitude?" Fushiguro grumbled before turning to Yuuji. "Thanks for the meal, Itadori."
"It's no big deal!" Yuuji reassured him, setting his glass down.
"Oh, that reminds me! Have you run into that model you worked with last time?" Kugisaki asked, her momentary jealousy forgotten—for now.
"You mean Tatsuya-san? No, I haven’t seen him again! Our schedules are so different that we barely cross paths."
"And have the Shiseido photos been released yet?" Nobara asked teasingly, eager to see the poses her friend had described to her recently.
"Not yet! They're still in post-production. But you'll be the first to see them, I promise!" Yuuji assured with a laugh. "I’ll spare you the sight, Fushiguro!" he added, making an apologetic gesture towards Megumi.
"Thank you..." Megumi muttered, embarrassed, as he sipped his apple juice, trying not to imagine Yuuji perched on a vine with some handsome guy clinging to him.
"I didn’t think you’d have the guts to work with someone so well-known for those kinds of ads! I’m impressed!" Kugisaki exclaimed.
"Oh, it was definitely touch and go! I was terrified at first! Leila-san encouraged me, and... well, let’s just say I have my own methods for motivating myself and jumping in."
Yuuji wasn’t about to admit that his personal fantasies involving Gojo were what inspired his poses.
"Tell me, Itadori... are you gay? Like, do you see yourself dating guys in general, or just Gojo-sensei?" Kugisaki asked, her tone perfectly casual and measured.
She wasn’t trying to make her friend uncomfortable; she just wanted to understand his mindset and personal journey. After all, isn’t she, along with Fushiguro, his confidant?
"Hm..." Yuuji took his time thinking about his response but couldn't come up with a clear answer. That’s exactly how he felt during his job interview. "That’s really not an easy question!"
"Let’s take an example: imagine that Tatsuya guy coming up to you and asking you out, maybe even for something more. How would you react?" Kugisaki tried to help her friend sort out his feelings.
"Tatsuya-san is definitely a handsome guy! I’d be lying if I said he didn’t have some effect on me... But as for accepting a date with him, or spending the night? I’m not sure I’d want that!"
"You just said he had an effect on you. Was it anything like what Gojo-sensei makes you feel?" Kugisaki asked, trying to dig deeper into Yuuji's thoughts.
"Oh, definitely not!" This time, Yuuji responded without hesitation, doing a brief shake of the hand in reaction. "Just having Sensei look in my direction is enough to make me feel like I’m dying! And don’t even get me started on when he takes off his blindfold! And his voice, gosh..."
Realizing he was starting to drift off into his thoughts, Yuuji quickly snapped himself back to reality, tapping his cheeks lightly. Kugisaki watched him with a teasing smile.
"Wow. You’re doomed, Itadori. Gojo-sensei has completely bewitched you!" she teased.
"Itadori’s not the first, and he definitely won’t be the last..." Fushiguro muttered, having quietly listened to the conversation until now.
“Please, don’t rub it in !” Yuuji begged, his face flushed red as he buried his head in his arms on the table, embarrassed by his own mushy feelings.
“Itadori told me you mentioned Gojo-sensei isn’t really into romance and is more of a player. Is that true?” Kugisaki asked Fushiguro casually as she nibbled on her muffin, curious but relaxed.
“I said that at the end of secondary school, I realized that he tends to date women and men, and that the ones who got emotionally attached ended up with broken hearts.” Fushiguro clarified.
Yuuji lifted his head from his arms, looking deep in thought, his brow furrowed.
“However,” Fushiguro continued, “even though Gojo-sensei can be immature and selfish at times, I’m certain he’s not the type to lie or make empty promises to anyone.”
Both Yuuji and Kugisaki leaned in slightly, silently encouraging Fushiguro to elaborate. This was the kind of inside scoop they were eager to hear.
“My guess is that he’s always been upfront about his intentions from the start—no strings attached, just some fun. When the morning comes, everyone goes their separate ways. Most of his conquests probably agreed to that and didn’t expect anything more. But, unfortunately... some are more sensitive and try to push for something deeper, which only leads to disappointment.”
“I don’t know what to think now...” Kugisaki murmured. “I always assumed he was a shameless cheater, but... he sounds mature enough not to play with people’s feelings.”
She then turned to Yuuji, noticing his pensive expression, and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Don’t start identifying with those persons, okay? There’s no reason to think you’ll end up one of the hearts Gojo-sensei breaks.”
“And remember,” Fushiguro added, “he’s not the type to lie. If he doesn’t feel the same way, he’ll be honest about it. He’d never exploit your feelings for his own gain. That’s just not who he is.”
Yuuji smiled softly, reassured by his friends’ words, though a flicker of uncertainty remained in his eyes.
The young model absolutely couldn’t stand the idea of being seen as just a one-night stand. He wanted all of his sensei’s love and affection—not a portion, not a glimpse, but everything. And if he couldn’t have that, he’d rather have nothing at all. He’d prefer the pain of watching his sensei wander elsewhere than to be seen as just a fleeting distraction.
Yuuji loved Gojo Satoru, but deep down, he knew he was also terribly greedy. He didn’t just want a part of Gojo, nor to be a mere outlet for his passing desires. No, Yuuji wanted to be the one and only, the center of his world, his single and unique love. It might be selfish, perhaps even unrealistic, but that deep desire burned within him.
“ I refuse to offer myself to Gojo-sensei only to be abandoned by him when the morning comes! If he ever dares to do that to me... I'll curse him for the rest of my life! ”
"Alright, enough about the blindfolded idiot! How about some karaoke?" Kugisaki proposed as she finished her iced tea.
"Oh, yes! Let’s sing some anime openings!" Yuuji exclaimed, his dark thoughts swept away by the excitement of singing with his friends.
He loved karaoke and had always received compliments on his voice—he was pretty good, if he said so himself!
"We don’t have to..." Fushiguro turned his head to the side, already feeling awkward. Karaoke was the one activity that made him uncomfortable. Singing just wasn’t his thing.
"Two against one! Democracy has spoken: we're booking a room to cap off this legendary shopping day!" Kugisaki declared, already searching Google for an available spot for the three of them.
Sighing in defeat, Fushiguro resigned himself, consoling himself with the thought that he could drown his embarrassment in mocktails.
⁂
What an unforgettable day! The idea of karaoke was just perfect: Kugisaki and Itadori belted out Japanese and American pop songs (much to Fushiguro’s dismay), but it was a blast! Hai Yorokonde by Kocchi No Kento is a true hit these days, it was so fun to sing it. The same goes for the newest Yoasobi song called Yuurei Tokyo.
Yuuji had just said goodbye to his friends, who were heading back to their dorm rooms. Entering his own room with a delighted smile, he dropped his Zara bags onto the bed and began emptying them, wanting to mentally review everything before preparing for his evening shoot. He had a good hour ahead of him, so he might as well take the time to organize and put away the clothes he wouldn’t be using.
Today, Yuuji had two outfit options: a simple yet stylish look with skinny jeans, a baby tee, and a denim jacket, or a bolder, sexier choice featuring his platform sneakers, a cross halter crop top, and flared pants. It didn’t take long for him to decide—he’d save the more daring outfit for another time! Today, he wanted to go for a simple, clean style.
Twenty minutes of tidying up and getting ready later, Yuuji stood admiring his reflection in the mirror, adjusting his jeans and jacket. He definitely didn’t regret buying these items—they were perfect! He then reached for one of his favorite perfumes from his toiletry bag and sprayed it generously across his upper body, the smell being fruity.
One final question remained: should he try out the makeup he’d bought? It wasn’t strictly necessary since Leila would handle it herself at the shoot... But Yuuji thought he could at least practice with the powder, concealer, and mascara, and then ask Leila for her expert opinion when he arrived at work.
Deciding this was a good plan, Yuuji started watching tutorials online. After a few videos, he felt like he had the basics down. As for eyeliner? He’d leave that for his practice sessions with Kugisaki—there was no way he was ready to tackle that on his own!
It took Yuuji an additional 15 minutes to complete his first-ever makeup session. Seated at his desk, he studied his reflection in the small mirror he’d bought from Zara alongside his other purchases. Overall, he was pretty satisfied! He had to redo the mascara twice because it clumped up at first, but after mastering the technique from the tutorial, he managed to apply just enough to open up his eyes without creating that dreaded clumpy effect. As for the powder and concealer, there was nothing to complain about—Yuuji quickly grasped the concept and, judging by the tutorials, applied the products evenly, resulting in a smooth, unified complexion with his imperfections nicely blurred.
Pleased with his session, Yuuji put away the makeup in his bag before gasping in shock at the time. He better hurry! Slipping into his new platform sneakers (Yuuji wanted to see how they felt), he grabbed his transport card and quickly opened the door... only to come face to face with Gojo-sensei, who was about to knock, holding a bag of souvenirs in his hand.
“S-Sensei!” Yuuji exclaimed, a mix of joy and surprise surging through him. “You’re back from Sendai!”
“Yo!” Gojo greeted with a casual wave, stepping back slightly from the doorway. “I got back last night, but I didn’t have time to swing by the school. How’ve you been...?”
Gojo's voice trailed off, his usual cheerful expression slowly shifting into a puzzled frown. Yuuji's heart skipped a beat at the sudden change in atmosphere.
“Sensei?” Yuuji called out, worry creeping into his voice as the silence between them thickened.
Suddenly, Gojo leaned in closer, his face inches away from Yuuji’s, seemingly analyzing him. Ah! He must have noticed the makeup Yuuji had applied. But why was he scrutinizing him so seriously?
“Uh...” Yuuji hesitated awkwardly, unsure of what was happening as Gojo’s gaze shifted downward, now studying his outfit from head to toe. After a moment, Gojo straightened up, his expression still unreadable.
“You heading somewhere?” Gojo asked, his tone neutral.
“Yeah, downtown! I’m already running late—I’m supposed to be there by 6. I really have to go, but I’m glad you’re back!” Yuuji explained quickly, locking his door and turning away from Gojo.
But just as he was about to dash off, Gojo suddenly placed his free hand on the door, right beside Yuuji’s head, the sound of it hitting the door startling him. Before Yuuji could turn to ask what was going on, his heart skipped again as he felt Gojo lean in, his nose grazing Yuuji’s neck as he inhaled deeply, clearly taking in the scent of his cologne.
What the hell is he doing?!
The faint brush of Gojo’s nose against his bare skin almost made Yuuji gasp. Instinctively, he pressed a hand to his neck and moved as far back as the door would allow, but there wasn’t much room to escape. Gojo, it seemed, was having fun testing his boundaries today.
“Sensei ?!” Yuuji blurted out, his face flushed crimson, breathing ragged as he pressed himself against the door, staring at his teacher like he was facing an alien.
Gojo was far too quiet. He seemed lost in thought, his hand gripping the straps of the paper bag tightly. His head hung low, lips pressed into a tight line, and his shoulders tensed as if he was bracing himself for battle against a Curse. The young model felt confused—was Gojo-sensei angry? But why? He had shown up just moments ago with that usual bright smile! What could possibly have upset him this much?
Completely thrown off by the situation, Yuuji pulled himself together, stepping away from the door and removing his keys from the lock. Time was running out, and he needed to head to work, but his sensei's unusual behavior weighed on his mind.
"Sensei... are you okay?" Yuuji asked cautiously, his concern evident in his voice.
“Are you not going to be cold?” Gojo responded, his question completely out of place, breaking the tense silence. His smile returned.
What the hell ? Yuuji felt like he was in a parallel world ! Nothing made sense in this discussion ! Confused, Yuuji didn't answer immediately: his sensei probably thought he didn't understand what he said.
“I said..." Satoru seemed strangely cheerful as he reached his hand toward Itadori's stomach. The crop top revealed a tiny part of that area, and Satoru brushed it lightly with his fingers, causing his student to shiver slightly. "Aren't you going to get cold in that T-shirt? These types of clothes don't cover much!”
"N-No! Uhm..." Yuuji was taken aback and put his hand on the spot where his sensei's finger had grazed.
Damn it... his heart refused to calm down! Satoru is acting really strange! Maybe the young sorcerer really should leave: when he returns, The Strongest should have turned back to his usual self… right ?
"I can see you're in a hurry, but I have a little something for you before you go, Yuuji!" Gojo's voice was sweet as he extended the paper bag he'd been holding since his arrival.
Intrigued, Yuuji took it to discover its contents. His cheeks flushed slightly with joy as he pulled out one of the three beautifully decorated boxes that he recognized instantly—it was kikufuku, a treat his grandfather used to buy him by the hundreds when he still lived in Sendai with him.
"Oh, you haven’t forgotten about these ! Looks like you’re not senile yet; that’s reassuring!" Yuuji hoped his joke would help keep the atmosphere light.
"Oh, you! In just one week, you’ve forgotten the pain my flicks can cause," Gojo grumbled, pouting as he mockingly positioned two bent fingers towards Yuuji’s forehead, who quickly covered the area with his hand while stepping back swiftly.
"Leave my forehead alone, for heaven's sake!" Yuuji laughed as he reopened his door. "Thanks for the pastries, Sensei! I’ll just put these down and head to my meeting! Will I see you later?" Yuuji asked casually, pleased to see that his sensei seemed much more relaxed than before.
"We'll probably see each other tomorrow! I have a mission to handle tonight," Gojo explained nonchalantly, hands in his pockets.
"You just got back from Sendai and they’re already sending you on another mission!" Yuuji exclaimed, scandalized as he returned to lock his door a second time.
Maybe the reason behind his sensei’s strange behavior was tiredness, then ! Those higher-ups seem to treat Gojo as if he were a mule, burdening him with tasks at their whim without any regard for his well-being... Yuuji felt genuinely annoyed by this. Didn't Satoru deserve some peace, even if just for a day or a few hours? Surely, the world wouldn't collapse without him for a little while! Gojo-sensei himself has acknowledged that sorcerers cannot save everyone and that trying to play the hero like Superman is futile... so why shouldn’t this apply to the Gojo’s clan leader as well?
"What can I say? It's the price you pay when you're The Strongest!" Gojo shrugged, a smug smile on his lips, his characteristic arrogance making the young model chuckle.
Perhaps humor was his best defense against the relentless stress they placed on him... Yuuji made up his mind: he would propose another outing as soon as their schedules matched! He had promised to help Satoru find a new routine, one that would allow him to truly savor his scarce moments of tranquility.
Itadori checked the time on his smartphone... Oh no, Saito-san is going to chew him out!
"Okay, I really have to go now, Sensei! Good luck and be careful!" Yuuji cried out in a panic, waving goodbye before dashing to the staircase that led to the dorm exit, not giving his sensei a chance to bid him farewell.
Yuuji thought it might just be his imagination, but he felt a heavy gaze fixed on his back as he sprinted away, sending a shiver down his spine…
⁂
Man, that photo shoot lasted forever!
Fortunately, Yuuji's lateness didn't cause much trouble this time: there was a technical issue with the lighting, and when he arrived at the studio, Saito-san had him wait backstage with Leila while the technicians sorted out the problem. After all, shooting in the dark isn't ideal!
Waiting backstage allowed him to discuss his recent changes with Leila, who was absolutely thrilled to hear that Itadori was beginning to understand his body better and how he liked to showcase it. Yuuji asked her opinion on his makeup: Leila was genuinely impressed that he had learned how to do his complexion in just a few hours, considering he knew literally nothing about makeup a month ago. She did, however, give him some tips on better blending around the eyes when using concealer.
Due to the technical issues, instead of finishing the job at 8:30 PM, it was nearly 10 PM when Yuuji walked through the door leading out of the studio. It wasn’t necessarily a problem: Tokyo was a city that buzzed with activity at any hour. Yuuji wasn’t particularly stressed about taking public transport at that time. Plus, he knew perfectly well how to defend himself if needed! Checking that he had his transport card with him, Yuuji started walking towards the nearby metro station.
"Itadori-kun!" Surprised to be called out at that moment, Yuuji was even more startled to see Usami Tatsuya walking towards him.
He was coming out of the studio too: why was he out of breath?
"Oh, Tatsuya-san! It's been a while!" Yuuji exclaimed warmly, bowing respectfully. "Is everything alright? Are you in a hurry?"
"Ah, no! I... I saw you pass in the hallway, and by some miracle, I had just finished my day about ten minutes after you. I ran to catch up because I was afraid you might leave!" Usami panted, slowly caughting his breath.
"Oh, did you have something important to tell me?"
Usami appeared to be searching for the right words, looking down at his feet... his cheeks were red. His sprint must have heated him up, or something of the sort!
"I... It's been a whole week since I've been trying to see you. Our schedules hardly ever align; it's been quite frustrating... but I really wanted to see you again."
Yuuji felt his heart skip a beat when his colleague looked up at him, cheeks still flushed but with an intense gaze fixed on the young sorcerer.
"You... You look stunning today. I didn’t know you liked to wear makeup outside of shoots, but you should know it suits you beautifully."
"Oh, t-thank you!" Yuuji stuttered, feeling his own cheeks start to burn, not expecting such compliments from Usami... after all, the reticent model didn't seem to be the type to make friendly overtures at first glance. Also, Yuuji wasn’t used to being complimented on his appearance. Had that ever really happened before? Yuuji couldn't recall. But well, it was proof that his style change was a positive one! He could only hope that the effect would be repeated on the man Yuuji loved...
"Our last shoot, Yuuji, the one for Shiseido... didn’t you feel anything back then?" Dropping the formalities and politeness for this conversation, Usami stepped closer to his flustered colleague, gently taking his hand.
This touch took Yuuji by surprise: Usami was so serious all of a sudden...
"May I call you Yuuji? Is that alright with you?"
"I..." Yuuji was more surprised than anything by the turn of events, unsure how to handle this unexpected situation. "It's okay to drop the formalities!"
"Good... then you can call me Usami, if you wish."
Yuuji wasn’t sure if he could call his colleague by his first name; the weight of politeness continued to weigh heavily on his shoulders.
“Yuuji…” Tatsuya said, intertwining his fingers with Yuuji’s. Amid the noisy, crowded streets of Tokyo, he seemed to be in some sort of trance, as if the rest of the world had vanished except for Yuuji’s hand.
“It might not be mutual, but I felt, with a terrifying clarity, a genuine connection between us. It wasn’t just the usual camaraderie between colleagues. I know what it feels like to be in sync with a colleague you respect, regardless of the shoot’s theme or the poses we do together. But with you, it was something else entirely. No one has ever shaken up my routine like this… You were incredibly surprising and daring that day. Mishima-san might hold it against me, but my feelings are starting to go beyond just professional.”
Yuuji felt paralyzed, the direction of the conversation far beyond anything he had anticipated. He didn’t know how to respond! The warmth of Tatsuya’s hand around his, which initially seemed like a simple friendly gesture, now carried a completely different meaning. Usami was looking at Yuuji intently, his lips slightly parted, as if waiting for a reaction from the young sorcerer.
“Tatsuya-san, I…” Yuuji sighed, stunned, beginning to grasp what his senpai was expecting from him.
“I need to know, Yuuji… did you feel the same way I did?” Usami’s voice was earnest. He brought Yuuji’s hand closer to his lips, as if he wanted to kiss him but didn’t. “If your answer is no, I’ll accept it. But I need to know.”
Damn… Was Yuuji, for the first time ever, the subject of a confession? Had Kugisaki, with her random example back at the café, predicted the future or something? Yuuji was at a loss. Of course, he was deeply touched by Usami’s heartfelt and passionate words! No one had ever made him feel so intensely that he was worthy of attention and praise… that he was desirable.
But the poses Yuuji suggested during that shoot, which were approved by everyone on the team… they were purely professional! Sure, they were bold, but it was for a perfume ad! Of course he needed to go all out and push some boundaries… Yuuji’s actions that day weren’t meant to seduce anyone. At least, no one in the studio.
Because yes, Yuuji felt bad for Usami, who had no idea about the real reasons behind the young sorcerer’s decision to become a model in the first place.
Lost in his panicked thoughts, Itadori fell silent, which led Tatsuya to let go of his hand and pull out a piece of paper from his pocket. On it was a neatly written phone number.
“You don’t have to give me an answer right away. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable. If your answer is yes, contact me whenever you want. If you don’t, I’ll assume my attraction is one-sided, and we’ll just keep working together as if this conversation never happened. Sounds good?”
Yuuji stared at the piece of paper he just took, feeling inwardly confused. He knew he should follow his instincts and turn down Usami’s advances! But... It was too hard! Words refused to come out; Itadori kept opening and closing his mouth, unable to say a thing.
Yuuji couldn’t bear to hurt his colleague, who had mustered the courage to confess his feelings face-to-face. He didn’t want to trample on Usami’s emotions. The guilt would be unbearable! But he didn’t want to lie either. Pretending that his feelings were mutual, when for Yuuji, his relationship with Usami was purely based on respect (even though he admitted Usami was incredibly attractive).
Usami sensed Yuuji's hesitation and tried to force the hand of destiny, stepping into the breach.
The elder approached the younger sorcerer with a quiet smile and leaned in to whisper in his ear, "I'd love to have your legs wrapped around my torso again, without any cameras around this time."
Yuuji gasped, both at the promising words of his colleague and at the fact that he felt Usami's hand on his hip, gently pulling him closer to listen to the model’s passionate words.
"If you agree to have a drink with me sometime... I'll show you some new posing ideas."
The young sorcerer felt like he was about to implode! Never in his life had anyone made such a bold, direct advance. Everything Usami just said was just a huge metaphor meaning “ I want you in my bed right now ” ! If Gojo had said that to him, he’d have fainted for sure. No, he would have gone into a coma!
Of course, Usami’s words had a huge impact on him, but…
“I… really don’t know what to say.” Yuuji murmured, his face flushed red as he took a step back from his colleague. “What you’re saying means a lot to me, Tatsuya-san, but I can’t… um, you understand, right?” Yuuji was stumbling over his words, panicked at the thought of upsetting his senior.
He was relieved to hear Usami’s warm, affectionate laugh—so he could laugh, too, in addition to being charming?! What a discovery!
“Calm down, Yuuji. I spoke honestly about how I feel. It’s up to you what you do with that,” Usami said, looking calm now, a far cry from the intense urgency he’d shown earlier. Maybe he was relieved to have confessed his feelings to Yuuji?
“Thanks for understanding. It’s getting late, so if you don’t mind, I’ll just slip away now. Unless you have anything else to say, of course!” Yuuji hurriedly added, worried that Usami might think he was trying to avoid him (well, to be fair, Yuuji was trying to cut this overwhelming discussion down, for the sake of his poor heart… nothing personal).
His colleague shook his head with a smile. “Thanks for hearing me out, Yuuji, and…” Usami reached out to play with a stray lock of Yuuji’s hair, his voice smooth as he added, “Hopefully, we’ll meet again soon.”
Yuuji bit his trembling lips, the emotion making him completely flustered. He chose not to say anything—what was there to say, anyway? He refused to make any promises! Bowing respectfully to say goodbye, Yuuji took off in the biggest sprint of his life toward the subway, rushing not because he was late for his transport, but because he needed to quickly distance himself from the situation and from Usami goddamn Tatsuya to calm his pounding heart!
As he raced across the street and the stairs leading to the underground came into view, Yuuji felt time freeze around him. The young sorcerer suddenly stopped, eyes wide, cautiously scanning his surroundings with heightened senses.
He had just felt something. A cursed energy crazily powerful : suffocating, dense, and heavy with... was it bloodlust?! Panicked, Yuuji feared he was actually facing a Special Grade Curse in the middle of the city: should he prepare for a fight? But which direction could this damned Curse be? Yuuji saw nothing out of the ordinary around him!
It almost felt like the omnipotent aura reached all around Yuuji, sinuously circling him and trapping him to make him submit. The young model’s lungs were painfully clenched, as if the curse energy was spreading some kind of poison inside him, the aura swelling with anger and something else Yuuji couldn't quite pinpoint. Whoever this enemy might be, he was a force to be reckoned with : the model didn’t know if it was okay to move, his body froze in anticipation, a droplet of sweat running on his temple.
Just as the stress reached its peak and Yuuji braced himself for a fierce battle with an enraged opponent, the dark, unsettling energy vanished as suddenly as it had appeared, as if it had never been there in the first place.
Now able to breathe properly again, Yuuji relaxed his muscles and placed his hand on his chest, trying to calm his pounding heart. Damn… what was that all about? Deciding to wait a few minutes to ensure the energy wouldn’t return, Yuuji eventually concluded that the malevolent presence was indeed gone. Still a bit wary, Yuuji descended the subway steps, unsettled by the intensity of the energy that had made him dizzy.
Notes:
That’s all for today! I’ve mentioned this in a comment reply before, but Chapter 5 is in the works. I’d say it’s about 50% done. I usually work on this story during weekday evenings (when I’m not too tired, lol) and on weekends, so I can’t give you an exact release date. Just know that I’m working on it regularly, and it’s coming along well!
In the next chapter: things really kick off! Lots of love, and a huge thank you again for your support—you’re all amazing!
Chapter 5: Tokyo Symphony Bay
Notes:
Hello, dear readers—I missed you so much, you have no idea! Today, I’m bringing you the long awaited chapter. I chose to split chapter 5 into two parts after realizing it was reaching 30 pages long, lol. Today, I’m publishing the first part : the second part will have a different title, and I’m working on it as best as I can (in terms of progress, I’d say I’ve written about 45% of it). Being quite the chatterbox when I write (my ten-mile-long descriptions, omg), I think I’ll keep splitting my chapters into two parts when they get too long.
Life hasn’t been easy these past few weeks: I’m in the middle of studying for exams coming up in two weeks… the stress has caused a lot of trouble for me, including sleep issues and anxious thoughts, but things are starting to improve. As you might guess, my personal situation will affect my update schedule. It’s precisely because I knew certain times of the year would be busy that I never announce release dates for a chapter. I post when I can and I write when I want to, plain and simple.
Nonetheless, I hope you'll enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it !
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
The sound of his alarm jolted Yuuji out of his stupor as he groggily searched for his phone on the nightstand, turning it off with a grunt. Getting up was rough this morning. He’d returned to his room at 11 PM last night, and of course, he had a class at 8 AM the day after the shoot, which had been disrupted by a technical issue! What bad luck.
Reluctantly sitting up, Yuuji’s eyes were squinted with fatigue and his back was hunched in weariness. The day hadn’t even started, and he was already contemplating feigning illness to skip class and catch up on missed sleep. But no, Yuuji wouldn’t do that: he hated lying, and skipping class wasn’t an option for Sukuna’s vessel. He had to take his training seriously; it was the least he could do! He refused to let anyone down. Summoning all the courage he could muster, Yuuji rose with a groan, stretching as much as he could to loosen his stiff muscles. It was 7 AM, and he had enough time to get ready and grab a quick bite at the cafeteria.
After brushing his teeth and washing his face in the shared bathroom, Yuuji returned to his room to get dressed. As he put on his uniform, Yuuji glanced at his toiletry bag with visible hesitation on his face. To wear makeup or not to wear makeup? That was a tough question! Kugisaki had already explained that officially, wearing makeup inside the school was prohibited, but there were tricks to enhance his complexion without getting caught by the teachers, with light and strategically applied makeup. Nobara had sent him YouTube tutorials on Messenger, ones she had used herself, and she claimed that no one had ever noticed anything. Should Yuuji give it a try?
Feeling bold this morning, Yuuji sat down at his desk and pulled out all the necessary tools, taking the time to work on his complexion. One of the tutorials Kugisaki had sent him only took 5 minutes. He was in his makeup phase, that’s how it is ! He might be risking getting caught, but if he followed the beauty vloggers’ advice to the letter, Yuuji could go to class with the freshest face possible! Itadori had already decided that he needed to get into the habit of taking care of his appearance—not only to feel good about himself, but also to have a chance of attracting the man he loved.
As he moisturized his lips with balm, Yuuji found himself drifting into his thoughts. He recalled his sensei’s strange reaction from the previous day. Having been away in Sendai for a week, Gojo was certainly not expecting to find a transformed Yuuji—dressed in stylish, form-fitting clothes and with a made-up face. Was the change too abrupt, too unexpected for his sensei? Had it annoyed him? It was possible that Yuuji was overthinking what had happened before the shoot last night. But the young model couldn’t shake the feeling that he might have overlooked a crucial factor in his decision to take better care of himself.
What if Gojo-sensei disapproved of metrosexuality?
It was a term Yuuji had stumbled upon during his beauty tutorial research: he had come across a YouTuber discussing it, explaining that there was a lot of intolerance towards it in Japanese society, which was strongly influenced by an ideal of masculinity based on virility. The definition seemed to fit perfectly with what Yuuji was gradually becoming, but now that he understood better what his personality was evolving into, he was seriously concerned about facing rejection—not from society itself, which he could care less about—but from his sensei. That was what he feared the most.
This issue was literally making Yuuji sigh with frustration as he paused his moisturizing. He was convinced that by becoming more concerned with his appearance, he would increase his chances of impressing his sensei... but now the opposite possibility was becoming more and more likely!
What if this change only resulted in disgust from Gojo? Yuuji didn’t know much about his past, much to his dismay, and he was unsure whether The Strongest had a favorable opinion on such matters. But considering that Gojo had grown up in a clan deeply rooted in traditions, with values centered on power and masculinity… Yeah, this didn’t bode well for Yuuji’s plans; he hadn’t considered this perspective until now!
However, Yuuji hadn’t changed just to please his sensei. True, it was a significant goal in his personal growth, but the truth was that taking care of himself, discovering his body, and learning how to enhance it... was something he genuinely enjoyed! It wasn’t just about flattering others’ eyes and sparking desire around him (though Tatsuya-san’s passionate words had certainly sent him to the moon). Yuuji was happy with the changes he was making; he found joy in his new resolutions...
Did he have to sacrifice his new convictions just to please his love interest and maintain the image his sensei had of him? Gojo promised, during their outing in Akihabara, that nothing could disgust him about Yuuji, because he knew his student perfectly... but the Yuuji to whom those sincere words were addressed was gradually disappearing. So, did that promise still hold?
A mental picture, both violent and unpleasant, took shape in Yuuji's mind with this thought: Gojo-sensei’s stern face, harsh words directed at him, pure disapproval, confusion, discomfort. Yuuji tried to reach out to his sensei, to grasp his hand to show him that, yes, he had changed, but deep down, he was still the same Itadori Yuuji! That he just needed to take his hand and look him straight in the eyes to understand. But it was in vain: Gojo pulled his hand away vehemently, completely rejecting any contact with his student, seeming almost allergic to it... Faced with such a scenario, though currently fictitious but possibly becoming reality one day, Yuuji felt his heart tighten painfully, his eyes welling up with tears.
No! He shouldn’t think this way! It was useless self-sabotage ! Placing his hands on the desk, Yuuji took a few minutes to do some breathing exercises, the heart coherence technique that Ieiri-san recommends to students during intense stress, such as exams or important missions.
He needed to pull himself together. Leila had taught him that such deep, personal and complex questions could not be answered right away. Yuuji wasn’t sure what the consequences of his drastic change would be on his relationship with Gojo Satoru, but he had to face it and let all possibilities come. He needed to believe in his ability to handle any situation... even the worst ones.
Yuuji thought back to Usami and his sincere, touching words: “ You look stunning today. I didn’t know you liked to wear makeup outside of shoots, but you should know it suits you beautifully ”. As he smiled in gratitude at the memory, Yuuji remained reserved: he didn’t feel anything for Usami Tatsuya, aside from respect. Being handsome wasn’t enough for Yuuji to give in to the advances of the first person who came along. He had shared so many intense moments with Gojo, both good and bad... His sensei had literally saved his life by postponing his execution! Offering him the chance to live a long youth and make new friends—how could Tatsuya compete with that when the only thing they had shared was heated words and a photo shoot?
No, beauty alone wasn’t enough. It was unlikely that Yuuji would call Tatsuya for a date. However, he did plan to send him a message to thank him for their conversation, for telling him how stunning he looked and that he was worthy of being desired. Such words were precious, and Yuuji would not forget them.
For now, Yuuji still had a chance, however slim, to get what he wanted—Gojo Satoru's affection. He had already told Kugisaki that he refused to have regrets. As long as he hadn’t exhausted all his options, he wouldn’t give up. Having finished his makeup, Yuuji packed up his tools and checked the time. He’d better hurry; these musings had cost him valuable time!
As he put on his shoes, Yuuji thought it would be best to get Tatsuya’s number before leaving. He planned to send him a message during his lunch break. Heading to his bedside table, Yuuji expected to find the piece of paper he had carefully folded and placed next to his lamp, anticipating a possible contact with Usami. However, the paper was no longer in its place.
Thinking it must have fallen on the floor or behind the furniture, Yuuji began searching for it. He even checked the pockets of his clothes from the previous day. He looked on his desk, even though he was sure he hadn’t left it there, and checked under the bed. Where had that damn piece of paper gone? Had he lost it on the subway? No, that couldn’t be. Yuuji distinctly remembered taking the paper out of his pocket when he got home, folding it, and placing it carefully on his bedside table. He wasn’t crazy or senile!
What bad luck. Letting out an exasperated sigh, Yuuji was very frustrated at the thought of not being able to send his thank-you message as planned... He didn’t want to leave Tatsuya-san without a response! And crossing paths with him at the studio was almost impossible, given their conflicting schedules...
Well, it was frustrating, but oh well ! Yuuji would find a solution later. For now, he needed to hurry and grab something to eat, so he wouldn’t start the day on an empty stomach.
⁂
“No way, he didn’t!” Kugisaki exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement after hearing Yuuji’s juicy story about his second encounter with Tatsuya. “You told me he was all serious and reserved… but he really hid his true colors, didn’t he!”
“Kugisaki, your ridiculous example jinxed me! I wanted to bury myself six feet underground— I had no idea how to react!” Yuuji responded, laughing.
They were in their classroom, with Fushiguro and their math teacher still absent. Yuko-sensei was an agent under Ijichi’s supervision, responsible for teaching math to first-years. Yuuji was dreading the class, as he was terrible at scientific subjects! So he took advantage of the lack of eavesdroppers to chat with his friend before the two hours of torture that awaited him.
“Idiot, why didn’t you just say yes? It was a great opportunity for you to get screwed and gain some experience!”
Nobara and her foul mouth… Yuuji didn’t even try to shut her up, this time. He was tired of trying in vain ! Besides, it was just the two of them in this room, so Yuuji guessed it was okay to let it slip… for now.
“Are you serious ? It’s not something you can just do on command! I can’t imagine going out for drinks and spending the night with a colleague I barely know… Am I the only one who thinks that’s a bit much?” Yuuji asked, unsure of what was appropriate in such situations. He was acting purely on intuition up to now!
“I say we only live once, and Gojo-sensei is slow on the uptake. If you keep waiting after that dumbass, you’ll end up with blue balls!”
“Oh… you don’t have to worry about that, trust me,” Yuuji whispered playfully.
No one, not even his closest friends, knew about his toy drawer, the one that helped Itadori live a better life as a celibate. Vibrator, anal plug and lube: his three essentials for not dying from frustration at the end of each day. Yuuji was reaching an age where his needs were becoming more and more pressing, and the slow progress of his plan to seduce Gojo Satoru did nothing to calm his ardor. However, no one needed to know that.
Kugisaki, intrigued by her friend’s mysterious hint, didn’t have time to ask for more details. The classroom door burst open with a loud bang, causing Yuuji and Nobara to quickly return to their seats, waiting for Yuko-sensei’s entrance.
“Hello, my lovely students! Did you miss me?”
Gojo-sensei bounced into the room like an excited child, stopping in front of Yuko-sensei’s desk to take in the startled faces of his students. Fushiguro followed close behind, entering the room with an exasperated expression.
“Aren’t you supposed to be on a mission today?” Megumi asked as he took his seat.
“More importantly, where’s Yuko-sensei?” Kugisaki asked with frustration.
“Yuko-sensei is sick! She called Ijichi at the last minute to say she was taking the day off! And since no assistant is available to cover for her right now…”
“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me…” Kugisaki sighed in defeat before Gojo had even finished his sentence, sitting down at her desk with a look of discouragement.
“…and since your wonderful teacher is free this morning, and that he was top of his class in math and physics-chemistry back in the days, I, Gojo Satoru, will be taking over this morning’s class!”
All that was missing were the confetti and trumpets to complete the picture of Gojo-sensei, with his toothy smile and peace signs.
“We could just reschedule the class for another time, you know…” Yuuji said with a pleading look, hoping that his sensei’s legendary laziness might convince him to go along with the idea.
That was a great opportunity to escape from this awful math course he hated so much !
“Nice try, Yuuji-kun! But considering your disastrous math grades, I have to do something!”
“M-My grades aren’t that disastrous!” Yuuji protested, blushing furiously and clearly in denial.
An average of 8 out of 20 isn’t that terrible… Kugisaki’s average in English is a 6!
To Yuuji' great misfortune, the math class proceeded as planned. Gojo, being a very straightforward teacher, wasn’t one for unnecessary explanations. After 15 minutes of discussing a theory Yuuji had already forgotten the name of, Gojo handed out exercises to complete. Now focused on their calculations, Yuuji did his best to stay calm and not scream in frustration: he had been stuck on the same problem for 30 minutes.
Cardiac coherence, think about cardiac coherence! You are nothing but love and peace, Itadori Yuuji! It’s not some stupid math problems that are going to make you lose your cool… right?!
Deciding to take a one-minute break to avoid overheating his brain, Yuuji straightened up on his chair, lifting his head from his notebook… only to find himself face to face with his blindfolded professor, who was watching him with a relaxed smile while sitting backwards on a chair, his torso pressed against the backrest. It gave Itadori some vibes similar to their second encounter, when they talked about his upcoming execution. How come Yuuji didn’t hear him come closer ?!
“Damn it, sensei, are you doing this on purpose?! You just love scaring me, admit it!” Yuuji complained, stepping back abruptly with his hand on his racing heart.
Gojo seemed unfazed by his complaint, appearing too absorbed in his thoughts before he finally said, “She must be quite something for you to start wearing makeup overnight!”
How did he…! Yuuji had followed the beauty tutorial this morning to the letter. He had crossed paths with Ieiri-san in the hallways, and she hadn’t made any comments. Even his second-year senpais had said nothing. Kugisaki had approved of his makeup, saying it was subtle! Does Gojo have infrared vision or someth—.
Oh. Can the Six Eyes see details like that? Damn it.
“I… Sorry, sensei, I didn’t mean to—” Yuuji stopped mid-sentence when he realized that Satoru had used the term “ she .” What the heck was he talking about?
“…Who is ‘she’?” Yuuji asked suddenly, warily, not liking the direction this conversation was taking.
Gojo’s expression turned mischievous, his hand placed over his mouth like a gossiping neighbor eager for the latest rumors. “Oh, come on, Yuuji! You know exactly who I’m talking about!”
“Uh… No! That’s exactly why I’m asking!”
“Stop playing coy, your fantastic sensei has figured you out anyway!”
“But I’m telling you I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Yuuji felt a vein pop out on his forehead for the first time in a long while with his sensei… Gojo’s know-it-all attitude was really starting to get on his nerves.
“Come on, Yuuji! I’m talking about your girlfriend!” Gojo exclaimed, a proud smile lighting up his face as he raised his arms to the sky as if he had just revealed a prophetic truth.
There is a hushed silence in the room. Yuuji felt like he was frozen, staring at his sensei with his mouth agape. Gojo seemed to be glowing with joy for his student… After a solid minute of unbearable, awkward silence, Kugisaki’s uncontrollable laughter broke the tension. Fushiguro turned his head away, hiding his face from everyone in the room… but the shaking of his shoulders clearly indicated that he was in the same state as Kugisaki.
Yuuji was mortified, while Gojo had a goofy expression on his face, observing his students’ hilarity.
“What? Did I say something funny?” Gojo asked.
Kugisaki was laughing so hard that she struggled to get up from her chair, heading toward the door while clutching her stomach. “S-Sorry, sensei, I-I need to step out… It's too much! It’s just too much!”
Kugisaki was trembling and had to wipe away tears as she struggled to control her fits of laughter. She finally managed to open the door and leave, her laughter echoing down the hallway. Yuuji remained as silent as the grave, feeling trapped by embarrassment and confusion, like a muzzle had been placed over him.
"How mean of them! My poor Yuuji, they’re making fun of you while you’re making so much effort to impress your sweetheart!" Gojo exclaimed with a sympathetic air, before pulling Yuuji into a sudden, tight embrace.
Now completely bewildered, Yuuji found himself with his head resting against the powerful chest of The Strongest, feeling his cheeks flush with heat. Good grief, Gojo-sensei had completely lost it today! First, he invents a girlfriend for him! Now, he... Yuuji was at a loss for words. Yes, Gojo is tactile; it’s in his nature! But... never to this extent ! Not in this kind of context !
In a burst of affection, Gojo pressed his cheek against Yuuji's, nuzzling it as if he were cuddling a cat.
"Don’t worry about these fake friends, Yuuji! Your sensei supports you 100%!"
"S-Sensei, wait a second!" Yuuji, on the brink of fainting (his body temperature rising abnormally), gently pushed Gojo away with his hands, pulling the face of The Strongest back. "You’re mistaken ! Who told you I had a girlfriend, anyway?" Yuuji asked, his face as red as a tomato, hoping that no one at school had spread false rumors about him.
Besides, who could have done that? His senpais?
"No one told me!" Sensei had a radiant smile as he forced Yuuji's hands to lower and brought his head closer again, pinning Yuuji's rebellious hands to the desk with his large ones. "It was enough to observe a little to draw my own conclusions! And I must say, she must really be worth it for you to change your style and start wearing makeup. My Yuuji isn’t into frills, after all!"
"But I’m telling you there’s no one! I-I just like to do makeup and take care of myself..." Yuuji mumbled, his gaze evasive, aware that he wasn’t being entirely truthful.
"Oh, come on! You won’t fool me! Your sensei has enough experience to know for sure..." Gojo dropped his tone to a lower, thunderous rumble in his chest, his blindfolded gaze fixed on his student, his hands tightening around Yuuji’s trembling ones. "...that you don’t change completely just to please yourself, Yuuji ."
So far, everything Satoru said had sounded good-natured to Itadori's ears. Even though he was wrong about the whole situation (a girlfriend ? Seriously ?), the professor seemed genuinely surprised by Yuuji's change of heart and maybe even found the turnabout cute... This time, the way Gojo pronounced his name, his grip on his hands turning oppressive, his confident smile, the one he wore in the middle of a fight when he knew for sure that his opponent was done for... Yes, Yuuji could feel it with disturbing clarity: behind that childish mask, there was something hidden below… something utterly sinister.
Yuuji felt his lungs contracting, finding it increasingly difficult to breathe. He was at a loss for words... What was this stifling atmosphere?
"Sensei!" Fushiguro, who seemed to have calmed his laughter a long time ago, shouted. "Stop bothering Itadori. This is really not the right time for this!" Fushiguro scolded his adoptive father, sensing his friend's intense distress, him being overwhelmed by the unexpected situation.
"Bothering? That's quite a strong word! Don’t I have the right to encourage my student, right in the heat of youth?" Gojo protested, finally releasing the hands he had trapped on the desk as he stood up from his chair, an amused grin on his lips.
Yuuji felt his chest relax, letting the air flow back in. Damn, that man was really going to kill him one day !
Kugisaki eventually returned to class, calm but still smiling. She deliberately walked past Itadori’s desk to return to her seat, giving him a look that was not lost on Yuuji, as if some kind of telepathic link had formed between them : "Your guy is really slow on the uptake, Itadori ”.
The math class resumed as usual. Yuuji did his best to avoid dwelling on the awkward and strange moment that had just occurred, focusing instead on his dreadful equations, trying to find some distraction for his overwhelmed brain. As the hours of teaching came to an end, Kugisaki and Fushiguro packed up their things and headed for the exit, pausing to glance back at their lovesick friend. Yuuji had put away his supplies but wasn’t leaving yet.
"What are you doing, Itadori? Aren't you coming?" Kugisaki asked.
"Go ahead! I'll join you in a minute!" Yuuji replied, glancing sideways at his sensei, who was engrossed in his smartphone, seemingly responding to texts.
A moment of surprise crossed Kugisaki’s face before it was replaced by an all-knowing smile. She signaled Fushiguro to head out and leave the two idiots to their private chat.
Now alone in the classroom with Gojo-sensei, Yuuji took a deep breath, trying to clear his mind. He had already decided to propose a new outing for his sensei, fulfilling his promise to help him find a pleasant routine outside of the grueling missions that drop in on him unannounced. It had been months since he had been the one to make the first move, first disheartened by his past failures, then choosing to step back to become worthy of his sensei. Things were slowly beginning to change, and the dynamic between them felt less tense. Yuuji hoped it was for the best.
"Did you want to talk to me, Yuuji?" Gojo asked, putting away his phone, his back resting against Yuko-sensei’s desk.
"Yes! Um... are you free tomorrow night?"
A silence fell between them, with Gojo appearing genuinely surprised by the question. Not receiving an immediate answer, Yuuji grew nervous and quickly added, "Uh, if the answer is no, it's not a big-"
"Yuuuuujiiiii!" Gojo sang suddenly, bursting with joy, stepping away from the desk with his arms wide open to embrace his junior. Yuuji found himself lifted off the ground, letting out a surprised shout as Gojo wrapped him in a hug so tight he could barely breathe.
"You want to invite me out? I thought that would never happen again! I was planning to suggest going out, but you beat me to it! Sensei is so happy that his heart might just explode!" Gojo's voice was high-pitched, the kind he used when he was in a goofy or excessively happy mood.
Yuuji hadn’t noticed it in detail earlier when Gojo had hugged him, too embarrassed by the imaginary girlfriend case as he was. But damn, did his sensei smelled amazing!
The model allowed himself a few seconds to inhale the sweet scent of what seemed to be a blend of cologne, subtly musky, and laundry detergent wafting from his sensei’s oversized sweater. Yuuji felt intoxicated by the hypnotic scent. If he could stay forever in this man's arms, he would undoubtedly be the happiest person in the world. To remain here, in this embrace that felt like home, and never worry about anything else for the rest of his days.
The intense, dreamlike moment abruptly ended as Yuuji let out an inaudible sound of protest when Satoru released him, setting him back on his feet with a beaming smile. "I'm free tomorrow night! Where did you want to go?" Gojo asked eagerly.
"Hm? Oh!" Yuuji snapped back to reality, still very much affected by the delightful moment he had just experienced, looking dizzy and flustered. "Uh, actually, I didn’t have a specific idea. That’s why I wanted to talk to you, to figure it out together."
Gojo flashed a peace sign, a confident smile on his face. "Leave it all to me, Yuuji-kun! I know a fantastic place in Minato! Let's meet at the quayside. You know where that is, right ?"
"Yeah ! It’s the business district near Roppongi, isn’t it ?"
"Exactly! Do you like the place?"
"Are you kidding? I absolutely love the vibe of that area! I rarely get to go there, and I can’t really do much in general…"
Everything is ultra-expensive in that district! Yuuji thought hard, a bead of sweat trickling down his forehead. Even his salary doesn’t quite cover shopping in such high-end areas without keeping a close eye on expenses! But with his sensei by his side, Yuuji figured he wouldn’t have to pay for anything. It’s always been that way between them: Yuuji had given up trying to convince his sensei to let him pay for his things; it was a futile battle, given Gojo’s stubbornness!
"But yes, let’s go to Minato! What time should we meet?" Yuuji joyfully continued.
"I’ll let you know the exact time later today, okay? I need to make a reservation! Stay tuned!" Gojo explained, swiping through his phone, beaming with enthusiasm.
“That’s great, I can’t wait!” Yuuji was genuinely thrilled, his fists clenched in excitement and his eyes sparkling with anticipation. Checking the time on his smartphone, Yuuji realized he better hurry; his photo shoot was starting in less than an hour. He could go, now that his morning classes were over.
“Uh, sorry Sensei, I need to run! Let’s keep in touch, okay?” Yuuji waved goodbye with both hands, his face beaming, as he headed toward the door, only to be interrupted by an authoritative voice.
“Hold on a minute, Yuuji.”
Here comes the return of that intense atmosphere…
Yuuji began to seriously question whether his sensei was having trouble controlling his cursed energy since that morning. He couldn’t think of any other explanation! Should he mention it? No—his sensei might feel offended by Yuuji commenting on his normally flawless control over his energy. But the model was really starting to worry! Besides, this oppressive feeling was far from pleasant for him. He felt trapped, surrounded by a pressing aura that left him no opportunity to escape.
Thanks to his Infinity, Gojo was able to move silently and gracefully : it didn't take him long to get behind Yuuji and hug him from behind. In the two hours he had spent with his sensei, it was the third hug of the day. This was clearly something out of the ordinary for Yuuji, who was having tachycardia every time his sensei decided to embrace him out of the blue ! Was this a silly attempt by Gojo to make him faint, just for the joke? Because it wasn’t funny ! Completely stunned, Yuuji didn't even dare to speak out.
"You came in late, last night. What happened?" A smiling Gojo asked. He tilted his head forward to get a better look at his student's bright red cheeks.
Okay, Yuuji Itadori, take a deep breath and answer this question with calm and serenity.
“T-The subway! There was a technical issue, and I was stuck at the same stop for a long time. I-I’m sorry, I’ll try to check the traffic better next time! I hope I haven’t inconvenienced anyone with my late arrival!”
Well, he stuttered quite a bit, but Yuuji gave the response that seemed the most logical and natural under the circumstances.
"Um hum," Gojo nodded, Yuuji's heart missing a beat when he saw his sensei playing with a lock of his pink hair, wrapping it around his finger with childlike curiosity.
“Your sweetheart really kept you for a long time, then.”
“My swe—Sensei, how many times do I have to tell you there’s no sweetheart? Except in your imagination!” Yuuji protested, his lips forming a sulky pout as he met his sensei’s blindfolded gaze.
How stubborn he could be about these girlfriend stories! Yuuji loved the man with all his heart, but his persistence was something else.
Ignoring his younger student’s retorts, Gojo maintained his calm smile and continued :
“I’m not blaming you for coming home late, Yuuji. I just want you to be honest with me. If something special had happened, whatever it was, you would have told me, right?”
Yuuji felt a bead of sweat trickle down his forehead as he recalled his passionate conversation with Tatsuya-san. “ Well... let’s just say some details don’t necessarily need to be revealed! Right? ” Yuuji reassured himself internally as he sensed a hint of impatience from his sensei.
"There’s something you need to know about me, Yuuji ."
Oh no, the return of that enchanting voice.
"If there’s one thing your sensei absolutely despises..."
Yuuji instinctively closed his eyes to the sound, letting the vibrations penetrate him sideways, Gojo’s mouth being not that far from his ear. His voice infiltrates him, and covers him all over as The Strongest groans :
“...it’s secrets .”
Itadori barely held back a moan when he felt his sensei's hand release the lock of hair to run its finger down Yuuji's neck, over his Adam's apple. Like a predator studying possible methods of subduing and devouring his prey, Satoru slowly slid his finger along the model’s boiling skin, always smiling in his ever cocky way. Except this time, Yuuji almost felt like he was suffocating : the ministrations of his sensei were subtle but precise, making him tremble all over from the unknown sensations he was experiencing. Yuuji had to think over his answer very wisely : he felt with terrifying clarity that Gojo wouldn’t leave any room for argument. The only possible answer to his earlier question was a solid yes .
“S-Sensei…” It was all Yuuji could manage to say, his mind struggling to process the flood of information pouring in.
It felt as though Gojo had activated his Domain Expansion and Yuuji was under the influence of his Infinity! Feeling his beloved's powerful torso pressed firmly against his back did nothing to help Yuuji concentrate. He was overwhelmed by such a simple contact. That was the extent of Gojo Satoru's influence on him.
“Understood, Yuuji ?”
Oh dear lord, his warm, minty breath was making Itadori’s ear quiver like crazy, he was too close, holy shit—
“Y-Yes, I get it, I get it !” Yuuji exclaimed in urgency, almost pleading, completely submissive to the man who held all the power over him. And Yuuji was more than happy about it : after all, he belonged to Gojo Satoru, heart and soul. It was as obvious as breathing.
But… if this continues any further, Yuuji won’t make it !
“Perfect!” Gojo exclaimed, his cheerful voice returning and the atmosphere becoming much less oppressive.
He released his student from his embrace, who had almost lost his balance, his legs feeling like jelly right now. Yuuji was in a trance, not yet fully processing the intensity of the exchange that had just occurred.
“As promised, I’ll keep you updated about our plans for tomorrow night! I’ve got to go; Ijichi is harassing me through the phone, right now. See ya !” Gojo explained as he walked towards the exit, not looking back at his student at all.
His sensei vanished instantly, teleporting to an unknown location. Yuuji didn’t even get a chance to say goodbye, but honestly, he didn’t trust his voice right now. He was afraid of what might come out if he tried to say anything in his current state!
His watery eyes landed on the classroom clock, now empty, and...
Oh no, he was going to be late for his shoot again!
⁂
Minato at night was an exceptional sight! The buildings sparkled with thousands of lights, the city’s blazing illumination preventing darkness from enveloping this vibrant area. People strolled along the waterfront—alone, with family, or as couples—creating a lively and relaxed atmosphere around Yuuji, who stood by a railing.
Gojo had scheduled their meeting here for 8 PM. Although Yuuji had texted him asking about the choice of meeting point, he only received vague responses like “ hehe, I told you to leave it to your sensei ,” “ trust me, you’re going to love it ,” or simple smileys typical of Gojo Satoru. As a result, Yuuji had absolutely no idea what to expect from the evening, and he was slightly anxious about it. The unexpected could throw anyone off balance, after all... Yuuji fervently hoped that the evening would proceed smoothly, as relaxed and enjoyable as their last outing in Akihabara (if you didn’t count Sukuna’s unwanted interruption, everything had gone splendidly).
After the previous day's photo shoot, Yuuji tried to track down Tatsuya-san, asking Saito-san if he knew about his working hours… without any luck. It seemed impossible to run into him, even by chance! Yuuji decided to give it another try the next time he visited the studio. Leaving Usami without any response was not something he liked. It wouldn’t be fair, even though Yuuji’s feelings weren’t as intense as his colleague’s. Yesterday, Yuuji hurried back to school to join Kugisaki and Fushiguro at the dorms for the evening. While Megumi lay casually on Yuuji's bed, reading a novel, Kugisaki was teaching Yuuji the art of using eyeliner, the last makeup tool his friend still struggled to master on his own. Despite numerous attempts, Yuuji's eyeliner had ended up in zigzags! He had chosen a brush applicator—perhaps he should have opted for a pencil or even a kohl crayon instead?
Well, now that he bought it, he might as well learn how to use it! After several failed attempts and a few tantrums from Kugisaki, Yuuji finally got the hang of it. He managed to draw straight lines, following the shape of his eyelid and carefully aligning with the line formed by his lashes. By the end of the makeup session, even Fushiguro had become curious about this tutorial’s progress and had settled next to his friend, silently admiring his work and humming in approval.
The evening didn't end there. After a well-deserved break watching Netflix series and eating pizzas, Kugisaki sensed, as if she had a built-in radar, her friend's anxiety about the upcoming outing in Minato with Gojo. The reason for his concern? Yuuji was hesitating about wearing the sexy all-black outfit consisting of a crop top and flared pants for the outing... Was it appropriate? Would Gojo feel comfortable going out with someone wearing such clothes? Would it ruin the evening if he made Gojo uncomfortable?
To help his friend make a decision, Kugisaki suggested that Yuuji try on all the outfits he had in stock, including the sexy ensemble he had bought at Zara, to see which would be best for his night out with Gojo. Unsure, Yuuji followed his friend's advice, feeling as if he was at work, at a fitting session in front of a mirror, asking for his stylist's opinion. After several tries, Kugisaki's verdict was clear: Yuuji looked absolutely stunning in his black sexy outfit, and if he refused to wear it because of his insecurities, it would mean that his reflections on self-acceptance had not been very effective.
Harsh words, certainly, but full of truth. These were the words that motivated Yuuji to wear the said outfit today. As the nights were chilly, he had brought his khaki denim jacket, which he was currently wearing, hiding part of his crop top from view. The white platform sneakers that Kugisaki had chosen for Yuuji to complete his all-black outfit had become a staple in his wardrobe! Yuuji loved their look, the fact that they gave him a few extra centimeters in height (not quite the 1.90 meters of Satoru, but still a boost!), and how surprisingly comfortable they were for city outings! He couldn’t wear them to class, since he had to stick to his school uniform... but for his time outside school, they had become essential! Maybe he should consider buying other models like these?
Feeling the gentle breeze brush against his face and flutter his hair and clothes, Yuuji savored the sensation while he checked his phone, keeping a close eye on the time. He had arrived 30 minutes early, buzzing with excitement for his meeting and unable to bear the thought of being late. It was almost 8 PM: knowing his sensei’s tendency to be late, Yuuji wasn’t expecting punctuality from him! For a casual outing, Yuuji didn’t mind waiting an extra 10 or 15 minutes... as long as Gojo didn’t stand him up!
A notification popped up in the Messenger group chat he shared with Megumi and Nobara. Curious, he opened the chat to find a short but enthusiastic message: “Show that idiot sensei what you’ve got, Itadori! Six months of craving is more than enough! Go out and hunt for some good game, got it? ” It was from Kugisaki. Yuuji chuckled at her awkward but perfectly timed metaphor. Yes, it was time to act and become the hunter to get what he wanted! That’s why Yuuji had decided to stack the odds in his favor, with flawless makeup (no more help needed from Kugisaki with eyeliner!) and the Zara outfit that perfectly accentuated his shape and showed just enough without being vulgar. Next was a message from Fushiguro: “Have a good evening, Itadori. Don’t overthink it and enjoy the time with Gojo-sensei: not every night is an opportunity like this ! ”
Sending a quick thank-you reply filled with emojis expressing his joy and determination, Yuuji locked his phone and pressed it to his heart, a sigh escaping his smiling lips. Yuuji could never thank his friends enough for their unwavering support. Regardless of how this whole story turns out, everything that has happened so far proves that Yuuji can always count on them, in both good times and bad.
"And here I was, hoping to arrive first to surprise you!"
Yuuji would recognize that voice among a thousand. With a beaming face, he turned towards his sensei and...
“Oh. My. Fucking. God !” Itadori thought, his cheeks burning from sheer surprise and awe.
Okay, it was time for Yuuji to keep his composure. He took a deep breath, his lips trembled slightly as he tried not to laugh nervously or grip the railing so tightly that it might snap.
Satoru Gojo approached with his usual nonchalant stride, radiating confidence and charm. His turquoise crisp shirt paired perfectly with navy chinos. The outfit was tailored to perfection, emphasizing the athletic build of this exceptional sorcerer. Long, powerful legs and that wonderful torso (which Yuuji had come to know well through their training sessions and their numerous unexpected embraces) were proudly put in the spotlight. The usual blindfold that Gojo wore to shield his blue eyes was replaced by a pair of tinted sunglasses. With a bit of luck, maybe he’d take them off during the evening? Yuuji was dying to lose himself in the ocean-blue eyes of the man he adored so dearly, a sight he regrettably didn’t experience nearly enough.
Yuuji was breathless. Why did fate have to be so cruel, making him fall for someone as godlike as this? Who could ever feel worthy in the presence of such grace, elegance, beauty, and power? Satoru Gojo was like a living deity. Yuuji might not be in the same league, but it didn’t matter. He had already made his decision: attraction isn’t something he could choose. He would embrace both the good—his unwavering love for Gojo—and the bad—his lingering insecurities, though they were less prominent now than before.
His friends told him to make the most of the evening, and that’s exactly what Yuuji plans to do! Regaining his composure as best he could, Yuuji finally released the poor railing he’d been gripping so tightly and approached his sensei with a shy smile and slightly flushed cheeks.
"Incredible, Sensei! You arrived five minutes early! Is the world coming to an end or something?" Yuuji teased, glancing at his phone.
"Oh, come on! I can be on time, if I want to!" Gojo replied with a playful grin.
“What do you mean, ‘if you want to’? Does poor Ijichi-san have to deal with anxiety on every mission just because you can’t be bothered to be punctual? You’re really something else!”
With his earlier unease now forgotten, Yuuji sighed in feigning exasperation at Gojo's nonchalant reply :
"Don’t worry! Ijichi got used to it !" Gojo said with a sing-song voice while checking the time on his own phone. "Anyway, we should get going. We have a reservation to honor !"
Although Yuuji hadn’t received any specific details about the evening’s plans, he had imagined what his sensei might be thinking about. They had agreed to meet at the waterfront : maybe Gojo was planning to take Yuuji to a restaurant and then go for a walk ? Normally, they ate at well-known places that served fairly classic cuisine: ramen, sushi, grilled dishes... Yuuji had expected tonight to be no exception.
Well...
“Gojo-sensei?”
“Yes, Yuuji-kun?”
Gojo flashed a childlike smile as he looked down at his petrified student.
“Just to be sure, do you know where we are?”
“Hmm... Unless I’ve become senile,” Gojo paused, staring intently at Yuuji. It seemed the joke Yuuji made about the kikufuku still lingered in his mind, “We’re at the Tokyo Symphony Bay. Why?”
“Sensei... for heaven’s sake, don’t tell me this is where you made the reservation !”
“Of course it is!” Gojo replied proudly. “And it wasn’t easy! Normally, booking this on short notice is impossible, but let’s just say being the head of a powerful and prestigious clan has its perks.”
This was the worst possible situation! Not only did Gojo manage to pull strings to get a reservation (couldn’t he just wait for another day to book, like any normal person ?!), but he didn’t just book any restaurant! Yuuji had heard of the Tokyo Symphony Bay—one of the most renowned dining cruise ships in the city, known both to locals and tourists, but certainly not an accessible place for everyone. It required a pretty hefty wallet to dine here... And, damn it, if Yuuji had known, he would have chosen a more classic and appropriate outfit! As he stood in line with Gojo to enter the dining area, it was clear that everyone around them had dressed conservatively, unlike him.
Oh no, what a disastrous start to the evening!
Feeling anxiety rising at a rapid pace, Yuuji gripped the sleeve of his sensei’s crisp shirt to get his attention. “Sensei, we don’t have to eat here! Why do you always have to aim for the grandest of things?” Yuuji whispered, casting an embarrassed glance at his sensei.
“What do you mean ? Don’t you like this place?”
“It’s not about whether I like it or not... it’s just that... uh...” Yuuji felt his cheeks burning with embarrassment and the intense stress he was experiencing.
He simply didn’t feel like he belonged here! His sensei probably couldn’t understand—he had likely been frequenting such high-end places since he was a child. But Yuuji had never set foot in such a prestigious venue before, and he had no idea what was appropriate to say or do. He was terrified of ruining the evening and to—.
“Hey, look at me.”
Yuuji's anxieties dissipated instantly at the sound of that soothing voice, like a thick fog being cleared by the light. Initially hesitant, Yuuji finally stopped staring straight ahead like a statue and met the gaze of his sensei, who had not taken his eyes off him for a single moment. Wrapping a comforting arm around Yuuji’s shoulders, Gojo drew him close, as if to shield him from his troubled thoughts. As Yuuji was gently pulled in, he instinctively placed a hand over his sensei’s chest, right where his heart was.
“There’s absolutely no reason to worry. It’s just a restaurant. We’re all here to enjoy a meal while taking in the view of Tokyo. Everyone will be in their own world, and no one will notice you. No one will judge you or hold you accountable. And even if it did happen, I’d handle it so thoroughly that the very thought of bothering you would never cross anyone’s mind again.”
“But…” Yuuji looked away again, doubt creeping back in. “I feel like I might not be dressed appropriately for this place.”
“There’s nothing wrong with your outfit, Yuuji. Besides, I didn’t choose this place to make you uncomfortable.”
Gojo used his other hand to gently lift Yuuji’s chin, urging him to look him in the eyes again. A calm and confident smile adorned his face, a smile that made Yuuji’s heart skip a beat.
“I wanted to do something nice for you. To show you a unique place you wouldn’t usually visit. If you’re interested, we’ll stay here. If not, we can go somewhere else. It’s not that complicated, you know? All I care about is that you have a good time with me. Okay?”
“Y-Yes…” Yuuji nodded, his expression distant as he was absorbed by the astounding beauty of this man.
The care his sensei shows for his well-being makes Yuuji's heart beat with deep gratitude… though it isn’t the only reason. Good grief, it should be illegal to be this gorgeous ! Yuuji had to make a superhuman effort to stay grounded and not let his mind wander to inappropriate fantasies. And that damned enchanting fragrance, the same as the day before!
“So? What do you want to do? Stay or go? It’s your call!” Gojo asked, releasing his grip on Yuuji’s chin and shoulder and casually placing his hands in his pockets. Yuuji already missed the warmth of Gojo’s hands…
But Satoru was right; he needed to refocus and make a decision. Though still a bit uncertain, if he was honest for a second, he would say that he was very curious to see what this place had to offer. He had never been on a dinner cruise in his life! It would be a shame to pass up this opportunity. When he had to choose his outfit for today, Kugisaki told him not to make decisions solely based on his insecurities… He’d better take that advice to heart for the second time.
“We stay!” Yuuji declared with determination. “It would be a real shame to leave, especially since you went through so much trouble to get us a reservation!”
“I didn’t want to admit it, but yeah, it was a pain in the ass ! I spent 20 minutes on the phone negotiating with the owner to snag us a table!” Gojo chuckled, adjusting his sunglasses while he confidently added, “You’ll see, you won’t regret your decision!”
⁂
“Uh, Sensei?”
“Hm?” Gojo responded absentmindedly, flipping through the drink menu in search of the sweetest option, while scrunching his nose at the alcohol section.
“Why aren’t the prices listed anywhere?” Yuuji asked, eyeing the menu with a mix of confusion and suspicion.
Gojo chuckled at his student’s reaction. “The menu isn’t going to bite you, Yuuji. Relax ! As for your question, people who come to places like this don’t need to know the prices. No matter what the bill comes to, they can always afford it.”
“Oh, I see…” Yuuji sighed, a bead of sweat forming on his forehead as he realized the stark difference between his own financial situation and that of someone like Satoru. “I shouldn’t have asked…”
“It’s a minor detail, Yuuji, don’t worry about it. It’s just another way for the rich to feel separate from the common folk,” Gojo said with a wry smile, glancing around at other patrons enjoying dishes Yuuji couldn’t even identify.
Hearing this, Yuuji, with a teasing glint in his eye, remarked, “No offense, Sensei, but speaking of arrogant rich people—”
“Oh, don’t finish that sentence, Itadori Yuuji! Or you’ll get more than just a light tap on the forehead!” Gojo interjected playfully.
“It’s the truth that hurts, as they say!” Yuuji shrugged, much more relaxed than when he first boarded the cruise.
“Such nasty words coming from your mouth! Has your sensei failed in his duties to educate you properly?” Gojo grinned. Yuuji knew he was only feigning offense.
Playing along, Yuuji replied with mock arrogance, “What are you talking about? I inherited this foul mouth from you!”
“Oh, so now it’s my fault? And I’m the one being called arrogant!” Gojo feigned indignation before reverting to his natural tone and making a disapproving face. “You’re getting a bit too cocky, Yuuji. Be careful, I know about your weak spot!”
“Oh? And what might that be, Sensei?” Yuuji leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand with a teasing smile.
Gojo also enjoyed playing along, leaning on the table and moving closer to Yuuji as if about to reveal a secret. “Tickling, my dear student. I heard you’re even more sensitive around the hips!”
“What-!” Yuuji exclaimed, astonished that such information had reached his sensei without him knowing. “W-who told you that?”
“Nobara has plenty of useful info, especially when you treat her to a nice meal after a mission.”
“The traitor! I’ll remember this…” Yuuji grumbled, mentally noting that he needed to have a talk with Kugisaki for revealing such sensitive information.
“Understand now? Don’t push your luck, or I’ll make you laugh until you can’t breathe!” Gojo made a cartoonish villain expression, wiggling his fingers as if preparing to tickle Yuuji, who softly giggled at his silly face.
“Excuse me, gentlemen. Have you decided on your drinks?”
"Oh !" With a playful smile on his lips, Gojo regained his seriousness. "A Tropical Twilight for me!"
"Um..." Yuuji checked the menu, unfamiliar with the mocktails offered here. "I’ll have a Royal Berry Fizz, please!"
The waitress gave them a polite smile as she took their order and then gracefully walked away, leaving the professor and his student alone once more. An agreeable silence settled between them, during which Yuuji took in the surroundings of the restaurant.
He was absolutely mesmerized by the place. The Tokyo Symphony Bay was a stunning venue, with panoramic windows offering a breathtaking view of Tokyo's harbor. The moonlight shimmered on the calm waters, creating a magical display of glowing, silver reflections. Inside, the decor was both elegant and modern. The tables were meticulously set, each adorned with pristine white linens and sparkling silverware.
The walls were decorated with dark wooden panels and large abstract artworks, adding a touch of sophistication. The comfortable chairs were covered in rich velvet, and the soft lighting created an intimate, warm atmosphere. The ceiling was adorned with crystal chandeliers that cast a gentle, refined light. The impeccably dressed servers moved with a graceful fluidity, providing flawless service without ever disturbing the calm, serene ambiance. A gentle melody played on the piano, with the musician seeming to favor a jazz style… Yuuji didn’t know much about it; he mostly listened to pop, but that didn’t stop him from appreciating the beauty of the song.
Yuuji couldn’t help but be impressed. Everything, from the refined details of the decor to the overall atmosphere, spoke to the high level of sophistication of this place. Yuuji knew that this evening was going to be unforgettable !
"You were right, Gojo-sensei, this place is so cool ! It reminds me so much of those mafia movie scenes, where the bad guys gather to talk about business, being all serious and stuff."
His mind filled with a cartoonesque scene of some old mafioso smoking and speaking in a cliché italian accent, Gojo burst out laughing. The beaming face of his student was so endearing !
"See? It would have been a shame to leave without even giving it a try!" Gojo nodded, pleased to have convinced Yuuji of the venue’s quality. "Why all the stress over something so trivial, Yuuji-kun?"
"Having dinner in this kind of place is anything but trivial!" Yuuji chuckled as he watched a new server bring their drinks, silently placing them on the table.
"But... It was a brilliant idea, sensei. Thank you." Yuuji smiled shyly, raising his glass to clink with Gojo’s, in honor of this extraordinary evening.
"Wait until you taste the dishes before thanking me!" Gojo brought his glass to his lips, and Yuuji couldn't help but fix his eyes on the alluring mouth of the person he secretly loved, as it met the rim of the glass.
Ah, what he'd like to see that mouth do to him…
No, no, no! Calm the fuck down, Itadori Yuuji! Feeling his heart race, the model needed to focus on something else: he looked at his own glass and drank at a dizzying speed, overwhelmed by embarrassment.
"Whoa, take it easy! Good thing it's not alcoholic!" Gojo burst out laughing, amused by his student's extreme reaction.
Blushing, Yuuji was distracted from the awkward moment by the delicious taste of his cocktail, which was absolutely delightful! The blend of red fruits with the zesty lemon soda created a perfect balance!
"Oh, it’s so tasty !" Yuuji exclaimed with an enthusiasm that was probably a bit out of place in such a sophisticated setting, but then again... hadn't Gojo encouraged him to ignore others and just relax?
"What did you get, Sensei?"
"A mango, pineapple, and coconut concoction. Want to try it?" Gojo offered, extending his sun-yellow drink to Yuuji, who blushed even more at the idea of drinking from the same glass as his sensei.
"Oh no, I'm good, thanks!" Yuuji hurriedly declined, feeling his heart on the verge of imploding.
"Are you sure? You're missing out!"
"I-I have a hard time with coconut!" Yuuji lied, hoping that this flimsy excuse would be enough to discourage his sensei from insisting.
An indirect kiss? Yuuji wasn't sure if he was mentally prepared to process the idea of his lips touching the same spot as those of— Oh dear Lord, why such cruelty towards Itadori Yuuji?
Gojo wore a suspicious pout: Yuuji was well aware that he was a terrible liar, and there was nothing he could do about it. As he silently fixed his gaze on his student, Yuuji grew a bit nervous and took another sip of his mocktail to distract himself. Suddenly, enlightenment struck The Strongest, and he broke into a smug grin.
"Ah, I see. You're refusing to share a drink with your sensei out of loyalty to your girlfriend. What extraordinary moral principles, Yuuji-kun! Even rejecting indirect kisses!"
Yuuji nearly spat his drink all over the table. Instead, he choked, coughing violently and attracting curious glances from the other tables.
"G-Good grief, Sensei, change the record ! Read my lips," Yuuji said, genuinely exasperated at this point, fed up with his sensei fabricating stories. "I. Don't. Have. A girlfriend! Got it?" Yuuji emphasized each word with dramatic gestures, determined to make sure that stubborn idiot Gojo understood.
"You’re so adorable when you’re upset," Gojo said dreamily, resting his head on his hand with a tender smile on his lips.
This behavior only irritated Yuuji further, who couldn’t stand seeing his sensei making light of the situation.
"Mock me all you want! I’ll see what kind of false rumors I can spread about you! You’ll see what it feels like!" Yuuji sulked, ignoring his sensei while sipping his drink and fuming internally.
"Nooo, Yuuji, don’t pout!" Gojo, now looking like a five-year-old, reached out for Yuuji’s free hand, but Itadori quickly hid it under the table, feeling rather vindictive.
"I’ll stop sulking if you stop teasing me about this ridiculous story !"
"I promise! I’ll stop... for the evening," Gojo said, with the last part almost inaudible. Yuuji raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious.
Before he could respond, a waiter returned to take their food order. Yuuji had ordered dishes without knowing what to expect... Gojo-sensei had to explain from A to Z all the terms he didn’t understand! This restaurant specialized in French cuisine, of which Yuuji knew very little, except for the pastries he occasionally bought at the bakery. The model thus discovered a succession of dishes with incomprehensible names but exuding sophistication! For the appetizer, foie gras with a fruity chutney. For the main course, a beef filet with forest sauce (a mushroom sauce, apparently).
As the waiter walked away, Yuuji hesitated to make a pouty face again, to remind his sensei that he hadn’t forgotten the teasing from earlier! But he didn’t have time to play the avenger, caught off guard by Gojo suddenly removing his glasses and place them on the table. Yuuji finally got to dive, as he had hoped all evening, into the azure ocean of his sensei’s eyes.
“I was happy when you suggested this outing, Yuuji.” Gojo admitted with the most genuine smile Yuuji ever saw on his face.
As he said this, Gojo placed his right hand on the table with the back facing up and opened it... Oh! Yuuji realized that Satoru was inviting him to place his hand in his. With his heart racing, Yuuji eagerly took the chance, gently placing his hand into the large, warm one of the love of his life, who firmly clasped his student's palm between his own.
"I..." Yuuji caught his breath, refusing to let his intense emotions paralyze him. "I’m just keeping my promise, sensei! I told you I’d go out with you more often. I don’t like the idea that your life is just about work!"
“Awww Yuuji, you’re making me melt!” Gojo had a silly face, eyes closed like a lovesick schoolgirl.
“But I’m serious, sensei! You have the right to have fun too... it shouldn’t be a privilege reserved only for the young!”
Saying this reminded Yuuji of the conversation he’d had with Gojo about his past as a student at Jujutsu High. He had mentioned his daily life with friends, including a certain Suguru. Yuuji hadn’t forgotten that name : he was immensely curious to know who this man was, who had made such a significant impact on Gojo’s life that he still remembered him.
Was it appropriate to ask the question now? Yuuji slowly retreats his hand as he ponders, drawing on him a curious gaze from Gojo.
Aaaaah Yuuji was dying to know, but what if his curiosity was in poor taste ? The goal wasn’t to make Gojo uncomfortable with his questions... but Yuuji wanted to be selfish for once and ask! If Gojo reacted badly, he’d apologize !
“Sensei, who is Suguru?”
Yuuji had asked the question out of the blue, his intense curiosity making him so awkward that he didn't soften his approach. Gojo paused, his smile replaced by an expression of pure surprise. Clearly, he hadn’t expected Yuuji to bring up this topic... In the end, Gojo chuckled softly, running a hand through his hair with a resigned look.
“Now that you mention it, I didn’t talk in detail about Suguru, last time...”
So Gojo remembered their conversation in the park. Eager to listen, Yuuji still felt the need to temper his question.
“I know I’m being too curious, but this question has been on my mind for almost two weeks!” Yuuji explained passionately, blushing.
Gojo looked more delighted than disturbed by his student’s words. “It’s okay, I’m actually flattered that you’re so interested in my past !”
Tracing the rim of his empty cocktail glass with his finger, Gojo seemed to drift into his memories, a tranquil smile on his lips as he began to speak. “Suguru was one of the few people with whom I had a strong and lasting relationship...”
“That’s not the case with Ieiri-san or Nanamin ?” Yuuji asked, surprised.
“Oh, don’t get me wrong! I adore them too! But...” Gojo’s gaze darkened with something Yuuji couldn’t quite identify. “Suguru was truly one of a kind.”
With his curiosity at its peak, Yuuji decided to remain silent, allowing his sensei to tell his story with a reverent silence.
“I met him in high school through Principal Yaga, who was my teacher at the time. For the first time, I encountered someone who was on the verge of becoming my equal. Suguru was an exemplary sorcerer : his mastery of cursed energy was as clean as mine. Back then, in high school, no one really stood out in terms of pure ability. But Suguru distinguished himself from all the other students: he immediately piqued my curiosity.”
Gojo stopped playing with his glass and looked towards the glass walls, giving a view of the Tokyo Tower.
“So, for the first time in my life, I was the one who made the first move to get closer to someone. Before Suguru, no one interested me enough for me to bother making an effort to socialize! It was usually others who tried to approach me. With Suguru, it was different. I felt compelled to shake up my habits. And in a way, I’m glad I did!”
Satoru offered Yuuji a dazzlingly joyful smile. Yuuji felt his heart race: he had never seen such a smile on his sensei’s face.
“I had wonderful years by his side. It took time, but we eventually became friends, mainly because of our shared passions. For example, we were addicted to video games, to the point where reviewing for some exams often went out the window! Ah, don’t think you can do the same, Yuuji; we could afford it because we were already the smartest and strongest students of Jujutsu High!”
Itadori stifled a discreet chuckle at his sensei’s usual arrogance, not wanting to break the special moment where Gojo was sharing so many details about his past.
“Of course, it wasn’t always rosy! We argued at times, especially when we talked about boring stuff like the role of sorcerers or the best way to handle a delicate mission... Suguru’s sense of morality always prevented him from agreeing with me; he was so focused on the safety of the weak, while I tended to think that protecting the weak was a chore... Honestly, I was being a brat each time we had an argument !”
“You still are a brat, though,” Yuuji muttered smugly, trying not to be heard, except Gojo had heard perfectly, a predatory grin forming on his face.
“You’re asking for trouble, Yuuji. You want me to tickle you that bad ? Here I come !”
Gojo started to stand up, clearly determined to make his student laugh in front of the entire restaurant.
Yuuji panicked : “No, no, please stay away ! I’m sorry, I shouldn't have, I’m sorryyyyy !”
Yuuji did his best to whisper as Gojo’s hands pressed against his sides, a devilish grin on his face, causing Yuuji to flinch and make the table shake slightly.
The model was holding back his sensei’s hands, who had deactivated his Infinity, by gripping his idiot teacher’s wrists. “No ! Stop ! We’ll get kicked out !” Yuuji had tears in his eyes from trying to hold back his laughter, his body shivering with adrenaline.
Gojo had more than enough strength to break free from his student’s desperate grip and tickle him, but perhaps he was having a moment of kindness, as he did nothing of the sort
“Oh, come on, no one would dare to kick out the head of the Gojo clan! Anyway, I’m glad you understand how much of a threat I can be. Unlike you, Yuuji, other people’s stare don’t hold me back!”
Deliberately brushing his finger against his student's exposed flank to startle him (crop tops suck !), Gojo retreated, calmly returning to his seat and visibly proud that he made his point clear.
“Now, where was I? Oh yeah !” Gojo snapped his fingers, recalling his story and picking up where he left off. “My relationship with Suguru! We formed a trio with Shoko, kind of like the one you have with Megumi and Nobara. We did everything together, even things that had nothing to do with classes directly. As I told you, I adored and still adore Shoko, even though she can be quite unpleasant at times,” Gojo grimaced as he said this, visualizing his friend’s tired and weary face.
“But I can’t lie and pretend that my relationship with Suguru wasn’t something special.”
Yuuji sensed a drastic change in his sensei as he delved deeper into his explanations about Suguru. He seemed... nostalgic? No, it was more intense than that...
“Suguru was the first to see something in me, beyond my status as the heir of the Gojo clan, the holder of the Sixth Eyes, or the strongest sorcerer of this century...” Gojo closed his eyes, letting himself be lost in thought for a moment. “He read me like an open book. And I was more than happy to let him, because for the first time in my life, someone genuinely cared about me .”
Yuuji felt his hands clenching nervously on his thighs. What was this unpleasant, ugly feeling that was suddenly overwhelming him? Yuuji didn’t like this sensation and decided to push it aside, refocusing on his sensei’s story.
“Suguru was my one and only best friend,” Gojo declared solemnly, a fixed grin forming on his lips as he stared absently at the fine china on the table. “I didn’t have anyone like him before... And it took a long time for me to fully open up to someone else.”
Satoru slowly lifted his sparkling eyes to Yuuji, looking at him with an expression hard to describe.
He was smiling but... why did he look so melancholic? Suddenly, it clicked in Yuuji’s mind: during their conversation in the park, Gojo had mentioned his best friend, explaining that he had lost him! Feeling his heart tighten, Yuuji couldn’t help but ask :
“What happened to Suguru, sensei?”
A silence fell for a few seconds. Gojo looked once again towards the glass walls, his face closed off. Clearly, he was not enjoying the magnificent view before him, too lost in his thoughts as he was.
“A mission went wrong. It went so wrong that it changed us both permanently. Suguru began to hate the people he had sworn to protect. He fell to the dark side, to the point where he became a threat far too great for the world of sorcerers. He sank into madness... and I didn’t see it coming. I couldn’t do anything to prevent it.”
Gojo’s face was motionless, but his fist clenched against the table spoke for him. He was angry: at Suguru? At himself? Yuuji didn’t dare to say.
“There came a point where Suguru could no longer turn back. He was uncontrollable, unpredictable. No one could reason with him, not even me. So, he had to be eliminated…”
This time, Satoru shifted his gaze from the breathtaking view of Tokyo, locking his piercing eyes onto Yuuji’s golden ones, his intense stare making Yuuji feel as though he was pinned to his chair. Suddenly, the realization hit Yuuji like a sledgehammer. His eyes widened, his lips trembling as he whispered :
“They... they asked you to...” Yuuji couldn’t even finish his sentence, a torrent of incomprehensible emotions overtaking him. He was breathless. He had never imagined such a possibility.
“Yeah. I was the one who took care of it.” Gojo nodded, his intense gaze never leaving his student’s eyes.
He fully accepted his heavy past, the irreparable and indelible act he had been forced to commit, going against what he felt for his best friend for the greater good. He accepted it with such strength and courage that Yuuji felt tears blur his vision. He didn’t dare to sob, afraid of drawing unwanted attention to them both, but his tears could no longer be held back. They began to flow down his cheeks, falling in silence.
Gojo seemed to snap out of a long stupor, his eyes widening as he saw his student crying. Guilt flashed through his blue eyes, a sheepish smile on his lips as he grabbed a clean napkin from the table and handed it to Yuuji. Satoru seemed genuinely disturbed by his student’s tears.
“Oh Yuuji! Was my story too depressing? I didn’t mean to make you cry!”
Gojo had a tender smile as he watched his student take the napkin with trembling hands, still overwhelmed with emotion.
“N-No! Sensei, it’s me who should apologize! I feel so stupid, I didn’t suspect that... I’m so sorry...”
Yuuji regretted giving in to his curiosity. He must have stirred up terrible memories for his sensei, memories he might have preferred to forget! What a clumsy mistake on his part...
“Yuuji...” Gojo sighed, genuinely touched by his student's emotion. “If I agreed to tell you this, it’s because I wanted to. I wouldn’t have done it otherwise. Okay ? So wipe your tears and stop apologizing!” Gojo encouraged firmly, overflowing with a kindness Yuuji had learned to discern through his sometimes ambiguous words.
“You don’t need to cry for me, Yuuji.”
That phrase immediately triggered Yuuji, who was in total disagreement with such an idea.
“Sensei… If I don’t cry for you, then who will?”
Yuuji couldn’t stand the idea that everyone preferred to remain blind to Satoru Gojo and his profound loneliness.
He was given a ton of missions to complete alone, to the point where he had to sacrifice his personal life to accomplish them. Of course; he’s the Strongest!
He was asked to train exorcists alongside his many missions. Of course; he’s the Strongest!
He was asked to kill his best friend who had become powerful and uncontrollable. Of course; he’s the Strongest!
Yuuji was mentally listing all the excuses the higher-ups used to justify treating Gojo as just a tool, a pawn on a vast chessboard they moved at their whim, with no consideration for Satoru himself. Yuuji refused to behave like them.
Before being The Strongest, Gojo Satoru was a man. Is Yuuji the only one who sees it ?
Feeling genuinely pained and angry that people in high positions had plunged his sensei into such distress and suffering, Yuuji could no longer hide his emotions. His resentment was becoming perfectly visible on his face. Itadori was starting to understand the roots of Gojo’s hatred towards his superiors, and it was entirely justified!
The young man was pulled from his dark thoughts by his sensei's hand, which reached out to gently wipe away a tear escaping from Yuuji’s misty eyes. Surprised, Yuuji sniffled, gazing through his tearful eyes into the azure blue of his beloved’s, who looked at him with a tenderness Yuuji had rarely seen from him before.
“I’ve made my peace, Yuuji. The past doesn’t matter anymore. It took time, but I’ve got my eyes on the present, now.” Gojo reassured his student, delicately brushing his finger against Yuuji’s damp cheek as if handling fine glass.
He never took his eyes off him, the intensity of his gaze mirroring that of Yuuji’s, who felt his heart race.
For the first time, the model didn’t second-guess himself. He took Gojo’s hand, which was caressing his cheek, and pressed it against his face, nuzzling it gently. He gripped it with determination, his eyes shining with devotion towards the one he loved. How could he express what he felt? How could he make Gojo understand that Yuuji would always be there for him, that he would endure alongside him until the end? Just as his sensei had promised to stay by his side after Junpei’s death, no matter what might come.
Yuuji was grateful that Gojo accepted to share such an intimate part of his life with him. Itadori felt that tonight, on this cruise, the connection he had sensed during the time he was secretly training with his sensei was still there. Not only did it truly exist, but it seemed to be solidifying and strengthening.
"You know..." Gojo’s teasing side was back. "I’m surprised your makeup isn’t running with all those ugly tears!"
The model, still emotionally moved, could only smile faintly as he let go of Gojo’s hand to use the cloth napkin and gently dab his cheeks. He didn’t want to put any powder on it; the staff would have a hard time cleaning the napkin otherwise!
"That’s the point of waterproof, sensei!" Yuuji explained, pleased he had listened to Nobara’s advice when buying his makeup.
Suddenly self-conscious, Yuuji gestured for his sensei to check his face closely, saying, "Uh... are you sure there’s nothing? No mascara or eyeliner running?"
Pausing for a moment, Gojo examined his student’s face with a tranquill smile. "Your face is perfect, Yuuji."
Yuuji relaxed, reassured that his carefully applied makeup from a few hours ago hadn’t been ruined.
"Too bad it didn’t run, though. It would have given you a dramatic novela actress look: 'Oh, my husband cheated on me, my life is shattered!'” Gojo joked, caricaturing and using a high-pitched voice to imitate soap opera actresses.
Yuuji, picturing a cartoonish actress with her cheeks drenched in mascara, burst into genuine laughter at his sensei’s antics.
"You’re so silly!" Yuuji exclaimed, his face now brightened with a smile.
“There we go! That’s what I want to see, Yuuji.” Gojo held his student’s chin, admiring the face now lit up with laughter. “I want to see you smile. No crying for the rest of the evening, understood?”
Yuuji chuckled, his cheeks flushed with the joy of the moment, his eyes slightly averted as his shyness returned. His sensei’s blue eyes made him feel all sorts of things.
“I promise!” Yuuji replied.
Notes:
That's it for today ! Their evening on the Tokyo Symphony Bay isn’t over yet—our lovebirds still have things to say... and do! ;)
When writing Satoru’s outfit description, I had in mind his outfit from the Jujutsu Sanpo with Megumi (the one where Yuuji thinks Fushiguro’s being hit on, and Satoru shows up like, ‘Come on, Megumi-chan, we’ve got our violin lesson!’ omg, I love that scene, Satoru looks so good, lol). The idea of the dinner on a cruise boat comes from a shared fantasy with my mom, lol. We’ve always wanted to dine on that kind of restaurant boat, but we’ve never had the chance. Though the ones we're interested in are much less luxurious than the one Satoru chose... that wild guy XD. You might already know this, but the ban on wearing makeup is real in Japan. I find it a bit extreme to forbid high school students from wearing it, especially since they’re at an age where self-care becomes important, but… well, Japanese social norms can be pretty peculiar. The thing about tutorials on how to wear makeup discreetly is real too, lol.As I mentioned above, I’m going through a bit of a tough time preparing for my exams : I’m drowning in essays and text analyses to the point where I have no energy left at the end of the day to work on my story. It's quite frustrating for me but It’s going to be like this all through November...
For the moment, I can’t write as often as I’d like, but rest assured: the story will continue. Until then, sending you all big hugs, and see you next time!
PS : For those who’d like a glimpse of Yuuji’s outfit in this chapter, I’ll share links in the comments section! I can’t put them here since AO3 blocks the copy-paste function by default.
Chapter 6: Boundaries
Notes:
Heyooo! Back again during this cozy winter season ! (Does anyone else feel like winter has its own smell? It’s like a hint of Christmas in the air, I love it!). Here’s Chapter 6 / Chapter 5 Part 2, finally here for you!
Thank you so much for your patience and all your kind words : you have no idea how much strength your comments give me, especially during this rough period where I’ve been pushing myself a bit too hard. Being kind to yourself isn’t easy, but you’ve all reminded me how important it is to give yourself credit. You’re the best!
I think this might be my favorite chapter (tied with Chapter 4, where Yuuji really starts owning his new self). Going over the chapter again just made me simp even harder for them. I love my precious babies so much ToT.
Quick tip: there’s a moment in this chapter where "If I Ain’t Got You" by Alicia Keys plays. I highly recommend listening to the duet version with Usher—it’s perfect for the scene! It feels like Satoru is singing straight back to Yuuji <3.
Alright, enough rambling : happy reading, and see you at the end!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
After all those emotions, a server finally arrived to bring them their dishes. The meal was wonderful: Yuuji discovered flavors he had never imagined. The foie gras appetizer turned out to be a sweet and savory mix that needed to be eaten with toasted bread (thankfully Gojo-sensei was there to explain how to enjoy these exotic dishes). Yuuji went straight to the seventh sky with his beef filet in forestière sauce: the meat melted in his mouth, and the sauce had an absolutely divine taste, a blend of mushrooms, cream and white wine. Gojo had recommended this dish, knowing full well that Yuuji was a big fan of beef. Yuuji wouldn’t forget this meal anytime soon and couldn’t wait to tell Kugisaki and Fushiguro about it!
As a waiter cleared their empty plates, Gojo burst into laughter, watching Yuuji. "You should see your face; you have stars in your eyes!"
"It was amazing, sensei...!" Yuuji sighed with pleasure, slouched against the back of his chair, closing his eyes in bliss after enjoying such delicious dishes. "You told me to order the dessert called Opera, so I followed your advice but I have absolutely no idea what it is!" Yuuji admitted, a bit embarrassed.
"I'm telling you for the umpteenth time : trust your sensei!" Gojo replied with a mischievous grin.
“You’re right, being the sugar addict you are, you must be an expert !” Yuuji teased, chuckling as Gojo nodded and hummed proudly, clearly pleased with the title.
The lighthearted banter between them filled the air as Yuuji relaxed further into his chair, the luxurious ambiance of the restaurant making him feel a bit more at ease.
But as he glanced around at the elegant decor and the impeccably dressed diners, a thought slipped out of his mouth before he could stop it. "Even with my salary, I’d never be able to afford such a fancy dinner!" Yuuji exclaimed, dreamy and carefree, blissfully unaware of the monumental slip-up he’d just made.
Gojo’s reaction was immediate: one eyebrow arched in curiosity, his eyes glinting with confusion. "Your salary? Don’t you mean your scholarship?"
Yuuji felt the blood drain from his face, a bead of sweat forming on his brow as panic set in. What an idiot he was!
"A-Ah yes, my scholarship! I don’t even know what I’m saying anymore, the beef was so good it’s messing with my brain, hahaha!" He cursed himself internally at the sound of his own laugh—awkward, stilted, and utterly cringe-worthy. But he couldn’t help it; the sheer panic was wreaking havoc on his composure.
Thankfully, just as Gojo opened his mouth to press the matter further, a server appeared at their table, interrupting him to clarify something about his dessert order. Yuuji let out a quiet sigh of relief, feeling like he could breathe again. Bless this server, the unwitting hero who had just spared him from an incredibly awkward moment! Gojo’s expression made it clear he had noticed Yuuji’s excessive discomfort, the unease sparking a hint of curiosity in his eyes. Still, for reasons only he knew, he chose to let it slide.
As the waiter went away, a brief silence settled over the table. Yuuji tried to steady his breathing, forcing his thoughts away from the looming threat of discovery. His mind wandered somewhere else entirely. Earlier, when Gojo had talked about his relationship with Suguru... the way he spoke was so passionate, so committed. "Suguru was my one and only best friend," he had said. Yuuji was overcome with a strange feeling upon hearing that, and with hindsight, he thought he knew what it was: jealousy. Yes, it was ridiculous, especially since Yuuji envied the merits of a man who was no longer of this world. Yet, the pure, sincere, and almost childlike joy Gojo expressed while recounting those memories, those moments he’d shared with a man Yuuji would never know, stung more than he cared to admit.
He didn’t dare speculate on how much Satoru and Suguru had loved each other back then. Instead, a quiet wish took root in his heart: that someday, he might be the cause of such an expression on Gojo’s face.
"Yuuji..." Gojo’s voice broke through his thoughts, his tone a mix of reproach and annoyance. "Are you brooding over something right now?"
"N-No..." Yuuji lied, glancing away and letting out a nervous laugh as a bead of sweat trickled down his temple.
"Yeah, right! Look at those furrowed brows!" Gojo was now poking Yuuji’s forehead in a childish manner. "I don’t want you to just sit there like a statue. Snap out of it and focus on me!"
Yuuji couldn’t help but find the way Gojo emphasized "me" incredibly endearing. Seeing his sensei’s exaggerated pout, Yuuji felt a smile tug at his lips. Despite the storm of emotions swirling inside him, he let the moment pull him back to the present. Whatever his feelings were, they could wait. For now, he set them aside and turned his attention fully to Satoru.
"Sorry, sensei. I’m here now!" Yuuji flashed a big, contagious grin, making Gojo relax and look pleased.
"By the way, I haven’t mentioned it until now, but why haven’t you taken off your jacket since we arrived ?" Gojo asked, sounding genuinely curious. "It’s not particularly cold, inside."
Yuuji felt his cheeks flush. He was keeping his jacket on because he wasn't mentally prepared to fully reveal the black crop top he had bought. He was okay with letting the jacket open so that his sensei could see his crop top’s front. But until now, Yuuji didn’t dare to completely remove the cloth.
In the back of his mind, the model was still influenced by his doubts from the previous morning. He wasn't sure how Gojo would react if he saw him in something so different from his usual hoodies. It had taken him a lot of courage to go out wearing this outfit. Maybe it was time to move to the next step and put his insecurities aside for good?
Feigning surprise that he had forgotten to take off his jacket, Yuuji forced a falsely confident smile, the same one he used for the camera. "Oh, you’re right! I’m so comfortable in this jacket that I didn’t even notice. Let me take it off."
Yuuji took a deep breath and carefully slid his jacket off, revealing his whole outfit for the first time. His arms and neck were now free from the constraints of the fabric, and the black color of his halter cross crop top highlighted the ivory tone of his pale skin perfectly. He could feel his sensei’s gaze on him as he turned to drape his jacket over his chair.
Once free of his jacket, Yuuji adjusted himself, nervously fixing his hair as a reflex. He had done it—he had overcome his fear. It was still challenging for him to meet Gojo's eyes, afraid of seeing something he might not like. But at least he had taken the leap, and that was what mattered. Trying to maintain his confident smile despite the storm of emotions inside him, Yuuji made the superhuman effort to look back at his sensei.
Wait a second… Why does Gojo looks so agitated, all of a sudden ?
"Sensei? Your cursed energy seems unsettled... Is everything okay? Did you sense a Curse nearby?" Yuuji asked cautiously, awaiting any instructions from his sensei, who appeared troubled.
A battle on a restaurant boat? That would be quite a challenge!
To Yuuji’s surprise, Gojo’s cursed energy stabilized immediately after his comment, his teacher snapping out of a trance. "Oh? No, no! No curses in sight, Yuuji, you can relax!"
Gojo-sensei smiled reassuringly, but it did little to hide his discomfort. He sighed loudly, now seemingly annoyed by something while gazing at the restaurant’s windows. What was going on?
Yuuji remembered that it was the third time he noticed his sensei’s troubles about managing his cursed energy, today. Before the model could ask Gojo about this matter, a waiter arrived with their desserts, interrupting their moment.
"Oh! This looks amazing!" Yuuji exclaimed as he saw the Opera dessert. It was a perfectly cut rectangle with three layers: a sponge cake and two types of cream that Yuuji couldn’t quite identify. The menu hadn’t been very detailed on this!
Noticing Yuuji’s puzzled look as he inspected his dessert like a detective searching for clues, Gojo explained, "It’s coffee cream and a chocolate ganache on top. Hurry up and eat it or I'll steal a bite!" Gojo moved his fork toward the dessert with a greedy expression, but Yuuji quickly fended him off, protecting his dessert.
"Hands off! You’ve got your lemon tart already! I’ll let you taste it after I’ve tried it myself!" Yuuji said firmly, as if scolding a child.
"How can you be so selfish !? Denying me the pleasure of tasting it... You have no heart, Yuuji!" Gojo complained dramatically, placing a hand on his forehead like a tragic theater actress.
"Oh, you're the one talking about selfishness now? Fushiguro has been sharing some lovely anecdotes about you and your immaturity, so don't get too high and mighty, sensei!" Yuuji replied with a mockingly provocative expression as he tasted his dessert.
"Huh?!" Gojo exclaimed, a smirk of annoyance on his lips and a vein pulsing on his forehead. "This ungrateful brat dares to talk behind my back? I’d love to know what he’s been saying!"
Yuuji giggled at the exaggerated grimace of his sensei.
"Oh, not much..." Yuuji said smugly, avoiding eye contact as he changed the subject, tasting his dessert for the first time. "The Opera is fantastic!"
"Yuuji..." Gojo grumbled with a predatory grin. "If you don't spill the beans in a minute, you’ll get worse than tickles!"
"You see! A real kid! You whine whenever you don’t get what you want!" Yuuji pressed on, unknowingly playing a dangerous game by teasing his sensei like this.
Gojo paused, his expression shifting. His azure eyes now sparkled with a determined and intrigued glint... Yuuji felt his heart skip a beat as Satoru grabbed his hand mid-air while Yuuji was about to take another bite of his pastry.
"You’ve seen through me, Yuuji ." The rumble of his voice made Yuuji shiver all over. "If I can’t get what I want by gentle means..." Gojo said with a mischievous smile, moving Yuuji’s fork towards his own mouth, leaving his student speechless.
"...I’ll take it by force!" With that, Gojo brought the spoon to his mouth with relish, devouring the bite that was initially not meant for him. He never took his eyes off Yuuji, who was mesmerized by the mouth that had just touched the spoon he had used.
Holy shit, here was the indirect kiss! Yuuji was about to implode, his cheeks flushing at an alarming rate.
Refusing to let this attack go unanswered, Yuuji decided to retaliate. After all, it was highly likely that his sensei was doing this just to fluster him, given how childish he could be. With a vengeful spirit and unwilling to be the one getting attacked without reacting, Yuuji tried to sneak a piece of Gojo’s tart with his fork. Too bad—this sly fox had activated his Infinity, making it impossible for Yuuji to reach the dessert.
With a frustrated groan, Yuuji set his fork down on the table. "You’re really— I don’t even have the words!" he huffed, resigning himself and laughing with a mix of exasperation and self-consciousness, realizing how absurd their little quarrel had become.
"And you dare call me childish after this!" Gojo taunted, savoring his tart with a proud air.
"Keep it up, and I’ll sulk for the rest of the evening!" Yuuji retorted with a smug look, arms crossed, determined to stand up to his sensei. Their quarrel might be absurd, but Yuuji couldn’t help but be annoyed by the arrogant demeanor of this man—handsome, sure, but incredibly cocky nonetheless!
Gojo chuckled, deactivating his Infinity without Yuuji noticing, then extended his fork with a piece of tart toward his student’s lips. "Alright, truce?" Gojo offered, his smile a mix of teasing and tenderness as Yuuji eyed the fork, hesitating for a moment.
Oh, at this point... Itadori had already held his sensei’s hand, been tickled by him, had embraced him several times at school and just got an indirect kiss from him. Surely, eating from Gojo’s fork wasn’t going to change anything! Putting his shyness aside, Yuuji accepted the truce by eating the piece of tart offered by his sensei.
Unlike Satoru, who took great pleasure in dragging out the moment before letting go of Yuuji’s fork, the model didn’t linger. It was a matter of survival—his heart was beating so hard it felt like it might leap out of his chest! Yuuji had pushed so many boundaries he had set in the past, tonight… He felt much more confident and at ease with the love of his life, but the flip side was having to manage waves of emotions even more intense than before.
Yuuji savored the tangy flavor of the tart, a smile slowly returning to his face. “You have a real talent for picking desserts, sensei!” he said softly, his cheeks flushed, as he looked at Satoru who...
Did he just put the fork between his lips to lick the residue of cream ?!
“Ah !” Yuuji gasped, realizing that in a way, Gojo had responded to his touch by doing that. It was probably an unconscious gesture on Satoru's part. Did this understanding help Yuuji calm down? Absolutely not!
“Hm? Something’s wrong, Yuuji?” Gojo asked, clearly pleased with the turn of events as he released the fork in a suction noise. Just as Yuuji was about to deny, he was interrupted by sudden applause.
He turned in his chair to see what the commotion was about: the staff had quietly rearranged a part of the room to set up an orchestra. A dozen musicians were seated on chairs, with two singers in the center of the area. A stunningly beautiful singer stepped up to the microphone, dressed in a breathtaking scarlet mermaid gown. Her hair was styled in loose, cascading curls gathered into a high ponytail, with a few delicate strands framing her face. Her partner, a man in a sleek black suit, took his place in front of his microphone, ready to accompany her in song.
Intrigued, Yuuji turned to his sensei, whispering, “Are they going to put on a show?”
“Yeah. It’s something they often do here. They bring in an orchestra so people can dance. It’s a way to wrap up the evening,” Gojo explained.
Dancing? Yuuji had some experience with it—school parties before he became a jujutsu sorcerer often featured music, and he had picked up a few dance moves along the way. He was quite proud of his rhythm and precision. However, given the atmosphere created by the orchestra, which was now playing very slow and soft jazz notes, Yuuji realized by watching the couples getting up that tonight's dance was a slow dance.
Yuuji didn’t know anything about this kind of dance, but that was okay. It was likely that he and his sensei would remain on the sidelines, watching the couples being all lovey-dovey while they awaited their arrival in Minato.
Observing the surrounding tables, Yuuji couldn’t help but notice a detail that he found quite unsettling. Several women, stunning in their evening gowns with their elaborate hairstyles and makeup, were scattered around the bar where cocktails were being served. Apparently, they were alone. Their focused gazes indicated that they were actively searching for a potential partner with whom they could dance. And, as luck would have it, Gojo Satoru was the center of attention.
Yuuji sighed heavily, refocusing his gaze on the orchestra with a pained expression. Was he doomed to end this otherwise wonderful evening (though emotionally tumultuous) by witnessing the unbearable sight of Satoru in the arms of a beautiful woman ? Dancing in perfect harmony, exchanging smiles and meaningful glances, pressing close to each other? The thought made Yuuji’s heart ache painfully. Maybe he could find an excuse to slip away and escape this impending nightmare? Perhaps he could pretend to take an urgent call and—
“Let’s go, Yuuji.”
Yuuji was jolted from his anxious thoughts by Gojo’s voice. He looked up to see his sensei who was now standing next to him, towering over his student with an expecting smile. Gojo extended a hand toward Yuuji, clearly inviting him to dance.
There was a moment of stunned silence before Yuuji finally processed what was happening. He pointed at himself in disbelief. “With me, sensei?”
“No, with your chair, idiot!” Gojo shot back with an irritated grin, gently tapping the top of Yuuji’s head to bring him back to his senses.
“But—” Yuuji put a hand over his mouth, realizing he had spoken too loudly. Lowering his voice, he leaned in. “Are you aware that there are women watching you, over the bar ?”
“Yes, and?” Gojo replied nonchalantly, stuffing his hands in his pockets.
“Well… aren’t you going to ask one of them to dance?” Yuuji felt like he was in a parallel universe; his sensei’s request was defying all social norms. He wasn’t supposed to seek Yuuji’s presence, right now !
“Eh?!” Gojo looked genuinely repulsed by the idea. “I don’t want to dance with those show-offs!”
“Sensei, keep it down!” Yuuji pleaded, feeling a bit sorry for the women who were eagerly hoping to catch Gojo’s attention.
"I know what it feels like, ladies… ” Yuuji thought, remembering the last months of craving he went through.
“Are you going to start overthinking again? It’s just a dance, Yuuji!” Gojo said with a shrug, clearly dismissing the concern.
“I…” Yuuji hesitated, unsure of what was appropriate to say or do in this situation.
Of course, he was dying to dance with his beloved ! And it was Satoru who had offered to dance with him, no less! Yuuji felt like he was dreaming and was even tempted to pinch himself to make sure it was real. But…
“Sensei, this isn’t right. We don’t dance between men. Look around you!” Yuuji gestured toward the couples—men and women—eagerly heading to the dance floor.
Gojo didn’t even bother to glance at anyone else. His eyes remained fixed on Yuuji, looking bored. “You know me well enough to understand that I couldn’t care less about other people’s opinions. I’ve told you before, I don’t need their approval.”
Leaning in, Gojo locked his intense gaze onto Yuuji’s blue eyes, expecting a straight answer. “What about you, Yuuji? Are you waiting for other people’s approval to do what you want? I warn you, you might be waiting a long time if you think like that!”
These firm words hit Yuuji like a ton of bricks. With characteristic honesty and simplicity, Gojo had just shown him that there was no real prohibition against dancing with his sensei. Sure, social norms are what they are, and it's likely that Yuuji and Gojo would attract puzzled looks. But no one was physically forcing Yuuji to stay back. The truth is that the model was preventing himself from enjoying this special moment, from seizing this rare opportunity to get closer to the person he loved so deeply, out of fear that negative consequences might fall on his sensei because of his selfish desire. The last thing Yuuji wanted was to shame his teacher.
Nonetheless, destiny had given him a chance to end this magical evening on a high note, even if it was against all odds : it was up to Itadori to take it or let it pass.
“How much longer are you going to make me wait ?” Gojo extended his hand once again, his teasing tone doing nothing to hide his impatience.
“Oh, fuck it !” Yuuji thought. Kugisaki was right; we’ve got one life ! Why waste it on pointless questioning? He was tired of all the overthinking that hit him every time he faced his sensei. He didn’t want to give the image of a conformist to Gojo. First of all, Gojo hated conformism, and by extension, Yuuji didn’t want Gojo to hate him. But more importantly... it wasn’t who Yuuji Itadori really was! At that moment, Yuuji was bursting to dance with his sensei, to end the evening with an unforgettable moment that might never happen again. This was his chance: he was going to take it, no matter what !
Yuuji locked eyes with Gojo’s expectant gaze before grabbing his hand, Satoru moving with him as he stood up. His sensei was almost 2 meters tall, so Yuuji had to tilt his head slightly to meet his gaze.
“I’m warning you !” Yuuji said, trying to mask his nervousness. “I don’t know how to dance a slow!”
Gojo’s face lit up with contentement. “Sensei’s going to teach you,” he replied, his voice brimming with enthusiasm and something else that Yuuji couldn’t pinpoint.
Without hesitation, Gojo led Yuuji towards the dance floor, following the same path as the other couples. Of course, Yuuji still felt a bit uneasy as he approached the dancing area alongside his sensei. But there was no way he was backing down now. Itadori honestly preferred being the one to dance with his sensei rather than having the vultures from the bar being all clingy with the love of his life !
Now properly positioned to begin, Yuuji let himself be guided by his sensei’s instructions. The young sorcerer placed his trembling hands on his beloved’s shoulders, and oh dear, the power Yuuji felt beneath the fabric of the turquoise shirt... How could Gojo be so thin while having such well-sculpted muscles ? It was inhuman… and Yuuji loved that very much !
Once settled, Satoru placed his hands on Yuuji’s hips, and the model made a tremendous effort to keep from shivering all over.
“Don’t step on my toes, okay?” Gojo teased, his sparkling blue eyes enchanting Yuuji, who chuckled softly, afraid of breaking the spell.
“I make no promises! You invited me to dance, deal with it now!” Yuuji pretended to be reproachful, a playful smile on his lips.
The orchestra had just finished its warm-up. The music began with piano notes that sounded quite familiar to Yuuji. An English song, he thought, quite well-known but he couldn’t recall the artist’s name. The female singer took the lead, her male partner observing from a distance as she launched the first lyrics :
Some people live for the fortune
Some people live just for the fame
Some people live for the power, yeah
Some people live just to play the game
Gojo initiated a movement, and Yuuji instinctively followed his lead to begin their dance. Detaching his gaze from the orchestra, Yuuji refocused on his dance partner and took a deep breath. Gojo looked absolutely stunning. His insecurities returned with a vengeance, flooding him and urging him to back out, fearing he would make a fool of himself, that he wasn’t worthy of such a man. But this time, Yuuji paid no more attention to these thoughts than necessary. He had already made his decision: he would allow himself to be selfish, for once. Regardless of others' opinions or the consequences. What mattered was the present moment, the warm hands of his sensei around his hips guiding his movements, their shared gazes, the connection between them... that was what truly mattered.
"You know I’m not exactly a fan of following the rules." Gojo leaned in slightly, his voice low and teasing as he whispered into Yuuji’s ear, sending a shiver down the young model’s spine. "I’m glad you’re willing to break them with me."
Yuuji felt his cheeks burn, caught off guard by Satoru’s words. It felt as though they’d become partners in crime for the night, defying social taboos with their shared sense of mischief and excitement. The idea that two men weren’t supposed to dance a slow together only made the moment feel more thrilling, as if they were rewriting the rules just for themselves. And Yuuji couldn’t help but feel overjoyed by the deepened connection with the man of his dreams.
Some people think
That the physical things
Define what's within
And I've been there before
That life's a bore
So full of the superficial
As Yuuji began to understand how the slow dance worked, he continued to be guided by his sensei while recalling his mantra, the phrase that had helped him face the camera during his first photoshoot. The phrase he repeated to himself endlessly to feel confident: "I am beautiful ." Yuuji let this phrase resonate within him, closing his eyes to be in complete harmony with this thought and the present moment.
“Hey, open your eyes ! I really don’t want you to step on me, you know!” Gojo teased, prompting Yuuji to gently spin around before returning to their original position. Now in a completely different state of mind, Yuuji felt a smile forming on his lips as he reopened his eyes to meet the gaze of the one he loved, this time with confidence and determination.
“Oh don’t worry, I’ve got my eyes on you !” Yuuji replied, moving his hands. First with his hands on Satoru’s shoulders, Yuuji dared to wrap his arms around his partner’s neck, embracing him gently before asking, “It seems more natural to dance like this. Is that okay with you?” Yuuji whispered, not even recognizing his own voice as he said these words.
“Do anything you want, Yuuji.” His sensei whispered, his hands tightening around Yuuji’s hips.
What has changed on Yuuji’s part ? Ah. The model was starting to understand. Feeling more engaged and no longer merely following Gojo’s lead, he decided to take the initiative and surprise his sensei. With newfound confidence, he stepped forward, showing a side of himself that Gojo hadn’t anticipated.
Some people want it all
But I don't want nothing at all
If it ain't you, baby
If I ain't got you, baby
Feeling the rhythm in his bones, Yuuji subtly guided Gojo into a smooth, graceful step that surprised his partner. Instead of spinning like earlier, Yuuji gently maneuvered Gojo into a series of elegant, gentle side steps, synchronizing their movements perfectly. He led Gojo with a slight push, making each step fluid and connected.
Yuuji's confidence shone through as he subtly adjusted their positions, ensuring they moved as one. He drew Gojo in close, shifting their weight and guiding him through the slow, sweeping side step. The transition was seamless, showcasing Yuuji’s ability to lead with assurance and finesse. His eyes sparkled with determination and a touch of mischief as he navigated them through the steps, his hands lightly resting on Gojo’s back for support.
Yuuji’s internal state was one of exhilaration and focus. He was not just dancing; he was aiming to impress, to show that he was more than just an inexperienced partner Satoru needed to take care of. Each step was executed with intention, a reflection of his determination to make this moment unforgettable for both of them. His smile widened as he saw the surprised glint in Gojo’s eyes, pleased to see his sensei caught off guard by his unexpected skill.
Yes, Yuuji understood perfectly what was happening. It wasn’t just his experience as a model that allowed him to show such self-mastery. While that played a significant role, it wasn’t the only explanation. For the first time, Yuuji was completely in tune with who he truly was. He was no longer trying to hide what he thought or felt for Gojo Satoru. He embraced it fully, displaying it for all to see! His shyness forgotten for the time being, he no longer sought to contain his burning desire, his unconditional love. Yuuji embraced everything happening within and around him, allowing it all to be expressed through his entire body.
For the first time, Yuuji was free.
And It felt so right to be in his sensei embrace.
Some people want diamond rings
Some just want everything
But everything means nothing
If I ain't got you
“You’re hiding your skills well, aren’t you?” Gojo exclaimed smugly, following the rhythm set by his student. “You said you didn’t know how to dance!”
“Wrong !” Yuuji replied in the same low tone as his sensei, adding an intimate feel to their playful exchange. “I said I didn’t know anything about slow dancing only. And now that you’ve taught me what you know, I’m taking my independence!”
Gojo chuckled deeply, amused by the feigned cockiness of his dance partner. Yuuji twirled on his own, holding Gojo’s hand, slightly distancing himself to extend his entire body. As he returned to the initial position, Yuuji spun around again, guided by Gojo.
“What other hidden talents do you have in reserve, Yuuji?” Gojo asked, amused, as he followed his student’s fluid movements.
“Oh, you don’t want to know…” Yuuji rumbled tentatively, thinking intensely about his secret activity, modeling, and the sometimes risqué shoots he had to—no, that he loved doing, always with his sensei in his thoughts.
“Oh yeah ? Didn’t I tell you that I hate secrets, though ?” Gojo had a predatory smile as he lightly stroked Yuuji’s ivory cheek, making Yuuji’s heart race as he met his sensei’s intense gaze.
“But life would be so boring without a little bit of suspense ! Don’t you think?” Yuuji protested in a childlike manner, subtly leaning his head closer to Satoru’s shirt, letting himself be intoxicated by that fabulous scent. Earthy sandalwood softened by a hint of cedar...
Now with his eyes above his sensei’s shoulder, Yuuji had the opportunity to observe with undisguised pleasure the astonished faces of three women the model saw drinking at the bar earlier. They were the ones who had subliminally signaled to his sensei that they wanted to dance with him. Now, they whispered among themselves, looking absolutely scandalized that Gojo had not even deigned to glance in their direction. Their envious and frustrated gazes made the question on their minds clear: why had such a handsome man chosen someone like Yuuji to dance with ? The model himself didn’t have a precise answer to that question, and that was fine.
“Because like it or not, Gojo Satoru is mine tonight. Hands off !” Yuuji thought with a mischievous smile, discovering a possessive side to his personality he hadn’t suspected until now.
“Do you like my scent that much ? You’re sniffing it like your life depends on it!” Gojo joked, his breath brushing against Yuuji’s earlobe, sending a delightful shiver through him.
Feeling his cheeks flush, Yuuji quickly regained his composure: had he been caught? No matter, he might as well seize the opportunity and be honest for once.
“Your perfume smells amazing, sensei!” Yuuji didn’t expect his voice to sound so hungry, but he no longer had control over such things. “Please, lend it to me sometime!”
Rising onto the tips of his toes, Yuuji continued to dance while whispering in his sensei’s ear as if sharing a forbidden secret: “I’ll drench myself in it, all over my body!”
A part of Yuuji’s brain, which remained rational amidst the hormonal chaos overtaking his entire body, warned him about the risky bet he was making by being so forward. But for once, Yuuji didn’t want to listen to that voice. At least for the time of the dance, he wanted to be honest about what he was feeling. And if his sensei felt uncomfortable about all this... it was up to him to step aside. Yuuji won’t hold him back... though his heart would be wounded.
The sound was far too faint to be sure, the music making it difficult to hear clearly, but... did his sensei just grunt? Yuuji didn’t have time to think about it further. He gasped in surprise when his sensei took control of their dance again, grabbing Yuuji by the hips with such a firm grip that the young model shivered, then spinning him so that Yuuji’s back was now pressed against his sensei’s chest. They continued dancing this way, Satoru’s arms wrapped around Yuuji’s body, who felt he was reaching the seventh heaven, thrilled to be in such an intimate position with the one he secretly adored.
“Be very careful with the words you use, Yuuji…” Satoru murmured. Yuuji could barely hold back a hum of pleasure as he felt Satoru press his nose against the exposed nape of his neck, inhaling openly the fruity cologne that Itadori had chosen especially for this outing. “I don’t think you fully understand the meaning they might carry.”
Hand me the world
On a silver platter
And what good would it be?
With no one to share
With no one who truly cares for me?
Yuuji felt like he was losing his footing, his body filled with adrenaline, his heart racing both from the physical exertion of dancing and from his proximity to Gojo. He had to make a titanic effort to express himself properly, finally managing to utter an intelligible phrase while out of breath: “Why should I be careful? I’m not at risk, sensei…”
Yuuji turned his head to the side, lifting a gaze filled with brightness towards his sensei’s darkened blue eyes (darkened by what? Yuuji dared not speculate), the golden pupils overflowing with trust and devotion for The Strongest. “I’m not at risk, since I’m with you.”
Gojo paused, seemingly taken aback by what he saw in his student's eyes. He eventually let out a breathless laugh, resting his forehead against Yuuji’s bare shoulder: “Fuck, Yuuji… you’re unbelievable!”
Surprised by the exasperation in Gojo’s voice, Yuuji hesitates to ask why he was having such a reaction. But as he felt the dance nearing its end, the music slowing in both intensity and rhythm, Yuuji chose instead to snuggle closer to the man of his life, placing his hands on Gojo’s larger ones, which were resting around Itadori’s abdomen. Yuuji closed his eyes, allowing himself to be carried away for a few more minutes into another world, a world where nothing existed except the warmth of his sensei and their hearts beating in sync.
Said nothing in this whole wide world don't mean a thing
If I ain't got you with me, baby
The final piano notes were followed by a thunderous round of applause. Those who had remained seated at their tables rose to applaud both the orchestra and the dancers. Couples made their way back to their seats with smiles on their faces. This lively conclusion abruptly ended the enchantment that had captivated Yuuji until now.
It was brief, far too brief... but what an unforgettable moment! Yuuji had overcome all his insecurities, for one night at least. He managed to sweep them away to the point where dancing with his sensei, looking him in the eyes, and exchanging intimate words no longer seemed like an unattainable dream. It was short... but Yuuji would forever be grateful for having experienced such a magical, formative moment.
Yuuji expected Gojo to release him from his embrace... but he did nothing of the sort.
"Sensei? We should probably go back to our seats," Yuuji whispered tenderly to his teacher, patting Gojo's forearm to indicate that it was time to end the dance.
"Hmmmm..." Gojo mumbled like a child, his forehead still pressed against Yuuji's shoulder. After a moment of silence, Satoru sighed loudly, finally letting go and allowing Yuuji to pull away.
They returned to their table in a silence that held no awkwardness. At least, Yuuji didn’t see it that way, euphoric as he was. He had a smile glued to his lips, impossible to wipe away, as he replayed the events in his mind. Yuuji was overcome with excitement: he absolutely had to give Fushiguro and Kugisaki a taste of what had happened, letting them know not only that the evening had gone splendidly, but also that he had been able to get physically close to Gojo! Standing in front of his chair, Yuuji pulled out his phone while Gojo retrieved his glasses from the table and attached them to the collar of his shirt, his back turned to his student.
"I’m heading to the restroom, Yuuji," Gojo announced in a slightly breathless voice. "Don’t go anywhere; I’ll be right back!"
"And where would I go?" Yuuji laughed, his sensei's comment making no sense.
As Gojo quickly disappeared, Yuuji began typing an extensive message in the Messenger chat he shared with his best friends. Excited as he was, he had to stifle his embarrassingly loud squeals of joy by clamping a fist over his mouth and closing his eyes in concentration, worried people might think he’d lost his mind. Once he calmed down, he continued passionately writing his account (it could have waited until they returned to the dorm, but Yuuji was far too happy to wait!).
Suddenly, a hand gently rested on his shoulder, catching his attention. In a moment of panic, Yuuji thought Gojo had returned from the restroom. He quickly hid his phone, leaving his message unfinished, and turned around hastily to face the person who had called out to him.
"Uhm, good evening…?" Yuuji murmured hesitantly, surprised to find himself face-to-face with a man he didn’t recognize at all.
"Excuse me, young man, but I had to come over and speak with you after the magnificent dance you performed with your partner !"
The man facing Itadori was quite tall and slender. Judging by the few wrinkles on his face and his graying hair, he must have been in his late forties or so. He was dressed impeccably, wearing a deep red suit, a perfectly tied black tie, and black leather gloves. Yuuji felt impressed by such a presence. Standing up, his 1.73 meters seemed inadequate in comparison to this stranger. It was likely that this man’s height was similar to Gojo.
"Oh! Thank you! We were just improvising, though..." Yuuji scratched his cheek nervously, flattered by the compliment yet feeling slightly uncomfortable about something he couldn't quite identify.
"Oh, you’re being far too modest! If I may, you absolutely lit up the dance floor—you nearly overshadowed your partner. The precision in your movements, the elegance!" The man continued to sing Yuuji’s praises in refined language, making the young sorcerer even more flustered.
"Oh, forgive my manners; I haven’t introduced myself yet..." With that, the man extended a friendly hand toward Yuuji, inviting him to shake it, which the young model did.
"Kenji Himeno. May I ask your name?" Kenji inquired in a honeyed voice, his gaze illuminated by an intense and indescribable light.
"Yuuji Itadori!" Reflexively, Yuuji released Himeno’s hand and gave a slight bow in respect.
"A name as delightful as its bearer..." Kenji murmured, stroking his chin as if pondering a question. He scrutinized Yuuji’s face for a long moment, making the model increasingly uncomfortable.
Suddenly, Kenji snapped his fingers, as if he had found the answer to his question.
"Your face seemed familiar, and I was searching my memories for why I felt I knew you... but it’s coming back to me now! I saw you in a recent issue of Nebula. You’re a model, aren’t you?"
Time seemed to stop for Yuuji. He felt his face pale as he realized that of all the places and moments he could have encountered a reader of Nebula , it had to be tonight. Yuuji wasn’t surprised to be dealing with a mature man; statistically speaking, Saito-san had already explained that Nebula’s audience primarily consisted of men aged 35 and older. This information had actually reassured Yuuji, as he had been worried that sorcerers his age might stumble upon his photos. While there’s no such thing as zero risk, the chances were clearly much lower. His sensei was much closer to the target age group though, being 28 years old. All Yuuji could do was hope that he wasn’t the type to read that kind of magazine!
Damn it, Yuuji was silently praying to every deity he could think of that Gojo wouldn’t return from the bathroom for at least another ten minutes. That would give him time to politely dismiss the annoying man—Yuuji needed to end this conversation as quickly as possible.
The problem was, Yuuji had finally understood why he had been feeling so uneasy from the start of this conversation : it was because Kenji wasn’t hiding his intentions at all; they were palpable and obvious. The model could be slow on the uptake, but not to that extent.
Yuuji was being hit on! And for this reason, getting rid of Himeno was not going to be easy...
"Uh... I think you’re mistaken, sir!" Yuuji tried to deflect the conversation, sweat forming on his brow from the stress.
He poured himself a glass of water from the carafe on the table he shared with Gojo, quickly bringing the glass to his lips. His throat was dry from the anxiety !
"Oh no, I’m quite certain! I know a stunning beauty when I see one," Kenji insisted, a smug grin on his lips.
Yuuji nearly choked. He barely managed to swallow his sip of water, slamming the glass down on the table with more force than necessary, his face growing even paler. He was barely reacting to the compliments; he couldn’t care less!
"For heaven’s sake, GET LOST ! You’re going to ruin my evening, you damn player !" Yuuji screamed internally with fervor, desperately trying not to let his internal turmoil show. Stay calm, Itadori Yuuji. Take a deep breath and explain to this low-class flirt that you’re not the person he thinks you are.
"I assure you, you’re giving me too much credit, sir ! But thank you anyway; it’s always nice to be compared to a model !" Yuuji tried another approach, hoping humor would work this time.
"Hum..." Himeno frowned, appearing doubtful. "Strange... but perhaps it’s not that important."
Yuuji thought he had finally managed to get rid of this nuisance. How naive! Shifting gears, determined to get what he wanted, Kenji grasped Yuuji’s chin, the sensation of his leather glove against Yuuji’s skin being very unsettling.
"That doesn’t change the fact that you’ve captivated me, Itadori Yuuji. Has anyone ever told you that your eye color is exceptional? True gems!" Kenji stared at him with almost exaggerated admiration, making Yuuji feel genuinely nauseous.
"Uh... thanks, I guess? Look, sir, it’s not that your compliments aren’t flattering, but... I’m not... you know ?" Yuuji tried to explain that he wasn’t interested, starting to have flashbacks of his encounter with Tatsuya two days ago.
Why did this kind of thing only happen to him?
"Oh, I see! The man who was dancing with you... he’s your lover, isn’t he?" This time, Yuuji felt his cheeks flush red with embarrassment. Please, someone end this torment!
"No ! He’s my teac-... uh, I mean... Anyway, what I’m trying to say is that—"
"What he’s trying to say, old sod ..." A voice suddenly boomed, the atmosphere around Yuuji and Kenji growing increasingly tense.
Yuuji felt his lungs constrict, struggling to breathe. Turning his head cautiously to the right, he watched with anticipation as his sensei approached them, seemingly nonchalant with his hands in his pockets. But just one glance at the intensity in his eyes made it clear that Gojo was anything but relaxed.
As he drew closer to Yuuji, Gojo wrapped his arm around the young model's shoulders in a gesture that was both firm and protective, his piercing gaze fixed squarely on Kenji, who was now loosening his tie in an attempt to breathe more easily.
Gojo growled low as he shot daggers at Himeno’s hand, which was touching Yuuji’s chin. The teacher unceremoniously grasped Himeno’s wrist with his free hand, gradually tightening his grip.
"...is get lost !" Gojo finished his sentence like the tolling of a bell, his powerful hand imprisoning Kenji’s wrist in a painful grip. Kenji quickly pulled his wrist away from Satoru’s iron hold (which had more than enough strength to keep him trapped if Gojo had truly wanted to), wincing in pain.
"How dare you!" Kenji shouted, outraged from the audacity of the person who had just ruined his evening plans.
"Sensei... let’s just—" Yuuji tried to signal to his sensei that it was time to end this exchange, sensing the unbearable tension between the two men, but he couldn’t finish his sentence. Gojo’s steely gaze locked onto his, pinning him in place with its intensity.
"I can’t leave you alone for a second without you getting hit on by trash like this. It’s like you’re emitting pheromones!" Gojo’s harsh words mortified Yuuji, who hadn’t expected to see such a level of anger from him.
Itadori didn’t know what to say to help his sensei calm down ! He… The model never saw his teacher like this. He saw him annoyed a lot of times. But seeing him angry to the point of speaking so coldly to his student, of all people ? The young sorcerer was at a loss.
"That’s no way to speak to your partner, sir!" Kenji retorted provocatively, determined not to be cowed by Gojo without a fight.
“Oh? Because you think I give a damn about your opinion?" Gojo had a smirk that boded ill for what was to come.
Yuuji knew Kenji would be better off keeping quiet to avoid making things worse... but this man seemed to think he could say and do anything without facing any consequences. The epitome of the arrogant rich guy, in all his glory.
"Can you really blame me, sir ?" Kenji spat, feigning politeness, slightly out of breath from the pressure exerted by Gojo's ability. "When you hold such a gem in your hands, you don’t just let it be exposed on its own to everyone... You’re making people envious!"
Yuuji felt a vein pulse on his forehead: he did not appreciate the tasteless metaphor used by this idiot Himeno. He had basically described Yuuji as an object! Feeling his anger rise as well, Yuuji wanted to defend himself against this affront but didn’t get the chance.
Gojo tightened his arm around Yuuji while releasing an abnormal amount of cursed energy. His face remained unchanged, the same contemptuous smirk on his lips… but the cursed energy emanating from him at that moment had nothing to do with the calm and reassuring strength he usually projected. This time, his energy had sinister, deadly echoes: Yuuji felt shivers running down his spine, secretly relieved not to be the target of this smoldering anger.
"You’re absolutely right, I made a mistake…" Satoru’s eyes were lit with an euphoric gleam, as if he was jubilant at the thought… at the thought of what, exactly?
Gojo slowly raised his free hand, making a gesture with his fingers. Yuuji felt his heart sink: he was going to…!
Kenji, who had been standing perfectly until then, let out a gasp of shock as he felt an inexplicable weight descend upon him, forcing him to kneel before Gojo. Stunned exclamations echoed around the trio, with patrons not expecting to see such a large man collapse so violently. Kenji groaned under the effort it took to not collapse flat on the ground. It felt like gravity was trying to crush him! Kenji had a panicked expression on his face. He didn’t understand what was happening.
Yuuji's eyes widened. As Gojo used his Infinity on a non-sorcerer without a hint of shame, Yuuji grabbed onto his sensei’s shirt in a state of panic: “Sensei, stop !” Yuuji pleaded, but he was completely ignored, determined as Satoru was to make his point with Himeno.
"But you’ve made several mistakes as well.” Satoru snarled, his smirk slowly replaced by a cold expression, his blue eyes sparkling with contempt for the man he had subdued with a simple gesture of his hand.
Gojo made another gesture with his fingers.
"... First, you ogled Yuuji shamelessly while he was dancing."
Kenji seemed to struggle more and more to support himself on his arms, the weight on his shoulders becoming increasingly heavy.
"Sensei, you’re going too far!" Yuuji tried again, shaking his sensei who was tense, his posture similar to someone in a fight. It was in vain; Gojo was like in a trance, his gaze fixed on Himeno’s pitiful form.
"Next," he continued, paying no attention to the young model's pleas, "you old, perverted, disgusting fox waited until I was away to approach him. And finally..."
This time, Kenji let out a groan of exhaustion and pain as his arms gave out completely. Now flat on the ground, Kenji breathed heavily, his face pale, his body completely surrendered to gravity.
Yuuji was stunned by the expression on his sensei’s face as he delivered his final words like a sentence: "... you touched Yuuji with your filthy hands."
Himeno was on the verge of passing out, at this point.
That’s enough. Yuuji had to do something! But what? Gojo wasn’t listening!
In a burst of bravery, Yuuji took advantage of Gojo’s momentary distraction: focused as he was on manipulating his cursed energy, Satoru had to be careful not to affect the other passengers with his ability. As a result, the iron grip he had been holding on Yuuji’s shoulders relaxed.
Seizing this golden opportunity, Itadori quickly freed himself from his beloved’s possessive embrace, moving away from him. This catched Gojo unprepared : coming out of his trance, he released the pressure he was exerting on Himeno, who could finally breathe normally. The teacher’s eyes widened in surprise as he watched Yuuji position himself in front of Himeno, shielding him with his body.
"I told you to cut the crap, goddamn it !" Yuuji dropped all pretense of politeness, using a firm tone that left no room for negotiation. He was furious with Gojo and his unacceptable behavior!
Glancing quickly behind him, Yuuji was relieved to see Kenji still conscious, catching his breath and slowly getting up with the help of a chair. He was confused but unharmed, thank God! Yuuji then looked towards the boat’s deck: he and his sensei needed to get out of there. The patrons were staring at them intently: that idiot Satoru had attracted unwanted attention! Everyone understood, even as non-sorcerer, that something was wrong, that a conflict had just taken place!
With an exasperated sigh, Yuuji went to retrieve his denim jacket and then returned to his sensei, wrapping his arm around his. His gaze was fixed with reproachful anger in the azure blue.
"We’re going out on the deck. Now!" Yuuji grumbled as he pulled his sensei towards the room’s exit.
The model expected to have to insist, his sensei could quickly become stubborn and childish in such situations… Strangely enough, Gojo followed his lead unopposed. His face closed, the Sixth Eye bearer was as silent as a grave.
⁂
"Sensei!"
"..."
"Are you seriously sulking right now?!"
"..."
"Haaaa!" Yuuji sighed loudly as he leaned on the boat's railing. "For god's sake, do you even realize what you’ve done? What the hell were you thinking?"
Yuuji tried to make his sensei react, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion and frustration. Gojo was leaning nearby on the railing, eyes fixed on the river surrounding Minato, a pout on his face, unusually silent. He looked like a child sulking after being scolded!
Fortunately, the passengers had all rushed inside the restaurant when the orchestra started playing: thus, the boat’s deck, which had been crowded with people enjoying the city’s illuminated night view, was now empty. They could talk without being disturbed. Yuuji could hear the muffled sound of the orchestra continuing its closing performance inside the restaurant. If Gojo hadn’t messed up, they could have enjoyed the rest of the show!
Yuuji was furious, but he was also in total disbelief. He suspected his sensei was only trying to protect him from a pushy and disrespectful guy… but using his Infinity against a non-sorcerer? Gojo had crossed the line. He overreacted !
Faced with his stubborn teacher who refused to answer him, Yuuji continued:
"You could have killed him, damn it!"
"What?" Satoru reacted for the first time, still looking at the moving water. "You’re worried about that old pervert now?"
"He's a rude and disgusting man, I’ll give you that ! But was that a reason to slam him to the ground and crush him with your ability? Of course not !" Yuuji retorted, frustrated by his beloved’s stubborness.
"It's not like I was planning to kill him !" Gojo muttered, determined to have the last word.
"With your colossal cursed energy, it could have easily happened! And please, don’t be a hypocrite : I saw you ! You were jubilating at the idea of making him suffer!"
Yuuji sighed for the umpteenth time since they had come out on the deck, finally looking in the same direction as his sensei. Maybe insisting further wouldn’t do any good… It might be better to let Gojo calm down and come back to his senses on his ow—
"You’re making it sound like I’m the only one responsible for how things turned out!" Gojo accused implicitly, interrupting Yuuji’s thoughts.
These words caught Itadori’s attention. He didn’t like the direction this conversation was taking at all! Yuuji looked back at Satoru, who had finally pulled his gaze from the river, now looking at Yuuji with a face twisted in frustration.
"What’s that supposed to mean, sensei?" Yuuji asked warily.
"It’s pretty obvious. Look at yourself!" Satoru pointed at Yuuji’s outfit. "You’re asking for trouble ! You wear makeup, and when you go out you dress like…" Gojo struggled to find the right words, which was very unusual for him. "…like this ! Don’t you think you’re going a bit overboard?"
Okay. Yuuji was making a superhuman effort not to explode with rage. So, this is what it’s about now? It’s Yuuji’s fault if he was approached by an old sleazebag. He brought it on himself with his vulgar appearance! Is that really what Gojo was trying to say? Yuuji felt deeply hurt.
But Yuuji wasn’t going to suffer in silence. That idiot Gojo wouldn’t have the last word! It would be too easy! Taking a deep breath, Yuuji launched into it, unable to hide his resentment:
"You know what, sensei? I shouldn’t have worn makeup to school. You’re right! It was inappropriate of me, the rules aren’t there for decoration. I won’t do it again. However!" Yuuji raised his hand to sharply stop Gojo, who was about to react. "I am completely free to dress and wear makeup any way I want when I’m out of school!"
The model’s tone was as harsh as it could be : he was struggling more and more to contain his anger, already intense due to Gojo’s excessive behavior in the restaurant. His voice trembled : that was the extent of his wrath !
"It’s part of my balance! Because I…"
Yuuji wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to admit this to his sensei who seemed as closed off as possible, but oh well. "This is how I feel beautiful now!"
Yuuji didn’t like the snicker he heard in response to his very intimate and difficult to share confession.
"So you need foundation and crop tops to feel beautiful?"
"Yes, and it’s my business!" Yuuji didn’t want to answer so loudly, but this time, he was starting to get fed up with that contemptuous tone and his sensei’s misplaced judgments.
"Anyway, you know what? I shouldn’t feel forced to justify myself. Too bad if you don’t understand my reasons ! Besides, I don’t even need you to understand!"
Yuuji was lying. Of course, it mattered to him that Gojo understood his reasons! It genuinely hurt him that Satoru reacted so haughtily to what he had just explained. This did not bode well for the young model’s seduction plans…
“If my outfit was a problem to you in the first place, why did you tell me that everything was fine with it, back when we waited at the entrance ? You're contradicting yourself !” Yuuji cried out, utterly infuriated by his sensei’s nonsense.
Gojo didn’t answer, his fists tightening around the railing.
Caught up in their argument, the two sorcerers hadn’t realized that the boat had just arrived at Minato's port. It had come to a halt. An employee came out of the restaurant, the sound of the door opening startling the two men who turned to the staff member.
"Gentlemen! I just wanted to let you know that the passengers need to head to the exit to disembark! Please collect your belongings before you leave !"
With that, the staff member left them alone again.
Yuuji genuinely wanted to cry. This magical evening had just ended in the worst possible way! How can you go from dream to nightmare so quickly? Itadori didn’t want to argue with the person he loved, but… how can you stay composed when the love of your life dares to judge you like this? It’s impossible! Yuuji wished things had gone differently, but Gojo had crossed a line that should not have been crossed!
Putting on his jacket, his face closed, Yuuji didn’t even look at his sensei anymore, still deeply upset beyond the pain he felt inside.
"I prefer to go home alone, sensei. Let’s forget about this discussion, it shouldn’t have happened. See you tomorrow." Yuuji was dejected, eyes shining and fists clenched around his denim jacket.
Yes, it’s better to end this heated exchange now and take some distance. Itadori hoped that the night would be beneficial for both of them and that by morning, these tensions would be nothing but a bad memory.
His heart had never been so tight. It hurts.
As Yuuji started walking towards the restaurant’s door, he barely took a few steps before Gojo grabbed his arm forcefully.
"Yuuji, wait!"
He seemed desperate. What was happening to him?
Already tired from his sensei’s attempt to restart the discussion, Yuuji tried to free himself from the iron grip of the one he secretly loved, without success.
"Sensei, I don’t want to talk about this anymore! Please, let me go!" Yuuji tried to be firm, but his tone was more pleading than commanding. He still didn’t look at Satoru.
"Yuuji, listen to me!"
This time, Gojo grabbed Yuuji by the shoulders and forced him to turn towards him. Their golden and azure eyes finally met again.
Yuuji saw in his beloved's gaze a whirlwind of frustration, irritation, and… something else he couldn’t quite identify. The two sorcerers were breathing heavily, the intensity of their emotions taking its toll.
“Yuuji… Don’t you understand yet ?” Satoru’s voice was urgent, restless.
Yuuji couldn’t find the words to respond. In truth, he was afraid to say anything, worried it would reignite a pointless and damaging argument with the man he loved. He tried to wriggle free, but Satoru was determined not to let him go until he’d been heard out.
The young model's heart missed a beat as Gojo let go of his shoulders to come and caress his ribs covered by her crop top. Yuuji let out a soft moan of surprise and pleasure as his skin immediately responded to his sensei's ministrations.
“This outfit…” Gojo’s gaze was fixed with surprising intensity on Yuuji’s entire form, his eyes darkened. “It’s meant only for my eyes, you hear me ?”
Yuuji gasped and instinctively closed his eyes in bliss as he watched his sensei dive for his jugular without warning. Never letting go of his grip on Yuuji's body, The Strongest's lips grazed the sensitive skin of his neck, his hot, erratic breath whipping the area he was targeting.
“Don’t you dare wear it if I’m not with you!” Gojo declared fiercely, his grip tightening to the edge of discomfort. It wasn’t unpleasant to Yuuji; his heart raced from the intimate, possessive embrace.
Taken aback by his sensei’s passionate display, Yuuji could barely process what Satoru had said, as he was overwhelmed by a new mix of adrenaline and sensations. But one thing was clear: his sensei seemed desperate, losing his grip entirely. Why such a drastic shift? Just earlier, Satoru had been childish, arrogant, and unjustly critical of Yuuji’s new way of being. Once again, those confusing mixed signals from Satoru left Yuuji frustrated. He didn’t know how to interpret his beloved’s actions and words anymore !
“You’re cruel, Yuuji…” Gojo moved from the comforting curve of Yuuji’s neck to press his unusually warm forehead against Yuuji’s, his breath heavy and his cheeks indistinctly flushed to the point where Yuuji thought he was hallucinating (Gojo Satoru blushing? How could that even be possible?).
Yuuji whimpered: he had never been so close to Satoru. Feeling his lips just inches from his, their breaths mingling, the sound of Satoru’s deep, ravenous voice...
“You don’t realize what you’re doing to me…”
An intense, unprecedented atmosphere settled between them. Gojo held Yuuji in an imperious yet comforting embrace. It felt like home : his sensei's hands slid down Yuuji's back, caressing his student's exposed skin with a gentleness contrasting with his previous eagerness. Yuuji let out a wanton sigh, far too caught up in the moment to hold back or question his sensei's motives.
This was what Yuuji had always wanted, beyond his insecurities, doubts, frustrations, and the misunderstandings. He just wanted to be allowed, even for a minute, to nestle in his sensei’s arms and finally experience what it felt like to be loved.
Satoru’s lips were mere inches from Yuuji’s: just a little more, a tiny bit…
Like a sleepwalker, Yuuji was no longer aware of his actions as he stroked his beloved’s cheek, his hand tingling from the warmth of Satoru’s snow-white skin. Satoru growled, his eyes blazing with an indescribable fire, slowly moving his lips closer to his student’s. Yuuji closed his eyes instinctively, letting himself be overwhelmed by his feelings. His infinite love, his burning and insatiable desire for Gojo Satoru.
But… nothing came. Opening his eyes, Yuuji frowned in confusion, realizing that the Strongest had snapped out of his daze, his azure gems now clear. Suddenly aware of the shift in events, Gojo pushed Yuuji away, grabbing his shoulders and forcing him to distance himself. Yuuji let out a plaintive sound, secretly disappointed to be separated from his beloved so abruptly.
Satoru was troubled. The young model could see it clearly, with his tense posture and features distorted by emotional intensity. Avoiding eye contact, the snow-haired man let out an annoyed “ tsk ” before releasing one of Yuuji’s shoulders and making a sign with his fingers. Before Yuuji could react, he was teleported to the school dormitory. Slightly dizzy from the intensity of Gojo’s teleportation technique, Yuuji was steadied by his teacher’s iron grip on his shoulders. They appeared right in front of Yuuji’s front door.
“S-Sensei? Why are you—” Yuuji asked, regaining his composure, completely lost.
“Get inside your room, Yuuji.” Gojo ordered, leaving no room for negotiation as he quickly withdrew from Yuuji and headed towards the dorm exit.
What? He… he was leaving like that? Was this how Gojo wanted to end their evening? What was happening? In a mix of frustration and anxiety, fearing their argument did have a negative impact, Yuuji ran after his sensei, trying to catch up as he called out:
“Sensei, wait—”
“Don’t come any closer!” Gojo shouted, making Yuuji stop dead in his tracks with the force of his command.
“O-Okay, but at least listen to me!” Yuuji pleaded, desperate to understand why Gojo was distancing himself so abruptly without explanation.
Satoru stopped but continued to turn his back on his student. Yuuji desperately wanted to meet his beloved’s gaze again, to ensure the turmoil he had seen had disappeared, but for now, he had to settle for his back…
“Sensei, if you need space, I’ll gladly give it to you, but I just want to say that…” Yuuji bit his lower lip, afraid to choose his words poorly. “Please, I don’t want this evening to end with an argument or misunderstanding! I sense that you’re agitated… Did I do something wrong ? Did I cross a line?”
Yuuji had legitimate reasons for his anger, but the last thing he wanted was to part ways with his sensei on bad terms, in a context of tension he couldn’t bear. The model refused to lose the close and sincere relationship they had worked so hard to build. If he needed to apologize, for whatever reason, Yuuji would, sacrificing his pride for the one he adored!
After a long moment of silence, Gojo slowly turned around, his eyes squinting with weariness. “No, you haven’t done anything wrong. It’s me who…” Gojo sighed in frustration, running a hand through his hair, gritting his teeth. “I’m at my limit, Yuuji. If you don’t go into that room…”
Gojo left his sentence hanging: had Yuuji ever seen him so disturbed, so… tensed ? It was a disconcerting sight. Yuuji wasn’t entirely reassured, but… Gojo had assured him that the root of his vexation wasn’t Yuuji. That was all that mattered for now. Maybe they’d have the chance to revisit the issue later, when things were calmer.
It was time to end this turbulent yet magical night.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” Gojo finally met Yuuji’s troubled golden eyes with his azure gaze, a tense smile on his lips. “Everything will be sorted out, I promise. But you really need to stay away from me tonight.”
Yuuji’s heart ached at those words: he never felt the need to distance himself from Gojo! If it were to happen, it would be in an exceptional and serious context… But evidently, Gojo wasn’t leaving any room for debate. The urgency in his words was palpable. Yuuji sighed, resigned. Fine! He promised to give his beloved the space he asked for. Besides, Gojo just assured that everything would eventually be okay. Yuuji had to trust those words. He had to trust Satoru.
As the young model unlocked the door to his room, Yuuji glanced back one last time at his sensei, who still watched him, seemingly lost in thought.
“I had a wonderful evening, sensei. I want to experience hundreds more like it with you!”
Yuuji’s eyes were tearful: he was overflowing with sincerity. He refused to dwell on the negative—it was just a fleeting moment in an otherwise long night of joy, relaxation, and connection with his sensei aboard the Tokyo Symphony Bay. Yuuji chose to focus on the positive, cherishing the memories they had created together on that cruise.
Yuuji felt deeply reassured and grateful when Gojo gave him a smile, no longer tense this time: though subtle, the signature confident and gentle smile of his love was back.
“Me too, Yuuji. Me too…”
With those final words, an ultimate exchange of glances occurred before Yuuji decided to enter his room, reluctantly allowing the eventful night to come to an end.
⁂
Kugisaki and Fushiguro were still awake. Deep into the New Amsterdam series, they had decided to spend the evening together in Nobara’s room. They wanted to relax after a long day, but it was also, if not especially, to pass the time before their lovesick best friend’s return. The two sorcerers were eager to hear back from him! They were very curious about what Gojo had planned for their one-on-one evening...
The suspense finally ended after several hours of waiting when Kugisaki and Fushiguro felt their phones vibrate simultaneously. They hit pause on their episode at lightning speed, impatient to see the much more enticing update awaiting them on their group messenger!
It was 12:32 AM when Yuuji sent this message to his two closest confidants: “Hey guys! I had planned to write you a huge message detailing what happened, but it got accidentally deleted… I’m too tired to write another one, so the details will have to wait until tomorrow, but just know one thing… ”
Eyes glued to their phones, Kugisaki and Fushiguro eagerly awaited the details from their friend, which came without delay:
“I’m not 100% sure… but I think the sexy Zara outfit had the desired effect! ”
Notes:
The description of the dishes had me drooling, it’s almost foie gras season in France, and I can’t wait! ToT
Plus, lemon tart is my absolute favorite dessert—it’s unbeatable. My sweet tooth is a common point I have with Satoru, after all. The dessert scene is as cute as it is hilarious, just picture the other customers’ faces seeing these two idiots messing around, lol, I can’t.The intensity of the second half of the chapter always makes me bounce in my chair, no matter how many times I reread it… A possessive Gojo is dangerous, sure, but oh-so SEXY! (Help, I’ve never fallen this hard for a manga character since Dazai Osamu from BSD… Akutami, what have you done to me?! XD).
The dance scene has been planned for a long time: I’m terrible at describing dance moves, so I hope I didn’t do too badly! Considering how Yuuji dances in the Lost in Paradise ending, I can confidently say his dancing skills are canon!
I came across a YouTube channel where a professional dancer performed with male partners during competitions! Proof that mindsets are slowly but surely evolving—who said that couple dances have to be between a man and a woman? Dance with whoever you want, as long as you’re having fun!
Kenji Himeno kind of reminds me of Gaston from Beauty and the Beast with his sweet-talking side hiding a nasty personality and his red attire… Maybe it was an unconscious inspiration, lol.
Megumi and Nobara rushing to their phones to read Yuuji’s messages melts my heart—they’re so adorable <3.
I’m still super busy with my university obligations, so my writing pace has definitely slowed down. That’s life, I guess ! I can’t give you a release date for Chapter 7, but I’m starting to work on it! I’ve got the outline in mind, now I just need to write it.
Sending lots of love, my wonderful readers. See you next time!
In the next chapter: Who would’ve thought a waxing session could go so wrong?
Chapter 7: The sun will always shine
Notes:
Hey everyone, how’s it going? First of all, Happy New Year to all of you! I hope 2025 brings you joy and success! <3
Now that the holiday season is over, I was finally able to fine-tune the last details of this chapter. I’ve taken a certain narrative direction… I hesitated a lot before going down this path, but it seemed like the most exciting choice in terms of character development. I have just one thing to say before you dive into Chapter 7: I'm so sorry!
PS : A little reminder ! The italicized and bold text corresponds to the lyrics of a song I included as background for a certain scene.
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“You want—” Yuuji stopped mid-sentence, quickly covering his mouth with his hand, tense.
Even though he was in his own room, you could never be too careful about eavesdroppers. Lowering his voice while speaking on the phone, he muttered, “You want to send your assistant to wax me at school? That’s a terrible idea, Leila-san!”
Yuuji was struggling to keep calm on this sunny late afternoon. Leila had just informed him about an accidental fire that broke out at the studio earlier that morning. An air conditioning unit had a short circuit, which caused it to overheat, and no one noticed until it actually caught fire. Thankfully, no one was injured, and the fire department handled it quickly. But Yuuji’s rising anxiety wasn’t because of the fire. The real issue was that the A/C unit had damaged the equipment in the waxing room, where the models usually got taken care of, not to mention the strong burnt smell that now permeated that part of the studio!
The backstage area was off-limits until further notice. This was a big problem for Yuuji, as he had a shoot scheduled for tonight, and he needed to get his legs waxed! He was supposed to model a set of pajamas, including a pair of rather revealing shorts, for a collaboration with the Narue brand. Showing up with hairy legs was not an option.
“I know!” Leila’s voice replied sympathetically on the other end of the call, sounding genuinely sorry about the unexpected turn of events. “But my team is doing their best to get all the models ready for tonight’s shoots. We can improvise hair and makeup on-site even without access to the backstage area… but waxing isn’t as simple! That’s why I suggested sending Haru to your dorm to take care of the waxing. He’ll be done in 20 minutes, tops! He’ll be in and out before you know it!” she assured, hoping to ease her friend’s growing discomfort at the idea of having someone from the Nebula team show up at his school.
Yuuji, however, had plenty of good reasons to be worried! How could he possibly explain the arrival of a non-sorcerer, someone unknown to his colleagues, without mentioning that Yuuji Itadori needed to get waxed? What excuse could he come up with to make that seem normal? It wasn’t going to be easy, especially since Yuuji wasn’t the type to bring people in from the outside, given how small his circle of acquaintances was.
Up until now, Yuuji had drawn a strict line between his job and his time at Jujutsu High. He was determined to ensure his duties as a sorcerer remained unaffected by his side gig! Crossing that line by letting Haru come to his room for a waxing session was nerve-racking for Yuuji because it heightened the risk of drawing unwanted attention to him and his secret.
“I really don’t like this idea, Leila-san! Can’t I just use a razor this one time? It’s practically the same thing, right?” Yuuji tried to reason with his esthetician, sweat forming on his brow as his voice took on a pleading tone.
The high-pitched scream that followed made Yuuji jerk the phone away from his ear.
“Absolutely no shaving!” Leila shouted, her voice crackling through the phone. Yuuji cautiously brought the device back to his ear, wary of further assaults on his eardrums. “We use wax for a reason at Nebula! Shaving doesn’t give the same smooth results, not to mention the risk of cuts! If you end up with nicks, we’ll have to cover it up in post-production, and that could affect the quality of the photos. So no, it’s not the same! The only alternative I’d consider is letting you wax yourself. But we both know how that went the last time you tried!”
Yuuji started to protest, but quickly bit his tongue, a frustrated grimace twisting his features. Unfortunately, Leila was right. Determined to wax himself, Yuuji had once bought a cold wax kit to try and do his arms at home. However, he quickly discovered that he was mentally incapable of pulling it off. Even though he was fully aware that the pain from the wax strips wouldn’t bother him, some irrational mental block always kicked in when it came time to rip the strip off, as if his brain refused to let him do something as counterintuitive as ripping out his own hair…
The model had no choice but to call Kugisaki for help, and she begrudgingly assisted him in waxing his arms. She made it clear it was a massive chore, told him she wouldn’t do it again, and made Yuuji promise to treat her to a meal as thanks for her hard work! Yuuji’s reluctance to wax himself was as unexpected as it was illogical—after all, we’re talking about someone who fights hand-to-hand against hulking opponents like Todo or Mahito without hesitation, without any mental blocks!
Frustrated by his inability to be as independent as he’d hoped, Yuuji let out a loud sigh, defeated. “Yeah, I know I can’t do it alone. And I’ll admit that doing it at home doesn’t give the same results as a pro…”
“Exactly! All the more reason to let Haru handle it!” Leila insisted.
“Yeah, but I still have to ask Principal Yaga for permission! We can’t just let someone from the outside waltz into the school like that! I need to notify him about Haru-san’s arrival first!”
“I understand, sweetie. Just let me know as soon as possible, okay? That way I can inform Haru what to expect.”
“Got it! I’ll text you as soon as I get the green light. Talk later, Leila-san—and try to enjoy your time off, you workaholic!” Yuuji joked, feeling a bit guilty that Leila was managing this mess all the way from Hokkaido. Vacations are sacred, after all!
“Ha, ha, I promise! Once I update Haru, I’m going back into ‘off’ mode and won’t answer anyone from work until I’m back! Bye, handsome!”
Ending the call, Yuuji’s playful smile quickly faded into a frown of frustration. He really didn’t need this extra stress right now… He already felt rattled enough after what happened a week ago.
Following the surreal and eventful evening aboard the Tokyo Symphony Bay, Yuuji had indeed seen his sensei in class the next day. Gojo had returned to his usual black outfit, with his blindfold once again concealing those piercing blue eyes. Another sign that it was time for Yuuji to come back to reality...
As promised, there was no tension between them. Their relationship was as playful and close as ever. Gojo hadn’t lied when he said a night apart would reset things. But still, Yuuji couldn’t shake the feeling that something had changed, especially after the intense and intimate moment they’d shared on the boat’s terrace. The shift wasn’t obvious—Gojo hadn’t altered his behavior toward Yuuji. He was still the same arrogant, goofy idiot at times, and paradoxically, incredibly charming and caring at others.
But after feeling the warmth of his sensei’s hand on his own, Gojo’s strong chest pressed against his back, after memorizing the scent of his cologne and hearing the breathlessness in his voice, after locking eyes with those dazzling azure orbs countless times… Yuuji couldn’t stand the subtle distance his sensei seemed to be keeping since that night.
No more hugs, even though Gojo had gotten used to giving them! Their conversations were often brief, with Gojo seemingly doing his best to cut their one-on-one interactions short. No more invitations to hang out. No more impromptu visits to Yuuji’s room, even though Gojo used to enjoy checking in on him in person, especially after a long mission.
Yuuji hoped he was wrong, but it felt like Gojo was deliberately putting distance between them. He seemed to be trying to establish a pleasant enough relationship, sure, but one stripped of the passionate dynamic Yuuji had experienced recently. The peak of their closeness had been aboard the Tokyo Symphony Bay, where Yuuji had shared some of the most intimate moments with Satoru.
Yuuji did his best not to overanalyze the subtle shift that had initially gone unnoticed… but he couldn’t help but question his own conclusions! Was he the only one who had felt the intensity, the sincerity, and the closeness in their interactions and touches during that dinner? Instead of drawing Gojo closer, had Yuuji ultimately made his sensei uncomfortable with his unconventional outfit? Satoru had mentioned it himself during their argument, clearly disturbed—even irritated—by it.
Yuuji couldn’t accept the idea that he had misread the situation or let his emotions blind him to the point of creating an alternate reality! His sensei had assured him that he’d enjoyed the evening as much as Yuuji had, and that his frustration wasn’t directly related to Yuuji or their little spat at the end of the night. Gojo wouldn’t have sugarcoated things just to spare Yuuji’s feelings, right? Sacrificing honesty for the sake of being “politically correct” wasn’t his style! The Strongest was notorious for his disdain for political correctness. He was brutally honest—if he had a problem with someone, he’d say it outright, without sugarcoating anything. Even Megumi had said that Gojo wasn’t the type to mislead people…
So why the drastic change in their physical closeness? Why was Gojo so determined to alter the rituals Yuuji had grown so fond of? Yuuji just knew he wasn’t imagining things! He could feel Gojo pulling back, and he had no idea why. It was driving him crazy with frustration !
Clenching his fists tightly around the bed sheets, Yuuji sat on his bed, trying to catch his breath. His ruminations and the insecurities that came with them had resurfaced, and they were as intense as ever. It was becoming harder and harder for Yuuji to fight them off, to keep from being consumed by his deepest fears.
One of those fears was losing the exclusive and unique bond he thought he’d built with his sensei until now. He was terrified of losing that precious connection, that closeness that gave his everyday life meaning.
But regardless, he had to pull himself together! Yuuji didn’t have time to wallow in self-pity—there’d be plenty of time for that once he was lying in bed tonight. For now, he needed to find Principal Yaga and ask for permission to let Haru enter the school… What a pain! What excuse was Yuuji going to come up with to justify this? Stupid fire! Stupid bad luck!
⁂
Thank goodness, Yuuji managed to pass Haru off as an old friend from Sendai who was visiting him. Yaga had reminded the young sorcerer that normally, the principal was quite hesitant about allowing non-sorcerers on school grounds. Not because Yaga was discriminatory, but because he wanted to protect the more vulnerable individuals from the increased risk of surprise attacks on Jujutsu High, especially with the growing number of Curse Users appearing recently…
Jujutsu High was not a safe place for regular humans, oblivious to the dangers constantly lurking around them. But since Yuuji had assured Yaga that the meeting would be brief, the principal made an exception without demanding further explanations from Itadori. The model felt a pang of guilt upon realizing the amount of trust Yaga was placing in him. Needless to say, Yuuji felt all the more guilty for lying about the real reason for Haru's visit...
No time to drown in guilt! Haru had arrived, having climbed the large stairs leading to the school's inner courtyard, slightly out of breath as Yuuji rushed to greet him. It was the first time they had met; Leila usually made sure to handle Yuuji herself, so he wasn’t as familiar with the rest of the Nebula beauty team.
Catching his breath after the mini-marathon up the seemingly endless stairs, Haru straightened up and looked toward Yuuji with a polite smile. He was shorter than Yuuji, maybe by about ten centimeters. His wavy blonde hair and light green eyes, along with his modest height, gave him a boyish look that Yuuji couldn’t help but find adorable.
“Hello, Haru-san! Thanks for coming all the way here. I’m Itadori Yuuji,” Yuuji said with a polite bow before reaching for the large metal case Haru was carrying. “Do you need help with that? I can carry it for you!”
“Oh, thank you, Itadori-kun, but I’m alright! It’s not as heavy as it looks,” Haru gently declined, bowing slightly in return. “Haru Kobayashi, nice to meet you! Leila-san made it clear we shouldn't linger, so let’s get right to business to save you any inconvenience.”
Grateful for Haru’s understanding, Yuuji nodded eagerly, leading him to his room in the dorm.
Luckily, Yuuji hadn’t run into any of his seniors in the hallways. Fushiguro and Kugisaki were the only ones in the loop about what was happening and had promised to act as if nothing was going on and to cover for Yuuji if needed. Quickly shutting the door behind him, Yuuji let out a sigh of relief: no one would bother them here! He could get his waxing done without interruptions.
“I’ve done my best to tidy up, but my room’s still a bit messy, sorry!” Yuuji apologized as he moved the wooden chair from his desk to face the bed, gesturing for Haru to sit.
“Oh, I wouldn’t call it messy, not at all! Your room’s quite cute!” Haru glanced around before his eyes landed on Yuuji’s bookshelf filled with manga and figurines.
Haru’s face lit up with excitement. “Oh! Your Yoruichi figure is amazing! Are you a Bleach fan too?”
Haru’s enthusiasm was contagious. Yuuji’s eyes sparkled in turn, his inner otaku coming to life. “Oh my god, yes! I love that manga! You read Jump too, right?”
Yuuji couldn’t contain his excitement, his voice rising to unexpected heights now that he had found a fellow manga fan.
“Of course! I never miss an issue! It’s my Sunday ritual!” Haru explained passionately as he opened his case, placing his waxing pot, spatulas, and strips of paper on Yuuji’s bedside table, which had been cleared of its bulky lamp. “We’ll be waxing your legs, so I’ll need you to strip down to your underwear.”
Following the esthetician’s instructions, Yuuji shed his white sweatpants, now standing in nothing but a crimson red boxer and a yellow hoodie. As Haru plugged in the heater and let the wax pellets melt into liquid, Yuuji lay on his back, legs ready to be stripped of their pink hair.
Feeling much more comfortable around Haru, Yuuji let his natural curiosity take over.
“Haru-san, you look so young! I know it’s not polite to ask, but… how old are you?” Yuuji fidgeted with his fingers, nervous about making Haru uncomfortable with the question.
Amused, the young esthetician chuckled as he dipped his spatula into the hot wax. “I get that question a lot, and I’m not offended in the slightest! Believe it or not, I’m 22.”
“No way!” Yuuji’s eyes widened in disbelief. “You’re four years older than me? That’s incredible! Is it just good genes? I bet you won’t have a single wrinkle when you’re old!”
Yuuji’s joke made Haru laugh as he applied wax to the front of the model’s legs.
“Yeah, I guess it runs in the family! But it’s not all good—it’s a nightmare when I want to buy alcohol at the konbini near my place. The cashiers never believe I’m an adult. I always have to show my ID!”
With the wax now applied to both of Yuuji’s calves, Haru got serious again as he grabbed a strip of paper. “Are your legs sensitive? I’ll be gentle!”
This brought back memories of Yuuji’s first waxing session with Leila, recalling the shocked expression on her face when she realized Yuuji didn’t feel any pain. Laughing to himself, Yuuji reassured Haru, “Oh, don’t worry about me, you can go all out!”
Haru hesitated, an unsure expression on his face. “Are you sure?”
“Positive!” Yuuji beamed, putting Haru at ease, who proceeded to wax the area quickly.
Once Yuuji’s front calves and thighs were smooth and hair-free, Haru looked astonished by what had just happened. “Wow, you didn’t flinch at all when I waxed your thighs! That’s the most sensitive area, along with the pubic area !”
Yuuji rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. “Yeah, I know it’s not normal, but the wax doesn’t bother me at all. Leila-san says I’m lucky…”
“I’d say so! You should see how some of the other models react when I wax their thighs. Some of them might look tough, but believe me, the masks come off when I get to that area! Total softies!” Haru joked as he applied some oil on Yuuji's front legs, before signaling Itadori to turn over.
Now lying on his stomach, Yuuji let Haru apply wax to the back of his thighs, all while reigniting their shared passion for manga. “So, you’re a Yoruichi fan too?” Yuuji asked playfully, genuinely curious to know more about Haru and his manga tastes.
This was exactly why Yuuji preferred getting waxed by an esthetician—it always led to fun conversations! Waxing sessions with Leila were always moments of joy and connection that Yuuji wouldn’t trade for anything.
“Hmm, I like her, but I’m more of a Renji fan. That guy’s a total heartthrob!” Haru said with a cheeky tone, a slight blush coloring his cheeks.
“Oh, thank goodness! I’m not the only one crushing on fictional characters, ha ha!” Yuuji laughed, thoroughly enjoying the conversation. “Honestly, Hitsugaya is more my type… I like his mix of brooding and cuteness!”
The paradoxical nature of the white-haired character reminded Yuuji of a certain blindfolded sensei… His heart clenched at the thought, but Yuuji quickly pushed it aside, focusing on the present moment. There would be plenty of time to dwell on those feelings later.
“Oh, I totally get why you’d be into him! He’s got stunning eyes! But I think I have a thing for wild and straight-forward persona…” Haru chuckled as he efficiently pulled off the wax strips.
“I feel you so much!” Yuuji replied, arms wrapped around his pillow, chin resting on top. “I wonder if Leila-san is into manga too ! I never—”
Yuuji didn’t get a chance to finish his sentence. The model froze like a statue when someone knocked on his door. The situation was already problematic enough. But his stomach twisted into knots when he heard a singing voice through the door:
“Yuuujii! Who are you talking to?”
Holy hell, it was Gojo-sensei . And of course, he picked the worst possible moment to show up, the big idiot!
Tense as a bowstring, Yuuji spun around in his bed and shouted, “No one! There’s no—”
“Ah! Don’t turn over yet, you’re getting wax on your bed!” Haru called out, oblivious to the catastrophic situation Yuuji found himself in.
Yuuji wanted to die. He was cursed, head to toe! He snapped his head around to face Haru, whose expression grew concerned as he noticed the color drain from Yuuji’s face, leaving him as pale as a corpse. Was he about to faint?
After a long, painful silence, the voice Yuuji knew all too well rang out again through the door: “Well, I need to talk to you, so whether you’ve got company or not, I’m coming in.”
Yuuji screamed in pure desperation, “NO! Come back later, Sense—”
Too late. Yuuji’s door was locked, but Gojo used his Infinity to teleport directly into the student’s room, a little bag in hand and his usual carefree smile on his face. He was probably back from a mission… but whatever the reason for his visit, Yuuji was screwed .
There was a moment of awkward stillness as Gojo took in the scene before him. First, there was an unfamiliar blonde guy sitting across from Yuuji’s bed, staring at The Strongest with a bewildered expression. Then there was Yuuji, in his underwear, legs glistening, as Haru had applied oil to make sure the wax didn’t leave his skin sticky.
Yuuji, who had turned pale earlier, suddenly felt all the blood in his body rush to his face, giving him a dizzying wave of heat. Bright red in embarrassment under his sensei’s gaze—sharp even through the blindfold—Yuuji grabbed his blanket in a last-ditch effort and threw it over his lower half, shyly hiding his smooth, hairless legs from his sensei's gaze.
Completely panicked, Yuuji started losing it, while Haru, utterly clueless, stood there unsure of what had just unfolded. “S-Sensei, for heaven’s sake, I told you to come back later! Ever heard of something called manners ?! You always do whatever the hell you want!”
This idiot had teleported in front of Haru, a non-sorcerer! What a colossal fool! Of course, Gojo had to choose this moment, instead of continuing to avoid Yuuji like he had all week. Nope, Mr. Mood Swing decided to poke his nose into delicate matters at the worst possible time! If Yuuji could, he’d bang his head against a wall right now! The string of bad luck that had followed him since morning was driving him mad.
How the hell was he going to explain this? Haru’s waxing supplies were laid out on Yuuji’s nightstand for everyone to see! It was a complete disaster. Yuuji was mortified, adrenaline from anxiety making his hands tremble.
He had to face it: his secret was in serious danger.
Blinded by panic and frustration, Yuuji didn’t notice a crucial detail: Gojo had stopped smiling. His sensei’s face was strangely tense, and he stood silently, barely registering Yuuji’s scolding about manners. The critique didn’t seem to affect Gojo at all. His face was turned toward Haru, and the young esthetician, initially confused by Yuuji’s sudden stress, began to feel deeply uncomfortable under the scrutinizing stare of the tall white-haired stranger.
“Yuuji…” Gojo’s voice was low, almost a growl. “Who the hell is this guy?”
Sighing loudly, Yuuji tried to scramble for an explanation. “He’s a friend! Just a friend, okay?” Yuuji didn’t want to sound so desperate, but he couldn’t help it—his chaotic emotions prevented him from staying calm.
He shot Haru a quick glance, silently begging him to stay quiet and let Yuuji handle Gojo’s unexpected intrusion. Haru seemed to get the message, a bead of sweat rolling down his forehead. Poor guy—he hadn’t asked to be thrown into this mess! Yuuji needed to get Gojo out of the room, fast.
Unfortunately, Yuuji’s first lie wasn’t enough to deter Gojo, who didn’t look even slightly convinced. If anything, his body language became more tense.
“Oh? And do you always strip down in front of your ‘friends’? Let them rub oil on your legs too? Quite the unusual friendship, if you ask me !” Gojo’s tone was sarcastic, his words meant to entertain, but Yuuji could hear the sharp edge of irritation behind them.
That only made Yuuji panic more. Frustrated, Yuuji didn’t hold back his words, gripping the blanket tightly around his legs, determined to keep them hidden from his sensei.
“Sensei, I really don’t care about your opinion right now! I’m busy, I can’t talk to you at the moment. Can you please come back later?” Yuuji’s tone was firm, clearly signaling that Gojo’s presence wasn’t wanted.
But this only made things worse. Gojo clenched his jaw, genuinely angry now.
“Huh?! You’re seriously kicking me out like this? Why the hell should I leave? He’s the one who should go!” Gojo snapped, pointing immaturely at the esthetician, who looked like he wanted to disappear.
“I said I need to talk to you, Yuuji!” Gojo’s voice dropped into a final, commanding tone.
Gojo’s childish behavior and complete disregard for Haru pushed Yuuji over the edge. Was he serious? He barged in here uninvited and now wanted to kick Haru out? Not a chance! Gojo might be used to getting his way, but Yuuji wasn’t going to put up with his crap today. No more tolerance for this nonsense!
“Excuse me?! That’s it! You’ve got no manners, Sensei! Normally, I don’t mind, but you’re way out of line this time!” Yuuji’s voice rose to a level rarely heard in his arguments with Gojo. “What part of ‘I’m busy’ do you not understand?!”
Gojo clicked his tongue in annoyance, his jaw tense like a dog ready to bite.
“You’ve gotta be kidding me! Busy with what? Getting waxed? Oiled up? Wow, you’ve really got a packed schedule, huh, princess ?”
The condescending tone was all too familiar—Gojo had used a similar one when mocking Yuuji’s makeup and outfit during their argument on the Tokyo Symphony Bay. The painful memory still stung Yuuji, even though Gojo had eventually calmed down. Deep down, Yuuji feared that his sensei truly disapproved of his metrosexual side.
But the hurt was swiftly replaced by a wave of anger like nothing Yuuji had ever felt before—never toward his sensei, the man he was devoted to!
“YES! Exactly! I’m very busy getting waxed and oiled ! So now, get out of here!” Yuuji didn’t care if his neighbors—one of them being Fushiguro—heard him yelling. He was furious !
“I-Itadori-kun… I can step out for a bit if you need to talk privately…” Haru tried to defuse the situation, petrified by the argument happening in front of him, but Yuuji cut him off sharply.
“No, Haru-san, you’re not going anywhere! He is going to learn some manners and come back at a more appropriate time!” Yuuji was red with anger, glaring at his sensei with heavy disapproval.
A staring contest ensued, neither of them backing down. The two sorcerers were at the peak of their frustration and fury. Their cursed energy, invisible to Haru, was clashing violently—Gojo’s was the more overwhelming, filled with resentment and something else Yuuji couldn’t quite place. No matter what kind of intimidation his sensei was trying to pull, Yuuji wasn’t going to cave! That selfish, rude idiot was going to leave this room, one way or another!
Even though Gojo was known for being impossibly stubborn, Yuuji was both surprised and relieved to realize he had won the stare-down. Letting out a frustrated “ tch ,” Satoru finally gave in. Instead of teleporting, he angrily unlocked the door and stormed out without another word, slamming it shut behind him with such force that a crack formed in the wall next to the handle, a result of his superhuman strength.
Haru jumped in fright, hand covering his mouth, completely shocked by what he had just witnessed.
“I-Itadori-kun, he… he cracked the wall!”
“Well, he can pay for the repairs; he’s more than able to afford it!” Yuuji growled, still fuming.
He threw the blanket off his legs in frustration and flopped back onto his stomach with an angry sigh.
“Haru-san, I really don’t know what to say… You should never have had to witness something like that! I’m so sorry, I don’t know what got into him…” Yuuji’s head rested on his pillow again, looking at Haru with a pained expression.
“N-no, I feel more sorry for you! Why is that man so aggressive? Is he really a friend of yours?”
“Yeah… let’s call him a friend,” Yuuji muttered tiredly, not wanting to get into the complicated details of his relationship with Gojo. “I don’t know what’s going on between us lately… I don’t understand his behavior anymore. He’s not usually this insufferable! He can be, but not like this… not with me.”
Yuuji really didn’t want to burden Haru with his personal problems. The poor guy had already witnessed an unexpectedly heated argument when he was only here to do a simple waxing! But Yuuji felt so awful about what had just happened that he couldn’t help but voice his thoughts out loud. The adrenaline from the stress and anger was still coursing through him, to the point where he could feel his eyes start to well up with emotion. His relationship with Gojo was indeed heading in a different direction, one that made Yuuji deeply uncomfortable. A direction he had never wanted!
Before their night aboard the Tokyo Symphony Bay, Yuuji had never— never —gotten into a fight with Gojo. It just hadn’t happened, not even when Gojo was being especially stubborn or arrogant! But something had shifted between them since that night, and now, it felt like their emotions were constantly simmering, ready to erupt like a volcano at the slightest bit of tension. Why is this happening ?
Yuuji still couldn’t find an answer to his questions. And he knew he’d have to live with the frustration of not knowing for a while longer…
“I… I hope things work out between you two. It’d be a shame to lose a friend over temporary tensions,” Haru tried to comfort Yuuji, placing a warm hand on the sorcerer’s shoulder.
Despite feeling down, Yuuji did his best to smile at the esthetician, showing how grateful he was for the support.
Yuuji wasn’t sure if he could afford to hope anymore… He was too afraid of being disappointed. He had already been let down this week, after all.
⁂
It was around 10 p.m. when Yuuji returned to the dorm after his shoot, his hands full of shopping bags from Uniqlo, where he’d stopped before work. The shoot had been a golden opportunity for the model to relax and focus on just one thing: delivering great photos! Dressed in a satin sleep set consisting of a red tank top and matching shorts, Yuuji had enjoyed posing in a set designed to resemble a grand, luxurious bedroom.
For the first time in his young career, Yuuji had been asked to wear clothes that leaned more feminine than masculine. The reason for this was that Narue , the brand behind the shoot, had released a collection of clothing far from conventional, and choosing a male model to wear such atypical outfits aligned with their goal of defying all pre-established norms. While Yuuji wasn’t particularly drawn to sexy pajamas, this shoot had been a fun experience! At the end of the shoot, a marketing manager from Narue gifted him a buttoned white nightshirt, likely as a way to strengthen the professional bond between the brand and the models from Nebula. Yuuji wasn’t sure if he’d ever wear it… at worst, it would be a nice keepsake! He could even consider giving it to Kugisaki if she showed any interest.
In any case, Yuuji was exhausted! All he wanted was to put his things down, take a nice shower, and sleep! Sighing in fatigue, Yuuji pulled out his keys as he approached his front door and—
What was Ijichi-san doing standing in front of his door? And he looked absolutely drained! Concerned, Yuuji quickened his pace and called out:
“Ijichi-san? Did you need to s—”
Before Yuuji could finish his sentence, Kiyotaka whipped his head around with a speed that startled him, his eyes wide and frantic, completely at odds with his usually weary demeanor. He practically lunged at Yuuji, grabbing his shoulders with a sense of urgency.
“Yuuji-kun! Thank goodness you’re here!”
“I-Ijichi-san? You’re scaring me!” Yuuji stammered, sweat forming on his brow at the sight of the usually composed man acting so desperate. “Did something happen?”
“Yes! Something did happen—Gojo-san has been absolutely unbearable today!” Ijichi looked on the verge of a nervous breakdown as he explained.
Hearing the mention of his love interest, Yuuji was taken aback, his eyes widening slightly before his face morphed into a resigned expression.
“Uh… that’s not really different from usual, is it?”
“I’ll give you that, he’s always unbearable…” Ijichi whispered this part, as if afraid of prying ears. “But today, he took it to levels I didn’t think were possible! Yuuji-kun, did something happen between you two?”
Blushing furiously, Yuuji avoided Ijichi’s piercing gaze. It was no secret among most of the school’s staff that he and Gojo regularly went out together, their frequent meetings giving the impression that they were close, even from an outside perspective. However, Yuuji had no intention of discussing the argument from that afternoon—it was far too personal to bring up with Ijichi, of all people.
His awkward silence spoke volumes.
“I knew something happened! Look, I’m not trying to pry into something that doesn’t concern me—I’ve got enough problems of my own. But one thing’s for sure: today has been the worst day of my entire career, and I cannot survive a whole week in such a miserable atmosphere with that… that man! So please, whatever happened between you two, make peace! For the love of God, reconcile, or I’m going to lose my mind !”
Ijichi looked utterly pitiful, his eyes watering and his hands trembling. Yuuji knew how Gojo had a habit of using Ijichi as his personal punching bag, ignoring most of his instructions, dragging him all over Tokyo for personal errands, and driving him crazy with worry because The Strongest had a severe allergy to punctuality… All of this made Yuuji feel nothing but sympathy for Kiyotaka. He placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.
“I’m really sorry about all this, Ijichi-san.”
“You’re one of the few who ever feels sorry for me, Yuuji-kun…” Ijichi muttered, slightly less distressed as he adjusted his glasses, his face still weighed down with exhaustion. “I just wanted to give you a heads-up about what’s been going on. Now, I’m heading home—I need a glass of whiskey to forget this awful day…”
With that melancholy comment, Ijichi shuffled away like a zombie toward the dorm’s exit.
Yuuji genuinely felt bad for Ijichi and hoped he’d recover from this tough day… Gojo really was impossible!
As the memory of that afternoon’s confrontation resurfaced, Yuuji felt his anger flare up again. Letting out a snort like an enraged bull, he entered his room, dropped his bags, and headed straight for the shower he so desperately needed.
After about twenty minutes, Yuuji returned, walking calmly back to his room, dressed in black sweatpants and a white T-shirt. He stepped into his room—it was a mess! He hadn’t had time to tidy up his beauty products before heading to the shoot. They were scattered all over his desk.
With care, Yuuji began putting his makeup tools back in their dedicated case when a familiar voice broke the silence:
“Does this seem like a more ‘appropriate’ time to visit, Yuuji?”
To be honest, Yuuji didn’t even flinch in surprise, as he usually did when his sensei teleported in unannounced. A tired smile tugged at his lips as he turned toward Gojo.
“Honestly? Knocking wouldn’t have killed you! But I suppose I’m being too demanding. I do appreciate the effort to ask—sarcastic as it was. It’s a good start.”
Yuuji was fully aware of how dry and mocking his tone was. It couldn’t be helped after Gojo’s inexcusable behavior that afternoon! Surely, Satoru didn’t expect to be greeted with a warm smile, right? He had crossed a line, and Yuuji intended to make that clear this time. Yuuji wasn’t going to let anyone walk all over him, not even the man he loved!
“Geez, it feels like I’m talking to Nanamin,” Gojo grumbled, clearly irritated by Yuuji’s cold response as he sat down on the bed without being invited.
“Maybe you should ask yourself why Nanamin talks to you like that, don’t you think?” Yuuji suggested, feigning neutrality as he continued organizing his makeup tools, his back to his sensei.
No response came. Not that Yuuji had expected one, anyway! Once his desk was tidy, Yuuji grabbed his beauty case and mirror and stored them in their respective drawers. The silence in the room was thick. To avoid being overwhelmed by the tension, Yuuji kept himself busy, picking up the bags he’d left near his bed without so much as glancing at Gojo, pretending he wasn’t even there. Out of the corner of his eye, Yuuji could see his sensei deep in thought, elbows resting on his knees as he silently watched Yuuji move around the room.
Opening his closet, Yuuji began unpacking his new clothes, folding them neatly before placing them on their shelves. He refused to be the one to make the first move! If Gojo had something to say, he could go ahead and say it!
It was probably childish of Yuuji to act this way, but his mind kept flooding him with memories of the harsh words Gojo had thrown at him—whether it was today or last week on the Tokyo Symphony Bay. Gojo had never shown the slightest bit of remorse! And those words ( Look at yourself! Aren’t you going a bit overboard? Quite the packed schedule, huh, princess? ) were implicitly, insidiously hurtful… and mean !
Did Gojo not realize the weight of his words? Or did hurting Yuuji with his insults simply not matter to him? A wave of anger washed over Yuuji again at the thought, causing him to place his clothes on the shelf with more force than necessary, his brows furrowing in frustration.
Sorry, Ijichi-san… Yuuji thought with a heavy heart. Today, I’m not making any concessions. I have my pride, too.
The possibility of reconciliation between him and Gojo seemed unlikely. The only way it could happen would be if…
“Where were you tonight, Yuuji?” Gojo muttered, sounding annoyed.
The blindfolded stare of The Strongest seemed to pierce through Yuuji’s back. The model smiled nonchalantly as he continued tidying up.
“As you can see, I took advantage of my free time to do a little shopping.”
Simple, brief, and clear. No hesitation, no stammering—unlike the old days when Yuuji would have panicked every time his sensei tried to find out where he’d been.
“Oh, really? Your classes ended at 4 p.m., which means your shopping spree lasted over, what, six hours? Even though most stores close by 8? Even Nobara isn’t that extreme !” Gojo pointed out, his tone suddenly skeptical of Yuuji’s response.
“Oh, with all the missions you’ve been handling day and night, you still have time to memorize my schedule in such detail? You take your role as a mentor way too seriously, sensei!”
Yuuji tried to sound playful, but inside, he was deeply uneasy at the fact that Gojo knew his comings and goings so well. It could become a problem for Itadori’s credibility…
“You’re not answering my question.” Gojo struggled to hide the impatience and frustration creeping into his voice.
Finishing his tidying, Yuuji set the small bag containing his new nightshirt aside (there was no way he was unpacking that in front of his judgmental sensei) and slammed the closet doors shut with more force than necessary. Taking a slow breath, Yuuji finally turned toward his desk, placing his notebooks and pencil case down as if preparing to study (though the moment Gojo left, he planned to go straight to bed).
These meaningless actions were Yuuji’s way of trying to control his boiling emotions. With a false smile that didn’t suit him at all, he finally said:
“I didn’t know I was about to be interrogated when I let you in! I’m not sure what crime I’m being accused of, but I’m innocent, officer!”
Yuuji tried to divert the conversation with humor and feigned lightness… It was his only option to avoid an ugly escalation between him and Satoru. Yuuji was exhausted, both physically and mentally. He didn’t have the strength or patience to hold back his anger if Gojo crossed the line again.
He hoped being vague would be enough to defuse things… what a mistake!
Yuuji had no time to react as Gojo rose from the bed with a rage that resembled a ticking time bomb about to explode. His footsteps were heavy and deliberate as he stormed toward the younger sorcerer. Without warning, he grabbed Yuuji by the shoulders, forcefully turning him around before pinning his chin between his fingers, immobilizing him. Gojo’s other hand slammed powerfully onto the desk beside them, trapping Yuuji in a cage of iron will. There was no escape; Gojo left him no choice but to look straight at him—or rather, at his blindfold, which did little to obscure the blazing fury emanating from his gaze. His jaw was clenched tight, his breaths chaotic and uneven.
Yuuji was stunned by the sudden proximity of the man he secretly loved. After a week of being kept at a distance, he found himself mere inches away, his trembling hands bracing against the desk behind him to steady himself. He had done it—he had triggered the one thing he had tried so desperately to avoid: he had made Gojo furious.
Thunder rumbled in the distance.
"Since when has my Yuuji become so insolent, hmm? Ignoring me, keeping secrets from me... What does your sensei have to do to make you answer his questions?" Gojo’s voice was low and venomous as he leaned closer. His breath was hot against Yuuji’s ear as he hissed, "Do I need to punish you, Yuuji? Is that what it will take to get an honest answer out of you?"
His voice dripped with promises and resentment. Yuuji’s own body betrayed him—an involuntary gasp escaped his lips as Gojo’s heated breath sent a shiver down his spine. The model’s cheeks burned as though he was feverish. He must have lost his mind to react like this while his sensei was threatening punishment for his insolence!
Physical punishment was almost unheard of at Jujutsu High, an outdated and inappropriate method of discipline reserved for the rulebook’s theoretical worst-case scenarios. Yuuji should have been terrified; he should have been falling over himself to apologize. That’s what any rational person would do in his place.
But Yuuji wasn’t acting rationally. The truth is that Yuuji was so doomed that he felt excited by anything that had to do with his sensei's existence: even his fits of anger sent him into a frenzy!
Overwhelmed, the model remained silent, his breathing uneven, which only seemed to irritate Gojo further. The older man’s hand moved with calculated precision to trace Yuuji’s throat. It wasn’t a grip; no pressure was applied. It was a warning, implicit and deliberate.
"With the way you spoke to me this afternoon," Gojo murmured, his tone cold and contemplative, "maybe I should do exactly that. Just to give you a little reminder."
The audacity! Yuuji’s indignation flared, his earlier arousal morphing into fiery defiance. A reminder of what, exactly? Gojo’s vague threats made no sense to him.
His frustration boiled over, and he spat, "Oh yeah? And what exactly are you accusing me of, sensei? Getting my legs waxed by an esthetician? That’s ridiculous!"
He could feel the heat of his own anger replacing the earlier blush of flustered embarrassment. Yet, beneath it all, Yuuji’s heart twisted with fear. He prayed desperately that this wasn’t the root of Gojo’s behavior—that his sensei wasn’t acting out of disgust or intolerance toward Yuuji’s new lifestyle.
Gojo’s only response was a low, guttural growl as his hand closed around Yuuji’s neck. Still, no pressure followed—it was merely another unspoken warning, his way of saying Itadori had crossed a line.
"You’re testing my patience, Yuuji."
Gojo’s voice remained calm, but the heavy weight of his cursed energy spoke louder than any raised tone. Yuuji knew the warning was clear, but he refused to back down. Why should he submit to someone so utterly infuriating? He wouldn’t let himself be intimidated by this immature man-child masquerading as an authority figure. If Gojo wanted to lecture him, he’d have to hear what Yuuji had to say first.
Fueled by a newfound boldness—or perhaps recklessness—Yuuji shot back, "What’s your problem with Haru-san, sensei? Is it because he’s a non-sorcerer? If you’d bothered to check, you’d know Principal Yaga gave me permission to let him on campus! Unlike you, I actually care about the rules!"
The words were sharp and deliberate, a challenge meant to provoke a response. If Gojo was going to play games, Yuuji was determined to drag the truth out of him, no matter the cost.
"Oh? Principal Yaga approved this charade? I’ll be sure to have a word with him."
At those words, Yuuji felt his resolve crumble, replaced by a sudden wave of raw anxiety. Yaga wasn’t supposed to know Haru was an esthetician! His mind raced with worst-case scenarios, his imagination conjuring the principal’s inevitable disappointment. His gaze dropped to the floor, panic flashing in his wide eyes.
But Gojo wouldn’t have it. He pressed harder on Yuuji’s chin, forcing the younger sorcerer to look up.
"Eyes on me! Don’t you dare look away."
No! Yuuji clenched his fists, willing himself to stay focused. This wasn’t the time to spiral. Get it together, Itadori Yuuji. Don’t back down now. Fight !
Gojo had disabled his Infinity to touch him—Yuuji knew it. That’s why he grabbed his sensei’s wrist, trying to shove him off. The act of defiance stunned Gojo; for a brief moment, shock flickered across his face. He hadn’t expected this kind of pushback from his usually obedient Yuuji.
"A ‘charade,’ sensei ?" Yuuji’s voice was sharp and unwavering as he glared at Gojo. "I tried to make myself clear aboard the Tokyo Symphony Bay, but since you’re slow on the uptake, let me spell it out for you: my habits, my hobbies, my opinions—everything that happens outside of class is MY business and no one else’s!"
Yuuji’s fiery determination burned in his gaze, unrelenting as he delivered his next words. "I don’t owe anyone an explanation—not even you!"
He didn’t realize it, but Yuuji had crossed a line. His final declaration snapped Gojo out of his momentary shock. His expression twisted, his teeth clenched in a snarl, and a low, guttural growl rumbled from his chest.
"Oh, really?!" Gojo leaned in dangerously close, their faces just inches apart. His voice was low and cutting. "Well then, next time some sleazy old creep tries to put his hands on you, you can handle it yourself!"
It was a clear jab at Kenji Himeno. Yuuji’s gratitude for Gojo stepping in back then still lingered, but this? This was too far. If Gojo thought that act of protection gave him the right to behave like this, he was dead wrong.
"You know what, Yuuji?" Gojo spat, his tone dripping with venom. "Go ahead. Plaster on your makeup, spray yourself with perfume, and strut around in jeans so tight it’s all anyone can see. Do whatever makes you happy!"
Yuuji’s chest tightened at the sheer disdain in Gojo’s voice. It cut deep, but he refused to let it show. Not now. Not when he needed answers.
"You like feeling—" Gojo paused, drawing a sharp breath, as if the next words burned his throat. "You like feeling another guy’s hands on your legs? Fine. Knock yourself out."
I can’t break. I won’t break. Yuuji repeated the thought over and over, even as each word stabbed at his heart. It hurts, but I have to know what’s really going on between us .
Gojo’s next words came out sharp and fast, each syllable a knife’s edge. "You wanna parade around like some slut for everyone to see? Be my guest. At this point, there’s nothing left to f—"
Gojo Satoru never got to finish that sentence.
Lost in their argument, neither sorcerer had noticed the sky outside growing darker. The rumble of thunder and flashes of lightning finally gave way to torrential rain, the downpour hammering against Yuuji’s window with a deafening roar. The sound and the melancholy glow of the storm framed the scene in Yuuji’s room, where he had, in a moment of raw instinct, slapped the man he loved. Gojo hadn’t had time to reactivate his Infinity to block the impact—his anger had blinded him, leaving him unprepared.
It truly was an act of survival, Yuuji thought. If Gojo had kept talking, if those words had continued spilling from his mouth, Yuuji knew he would have crumbled. His heart would have shattered into a thousand pieces, and there would have been no putting it back together.
Perhaps Gojo had never considered the possibility that Yuuji would raise a hand against him. Yuuji hadn’t thought himself capable of it either. God, there was a time when he would have rather died than hurt Satoru in any way, whether physically or emotionally—the man he loved, his savior.
But this time… enough was enough. Gojo had crossed too many lines today, but this—this was the final one. The barrier Yuuji had sworn to protect above all else: his honor. Gojo had insulted him, without hesitation, without remorse. He had struck at the core of Yuuji’s dignity, trampling on his feelings, his identity, with no restraint.
No matter how much he loved Gojo, Yuuji couldn’t let this go. He couldn’t forgive such cruelty, such disdain. And so, he had slapped him with every ounce of strength he had, driven by the desperate need for Satoru to feel even a fraction of the pain he had just inflicted on the one who adored him with all his heart and soul.
Now, silent tears streamed down Yuuji’s face. His expression remained frozen, his wide eyes locked on Gojo, who stood stunned, holding his reddened cheek and staring into the void.
"Get out of my room," Yuuji whispered, his voice barely audible, drained and broken.
Gojo snapped out of his daze with a sharp inhale, as if suddenly realizing how disastrously this argument had spiraled. He didn’t obey Yuuji’s command immediately. Instead, he reached out, attempting one final connection, his hand moving toward Yuuji’s tear-streaked face, as though to wipe away the evidence of his pain.
"Yuuji... I—"
"DON’T TOUCH ME!"
For the first time, Yuuji violently slapped away the hand of the man he loved, stepping back and finally freeing himself from Gojo’s presence against the desk. Gojo, too shocked to react, let him go.
Yuuji’s voice cracked and trembled, raw with despair and resentment. The force of his scream left his chest aching—an agony that rivaled, if not exceeded, the pain he’d felt when Sukuna had literally torn his heart out.
He would have preferred a thousand deaths to this kind of anguish. This was caused by the one person he had trusted above all others, the one person he had admired and hoped for more than anyone else.
Yuuji felt utterly devastated. Hurt. Betrayed.
Wrapping his arms around himself in a gesture of self-protection, he could feel the violent sobs threatening to overtake him. But he refused to break. Not here. Not now. He wouldn’t let Gojo see him like this—pitiful, miserable. His dignity had already suffered enough.
"Leave." Yuuji ordered once more, his voice firm but fractured.
Yuuji stood with his back to Gojo. After several seconds of silence that stretched into what felt like an eternity, Satoru finally obeyed. Yuuji stared fixedly at the floor, the golden light of his irises now dulled, as he listened to his sensei’s slow, heavy footsteps move toward the door.
Just before leaving, The Strongest hesitated. Why? Did he still have more vile words to spew? More venom to inject into Yuuji’s heart like a merciless serpent? Itadori felt himself teetering on the edge of a violent breakdown. If Gojo didn’t leave quietly, he would pay the price!
Only when Yuuji heard the sound of the door clicking shut and his sensei’s footsteps receding into the distance, leaving behind a deafening, solitary silence, did he allow his emotions to erupt with full force.
Wracked with intense sobs, Yuuji let out sounds that were almost inhuman—the kind of noises a gravely injured animal might make. Never in his life had his heart been so utterly torn to shreds. Tears streamed endlessly down his face, his sobs breaking through in uncontrollable waves.
He paced back and forth across his room, clutching his head in his hands as Gojo’s words echoed mercilessly in his mind, like a cruel, chaotic refrain:
"Look at yourself… You love drawing attention… feeling another man’s hands on you… parading around like a slut …"
Unable to bear it anymore, on the verge of being consumed by his grief and rage, Yuuji collapsed onto his bed. He buried his face into his pillow, sobbing violently, desperate to muffle the awful sounds he couldn’t suppress. The last thing he wanted was for Fushiguro to overhear the full extent of the disaster that had just unfolded—his room was right next to Megumi’s, after all. Yuuji had no strength left to explain or revisit the horrors of today’s events.
But his mind, relentless in its cruelty, decided to torture him further with painful memories. He thought back to the day he had spent with Gojo, eating dango together in a park. It was one of the rare moments when Sukuna had been forcibly expelled back to his domain by Gojo’s overpowering cursed energy.
In that moment of peace, Yuuji had wondered what would have happen if Sukuna ever revealed his most intimate secrets—about his modeling gig, about his deepest, most unspoken desires. Sensing his unease, Satoru, with his eternal kindness, had reassured him with conviction:
“I want you to understand something—no matter what he says about you, it will never, and I mean never, hold any weight with me... In no world could I ever be disgusted by you.”
That day, Satoru likely hadn’t realized how much the image he had of his student would change—how irreparably it would be distorted.
Because, clearly…
“Liar! You filthy liar!” Yuuji screamed, his voice muffled by his pillow, which he pounded with infinite rage and sorrow.
Gojo’s promise no longer held any meaning.
⁂
The weather had been strange and unstable for several days now. Warm, sunny intervals would abruptly give way to overcast skies, with a gray pall hanging low and the air turning chilly, the faint scent of rain lingering—just like now. Because of this unpredictability, Yuuji’s two-hour combat training session had been held indoors to avoid any surprise downpours.
Getting to today’s photoshoot had almost turned into a logistical nightmare. Twenty minutes ago, Leila had texted him to say that Tokyo’s metro system was completely shut down due to a citywide outage caused by a massive thunderstorm earlier in the afternoon. The esthetician had offered to pick him up herself and drive him to the studio, sparing the young model from any unnecessary hassle. Yuuji had gratefully accepted her help; no one in his close circle owned a car, and asking Ijichi for a favor was out of the question—it would almost certainly lead to compromising questions he wasn’t prepared to answer.
Yuuji had no intention of justifying himself to anyone. He’d made that clear with Gojo-sensei, and he intended to stand by it.
Sitting at his desk, Yuuji had just finished getting dressed. One of his recent finds from Uniqlo—a loose, oversized piece from the women’s section—once again disrupted his usual style choices. But it was just too appealing for him to pass up. For the first time, Yuuji had bought an orange sweatshirt dress that reached just above his knees. His smooth, bare legs were proudly on display, with part of his calves covered by high white socks.
Even being called a slut hadn’t been enough to extinguish the fire inside Yuuji when it came to presenting himself confidently. Shopping, whether alone or with company, still brought him the same spark of joy, and more than anything, he still adored the ritual of putting on makeup.
That’s exactly what he was doing now, using the small mirror on his desk to carefully apply eyeliner with precision and focus. Driven by a sudden desire for change, Yuuji had upgraded his makeup routine to something less ordinary, more refined. For instance, he had mastered the art of creating a smudged eyeliner effect, adding depth to his gaze without overloading on product. His concealer flawlessly concealed the unusually dark purple shadows under his eyes.
Kugisaki had recently introduced him to contouring, and now Yuuji was carefully completing that step. Using an angled brush, he applied powder along the lines of his jaw with focused precision. Once he had blended the powder to perfection, Yuuji rummaged through his makeup bag to pull out a rosy nude lip balm. He had officially crossed the threshold—no longer even slightly bothered by the idea of adding color to his lips for everyday outings. On the contrary, he genuinely enjoyed seeing his lips hydrated and subtly tinted, enhancing the golden hues of his eyes and complementing his skin tone.
A lot had changed in the past two weeks. Three days after that fateful argument, Yuuji had no choice but to face the persistent questions of his two confidants. They had both noticed his drop in energy—eerily similar, if not worse, than the slump that had overtaken him three months ago before meeting Saito-san.
Fushiguro had overheard fragments of conversation, muffled shouting, and sensed unstable cursed energy on that night of reckoning. Yet, he clearly didn’t have enough context to grasp the full extent of the catastrophe that had unfolded between Yuuji and Gojo.
After much hesitation, Yuuji finally admitted—though not without difficulty—that, for the first time, he and Gojo had a heated argument. He explained that the core issue revolved around Yuuji’s metrosexuality, which Gojo didn’t seem to understand or accept. However, Yuuji deliberately withheld some of the more painful details of their exchange, especially the cutting and cruel insults his sensei had hurled at him. For one, the memory was still raw, but more importantly, Yuuji refused to turn Kugisaki and Fushiguro against their teacher. The last thing he wanted was for his personal life to negatively impact their shared experience as students. What had happened in his room had to stay in his room. Kugisaki and Fushiguro didn’t need to choose sides. Yuuji had no intention of influencing their perception of Gojo-sensei or painting The Strongest as a villain. The resentment Yuuji harbored was his alone to carry—his friends didn’t need to share it with him. Doing so would only spark further tensions, and Yuuji was utterly sick of tension.
Despite Yuuji’s reserved and discreet nature, Kugisaki and Fushiguro’s sharp instincts quickly picked up on the fact that their dejected friend wasn’t telling them everything. It was obvious he was trying to cover for Gojo, staying vague about the exact details of the argument. Not that they needed specifics—Megumi and Nobara knew Gojo far too well. His big mouth, lack of tact, selfishness, and immaturity were legendary. You’d have to be blind not to see the disastrous impact that fight had had on Yuuji: he seemed drained, his face pale, his usual contagious enthusiasm vanished, his appetite barely there... His smiles, as forced as they were melancholic, didn’t fool anyone.
Gojo had clearly crossed a line that night. Nobara didn’t need to know exactly which one to feel murderous.
For two weeks now, Kugisaki had been on high alert, practically stalking her sensei like a guard dog waiting to catch a trespasser. She kept hoping to spot him lurking around a corner, lazing about in some grassy patch, fiddling with his phone in the teacher’s lounge, or wandering through town during one of his rare outings. For two weeks, she had dreamed of cornering Gojo and grilling him in the most painful way imaginable.
Just this morning, as the first-years waited for their English teacher to show up, Kugisaki had sat at her desk, her knuckles taut like a bowstring ready to snap. Her steely gaze was fixed on the door, daring Gojo to make one of his usual surprise appearances.
Clutching her hammer, she tapped it rhythmically against her desk like a judge impatiently summoning the accused to the stand.
“That bastard! What a coward! He’s all over the place when it’s time to run his big mouth, but the second he has to face the fallout from his crap? Poof—gone without a trace! Tch! ” Kugisaki had spat, her face twisted in tension, fully prepared to use her Resonance technique the moment she saw even a hint of white hair peek through the doorway… though it would have been a problem if she mistook Inumaki for Gojo in her fit of rage.
Yuuji chuckled softly at the memory of his friend sitting in her chair, exuding the aura of a Yakuza ready for a showdown. He was genuinely touched by Kugisaki’s fiery determination. Beneath her thirst for blood lay a deep and heartfelt desire to protect Yuuji, to defend his trampled dignity. Nobara had already made her promise clear the night she uncovered Itadori’s secret: if Gojo ever crossed the line, she would personally kick his ass!
And in his own way, Yuuji had kept his end of the promise, too. He had sworn to Nobara that he wouldn’t let anyone walk all over him, no matter how strong his feelings were or how sincere his devotion to Gojo might be. He wouldn’t allow his emotions to blind him to the point of passively accepting insults and humiliation.
During their argument, Yuuji had already realized the only way for the tension to truly dissipate, the only thing that would make him lower his guard and stop provoking the man he loved, was for Gojo to take the initiative and apologize. Naively, Yuuji had hoped his sensei would recognize on his own just how disproportionate and unworthy his behavior had been—especially for an adult like him! Yuuji knew full well that Satoru was capable of wisdom and self-restraint; they were some of his finest qualities as a teacher, whether in the classroom or during their secret training sessions in the basement.
Even though Gojo often admitted that he was better suited for combat than pedagogy, citing his preference for practical, hands-on teaching over detailed explanations, Yuuji never saw it as a flaw. On the contrary, he believed Gojo’s unique approach and natural charisma made him an exceptional mentor in his own right. That’s why the memory of their fight stung even more. Where had that wise, composed sensei gone? The man who always knew how to guide him, even in his darkest moments, had been nowhere to be found that night.
Something far darker seemed to have consumed Satoru... as if he had completely surrendered to his impulses, to the disgust he apparently felt toward Yuuji and everything he represented. That disdain was so overwhelming that Gojo no longer cared about the weight of his own words or the damage they caused.
What a bitter disappointment! Yuuji hadn’t received an apology from the man he loved. Instead, he had been met with even harsher, more cutting insults—far worse than the veiled criticisms Satoru had expressed aboard the Tokyo Symphony Bay.
How could Itadori even begin to consider reconciliation with someone who so clearly despised what he had become?
Yuuji, like Kugisaki and Fushiguro, hadn’t seen their sensei in two weeks (to Nobara’s great frustration, as her hammer-hand practically itched with impatience). A few days ago, Yuuji had run into Ijichi-san in the hallway. The man had looked as overworked as he was exhausted, judging by the dark, heavy circles under his eyes. Seizing the opportunity, Yuuji had called out to him, hoping to gain some insight into Gojo’s prolonged absence. Their teacher hadn’t been to the school since that fateful night, and even the senpais hadn’t spotted him, though he was usually the one leading their hand-to-hand combat sessions.
Unable to suppress his curiosity, Yuuji had probed for answers, eager for any clue that might explain Gojo’s disappearance. Ijichi had shared a brief but telling account of a conversation he’d had with Satoru during a car ride. Even the agent himself had been surprised by Gojo’s sudden withdrawal from his students. According to Ijichi, Gojo had explained, in his typically casual manner, that the recent surge in Grade 1 and Special Grade Curses required his full attention. Teaching, for now, had to take a backseat while he focused entirely on the field, tackling back-to-back missions across the country to rebalance the scales.
At first, Yuuji didn’t know what to make of this explanation. It was undoubtedly true—Ijichi had even shared troubling statistics with him, numbers that were causing the agent significant stress as he coordinated various operations, including Gojo’s. The uptick in powerful Curses wasn’t some excuse Satoru had fabricated to avoid the school or Yuuji—it was an undeniable reality.
And yet, despite knowing this, Yuuji couldn’t stop his thoughts from spiraling into self-centered doubt during weaker moments. His mind kept circling back to the same question: Was Gojo deliberately distancing himself, so much so that even being in the same room, breathing the same air as Yuuji, had become unbearable? Or, and this was the more rational side of his brain speaking, did this change in Gojo’s behavior have absolutely nothing to do with their argument at all?
At the end of these two weeks, marked by changes and endless anxious overthinking, Yuuji arrived at what seemed like the most plausible conclusion: he was overanalyzing everything, as usual. He tended to overestimate the significance of his friendly outings and exchanges with his sensei in the grand scheme of things. Of course! It all made sense now. Yuuji had even come to understand why Gojo had started avoiding him after their evening aboard the Symphony. His sensei had likely been put off by Yuuji's boldness, especially during their slow dance at the end of the night.
It was probable—no, it was certain—that Gojo wanted to pump the brakes on Yuuji’s growing audacity, which had clearly made him deeply uncomfortable. This attempt to create distance was, unbeknownst to Yuuji at the time, an early sign that what Yuuji had become was a problem for Gojo. This rejection hadn’t magically manifested during their argument—it had been brewing long before that!
Yuuji knew full well that by daring to be more open and honest, he was playing a dangerous game. In the best-case scenario, his sensei might have been charmed, perhaps even drawn to the new Yuuji Itadori. The young model would have won his gamble, triumphantly. Unfortunately, the opposite had happened—it was a losing bet.
He had, quite literally, driven Gojo away. He had disgusted him. And the issue clearly wasn’t Yuuji being a man—Fushiguro had already clarified that Gojo was interested in both men and women. No, the problem was, and always had been, Yuuji’s metrosexuality. That answered the question Yuuji had been mulling over for weeks: no, Gojo didn’t approve of such self-expression. In fact, he utterly despised it.
Today, on this particularly gray and somber day, Yuuji was drained. Tired of overthinking! For two weeks, he’d done nothing but replay the dramatic turn his relationship with the man he loved had taken. And yet, for all he knew, Satoru had already forgotten everything about their argument.
It made sense, didn’t it? It was entirely possible that Yuuji was the only one left nursing a broken heart. That would be consistent with Gojo’s character—he wasn’t exactly known for being an overthinker. Quite the opposite, in fact. It wasn’t a matter of immaturity or selfishness; it simply wasn’t in his nature to dwell on things or second-guess himself. After all, a man blessed by nature from the moment he was born had no reason to harbor such an anxious mindset, right? Gojo only had to step into a bar, and men and women alike would throw themselves at his feet. He clearly didn’t need Yuuji’s love or approval to know that mere mortals idolized him and would dream of sharing his bed.
In comparison, Yuuji desperately craved Gojo’s validation to feel a sense of worth.
Here was the proof that Gojo didn’t give much thought to their heated argument: the very next day, he was back to work, exorcising Curses as if nothing had happened! As if the evening Yuuji had found disastrous and heartbreakingly painful had never even occurred. No message, no call from Gojo. Nothing.
Yuuji knew perfectly well that he should take a page out of Satoru’s book. He should act as if nothing had happened, return to a normal life, and throw himself wholeheartedly into his daily responsibilities. For two weeks now, Yuuji had been doing his best to emulate his sensei.
God knows it was far from easy. His nights were restless, sleep often eluding him as he lay staring at the ceiling, waiting for Morpheus to take him into his arms and deliver him from the grip of his dark thoughts. In moments of overwhelming exhaustion that struck without warning, Yuuji inevitably broke down into pitiful sobs, curled up in his sheets, seeking warmth in a bed that felt as empty as it was cold.
As he now stared into the mirror, his vacant gaze fixed on his own reflection, Yuuji realized that, despite his spirits slowly but steadily improving (thanks to the unwavering support of his friends and his passions), there were still moments when the "what-ifs" invaded his mind like relentless parasites: What if Yuuji had been wrong? What if he’d wasted three months of his life for nothing? What if becoming a model had done nothing but push Gojo further away, rather than drawing him closer? What if Yuuji should never have changed at all?
Maybe if he’d remained the same ordinary, inexperienced Yuuji Itadori, Gojo might have been able to see him in a different light someday, given a little patience. Maybe Satoru wouldn’t have judged him so harshly if he had stayed the way he was.
If he had stayed normal, maybe Gojo Satoru could have fallen in love with him.
Yuuji would never forgive the vile insult his sensei had used to describe his new identity. That slap—firm, instinctive, and necessary—had marked a turning point in their relationship.
Nothing would ever be the same. Gojo would never look at him the same way again, and Yuuji, despite his love for him, could no longer see Gojo in the same light either. The bond of trust and shared joy they had built over time now felt irreparably broken. If there had ever been a chance for Yuuji to earn Gojo’s love, it was gone now.
For weeks, these thoughts haunted Yuuji, disrupting his nights and casting shadows over his days. There was a time when he allowed them to consume him, neglecting both his appearance and physical health under their crushing weight. But slowly, thanks to the encouragement of Kugisaki and Fushiguro, Yuuji was beginning to reclaim pieces of himself.
Today, as he looked at his reflection in the mirror, he saw a glimmer of that old confidence. His makeup routine, abandoned in the wake of the fight, was once again a source of pride and comfort. Applying eyeliner, blending concealer, and finishing with a soft lip balm—it was a ritual that reminded him of who he was and the joy he found in expressing himself.
Leila’s words from his third shoot echoed in his mind, words that had finally lifted him from his self-doubt:
"Are you avoiding wearing these kinds of clothes because you genuinely don’t like them? Or are you worried about how others might react?"
"Focus on what really matters, Yuuji."
Yuuji hadn’t known what truly mattered that day. Looking back now, he realized just how much Gojo’s opinion had shaped every decision he’d made. It had reached an unhealthy point—so much so that gaining the approval of the man he loved had practically become his reason for living. He fretted over every bold or unconventional choice, second-guessing himself constantly. The hesitation he’d felt when considering that sexy black outfit from Zara was a perfect example.
Leila had been right all along: Yuuji hadn’t been focusing on what truly mattered. It wasn’t Gojo’s approval he needed to seek—it was his own happiness. He needed to allow himself to be selfish. The real question wasn’t, “What would make Satoru happy?” but rather, “What would make Yuuji happy?”
And now he had his answer: what truly mattered to him was being able to embrace who he really was, unapologetically. Even if that meant being rejected or hated by the man he loved. It hurt to admit, but if Gojo couldn’t accept him as he was, then perhaps it was time to face the truth: Yuuji wasn’t, and would never be, the right person for him.
As painful as it was, Yuuji couldn’t and wouldn’t change himself just to please anyone—not even his sensei. After all, wasn’t Gojo the one who had told him on the Tokyo Symphony Bay not to wait for others' approval before doing what he wanted? The life Yuuji had envisioned with Satoru wasn’t one built on pretense or lies. He didn’t deserve to live a life where he constantly had to suppress his true self to satisfy someone else.
Kugisaki had once told him he deserved to be happy, and for the first time, Yuuji wanted to believe that. True happiness meant embracing himself fully, no matter what others thought. He wouldn’t turn back now. He was proud of who he had become, with or without Satoru’s approval. If Gojo couldn’t see that, so be it. It was painful, yes—but Yuuji would learn to live with the idea.
The idea that he and Gojo simply weren’t meant to be.
And honestly? That conclusion didn’t feel quite as crushing as it once had. Yuuji wanted to believe that one day, he would find someone—someone like Usami Tatsuya—who would accept him for exactly who he was, not for who they wanted him to be.
With his mind clearer than it had been in weeks, Yuuji laced up his brown faux-leather boots and made one last check to ensure he hadn’t forgotten anything. Feeling ready at last, he left his room, ready to face the world once again.
⁂
The stormy, rain-soaked skies that had dominated the day were finally beginning to clear, giving way to a brighter, more serene atmosphere. The sun remained trapped behind the clouds, its rays yearning to break free and bathe the world in light.
Yuuji walked briskly across the school’s grand courtyard, his footsteps echoing faintly against the stone path as he approached the wide staircase leading down to the main entrance. At the bottom, Leila was waiting in her car, ready to drive him to his shoot. The poor esthetician had struggled to navigate the narrow, rain-slicked mountain roads to get there—a journey made even more treacherous by the lingering storm. Yuuji resolved to think of a proper way to thank her for her trouble. Maybe a box of wagashi would do the trick.
Pausing at the top of the staircase, Yuuji took a moment to admire the breathtaking scenery. The lush green mountains shrouded in mist, the sky painted in shades of orange and pink as dusk set in—it was a scene straight out of a dream. But then his gaze shifted downward, and he saw him.
Every day is so wonderful
Then suddenly it's hard to breathe
After two weeks of silence, there he was. Gojo stood at the bottom of the stairs, speaking with Ijichi. Judging by the sleek black BMW parked beside them, Gojo was about to leave for a mission, likely wrapping up a briefing with his assistant before heading out. If Gojo had noticed Yuuji’s presence, he showed no outward sign of it.
Yuuji’s heart pounded in his chest as a whirlwind of emotions—intense and conflicting—swept over him, causing him to instinctively take a step back.
He was relieved to see Gojo in good health, standing there as if nothing had happened. Yuuji had struggled to admit this to himself, his bitterness often surging back to the surface, but not knowing how Gojo was had been a genuine source of anxiety. How many times had Yuuji imagined the possibility that The Strongest might not return from a mission? He’d thought it before, and he thought it still: before he was The Strongest, Gojo Satoru was just a man. Death stalked him as it did any sorcerer who faced the cursed spirits of the highest ranks.
So yes, maybe Yuuji shouldn’t have felt so relieved to see the man who had hurt him so deeply. But that was how he felt nonetheless.
And then came the apprehension. Yuuji had no choice but to descend the staircase to reach Leila, whose small Suzuki was parked a little further down, perpendicular to Ijichi’s BMW. That meant walking right past Gojo.
What would happen? Would Gojo try to speak to him? Would he ignore him completely? And what was Yuuji supposed to do? Should he quicken his pace and head straight for Leila’s car, feigning urgency to avoid any contact with Gojo, rude as that might seem? But what if…
Now and then I get insecure
From all the pain
I'm so ashamed
“Stop !” Yuuji mentally commanded, forcing himself to break free from the chaotic thoughts that overwhelmed him at the mere sight of his sensei. He re-centered himself, grounding his mind in rationality. “The consequences don’t matter. ” The fog clouding his thoughts halted his steps for a brief moment before it began to lift, slowly but surely… “ I’ll go down these stairs and meet Leila. That’s all I need to do. The rest doesn’t matter. Not anymore . ”
The thick clouds in the sky finally gave way, allowing the sun to break free. Golden rays streamed through the dissipating gloom, illuminating Yuuji’s calm, determined face as he descended the stairs with newfound confidence. For the first time in what felt like an eternity—two long weeks of relentless anxiety and heartache—time itself seemed to slow down around him. A rare sense of peace settled over him as he walked, aligned with himself at last, his heartbeat gradually easing into a steady rhythm.
Finally, the calm after the storm.
I am beautiful no matter what they say
Words can't bring me down
“I won’t run. I won’t hide. I won’t apologize. Because there’s nothing wrong with Itadori Yuuji! And the first person who tries to convince me otherwise will get worse than a slap! ”
Never in his life had Yuuji allowed himself to embrace such positive thoughts about himself so fully. There was still a long way to go—those lingering doubts continued to hum like an unpleasant tune in the back of his mind. But no matter the obstacles that lay ahead, for the first time, Yuuji felt legitimate, justified in his own existence, against all odds. And that was all that mattered.
When he finally reached the bottom of the stairs, he noticed it—Gojo and Ijichi had seen him. Their gazes were fixed on Yuuji’s striking figure. Ijichi’s eyes widened slightly—was he surprised by Yuuji’s bold outfit? Itadori could understand : until now, he hadn’t dared to walk so openly through the school grounds in his new style. Ijichi’s reaction was entirely normal, justified even.
Gojo, meanwhile, stood silently, his trademark blindfold covering his eyes, his mouth slightly ajar as he observed Yuuji walking toward them. He stopped just a few steps away from the pair.
For a moment, Yuuji simply took in the sight of the man he had loved with all his heart.
“What kind of look is hiding behind that blindfold, Gojo-sensei? Disgust, I bet. Yeah… That’s probably it. But it doesn’t matter anymore. ”
I am beautiful in every single way
Yes, words can't bring me down
“Sensei.” Yuuji addressed him with an unusual neutrality and formality, bowing respectfully in his direction.
“…Good afternoon, Yuuji,” Satoru replied solemnly after a moment of silence, his voice low.
“Ijichi-san.” Yuuji offered a similar bow to Kiyotaka, whose expression betrayed his surprise at the frosty nature of this exchange.
With his duties as a student fulfilled—acknowledging the school staff—Yuuji straightened up and walked calmly toward Leila’s car, parked a short distance away. The esthetician waved at him from the driver’s seat, her cheerful gesture drawing a faint smile from Yuuji, who returned the wave as he approached the Suzuki’s door.
Once seated in the passenger seat, Leila started the car, her voice brimming with excitement.
“Wow, Yuuji! You’ve outdone yourself today! Where did you get that dress? I want one just like it! Oh, wait—am I seeing things?!” Stopping at a red light, she leaned closer, gently cupping Yuuji’s face, which bore a timid smile. “You did contouring! And like a pro, too!”
“It’s thanks to my friend, Kugisaki—I mentioned her before, didn’t I? She’s full of good tips!” Yuuji chuckled weakly as Leila released his face and prepared to drive off again.
As the scenery blurred past his window, Yuuji’s voice wavered. “Thank you for coming to pick me up, Leila-san.”
“Oh, don’t mention it! Driving up to your school was a bit of a hassle, but if I can be useful—Yuuji? Sweetie, are you crying?!”
His shoulders trembling with silent sobs, Yuuji could no longer hold back his tears. Loud, broken cries spilled from his lips, entirely beyond his control. Why now, of all times? Why, when he should be focused on nothing but his upcoming shoot?
Why had the mere sight of Gojo brought back the memory of his hand ruffling Yuuji’s hair so tenderly as he cried in his arms after Junpei’s death? Why recall the firm grip that steadied him when he nearly passed out after driving Sukuna away? Why remember the uncontrollable laughter as Gojo tickled him in retaliation for his teasing? Why think of their hands intertwined on the restaurant table aboard the Tokyo Symphony Bay, their gazes locked in an unspoken connection? Why relive the harmony of their slow dance, a moment so significant to Yuuji, when he had felt completely at home in Gojo’s embrace? Why picture Satoru’s flushed face, the naïve, treacherous part of Yuuji’s mind convincing him that his mentor had been about to kiss him on that fateful terrace where everything had changed?
That brief, blessed period—when Yuuji believed his presence added something meaningful and lasting to his sensei’s life, when hope had made his heart race with unbridled joy—was now nothing but a distant memory. And Yuuji still struggled to let it go.
“Yuuji, you’re scaring me!” Leila’s voice was filled with genuine concern. Her eyes stayed on the road out of necessity, but her comforting hand rested on Yuuji’s bare knee, silently offering her support.
“Time…” Yuuji whispered faintly, his breath catching.
“What? Speak up, darling!”
“I… I need time!” Yuuji choked out, regaining some composure as he wiped his tears away with his sleeve. The words were more for himself than for Leila.
Fixing his tear-filled gaze on the road ahead, Yuuji steadied himself. Yes—with time and patience, his heart would be ready to move on.
So don't you bring me down today
Notes:
My heart hurts just as much as yours, believe me ToT (Don’t be too bitter though—the tags are there for a reason! Well, now that I think about it, maybe I should have added the tag "Gojo Satoru is bad at communication"... XD)
Haru is so adorable, and Gojo just can’t see how cute he is—bad sensei! Yuuji has become so confident that he’s now able to stand up to that idiot Satoru… and because of that, their confrontation couldn’t have ended any other way. Kugisaki going full punisher mode—I love it, lol.
Using "Beautiful" by Christina Aguilera to highlight the scene that concludes the chapter felt like an obvious choice. It’s a classic song, known by everyone, but it’s so meaningful for Yuuji’s development. I catch myself humming it unconsciously when I think about the scene of Yuuji walking down the stairs, haha. The chapter's title is from the last couplet, btw !
I guess some of you might feel frustrated by how events have unfolded—I hope you’ll trust me on this one. The choice I made was well thought out… patience!
I’ve started writing Chapter 8 : classes are starting up again soon, and you already know how they affect my writing pace. Thank you so much for your loyalty and the love you have for my story <3
In the next chapter: When you fall so hard, how do you find the strength to climb back up?
Chapter 8: Collapse
Notes:
Guys, I have to tell you this totally crazy story I forgot to share in my Chapter 7 note!! Remember Chapters 5 and 6 on the dinner cruise? The idea of Yuuji and Gojo having dinner like that had been stuck in my head since September, and I actually wrote those chapters weeks before JJK Phantom Parade dropped a mission… that takes place on a dinner cruise too!!! Like, OMG, what are the odds?!
I watched a let’s play (don’t worry, no spoilers if you want to check it out yourself), but just know that Gojo looks like an absolute god, and Yuuji and Nobara are losing it, dreaming hard about foie gras and caviar while Megumi sits there looking 100% done, lol. When I saw the trailer, I straight-up screamed. The coincidence is insane—I’ll never forget it!
On another note, I recently tried out those BoomBooty leggings. I was super skeptical at first, but let me tell you, they totally deliver (if you know what I mean, lol). My boyfriend was very, VERY happy XD. Now I’m picturing an AU where Yuuji’s rocking a pair while waiting at home for Gojo to get back from a mission… Hmm, that’s giving me some ideas, lol.
*Trigger Warning*: There’s a scene describing a panic attack/vagal episode. If you’re sensitive to this kind of content, please read carefully or feel free to skip the scene!
(See the end of the chapter for more notes.)
Chapter Text
“Haru-san!” Yuuji exclaimed, genuinely surprised to see the esthetician at the studio.
“Itadori-kun!” Haru glanced briefly in the young sorcerer’s direction before returning to the makeup he was carefully applying to a model. “I’ll be with you in just a second!”
The journey to the studio had gone smoothly. Despite some minor traffic in the city center, Leila and Yuuji had arrived on time. To make the most of the wait during the congestion—and to lift her friend’s spirits—Leila had connected her phone to the car’s Bluetooth and started a music playlist. By a twist of fate, the first song that played was I Don’t Need a Man by the Pussycat Dolls.
What might have otherwise been a painful reminder actually sent Yuuji into a fit of laughter. Was it a side effect of the fatigue weighing him down, or was it genuine hilarity? Perhaps it was a bit of both. He couldn’t quite tell, and he wasn’t sure he even understood his own state of mind anymore.
Leila didn’t have all the details about what Yuuji was going through—he didn't share the full story behind his unexpected breakdown. He’d brushed it off as stress from schoolwork, but deep down, Yuuji had a hunch that Leila had some inkling of the truth. Maybe it was that famous feminine intuition? Whatever the case, she didn’t pry, and Yuuji was grateful for it. He wasn’t in the mood to recount the messy details of his pain. Instead, their drive concluded with laughter and singing. If they hadn’t been confined to the cramped interior of Leila’s car, Yuuji was certain they’d have broken out into full-on dancing to her favorite pop tracks.
All Yuuji wanted was a distraction, even if it was just for the duration of a photoshoot.
After touching up his makeup with a light dusting of powder—the waterproof formula had minimized the damage caused by his earlier tears—Leila didn’t need to do anything more. Yuuji’s look was already flawless. With a quick apology, she left to take care of waxing appointments for the other models.
Waiting backstage for Saito-san to come fetch him, Yuuji sat in a chair, absentmindedly watching his colleagues as they were styled and prepped for their photoshoots. He had asked himself this question several days ago: did being a model still make sense, now that he knew he could never have Gojo?
Yuuji tried to convince himself that yes, it still did. Because beyond becoming worthy of Gojo, modeling had turned out to be an opportunity for Yuuji to build confidence. It had allowed him to better understand who he was, how he saw his own body, and how he wanted to present it in ways that made him feel beautiful and desirable. There was no room for regret—Fushiguro and Kugisaki had made that abundantly clear during their shopping trip to Zara: this wasn’t just about Gojo. It had to be about Yuuji and his happiness, first and foremost.
Yuuji fully intended to continue his modeling career for as long as he wanted, as long as it kept bringing positive energy into his life. And who knows? Maybe pursuing his career would help him pick up the pieces, to rebuild himself in the midst of the emotional chaos his personal life had become. Pouring himself into an activity that had brought him so much joy might just be the way for Yuuji to stop spiraling and start moving forward again.
Haru had just finished applying makeup and made his way over to Itadori, thermos emblazoned with All Might and a granola bar in hand.
“You’re right on time—it’s my break! Got a shoot tonight?” Haru asked, unwrapping his snack.
“Yeah! But Saito-san hasn’t told me anything about it yet, which is kind of unusual… I hope there aren’t any scheduling issues,” Yuuji pondered, furrowing his brow. His gaze then shifted to Haru’s My Hero Academia thermos, his eyes lighting up with excitement. “I love your thermos! I want one just like it!”
The return of his childlike enthusiasm—it felt like an eternity since it had surfaced.
“Haha, I got it online! I’ll send you the link,” Haru laughed. “As for your shoot, I think Saito-san didn't have time to send out his usual briefing emails. He’ll probably give you the rundown in person later.” He paused, then added, “How have you been since last time? If you don’t mind me saying… your makeup isn’t really hiding how exhausted you look!”
Caught off guard by Haru’s sharp observation, Yuuji let out a nervous chuckle.
“Is it that obvious? I really need to plan for some sleep-ins this weekend,” Yuuji joked, trying to keep things light.
“It would do you a world of good! You look tense all over.”
“Yeah… Like I told Leila, stress really does a number on me,” Yuuji admitted, awkwardly rubbing the back of his neck.
“Last time we talked, you mentioned you were having some issues with a friend. The ‘angry one,’ remember? Has that gotten any better?” Haru asked innocently, his tone casual.
Haru couldn’t have known how much that question stung. The wound was still healing, and poking at it could easily trigger another overwhelming wave of anxiety and regret.
Surprisingly, Yuuji managed to keep his composure. For someone so open about his feelings, it was unlike him to suppress them, but this time, he held it together—maybe because he had already let his tears flow freely during the drive over. Or maybe he was just too emotionally drained to break down again. He wasn’t sure.
“No,” Yuuji answered solemnly, his tone honest and unguarded. “No, it hasn’t gotten better. Not at all.”
Haru, about to take a bite of his granola bar, paused mid-motion. He realized the light tone he’d used might have been inappropriate. Pressing his lips together, he looked genuinely sorry for bringing it up but hesitated to say anything, afraid of making things worse.
Sensing this, Yuuji quickly added, “But it might be for the best in the end. I’ve been reflecting a lot lately and… maybe we just weren’t meant to understand each other. It’s still hard for me to fully accept, but… maybe things were always bound to end up this way.”
Taking a brief pause, Yuuji sighed before flashing Haru a toothy grin—one that, for once, wasn’t forced. This wasn’t a smile to reassure anyone; it was a smile of genuine acceptance.
“Besides, I keep meeting great people! That’s proof enough that life goes on!”
Realizing Yuuji was referring to their first meeting two weeks ago, Haru was touched : “Of course! There’s always some good hiding behind the bad! And if you ever feel like talking and you’re comfortable enough with me, don’t hesitate! Leila-san would tell you the same thing.”
Yuuji’s eyes shone with gratitude as he affectionately patted Haru’s shoulder, letting him know how much he appreciated the offer.
“Itadori-kun?”
Ah! Saito-san was finally here! Waving goodbye to Haru, Yuuji quickly stood up and joined his agent.
“Good evening, Saito-san!”
“Good evening ! Leila really outdid herself today!” Saito remarked, clearly impressed by Yuuji’s makeup.
“Uh, actually… I did it myself before leaving home,” Yuuji admitted shyly, scratching his cheek nervously.
“Well, you’ve got the knack for it! It looks fantastic and is perfect for tonight’s shoot.”
Flattered by the compliments, Yuuji suddenly remembered that he hadn’t received any instructions about the wardrobe for today’s session.
“Speaking of which, I didn’t get any specific directions about what to wear. What’s the outfit for this shoot?”
As Saito and Yuuji walked toward the room where the shoot would take place, Saito opened the door, revealing the setup inside. A plush red divan stood at the center of the room, surrounded by dim lighting and strategically placed candelabras. The atmosphere was reminiscent of the kind of charged, sensual tension found in certain romantic films.
“Oh, you won’t need any clothes for this shoot.”
“What? You mean I’m back to underwear again? Good thing I made sure to keep up with my waxing!” Yuuji joked, recalling his very first shoot where he was wrapped in luxurious sheets.
Saito stopped abruptly and turned to face Yuuji, surprised that the young model still hadn’t caught on.
“No, I said you won’t need clothes because you’ll be posing nude for this shoot.”
No clothes… posing nude… nude.
NUDE?!
⁂
“Itadori-kun, wait!” Saito was desperately chasing after Yuuji, who was storming off toward Nebula’s management office, his pace brisk and his frustration palpable.
“No, Saito-san! How could you… Ugh!” Yuuji was at a loss for words, his hands gripping his hair in exasperation, his cheeks flushed tomato-red with a mix of embarrassment and anger.
The young sorcerer came to an abrupt halt, spinning around to face his agent with an intense glare. Saito looked bewildered, clearly caught off guard by Yuuji’s reaction.
“You seriously accepted a collaboration with a sex toy brand?! No, scratch that—the real issue is that you signed me up for it without even asking for my opinion! Have you completely lost your mind?!”
Yuuji couldn’t believe it. Up until now, most of his shoots had indeed been collaborations with various brands—a golden opportunity for Nebula to rake in lucrative deals. But there was a massive difference between partnering with a perfume or bedding company and promoting vibrators and anal plugs!
Collaborating with a brand that sold erotic products wasn’t inherently an issue. After all, Nebula catered to a predominantly homosexual audience and often published articles that addressed sexuality in an open and progressive way. Yuuji, for his part, didn’t have a problem with eroticism per se.
But seriously… posing naked? In front of the entire crew? In front of his friends, Leila and Haru? And to make things worse, the photos would then be published in a magazine sold nationwide?!
The mere thought made Yuuji go pale with anxiety. The only thing that could make it worse was if his fellow sorcerers somehow stumbled upon those photos…
He vividly remembered his very first shoot, where he had been profoundly grateful to have luxurious sheets draped over him, with a boxer underneath for added security. That had been embarrassing enough for his self-conscious and modest nature! There was no way—absolutely no way—he’d strip completely naked for this.
The idea of baring it all had never been on the table for Yuuji, not even for a second. It was a hard limit he had set for himself from the moment he signed his contract with Nebula.
“Come on Itadori-kun, it’s just another shoot! With all the experience you’ve gained, the confidence you’ve built… I really don’t see the issue! You know our team is supportive; no one’s going to judge you!” Saito’s voice was pleading, sensing for the first time that the young model was completely at odds with the direction his career at Nebula was taking.
“Did it not even cross your mind that I might not feel comfortable with the idea of my private parts being visible to all your readers across Japan? Seriously?! I trusted you up until now! I never imagined you’d put me in this kind of situation without my consent!” Yuuji’s tone was sharp, indignant.
A flicker of guilt crossed Saito’s face before he let out an exasperated groan, pinching the bridge of his nose nervously.
“But it’s too late ! The shoot is already scheduled, and the client is expecting their photos!”
“Then ask someone else to do it! Any one of my colleagues could take my place!”
“No! They don’t want ‘any one of your colleagues,’ they want you!” Saito gestured emphatically toward Yuuji, who was momentarily stunned by the revelation.
Saito looked utterly desperate, visibly stressed by Yuuji’s resistance. It was obvious that if he couldn’t persuade the young sorcerer to do this damn shoot, he’d be in serious trouble. His schedule would be thrown into chaos, and worse—the big boss…
“What do you mean? Why me, specifically?” Yuuji asked, frustration furrowing his brow.
“They… they saw the photos you did for Shiseido. They were captivated by the aura you exuded alongside Tatsuya-kun. The marketing director for Lelo specifically requested you as the face of their brand. If we back out now and offer them someone who doesn’t align with their vision, it could damage our relationship with them and jeopardize the possibility of future collabor—”
“Honestly, Saito-san? That’s not my problem if your relationship with Lelo goes south!” Yuuji cut him off sharply, his irritation clear. “I’m not about to show my ass like some kind of…” He hesitated, the word he wanted to say dredging up painful memories. “Whatever! If you think throwing a fat paycheck at me will make me cave, you’ve got another thing coming! I’m taking this straight to management!”
Ignoring Saito’s continued attempts to dissuade him (the nerve!), Yuuji marched to the CEO’s office and knocked firmly on the door before barging in without ceremony. His resentment was far too great to bother with niceties! After all, the people running this magazine were the ones truly responsible for the embarrassing situation he now found himself in. Saito might handle a lot of the shoots, but the truth was, he was just another cog in the wheel, subject to the whims of his superiors. Yuuji had things to say, and they were going to hear him out, whether they liked it or not!
Inside, he was met with startled looks from three individuals: two administrative assistants sorting through documents and the big boss himself—Nagato Ushinomiya—who had been interrupted mid-text, seated in a luxurious leather chair behind his desk.
Though Yuuji had never met Nagato in person, he’d seen pictures of him online. A man in his fifties with graying hair, a stern, no-nonsense expression, and sharp, angular features—his diamond-shaped jawline particularly striking. His sleek, jet-black hair was cut short and smooth, exuding a sense of precision. The initials "N" and "U" from his name formed the logo that adorned the top of the Nebula building and every cover of the magazine.
Judging by his looks, Nagato Ushinomiya had likely been a heartbreaker in his youth. But Yuuji wasn’t here to assess his boss’s level of charm!
Before the assistants could chastise him for barging in, Yuuji cut to the chase, his voice firm and resolute: “You can forget about me doing the shoot for Lelo!”
The room fell silent, an oppressive and awkward weight settling over the atmosphere. Saito, standing just behind Yuuji, was visibly sweating, despair written all over his face as he watched the young model challenge the notoriously ruthless Nagato Ushinomiya.
Trying to salvage the situation, Saito stammered, “M-Mr. Ushinomiya, I tried to stop him from disturbing you! Itadori-kun refuses to pose nude. H-he wants us to replace him with another model, but—”
“The Lelo brand doesn’t want anyone else but Yuuji-kun.” Nagato’s deep, commanding voice cut through the tension, its weight instantly reminding Yuuji of Nanami’s similar tone. “I’m fully aware of the terms of our collaboration, Kenta.”
Yuuji frowned in surprise. It made sense that the boss knew Saito’s name, but his own? Did Nagato make it a habit to memorize the full identity of every employee working for his magazine? Finishing his text message with deliberate calm, Nagato placed his phone on the corner of his desk and turned his full attention to Yuuji, whose stiff figure stood resolutely in the middle of the room, ready to defend his stance. With a subtle motion, he signaled one of his assistants to close the door, which she promptly did.
“Yuuji-kun! We didn't have the opportunity to speak face-to-face since you joined us... though I must say, I would have preferred for our first meeting to take place under less tense circumstances.”
“I agree, but you leave me no choice, sir,” Yuuji replied, exhaling slowly in an attempt to remain polite despite his evident frustration.
Yuuji wasn’t the type to rebel against his superiors. He understood the fundamental rules of hierarchy in his country—respect for elders and authority was a given, no matter the situation. But this unusual photoshoot had come at a pivotal moment in Yuuji’s life. He was beginning to realize the importance of standing his ground, of defending his interests and honor against external pressures. All the self-reflection he’d been doing lately seemed to culminate here, in this moment. He was ready to push back, even against his own boss, if it meant safeguarding his dignity.
“A pity,” Nagato remarked, feigning disappointment as he opened a file on his laptop containing graphs and analytics, which he studied with interest. “You’re surely aware that our magazine has been facing significant challenges for some time now. When Kenta recruited you, our numbers had reached deeply concerning levels. Turning things around overnight is impossible—we still have a long road ahead.”
Nagato looked up from his screen, fixing Yuuji with a sharp, calculating gaze. “But since your arrival, we’ve begun to see real change. Small for now, but a meaningful shift for the future of Nebula.”
Yuuji’s eyes widened in surprise. He hadn’t expected to hear such detailed information about how his photoshoots were impacting Nebula’s performance.
“You’ve drawn the attention of brands that never would have considered collaborating with us before, Yuuji-kun. And not only that—they’re willing to pay a premium to have you associated with their image. It’s clear that Nebula can’t afford to pass up these opportunities—they’re critical to our survival as a magazine. Do you understand what I’m saying?”
A bead of sweat rolled down Yuuji’s temple as a sinking feeling settled in his stomach. He didn’t like the direction this conversation was heading, not one bit.
“Your appearance is highly appealing, Yuuji-kun. You possess a charisma that even you don’t fully grasp! We are incredibly fortunate to have such an asset on our team. If you plan to work with us long-term, you need to understand that maintaining good relationships with the brands we collaborate with is vital for your career’s future. In the modeling industry, it’s best not to make enemies…”
Closing the document displaying Nebula’s confidential figures, Nagato shut his laptop. Finally, Yuuji responded:
“I hear what you’re saying, sir. I understand that professional relationships and numbers are critical... But I would like you to see things from my perspective as well! When I joined Nebula, my understanding of modeling did not include photoshoots where I’m literally forced to expose the most intimate parts of my body! How am I supposed to live a normal life, to walk down the street, after putting out such images?”
Yuuji hoped—truly hoped—that Nagato would listen to reason. He desperately wanted his arguments to convince this man, whose austere and calculating demeanor made him difficult to read. Unfortunately, Yuuji was dealing with a capitalist businessman through and through.
“‘Forced,’ Yuuji-kun? I think your choice of words is more than inappropriate.”
Yuuji gasped, utterly stunned by his boss’s audacity.
“Sir, I wasn’t informed ahead of time about the nature of this shoot! I was only given the key details at the last minute, and Saito-san pressured me into going through with it despite my objections! Sorry, but I do call that being forced!” Yuuji struggled to keep his voice steady, though his frustration was clearly getting harder to contain.
Saito-san coughed nervously, shrinking into himself as though wishing to disappear.
“Your employment contract clearly states that your work may involve photoshoots featuring nudity,” Nagato stated factually, utterly unfazed by Yuuji’s perspective.
Wait, what? Was he referring to the contract Yuuji had signed on his first day?
“That’s impossible! If the word ‘nudity’ had been mentioned, I would have seen it! I never would have signed that document otherwise!” Yuuji protested, though a creeping doubt began to gnaw at him.
Nagato raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed, and gestured for one of his assistants to retrieve Nebula’s copy of Yuuji’s contract. After several tense minutes, the assistant located the document in a thick file and handed it to Yuuji with a neutral expression.
Yuuji took the paper cautiously, his gut twisting as he recognized his own signature at the bottom.
“Read section four carefully, Yuuji-kun,” Nagato instructed, his chin resting on his interlaced fingers.
Swallowing hard, Yuuji searched for the section. His heart raced as he prayed that the contract wouldn’t betray him. Because if posing nude was part of his obligations… He didn’t want to finish the thought. At last, his eyes landed on the section in question.
As he read, his face slowly fell:
The Model hereby acknowledges that certain photoshoots may involve partial or full nudity as part of the creative vision of the client or brand. By signing this contract, the model gives their informed consent and agrees to successfully complete these photoshoots.
Damn it… Those absolute bastards!
"J-Just hold on a second!" Yuuji cried out, sweat forming on his brow as a mix of shame and denial twisted his stomach. "The HR representative who hired me never mentioned anything like this during our interview! She should have brought it up! This isn’t normal!"
He could still picture that smug HR woman’s face, her awkward questions paired with an overly sweet, fake smile as she handed him the contract to sign. She deserved a one-way ticket to purgatory! Nagato, however, didn’t seem to share Yuuji’s indignation. A faintly smug smile crept across his lips.
"Our HR team operates under the assumption that our models are adults—capable, aware, and responsible. It’s their duty to thoroughly read any contract they’re presented with before signing. Clearly, such a basic reflex flew right over your head."
Irritated beyond belief by his boss’s condescending tone, Yuuji prepared to deny it—but then the memory hit him. The pure, unbridled excitement he’d felt after that interview. Like a kid stepping into a candy store, he’d been so blinded by joy that he’d eagerly signed the document without giving a second thought to its contents. It hadn’t even occurred to him to read it. It was just "legal stuff," right? Who cared about the fine print when he’d just landed his first-ever job?
In hindsight, Yuuji wished he could deflect the blame, but he knew that would be pure bad faith.
"I... I..." Yuuji stammered, caught completely off guard.
Nagato was right. Yuuji had been careless. He should have read the contract before signing it. Who agrees to something without checking first? It was just common sense! Now, standing in the middle of the room, Yuuji felt like a complete idiot. Coming here to raise his voice had been pointless. He’d done nothing but humiliate himself further.
"I can’t believe this…" he muttered, covering his mouth with his hand. Overwhelmed, he began pacing the room, his steps heavy as he wrestled with the realization.
"Itadori-kun..." Saito said softly, his tone filled with genuine concern as he watched Yuuji unravel. The young model looked utterly defeated, the weight of the unexpected clause in his contract crushing him.
Saito felt a pang of guilt. Over the months they’d worked together, he’d grown fond of Yuuji. He admired the young man’s enthusiasm, dedication, and talent. Their working relationship had always been positive, bordering on friendly, and Saito desperately hoped this debacle wouldn’t ruin that. But the situation was undeniably delicate.
"Here are your two options, Yuuji-kun," Nagato’s deep voice cut through the tense silence, a sharp reminder of the harsh reality at hand. He leaned forward slightly, his calculating gaze locking onto Yuuji. "Either you fulfill the obligations explicitly outlined in your contract and head to the studio to complete the shoot for our client..."
Yuuji felt a wave of nausea wash over him as he imagined baring himself in front of the entire team, letting the photographers capture his naked image to be published for all to see.
"Or," Nagato continued coldly, "you can persist in your refusal, and I will have no choice but to terminate your contract. Permanently."
Yuuji froze, his gaze lost in the void.
When he was first recruited, his sole objective had been to master the art of seduction and capture the unattainable heart of Gojo Satoru. But as the months passed, Yuuji realized it wasn’t just about that. He genuinely loved his job. He had so much fun with it! Once he overcame his initial nerves and the hesitation brought on by his natural shyness and inexperience, Yuuji discovered a true passion for the work.
The preparation moments, where Leila would pamper him while they chatted about anything and everything, were incredibly precious. This job had given Yuuji more confidence in himself, helping him feel better about his body and how he presented himself to the world.
No, becoming a model for Nebula wasn’t just a convenient stepping stone toward his romantic aspirations. Even the paycheck wasn’t the primary motivator. Yuuji genuinely enjoyed the work and could easily see himself continuing for months to come without hesitation.
But did he love modeling enough to envision a long-term future in it? Enough to stay at Nebula for years, rather than just a few fleeting months? Enough to accept problematic collaborations that would demand he expose the most private parts of his body to readers hungry for erotic content? Enough to let himself be reduced to an object, a pawn in Nagato Ushinomiya’s grand chessboard—moved around at his boss’s whim, dictated by the magazine’s financial state and Nagato’s interests?
Was Yuuji truly willing to remain silent and let Nebula dictate how he presented his body? To play along and follow orders for the sake of the company and its business relationships with high-paying brands?
As he mulled over these questions, Yuuji reached under the collar of his orange sweatshirt dress and removed the Nebula badge he wore around his neck—a badge bearing his identity and granting him access to the building. He stared at it with a resigned expression, running his fingers across its surface, before striding purposefully toward Nagato’s desk.
Nagato raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled as he watched Yuuji approach.
Of course, the answer to all those questions was clear.
"There’s no need to fire me, sir," Yuuji said, his voice calm but firm, as he stood before the grand oak desk.
He placed the badge on it with a decisive motion.
"Because I’m leaving of my own accord."
Yuuji finished his declaration with a resolute edge, turning on his heel and marching toward the door. Saito-san called out to him, desperate to stop him, but Yuuji didn’t falter. He ignored the plea and exited the office without looking back.
⁂
The metro system had resumed normal operations after the widespread outage was repaired. Yuuji had managed to return to the school without any issues, but the entire journey left him feeling… off.
How could he describe this state?
Ah, that’s it: he felt completely drained of all life energy. Like a puppet moving without a soul, he trudged up the school’s moonlit stairs. The lights in the cafeteria were still on—perhaps it was mealtime? Yuuji wasn’t sure.
He wasn’t sure of anything anymore.
His body felt impossibly heavy as he entered the dormitory, moving like an automaton with only one desire: to crawl under his blankets and never come out again. He shuffled down the hallway like the walking dead, almost reaching his door before a voice stopped him in his tracks.
“Oh, Itadori! You’re home early tonight!”
There was no need to turn around to recognize the voice. Kugisaki, walking at a relaxed pace, was heading in his direction. There were other footsteps alongside hers. Turning with an uncharacteristic sluggishness, Yuuji silently observed his two best friends—his unwavering confidants—approaching him. They were probably coming back from dinner.
“You’re usually back much later than this,” Fushiguro pointed out, subtly referencing the evenings Yuuji dedicated to his photoshoots.
“Yeah! If you hurry, you might even snag a bowl of gyudon! Panda-senpai hasn’t devoured it all yet, so if you-” Kugisaki suddenly stopped mid-sentence, her eyes widening as she gave Yuuji a closer look. “Holy crap, you look like death warmed over! Are you drunk or something? You seem totally out of it!”
“Huh?” Yuuji finally reacted, as if he hadn’t heard the rest of the conversation. “Oh. No. I’m not… I don’t feel particularly out of it…”
His response did little to convince his friends, who were now growing more concerned over his uncharacteristically detached behavior.
“Itadori…” Fushiguro’s voice was careful, measured. “Did something happen today?”
“No… nothing serious, really,” Yuuji muttered, brushing off the question with little thought. He forced a weak, lifeless smile as his hand reached for the doorknob of his room.
He was desperate to retreat into his sanctuary, to lock the door and escape the growing concern etched into his friends’ faces. Their worried questions only amplified the suffocating distress welling up inside him. Yuuji wasn’t in the mood to talk.
He wasn’t in the mood for anything.
The only thing he wanted now was to sleep—sleep until he couldn’t anymore.
He was exhausted. Completely and utterly spent.
“Ah…” Kugisaki growled, her expression darkening as she considered the likely cause of her friend’s dazed state. “It’s that bastard Gojo-sensei again, isn’t it? Just tell me where he is, and I’ll skewer him with my Resonance! He’ll never bother you again!”
Kugisaki’s grin was feral, the kind of bloodthirsty smile a predator wears before the kill. She was already mentally preparing to retrieve her hammer and nails from her room. All Yuuji had to do was give the word, and she would gladly act.
Except Yuuji was in no mood to hear the name of the person who had shattered his heart.
“Kugisaki, you’ve had his name on your lips for two weeks straight! Do you realize my life doesn’t revolve around the great Gojo Satoru? Please tell me you understand that!” Yuuji snapped, his tone uncharacteristically sharp and cold. He hadn’t intended to lash out at his friend, but he was losing control, a spectator to his own unraveling.
“Uh… There was a time when it kind of did, though, Itadori…” Kugisaki retorted, visibly offended by the vehemence in his voice.
“Well, that time is over!” Yuuji shot back, his voice trembling, the anger doing little to mask the fragility underlying it. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m exhausted. I’ll see you tomorrow!”
Fushiguro immediately sensed something was wrong. Before Yuuji could turn the handle of his unlocked door, Megumi gently caught his wrist.
“Itadori. You’re not yourself. Your cursed energy is all over the place.”
The concern in his voice only served to irritate Yuuji further. Gritting his teeth, he yanked his arm free from Megumi’s light grip, his eyes blazing with a storm of frustration, weariness… and profound despair.
“Yes, I’m not feeling great. So what?! A good night’s sleep will fix it, okay?”
“A good night’s sleep? Yeah, right!” Kugisaki snapped, her own irritation bubbling to the surface. “Admit it—you’re going to lock yourself in your room all weekend, sulking, only coming out to pee! Damn it, Itadori, if something’s wrong, just spit it out already! You’ll feel so much bett-”
“I DON’T WANT TO, OKAY?!” Yuuji bellowed, his voice raw and deafening. “I don’t want to talk to you! I just need to be left alone! Leave. Me. Alone! Is that clear enough, or do I need to spell it out even more?!”
No, Yuuji hadn’t meant to shout like that. He didn’t want to push his friends away with such brutal force—friends who cared about him, who always had his back. They didn’t deserve this. They didn’t deserve to be yelled at so harshly.
Yuuji didn’t deserve them. He didn’t deserve their unwavering support, not when he was acting like this. His friends shouldn’t have to bear the brunt of his frustrations. They weren’t responsible for the mess his life had become.
He didn’t know what meaning his life held anymore. The carefully constructed house of cards he had spent months building had collapsed entirely, leaving nothing but ruin. Starting over felt impossible.
He was lost again. Jaded. Discouraged—just as he had been all those months ago, during that lonely afternoon at Starbucks, agonizing over the reasons behind his repeated failures with the man he loved.
Yuuji had returned to square one. And it was unbearable. So unbearable that he felt like he was on the verge of losing himself entirely.
Yuuji faced the shocked stares of his friends, guilt and shame crashing over him like a tidal wave. Whatever composure he had left dissolved entirely. A sudden torrent of tears overtook him, his body wracked with spasms as muffled sobs and broken gasps escaped uncontrollably from his lips.
Clamping a trembling hand over his mouth, Yuuji hunched forward, desperate to stifle the awful sounds escaping him. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry… I didn’t mean to shout…” His words broke into fragments, swallowed by the sobs tearing through his chest.
“Ah...!” Yuuji’s breath hitched suddenly, his eyes widening in alarm as his body betrayed him. His heart thundered wildly, the pounding in his temples nearly unbearable. His limbs—his hands, his legs—quivered violently, refusing to obey him. His knees buckled, and with a resigned sigh, Yuuji collapsed to the ground, his hands weakly bracing him against the floor. A wave of nausea churned in his stomach, and his abdomen tensed uncontrollably.
His body had reached its breaking point. Exhausted by sleepless nights and a lack of nourishment, it rebelled against the neglect it had endured for far too long. Every inch of him screamed for help—a visceral, undeniable cry for relief.
“Itadori!” his two closest friends shouted in unison, their voices sharp with panic as they rushed to his side.
“What the hell is happening to you?” Kugisaki knelt beside him, her hand gripping his shoulder in what she hoped was a reassuring gesture.
She sounded harsher than she intended, her words sharpened by the sheer stress of the moment. She’d never seen anything like this before. Yuuji—their pillar of strength, their athletic comrade—reduced to a trembling, broken figure on the floor. She felt utterly helpless, unsure of what to do.
“I’m going to get Ieiri-san!” Fushiguro declared, his tone resolute as he turned to leave for the infirmary.
“No!” Yuuji mustered the last shred of strength in his body to stop him. His voice was weak, barely above a whisper, as he clutched his head against the dizziness that darkened his vision. “Not Ieiri-san… I just… my room… my bed.”
Kugisaki and Fushiguro exchanged a brief, uncertain glance. Should they ignore his incoherent plea and fetch Ieiri anyway? Or could they handle this themselves?
Fushiguro made the call. Kneeling beside Yuuji, he gently slipped one arm around his waist and the other under his knees, effortlessly lifting him bridal-style. Yuuji instinctively wrapped his arms around his friend’s sturdy shoulders, a low, broken sniffle escaping as he mumbled apologies under his breath.
“Kugisaki, open the door,” Fushiguro commanded, his voice calm but urgent. Nobara hurried ahead, pushing open the door to Yuuji’s room.
Once inside, Fushiguro carefully laid Yuuji down on his bed, adjusting him so he rested comfortably against the pillow. Kugisaki, her eyes shimmering with concern, perched on the edge of the mattress and clasped Yuuji’s trembling hand in hers, holding it firmly to let him know she wasn’t going anywhere.
Yuuji was in shambles—his face soaked with tears, his limbs locked in tense spasms, and his breath hitching uncontrollably between occasional, pitiful whimpers.
“Itadori, have you eaten today?” Fushiguro asked, his voice heavy with suspicion.
“A… an onigiri…” Yuuji managed to choke out after swallowing hard, his voice barely audible. “Yesterday… at noon.”
“For fuck’s sake!” Nobara sighed, her disbelief palpable.
Yuuji had always been a foodie—a lover of good meals, his first line of defense against a bad mood. He often joked about gaining weight from his love of fast food, claiming it was his ultimate guilty pleasure. For him to lose his appetite so completely that he hadn’t eaten in over 24 hours… It was almost unthinkable. And he’d even had martial arts practice today! That idiot of a model had worn himself out physically without even realizing it.
Kugisaki and Fushiguro exchanged a brief, guilt-ridden glance. They had underestimated how deeply their friend was struggling. What a mistake on their part.
“Are you feeling dizzy?” Fushiguro continued his quiet questioning, his tone careful but firm.
“Y-Yeah… and I… I feel tingly, all over…” Yuuji replied weakly, one arm draped over his tear-streaked face as a shaky sigh escaped his trembling lips.
“Kugisaki, can you lift his legs? He’s having a vasovagal episode—his brain needs blood flow to ease the dizziness.”
Grateful for something tangible to do, Nobara hurried to the end of the bed, gently grabbing Yuuji’s legs and lifting them up to allow the blood to flow back toward his head. She also took the opportunity to slip off his boots, ensuring he was as comfortable as possible.
Meanwhile, Yuuji was drowning in guilt. He couldn’t fully articulate why, but he felt… worthless. Insignificant. A failure.
"Oh, but that's exactlly what you are, brat !"
Sukuna’s voice echoed viciously inside Yuuji’s mind, each syllable laced with cruel amusement. The former model let the harsh words sink in, too drained to push back against the King of Curses’ taunts. What was the point? He had no fight left in him.
Sukuna had been relatively quiet these past weeks, but his presence never truly faded—an insidious shadow lurking in the depths of Yuuji’s consciousness. And now, the bastard had chosen the worst possible moment to resurface, his sharp tongue striking where it hurt the most. With biting precision, he reminded Yuuji of his stupidity, his naivety.
"I warned you, didn’t I? If you had listened to me, you wouldn't be in this pitiful state!"
Again and again, the same venomous refrain. That a pathetic, insignificant excuse of a sorcerer like Yuuji could never be worthy of someone like Satoru Gojo—the strongest sorcerer of the century. That it was laughable for Itadori to think he could ever mean anything to someone forever out of his reach, someone who will never be a part of his world.
And the worst part? Sukuna had been right from the very beginning.
That realization did nothing to help Yuuji calm down.
“I’m sorry… I’m just a burden to you guys… That’s all I’m good for. A useless dead weight !” Yuuji choked out between sobs, fresh tears spilling down his cheeks as he refused to meet their eyes, hiding behind his arm.
“Hey, Itadori, look at us,” Kugisaki demanded, her voice laced with an unexpected gentleness, her heart aching at the sound of his self-loathing.
Hesitant at first, Yuuji slowly moved his arm away, his tear-filled eyes meeting Nobara’s warm, reassuring smile and Fushiguro’s empathetic gaze.
“You’d do the same for us, wouldn’t you? So stop beating yourself up. That’s what friends are for,” Nobara said, her words cutting through the fog of Yuuji’s despair.
Her statement struck a chord deep within him, his eyes widening slightly as he let out a quiet gasp. Fushiguro leaned closer, taking Yuuji’s trembling hand in his own with a firm but comforting grip.
“This is just a rough patch, Itadori,” he said, his voice calm and steady. “We’re going to help you get through it. You deserve to feel better.”
Overwhelmed by gratitude, Yuuji stared at his friends, tears welling up again—but this time, they weren’t solely from pain. How lucky he was… to have not just friends but a family that was so loving, so understanding, so willing to stand by him.
In the span of two weeks, it felt like everything had crumbled around him: the love of his life, the job he adored—gone. He had spiraled, letting himself drown in self-loathing, regret, anger, and frustration. That emotional cocktail had boiled over when he ended his collaboration with Nebula, the final straw that had broken him.
Losing Gojo and his job in such a short period of time was too much to bear. Yuuji was at his breaking point… but he realized he had to hold on. Not just for himself but for these precious friends who cared so deeply for him.
He needed to push through this awful state. And he would—with them by his side. Reflecting on what had just happened, Yuuji shuddered at the thought of being alone during such a terrifying episode. His body’s sudden weakness, the inability to stand or even string together coherent words—it had shaken him to his core. He didn’t even know what a “vasovagal episode” was until now. How could he have calmed himself down, alone in a cold, empty room? He couldn’t.
And for that, he was endlessly thankful they had been there.
Now wasn’t the time for overthinking or self-criticism. Yuuji needed to let go, to surrender himself to the warmth and kindness radiating from his friends. Only once his body had recovered from its exhaustion could the former model begin to think about what his tomorrows might look like.
Overwhelmed by powerful sobs, Yuuji clung tightly to Megumi’s hand, then gently wrapped one of his hands around Nobara’s, which was resting on his thigh as she continued to keep his legs elevated. These two people were his lifeline.
“Guys… thank you. Thank you so much!” Yuuji repeated over and over, his voice brimming with tenderness and infinite love for his exceptional friends. He couldn’t find any other words to express his gratitude.
Nobara and Megumi both nodded, feeling a deep emotional connection with Yuuji like never before.
A few minutes of soothing silence passed. During that time, Yuuji closed his eyes, focusing on his breathing while his friends watched him with care and encouragement. His breathing, previously erratic from distress, began to steady. With patience and determination, Yuuji guided himself into a state of calm, pushing the worries that had weighed him down into a distant corner of his mind. Finally allowing himself to let go, he managed to ease the random spasms that had shaken his abdomen.
It was Nobara who broke the silence first, her lips twitching with amusement as she made a comment that was as humorous as it was unnecessary:
“Can you imagine if someone walked in right now? Without context, this whole scene would look super weird!”
Kugisaki holding Yuuji’s legs in the air, Megumi sitting on the bed with them, Yuuji gripping both their hands—it really was a bizarre tableau.
Megumi scoffed at the thought, a rare and subtle smile briefly gracing his lips. Yuuji, too, pictured the scene and burst into a genuine laugh, a bit uneven due to his condition but pure and heartfelt, unlike anything his friends had heard from him in weeks.
Relieved to see such a relaxed and sincere smile on his friend’s face, Fushiguro took the opportunity to ask:
“Are you feeling any better now, Itadori?”
“The dizziness has eased… but my stomach’s still in knots, and I’m still shaky!” Yuuji explained, his voice steadier now, his connection to reality seemingly stronger than before.
“You still need to eat something and hydrate! How about I grab you a bowl of gyudon?” Nobara offered as she gently placed Yuuji’s trembling legs back onto the bed.
The thought of compact rice and greasy beef landing in his stomach made Yuuji feel nauseous.
“Uh, just imagining it makes me want to puke! But I could handle something lighter… Maybe a chocolate bar and an iced tea?” Yuuji suggested, remembering that those items were easily available from the vending machines in the dorm’s lobby.
“Uh… sorry, but my legs still aren’t reliable. If I try to stand right now…” Yuuji’s cheeks flushed with embarrassment, unable to bring himself to outright ask his friends to help him with something as simple as buying food.
“Say no more, I’ll get it for you!” Kugisaki understood immediately, standing up with determination and pulling out her wallet.
“Itadori, I have something urgent to take care of. Do you think you can manage on your own while Kugisaki goes to grab your food?” Fushiguro asked cautiously, his brow furrowed.
“Go handle your business, Fushiguro! Ten minutes alone won’t kill me!” Yuuji joked, a faint but reassuring smile on his lips.
“Good.” Fushiguro nodded, rising to his feet with purpose as he pulled his phone out of his pocket.
Megumi and Nobara exited the room together. After carefully closing Yuuji’s door behind them, they made their way toward the dormitory hall. When they reached the vending machines, Megumi veered off in the opposite direction, heading straight for the exit.
“What are you planning to do, Fushiguro?” Kugisaki asked, her curiosity piqued.
Megumi didn’t stop walking, his back now turned to Nobara. As he scrolled through his contact list, his fingers found the number he rarely dialed—used only for missions or in moments of absolute urgency.
He pressed “Call” and brought the phone to his ear, listening to the dial tone. A fierce, fiery anger burned in his deep blue eyes as he pushed open the large door leading outside with force.
“I’m going to knock some sense into that blindfolded idiot!”
⁂
“Well, well, Megumi’s calling me? Is the world ending? What’s the matter? Worried about your sensei?”
Fushiguro took a long, deep breath, forcing himself to contain the overwhelming wave of irritation flooding him at the sound of Gojo’s playful tone. That mischievous streak of his father figure was the single most aggravating trait he possessed—and it was especially infuriating given the current circumstances.
Gojo had been dispatched to Osaka. While Megumi didn’t know the full details of the mission, he’d heard rumors about an alarming congregation of Grade 1 Curses gathering in a forest near a temple where locals often left talismans for good fortune. The accumulation of negative emotions like frustration, anxiety, and disappointment had likely given birth to the mass of Curses Gojo was now tasked with eradicating.
Satoru had picked up Megumi’s call in the middle of the fight. The student could tell from the sound of rushing wind caused by his sensei’s movements, paired with the guttural growls of the Curses. Typical Gojo—arrogant enough to take a call mid-battle, something no other sane sorcerer would dare. Megumi wasn’t fooled, though. He knew Gojo could wipe out these Curses in no time using his unmatched abilities. But, being the overgrown child he was, the man probably saw this as a game, deliberately prolonging the fight just to make his trip feel worthwhile.
Well, Megumi was about to let this fool know he didn’t have the luxury to waste time playing around tonight.
“For your information, no one’s worried about you. You’re tougher than a cockroach—what could possibly happen to you?” Megumi snapped, his voice laced with more venom than intended.
“What?! Megumi, you meanie! That comparison’s an insult to my divine beauty!” Gojo whined in a high-pitched tone. Megumi could hear the faint hum of Infinity as Satoru effortlessly deflected an enemy’s attack. “But seriously, that doesn’t answer my question! What’s going on?”
Until now, Megumi had kept a careful distance, quietly observing Yuuji’s personal quest unfold. As a friend, he’d done his best to be a confidant, offering whatever insight he could to help Yuuji navigate the emotional labyrinth that was Gojo Satoru—a man as unpredictable as he was powerful.
Even after spending his childhood with the man who had taken him in and raised him, Megumi sometimes struggled to anticipate his reactions. Gojo was an enigma, a riddle cloaked in Infinity.
Yuuji really hit the jackpot falling for this blindfolded idiot.
After observing the model over the past two weeks, watching him spiral into an abyss of self-loathing and regret—a pit so deep it seemed nearly impossible to climb out of—Megumi had made his decision. He would no longer stand idly by, helplessly watching this catastrophe unfold. Fushiguro would never abandon Yuuji to his fate. Witnessing him collapse onto the floor, weak and in tears like never before, was a sight Megumi refused to ever see again.
And the one who had pushed Yuuji into that abyss in the first place was none other than Gojo Satoru himself.
“Itadori collapsed. He’s been neglecting his health to the point where he hasn’t been eating properly.”
Silence.
The sound of wind rushing past Gojo’s phone stopped abruptly, signaling that the man had come to a standstill upon hearing this news. Megumi pressed on.
“I’ve never seen him like this. He was crying, trembling so hard he couldn’t even stand… he collapsed right in front of me and Kugisaki.”
The sickening sound of a Curse being destroyed echoed through the line, followed by Gojo’s commanding voice, sharp and resolute: “Did you take him to Shoko?”
“You know how he is, Gojo-san,” Megumi retorted, dropping all honorifics for this private conversation. “Yuuji hates asking anyone for help. He’s constantly terrified of being a burden. I offered to take him to Ieiri-san, and he refused outright. We had to lay him down on his bed and watch over him until the dizziness subsided. If we hadn’t been there, he would’ve locked himself in his room and suffered alone. Silent. Desperate.”
Megumi intentionally emphasized every heartbreaking detail. He wanted to provoke something in that stupid teacher—force a radical moment of self-awareness.
His efforts began to bear fruit. The piercing cries of Curses filled the line, their agonized wails growing louder as Gojo’s furious onslaught silenced them one by one. The Strongest was no longer in the mood to toy with his opponents. He vented his anger on what he could, bitterly wishing he could have been there when his student had so desperately needed someone by his side.
Good. Feel guilty. Be angry. It’s not even a fraction of the pain you’ve caused Itadori. Megumi thought with grim satisfaction, a rare sense of vindication surging through him. In his own way, he had avenged Yuuji.
He hadn’t admitted it, not wanting to make Yuuji uncomfortable, but Fushiguro had heard it all that night—the muffled, almost imperceptible sounds of his friend sobbing uncontrollably after the infamous argument that had ruined everything. His chest had tightened in empathy for Yuuji and simmering anger toward his adoptive father.
Megumi didn’t know the full details of what Gojo had said to make Yuuji break down like that, and frankly, he didn’t want to. Because he knew that hearing the specifics of their fight would only ignite a murderous rage toward that oblivious idiot of a teacher.
Megumi would never admit it aloud, but of course, he cared for his adoptive father despite his infuriating flaws. Gojo wasn’t a bad person; for all his shortcomings, he deserved happiness—just as much as Yuuji deserved it. That was precisely why Megumi had decided to intervene. If he had to strong-arm fate into making Gojo realize the extent of his mistakes, to force him to change his behavior for both his own good and Yuuji’s, so be it.
Fushiguro was determined to put an end to this painful cycle of unspoken feelings and miscommunication.
“You think I’m blind? You might be hard to read, but some things are obvious,” Megumi spat, his voice sharp, his anger barely restrained. “You know how Itadori feels about you, Gojo-san. You’ve known from the start. And don’t even try to deny it—I’ve also figured out that you’ve got feelings for him, too.”
Gojo was a perceptive and experienced man. And Yuuji? Too honest for his own good. Everyone could see right through him, like an open book. He never managed to fully mask the depth of his feelings for The Strongest. Of course, his lovesick behavior hadn’t gone unnoticed by Satoru.
For the longest time, Megumi had no idea how Gojo truly felt about it. Did he return those feelings? Or was he pretending not to notice in order to avoid hurting Yuuji with a clear rejection?
The answer to those questions had come to Megumi three weeks ago.
Megumi’s suspicions had started to form when Gojo became noticeably more tactile with Yuuji. His hugs were longer, more frequent than before. He would deactivate his Infinity far more often than necessary whenever Yuuji was around. Then there was his persistent questioning about Yuuji’s new lifestyle and outings—prying in ways that went beyond casual curiosity. Gojo even seemed to actively seek out Yuuji’s company outside of class, frequently suggesting they hang out, only to sulk childishly whenever Yuuji turned him down.
And let’s not forget the cursed energy Gojo no longer bothered to restrain in Yuuji’s presence—a powerful, weighty aura brimming with emotions so varied and contradictory that even Megumi struggled to read them clearly. His adoptive father’s feelings were just too intense, too complex to decipher.
The final nail in the coffin, the event that obliterated all doubt from Megumi’s mind, was the outing—no, the romantic date Gojo had orchestrated at the Tokyo Symphony Bay. Listening to Yuuji’s enthusiastic and detailed recounting the following day, Megumi had been secretly stunned by how blatantly Gojo had tried to impress him. That oblivious fool Yuuji hadn’t even realized it!
Inviting him on a luxury cruise? That was a textbook move from the arrogant Satoru, who thrived on flaunting his grandeur and having his ego stroked.
It was clear that Gojo wanted to eliminate any and all barriers—physical, emotional, or otherwise—between them. He had initiated all sorts of physical contact, from holding hands to indirect kisses and even slow dancing, the quintessential dance of couples. He had opened up about deeply personal aspects of his past with striking vulnerability. He had urged Yuuji to stop caring about others’ opinions. He had even been ready to crush an old creep who dared hit on Yuuji.
Megumi knew Gojo would never go to such lengths for just a friend or a fleeting fling.
Still, Megumi had kept his conclusions to himself. He wanted things to unfold naturally between Yuuji and Gojo. The realization of their mutual feelings needed to come from them, not from external interference.
But given the current state of affairs, Megumi could no longer stand idly by. Watching Yuuji spiral into despair and Gojo drown himself in guilt while avoiding the person he clearly loved—it was unbearable.
These two idiots were utterly incapable of communicating their feelings openly.
And that needed to change. Fast.
Gojo remained silent, but his erratic breathing betrayed his turmoil. Fushiguro could hear it through the phone, subtle yet unmistakable. He knew it wasn’t from the battle or physical exertion—Gojo was upset, likely displeased by Megumi’s unrelenting bluntness. There was no doubt about it: Megumi was angry, and he wasn’t holding back. After all, Gojo didn't held back with Yuuji.
“So, what is it, Gojo-san?” Megumi snapped, his voice sharp with accusation. “That line you fed Itadori when he was grieving—you know, the one about ‘I’ll always be there for you’—was that just bullshit? A lie? Because from where I’m standing, it sure as hell wasn’t you who was holding his legs up to stop his dizziness! It wasn’t you holding his hand while he cried and apologized for being a burden!”
Megumi knew he had crossed a line, deliberately stepping into dangerous territory. Gojo let out a low, menacing growl—a warning for Megumi to tread carefully.
“Don’t go there with me,” Gojo snarled, his tone icy and razor-sharp. “You have no idea what I’m capable of—what I would do to protect Yuuji. You don’t know anything.”
“Then enlighten me!” Megumi shot back, utterly unfazed by Gojo’s tone. “I’m listening.”
He wasn’t intimidated. Not one bit. Megumi had seen Gojo’s rare flashes of anger before—back when he was younger and prone to neglecting his own health. He could go to school with a 104-degree fever and not say a word to anyone, a habit that infuriated Gojo to no end. Those moments had taught Megumi how to weather Satoru’s rare but explosive temper without flinching.
Gojo continued battling the swarm of curses without missing a beat, his movements precise and lethal, his tone laced with the weight of his emotions.
“I would kill for him. I would commit the vilest acts to keep him smiling…” Gojo paused, exhaling a deep, frustrated breath. “I would do anything to keep him close to me.”
Finally, Gojo was opening up, sharing the darkest corners of his heart. The provocation had worked.
“I… hurt Yuuji. I hurt him so badly that he’s probably realized by now that he idealized me this whole time. He thought he knew me, but he had no idea about the darkness, the impurity that consumes me whenever I’m near him…”
Gojo’s voice grew rough with frustration as he continued. “I’m not a prince charming, Megumi. I love Yuuji so much that I wish I could cage him. I want him to be mine—body and soul—and I don’t want anyone else to get close enough to take him away from me. It’s fucked up. I know that. But it’s who I am. It’s how I love. It’s written into me.”
Another wave of curses descended on him, and the sheer force of Gojo’s devastating counterattack caused the wind to howl through the phone, momentarily distorting the call.
"I never want to be the reason for his tears again. When I saw him about to break down in front of me..." Gojo's voice cracked slightly, though his frustration burned through. "I've never felt anything like it! I destroyed the absolute trust he had in me, and now I have no idea how to get it back!"
Megumi was momentarily caught off guard by the sheer vulnerability intertwined with the unfiltered anger in Gojo’s tone. Satoru had never been this open about his emotions before. Fushiguro kept quiet, letting him continue.
"I might be the greatest exorcist of this century, but I’m not delusional. I know my own limits." Gojo’s voice dropped, simmering with remorse. "I stayed away from Yuuji because I knew my presence was doing him more harm than good. As much as it kills me to admit it, he’s better off with you and Nobara." His words ended in a grumble, as though even saying it out loud aggravated him.
"Don’t you dare think that staying away hasn’t torn me apart!" Gojo snapped, his voice raw and biting, clearly stung by Megumi’s earlier accusations. "It’s been two weeks, and I’m already losing my mind! Ijichi avoids me like the plague, and every fight zone I walk into ends up half-destroyed because I’m using everything around me as a punching bag. All because I miss Yuuji so goddamn much, and I can’t stand this situation!"
"Then why don’t you end it? Why don’t you go back to Yuuji?" Megumi shot back, his tone sharp and impatient.
"Don't you see I’m busy, you little shit?" Gojo growled, unleashing his frustration on a curse that had dared interrupt their conversation. The distinct sound of destruction rang through the call, followed by a brief pause as Satoru took a breath and continued in a quieter voice. "I… I can’t handle the thought of Yuuji being disappointed in me. Or worse… realizing that the image he had of me was wrong all along."
He let out a hollow laugh—cold, humorless, and cutting. Megumi could picture the bitter smirk on his face.
"I know Yuuji deserves better. He’s kind, open-minded, sensitive… utterly breathtaking in every possible way. A ray of sunshine in so many people’s lives. He deserves more than a selfish man like me. But the truth is, I’m full of ego. I wouldn’t be able to bear it if Yuuji realized all of this and decided to walk away for good. If he looked me in the eye and said, ‘I don’t want you anymore, Sensei.’"
Megumi scoffed, his own laugh laced with biting cynicism. So, this was it. His suspicions were spot on.
"So, let me get this straight," Megumi began, his voice sharp as a blade. "You’re hiding behind the excuse of exorcising curses because it’s easier than facing the battle you really need to fight. You jumped headfirst into these missions to avoid dealing with the fallout of your own damn words! You couldn’t handle the guilt, so you ran away!"
The call erupted with the explosive sound of Gojo unleashing his Cursed Technique Lapse: Blue. The deafening force only confirmed how rattled he was. But Megumi wasn’t done. He wasn’t holding back. His words were merciless and aimed to pierce straight through the heart.
Gojo needed to wake up—now. Otherwise, he was going to lose Yuuji forever.
"You’re seriously telling me Yuuji needs Nobara and me more than he needs you? For fuck’s sake, Gojo-san, it’s been two weeks of watching our friend falling apart, stuck in this goddamn spiral of heartbreak and self-loathing, and there’s nothing we can do about it!"
A shaky breath was Gojo’s only response, but Megumi wasn’t backing down.
"He’s heartbroken because ever since your stupid fight, he’s convinced himself that he’s not good enough for you. He’s convinced you’re disgusted with him, with who he’s become! What the hell are we supposed to say to that? No amount of friendship in the world can heal that kind of wound!" Megumi’s voice rose with every word, his frustration boiling over at his adoptive father’s blatant idiocy.
"W-Wait a second, Megumi!" Gojo stammered—a rarity, a sign that he was genuinely shaken by what he was hearing. "I admit I said some things I shouldn’t have, but at no point did I reject Yuuji! How could he possibly think—"
"It doesn’t matter!" Megumi cut in sharply, his patience wearing dangerously thin. "Whatever you said, it led him to that conclusion. This is your fault! So own up to it, swallow your goddamn pride, and apologize! Unless losing Yuuji doesn’t bother you all that much, Sensei!" he spat, his sarcasm dripping with venom.
The great Gojo Satoru, with all his power and wisdom, still hadn’t figured out the obvious: the only way to fix this mess was to apologize. What a fucking idiot! A hopeless moron who didn’t even realize how lucky he was that Yuuji could still find something to love in him.
A low growl, followed by muffled muttering—likely curses aimed at the persistent monsters—preceded the sound of yet another massive attack. Then Gojo’s voice returned to the call.
"I know, okay? I know I fucked up. I’ve known it since the moment I saw him cry. It’s just…" Gojo’s tone softened, tinged with melancholia. "I didn’t think keeping my distance would make things worse. I thought Yuuji hated me so much he couldn’t stand to see my face or hear my voice. I thought I was doing us both a favor by staying away."
"You can’t be serious." Megumi’s disbelief practically oozed through the line, his brow furrowing in sheer exasperation. "Yuuji, hate you? You still don’t get it, do you? He loves you, Gojo-san! He’d die for you if you asked him to! He’s the only one who fully accepts you, flaws and all! Even after this stupid fight, he can’t stop thinking about you. He doesn’t even need to say it—it’s written all over his fucking face!"
"Megumi…" Gojo sighed heavily, as though begging the younger sorcerer to stop.
But Megumi wasn’t stopping now. Gojo was finally breaking, finally confronting the truths he had been so desperate to avoid. Seeing this shift, Megumi decided to play his final card.
"Aren’t you tired of this, Gojo-san? Aren’t you sick of this endless back-and-forth that’s been going on for months?"
Silence. Then a deafening roar—Gojo unleashing another ferocious attack.
"I’m done with it, Megumi!" Gojo thundered, his voice a tempest of frustration and longing. "Goddamn it, if I had my way, I’d abandon this stupid mission, teleport straight into Yuuji’s room, and hold him so tightly he couldn’t breathe! I don’t care if he’s angry, I don’t care if he tries to push me away!"
The sound of another devastating blast rippled through the call before Gojo continued, his emotions spilling over unchecked. "I just want to be near him! To know he’s safe, to breathe him in, to let his voice drown out everything else! I want to lie beside him and forget the whole damn world. That peace… I can only find it with him."
A heavy silence followed, broken only by Gojo’s ragged breathing. Then, with a voice that carried the weight of his heartache, he whispered, "I can’t lose the one I love a second time. It would drive me insane."
Finally ! The idiot had understood the most important thing.
"Then finish this mission and get back here! Yuuji needs you, too. More than you realize!" Megumi ordered, his face finally relaxing, his eyes glinting with a mix of relief and exhaustion after the intense conversation.
Megumi wasn’t acting out of pettiness or meddling. He was just sick and tired of watching two people he cared deeply about suffer endlessly, unable to reconcile. By warning Gojo about the situation, Megumi had acted as a friend. The rest was now up to them.
"Itadori is an exceptional man. Indeed, he’s way too good for you. But for some reason, he chose you. So you’d better be damn sure you’re worthy of the overwhelming love he’s giving to an idiot like you! Worship him like a king!" Megumi grumbled, exasperated, as Gojo couldn’t help but let out a bark of laughter, a blend of relief and joy at Megumi’s rare passion.
"Don’t worry, I’ll worship him until my dying breath," Gojo promised, his tone lighter but firm, resolute.
The sound of the Curses diminished, their presence growing less frequent. It seemed Gojo had made significant progress in clearing the area.
"I’ve got about ten more zones to clean up. These fucking pests are swarming like cockroaches in this area! Give me an hour, Megumi. That’s all I need to wrap this up. If anything happens in the meantime, call me immediately!"
"Don’t worry, Gojo-san. Yuuji’s with Kugisaki right now, and I’ll stay close by in case anything comes up. Finish your mission and then get to him… pull him out of this mess!" Megumi instructed, his voice calm but resolute, leaving no room for argument.
"Oh, and one more thing, Gojo-san," Megumi added, his tone dropping to a sinister growl, his cursed energy flaring with unspoken menace. "If you ever make him cry again, I’ll castrate you and feed your dick to my dogs. Got it?"
A heavy silence lingered over the line before Gojo responded, far too calm and calculated for comfort: "But Megumi, if I lose my dick, how am I supposed to breed Yuu—"
"Say one more word, and I’ll cut your junk off the second you set foot here!" Megumi’s cheeks burned with embarrassment as he clenched his teeth, forcing his mind away from the horrifying images Gojo’s foul mouth had conjured.
Gojo erupted into his usual infuriatingly childlike giggle, an unbearable sound, as he dove back into battle with newfound energy and mischief.
"If I ever make Yuuji cry again, it’ll only be tears of joy," Satoru declared with his signature confidence.
Megumi nodded to himself, feeling oddly reassured. He knew Gojo would keep his promise. For all his flaws—his selfishness, arrogance, and insensitivity—Gojo cared deeply and loved fiercely. He’d do what it took to mend things with Yuuji. And that, Megumi admitted reluctantly, made Gojo just barely deserving of Yuuji’s love.
Not that Megumi would ever admit it out loud—he wasn’t about to inflate Gojo’s already oversized ego.
"Focus on your fight, Gojo-san. We’ll talk later."
"Megumi?"
Caught off guard by the sudden call of his name, Megumi paused, phone still at his ear. "Yeah?"
"Thanks," Gojo murmured, his voice uncharacteristically soft, filled with gratitude that struck Megumi like a bolt out of the blue.
"I—!" Flustered, Megumi scratched the back of his head, his cheeks tinged pink. "I just did what I had to do… no need to thank me."
"Awwww, are you embarrassed? That’s so cute! Makes me want to plant a big, sloppy kiss on your cheek!"
"Try it, and you’ll lose your lips," Megumi growled, his annoyance and disgust at Gojo’s antics surging back.
"Speaking of big, sloppy kisses!" Gojo sang out gleefully, blatantly ignoring Megumi’s threat as he continued fighting off the remaining Curses.
His tone was far too cheerful—it didn’t bode well.
"Quick heads-up for the guy in the room next door! I’m more than happy to make up with Yuuji, but depending on how the conversation goes… I mean, if he gives me the green light, there’s a very good chance our reconciliation might end with us sorting things out between the sheets and—"
May this insufferable, shameless idiot be cursed for eternity! Megumi had heard enough.
"For heaven’s sake, take Itadori to your own damn place for that! Spare me your noisy horizontal mambo, sensei!" Megumi fumed, concluding that Gojo was a lost cause and that Yuuji must be just as insane to actually love him.
The mischievous laugh that followed was the last straw, cementing Megumi’s desire to punch that idiot's angelic face the moment he returned from his mission.
⁂
While Megumi was locked in a battle of wills over the phone with Gojo, Yuuji sat at the edge of his bed as Kugisaki barged into his room with the spoils of her vending machine raid. She plopped the stash onto the bed before sitting beside him.
“Holy crap, Kugisaki! Did you rob the vending machine or something? There’s no way I can eat all this!” Yuuji protested with a nervous laugh, eyeing the mountain of snacks she had brought. He appreciated her effort, but he’d asked for one chocolate bar, not a truckload.
Irritated, Nobara grabbed the bottle of iced tea she’d bought and poked Yuuji’s cheek with the cap, her expression pure exasperation.
“I’m worried sick because Mr. Top Athlete here decides to keel over in the hallway, and when I go out of my way to save your sorry ass, you complain? Shut up and eat!”
She slammed the bottle down and grabbed one of the chocolate bars, shoving it toward Yuuji’s lips. He pressed his mouth shut instinctively, groaning in muffled protest as he turned his head to dodge her relentless assault.
“Do you want me to get a stomachache, you psycho?!” Yuuji said between bouts of laughter, feigning annoyance as he tried to swat her hand away.
“Exactly!” Nobara said with a terrifyingly gleeful grin, her eyes narrowing like a predator cornering its prey. “You’re gonna eat until you regret skipping meals for the rest of your life!”
For a moment, Yuuji genuinely regretted not asking the much calmer and more reasonable Fushiguro to fetch him snacks.
Resigning himself to his fate, Yuuji snatched the chocolate bar from her hand, unwrapped it, and took a big bite. “There! I’m eating ! Happy now? Can you stop attacking me?” he grumbled through a mouthful, side-eyeing her cautiously in case she decided to launch a second wave.
With a dismissive “tch,” Nobara finally backed off, crossing her arms as she muttered under her breath something that sounded like, “Idiot, taking your health so lightly…”
Yuuji felt his chest tighten with guilt. He hated being the source of so much worry for his friends. He truly hadn’t realized how much he’d neglected his most basic needs, consumed by endless cycles of overthinking. He would’ve preferred anything to letting things spiral to the point of fainting in the hallway.
The truth was, every time mealtime came around and Yuuji sat in front of a plate of food, an overwhelming wave of nausea would hit him. It wasn’t just the thought of eating—it was the smell, the texture, even the sight of dishes that used to make his mouth water.
Drinking wasn’t an issue (thankfully, or he would’ve succumbed to dehydration), but eating a full meal had become a Herculean task. Yuuji couldn’t even remember the last time he’d eaten with real appetite. For the past two weeks, he’d been leaving his plates half-finished, handing the leftovers to Panda-senpai whenever he was around, just to avoid waste.
Anxiety—of course, it had to be anxiety. That made sense.
Pushing the guilt to the side, Yuuji resolved to view this entire ordeal as a painful but necessary lesson. Next time he found himself in a rough patch, he would do better—he had to. Life wouldn’t magically become smooth sailing overnight. There would be other tough times, other emotional storms, but he needed to learn how to weather them without sending his friends into panic mode.
Finishing the chocolate bar, Yuuji uncapped his bottle of green tea and took long, greedy gulps, the cool liquid soothing his parched throat and quenching the exhaustion that clung to him like a second skin. In less than a minute, he’d drained more than half the bottle.
Kugisaki watched him with a raised eyebrow before letting out a small chuckle, though her expression quickly turned more serious.
"Itadori, look, I don’t wanna nag or anything, okay? But what happened today… it’s not something you can just shrug off. If it wasn’t about Gojo-sensei, then something must’ve gone down at work that made you snap."
She hesitated, scratching her head awkwardly. “So, uh… are you ready to talk about it? Because, to be honest, I’m so frustrated I could scream. I want to shake it out of you.” Her voice softened slightly as she added, "But I also don’t wanna push you again or make you uncomfortable. Not after earlier."
Kugisaki’s eyes flicked to Yuuji, gauging his reaction carefully. Her usual bravado wavered, replaced with a rare moment of uncertainty. She hated seeing her friend like this—hated feeling powerless to help.
Yuuji let out a small, tender noise, his lips twitching into a faint smile despite himself. Setting the bottle down on his nightstand, he scooted closer to Kugisaki, who was still perched at the edge of the bed. Leaning sideways, he gently rested his head on her shoulder, his hair tickling her neck.
“Of course I’ll explain everything to you,” he murmured softly. “I owe you that much after screaming like some hysterical lunatic… I’m really sorry, Kugisaki. I completely lost it.”
Kugisaki gave him a light smack on his lower back, her expression softening.
“Well, I might consider forgiving you,” she mused dramatically. “That said, there’s this gorgeous Balenciaga scarf I’ve had my eye on—”
“You’re getting nothing but my apology, you damn leech!” Yuuji cut her off, shooting her a withering look, clearly unimpressed by her opportunistic antics.
“Hey, can’t blame a girl for trying,” she shrugged, utterly shameless. Tilting her head, she let it rest on Itadori's soft, fluffy hair for a brief, affectionate moment. “Now spill. What the hell happened?”
And spill he did.
Yuuji laid everything bare: his recent realizations about needing to stop hinging so much of his self-worth on Gojo’s opinion, his dreams of continuing his modeling career crushed under Nebula’s impossible expectations, and the shame he felt over being blindsided by the fine print in his contract. His inexperience had truly come back to bite him, leaving him more humiliated than he cared to admit.
By the time he finished, Kugisaki didn’t wait a single second to react. She jerked away from him and shot up from the bed, her movements sharp and full of righteous fury.
“Are you kidding me? Those fucking dogs seriously wanted you to strip naked for a damn sex toy ad without your consent?! They deserve a lawsuit up their collective asses!” She ranted, her voice growing louder with every word. “You made the right call walking out on them, Itadori! Let them rot in bankruptcy—hell, it’s exactly what they deserve!”
Yuuji sighed, his shoulders slumping as he stared down at his feet.
“I wish I’d been able to leave on better terms, you know? I wanted to take the time to say goodbye to everyone, to thank the people who made my time at Nebula so amazing.” His voice faltered briefly, and he added, almost in a whisper, “But this whole thing happened at a time when I was already at my breaking point… because of everything that happened with Gojo-sensei.”
His chest tightened painfully at the mention of his teacher, but he forced himself to push the feeling aside. “I had nothing left in me. No patience, no energy… nothing. So I walked out without looking back. And the whole train ride home, I felt like shit.” His hands curled into fists on his lap, frustration dripping from his tone. “If only I’d paid attention to that damn contract…”
“No, Itadori!” Kugisaki barked, her hands shooting out to grip his shoulders firmly, forcing him to look her in the eye. Her tone was fierce, her anger righteous.
“That bastard of a CEO tried to mess with your head, make you think this was your fault. But that’s a load of bullshit, you hear me?” Her grip tightened for emphasis. “It’s way too easy to bury crap like that in a bunch of legalese no one can understand! They acted like vultures, plain and simple! If they’d been honest from the start, they would’ve laid out exactly what the job entailed. Instead, they took advantage of your excitement. That’s on them, not you. And you know what? Good fucking riddance! Their dishonesty cost them the one guy who could’ve saved their sorry little magazine. Let them cry about it—it’s no less than they deserve!”
Yuuji's eyes glistened, genuinely moved by his friend's words. Already emotionally fragile when he quit, he might have let Nagato Ushinomiya's cold, calculated remarks influence him more than they should have. Sure, Yuuji had been hasty when signing his contract… but was that really an excuse for his boss to push one of his models to pose nude, all for the sake of numbers? If Yuuji trusted his gut, the answer was clear: no, it wasn’t.
Feeling the weight of guilt lift from his shoulders, Yuuji let out a deep sigh. Talking it out with Kugisaki had been the right call—her perspective made everything feel much clearer.
"Yeah… the thought of being treated like a pawn made me sick. I wish I could’ve left under better circumstances, but I don’t regret listening to my instincts. I won’t sacrifice my dignity for some money-hungry old man!”
“Exactly, Itadori! That’s the mindset you need to keep!” Kugisaki exclaimed, clapping him on the shoulders like a coach hyping up their boxer before a big match.
Yuuji wrapped his hands around hers warmly, a calm smile spreading across his face. “And maybe I was being too negative earlier. I’ve got Leila’s number, so if it’s about saying goodbye properly, we can always meet outside the Nebula offices! I’ll ask her to bring Haru-san along, too!”
He felt almost silly for not thinking of something so simple before, lost as he’d been in his spiral of doubt and regret.
“Of course! She likes you, so there’s no way she wouldn’t want to keep in touch after all this! Don’t overthink it, okay?” Kugisaki said, flashing him an encouraging smile.
Nodding with newfound enthusiasm, the ex-model realized his body no longer felt so tense—his trembling now a distant memory. Slowly, he pushed himself up to stand, Kugisaki ready to catch him if any lingering dizziness struck. Now upright, Yuuji stepped closer to her and pulled her into a hug, catching her off guard.
“You were right. If I’d spoken up about what was bothering me from the start, I’d have felt better so much sooner, and everything wouldn’t have escalated like this! I don’t know what I’d do without you and Fushiguro.”
“We’re used to cleaning up your messes, Itadori!” Kugisaki teased, hugging him back. “You always think you’ve gotta carry the weight of the world on your shoulders. Our job is to remind you that you can share that weight with us.”
Unintentionally, Yuuji reacted to her powerful words with an uncontrollable yawn. Flustered, he mumbled an apology, clearly drained.
Kugisaki burst out laughing, gently pushing him back. “Alright, get ready for bed, okay? You’ve had a long day. I’ll go let Fushiguro know you’re doing better.”
As she began to leave, she opened the door but paused, pointing a finger at her friend. “If anything happens—no matter what—you call us! Don’t pull any dumb stunts again! If we have to prop up your legs at 3 a.m., we’ll do it!”
Yuuji stretched, humming contentedly as his stiff muscles eased into delicious relaxation. He let out a playful laugh.
“Yes, mom! I’ve learned my lesson! Please don’t put me in timeout!”
“Smartass!” Nobara huffed, a vein twitching on her temple before exhaling with resignation, secretly pleased to see Yuuji regaining his cheeky side. “And don’t forget to take off your makeup before bed, or you’ll break out. Night, handsome!”
Waving at his friend, Yuuji watched the door close behind Kugisaki, leaving him enveloped in a silence all too familiar—the silence that accompanied his moments of solitude and anxiety. He took a deep breath, feeling his shoulders tighten with apprehension. He needed to do something to distract himself. The dull ache in his head, a reminder of his earlier tears, wasn’t helping, but Yuuji was determined to reclaim some sense of normalcy and not let his thoughts drag him down further.
Taking Kugisaki’s advice to heart, he settled at his desk, pulling out his makeup remover: cotton pads, micellar water, and his trusty mirror. As he soaked a pad and gently wiped his cheeks, his mind began to wander. Naturally, it didn’t take long for thoughts of his modeling career to surface—along with the essential question that had been quietly haunting him.
He remembered his mindset when signing his contract. Back then, his goal was simple: to master the art of seduction and win the heart of the unattainable Gojo Satoru. Three months with Nebula had changed him profoundly, both physically and mentally. But had he truly learned what it meant to captivate someone? Had he found the answers to the insecurities that had driven him into this world?
Though the words were difficult to articulate, Yuuji was starting to understand one vital truth: true allure wasn’t about playing a part. It was a revelation that felt paradoxical, coming from someone who had grown accustomed to masking his imperfections with makeup and projecting a false confidence in front of the camera. What Yuuji realized was that these external tools didn’t define him—they highlighted facets of his true self. To genuinely connect with someone, he needed to embrace his authenticity. If he were to be loved, it had to be as Itadori Yuuji, not as a fabricated version of himself designed to meet others' expectations.
Of course, this was easier said than done. Years of self-doubt had left deep scars, and the habit of undervaluing himself was hard to break. But things were beginning to shift. The confidence he’d felt earlier, walking down the school stairs with his head held high, facing Gojo without flinching, gave him hope. Yuuji was learning, step by step, to show himself the same compassion his friends so readily gave him.
It would take time, but Yuuji believed he could get there.
For the first time in weeks, Yuuji noticed he could think about Gojo without feeling an immediate stab of pain. The hurt was still there, lingering like a faint bruise, but it wasn’t the sharp, all-consuming ache that had kept him awake at night. Yes, he still replayed their argument in his mind, wondering if different words might have changed the outcome. But the wound, though far from healed, was beginning to lose its sting.
Gojo’s actions had been harsh, unforgivable even, rooted in an inability—or refusal—to understand Yuuji’s choices. Yet, despite everything, Yuuji couldn’t see the point in prolonging their estrangement. He didn’t want to remain locked in a stalemate, avoiding Gojo as though he was an enemy. The pain was undeniable, but Yuuji wanted to emerge stronger from this experience. Though he couldn’t forgive Gojo’s words, he still wanted to maintain a connection with him. Cutting ties completely was unthinkable—not just because Gojo was a prominent figure at Jujutsu High, but because Yuuji couldn’t imagine a life entirely devoid of his presence.
If their relationship could be rebuilt on mutual respect, Yuuji would be content. Even if they could only salvage a professional rapport, he was willing to accept it. And perhaps, one day, he might even find the strength to heal and open his heart to someone else. Love was, after all, a cruel and formative game, both a curse and a blessing.
The road ahead would undoubtedly be filled with challenges, but Yuuji felt ready to face them—with his friends by his side. He wanted to believe in a future beyond Gojo Satoru, a future where he could thrive as himself, no matter what it held.
Yuuji stared at his reflection, lost in thought, unaware that two hours had slipped by since his fainting spell and Kugisaki's departure. He was deep in a world of mental conditioning, forcing himself to grieve the dreams he had clung to so tightly. Dreams of a life filled with mutual love and happiness shared with Gojo.
Goodbye to the imaginary apartment he’d envisioned countless times, a cozy place he dreamed of sharing with Gojo, living in blissful harmony. He pictured himself waiting for Gojo to return from missions, ready to wrap his arms around him, kiss him, and say in the simplest, most heartfelt way: “Welcome home, Satoru.”
Finishing the last traces of his makeup removal, Yuuji felt a sting of tears building in his eyes. He shut them tightly, his eyelids trembling as he fought to hold back the flood. It hurt. It hurt so much. But with time, surely—
A loud thud interrupted his spiraling thoughts, snapping him back to reality. The sound came from behind him, the unmistakable noise of someone landing on his floor. A steady, slightly erratic breath broke the silence, pulling Yuuji from his isolation.
Heart racing, Yuuji shot up from his chair and spun around to face the intruder—only to freeze in shock.
Gojo Satoru stood before him.
He was breathing heavily, an unusual sight for the man who usually treated missions like leisurely strolls. Even with his blindfold concealing his eyes, Yuuji could feel his sensei’s gaze locked onto him. Mouth slightly agape, Yuuji was overwhelmed by a storm of emotions. Confusion. Apprehension. Relief so profound it defied words.
But then, his heart plummeted as he noticed what looked like blood staining Gojo’s cheek.
“You’re hurt!” Yuuji exclaimed, panic rising as he rushed toward his teacher, instinctively cupping Gojo’s face in his hands to assess the damage.
Fear gripped him. Had Gojo come here seeking help? Was it serious? Why hadn’t he gone to Ieiri-san? Was she unavailable? Yuuji’s mind spiraled, his hands trembling as he tried to examine Gojo more closely.
The blindfold was in the way, and Yuuji, too distressed to consider boundaries, reached for it. “I’m sorry, but I need to—”
Before he could finish, Gojo caught his wrist mid-air, halting him. Yuuji gasped, realizing his audacity. He had crossed a line—he’d tried to remove Gojo’s blindfold without permission. Shame flooded him. What was he thinking?
Yuuji tried to pull away, but Gojo’s grip didn’t loosen. Instead, his teacher guided Yuuji’s palm back to his cheek, nuzzling into it with a soft sigh. The room felt still, charged with an intensity Yuuji couldn’t decipher.
And then, Gojo leaned forward and pressed a kiss—warm and featherlight—to the center of Yuuji’s palm. The tender gesture sent shivers cascading down Yuuji’s spine, his face flushing a deep red. He stammered, words tumbling out incomprehensibly, until Gojo’s voice cut through the haze.
“Even after everything I’ve put you through, you still worry about me…”
Yuuji opened his mouth to reply, but before he could, he found himself pulled into the tightest embrace he had ever experienced. Gojo’s arms encircled him with a desperate urgency, holding him as though he might disappear. Yuuji felt his teacher’s cheek rest against the crown of his head, one hand threading gently through his hair while the other pressed softly against his lower back, grounding him.
“God, I’ve missed this,” Gojo murmured, his voice vibrating against Yuuji’s scalp before pressing a tender kiss to the top of his head, “I’ve missed you, Yuuji.” Satoru whispered, the words heavy with emotion, making Yuuji’s breath hitch.
It was as though Itadori’s entire world had stopped, everything narrowing down to this moment, to the warmth and sincerity in Gojo’s embrace.
Mouth agape, eyes wide, Yuuji was completely lost. For two weeks, Gojo had vanished from his life, not a single word or gesture of reassurance, save for their brief and awkward encounter earlier that afternoon—a meeting that led to nothing meaningful. Yuuji had resigned himself to the idea that the tension between them had irreparably fractured their bond. He had prepared himself for a colder, more distant dynamic with his sensei, one stripped of the casual affection he had once cherished.
He thought he’d never feel Gojo’s embrace again.
And yet here he was, reeling from the sensation of the man’s lips brushing tenderly against his skin. It was intoxicating. Yuuji felt as though he was floating, a warmth spreading through his chest that made his pulse quicken.
But… why this sudden change? Why now?
Before Yuuji could voice the storm of questions brewing inside him, Gojo pulled back slightly, though his hands remained firmly locked around Yuuji’s waist, as if afraid the younger man might try to escape. Yuuji’s breath hitched as Gojo’s blindfolded gaze settled on him, the weight of his presence both grounding and overwhelming.
“Do you mind if I lie down on your bed?” Gojo asked, his tone uncharacteristically weary, his exhaustion bleeding through every word. “My muscles are killing me. I need to relax so I can use my Reversed Curse Technique.”
The concern Yuuji had momentarily set aside came rushing back in full force. His brows knit together, and he nodded fervently. “Of course, sensei! Please, lie down—I’ll grab some disinfect—ah!”
Yuuji didn’t even get the chance to free himself from his beloved’s iron grip. Satoru gently pulled him along toward the bed. Now seated, The Strongest impatiently kicked off his shoes and lay down, still keeping Yuuji firmly in his grasp.
Yuuji’s heart pounded like a drum, his cheeks flaming as he tried to sit upright on the edge of the bed, grasping Gojo’s biceps in a half-hearted attempt to resist. “Sensei, wait! I need to check your injury, or—”
“My cheek is fine,” Gojo interjected calmly, his voice low but steady. “It’s not my blood. And even if I did have a wound, my technique would take care of it.”
Yuuji faltered, his lips forming a small, hesitant “oh” as Gojo’s words sank in. But the younger man’s mind raced regardless, his concern refusing to abate. He squirmed, trying to inch away to give Gojo more space, but Satoru didn’t budge. Instead, his grip tightened, and he tugged Yuuji closer, forcing him to stay put.
“Sensei, the bed is too small—you need room to—”
“I need you,” Gojo interrupted, his voice sharper this time, the words heavy with an unspoken plea. His frustration, raw and unguarded, seeped into his tone.
The former model froze, his breath catching in his throat as Satoru leaned forward, wrapping his arms around him in a way that left no room for protest. His face nestled into the curve of Yuuji’s neck, and the younger man swore he could feel every shaky inhale Gojo took.
Itadori was on the verge of combusting under the weight of his sensei’s insatiable need for contact.
“I’ve held back for two weeks. I’m craving this. I know I don’t deserve it, but… Just this once, don’t deny me this, Yuuji.”
Okay, this was officially insane: someone—or something, maybe a Curse—must have taken possession of Gojo Satoru’s body during his mission. There was no other explanation! His entire aura was so different from what Yuuji was used to. Why did his sensei seem so troubled? So desperate?
Gojo had never so openly, so insistently, demanded Yuuji’s presence like this before. This was completely uncharted territory.
Yuuji decided to follow his sensei’s insistent request. Placing his hands firmly on Gojo’s shoulders in a gesture meant to reassure him, he let out a resigned sigh and smiled faintly.
“Since you insist, I’ll stay with you. But I’m sitting on the edge of the bed! I want you to be comfortable enough to use your technique. And besides, I’ve only got one pillow—no way we’re both lying down on it without it being a mess!”
Yuuji stifled a laugh when he heard Gojo grumble incoherently, clearly unhappy with the suggestion of not sharing the bed properly. What a child! Honestly, he would never change. Not that Yuuji wanted him to—it was this childish streak, often irritating but just as often endearing, that made Gojo uniquely himself.
After a few seconds of silence, Gojo shifted slightly, revealing his face once more, and… that smile. Yuuji didn’t like that smile one bit.
“If the pillow’s the problem, let’s take care of that right now!” Gojo declared decisively. Without another word, he grabbed the offending pillow and chucked it across the room with absolutely no ceremony.
“Hey!” Yuuji protested, but his sensei completely ignored him. The Strongest nonchalantly patted the now-empty spot where the pillow had been and looked at Yuuji with an expectant smile.
It took Yuuji half a second to understand what Gojo wanted. His sensei was inviting him—no, summoning him—to sit in that very spot.
Still a bit suspicious (Satoru’s mischief wasn’t always harmless), Yuuji complied anyway. Once seated, he planned to keep his feet firmly planted on the floor. But, as expected, that didn’t satisfy Gojo. Apparently, the older man had a very different position in mind.
Without so much as a warning, Gojo grabbed the back of Yuuji’s knees and, with ease, maneuvered his legs onto the bed, positioning him so that his thighs were now…
“S-Sensei?!” Yuuji squeaked.
He could feel his soul leaving his body (from joy? Embarrassment? Both?) as he watched the Satoru Gojo, the strongest sorcerer of the century, the love of his life—casually lay his head on Yuuji’s thighs with an utterly contented sigh. He looked for all the world like a cat commandeering its owner’s lap for its own pleasure.
“S-sensei, are you sure that’s comfortable? My thighs are kind of… uh, firm…” Yuuji mumbled, suddenly hyper-aware of every part of himself.
“You kidding? They’re perfect! Nice and plush—I could nap here all day.” Gojo replied breezily, his features visibly more relaxed than they had been earlier. Then, with a teasing glint in his eye, he added, “All that fast food you eat is going to the right places!”
As Yuuji heard that, he grabbed a tissue from the box on his bedside table to wipe the blood from his sensei’s cheek (thankfully, Gojo had the sense not to rest his face against Yuuji’s sweatshirt dress). Yuuji froze mid-motion, narrowing his eyes with a predatory smile.
“Are you saying I have big thighs?”
“Yeah, but coming from me, it’s a complim—HUMPH!” Gojo’s words were cut off as Yuuji not-so-gently pressed the tissue against the bloodstain, forcing him into silence.
“We don’t share the same definition of the word ‘compliment!’” Yuuji quipped, though he softened his movements as he wiped away the bloodstain.
“My Yuuji is way too sensitive!” Gojo mumbled inaudibly through the tissue.
As the silence stretched between them, Yuuji realized something that both warmed and unsettled him. Without any conscious effort, their conversation had slipped back into the same teasing, easy rhythm they’d always had before everything fell apart. It felt natural, like nothing had ever changed.
But things had changed.
The last two weeks had happened. The pain, the heartache, the despair—they were real, and Yuuji couldn’t just pretend they didn't happened. The events at Nebula were just the tipping point, but the vase had already been full to bursting before that. The original cause of all his turmoil was—
“Yuuji? I love that you’re taking care of me, but I’m pretty sure my cheek is spotless now,” Gojo interjected, snapping Yuuji out of his spiraling thoughts.
Startled, Yuuji blinked and pulled back, tossing the now-red tissue into the trash. His eyes, however, betrayed a lingering sadness as they flicked up to meet Satoru’s.
Gojo’s own expression shifted, growing more serious as he took in the sight of Yuuji’s conflicted face.
It was time.
Still channeling his Reversed Curse Technique to mend his battered muscles, Satoru reached out and gently brushed his fingers against Yuuji’s cheek. The touch was feather-light but enough to make Yuuji gasp softly.
And then, in one fluid motion, Gojo removed his blindfold, revealing those striking blue eyes that always left Yuuji in awe. Except now, they weren’t just beautiful—they were filled with emotion. Raw, unfiltered, and utterly sincere.
“I’m so, so sorry, Yuuji,” Satoru whispered, his voice heavy with regret.
There was no need to spell out the reasons behind these sudden apologies. One look into Satoru’s eyes was enough to understand.
Thinking back on it, Yuuji realized it had often been like this between them—moments where words were unnecessary, as if an invisible thread connected their thoughts, allowing them to understand each other with a profound clarity. It was like they were tethered, bound by an unbreakable bond.
Yuuji had thought that bond was gone forever, that he had no choice but to let go of the special connection he shared with Satoru. But now…
“Yuuji? No, baby, don’t cry!”
It was beyond his control. His eyes brimmed with tears so quickly he couldn’t even see Satoru’s remorseful expression anymore. They spilled over, streaming down his cheeks and landing on the man who held his heart. But Yuuji didn’t even realize it—he was too overwhelmed, his body trembling as he broke into sobs for the third time that day. His eyes squeezed shut, his shoulders shook, and his face twisted with exhaustion, exasperation, relief… but above all, an immense, aching affection for this incredible man.
Yet, instead of a heartfelt compliment, what burst out of Yuuji’s lips was raw frustration: “You idiot ! That’s all I ever wanted to hear from the start! Two weeks for this… You absolute moron!”
Gojo startled, then quickly sat up from where he had been resting on Yuuji’s thighs. His large hands cradled Yuuji’s tear-streaked face with a tenderness that was almost startling, his eyes filled with an indescribable sorrow. He didn’t need to say it aloud—his expression said it all. He regretted every word from that day, words he wished he could take back.
“Yes, your sensei’s an idiot,” Gojo admitted with a self-deprecating chuckle, his lips curling into a resigned smile. “I might excel at a lot of things, but matters of the heart? That’s not one of them.”
Leaning forward, he pressed a kiss to Yuuji’s forehead, the warmth of his lips soothing against the younger man’s skin. “I made a mistake,” he murmured softly, his breath brushing Yuuji’s temple. “But I’ve learned my lesson. I’ll never speak to you like that again. I’ll never make you cry out of sadness again. I’ll treat you with the respect you deserve.”
“You have no idea… what it felt like,” Yuuji choked out between sobs, his tear-filled eyes squeezing shut. “I thought I’d die from how much you hurt me!”
A flash of guilt passed through Satoru’s piercing blue eyes. Without hesitation, he kissed Yuuji’s forehead again, harder this time, before letting out a low growl of frustration. “You were right to slap me. It knocked some sense into me. Hell, I deserve a hundred more like it! You’d make an amazing dad, Yuuji—your slaps are something I won’t forget anytime soon!”
Despite his tears, Yuuji let out a soft, shaky laugh. Somehow, even in the worst of moments, Gojo always found a way to make him smile.
“Even if it was justified, I hated that slap, sensei. Every second of it,” Yuuji admitted, his voice trembling as he glanced down, guilt flickering in his expression. “I…”
He stopped himself from finishing the thought aloud: I don’t ever want to raise my hand against the person I love. Instead, he moved his hands to cover Gojo’s, which still cupped his face with an unwavering warmth. As if Gojo wanted to say without words that he had never held it against him—not for a single moment.
God, how he had missed that warmth.
Gojo’s thumbs gently brushed away the tears still spilling down Yuuji’s cheeks. His gaze softened, filled with an overwhelming tenderness as he spoke, his voice quiet but steady: “I don’t want to live in a world where Yuuji hates me. But it’s not about what I want. It’s about whether you’re ready to forgive me.”
Shaking his head with a mix of exasperation and relief, Yuuji let his instincts take over. Overwhelmed with gratitude and joy that things were finally turning in his favor, he lunged forward, wrapping his arms tightly around Satoru’s neck.
Caught off guard, Gojo let out a surprised yelp as Yuuji’s weight sent him toppling backward until he sat flat on the mattress. But instead of being annoyed, Satoru erupted into a laugh—a real, heartfelt laugh full of emotion. His hands found their way to Yuuji’s back and hair, cradling him close as Yuuji’s trembling voice whispered into his ear:
“You’re an arrogant idiot, insensitive as hell… but I forgive you because you finally understand that your words have consequences.”
With a wide, toothy grin, Gojo exhaled deeply, relief flooding through him. He tightened his hold on the younger man, nuzzling into the crook of Yuuji’s neck and inhaling the sweet, fruity scent of raspberries that always lingered on him—a scent that never failed to make Satoru’s head spin.
“Yes, I’m an arrogant idiot, insensitive as hell,” Gojo murmured against Yuuji’s skin, his voice steady and full of promise. “But that won’t stop me from cherishing you.”
It was a vow. A vow full of love and sincerity, one that Gojo Satoru intended to keep until his very last breath.
Notes:
Moral of the story: always read your employment contract before signing it! (I exaggerated a bit for narrative purposes, lol. In real life, there’s this amazing thing called courtrooms! Don’t hesitate to take your abusive boss there ! XD)
I have to admit, Silco from Arcane inspired Nagato Ushinomiya’s appearance. His face just screams "manipulative villain," which was perfect for what I wanted to convey with my OC.
It broke my heart to describe Yuuji’s emotional state—I actually drew inspiration from my own experiences. My history with panic attacks is extensive, lol. To anyone going through something similar: you’re not alone. There's a bunch of people experiencing these things too, and you’re neither weird nor unhealthy. It’s okay to feel bad sometimes; it doesn’t stop you from doing what you love! Things will get better with time and patience—I believe in you. And most importantly, stay close to the people you love! <3
I’ve been dying for a month to share this scene where Megumi ROASTS Gojo properly! He’s been quiet until now, but let’s be real—you don’t mess with him. He cares deeply about Yuuji too, and Gojo really messed up!
For Gojo's comeback scene, as you’ve probably guessed, I was totally inspired by that scene from season 2 where Gojo is out of breath, face covered in blood after using his Domain Expansion in the most badass way possible! That scene made me fall in love with him all over again (let’s hope my boyfriend doesn’t stumble upon these words, lol). I absolutely loved writing this scene—it felt so chivalrous, and I was dying to bring Satoru back in this way!
Things are finally moving forward between our two lovebirds: we’re entering the final phase of this story. I originally announced a total of 13 chapters, but that number might change depending on my narrative choices and how long the chapters turn out. We’ll see how it goes!
Up until now, I’ve managed to publish a chapter pretty regularly, about once a month. I’d love to keep up this update pace, but I’ll be honest with you : February and March are going to be the busiest months of my year! I have my philosophy teaching exams at the end of March… Things will finally calm down in April, but not before that. At least, I'm leaving you with a cute reconcilliation scene, for the time being !
In the next chapter : It's time to clear the air!
Chapter 9: For better or for worse (part 1)
Notes:
Wow, it’s really been a while! I missed being here so much! How are you all doing?
I’ve been through a pretty rough couple of months. March was all about my final exams, and I needed time to recover. Six months of nonstop pressure… no one walks away from that untouched. I’m not trying to throw myself a pity party though : what matters is that it’s over, and I can finally make time for the things I love most!
JJK is my happy place, my source of joy and positivity (well… it can be, if you conveniently ignore the Shibuya arc lol). Gojo and Yuuji are my precious babies, and it honestly broke my heart to put them aside for so long.
In this chapter, I included "I Wanna Know What Love Is" by Mariah Carey (I actually prefer her cover over the original) to highlight a very special and pivotal scene in the story… I can’t wait for you to experience it !
And of course, you know I love writing in big chunks, so I ended up splitting this chapter into two parts, because well… 50 pages is a lot to read in one go! XD So basically, you’ve got the equivalent of two chapters to sink your teeth into. Let’s just say it’s my way of making up for the long wait <3
I’ve returned… and I brought the heat. Enjoy, my darlings!
PS : Just a quick reminder. Italic text in quotes = character thoughts. Bold, all-caps words = sound effects!
Chapter Text
Still wrapped in each other’s arms, the two sorcerers quietly recovered from their emotions. Yuuji was on cloud nine, but that feeling was starting to fade, replaced by a splitting headache. Well, it was the fourth time he’d cried today. No wonder. He could only imagine how awful he must look.
Letting out a small noise of discomfort, Yuuji released his beloved’s neck, and Gojo let him pull away. Itadori sighed, sitting at the edge of the bed and rubbing his temples. A grimace of pain twisted his face under Gojo’s watchful, smiling gaze.
“Damn, my head’s gonna explode!” Yuuji whined.
“No kidding! Crying like a fountain will do that to you,” Gojo teased, moving to sit beside him on the bed. “That being said, Yuuji is cute even with puffy eyes!”
Itadori rolled his eyes, lips curling into a weary smile at his sensei’s usual antics. Gojo pouted in response, mumbling, “What? I mean it!”
“I should have some painkillers in my medicine cabinet.”
As he said that, Yuuji made a move to get up, but for what felt like the hundredth time tonight, Satoru had other plans. He placed his hands on Yuuji’s shoulders and gently guided him back down, earning a puzzled look from the former model.
“Did you forget, Yuuji? You have a painkiller right here!” Satoru sing-songed, proudly gesturing toward himself, his absolutely adorable, toothy grin lighting up his face.
Yuuji immediately understood—he was talking about his Reversed Curse Technique.
“But you’re already using it to heal yourself, Sensei…”
“Don’t worry, I don’t need it anymore! Come here.” Gojo gestured with a nod.
Yuuji obeyed. Now sitting so close that their legs were pressed together, he fully surrendered to the warmth of their renewed closeness—these little touches, so simple yet so vital to his emotional balance. He had realized it all too painfully over the past few weeks.
Satoru took Yuuji’s hand in his own, his thumb tracing gentle circles on the back of it as he activated his healing technique. Within minutes, the tension pounding against Yuuji’s temples began to ease, Gojo’s energy soothing the strain left behind by stress and exhaustion. It felt almost as if he was purifying Yuuji of all the negativity that had poisoned his life before their reconciliation.
Letting out a deep breath, Yuuji savored the sensation of pure relaxation, his eyes slipping shut. Satoru watched him fondly as, without even realizing it, Itadori rested his head against his teacher’s shoulder.
A peaceful silence settled between them. Yuuji focused on the reassuring warmth of Gojo’s hand, slowly reacquainting himself with the feel of his skin.
For someone who spent his life on the battlefield, it was unbelievably soft : courtesy of his Infinity.
Yuuji was over the moon. Instead of marking the end of their sweet friendship, he was realizing that these two weeks apart had actually brought them even closer than before. They were able to see each other again with minds cleared of animosity, without the urge to provoke or have the last word… In the end, Haru was right: behind every negative situation, there’s always something positive, even if we don’t notice it at first.
"Feeling better?" Satoru asked, running his free hand through Yuuji’s silky hair. The boy instinctively leaned into the soothing touch, slowly emerging from his daze.
"Yeah… And you?"
"I've never felt this good," Satoru exhaled warmly, and Yuuji understood that, just like him, Gojo wasn’t just talking about his physical state.
Yuuji took advantage of the conversation to ask the questions that had been left unanswered until now.
"Sensei, how did your mission go? It must have been rough, considering the state you were in when you got here!"
Gojo was startled before letting out a breathy laugh, his eyes fixed on the ground. "I was supposed to stay in Osaka for a week. Several Curse hotspots had been detected all over the region. I didn’t keep an exact count, but I must have exorcised around 200 Curses."
Yuuji felt himself go pale at the sheer horror of that number.
"I-In one night, Sensei?! No wonder you were out of breath after that! But why take them all out at once? You had a whole week to plan your attacks..."
Yuuji was lost, unable to understand why his sensei had pushed himself to such an extreme. Was he really that eager to come back home?
"How did you expect me to just stay in Osaka when Megumi called to tell me you had collapsed?" Gojo sounded irritated as he kept his gaze fixed on Yuuji’s hand, which he was still stroking gently.
Absolutely stunned to realize that the urgent thing Fushiguro had rushed off to do earlier was to call Gojo about his condition, Yuuji let out a frustrated sigh, his palm smacking against his forehead.
"Argh, he should never have bothered you over something so trivial! It’s not like I was on my deathbed or anything!"
"So trivial? Are you kidding me?!" Gojo protested, looking genuinely upset. "My heart damn near stopped when I heard that! Megumi told me you weren’t even eating!"
Absolutely scandalized and fired up, Gojo felt the need to check for himself just how badly Yuuji had neglected his health. Without warning, he grabbed Yuuji’s sides in a firm but gentle grip, his hands roaming along his ribs, down to his stomach, and over his hips, assessing the damage.
Yuuji let out a startled yelp, shivering all over as the calloused hands of the man he loved explored his most sensitive curves. Face burning crimson, he tried to wriggle away from Gojo’s relentless touch, but to no avail.
Grabbing at those invasive arms, Yuuji stammered out, “Q-quit it, that tickles!” He was already bursting into laughter, twitching from the sensation as he kept trying—unsuccessfully—to escape.
His words fell on deaf ears. Satoru’s brows were furrowed in irritation as he muttered, “I don’t even need to weigh you—I can feel it. You’ve lost weight. I swear I want to scold the hell out of you, but that’d just be me dodging my…”
He trailed off, his voice fading into silence. His hands finally let go, but his eyes—burning with frustration—remained lost in the distance.
Yuuji felt his heart sink. He didn’t need Gojo to finish his sentence. Everything about the way he looked screamed guilt.
Yuuji couldn’t stand seeing him like this. Satoru had already apologized, and it was obvious he meant every word—that he’d truly learned from his mistakes. Hell, Yuuji had felt ecstatic when he realized the reason Gojo had rushed back here was because he was worried about him. He’d literally worked himself to the bone to finish a mission in a single night just to check on Yuuji, of all people. Because fixing what had broken between them couldn’t wait.
There was no reason for Gojo to feel ashamed. Yuuji needed to reassure him.
There was a time when he would’ve been way too shy to even consider it but so many barriers had already been crossed between them these past few weeks. That’s why Yuuji allowed himself an intimate gesture: he reached out and placed a gentle hand on his lover’s snow-pale cheek, using the softest pressure to coax his troubled gaze toward him, offering his warmest smile.
“Your words really did affect me, I won’t lie. Yeah, they played a part in what happened today. But you're not the only one responsible for the state I ended up in. Besides : didn’t I say you were already forgiven? I’m the brooder around here, Sensei, don’t go stealing my job !” Yuuji teased with a small laugh, hoping to lighten the mood. He wasn’t nearly as good as Gojo at defusing tension, but he wanted to try.
Surprisingly, it seemed to work. Gojo let out a breathy chuckle and gently wrapped his hand around Yuuji’s, lifting it to his lips to press a kiss against his skin—making Yuuji’s heart explode in his chest. He still couldn’t believe his sensei felt comfortable enough to show affection like this. Wasn’t this the kind of thing you only did with a lover, or maybe a parent?
Then again… knowing Gojo, he probably didn’t give a damn about social conventions. He just followed his heart and did what felt right. And Yuuji decided not to overthink it : he didn’t want to risk ruining something so pure.
“My Yuuji is way too kind…” Satoru sighed, a resigned smile on his lips.
But it only took a few seconds of silence for his mind to fully process what Yuuji had just said. The teacher's body tensed up all at once, catching Yuuji’s attention, especially when he felt his hand suddenly gripped in a tight hold. Gojo’s expression had shifted, his features taut with what Yuuji could only interpret as… anger?
Yuuji gasped in surprise as Gojo let go of his hand only to grab him firmly by the shoulders, bringing his piercing gaze level with Yuuji’s, scanning his face with intensity.
“What do you mean I’m not the only one responsible? Who else is?” Gojo growled, clearly unwilling to let it slide.
Yuuji’s heart dropped. His face turned pale. Shit, big mouth strikes again!
He’d said too much. And now he was stuck—yet again—in a situation where his sensei was pressing for answers Yuuji wasn’t ready to give. Answers that pointed directly to the one secret he never wanted Satoru to find out. Granted, it technically wasn’t a secret anymore (not since he quit Nebula) but that didn’t magically erase the mortifying truth behind why he’d joined the agency in the first place.
Ideally, Yuuji wanted everything that had happened at Nebula to stay between him and his two confidants, Megumi and Nobara. He couldn’t risk losing Gojo’s affection and precious friendship all over again. He’d rather die than go through that nightmare twice.
“No… Please, Sensei, don’t ask me that ! The answer’s way too complicated...” Yuuji pleaded, worn out by the sudden turn the conversation had taken. He shrugged Gojo’s hands off his shoulders and stood up, turning his back on him.
“I don’t care if it’s complicated!” Gojo shot back, clearly frustrated. “I want to know who made you feel like this!”
“We just made up!” Yuuji cried out, anxiety wrapping around his chest like a vice. As if to shield himself, he folded his arms tightly across his chest. “I can’t handle opening up about something like that, right now.”
Satoru paused, registering the fear behind Yuuji’s words—fear that they might fight again, that all of this might fall apart a second time. Softening his tone, Gojo tried to reach out to him again.
“I can handle it, Yuuji. Whatever it is, I want to understand what happened. It’s driving me insane, knowing someone dared to—”
He didn’t finish his sentence.
Yuuji turned around, confused by the sudden silence—only to find Gojo frozen in place, his expression shifting as realization settled in. That smirk forming on his lips? Yuuji could already tell : Gojo hated what he’d just figured out.
“Oh… I get it now,” Satoru said darkly. “It’s that guy, isn’t it? The one who gave you his number.”
Not understanding who Gojo was referring to at first (after all, he hadn’t given Kenji Himeno enough time to hand over his number) Yuuji dug through the corners of his memory… until he went as pale as a corpse.
“Sensei… H-How do you know about Tatsuya-san?” Yuuji asked in a shaky whisper, dreading the answer.
Gojo let out a laugh that had no trace of amusement, a sound laced with annoyance and barely-contained anger. He stood up from the bed, his whole posture tense.
“A few weeks ago, I went on that mission to Sendai. Remember?”
Yuuji nodded cautiously, his voice caught in his throat.
“When I got back and saw you again… you were a completely different person. Unrecognizable. Stunning, to the point that it was suspicious.”
Yuuji flushed scarlet, his ears burning. Wait—what?! Had he really heard that right?
He started making unintelligible noises, flustered beyond belief, while Gojo stepped closer. Slowly, Satoru began circling him, eyes roaming deliberately. They paused at different spots : Yuuji's sculpted legs, the curve of his neck, the fullness of his cheeks… The ex-model felt like he was being devoured whole by that piercing gaze. He jumped slightly when Satoru’s fingers brushed the back of his neck, featherlight against his skin, sending goosebumps up his spine as Gojo continued.
“Jeans hugging your hips and thighs just right, a shirt that showed just enough skin, and a cologne that could tempt saints… That’s not an outfit you throw on to buy groceries. I knew right away that you had a date...”
Yuuji whimpered as Gojo’s lips brushed his earlobe, his voice dropping to a growl:
“...And it wasn’t with me !”
Itadori wanted to respond, but nothing came out. His throat felt tight, lips trembling, cheeks blazing red, heart pounding in his ears… He couldn’t string together a single coherent thought. All he could do was listen—listen to that rich, enchanting voice of his sensei, the sound of it echoing deep inside him, wrapping around his mind like a spell he had no intention of breaking.
“I tried to move past it. I really did. I tried to focus on my mission that night, give it my full attention. After all, you made it crystal clear two weeks ago : what happens outside the school is none of my business. You’re an adult. It’s not my place to meddle in those things.”
Gojo let out a low growl, like he’d just remembered something deeply unpleasant.
“Thing is, your sensei isn’t exactly a reasonable man. No matter how hard I tried to stay rational, I couldn’t stop obsessing. The same damn question kept spinning around in my head, and blowing off steam on Curses wasn’t helping: who the hell did Yuuji get all dressed up for?”
“Oh no…” Yuuji thought, a bead of sweat forming as his breath caught in his throat, torn between dread and a shameful thrill ignited by the closeness of his beloved.
He really didn’t like where this conversation was going.
“I’m not proud of giving in to impulse, but I just couldn’t help myself. Not after I felt your presence clear across Tokyo. I wrapped up my mission in record time and followed the trail of your cursed energy.”
“B-But…” Yuuji weakly protested, voice shaking. “I didn’t even see you that night! I didn’t feel you nearby at all!”
Satoru chuckled smugly, sliding his arms around Yuuji’s shoulders and gently turning him so they were face to face. “First off, I was perched on top of a building, so of course you didn’t see me. Second, who do you think you’re dealing with? Obviously I masked my cursed energy, I didn’t want to get caught! It was a stealth mission. Never played Splinter Cell?”
Yuuji let out a nervous laugh, too on edge to be genuinely amused…
Then Gojo’s expression shifted, sharpening as he continued, “I saw you two. I was too far to hear anything, but I saw the way that assho—” Gojo cut himself off, exhaling through his nose, struggling to stay calm. “—that guy touched you. Whispering God-knows-what in your ear… Judging by the way you reacted, he clearly wasn’t whispering Bible verses.”
“Please, someone kill me now!” Yuuji mentally begged every deity he could name, burying his flaming face in his hands, wanting nothing more than for the ground to swallow him whole.
“I…” Gojo searched for his next words. “I’m not judging you, okay? You being attracted to men... that’s not the issue.”
“Would be pretty damn hypocritical if it were!” Yuuji thought to himself, recalling what Fushiguro had let slip about his sensei.
“I made arrangements. But if you still managed to talk to that guy, there’s something you need to understand.”
The air thickened suddenly, making Yuuji tense. He turned to face Gojo again—and what he saw made his blood run cold.
His sensei’s gaze burned with something dangerous, deadly even. His expression was stone-cold, and there was a crazed glint in those piercing eyes locked onto Yuuji’s stunned face.
“If that bastard ever hurt you in any way… I’ll kill him.”
Okay, enough of this nonsense! Gojo was spiraling into full murder-mode over a misunderstanding, and Yuuji had to shut it down right now.
“Wha—?! Aaaargh, this mix-up is giving me my headache back!” Yuuji groaned, clutching his head as he pulled free from Gojo’s grip. He turned fully to face him, steeling himself to set the record straight once and for all.
“Sensei, you’re not killing anyone, alright? I’m not dating Tatsuya-san and he has nothing to do with me feeling bad today! He’s…”
In a perfect world, Itadori would’ve preferred not to reveal anything to his sensei. He would’ve liked to keep living an ordinary, peaceful routine with him—without complicating their relationship by throwing in his own unusual personal choices. But... maybe it was time to tell the truth.
Maybe it was time to explain that it was his modeling job that helped him discover more about himself, that pushed him to change so drastically. Maybe if he stuck to talking about the modeling gig and left out the reasons behind it, that would be enough to clear up the misunderstanding… without revealing anything about his feelings.
Yuuji hoped that’s how things would go.
“Tatsuya-san was my coworker.” Yuuji muttered, sounding defeated as he stared at the floor, avoiding his teacher’s gaze.
Gojo’s menacing expression slowly shifted into something between confusion and annoyance.
“I’m guessing you’re not talking about your job as a sorcerer…” he said, his voice heavy, clearly expecting Yuuji to elaborate.
Yuuji let out a second sigh before sitting back down on the bed, trying to calm the trembling in his legs. His fingers clutched at the hem of his sweatshirt-dress so tightly that his knuckles turned white.
“Uh… The truth is…”
"I can’t back out now. It’s hard, but I have to be brave. Gojo-sensei learned from his mistakes—I have to believe he can understand. Understand me."
“Yes?” Satoru prompted, struggling to hide his growing impatience.
“For three months, I worked part-time as a model for a magazine called Nebula !” Yuuji blurted out in one breath, eyes squeezed shut, heart practically punching its way out of his chest. “Tatsuya-san works there too. That’s how we met.”
There. Bomb dropped.
A stifling silence settled over the room, one that had just witnessed the reveal of one of Yuuji’s most sensitive secrets. It could’ve lasted forever like that : Yuuji didn’t dare say another word. He felt like a prisoner walking down death row, awaiting his sentence. He’d often imagined, purely hypothetically, what might happen if Gojo ever found out he was working as a model alongside his jujutsu studies. Would he scold him for not taking his duties seriously? For spreading himself too thin? Or maybe—
“Oh.” Gojo finally muttered, wearing an expression of total disbelief—something Yuuji had never seen before. It startled him out of his spiraling thoughts.
Apparently needing a moment to process the wave of emotions, Gojo shuffled slowly over and sat down next to Yuuji. The mattress dipped slightly beneath him. Yuuji kept his eyes glued to the floor, lips pressed in a tight line.
Was that it? Just an “oh”? No scolding? No teasing?
“So…” Gojo started piecing it together. “Those late-night trips from the dorms to Tokyo… that’s what they were about?”
“Yeah…” Yuuji mumbled, completely defeated.
“And the time I found you outside the Nebula building, chatting with that dickhead? You were coming out from work?”
“Y-Yeah.” Yuuji stuttered, not entirely sure why Gojo’s tone turned so venomous when referring to Tatsuya.
“And all the changes, your whole look lately… that’s because of the job too, huh?”
Relieved that his teacher managed to connect the dots on his own—especially regarding such a delicate and deeply personal turning point in Yuuji’s journey—the former model nodded silently, his cheeks burning with embarrassment and his stomach twisting in anxious knots.
What he didn’t expect in response were loud bursts of laughter.
Offended, Yuuji snapped, “Y-You’re laughing?!”
A vein throbbed visibly on his temple—he was already preparing his hand in case another slap was needed. That was it, the slap would become his go-to weapon against Satoru’s mockery ! He would not tolerate being looked down on a second ti—
“No, no!” Gojo waved him off quickly, still laughing between breaths and sighing with relief. “I swear I’m not making fun of you. It’s just—honestly, I’m not even surprised you had a job. I figured something was going on with how often you were heading off campus.”
Gojo’s smile softened, his elbows resting on his knees as he looked ahead.
“But the way you were so desperate to hide everything about your gig—and with how busy I was, I didn’t have time to investigate properly—I started imagining all sorts of shit. Yuuji, I genuinely thought you’ve become an escort with the way you suddenly started wearing makeup and dressing sexy! I was terrified !”
There was a stunned silence. Yuuji’s expression was so shocked it was almost comical—until he, too, burst out laughing. The nervousness he’d been carrying vanished completely in the wake of his own laughter.
“M-Me? An escort? Seriously, sensei?! You’ve got the most dramatic imagination I’ve ever seen! Always jumping to worst-case scenarios!”
“Hey, you were the one being shady! Dodging questions, making up half-assed excuses : what was I supposed to think?! God, I’m so relieved…”
Gojo exhaled deeply and then flashed his trademark grin—the kind he usually wore before obliterating a weaker opponent.
“Because if you had been an escort, I would’ve wiped this whole damn country off the map. Just to make sure I get rid of all the sick bastards who dared to put their filthy hands on you.”
“There he goes again…” Yuuji thought with a sigh, eyes rolling skyward.
He thought Gojo was just joking, unaware that he was brushing right past the whole Kenji Himeno incident… until something clicked. A memory of Gojo teasing him about a “girlfriend” a few weeks ago resurfaced, and his face froze in realization.
“S-Sensei…” Yuuji tried his best not to laugh, though it was getting hard. “That ‘girlfriend’ you kept teasing me about… That was your weird way of talking about Tatsuya-san, wasn’t it?”
“Of course I meant that bastard…” Gojo grumbled with a sour face, muttering something under his breath Yuuji couldn’t quite make out.
Shaking his head in a mix of exasperation and disbelief, Yuuji couldn’t help but feel a little relieved. He no longer had to carry the weight of hiding his past as a model. Most importantly, Gojo had taken it surprisingly well! Coming clean had even cleared up a few misunderstandings. Things couldn’t have gone bett—
“Yuuji, why modeling though?” Gojo suddenly asked, cutting off his relief. “If someone had told me you’d end up doing something like that, I never would’ve believed it. Is this some secret passion of yours I didn’t know about?”
...Of course. It was too good to be true. His dumbass of a sensei had to go and get curious. Ask the one question Yuuji didn’t want to answer !
“Get it together, Itadori Yuuji ! ” He scolded himself internally, inhaling through clenched teeth. “You just need to leave out a few compromising details. The rest is safe to talk about ! ”
“Well…” Yuuji cursed the shaky tone of his voice. “I was scouted by a Nebula agent about three months ago. He noticed me because of my appearance and got really excited, so he offered me the job.”
Gojo chuckled, a strange glint in his eye as he replied softly, “Well, the guy’s got taste, that’s for sure.”
Yuuji’s cheeks flared red, but he decided to let the comment slide. Gojo was probably just teasing, anyway.
“I-I almost turned it down at first, because I thought it wouldn’t mix well with my sorcerer life... but in the end, I took it. Mainly because the pay was decent, but also... I guess I was just curious. That’s all.”
He laughed nervously. Hopefully, that half-truth would be enough. If Gojo didn’t dig any deeper, Yuuji might just get away with it…
“Yuuujiiiii!” Gojo grinned mischievously, his voice sing-songy as he stared him down. “You’re holding out on me. I don’t even need my Sixth Eye to see that!”
What the hell, could this man read minds?! Yuuji really had the worst luck!
“You’re so persistent, sensei! You asked a question, I answered it!” Yuuji pouted, trying to mask his nerves behind a flash of annoyance.
“And my answer is…” Satoru gently brushed his thumb across one of Yuuji’s puffed-up cheeks, “…I’m not satisfied! You’re terrible at hiding things, just admit it and spit it out!”
“No! I’m not saying anything!” Yuuji shot back, not even realizing he was proving Gojo’s point. “I can’t talk about it because you’re weird about… uh…”
“Weird about what?” Gojo looked far too amused for Yuuji’s liking. The bastard !
“Well—metrosexuality!” Yuuji finally snapped, red with a mix of embarrassment and frustration. “I know the topic makes you uncomfortable! And my reasons are tied to that, so if I tell you, you’ll just get grossed out!”
Gojo blinked, genuinely caught off guard by the answer. Then he remembered his talk with Megumi and his expression softened as understanding dawned.
“Look… Metrosexuality doesn’t gross me out, okay? I know my reaction last time probably made it seem like that, but it’s not true. That wasn’t why I got angry that day. So don’t hold back, talk to me. I mean it, I care about anything that has to do with you.”
Wait, what? That wasn’t the reason for his anger? Then what the hell was?
Yuuji’s brows furrowed in confusion, unable to hide his surprise. “Then why were you so tense two weeks ago? And that wasn’t the first time! You reacted the same way on the Symphony!”
Itadori tried not to sound too pushy, but after how much he’d suffered over that fight—after all the awful conclusions he’d drawn—it was hard not to want answers now. He just didn't know where he stood anymore.
“Huh? Are you seriously asking me that? It’s obvious!” Gojo grumbled, annoyed.
“Uh, no?! I’m not a mind-reader, sir!” Yuuji shot back, sarcastic.
“Aaah, Yuuji’s so slow on the uptake!” Gojo facepalmed dramatically with a long sigh.
“Excuse me?! Careful, my hand’s twitching!” Yuuji warned, raising it threateningly as a vein bulged on his forehead in pure frustration at Gojo’s smugness.
Of course, Satoru didn’t take the threat seriously in the slightest.
“In that case… I’ll tell you exactly why I was angry, if you tell me the real reason you became a model! And don’t lie. I’ll know right away if you do,” Gojo added with a smug, devilishly charming smile, crossing one leg over the other like he had all the time in the world.
Curse this gorgeous, cunning man! Yuuji couldn’t say no to that face… not with those eyes drilling right through him and that smile making his knees weak! And honestly, he had to admit—he was dying to know what had truly been going through Gojo’s head.
He could give Satoru something. Just enough to satisfy his curiosity… without risking too much.
Cheeks flushed and lips pouting, Yuuji pushed himself up from the bed and walked toward the window, gazing absentmindedly at the night sky stretching beyond the school grounds.
“When Saito-san came to scout me, I was going through a rough emotional patch. I was questioning a lot of things…”
Yuuji fidgeted with his fingers, trying to find a way to simplify his story: “Uhm… I doubt someone as attractive as you would relate to this.”
He rolled his eyes when he heard the satisfied little “mhm!” behind him : clearly, Gojo was enjoying the compliment far too much.
“I mean, you don’t really have to try when it comes to being charming. One smile, you take off your blindfold, and boom! Everyone’s at your feet. But for someone as plain as me, it’s not that easy.”
Yuuji stared at the moonlight washing over the forest that surrounded Jujutsu High, the serene beauty doing nothing to calm his restless heart.
“I didn’t know anything about myself—about my own body. I had no clue what kind of potential I had. Sure, I’ve always stood out because of my athletic skills, but that never made me popular. Not with girls nor guys. I didn’t know my worth as a man. I…”
He swallowed hard, nervous about how his teacher would react to what he was about to confess.
“I wanted to prove to myself that I could be desirable. I needed that reassurance. I needed to know, for real, that I could be wanted. That’s the mindset I was in when I met Saito-san. That’s why I said yes to his offer.”
Satoru gasped softly, clearly processing the new information. He’d been silent up until now but he couldn’t hold it in any longer. He shot up from the bed and hurried over to the ex-model, who flinched slightly when Gojo placed his hands firmly on his shoulders, spinning him around to face him.
“So what, you need cameras? The hungry stares of creepy forty-somethings? Layers of makeup just to feel like you matter? Is that what you’re telling me right now?”
Yuuji had no idea why Gojo sounded so furious. Why was he this exasperated? Unsettled, Yuuji tried to pull away, but Satoru didn’t let him. Determined to make himself heard, the teacher leaned in until their foreheads bumped, making Yuuji gasp in surprise—like Gojo was literally trying to knock some sense into him.
“That’s the kind of bullshit that’s been poisoning your mind all this time? You think you’re plain? Then fine ! If that’s what it takes, I’ll say it a billion times, until you’re sick of hearing it: you are a gorgeous man, Itadori Yuuji! You always have been. You always will be.”
Yuuji gasped, eyes wide, his heart skipping a beat at what he’d just heard. No way. Stuff like that only happened in his dreams. Satoru never said things like this out loud!
Gojo pulled his forehead away at last, a vein twitching on his temple, a scowl tugging at his lips.
“You seriously thought you weren’t desirable before becoming a model? Damn, you must be blind if you think you don’t have any effect on people. Megumi might be straight, but I’ve seen him and Toge checking out your muscles during PE when you were doing pull-ups! Before he went back to Kyoto, that idiot Aoi stuck to you like glue for hours. You definitely left a mark on him, and it wasn’t a friendly one! And when Mei-san saw you for the first time during the friendly matches with Kyoto, she was already plotting her next move, that damn cougar!”
“W-What?!” the ex-model went pale.
Faced with this flood of revelations, Yuuji was overwhelmed. He couldn’t imagine Fushiguro and Inumaki eyeing him during training… As for Todo, his behavior had always been unhinged and overly clingy, so it wouldn’t be shocking if he’d caught feelings at some point. But hearing that Mei Mei had openly shown interest in him? He didn’t know whether to be flattered or creeped the hell out.
“Don’t worry. I made damn sure that old witch doesn’t even think about trying anything with you again.”
That sinister grin didn’t bode well. Yuuji didn’t get the chance to ask for details—Gojo’s expression shifted back to serious as he resumed his passionate rant.
“Alright, if I’m being really objective, I’d say the only person immune to your charm is Maki but she doesn’t count, she only has eyes for Nobara! And even without those two, you have no idea how much work it takes to keep all the thirsty bastards around you in check. It was already a pain in the ass before, but now that you’ve switched up your whole vibe? It’s a goddamn nightmare!”
“S-Sensei!” Yuuji looked like he was begging. It was all too much—his eyes were glassy, his face redder than ever. He tried to push away Satoru’s hands, now cradling his burning cheeks, but it was no use.
Satoru had never looked at him like this before. Or maybe the sunglasses and blindfold had always hidden just how intense his gaze could be? Yuuji didn’t know what to think anymore, not while Gojo gently stroked his cheeks with his thumbs, brushing over his eyelids, down the bridge of his nose, and finally to his lips—soft and pink. He pressed on them, parting them slightly before letting them go again. Yuuji was far too flustered to stop him, too overwhelmed to do anything but let it happen.
Did Gojo just growl? It was too subtle for Yuuji to be sure.
“Fuck, Yuuji! You’re already gorgeous by default, but when you wear makeup? It’s like you’re asking to get jumped! You don’t get it, you’re so goddamn clueless. It just makes my job harder. Believe me when I say if I wasn’t around to scare people off, you’d have been pounced on a million times by now!”
“Y-You’re exaggerating!” Yuuji protested, mortified, turning his face away.
“No, I’m not. That’s just facts. And if you still don’t get it, I’ve got plenty more examples lined up to prove to you just how many people are dying to get you in their bed!”
“No, please, no more! My heart’s gonna explode!” Yuuji darted away, covering his flaming face with both hands.
He was burning up, overwhelmed by an emotion so intense, he didn’t even have a name for it. Satoru had just told him, with absolute sincerity, that he thought he was beautiful. Yuuji felt like he was floating. Honestly? He could faint again and he wouldn’t even care. He was way too happy to be bothered !
He’d dreamed of hearing those words from Satoru’s lips… Of course, they were meant in a friendly way, a way to soothe his deepest insecurities. But even if those incredible words didn’t carry the romantic meaning he longed for, he’d take them anyway. Gladly.
“Yuuji…” That pained voice shattered his chaotic thoughts. He didn’t dare turn around to face the man behind it, that dangerously soft voice.
“I always knew you were a shy one… but I never imagined you felt that bad about yourself. Why go that far, just to ease your worries?”
There it was. The one question Yuuji had hoped would never be asked. The one question that could ruin everything, that could unravel all the careful half-truths he’d told to protect the most dangerous part of his story.
“Sensei, please…” Yuuji’s voice was small, heavy with dread.
“You can’t seriously expect me not to ask that,” Gojo said, more insistently now. “Not after what you’ve just told me. How many times do I have to say it before it sinks in? I hate being kept in the dark!”
His tone turned sharper, trying to break through the wall Yuuji had put up.
“I keep it to myself for our sake!” Yuuji shot back, tears beginning to sting his eyes.
“Oh yeah? And you think it helps me, not knowing? Standing here, watching you spiral and not being able to do a damn thing about it? That’s exactly why I hate secrets : they make me feel powerless, and I fucking hate that. I’m not a mind-reader either, you know!”
Satoru wanted nothing more than to pull Yuuji into his arms — to press all his strength, his will, his frustration into him so the boy would finally understand. But he held himself back, feeling Yuuji's anxiety. He wouldn’t repeat the mistake of pushing too hard.
Even as Yuuji stayed silent, Satoru didn’t let up.
“I want... No, I need to know, Yuuji. Let's end this guessing game!”
"God, it would be so freeing to finally tell him the truth… But the fallout scares the hell out of me!" Yuuji thought, his golden eyes glazed over as he stared into the distance.
"Still, I have to be honest : even if I try to hide it, it’s overflowing. My body gives me away every time."
"I know I gave you reasons to be scared, after what happened. But you don’t have to be. Not with me. Not anymore !" Satoru’s voice cracked — part frustration, part plea.
"I think I’m done with secrets too, sensei."
That final, honest thought gave Yuuji the push he needed to leap.
“I did it out of love!”
He couldn’t keep his voice down, the words burst out of him like fire. They’d been burning his throat for months.
In the silence that followed their heated exchange, Yuuji finally turned toward his sensei. There was no fear on his face — only acceptance. He was ready. Ready to face whatever consequences might come from his confession.
Looking straight into those bright azure eyes he loved so deeply, Yuuji offered a small, bittersweet smile : full of emotion, full of truth.
“I did it out of love for you.”
Yuuji had imagined countless possible reactions to this moment. In all the fake confessions he’d run through in his head over the past few months, he’d narrowed it down to three likely responses based on Satoru’s usual attitude.
First possibility: laughter, followed by teasing. Something like, “Hahaha! Yuuji, I didn’t know you were such a romantic!”
Second option: embarrassment at the intensity of such a heartfelt confession. Maybe a hesitant, “Uh… Yuuji, are you serious? That’s… kinda complicated…”
And finally, the worst of all: rejection. Cruel in its simplicity. “Sorry, Yuuji, your sensei doesn’t have time for this kind of sentimental stuff… but hey, don’t worry, nothing changes between us. Let’s just pretend I didn’t hear anything, alright?”
Yeah. That last one matched the colder, more indifferent side of Gojo Satoru. It was the image that haunted Yuuji the most whenever he imagined confessing.
But apparently, life had a talent for being even more unpredictable than Yuuji’s most anxious fantasies.
Satoru’s temple twitched. A vein visibly throbbed on his forehead, his features twisting into a mask of pure exasperation. Yuuji felt a drop of sweat roll down his temple, anxiety climbing in his chest as Gojo suddenly exploded:
"Wait, that’s what you were so scared to tell me? Yuuji, I’ve known you’re in love with me for months! What I don’t know is the actual answer I asked for!"
...
Yuuji had no idea what kind of face he was making, but judging by the level of shock that struck him like a truck, it was probably hilarious.
Like a PC mid-update, his brain struggled to process the absurdity of what he’d just heard.
First: Gojo didn’t laugh at him.
Second: Gojo didn’t look uncomfortable.
Third: Gojo didn’t reject him.
Fourth : Gojo already knew.
He knew before Yuuji even confessed.
His face so red it felt like steam might burst from his ears, Yuuji let out a strangled shriek and launched himself at Gojo, gripping his shoulders in sheer desperation.
“Wha—How—Sensei?! Since WHEN?! Who—OH !” Yuuji cried out, panicking as the worst-case scenario hit him. “Kugisaki and Fushiguro, they— WHY?! Aaaaah!!”
Mortified and utterly crushed, Yuuji could feel tears pricking his eyes as he clutched Gojo’s sweater with trembling hands, pressing his forehead against his sensei’s chest in pure defeat. He was so drained he didn’t even react when Satoru gently started rubbing his back, trying to soothe him.
“Whoa, whoa, calm down! You're panicking like I just proposed or something!” Gojo snorted, completely amused by his student’s meltdown. “Come on, why are you so shocked? I told you before : you suck at hiding things!”
“...Was I really that bad?” Yuuji mumbled, the words muffled by the soft fabric of the sweater that smelled way too good.
“Horrendously bad. I didn’t need Megumi or Nobara to spell it out for me. All I had to do was look your way and see those starry eyes every time I talked to you. And let’s not even talk about how obvious you were whenever I took off my blindfold — practically devouring me with your eyes. Or how you kept sniffing my cologne like I wouldn’t notice. Which, by the way, you're still doing right this se—”
“Please. Just shut up. Let me die in peace.” Yuuji groaned, absolutely done with everything.
He looked like he was mourning the loss of all those months spent trying to hide the most embarrassing parts of himself until the day he felt worthy of his sensei.
Turns out… it was all for nothing !
Gojo chuckled, his eyes brimming with affection as he pulled Yuuji into a hug—one arm wrapped around his lower back, the other gently reaching up to tilt his chin. Yuuji complied; he had nothing left to hide anyway. Seeing that mix of disappointment and embarrassment on his face, Satoru couldn’t help but cup those round, soft cheeks in one hand.
“Aww, don’t pout like that, makes me wanna bite you!” Satoru teased (half-seriously), though it didn’t do much to lift Yuuji’s mood.
“Not your fault your little secret slipped, babe. I mean, you fell for the sorcerer with the Sixth Eyes! No matter what you do, I can read you like a book.”
Yuuji felt like he was going to pass out. Did Gojo just call him babe?! BABE?! Since when did—oh. That was the second time tonight. He’d already used it earlier, when Yuuji broke down in tears after hearing Gojo's apologies, but he hadn’t registered it at the time, too overwhelmed by emotion.
This night was starting to take a very stran—
"Ah!" Yuuji cursed the moan that escaped his lips when he felt his sensei pull back slightly, fingers grazing the skin over his Adam’s apple, the second most sensitive spot on his body, right after his ribs.
He made the mistake of looking into the bright blue eyes of the love of his life… and he shouldn’t have. The moment their gazes met, the blood in his head rushed south. Gojo’s eyes burned with an unfamiliar intensity : a mix of sharp focus, fascination, and… something else Yuuji couldn’t, no, didn’t dare try to decipher.
Was that… some kind of hunger?
Yuuji stood frozen, too overwhelmed to speak, too captivated to move. He was completely spellbound by the raw beauty of this man.
“You like it when I touch your neck, huh?” Gojo murmured. “I can feel your heart racing every time I touch you here. If you react this easily to just my fingers…”
Gojo leaned in, like a predator closing in on its prey. “…I wonder what would happen if I used my mouth?”
Yuuji didn’t even have time to brace himself. Gojo wrapped an arm tightly around his hips, pulling him back in and burying his face in the crook of Yuuji’s neck—
“Oh! S-Sensei!” Yuuji gasped in shameful pleasure as Gojo began planting searing kisses along the pale skin of the former model, lavishing every untouched inch with attention.
“I can see it so clearly…” Gojo growled, his hands sliding lower to grip Yuuji by the small of his back, dangerously close to his buttocks. “Your blood rushing, your heart struggling to keep up, your cursed energy spiraling… You want me, Yuuji.”
“N-No!” the young sorcerer protested, though his voice lacked any conviction. His rationality was quickly unraveling under the heat and softness of Satoru’s kisses — which, now tinged with frustration, turned into something fiercer—
“Oooh!” Yuuji instinctively wrapped his arms around Satoru’s strong neck as he moaned, pulling him even closer to his flushed skin. He needed to hold onto something, or his legs were going to give out completely.
Gojo was nibbling at his neck. Oh god, it was indescribable !
He wasn’t trying to break skin — not at all. Those teeth, perfectly white and sharp as Yuuji knew them to be, were teasing his sensitive skin in the most delicious way, the silent threat of a real bite always hovering... but never landing. Damn, Yuuji was getting hard from all this ! Luckily, his dress was loose enough so that it didn't show... Although it's likely that Gojo had already noticed it thanks to his uncommon eyes.
Yuuji didn’t know whether he should feel ashamed or blissfully euphoric. He no longer knew what he was allowed to feel !
“This body’s way more honest than that naughty mouth of yours.”
Gojo finally pulled back from the comforting curve of Yuuji’s neck, lifting his head just enough to catch Yuuji’s face in a firm grip, tilting it up toward his own.
Their lips were dangerously close now.
Gojo, breath shallow and brimming with determination, stared deep into Yuuji’s tear-glazed golden eyes, wide with emotion, confusion, longing.
“Sensei... Sensei!” Yuuji called out his name without even knowing why, thoughts scattered by the overwhelming sensations crashing through him. He was completely undone, hopelessly in love with a man he’d always believed was out of reach.
“Yes, angel? Tell me what you want. I want to hear you say it.”
Just a few centimeters… That was all that separated them now.
I gotta take a little time
A little time to think things over
“I don’t know... I don’t know anymore!” Yuuji’s voice cracked under the weight of his emotions. He was barely holding himself together, torn between surrender and fear, between love and disbelief.
“Oh, but you know exactly what you want. Don’t pretend you don’t.” Gojo sounded like he was on edge, barely holding back. His voice trembled, his eyes never left Yuuji’s face, and his grip tightened, as if to say he wouldn’t let him run.
“Just give in to me, Yuuji.”
Gojo wanted him to stop holding back and be completely honest. But if Yuuji truly listened to his heart… he’d already be devouring the divine lips of the man he worshipped, awkward and inexperienced as he can be.
“You’re cruel… playing with me like this!” Yuuji whimpered, fear bubbling up again — that nagging voice in his head whispering that it was too good to be true. That in no world would someone like him be the one Gojo Satoru wanted a kiss from !
Gojo let out a low, amused chuckle. He pulled back just a little, brushing a kiss against Yuuji’s cheek, then his nose, and finally his forehead. He paused there, lips lingering as he whispered:
“Call it payback, for all the nights I had to rely on my right hand...”
He pressed a firmer kiss to Yuuji’s skin, and growled against it, voice thick with lust : “…because of you !”
His... right hand? Frustration? Because of him? No. Yuuji couldn’t believe that.
And yet, it was getting harder and harder to deny. The signs had been piling up — in every word, every heated look, every electrifying touch. And then there was what had already happened, on the deck of the Tokyo Symphony Bay, resurfacing now in his memory, all too vividly.
“Gojo-sensei… wants me? ”
The mere thought made his poor heart beat even faster — as if it hadn’t already been through enough on this strange, unforgettable night.
I better read between the lines
In case I need it when I'm colder
Gojo's hands were sliding down Yuuji’s sweatshirt dress, lower, way too low, before slipping beneath the fabric and gripping the soft flesh of his thighs with a vice-like hold.
Yuuji let out a low, sultry sigh, closing his eyes as he tilted his head back, fists tightening around the fabric of Gojo’s sweater like it was a lifeline. This man was playing with his sanity! Yuuji felt like he was about to fall — and it was terrifying… but also wonderful.
Gojo let out a frustrated growl, seizing the invitation Yuuji had unknowingly offered to bury himself once again in that neck that was calling to him.
"You’ve been playing with my nerves too, these past few weeks. When I saw you coming down those stairs in that damn dress today—"
He didn’t finish, but Yuuji got the message loud and clear, especially when Gojo let out a near-feral grunt against his skin, groping his thighs with such intensity that Yuuji was afraid he might actually leave bruises…
“That’s fine… mark me!” Yuuji couldn’t hold back anymore : his thoughts soaked in lust, his body trembling with a shiver that was anything but fear.
Oh no, it wasn’t fear. That shiver was pure anticipation. He was dying to know what his sensei would do next. He was breathless, more aroused than he’d ever been.
“Oh my god…” Yuuji whispered under his breath when he felt Gojo’s hands move from the front of his thighs to the back — slowly trailing upward toward his ass…
…Only to cruelly stop before getting there.
Gojo, smartass as ever, pulled his hands away entirely, placing them instead on Yuuji’s hips.
A helpless whimper escaped Yuuji at the loss. Gojo stopped kissing the vulnerable skin of his neck, lifting his head just enough to let his lips brush against Yuuji’s flushed ear — the smug smile on his face proof that he knew exactly what he was doing.
Satoru was clearly struggling to restrain himself as he placed soft pecks on Yuuji’s earlobe, then gently caught it between his teeth. The former model let out a needy little moan in response : a sweet, high-pitched sound of pure delight.
Overwhelmed by the intensity of it all, Yuuji reflexively pushed at his sensei’s chest, a feeble attempt to create distance. He loved the feel of those teeth on his skin… but it was all so much. His senses were spiraling !
Gojo, unbothered, simply caught Yuuji’s wrist and held it firmly in place, pinning that disobedient hand down like it was nothing.
“I already made the mistake of letting Suguru go…” Gojo said, voice raw and final, “Don’t expect me to let you go too.”
There was no room left for Yuuji to deny that he didn’t really want Gojo to stop.
“How much longer are you gonna make me wait, Yuuji?”
In my life, there's been heartache and pain
I don't know if I can face it again
That line. That was the exact thing Gojo had said to him to get him to dance on the Tokyo Symphony Bay.
The context back then had been very different (Gojo hadn’t been eating his ear at the time!), but the meaning was still the same: stop being afraid. Let go. Be selfish.
“Ki—” Yuuji swallowed hard, a whimpering mess under his sensei’s relentless affection.
“Yeah?” Gojo pressed in close against his ear, voice low and hoarse, like he was barely keeping a wild beast at bay.
Can't stop now, I've traveled so far
To change this lonely life
“Kiss me. Please!” Yuuji finally begged, tears spilling down his cheeks under the sheer weight of what he was feeling.
He felt… free.
His heart was still racing, but the tightness in his chest had finally lifted. The muscles that had been tensed from holding back so much desire could finally let go. It was wonderfully incredible.
Yuuji gave in without shame, letting Gojo claim his lips in a kiss burning with hunger... and love.
I wanna know what love is
I want you to show me
The sound of their ragged breaths synced in perfect harmony, Yuuji running his hands through the snow-colored hair of the man he loved, while Satoru devoured Yuuji’s lips like a man dying of thirst in the middle of a desert. Yuuji’s inexperience showed in how little he moved, passively waiting for Gojo to guide him with a press of the hand, a lick…
Itadori suddenly felt self-conscious.
“S-sorry, I probably kiss like crap…” Yuuji pulled away from his sensei just long enough to speak, only to let out a surprised “mhm!” when his lips were captured again by a Satoru desperate for contact.
“It’s perfect,” Satoru growled between kisses, pressing a string of pecks against Yuuji’s lips as he added, “These lips are wonderful.”
Satoru savored the little mewl Yuuji let out against his mouth when he felt Gojo’s teeth tug gently on his lower lip.
The Strongest pulled back slightly and growled against it : “They’re made for me.”
Yuuji completely lost his footing at those words, drunk with passion and sincerity. Satoru welcomed every part of Yuuji. He accepted everything his student had to give, no matter how imperfect Yuuji believed himself to be.
That realization alone shattered a long-standing barrier deep inside Itadori’s psyche — and for the first time in his life, he felt it truly begin to fall away.
“Gojo-sensei!” Yuuji cried out breathlessly, urgently, before hooking one leg as best he could around his lover’s hips.
I wanna feel what love is
I know you can show me
He was moving on instinct, probably doing everything wrong — but so what? Gojo seemed to enjoy his clumsiness, so why not just let go completely? And besides… the former model was eager to learn this taboo, captivating art they called kissing.
Yuuji dove headfirst into the battlefield their embrace had become, both of them panting, their hungry mouths desperately seeking more contact. Yuuji began licking at Satoru’s lips, silently pleading : lip-to-lip wasn’t enough anymore.
That boldness only fanned the fire burning inside The Strongest even higher, already set ablaze by the thought that he had stolen Yuuji’s very first kiss. He hadn’t expected him to play along so quickly, let alone take the lead...
“Fuck, Yuuji!” Gojo’s features were twisted with barely restrained desire, his jaw clenched tight as he grabbed the back of Yuuji’s thighs, helping him wrap those shapely legs around him.
Yuuji squeaked in surprise as Gojo lifted him with ease, stabilizing himself by wrapping his arms around his lover’s neck. Gojo devoured him with his eyes as he carried him to the bed. He laid his young partner down with incredible tenderness, towering over him, breathing hard, lips slightly parted.
Yuuji couldn’t look away. He hesitated, wondering if he should pinch himself to check if this wasn’t some vivid erotic dream.
He watched, shaky and burning with anticipation, as Satoru leaned in again — there was something feline in his posture. He pressed his chest against Yuuji’s, lightly caging his head between his forearms.
The former model had never seen Gojo like this before: breathing heavily, as if restraining himself from doing something he deeply wanted to do. Gojo… holding back from taking what he wanted? Well, that was unusual.
He looked almost pained as he pressed his forehead to Yuuji’s, their chaotic breaths mixing in the most beautiful way.
Yuuji had been far too self-conscious to initiate anything at first. But now, he realized just how lucky he was… To have received a kiss from the man he loved. To have given his first kiss to the one he had chosen to devote himself to.
It would be stupid to waste it.
Wanting to help his sensei relax — even though he didn’t know what had him so tense in the first place — Yuuji leaned in to press a quick, chaste kiss to Gojo’s plush lips, never breaking eye contact.
“I’m yours… I don't care what you do to me, I’ll always say yes !”
Yuuji hoped he could convey that thought through his gaze, unable to find the words just yet.
It must’ve worked, because Gojo let out a ragged growl of pure frenzy before crashing back onto Yuuji’s lips with renewed hunger, brushing his tongue cravingly against Yuuji’s mouth, asking for access to his warm cavern. Itadori granted it gladly, wrapping his legs around his sensei’s hips to pull him even closer. There was no way he could hold back the moans spilling from his throat as Gojo explored that untouched space with starving curiosity.
Yuuji tried his best to keep up, responding to his sensei with an endearing awkwardness as he tangled his tongue with Gojo’s. The wet sounds and their ragged breaths only fueled the insatiable hunger they’d both given into completely.
“Yuuji… Yuuji!” Satoru chanted his name like a prayer between each open-mouthed kiss, lost in the depths of a desire he’d kept caged for far too long.
“Sensei, I— Yes!” Yuuji gasped.
He knew his words made no sense, but he couldn’t help it. He was shivering under the sensation of Satoru rolling his hips, pressing his erection against the younger man’s through the layers of fabric that still separated them.
And even in that dazed state, Yuuji heard the words Satoru whispered into his lips — a plea he never expected to hear… or rather, one he had given up hoping for.
“Yuuji… my love !”
I've got nowhere left to hide
It looks like love has finally found me
Time stopped, just for a second. It was like Yuuji had finally found the missing piece to a puzzle he’d been trying to solve for over six months.
That bond. That strange, exclusive connection he had built with his sensei... he hadn’t imagined it. The teasing, the banter during class, the playful missions and relaxing outings. Their shared passions, their bursts of laughter, the harmony between them when they danced, the intensity in their eyes when they locked gazes. The guilt, the anger, the confusion, the frustration…
Everything Yuuji had felt these past months… Gojo had felt it all too.
What Yuuji felt was mutual. He didn’t know by what miracle this had come to be — but it had. It had finally happened to him!
Eyes wide and brimming with tears, Yuuji pulled back from Gojo’s passionate embrace to truly look into his eyes. He had to see through them — he had to be sure this wasn’t just some cruel illusion made up by his love-sick mind.
“Sensei…” he breathed, lips trembling as the first sniffles broke through. “If you’re using that nickname as a joke, I swear—”
“I’m not joking, Yuuji,” Satoru cut him off, voice steady. “I’d never joke about something like that.” Gojo insisted, feeling how fragile, how disbelieving Yuuji still was.
He pressed their foreheads together, exhaling deeply as he let Yuuji drown freely in the burning ocean of his cerulean gaze : the same gaze he had always turned toward Yuuji, though the boy had never noticed it before, too blinded by his own insecurities and assumptions.
“Do I have to kiss you breathless for you to believe me?”
Yuuji whimpered softly, caught off guard by what he saw in those eyes… And then he broke into sobs, gently caressing the face of the man he loved as if afraid Satoru would vanish the moment he touched him.
Satoru gave him the most genuine smile in existence — no mischief, nothing but pure affection, an unconditional love. Relieved that Yuuji had finally understood the depth of his feelings, Gojo kissed him through his tears with a tenderness that stood in stark contrast to his earlier hunger. Satoru was determined to prove to Yuuji that he wasn't dreaming. That what they had was real.
As he pulled away from those oh-so-addictive lips, Gojo began to plant soft, loving kisses all over his lover’s tear-streaked cheeks.
“S-Sensei… Gojo-sensei!” Yuuji called out through his sobs, overwhelmed with such joy that his mind blanked out entirely. His hands clutched at Gojo’s sweater like a lifeline, as if terrified the man might vanish, leaving him behind in a cold bed and an even colder room.
“I’m here. And I’m never leaving you again,” Satoru vowed, worshipping his young partner with kisses—on his forehead, his nose, his soft lips—adoring every inch of skin within reach.
“Since… since when?” Yuuji sniffled loudly, struggling to come down from the emotional high.
Satoru chuckled, already guessing what his young lover meant. He finally pulled away from Yuuji’s face, trailing downward until he was resting his head against the other’s stomach, arms snaking beneath his back in a firm, grounding hug. The position was oddly childlike—like a boy clinging to his mother for comfort, for unconditional love.
Yuuji sat up slightly, wanting to get a better look at his sensei, who was now nuzzled against his belly. His tears were finally drying, replaced by a strange yet profound sense of peace. This… this was all he had ever wanted—Satoru’s love and the safety of his arms wrapped around him. A soft smile bloomed on Yuuji’s lips as he gently ran his fingers through Satoru’s hair, letting the man inhale the lingering scent of his robe.
“Since our training in the basement,” Gojo replied in a whisper. “I meant it when I said you’re slow on the uptake!”
He lifted his head to flash Yuuji a dazzling smile—fond and teasing all at once.
Yuuji’s first response was a strangled laugh, fully admitting to himself how utterly blind he’d been this whole time. But then realization dawned, and that smile of his slowly faded, confusion creeping across his features.
“But… sensei! You’re the one who asked me why I became a model to deal with my insecurities, right?”
“Uh… yeah?” Gojo nodded, now looking confused himself.
“It doesn’t make sense…” Yuuji muttered under his breath, then elaborated when he felt Gojo’s curious gaze on him. “I spent months trying to get closer to you. I wanted to shoot my shot, and since I was convinced my feelings weren’t mutual, I thought I had to go above and beyond to... w-win you over…” he stuttered slightly, despite himself.
Satoru’s face darkened as he realized where this was heading.
“Sensei, I thought you were completely unaffected by everything I did to get closer to you. That’s why I became a model! I wanted to become someone worthy of you! I wanted to make you fall for me…” Yuuji was beet red now, deeply embarrassed to be explaining all this out loud—but it had to be said. “And… you just told me you’ve been in love with me this whole time… so then—”
“You wanna know why I ran from you like the plague, right?” Gojo murmured, burying his face into the warm crook of Yuuji’s belly.
Yuuji paused, caught off guard. Satoru went on:
“Of course I noticed. Every attempt you made… you had me melting. It was adorable, watching how hard you tried to get my attention. If I’d let myself go back then, you’d have been mine a long time ago… but back when you were making all those moves, I wasn’t ready to let anyone in again. I still got my eyes locked on the past.”
Feeling the sorrow in Satoru’s voice, Yuuji gently wrapped his arms around the older man’s tense shoulders, wanting nothing more than to offer him comfort. Despite his efforts to tamp it down, a familiar green feeling began creeping back into his gut as he asked, a little hesitantly:
“Sensei… are you talking about Get—”
But he never got to finish the sentence, because a ridiculously loud gurgle echoed from Yuuji’s stomach, completely shattering the intimate moment between the two lovers. The sound was so sudden, so aggressive, that Gojo immediately bolted upright, startled.
A long silence fell between the lovers as they stared into each other’s eyes… until Gojo suddenly burst out laughing, his shoulders shaking with the force of it. Yuuji was quick to follow, softened by the sight of Satoru’s genuine laughter, the tension from just moments ago melting away completely.
God, he was beautiful when he laughed. Had Yuuji ever heard him laugh like that before? He couldn’t remember.
“Holy crap, Yuuji, that wasn’t a stomach, that was a monster! You sure there’s not an alien in there, ready to burst out?!” Gojo cackled, pulling his partner into a loving embrace as they both laughed uncontrollably.
“It’s—It’s not my fault, Sensei!” Yuuji gasped between wheezes, his abs sore from laughing. “I haven’t eaten anything decent since yesterday. I’m starving!”
“Mmh, guess making out does work up an appetite, huh?” Satoru added cheekily, clearly proud of having overwhelmed Yuuji, as he teasingly pinched his sensitive sides.
“Ahahaha! Not the hips! Get off!” Yuuji howled, trying to fight him off, his laughter slowly fading into a content sigh.
Itadori glanced at his nightstand, where the mountain of chocolate bars Kugisaki had bought him sat in disarray. He also peeked at the time glowing on his phone before tossing it back down with a sigh.
“It’s past 8pm already, the cafeteria’s been closed for a while. I guess I’ll have to survive on snacks,” the ex-model muttered, resigned to a dinner of sugar.
“Excuse me? Absolutely not!” Gojo snapped, sitting upright to put his shoes back on. “You need proper food, not that junk! I’m heading into town to get you a real meal!”
“Ironic choice of words, coming from someone who’s obsessed with that same junk,” Yuuji teased, touched and low-key smitten by how his sugar-crazed man could be so caring.
“That’s different! I don’t go around starving myself to the point of fainting!” Gojo shot back, a playful scowl on his face as he tugged lightly on Yuuji’s cheek. The latter whined dramatically in response, laughing.
Yuuji escaped the fingers pulling at his cheek and watched, thoroughly enamored, as his sensei stood up and stretched with a satisfied sigh. The young sorcerer would’ve torn that damn sweater to pieces if it meant getting a better look at those flexing muscles and—
"Oh my god, I’m horny as hell !"
Yuuji shook his head rapidly, trying to expel the sinful thoughts, but it was no use.
"It’s not even my fault!" he defended internally. "He kissed me like there was no tomorrow! Who wouldn’t be ready to jump him after being devoured like that by a freaking demigod?!"
He absentmindedly traced his kiss-swollen lips with his fingers, already missing the sensation of Satoru’s mouth on his.
“No need to stare like that, babe. Patience,” Gojo teased in a sing-song tone, turning around to grab his blindfold—conveniently placed right next to Yuuji on the bed.
"No way, he noticed! Does he have eyes in the back of his head?!" Yuuji panicked, thoroughly embarrassed.
That damn tease leaned in, his lips mere centimeters from Yuuji’s trembling ones, pretending to only be after his blindfold when he was clearly savoring the sight of Yuuji’s flustered face—with that insufferably gorgeous smile.
“Once you’ve had something to eat,” he whispered in a low, velvety voice, “I’m going to take very good care of you.”
‘Ah—Wha—I—Sen—Mmh!’ Yuuji’s flustered ramble was cut off by Satoru’s firm kiss, all too brief for his liking. A tiny whimper of protest escaped his lips as Gojo pulled away.
The teacher stood back up, slipping his blindfold on with maddening nonchalance, his smug aura practically glowing. Yuuji let out a sigh of pure defeat, that exasperated smile of his tugging at the corners of his lips.
“I’ll admit I’m starving too! How about sushi and karaage?” Gojo offered, fully ready to teleport to town.
Chapter 10: For better or for worse (part 2)
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
That’s exactly what they ended up eating — except, as usual, Gojo didn’t do anything halfway. Once the food was secured, The Strongest teleported right back into Yuuji’s room, grinning from ear to ear. In his hands: bags holding two massive sushi trays from Kyubey and piping hot karaage skewers from Nakatsu, two of the most high-end spots in all of Ginza.
Yuuji pointed out that a quick stop at a convenience store would’ve done the trick, but his sensei reacted with theatrical outrage, declaring that konbini food was unworthy of Yuuji’s divine palate, and that it was his duty to offer the absolute best to his “lover.” (Yuuji nearly melted from the embarrassment and happiness of hearing Gojo call him that so openly… he still wasn’t used to it — not at all.)
At first, Yuuji felt a little guilty that his sensei, who was already worn out from his mission, had gone all the way downtown because of his negligence… but another part of him was over the moon to be pampered like this by his ridiculously extra boyfriend.
Gojo had even made a quick stop at his place to shower and change. Gone was the battle-worn uniform — he now sported a loose black sweater and crisp white pants. Yuuji was devastated: even in something that simple, Satoru looked like an actual god. Was there no limit to this man’s perfection?!
Yuuji never imagined his night would turn out this good. He’d fully expected to spend it alone again, lost in his own dark thoughts with nothing but that snarky parasite Sukuna for company. Yet here he was, on his bed, fending off his sensei who was trying to get him to finish his karaage, even though Yuuji couldn’t stomach another bite.
“Sensei, I said no! I already ate all my sushi and three skewers, that’s plenty!” Yuuji laughed, shaking his head side to side to dodge the chopsticks Gojo kept shoving toward him.
“Sit still, I’ll be the judge of when you’re full!” Satoru insisted, determined to feed Yuuji until he burst.
“What are you, a mother bird?” Yuuji cracked up, batting Gojo’s hand away. “You’re just as crazy as Kugisaki! You trying to fatten me up or something?!”
“Oh noooo!” Gojo froze, slapping a hand to his forehead dramatically. “My evil plan has been exposed! Operation ‘Fatten up Yuuji so his hips and thighs get even more delicious than they already are’ has failed!”
“Excuse me?!” Yuuji exploded, blushing furiously as he giggled through the mix of horror and secondhand embarrassment. “First you say my thighs are huge, now you admit you’ve been ogling my hips?! You’re a perv, sensei!”
He was teasing — no resentment behind it. He’d missed Gojo’s ridiculous sense of humor so much.
“Oh babe, it’s not just the hips. And you’re one to talk, Mr. ‘I sniff my crush’s cologne when I think he’s not looking.’”
“I—!” Yuuji was about to deny it, cheeks going nuclear, but stopped himself. Gojo did caught him red-handed multiple times. “That’s your fault! Stop wearing such good cologne…” he grumbled, sulking.
“Hehe, seeing the effect it has on you makes me want to wear it every day,” Gojo cackled smugly, popping the last bit of sushi into his mouth, basking in his own brilliance.
“Damn you…” Yuuji muttered under his breath, cheeks still burning.
After the meal, Yuuji gathered the wrappers and got up to throw them away in the bin next to his nightstand. As he bent forward — right in front of Satoru — he didn’t catch the devilish grin forming on his sensei’s face.
SMACK.
“HAH!” Yuuji shot upright, yelping in disbelief, completely flustered.
Mouth agape, he turned to stare at Gojo in total shock, clutching his poor backside where he’d just been smacked by this overgrown child of a man, who looked beyond pleased with himself.
“Have you lost it?!” Yuuji sputtered, his shock quickly giving way to laughter and embarrassment.
“You stick your ass out like that, and you expect me to behave? You asked for it! Six months of torment : I deserve this!” Satoru flashed a wolfish grin, wiggling his fingers like a cartoon villain as he made another grab for Yuuji’s butt.
“Keep your hands off my ass!” Yuuji batted them away like swatting a mosquito, laughing as he dove back onto the bed under Gojo’s shameless gaze.
“You better get used to it. There’s more where that came from. With a pornstar butt like that, how do you expect me to—”
“You have zero shame, I swear!” Yuuji yelled, burying his red face in his hands, barely holding back the squeaky noise of flustered delight threatening to escape his throat.
“Gojo-sensei likes my butt… he said he’s been dreaming about it for six mont—STOP RISING, Yuuji Jr!” Itadori mentally screamed, cutting off his own thoughts as he desperately tried to will down the growing bulge under his robe. Please don’t let Gojo notice!
Following that revealing moment where Yuuji realized that sting on his skin wasn’t all that unpleasant, a comfortable silence settled over the room. Gojo was checking his phone with a frown, replying to messages, while Yuuji sat nearby again, cheeks still pink from the overwhelming joy of simply being in his beloved’s presence… He was this close to pinching himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming.
“Why are you sitting so far away? Come here.”
“What—whoa!” Yuuji yelped as Gojo pulled him in effortlessly, looping one long arm around his shoulders.
The sorcerer shoved his phone back into his pocket, unapologetically ignoring the rest of Ijichi’s texts. Yuuji now had his head resting against Gojo’s chest, and the once-grumpy professor was clearly delighted to have him right where he belonged : in his arms.
“Th-thanks for the food, sensei,” Yuuji murmured, wrapping his arms around Gojo in quiet gratitude.
“Anything for my boo~,” Gojo sang back sweetly.
“It’s weird…” Yuuji started, thinking aloud. “Until now, even looking at food made me nauseous. I couldn’t keep anything down. But now… it’s like my stomach’s been, I don’t know, unlocked? Does that make any sense?” he chuckled sheepishly.
“It’s love, Yuuji! Love cures everything,” Gojo declared proudly, lips puckered as he planted a ridiculously dramatic kiss to the top of Yuuji’s head, making him giggle.
Growing more serious, Gojo pressed another soft kiss to Yuuji’s pink hair before whispering, “Don’t ever scare me like that again. I was terrified something really bad happened to you.”
“S-sorry…” Yuuji tightened his embrace, burying his face into Gojo’s fresh, heavenly-smelling sweater.
The former model mentally noted to thank Megumi properly—without him, this dream of an evening would never have happened. So much had been cleared up tonight. Misunderstandings dissolved. But… not all of them.
Yuuji still needed clarity.
“Gojo-sensei… I don’t want to push, but—”
“I know. Let’s talk. For real this time.” Gojo cut him off gently, equally ready to put everything on the table.
He kissed Yuuji’s forehead before removing his shoes and lying down on the bed, pulling a nervous Yuuji down with him.
With his head resting on Gojo’s chest, their legs tangled together, Yuuji melted as Satoru’s fingers massaged his scalp, making him purr quietly like a spoiled cat.
“Yes, I was talking about Suguru earlier,” Satoru admitted, blindfolded eyes on the ceiling, his other hand supporting the back of his head. “I didn’t say it outright the last time we talked about my past, but yeah. I was in love with him.”
Yuuji’s worst suspicions were confirmed. That ugly, green feeling tried to crawl back up—but he shoved it aside, gasping softly. His eyes widened at the thought of the immeasurable, indescribable pain Gojo must’ve felt, being forced to kill the man who was both his best friend and…
Yuuji chose silence, letting Gojo speak. He reached up and gently caressed Satoru’s cheek—a tender gesture, one he knew wouldn’t erase the scar left by that kind of loss, but maybe could soothe it a little.
“I always thought that if anything was wrong, Suguru would come talk to me himself... but he completely shut down. He refused to share his burden, and by the time I realized how far gone he was, it was already too late. I’ve never felt so powerless. Ironical, isn’t it? For the man they call The Strongest.”
Gojo let out a breathy laugh that held no humor, making Yuuji’s heart tighten painfully.
“After I killed Suguru, I knew one thing for sure : I never wanted to feel that way again. If protecting what’s left of my sanity meant living out the rest of my life alone, so be it. That’s the deal I made with myself. That’s why I closed off, stopped caring about any kind of romantic attachment for years… Until I met you.”
A soft smile began to return to Gojo’s lips as he looked at Yuuji, memories of their earliest moments together lighting up his features. He reached out, brushing the line of Yuuji’s cheekbone with his fingers, gazing into those warm golden eyes he adored.
“No matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t contain what I felt for you. You pulled me in completely, at a time when I was sure I’d never be able to love anyone the way I loved Suguru. And yet there you were—offering me the kindest smile and the purest affection, every single day. To someone as damn difficult as me.”
Yuuji opened his mouth to protest against such a harsh judgment, but stopped himself, letting Satoru continue.
“You’re one of the few who genuinely worries about me when I’m out on a mission. Your innocence is... honestly? Adorable. Even if it drives me crazy sometimes. You’re the kind of person who gives your trust and loyalty too easily, without always realizing the risks. It’s because I want to protect your smile and your happiness that I swore to shield you from the worst this world has to offer.”
“Oh, sensei…” Yuuji whispered, overwhelmed, as he gently wrapped his fingers around Gojo’s hand, stunned by how deeply Satoru had cared for him all along, how much his existence meant to this extraordinary man.
“But… it took time for me to let go. That’s why I didn’t respond to your advances in the beginning. I couldn’t get free of the past. Suguru’s ghost was haunting every decision I made.”
Satoru grimaced, a flicker of old pain twisting his expression. His jaw clenched with restrained emotion as his hand tightened slightly on Yuuji’s face, his thumb tracing slowly across lips that now belonged to him.
“The wake-up call was harsh, but it had to happen. When I saw that bastard model lay his filthy hands on you… I lost it. I honestly thought I was going to snap. I’ve never wanted to kill someone so badly in my entire life.”
Yuuji gasped, suddenly realizing Gojo was talking about Tatsuya and his flirtations. Then, a memory struck him—clear and undeniable.
“Sensei… that cursed energy I felt that night—”
“That was me. Can you believe it? I was so blinded by rage, I couldn’t control it anymore. Some role model I am, right?” Gojo chuckled bitterly before his voice softened again.
“For the first time, it hit me. If I stayed stuck in the past, I’d lose you. You’d move on, build a life with someone else. And the idea of watching you be happy in someone else’s arms? It was unbearable.”
“He… He had the exact same fear I did ! ” Yuuji’s thoughts swirled with emotion, remembering how many times he’d tortured himself with the image of Gojo marrying someone else, fathering children for his clan… and leaving Yuuji behind. Forgotten. Replaced.
“There was that time you kept turning down all my offers to hang out, giving me the lamest excuses…” Gojo’s voice dropped, frustration rising again. “It was already hard watching you push me away right when I was finally pulling my head out of my ass… and it only got worse when that asshole came out of nowhere and tried to beat me to it! I thought I was too late… I was furious, at him, at you, at myself!”
The pain Gojo had felt that night resurfaced in his voice. He sat up and pulled Yuuji into a desperate kiss, needing to soothe the fire clawing at his chest by reclaiming those lips he had become hopelessly addicted to. Yuuji welcomed it wholeheartedly, letting out a soft moan as he parted his lips to welcome Gojo’s eager tongue, which tasted every bit of him it could reach.
He wasn’t as unsure as he’d been during their first kiss—far from it. Yuuji was active, threading his fingers into Gojo’s slightly damp hair, marveling at how soft it was while breathing in the intoxicating scent of his shower gel: pine and cedar, now forever branded in his mind. His body reacted on its own, rolling his hips slowly against Gojo’s thigh, searching for friction. The low growl that rumbled from his lover’s chest made Yuuji moan in return, his heart pounding with pride. To think he could make this man—someone he once thought was out of reach—burn like that…
Gojo, aware he was seconds away from losing control, forced himself to pull back. He pressed a final, tender kiss against Yuuji’s swollen lips, then gently bit down on the plush lower one, making Yuuji shiver. The ex-model whimpered, overwhelmed, as Gojo applied just enough pressure to drive him wild without leaving a mark.
Letting the bitten lip go, Gojo growled softly against his mouth, “You wanted to know why I acted like a total jerk two weeks ago? There’s your answer.”
Yuuji was breathless, lips parted, dazed and still recovering from the kiss, when the realization finally hit him. His eyes widened.
“Sensei… You were jealous of Haru-san? That’s why you acted like such an asshole?”
Gojo grumbled something that sounded suspiciously like “Took you long enough,” before giving a reluctant nod, his pout somehow both ridiculous and cute.
“Aww, sensei!” Yuuji giggled, utterly charmed as he cupped his lover’s face. “Haru-san was just doing his job! There was nothing romantic or sexual going on—he’s an esthetician!”
“I don’t give a damn!” Gojo snapped, a pulsing vein on his forehead. “He got to you first! I wanted to be the first one to touch Yuuji’s legs!”
To drive his point home, Gojo slipped his hands under Yuuji’s robe and grabbed his plush thighs with zero shame, making the younger man yelp.
“Honestly? You should be a little more grateful to him.” Yuuji grinned teasingly as he straddled Gojo’s chest with surprising boldness.
He grabbed Gojo’s calloused hands and pressed them more firmly against his skin.
“It’s thanks to him my legs look this soft and ‘delicious’.” Yuuji used the exact word Gojo had said earlier—on purpose.
Gojo let out a growl, still grumpy, eyes locked on the flawless, hairless skin as he mumbled :
“I’m gonna learn waxing. That way you won’t need that bastard touching you ever again.”
“Words, sensei!” Yuuji laughed, letting go of Gojo’s hands to wrap his arms around his neck, nuzzling into his cheek with affectionate fondness rather than actual annoyance.
Haru-san had really done an amazing job… Yuuji would have to ask Leila for his number so he could properly than—
Wait.
Yuuji froze, his brain suddenly connecting all the dots: Tatsuya’s advances. Gojo’s jealousy. He said he’d “made arrangements.” The mysteriously vanished note with Tatsuya’s number…
“Ah!” Yuuji shot upright, grabbing Gojo’s cheek with an accusatory tug. “You snuck into my room and got rid of the paper with Tatsuya-san’s number on it while I was asleep, admit it! I couldn’t find it anywhere when I wanted to thank him!”
“HUH?! You were planning to call him?!” Gojo yelled, scandalized. “And thank him?! You cheater!”
He pinched Yuuji’s sensitive hip in protest, making the younger boy jolt and swat at his hand in exasperation.
“You don’t get it!” Yuuji laughed breathlessly at Gojo’s pure childishness. “No one had ever openly told me they found me beautiful before! He was the first! And it felt rude not to—Hah!”
Yuuji let out a high-pitched yelp when Satoru suddenly pulled him in, pressing his lips hard against Yuuji’s neck and licking the skin greedily before biting down — nothing like the tame nibbles from earlier.
The bite was firm enough to leave a mark without drawing blood, and the sensation made Yuuji tremble all over. Satoru growled like a hungry lion pinning down its prey, his ragged breath hot against Yuuji’s hypersensitive skin. A wanton moan escaped the ex-model’s lips, mortifying him.
“Aah, Sensei, it’s too—Anh!”
Gojo didn’t give him time to feel self-conscious.
Yuuji was under siege, in the most delicious way. Satoru moved from his neck to his ear, and his voracious mouth spared no part of it: licking along the lobe, exploring every fold, until he sank his teeth into the soft spot with a low, satisfied groan.
Yuuji couldn’t form coherent words anymore, reduced to whimpers, gasps, and hiccupy breaths. His fists clutched Satoru’s sweater so tightly he had to force himself not to pull hard enough to tear it.
It was mind-blowing how fast Gojo had learned every one of his weak spots. They had barely begun to explore their intimacy, and already Yuuji felt dizzy with pleasure. If just a few kisses and bites to his neck and ears could do this to him, how was he supposed to survive what came next?
Yuuji’s manhood was seized by a sudden spasm at the thought.
Thankfully, The Strongest finally relented. He pulled back slightly, mouth hovering near Yuuji’s ear, the temperature between them having skyrocketed.
“You don’t need that loser to know you're beautiful anymore,” Gojo growled, voice low and commanding. “From now on, I’ll be the one telling you. Every day.”
Yuuji melted. There were no words to describe what it meant to hear such passionate, possessive declarations from Gojo Satoru — meant for him and him alone.
He hadn’t expected this side of Satoru. Behind all the teasing and aloofness, there was a man who craved exclusivity — someone who likely didn’t show this part of himself to just anyone. That made Yuuji feel even more honored.
Not the least bit put off by this possessive streak, Yuuji was ready to learn and understand it better — to navigate Satoru’s sensitivities, not by giving in to everything, but by choosing to grow with him, building something that could weather misunderstandings and future clashes.
After all, he could empathize. He remembered far too clearly the suffocating envy he’d felt just imagining all the men and women who had shared Gojo’s bed before. Or that time on the Tokyo Symphony Bay, watching those thirsty women eyeing his sensei like a prize. And also...
“Babe? Everything okay?” Gojo asked, noticing the sudden quiet.
“It’s nothing…” Yuuji mumbled, burying his face deeper into the comforting scent of Satoru’s sweater. “Just thinking dumb stuff.”
“Hm? Lucky for you, your sensei loves dumb stuff!” Gojo grinned, voice cheerful as he gently nudged Yuuji to look up at him. “Wanna share?”
Yuuji bit his lip, mentally scolding himself for being childish.
“I’m… really flattered that you care enough to get jealous. And I just remembered that… that I can get jealous too,” Itadori admitted, voice dropping to a whisper by the end of his sentence, deeply embarrassed by this side of himself.
But Gojo had heard him loud and clear — and didn’t agree at all with the shame behind it.
His face lit up with exaggerated joy as he hugged Yuuji tightly, nuzzling his cheek with an obnoxiously happy squeal.
“Awww, Yuuji! You’re way too cute!! Sensei’s so happy to hear that! But, honestly, I don’t know what I did that could’ve made you jealous…” he pondered aloud. “I only have eyes for you. No one else even registers.”
“And what about your one-night stands? You’ve never mentioned them!” Yuuji thought, heart aching at the memory — but he pushed the thought aside. He didn’t want to ruin the moment or make Satoru feel awkward about his past.
Maybe they’d talk about that later, tonight.
“You’re forgetting about Geto Suguru, Sensei…” Yuuji’s throat tightened just from saying the name of the man he’d envied so deeply until now.
“Huh? What do you mean?” Satoru looked genuinely confused, clearly not following Yuuji’s train of thought.
“On the Symphony, when you talked about all those amazing memories with him… you looked so ecstatic. I…”
Yuuji hated the bitterness in his voice, but he allowed himself to be honest — he owed Satoru that much.
“How am I supposed to compete with that? With him? I’ve never seen you smile like that with me. You’d have to be blind not to see how deeply in love you were with each other!”
Satoru’s expression of pure surprise instantly deflated Yuuji’s frustration, and he suddenly felt foolish for sounding so childish.
“I’m sorry for being so greedy… I know it’s silly, but—”
Yuuji was cut off by Satoru pulling him into a hug, placing a kiss on his forehead. The older man was beaming, his voice soft and reassuring:
“I like greedy people, baby. I want you to be greedy.”
Gojo shifted to sit at the edge of the bed, gently taking Yuuji’s hands in his and coaxing him to let go of his sweater.
“I’m sorry, Yuuji. I should’ve said this earlier, it would’ve saved you from all that doubt.” He brought Yuuji’s hands to his lips, kissing them one by one with a gentle, apologetic smile.
“There was never anything between Suguru and me. I loved him deeply, yes, but he only ever saw me as a friend. We were close but he never caught on to the hints I kept dropping. And believe me when I say there were plenty! Eventually, I gave up and settled into the role of ‘best friend.’ It was frustrating, sure, but if that was the only way I could stay by his side, then I was willing to accept it. However…”
Gojo smirked devilishly, clearly proud of what he was about to admit:
“Just because I lost didn’t mean I let the girls hovering around him win either. I scared off anyone who dared get too close. I don’t share. I mark my territory, and I protect it.”
As he whispered those last words, Gojo stroked Yuuji’s cheek, the ex-model easily picturing the intense gaze Satoru was sending his way, even through the blindfold.
“You get it now? Suguru never opened his arms to me. He never loved me back. It was never him.”
It’s always been you. The words hung heavily in the air, and Yuuji’s eyes filled with tears at the realization.
“Years ago, I told one of my students that love is the most twisted curse of all. I still believe that… But I’ll admit, it’s hard to resist the temptation. It’s a twisted curse, but a damn desirable one. And I’m really glad I gave in to it a second time, Yuuji.”
“Stop it, you’re gonna make me cry again!” Yuuji laughed through his emotions, wiping away a lone tear that had slipped down his cheek.
At this rate, he was going to end up shriveled like a raisin from all the crying tonight!
“I don’t mind. You’re gorgeous when you cry. You’re gorgeous all the time, anyway.” Gojo’s tone was dreamy, no teasing, just pure, earnest affection.
“Sweet-talker…” Yuuji mumbled, trying to dodge the overwhelming tide of emotions crashing over him thanks to the man who had utterly stolen his heart.
“You still don’t believe me? That’s fine. Later, I'll show you how breathtaking I think you are.”
Gojo didn’t elaborate—but a very flustered (and aroused) Yuuji could easily guess what he meant. His cheeks turned scarlet as he tried to play it cool, ignoring the heat pooling in his chest.
“I’m sure Megumi and Nobara already warned you about it, but you didn’t pick the easiest person to fall for.” Gojo admitted, voice lowering with sincerity.
“When I’m with you, I feel like that impulsive teenager I used to be. I’m ridiculously jealous, and I'm not sure I can change that. But if you’re willing to deal with my god-awful personality, I swear I’ll make you the happiest person alive. I’ll take care of you a thousand times better than any damn model or that scrawny esthetician!”
“Sensei…” Yuuji rolled his eyes at Gojo's petty rivalry, but he was more amused than annoyed.
He grew serious again, stroking his sensei’s cheek with gentle eyes. “I never wanted you to change who you are. Sure, there’ll be days when you’re completely unbearable, and I’ll have to hold myself back from smacking you!”
Gojo chuckled at that, finding Yuuji’s maternal scolding tone way too endearing. Yuuji giggled too, then reached with careful fingers beneath Satoru’s blindfold.
When his sensei made no move to stop him, Yuuji slowly pulled it away, revealing the brilliant azure eyes of the man he loved, and continued:
“There’ll be hard days. That’s inevitable… But I want to face them with you. I want all of you—the good and the bad.”
Satoru remained reverently silent, emotion shining clearly in his exposed eyes. Yuuji’s acceptance, his unconditional love, had struck him deeply.
And Yuuji had never felt so sure of a decision in his life. He had to make it known: Gojo Satoru was the love of his life, and nothing and no one could ever change that.
Leaning in, lips hovering just above his lover’s, Yuuji whispered the words that would be burned into The Strongest’s memory forever:
“I love you, Gojo-sensei.”
In perfect sync with their feelings, their lips met in the most natural kiss imaginable—no hesitation, no fear, just quiet certainty. No need to rush anything. They both knew now that the one they loved wasn’t going anywhere. This kiss was their promise, unspoken but binding, tying them together for the rest of their lives.
Overtaken by a wave of irresistible longing, Yuuji wrapped his arms around Gojo’s neck and pushed him down onto the bed. Now straddling one of his teacher’s legs, Yuuji drank in the surprised, excited moan that escaped Satoru’s lips.
He eagerly sought out Gojo’s mouth again, and the other welcomed him in with joyful abandon. Yuuji explored a place he’d always thought off-limits — the texture of Satoru’s lips, the shape of his tongue — and every new sensation sent shivers of pure joy through him. Their tongues danced in perfect harmony, moving with elegance and hunger.
Satoru moaned again in the kiss, the sound going straight to Yuuji’s cock as his sensei put his hands around his young lover’s hips.
“Damn, Yuuji! You’re picking this up crazy fast… You impress me, babe !” Gojo breathed out, smiling hungrily as he moved one of his hands under Yuuji’s dress, grabbing a buttock covered by black briefs.
The Strongest was clearly thrilled by how confident his student was becoming.
“Hmmm!” Yuuji moaned, biting his lower lip, his golden eyes gleaming with mischief and lust. “Well, let's say I have a good teacher…”
Yuuji arched his lower back slightly, signalling to his lover that he liked the firm grip on his buttocks. He went back to kissing Satoru, who gladly returned the enthusiasm.
“Oh, you really don’t know what you’re in for tonight, do you?” Gojo growled breathlessly as he lightly spanked Yuuji's buttocks. The student gasped lasciviously at the slap.
“Oh, but I know exactly what’s about to happen! You’re the one who needs a little heads-up...”
Satoru's eyes widened. His cheeks flushed slightly as he watched Yuuji, overflowing with assumed desire, straighten up so that his hardened crotch was pressed against his teacher's abs. With his breath ragged and his cheeks colored a light pink, Yuuji's golden eyes gleamed with lust, never leaving his sensei's azure pearls as he showed the full extent of his hunger. He moved briefly back and forth against the area he was sitting on, moaning softly while doing so.
Satoru sighed in his effort to control his ardour in the face of this deadly beauty. He was eager to rip those damned briefs to shreds, make Yuuji sit on his face and...
No, not yet. A bit more patience, Gojo Satoru!
“Yuuji…” Satoru sighed like a man on the brink. “You’re absolutely gorg— OW, ow, ow!!”
Lost in the moment and full of confidence, Satoru had completely dropped his Infinity. Yuuji knew that — and took advantage. Driven by a flash of righteous mischief, he tugged sharply at Gojo’s cheek in a rare moment of revenge.
He smiled, but there was something vengeful in it. Something that made even The Strongest twitch in alarm.
“Y-Yuuji-kun?! What the hell?! Why?” Gojo cried, eyes glistening as pain and confusion collided on his face.
“Oh, don’t even start with that! You think I was just gonna let that slide?” Yuuji’s brow twitched, his grin sharpening with every word.
He was mad. And Gojo had no idea what he’d done to deserve it.
“You left me hanging for six months ! I was losing sleep wondering if I’d ever be enough for you! Meanwhile, you were out there flaunting your hugs and kisses, your damn perfume, those model-tier outfits. You knew exactly what you were doing!”
“Yuuji, it’s not like that— Ow! Okay okay, babe, my face!”
Gojo tried to defend himself, but now Yuuji was pinching both cheeks with brutal precision.
“I’m gonna look like a hamster at this rate!”
Yuuji ignored the protests, scowling with no hint of mercy.
“And don’t think I forgot the damn dango stunt! My heart nearly exploded! And then on the Symphony—”
Yuuji leaned in closer, finally letting go of Gojo’s cheeks just to tug at his ear like a parent scolding a bratty kid.
His voice dropped, dangerous and delicious: “You set up all those teasing moments on purpose. The indirect kisses, the slow dance, the smoldering stares… You absolute flirt!”
“But... You were pulling away from me! I just wanted to win you back by going all out!” Gojo protested, frustrated. “You turned me down for weeks, and then I come back from Sendai and find you in the arms of that emo-haired guy!”
“Yeah, and why do you think that happened, huh?! I thought I wasn’t worthy of the Great Gojo Satoru, who never responded to my attempts to get closer. So I backed off and worked my ass off to become a confident, sexy model! And meanwhile, you were out here playing games!” Yuuji huffed, whacking Gojo lightly on the forehead.
“Not my fault you didn’t pick up the signs! I wasn’t hiding my feelings, you know! Unlike you, I don’t keep secrets!” Gojo retorted, rubbing his head with a pout.
“Say what you want!” Yuuji growled. “But I told you I’d give you a little rundown of what’s gonna happen tonight, so listen up!”
He slid a hand along Gojo’s neck, feeling his strong, steady pulse beneath his fingertips. With the other hand, he grabbed both of Satoru’s wrists and pinned them above his head. Gojo didn’t resist — if anything, he looked thrilled.
With a wicked smile worthy of an incubus, Yuuji leaned in, close enough to feel the heat of Gojo’s breath against his own. His eyes, lit with fire and hunger, locked onto the exposed smoldering blue.
“You’re not leaving this room until you’ve made me climb the walls, Gojo-sensei. You think you’re the only one who's pent up beyond reason? I’m like this because of you and all your damn mixed signals!”
“Oh shit…” Gojo breathed shakily, completely floored by the force of Yuuji’s desire — and utterly into it.
Yuuji smirked. “You’re not getting a wink of sleep tonight, so get ready.”
Teasing was second nature to Gojo, and tonight was no exception : he still wanted to push Yuuji to his limits. Despite his mocking tone, the way his hands gripped tightly at his lover’s full hips gave him away completely. Yuuji didn’t seem to realize that his words were only fanning the flames of a starving wolf, ready to pounce on the unsuspecting lamb the second he saw an opening.
“What the hell did Nebula do to you, Yuuji? When did you become so shameless?” Gojo whined dramatically, like a father disappointed in his wayward son.
“Don’t put the blame on Nebula! I’m horny as hell, and that’s your fault!”
To underline his point, Yuuji tried to smack Gojo on the head again. Except this time, the sorcerer decided to defend himself.
Yuuji’s hand hit an invisible wall. His eyes widened, then narrowed in pure annoyance as Gojo flashed him a smug Cheshire-cat grin, clearly proud of himself.
“Turn it off,” Yuuji ordered, leaving zero room for debate.
“Nope,” Satoru replied with a maddening calm, doing his best not to burst out laughing at Yuuji’s scandalized expression as he dramatically sat up.
“You’ve got to be kidding me! You always disable your Infinity when we’re together! Convenient how you turn it on the second I try to get payback!”
“Oh, sweetheart, I’m not suicidal. My cheeks and ears already took enough damage tonight. I’d like to preserve my poor head, thank you very much!”
“Turn. It. Off!”
“Nope!”
“Coward! Why don’t you fight like a real man instead of hiding behind your powers?! Own up to your own bullsh—woah!”
In truth, Yuuji knew Gojo was letting him act out like this only out of curiosity. If he’d wanted to push him away, he could’ve done it in a second—no effort needed, considering the massive power gap between them.
But instead, Gojo flipped their positions with ease. Yuuji suddenly found himself pinned beneath his sensei, wrists locked above his head in a firm grip, exactly the way he’d done moments earlier. And with a mischievous gleam in his eye, the hungry wolf dove for the exposed curve of his lamb’s neck : the opening he’d been waiting for.
Yuuji arched his back as Satoru’s tongue traced a vein along his neck before latching onto the sensitive skin, sucking with just enough pressure to leave a mark on that pale ivory canvas. Yuuji couldn’t hold back his moans, overwhelmed by the realization that not only was this his very first hickey, but that it also felt amazing.
His skin was being devoured by the hungry mouth of his lover, cherished with fervent attention, making his entire body twitch from the stimulation : it was incredible!
Gojo groaned against Yuuji’s neck, rolling his hips instinctively, and—
“Oh god, I didn’t notice, earlier…” Yuuji thought in a flash, his cheeks going deep crimson.
"Man enough for you, Yuuji?" Gojo whispered hotly, flashing a toothy grin as he rubbed his lust-swollen manhood against his young lover, sighing lasciviously while doing so.
Gojo had already planted two reddish hickeys against the addictively tasty skin, and a third was on the way.
"I didn't notice how huge it really is! I don't need to see what it looks like, I just can feel it's massive compared to mine!" Yuuji thought with alarm, seriously wondering if it wasn't dangerous to welcome such a large member into his...
No! There was no way he’d back down now ! He was way too horny for that.
Fueled by revenge (because someone had way too much fun teasing him earlier), Yuuji made a heroic effort to suppress the embarrassing sounds threatening to leave his lips. He put on a fake air of calm and superiority as he leaned in to whisper against his sensei’s ear:
"Hmmm, I’m not so sure. I might need a closer look at the beast to be convinced!"
"Oh, not only are you going to see it..." Satoru growled dangerously, Yuuji gasping as Gojo firmly gripped the ex-model's hardened penis through his briefs.
"...But you're going to feel it deep inside you!"
While he said this, Satoru used his free hand to squeeze Yuuji's dick through its prison of fabric. He grew familiar with its shape, pressing strategically to provoke the sexiest possible reactions out of Yuuji. He firmly rubbed the hidden bulge before moving on to the soft balls, a very sensitive area for any man. Yuuji was no exception : he squirmed under the pleasure, absolutely ecstatic.
“Ah! N-No, Sensei, it’s— Anh! Mmh!”
Yuuji could no longer form proper words under the waves of heat building low in his belly, nor could he resist Gojo’s commanding mouth swallowing his moans in a deep kiss.
Releasing Yuuji’s lips with a wet sound, Satoru locked eyes with the golden irises clouded with desire, then sat up on his knees, panting slightly. His fingers were already hooked around the waistband of Yuuji’s underwear. One look at Gojo’s determination (and downright lust) was enough to tell he fully intended to—
Yuuji paled and stopped his hands in a panic: “W-Wait! Shower! Shower!”
Out of breath and overwhelmed by all the new and intense sensations, Yuuji could barely string words together.
Faced with yet another interruption, Gojo Satoru boiled with frustration. This was getting ridiculous! Every time they got close to the moment he’d been waiting for, something had to get in the way!
“Huh?! What do you mean ‘shower’? If that’s your safeword, too bad—I’m ignoring it!” Gojo sneered, lunging back in, clearly set on uncovering (and devouring) the part of Yuuji he’d been fantasizing about for months.
“What?! No! I mean I actually need to shower before… uh, whatever you planned to do down there!” Yuuji was flustered beyond belief, cheeks burning red as he fended off Gojo’s eager hands once again.
How had he forgotten such a basic step?! Was it his lack of experience? Or was it simply that his long-restrained horniness had made him lose all sense of protocol?
“Yuuji doesn’t need a shower, he always smells good!” Gojo countered, sulking.
“Sensei, I’ve been sweating bullets from stress all day! I’m washing up, end of discussion!”
Yuuji gave Gojo’s chest a light push with his foot and slipped off the bed before his sensei could drag him back down.
“Aaaaargh, you’re killing me here!” Gojo whined, flopping dramatically face-down on the bed like a man defeated.
“It’s my first time! I wanna do things right!” Yuuji argued, grabbing his shower bag.
Satoru let out a long, muffled groan, his voice barely audible through the pillow: “That’s not fair. You get me worked up, then you drop everything over the tiniest thing! Bad Yuuji! My dick’s gonna explode, I’ll die, and it’ll be your fault!”
Yuuji rolled his eyes as he picked up his towels and shampoo.
“Stop being such a drama queen! We’ve been pent up for six months, twenty more minutes won’t kill—”
He cut himself off when his eyes landed on a paper bag tucked beside his desk. He’d left it there two weeks ago… and completely forgotten about it, buried under the emotional chaos of the past few weeks.
Inside the bag was the gift from a marketing manager at Narue: the sky-blue button-up nightshirt that had left Yuuji thoroughly confused as to what he was supposed to do with it.
A genius idea struck him in half a second. Lowly squeaking uncontrollably, Yuuji forced himself to calm down, not wanting Gojo to think he’d lost it. His heart started pounding, his cheeks flushed pink, and he quickly grabbed his shampoo, body wash, a large towel, and finally snatched up the infamous bag with lightning speed.
So caught up in his frenzy, he didn’t even register that Gojo was still talking to him in the background:
“Well, if that’s how it is, I’m coming with you! I hadn’t planned for our first round to be in the shower, but I’m not against the idea…” Satoru lifted his head from the pillow, a wicked grin on his lips.
Yuuji had only caught fragments, but it was more than enough to grasp the kind of steamy plan his sensei had in mind. Too bad for him—Yuuji had a plan of his own, and there was no way he’d let Gojo follow and ruin the surprise!
“Stay put, sensei! I know you’re planning to crash my shower!” Yuuji scolded him like a disobedient dog. “I swear, if you dare follow me, I’ll go on a sex strike for a whole year!”
Yuuji delivered his threat with serious conviction as he swung the door open and slipped out at lightning speed, his body temperature spiking from the mix of excitement and nerves.
“WHAT?! Like hell I’m letting you—!”
Yuuji didn’t hear the end of Gojo’s protest, now muffled by the door slamming shut behind him. Sprinting down the hallway toward the communal showers (which were certainly empty at this late hour) Yuuji was grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.
He couldn’t wait any longer.
It was his turn to blow Satoru’s mind.
Notes:
Moral of the mess that was Chapters 7 and 8 ? COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR PARTNERS!!! Communication is the key to happiness guys lol.
And here it is at last: the long-awaited first kiss! I legit got chills while writing that scene. Yuuji’s joy, Satoru’s passion... my heart was beating a mile a minute like I was reliving my own first kiss! I really hope I managed to capture and share all that intensity with you.
Also, I just love how Gojo finally lets himself go. Six months of frustration? Yeah, that’s a lot. Time to make up for it ! And speaking of which…
The next chapter will finally bring the spice. Yes, the E rating is about to make sense after all this time lol.
To translate the sex scenes, I usually use DeepL. It’s a really helpful tool, but let’s be honest, compared to ChatGPT, it’s a bit limited in style and nuance.
And since ChatGPT refuses to help with smut, I’m toying with the idea of asking for help from a beta reader, but I’m not 100% sure I actually need one just yet.
Here’s the plan for the next chapter: I’ll be using DeepL and relying on my own English skills to make the text as clear and readable as possible. If along the way I realize I’m really struggling, I’ll come back here and post an update to officially start looking for a beta reader.
Honestly, I’ve been writing fanfiction for 13 years and I’ve never worked with a beta reader before, so yeah… I have no clue how to even find one XD
Anyway, we’ll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now, I’ve already started working on the next chapter, and I’m gonna take my time and give it my all to make it the best it can be for you!
Thanks for reading, my loves! I seriously can’t wait to show you what I’ve been working on. It's so good to be back ! <3
In the next chapter : Yuuji steps up his game… and it’s way more effective than he imagined !
Chapter 11: My one and only (part 1)
Notes:
PHEW, this chapter really gave me a hard time, let me tell you!
First of all, I hope you're doing well. It’s been a few months since I last showed up with something new. I'm so happy to be back here <3
Believe me when I say writing in English has never been this tough! I’m a perfectionist at heart, and I still feel like the translation could’ve been more natural, more authentic... There are probably a few repetitions or mistakes left, I did my best to catch and fix them, but some might have slipped through. But hey, perfection doesn’t exist, right?
So I did my best to deliver a chapter written in decent, readable English. Some of the subtle nuances from the original French got lost along the way, but nothing too major.
And of course, you know me—I always write way too much. So I had to split the 63-page chapter into two parts... you’ve got plenty to chew on while I finish translating chapter 13, guys XDTRIGGER WARNING – This chapter includes unprotected sex and some very explicit content involving anal and oral sex.
It’s definitely hot, and I’m not shy about writing it, especially since Satoru and Yuuji love and trust each other deeply.
Still, just a quick reminder: we all know that reality doesn't work like fiction. Don’t take after these two (lovable) idiots if you don’t know your partner’s status for sure. Be safe, always. <3
This chapter is rated E for a reason. If very graphic descriptions aren’t your thing, consider this your warning. Read at your own risk ;)Okay, I’ll shut up now—go devour this chapter, my little sinners !
Chapter Text
“Calm down, Itadori Yuuji!”
The ex-model was doing his best to pull himself together, taking advantage of the fact that he was alone in the communal showers to talk to himself (like a complete idiot).
Yuuji didn’t know exactly what Gojo had planned for their first time. Judging by how eagerly he’d been making out with him, though, he seemed determined to go all the way.
Just in case, the young sorcerer had scrubbed every inch of his body until it sparkled. He’d used more than half his bottle of body wash and nearly scalded himself with the hot water, but who cared? There was no room for sloppiness when it came to something this important. He had paid special attention to the most decisive areas of his anatomy, making absolutely sure that nothing would get in Satoru’s way tonight.
His hair now dry and his lower half wrapped in a big towel, Yuuji stared nervously at the Narue nightshirt he held in one hand. There was nothing weird about it: it looked just like a regular button-up shirt, only much longer. The fabric was soft, the sky-blue color was easy on the eyes, and it looked like it had been tailored perfectly to Yuuji’s build. It would probably fall just above his knees — shorter than his orange sweatshirt dress, in any case.
No, the shirt itself wasn’t the reason why Yuuji’s face was burning up with a mix of shock and anticipation. The real reason lay in the small piece of white fabric that had fallen to the floor the moment he’d pulled the sexy outfit from its paper bag.
Startled, Yuuji had bent down to pick it up with his free hand, inspecting it more closely before realizing…
“Th-They actually included a thong without telling me?! Those marketing lunatics! Thank god I didn’t open this in front of Gojo-sensei two weeks ago! ” Yuuji thought, utterly flustered.
He was well aware that he was taking a risk tonight — thongs were typically worn by women, after all. Sure, his sensei did say he had no problem with metrosexuality, but that didn’t guarantee he’d be into this kind of decadent surprise.
Yes, Gojo himself was pretty decadent, but preferences in bed were a whole different story. It was impossible for Yuuji to be certain… Not to mention the fact that, statistically speaking, men (outside the porn industry) didn’t really wear thongs! Was it even going to look good on him? Women had the advantage of not having a pair of balls ruining the aesthetic geometry… Maybe thongs on men were a bit too much.
“Worst-case scenario, if Gojo-sensei isn’t into it, I’ll just ditch the whole outfit and we’ll move on!” Yuuji reasoned out loud, trying to hype himself up and rationalize his nerves.
Yes, it was a gamble — but maybe this nightshirt could really leave an impression and catch Satoru off guard. It was worth the shot!
“Okay but… should I have brought my makeup too? Just to really seal the deal? ” Yuuji pondered, examining his bare face in the large mirror. “Umm… no, maybe not! I’ve noticed Gojo-sensei tends to kiss me all over the face. Makeup might smudge or taste weird on my skin. Let’s go natural for tonight! ”
Putting an end to the debate with himself, Yuuji pulled off his towel and slipped into the full outfit.
Once he’d finished buttoning up the nightshirt, Yuuji slipped into a thong for the very first time in his life. Up until now, the shortest underwear he’d ever worn was a basic brief—and even then, he much preferred boxers. Needless to say, he wasn’t used to this kind of sexy item. But hey, there’s a first time for everything! And besides, Yuuji was really curious to see how his sensei would react to the final result…
If Leila or Kugisaki were here, there’s no way they’d try to talk him out of it! In fact, they’d probably be cheering him on for boldly stepping out of his comfort zone.
Checking to make sure everything was in place, Yuuji let out a satisfied “uhm” before lifting the hem of his shirt slightly, admiring how the white cotton thong outlined his sleeping member while also highlighting the curve of his small but toned butt, the result of regular training. Thank god, nothing’s slipping out! A small part of his balls peeked through, but everything stayed in place, creating a visually pleasing effect.
Was this thong designed specifically for male anatomy? The Narue stylists really went all in on the details! It was a minimalist piece, no frills — but the impact was undeniable.
Yuuji was pleased with the result: all that was left now was to hope that Gojo shared his enthusiasm...
With that mindset, Yuuji arrived in front of his bedroom door, his body hidden beneath the large bath towel he’d brought with him. If he wanted the surprise to land, there was no way he could reveal his spicy outfit right away! For now, only his bare calves were visible.
Taking a deep breath, Yuuji tried to calm his chaotic heartbeat: the moment he had dreamed of a thousand times was finally about to happen. He was going to give his first time to Gojo Satoru — the man of his life who truly loved him back. A deep sense of excitement, far beyond reason, surged through him, making him want to bounce around like a kid, overjoyed. But of course, anxiety and doubt still lingered in the back of his mind. Insecurities never truly vanish.
Still, Yuuji had learned something valuable from everything he’d been through recently: he wasn’t alone. With Gojo’s warmth, his passionate and sincere love, he could probably silence those dark thoughts more easily and fully enjoy this moment without getting caught up in overthinking. He’d prepared so carefully — and whether Gojo reacted to his outfit or not didn’t change the fact that tonight was going to be unforgettable. Yuuji was sure of it.
Determined to stick to his plan and stay positive, Yuuji stepped into the room, gripping his towel tightly to keep his outfit hidden from his sensei’s sharp eyes. Gojo was sitting on the bed, arms crossed and eyebrows furrowed in frustration.
“You done? Can we get back to it now?” Satoru grumbled, casting a sulky look in Yuuji's way, just like a five-year-old who’d just had their candy taken away.
“Thanks for waiting, my love…” Yuuji replied casually while closing the door behind him—only to freeze mid-step, realizing he had just used a pet name for his sensei without even thinking.
Was that… too cheesy?
Flustered at first, Yuuji was immediately reassured by Gojo’s delighted outburst:
“Awww Yuujiiiiii! Call me that every day from now on! Makes me wanna smother you with kisses!”
“Uhh, maybe we should save that kind of nickname for when we’re in private, Sensei! The other students might—” Yuuji tried to reason with Satoru, to no avail.
“Who cares about the other students? It’s not like their opinion matters! They better get used to us quick, ‘cause I’m not holding back on the cuddles just for their sake!”
“I don’t know whether I should find you adorable or completely hopeless,” Yuuji chuckled, smiling fondly as he realized just how unbothered Gojo was about public displays of affection.
“He’s not ashamed of me… ” Yuuji thought, questioning for the first time one of his deepest, oldest insecurities.
Gojo didn’t answer, his attention instead drawn to Yuuji’s unusual stance — like he was trying to hide his body with the towel. Suspicious, Gojo narrowed his eyes, lips pursed in mock reproach.
“Yuujiiii, did you forget to bring your change of clothes? What would you have done if some creepy old perv cornered you in the hallway dressed like that?”
“I didn’t forget anything, Sensei. And seriously, I think you watch too many crime dramas!” Yuuji giggled, amused by his boyfriend’s overactive imagination.
Gojo looked puzzled, but Yuuji shifted to something more serious, his voice softening with emotion as he stepped closer:
“Sensei… You’ve been amazing tonight.”
“Is there ever a day when I’m not?” Satoru replied smugly, beaming with pride before going quiet, sensing that Yuuji had more to say.
Yuuji chuckled but stayed focused:
“You fought like a madman. You pushed yourself so hard, all just to see me again and apologize. Seeing my sensei act like a noble knight made me really happy.”
Chuckling at the cheesy but heartfelt compliment, Satoru started to suspect something was up. His smug grin shifted into one of eager anticipation as he pressed his palms into the mattress, watching Yuuji with keen interest.
The younger man was walking closer, loosening his grip on the towel, a mischievous sparkle lighting up his golden eyes.
“Words aren’t enough to show you how grateful I am,” Yuuji said, “So I thought actions would speak louder. You’ve shown me so much kindness and patience, so…”
With perfect timing, Yuuji let the towel fall dramatically to the floor, revealing his outfit to his sensei, purring:
“… I figured the least I could do was look a little more presentable for my first time with you. Do you like it?”
As he spoke, Yuuji spun around with graceful confidence, letting Gojo admire the full look — front and back — the soft shirt fluttering just enough to reveal a tantalizing glimpse of the white thong covering his most intimate parts.
The model in him had awakened, ready to seduce the muse he’d always longed for.
Despite his teasing, confident facade (nurtured by countless photo shoots), Yuuji was a nervous wreck on the inside. No matter how mentally prepared he was, he knew that if Gojo responded with something like, “I appreciate the effort, but cross-dressing’s not really my thing ,” he’d smile and act unbothered — while hiding a deep wave of disappointment. He really, really wanted Gojo to like it…
“Whoa, careful Sensei, you’re gonna rip my bedsheets! Why are you gripping them so— Sensei?”
Yuuji quickly shifted from teasing to total shock as he felt Gojo’s cursed energy suddenly spike into pure chaos.
Caught up in his little show, Yuuji didn’t notice just how intense Satoru’s reaction had become. The sorcerer’s fists clenched tightly around the sheets, his blue eyes locked onto Yuuji’s outfit with razor-sharp focus, scanning every inch of exposed skin. His once-playful expression was now tight with tension, breath uneven from the sheer effort of holding himself back. And… was Gojo blushing ?! It was dark in the room, but the moonlight made it clear enough — Yuuji wasn’t imagining things!
Faced with such an unusual and confusing reaction, Yuuji didn’t know what to think — was this good or bad? Better to ask directly!
“S-Sensei? Is everything al—?”
“You said I was cruel, Yuuji? Seems like you’ve flipped the roles tonight,” Gojo rumbled, his voice steady but his whole body betraying how barely he was keeping it together.
“What—AH!”
He just couldn’t seem to finish a single sentence tonight! Yuuji was suddenly pulled forward and brought onto his lover’s lap, a firm hand gripping his thighs to make him straddle him properly. With his knees on each side of Gojo’s waist, Yuuji had no choice but to steady himself by clinging to his sensei’s broad shoulders. His cheeks flushed deeply when his flustered gaze met the ravenous azure eyes staring back at him—Gojo wasn’t looking away for even a second.
Taking full advantage of their new position, the older man began stroking Yuuji’s soft thighs with desperate urgency, inching higher and higher until he reached the round curve of his ass, squeezing it with unashamed fervor while growling:
“Here I was, trying my best to be a gentleman, to hold back so I wouldn’t scare you off… And you? You just keep teasing me, pushing every damn button I’ve got. It’s been six months of you playing with my limits...”
He kissed every part of Yuuji’s face with burning passion—his forehead, cheeks, nose—and then claimed his mouth in a kiss so greedy and intense that Yuuji couldn’t help but let out needy moans, utterly unable to hold back. Gojo let his lips trail down to bite at the corner of his jaw, whispering against his flushed skin with resolve:
“...So now you’ll deal with the consequences.”
Yuuji’s heart skipped a beat. He gasped when his body was suddenly yanked into a crushing embrace, only to be thrown onto the mattress with terrifying speed and precision.
“Spread your legs,” Gojo breathed out, his tone brooking no argument. It wasn’t a request—not at all.
Gojo was done asking for permission. He was ready to take everything Yuuji had to offer. And judging by how quickly Yuuji obeyed, his eyes wide with lust and adoration, it was clear that the younger sorcerer couldn’t wait to give it all.
Yuuji let out a long, breathy moan when Satoru settled between his thighs, grinding their painfully hard length together through the layers of fabric. As Gojo laid his full weight on top of him, pressing him into the mattress, he called out Yuuji’s name in a tone so hungry it shot straight to the ex-model’s cock.
Without waiting another second, The Strongest set fire to his neck with deep, sweeping licks and hungry kisses, marking new territory with every fresh hickey.
“O-oh!” Yuuji whimpered, his body temperature skyrocketing. Just as Gojo let go of the ass he’d been kneading to grab the front of Yuuji’s shirt—
“W-Wait! Easy—!” Yuuji tried to stop his sensei, not very convincingly, a breathy laugh slipping past his lips before it was swallowed by new moans of pleasure.
Too late.
The sound of fabric tearing echoed through the room when Gojo tore open Yuuji’s shirt, buttons flying in every direction.
“I’ll buy you more. Loads of them,” Gojo shot back, his features darkened in the most beautiful way by sheer desire.
Yuuji let out a quiet moan, completely overwhelmed by the way Gojo was devouring him with his eyes. He felt like a sacrificial lamb awaiting his fate—and it turned him on like crazy.
Watching Gojo be so raw and passionate in the way he voiced his desires was absolutely breathtaking. It was undeniable proof that Yuuji was driving his lover crazy, pushing him to the edge of control… and it was sexy as hell.
Thank god Yuuji didn’t end up giving that nightgown to Nobara like he originally planned.
“Thank you, Narue team !” Yuuji mentally cheered with a relieved smile at the brand that had gifted him this outfit (shredded far too quickly by Gojo, sure, but in such a hot, kinky way that he couldn’t even be mad about it).
Growling with impatience, Satoru didn’t let Yuuji drift back into his thoughts any longer. He caressed his exposed chest eagerly, pulling away from Yuuji’s abused neck to admire the beauty of his ivory skin, his subtly defined abs, and those pink nipples standing proudly in his direction. Those little treats of flesh seemed to beg for the soft, wet warmth of his mouth to envelop and devour them…
“Oh! Sens—AH!” Yuuji clung desperately to the pillow with one hand, the other pressing against his lover’s shoulder, overwhelmed by the wave of this brand new sensation crashing through him like a tsunami.
Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately—Yuuji wasn’t sure anymore), Gojo had no plans to let him go, starving as he was. He was feasting on his nipples with abandon, humming in delight while gripping Yuuji’s hips to hold him steady. Gojo had given in to temptation with a speed that betrayed just how much he’d been craving Yuuji all night.
Yuuji had never thought about stimulating his nipples during his solo sessions. He simply didn’t see the appeal. He had no idea he’d been missing out on such pleasure all this time! He was discovering a spot that was nearly as sensitive as his tip.
His lover’s mouth noisily sucked on the delicate nub, switching to the other when Yuuji gently nudged his shoulder, signaling that his nipple had become too sensitive. Satoru rotated between sucking, kissing, licking, and perfectly measured nibbles, the feeling of teeth grazing hypersensitive skin making the ex-model jolt with pleasure.
Yuuji was reduced to whimpers, sighs, and breathy “ Sensei”s . Speaking was no longer an option—his whole body was flushed with the sweetest fever, his face red from emotion and the intensity of Satoru’s ministrations. Gojo stayed focused on his meticulous work but finally lifted his eyes, and what Yuuji saw in them was indescribable: a mix of determination, longing, and deep affection.
The teacher grabbed the plump pec to make the nub pop, latching onto it greedily — trapping the bud between his sharp teeth and tugging on it skillfully, curious to see Yuuji’s reaction.
“Mmmh, sensei! Oooh!” Yuuji arched his back, head thrown back, both hands clutching the pillow like his life depended on it.
“Damn, those sounds, Yuuji…” Gojo growled as he sank his teeth into Yuuji’s pec, leaving a faint red mark on the pink areola.
“S-sorry…” Yuuji panted, mistakenly thinking he was being too loud.
He bit hard into a piece of his shirt to muffle the noises.
“Don’t you dare!” Gojo snarled, pulling away from the nipple, his eyes burning with a dangerous glint as he yanked the torn shirt further down, baring Yuuji’s shoulders, making it impossible for him to hide his moans.
Yuuji yelped, startled but mesmerized by Satoru’s blazing blue eyes hovering above him, those large hands framing his face like a protective halo.
“I want to hear everything. I want to see everything…”
Yuuji didn’t know what to say, watching Gojo purr the words like a man intoxicated, looking dazed, but with his burning gaze locked into his. The Strongest’s damp lips now brushed the bare skin of Yuuji’s shoulder, his ragged breath heating the surface, murmuring :
“I want all of you, Yuuji. You feel how much I want you?”
“Y-Yes. Yes !” Yuuji gasped out in a high-pitched voice without thinking, as Satoru rolled his clothed erection against his, sinking his teeth into Yuuji’s shoulder, triggering a fiery wave of desire in the young sorcerer’s lower belly.
“Good. Very good.” Gojo regained his composure, releasing the marked shoulder to cover Yuuji’s lips in a series of chaste but firm kisses.
“You’re so good for me, babe. You kill me every time you wear something sexy, it’s not fair!” Satoru whined, deeply affected by his lover’s bold initiative.
“I’m glad… I was so anxious about you not liking it!” Yuuji admitted honestly, giggling as he cupped his lover’s face, replying with soft pecks of his own.
“Me? Not like it?! You know me that poorly, Yuuji? That’s seriously concerning!”
Without warning, he tore off the last four poor buttons that were still holding Yuuji’s nightshirt closed — an infuriating piece of fabric that insisted on hiding what Gojo most wanted to see. The outfit was already ruined anyway, so Yuuji let him go ahead.
In no time, the rest of the garment was peeled off and left on the floor, leaving Yuuji wearing nothing but his thong. Delighted, the former model quietly watched his sensei admire and squeeze his full pecs—not enough to resemble a chest, but certainly round enough to be enjoyable to knead. Gojo really focused on that area. Maybe he found it especially hot?
His hardened nipples, his hips, his stomach : Satoru’s ravenous eyes drank in every detail, eventually drifting toward that damn thong, the sliver of fabric highlighting his lover’s pert little ass… He might’ve been joking earlier, but now Satoru was genuinely afraid his dick was going to explode from how painfully hard it was. Ready to fill Yuuji with its seed…
Feeling Gojo’s gaze laser in on his clothed crotch, Yuuji acted purely on instinct: he spread his legs a bit more, earning a deep growl from Satoru’s chest that made Yuuji shiver in anticipation. How wonderful it felt to be desired by the man you love! He allowed himself this kind of boldness just to savor the moment even more… and, if he was being honest, to test the limits of his passionate lover. After all, Yuuji had an ego too — and he liked having it stroked just as much as anyone else!
“You like that, huh? Seeing me drool over you?” Satoru teased, his voice playful but clearly shaken.
Yuuji mock-pouted, then grinned provocatively: “Ummh, I don’t know…”
“Oh, you’re gonna pay for that. You’re gonna pay big time…” Satoru smirked dangerously, fed up with his lover’s fake modesty.
The Sixth Eye bearer radiated determination and raw desire, ready to make Yuuji scream his name in ecstasy.
Seeing that his act had worked, Yuuji bit his lower lip to stifle the impatient whine rising in his throat. He was having the time of his life. For once, he was the one teasing his sensei! He should really provoke him more often—if it means he’ll get thoroughly ravished afterwards.
Yuuji let out a surprised yelp when Satoru grabbed his spread legs and pulled them up, placing them on his shoulders to pepper kisses along Yuuji’s ankles and feet, who sighed at the warmth of those soft lips worshipping spots that had until now been left untouched.
He let out a breathy “no !” of fake protest that turned into a moan as Satoru took one of his toes into his mouth to suck gently. Gojo seemed determined to press his lips to every inch of Yuuji’s body, even the least sexy ones. He literally wanted him head to toe.
“You know, Yuuji, I’ve never had a problem with you indulging in this kind of flirtiness,” Gojo murmured, pressing a fresh kiss to an unmarked ankle—referring, of course, to Yuuji’s sexy outfits. “Quite the opposite, actually! Why do you think I avoided you after our night on the Symphony? It’s because my damn dick was out of control! I felt like a teenager again, getting hard just from hearing your voice or catching a whiff of your scent!”
“R-Really?!” Yuuji gasped, stunned, cheeks burning red as he finally learned the true reason Satoru had kept his distance that week—a week that had left the ex-model so confused and frustrated.
It had nothing to do with rejection or disgust. In fact, it was the complete opposite!
To prove it, Gojo ground his clothed arousal against Yuuji’s thighs with a wanton sigh. Yuuji gasped again, quickly realizing that yes, Satoru was dead serious and not exaggerating in the least.
“I love what you’ve become, baby. You don’t need makeup or frills to be stunning, but when you use them? You just enhance what’s already perfect. You’re fucking flawless, you don’t even need to try!” Gojo said passionately, nuzzling Yuuji’s calves as he stared straight into his golden eyes, the longing there making the younger man’s heart pound like crazy.
“Gojo-sensei…” Yuuji whispered, moved, gently caressing the hand that lovingly stroked his stomach, while the other kept his legs pressed against Satoru’s solid chest.
“The only reason I’ve been so harsh with you, love, is because I’m a selfish man. Of course I love it when you wear makeup or sexy clothes, but I want that to be a show just for me . I don’t want you giving anyone else access to that. Your eyes sharpened with liner and mascara, the pink of your lips, your blushing cheeks, your smile, your laugh, those clothes hugging your curves… That’s for me. Me and no one else ,” Satoru muttered like a man possessed, caught in the intensity of his own confession as he held Yuuji’s legs tightly to his body.
Gojo bit down gently on one of the calves now in his grasp, growling against the marked skin, his gaze burning with an uncontainable fire.
“I don’t want anyone else realizing how exceptional you are and trying to steal you from me. Not that I’d ever let anyone succeed, but just the audacity of some worthless asshole even thinking they could try is enough to make my blood boil.”
Yuuji felt absolutely overwhelmed by such a raw, honest outpouring of love. His lips trembled, his cheeks were pink, but he still tried to reason gently: “S-Sensei, I’m seriously touched, but by your logic that means even Kugisaki and Fushiguro aren’t allowed to admire me!”
He laughed nervously, trying to make Satoru understand that total exclusivity was, realistically, hard to maintain.
Unfortunately, Gojo would have to live with the fact that Yuuji’s new lifestyle involved going out with makeup and sometimes wearing form-fitting or daring clothes… but none of that would ever change the pure, fierce, exclusive love Yuuji felt for him. And tonight, he planned to show it— prove just how much Gojo Satoru meant to him.
“Oh, your friend circle doesn’t bother me one bit,” Gojo chuckled, clarifying his stance as he placed one last kiss on Yuuji’s foot before parting his legs again, revealing his next target.
The Strongest positioned himself so that his face hovered just inches from Yuuji’s clothed erection.
“S-Sensei?!” Yuuji cried out, flustered, immediately guessing what his lover was about to do.
There was no chance to close his legs—Gojo held them firmly apart, his tone relaxed as he continued his monologue:
“The only people I distrust are the ones who look at you the same way I do : with hunger and desire. And I’ll chase off those nobodies by any means necessary. You don’t need them or their validation. I’m all you need.”
A smirk full of confidence and boldness tugged at Gojo’s lips when he dove in, under Yuuji’s impatient and eager gaze. He opened his mouth to devour the cloth-covered area, mouthing this untouched part of his young lover’s anatomy through the fabric.
The ex-model’s “anh ”s and “sensei ”s made the professor’s own arousal pulse even harder—grinding against the mattress wasn’t doing anything to soothe it. The only entrance that could ease his hunger wasn’t ready to receive him yet. Gojo rumbled deep in his chest as he felt on the tip of his tongue a slight wetness. It was coating the thong, the source being Yuuji’s groin and it was so fucking sexy! It spurred Satoru even more, making him ravenous.
“You’re so wet for me… Fuck!” Satoru hissed, casting a gaze full of lust and promise at his partner, who whimpered in response.
With the thong acting like a protective layer for the member’s delicate skin, Gojo allowed himself to gently nip at the area. Never directly on the skin—that could hurt—but through fabric, the sensation could be absolutely mind-blowing. And Gojo had aimed right: the effect knocked every last shred of control from Yuuji’s body.
“Oh no, no! Aaaah!” Yuuji cried out, breathless from the overwhelming sensitivity.
It was beyond frustrating. That damned thong—sexy as it was—dulled the sensations! If only Gojo would take it off… but Yuuji didn’t dare ask directly. Not just because it was embarrassing, but because every time he tried to speak, his words morphed into gasps or moans.
“No? In that case…” Gojo teased, the bastard fully aware that Yuuji’s “no” was actually a “yes” dressed up in overstimulation.
Pretending to lose interest in the area he’d just been salivating over like a beast, Satoru lifted Yuuji’s legs a bit more to trail a lick from bottom to top across one of those plump cheeks the thong hugged in such an indecently perfect way.
“Sensei, you’re really—ah!”
It was hard for Yuuji to hold onto his annoyance when Gojo was suckling on his butt cheek before sinking in with a playful bite.
“Really what?” Gojo echoed, feigning curiosity.
Satoru gleefully nibbled at the soft skin, which reminded him of the roundness and softness of his favourite mochi dessert. In short, a perfect butt for a man with a sweet tooth like him.
Yuuji could feel a vein twitch in his forehead. This jerk knew exactly how much he was teasing, and he was loving every second of it. Enough was enough!
“You’re not supposed to be touching my ass right now! You damn—ANH!”
A sharp “smack” echoed through the room as Gojo delivered a proud spank, fully in control of the moment, and retorted with mischief:
“Words, babe! And don’t pretend—I know how much you love my bites and spanks. Who would’ve guessed Yuuji likes it rough? You sure this is your first time?”
Yuuji didn’t even get a chance to deny it: his lover was already back at it, nibbling the other cheek he hadn’t touched yet. He spanked him twice in a row, and Yuuji cried out with a shameless moan, completely stunned that the sting could feel this good. By all logic—even gentle ones—spanks from Satoru should hurt… But clearly, Gojo had read him right. Spanks turned him on way too much.
Humming in satisfaction, Gojo let one of Yuuji’s wobbly legs fall limp to the mattress. His now-free hand slid down to his lover’s covered balls, kneading the spot with precise pressure that drew out a long whine laced with both delight and frustration from Yuuji.
“I-I hate it when you do that!” Yuuji whined, gripping the sheets tightly as he struggled not to moan aloud.
Satoru was pulling the same damn stunt he had during their first kiss!
“Tell me what you want, and I’ll do it. I’m talented in many things, but mind-reading isn’t one of them,” Gojo said in a definitive tone, wrapping his large hand around the painfully confined penis beneath the fabric. He leaned up to stare at Yuuji with a knowing smirk.
“That damn tease… Why did I fall for him again? ” Yuuji thought bitterly, gritting his teeth in frustration as little whimpers betrayed him—clear proof that Gojo’s touch was getting to him.
“T-The thong…” Yuuji murmured breathlessly.
“Mmh? What about it, babe?” Gojo purred, clearly enjoying seeing Yuuji exactly where he wanted him—flushed, squirming, and on the edge. He kept fondling through the barrier of cloth, patiently waiting for the next step.
“Take off that damn thong and touch me for real!” Yuuji burst out, flushed to the tips of his ears and shooting daggers at his lover, who chuckled, visibly moved by how adorable that outburst was.
Releasing the straining heat from his hand, Gojo’s gaze darkened—fueled by a flash of hunger and impatience that made Yuuji shiver all over. Satoru lowered his mouth toward the side strap of the garment and rumbled:
“Roger that.”
With that, he caught the string between his sharp teeth and tugged, yanking the thong free from its last grip on Yuuji’s body. Without a second thought, he flung the offending fabric across the room, far too focused on the irresistible beauty sprawled out before him.
The former model was obviously self-conscious about his nudity, but his burning desire to be touched by the love of his life far outweighed any fear he might have... Six months of pining had taken their toll!
Besides, Gojo had already made it clear in more ways than one (including rubbing his hardened dick against Yuuji) that he wanted Yuuji just as badly. So really, what was there to worry about? If Itadori could get this god among men hard, then surely his body was worth something!
Yuuji let out a breath when he felt his manhood being exposed, the cool air of the room brushing over the flushed skin of his swelling penis. His face wore a little pout thanks to Gojo’s relentless teasing, but Yuuji still couldn’t hide the flicker of apprehension in his gaze—one filled with love and trust for Satoru, who was about to explore, for the first time, a part of him no one else had ever touched.
Suddenly, a scowl darkened the teacher’s gorgeous features as his gaze locked suspiciously onto the hairless skin of Yuuji’s member.
“Hey! Don’t tell me that scrawny kid laid his hands on you here too?”
Realizing Gojo meant Haru, Yuuji flushed beet red and rushed to clarify.
“No! Not at all! I shave it myself.”
“Good…” Gojo’s shoulders relaxed, muttering mostly to himself. He touched the warm skin of this rod of flesh for the first time, wrapping his large hand around the throbbing shaft to start a slow, deliberate stroke, his gaze sharp and intense.
“Don’t ever let anyone else near it.”
“Oh god!” Yuuji whimpered in response, his legs tensing from the sheer pleasure of being gripped like that.
“He’s seriously this jealous?! I shouldn’t be this happy about it, but... damn!” Yuuji thought, his heart racing from the fierce possessiveness in Gojo’s voice—before reality yanked him back with the steadily increasing pace of those strokes.
He could no longer hold back the embarrassing sounds pouring from his lips. Gojo’s azure eyes scanned him from top to bottom—from his pleasure-twisted face to the way his chest heaved with erratic breath.
His manhood was momentarily released, and Yuuji caught himself finding the sight of Gojo spitting into his own hand absurdly sexy. His lust-struck sensei grabbed back his flushed length to stroke it with focused confidence, the added slickness making every movement smoother, more intoxicating. Satoru was thumbing the tip dripping with precum, alternating between teasing that ultra-sensitive spot and delivering mind-melting strokes.
Yuuji writhed beneath him, one hand clutching the pillow tight while the other pulled at the sheets in a frantic attempt to ground himself. Satoru's precision was so intense it was almost scary—but even more than that, it was exquisite. Sure, Yuuji got jealous sometimes thinking about all of Gojo’s past lovers, but damn... having an experienced partner had its perks. He trusted Satoru with everything, letting himself be guided—each touch revealing new layers of pleasure he didn’t know existed.
He gasped loudly when Gojo’s other hand began to massage his balls, now fully exposed. Yet another spot he never thought to explore during his solo sessions—turns out, he really should have, because holy hell, it was divine! His eyelids twitched with every wave of that unfamiliar, burning pleasure.
“Oh! Yes, yes, just like that...” Yuuji choked out, his head tossing from side to side. His eyes squeezed shut, ecstasy rolling through him in endless waves.
“My hands enough for you? Or were you hoping to try something else?” Gojo breathed out, the words coated in mischief. He emphasized the “something else” with a knowing glint, his handsome face lit with playful intent, his movements never missing a beat.
“There’s no way he means…” Yuuji moaned when realization struck, blushing hard as his eyes were irresistibly drawn to his sensei’s rosy lips.
“Oh? You caught that, huh? You really sure this is your first time?” Gojo teased for the second time, no judgment in his tone—just surprise and a bit of admiration for how sharp his student could be.
“I—I’m not clueless, okay!” Yuuji huffed between shaky breaths, trying to keep his voice from cracking. “I’ve... mmh, I’ve done my research! I’ve got needs too.” he stammered, biting down on his lower lip, half-embarrassed.
Yuuji struggled to hold in the guttural noises Satoru was so good at pulling out of him as he basically confessed to watching porn.
Gojo’s eyes widened at that, clearly not expecting the honesty, before his expression twisted into something dark and hungry : another wave of desire crashed through him. Yuuji cried out, the back of his head buried into the pillow, a jolt of pleasure overtaking him—Gojo had just leaned down to lick his bared glans with purpose, savoring the salty drop coming out of it with eager delight.
“N-No, that’s dirty!” Yuuji blurted out, overwhelmed—though inside, he was secretly aroused by the sight of his sensei enjoying his juice so much.
He wanted to feel that tongue on his tip again. Desperately . But his self-consciousness kicked in, smothering the words before they could leave his mouth.
“I’m gonna do things way dirtier than that…” Gojo murmured lowly as he licked his lips, gaze hungrily fixed on that inviting shaft.
Yuuji looked up at him with a mix of curiosity and apprehension, not having fully caught what Satoru had just whispered.
Gojo limited himself to that single lick for now, locking eyes with his lover’s shadowed, desire-stricken face.
His grin didn’t waver as he kept his gaze fixed on Yuuji with mischievous curiosity, his hand still working on the flushed member:
“Your sensei was so busy having filthy thoughts after his shower that he forgot to grab lube. But no need to fetch it—I’m sure you’ve got everything we need right here!”
It wasn’t even a question; he’d clearly picked up on Yuuji’s earlier hint. Embarrassed but resigned, Yuuji nodded shyly, his breath short and voice shaky:
“Uh… Bottom drawer, nightstand…”
That was all the direction he needed. In his great mercy, Gojo released the rigid cock and stood up, crouching in front of the nightstand and cheerfully humming,
“My Yuuji is so young and full of energy~”
The ex-model let out a soft sigh, lips trembling with emotion : his muscles relaxed from the end of those wonderful ministrations. His heart was racing like crazy—he placed a hand on his chest, drawing in a deep breath as he turned his head toward his sensei who—
“OH SHIT, I totally forgot about those! ” Yuuji screamed mentally, frozen like a statue on the bed, stammering in mortified panic.
He didn’t think it was humanly possible to blush that hard (he was about to combust on the spot!), his heart pounding wildly as Gojo’s eyes widened upon discovering what was really inside the drawer… If only it had been just the lube!
“Holy shit, Yuuji! The nightgown, the thong, and now this?” Satoru let out a breathy laugh, stunned, holding up the prostate stimulator Yuuji had bought from a sex shop over a year ago.
“I—It’s not—Give me that!”
Yuuji started to panic, red as a tomato, reaching out desperately to snatch the toy back from Gojo—who effortlessly blocked the attempt. Wrapping his fingers around Yuuji’s wrist, he chuckled and brought the younger man’s hand to his lips, planting a tender kiss in the center of his palm, his gaze sparkling with both mischief and affection.
“That’s hot as hell, babe… Do you use it often?” Gojo asked with sincere curiosity, eager to learn more about Yuuji’s preferences—clearly, his sweet-looking lover wasn’t as innocent as he appeared!
With his free hand, Gojo grabbed the bottle of lube he’d originally come for and set it down beside the lamp. He shot a devilish glance at the rest of the drawer’s contents: a vibrator and a butt plug nestled among random school supplies in disarray.
“I—Uhm…!” Yuuji stammered in response, hesitating before finally giving in.
Gojo could read him like a book—if he tried to dodge the question, Satoru would just bug him until he got an answer. Yuuji was slowly coming to terms with the fact that being Gojo Satoru’s lover meant surrendering any sense of privacy.
“N-Not every day but… a couple times a week,” Yuuji mumbled, eyes darting away.
Yuuji doesn't consider himself to be a solitary pleasure addict, but he does enjoy doing it, depending on the moment and his needs, which have increased in intensity since he fell in love with Satoru. Last year, he realised that he was becoming curious about things that didn't normally interest him, such as anal stimulation. After all, when you're 17, you start to turn into a hormonal mess, or at least that's what Yuuji had read about on specialised websites... Yuuji had been masturbating since he was 15, but never, ever, had he considered buying sex toys!
One day, things changed. Gathering his courage, Yuuji gave in to his curiosity when he spotted a sex shop window at the end of an alleyway in Kabukicho at Shinjuku, displaying a range of intriguing vibrators, anal plugs and penis rings. Suffice to say that he had experienced one of the most awkward moments of his life, when he bought his first vibrator! Thank goodness he had come across a friendly, discreet sales clerk who guided him through his purchase without a hint of judgement. So, with practice and time, Yuuji was won over by anal pleasure and with the arrival of Gojo Satoru in his life, it was necessary to expand his collection to satisfy his new found desires.
So, despite what his shy and reserved nature might suggest, Yuuji isn't completely clueless when it comes to sex. He learned more about his body through his sessions alone, and as a result he feels able to provide Gojo with guidance regarding what he likes and dislikes.
"Umh..." Satoru groaned, kissing the hand he had trapped more firmly before licking it hungrily, making Yuuji yelp. "Just imagining you getting yourself off drives me insane. God, you’re making me so fucking hot!"
Releasing Yuuji's wrist, Satoru shot him a look full of promises, brimming with enthusiasm as he sat up, his body towering over Yuuji’s, who watched in awe as Satoru grabbed the edges of his sweater to...
"Oh God!" Yuuji gasped, his eyes wide, his hand covering his uncontrollable smile.
For the first time, he saw his sensei’s bare chest. The black sweater was tossed aside, allowing Yuuji to revel in the sight of those abs he loved feeling pressed against him whenever Gojo pulled him into his arms. The former model might have been well-sculpted, but his muscles seemed childlike compared to Satoru's perfectly defined, prominent six-pack.
They were impressive in their beauty and power, but without being exaggerated or over-the-top: they were simply perfect, a testament to the years of training his sensei had undergone. And those arms, strong enough to lift Yuuji as if he weighed nothing... And that neck! Yuuji was dying to grab that warrior's neck and shoulders, while his sensei was sticking his-
"Watch out, you're drooling!" Satoru warned Yuuji, pointing at his chin.
"Huh?!" Flustered, Yuuji touched the indicated spot... before hearing his sensei chuckle fondly. Yuuji narrowed his eyes in playful exasperation, realizing Gojo was teasing him.
How could he take sarcasm seriously when he had a damn Apollo in front of him?!
"Sensei, that's really not fair—WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?!" Yuuji suddenly shouted, quickly turning his gaze toward his pillow as he saw Gojo unzip his pants.
"What? I’m just getting comfortable! My poor dick is suffocating..." Satoru complained, pouting.
Shuddering in anticipation at the sound of clothes hitting the floor and the toy drawer closing, Yuuji couldn’t see anything anymore. He had buried his face in his pillow, squealing as he lay down on his stomach, panicking like a fanboy in front of his idol (Todo must’ve felt something similar facing Takada-chan during her signing session…).
Was he ready to see Satoru naked ? Yuuji was dying to, but he wasn’t sure if his heart could handle it! His cock was throbbing from joy at the thought of not only seeing, but touching the body of the demi-god who was now his lover, but-
His chaotic thoughts were interrupted by the weight of Gojo shifting the mattress. A pair of warm hands rested delicately on his backside. They firmly massaged the globes of flesh before a pair of lips followed, placing a gentle kiss on one of Yuuji's buttock.
In response, Yuuji lifted his head, turning toward his sensei with a crimson face, eager to be gratified by the exceptional view of the love of his life bare-naked. With Yuuji’s calves framed by his knees, Satoru leaned forward just enough to reach the area he was after, temporarily hiding his awakened manhood in this position. His azure gaze was now fixed on Itadori, who felt his heart miss a beat at the intensity he saw there.
“It’s a very dangerous position, baby. It’s like you’re asking for it.” The Strongest rumbled deep in his chest, a hungry smile on his lips.
Fully understanding the message, Yuuji quickly lay back down under Satoru's amused gaze, hiding his most sacred areas from his voracious lover. The former model tried to appear disapproving, despite the hormonal chaos making him all flustered. He pushed Satoru back by pressing his foot against his sensei's shoulder, who was trying to close the distance, muscles tensed like a predator preparing to pounce on its mate.
“W-We won’t do anything without preparations!” Yuuji shot back, his face flushed and his trembling lips betraying his intense impatience and excitement, a result of Satoru’s dirty talk.
“Oh yeah, we’re going to prepare you alright…” Satoru whispered devilishly, openly relishing the moment, never taking his eyes off his lover as he kissed the foot keeping him at bay.
Yuuji narrowed his eyes in suspicion, noticing the excessive joy of his sensei. His golden eyes lingered on the spot where his bottle of lube and anal stimulator rested, both within Gojo’s reach, who clearly intended to use them on Yuuji tonight. The ex model whined lowly, his mind filled with lewd images that made him squirm.
“M-My fingers should be enough, no need to-” Yuuji protested weakly, flustered beyond belief, before being interrupted by Gojo, whose voice hit octaves Yuuji had never heard in his damn life.
“I want to see the face you make when you’re pleasuring yourself.”
Gojo voiced his thoughts without leaving room for protest, his gaze burning with a desire intensified by the recent discoveries he had made about his lustful student.
Yuuji couldn’t hold back the gasp of anticipation that escaped him, the force he was using to keep Gojo at bay significantly weakening. Sensing an opening, Gojo seized the opportunity, a victorious look on his face as he firmly pushed Yuuji's foot aside, then threw himself at the ex-model’s lips with abandon, licking, nibbling, before inviting his partner’s tongue into a wild dance. Yuuji’s whimpers were muffled by his lover's kiss.
Itadori felt that burning shaft come crashing against his own with urgency, searching for friction, the growls Gojo let out in response made him stir like never before. He was itching to know what exactly Satoru’s cock looked like ! To hell with his embarrassment, this was the chance of his life, the realization of his most unspoken fantasies! Reluctantly breaking the kiss, Yuuji let Satoru cover his cheek and neck with kisses, his eager eyes dropped to the arousing sight of their lengths meeting for the first time and...
Yuuji gasped at the view. Unsurprisingly, the great Gojo Satoru's penis was just like him: majestic and bursting with power. It was gorged with blood, its veins slightly visible, and Yuuji was dying to trace those coloured lines with his tongue. The white hairs at the base seemed just as soft and silky as his beloved's locks, and Itadori was tempted to run his hand through the tuft. But most importantly, just as Yuuji had sensed through their clothes...
“It’s so big !” The comment slips out of Yuuji's mouth before he even has a chance to stop it.
As far as the eye could see, Satoru’s dick must be about twenty centimetres tall. And that's without mentioning his girth, which far exceeded the pitiful fourteen centimetre vibrator Yuuji used on his own!
“Up and ready, just for you.” Gojo added smugly before kissing his young lover's ear, delighted to hear him speak about his manhood with such awe.
Rolling his hips suggestively, Satoru growled into Yuuji’s reddened ear, his voice thick with desire : “You were picturing this fucking you instead of those cheap substitutes, huh? You want me to push it deep inside of you and hit all the right spots…”
Yuuji moaned loudly, grasping Gojo’s muscled shoulders under the effect of their feverish manhood grinding together, the dirty talk making him shudder. Gojo mimicked what was soon to come, moving with slow, deliberate thrusts against his student’s needy length, fingers rolling a sensitive nipple, lips nibbling at Yuuji’s earlobe.
“Mmh, sensei, sensei !" Yuuji called desperately, overwhelmed by an unprecedented wave of heat.
Feeling his boyfriend’s naked and warm body pressed against him, Satoru touching him so intimately, using his hands and expert lips to make Yuuji tremble with ecstasy... It was incredible!
Lost in his pleasure, Yuuji didn’t hear the bottle of lube being opened to generously cover the black, curved prostate stimulator. It must be said that Gojo wasn’t helping him stay focused, with his heavenly mouth sucking on his Adam's apple!
"Please, please..." Yuuji panted in a needy voice, unable to take it anymore. His dick was under relentless stimulation, and the intensity of it all was driving him insane
"Say it, Yuuji. Say you need my cock." Gojo didn’t mince his words, blinded by his burning and insatiable desire, encouraged by the sounds of debauchery Yuuji was making without realizing the immense impact they had on his sensei.
"I need it! Need it so much, Gojo-sensei!" Yuuji no longer had the strength to be embarrassed, his arousal clearly overtaking his reason as he desperately threw himself at Satoru’s lips, kissing him fiercely, his chaotic breath mingling with Gojo’s.
Without realizing it, Yuuji was spreading his legs wide, implicitly inviting his sensei to do whatever he wanted with him. And that’s exactly what The Strongest intended to do!
Wrapping Yuuji’s lower back with his arm to pull him close, Gojo responded enthusiastically to the kiss, happy to see his young lover surrendering so openly to him. Yuuji was still struggling to let go, but his shyness was slowly being overshadowed by his purest, most honest desires... this was exactly what Gojo wanted to see!
His other hand was tasked with a mission: making sure Yuuji was focused on nothing except their passionate kiss, Gojo brought the sex toy to the ex-model's entrance. The stimulator was small, so there was no need to prepare the hole by hand. In addition, Gojo now knew that Yuuji had a habit of using this route to pleasure himself, and this thought made his aching member, which was already on the verge of implosion, throb vigorously. A feral sound echoed through his chest as Satoru made the toy pass the rim and enter this familiar, warm place.
Moaning in surprise, Yuuji broke the kiss to catch his breath, his head thrown back, his expressions of pleasure becoming as loud as they were uncontrollable:
“Oh God, oh, OH!”
“That’s it babe, take it in. You’re so gorgeous!” Satoru said breathlessly, completely captivated, unable to look away from his lover's ecstatic face, who was gripping Gojo's shoulders with a strength that reflected the intensity of his sensations.
Yuuji instinctively rocked his hips to make the toy enter faster, Satoru going way too slow for his taste. Watching the stimulator sink deeper into the tight haven he’d been craving for months, Gojo let out a low growl, his eyes lit up with ravenous hunger.
Watching Yuuji chasing more pleasure made him completely lose his goddamn mind. His rationality was slowly being drowned by urges to get rid of that damn toy stealing the spotlight and make Yuuji his right then and there, to bury his painfully hard cock deep into that tight, burning hole and then-
Gojo took a deep breath, his breath ragged as he fought to keep his cool. He encouraged Yuuji to lie back fully so he’d be more comfortable, holding him close and kissing his forehead affectionately while continuing his slow, steady movements in and out. Gojo had to focus on something else or he was about to mess up in the heat of the moment!
“Yuuji, I’ve noticed that your sextoys are all pretty small… don’t tell me you don’t like it when it’s big, or we’re in trouble!” Gojo joked lightly, casually bringing up a conversation Yuuji didn’t feel capable of handling.
He did his best to respond intelligibly, his back arching involuntarily as the silicone rod brushed against the most sensitive parts inside him:
“Mmh! It’s because- ah!” Yuuji gasped, whimpering loudly before struggling to continue, “No need for it to be big or l-long for the prostate to be… Anh !”
Yuuji’s sounds were going straight to his cock, but despite the overwhelming arousal, Gojo made the effort to listen: “It’s true that the prostate isn’t very far from the entrance. You don’t really need a toy to reach it—two fingers would do just fine, but…”
Gojo paired his words with his increasingly deliberate movements, sensing he was getting closer to finding the spot that would make his lover see stars.
Smirking, Gojo whispered against Yuuji’s ear the continuation of his enchanting words: “…just using fingers is boring as hell, right?”
“YES!” Yuuji cried out in ecstasy, not even hearing the end of Gojo's sentence.
He squeezed his eyes shut — Gojo had just rubbed his P-spot with unmatched precision, and it felt exquisite!
“I’m so happy… Gojo-sensei doing this to me… So good!” Yuuji was overwhelmed with emotion, his voice trembling and his eyes filling with tears of joy as he realized that he was being made ready to receive the man he loved.
Just two hours ago, he was mourning Gojo Satoru and bitterly believed they could never be close again...
“Aww don’t cry! It’s okay.” Gojo was moved as well, smiling with compassion as he kissed each of Yuuji’s closed eyelids in turn to calm his emotional lover.
“You deserve the world, Yuuji.”
Satoru kissed Yuuji’s rosy lips with reverence, watching his face contort in pleasure. His breath, hot and trembling, brushed against Yuuji’s mouth as he whispered :
“I’m gonna make love to you.”
Yuuji’s eyes snapped open, wide with emotion, the former model doing his best to hold back his tears.
“Yes, sensei, please yes!” Yuuji fervently nodded, mad with love as he tightened his grip around Gojo’s neck to pull him closer, kissing him devotedly on the jaw, cheek, and then lips. He moaned through the kiss as the toy’s movement inside him deepened even more.
Gojo sighed against Yuuji’s lips, absolutely overjoyed that the ex-model was showing him his love with such zeal… Deciding it was time to go all the way with what he had planned, Satoru let Yuuji’s walls keep the toy in place. The puckered hole was clenching in pleasure around it, Gojo couldn’t wait for Yuuji to do the same with his cock ! This gave him time to grab one of his lover's hands, making him release the poor sheet he had been clutching so tightly to guide it towards the stimulator’s handle.
“S-Sensei?” Yuuji asked, out of breath. He wasn’t sure he understood what Satoru expected from him.
“You didn’t actually think I’d do all the work, did you? Get to it, Yuuji! I’ve already told you: I want to see how you do it…” Satoru ordered smugly, his uneven breathing betraying his impatience.
Yuuji felt his cheeks flush, stumbling over his words in surprise before regaining his composure. It was a bit embarrassing, but on the other hand… Gojo seemed genuinely excited to watch Yuuji. It would be wrong to deny him this pleasure, especially after all he’s been doing for Yuuji during their lovemaking. Itadori wanted to please his lover, return the favor! And besides, it’s not like he didn’t find the whole situation arousing too...
Chapter 12: My one and only (part 2)
Notes:
(See the end of the chapter for notes.)
Chapter Text
Repositioning himself properly to ease his movements, Yuuji grabbed his cushion with one hand and began to perform the in and out motions he'd been used to practising for the past year. Slow, gentle and deep: there was no need to go too hard at the beginning. Yuuji liked to let the pleasure come to him little by little, increasing in intensity as his toy rubbed against the nerve bundle swollen with desire.
“Oooh ! Sensei ! Aaah !”
Yuuji felt the waves of heat course through him, his head swaying reflexively from side to side. His feet slipped around restlessly, sliding up and down the sheets. He really had to be careful not to tear his pillow, with the sharp pressure he was applying to it, but it was hard to stay in control right now!
Yuuji liked to jerk off but the sensations he felt thanks to his prostate couldn’t be compared to an average ejaculation… Men who get defensive at the mention of this taboo pleasure are missing out on something incredible without even realizing it. All because they’re scared their masculinity might be called into question... Well, too bad for them! Itadori didn’t see things that way.
Yuuji completely let go, no longer concerned about the loud, indecent noises he was making. His motions were speeding up, applying more pressure on the erogenous zone that made his head spin…
Yuuji was in his own world, but he eventually realized that Gojo had moved away from him... What was he doing? Coming back to reality, his face flushed and his breath uneven, Yuuji lifted his head slightly and—
“Oh damn!” he gasped before letting out a whine, a mix of surprise and lust.
Gojo had positioned himself on his knees a little further away, his blue eyes sparkling with hypnotic beauty as they were entranced by Yuuji's quick and steady movements. Yuuji's hand froze, the shock of seeing Gojo touching himself leaving him stunned in awe. The teacher was thoroughly enjoying the display of debauchery Yuuji was offering him! The blue of Satoru’s eyes seemed more intense than usual: did he activate his Sixth Eye? Why?
“Who said you could stop, Yuuji?” Gojo rumbled, his breath shallow from his own hand sliding firmly against his aching shaft. The wet sounds which resulted from the application of lube were absolutely indecent.
Yuuji felt himself harden impossibly more. The commanding tone didn’t help his state: Gojo radiated virile beauty, no man on earth could come close to him! His piercing gaze made it clear that Gojo would accept no protests : he demanded that Yuuji continue his display obediently, to keep satisfying Gojo with the view he found so pleasing, judging by the sexy growls and sighs escaping his mouth.
“Sorry sensei, it’s just that… you’re beautiful!” Yuuji breathed, utterly mesmerized by the sight his Apollo was giving him.
The former model resumed his movements with more fervor, his free hand twitching with hesitation : he was dying to to jerk off in synch with Gojo but if he touched his dick now, he would come way too fast… He didn’t want this moment to end too quickly! He was better off staying focused on the prostate.
“Ah babe, you drive me crazy!” Satoru groaned, his gaze burning with intensity, fixed firmly on Yuuji’s shining golden eyes.
Gojo sped up his own strokes in response to the earlier compliment from his young lover, to the point where he was losing control more and more...
“Ah, shit, I want you so much… Yuuji ! Ah !” Satoru was literally moaning with lust, his eyes closed in bliss, breathless.
The Strongest seemed more and more desperate, craving Yuuji, whose eyes were wide open, responding with a long whine that blended ecstasy and joy. Satoru was moaning like that because of him ! Itadori was discovering sounds he never thought he'd hear, never even imagined in his wildest fantasies. The way Satoru's voice shifted from low, almost animalistic growls to higher, desperate moans, needy for Yuuji and no one else... Yuuji was forced to slow down his movements because he was so close to coming. He didn’t even need to touch his dick to get there !
Yuuji was catching his breath, his eyes closed as he slowly slid his favourite toy in and out out of his hole, feeling the knot that had formed in his lower stomach slowly unravel. He snapped out of his brief daze by the kiss his sensei placed on the side of his thigh, not far from the area where Yuuji was inserting his toy. But the area in question was far too low; if Gojo had managed to reach it, that would mean...
Yuuji quickly opened his eyes, lifting his head to confirm his suspicions. Indeed, Satoru stopped jerking off to lie on his stomach a bit lower down, his legs bent outward from the bed to avoid hitting the edge of the frame. His head was now only a few inches from the stimulator in action, his hot, uneven breath whipping across Yuuji's perineum and balls.
The former model felt mortified at the sight. Gojo was intently and insistently watching a very intimate act, his face just a few inches from an impure cavity. Having thoroughly cleaned the area beforehand did nothing to ease Yuuji's embarrassment and shyness.
“N-No, sensei, not so close! Get back here!” Yuuji tapped urgently on his left side, urging Gojo to move his head to a more appropriate spot than his stuffed anus !
The only response he received was a growl of protest and a vengeful swipe of the tongue against his balls, the firm and precise contact nearly making Yuuji leap from his spot, a wanton moan escaping him before he could stop it.
"Yuuji." Gojo replied firmly, his face tense with frustration. "You really need to relax. If there’s one person you shouldn’t feel embarrassed around, it’s me. Didn’t I say I wanted to see all of you?"
Gojo emphasized his point with a kiss against one of the balls within reach, making Yuuji shiver as he stammered, "Y-Yeah, but..."
"Then trust me when I say there’s nothing dirty about you. Yuuji is perfect."
Yuuji sighed, his eyes welling up with emotion. Gojo had instinctively figured out what was bothering him and made him understand that his worries were pointless: Gojo wanted all of Yuuji, even the most impure and imperfect parts of him. It was amazing to be loved so completely, so fully. Yuuji was the luckiest guy on this damn planet!
Satoru could see through his Sixth Eye that Yuuji’s muscles were relaxing, a clear sign that his words did have the desired effect.
With a breathy laugh, the Strongest added : “And how do you expect me to make you ‘climb the walls’ if I don’t see how you’re pleasuring yourself? I have a scientific approach, in bed! I want to know the user manual for pleasing you!”
Remembering the heated words he'd used to make his sensei understand the extent of his frustration, Yuuji chuckled:
"Liar! You just want to see my movements up close and enjoy the view... Pervert!" Yuuji teased, feeling much more confident as he put the toy all the way out under Satoru’s hungry gaze before thrusting it in all at once.
The ex-model let out a moan, one that could rival a heat-stricken cat, making Satoru growl fiercely in response.
“Yuuji sees right through me…” Gojo purred, a predatory smile lighting up his features.
He placed his hand on Yuuji’s wrist, urging him to stop his movements completely.
"Pull it out. It was entertaining at first, but it’s kinda annoying now that this piece of plastic’s making you moan like that!"
"What?!" Yuuji exclaimed, incredulous, bursting into a soft laugh as he complied.
The young sorcerer savored the satisfying feeling of the stimulator sliding against his sensitive insides before being pulled out.
"Sensei, you’re not seriously gonna get jealous over a sex toy, are you? You’re unbelievable!"
Satoru snatched the toy from Yuuji’s fingers and tossed it carelessly to the other side of the room, his lips pouting like a child wanting to be the center of attention.
“Now that I’m here, you don’t need that lame silicone stick to be satisfied.”
Yuuji hummed skeptically, a playful smile on his face as he watched his sensei position himself again near his perineum. He kissed the area below his balls with a pout.
“The only things you need from now on are my cock, my fingers…”
Yuuji wasn’t on his guard, naively thinking that Gojo had no particular plans in this position: he was completely wrong! His eyes now shining with a sultry gleam, Satoru grinned broadly as his face inched slyly toward Yuuji’s entrance which was eagerly awaiting the stimulation that was yet to come.
“... and my mouth.” Gojo finished his sentence with mischief, holding his young lover’s legs apart.
Yuuji’s eyes widened and his cheeks flushed with the realization.
“S-Sensei, wait a— Ahh!” Yuuji gasped loudly.
Itadori half rose, bracing himself with his hands on the mattress, hoping to stop Gojo and prevent him from putting his utterly indecent idea into action!
But it was in vain. The hungry mouth pressed against the presented, fully relaxed opening. Gojo sucked on the rim before running his tongue on it, making the whole area wet. Making circular motions around the ex-model’s quivering hole, Gojo hummed in response to the moans and whimpers of his lover, who was discovering sensations he had never experienced in his life.
Completely overwhelmed, Yuuji squirmed, his anus already highly sensitive from the stimulator’s penetration that had preceded. Yuuji felt himself losing control from this dirty but insanely arousing act, totally mind-blowing. A weird mix of joy and embarrassment washed over Itadori as he felt the love of his life’s tongue, the great and untouchable Gojo Satoru, caressing him in the most intimate way possible, the pink muscle suddenly pushing its tip inside him-
“Oh no, it’s too much, I can’t !” Yuuji mentally panicked, completely caught off guard by a situation he’d never imagined, never thinking for a second that Gojo would be into something like this — something Yuuji had only ever seen in pornos!
Desperate to calm his hypersensitive hole and catch his breath, Yuuji tried to pull away...
Hardly had Yuuji made the mistake of fleeing when Gojo snapped back, the second that sacred heaven he wanted so badly was taken from him. A growl of pure irritation echoed through the room as Gojo grabbed both of Yuuji’s feet, who was trying to get his butt out of reach by crawling up to the head of the bed. No way that was happening!
“Where do you think you’re going? Get back here!” Gojo thundered, clearly running out of patience, a pissed-off smirk twisting his handsome face.
“No, sensei it’s too- woaaah !” Yuuji cried out in surprise.
Gojo had zero interest in what Yuuji had to say. At the peak of his frustration, he yanked his lover back toward him, pulling him to the center of the bed and grabbing the backs of his thighs. He pushed them back so that Yuuji’s knees were near his chest, the entrance he craved now visible like never before from this new angle. The ex-model’s buttocks were spread wide, his twitching hole waiting for the delicious sensations offered by Satoru's tongue.
Yuuji was already shaken by the situation, but his biggest mistake was looking at his sensei. He felt his member twitch with anticipation at the feral, hungry look Gojo fixed on his hole, his jaw clenched, his breath ragged. Kneeling, his muscles tensed as he worked to keep Yuuji in place, preventing him from escaping again.
“Oh god...” Yuuji moaned in a shaky voice, turned on beyond reason. He gripped the sheets, mentally preparing for what was coming next.
“I’m gonna take you in every way possible. I’m gonna make you come so hard, you'll forget your fucking name. You hear me ?” Gojo snarled fiercely, his irises burning with desire as he stared intently at Yuuji, demanding a swift and affirmative response.
“Yes, yes !” Yuuji cried out deliriously, caught in a mix of pleading and want, Satoru’s sultry promises making him riled up like never before.
One more word and he would surely come under the enchanting pull of that deep voice, overflowing with lust and possessiveness.
“Good boy,” Gojo rumbled, a satisfied grin spreading across his face.
He leaned forward again toward his target, ready to devour the velvety entrance meant to receive his swollen member.
“If you try to escape again, I’m gonna punish you.”
Why did that sentence remind him of something? Successive images of the day of their argument flashed through Yuuji’s mind. He recalled a sentence that had really pissed him off because it revealed his sensei’s disproportionate reaction to the problem at hand : “Do I need to punish you, Yuuji? Is that what it will take to get an honest answer out of you? ”
“Oh shit, when he said he wanted to punish me, it wasn’t about beating me up, it was about... Damn, I was blind from the start to the end! If I had known, we could’ve saved so much time!”
“Gojo-sensei, love, pleas- Ooooh !!” Yuuji mumbled before moaning unrestrained as that hungry tongue fully sank inside him.
His sensei growled in satisfaction : he alternated between penetration and eager mouthing, literally devouring the rim with passion.
Yuuji heard the sheet make a sound, the seams starting to rip from his grip, but the bed linens be damned, he was in ecstasy ! His beloved’s wet muscle rubbed against his walls with disorienting precision : surely Satoru’s Sixth Eye allowed him to better observe what was happening inside and hit the mark... It was so exciting to be at the mercy of his lover, completely vulnerable and exposed!
The tongue gave him no respite : it was making love to Yuuji, pressing firmly against the most sensitive areas it could reach. Yuuji let out a genuine cry of delight as Gojo momentarily freed one of his legs to spank him with an unprecedented force, the sound echoing through the room, Itadori’s ivory skin now visibly marked with a red imprint. Gojo continued to indulge in the delightful pink rim, the sucking sounds that followed sounding like sweet music to Yuuji’s ears.
“You taste so fucking good… All open for me !” Satoru growled, placing a kiss on the hole that drove him wild with desire, before spitting on it.
He was setting the stage for what was to come.
“Hold your legs for me, baby.” Gojo commanded in a heated tone, urging Yuuji to take over.
The former model did so without hesitation, spellbound by the beauty of his lover and the overwhelming pleasure he had just experienced… He needed more !
Yuuji held his position perfectly: Gojo whispered praises, delighted by the sight, pleased that his young lover was so responsive and willing.
Two long fingers found their way to the twitching rim. They traced circles around the entrance to finally enter Yuuji’s depths with effortless ease.
“Sensei ! Like that, ah, I’m- YES !”
Yuuji didn’t even know what he was saying, panting, his eyes fixed on his lover who was giving him no mercy, fingering Yuuji with precision and firmness.
He was spot on every single time! The digits were going in and out of the flesh tunnel at a steady rhythm. Yuuji watched them with fascination as they performed their lewd choreography inside him. It was terrifying to realize how skilled Gojo was... Yuuji himself struggled to reach as many erogenous zones with his own fingers, during his solo sessions !
“Look at that ! You were acting all prudish and now here you are, clutching at my fingers…” Gojo chuckled, breathing heavily as he pulled his digits out of the hole moistened by his passage.
Yuuji whimpered, his gaze dreamy. Satoru granted him the permission to rest his adrenaline-tinged legs upon the mattress. Gojo stroked them tenderly, adjusting them gently so that the intimate parts remained within easy reach.
Gojo let out a satisfied laugh when he saw the state he had put Yuuji in. He tenderly grazed the blissful expression on his lover’s face, playing with his plump, saliva-slick lips before moving. The teacher placed his head back between Yuuji’s legs and...
The ex-model’s mind went blank. He thought that a rimming was too much… Well, what came next proved to him that there were far more intense things!
Without warning, Gojo swallowed half of Yuuji’s cock, while pushing three fingers inside the completely relaxed entrance.
“Oh no, no, OOH!” Yuuji was violently pulled out of his stupor, his eyes wide, a series of gasps of pure delight escaping him uncontrollably in response to the hot, wet cavern that trapped his manhood.
Satoru hummed around Yuuji’s penis. The vibrations made his young lover gasp, and his reactions didn't lessen in intensity, far from it. Satoru wasted no more time and began moving back and forth along the delightful flesh rod that was hitting deep inside his throat.
Yuuji was reduced to a blabbering mess, his moans growing louder than ever before. Satoru moved steadily and deeply, and Yuuji finally experienced what it felt like to be devoured by that sublime mouth. It wetted his member, significantly amplifying the sensations Yuuji was used to feeling when he touched himself… It wasn’t even comparable! Nothing could measure up to Satoru’s mouth sucking his cock.
His sensei was gorgeous, growling around his shaft, his blue eyes never leaving the former model’s face twisted in ecstasy. He reveled in the sight Yuuji offered him while noisily sucking on the sensitive flesh. His sensei’s passion was so intense that Yuuji feared his dick might get torn off.
“Holy shit, sens- AH !”
Satoru freed the hardened length to better concentrate on Yuuji’s anus. His fingering pace got much faster, with wet sounds filling the room. The mix of lube and spit helped Satoru’s digits to dig in with no difficulty whatsoever : he was hitting Yuuji’s erogenous gland deep at its core.
Gojo lay down next to Yuuji, kissing his lover’s flushed face as he kept fingering him like there was no tomorrow.
“Oh fuck, so good, yes, yes !”
Blinded by pleasure, Yuuji was involuntarily becoming vulgar, his loud exclamations probably audible all the way across the dorm by now...
With one hand gripping the sheets, his other hand grabbed Satoru's shoulder urgently. Their gazes never left each other: the two men were trapped in their uncontrollable desire. And it was glorious!
“Tell me what you want.” Gojo growled, restless, his fingers plunging deep inside Yuuji while he teased his earlobe with light bites.
“Oh god, sensei !” Yuuji called out desperately, feeling overwhelmed by the double stimulation Gojo was subjecting him to.
His lover's dirty talk didn't help: he's gonna hit his peak real quick at this rate!
“Tell me or I’ll stop.” Gojo threatened with a dangerous smirk, pushing Yuuji to his limits as he slowed down.
“No!” Yuuji pleaded, shaking his head vigorously, tears filling his eyes clouded with ecstasy “I want to come... AH ! Let me come, sensei, love!”
“Fuck, you’re so sexy…” Gojo rumbled lowly, his erection throbbing painfully in response to his lover's needy calls.
He dove onto Yuuji's lips like a predator capturing its prey. He resumed his fast rhythm and fingered with abandon this entrance now ready to receive him, locking his fiery gaze into Itadori's tear-filled eyes.
Yuuji was close ! His moans muffled by his lover’s lips, Gojo’s fingers kept relentlessly diving inside his sensitive walls, tapping against his prostate with skill and precision. Yuuji was burning up, his heart racing at a pace that was starting to feel alarming, the knot forming in his lower belly growing more and more intense, and he was running out of breath, damn it!
Yuuji broke the kiss, his moans turning into full-blown cries of pleasure, under Satoru’s awestruck gaze.
“Aaaah shit ! Sensei, sens-ei !” Yuuji gasped, his words utterly incomprehensible, wriggling in all directions under the intense ecstasy overtaking him.
Just a few more thrusts, just a few...
“You’re gonna come, huh ? Good boy.” Gojo exhaled, a smile of pure affection spreading across his lips as he kissed his lover’s sweaty forehead in encouragement.
“Yes ! That’s it, sensei, too much, TOO MUCH !” Yuuji cried out, his eyes closed, back arched, both hands urgently gripping Satoru’s powerful shoulders.
“You can take it, babe. Take every fucking inch of my fingers !” Satoru commanded, determined to give Yuuji a memorable orgasm.
“No, please, sensei, oooh !”
In a contradictory reflex, Yuuji pushed against Gojo's shoulders. The intensity of the sensations was so overwhelming that he tried to pull away, but at the same time, he craved them, because he was dying for release.
Satoru didn’t move an inch, noticing how Yuuji’s walls throbbed harder around his digits. Feeling him at the brink, Satoru nuzzled Yuuji’s face, his blue eyes shining with emotion as he breathed against his lover’s trembling lips, delivering his final command:
“Come for me.”
It was those very words that pushed Yuuji over the edge. Time seemed to stop around him, every muscle in his body taut when the build-up of pleasure in his lower belly exploded in a wave of absolutely divine heat.
His screams and moans of satisfaction reached pitches Yuuji never knew he was capable of making: he was experiencing the most intense orgasm of his life.
“Oh god, fuck, AAAAH !”
Satoru guided Yuuji through this moment of ecstasy, kissing his cheek and then his forehead, whispering words of encouragement in his ear, praising him, telling him how breathtaking he looked when he came.
Yuuji’s muscles finally relaxed, the high slowly going down. The former model caught his breath, his golden eyes misty with emotion. The intensity of what he had just experienced was beyond comprehension. Satoru gently removed his three damp fingers, leaving Yuuji’s hole empty but perfectly stretched.
His eyes were initially lost in the emptiness as he felt the aftershock of what he had just experienced, but Yuuji eventually sought out his sensei's gaze, the love of his life, the one who had just taken him to cloud nine.
Their eyes locked, and a calm silence settled between them: there was no need for words, not really. The two men were overflowing with complicity and satisfaction. Yuuji let out a laugh, a mix of joy and disbelief, still struggling to process what had just happened to him. Gojo chuckled in return, pressing his forehead gently against Yuuji’s.
They lay there for a few moments, side by side in the aftermath, Yuuji’s head resting on Satoru’s arm as The Strongest showered his face with soft, patient kisses… before his gaze was suddenly drawn to the ex-model’s crotch. Something had caught his eye.
“Yuuji…” A toothy grin spread across Satoru’s lips, his expression turning playful.
“Mmh?” Yuuji hummed, a blissful smile on his face, still in a daze.
“You came like a woman !” Satoru covered his mouth with his hand, mischievous.
A long pause. Yuuji’s eyes widened in response.
“Huh ?! What do you mean ?!”
Caught off guard by the absurd comment, Yuuji sat up on his butt, glancing at his penis, and to his surprise, he found that not only had he came without ejaculating, but on top of that…
“I- I’m still hard !” Yuuji exclaimed, the wonder of a child in his voice, his cheeks flushed as he looked at his length, up and ready to go again.
How was this even possible ? He had come so hard, his voice was hoarse! How could his dick still have the strength to rise ?
“Awww, you’re so cute!” Satoru sat up as well to embrace Yuuji, affectionately kissing his cheek. “Never heard of dry orgasm ?”
“I did, but it never happened to me before…” Yuuji explained, feeling much more comfortable talking about his sexuality with Satoru.
It felt strange to come without having to stimulate the front and without anything coming out. Did that mean Yuuji was capable of having multiple orgasms ? He didn’t empty himself, after all !
“Hehe, I took another first time from Yuuji !” Gojo said with childlike joy, his face lighting up with a beaming smile that made Yuuji’s heart race.
The former model had been envious of Suguru because Satoru had shown a similar expression when recalling his memories of him… except this time, Satoru was smiling that way because of Yuuji, and no one else! It gave the young man an immense boost of confidence.
Without hesitation, Yuuji grabbed his lover's face and kissed him passionately. He was literally devouring every inch of skin he could reach. Surprised by this irresistibly attractive move, Gojo laughed through the kiss, wrapping his arms completely around Yuuji, eagerly participating in the steamy exchange.
“It was incredible, sensei…” Yuuji breathed against Satoru’s lips, his eyes sparkling with admiration.
“Oh, I heard that, yeah!” Gojo let out a breathy laugh, proudly remembering the sultry cries he had drawn from his lover.
“I love you so much !”
Yuuji seemed completely intoxicated as he said this, his eyes burning with a new determination when he dove toward Satoru’s neck, covering it with kisses.
Gojo’s heart skipped a beat. To say he was caught off guard by this burst of enthusiasm was an understatement! He chuckled with delight as he felt Yuuji suck on a vein before nibbling the area carefully, Yuuji’s hot breath whipping against his skin, making Satoru shiver all over.
“Oh damn, baby!” Satoru exclaimed in a trembling voice, overwhelmed by his young lover’s enthusiasm.
“I’m still so damn horny !” Yuuji whined, proving his words by grabbing Satoru's hand and pressing it against his aching member.
Yuuji instinctively moved against it, moaning when he rolled his hips.
“See how hard I am ? I want you all over me, inside me !” Yuuji breathed urgently against Satoru's flushed ear, his heart feeling like it was about to burst from his chest.
“Yuuji- Nng !” Satoru bit his lip, moaning in reaction to Yuuji licking his earlobe from the bottom up.
It was a very sensitive spot for Satoru. Watching Yuuji assault this area with such eagerness, alternating between licking and nibbling with surprising skill... Gojo was losing control!
“Ah, shit, wait a- Aaah!” It was Gojo’s turn to lose his words!
Yuuji had just grabbed Satoru’s throbbing length, making slow, gentle up-and-down motions to complement the movements of his mouth as it played with the lobe before pulling on it with his teeth. The sounds Satoru was making went straight to Yuuji’s cock.
The young sorcerer felt as though he was possessed by a lustful spirit: it was as if the orgasm he just experienced had pushed him to the dark side. A switch had been flipped by Satoru, making Yuuji much bolder and needier than before.
“The poor thing, he’s suffering so much...” Yuuji pretended to feel pity for the manhood he was caressing, a playful, calculating grin spreading across his lips. “We have to do something to help him... don’t we, Gojo-sensei?”
“Fuck yeah !” Gojo groaned, his voice dropping several octaves as he grabbed Yuuji’s buttocks with both hands, kneading them with such force that his skin might well bear the marks.
Yuuji whined when Gojo swooped down on his lips, devouring them with a fierce urgency. The Strongest was as excited as a bull. Yuuji understood that Satoru was at his limit, and it wouldn’t take much more for him to lose all control... but Yuuji had something in mind, and he was determined to see it through, just as Satoru had followed through with his plan on him!
Reluctantly pulling away from the kiss, Yuuji managed to escape from Satoru’s grasp, giggling when he heard the frustrated growl caused by his retreat. Yuuji gazed languidly at his lover, his golden eyes reflecting the hunger he saw in Satoru’s blue ones as he slowly made his way down to his lover’s arousal.
"You’ve done so much for me, let me return the favor!" Yuuji purred, amazed as he fulfilled one of his naughtiest dreams.
He ran his tongue along Satoru’s burning flesh, starting from the base all the way to the wet tip which he eagerly swallowed, moaning in arousal around the mushroom shaped head. He was discovering that precum had a salty taste, and the former model was already becoming addicted to this flavor that rightfully belonged to his Satoru.
Yuuji had no practical experience with fellatio, but his consumption of porn and the fact that he himself had a penis gave him a vague idea of what might please his sensei.
“Aah, shit !” Gojo hissed through his teeth, his cheeks flushed with arousal, mesmerized by the sight of Yuuji savoring his shaft.
The former model gradually gulped down the flesh rod, opening his mouth wide to prevent his teeth from grazing the sensitive skin. Satoru’s moans sounded like a delicate melody to his ears… but he was stopped in his tracks by his lover’s large hands settling on his shoulders, trying to push him back.
“Yuuji, babe, wait!” Satoru warned, his breath coming in quick gasps.
“Mmmh!” Yuuji hummed in disagreement, determined to properly prepare the cock that would make him see stars in just a few minutes.
The lubricant applied earlier had dried : Yuuji was determined to slobber all over Satoru’s dick to make it as slippery as possible !
Itadori stubbornly pressed on, the tip of Satoru’s dick grazing the back of his throat, making him shiver with lust…but the professor was determined to throw a wrench in his plans! Growling in a mix of frustration and delight due to the former model’s persistence, Gojo pinned Yuuji’s face with both hands and pull out from that eager mouth on his own.
“I told you to wait, you nympho !” Satoru laughed, realizing with both apprehension and pride that he had just created a monster as hungry for sex as he was.
Yuuji shot him a confused look, sitting up to protest: “Why?! You did it to me! Why won’t you let me do it?”
“I’d rather not, baby…”
Gojo grabbed Yuuji’s face with a regretful smile, placing a kiss on his forehead in an attempt to calm Yuuji’s obvious disappointment. But Itadori felt deeply offended that his lover so bluntly rejected his initiative! Why this refusal? Was it possible that Yuuji wasn’t as good at this as he thought…?
Feeling a familiar bitterness and jealousy clouding his heart, Yuuji grimaced in frustration, pulling away from Satoru’s hands on his face to stare into space, avoiding the confused blue eyes.
“Sorry I’m not as skilled and experienced as your one-night stands, Gojo-sensei!” Yuuji spat.
Indeed, Yuuji didn’t forget how evasive Gojo had been about his sexual experiences… Too bad for him, Megumi had provided some vital information, and Yuuji was going to bring it up! First, to test Gojo’s honesty, but also to finally get out all the dark thoughts fueling his inferiority complex.
Satoru better choose his words carefully.
“Huh? My one-night-” Satoru stopped, realization dawning on his face before he sighed deeply, facepalming.
“So that’s what Megumi’s been spreading behind my back? He really needs to catch up, that idiot!”
Yuuji remained silent, trying to maintain a pout, but his eyes betrayed his fragile state. No words were necessary: Satoru immediately sensed it and rushed to pull Yuuji into his arms. The former model weakly resisted but eventually gave in, his head resting against Gojo’s bare chest.
"Your inexperience isn't the issue... sure, I admit I’ve always chosen partners who knew what they were doing because I found it boring and annoying to deal with someone too passive, but—"
"Annoying and bor- Oh, that’s the best one yet!"
Yuuji was scandalized: he couldn’t help but take that personally, feeling offended. He forcefully pushed away Satoru’s embrace, getting ready to get off the bed. This idiot really had some nerve! A fool, insensitive and arrogant!
"Wait! That’s not what I—Ugh, listen to me, damn it!" Satoru growled in frustration as he grabbed Yuuji’s arm to pull him back against him, the ex-model’s back pressing against The Strongest’s muscular chest.
“No ! I’ve heard enou- Ngh!” Yuuji was silenced by Satoru’s hand gripping his jaw, forcing his head to turn.
He received a chaste but firm kiss. Yuuji hummed in protest, trying to pull away from Satoru’s iron grip, to no avail. As resistance, Yuuji kept his lips sealed, deliberately preventing Satoru from pushing his tongue past the surface.
Sighing, Gojo pulled back, his face pouting. He felt frustrated as he watched Yuuji avoid his gaze, holding onto his grudge.
"Babe, it’s been over an hour since we’ve been at this..." Gojo said carefully, wanting to prove his point to Yuuji.
Not understanding where Satoru was going with this, Yuuji grumbled irritably,
"Yeah, so?"
"Usually, I have it off in 20 minutes. Because I don’t want to take my time or get involved with idiots who don’t see beyond my looks."
Yuuji was taken aback, not expecting his sensei to explain in detail how he really viewed his flings. His tense features softened a little, but he kept his gaze firmly on the floor, unwilling to forgive Satoru too easily.
"Back when Megumi still lived with me, I’d go out for a good time when I could, I won’t deny it. That’s why he still holds that image of me..."
Yuuji felt Satoru’s hands gently settle on his shoulders, massaging them cautiously, almost as if testing the waters, making sure Yuuji wouldn't push him away. Despite his pride telling him not to soften up for something so trivial, Itadori couldn’t help but savor the warmth of Satoru’s hands, feeling his shoulders relax under the skilled massage.
“Babe, it’s been six months since I’ve been with anyone. You know why?”
Yuuji turned his head towards Satoru, his eyes wide with surprise...
Satoru grinned when he saw Yuuji’s gaze back on him. He didn’t want Yuuji to be mad at him! He cupped his lover’s face in his hands, gently massaging his cute little cheekbones with his thumbs while chuckling:
“Because my dick doesn’t rise for anyone but you. It’s like you put a fucking curse on it!”
Not expecting such a blunt and vulgar response, Yuuji burst into a tender and emotional laugh, fully understanding the meaning behind Satoru’s words.
“I’m serious! There was a time when no one could measure up. The last time I tried to sleep with someone, it went so bad. The guy I brought to the hotel left furious when he saw I couldn’t get hard.”
“He must’ve thought you were impotent!” Yuuji snickered, finding the story absolutely hilarious.
“A blow to my pride as a man!” Gojo feigned being contrite, dramatically holding his chest while secretly enjoying the angelic laughter from his lover.
He became serious again, his azure eyes full of devotion: “I’ve forgotten their names and faces. So don’t compare yourself to those insignificant people. Don’t think about them for a single fucking second.”
“Sensei…” Yuuji breathed out, feeling his eyes well up with tears.
Gojo took one of Yuuji’s hands and placed it on his chest... Itadori’s eyes widened. His sensei’s heart was pounding with intensity!
“I love you, Yuuji. You’re my one and only.” Satoru whispered with a vulnerability he had never shown before.
Yuuji knew Gojo Satoru well enough to understand that he was a man who preferred action over words. So, seeing him openly express what was on his mind, showing this unguarded side of himself, was the ultimate proof of his love, trust, and deep respect for the former model.
Of course, Yuuji had felt Gojo’s immense affection during their lovemaking. But hearing him say it out loud was completely different: Yuuji realized this was exactly what he needed to feel reassured.
He jumped into Gojo’s arms, embracing him with all his strength, pressing his face into the crook of his neck, inhaling the soothing scent of pine and cedar.
“Sorry, my love, I’ve been immature!”
“It’s okay, I love it when you’re jealous over me!” Gojo hummed, returning the embrace while lovingly kissing Yuuji’s shoulder. “But with all that…”
Yuuji mewled in reaction to the two fingers sliding between his buttocks : in one swift motion, they filled his hole once again.
“... I need to make sure you're still relaxed. Stress is bad for anal sex ! How do you expect me to enter if you’re all tense ?”
Yuuji giggled, a mischievous gleam lighting up his golden eyes.
“Don’t worry about that…” Yuuji pressed suggestively against the fingers teasing his entrance. “I’ve been wide open for 6 months!”
The animalistic growl he received in response made Yuuji shiver with anticipation.
“Oh, the things I’m gonna do to you…” Satoru hissed, ready to grab Yuuji's hips to impale him on his burning, restless dick without ceremony.
Yuuji chuckled, flattered by the effect he was having on his lover.
“Sensei… are you sure you don’t want my mouth ?” Yuuji tried again, excited at the thought of sucking this majestic rod.
Satoru sighed in frustration, pulling out his digits and gently pushing Yuuji back so he could look him in the eyes. He said firmly:
“Yuuji, my dick has known nothing but my right hand for months. If you start to suck it, I’ll come faster than a damn high schooler, and I’ll die of embarrassment.” Satoru was ridiculously serious as he said that.
“Oh… I get it!” Yuuji felt his cheeks turn red, guilty for not noticing his sensei's discomfort sooner.
“Besides…” Satoru's voice dropped low, purring with mischief, gently tracing Yuuji's plump lips. "We just ate. I can’t fuck your mouth in this condition, or else I’m gonna make you puke.”
“Fuck my-” Yuuji gasped, a wave of lust running through him when he imagined his sensei pushing his throbbing shaft deep inside his throat, claiming the former model’s mouth without holding back.
“I’ll use your mouth later, babe…” Gojo promised, his eyes darkened by desire as he nuzzled Yuuji's cheek, breathing heavily in his ear “First, I’m gonna fill this tight little ass.”
Yuuji whined : he couldn’t take it anymore, he wanted Satoru inside him as soon as possible ! While he urgently grabbed the bottle of lube left abandoned on the bed, Yuuji positioned himself to face Satoru’s hardened length once again, a determined look in his eyes as he applied a generous amount of liquid on his beloved’s arousal.
“Oh, you want to get it ready ? Good boy.” Gojo purred, sighing lustfully when he felt Yuuji's hand grip his member to spread the lube with slow and steady strokes.
“It's the least I can do for him!” Yuuji whispered playfully, lovingly kissing Gojo’s tip before licking the precum dropping from it.
“Oh damn, babe, just like that…” Satoru groaned, his breath uneven, stretching his arm toward his pants on the floor.
Yuuji watched him with curiosity as he retrieved the clothing, rummaging through the pockets while savouring the sensuous ministrations Yuuji was offering him.
Yuuji’s eyes widened when Satoru pulled out a pack of condoms from one of the pockets.
“Huh ?! No way in hell! ” Yuuji mentally exclaimed, utterly disappointed.
"S-Sensei!" Yuuji stammered, feeling embarrassed just thinking about what he was about to ask.
"Yeah?" Gojo asked absently, separating one of the packs from the condom chain.
"Do you have a disease or...?" Yuuji asked cautiously, trying not to sound too urgent or demanding.
"Huh? Of course not! I like sex, yeah, but not enough to stick my dick anywhere. I’ve always protected myself!" Satoru explained.
"In that case, no need for a condom!" Yuuji declared firmly, earning a shocked look from Satoru, who hadn’t expected such a request from him.
"A-Are you sure, baby?" Satoru stuttered, out of character, his eyes wide as saucers.
Yuuji squealed in embarrassment. He released the manhood, thoroughly lubed and ready, to wrap his arms around his lover's neck, burying his crimson face in the comforting crook there.
“I want to know what it feels like to be… c-creampied.” Yuuji murmured the rest in the lowest voice possible, not quite owning up to his bold request.
It wasn’t his fault, it had always been his kink! Most of the porn he watched involved creampies, so...
Yuuji suddenly moaned in discomfort as sharp hands wrapped around his arms, squeezing with such force that they left marks behind. He was forcefully pulled from his hiding place, his crimson face and evasive gaze laid bare.
Startled, he dared to look towards Satoru, and...
He was blushing just as much, if not more, than Yuuji! Clearly affected by his lover's request, Satoru breathed heavily, his whole body taut like a bow, his gaze on Yuuji wild with lust.
“Which position?” Satoru asked hoarsely, his voice rough.
“Huh? Uhm, I don’t know…” Yuuji hesitated, feeling uninspired.
Missionary ? Doggy style ? Yuuji didn’t know what the most appropriate position was for his first time...
“Ride on me.” Satoru chose for Yuuji instead, struggling to contain his eagerness. “I’ll give you full control. That way, you’ll get used to my size at your own pace. You're okay with that ?”
“Y-yeah ! Let’s do that !”
Yuuji swallowed nervously, fully realizing that the climax of this wonderful evening was finally upon them, after six months of painful waiting.
Satoru relaxed, loosening his grip on his student as he kissed him passionately, equally thrilled at the thought of finally showing Yuuji just how much he loved him.
The two lovers wasted no more time. They got into position: Satoru lay on his back, Yuuji straddling him. The former model was nervous, yes, but he was so excited! Taking a deep breath, Yuuji nervously searched for Satoru’s swollen member to guide it to his entrance, glancing behind him as he did so... That’s when Satoru gripped his chin firmly to turn his face back toward him, his expression serious:
“If I do anything you don’t like, I need you to tell me clearly. Okay?”
Touched by the importance Satoru placed on his well-being, Yuuji smiled at him with confidence, silently nodding. He was with the love of his life: nothing could go wrong.
Satoru returned his smile, releasing his chin to lovingly stroke his lover’s cheek: “Damn, I’m so happy, my heart might just explode.”
“Me too, you have no idea!” Yuuji replied enthusiastically, kissing the hand stroking his face before he switched his attention back to what he was doing.
Gripping the rod burning with desire for him, Yuuji maneuvered it so that the head made contact with his rim. Focused as he was, Yuuji could only vaguely sense Satoru’s piercing gaze following his every move, his sensei’s hands firmly gripping his thighs.
Satoru completely relinquished control to Yuuji, watching with delight this angel sent from heaven, the one who saved him from his monotonous and solitary life, hold his member in place to gently impale himself on it.
“Aaah !” Yuuji and Satoru groaned in unison, the tip pushing into the untouched insides making them feel a whole range of sensations.
Yuuji tried to calm his wheezing breath as he guided the hardened manhood inside him, but there came a moment when the stretch caused by his progress became almost unbearable... Yuuji was so aroused that he wanted to push through and keep going, but it was starting to become more painful than pleasurable.
"Easy, babe. It’s not going anywhere!" Gojo joked in a breathless laugh, affectionately caressing Yuuji’s hips and chest to calm him down.
His blue eyes sparkled with admiration as Satoru took in the sight before him : it far surpassed any artwork ever created.
The former model braced himself against The Strongest’s thighs to properly manage the angle of penetration. His body was covered in hickeys and light bites, a sight that made Satoru purr with pride. He was planning to leave plenty more, making sure the whole world knew it was Gojo Satoru who had made Itadori Yuuji’s divine body tremble with pleasure!
Yuuji followed his lover’s instructions and waited, allowing his insides to get used to the few inches he had just inserted. He met Satoru's gaze, filled with pure fascination as he looked at Yuuji as though he was facing a marvel of nature. Being the center of Satoru's attention sparked a sudden need for affection in the former model. He leaned forward, meeting his lover’s lips in a hungry kiss, the brief contact quickly replaced by a sensuous dance.
“Why do you have to be so big ? You're splitting me in half!” The former model chuckled between kisses, teasing.
"Patience, Yuuji. Soon enough, you'll be begging for more.” Satoru chuckled smugly, running his hands over his lover's round ass to emphasize his promise.
"Oh, I don't doubt that for a second." Yuuji purred, diving into a second assault on Gojo's lips, who happily responded.
The kisses and sweet words, the deep connection between them, helped to relax Yuuji even more. They were now ready to continue their journey toward ecstasy.
Straightening up again, Yuuji now leaned on Satoru's prominent pectorals. He slid further along the length throbbing inside him. The young sorcerer didn't expect his walls to be loosened this much. Thus, pressing against the hardened shaft, he made it enter with unexpected speed, the penis now almost entirely engulfed. There were just a few tiny inches left before Satoru was completely sheathed inside his lover.
The reactions didn’t take long to follow.
“Mmmh sensei !” Yuuji mewled, the painful stretch he had been feeling until now turning into a blissful burn.
“Oh fuck, you’re so tight...” Satoru gasped in delight, his hands gripping Yuuji’s hips firmly and his back slightly arched from the amazing warmth surrounding him.
Despite the mind-blowing pleasure he felt, Satoru didn’t lose sight of his main goal, which was to relax Yuuji even more. Satoru eagerly moved his hands toward the young sorcerer's chest, gently massaging the ultra-sensitive nipples he had devoured earlier.
“Nng !” Yuuji moaned, his head tilted back towards the ceiling from the delicious stimulation.
The pleasure made him tighten reflexively around his sensei, making him groan in reaction.
“That’s right, open up for me… let me in !” Satoru purred, his gaze flaming with desire.
He forced himself not to thrust inside the searing entrance. He was dying to do it, but Yuuji wasn't ready yet.
The former model moaned in response to the praise he was receiving, as Satoru traded his gentle caresses for well-placed pinches and tugs that made Yuuji gasp. Itadori was starting to think he was becoming a bit of a sadist: his nipples were so sensitive they reacted favorably to that kind of touch, not to mention the fact that he enjoyed spankings and bites...
“You like it rough, don’t you ? So lewd…” Satoru grumbled in a voice overflowing with sensuality.
That simple sound triggered such a wave of arousal in Yuuji that he reacted instinctively. He impaled himself entirely on Satoru, the last few inches missing now deliciously swallowed by Yuuji’s core, the former model desperately seeking friction.
“Gojo-sensei !” Yuuji called wantonly, his body overtaken by a wave of heat that made him literally sweat and shiver, his behind assaulted by intense and new sensations.
Impatient, Yuuji was dying to begin a new choreography on this heavenly cock filling him so perfectly. That's exactly what he did : Yuuji gently made Satoru pull out before sanking back on him, little by little. He repeated the same movement in a steady series, the long, passionate groan that escaped Gojo in response making Yuuji shiver with delight. What a joy it was to hear his lover in the throes of pleasure!
Until now, Yuuji had felt unsure, aware that his inexperience was preventing him from giving Gojo even a fraction of the incredible sensations The Strongest could evoke in him, being the expert he was. So it was both reassuring and arousing to hear Satoru growl in satisfaction, his gaze hungrily tracing the point of contact between his hips and Yuuji’s pelvis.
The azure gems tore away from the spot where the mesmerizing back-and-forth motion were unfolding and locked onto Yuuji’s gaze. Breath ragged, the teacher poured all his love into him without uttering a single word, his large hands roaming with fervor over the curves he worshipped with every fiber of his being.
“Yuuji, babe, you’re so beautiful like this!”
I am beautiful. Those were the words Yuuji used to repeat to himself in silence, to gather strength, to face his insecurities without letting them take hold. First during his early photoshoots, then during the slow dance aboard the Tokyo Symphony Bay, and finally in that dark stretch of time when he truly believed he had lost Satoru forever. To hear those simple — yet oh so meaningful — words coming from Gojo, in a moment where Yuuji was offering his entire being to the man he loved… had the unexpected effect of disconnecting him completely from reality.
It was as if he’d been possessed by his deepest desires, driven to make this moment of intimacy unforgettable for both him and Satoru. A lasting embodiment of their love.
“Sensei, I want to try something… can I?” Yuuji asked gently, lovingly stroking Satoru’s cheeks as he brought his movements to a halt.
Satoru caught the hands caressing his face and kissed them one after the other, cooing against them:
“You don’t even have to ask. Do whatever you want with my cock, it’s all yours.”
“Sensei!” Yuuji cried out, feeling his cheeks flush bright red at the shameless, candid reply.
A darker corner of his psyche rejoiced at the realization that Gojo was offering himself just as fully — body and soul. He belonged to Yuuji, and Yuuji intended to lay claim to this wonderful, godlike man.
Smiling uncontrollably, Yuuji seized this golden opportunity to finally take the lead in their lovemaking. There was no way he’d stay well-behaved now! Yuuji let out a languid sigh, feeling the flesh rod slip out of him with a wet sound when he switched his position. He turned around, showing his back to Satoru who instinctively bent his legs, allowing Yuuji to brace himself against his knees.
The former model lifted his hips, fully aware of the lewd display he was offering his lover, just as his twitching rim found its way back to the throbbing hardness. He rolled his hips suggestively, teasing the wet tip without ever fully engulfing it, deliberately making Satoru wait. The Strongest let out a “ You little shit! ” of frustration, his predatory grin clearly audible in his deep voice.
No need to take it slow anymore. Yuuji’s entrance was perfectly relaxed, his arousal making everything easier : his dripping, painfully hard dick was the ultimate proof of his overwhelming desire. In a moment of mercy, the former model put an end to his teasing and welcomed the whole column of flesh back in, sinking down fully on Satoru with a cry of ecstasy.
“Yes ! Oooh !” Yuuji cried out, breath ragged as he resumed his movements at a much faster pace than before.
“Ah ! Fuck yeah...” Gojo hissed, his hands drawn like magnets to those exquisite buttocks, which they immediately began to knead.
The Strongest watched with obsession Yuuji dancing on top of him, rolling his hips to the rhythm, making his lover’s cock move in and out. Yuuji trapped him in the warmth of his body, unconsciously clenching around the aching shaft as if to prevent any chance of escape. Satoru was dying to sink his teeth into that jiggly, firm, muscular ass…
A call for rape.
Gojo started moaning, overwhelmed by all those sensations he hadn’t felt in months — but more than that, he was spellbound by the sheer debauchery the former model was offering him. The teacher’s eyes were shut, head thrown back against the cushion, breath uneven… Yuuji will be the death of him, one day !
“So damn sexy, you’re driving me crazy!” Gojo whined, grabbing hold of the cheeks that were entirely at his disposal.
He was making a superhuman effort to restrain his own twitching hips, aching to respond to Yuuji’s fabulous thrusts.
“Oh yeah?” Yuuji whispered breathlessly, pivoting so he could proudly take in just how deeply his sensei was affected by his initiative.
God, he looked good. Yuuji was taken aback by the obscene sight his sensei was offering in return — his muscles taut all over, his chest rising and falling in chaos, those perfect lips parted in ragged breaths… Gojo had never looked so disheveled, so vulnerable.
Wanting to see more, the former model bit down on his lower lip, struggling — and failing — to hold back a mischievous grin as he quickened his pace. Satoru’s eyes flew open in reaction, and he let out a downright filthy growl, staring hungrily at the meeting point of their hips. Wet, obscene sounds rose in tandem with their sighs and moans.
“How does it feel inside me, love ?” Yuuji asked, in a voice that hardly sounded like his own — warped by lust and devilish glee.
“Fucking amazing ! So warm and tight...” Satoru growled back, eyes devouring his Yuuji, who moaned in response to that raw, passionate honesty.
“Mmmh ! Better than your one-night stands, I bet !”
There wasn’t a trace of anger left at the mention of Satoru’s past lovers — only playful curiosity. Yuuji was eager to hear Gojo stroke his ego…
“Fuck them !” Satoru spat with scorn, his dilated pupils locked onto Yuuji’s face, darkened by lust. “I’ve never been this hard in my life, babe!”
“Damn right ! Ah !” Yuuji mewled with enthusiasm, his hands clutching tightly at Satoru’s knees as he surrendered completely to the sensations.
His rear slapped against Gojo’s hips, the sight it offered was straight out of a porn movie.
“You better like what I'm giving to you, cause-ah !”
Yuuji caught his breath, determined to follow through with his thought, selfish as it may be.
“Cause that’s the only pussy you’ll be allowed to fuck, from now on !”
“Aah ! I’m yours babe, always been !” The Strongest answered back, breathless.
Satoru couldn’t believe his eyes, his face flushing with desire and awe. He was completely captivated by the beauty of his beloved, who had surrendered fully to pleasure. Yuuji was unrecognizable — not a single trace of shyness or hesitation remained in him. His grace could make the gods themselves jealous; no being, no entity could hold a candle to his Yuuji.
And those sounds he was making, holy shit! The words spilling from that filthy little mouth…
“Sensei, feels so good... Mmh so big ! It’s splitting me open ! OH !”
Yuuji was losing his mind, heart pounding like mad from the physical effort he was putting in — and the indescribable pleasure that was crashing over him. His length was throbbing, desperate for a hand to grab it and end its misery…
“Not yet! I want Satoru-san to get close first. ” Yuuji thought with determination, taming his overwhelming desire.
“Ngh, Yuuji, Yuuji !” Gojo chanted his name deliriously.
His grip on the former model’s backside turned uncontrolled, the pressure intense enough to hurt but instead, it only fueled the storm of lust taking over Yuuji.
“Spank me. Spank me hard !” Yuuji ordered lasciviously through moans of delight, his hungry gaze locked onto Satoru’s sky-blue eyes, watching closely for a reaction — which didn’t take long to come.
Until now, the poor teacher had been doing his best to stay mindful of Yuuji’s comfort. He forced himself not to react to the intense movements that were setting his dick on fire. He dug his fingers into Yuuji’s plump ass just to stop himself from grabbing his hips, flipping him over on all fours and making a mess out of him…
Only this time, the game had changed. Yuuji was giving him permission. He wanted Gojo to stop holding back. Needless to say, that plea — so full of surrender and lust — was all the excuse Gojo needed to cast aside every last shred of self-restraint without guilt.
Now it was his turn to flip a switch. His pupils were blown wide, gleaming with something wild and new…
The beast had finally broken out of its cage.
SMACK, SMACK, SMACK
“AH !” Yuuji gasped, jolting from the force of the slaps that had just landed on his tender flesh.
He relished the burn they left in their wake, his member throbbing after each strike to his backside, the skin bouncing with every spank.
“That’s what you want, right ?” Gojo’s voice was unrecognizable — a low, primal rumble rising from his chest, one Yuuji had never heard before
His reddened, sore cheeks were grabbed and kneaded with insistence, Satoru’s burning gaze locked obsessively onto them. It only turned Yuuji on even more : he was thrilled to see that Gojo was into this.
“Yes, yes, just like that ! Goj-”
SMACK, SMACK, SMACK, SMACK
Yuuji opened his mouth in a silent cry, a smile of pure shock mixed with excitement spreading across his face at his sensei’s wild fervor. His back and forth motion slowed down, thrown off by his astonishment…. Which Satoru clearly didn’t appreciate. The teacher let out a hiss and grabbed Yuuji’s hips firmly, lifting him up so that he could fully pull his cock out, leaving the marvellous, mouth-watering flesh tunnel empty.
“Who said you could slow down ?” Gojo said devilishly, his grin sharp and dangerous.
“S-Sorry, sens-Aaaah !”
His apology broke into a shameless moan as Yuuji was forcefully impaled back on the long, thick manhood, Satoru helding him still with unshakable grip. Rather than thrusting in and out, Satoru took wicked pleasure in bottoming out, his cock reaching depths that had never been explored before.
The gesture made Yuuji whine, his prostate completely crushed under the unrelenting thickness of his sensei. The former model’s lips and legs were trembling from the adrenaline. He felt with glee the shaft’s head stubbornly digging inside him, searching for the tiniest patch of untouched skin.
“Oh god, sensei ! Aaah !” Yuuji moaned loudly, his voice reaching pitches that would’ve normally made him self-conscious — but for once, he didn’t care.
“You’re gonna take every last inch of my cock.”
This firm claim was followed by Yuuji being lifted once more, only to repeat that same sharp motion from earlier. He couldn’t hold back his loud cries as Gojo settled into a rhythm that suited him, Yuuji’s hips beginning to bruise under the iron grip of The Strongest.
The pace wasn’t fast but each thrust landed with maddening precision, the penetration deep like never before. The eager length reached erogenous areas Yuuji didn’t even know he had. He was losing it : his eyes turned glassy, darkened by lust. His back arched, hands now bracing against Satoru’s tensed abs as Yuuji welcomed with joy everything his lover was giving him.
Gojo groaned freely, his hips now unleashed, joining eagerly in the dance Yuuji had started — his movements gradually picking up speed.
“I’m gonna get you addicted to my dick.” Satoru rumbled in a low voice, a ravenous smile on his lips as he drank in the melody spilling from Yuuji and their passionate encounter.
“Yes, feels good, fuck, aaaah !” Yuuji cried out to the sky, eyes shut, breath uneven.
“You’re such a slut, Yuuji. Look at you, you’re sucking my cock in !” Satoru breathed, wildly turned on, before delivering a third round of spanks to his lover — whose cries melted into long, pleading moans.
The last time Satoru had called him a slut, it had been during their fight — and Yuuji had taken it hard. But this time, it was nothing like that. The word no longer carried the same intent. The way Gojo had said it, full of fascination and desire, only set Yuuji’s lower belly ablaze. He could feel the distant stirrings of that familiar knot — the one that appeared whenever he wanted to come.
“Oooh please, sensei, please!”
“Please what ? Use your words.” Satoru punctuated his commanding reply with a series of thrusts — more intense than the ones before.
Yuuji whimpered through gritted teeth, jolting with ecstasy at the electricity those pounding sent coursing through his entire body.
“Ah… Aaaha !” Yuuji whined wantonly.
No coherent words were coming out anymore : the former model felt like a masturbator, a sex doll for Gojo to use however he pleased… and it was insanely hot!
“Tell me what you want, my love.”
Yuuji gasped, overwhelmed by the tenderness in his lover’s voice — it moved him to tears. The hormonal storm raging inside him wasn’t helping his sensitivity. Yes, despite the filthy words they exchanged and the passion they shared… they’re weren’t just fucking.
They were making love.
“T-top… come on top of m-me !” Yuuji gasped, his words broken up by the force of Gojo’s thrusts, piercing through his wet, perfectly parted entrance.
That was all it took : a downright feral growl tore out of Satoru. He sat up abruptly, halting his pounding just long enough to seize Yuuji and pull him flush against his chest, wrapping his arms around him from behind and crashing their lips together.
This kiss was nothing like the ones they’d shared before. It wasn’t just greedy. It was wild, driven by their shared need to take everything the other had to give. Their teeth clashed, Gojo’s tongue setting its own rhythm as it licked and claimed whatever it found — tongue, teeth, palate — all of it.
Before Yuuji could wrap his head around what was happening, he found himself on his back, moaning when his lover’s hungry lips resumed their passionate assault. As he did, The Strongest lifted Yuuji’s legs, placing his calves on his powerful shoulders. Bracing himself with his hands, Gojo ended the torrid kiss, breathing hard, his damp forehead pressed to Yuuji’s — who stared at him with awe and devotion.
The teacher’s restless manhood was poking at Yuuji’s entrance as he smugly whispered :
“So you wanna know what it feels like to be creampied, huh ? I’m gonna show you. I’m gonna stuff you with my jizz and you’ll take every last fucking drop.”
“Oh sensei, you’re really-” Yuuji was at a loss for words, his cheeks burning from the sheer filth spilling from his lover’s mouth.
“Say it. Say you want my cum inside you.” Gojo thundered imperiously, pressing his shaft suggestively against the rim, never giving Yuuji the satisfaction he craved.
“Yes, I want it so bad ! Please, sensei !” Yuuji pleaded against Satoru’s lips, his hands lovingly stroking his lover’s face, golden eyes reflecting the wild hunger in those sky-blue pupils.
Without a word, Gojo complied— never breaking eye contact, drinking in the look of relief on Yuuji’s face as his member plunged inside the wet walls once again. He sank in completely, meeting no resistance at all. Yuuji took him in, completely — and it felt like coming home.
With a low moan, Gojo resumed into a steady, deep rhythm, his length gliding along the warm insides, deliciously stimulating Yuuji’s most sensitive spots — making the young sorcerer fully surrender to him. Yuuji was glad to be making love in a position that allowed him to see his sensei completely — to watch him lose control, completely giving in to the desire Yuuji stirred in him.
It was magical.
Yuuji wasn’t going to last much longer, and neither was Satoru, as his slow, precise movements turned into frantic thrusts. The obscene sound of their skin slapping against each other, Satoru’s full balls pounding against his lover’s perineum… Yuuji was in pure ecstasy! The angle of penetration was perfect — Gojo hit his prostate just right every time, leaving it wrecked, hypersensitive… yet still craving more.
Yuuji’s voice was starting to give out from how much he’d been screaming. Not that it mattered : he needed more. So much more.
“Oooh shit ! Harder ! Har- AH !”
Gojo obeyed his Yuuji’s lewd command, trading his fast pace for a slow grind that hit even harder. He rammed his dick in as deep as he could, left it there without moving, then pulled out slowly — only to repeat the exact same motion.
Yuuji’s body jolted with every thrust from his sensei. Breathless, adrenaline crashing through him, he whined and clung desperately to the headboard, savoring the feeling of that ravenous cock digging deep inside his core.
The bed rocked in rhythm, Gojo’s grunts and Yuuji’s yelps blending with the sound of the mattress creaking.
“Yuuji…” Satoru called out, a mischievous, toothy grin lighting up his beautiful features, a bead of sweat rolling down his cheek. “You really have no idea what you do to me, do you?”
“Ah, ah, sen- ANH!” Yuuji lost all his breath — one particularly powerful thrust robbed him of speech, his sensei’s words coming in rhythm with each punishing snap of his hips.
“When we were dancing on the Symphony, I thought I was gonna lose my mind. You wrapped your arms around me—”
THRUST
“…You devoured me with your eyes—”
THRUST
“Sensei !” Yuuji whimpered, head thrown back, his knuckles turning white from how tightly he gripped the headboard.
“Wearing that damn crop top, looking sexy as hell — and it didn’t cover shit!”
Satoru’s gaze darkened as he recalled those memories — joyful, yes, but laced with unbearable frustration. Yuuji had gone to such great lengths to seduce him, while unknowingly, he had already stolen the heart of The Strongest long before that.
There hadn’t been any dramatic trigger. Satoru simply fell madly in love with Yuuji Itadori. There was no other way to put it. No logic to it.
They were made for each other. They belonged to each other.
Satoru brushed loving kisses over Yuuji’s exposed neck, whispering :
“You made it very clear that you wanted me. And believe me, if I didn’t have the good sense to go to the bathroom and jerk off…”
THRUST, THRUST, THRUST
“MMMH !” Yuuji was biting down on his lip like a madman, eyes shut tight as Satoru claimed him with brutal intensity.
“... I would’ve pinned you to a table and fucked you in front of the whole damn restaurant.”
“Holy fuck, I’m not gonna survive this night! ” Yuuji thought, moaning loudly in response to his sensei’s indecent confessions.
Satoru crashed a commanding kiss onto Yuuji’s lips, forcing his mouth open again — letting his tongue slip inside, just like his shaft sank into the damp, welcoming depths. The Strongest went hunting and quickly found his prey. He caught the rosy tongue between his teeth, pulling it out from its hiding place before sucking on it, never once slowing the merciless pace of his thrusts. Yuuji whimpered against his lips, utterly overwhelmed by the sensual assault, his entire body trembling as his tongue was claimed and teased with such ruthless expertise.
A glistening string of saliva still linked their mouths when Gojo broke the kiss and sat back up, now kneeling on the bed. Yuuji shamelessly drank in the sight of his sculpted chest, his powerful arms, those taut abs… Satoru’s hands grabbed the backs of Yuuji’s knees to hold his legs apart, and the rhythm of his hips shifted — still deep and forceful, but now incredibly fast and precise.
The bed was rocking so hard that Yuuji was praying it wouldn’t break. Though knowing Gojo, even an apocalypse wouldn’t make him let go — he was far too determined to mark Yuuji with his seed. Yuuji had felt embarrassed admitting his kink earlier, but in the end, maybe honesty was the right move, especially when he saw the result.
His sensei was as fierce as he was stunning. His skin damp with exertion, his strong hips slamming furiously against Yuuji’s pelvis, his sparkling eyes locked on the ecstasy-twisted face of his young lover. He wasn’t as loud as Yuuji, but he wasn’t quiet either — far from it — alternating between groans, moans, and breathy whispers of “Yuuji”, “Babe”, “So good for me” ...
Oh fuck, the knot had finally formed!
Unable to take it anymore, Yuuji grabbed his neglected length which kept slapping against his lower belly in sync with their lovemaking. He wrapped his fingers around it and began to pump it with urgency, under Satoru’s blazing gaze — a sight that only made the older man’s thrusts grow even more intense with arousal.
“That’s right, make yourself feel good !” he rasped, his teeth clenched in desire. “I’m close, too.”
“Oh love, that’s good, so damn good !” Yuuji cried out, losing his mind, his voice ragged as his free hand clutched the headboard for dear life.
He was burning up, heart pounding in his temples, his insides growing increasingly sore from Satoru’s impressive size… But Yuuji wanted to feel everything — the pleasure and the pain. He was in absolute bliss! He’d never felt more alive, completely one with Satoru, the man he loved more than anything.
The first spasms of his impending climax were already hitting him, his walls stretched like never before, shaped by the sheer intensity of his ecstasy.
“You're tightening around me. You're gonna come on this big cock, huh?” Satoru huffed.
The teacher had completely lost control, desperately chasing his own release inside that warm, soft haven that belonged entirely to him.
“Yeah, gonna come, god, oh god !” Yuuji panted, his arm cramping from how fast he was stroking his aching length but he didn’t care — desperate to be freed from that tension, both delicious and torturous.
The creaking bed, Gojo’s sinfully sexy groans, the sound of skin slapping against skin, the possessive grip Satoru had on his legs, that wonderful manhood hitting deep inside, about to spill inside him…
That was all it took for Yuuji.
“Ooh I’m coming, Satoru-san, SATORU- SAN !”
Yuuji’s vision blurred white, the intensity of his release making his whole body snap taut like a bowstring. His high-pitched cries scorched his throat, but he couldn’t hold them back — he was a slave to his own ecstasy, the semen spilling from his flushed member in long, hot ribbons over his abs and hand. Yuuji moaned in relief, his breath ragged, eyes shut as he basked in the soothing wave of warmth washing over him.
Satoru had suddenly stopped moving—was it to give Yuuji a moment to recover from his mind-blowing orgasm? Yuuji didn’t have the strength to ask. His brain was completely fried.
“Satoru-san…” Yuuji moaned lasciviously, the hand he’d been using to stroke himself progressively coming to a halt.
Yuuji didn’t know if it was appropriate to call Gojo by his first name. He had never dared to before. What he did know was how much he loved saying it — the syllables rolled off his tongue so perfectly, like they were meant to be spoken by him.
If Gojo didn’t like it, he just had to say so and—
“OOH !” Yuuji yelped, snapped back to reality by a brutal thrust.
His eyes now wide open, Yuuji didn’t have time to say a single word. Satoru let go of the legs he had been holding apart and collapsed onto him completely, wrapping his young lover in a desperate embrace.
The hold was so tight it knocked the breath out of Yuuji, who responded by threading his fingers through Gojo’s silky hair, moved by the tenderness of the gestu—
“Aaanh! Sen-sensei ?!” Yuuji cried out, the shock and pleasure hitting all at once as Satoru began thrusting again — fast, erratic, chaotic — his heavy, ragged breathing hot against Yuuji’s neck and left ear.
“No!” Satoru snarled. “My name… Say it again!”
“Sa-Satoru-san- Mmhh god !”
Yuuji’s insides were raw, trembling from overstimulation and still, Satoru’s relentless assaults kept turning him on, flooding him with pleasure. Satoru kissed him all of a sudden, wildly, desperately, before pulling away…
And what Yuuji saw in his eyes moved him to tears.
“I love you… Love you so damn much!” Satoru confessed, his voice unusually shaky, fragile, his azure eyes shimmering with longing and reverence.
Gojo surrendered completely in Yuuji’s arms, kissing him again as they both moaned into each other’s mouths. Satoru continued to move inside Yuuji, his hips snapping with urgency — he was nearing the point of no return.
“Oh babe, I’m gonna fill you up !” Gojo warned, breathless, his eyes wild with desire as they locked onto Yuuji’s tear-filled golden ones.
“Yes! Do it !” Yuuji sobbed, wrapping his arms around Satoru’s neck and his legs around his hips, urging him to push even deeper inside.
“Don’t hold back…” Yuuji invited lasciviously, kissing Satoru all over — his forehead, his cheek, his jaw, his lips…
Yuuji didn’t have the strength to scream anymore — he was completely spent. Despite the chaotic force with which Satoru chased his own release, pistoning inside him, the only sounds slipping from his lips were whimpers and moans, mixed with broken cries of “ yes, so good ,” “ like that ,” “ my love ”…
Yuuji’s heart skipped a beat, listening in awe — the low growls he’d grown used to from Satoru were now turning into loud, high-pitched moans. Long, needy whines, even! The way his sensei held him was firm, possessive — Satoru wasn’t going to let him go until he came inside him.
And with one final thrust, Satoru reached heaven in the arms of his beloved.
“Yuuji, aaah, AH!”
Satoru’s cry, full of surrender and bliss, sounded like the sweetest melody to Yuuji’s ears, who moaned in response, gently caressing his back.
His hips stilled as Satoru released as deep as he could, a moan of pure satisfaction escaping his lips. He was riding his orgasm, sliding in and out at a leisurely pace. He was secretly making sure that every last drop of his juice stayed deep inside Yuuji.
“Mine… Mine !” Satoru growled under his breath, his ragged breathing fanning against Yuuji’s neck as he lazily suckled at the skin — his climax had left him momentarily weakened.
Yuuji giggled, overwhelmed with bliss. He lovingly ran his fingers across his lover’s muscled back.
After several minutes during which the only sounds were chaotic breaths, the former model gasped when he felt Satoru pull out, his hole now soaked in a mix of lube, spit, and semen.
Being creampied felt just as incredible as Yuuji had imagined. The feeling of being marked from the inside was absolutely divine — romantic, sexy, primal… Yuuji never wanted to hear about condoms ever again!
Satoru seemed to be coming down from his high, letting out a long sigh when he rolled onto his right side, finally freeing Yuuji from his weight. Propping his head up with one hand, he let out a nervous laugh, as if only now realizing the sheer intensity of what had just happened.
“I’ve never come this hard in my whole life. I feel dizzy !” Satoru chuckled, his breathing calmer now, a blissful smile on his lips, his hand affectionately stroking Yuuji’s stomach.
“Really?!” Yuuji was torn between laughing and genuine concern. There was no way he was letting their dream night end with his sensei fainting!
“Of course! Yuuji is too much, even for me. Any man would pass out if they had the honor of coming inside you…” The rest was murmured in a mock-innocent tone, a dark glint lurking beneath the playful teasing.“...Though that honor belongs to me and me alone.”
Yuuji didn’t catch a word of his sensei’s possessive mutter — he was too busy secretly beaming, proud to have made Satoru come that hard...
“Yuuji?”
“Yes?” he asked in a husky voice (courtesy of all the screaming), his golden eyes turning to meet Satoru’s, who was gazing at him with unfiltered tenderness.
“When we’re alone, call me Satoru.”
Yuuji felt his cheeks flush as he nodded eagerly.
“Okay! I might still call you ‘Gojo-sensei’ out of habit sometimes, though—don’t hold it against me if it slips out! Uhm…”
He glanced away, suddenly shy, replaying their lovemaking in his head. “I kinda said it instinctively earlier… I didn’t really think about it.”
“And it was beautiful, baby,” Satoru said softly. “I fell in love all over again.”
Yuuji’s eyes widened, his head snapping toward Satoru. The two of them stared at each other in breathless silence, until they were suddenly pulled together like magnets — two atoms fusing into one.
Their kiss was soft, perfectly suited to the moment, following the intense and exhausting dance of their bodies. With their legs tangled together, the two lovers held each other as tightly as possible, starved for contact.
Suddenly, Satoru pulled away from Yuuji, as if struck by a sudden and crucial realization.
“Oh crap!”
“What’s wrong?” Yuuji asked, concerned.
Just then, Satoru’s worried expression gave way to the most childish burst of laughter. He sat up on his butt, shaking with suppressed giggles.
“Megumi is going to hate me…” Satoru wheezed between fits of laughter.
“Fushiguro? Why would he—”
Then it hit Yuuji like a ton of bricks. His joy-fogged brain caught up with reality, and the rosy glow on his cheeks vanished in an instant.
“The entire dorm heard us. Me and my loud-ass mouth… I wanna die!” Yuuji whined, mortified, burying his face in the pillow, his stomach in knots from embarrassment.
“Oh come on, Yuuji!” Satoru sing-songed, grinning as he gently patted Yuuji’s butt — still red from the slaps it received earlier. “You were insanely hot! My very own porn star, no faking involved.”
“Perv!” Yuuji shot back, his voice muffled by the pillow.
“Actually, Megumi knew we weren’t just gonna sit and chat, and he ordered me to bring you to my place to do our business.”
“WHAT?!” Yuuji shot up in a flash, face blazing red, before quickly clapping a hand over his mouth — it was past 10 p.m., after all.
Satoru’s complete lack of shame and that stupid grin only made it worse.
“You couldn’t have told me sooner?! How am I supposed to look him in the eye now?! I’m gonna get the cold shoulder for days!“
Yuuji was spiraling, face buried in his hands, already dreading the next day in class.
“Not my fault!” Gojo pouted dramatically, nuzzling Yuuji’s shoulder with fake sulkiness. “I was going to teleport us to my flat right after your shower… but someone showed up in a skimpy outfit! What was I supposed to do?! My brain short-circuited the moment I saw that thong!”
Yuuji squealed, instantly remembering his bold move earlier that evening. With a resigned sigh, he wrapped his arms around his sensei, resting his head on Satoru’s chest — right where his heart was beating.
Pouting, Yuuji decided to be honest: “I do feel bad for Fushiguro and my other neighbors… but wearing that outfit was the best decision of my life!”
“Actually, becoming a model was the best decision of my life.”
A small pang gripped Yuuji’s chest at the thought: that chapter of his life had truly come to an end.
“Damn right, baby. No regrets here either!” Satoru beamed, tightening his embrace around Yuuji and planting a joyful kiss on his tousled hair.
After a few minutes of peaceful silence, it was broken by Satoru’s loud yawn — immediately followed, by pure coincidence, by Yuuji’s own. The two of them giggled at their perfect synchronization, laughing like a couple of teenagers before settling down again.
“We’d be way more comfortable in my king-sized bed, don’t you think?” Satoru proposed smugly.
Yuuji’s heart skipped a beat.
Was Satoru asking him to sleep over? Was he about to enter the apartment of Gojo goddamn Satoru?
“Please, if this is a dream, let me never wake up ! ”
“A-Absolutely!” Yuuji agreed with such enthusiasm that it made Satoru chuckle fondly.
Yuuji made a move to get up and grab a clean pair of pajamas, but Gojo had other plans. He tightened his hold, pulling Yuuji right back into his arms.
“Sensei?!” Yuuji squeaked, startled.
“No need for clothes, Yuuji. They’ll just get torn up again anyway,” Satoru purred, voice darkened by lust.
Before Yuuji could even formulate a reply, Gojo smooched him and flashed an impatient, gleaming smile. He grabbed his phone in a blink, and with a wave of his hand, cast his teleportation spell.
Notes:
I was seriously overheated writing this chapter… I hope I managed to pass on all that horniness to you properly lol. Writing my sweet babies’ first time was such a thrill. Even though translating it was a real challenge, it didn’t take away from the immense joy I felt while doing it! Gojo in full Daddy Mode kills me every time, I love him so much ToT
And Yuuji being all smug and naughty? A total treat to write now that their dynamic has evolved LOL. For those who were wondering why I added the tag "Slutty Yuuji Itadori"... well, now you finally have your answer XDAs I already mentioned, Chapter 13 is fully written in French, but the translation might take me a bit of time since there are more spicy scenes coming up. Your patience will be rewarded :)
A massive THANK YOU to all of you, longtime readers and newcomers alike, for your kindness and enthusiasm. It truly makes me happy to see that this story is still being loved after 10 months of publishing… and lucky you, I still have a few twists to explore before the grand finale!
In the next chapter: the past catches up with Yuuji... and it comes in the form of compromising photos.
Chapter 13: Quick note about the last update
Chapter Text
Hey sweethearts!
Just a quick message to let you know that I noticed fewer comments than usual on Chapter 11 and 12, and I was genuinely wondering if the recent AO3 bugs may have affected your ability to read or leave feedback. I know the site experienced a couple of downtimes the day after I posted, so maybe it messed things up for some of you.
If you had trouble accessing the chapter or commenting, I hope everything’s running smoothly now (and fingers crossed AO3 stays stable from here on out!).
And if you just don’t feel like commenting, that’s totally fine too, no pressure at all. I’m just really happy you’re here and enjoying the story at your own pace!
Big hugs and see you next time for chapter 13 ! (I’ll make sure to check the AO3_Status account on X : it would be a shame to post during a downtime again lol)
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