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It was Christmas Eve, and little Gojo sat cross-legged on his bed, his tiny hands clasped together in earnest prayer. The lights of the Christmas tree danced in his glasses as he stared up at the ceiling, his heart racing with anticipation. He had one wish this year, one request that echoed in his young heart like a secret wish on the wind.
“Dear Santa,” Gojo whispered to himself, practicing the words as if each syllable were precious. “I don’t want toys, or candy, or even a cool robot. I want... Yuuji.”
He paused, gazing at his reflection in the mirror, adjusting his perfectly styled hair with care. “He’s the best. He’s strong, he’s cute, and I’m totally in love with him. I’m the one who’s perfect for him. Santa will understand.”
With a nod of satisfaction, he scribbled a note on the back of his coloring book, his small hand trembling with determination.
“Dear Santa, please bring me Yuuji. He’s the boy in my kindergarten class with the pink hair. I’m better than everyone, so he’ll probably like me best. If not, I’ll just keep showing off until he does. Thanks, Santa! I’ll leave you cookies. Love, Gojo Satoru.”
He folded the note with care and tucked it under his pillow, grinning. “This is it. Yuuji is going to be mine.”
The next morning, Gojo leapt from his bed, his heart pounding with a rhythm all its own. He raced down the stairs, flinging open the living room door. And there, in the middle of the room, was a gift—huge, wrapped in gleaming paper. It could only be one thing—Santa had delivered!
He tore into it with the zeal of a child chasing a dream, eyes wide with wonder as the paper fell away.
A plush Yuuji doll.
Gojo blinked in disbelief. “Wait... this isn’t right.” His brow furrowed as he held the doll close, the soft fabric of the toy meeting his face. “Is this... is this a joke, Santa? You gave me a Yuuji doll, but not the real Yuuji?”
His parents, watching from the doorway, struggled to suppress their laughter. “Well, buddy, it’s the thought that counts.”
Gojo pouted, glaring at the doll with a mix of confusion and resolve. “This isn’t what I wanted. But... I guess he’s kind of cute. Maybe I’ll just pretend he’s real for now.”
With a determined stride, Gojo marched outside, the Yuuji doll cradled like a treasure. When he spotted Yuuji on the playground, Gojo ran, his excitement making him stumble over his own feet.
“Yuuji! I got the best gift! But it’s a secret, so don’t tell anyone,” Gojo said, holding up the doll with a flourish.
Yuuji tilted his head, his brow furrowing in confusion. “Uh, okay?”
“I asked Santa for you, but all I got was this doll!” Gojo exclaimed with a grin that could light up the world. “But don’t worry, I’ll still win your heart, just like the doll. Except... maybe with less stuffing.”
Yuuji blinked, then burst into laughter, the sound like music in the air. “Gojo, you’re funny.”
Gojo puffed out his chest, trying to look cool as he could, the doll still tucked under his arm. “I know, right? I’m totally the best. Santa knows what’s up.”
Yuuji held Gojo’s hand while shaking his head with a fond smile. “Okay, Gojo. Let’s just play on the swings, alright?”
Gojo’s heart swelled with joy as he grinned from ear to ear, clutching the Yuuji doll as if it were the world. For now, the doll would have to do, but Gojo was determined. Next Christmas, he’d get the real thing.
After all, Santa was probably just warming up.
Fin.