Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Fushiguro's room is bathing in dim light, music pours from the speakers, the loud song deliberately chosen to obscure their moans.

'It's already five P.M.,' Yuji thinks, gazing at the honey-colored sun rays slipping through the crack between the curtains. Golden hour in all its glory. He and Fushiguro finished classes about two hours ago and there are still so many fun ways they could spend this day. The sun should set in an hour or two, now that spring brings longer, warmer days.

In all honesty, fantasizing about other after-school activities excites Yuji more than having Fushiguro inside. The sex is not bad, which might not sound too convincing, coming from someone who has no comparison, except a few one-night stands with women. Intercourse is not the only time, during which he lets his mind wander, but it surely happens less while he truly enjoys and immerses himself in whatever he's doing.

Yuji doesn't mind being either on top or under someone, as long as he likes them enough. He has no interest in putting it in a guy, so it was a matter of minutes for him and Fushiguro to decide the details before their first time. About hookups with women, though, it always bothered him how meaningless it was. Turning Fushiguro into a stable sex partner became an obvious choice when he came to the realization that 'no strings attached' types of relationships really aren't his thing.

The black-haired moves slowly, quite erratically, his length brushing against Yuji's sensitive walls and stimulating them just right for a fleeting second or two, before the sensation gives way to the general boredom suited deep inside Itadori. Asking for more would've made him look like a spoiled, forever-dissatisfied brat who needs constant attention from his partner. That one time when he took the matter into his own hands and showed his friend exactly what he wanted, he ended up feeling too self-conscious.

He told Megumi how he likes it, how he'd like him to move, what to do during sex to make it better. Fushiguro listened to his instructions and it did indeed improve some things, but not for both of them. Yuji had a good time, while Megumi couldn't come. He said that it felt too staged and Yuji couldn't deny it after directing his every move.

Their needs don't align that well, but at the end of the day.. Megumi is his closest friend. Doing it with him strengthens their bond, even if they're not dating. Finding any other pros of this arrangement is not an easy task. It's the first time in almost three years that Yuji reconsiders it properly and asks himself if this is really what he wants. He strokes his barely responsive erection to the memory of one of his hookups, and finally gets a spark of interest out of the strained muscle.

They've been going at it for at least twenty minutes now, and the proof lays crumpled on the floor -a single, tied up condom belonging to Fushiguro. Yuji is yet to squeeze a drop out of his dick.

"Mm," Megumi moans, trapped between the pinkette's thick thighs. The wetness created by the lube pulls him back in each time, before he fully pulls out.

The repeated motion nearly lulls Yuji to sleep. Sometimes, Fushiguro goes really fast, then slows down out of nowhere, just when the roughness begins to evoke pleasure. It's only fair that he chases his orgasm, while Yuji satisfies himself with stroking his dick. He gets twice the stimulation, so is it really a necessity for him to feel it from the back? It doesn't have to be amazing -that's what they agreed on. They're simply releasing tension together.

It's rarely this bad and Yuji can't understand why he fails to get in the mood. He's loosened up perfectly well, Megumi chose thin condoms that make it feel no different than doing it raw and the kisses peppered all over his neck burn his skin as nicely as usual. Fushiguro knows how he loves it when someone focuses on him this much, caresses his skin and acts almost like a boyfriend. Everything's perfect, but nothing feels right.

Yuji clungs to Megumi tighter, having found the right words to articulate his need. It's way more basic than he assumed. "Faster. Harder, Fushiguro."

"I can't go any faster than this," he responds, breathless.

Itadori's brows furrow, a quiet groan slipping past his lips. His erection twitches when he thinks about getting pushed down, face flat to the pillow, Megumi's hand in a firm, possessive hold on the back of his neck. He needs his insides re-arranged, his mind blank, eyes rolling to the back of his skull. Megumi would never fuck him like he hates him. He'd never take it too far on an impulse, let a primal urge get the better of him and stretch him out too hard. He wouldn't leave him gaping, torn between pleasure and pain.

They're so used to each other, Yuji can't name a single thing that surprises him in Megumi anymore. The predictability is as comforting as any familiar thing, not a reason to complain.

Hot breath ghosts over his ear. "I'm close."

He should pick up his pace too and hurry up before Fushiguro stills and pulls it out to roll another condom off his flaccid dick. Yuji loves his green eyes, the dark lashes framing them, as well as the look his friend gives him in moments like this, when they're about to finish together. Megumi is a good kisser. It's what convinced Yuji to try going further.

And as much as he likes doing it with Fushiguro, he can't shake the thought that this position is getting old, that he's dying to try something new but can't because Megumi is not open to 'experiments.' He calls most positions 'too porny' and reminds Yuji that he can do it with other guys if he's dissatisfied with the plain sex they're having.

He'd take Fushiguro up on that offer if he had any volunteers. He doesn't know any openly gay guys and he's not about to shoot in the dark, as someone who's not ready for public ridicule. On the bright side, a few months till uni means that the stakes aren't too high. He probably won't see those people ever again.

Yuji closes his eyes and tries to get himself off by recollecting how it felt inside a woman. He lost his virginity to a college girl in his first year of high school. It was one of Choso's old friends and they first met when he was around fourteen. It was like an awakening for him, though he always more or less knew his type in women. Choso is four years older than him, currently in his last year of uni. Years ago, Kaori came up with one condition -if Choso felt like going out, he had to take Yuji with him. His little brother had to be included in most of his activities.

Choso's friends found him cute and so, after the hangout, Yuji came home with lipstick marks all over his face, as well as the phone number given to him by one of the girls. He knew where to go if he needed someone to introduce him to adulthood.

He finishes to the thought of his first time and all the conflicting emotions he felt while the girl held him close, muttering about how cute he was. Yuji listens to his friend's grunts, feels a bit of warmth when his cum pours into the condom, and then...

Nothing.

Well, not exactly. The entire issue is that those emotions are still buzzing inside of him, but Megumi is done. He comes fast and stays in this position, while Yuji can't ignore this itch begging to get scratched. Just a bit more, a bit deeper.

It's like spending three hours in the kitchen and finding out the food you made tastes just okay and you probably should've gotten takeout to save a bit of money and more than a bit of disappointment. In other words, underwhelming.

Yuji cups his friend's face and slots their lips together. Megumi tastes like the energy drink he chugged down the moment they reached his room.

"Good?" he murmurs, knowing that Megumi doesn't have the habit of sharing his thoughts after sex.

"Yeah."

Itadori smiles lightly. "Okay." His ankles, previously crossed against Fushiguro's back, now drop to the mattress. The black-haired pulls out slowly, careful not to roll the condom off in the process. He bought a size too big by accident and it'd be a waste to throw them away.

"You?" he asks Yuji back, a moment later, like he just remembered that he should.

"It could be better." He holds Megumi's gaze in silence. Why did he say that? Honesty isn't always the way. "..Just kidding," Yuji laughs uncomfortably. His friend raises his brows.

"Sure."

Megumi rolls over and sighs when his back hits the mattress. He massages his biceps. It's tiring to stay in the plank position for so long, but to Yuji's defense, he offered to ride him. That option is out of the question. He's too heavy, if to believe Fushiguro. Yuji suspects that he doesn't like it when someone else takes the lead and uses his weight as an excuse.

Fushiguro isn't stick skinny anymore, barely resembles the weak kid he was in his first year of high school. He got taller, gained muscle and some sharpness to his features. He's starting to look like an adult, in fact.. He looks more and more like his father as the years go by.

But, just like his father, he's not very emotional or affectionate. Yuji waits for him to stretch and reach to play with his hair, pull him into a hug if he's lucky. He'd be satisfied if they did as much as lie facing each other -really, anything that'd make this moment more romantic. He expects no love confessions or meaningful glances, but it's still a letdown when Fushiguro takes his phone and connects to the internet to check if anyone texted him in the meantime.

Yuji takes it as a cue to do the same. He covers his naked body with the bedding and opens one of the apps on the startup screen. A few notification sounds come from Megumi's phone, followed by Yuji's. They got the same message from Kugisaki -a link to the information about a new, limited-edition drink available only in certain locations. She says she needs to get it and they're coming with her.

"Do you feel like going to the mall?"

"I don't mind, if Kugisaki wants to," Yuji shrugs. He can't help trying to look all cool in front of Megumi, hiding the fact that he too, is excited about something as silly as a new drink.

"I need a nap first. You can take a shower or grab a bite."

It's their routine anyway, but Megumi tells him the same thing every time. Toji and Tsumiki are already used to him making himself at home and rummaging through their drawers after the hangouts. He dresses up quickly, while Megumi covers himself head-to-toe with the duvet.

They both need a refreshment in the form of hot water and soap, but not on an empty stomach. Yuji unlocks the door to Megumi's room and goes straight to the kitchen. His sweats hang loosely on his hips, the oversized t-shirt covers all the marks Megumi made on his chest. Itadori makes a mental note to open the window when he gets back. It's stuffy and the smell speaks for itself -there's not a single adult who wouldn't recognize it. If Toji and Tsumiki haven't figured things out yet, they would upon entering Megumi's bedroom.

The music follows him to the kitchen, quieter, more so in the background. Yuji fixes himself a sandwich, having to choose between Tsumiki's tasteless items like plain yoghurt, Toji's beer and the energy drinks Megumi lives off. He takes a bite of the sandwich and grabs an apple to complete the meal. Turning on his heel to exit the scene, he finds himself face-to-face with Toji. The man catches him red-handed.

"Who do we have here again?" Toji puts weight on the last word, not entirely seriously. "You got no food at home, kid?"

Yuji covers his mouth, chewing quickly to swallow and answer him. "Uhm."

"Never mind." Toji waves his hand and picks a random glass to pour himself some soda. His arms and face are dirty with car grease.

"You finished already?"

"No, and if it goes on like this, I'll be stuck there till midnight."

"Aw, sucks," Yuji takes another bite. His eyes skim over Toji's muscular back, thick neck and biceps. He looks like one of those guys who model for sexy calendar photoshoots, wearing firefighter or lumberjack costumes. Older ladies like those.

'Masculinity in its most basic form,' Yuji thinks to himself. Toji works as a mechanic, has his own car repair shop -a smaller building attached to the house. He's a catch, but his personality leaves much to be desired. Still, Yuji would like to try him out for a night. Him and Megumi at once, if possible. Who's better at it -the father or the son?

"This guy left me a car that's supposed to be collecting dust at the scrap yard. It's a collectable car, ya know, real vintage beauty. Things like this need a lot of care and this asshole looks me dead in the eyes, saying it's his baby when the negligence could be visible to any amateur."

The lettuce crunches between Yuji's teeth. "You still took it."

"He pays well," Toji responds with the most subconscious eyeroll ever. "I'll charge him dearly. He'll wish he bought a new car instead."

"A bad day, huh?"

"I don't appreciate when idiots like him come around and expect me to make something out of nothing. I'm not a magician."

"Got it. By the way, we're going out," Yuji says. He didn't come here to listen to Toji's issues.

"You look worn out. Where are you going this time? I thought you just came back."

"No, we were sitting in his room."

Toji looks him up and down. "Uh-huh."

"Also, exercised together," Itadori adds, to explain his state.

"You sure like to do that."

"You gotta take care of your condition and stuff."

"Megumi built some muscle, I've noticed," Toji says. "Is it your influence?"

"Maybe."

"Good, good," the man nods in thoughtfulness. "I should book a session with you too. I rarely see him enjoying anything this much, especially physical activities. I'm curious what's so special about you."

"We could go on a run together one day, if you have the time."

"I was thinking about indoor exercises. Show me what you do with him."

Yuji would never be the one to address the undertone of the conversation. Toji is flirting with him and it's pretty harmless, so he indulges the man by throwing him a compliment. "Between the two of us, you look like you have more experience. In the gym, I mean." Toji notices the amusement in his eyes. "You could teach me some useful things too."

"Exchanging tips sounds fair. Pick the time and place."

How seriously is he taking it? Knowing Toji's tendency to switch partners, in addition to his lack of morals, he wouldn't think twice about doing it with his son's classmate.

"I'm a visual learner," Toji clarifies.

"I don't think that's needed. I was thinking about sharing the supplements I take or something." He plays dumb.

"What a shame. I was looking for a gym buddy."

A shame, indeed. Yuji can technically sleep with whoever he wants, but it's an unwritten rule not to pick each other's family members. He wouldn't do this to Fushiguro.

"I wouldn't usually pick a guy. They disgust me." Toji raises his eyes to the ceiling and takes a sip of the soda. "I like you, though. I don't even mind how you smell after a workout. A teenage boy's sweat is somewhat sweet, not like a man's."

One would call him creepy or predatory. Does it really matter if he's big? Yuji knows exactly why Toji likes him and it's not due to his personality. He'd like to try it out with someone bigger than Megumi and it pains him that he has to keep the best candidate at a distance.

"Let's go back to this topic another time. Fushiguro and I made plans with Kugisaki."

"You make it sound important. Let me know if you decide to share that little secret between you two."

"I will," Yuji says, halfway through the doorway.

It's hard to define what's between him and Megumi. He wouldn't call it an open relationship when they've never gone on a date or done anything romantic together. They love each other as friends, so they're more than fuck buddies.

Fuck buddies with rules? They promised to tell each other when they're interested in someone else, kissed another person or spend the night with anyone. Nothing in this world would make Megumi say yes to a threesome, but a boy could dream. He'd rather die than give Yuji the green light to sleep with Toji. It's not even a proper relationship, yet still limits his freedom. Any logical person would've put an end to it a long time ago.

An hour later, the three of them stroll the mall aimlessly with the new drinks in their hands. The shake is cream & cookie-based, too heavy for Megumi's taste. He leaves the rest of it to Yuji.

"Kinda overpriced," Kugisaki says after finishing hers. There's a bit left on the bottom of the plastic cup, but she makes no attempt to reach it with the straw and throws it away into the nearest trash can.

"It is," Yuji agrees.

"Wanna spend even more money?"

Yuji and Nobara share a look. Either she's good at persuasion or he's weak-willed. "You know I do.."

"If only you had some," Megumi destroys their plans with just a few words. The other time, they ordered an unholy amount of fast food that they ended up not finishing, but it's all because it was a sleepover and Nobara's grandma forgot to buy any treats on her grocery trip. What were they supposed to do? Starve?

Okay, maybe that's a little dramatic.

"I have... Let's see," Yuji empties his pockets. "5400 yen. That's not bad."

"But not shopping-spree worthy."

"We could go roller-skating. The weather is nice," Yuji says.

"How about searching for a job?" Megumi ruins the mood again. Whenever he sees his friends with their heads in the clouds, he takes it upon himself to pull them back to Earth. "Just wait till you realize that you can't afford everything you planned for the summer."

"Who needs a job? We'll save some pocket money," Nobara solves the issue.

"I'd like to see you do that."

Yuji has to admit that he has a point. They're spending money every day, at an impressive rate. The allowance disappears into thin air before they get to properly enjoy their financial freedom. This period, months before graduation, is especially stressful because of the exam hell. They need some fun if they're supposed to give their all and study every day. A part-time job sounds unrealistic if to take those circumstances into consideration.

"I have to help mom clean on the weekends," Itadori thinks out loud.

"You can work for my father. An hour or two a week and you have some cash for the holidays."

"And me?" Nobara demands to know. "No easy jobs for your less-important friend?"

"You can come too, but I doubt you'd like it. Plus, two apprentices are a bit much for a small repair shop."

"I know a thing or two about cars, but fixing them is beyond my abilities."

Megumi gives him that look that's always ready for when Yuji undersells himself. He knows how to look at him to make him feel stupid for his insecurities. "You learn so fast when you care about something. I wouldn't be shocked if you surpassed my father after a bit of guidance."

Yuji snorts. "Yeah, right." He quickly remembers one, very important detail. "No offense, but how can I be sure that he'd pay me if I'm not signing any contract?"

"Good question. I'll steal his money if he scams you. I know where he keeps it."

"Fushiguro," Itadori whispers, starry-eyed.

Nobara has no patience for them. "I hate when you flirt in front of me. I can't tell if I'm sick because of how sweet that drink was or if it's just you again."

"Wanna check out perfumes? Would that cheer you up?" Yuji uses his thumb to point at the store.

"No, I want good grades, post-graduation celebrations and summer love, so that I'd stop feeling like a third wheel."

"Hm, got it."

Yuji wants the same thing, including summer love. He never actually dated anyone and imagines that most people at uni have a significant one. He'd stick out like a sore thumb. Internally, he's tanning at a beach, long after exams, or exploring the uni campus. It takes him conscious effort to continuously remind himself to focus in classes and complete his homework diligently. First, hard work, then rewards.

He celebrated his eighteen birthday less than a month ago, but becoming a legal adult already went to his head.

Something catches Yuji's eye when they walk past a bookstore. The place currently promotes a few magazines and books in particular, one of which belongs to his uncle, Sukuna. They put his latest thriller on display and it's so strange to see his name above the title, though just a month ago he published one of his many articles in the newspaper. He can never get used to it.

Frankly, Sukuna has a disturbing fascination surrounding internal organs, blood and anything related to the human body. He used to work as a butcher, but his new career path seems to be more fulfilling. Much to Kaori's disapproval, he rearranged one of the 'storage rooms' and turned it into a home office where he spends the majority of his time, engrossed in his new hobby. Yuji doesn't have the courage to read any of his stories. He'd rather not know what horrors Sukuna fantasizes about.

His father, Jin, couldn't be any more different. They're unidentical twins and one of the only similarities between them, besides a few features like pink hair, is that Sukuna writes books and Jin works at a library. Why is Jin, who's married, still living with his forty-year-old, single brother? Not that Yuji hates him, or anything. A few years ago, one of the rooms downstairs had been occupied by Wasuke and the other one, next to Yuji's belonged to Choso.

Now, his brother visits on the weekends, with some exceptions, and Wasuke moved to his old house in the countryside because he couldn't take the noise of a big family. His two, favorite people left the house, while his potentially psychotic uncle stayed. The worst part is his gender-ambiguous assistant Uraume, who looks down on anyone who's not Sukuna.

"I bet you wouldn't get a tattoo behind your mom's back.." Nobara teases.

Yuji does not catch the bait. "You're right, I wouldn't."

"Ehh."

"You can get one yourself, Kugisaki," Megumi says. "Your grandma would love that."

"Sadly, I lack ideas. You guys could get each other's names tattooed as a testament of love."

Yuji glances at her from the corner of his eye. "I sense jealousy."

"In all seriousness, I'd get one if you did. I don't want to do it on my own."

Yuji looks over at Megumi out of habit. He doesn't respond with an immediate no, which motivates Yuji to consider it as well. If both of them wanted to do it, wouldn't it make him a bad friend to say no? Everyone or no one.

"It's expensive to remove a tattoo," Yuji says after a while. "And again, money."

"We'd get some tiny ones. They have a ton of those to choose from. I want to know if it hurts as much as people say."

"You can take a piercing off, but a tattoo?"

"Okay, so piercings it is," Nobara nods.

"No, I-" Megumi stutters. "I'm just comparing them. We shouldn't get either."

He's called the parent of the friend group for a reason. There has to be someone mature and responsible, so that the others can ignore their good advice and then complain about the consequences of their actions.

"Your sister's goody two-shoes attitude is rubbing off on you. Anyone could tell that you were raised by your older sister."

Fushiguro thinks about that for a bit longer than necessary. "Wait, are you calling me boring?"

"And slow," she says. Yuji is her usual victim, but she's having a lot of fun humbling Megumi for a change.

"I'll get a piercing under one condition."

Nobara turns to him at the speed of light. "I'm all ears."

"No visible places."

"Your parents wouldn't care, though."

"I want to avoid that conversation."

"That leaves you with belly button and nipples," Kugisaki informs, less excited. "Oh, and tongue."

"I can get one here," Megumi proposes, pointing at his brow.

"Belly button sounds the most tempting to me," Nobara follows.

"I'd choose.." Yuji hesitates. "Tongue?"

"Nipples would've hurt more, coowaard," Kugisaki booes his pick. In contrast, Megumi approves of it highly.

"That'd be too much. It wouldn't suit you. A tongue piercing is cooler."

"Nipples are the most expensive. I don't have the money."

"5400 yen? Do I remember right? I'll lend you the rest," Nobara proposes easily. It's so unlike her.

"I don't know when I'd get pocket money again, and.. I don't know. It's a bother if I can't take my t-shirt off in front of others."

"Scratch that, I won't lend it to you. I'll sponsor that piercing, sort of," the last part, Nobara whispers. She's paying only half, so it doesn't exactly count.

"Whoa, what's with you? I'm scared."

"Let me spoil you, sugar," she winks, and feels disgusted with herself immediately after. "Anyway, are you in, or not?"

"Uhh.."

Megumi shakes his head with a deep frown. Guess it's a turn-off for him, but Yuji would be stupid to turn down anything that's half-free. His gaze drifts away from Megumi's disapproving expression as he sets his mind.

"Have it your way, Kugisaki."

The place was empty and they got in without having to book an appointment. Altogether -the introduction, marking the piercing spot and payment took less than half an hour. The guy looked at them with suspicion, but didn't check their IDs to confirm their age.

Yuji glances at his friends and they're likely thinking about the same thing -they wouldn't have done this if it wasn't impulsive -now, without a wait, overthinking and all of that. If they were made to book an appointment, the excitement would've worn off and they would've looked for another source of quick dopamine. Yuji doesn't regret his piercings, but they hurt like hell. His nipples are too sensitive for that.

"From zero to ten, how bad was it?"

"One," Nobara lies out of pride. They saw her clenching that chair for dear life.

"For me," Megumi massages his neck. "I'd say five. Itadori?"

"Twelve."

Their eyes shoot towards him. "Twelve?!"

"It was twice the pain for two piercings, but tongue doesn't sound that much better anymore."

He thought he'd pass out when the needle punctured through the pink, tender flesh. He can normally take more pain if he braces himself for it. His choice was surprising to the piercer and it looked like it made him judge Yuji's orientation, but besides that, no complaints regarding his professionalism. He told them how to care for the skin and when they're allowed to switch to a different style of piercing. For now, they can't remove those and must call him if anything happens -an infection or poor healing process.

Six to twelve months is a long time. At least it gives him the opportunity to go back on his decision and let the skin close up.

Nobara peeks under her top. "It's swelling up. I need ice."

"I'd buy frozen dumplings for you if I weren't broke," Yuji says. Megumi doesn't offer anything alike.

"It's the thought that counts."

Yuji itches to touch his pointy nipples. There's something so satisfying about feeling the metal against the cotton material. The skin stings so good.

"It goes well with your futures," he tells Megumi, who's mildly surprised to receive the compliment. Interestingly, his expression morphs into embarrassment.

"Thanks. I wanted to get a brow piercing one day, but I wouldn't have gone through with it, knowing myself. Do I look any more unfriendly?"

"Honestly, yeah," Yuji shrugs. "Five percent more, but that never scared the girls off. They like the brooding type."

"I didn't mean it when I said it wouldn't suit you. It doesn't look bad."

Yuji laughs at his apology and pats him on the back. "Don't sweat it, Fushiguro."

Nobara nudges him. "It's your turn. Dinner at your place tonight."

"I totally forgot. What do you want to eat? I can make fish fingers."

"I'm not too picky."

Yuji risks his life by disagreeing. "That's objectively not true."

"I'm just saying, if that's really your best.."

"Stop challenging me."

"It's fine if you don't know how to make a five-star restaurant steak. I don't mind a humble meal, as long as you put a lot of love in it."

"Fine, I'll cook something better, but you guys are helping me with the dishes."

His friends promise solemnly to do their part. Kaori, Jin and Sukuna wouldn't be themselves if they didn't ask for a portion too. Yuji expects a lot of work ahead of him. They're lucky that he loves cooking and baking.

Kaori mentioned something about leaving work at seven if the presentation of the property goes well. Yuji texts her to ask if she has the time to pick them up. She works pretty irregular hours as a real estate agent. The house she's trying to sell is located not far from the mall and she should be taking this route home, so it's kinda pointless to head to the train station.

"Mommy's boy," Nobara peeks over his shoulder.

"Shh."

She responds fast, no matter how busy she is, whether it's day or night. It's her personal rule not to leave people hanging, unlike Sukuna who never picks up his phone and is basically unreachable. In the text, Kaori reminds him of the monthly train pass she pays for, for the sole purpose of peace. If she wanted her kid to ask her for rides, she wouldn't be wasting money on tickets he doesn't use.

"She said she'll take us."

"Oh, she's the best," Nobara says with relief. "I'm falling for her harder with each day."

Yuji places his hand on his heart with a deep breath. "It's as traumatic as the first time you hinted at liking her. You couldn't have found a worse crush."

"I promise to give up on her when I find someone equally as cool."

Kugisaki's attraction to Kaori makes him more sympathetic towards Megumi. He doesn't have to imagine how Fushiguro would feel if he spoke this way about Toji. He'd probably faint if Yuji said 'I like your dad 'cause he reminds me of you. I'd let him bend me over if I had the chance.'

They exit the mall through the main entrance and wait for Kaori there. The spring breeze envelops them in the smell of freshly cut grass mixed with the unwanted addition of gasoline. They should've dressed more appropriately for the weather, they realize after another cold blow of wind. The sun had set behind the buildings, painting the sky in gray tones.

Kaori arrives five minutes later, like a knight in shining armor, or rather a shining, polished Mercedes. She rolls her window down, releasing the radio announcements playing from the speakers.

"There you are, my penguins."

He can always count on his mom to make fun of him. Is it so funny that they're huddling together for warmth? Kaori looks to be in a good mood, meaning that the visit resulted in a purchase. This is not the end of her work. She has to respond to the emails left by the seller, prepare a closing statement and update property listings.

Nobara's eyes sweep over her silhouette. She takes a better look at the fashionable blazer and lilac blouse underneath, gazes down to see straight-leg pants. Nothing about her appearance is accidental, from her shiny, laminated black hair cut more evenly than if pressed against a ruler, to the carefully picked Christian Louboutin heels with red bottoms. She looks like a strict person, but she's really not.

"Hot," Nobara whispers into Yuji's ear.

"And taken," he whispers back.

Chapter Text

Once again, Yuji tries multiple combinations to guess Gojo's username and find his socials, if he has any. His friends left shortly after eating and helping him clean. Yuji is freshly showered, basically ready for bed after an hour of studying. His passion for knowledge came too late and he probably failed the latest math exam, but better late than never. He can proudly say that he's prepared for the next classes and the potential re-take. Potential and not certain because Gojo doesn't always allow it.

He's a good teacher, a person dedicated to their profession. Even Choso praised him after a year together, though it'd be more accurate to say it was criticism interspersed with words of appreciation. One of his main complaints was that Gojo talked too much about topics unrelated to the lesson and many thought he was too young for this position. Yaga hired him shortly after he finished studying, the same as Geto-san. They were his students before he became the principal.

The man employed a few other of his old pupils as well. The new nurse, Shoko, is one of them. Choso laughed when Yuji told him about the recent hire, and honestly, who can blame him? It doesn't make Yaga look too good that his staff are mostly people he knows on a personal level. Gojo left after a year and Choso didn't have much to say about his replacement.

Why did he leave? Was it the pressure, a conflict between him and Yaga or the desire to move into another city? Yuji had known him for three years now, but they never had the chance for a conversation deeper than a little catch-up on a break or after classes. He figured a few things out on his own, like the fact that Gojo, Geto and Shoko are high school friends, while other information he learnt through gossip. Everything except his address.

He's not a stalker, contrary to what his google search history says about him. Gojo has almost no social media presence, no accounts except facebook with no profile picture, created when he was a teenager. Safe to assume, it hasn't been used since. Gojo was born in Tokyo, his date of birth is December 7, 1989, and he has a few people added to friends. That's all. Where are the pictures? Do people just forget to take them when they reach thirty? But there's nothing about his teenage years and twenties either. Not a single post.

Yuji does eventually find a picture or two, after a long, detective-worthy search. He recognizes Gojo on the site promoting a charitable foundation that his family seems to own. Itadori can't remember which out of the countless links brought him to this site, but it's a small victory. He's a thirty-year-old teacher, not a cryptid. How come it's this hard to find proof of his existence on the internet? He'd expect this from an older guy, someone who doesn't know how to use modern technology, or... Nanamin.

He blinks again. The image doesn't get any less blurry. There, behind some other people in formal attire, stands his teacher, barely visible. Just like in a school picture, the taller ones have to be pushed to the back. Another image shows him shaking someone's hand. Does he know how quickly he'd get popular if he decided to become a public person? His looks, personality and lavish lifestyle are a recipe for virality.

Speaking of money, his house looks pretty regular from the outside. It's big and modern, but most people with generational wealth choose mansions over boring places like this. Back then, the Porsche on his driveway made Yuji stop in his tracks. He didn't know who it belonged to yet and guessed a lawyer or a doctor. Things became clear when he saw Gojo shutting the front door and unlocking the car with a key fob.

Yuji found out his address coincidentally, a year ago, while on his way home from the train station where he left Choso. They separated there -his brother left for the dorms again and he came out at the wrong stop. He wouldn't normally have a reason to explore this part of the city. It's just fields, houses, tiny stores here and there and a few trails leading to the woods Wasuke likes to visit for mushroom-picking. Nothing interesting.

Maybe he doesn't crave attention, isn't one to show off.
...No, that doesn't even sound right. Gojo loves to be the star of the show. He cracks jokes every other minute, fools around with Geto on breaks to make others laugh, highlights how expensive his things are when someone compliments them. His watch, for example. He'd make a great celebrity and with his family's connections, is that really an unachievable goal?

Yuji has to ask himself if that's why he likes Gojo so much -because he reminds him of someone cool and untouchable like his favorite actors. He knew Gojo was his type before he even figured out that he liked men. Love at first sight is an overused and unrealistic thing, yet the closest to what he felt when he and Gojo first met. He has a perfect face, the body of Henry Cavill, boldness Yuji so adores in western celebrities.

He's not a traditional, workaholic man like Nanami or Ijichi. The atmosphere of youth and freedom pulled Yuji in, other than his uncommon, blatantly attractive looks. It was a surprise to Yuji that some of his classmates, including his friends, disliked his personality. He's confident, friendly, with a sense of humor and natural understanding of others that helps him choose the right approach to the needs of particular students, but there's another side to his character. He can be moody, impertinent like a teenager, at times lazy.

And of course, he's not the typical heartthrob straight out of a romance movie. Let's just say, he wouldn't have gotten away with many of his jokes and flirtatious comments if he weren't an absolute eye candy. People would forgive a man anything as long as he's tall and handsome. Or maybe Yaga would forgive his hire anything, as long as it's someone he knows personally, and wouldn't fire them over a few inappropriate situations.

Gojo is known to be a bit of a perv. It doesn't bother Yuji one bit. He always loved unabashed people, unapologetic individuals full of character and charisma. Growing up in a culture that chastises those who stick out too much and rewards ones compliant and willing to blend into the background made him rebel against those norms intuitively and develop a bit of a dislike towards them. As a result, he's being drawn towards people like Gojo.

Like any teenage boy, Yuji tried building an interest in idols. Finding a group he likes would've added another topic to the conversations with his classmates. They talk about girls all the time, but the idols' elaborately created image does not give him a sense of authenticity that he needs to invest himself emotionally. Even Takada, who's supposed to be his type due to her height and bubbly personality, fails to keep his attention.

Choso didn't love the change Yuji went through when he found himself, figured out his likes and dislikes, and started plastering his walls in Megan Thee Stallion posters, aka the 'half-naked, oversexualized woman,' according to his brother. His anxiety only grew the moment he saw the kind of people Yuji hung out with. Kugisaki and Fushiguro have strong personalities and that's exactly why Yuji likes them. Choso, on the other hand, was close to a heart attack when he heard them cursing and playing loud music unfit for young people.

What would he say if he knew that his little brother was very much interested in men over ten years older than him? As a matter of fact, he's into the man first introduced to him when he was twelve.

Well, 'introduced' is a big word to describe Choso praising Gojo in front of his family. Still, knowing him, he'd be super dramatic about somehow contributing to this crush.

Yuji heads downstairs to grab a can of Coke from the fridge. He's disappointed to see the words 'diet' and 'cherry flavor'. Kaori grabbed the first thing she saw, as she often does. Whenever she asks him if he wants anything from the store, there's a one percent chance he'll actually get what he requested. Yuji cracks it open, feeling grateful that he's not picky with food or drinks. His mother went through some spiritual awakening when she turned forty and began buying organic food to make ultra-healthy meals that only she consumes.

Regularly, that is, because Yuji takes pity on her from time to time and helps her finish a tray of casserole or some other strange experiment. Sukuna sacrifices himself too, but Jin and Wasuke decline politely. They're not too talented when it comes to hiding their disgust.

"Isn't it long past your bedtime?"

Yuji looks over his shoulder. He was convinced Sukuna was dozing off in his comfortable office chair, jerking off to his old Playboy magazines, or entertaining himself with some other productive activity he liked to do in his free time.

"Funny." He takes a few more sips of the soda and lets out a burp.

"Hey, don't get offended. I come in peace."

"Sure you do."

"I actually wanted to compliment you on tonight's dinner. You have the potential to become a chef in the future."

His eyes narrow. That was weirdly nice for someone like Sukuna. "Thanks.."

"I'll hire you when I become a millionaire."

"Keep the dream alive," Yuji shows his support. Sukuna sold some thrillers and horrors, but he's far from rich. "I'm not planning a food-related career, though."

Sukuna cocks his head in confusion. "You're not good at anything else."

"I'll figure something out."

"Amazing mindset if your goal is to fail in life."

"Start lecturing me when you get rich."

"You're the reason why we don't get along. If you were just a bit more like Jin.."

"Oh, not that again!"

His father has no enemies. He's the kindest, most agreeable person Yuji knows, and the one who convinced Kaori to let Sukuna move in. They ended up becoming best friends, which can't be said about him and Yuji. Wasuke tolerates Sukuna, but Jin had always been his favorite child. Sukuna's temper is too similar to his own, he's just as grumpy and even speaks similarly, often calling Yuji a brat -the same thing he heard over and over in his childhood, while getting scolded.

"Between the two of us, who's creating a hostile atmosphere out of nothing? You."

No matter what Yuji says, Sukuna is always going to think that he's right. It's like a default setting of his brain. Truthfully, Yuji could try harder, think about his uncle more positively, instead of assuming his compliments to be backhanded, good intentions inherently suspicious. He could, if he cared to work on their relationship.

"We don't have to get along, do we?"

"I guess not. Only, it pains me to hear the consistent, fake accusations."

"What fake accusations?"

Sukuna tilts his head back. His neck must hurt from sitting by the desk the whole day. "You paint me as the villain when we fight, then Kaori comes to me with all those complaints. It takes two to tango."

Yuji pouts and his uncle senses the taunting tone from miles away. "Does it make you sad when she's upset with you?"

He didn't mean to say that. Seriously, there's something about Sukuna that turns Yuji into a bully, and vice versa. They physically cannot bring themselves to be nice to each other. He appreciates it when Sukuna acts like an actual adult, all mature and well-mannered like Jin or Kaori, but it doesn't suit him. He's not quite himself without his snarkiness and huge ego. Yuji doesn't enjoy their fights, yet he cringes internally, imagining their interactions without the usual biting remarks.

"I'm done talking." Sukuna takes the can out of his hands, gulps the soda down to the last drop and crushes the can in his massive hand. It lands smoothly in the trash.

Yuji stands there like a Lego character, his hand stuck in the same position. He drops his forearm after a moment and sighs, pretending like he didn't want that Coke anyway.

Ever since Choso left to live in the dorms, Yuji had been occasionally sleeping in his room. It's too empty and silent without him, the bedding doesn't smell like him anymore.

If he had to name who cares about him the most, he'd say it's Choso. He feels well-loved by his family and friends, but there's no one in the universe who adores him as much as his brother. Choso doesn't even know how much it matters to him, how much he misses him when he's not there and how big of an impact his support had on Yuji. He's not one of those distant older siblings, too good to hang out with kids. Yuji never had to beg for his attention.

He chooses his own room tonight. It's a little embarrassing when Kaori finds him in Choso's bed in the morning. The teddy bear on Yuji's bed is a gift from no one other than Gojo -a souvenir from a school trip that the man sponsored for their class as a reward. He promised to take them if every single person got at least 90% on the exam, and he kept his promise. They visited hot springs, stayed overnight and then stopped by an amusement park. Gojo saw him using the claw machine, admittedly skillessly.

Not many things make him blush anymore, not after losing his virginity to Megumi and becoming more confident in his sexuality. He gained so much experience within those three years, yet he still smiles from ear to ear when he remembers that trip -how impressed he was when he saw Gojo in a yukata, the excitement of sleeping in a room next to his, the distinct smell of the ryokan. Kugisaki got so angry when Gojo revealed their destination. Most onsens are located in rural areas and she hates those.

He looked so good, straight out of some historical drama. Yuji could easily imagine him as the head of a clan, or an emperor. He was extremely nervous during the entire trip, especially when they got separated by gender and had to undress in front of each other. Gojo didn't join them because he deemed it inappropriate. He didn't use the bathhouse at the same time as them either.

Yuji shared a room with Megumi. Fushiguro never learnt why he was so riled up that night, why he wanted to kiss so badly, why he kept asking him to touch him more. If there was one thing he wanted to happen on that trip, it was Gojo making a move on him. It was the first time they met outside of school and Gojo was their only guardian, no one was watching. Would it be so bad if they met in one of the narrow hallways, under the weak gleam of the old, overhead lights, or better yet, some shadowy corner where it was less likely for someone to walk in on them?

He didn't know what he was wishing for. If his first time with Fushiguro was this painful, how was he planning to do it with a grown man? Yuji covers his face, recollecting the time with a mixture of unease and nostalgia. It was the peak of childishness to think that anything would happen between them. As if someone like Gojo would risk it all -his position, reputation and maybe even freedom, considering that touching a minor is illegal -just to do it with him once.

Even if the weekend trip blurred the lines between professionalism and casualness, his imagination was running way too wild.. Someone should've placed their hands on his shoulders and shaken him hard to knock some sense into him. He needed to hear that he was simply horny, going through puberty, having just found out that he likes guys. Of course, forbidden things would seem desirable, given the absolute chaos in his mind. Choso moved at the perfect time, meaning less supervision.

If he had a bit more courage, he would've confessed. He gets faint when he thinks about the incredibly uncomfortable response he would've received. It actually keeps him up at night. His guardian angel must've done some magic to stop him.

It took him years to digest those new feelings and deal with them in a healthy way, instead of jumping into his teacher's arms. His mind cleared like an initially cluttered room, he began to see his own thoughts and interactions from a distance, a more objective point of view. From a perspective of time, he was insane in his freshman year. It's true what they say about growing up and the fact that you can feel when your frontal lobe fully develops.

Unfortunately, maturing did not erase his crush. It's engraved in him, like a scar created in a childhood accident. It may be less pronounced now, lacking color and texture, but it's there. Yuji wears that mark proudly, thinks of it fondly.

He nearly forgot that he meant to gift that teddy bear to Sukuna. It's wearing boxing gloves, and it reminds Yuji of why it caught his eye in the first place. His uncle had a brief boxing fixation, where he watched it obsessively every evening. That's also what Yuji told Gojo when he expressed his curiosity. He looked determined to get that bear and wasted a lot of money, but nothing came of it. Gojo won it on the first try.

Yuji had to keep it. A bit selfish, maybe, but he finally got an item that reminded him of the person he liked. Sukuna's interest in boxing faded away, Yuji's feelings didn't.

The pop quiz was meant to catch them off guard. Still... immediately after an exam?

Yuji writes fast to finish before the time runs out. Once satisfied with his answers, he looks over at his friends to see if they're done too. He regrets procrastinating the whole week before the exam, just to put some effort into a pop quiz that doesn't even count towards his final grade. Gojo kills time by taking care of the classroom plants, watering them and wiping the dust off the petals.

He's wearing a light blue dress shirt, formal pants and office shoes. What was the brand again? Hugo Boss or Ralph Lauren? Yuji sees no difference between those and the cheap ones. He wouldn't have guessed the price if Gojo hadn't revealed it during class. It's nice when he's preoccupied with something, way less aware if someone's looking at him or not. Yuji can stare freely, although his attention doesn't always go unnoticed. At times, Gojo can feel his interest as if it's a physical weight. He meets his eyes and raises his brow curiously, or holds his gaze until Yuji surrenders and looks down.

Is it his fault for getting distracted when his math teacher looks like a model from a Vogue cover? He'd like to see him in one of the photoshoots, where it's less about the Calvin Klein boxers and everything about the model's body. They know how to promote their product. Gojo's clothes don't have to be skin tight to hide nothing and it takes everything in Yuji to keep his thoughts pure, untainted by the image of Gojo's member in all its glory. It's hard to ignore when the shape can be seen through his pants, in fact -precisely how it's positioned against his thigh. Once you start paying attention to it, you can't unsee it.

Yaga had an issue with this. He heard the girls' whispers and invited Gojo for a serious conversation. Did he listen to the principal's advice? Of course not.

Guilt is the ultimate motivating factor that forces him to deny himself the simple pleasure of fantasizing about Gojo while at school. The guy deserves some respect. Instead, Yuji reads the stickers on the teacher's laptop, as if they're anything new to him. The Harvard one was bought by Gojo and the other, all teacher day-related, have been given to him by the students. The cup he uses was a gift from them as well.

"Reflect on your answers and see what you need to work on," Gojo says, as he returns the graded exams. The sound of his footsteps is calming, accompanied by the murmurs of the students and the rustle when he wets his thumb to separate two pieces of paper.

Yuji's gaze lands on the forty-two percent written in red, at the top right corner of his exam. It's just a copy of the original, handed to them so they can show it to their parents. It's worse than he thought.

His grade shows his dedication to everything but math. Kaori doesn't have to see this. Yuji peeks at his friends, not too surprised to see them smiling at the results they received. Some of his answers made so little sense, Gojo actually felt the need to write a question mark next to them. Itadori can't defend his train of thought, honestly, he doesn't know where those came from either. He'll get no praise for this piece of work, but he can pretend like those question marks are hearts, by drawing the other half.

He hears a sigh as he doodles mindlessly. Kugisaki doesn't approve of this crush, or how lightly he takes school these days. It makes him so sad that his acquaintance with Gojo is coming to an end. He'll have to let go and maybe find another person to obsess over for the next couple of years.

Yuji looks up from his paper from time to time, listening to other students' conversations with Gojo. Ino comes up to the teacher's desk, his intentions apparent from a mile away. He uses his best, persuasive tone and posture to win the man over.

"About re-taking.."

Gojo does not hesitate. "No." And to add salt to the wound, he raises his eyes at the boy and flashes him a mean, close-eyed smile.

Ino drops his shoulders and turns his head to the class with an expression that says 'Are you seeing this?' No other teacher responds with this sass, childishness, or whatever you wanna call it. It's like talking to another teenager, but it suits Gojo for some reason. It'd be jarring if Nanami or Geto behaved in any way similar. The latter has the decency to keep that attitude within his private circle.

"Asshole.." Ino comments, barely audibly on his way to his seat.

Gojo is unfazed. "My ears work just fine." He yawns ostentatiously and throws a non-binding question. "Who wants to make me a coffee?"

Itadori's hand shoots in the air before his brain has the slightest chance of processing the question. 'Who wants' was enough for him to make up his mind.

"There you go! I knew I could count on you."

Yuji gets right to work, fills the electric kettle while his classmates question Gojo's choice. "Why no re-takes?" can be heard amidst the questions.

"You do realize it takes me extra time to grade those? I have a life outside of work and you wouldn't need a resit if you paid more attention in class. Are you freshmen or third-years?"

Nobara raises her hand, but doesn't wait for Gojo to let her speak. "We want pizza."

"For free?"

"Most of us," Nobara accentuates the word, her eyes boring into Yuji, "did well on the exam."

"And I'm proud of you for that. Let's work even harder next time!"

Yuji puts two teaspoons of instant coffee and twice as much sugar. He pours the boiling water into the cup, stirs the drink and hands it to Gojo, who accepts it happily, always eager not to lift a finger.

Noise of discontent answers his bubbly conclusion. Gojo raises the cup to his lips and nods in appreciation. Everything tastes better when it's made by someone else.

"I'll order something if you impress me," he explains himself after a moment, a bit too sensitive to the thought of losing his position as the cool teacher. "The concept of a reward loses its meaning when the rules become this loose, you know? I can't go back on my word and celebrate a regular accomplishment. That's not how you evoke ambition in young people."

"Okay expert," Nobara mocks him. "You have little to do with youth at this point."

"Wow, that hurt my feelings. What makes you say that?"

"You're starting to act like Nanami," Fushiguro says. He couldn't care less about pizza.

This one actually hurt and Gojo doesn't try to hide it. He clenches his chest, stunned beyond belief. "Me..? Like Nanami?"

"You're not. He's joking," Yuji attempts to turn it around.

"You can call me old. I was the same at your age, but this? This is too much. You're going way overboard."

"You mean it? We're allowed to call you old?" Nobara asks with doubt.

"If you really feel like it."

"Now we're talking, old man."

Nobara knows exactly how to stir Gojo along and make him talk the entire period instead of starting another chapter of the textbook. Knowing Gojo, he's aware of it but doesn't care. He could use a longer break between teaching different classes.

The man reclines in his chair. "I'd rather be old than tasteless."

The comment ticks Megumi off. "And what is that supposed to mean?"

"You guys hate to hear it, but they don't make films and music like they used to. I'd bet any money that you don't know the classics."

Even Yuji has to roll his eyes. Thankfully, Gojo's tone reveals that he's not taking it seriously at all. Irritating people is his love language.

"There may have been no internet in the Stone Age, when you were young, but times have changed. You have access to all kinds of music and films nowadays. We're not missing out on anything."

"I'd disagree. Having access to something doesn't mean you have any interest in it and I'd argue that the more modern options you have, the less attractive the oldies are. Can any of you call yourself a vintage enthusiast?"

No one can confidently admit to being one, but they're not ready to admit that he's right. This is what Kugisaki meant when she rated Gojo as a 1/10 guy. He's good-looking, but when he opens his mouth, the charm disappears in the blink of an eye. She doesn't love Megumi's personality either, because of his supposed overconfidence.

The same thing that Nobara hates in Gojo, Yuji finds cute. Gojo doesn't try to be attractive, doesn't hide any part of himself to become more appealing. He'd be boring if he were always on his best behavior, picked his answers carefully and pretended he was someone he's not. He doesn't overanalyze his actions like some of Yuji's classmates whenever they find themselves around girls. Being lame is what makes him cool.

Nobara wants someone she can look up to and idolize. It'd make him seem all-knowing if he said it out loud, but those kinds of crushes don't last. There will come a time when that person fails to live up to her expectations and what if the facade crumbles? Kugisaki has high standards that she wouldn't lower for absolutely anyone. It worries Yuji. Her ideal date doesn't exist. His feelings towards Gojo persisted only because he fell in love twice -first, with the idea of Gojo as the young, mysterious teacher, and then with his true personality.

"I believe you guys, but I'd still love to hear about your cultural knowledge," Gojo adds.

"Name any movie or song. We probably know it," Muta says, bored but involved in the conversation.

"Seven Samurai."

"I heard about it," Nobara raises her hand.

"What was it about?"

"Samurai, probably."

Gojo lets out a prolonged hum. "I'll give twenty points to whoever proves to me that they know any of those films.." he inhales to name the next one, when Ino interrupts.

"You'll add them to this exam?"

"Yes."

"And if someone doesn't need them?"

Gojo raises his eyes to the ceiling. "You can keep them for the next exam."

"Okay, that's fair."

"Tampopo."

Silence.

"The human condition," he tries again. The class whispers and he waits for a while to give them a proper chance at winning. "Ugetsu."

Nobara calls a bluff. "You're choosing the hardest ones on purpose. You don't wanna give us the points."

"I have more examples. You should've seen Rashomon with your grandparents."

Yuji doesn't know about the others, but that's not the case for him. Wasuke rarely watches TV.

"No? Then you definitely know 'The emperor's naked army marches on.' Tell me something about it, like when it came out." His gaze sweeps over the class and he presses: "No phones. I see them even if you hide them under the desks."

"I give up," Yuji whispers to Megumi. Gojo's eyes shoot to him.

"Hm? What are you saying, Yuji?" he leans towards his desk with his palm behind his ear.

"Nothing."

"No, I think I heard you say '1987.' Am I wrong?"

Itadori's eyes dart between his friends. They nod to him, but he doesn't understand. Gojo doesn't explain either, just clicks something on the laptop and taps the keyboard. He's done in two seconds.

"Looks like we've got the winner! Twenty points for Yuji."

Getting misheard was not an option here and the class isn't pleased about it. The man winks at him -his usual move after he does something Yaga wouldn't like. It's his way of saying 'Let this stay between us.'

Naturally, everyone including Yuji deduces that he got the points because he needed them the most and no one else managed to win them in fair play. No favoritism here, so why do things like that only feed into his delusions? Gojo doesn't have a favorite student, and if he did, it'd be someone smarter than a kid who gets good grades on occasion instead of routinely.

The homework Gojo assigns is just the problems from the exam that they didn't get right. Most of his classmates have practically nothing to do. Yuji joins Megumi and Nobara as they exit the classroom, leaving the slow ones packing their backpacks and chatting. Ozawa, Miwa and a few other girls circle Gojo's desk like a flock of pigeons eyeing a tasty-looking breadcrumb.

Having a boyfriend doesn't stop Miwa from crushing on Gojo. To Ozawa, on the other hand, the man is invisible, unless he does something funny or makes a flirty remark towards Yuji. He noticed it a long time ago because it really stood out to him for some reason. What makes Ozawa different from the other girls? She doesn't like Gojo as an individual, but him and Yuji together. This is the only thing that makes her eyes sparkle.

She went as far as to ask Nobara for details and was disappointed to learn she had no secret information to share. What's so fascinating about them? Yuji's first thought was that she was trying to start a rumor or find an interesting topic to discuss with her friends, but she always seemed like such a nice girl. It doesn't fit her to get over-involved in other people's lives. Miwa can't be called a bad influence either, but together? They fuel each other's fixation.

If you want to know more about someone and can't ask them directly, requesting information from their friends is the next best thing to do. Ozawa knows that, Yuji does too. It's easier between peers, though. He can't take her example and interrogate Geto or Shoko, unless he wants Gojo to find out how desperate he is to know more about him. Someone his age would be easier to trust. Nanami was the only dependable one and he took Yuji very seriously when he asked him to keep his question a secret. He and Gojo weren't close in high school. All Yuji got from his act of courage was the news that the guy was insufferable. As if he couldn't have figured that out himself.

It's not a common occurrence for him to get this interested in a crush. Toji is one of those guys Yuji finds alluring, but that's about it. His body is incredible. Does he care to get to know him better? No. Better yet, Yuji would prefer to know as little as he can, due to the sneaky suspicion that he wouldn't love what he'd find out. It'd ruin his attraction to Toji. If there was one person he'd like to date, it'd be Gojo. He'd quit this friends with benefits deal if he had a chance with him.

Yuji ponders the issue over lunch. They eat outside to get some vitamin D before the last classes. Megumi sits in the shadow, while Yuji and Nobara bask in the sunlight. Itadori glances at the school building, wondering if anyone's looking back at them from one of the windows. He can always count on Ozawa to watch his every move.

"Didn't she quit? I thought I heard her say that."

Yuji and Megumi follow Nobara's eyes. Their gaze lands on the back door, where the teachers tend to head out for a smoke. Brown hair peeks from behind the corner, short heel shoes stub out the cigarette butt in somewhat of a rush. The new nurse, Shoko, strides towards the parking lot.

"I thought so too," Fushiguro says.

They watch intently as she crosses paths with a long-haired man. Geto-san places his hand on her waist, his expression softens into one of pleasant surprise. He's the science teacher -one of the few people who has worked here the longest.

"I don't know if that's true, but people say that she applied for this job because of him. She used to work as a doctor."

Yuji raises his brow. "I know her no better than you guys, but that doesn't sound too realistic."

"Why not? Haven't you ever seen a woman sacrifice her career for a guy? Maybe she wanted to work at the same place as her husband. It happens."

"She wouldn't," Yuji strongly disagrees, offended on her behalf.

"You'd think, but I've seen the coolest women lose their minds after getting into a relationship." She hums loudly, doing her best to concentrate. "She may not have finished her studies. That's the second theory."

The amount of information she'd gotten in such a short amount of time weirds Megumi out. "Who tells you those things?"

"You'd also hear a thing or two if you weren't wearing earphones 24/7. Anyway, I bet this is just a short break. She seems like a high achiever."

Geto leans down and their lips meet in a short kiss. He says something, at which Shoko sighs. Her hand gestures make Yuji think that she's explaining herself. His guess is that Geto felt the fresh taste of tabocco that left no room for doubt. He doesn't look too upset. It's not the first time that she promised him to quit and Geto isn't a saint himself.

"They want to quit smoking because they adopted kids," Nobara drops another bomb. "She's infertile."

Yuji snaps his head to her. "Huh?"

"Don't quote me on that, though. I don't know for sure." She throws a handful of popcorn into her mouth. "Good for her. Or not..? I'm curious if she wanted biological children."

Kugisaki knows everything about everyone, except for the only person Yuji really wishes to know more about. It can be taken as a sign against their relationship or something as simple as a challenge.