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“Ahh, this feels great. I haven’t got this good stretching from a longg timeee.”
Yuuji Itadori had had a fair share of weird things in his life. Like how he had those tiger markings on his face and genetically non-dyed pink hair. Like how he used to have a jellyfish as an imaginary friend. Like how his friend Megumi may or may not have the ability to summon dogs. Or, like sometimes, he could still see his family talking and laughing in the house like they never left.
Yuuji figured he might not be normal as well. But it was not really a problem for him. He had found a way to ignore it and keep on living.
But, this. This was pretty weird. Extremely weird.
So, back to where he was, lying on the floor as he looked up to the white-haired man fly (?) - floating on-air, black cloak fluttering and eyes covered with blindfolds. The only thing not depressing and stuffy about him, Yuuji thought, was his constant smirk.
“Are you a genie?” Yuuji asked out loud. He was even surprised by how oddly calm he sounded.
“Hmm, what makes you think of that, sakura boy?” The strange man’s smirk widened into a mischievous grin.
“Because when I rub the kettle, you appear in a puff of smoke? Like a… tea kettle genie? Or you’re at least a magical being. You can float and see through your blindfolds, I guess. Your clothing’s not similar to the genie I know, but it may just be how people reimagine them. All in all, the highest chance is still that you’re a genie.” Yuuji rambled.
The man seemed like he was about to burst into laughter.
“Well, I was about to introduce myself as a dark overlord or some sinister being to scare you a bit. But… Ding ding ding! You got it, smart boy! This is a genie-in-the-flesh!”
The man - or genie twirled around in the air. And like a grand performer, he ended it with a cool pose like a hero in Yuuji’s manga. He folded his hands and bowed deeply.
“Rejoice! Through heavens and earth, you are the fortunate one. I am the genie of the tea kettle. And I have the power to grant you three wishes. A very helpful tip: Don’t even start with the “I wish for more wishes.” That doesn’t work, and you’ll lose a wish. Ok, go!”
Yuuji just stared at the overly-enthusiastic genie.
“If you have problems thinking, I can give you some suggestions: Money? Become the richest? Find One Piece? You ever dream of flying—”
“Umm… sorry, Mr. Genie, sir.” The boy suddenly raised his voice. “It’s ok. I don’t have any wishes. I mean, thank you and all that. But I’m good.”
The white-haired being just made a face like Yuuji’s answer was the most outrageous and grabbed his left chest as if he had a heart attack. “Honey, sweetie, I’m THE genie. Just say a word, and the world will bow down to you. Come on. You definitely have something you desire. Just say whatever.”
“It’s fine, really. Just like I said. I don’t have anything.” The pink-haired boy with tiger markings smiled at him. “Do you want anything to drink? Is chamomile tea fine with you? Or water? Do you get thirsty after a long time staying in that kettle?”
“Well, yes, I am thirsty, but hello? Genie? Three wishes? Anything in the world?”
“Come with me. I’ll make you some.” Yuuji’s smile grew as he led the astounded floating man to the kitchen.
…
“Can you add sugar to the tea? Yes, double that amount. Just a bit more. Ok, thank you!”
“No problem.”
“But I don’t understand. Everyone, literally everyone I’ve met - they always ask for a bigger house, power, control, or a harem,… Ooh, I get one! Do you want a girl, like someone tall with big butts, to love, hold, and cherish you? Or if you bat for another team, I can definitely arrange that—”
The pink-haired boy just cracked up. Never before have the genie heard such a cute laugh.
“Sorry, I’m good. And please call me Yuuji. I’m not sweetie, honey, or dear. Do you have a name, or should I just stick with Genie?”
There was a long pause, silence filling the room. The boy nervously reached out and waved his hand in front of our current neighborhood genie.
“Did… did I say something wrong, Mr. Genie?”
“Not wrong, very strange, though. People always want things. And you insist that you don’t. Are you absolutely sure? And you can drop Mr. Genie. Call me Gojo.”
“100%. No wishes. But if you need me to free you, I’ll make my wish right now. Uh… Is it ok, Gojo?”
“No need for that, my cute Yuuji. It’s just community service. Now, I’m not entirely convinced so! Guess who’s gonna stick with you for the time being till you say yes: Me!”
Yuuji laughed again. This time was soft but hearty laughter. If there were an award for the best laugh, Yuuji would surely win, Gojo thought.
“Sure, sure. How’s the tea?”
It was the finest tea Gojo the Genie had tasted for centuries.
Like a curious kid who just got a hand on a new toy or witnessed a magic trick for the first time in his life, Yuuji’s questions came like a flood to the genie. He asked where Gojo came from, whether genii had families, if he felt the need to please everyone, or just doing his job as a community worker who happened to grant wishes. Gojo calmly answered in his most genie way. That Yuuji should not think of him as a human being, for he was a powerful, magical, and omnipotent being.
“Ok, but do you like pancakes? You hungry?”
Although Gojo was stuck in the kettle for you-don’t-know-how-long, he was very, very updated with the current world. So yes. Yuuji just flashed to the fridge and whipped up the batter. After a few minutes, hot buttery sweet pancakes were already presented on the plate.
Gojo poured all honey on the pancakes as he ate with delight. He jerked up suddenly. The sugar rush must have given him an idea.
“I know! Just make a wish, and all specialties from around the world would be on this table in a snap. Each will be the most mouth-watering, scrumptious delights served on golden plates. All for you!”
“Yeah, I’m good. Actually, would you care to buy some groceries with me? There’s nothing left in the fridge for two people.”
“Urggghhh. Fine. Take me to whatevs, Good.”
“Gojo!”
…
It was a lovely day for a stroll through the town. The weather was cool but fair, and green leaves flurried on the trees as the gentle breeze blew by.
People were out and about, scurrying with their life. But if you pay attention to the crowd, you would see a strange pair. A pink-haired boy was walking together with a tall, lanky man. The handsome man was still young, maybe in his twentys, but his hair was white from the roots. His outfit even made it stick out more, all black with sunglasses.
They were having a somewhat lively conversation.
“So tell me more about yourself, Yuuji. I want to get to know you more.”
“What do you want to know?”
“Your likes, dislikes, dreams, family, just anything!” Gojo grinned playfully. His current master of the tea kettle, by far, was the most intriguing. He wanted to know what kind of person Yuuji Itadori was, who claimed to be perfectly content with his life.
And Yuuji, like the honest boy he was, told Gojo of his family: his parents passed away in a car accident when he was just a toddler, how his grandfather raised him by himself, and he also passed away recently, having left him the house. Yuuji told him about his job: how he was a kindergarten teacher who had gained his reputation among the school for cat drawings. He told him he also taught basic drawing at the local community once a week.
“Ah, but have you ever wished to be more than that? With your physique, you would make a great athlete. Or model! I mean, look at those legs.”
Red crept up his face. Yuuji smiled sheepishly.
“Thanks… I guess. But you know, I admit there were tough times. Imagine one accidentally smuggled candies in the class, and the whole 20 would go bonkers. And the parents would just scream at you if anything happens. But I’m making a difference in the kids’ life. Witnessing them discovering things and eagerly telling you about them. It’s rewarding, and I feel happy every day going to work. “
Yuuji’s smile was so beaming that Gojo felt blinded. Ok, so scratch work. He might need to dig into other areas.
“Now it’s your turn, Mr. Cryptic Genie. Tell me more about yourself.”
“Hmm, you only need to know that I’m the strongest genie that can make your wish come true. Hey, we’re here! Can we buy some cheesecake? I’ll carry the groceries for you.” Gojo pointed to the cakes on the shelves and dashed away, leaving Yuuji standing confused at the door.
Yuuji chuckled at the childlike man.
…
“How about friends? Lovers? You have one?”
“Sometimes, I feel like I’m talking to those aunts or uncles who keep asking all the annoying questions about my life in family meetings, not a 1000-year-old supernatural being.” Yuuji sighed as he unpacked his grocers on the table.
“Excuse me, I’m only 915. And I ask because it’s my job. Kids these days…” The genie wiped the invisible tears from his eyes.
“Ok, ok. Don’t cry.” Yuuji lightly patted his head like he was placating a child. Being with the genie for only a while, he realized Gojo had a dramatic side to him that sought attention.
He then told Gojo that no, he was not dating anyone at the moment. That his best friends were Megumi and Nobara, who had stood with him since high school through good and bad times. That Megumi was a grumpy yet caring dog whisperer with two adorable, fluffy dogs. That Nobara was a strong-willed woman working her way through the modeling world. And they always made time to catch up on the weekend despite a hectic schedule.
“Hmm, I see,” Gojo said thoughtfully. There were really no holes in Yuuji’s life to be fulfilled by wishes. Except one.
“You know, I can see that your life is good. But you are missing someone to share that life with you. Wish, and you’ll get the perfect woman. Or man.“
“No need. I’m good.”
“Are you?”
“Yes. I’ve got everything I need.” Yuuji patted the genie’s shoulders as an assurance.
“So what do I do now?”
Yuuji thought for a moment. Then he pointed to the garden.
“Can you help me tend the plants?”
“Sure! Is it your wish?” Gojo said excitedly.
“Nah. Something you can help while I make dinner.”
So Gojo tended the plants. Then, after dinner, he helped Yuuji wash the dishes. The list of things Gojo helped Yuuji gradually grew. He ran errands for him, picking up sweets and office supplies for the school. He helped Yuuji planned surprises for his class, joining his local art class as an assistant. And sometimes, when Yuuji was tired, he gave him an excellent massage with his big, strong hands.
It was not that Yuuji wanted help. But he let Gojo help.
As time passed, Gojo moved out of the spare bedroom, to the living room, and ended up in Yuuji’s bed.
…
They were lying on the bed, bodies intertwined. Gojo silently watched Yuuji as the sunlight crept on his youthful face, aligning his parted lips. As Gojo was gently brushing a strain of hair away, his lover slowly opened his eyes, and he smiled at him.
“Mhh…morning.”
“Morning to you, too.” The genie smiled back, lovingly.
Yuuji stared at him just as he was in a trance.
“Your eyes… pretty like a September-blue sky.” His bright smile struck Gojo, time and time again. Yes, this was the sight he wanted to see every day. His beloved Yuuji wrapped up in his arms, smiling and looking at him and him only.
“Is this why you always wear blindfolds or sunglasses?”
“Well, a genie would say that because his magical eyes can see everything, so covering them up is a way for him to not know too much. But I would say that these are only reserved for you.”
The pink-haired boy’s laugh got muffled by Gojo’s sudden kiss.
“Hey, I’m wondering… What if it was you who were granted three wishes? What would you wish for?”
Gojo thought for a moment.
“Nah, I’m good.” He told Yuuji. “I’ve got everything I need.”
…
Gojo was perplexed when he met Yuuji. The boy was weird in every aspect, natural pink-haired with tiger markings, refusing his granted three wishes, and insisting his life was enough. For almost one thousand years as a genie, he knew people would always want something. So he kept poking and dipping inside, searching for the boy’s desire.
But the more he knew about Yuuji, the more he fell for him. His fluffy hair that never seemed to be tamed, his bright, bright smile that made Gojo’s chest hurt, his well-built body that he could not stop planting more kisses on every inch of it, and how he did everything with much passion.
Gojo was never a benevolent being. As he appeared before the boy, the genie thought he would just give him three wishes, then take his life in return, or make the wish turn out as unpleasant as possible. Oh, how he had reveled in his former masters’ scream and suffering.
Now with Yuuji in his arms, the genie mentally smacked himself to ever thought of doing that to his beloved and eternal sunshine.
Gojo loved everything about Yuuji Itadori. And he would never let him go. No matter what.