Archive of Our Own

Gojo can smell the faint scent of salty sea breeze. He ruffles his windblown hair and slides down his round shades slightly, taking a quick glance at the view of the beach before turning his full attention to the dark haired beauty next to him.

Utahime drums her fingers on the steering wheel to the beat of the blasting music from the radio. Her voice sings beautifully to the lyrics of the 80s city pop tune. Her dark hair, held up in a high ponytail by a white silk ribbon flows in the direction of the breeze. Gojo makes the right decision of taking his convertible Mercedes for the weekend. The sight of Utahime’s glowing skin against the summer sun in her sundress, sitting in his car, wearing his sunglasses - she forgets her own and steals one of his many sunglasses from the dashboard. The ‘normal’ one that she can see through, unlike his other ‘blind’ sunglasses, as she calls it. The faint scent of her sweet gourmand perfume gives Gojo the familiar feelings he had since he was a teenager.

He sneakily records his oblivious senior. It is a rare sight to see her usual composed self loose without the help of alcohol. When he has enough of his ‘blackmail’ material, as he calls it, he slides his finger on the touchscreen of his radio, snickering, switching to the next song.

‘Hey!’ she yells, smacking his hand as if he is a child. ‘I was singing that!’

‘That’s an old song, Hime. Is your taste in music as old as you? Why don't you sing newer songs like this? Where’s my ice-cream? You said we can stop for ice-cream.’

‘Excuse you, I can sing whatever song I like,’ she huffs. ‘And shut up. We’ll get ice-cream later. You’re lucky I’m more angry at Shoko right now.’

Gojo is not supposed to be there that day, but Shoko’s full schedule allows him to. She and Utahime had made plans a month before for the short weekend getaway to a beach concert, but Shoko had to bail at the last minute because of work. Utahime was fuming, of course, but she forgave her as quickly, only to be mortified that Shoko had notified Gojo to replace her. She had grumbled and protested but Shoko managed to convince her that she needs transportation to go to the hotel, and that she will personally dissect him - alive - if he ruins Utahime’s vacation.

Gojo had never agreed to anything as fast when he picked up Shoko’s call that early morning. 

‘I need you to do something. Take Uta out for weekend getaway. I would say I’m cashing in a favour but I know you’ll be more than thrilled to have a couple of days with her. Don’t screw this up. Or I swear, Satoru, I’ll cut you alive.’

Gojo might have considered pushing his luck a little further when he picks Utahime up at her place. But his brain short circuits when he sees her. She comes down from her apartment in her off shoulder pale blue sundress that stops mid-thigh and her hair is pulled up to a high ponytail by her signature white silk ribbon, her fringes over her forehead makes her look several years younger. He appreciates how they accidentally colour coordinates, with him in his simple white shirt and faded blue jeans. She has a small pout on her lips as he pulls up, beaming at her. 

He takes her bag and they get into an argument when he points out that she has to drive since he dislikes driving, having used to being driven around by Ijichi and previously his drivers back home. It is an excuse, of course. He just needs the opportunity to stare at her for the whole 2 hours journey. He enjoys seeing the flushes on her skin when he ‘accidentally’ grazes his finger on her exposed thighs as he explains to her the buttons’ functions in his car.

They finally pull up to a nice seaview hotel. Gojo carries their stuff and heads towards the hotel lobby. Utahime goes for the receptionist while Gojo lurks around. There are quite a lot of people, probably due to the beach concert Utahime mentioned, he deduced. When Utahime takes a little longer, he comes over to her.

‘Yes, Ms Iori. We have the top view room as you requested. For two people, with…?’

‘Mr Iori. Iori Satoru,’ he calls up helpfully, feeling a little mischievous, before Utahime could answer. She turns her head sharply, her mouth agape in incredulity.

‘Oh, apologies Mr Iori. Here’s the card to your room. Enjoy your stay, Mr and Mrs Iori.’

Gojo takes the card. He wraps his arm around her shoulder, feeling Utahime stiffens up.  ‘Sure we will, right, darling? Have a nice day.’

‘What the hell was that? Iori Satoru?’ she repeats, raising an eyebrow. She swats his arm away in annoyance, making their way towards the hotel lift.

‘What? Iori Satoru has a nice ring on it,’ he says nonchalantly. He nudges her ribs playfully. ‘Unless, you prefer Gojo Utahime, then? I don’t mind either way, you know, U-ta-hi-me.’

‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ she says through gritted teeth. Colour rises up to Utahime’s cheeks. ‘And it’s Utahime- senpai .’

‘Doesn’t matter to meee,’ he responds in a singsong voice.

They finally reach their hotel room. He sets off their bags on the couch and  plops on the king bed gleefully, spreading his arms and legs. Gojo rolls to his side and takes off his sunglasses, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively. He pats the empty side of the bed and motions her to come hither. She hesitantly makes her way towards him with her arms across her chest, grimacing, though her honey brown eyes stare back at him disapprovingly. Her steps halt when her knees touch the edge of the bed. Gojo has Cheshire’s grin plastered on his face.

‘U-ta-hi-me,’ he gasps dramatically in a singsong voice, and he could almost swear he sees veins throbbing out of her forehead. ‘I didn’t know you’re so naughty, senpai! Have you been planning this all along, trying to get me into bed?’

Utahime scowls. ‘Don’t flatter yourself, idiot! I tried to get it changed to twin beds but they’re fully booked for today. This is all Shoko’s fault.’ 

Luck is on Gojo Satoru’s side, he bemuses. He makes a mental note to thank Shoko for the mishaps. ‘Nothing to be embarrassed about! Everyone wants a piece of the great Gojo Satoru. Not even you can resist - hmph!’

She surprises him by clamping his mouth shut with her hand. ‘Okay, here are some ground rules.’ She ignores him when he lets out a muffled groan under her palm. ‘There’s going to be pillows between us, and I swear on my clan’s name I will smother you with pillows and dump your body in the sea if you try anything funny, Satoru. Get it?’

Gojo stares at her in amusement before nodding slowly. Utahime releases her hand, her eyes never leaving his. 

‘So scary! No wonder you don’t have any boyfriends.’

Smack . Gojo rubs the back of his head while eyeing Utahime who looks completely pleased with herself. He rarely activates his Infinity around her, unless she starts throwing things. This time he kind of deserves it, he decides.

‘Keep that up, Satoru, and I’ll kick you out,’ she warns, finally sitting down. She pulls out her phone from her purse and taps the screen. She tilts her phone for him to see. It is a poster of line ups. ‘I think I’ve heard you listen to some of these. The line-ups are the bands and artists that will be performing this evening.’

‘Didn’t know you’re the type to go to concerts that much. Which one is your favourite?’

‘Oh, I don’t have favourites here, actually. Shoko and I were invited by a guy from my class. His band will be performing today.’ She points her finger to a name in the second line. Her hair lightly brushes his face when he leans in towards her. ‘We get backstage passes, and he will be giving us a tour. I was hoping I could see my other favourite singer too.’

‘You have friends from your class?’

‘Of course I do,’ she snaps. ‘I’m going to change and freshen up. We’ll go to the beach first and get your stupid ice-cream. I want to watch the concert first whether you like it or not.’

‘Why wouldn’t I want to go?’

She pauses. ‘Um, I don’t know. I just have a feeling that you would make a fuss out of anything.’

He pouts. ‘Why do you have so little faith in me, Utahime?’ he whines, dragging the last syllable of her name dramatically, batting his long, pale eyelashes at her.

‘Huh. Where do I even begin,’ she says deadpans. Sighing, Utahime gets up and grabs her bag and heads towards the bathroom. ‘Make sure you’re ready by the time I get out.’

‘Sureee. Though, Hime, what will you be wearing? Must’ve been one of those old ladies’ bathing suits - ackhh!’ He activates his Infinity just in time when his eyes catch a glimpse of white hotel slipper making its way towards his head. He sticks out his tongue at the dark haired beauty who is already slamming the bathroom door close. ‘You missed!’

He jumps out of the bed and takes off his pants, leaving only his boxer. Gojo picks up his swimming trunk and takes off his shirt. His finger quickly slides to accept an incoming video call from Shoko as he makes his way towards the balcony, leaning his frame against the balcony, half of his body facing the bed. ‘Sup!’ he greets.

Shoko positions her phone. She continues to take her scalpel and turns her attention to the corpse in front of her. ‘Have you done anything stupid yet?’

‘Why is everyone so distrustful of me?’

‘ Do you really want an answer for that?’ Shoko squints her eyes at the screen. ‘Don’t screw with Uta’s off day, Gojo. Cut her some slack just for today, at least.’

‘Huh? What do you mean? Did she say something?’ He glances at the bathroom door for any sign of Utahime.

‘Well, not yet .’

‘Oh come on, Shoko! Have some faith in me. It’s not my fault that she - ‘ Gojo’s voice is stuck at his throat, as he gasps at the sight a few metres away from him. ‘Oh.’

Utahime steps out wearing a ruby red crisscross bikini, accentuating every perfect detail of her body that she keeps hidden most of the time in her loose clothing. The thin string clings to her ribs, flushed against her beautiful smooth porcelain skin. Gojo can’t help but appreciate how the piece of clothing is practically made for her. Utahime is quite toned, but not ripped. The bikini does her soft curves justice. And my, she has the legs for it as well. Gojo almost forgets how long and perfectly toned her legs are since she always feels tiny next to him. She adjusts the third piece of her suit on her waist. She has her hair up in a ponytail with her signature white ribbon and bangs. She has freshens up, her light makeup still intact, with a fresh dark red lip tint. She keeps his sunglasses on top of her head. Her hand fiddling with her phone, completely unaware of Gojo’s silent gaping at her.

Gojo’s throat goes dry. He finally snaps out of it when he notices his phone goes silent. He looks at the screen, seeing Shoko smiling slyly at him. ‘So, Uta’s new bikini is that hot, huh?’

He only hums in agreement. His eyes shift to Utahime, drinking in the sight of her. Shoko lets out a hearty laugh. ‘Come on. Turn the camera. I want to see her too. ’ He flips his camera and Shoko whistles appreciatively, making comments on how the bikini does her body justice and how gorgeous she looks in it. Gojo has to disagree. Gorgeous? Beautiful? Hot? Hell, he always knows how beautiful she is from the first time he laid his eyes on her. But no word can do her beauty justice, in his opinion. Utahime is just that incomparable.

‘Oh, those are headturning, that’s for fucking sure.’

‘Uh-huh.’ Gojo says flatly.

Shoko smirks. ‘Aww, someone’s concerned. What are you going to do, Satoru? Ask her to change? I dare you.’

He turns his attention to Shoko, grinning. ‘ My Utahime can wear whatever she wants and pleases.’ Shoko’s smile falters as the bearer of the Six Eyes expression turns slightly maniacal. ‘Besides,’ he says, chuckling. ‘I’m the strongest. I can fight.’ 

‘Wait, Gojo. At least let me say hi to Uta.’

‘Nope!’ he says cheerfully with a pop and ends the call abruptly. ‘Utahimeeee,’ he calls out to her, waving his arms enthusiastically. Before Utahime can react, Gojo immediately snaps a bunch of photos as she looks at him, startled.

‘What are you doing, idiot?’ she says, flushing, embarrassed.

‘Wowwww, senpai,’ he exclaims. ‘You look stunning! ’

She narrows her eyes suspiciously. She rubs the sides of her arms. ‘Thanks.. I guess.’

‘All this effort just for me ? I’m flattered!’

‘Like hell I would dress up for you!’

He swings his arms around her waist, although he is careful not to touch her below that. Gojo can feel the electricity jolt as his thumb makes contact with her skin. He feigns ignorance, squeezing his face next to her. ‘Smile for the camera, Utahime!’ He flashes his award-winning grin as he snaps multiple photos with a slightly startled, flustered Utahime. ‘Sending this to Shoko and Suguru,’ he reasons.

‘Wait, why Geto - uh, Shoko? Were you talking to Shoko just now?’

‘Yes, but she’s busy so ehh. Come on, Hime, I’m starving for ice-cream.’

‘You’re not hungry, we just had lunch! You just have a bad sugar craving for a man nearing his 30s. And Satoru, please put some shirt on,’ she says exasperatedly.

He smirks. ‘Aww, Utahime. It’s not wrong to admit you enjoy the view. I don’t mind you checking me out. I promise I won’t tell.’ He winks.

‘Drop dead, Satoru.’ He snickers as he grabs his jacket and flings it over his shoulder, following her strides. He chatters animatedly as they make their way to the beach.

Shoko was not joking when she called Utahime’s outfit head turning. Gojo mentally calculates and takes notes of the people who turn their heads to her directions - all of them in awe, let it be from men or women. He could almost see the drools coming out of the men’s mouths and Gojo feels something stirring inside him. Is it jealousy? He bemuses. No, why would he? He is there by her side. He sees the stares, and some whispers, both good and bad, and he ignores them all, keeping all of his attention on his beloved senpai. 

Gojo Satoru doesn’t get jealous. Although, when he feels the lingering stares on Utahime and the way men fawning and gawking over her, he can’t help but feel a little - villainous . As if he wants to gouge their eyes out. Staking his claim on her, branding her as his. He breathes, calming himself down. It’s not as if he isn’t used to doing this, though on a much more subtle side. So, he opts for that. He leans closer to Utahime, hovering over her any chance he gets. Gojo touches her shoulder, guides her by placing his palm on her back, as subtle as he can, enough to send a crystal clear message to the wandering eyes that she is his and that alone will mark her unavailable, but not enough to freak Utahime out. He tests the water by pushing the physical contacts a little more to see her reactions, but she seems oblivious to them.

Or is she? They have been doing this for as long as Gojo could remember. It started with small touches here and there. Subtle, but loud enough to prove a point. When no one is looking. Although he is more than sure that their close friends do catch on at some points; Shoko rolling her eyes, Suguru’s wary disapproving looks, Mei’s mysterious smile, Nanami looking away disapprovingly with a stoic expression. He doesn’t mind it though. Their little ‘thing’ is going more frequently these days and Gojo can’t help but wonder if they would go any further. 

‘Satoru?’ he hears her calling him. She is tugging his arm. Is she doing it intentionally? ‘Are you okay? Is the attention getting to your big head already?’ There is a sharp edge to her tone. He immediately knows what she is referring to. He is not oblivious to the stare and attention he gets from women. He sees a few of them tries to approach him before he places his hand on her back, staking his claim.

Is she jealous? Gojo's heart makes a little leap at the sharpness of her tone and the clear displeasure he catches for a brief second in her icy cold stare. It is gone as soon as it comes. He smiles to himself. What a tsundere! ‘Hey, they sell ice-cream. Come on, Hime.’ He grabs her wrist and guides her through the crowd. To his delight, she doesn’t even attempt to pry her hand away from him.

She sits at an empty table fit for two people as he orders and pays for the ice cream. He gets a big bowl of different flavours and toppings with two spoons and a cup of whipped cream. Utahime scrunches her nose adorably, in disgust, when he sets them down on the table. ‘If curses don’t get to you, someday a heart attack or diabetes will, Satoru.’

He grins. ‘You need to try this.’

‘No, thank you. I don’t like sweet things.’

He takes a scoop of ice cream, breaks a dark chocolate wafer, and swirls it with the whipping cream topping. ‘I promise you’ll love this one. Open up.’

‘What - wait, I can, mmpphh.’ He shoves the ice cream to her mouth before she could finish her sentence. She grimaces at first, before her expression softens and her eyes widens, humming in delight. 

‘It’s good, isn’t it?’

She nods. ‘Surprisingly, I…like it. Not too sweet, and the whipped cream complements the ice-cream’s flavour. And uh, I can feed myself, you know.’ She utters a small squeal when he cups her face, his thumb slides over the edge of her lips. 

‘You have whipped cream leftover on your lips,’ he says, licking it off his hand. Gojo has to bite his tongue from smirking when he feels her eyes gaze down on his lips, lingering for a moment, before clearing her throat and looks away, mumbling words of thanks. She picks up the other spoon, with him guiding her how to combine the toppings with the flavours. They walk along the beaches and play with the water for a bit afterwards. Gojo splashes water at her, only for Utahime to charge at him and they both trip into the sea water, almost soaked, completely losing themselves in the moment, as if they live in a normal world. 

World without curses and worries. If they aren’t Jujutsu sorcerers. His ideal world. The world where he can sweep her off her feet (in his own ways) without having to think if his presence in her life would endanger her life any further. He brushes away those anxious thoughts.

Utahime makes her way to the beach first, taking a towel to dry herself off. Gojo follows along soon after, absolutely wary of the several heads that turn as she stands on the beach. He pats himself dry and takes the wrap skirt and brushes off before snaking his arms around her waist. Utahime’s breath hitches and she instinctively places both of her hands on his chest. 

‘Gojo!’

He wraps the skirt around her and ties a knot, mimicking the way she did it in their room. He traces her arms from her shoulders, holding her by the elbows and takes one long good look at her. ‘Red is really your colour, Hime!’

She murmurs a word of thanks, not even bothered to push him away. Gojo sees a few disappointed looks at the corner of his eyes. He grins, satisfied. They sit by the beach, enjoying the sea breeze before the concert. 

Gojo is chatting up how much his students have grown, not forgetting to mention that those are because of how good of a teacher he is, as usual. She listens tentatively, then Utahime quips back that the significant contribution he makes is his knack of noticing talents and that’s it. He snickers at her comment. He then asks her about the festival and boy, Utahime is almost as enthusiastic about music as she is about baseball. Gojo could listen to her talking all day. He tilts his head to a side while Utahime explains the rising of underground music these days, before they are rudely interrupted.

‘Utahime!’ calls a voice. Gojo and Utahime turn their heads at the same time, only to find a tall, tanned with lean muscled man with blonde hair and sharp brown eyes grinning at her.

‘Shinichi!’ she calls back, obviously glad.

First name basis, he notes down. Without honorifics, he thinks grimly. His brain scrambles for the memory of any interactions with his senior. Sure, there were probably around four students maximum in her class, albeit he never paid that much attention, having spent his free time raising hell with Suguru and being an absolute menace to Utahime along the way. 

But he does remember Shinichi. That Shinichi. Utahime used to light up when they interacted. He had made some snarky comments about her having a tiny crush on him, which she brushed off angrily, noting that she just respected him and liked his companionship since he is calm and level headed.  Grade 1 Sorcerer. An heir to a good clan. Similar to Utahime, a little on the traditional side, though he is too much of a rule stickler for Gojo’s liking. Not even Utahime is that stuck up. His senior, who used to train and spar with Utahime due to the nature of their Cursed Techniques need preparation beforehand. He used to dislike how often they spend time together so Gojo would go out of his way to interrupt them as much as he possibly could. It adds to his chagrin that he makes it clear that he is still interested in her - a good thing that Utahime is oblivious about it, though Gojo couldn’t be sure what exactly Utahime thought of him now. She has always been kind to anyone.

He doesn’t look much different than he was back in school. Also, Gojo most likely disrespected him or picked a fight or two, or both, with Shinichi based on his brief, but sharp stare he threw at him. He would bother Utahime a little more than usual so she would pay attention to him; well, he considers her getting upset over his shenanigans counts as attention. No wonder the guy resents him so much. He snickers at the thought.

‘I was looking around for you. My, my, you’re as gorgeous as always, Utahime,’ he says, a little too appreciatively. 

Or maybe it is because of Utahime.

Gojo stares down at him, unimpressed. She lets out a chuckle, seemingly oblivious to Shinichi’s attempt to charm her. ‘Thank you. You’re not doing soundchecks? Shoko couldn’t make it, so I brought Gojo here.’ He is rather surprised, but pleased when she touches his arm.

He motions to the back where there are another three adults that Gojo can barely remember. ‘Eh, the boys just want to relax before the show. Ah, right , Gojo. Hope you don’t give Utahime a hard time like usual.’ To be fair, everyone in the school knew how he used to follow her around to annoy her, just to get a raise out of her. 

This little shit. ‘Oh, we certainly have a lot of fun, don’t we, Hime?’ he chirps light heartedly, purposely choosing to use his nickname for her. The only one entitled to call her that.

She rolls her eyes but he catches the glimpse of the corner of her mouth, twitching upwards. Utahime continues chatting with her ex classmate excitedly, much to Gojo’s annoyance.

‘I didn’t peg you as a teacher, Gojo-kun. Recruiting kids to go against the higher ups now?’

‘I didn’t peg you as a singer either, Shinichi. Yet here we are. Too weak to exorcise curses?’ he retorts pleasantly, voice dripping with sharpness.

‘Let’s be civilised, boys.’ Utahime sighs. The tips of her fingers lightly push his arm, and Gojo can’t help but smirking. Utahime shifts uncomfortably from her spot, most probably unsure how to intervene to ease the tension between the two men. ‘You’re working, aren’t you, Shinichi?’

God, he hates how she says his name.

Shinichi smiles sheepishly. ‘Always sharp as ever, Utahime. Yes, I have..information about some curse users here. Everything is under control, nothing too serious. You don’t have to worry, just enjoy yourself, alright?’

‘Alright. Just be careful.’

He flashes a smile. ‘Utahime, do you want to join us backstage? You’ll get a better view from there.’

Before Gojo could retort, Utahime already replies. ‘Oh, no, thanks. I like the view more from the crowd. I have Gojo with me today, so you don’t have to worry. Thank you for the offer though.’

Gojo’s smug smile widens triumphantly. ‘Yeah, she’s got Gojo Satoru.’

Shinichi gives a tight lipped smile. ‘Sure, no problem.’ His expression softens. ‘Well, I do owe you a tour. See you after the show?’

‘Definitely. I won’t forget that.’ She gives him a sweet smile before waving him away. ‘Do you really have to be mean to him? He’s your senior.’

‘Doesn’t matter to meee,’ he says in a  singsong voice. Gojo pouts. ‘Besides, he started it.’

‘Well, you weren’t exactly nice to him,’ she chides. ‘He wasn’t really a fan of you because you were a jerk to me.’

He grunts dramatically. ‘It’s our thing, what does he have anything to do with it? He ogles you too, that shit.’

She raises an eyebrow. ‘And you weren’t?’ 

‘I’m appreciating and worshipping the view. Entirely different.’

Her cheeks redden. ‘Just - shut up.’

They queue to the concert’s line half an hour before it starts.

Gojo had gone out for drinks with Utahime and the others previously. He knows she can get a little too friendly and flirty when she has too much to drink. Hell, he is Utahime’s person when she gets a little too tipsy. Since school, he made sure they contact him first to get her home safely on her drinking nights. No matter how far or how busy he is, he will be there. He will walk or take cabs to her place instead of teleporting because; first, Utahime would be too woozy to handle the aftereffects of teleportation, and second, so he gets more time listening to her drunken bubbly chatters. For most of the time he will record her chatterings - for blackmailing reasons, that’s what he convinces himself - and he will answer her ridiculous questions too.

But nothing prepares Gojo for this side of Utahime. She looks alive, almost giddy with enthusiasm. He has accompanied her previously to sports’ matches, seeing her all fire up supporting her teams. But giddy, drunk with music and life Utahime? Gojo drinks every sight of her face, capturing how her skin flushed against the orange glow from the Sun, her warm honey brown eyes light up, her soft pink lips curls into smiles and grins, how she hums beautifully when she doesn’t know the lyrics.

‘I think they’re covering my favourite song!’ she calls out at him. They have to yell at each other amongst the crowd and the noise. Gojo has his Infinity activated, unused to the close contacts to other humans. The sky already darkens, signalling the evening is turning into night but the environment is still vibrant with bright lights. They are at the front row, although Gojo and Utahime both can’t stand at the front barrier as Utahime would have liked due to his hovering height, so they settled for the back row with Utahime sulking. She soon forgets about the barrier problem when the first band performs. He has to lean down to her height to hear her chattering about the band’s backgrounds animatedly before their first song, filling him with information. He is in so much awed that he almost forgets that he usually teases her at this type of occasions and he is willing to let it slide when he sees how heartwarmingly adorable her smiles and enthusiasm becomes. Gojo doesn’t forget to record everything, though.

She sings along to a song that she mentions entitled as ‘There is a Light That Never Goes Out’ by The Smiths  and Gojo has never seen how beautiful her cursed energy glows deliciously and dispersed, controllably, as she sings back to it, word by word, as if she means every single word. Her hand clutches to her heart, her eyes glimmer with fondness, and her lips curl upwards, completely taken by the song.

And if a double decker bus, crashes into us, 

to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die

And if a ten ton truck, kills the both of us, 

to die by your side, oh the pleasure the privilege is mine

How true, he agrees, completely mesmerised. Gojo isn’t sure if Utahime accidentally uses her Curse Technique, but he knows one thing for sure.

Gojo Satoru will kill for her. Die for her. By her side. Hell, he will live for her.

She sways her hips to the tune as the song ends. The sound technicians get on the stage and change equipment, signalling that the next band will be performing. Utahime tugs on his arm, telling him that this is Shinichi’s band. It doesn’t take long until they are done with setting up their kits and the lights dim for a while.

‘I can’t see. Why are you so tall anyway,’ she grumbles. ‘We could sit by the barrier if you weren’t so damn tall.’ Utahime is pouting, and Gojo is fighting every single urge in his cell not to pinch her cheeks right there and then. She stands on her tiptoes. ‘These people are blocking the views too.’ 

‘Get on my back.’

‘Huh? What?’

‘Get on my back,’ Gojo repeats. ‘Come on. Everyone else is already doing it too. You want to see his band right?’

‘Yeah, but - ‘ Utahime grimaces. ‘Promise me you won’t make it weird.’ Her voice is small.

Gojo can’t help but snicker at her retort. ‘Say that again?’

‘Nevermind. I’ll just stand on my toes.’

‘Okay, okay, come on. It’s already starting. Get on my back. I promise I won’t make it weird,’ he says as he bents on one knee. He holds out his pinky finger towards her.

‘What’s this?’

‘Pinky promise, Himeee. What else does it look like?’

She pulls a face. ‘That’s stupid. We’re not children.’

‘Says the short one who needs me to see better. Do you want me to keep my word or not?’

Her lips curve to a smile, shaking her head at his ridiculousness. She holds out her pinky finger, intertwined with his, as she climbs behind him. Their hands linger for a moment. ‘You’re an idiot,’ she says, her lips brushing his ear slightly. Gojo grins widely at the contact, feeling pleased. He gently guides her hands on his shoulders for balance.

She weighs almost nothing to him. He easily carries her like that until the end of her friend’s band’s set. It is an alternative rock band, so the atmosphere is more energetic than the previous band. If he doesn’t let her climb on his shoulder, she would have been squeezed in between the crowds. She keeps patting his shoulder to check if he is okay and if he needs rest, and reminds him to let her know in case he wants to put her down. She sways her body to the music, carefully not to throw Gojo off balance. Gojo feels her hand ruffles his silky hair. The touch is almost sheepish at first, then he feels her small hand gives his hair a small tug, probably just to mess with him. He hums delightfully in response. 

‘Your hair is so soft.’ She murmurs, tilting her head.

He merely chuckles. ‘You’re enjoying yourself, Utahime?’

She flashes a warm grin. ‘Very much, thank you!’

He finally lowers himself down and helps her climb down from his shoulder when the set finishes. The band bids their goodbye and the crowd erupts, demanding for more. Utahime shouts something incomprehensible and Gojo frowns, her voice drowns in the midst of the crowd. She shakes her head and slides her hand, latches her fingers with his, guiding him as they slip through the crowds. Gojo is taken aback by the gesture, but he subconsciously tightens the link of their hands. He is almost sure he has been dreaming the whole trip. The way things flow; it seems too good to be true. As the crowd thins, she heaves a breath.

‘I didn’t expect the crowd to go this wild,’ she mumbles under her breath. 

‘I was half expecting you to join in.’

She shrugs, completely unfazed. ‘Eh, I’ve seen Shinichi’s practices a lot of times. I already know they sound great as a whole. Anyway, we’re going to the after party. I could use some beers now. So, be nice, Gojo. It has been a while since I met up with Shinichi. And I do want to meet up with some of his musician friends.’

‘What’s the deal with you and Straighter-Than-Nanamin? Still got a crush on him?’

She stares at him, bewildered. ‘What do you mean by still? I told you before that it’s just a mutual respect and that he’s nice.’ She rubs the side of her shoulders.

‘Hime,’ he calls, stopping her. He shrugs off his unzipped hoodie from his shoulder and wraps around her. The hoodie falls down, covering a part of her thighs, stopping only an inch above her bikini skirt wrap. She mumbles a silent word of thanks, gripping the edge of his hoodie closer. ‘You look like you’ll freeze to death. Will you wear that again?’

She glares. ‘Of course I will. It’s gorgeous and it’s a gift from Shoko.’

‘It’s also hot and you have all men gawking at you. Great, so we’ll have more beach trips again.’

‘Ah.’ She smiles teasingly. ‘Didn’t know you keep tabs on who’s looking over. Are you that concerned about me?’

Gojo purses his lips, feeling heat rushes up to his face. Utahime’s smile falters, staring at him dumbfoundedly. Without warning, she cups his face with both of her hands, breaking into a fit of giggles. ‘You’re burning up, Satoru!’

God, he could listen to her over and over again.

Gojo’s eyes widen. She rarely uses his first name in public settings, insisting on politeness despite knowing each other for over a decade. Though, something about the way she says her name at that moment, ever so endearingly, stirs something inside him. He leans on to a side, his lashes tickling the inside of her palm. He keeps both of her hands in place.

He pouts. ‘You’re so beautiful, U-ta-hi-me. I just don’t like anyone looking at you.’

He appreciates how fast her cheeks flushed. ‘Don’t be ridiculous,’ she stammers. ‘No one’s looking at me,’ she murmurs, barely audible but he hears her.

‘That’s completely untrue.’ He chuckles, taking one of her hands and intertwining their fingers, as if it is the most natural thing in the world. ‘Say, Hime, if I buy you a new swimsuit, will you wear it every time we go to the beach?’

She bits her lower lips, hiding a smile. ‘I might consider.’

Shinichi greets them backstage. A glimpse of a brief crestfallen look from his face when his eyes look at their intertwined fingers, sends a rise of triumph in Gojo’s chest. However, he reluctantly has to let go of her when Shinichi shows her around, that snake , and introduces her to other musicians. Gojo ignores the whispers and subtle flirtations directed to him, keeping his focus on Utahime. There are beers all over the room, so he is keeping tabs. Normally, five beers are enough for Utahime to be on a light tipsy mode, and eight would be pushing it. She doesn’t drink as fast, and he wonders why. Gojo feels the air stirs around him.

‘Shinichi’s gone,’ she says as she slumps next to him. ‘He’s been away for a while. I don’t like this.’

‘Wow. You still have a crush - ‘

‘ Fine. I did , but it was over ten years ago and I was in first year! You weren’t even enrolled in the school yet! It was a one time thing and nothing ever happened between us. Can you listen to me now?’ She says in a low voice. ‘It has been bothering me how he takes his mission today. It’s like he has something to hide but I don't know what it is. I don’t sense any cursed spirits strong enough for him to be the one who exorcises, so it must be something else.’

Gojo weighs in the information. ‘So, only during the first year?’

She stares at him, bemused. ‘What? Is that all you hear? Yes. Why would I lie about that? So, as  I was saying - ‘

‘The cursed spirits here are too weak to be considered as a bother,’ Gojo announces. ‘If he wants to exorcise them, I doubt he will take that long. There is a Curse User here. I think Shinichi is already getting away. I don’t feel his cursed energy.’

Her shoulder stiffens with tense. ‘What is Shinichi’s planning anyway?’ Her brows are furrowed. ‘He must’ve already found the Curse User. He’s not the type to risk the crowd.  Gojo, let’s find Shinichi.’

The place is already crowded by the time they left. They make a run for it, Gojo trying to make sense of his senior whereabouts. They must have run for a few kilometres away when he sees a silhouette by the beach, away from the bustling crowd at the concert. 

‘Shinichi!’ Utahime shouts breathlessly.

The figure halts as they manage to catch up. Shinichi’s face contorted with mixed emotions; of sadness and confusion and indecisiveness and determination. A teenage boy, who couldn't be much older than 16, falls on his back, trembling and cowering with fear on the beach sand and raising an arm to cover his tear stricken face.

‘What the hell are you doing?’ Utahime yells, pulling him angrily by his shoulder and for once Gojo is glad that he is not the subject or cause of her anger. ‘Are you trying to kill the kid?’

‘Step away, Iori. This is an order,’ he says, voice quavering. Shinichi doesn’t lower his katana. The boy wails even loudly, repeating apologies over and over again.

‘Cut the crap! What orders? Who ordered you to kill a kid?’

‘The higher ups,’ Gojo replies softly, feeling a bubble of anger rises up to his chest.

‘That’s not just a kid,’ Shinichi hisses. ‘He’s a cursed user. He killed half of his classmates during his episodes and has been on the run since. I got a tip that he will be here and I have orders to have him executed.’

‘And you’ll do it without question?’ She glares at him incredulously. ‘Do you listen to yourself, Shinichi? Are you that thick to act without question? He doesn’t look like he knows what he is.’

‘He’s a threat .’

Utahime snorts. ‘So does half of our students, especially the scouted ones.’ She pushes the blade slowly, forcing Shinichi to lower his cursed tool. ‘I know we’re bound to take orders at a certain point.’ She shoots a look at Gojo and Gojo frowns. ‘But I think we all have to agree that we have to at least fight for the kids. Especially when the order is to kill them.’ Gojo and Utahime might disagree on a lot of things, but children’s and youth’s happiness isn’t one of them. That alone can get them on the same page.

‘Kid, what’s your name?’ 

‘Akira. Akira Kaido.’ His voice wavers.

‘Akira. Anyone in your family come from Jujutsu’s society?’

‘I don’t even know what Jujutsu is until this man tries to kill me!’

‘There you go!’ Gojo says chirpily. He cracks his knuckles. ‘You hear that, Shinichi? Now, Akira-kun. Get up. We have some bargaining to do. Utahime, wait up for me. This shouldn’t take too long.’ He gives her a wink before putting his sunglasses on.

It doesn’t take long for Gojo to teleport the three of them. After gruelling an hour and a half filled with arguments and intimidations, he finally settles the mess. For the time being, Akira is under Shinichi’s care, having the responsibility to take care of the boy, agreeing to report to them every week of Akira’s progress. Much better than execution, Gojo decides grimly. 

It is almost 9 p.m. when they are done with the arrangements. Gojo makes his way back to their room. Utahime bolts up from the edge of the bed when he comes in, asking him to fill in the details. She must have showered and cleaned up. Her face is fresh and her long hair is nearly dried without her ribbon. She is wearing a fresh yellow t-shirt and a pair of shorts. His hoodie hangs loosely on her shoulder, which she wears like a blanket. He tells her briefly of his encounters, and she slowly calms down, nodding as he tells the story.

‘Shinichi wants to speak to you. He’s outside.’

‘Good. I’m going to strangle him for being such an idiot.’

As much as Gojo would love to see that, much too eager to jump on the hating-Shinichi bandwagon, he was told that he needs the time alone to talk to her. It doesn’t stop Gojo from trying to hear the conversation through the door.

‘You’re not going to give it a thought,’ he says softly.

‘It’s not that, Shinichi. I did. I have. But what you’ve asked of me, that’s too much. I can’t leave everything I know to go with you. I might not love how the world works, but I love teaching. I love the kids I teach. I’m not going to drop them off and disappoint them just because I disagree with something.’

Shinichi laughs humourlessly. ‘It would be different if it was Gojo asking, isn’t it?’

‘Don’t drag him into this.’ Her tone is sharp, displeased.

‘It’s true though. A sorcerer knows what lies for them if they agree to help someone. When it’s Gojo that asks for your favour, you’ll drop everything and help him.’

‘What Gojo and I have is trust. This is not the same.’

‘The cause is the same. I can’t do this anymore. Being a sorcerer, answer to them without questions. Being put in a difficult position. Sleepless nights, thinking if I make a bad decision. I don’t mind taking the boy, though. Goodness knows he has been through a lot. But I would rather have a good friend by my side.’

‘This is not the way, Shinichi. I’m sorry. You know what, why don’t you get some rest and think about it in the morning, yes? You’ll call me when you’ve finished thinking?’

‘Sure.’

They bid goodbye and Gojo doesn’t even bother to move from the spot. Utahime looks at him disapprovingly.

‘Could at least be a bit more subtle.’

‘You’re talking in front of our room. It’s not my fault that I just happen to hear.’ He purposely emphasised the word ‘our’.

She rolls her eyes. ‘Can’t believe him at all! Risking the kid’s life, justifying it with following the rules and people call me stuck up. Does he drop his brain somewhere?’

Gojo nods a little too eagerly and seizes the opportunity to jump on the Shinichi’s slander’s. ‘He probably doesn’t have one to begin with.’

‘Sorry that I drag you into this. To be frank, this isn’t what I have in mind either.’

They take a seat by the edge of the bed. Her shoulder slumps. He grins mischievously. ‘You know, there are other ways to thank me too.’

‘I know I’m going to regret this. What is it?’

He taps his cheek. ‘A kiss.’

‘A what now?’

He taps his cheek impatiently. ‘Come on, Hime. Just one kiss. To make it up to me. It’s hell to negotiate with the old bats. I’m exhausted.’ When he sees the hesitancy in her eyes, he prodes her a little further. ‘Are you such a prude that you can’t even kiss your - ‘

Too easy, he thought. She squeezes her thumb and index finger on his jaw and pecks his cheeks - no, his jaw, just at the edge of his lips. Gojo takes that as a hint. Before she can pull away, he tilts his head to an angle and kisses her tenderly on the lips. A small gasp comes out of her mouth. He traces her jaw as she feels her melting in him and deepens the kiss.

‘G-Gojo!’ she stammers, her face flushes deep red. She pushes his face, turning her head away from him, but Gojo is having none of it. He gently snakes his arms around her, turning her head to face him gently.

‘Sa-to-ru,’ he corrects her. ‘Don’t hide from me, Utahime. Awww, Himeee, you know I’ve always liked you. Here I thought you wanted to kiss me,’ he pouts.

‘Yes - I mean, no! Not like that!’

‘So, do you hate it?’ When she doesn’t answer, he presses his forehead against her. ‘Tell me, Hime,’ he says, lips only a few centimetres away from hers. ‘Do you like it?’

‘I-um, I don’t  - ‘

‘Hm?’ he hums. ‘Can’t hear you. Answer me, Utahime. Do you like - ‘

His voice is cut off when she leans into him, pressing her lips on his. Smiling against her, Gojo reciprocates the kiss, feeling her soft lips against his. His hand reaches out for her hair, playing with the strands of her long hair, as his other hand traces her cheeks, down to her chin, memorising every detail of her face. He playfully licks her bottom lips, earning a hum from her, before they pull away for breath. Utahime wraps her arms around his neck, burying her face from his shoulder. Gojo chuckles at the sight. He massages her back, nuzzling the side of her neck, coaxing her for a good minute, as she regains her composure.

To hell with Jujutsu’s world. To hell with the higher ups. To hell with his clan, who makes it extra difficult for him to be with his Utahime without endangering her life. To hell with everything. Gojo doesn’t want the moment to end. He wants the night to stay still. He wants her as his, even for just the moment.

His thumb makes circles on her skin, feeling her grip on his hand tightens. ‘So, you still haven’t answered. Do you like it? Or..?’

She grunts. ‘I’ve already kissed you back. Isn’t that enough?’

‘Hey, I kissed you first and I told you I like you. A simple answer would suffice.’

‘ Fine . Yes, I like the kiss. Happy?’

‘You have no idea.’ He snuggles his head on the crook of her neck, inhaling her sweet, intoxicating vanilla scent on her skin. She feels so warm to his touch, so delicate. She feels like home. ‘I’ve always wanted to do this.’

She chuckles, caressing his head, her other arm strokes his back. ‘You’re such a brat,’ she says endearingly. He pulls them lying on the bed, facing each other. He finally pulls away and lies by his side, looking into her warm honey brown eyes. ‘Satoru,’ she breathes. He hums in response, fingers tracing the scar on the tip of her nose, to the side of her face, down to her chin. She bits her lower lip. ‘I like you too.’

Gojo feels as if his chest expands thirty times and his face will break from smiling too much. He takes her hand in his and kisses the tip of her fingers. ‘All of me is yours, Utahime.’

‘So do I, Satoru,’ she whispers. She places a chaste kiss on his lips.

‘I’ve always liked you since the first time I met you.’

She blinks. ‘Huh? Since school?’

‘Yeah. Isn’t that obvious? I couldn’t go by a day without meeting you.’

‘You mean bothering me. Bullying me. Calling me weak. Never address me as your senpai. Annoying me, teasing - ‘

‘All in favour for you to notice me and remember me, Hime,’ he whines. ‘But it works, doesn’t it?’

‘If annoying me was your aim, then yes.’

He gives her a boyish grin. ‘Awww, Hime. I have a lifetime to make it up to you, Princess.’

She gives him a stern look. ‘You better.’

An idea pops in his mind. ‘Say, Hime, now that we’re together, other than swimsuits, will you wear it if I give you - ‘

‘It’s cute that you think I won't dump you this soon, Gojo. Might be sooner if you don’t get your ass to shower.’

‘Five more minutes. I’ll settle for cuddles. For now.’ Without waiting for an answer, he pulls her closer to his chest. He hears her chuckles against him, her body fits perfectly in his.

‘Cuddles.’