Chapter Text
If he wants to, Gojo Satoru can do whatever he sets his mind on. The only problem is that otherwise, he can rarely force himself to get working at all.
"You're just taking up space here," Iori Utahime says the moment she walks into the teachers' lounge. She puts her papers on the desk and gives Satoru a stern look. "What's the matter?" she finally asks, but not before a deep sigh.
Satoru groans and slumps over his side of the desk.
"I've got this extra lecture to prepare for and I'm so lazy to do it," he explains, seeming to gather all the energy in his body to pick up a leaflet for a learning week the JJK University is organizing after mid-terms. "The students want it to be about sokushinbutsu and I'm just not into that I guess. We are encouraged to invite guest speakers, but none of the lecturers come to mind. Or they're boring."
"Buddhist monks slowly mummifying themselves before death is your students' choice? Wait, why am I even surprised." Utahime sits down and looks at the leaflet still in Satoru's hand. "Just do it yourself then," she says. "I literally saw you prepare a full lecture from scratch overnight, and even have to admit you did that well." She frowns at the memory, but goes on, "Pick yourself up and spend a few evenings on it, and be done."
"I know, I know, but–" Satoru groans, but then his mouth suddenly widens into a smile and his eyes clear up. He slaps the paper on the desk with a burst of energy. " Listen , any chance you're friends with some monks? Buddhist, obviously."
Utahime watches him suspiciously before giving in.
"What do you want?"
Satoru sits up properly, places his hands under his chin with palms open and wiggles his fingers.
"A favour to your favourite colleague?"
"Shoko is my favourite colleague."
"Yeah, yeah, sure," he lets it go. "I said that Principal Yaga told us to consider bringing in guests, right? Wouldn't it be awesome to hear about mummified monks from a monk ?"
"You're horrible."
"I'm a genius."
Utahime takes a deep breath. She pulls out her phone then and starts scrolling through her SNS apps.
"Here," she finally says, and Satoru feels his phone vibrate at the new notification. "Try them. Our shrine had a collaboration event with this temple. They're really open to things, so maybe you'll be lucky. Lowkey I do hope they tell you to get lost, though."
Satoru laughs at this and immediately saves the contacts.
"Please, even you agreed to help me," he teases. "But really, thanks."
"Whatever gets your pouting ass out of here," she says, but Satoru knows she doesn't really mean it. As an actual thank you, Satoru decides not to bother her for a while and lets her work on her papers in peace.
Meanwhile, he starts scrolling through the posts of the temple. It seems to be a small one, but has quite a few followers. With it being located a seventeen-minute walk away from the university, Satoru is a bit surprised he's never walked across it, but another look at the map shows that it's on the opposite side of his regular route to work. He wonders if he should just drop by unannounced, but eventually decides to contact them beforehand, which brings out a relieved sigh out of Utahime when he walks outside to make a call.
An elderly woman picks up. When after all the pleasantries Satoru brings up his idea and asks if by any chance they'd be interested, to his delight the woman says she knows exactly who he should meet.
"Please come today in the evening, if the time allows it," she says, voice pleasant as a summer breeze. She waits until Satoru confirms that the timing is perfect, and only then adds, "Ask for Geto Suguru. I will inform him beforehand about the visit."
"Sorry for the inconvenience," Satoru says, fighting off the smile. "Thank you very much for your effort."
"The pleasure is mine," the woman says back, and Satoru grins wider. His life just got better.
-
The gate to the shrine is rather bulky, but on a smaller side than usual. It hides behind a little park close to the apartment complex, right around the corner where the trees meet a small forested hill on one side and another building on the other.
As he walks up the few low steps of the stairs framed by grass mixed with moss, Satoru wonders again why he has never come here before. The park itself is already calm, but stepping into the temple territory, he feels like escaping Tokyo altogether and travelling right into a town where you remember the faces of all people.
"Sorry for the intrusion," he says to thin air with a little bow, looking around. He hopes someone appears in front of him before he needs to find his way into the inside of the temple hall. While waiting, he checks the information stand with a plan of the buildings around, surprised that the small premises hold more than expected.
"Apologies for the late greeting. Good evening."
When Satoru turns around there's a young monk standing close by. He's almost as tall as Satoru; it's a rare feeling to meet someone's eyes on the same level as Satoru himself. He's got handsome features, too.
"Hello. I am Gojo Satoru," Satoru introduces. "Here to meet Geto Suguru."
"That would be me," the young man says with a smile and Satoru needs all his willpower not to raise eyebrows. He's expected to meet an elder monk, but Geto Suguru seems to be of similar age as himself, wearing his long hair down to his mid-back and even having his ears pierced. Perhaps he's still in training, but nonetheless, it's a refreshing sight.
"Thank you for coming all this way," Geto Suguru goes on with the pleasantries and offers Satoru a polite bow. "Blessed to meet you."
It leaves Satoru a little breathless, the absolute ease with which the slightly embarrassing phrase flows from the Geto Suguru's mouth, his voice strong but soft at the same time. Satoru clears his throat, thinks how there's no way he can use the same words so effortlessly, and settles with the simple, "Pleased to meet you, too."
He wonders how on earth Utahime did not mention that this was the monk in the temple.
"I was told that today's meeting is related to sokushinbutsu ?" Geto checks in, and Satoru nods.
"Yes, I– I teach about myths, legends, rites, and all the supernatural among other things at the JJK University, and we are looking for a guest speaker on that topic for a learning event in June," he explains, watching the expression on the other man's face. "I was informed that you might be the right person for it, Geto."
He hums, pleased, and gestures for Satoru to accompany him to one of the temple buildings, which the plan said to be the lecture hall.
"This happens to be one of my interests," he says. "Though I must admit, I am not an ordained monk. I have simply gone through all Buddhist teachings and grew up here. Is this not a problem?"
"Not at all," Satoru says, wondering if he should still call him monk or not, but he leaves it for later. "I'm flexible with religions, so I don't see why I couldn't be flexible with titles, too," he goes for a joke and feels good when an appreciative smile graces Geto Suguru's face.
"Perfect then," he says. "How about we discuss everything over a cup of tea?"
-
Even if he's not really interested, Satoru knows a lot about sokushinbutsu himself, but the way Geto Suguru talks about it is on a completely different level. He doesn't go into too much detail yet, but he gets Satoru's attention immediately with just the way he talks, like the story is part of himself, like he's lived through the experience in his past life. Satoru notes to himself that maybe he'll actually have to thank Utahime again because this is the greatest turn of events for the lecture.
"Perhaps the students would also like to hear about Ryomen Sukuna? If he is not part of your regular curriculum." Geto asks as his eyes are scanning the wall of scriptures in the learning hall for something, perhaps inspiration. He glances back at Satoru to check his reaction, but when there's no complaining, he goes on: "There are many stories about that, but one of the urban myths mentions the mummified state of it. Taking the local legends of Hida province and the introduction of Buddhism there, one of the theories was linked to sokushinbutsu ."
"I think it's fantastic. Is this really not a problem?" Satoru asks, already receiving more than expected. He takes a piece of castella cake served next to tea, and savours the sweetness that it melts into on his tongue.
Geto smiles at him.
"Not at all. It will be just telling the students what I already know. There is no way it could be a burden. Besides, I enjoy such initiatives."
"You are a saint," Satoru says and it takes Geto by surprise, making him laugh. He doesn't quite manage to cover his mouth with his hand in time, the dimple appearing on one side of his cheeks.
"Oh, I am not. I am simply interested in some stories," he says, a little embarrassed. He clears his throat then, and moves on to go over the details about the university event once more, eventually writing down the email address to which Satoru promises to send the official invite with all the information.
"Thank you very much," Satoru repeats for the umpteenth time once they're done. Geto has just walked him to the gate after also showing around the temple a bit before leaving.
"It was a pleasure. Thank you for your interest, and have a safe trip home," he wishes Satoru and before they part ways, Geto hands him a temple amulet for good fortune. It's black with golden embroidery of the words and ornaments of light blue flowers.
When they say goodbyes, Satoru glances back one last time as he walks down the path leading back to the park. Geto is still standing at the gate and when he notices, he smiles and holds up his hand in a little wave. It makes Satoru chuckle.
He can't wait to meet this man again.
-
"He doesn't look like a monk," Satoru says, joining Utahime and Shoko at the coffee shop table. "I'm not sure if he is, if we talk qualifications or whatever, but he doesn't look it."
They are both sipping coffees and merely spare Satoru a glance. Satoru scrunches his nose and loudly slurps his milkshake.
"Who doesn't?" Shoko finally asks and Utahime shrugs, not bothering to understand.
"Geto Suguru, hello? From the temple which you recommended, Utahime."
"Ah," she hums. "I don't think I met any Suguru there. It's a family temple, I only know the elder master there."
"You went to a temple?" Shoko asks and Satoru nods.
"For the learning week lecture. He's in, by the way."
"Alright, so? What about him, then?" Utahime asks, confused about where this is going.
Satoru shrugs.
"Was surprised, that's all," he says and notices the look Shoko gives him. "Long hair, piercings. Not what you expect to see at the temple."
"Are you meeting him again?" Shoko asks, not breaking eye contact with him.
"Mayhaps," Satoru says, a smile naturally coming to his face at the idea. "Well, at least at the lecture I will," he adds after a second thought, not to sound too eager about this.
Shoko gives him a tiny knowing smile.
"Nice," she says.
"Poor monk," Utahime comments. "Dealing with you will be the real task."
Satoru laughs at this.
"Oh I'm a blessing ."
"Sure thing," she says and stands up, finishing her drink in a few last sips. "I have a lecture in ten minutes, so time to go. See you guys later."
They wave goodbyes, and once she leaves, Shoko turns to Satoru.
"Piqued your interest?" she asks. Satoru shrugs but feels the traitorous smile curling at his lips.
"Pleasant to the eye, easy to talk to, has good ideas," he lists, and yet doesn't come to the conclusion that Shoko anticipates.
She lets out a deep sigh.
"Was hoping for something spicy for a change. Everything's kind of boring lately."
"No fun experiments recently?"
She sighs heavily again.
"I wouldn't be here asking about your love life if there were."
It makes Satoru laugh. Shoko is the closest he has to a best friend and the only person around who knows about his personal life, to begin with. If someone were getting his love life stories, it would be her, even if usually she doesn't care about the details of it at all.
"I'll make sure to inform you if there is ever any change," he promises and she grins at him. She holds up her hand to pump up a half-hearted encouraging fist.
"Go Satoru. Maybe this is your chance," she says. "He sounds like your type."
Satoru rolls his eyes, but he doesn't protest. The cool milkshake successfully beats the flush coming to his face.
-
Satoru tells himself it's simply his curiosity about the temple that brings him back, but the burn of disappointment when he's not greeted by Geto tells a little bit of a different story. He sticks around though, checks the open halls from the inside after looking at all the buildings from outside, and eventually ends up sitting in front of the zen garden. He spends some time staring at the rocks with gravel and sand, and a few plants, then probably equally long looking down at his feet in the slippers provided at the entrance to this hall, and then – watching the sky. It's blue with lazy clouds splattered here and there.
"Does the garden succeed in evoking a sense of timelessness and eternity?"
The familiar voice brings Satoru back to reality, and when he tilts his head, there's Geto Suguru beaming softly at him.
"Do you mind if I join you, Gojo?"
Satoru instinctively shifts a few centimeters to the side even if there's enough space for a couple more people, and points to the floor with his hand.
"Please."
Geto brings in the scent of sandalwood incense mixed with some herbs. It's soft and pleasant, just strong enough to be noticed, but not to be distracted keeping it on your mind the whole time.
He doesn't start a conversation. He sits down cross-legged with his hands on his knees, takes a deep breath and closes his eyes – a perfect example of peacefulness. The upward tilt of his mouth corners makes it look like he's filled with content, and Satoru is not sure if he's allowed to interfere. So he doesn't.
He shifts his attention back to the garden, focusing on the biggest rock there, and he thinks about endless time. The thought is both comforting and daunting, the idea of limitless something that he cannot fully wrap his mind about; fitting very much the concept itself. He wonders if this is the feeling that the monks relentlessly pursue in search of the final enlightenment.
"How long does it take to get ordained?" he suddenly asks, breaking the silence and time together with it.
Geto doesn't open his eyes before answering.
"It depends. There is no set timeline, just steps to follow at your own pace."
"How long has it been for–"
"For me?" Geto looks at him and lets out a little amused puff. "I am not trying to attain it," he says and when Satoru furrows his eyebrows in confusion, he explains more, "I grew up in this temple as my father is a monk and my mother a nun, and I was trained accordingly, but becoming a monk was never my intention. I work at the temple and take care of it, yet all religious tasks are left to ordained monks."
"Ah, that explains the look I suppose."
Geto laughs lightly at this.
"I suppose it does," he says. "However, our sect is following the core tenets of Buddhism, but a lot of vows are voluntary. Hence, long hair, eating meat, no celibacy, income outside the temple, and other things are allowed. Technically, I could still be an ordained monk, yet I am more of a layperson in this regard."
Satoru hums; it's nothing new, but he appreciates Geto getting into a discussion with him instead of trying to end the chat as soon as possible.
"You have the outfit though," Satoru says, eyeing the garment around Geto's neck.
Geto nods, and Satoru thinks he's trying to withhold laughter.
"Right, one can wear rakusu after receiving the precepts as a Buddhist, mostly during meditation, but it does not equal becoming a monk," he intones. "Though I suppose you know this." He gives Satoru a smile which Satoru reciprocates. "So, the lecture will not really be a monk talking about mummified monks."
Now Satoru is the one who breaks into laughter.
"What a pity, my glorious plan went all to dust."
"I did give a warning," Geto reminds him, but there's no bite in his voice.
"It's honestly not an issue," Satoru confirms just in case, not sure yet how far he can go with joking. "I am just glad you agreed to do this. From what I've heard so far, I'm sure the students will love it more than whatever I'd whip up on this topic."
"You are very generous with your words, Gojo," Geto comments. "There is still a lot for me to learn, too."
"Right, right," Satoru says, not wanting to get into a never-ending cycle of exchanging compliments and humbleness. "Sorry for interrupting the meditation," he adds after a moment.
Geto gently waves it off with his hand.
"Nothing to feel sorry about," he says. "A meaningful discussion can offer as much inner peace as silence, sometimes."
Satoru lets out a hum.
"Who's generous with words this time?" he asks, but Geto replies only with a content-looking smile. His eyes rest on one of the smallest rocks in the garden, and following his gaze, Satoru wonders what he is thinking about. Whatever that is, Geto seems to find the answer to his thoughts in a few moments. He closes his eyes again then, like a cat in sunlight, and Satoru finds out that he can't look away.
There's something mesmerizing about the man. Something that both brings tranquillity to Satoru's mind and leaves it in a frenzy of thoughts.
Geto catches his eye, both inside and out, and even if Satoru knows exactly what it can snowball into, he doesn't even try to stop it.
He takes a deep breath, closes his eyes, and lets the smell of sandalwood ground him.
-
"You went to the temple," Shoko states a fact, and Satoru simply nods.
"I went to the temple."
"And?"
He offers her a grin, but even with the sunglasses on she can tell it doesn't really reach his eyes.
"Lowkey would go there daily, highkey think I'm acting stupid."
"So I was right."
Satoru nods again, one, two, three, four times.
"Yeah," he says just to voice it out. There's neither disappointment nor happiness in this realization. "Are we surprised?"
Shoko laughs a little, holds onto Satoru's arm and pulls him towards the sweets shop.
"Come on. My treat."