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You said you were gonna grow up
Then you were gonna come find me
Words from the mouths of babes
promises, oceans deep
But never to keep
— Peter, Taylor Swift
The moon tonight was very bright, casting a luminous glow that immediately caught Utahime's attention as she gazed out her bedroom window. No clouds were present, making the moon completely visible. Its white, radiant, and majestic presence reminded her of someone . She sighed softly and resumed putting on the pearl necklace that Shoko had gifted her for her 32nd birthday on top of this necklace she always wears. She then grabbed her favorite Red Bow and wrapped it on top of her usual half up-do. After one final glance in the mirror, she smiled.
“If that mirror could talk, it would probably say something like, ‘I am in front of a weak sorcerer, please save me from my suffering, Gojo-san~,’” Utahime halted her lipgloss application and placed the hand mirror on her lap. She felt a vein throb in response to Gojo’s incessant chatter. Glaring at him, she scowled.
“Leave me alone, jackass.”
It was a perfectly fine school day, and she was merely trying out the lipgloss that Meimei had recommended when a certain white-haired idiot came along and shattered her peace and quiet.
Gojo's grin only widened. He grabbed a classroom chair, spun it around, and sat astride it, effortlessly balancing on the front two legs.
“Give me some,” he demanded, holding out his hand for the lipgloss. Utahime furrowed her eyebrows.
“Absolutely not! I spent so much money on this!”
Gojo pouted, muttering a disgruntled 'tch'.
Utahime rolled her eyes and began gathering her things, eager to escape his presence. Of course, as if Kami-sama was conspiring against her, she tripped over one of the desk legs as she stood up.
Gojo reacted instantly, grabbing her arm to steady her. Just as she was about to open her mouth to curse at him and yank her arm away, she turned her head and found their faces mere inches apart. Gojo had stood up so abruptly that his breath mingled with hers, his intense blue eyes locking onto hers with an unexpected intensity, his glasses slightly hanging by his nose bridge.
Utahime's eyes widened in surprise, her body frozen in place for a moment. Gojo's lips, slightly chapped from the cold air outside, softly pressed against hers in a gentle kiss. Despite the briefness of the contact, it left an imprint on her mind, her heartbeat drumming in her ears.
The moment was shattered as quickly as it began when Gojo pulled back, a self-satisfied smirk on his lips but still his hand is gripping her arm.
“It’s strawberry flavored and I think it moisturized my lips,” He grinned at her.
Utahime's cheeks betrayed her, burning with an unexpected heat, intensifying the flush to a scarlet red. She hastily broke free from his grip. Gojo adjusted his glasses, an amused smirk playing on his lips as he regarded her. Utahime fumbled to compose herself and hastily excused herself. Without a backward glance, she fled the room.
Utahime carefully locked the door, double-checking the doorknob to ensure it was secure. Only when she was completely satisfied that it was firmly locked did she allow herself to relax. Burglars had become increasingly common in her area lately, and she couldn't afford to take any chances.
The restaurant Kaito had invited her to was only a few stations away from her apartment, making the commute relatively easy. Kyoto was bustling with activity as the Christmas season approached, and the streets were teeming with an increased volume of people.
The moment she entered the restaurant, she immediately spotted Kaito sitting at one of the reserved seats by the window.
They had been seeing each other for a long time now, and today marked their second anniversary together. As she approached their table, Kaito stood up and greeted her with a gentle kiss on the lips, a warm smile spreading across his face.
“Happy Anniversay, babe.”
Utahime nodded and took her seat across from him, straightening her dress before sitting down.
Kaito's kindness and deep affection for her were constants in their relationship. They had met at a sporting event three years ago, both drawn together by their shared love for baseball. He asked for her number that night. Their common passion for the game had strengthened their connection and became one of the many reasons they complemented each other so well. For Utahime, Kaito embodied the qualities of the perfect partner.
“What would you like to order?” Kaito asked her as he skimmed the menu pamphlet the waitress has given them.
“Zunda and cream mochi,” Gojo said immediately. Utahime rolled her eyes, tapping her foot on the wooden floorboards inside the sweet shop.
“Is that all?”
“Utahime, what would you want?”
“A green tea frappe.”
“Green tea frappe and that strawberry parfait,” he pointed at the poster behind the counter.
Utahime turned around and decided to find a seat for them. Luckily, she spotted one immediately and she made her way. She can see from her peripheral view that Gojo looked at her.
A few moments passed, and Gojo returned with their orders, placing the tray on their vacant table before settling across from her.
“I already said sorry,” he mumbled, his mouth subtly pouting, eyebrows raised in a plea for forgiveness. He had the look of a contrite child awaiting absolution.
Utahime chose to ignore him, focusing instead on sipping her drink.
Gojo sighed, tapping his fingers on the table to catch her attention. Utahime furrowed her brows, meeting his gaze.
“I didn’t know it was going to rip apart. I’ll just give you another one and replace it, okay?”
Still silent, Utahime remained stubbornly aloof. She knew she was being petty, but she couldn't help it. Earlier, in the accessory shop she had wanted to visit, Gojo had been relentless, playfully placing absurd clips in her hair, including one with a poop design and another with a penis design. Despite her protests, he persisted, exchanging her chosen bows for his ridiculous alternatives. In his enthusiasm, he had even ripped her favorite bow, the one he had given her on her first day as a teacher. His constant apologies during their walk had done little to soothe her irritation.
Gojo reached across the table, gently taking her hand in his and tapping it with his index finger.
“Hey, I’m sorry, Uta. I really am,” he implored, his expression resembling that of a helpless kitten seeking forgiveness.
Utahime then sighed. She hates that despite his annoying persona that always drives her to complete irritation, she still cannot endure his irritating pleading face.
“You better replace that, you idiot.”
Gojo’s fave lightened up and he immediately nodded, his glasses slightly bouncing as he bobbed his head.
“That one’s my favorite.” Utahime noted, pertaining on the bow he broke.
“Ofcourse it’s special, I gave it to you,”
She pouted a bit and rolled her eyes.
“It was not really my intention.”
He planted a kiss on the back of her hand. Utahime slightly blushed at his gesture, pulling her hands away causing Gojo to chuckle.
“You can just wear this for the mean time,” he grabbed something from his pocket and handed her the penis designed one.
She punched him on the arm.
“Ouch!”
Kaito dropped his knife and fork on the plate causing Utahime to look at him, slightly concerned.
“I bit my tongue,” He chuckled. Utahime also smiled and shook her head.
“Would you like some wine?” Utahime nodded and Kaito called for their assigned waiter. He ordered one of those expensive looking wine which Utahime was really not familiar with.
“Ya know I didn’t know that,” Utahime said, chewing some leftover pepperoni pizza that she reheated. They were watching some crime documentary that Gojo suggested, slumped on the crusty leather sofa in her apartment.
“Really? It was all over the news when that happened. Maybe cuz your attention was just on me? Hmm?” He poked her knee, teasing her.
“Dream on.” Gojo chuckled and tightened his embrace on her waist.
“I’m starting to get bored….you wanna…?” Utahime can feel his hands from her knee slightly teasing the hem of her top, slowly touching the skin beneath her shirt.
Utahime had anticipated from the start that their watch marathon would likely end with both of them dozing off or having sex (she hopefully thinks it’s the latter). She chuckled at the predictability of it all, then leaned in, capturing Gojo's soft lips with hers. As his palms gently caressed her cheeks, she couldn't help but acknowledge that he was indeed a skilled kisser. It was unfair how effortlessly talented he seemed to be in everything he did.
She moaned lowly into the kiss, she’s sure her cheeks were flushing a bright red as Gojo returned her kisses. She felt his tongue slip past her lips and all she can do was open her mouth, granting him access.
Both of them did not know what happened to the documentary film that they were watching, but neither really cares anymore.
Utahime smiled at him.
"How was your business trip, by the way?" she inquired, taking a leisurely sip of her wine.
Kaito had only returned home that morning from his business trip in Germany. Kaito is not a sorcerer. Rather, he’s a Vice-President of a consulting firm based in Kobe. He brought a sense of calmness to Utahime's life, a welcomed reprieve from the chaos of the Jujutsu world.
"It was quite pleasant, actually. I had the chance to explore a bit," he replied, his tone reflecting a sense of contentment. "And I picked up some souvenirs for you, too."
"Wow, I didn't expect you to get me anything," she remarked, pleasantly surprised by his thoughtfulness.
“Can’t forget my favorite girl,” he chuckled.
Utahime couldn't help but roll her eyes, playfully smacking his arm in jest. Gojo feigned injury, rubbing the spot with exaggerated drama. She couldn’t help but chuckle. He always has his Infinity off inside her apartment, his aura felt somehow warmer, closer. She liked it.
From his uniform pocket, he retrieved a small angry fish keychain, showing it to Utahime with a mischievous grin.
"What's that?" she asked, eyeing the small fish.
"An angry fish. Looks just like you when you're angry," he teased, earning another playful smack on the arm.
"The baseball event this morning really fun. A bummer we lost, but I think the kids enjoyed themselves," she remarked, a smile gracing her lips as she leaned her head against his shoulder.
"Yeah, I know it's your favorite. That's why I chose it... But let's be real, my kids totally stole the show. Your students couldn't even compete!" he declared with a playful grin, enjoying their banter.
“Hey! That was just luck! We’ll beat you next time!”
“Really?”
“Really!”
“Really?”
Utahime nodded and chuckled.
“Then I think we should check that out. It’s near my office, I think,” Kaito said smiling.
She mentioned the newly opened Sport Equipment Center nearby, her eyes lighting up as she mentioned a particular pair of sneakers she had her eye on.
"Anyway, babe. I got something for you," Kaito announced, a hint of excitement dancing in his eyes.
Utahime turned her attention towards him, anticipation evident in her gaze as he reached for his coat pocket. With a curious smile, she awaited the surprise he had in store for her.
Kaito pulled out a small box and opened his mouth, about to say something.
“Ta-da!” Gojo exclaimed, presenting a paper bag with a flourish.Utahime raised her eyebrows in surprise.
“Now's clearly not the time for gifts, you idiot! You're obviously needed right now. We gotta go," she admonished, her tone urgent despite the amusement in her eyes.
Gojo was notified about a critical incident unfolding in Shibuya, prompting the deployment of several sorcerers to the area. Meanwhile, Utahime was assigned to standby duty at a different location, accompanying the Kyoto students.
"Just accept it. I bought it for you last week and didn't have a chance to give it to you until now," Gojo said, flashing his cheeky grin. "Besides, I promised you like years ago that I'd replace your ribbon."
“That was a long time ago, Gojo. We’re still going to see each other after this mission.”
“But I want to give it to you now. Just take it and wear it. Go on,” Gojo insisted, his playful grin unwavering as he nudged her gently.
With a resigned sigh, Utahime took the ribbon from him and replaced her current one. The new ribbon was almost identical to the one he had broken, except this one was red—her favorite color. As she adjusted it in her hair, she couldn't help but smile.
“Happy now?” she asked, a hint of a smirk playing on her lips.
Gojo gave her a thumbs up, his smile broad and genuine.
“You better take me to that Seibu Lions game I’ve been telling you about next month when all of this is over!” she demanded.
Gojo chuckled at her request and nodded. “Deal.”
Utahime rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. She tiptoed, leaning in to give him a quick kiss on the lips, sealing the promise with a touch of affection.
His smile grew wider as he brought out the box and presented it to Utahime.
"Utahime, you’re the love of my life. I know it may seem too quick, but I promise you that I know in my heart you're the woman I want to spend my whole life with," Kaito said, his voice steady and sincere.
Utahime was beyond speechless, one hand covering her mouth in shock. As Kaito offered her the ring, she felt like she was in a dream, the moment surreal and almost too perfect to be true.
“That’s fucking absurd!” she shouted, her voice echoing in the room as Gojo laid out their contingency alongside Yuta, Shoko, and the others in case things took a turn for the worst.
“Gojo, what the fuck do you mean you’ll let them use your fucking body?!” she demanded, her eyes blazing with a mixture of disbelief and anger.
“Would you rather have Megumi be stuck forever with that fucker using his body?!” Gojo fired back, his voice tinged with frustration.
“You’re not a fucking weapon! This plan is ridiculous! It’s like you’re accepting that you’ll die!” Utahime shouted, her voice cracking. Her head felt like it was going to explode, and she could no longer hold back her tears. Turning away, she shook her head in despair, her emotions overwhelming her.
She was angry—no, fucking furious. At Gakuganji, at Sukuna, at Gojo, at the entire Jujutsu world, and most of all, at herself because she can’t do anything.
“Trust me on this, okay? Besides, that’s just our last resort. I don’t plan on losing to him, Uta,” Gojo whispered, wrapping his arms around her from behind and softly kissing the top of her head.
Despite his reassurances, Utahime’s tears continued to fall, her heart aching with a mix of fear and frustration.
“It’s just so unfair,” she choked out, her voice trembling with emotion. “Why does it always have to be you? Why does everything fall on your shoulders? I don’t get it.” She was beyond pissed,m and what she hates the most was that she knows the answer to all of her questions. She knew he was the only one who could do this. From the day he was born, his fate seemed preordained. It had to be him.
But it was just so fucking unfair. Unfair for him, unfair for them .
"I promise I'll come back, and we'll go to that game you really wanted. I've already bought the tickets," he assured her, gently grabbing her arm.
Utahime turned around and hugged him by the waist, feeling the warmth of his body. He always felt like home.
Gojo cupped her cheeks, lifting her face to meet his gaze.
"Uta..." he breathed in deeply. "When this is all over, let's get married," Gojo said, looking straight into her eyes. He pulled a small ring from his pocket. It was simple and not too flashy, just as she had always wanted.
Utahime's eyes were puffy, and her cheeks were red from crying. She felt the tears welling up again, but instead of turning away, she buried her head in his chest and nodded, sobbing harder. Gojo chuckled softly and cupped her cheeks.
"I love you."
"I love you too, you idiot."
"Wait for me, okay? I'll come back." She felt him slide the ring onto her finger and kiss the back of her hand.
“Will you marry me?”
She didn't know why, but she couldn't bring herself to smile or cry. Her hand remained over her mouth, unable to utter a word, as if something were lodged in her throat.
Kaito stood there, still looking at her, waiting for an answer.
Her hands moved from her mouth down to the ring attached on her necklace, fingers searching for the familiar cold metal. She grabbed at in between her trembling fingers. She hadn't taken it off since then. For the first time since Kaito had asked, she cried. She cried so hard she could hardly breathe.
“Hey, hey, are you okay? You don’t have to answer if you’re not yet ready,” Kaito was already beside her soothing her tears and rubbing her ba m.
She hates that she could not stop the tears. She loves him so much. So damn much. After all these years, she knows to herself that no matter what happens, it was and will always be him. Gojo Satoru. Her beloved. The love of her life.
But she also knew it was unfair to both herself and him if she continued to hope. If she kept waiting, knowing full well that what she wanted would never happen.
Gojo would have wanted her to be happy, even without him.
She was certain of it.
And then there was Kaito.
He healed her. He welcomed her with open arms, disregarding her past. Despite knowing there was always someone else in her heart, he accepted her without hesitation.
Maybe she cried because she’s finally forgiving herself and she’s forgiving Gojo for leaving.
Maybe she cried because she still loves him, she knows that she always will.
Maybe she cried because she knows that this is unfair for Kaito too, yet he continued to love and accept her.
But maybe, she also cried because she’s done hoping and waiting for some miracle to happen, and that she’s now ready to move forward.
She’ll always love Gojo. Always. That’ll never change.
But she loves Kaito too.
She loves herself too.
So she nodded.
"Yes," she managed to say between sobs, smiling through her tears.
Kaito kissed her gently on the lips and enveloped her in his arms.
"I love you, Utahime," he whispered.
She smiled at him, still crying.