#[ from fake dating to “hahahah heyyyyyyy” ]

[koseigu]

shoko forces herself to swallow the genuine surprise at his near-instantaneous approach, the uncomfortable feeling settling in her gut that she hasn't been given any time to prepare herself for actually having to speak past a casual greeting. she left at the end of their second year, didn't bother calling or writing since he was already busy with two orphans and his own career prospects. if she'd had her way, she'd be somewhere else right now.

"the bandages are new. did the glasses stop working as effectively?"

she dives into clinician mode, paging doctor ieiri, cheeks rosy under the heat of his gaze despite the barrier between them. the cloth barrier. infinity is another thing entirely.

asking how he's been seems pointless, and she's not prepared to talk about how she's been either. "do you have classes today?"

As Gojo strolls around campus, the warm sun illuminates his path. Each step echoes his journey, hard-earned physical training, honing new fighting techniques. And also, his relentless dedication to looking after Megumi and Tsumiki. Earning his teaching diploma had taken time, but he had done it with a wink and a smile. In reality, he doesn't need the piece of paper to prove his worth as the strongest sorcerer. It is just to add an extra feather to his already impressive cap.

As he makes his way through the pathways of the school, he spots Shoko on the staircase kicking off her heels. He pauses for a moment, taking in the sight of her.

He raises a hand in greeting. “ Yo! ” His voice rings out with that familiar, carefree tone. It feels good to see an old friend again, and he can't help but feel a rush of nostalgia mixed with excitement at the unexpected reunion.

How long has it been? He lost count of the years. Gojo sits down beside her, his long legs easily spreading over a couple of stairs due to his height. He turns to look at her. His infrared vision can solely provide the hazy silhouette of Shoko's figure, outlined by varying degrees of intensity—brighter areas indicating heat, cooler patches signifying less activity. However, this doesn't mean he can't make out the finer details. Perhaps the features on her face are reduced to a blurred amalgamation of glowing contours, obscuring any individual characteristics. He definitely wouldn't mistake the shape of her sweet facial features, though. Has she grown her hair out?  He can see it flow down past her shoulders.

“ Long time no see, Shoko, ” he adds.