#psa: don't smoke/vape | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

themindofachronicdaydreamer · 5 days ago

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Suites & Sweets

freshman year at Jujutsu University Tokyo seems like it will be uneventful. and, well, that's true... until you meet the boys in the suite across the hall, and one in particular piques your interest.

introduction | previous | next PSA: mentions of panicking! ALSO: listen to kintsugi by lana del rey for the best reading experience <3 okay bye love you

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ˋ°•*⁀➷˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ 22. 𝓣𝓗𝓔 𝓒𝓤𝓡𝓢𝓔𝓓 𝓢𝓟𝓘𝓡𝓘𝓣𝓢: 𝓛𝓘𝓥𝓔 𝓘𝓝 𝓒𝓞𝓝𝓒𝓔𝓡𝓣 ⍣ ೋ⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ ... wc: 9.3k (oops)

You're finishing your eyeliner when Shoko appears behind you in your mirror, walking into your room. She's in a short black dress and has a vape in her hand - something she swears is helping her quit cigarettes. ("I said I'd quit smoking, not quit nicotine," she had told you when you noticed earlier, to which you scoffed out a "Sure.")

"We gonna leave soon? It's 7, didn't you wanna get there at 7:30 to catch Choso before he starts playing?" She asks as you watch her reflection in the mirror move closer.

"Yeah, almost finished," you answer, looking at your friend and smiling.

"'Kay," Shoko clicks her tongue. You look to face her as she reaches you. "'Cause the boys are coming any second to take our traditional round of shots before going out."

"I know, I know," you roll your eyes. You turn your head back toward the mirror to finish the last touches when Shoko's hand grabs your shoulder, stopping you.

"You don't have to force yourself to go out, y'know?" her voice is quiet, as if she doesn't want anyone else to hear.

You take a deep breath and stare back at her attentive eyes. "I want to go," you affirm. "I've been wanting to see Choso play for a minute now. I think it'll be nice. Good for me." You nod, though it is more to yourself than her, eyebrows furrowing for a moment before adding, "Plus, I'm getting tired of being so..."

"Stuck?" Shoko finishes, but the word carries so much to it. You have had years of friendship to learn about each other and form the close bond between you, that she probably knows you better than you know yourself.

Which mean she can likely tell you have a bit of shakiness to you, which is why your eyeliner has had to be been redone three times by now. She might have an idea that you're second guessing yourself from the number of clothes thrown on the floor from failed attempts at outfits. Which means she's already come to this conclusion: you're panicking.

You sigh in submission, looking down at the eyeliner in your hand. "Yeah, I guess," you admit, trying to smile but aware you're failing to make it look convincing. "I don't know why I'm making such a big deal out of this."

Shoko watches you with bored eyes as you pivot to try to finish your eyeliner. She's quiet, but you know the gears are turning in her head. Her expression softens as she takes a couple paces to sit on the edge of your bed beside you at the mirror.

"I see," she thinks out loud. "You're not forcing yourself to go out because you want to see Choso," she says gently. "You’re forcing yourself to do this because you think it's what you should do. You're scared of staying home and letting yourself feel, aren't you?"

Her words hit you like a ton of bricks, too accurate for comfort. You swallow hard, trying to push the sudden wave of anxiety down. She is really the definition of tough love sometimes.

"Maybe," you mumble, your fingers fidgeting with the hem of your dress. "But I don't want to just... hide away forever, you know? I can’t keep running from it."

Shoko’s gaze doesn’t waver. "You don't have to run. You don't have to act like everything’s fine either. It's okay to just... be, for a while." Her voice is soft, the calm tone only making the weight of her words feel heavier. "You don’t owe anyone anything tonight."

You turn to face her, the lump in your throat growing bigger. It’s hard to look at her, because Shoko knows how to call you out without making it feel like an attack. She sees through you, and she always has.

"I know. I just I thought if I went out, maybe I’d feel like myself again." You press your lips together, biting back the frustration building in your chest. "I don’t want to keep letting other people control me."

"You’re not controlling anything by distracting yourself, though," Shoko says quietly, her hand reaching for your arm, giving it a light squeeze. "You're just putting a bandage on it."

You close your eyes, feeling the sting of truth in her words. You feel tears forming, your face becoming warm in attempt to suppress your emotions. "I'm tired of feeling like this," you whisper.

"I know," she says, and there's no pity in her voice, just understanding. "But you're not alone, okay? You don’t have to hide it from me."

You nod, swallowing the lump invading your throat, and finally give her a small smile. "Thanks, Shoko."

"Listen," she begins. "You got through this last time. You will this time. And you'll be even stronger on the other side. You have me, Hime, and Mei. And Satoru - and, by the way, you need to catch me up on what's going on between you-"

"Nothing is going on between us!" you interject, but she continues talking as if you said nothing.

"-because I can tell something has shifted and I need to know everything. But that's for another night. Right now, you have all these people here for you, who miss you. We want what's best for you." She grins, nudging you with her shoulder. "So, if you want to go out, we’ll go out. But if you change your mind, we can always bail. Choso would understand," her voice is stern, yet so gentle and caring. She takes a deep inhale, putting her hands on your shoulders. "No pressure. Just... please don't do it because you think you have to."

You pause, thinking it over, before nodding again. "Yeah, you're right... I've been a bad friend-"

"Nuh-uh, no. Not that. We are not doing that. Are you aware of what you're going through right now?" Her tone is assuring as she looks down at her feet. "It's okay to not be able to give 100% all the time. Like I said, we're here for you. I'm here for you."

Tears begin to well in her eyes, and you reach out to her. She wraps you tightly in a hug. "I just want you to talk to me. After junior year, I promised myself I wouldn't let Naoya get to you again," Shoko says while releasing a shaky breath. "And I failed. I'm sorry-"

"Sho, no," you cut her off, backing away and grabbing her face. The two of you are a crying mess. "If I have no control over the situation, you don't either. Please, Sho."

Guilt wracks through you. Has she been feeling this way the whole time? But she's been holding it together, feeling responsible.

Wow.

Maybe this is really the reality check you needed.

You wipe the tear that escapes your eye, guilt mixing with a deep sense of gratitude as you look at your friend. "I had no idea you were carrying this too," you say, your voice cracking slightly. "I didn't mean for you to feel that way. I swear, I didn't want to burden anyone."

Shoko takes another large breath, letting it out slowly. "No, not a burden. Or an obligation. I want to carry this. I want to be there for you. You don't have to carry this all alone." Her hands are still on your arms, but there's a softness to her grip, as if she's reassuring both of you. She wipes her eyes, smirking through the vulnerability. "You're my best friend. I’m not gonna let you get torn down by this by yourself. If you ever need to cry, or yell, or just be a mess, I’m here. We’re all here, okay? Because, luckily for you, you have some stubborn ass friends. We're not going anywhere."

You let her words sink in, a weight lifting off your chest, a smile tugging at your lips. It doesn’t solve everything, but it’s a start. You’ve been so caught up in trying to manage things on your own, thinking that by pushing people away, you could somehow make it all better. But Shoko’s right. You don’t have to do it alone.

"Can- Can we make a pact?" she looks at you hesitantly.

"Depends on the pact," you laugh through the tears rolling down your face.

"If one of us says the magic word, we have to say what's on our minds," Shoko offers. "No matter what."

"What's the magic word?"

"Um...," she looks around the room, then seems to come to a conclusion. "Kintsugi."

"Why kintsugi?"

"Because why the hell else would we be saying kintsugi?"

"Fair point," you say and hold your pinkie out for her. "I promise. Kintsugi is the word."

"Promise," she mimics, then interlocks her pinkie with you own, sealing the deal.

You lean your forehead against hers for a brief moment. The look you share is one of words left unsaid, of forgiveness for mistakes, and of pure unconditional love between you and your dearest friend.

"I love you, you know that?" you say, emotion flooding every syllable. "I don't deserve you."

She scoffs lightly, pulling back and giving you a playful shove. "Shut up, you deserve everyone. Even me."

From the hallway, you hear a knock on your front door, Mei screaming she'll get it, a creaky door, and four male voices entering your suite.

Shoko turns to her reflection in your mirror, widening her eyes at her now messed up mascara. "Well, that's an issue." She giggles, standing up and brushing off her dress. "Let's fix this and go take that shot?"

A small laugh bubbles up from you.The tension in your shoulders loosens as you look at her, appreciating her more than you could express in words. "Sounds like a plan."

You grab some emergency makeup wipes and cotton swabs you had sitting in your vanity, handing some to Shoko. The weight of the conversation settles in your chest, but not in a way that weighs you down; for the first time in a while, you're hopeful. You're excited. You're ready to be happy.

Footsteps echo down the hall and closer to your room until, from the reflection of your doorway, a tall, white-haired man leans against it, hands in pockets as he looks at you in your leather jacket and red mini dress.

"Hey, pretty," he says when you turn to look at him. He's wearing a black button up, sleeves rolled up to his elbows and top few buttons undone, with black pants and sneakers. He then notices Shoko wiping her eyelid with a cotton swab and says, "Shoko."

"Freak," she greets without bothering to look at him.

"Hey, Satoru," you smile. His presence always finds a way to calm you. "One sec, we're doing the last touch-ups."

"I'm done," Shoko says, turning to you and giving you a look, her eyes saying oh you are so explaining this to me later and leaving the room.

"I'm almost done, I swear," you tell him, grabbing the eyeliner to finish the last little bit of your makeup. Satoru watches you from the entrance to your room.

"Take your time, sweets. I don't mind," he says, pushing off the doorframe and walking toward you at your mirror.

The day had gone by smoothly up to this point. Classes, which weren't as bad as you were expecting, then lunch with the Suites crew, and a spontaneous trip for boba with Satoru where he asked about ten times if you were certain about going out tonight. "Keep asking me that and I'll throw my shoe at you," you threatened, and although he conceded, you know he is still wary of how you are feeling and paying extra close attention to you.

Satoru rests a hand on your vanity, leaning down slightly to look at you in the mirror. His expression softens when your eyes meet, and a small smile pulls at his lips. You return it, turning to him fully, your eyeliner finally satisfying you. He takes his time memorizing your figure while you stare so innocently up at him, your soft grin emphasizing your radiant beauty.

“You’re gonna steal the show tonight,” he teases and pokes your cheek. There’s a sincerity in his tone that excites you.

You roll your eyes, though a faint blush creeps across your cheeks. “Please, Toru. I’m just trying to look somewhat decent."

“Decent?” he scoffs, straightening up. “If this is your idea of ‘decent,’ then I am very interested in how you look put together all fancy-like.”

You laugh, shaking your head as you finish the last stroke of your eyeliner. “You’re so dramatic.”

“Comes with the territory,” he replies with a grin.

“That, it does,” you say, You set it down and meet his eyes, and the way he’s looking at you makes your heart flutter. His gaze is warm, soft in a way that feels almost intimate, and you’re suddenly grateful for the light blush you applied earlier because it hides the one he’s causing now.

“So." He reaches out to gently tug on the sleeve of your oversized jacket. “Are you ready to steal hearts tonight, or just mine?” Satoru teases, his voice light but carrying that familiar undertone that always makes your pulse quicken.

You shake your head, a small laugh escaping. “I think stealing yours is more than enough work for one night.”

“Good answer,” he says, his grin widening. His hand lingers on your sleeve for a moment before he lets it drop, as if reluctant to pull away.

Before you can respond, Mei’s voice cuts through the air from the living room. “Guys! Are we doing this or what? I could be on my third shot by now!”

Satoru rolls his eyes but offers you a hand. “Shall we, my lady?”

You take it, his hand warm and firm in your own, and let him lead you out of your room. Shoko is already in the living room with Mei, Utahime, and the guys, who are gathered around the kitchen island. Mei is pouring some alcohol into shot glasses, glass bottle almost empty from previous nights of fun.

“Finally,” Utahime drawls when she sees you. “Thought we were gonna have to send a search party.”

You stick your tongue out at her playfully. “Beauty takes time, Hime. Don't you know this?”

“And some of us need more time than others,” Mei quips back, earning a chuckle from Shoko.

Satoru steps in, his arm draping over your shoulder casually, though the gesture feels protective. “Leave her alone, you two. She’s already putting all of you to shame.”

"Judge, I object," Utahime puts her free hand up as if telling Satoru to stop, turning her head away in disgust. "He is obviously biased."

"I second that," Yu nods his head.

Satoru lets out a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest. “Biased? Me? I am offended—nay, wounded—by such accusations.”

Shoko rolls her eyes. “Wounded my ass.”

Mei chuckles, setting the shot glasses on the counter. “Okay, stop fighting, let’s get this over with so we can actually leave. Tequila waits for no one. I'm sure Choso's band doesn't either.”

In response, everyone gathers around the kitchen island, Satoru slides a glass in front of you and himself.

"Here’s to making it through the week," Suguru says, raising his glass in a toast.

"And to not running away," you add with a small grin, your heart feeling a little lighter as you clink your glass against his.

"To not running away," everyone echoes, and you take the shot with a sense of camaraderie, feeling the warmth spread through your chest.

Maybe, just maybe, you can do this. One step at a time.

The group erupts into playful banter, but Satoru doesn’t move his arm, and you don’t make him. You feel a sense of belonging in the warmth of the room, in the laughter and teasing, in the way Satoru’s thumb absentmindedly traces small circles on your shoulder, a subtle method to ground you.

-----

The bar isn't too far from your dorm, but the autumn chill nips at your bare legs for the entire walk. Inside Levi's, however, is quite the opposite, hitting you like a wave of hot, stuffy air.

The room is bathed in moody neon lights - red and purple hues bouncing off the brick walls, casting shadows that move like living things. It’s packed but not suffocating; it's the kind of crowd that feels alive without overwhelming you. Your group files in, Mei leading the charge with a confident strut as if she owns the place. Utahime follows, muttering something about needing a drink immediately, while Shoko scans the room with her usual cool detachment.

Satoru stays close to you, his hand placed near your lower back as if silently guiding you through the crowd. The touch is light but reassuring, and you feel a little less out of place with him at your side.

"I have to find Choso!" you announce soon after walking in, speaking loudly against the loud music. "You coming, Yu?"

"Yeah!" he grins and gives you a thumbs up.

Mei turns to you, already setting her sights on the bar. "What do you want to drink? I'll get it for you," she asks.

"Hmm, vodka cranberry?" you reply, glancing over your shoulder at her.

"I got you," she says with a wink, turning on her heel and heading toward the bar.

"Grab us a table with a good view," you say to Utahime, who salutes, then follows after Mei, who raises her hand to grab the attention of a bartender. Shoko waves, and Suguru and Kento walk with them, chatting amongst themselves as they make their way to the alcohol.

You turn to notice Satoru still standing next to you. "You can go with them, if you want," you offer, voice louder than usual to cut through the pulsing of the DJ's speakers. "If you want to stay with everyone else-"

"Nah," Satoru leans closer, his lips brushing against your ear as he cuts you off, voice a smooth whisper in the cacophony. Shivers are sent down your spine and you swear you have goosebumps, even with how warm it is. "I wanna tag along. Just lead the way, baby."

A teasing glance over your shoulder is all you can offer before you slip through the crowd, Satoru staying right behind you, a constant presence you can feel without having to look. Yu follows, his excitement tangible as he navigates the sea of people with ease.

The music envelops you. Its bass vibrates through your body, a pulse that feels like it's coming from the very walls of the building. The lights flicker in time with the beat, casting a surreal glow over the entire room, giving everything a euphoric quality. The crowd moves in sync, almost hypnotic as they sway to the rhythm like a living being.

Levi's isn’t just a bar - it’s a maze. It's a labyrinth of bodies and lights that shifts every time you look away. Each step feels precarious, like a game of chance. One wrong move and you’ll be lost, caught in the tide of people that ebb and flow with the music.

Your eyes scan every corner of the room until you finally land on Choso. He stands near the back, tucked beside the slightly raised stage. He’s dressed in all black with a focused look on his face as he tunes his electric guitar.

"There he is," you say, nodding toward Choso. You turn to Satoru, who’s following closely behind, and he gives a short nod of acknowledgement before continuing to trail behind you.

Yu’s excitement skyrockets. "Yay!" he practically shouts, taking the lead and weaving through the crowd with surprising speed. You watch him speed up, practically running to Choso, who looks up and notices. With a smile, he puts his guitar down to greet Yu with a side hug.

You follow behind with Satoru close beside you. His body brushes against yours once in a while, the briefest contact, but enough that you’re acutely aware of how close he is, how the rhythm of his movements somehow aligns with yours.

“Hey,” Choso greets once you reach him, his deep voice somehow cutting through the music. His gaze flicks to Satoru briefly, giving him a polite nod before returning to you, then to Yu. “Glad you could make it!"

“Choso!" you greet, wrapping your arms around him excitedly. "Of course! Wouldn’t miss it,” you let go of him, backing up and offering him a genuine smile.

"Yeah, man!" Yu says. "Of course we'd come!"

You gesture to the blue-eyed boy beside you. "This is our friend Satoru, by the way."

Satoru gives a playful wave, his usual easygoing demeanor shining through. “Pleasure to meet you, Choso.”

"Nice to meet you, too!" he says with a small, genuine smile, the kind that reaches his eyes.

"I'm sorry we got here so late," you say, feeling a twinge of guilt. "I-"

Choso waves it off with a soft chuckle, his expression warm and unbothered. "Hey, no, it's okay. I'm glad you're even here at all!" his smile is so genuine, it makes you smile. He glances between you and Yu. "Where are you sitting?"

"Not sure yet," Yu responds. "Our other friends were grabbing drinks and a table."

"But I told them to try and get close, so hopefully they listen!" you add.

From behind the stage, someone calls Choso's name. "I'll look for you after," Choso chuckles, ruffling your hair before giving you a thumbs-up. "Gotta go, thanks for saying hi!"

From behind a curtain hiding the backstage from the general crowd, a boy with pink hair comes out. "Um, hey, bro. You ready to play?" he queries.

"Yeah, yeah," Choso says while already in the process of grabbing his guitar. "I'm coming."

"Good luck!" you say to both Choso and pink hair.

Choso gives you a quick nod and a smile before disappearing behind the curtain, his guitar strap slipping over his shoulder as he walks toward the stage. The pink-haired boy follows, his energy buzzing with anticipation, and he gives Choso a playful nudge. You watch them go, the atmosphere in the room seeming to shift with their departure, as if everyone is waiting for the performance to begin.

The air around you is thick with excitement now, everyone’s eyes starting to turn toward the stage. The DJ’s music transitions into a softer, more ambient beat, setting the tone for the performance. A sense of collective anticipation fills the space, and you can feel the energy in the room begin to build. You turn, scanning the crowd again, and spot your friends at a table on the side wall, the perfect spot with a great view of stage. Mei is holding space for your group at a table with an impressive view of the stage, a drink already in her hand, while Utahime lounges in the corner with a mimosa in front of her. Shoko, as usual, looks perfectly composed, her attention flitting between the crowd and her phone, glass of something dark and definitely strong at her lips. Kento sits back, a small smile playing on his lips as he watches the chaos unfold around him.

"Found them," you say, your voice lifted just enough to be heard over the DJ. Yu grins, excitement still evident in his eyes as he speeds ahead, his long legs helping him navigate through the crowd faster than the rest of you. Satoru stays close behind, his hand placed lightly against your back, the small connection grounding you in the whirlwind of lights and music.

As you approach, Utahime notices you, her eyes lighting up. “Finally!” she calls out, waving enthusiastically. “Took you guys long enough!”

“Yeah, this place is like an obstacle course," you say. You slide into the seat beside Utahime, grateful to be out of the crowded space for a moment. Satoru and Yu sit across from you, Satoru's long legs knocking against yours as he relaxes into his spot.

Kento offers a nod of acknowledgment from across the table, his calm demeanor never shifting. "Glad you made it through the chaos." His gaze sweeps over the table, a slight smirk curling on his lips. "You guys didn’t lose anyone, did you?"

"Not yet," you chuckle, stealing a glance at Yu, who is already deep in conversation with Suguru, likely discussing the music lineup. His energy is almost tangible, electrifying in a way that could power the entire room.

Shoko raises an eyebrow, her eyes shifting from her phone to you. “Found Choso?”

“Yeah,” you answer with a grin. “He’s back there getting ready to play. We’ll catch up with him after!”

And the next thing you know, the lights are dimming and Choso is walking out onto the stage, guitar in hand. The pink-haired boy follows, and a tall, muscular man walks on after.

Pinky boy reaches the center microphone and says, "Hello, again, Levi's!" He raises his guitar in hand and shouts, "I'm YuujI!"

Yuuji as in... Sukuna's brother?

They both have pink hair, so it makes sense. Plus, you're certain Yuuji is his brother's name. That's who Ino mentioned in his texts to Satoru, right?

The world is getting smaller and smaller.

"Todo." Muscle boy sits at the drums, tapping his drumsticks together, starting a beat in the background of their introductions.

Your attention is regained by Choso speaking into the mic, "I'm Choso, and we're The Cursed Spirits!"

Their music fills the air, loud and exciting.

Utahime gasps. She has to scream over the music, "You didn't tell me Choso is so hot?!"

"Yes I did!" you respond loudly. "I told you he played guitar! What do you think that meant?"

Shoko, drink in hand, shouts over the growing noise, "She's got a point!"

"They're not bad," Kento comments, his voice slightly drowned out by the music as he takes a casual sip of his beer.

"Yeah! They're good, right?" Yu agrees. Choso has shared his music with you two before, in class and getting coffee, but hearing it live is a completely different thing.

It's an entire experience.

The music flows through the room, the energy vibrating in the air as Choso's deep voice fills the microphone, Yuuji's harmonizing perfectly. Despite the slight unease that lingers from your earlier conversation with Satoru, the atmosphere of the club lightens your mood. It’s a welcome distraction, a chance to escape the tangled thoughts in your head, if only for a moment.

You smile, eyes landing on Satoru across from you. His face artwork, you think as you stare at it, eyes tracing the curve of his nose. To your dismay, eyes meet yours, and for a brief moment, the noise and chaos of the club feel distant, like it's just the two of you in this tiny, quiet world.

You quickly look away, pretending to focus on the band again, but your smile betrays you. Satoru notices, of course, and his grin widens in response.

By the time their set is over, you feel like you've lost your voice. They played old hits, like Zombie by The Cranberries and The Chain by Fleetwood Mac. It was mesmerizing, and they were all extremely talented. The whole band was on fire, their energy infectious, and you can’t help but feel a little lighter than when you first walked in.

With a final goodbye, Choso thanks the crowd, and the band members exit the stage.

After about ten minutes, your rockstar friend finds his way to your table, his brothers in tow. Without a second thought, you leap from. your seat.

"You were so good!" you exclaim, almost breathless from the excitement.

"Thanks! I'm glad you liked it." He shrugs. His eyes sparkle under the club lights, still full of adrenaline from the set.

"Gonna introduce us?" Utahime pokes into your conversation from beside you.

"Right!" you say, turning to your friends. Skipping Yu in front, you begin with the girl beside him. "Choso, this is Utahime and Shoko. That's Mei. Those three are my roommates. That's Suguru, Kento." Kento puts his hand up in a polite greeting." You met Satoru already."

"Hi everyone," Choso greets. "Thank's for coming!"

"Hi, I think I'm in love with you," Utahime deadpans, eyes wide directed at Choso.

A laugh erupts from the bo beside her. "Consider us your first fan club," Yu announces, making Choso laugh.

"New fan club?" Mei chimes in, her sharp eyes flicking between Choso and the rest of the group. She leans forward, resting her chin on her hand with a sly smile. "Hm, I guess I'll join."

Utahime, who hasn’t taken her eyes off Choso since he walked out on stage, glares playfully at Mei. "Don’t scare him off, Mei. I think he actually likes us so far."

"Don’t worry about me," Choso replies, a hint of humor in his tone. "I think I can handle it."

You giggle. "Just you wait."

People from the club compliment them as they walk past, some girls going so far to ask for a picture with the bandmates. Choso humbly obliges with a soft smile gracing his features as he poses between Yuuji and Todo. The three brothers radiate charisma, their energy still buzzing from the performance.

At some point, Mei rises to grab some more drinks from the bar.

Choso returns to the table after taking a couple more photos, looking sheepish. "Sorry about that. Happens sometimes after gigs."

"It's fine," you assure him with a grin. "I mean, it’s not every day you see someone you know getting fangirled over."

"You really have a following, huh?" Shoko remarks.

Utahime, still clearly infatuated, mutters, "For good reason."

Choso chuckles, running a hand through his hair, clearly still a little embarrassed by the attention. "I guess I’m not used to it yet. It’s all a bit overwhelming." His gaze flits toward the crowd, where a couple more fans wave at him from across the room. "But, uh... I’m glad you all came out tonight. Really means a lot."

"Of course we came!" Utahime says, still giddy. "This was so much fun! Your band is ah-maze-ing."

"Thanks," Choso replies, a shy smile tugging at his lips. "We’ve been working on some new stuff, so it’s good to see people enjoying it."

"So," Shoko says, leaning forward with her glass in hand, her eyes gleaming with mischief, "any chance we get to see more of you performing live? I think I speak for everyone when I say we’d love to see another show."

Choso laughs, a soft blush creeping up his neck. "You guys would really come to another one? I mean, I’d love for you all to come. We’re still figuring out our next gig, but yeah, I’ll let you know."

"Yeah! You guys are great!" Yuuji says. "Do you go to Jujutsu University, too? My brother goes there!"

You nod. "I'm guessing it's Sukuna?" you query.

Yuuji looks to you. "Yeah! What gave it away?" He gasps. "Was it my hair?" His hand rubs the top of his hair.

"Wait, I thought you and Choso are brothers?" Kento says, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

"Yeah, we are too! Same with me and Todo! The family is a little complicated, I guess," he smiles in amusement at the joke that is his family tree. His cheeks start to turn a little pink as he leans back, looking at Choso with a hint of embarrassment for having overshared.

Choso lets out a low chuckle, shrugging slightly. "It’s not that complicated, just a bit messy," he says, a modest smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "But it works."

"When isn't family complicated?" Satoru asks. "Or chaotic?"

"He has a point," Suguru chimes in.

"Yeah," you giggle. "Though, you’re much less… intimidating than he is."

Yuuji lets out a loud, hearty laugh, visibly pleased by the compliment. "I’ll take that as a win!" He grins, his eyes sparkling. "Sukuna’s got that scary vibe down, huh? I try not to be too unapproachable."

"You're doing great!" you giggle, and with that, the topic shifts to Todo's drumming skills.

As everyone chats, the club’s energy swirls around you, with each new conversation creating more threads between you and the people around you. Despite the chaos of a club, there's a sense of comfort in knowing you're surrounded by good people, even if the world around you keeps shrinking in ways you didn’t expect. It feels like things are settling into place.

Loud music continues to play in the background, but the noise of the club fades into a comfortable hum in the background. Choso, still flushed from the excitement of the performance, lounges back in his chair, his fingers absently tapping against his drink. He's engaged with your table's conversation, and while the attention from a fan in the audience catches his attention every now and then, it doesn’t seem to faze him as much anymore, though there’s still a slight awkwardness when people come up to him. It’s clear that the spotlight, while flattering, is something he’s still adjusting to.

Looking across the table, your eyes land on Satoru, who sits comfortably, something of a casual confidence emitting from him. He’s leaning back casually, watching the conversations unfold with a slight grin. Again, to your dismay, his eyes meet yours, and there's a flicker of something behind them - maybe amusement? He catches you staring and raises an eyebrow, a silent challenge in the way he looks at you, as if daring you to ask him what’s going through his mind. You smirk, turning your attention back to the band members.

Mei slides back into her with a flourish, holding a tray of shots. "Miss me?" she asks, her mischievous grin widening as she sets the tray down on the table. "Answer correctly, and I'll give you a shot."

"Always, Mei," you tease, your grin matching hers as you reach for one of the shots. "You're the life of the party - only if you're not drinking wine."

"Okay, fair," she laughs, then passes a shot to you, your friends all taking turns grabbing one from the tray. The club’s lights flicker as the music shifts, but for now, your group is content in your own little bubble.

"Cheers to the band!" Yu declares, raising his glass.

Everyone joins in, lifting their drinks and echoing her sentiment. "To the band!" The clink of glasses is barely audible over the music, but it doesn’t matter.

As the shots are downed and the buzz of alcohol adds to the already electric atmosphere, Yuuji turns to Choso with a mischievous grin. "Dude, you have to tell them about that time you fell off the stage during rehearsal."

Choso groans, already bracing for the worst. "Why would you bring that up? No one needs to know about that."

Yuuji grins wider, clearly relishing the opportunity to embarrass his older brother. "Because it was epic! He tripped over his own mic cable, like, mid-riff, and then-" Yuuji doubles over with laughter, barely able to get the words out, "-he landed on top of Todo! The sound Todo made- oh my god, it was like he got hit by a truck!"

Todo, wise smile on his face, shakes his head, a small but amused smile tugging at his lips. "To be fair, it did feel like I got hit by a truck. Choso's not exactly light."

The table erupts into laughter, Utahime nearly spitting out her drink. "Oh my god, I need to see this. Please tell me there’s a video."

Choso’s face flushes as he waves a hand dismissively. "There is no video. And even if there was, you’d never see it."

Yuuji smirks, clearly enjoying himself. "That’s what he thinks."

Utahime leans forward, her eyes lighting up. "Yuuji, you’re my new favorite person. If you can get your hands on that video, I’ll buy you a drink."

"Done," Yuuji replies instantly, and Choso buries his face in his hands.

You feel a foot tapping yours and look up to find Satoru staring at you. His smirk grows when your eyes meet, and he nudges your foot again, this time with more purpose. You raise an eyebrow, and turn away, back to the conversation.

You can play whatever game he's playing, too.

"The setlist was well-curated," Kento comments as you're tuning back in.

"Thanks," Choso says, genuinely touched. "We’ve been working on some originals, too. Maybe next time we’ll debut one."

“Yeah, that was definitely one of the best crowds we've had,” Yuuji adds, his enthusiasm contagious. “I swear, the crowd was louder than we were at some points. It’s crazy to think that all these people are here for us.”

"I was screaming, like, the whole time," Utahime brags.

"Clearly, Utahime likes you more than us already," Satoru pokes, shooting a teasing glance at her.

Utahime turns bright red, her eyes narrowing at Satoru. "I—! That’s not—! Satoru, shut up!" She grabs her napkin and throws it at him, but he catches it mid-air with a smirk.

"You wound me, Utahime," Satoru says dramatically, pressing the napkin to his chest as though he’s been shot. "I’m just trying to help you live your truth."

"Why can't you help by being quiet? That'll sure help me live my truth," she snaps, but there’s no malice in her tone, only the exasperation of someone who’s used to dealing with him.

"Hey, don’t fight in front of the band," Yu interjects before Satoru can say anything. "They might think we’re not cool."

Choso laughs softly and shakes his head. "Don’t worry. It’s nice to hang out with people who aren’t afraid to give each other a hard time. Makes me feel at home."

"Is that your way of saying we bully each other?" Shoko deadpans, raising her glass. "Because you wouldn’t be wrong."

Choso shrugs with a sheepish grin. "Maybe."

Yuuji, clearly enjoying the moment, leans forward with a mischievous grin. "Yeah, definitely. Bullying each other is basically how we show love, right? That's what Sukuna does, at least."

You take a sip from your drink, watching the group interact with each other. There's something about this moment, the ease and comfort of being surrounded by your friends, that makes you feel grounded.

After a beat of watching the banter continue, a question crosses your mind, and you casually ask, "Do you guys ever get nervous before a performance?"

"Yeah," Choso smiles, blush creeping up his neck. "Honestly, tonight was nerve-wracking because I wanted to impress your friends."

"Really?" you ask, your voice teasing but warm. "You were nervous about impressing us? You killed it!"

"I just didn't want to disappoint you all. I hope I didn't!" Choso's nerves start to get to him.

You smile, touched by his sincerity. "You didn't disappoint anyone. You were amazing, Choso." You lean over to him slightly, offering him a reassuring look. "Seriously, everyone had a great time."

Choso meets your gaze and gives a small, appreciative nod. "Thanks!"

"We should go talk to our crew," Todo says. "And there's others we gotta thank, so we should get goin'."

"Yeah, sorry guys, gotta go!" Yuuji says, smile wide as ever.

After exchanging goodbyes and a final few thank yous, they walk toward the stage and the workers beside it. The chatter doesn't stop, however; your friends and you continue enjoying each other's company, the conversations flowing effortlessly. The dim lighting in the room, the soft hum of music, and the clink of glasses create a cozy atmosphere as everyone settles into the comfortable rhythm of the night.

Once more, your foot is nudged by someone else's. You look to Satoru who's watching you with a playful, knowing glint in his eyes. His foot taps yours again, this time with more insistence.

You turn away again, smiling to yourself at the fun little game you started.

"Wait, Mei," Yu says all of the sudden. "Didn't you say you were bringing someone?"

Mei looks at him confused for a moment. Then, she makes an oh sound as if understanding the question and asks, "My pookie?"

"Yeah, I think so!" Yu says, and Mei leans her head against her han

"Shit, I forgot about that," Shoko comments.

"I forgot to tell you guys, but her lame ass bailed. I think I'm done with her. The rooftop was nice but she seriously needs to get over her boyfriend and, maybe, figure herself out," Mei rolls her eyes.

"Weird," you grimace. "Was she even real?"

"Honestly, maybe not," Mei sighs. "A girl can dream."

"Maybe she was just a figment of your imagination," Suhuru grins, clearly amused. "Like a ghost from your past, haunting your texts."

"Stop," Mei groans, rolling her eyes. "I don’t need you adding more fuel to the fire."

The group erupts into laughter, and you smile. It’s moments like these that make everything feel right—surrounded by people who accept you for who you are, flaws and all. You’re all misfits in your own way, but together, it’s like everything just clicks.

At some point, Kento breaks everyone's hearts.

"We have classes tomorrow, we should leave soon."

"Do you hate fun?" Mei groans.

"No, he's right," Shoko counters. "It's midnight, and we still have to walk back."

"I hate that you're always right," Utahime mutters under her breath.

"We going, then?" Suguru checks.

Quickly, you send Choso a text: leaving now jsyk!! thanks for the invite :), and he responds almost immediately with: thanks be safe!!! i'll let you know when our next show is!

Following your friends, you exit the club. Satoru's pace beside you matches yours as you exit. Once outside, he nudges you with his elbow.

"Hey, angel," he says.

"Hi Satoru," you return with an innocent smile. "What's up?"

"Nothin' much. Just wondering why you were starin' at me so much, hm?" He pokes your shoulder.

"I don't know what you're talking about," you respond, and he chuckles.

"Oh, you definitely were," he teases. "You got all flustered, too. You're adorable when you're embarrassed."

Satoru's teasing lingers in the air, but there’s something comfortable about the silence between you two. The cool night breeze wraps around you both, and the sounds of the city - honking cars, distant chatter, the hum of life - seem to blend together with the lightness of the evening. You glance at Satoru out of the corner of your eye, catching the playful spark in his gaze as he walks beside you, his hands tucked casually in his pockets.

“You sure you don’t know what I’m talking about?” he presses, his voice low but still full of that teasing tone. “Because, you know, when someone keeps looking at me like that, I can't help but wonder what's going on in their head."

You let out a small, amused sigh, not wanting to admit how much his attention actually affects you. "Maybe I was just lost in thought. Ever think of that?" you counter, your voice lighthearted, trying to brush off his question.

Satoru smirks. "Mhm, sure. Those thoughts seem a little... distracted." He pauses for a moment, his tone turning serious. "Are you alright, baby?"

"Yeah, Toru, I'm good," you send him a quick smile. "Why?"

"Just checkin' in on you. I'm proud of you, y'know?" he says, and you furrow your brows. "I'm serious."

The sincerity in his words catches you off guard, and for a moment, you're speechless. You hadn't expected this side of him, especially after all the playful banter.

You smile, the warmth in your chest spreading as you meet his gaze. "I appreciate it, Toru. It means a lot, especially coming from you."

He gives you a gentle nudge, the smirk returning to his lips, though it's not as teasing this time. "Just make sure you keep kicking ass," he adds with a wink. "It's hot."

You choke on air. "Will do!"

Shoko calls your name from ahead. "Hurry up!" You glance up, catching Shoko's voice cutting through the quiet air, and see her standing a little farther ahead with the others, waiting for you and Satoru.

You nod, trying to recover from the moment of embarrassment. "Yeah, yeah, we're coming!" You quicken your step, pulling ahead of Satoru just slightly, though you can still feel his presence beside you, the easy confidence he exudes somehow calming even in the chaos of the night.

You fall in line with Shoko, and for the rest of the walk home, your group stays close as you walk together through the quiet streets, past homes, heading to the path that leads to your sleepy university. The stars shine above you, lamps dimly illuminating the ground. It's a beautiful campus, and even more beautiful during a full moon.

A yawn escapes you, and you laugh. "So, I'm definitely going to need coffee in the morning," you joke.

"Same," Kento replies with a groan, rubbing his eyes dramatically. "I'm already planning my entire morning around caffeine. If I don’t have it, I’ll probably end up asleep in class."

"Honestly, I’m just hoping I make it to class in the first place," Yu laughs, his voice light and carefree. "You know, one of those days where you just pray you wake up on time."

Suguru gives Yu a playful shove. "Sounds like a you problem. But I guess I’m not judging. I’d probably skip, too, if I could get away with it."

"Don’t even joke about that," Shoko grumbles. "If I have to drag you all out of bed, I will. I’m already considering bribing my alarm clock to work harder tomorrow."

You laugh at the image of that in your head, knowing full well Shoko is serious about that kind of thing. "We’ll see how well that works," you tease. "God, we’re all going to be caffeine addicts by the end of this semester."

"I already am one," Mei quips, flashing a grin. "Don’t even need to wait for the end. I’m fully on the coffee train."

"Don't you think it's weird how we've only known the guys for, like, a month?" Utahime ponders out loud.

"Yeah," Yu agrees. "I feel like I've known all four of you so long already!"

You glance at your friends, your heart light. It’s strange how quickly you’ve all connected, how easy it is to laugh together, to just be together. Despite the differences, the chaos, the occasional miscommunication, there’s something undeniably comforting about this group.

"It's like we're a little family," you agree.

Satoru giggles. "Shoko's our mom, Kento's dad. Obviously."

"You know, I wouldn’t be opposed to being the cool aunt," Utahime adds with a wink, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "I could definitely get behind that role."

"Then I’m the rebellious cousin," Yu says with a grin, hands making wild gesticulations. "Always getting into trouble and dragging everyone else into it."

"At this rate," Mei says, a smirk on her face, "we should just start a family reunion next weekend. What do you think?"

"I’d be down," Suguru agrees, grinning. "Could use more of these chaotic family dinners."

The conversation lulls for a moment until you hesitantly say, "Sorry for being MIA the past week, guys."

"Hey, don't apologize! Did you have fun at least?" Yu questions.

You look at him walking behind you and smile. "Yes! Lots. I'm glad I went."

Utahime nods her head beside Yu. "That's all that matters, then."

"You looked happy to be there," Suguru comments.

You smile softly at the unexpected sentiment, feeling grateful for the friends around you. "You all make everything better, you know that?"

Reaching the dorm building, Mei opens the door. Kento rushes to grab it from her and backs away to hold it open for the rest of the group. Everyone files in, scanning their JJU IDs to allow access - a safety procedure for campus.

The walk to your respective Suites was short and quiet, sans the sound of everyone's footsteps. At the intersection between 12A and 12B, you're sad to see that it's time to part.

You give each of the boys a quick hug goodnight, hugging Satoru last, and longer. His grip is tight, his body warm against you. You feel his lips press against your forehead, then he murmurs into your ear, "Night, angel."

"Night, Toru," you say back, smiling at him before you enter your dorm, Utahime following and closing the door. The girls are already talking about plans for tomorrow, but you can’t help but feel a little caught up in the tenderness of the night.

"Okay, okay," Mei says after lookin in the peephole to be sure the boys are in their suite and couldn't eavesdrop. "Satoru seems to be the reason you're all mushy now."

You laugh, rolling your eyes. "No, I'm just grateful is all."

"Be honest," Utahime leans kitchen counter. "You like him or not?

There's a tense silence that thickens the air in the room as everyone looks at you, awaiting a response.

Suddenly, you chuckle softly. There's a playful glint in your eyes as they glance between your roommates. "I think you all know the answer to that..."

The teasing smiles on Mei and Utahime's faces widen as they exchange knowing glances. Shoko leans back, raising an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the moment.

"Do we?" Mei raises a challenging eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "You’ve been a bit... coy about it."

You shrug, trying to keep up the act. "I don’t know what you're talking about. I’m just... being myself?"

Utahime laughs, clearly unconvinced. "Being yourself, huh? You like him. It's that simple."

"Okay, okay," you give in with a dramatic sigh, throwing your hands up in mock surrender. "Fine. I like him. I like him a lot. Happy now?"

There’s a brief moment of silence before all three girls burst out laughing.

"Yes!" Mei exclaims, pointing dramatically at you. "Told you! I knew it."

Shoko leans in, her smile softening as she crosses the room to sit beside you. "It’s cute, you know. The way you two look at each other. But don't rush it, okay? Take it one step at a time. No pressure. But you're gonna tell us everything."

You nod, relieved by the sincerity in her voice. "I know. I’m just... trying to figure things out. It's a lot to process."

Mei, noticing the seriousness in your voice, softens a bit, her teasing tone giving way to something more understanding. "It's okay to take your time. You're not in any rush!" She gives a playful nudge to your shoulder. "And we’re here for the ride, no matter what. Satoru's a good guy, you know. He’s been pretty obvious about how he feels."

Your face scrunches in thought. "Huh? I don't even really know how he feels," you add.

The girls exchange glances. Mei shifts a little closer, her voice softer now. "What do you mean? He's obvious, right? He's always with you, talking to you, about you. He's all over you, really."

You sigh, leaning back against the couch. "I know, but sometimes I wonder if it's just his... well, Satoru energy, you know? He's always like that - so confident, always playing around, acting like it’s no big deal." You fidget with your sleeve, unsure of how to put your thoughts into words. "I guess I just don't want to make anything weird between us. He's been so great, but-"

"Wait, you think Satoru doesn't know how he feels?" Utahime interrupts, arching an eyebrow. "Girl, he definitely knows. And so do you. Don't act like you're not into him. You wouldn’t be this shy about it if you weren’t."

You bite your lip, trying to suppress a smile. "I’m not shy," you mumble, but the way your heart skips a beat whenever you think about him says otherwise. "Okay, maybe I’ve been overthinking it. I just don’t want to mess it up, okay? After Ino...."

"I get it. After everything with Ino, it’s normal to be cautious. You don’t want to rush into anything or get hurt again." Shoko's voice is laced with understanding.

Utahime leans in, her tone more serious than usual. "That's why you’ve got us, right? We’ve got your back, no matter what. You can take your time with Satoru or anyone. Don’t let the past dictate what happens now. We’re all learning, growing, figuring things out as we go."

You smile, touched by her words. "Thanks, guys. I really needed to hear that."

Shoko gives you a gentle nudge. "And remember, Satoru’s not going to pressure you into anything. He’s been patient, so he knows what’s up. He’s got your back, too, you know."

A warm feeling spreads in your chest at the thought of Satoru. "Yeah, he does. I just... I don’t know what to do with all these feelings sometimes."

Mei, with her usual mischievous grin, teases, "Well, at least you're not trying to hide them anymore. That's a step, right?"

There’s a comfortable pause as the girls nod in agreement. Mei, ever the one to break the tension, grins mischievously. "And, just remember, when you’re ready to make it official, we expect an invite to the celebration dinner."

You roll your eyes, trying to suppress your laughter. "If that ever happens, I’ll be sure to let you know."

Utahime smirks, her arms still crossed. "Oh, it’ll happen. We all know it’s only a matter of time before you two become official. You can’t hide that kind of chemistry forever."

"Now, let’s get some rest," Shoko insists. "You have an eight A.M. class."

"Ugh, don't remind me," you say as you drag a hand across your face. "But fine. Night everyone!"

With one last laugh, you head to your room, feeling a little lighter than you did earlier. You felt genuine joy today, and you're glad you pushed yourself to go out. You missed your friends. They really lift you up.

As you make your way to your room, the weight of the day starts to settle in, but it's a comfortable kind of exhaustion. The laughter and teasing from your friends linger in your mind, a warm reminder of how lucky you are to have them by your side. It's easy to forget how much they've become a part of your life in such a short time, but tonight, it feels like everything has fallen into place.

You close the door behind you and shed your clothes, slipping into something more comfortable. You sit on your bed for a moment, taking a deep breath and letting the silence wash over you. Your thoughts drift back to Satoru, his smile, the way he looked at you tonight, the challenge in his eyes, the softness of his touch. It’s easy to get lost in the warmth of those moments, but you push the thoughts aside for now.

You know you need to rest—class comes too quickly in the morning. But before you settle in, you pull out your phone, letting your fingers hover over Satoru's contact name for a moment. There's a hesitation, an uncertainty. What if you're reading too much into it? What if he's just being his usual self?

The thought nags at you, but you decide to send him a message anyway.

A notification of a text from Satoru tells you he beat you to it.

TAGLIST (currently open!):

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@diearama @miscellaneous-misty @blubearxy

hi everyone :3

this was a challenge to write. I thought it was going to go a very different way but then my fingers typed this... sigh anyway

i hope everyone likes it, because ive been trying to weave in yn's connections and relationships with other character than just gojo, like choso too! i feel like it adds a depth that is hard to find with focusing on just one relationship. just wondering (if anyone wants to respond to this or even reads it lol) if you guys would prefer me to just stick to gojo or find the shoko conversation boring or unnecessary?? lmk pls!! i wanna make this as enjoyable to read as it is to write!!!!

guys we haven't even reached the most dramatic part... that's a few chapters away. but i wanted to thank everyone for all the love i've been receiving lately <3 it makes my heart so warm. I've been feeling really motivated lately and i'd have to credit a lot of that to everyone who supports me :))) just want everyone to know i really really do appreciate you and am so happy you are (hopefully) enjoying this series !! it's been a blast to write and I can't wait for you all to see what I have planned !!

i love you all <3 - c

#gojo #jjk gojo #satoru gojo x reader #fanfic #jujutsu gojo #gojo x reader #satoru gojo x you #gojo satoru #jjk #jjk smau #smau #jjk fanfic #fluff #gojo smau #jujutsu kaisen smau #jjk au #satoru gojo #suguru geto #jjk x reader

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