#rinko and gojo

[siriuslysatorusimping]

*Preview* Bittersweet Memories

Hi there. I said I might post a preview or blurb of this, so I decided to go ahead and do that. IDK if or when I'll finish this. It was more of a spur of the moment thing I started that's spiraled in my drafts. It's heavily inspired by The Vow, except Satoru is the one who loses his memory. I don't have timeline or anything else really mapped out, so this preview is a bit choppy. But essentially, they were married, and there was an accident(haven't determined what) that caused him to forget her and getting married, so they got divorced. Again, all the details haven't been figured out yet, but she's in charge of a Tokyo branch of her mother's bakery now. I haven't decided if it'll be something she always did or if she quit her job to do it after the divorce.

It's pretty damn angsty, tbh. But I'd love to know what you guys think!

Kiko's Masterlist | Buy me a coffee ☕️

*Preview* Bittersweet Memories

The bell above the door jingled, and Rinko called, “Welcome!” over her shoulder, “I’ll be right with you.”

Finishing her task, she turned quickly, her heart immediately thundering in her chest at the sight of Gojo Satoru staring at her in surprise.

Had he remembered? Was he here because he wanted to talk to her?

“Satoru–”

“This place is so cute!” a woman exclaimed, wrapping her arms through his and leaning into him. “Thank you for treating me, Satoru.”

The sharp pain in her chest stole her breath, and she swallowed thickly as she blinked the tears away. His memories hadn’t returned, or maybe they had. It didn’t matter now. What did matter was that he clearly didn’t want her anymore. He’d already moved on.

Smiling as brightly as she could, she forced enough air into her lungs to speak.

“Welcome,” she repeated, avoiding Satoru’s eyes by staring at the wall behind him. She could do this. She could keep going. She needed to keep going and accept that their marriage was over. That he wasn’t hers anymore. “What can I get for you?”

“A dozen of those.” Satoru pointed at the caramel miso butter cookies, his brow furrowed in thought. “And whatever she wants.”

Rinko ignored the ache in her chest, keeping the smile in place as she packaged the cookies.

He remembered that he liked the cookies, but he didn’t remember loving her. She guessed it made sense. He’d always had a sweet tooth.

She had to accept that he wasn’t hers anymore and that he never would be. He didn’t want her. He would never want her again.

“What do you recommend?” the woman asked, staring at Rinko curiously. “Everything looks so delicious. I heard that you’re based out of Kyoto?”

“My mother opened the main location in Kyoto,” Rinko confirmed, swallowing around the giant lump that appeared in her throat. “She decided to expand to Tokyo this year.”

“That’s precious,” the woman gushed. “This must be your dream, then. Following in your mother’s footsteps?”

The only difference was that she didn’t have a child like her mother did. Tears stung her eyes but she blinked to dispel them again.

“Something like that,” she finally replied. “We have some seasonal chestnut filled manju right now. I’d recommend those.”

At the woman’s excited nod, she placed a few inside a box and closed it carefully.

Stacking the containers, she accepted the cash Satoru held out, her skin burning when his fingers brushed against hers. Her chest felt hollow at the blank look he gave her as she handed his change back.

“Have a great rest of your day. I hope you enjoy the sweets!”

According to Shoko, it wasn’t anything serious. He was just dating again. Getting back out there. The knowledge didn’t comfort her. Though she didn’t know why she thought it might.

“Rinko-san,” Megumi called, sticking his head out from the back. “I finished sorting the inventory, so I’m gonna take a break.”

“Thanks, kid,” she replied absently as she rested her chin on her palm. “You can make yourself a drink, if you want.”

“Aunt Yuzu is gonna get onto you if you keep letting me have things for free.”

“Your Aunt Yuzu would be giving you even more things for free, and you know it.”

He grinned, disappearing into the back again and she heard the coffee machine just a moment later.

The bell on the door jingled, and she turned her head to welcome them. Her voice stuck in her throat at the sight of Satoru shifting his weight as he shoved his hands in his pockets.

“Um, hi,” he greeted awkwardly. “I’m– those cookies were really good, so…”

Of course he was back for the cookies. He’d almost given himself diabetes because of those damn things.

“They used to be your favorite,” she informed him as he trailed off, “so that doesn’t surprise me.”

“About the other day, if I’d known that this was your place, I wouldn’t have come in here.”

The air left her lungs as if he’d punched her, and she struggled to keep the hurt from showing on her face at his words. It stung. He really wanted nothing to do with her now.

Move. Get him his fucking cookies so he doesn’t have to look at you anymore.

Blinking, she felt her body moving, going through the motions of retrieving a box and placing cookies inside it.

“I meant– I meant if I’d known this was your place, I wouldn’t have– I wouldn’t have brought a date in here.”

She nodded mechanically, finishing her task and sliding the container across the counter toward him.

“I don’t see why you– if you want to buy your date dessert, there’s nothing stopping you,” she stated, wondering if that hollow ache she felt at the sight of him would ever fade. “It’s not like we have rules against couples here.”

His hand brushed against hers as he leaned closer across the counter. She tried not to flinch away.

“Listen,” he began, his voice quiet as his cologne filled her nose. The same cologne that still clung to some of her favorite shirts. “I’m sorry that I don’t– I’m sorry I’ve hurt you.”

“I’m sorry I don’t love you,” was what she was sure he stopped himself from saying. “I’m sorry that losing my memory also meant forgetting whatever made you lovable in my eyes.”

She always knew something like this was a possibility. It wasn’t his fault that he didn’t remember whatever it was that made him think she was worth marrying when he’d never wanted to get married before. Losing his memory just solidified that whatever loose screw made him think she was the one for him had finally been righted.

Just like she’d always known would happen.

Finally mustering the courage to meet his eyes, she felt her chest split open at the sight of the azure depths staring back devoid of the love she’d grown so used to. She gave him the most genuine smile she could manage.

“I’m just glad you’re well enough to have your sweet tooth,” she replied lightly. “All that matters is that you’re happy.” even if that means you don’t want me anymore. “Have a great rest of your day.”

The door opened before he could grasp the handle, and Satoru’s eyes narrowed at the sight of the woman in front of him as hers widened in clear panic.

Why was she at his parents’ house?

“What are you–?”

“Rinko, you forgot the– Satoru,” His mother came into view behind her. “I didn’t realize you were coming over today.”

“Decided to drop by,” he replied, his eyes still on Rinko’s face. Why was she there? “Didn’t realize you still–”

“She’s my daughter, whether you accept that or not,” his mother stated firmly. “Rinko, dear, you almost forgot your food.”

“Right,” Rinko squeaked, turning briefly to accept the bag full of bento boxes. “Thank you again for lunch. You didn’t have to–”

“We wanted to,” his mother soothed, wrapping her in a tight hug. “Thank you for bringing the cake. Happy birthday, dear. Have a lovely weekend with your mother. Please tell her we said hi.”

“Of course,” Rinko agreed, extracting herself quickly and rushing past him.

“Be safe going home!”

Once she was gone, his mother turned to him, and he rolled his eyes slightly at the look in hers.

“Don’t start,” he sighed, running his hand through his hair. He really didn’t want to deal with one of her lectures. “I get it, you’re pissed that you lost the perfect daughter-in-law–”

“I’m not angry with you at all,” she denied, stepping aside so he could enter. “I’m just sad.”

“I know you wanted me to stay married–”

“It had nothing to do with you being married,” she cut him off. “I wanted you to give yourself some time, to give her a chance, before you decided to divorce her just because you didn’t remember her. It’s not your fault that you don’t remember marrying her. But Satoru, you loved her more than anything else in the world. If you gave yourself some time to know her again, I have very little doubt you’d love her just like before.”

“You’re forgetting that I never wanted to get married,” he stated, following her into the kitchen. He spotted part of a strawberry cake sitting on the counter, immediately locating a fork and taking a bite. “Why was she here, anyway?”

“Did you not listen earlier?” His mother sighed, exasperated. “She’s still our daughter, whether you’re married or not. And it was her birthday, Satoru. We invited her over to have lunch for her birthday.”

He swallowed thickly, glancing down at the cake.

“She brought this, then?”

“Yes, she did.” She let out another sigh, quieter this time. “You know, the very first time you introduced Rinko to us, you pulled me aside and said that you were going to marry her if it was the last thing you did. You stood right there with hearts in your eyes and a giant grin on your face as you told me you never wanted to be without her.”

At this point, she should just accept that she was self-destructive. Nothing about what she was doing was healthy. It did absolutely nothing to help her move on with her life. But maybe she didn’t want to move on with her life. Not when her heart still fluttered every time she saw him, even if it left her feeling hollow and empty afterward.

Her heart had certainly already shattered beyond repair by now. So really, what did a bit more damage matter?

The bell above the door jingled with his entry, and she greeted him as she always did, the crack in her chest chipping open a bit further.

“One or two dozen?” she asked, used to the routine by now.

His weekly visits were something to both dread and look forward to. It stung that he still loved the cookies so much but felt nothing for her. But what wasn’t to love about her mother’s cookies?

His gaze still held no sign of warmth or affection for her when he met her eyes, something she’d finally grown used to after his first few visits.

The obvious suspicion when he’d seen her at his parents’ house had shaken her more than she expected. Going there had been a mistake, regardless of whether his mother had invited her. They weren’t married anymore. There was no reason for her to spend time with his parents. She still loved them, and she knew they still loved her, but it didn’t mean she could just cross boundaries he’d clearly set.

She didn’t want to put a strain on their relationship, or be in the way when he found someone else and wanted to introduce them.

After all, he was getting back into the swing of life. Back to work, enjoying it like he always had, hanging out with friends and helping some of his students on the weekends. He would be happier now without her in the way.

“Just one dozen this time,” he replied, rubbing the back of his neck.

Nodding, she grabbed a box.

“Any plans for the weekend?” she asked instinctively.

What was she doing? He didn’t want to talk to her. He didn’t want anything to do with her beyond getting his cookies.

“I have a date,” he replied absently, his eyes going wide when she froze. “I’m– I mean– no big plans. Just–”

“That’s–” Her throat went dry as she tried to keep her chest from ripping open any further. She couldn’t risk whatever was left of her heart spilling out in front of him. Not when he was moving on. He deserved to move on and be happy without her holding him back. “That’s good– great, I mean. I’m glad you have plans. You– you seem happy. I’m really glad you’re happy.” without me.

She needed to stop talking. Forget being self-destructive, she was probably making him wildly uncomfortable.

Placing the container with his cookies on the counter, she tried to pretend he was just any other customer as she smiled.

“Have a great rest of your day.”

“All that matters is that you’re happy.”

“I’m really glad you’re happy.”

Her words echoed in his head as he approached the bakery, guilt beginning to creep up like it had every time since he’d stupidly blurted out that he had a fucking date when she asked him if he had plans for the weekend.

Fucking idiot. 

He’d replied without even thinking about who he was talking to, but he’d regretted it as soon as he saw the look in her eyes.

He might not have wanted to be married, but he didn’t want to hurt her. He didn’t want to make her suffer.

At least, that’s what he told himself despite the fact that he knew he’d broken her heart and looked the other way when she cried because he didn’t want to believe it was true. He hadn’t wanted to believe he’d completely forgotten years of his life. Years that apparently involved him getting married. The documents and pictures really didn’t lie, though. He knew his family wouldn’t lie about something like that, either.

Everyone said it wasn’t his fault. They said that it wasn’t his fault he didn’t remember her.

What he did remember was the look in her eyes when he’d asked her who she was when he woke up. Asked her why she was in his hospital room and why she was so close to him. The look in her eyes when he’d said he wanted a divorce because he’d never wanted to get married in the first place, and he couldn’t believe that he’d ever changed his mind on that. The sobs she’d tried to conceal as she packed her bags and left without a single protest.

She erased herself from his life so quickly that he’d wondered if she’d always planned on doing so. If she’d been waiting for a way out.

And then she’d appeared again in an instant, standing in front of him in a bakery his date had wanted to try.

Her face had filled with so much hope when she saw him, only to crumple in the next moment when she saw who he was with.

But yet, even after everything he’d done, she still greeted him with a smile and told him she just wanted him to be happy. That she was glad he was happy.

Who wants you to be happy? Who asks if you are okay?

The questions always died in his throat before he could voice them. It felt wrong to ask. Like it was a line he shouldn’t cross because it would be insensitive. Who asked their ex-wife, that they didn’t even remember getting married to, if she was okay after they’d broken her heart without even a second thought?

She clearly wasn’t okay, but she pretended to be. At least, she tried to pretend. But how the hell did he even know that? What part of his psyche just happened to remember what she looked like when she lied?

What he was doing wasn’t just mean. It was cruel.

“Welcome!” she called cheerfully when the bell jingled above his head.

Her voice made his heart speed up, and he blinked at the feeling.

She did have a very pretty voice. He’d noticed the first time he’d heard her speak when he woke up in the hospital. The relief that bled through her words when she saw him open his eyes had confused him at the time. The hurt that colored her tone when he’d asked her to leave still haunted him.

He was suddenly struck by the desire to remember how they’d met. What had he said to her? How had they ended up together in the first place? He’d never really been the relationship type. What had convinced him?

“One or two dozen?” she asked, her question pulling him back to the present. Her smile seemed forced, not reaching her eyes.

How did he know that? Why did he suddenly remember that her real smile made her eyes shine and crinkle at the corners? How was it that he knew her eyes looked like polished jade stone in the moonlight when she was excited?

“Wait,” she said, frowning. “I– sorry, I forgot I don’t even have a full dozen right now. But if you don’t mind waiting just a bit, I can get you a fresh batch?”

Why would she go out of her way to do that?

“Don’t you only have a half-hour till close?” he asked, checking the time. Wouldn’t that waste cookies? “I’ll just take whatever you have left–”

“It’s– I bake them by the dozen anyway, so I’d throw in the couple I have left and call it a day.” She pursed her lips to the side. “But if you don’t want to wait, I understand. Sorry, it was rude of me to ask. I can just–”

“I don’t mind waiting,” he rushed out, taking a seat at one of the small tables. “It’s not a big deal to me.”

She nodded, ducking into the back for a few minutes before reappearing.

“Coffee or tea while you wait? Do you still like–” She cut off, her voice cracking before she cleared her throat. “What would you like to drink?”

“I’m okay,” he stated, that familiar guilt threatening to boil over again.

Should he start a conversation? Or would that give the wrong impression? He didn’t want her to think he was… trying to get too familiar. But he felt bad. He felt like he should say something when she was going out of her way for him. Why did she do that? Why did she seem to care so much about his convenience at the cost of her own?

Before he could say anything, she disappeared into the back, leaving him alone in the small cafe area as the guilt ate away at him.

Was he crazy, or had she lost weight since she’d moved out? Her clothes seemed to fit her differently than they had months ago. Was that why his mother had given her extra leftovers?

Why did the idea of her not eating enough bother him so much?

He jumped when she placed the box on the table in front of him. His chest ached as he watched her step away quickly, retreating back behind the counter before he could even stand. Why did that bother him? Why was he suddenly wondering if she had moved on yet? Why did the idea of seeing her with someone else make him inexplicably angry when he was dating other people?

“On the house,” she informed him, waving him off when he pulled his wallet out anyway. “Since you had to wait.”

He’d barely noticed the time passing because he’d been so stuck in his own head. The warmth that seeped from the box into his hands felt nice. An oddly familiar sense of comfort filled him knowing he’d get to eat fresh cookies even though he couldn’t remember having done so before.

“It wasn’t a big deal,” he argued, peeking into the box to see two dozen cookies neatly stacked. “Let me pay–”

“You know, they say time is money,” she joked, her smile faltering when he just frowned. “Really, Sa– Gojo-san, don’t worry. Thank you for being patient.”

The way her voice quivered as she corrected herself made his heart drop to his gut, and he sighed reluctantly.

“Fine,” he conceded. “But I’m paying for them next time.”

He’s happy, and that makes me happy.

She repeated that to herself over and over as she forced herself to take deep breaths.

He’s happy, and that makes me happy.

Because she loved him, she just wanted him to be happy. Even if that meant he didn’t want her anymore. Even if it meant he didn’t love her.

He’s happy, and that makes me happy.

That was all that mattered. His happiness and well-being were the most important.

Life never worked out exactly as planned. So what if her entire future was completely different now? At least she’d gotten a few years to be the happiest she’d ever been.

He’s happy, and that makes me happy.

She would be content knowing he was living his life the way he wanted.

“Just one date with me, Kurisaki-chan,” Satoru implored, leaning towards her as they stood at the bar. “Just one date, and if you don’t have a good time, I’ll never ask you again.”

Her skeptical look drew a chuckle from him. He liked when she looked at him like that. Something about it made him want to tease her more. He gave her a small pout.

“I’d be so good to you,” he implored, debating getting on his knees and begging. Everything about her made him want to know her more, made him want her to know him more.

“Your history doesn’t say that,” Rinko replied, tilting her head and pursing her lips to the side. He was dying to kiss her. “We both know I’m not your type, Gojo.”

“What’s my type?” he asked, raising his eyebrows. “What do you think my type is?”

“One-night stands,” she stated bluntly. “No strings attached, no feelings, no relationships.”

Ouch.

“I have feelings for you,” he informed her, his heart racing when she snorted. “Gimme a chance, Kurisaki-chan. I promise I won’t break your heart. I’ll take such good care of you. You just gotta promise not to break my heart, yeah?”

-

“Promise not to break my heart, yeah?”

The words repeated in his mind over and over and over again as he emptied his stomach into the toilet.

What kind of moron had he been?

Of all the things for him to promise. Of all the promises for him to break.

How could she even stand the sight of him after what he’d done to her?

“I promise I won’t break your heart.”

The look in her eyes when he’d told her he didn’t know why he would get married when he’d never wanted to before flashed through his mind. The hurt she made no effort to hide when he asked her to leave the house they’d apparently shared for years. He hadn’t just broken her heart, he’d shattered it and then walked right over the pieces so he could get cookies.

-

Avoiding her eyes, he shifted his feet uncomfortably while he waited his turn.

“How many today?” she asked lightly, her voice sending a fresh wave of guilt through him. “One or two dozen?”

“Whichever,” he replied, still unable to meet her eyes. How could she talk to him so casually? How could she just pretend he hadn’t hurt her so deeply? “Doesn’t matter.”

Her quick intake of breath had his gaze snapping to her face. The practiced smile paired with the sadness in her eyes made him feel sick again. He might vomit right in the middle of the bakery.

“I’m so fucking sorry,” he blurted out, his gut dropping when she jumped. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she let out a shaky laugh.

“For not knowing how many cookies you want?”

“I promised I wouldn’t break your heart,” he croaked, his throat closing as his shame threatened to choke him. “I–”

“It was a silly promise,” she cut him off, her brow furrowing as she pursed her lips to the side. “You couldn’t have possibly known what would happen.”

He’d never fucking deserved her love before and he sure as hell never would now.

“I knew you weren’t being serious when you said that,” she stated, shrugging. “I– I already told you I don’t regret marrying you. I don't regret giving you a chance. I don’t regret loving you, either. I just– I just hope you don’t–”

“I don’t,” he rushed, swallowing around the lump in his throat. “I’m– I don’t regret it even though I don’t… remember. But I wish I– I wish I could take back how much I've hurt you.”

AN: I included more in this preview than I originally intended but I got carried away and here we are. What'd you guys think? It's a lil angsty, huh?

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Thinking about how Another Level Gojo will absolutely accuse Rinko of bribing their own children into liking her more because she breastfed them. Like just imagine him pouting when they still prefer her over him and saying something like “you did the same thing with Megumi!”

“I didn’t breastfeed Megumi.”

“You bribed them all with food!”

“Did you want me to not feed our children?”

He pouted harder at that for sure.

Before anyone asks, yes Gojo went absolutely feral over Rinko breastfeeding their kids and definitely begged her to let him try some. Did she let him? Guess we’ll eventually find out 👀

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Happy Birthday, Gojo (Kurisaki) Rinko!

[Rinko, wearing her Jujutsu Tech uniform, shrugs her shoulders.]

Rinko: Satoru and I are going to dinner. Maki and Yuuta agreed to watch the–

[Satoru’s hand covers her mouth, and he shushes her as he stares at her over his dark shades.]

Satoru: She said not to mention the kids!

[Rinko rips Satoru’s hand off and scowls.]

Rinko: She didn’t give us a good reason for why, though. I pushed them out. I should get to talk about my kids if I want to!

Satoru: She said she has bigger plans for their reveal eventually!

[Rinko rolls her eyes.]

Rinko: She’s barely written anything beyond our honeymoon yet. She’s barely written anything for us in months. At this rate, she’ll never get to her reveal.

Satoru: That’s not the point! Today is about your birthday and our plans for celebrating.

Rinko: You and I are getting dinner together. But I feel like since it’s my birthday, then I should get to–

Satoru: Yep! We’re getting dinner together. Just the two of us. But we’re also here to help promote Kiko’s new Patreon.

Read the rest for free on Patreon

Officially announcing my Patreon! Rinko's birthday post is the very first and it's public, so you don't have to be a Patron to read it!

I also tried something pretty new with how it's formatted/written, so I'd love to know what you guys think 😊

-Kiko 💕

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Okay the RABBIT HOLE you sent me down with this is something my Pinterest will never recover from. BUT I basically imagine her in something relatively modest, with the possibility of wearing something more traditional, depending on the AU!! Physical Paradox might include her wearing a more traditional kimono but I haven’t decided yet 🫠

BUT HERES SOME INSPO FROM MY PINTEREST:

I know that most of these are different styles, but it’s just a few of the many I liked and thought might look nice on her 😊

AHHHH @siriuslysatorusimping your oc called up my oc and I guess simGoinko are getting married 😭😭😭 quick question do you have any thoughts on what style of wedding they'd have and what dress Rinko would wear??

also Rinko why tf are you calling up Akira. I'm just gonna assume they immediately handed the phone to Nanami, bc Akira is incapable of good decisions unless he's there to drag them kicking and screaming

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Overboard (Another Level Valentine's Blurb)

HI. I KNOW I'M SO FUCKING LATE, BUT I FINALLY DID IT. I WROTE THE BLURB THAT I PROMISED MONTHS AGO.

IT'S SO FUCKING FLUFFY, BTW.

Another Level Masterlist | Kiko's Masterlist | AO3 💕

Overboard 2020

Rinko released a heavy sigh at the sight of numerous boxes and bags piled on top of her desk when she opened the door to her office. Not a single inch of the surface was visible beneath the plethora of decorative containers, and she couldn’t help but chuckle when one fell off the side.

Stepping forward, she picked up the fallen bag and opened it to find a box of assorted chocolates.

She couldn’t even say she was surprised, but she’d admit that she found it shocking he’d managed to get it done before she got to work. He must have slipped out in the middle of the night.

A smile formed when she noticed a bag of black sesame cookies, grabbing them to munch on as she assessed the damage done to her office.

Overboard, as always, she mused to herself.

Again, she wasn’t surprised.

Admittedly, she had gone a bit overboard on Valentine’s Day to make up for missing last year. Even though it hadn’t been her fault.

The look on Gojo’s face when he realized she’d been able to convince them to sell her ten dozen caramel miso butter cookies in one order was priceless. She’d made it weeks in advance, and it had been ridiculously expensive for cookies. But his smile had made it all worth it.

They’d barely lasted him a week.

The fact that the man still had a fucking eight-pack and no diabetes was completely unfair.

“Like your gifts, baby?” his voice murmured in her ear, drawing a yelp from her as she jumped.

Gojo’s arm wrapped around her waist, his lips connecting with her temple.

“I love them,” she murmured. “You didn’t have to-”

“When has that ever stopped me?” he scoffed, squeezing her tightly.

She took another bite of her cookie, “Did you blackmail Megumi-”

“He asked if I was doing something and wanted to help,” Gojo cut her off, smirking at her raised eyebrows. She knew Megumi was thoughtful, but he also hated showing any kind of affection. “I know. He only got the cookies, though.”

Scanning the items she could see, she hummed when he squeezed her waist tighter. Yuuta and Yuuji had clearly helped as well, and she spotted a pack of rice balls from Toge.

“Did you do all of this last night?”

He just hummed in acknowledgment, leaning down to press his lips to her neck.

“There’s more.” Holding a box up in front of her face, he chuckled when she caught a whiff of it. “Happy White Day, Rinko-chan.”

Warm matcha and chocolate taiyaki filled her senses as she snatched the box and opened it excitedly. Leaning back into him, Rinko took a large bite of one of the pastries. Still fresh enough she had to puff air around the heat, and she sighed at the taste.

“Thank you, Satoru.”

“Anything for you,” he replied instantly. He nosed her ticklish spot playfully, and she swatted his head when he licked it instead.

“Down, boy,” she scolded lightly.

Glancing down, she met his eyes that gleamed at her over his shades. 

“I know,” he sighed, lifting his head from her shoulder to peck her cheek. “Not at work.” He accepted a bite of her taiyaki, grinning at her as he chewed. “I’ll be back in a few hours. I’m stealing you away early.”

“I need to-”

He grasped her chin, pressing his lips to hers gently.

“It’s the weekend, baby,” he reminded, nipping her bottom lip. “You shouldn’t even be here today. But I’ll let it slide since shit has been busy lately. Ijichi can handle everything else while you get some rest.”

Leaving no more room for argument, he gave her another quick kiss and swatted her ass playfully as he straightened to his full height.

“Gimme a few hours,” he repeated, pushing his shades up his nose. “Gotta go deal with the old geezer for a bit.”

Smirking, she stood on her toes so she could reach his face, pecking his cheek in return.

“Thank you again for the gifts, darling.”

His sharp exhale was paired with his eyes narrowing slightly.

“Make that a couple hours,” he muttered. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.”

AN: In Japan, on Valentine's Day, the women give men chocolates/gifts, and then the men reciprocate a month later on March 14th, or White Day. The Valentine's tradition began when a company wanted to promote a western tradition for commercial reasons, but due to a mistranslation, it was implied that only men were supposed to receive gifts. Eventually, people decided to have a separate day for women to also receive gifts, which began the tradition of White Day.

Also, he got her sobayaki dan okonomayaki (from her favorite place in Kyoto, which is why he needed a few hours) and they spent the rest of the day watching movies and cuddling until he inevitably got horny

I know this is months late, but hopefully, you guys enjoyed this lil blurb!!

Remember, if you wanna make the caramel miso butter cookies for yourself, you can find my recipe here 💕

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Kiko’s Masterlist

This is a Master for the important links for my stories 😊

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Another Level Masterlist

Status: Complete

“You’re a Zenin.”

More like an unwanted mistake. Which, funny enough, had actually been the first words she ever heard her father say to her. - Kurisaki Rinko was born an unwanted bastard child to the Zenin clan, having since grown into an unwanted bastard adult. Her stubborn refusal to be discarded resulted in a display of strength that many would call (they had, many times to her face, in fact) an unhinged lack of self-preservation. But lucky for her, that unhinged display caught the attention of a particular blue-eyed menace who happens to be more fun to rile up than anyone she’s ever met.

Read Another Level on AO3

Physical Paradox Masterlist

Status: In Progress

How they went from: “I’m kinda impressed,” Gojo stated, sliding his sunglasses onto his face. “Didn’t expect a psych major to know this much about philosophical theory.” Rinko blinked at him slowly, raising her eyebrows as she scoffed. “I’m sorry, mister unresolved childhood trauma,” she said, stepping closer and poking a finger in his chest. “But I don’t really give a fuck if you’re impressed.”

To: “Your professor is leading the world of cognitive and behavioral research,” Gojo told Rinko's students, chest swelling with pride. “And she’s really pretty-” “Oh, she’s fucking gorgeous!” he agreed. “She has it all. Smart, funny, beautiful. She’s honestly perfect. It’s incredible she-” “Married you?” Touma interjected. “I know. I thought the same thing when I first met you.”

Read Physical Paradox on AO3

Gokudō Masterlist

Status: On Hold (I will finish this eventually, though)

Gokudō (極道): the extreme path. A term used to refer to members of a Yakuza syndicate.

-

“Now, why is a pretty girl like you in an ugly place like this?” “Some might say the contrast is tragically poetic,” she replied easily. “Yeah, well,” he drawled, a smirk pulling at his lips as he stepped up to stand beside her. “Others would say it’s tragically idiotic. What’s your name, pretty girl?” “Shouldn’t you introduce yourself first?” she asked, her pulse jumping at his quiet chuckle. “You already know who I am.”

-

She never asked to be part of this world. A world filled with greed and violence and revenge. She never asked to be part of the world where life was as meaningless as dust. The world stained red by the blood that pooled beneath her mother’s body after she was forced to watch her die. She never asked to be part of the world driven by hatred and bloodlust, but she never asked to leave, either.

Read Gokudō on AO3

One-Shots

Before I Love You - (angsty Gojo/Rinko AU, hopeful ending) - Part 2: Broken Lens | Author's Discussion

Fight Me? - (Nurse!Gojo shoots his shot with a grumpy patient)

Blurbs

For Your Health - (College!Gojo just wants to help his girlfriend stay healthy)

Untitled Unfinished Angst (very angsty Goinko bc Kiko is not ok)

Previews

Untitled (a self-indulgent Goinko AU about healthy relationships) - Preview 2

Bittersweet Memories (an angsty au inspired by The Vow)

Random Asks and Kiko's Rants

Ask: Advice for AO3 writers and when you're in a creativity rut

Ask: How Do I plan the plot for stories?

Rant: The issue with meaningless angst

Kiko's Original Work

Sample: Summary and blurbs

Sample: Blurbs 2

Meet some characters

Another Life - Short Story

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Another Level: Installment Masterlist

Series Summary:

“You’re a Zenin.” More like an unwanted mistake. Which, funny enough, had actually been the first words she ever heard her father say to her. - Kurisaki Rinko was born an unwanted bastard child to the Zenin clan, having since grown into an unwanted bastard adult. Her stubborn refusal to be discarded resulted in a display of strength that many would call (they had, many times to her face, in fact) an unhinged lack of self-preservation. But lucky for her, that unhinged display caught the attention of a particular blue-eyed menace who happens to be more fun to rile up than anyone she’s ever met. - A collection of snapshots into Rinko’s life getting under Gojo’s skin and both of them enjoying every moment of it. - Gojo can be surprisingly soft sometimes* - They both really need a hug, so why don’t they just hug each other *Originally posted on AO3 💕

Main Another Level Masterlist

Links below the cut 💕

1) Make a God Bleed

2) Teasing and Techniques - Part 1 | Part 2

3) Let Me Know You

4) Semi-Grade

5) Seeing Double

6) I Say "Sayonara"

7) Fight Like You Mean It - Part 1 | Part 2

8) New Memories

9) Hollow Echoes - Part 1 | Part 2 | (Author Discussion)

10) Strength in Numbers

11) Let's Get Lost

12) Double-Edged Words

13) Winter Lullaby

14) Innate Issues - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3

15) Interrupted Evening

16) No Goodwill Here

17) Show Your Hand - Part 1 | Part 2 | (Author Discussion)

18) Oversight

19) Deadly Promise

20) Silence Louder than Words | (Author Discussion)

21) One the Eve of Death

22) No Matter How Sad the Ending

23) Let's Call It 'Hope'

24) In the Absurd Silence

25) Dangerous Allies - Part 1 | Part 2

26) The Weight of Failure

27) More than Anyone

28) Fragmented Hope

29) Echoes in the Void

30) Sometimes Good Things Fall Apart

31) (Please) Prove Me Wrong - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | (Author Discussion)

32) Life Goes On

33) Blood is Thicker

34) Ties that Bind

35) Back At It Again

36) Make Me Whole

37) Living Memories

38) Echoes of Hope

39) Trust and Traditions

40) Cruel Fate

41) Fight Until the End - Part 1: Where Do I Begin? | Part 2: What's Your Color? | Part 3: Outmatched | Part 4: Unwanted | Part 5: Fractured Multiplication

42) Anything But Boring

43) Fragmented Reality

44) Divided Reflections

45) Follow My Lead

46) Let the Games Begin - Part 1 | Part 2

47) Split Bluff - Part 1 | Part 2 | (Author Discussion)

48) Fragile Strength

49) Where Shall We Go Tomorrow?

50) Something Important

51) Horizon of Chaos - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

52) Shattered Existence

53) All That I Am Is Yours

Ongoing Epilogue: From Now Until Forever

1) Forever Starts Now

2) Dreams of Gold

3) I Want Forever

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Me with Rinko sometimes ngl

Having OCs is the best because all my headcanons for them are confirmed

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Random Question (Another Level Extra)

Summary

“So, no marriage for you, huh?” Gojo asked, tilting his head to the side as he teased her. “No budding romances? No sweet non-sorcerers waiting to sweep you off your feet?”

“Non-sorcerers are definitely out of the question.” Rinko scrunched her nose. “I don’t wanna have to lie to someone until I know they’ll stay, ya know? Not exactly the best foundation for a possible lifelong commitment.” She paused, meeting his eyes again with a smirk. “And none of the sorcerers I know are marriage material, either.”

“Hurtful,” he teased, lifting up and putting his hand over his heart. “I’m offended, baby. You don’t want me to wife you up?”

“Especially not when you say it like that,” she deadpanned.

-

Kiko note: One of my favorite things about writing these two is the serious conversations they have while they fuck. This is set the day after Let's Get Lost and their conversation references Hollow Echoes. This is also posted on AO3

If you haven't already, you can read Another Level on AO3 💕

2013

“Kinda curious ‘bout something.”

Rinko’s eyes narrowed at Gojo, prompting him to grin as he rolled his hips teasingly.

His words made her tense in suspicion because him being curious while he was balls deep was typically not a good sign.

They’d spent most of the day in bed, just like he’d asked of her yesterday while they showered. She couldn’t describe it as lazy because he’d barely allowed her any time to rest since they woke up. Their current position was the most relaxed they’d been all day.

“S’pretty random, actually,” he admitted, his hips keeping their steady pace as he filled her over and over. “That date you skipped, why’d you do it?”

“Huh?” Her eyebrows shot up before dropping, furrowing in confusion. “What the fuck are you talking about?”

The question was very random. But such a Gojo question to ask when he’d spent the entire day ruining her in every way he possibly could.

“Told you it was random,” he said, grasping her leg and wrapping it around his waist so he could thrust deeper. Her back arched in response, a strangled moan ripping from her throat. “Fuck, that’s it.” He sped up briefly before settling back into his relaxed, lazy rhythm. “The date you didn’t go on last year. Y’know, when I-”

Showed up at her apartment drunk and acting like a jealous idiot? That date? She couldn’t even say she was surprised he’d ask now of all times.

Rolling her eyes, she yelped when he slammed into her once, his eyes glinting playfully.

“S’rude to roll your eyes at me when I’m fucking you this good, Rinko-chan,” he chided. Because bringing up the night he showed up at her place drunk and jealous while he was inside her wasn’t rude. Or the very fact that he’d shown up drunk and jealous in the first place when it was supposed to be casual. His grin grew at her indignant squawk, leaning down to capture her lips, biting her tongue gently when she released a breathy moan. “Keep your bratty comment to yourself just this once-”

“Don’t really see how it’s bratty to point out you being a-” she choked off when she felt his cock stab her cervix, “-an asshole.”

Gojo just snickered, moving his lips to her neck, nuzzling the ticklish spot there.

“Come on,” he murmured, sucking a bruise onto her skin. “I’m actually curious.”

“You’re talking about the time you showed up drunk, right?”

He nipped her skin in warning, and she sighed.

“Multiple reasons,” she relented. “Was a bit stressed. I’d had a long week already, and I’d just gotten a text from you telling me to send you my address because you apparently wanted to come spank me like the asshole you-”

“You liked it,” he argued, lifting his head to give her a smug grin and laughing when she clenched instinctively at the memory. “‘Least your pretty pussy did. Squeezed me so good then, still squeezing me now. Oh, fuck.” He groaned low in his throat. “Not the point, though. You’ve had to miss dates for shit, obviously. But I thought you always rescheduled ‘em. Was surprised you didn’t reschedule that one.”

She let her head fall back as she released a heavy sigh mixed with a whine.

“Ever meet someone and- fuck, right there- just know they’re too nice?” she breathed, arching her back when he rolled his hips to graze her gspot teasingly.

Maybe nice wasn’t exactly the word but it was the best she could think of now. She knew he’d understand, though. It was why he didn’t usually see people more than once. Thank fuck he’d decided she was the exception to that rule.

“Not really sure what you mean,” he admitted, sucking on her neck again. “But I think I follow.”

“S’why you have your little ‘no repeats’ rule, yeah?” she pressed. “Because you don’t wanna risk someone getting attached?”

“Obviously. S’also why I only fuck non-sorcerers now, too. Gets messy.” He paused, leaning back to meet her eyes as if he just knew she was making a face. “You are, so far, not messy,” he said, giving her a wolfish grin. “Well, at least not in a bad way.”

She couldn’t contain the eye roll at how stupid he was sometimes.

“Pussy is fuckin incredible, too,” he continued cheekily. “So it’s a win-win for both of us.”

“If only your cock was- wait!” she giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck when he narrowed his eyes at her. Licking up the side of his throat, she nipped his jaw playfully. “A win-win. Can’t deny the guarantee of a really good fuck is nice. Might need to make a copy of your map-”

She squealed when his hands found her sides, fingers digging into her ribs relentlessly.

“Such a goddamn brat,” he growled, lifting her leg to his shoulder and grinding his hips before speeding up. He made sure to tease her gspot with each thrust, his lips latching onto her neck as her cries rose in pitch. “Not a single goddamn thing that could help anyone fuck you as good as me, and you know it. S’why you act like a fucking menace so much.”

“I would never,” she breathed, whining when he moved one of his hands between them to rub tight circles around her clit. “Fuck- don’t- don’t stop-”

“Yeah?” he taunted, digging his teeth into her neck and pulling a strangled moan from her. “My little slut gonna cum for me like a good girl? Hm? Come on, Rinko-chan. Show me you can be a good girl.”

He pinched her clit hard, and a broken scream wrenched free as she came. Whimpers and moans fell uncontrollably as she convulsed, thrashing against him when he sped up.

“Just like that,” he cooed, his tongue soothing where he’d bitten. He moaned quietly in her ear, his hips stuttering briefly. “Such a good girl for me.”

She just whined as she felt him twitching as he spilled inside her, releasing a long, guttural groan before he released her leg and dropped his weight on top of her. His arms wrapped underneath her tightly, his lips tracing random patterns along her shoulder.

“Never answered my question,” he mumbled, and she nodded. “Said somethin’ about people getting attached?”

Catching her breath, she blinked around the sleep trying to pull her under.

“Yeah. Just- when you meet someone and kinda just know they’re looking for the whole thing. Date, fall in love, have kids type thing, ya know?”

He lifted his head curiously, meeting her eyes.

“You don’t want that?”

Pursing her lips to the side, she shrugged as best she could.

“I- maybe someday,” she admitted quietly. “But- this life doesn’t really let that happen. Name one happily married couple you know of?”

The snort he released made her chuckle, and he nodded.

“Can’t,” he said. “Parents weren’t exactly the happiest. They weren’t miserable, but they sure as hell weren’t happy.”

“Probably had something to do with having you as their kid,” she teased lightly. “I imagine it wasn’t easy. There were a lot of hits out on you pretty young, right?”

His scoff was paired with a dramatic eye roll before he leveled her with a bored look.

“Took care of those pretty easy,” he deadpanned. “None of ‘em had the guts to try anything. Parents were just… distant.” He shrugged again. “Guess I can’t compete much with you, though. Your old man’s a real piece of shit.”

She definitely didn’t need that reminder.

“So, no marriage for you, huh?” he asked, tilting his head to the side as he teased her. “No budding romances? No sweet non-sorcerers waiting to sweep you off your feet?”

“Non-sorcerers are definitely out of the question,” she replied instantly, scrunching her nose. “I don’t- I don’t wanna have to lie to someone until I know they’ll stay, ya know? Not exactly the best foundation for a possible lifelong commitment.” She paused, meeting Gojo’s eyes again with a smirk. “And none of the sorcerers I know are marriage material.”

“Hurtful,” he teased, lifting up and putting his hand over his heart. “I’m offended, baby. You don’t want me to wife you up?”

“Especially not when you say it like that,” she deadpanned. “Be honest, you never intend to settle down, either. Too busy, yeah? It’s why you don’t wanna deal with anyone getting attached.”

His teasing grin shrank a bit as he nodded.

“Yeah,” he agreed. “Got a lot of shit to take care of. Not like there’s anyone who could keep up with me.”

As expected. She’d assumed as much.

“Ever been in love?”

He snorted, and she snickered at his bored look.

“Have you ever been in love?” he countered, grinning when she snorted just like he had. “You can say you’re in love with me, Rinko-chan.”

“Sorry, Gojo,” she hummed drily. “But you really aren’t the kinda person I want to fall in love with. Emotionally constipated would be an understatement.”

“Again, hurtful,” he chuckled. “But nah. Never been in love. Kinda don't ever wanna be. Fucks people up, yeah? S’what causes some of the nastiest curses. Like the one from your exam.”

As if she could forget. She’d almost fucking drowned. A curse born from the hatred of a scorned wife. A scorned lover.

“My mom used to say she loved Naobito at one point,” Rinko noted, gnawing on her bottom lip. “She loved him when they were together. Dunno what the fuck about that asshole could be lovable, but she meant it. It- it fucked her up pretty good. She- always said she didn’t regret it because it gave her- me. But- not so sure I could do it. Be as strong as she was.”

Almost two years without her and it still felt like yesterday. Her chest ached at the realization.

“You miss her.”

“Well, yeah,” she said, feeling small. “She was- my favorite person. The only one I had for most of my life.”

Gojo nodded, understanding coloring his expression.

“Well, you got me now, Rinko-chan,” he stated firmly. He wrapped his arms underneath her again, holding her tighter than before. It made the weight in her chest lift a bit. “And Nanamin. Got a lot of people here for you. Hell, you can even say you’ve got Fushiguro’s brat now, too. Since you fuckin bribed him with those damn cookies-”

“Not my fault you didn’t think of that before me,” she argued, unable to fight the grin at his pout. “Don’t be jealous, Satoru.”

He just rolled his eyes and dropped his head down, burying his face in her neck.

“Thank you,” she murmured, twisting his hair around her fingers gently. “You- I dunno if you need or want to, but you have me now, too.”

His breath fanned across her neck as he hugged her tighter.

“‘Course I want to, Rinko-chan,” he replied, groaning when he shifted, and they both seemed to remember that he was still inside her. “Mm, fuck. I need a fuckin nap, and then I’m gonna keep you tied to this bed until one of us has to leave.”

He chuckled darkly when she couldn’t contain the quiet moan, licking her neck teasingly.

“Rest up, baby.”

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Five Years Later (Another Level Halloween Extra)

Hello! I'm a day late, but inspiration hit me very briefly late last night so I threw this together 😊

Happy Halloween!!

If you haven't already, you can read Another Level on AO3 💕

October 31, 2023 9:18 pm Gojo Residence, Tokyo

“Part of me can’t believe it’s been so long.”

Gojo’s arms tightened slightly as she hummed quietly in response.

They were sitting on the couch, her seated on his lap now that the kids were asleep, a sugar crash inevitable after how much he’d let them consume when she wasn’t looking. Her exasperated glare had only been met with a sheepish grin as he pecked her cheek.

“It feels like it’s been longer than that sometimes,” Rinko admitted, leaning into him. “So much has happened.”

After everything, five years felt like the blink of an eye and an eternity all at once.

“Been a lot of good things, though,” he reasoned, leaning down to press his lips to her neck. “Things have only gone up. Gotta admit I’m pretty fuckin happy with our life right now, baby. Have been since you let me put that ring on your finger.”

Granted, there was really nowhere to go but up after that night in Shibuya, after everything that happened in the weeks following. But things were exponentially better than she could have dreamed.

“I love you,” she murmured, feeling the grin stretch across his face as he nuzzled further into her. “Thank you for our life together so far. I’m excited for the rest of it.”

“I love you, too,” he hugged her tighter. “So fucking much. We still have the rest of our forever ahead of us. I’m excited, too.”

He took a bite of one of the caramel miso butter cookies, holding the other half up for her.

“You still have a problem,” she teased, accepting it and chewing slowly. “But it’s endearing.”

“Can’t complain when you’re the one buying them for me, Rinko-chan,” he pecked her cheek. “The second sweetest thing I’ve ever had.”

Insufferable man, but she still snickered, turning her head to kiss his cheek in return.

“I think everyone had fun earlier,” she noted. “The kids seemed happy.”

“Yeah. Our kids are so perfect, baby,” he murmured, squeezing her hips as he spoke. “Really fucking perfect.” She braced herself when he groaned quietly, leaning down to bite her neck. “Let’s have another baby. Wanna see you all round and full of me again. Fuck, Rinko-chan. Lemme put another one in you-”

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Read after you've finished reading All That I Am Is Yours

Yes, Gojo spent 3 billion yen on a ring. In 2018, that exchange was about 2 million USD, give or take. (Don’t judge me for looking up what the conversion rate was back then, I wanted to be thorough.)

The ring has a white, woven band that’s embedded with tiny black jade stones all around it. The main gemstone is an oval (9mmx6mm) paraiba tourmaline. There are smaller light green (oval-shaped) Zultanite stones littered throughout the woven pattern, and three clustered together on each side.

Some fun facts about the ring:

The first character of Rinko’s name: 琳 means jade, a precious stone, beautiful gem, or resonance. Which is why Gojo got the black jade stones.

Black jade stones can go for up to 3 million USD per carat. And he got genuine ones. So that was the majority of the cost.

Tourmaline is the October birthstone. Meaning, Rinko’s birthstone. The paraiba tourmaline is one of the rarest(read: expensive) gems in the world, known specifically for its intense bright blue color.

Zultanite stones are naturally color-shifting stones, so the green stones shift in color depending on the light.

I went back and forth on a few different options, but in the end, I’m really happy with this choice.

The inspiration for the ring design with a paraiba tourmaline:

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Kurisaki Rinko: What is Gojo Satoru to You?

She stared at them suspiciously.

“Why are you asking?”

They shrugged their shoulders and she crossed her arms.

“Is he gonna see this?”

Another shrug, and she sighed.

What was Gojo Satoru to her?

An asshole. Absolutely insufferable. Impossible to deal with most of the time.

Really good fuck. Best she’d ever had, unfortunately. Insatiable.

Someone who carried more weight on his shoulders than should ever be expected of anyone willingly.

Someone who had his childhood ripped away at an impossible age and still found a way to try to preserve it for others.

A man who had surprised her on so many occasions with just how much he cared.

Who was more oblivious than any man she’d met, too.

An idiot who never realized that he acted like more than a friend.

But- 

“My best friend,” she admitted. “One of my favorite people. I- I don't know what I’d do without him.”

She’d definitely still be a Grade 2. Probably never would have met Megumi. At the very least, she wouldn’t have spent so much time with the twins. Maki wouldn’t have come to her when she ran away.

A small smirk found its way to her face when she thought a moment longer.

“And, as he likes to remind everyone: he’s the strongest.”

[siriuslysatorusimping]

I found these on Pinterest 👀

This is about what Gojo and Rinko’s height difference is 🤔 (Rinko is 163cm and Gojo is over 190cm) so there’s like, somewhere between a 25-30cm difference in their heights 😬

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Goinko energy to the max 👀

[siriuslysatorusimping]

i've been waiting to do this for months

if you haven't read Something Important, below is a spoiler.

[siriuslysatorusimping]

Untitled (angsty unfinished Goinko AU blurb)

I'll never finish this, and it's choppy with a ton of different little jumps around. BUT HERE IT IS lol. There's no resolution because it's not finished. So if you aren't in a place where you can handle angst with no resolution, please be aware of that. (as someone who is also tired of angst with no happy ending, I'm sorry 😭). I've been in a very angsty mood lately, for obvious reasons...

I'll also provide some context before you start reading since this is literally nowhere near fleshed out. In this non-curse AU, Rinko moved to Tokyo to be closer to Shoko and Nanami after her mother died.

TW: implicit mention of suicidal ideation. Please read at your own discretion.

Would love to know your thoughts if you have any 💕

As they walked, Saori talked about how she’d met her boyfriend through a few mutual friends, and they’d hit it off. She babbled excitedly about how he had been upfront with her that he’d struggled with relationships in the past but that he really wanted to figure things out with her. Apparently, they’d been together almost two years, and he’d been nothing short of wonderful.

“He’s so charming,” she sighed dreamily. “Honestly, I was surprised how caring he can be. He doesn’t seem like the type when you first meet him.”

Rinko hummed quietly, barely noticing when Saori stopped and turned when her name was called.

“Oh, Satoru!”

That had her freezing in her tracks, her lips pursed to the side.

It wasn’t an uncommon name. It couldn’t be-

“Hey, babe.” Fate was cruel. “Thanks for meeting me. How’s the first week been? That your new coworker?”

“Yeah,” Saori replied happily. “It’s been great!” They caught up with Rinko, and she took a deep breath as she turned to see him staring at her. “Satoru, this is-”

“Rinko,” Gojo breathed, blinking quickly before he cleared his throat. “Hey.”

“Oh,” Saori looked between them. “You already know each other.”

“Used to,” Rinko clarified, turning to meet Saori’s eyes. “Had a few mutual friends. But it’s been-”

“Years,” Gojo finished for her, his bright blue eyes staring at her intently. “How have you been?”

Struggled with relationships was right. The man had enough girlfriends to start a damn harem. He got bored easily, she’d realized. Short attention span. He needed excitement, which he thought meant constant spontaneity. Constant change. Always something new. And she hadn’t felt new after a year or so.

She’d expected it, with how distant he became, how uninterested he was in spending time together. Considered herself lucky she’d even made it a year with him.

But it had been inevitable for him to get bored of her.

“Been good,” she replied, turning away. “We should try to beat the lunch rush if we can.”

Saori, bless her, was trying to figure out how to keep the conversation going. But every attempt to talk to Gojo was met with a distracted hum, and the last thing Rinko wanted to do was sit and talk to Gojo and the person who had apparently been able to change his mind about relationships. There was no escaping, though. After lunch, she was returning to work alongside this woman. And she needed to act like a fucking adult because she was more than capable of being one.

A college boyfriend shouldn’t even phase her, so why did she even care now?

They hadn’t worked out. It wasn’t like he’d promised her marriage or the world. She’d clearly been a stepping stone for him learning how to be in a relationship, and that was fine. People did that all the time. That was what dating was.

 “So, you’re friends with Shoko?” Saori asked tentatively.

“Yeah,” Rinko answered, nodding. It wasn’t Saori’s fault that, for some fucking reason, seeing Gojo again dug up all those damned questions she’d had about her own worth years ago. “We grew up together.”

The double dates with Shoko and Geto had been one reason they’d even started dating in the first place. Out of convenience so it wasn’t so damn awkward. That was it. It was never meant to be anything more than that. She was never something that was meant to be kept-

For fuck’s sake, that was way too dramatic.

“Shoko’s so wonderful,” Saori noted, grinning. “It’s amazing she’s able to put up with Suguru so well.”

Rinko snorted, nodding again as she thought about how insufferable those two had been when they started dating.

“Like two pieces of a fucking puzzle,” she’d complained in disgust, throwing one of the pillows from their couch at them. “You two really were meant for each other.”

Five years and going strong. She was positive Geto would be proposing any time now since Shoko would be starting her residency soon.

“It’s why she drinks so much,” Rinko said lightly. “Her drinking picked up right around when they started dating.”

“She does drink quite a bit!” Saori giggled, her eyes lighting up. “Her tolerance is incredible-”

“Been that way since high school,” Rinko informed her, shrugging. “She’s been a borderline alcoholic since she was sixteen. At least she and Geto quit smoking.”

Wrapping her arms around Shoko tightly, she grinned at her best friend.

“Happy for you,” Rinko murmured, squeezing her. “It’s about damn time.”

“I was waiting for the right moment,” Geto argued, tugging her into a hug of his own. “But thanks for your congrats-”

“He blurted it out while I was on the toilet,” Shoko informed her, snickering at Geto’s wide-eyed look. “If that isn’t real love, I guess I don’t know what is.”

Rinko gagged but couldn’t help cackling along with her. It really sounded like those two idiots.

“Imagine when you two have kids,” she gasped, smacking Shoko on the arm as they bent over. “‘Your daddy proposed to me while I was taking a shit-’”

“You’re the worst kind of person,” Geto sighed, waving happily at someone behind her. “Satoru! You’re late.”

“Got held up,” his voice drawled, followed by a giggle from Saori. “Distracted-”

She needed a fucking drink.

“More information than I wanted,” Geto scoffed, giving his best friend a hug. “Glad you could make it.”

“‘Course,” Gojo replied, grinning. “It’s about damn time.”

Geto slapped his hand over Shoko’s mouth before she could say anything.

“You don’t have to tell everyone about-”

“The fact that you blurted out that you wanted her to marry you while she was taking a shit?” Rinko asked for her, accepting the high five. “I feel like she definitely needs to tell everyone. I’ll make sure it goes the little ‘save the date’ flyers you send-”

A hand covered her mouth from behind, the voice in her ear annoyed.

“Please, stop,” Nanami deadpanned, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “I didn’t want to know that.”

“And there are things I wish I didn’t know about you,” she lamented, bumping her hip against his girlfriend’s playfully. “But we all suffer for our friends. When are you two gonna get married?”

“Soon,” he replied, smirking. “But I won’t be asking her while she’s-”

“I hate all of you,” Geto groaned, turning when the waitress called his name for their table. “Why am I still friends with any of you?”

“Because you’re marrying my best friend,” Rinko said smugly, looping her arm through Shoko’s. “We’re a package deal, remember?”

He grumbled as they took their seats, and she tensed when Nanami ended up next to Geto instead of Gojo.

“Still third-wheeling those two, huh?” Gojo teased, taking the seat next to her. “Gets a bit more tolerable when you have someone, too, ya know.”

As things began winding down, Rinko finally let her head rest on her arms as she closed her eyes.

“You okay?”

She was fucking exhausted.

Wedding planning with Shoko on top of trying to figure out how the fuck she could take care of the twins threatened to push her over the edge.

At least with the wedding being out of the way, she would only have one major thing to worry about.

Like how she might be able to afford lawyers to fight Ogi so the twins didn’t have to go back to her piece of shit uncle.

“Hey.” Gojo poked her lightly when she didn’t respond. “You alive?”

Catching his hand when he went to poke her again, she lifted her head groggily.

“What is it?” she asked, blinking quickly to stay awake. “What’s wrong? Does Shoko need something?”

“When was the last time you slept?” he asked, his eyes watching her face closely. “You look like shit.”

“Sure know how to charm a girl,” she muttered, reaching for her water. “I’m fine.”

“You look tired,” he repeated. “Are you okay?”

She missed her mom. She would know what to do. How to handle everything. But maybe that was why she was so overwhelmed to begin with. Nothing had felt right since she’d lost her mom.

“Got a lot going on lately.” She gave a light shrug. “Nothing I can’t handle.”

Setting her shoes to the side, she released a heavy breath.

There wasn’t much point left in staying. The twins hated her because she’d let them down. Her mother was gone. No one needed her anymore.

There’d barely been much of a point for her to keep going without her mother, anyway.

She wondered where she’d gone wrong. Why things had gone to hell. Why her mother had to die. Why she’d been born in the first place.

A stepping stone? More like a hindrance. Nothing she did ever made a difference. The fact that she’d disappointed the twins so heavily proved that.

She’d only ever been something to hold Shoko back, too. Always tagging along and forcing her to constantly worry about her-

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

The voice startled her, and she slipped, her grasp on the rail not holding as she fell.

Peace. She could finally just sleep-

A hand grabbed her arm, roughly hauling her back onto the bridge.

“What the fuck?” Gojo snarled, grabbing her shoulders and shaking. “What are you fucking doing?”

“What are you- why are you- how-”

“Shoko asked me to check on you,” he snapped, clenching his jaw. Her best friend had wasted time on her honeymoon to ask him to check on her. “Said it was- what the fuck do you think you’re doing? Do you know how upset people would be? How much your friends would miss-”

“They’ll forget,” she cut him off, pushing him away. “They- don’t need me. No one does. And I-”

“What about the twins?” he fumed, refusing to let her go. “The twins need-”

Her chest hurt, and she tried to move back to the edge as he held her back.

“I lost them,” she admitted, grasping her hair in her hands as her legs gave out. Sinking to the ground, she let the sobs shake through her. “I couldn’t help them. I couldn’t- fucking do anything for them. They- they fucking hate me-”

“Your mom wouldn’t want you to-”

“She’s dead,” she cried, gasping for air. She tried to claw her way toward the edge, but his hold only tightened around her. “And I’ve wished she’d taken me with her every second she’s been gone. I don’t- I don’t have any- there’s nothing left for me and I- just want to sleep-”

“Then take a fucking nap,” he snapped, grasping her face. “This- this isn’t- Rinko, you can’t just-”

“Just- please just let me-”

“No.”

So, not so fun fact: it's a common practice in Japan for people to leave their shoes when they commit suicide so that people will know to contact their families. Adults will typically leave their wallets as well because that makes it easier.

Also, I know it's bad to make light of a dark situation like that, but I kinda cackled when I wrote that last bit with Gojo responding to Rinko saying she just wants to sleep by telling her to take a nap. It just feels so on-brand for the two of them.

I feel very vulnerable posting this lol because I feel like it might be too dark? But hopefully it’s still okay 🙃