157 ~ Hundred And Fifty-Seven

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[G]ojo let you down to your feet at last, his hand still lingering a moment longer than necessary. You'd told him you could walk, but deep down, it had more to do with getting his forearm off your rear.

Not that you didn't enjoy the heat it stirred—if anything, that was the problem. The last thing you needed was that distraction.

He disappeared briefly, leaving you standing outside a small convenience store, arms full of the snacks he'd casually tossed your way earlier. When he reappeared, it was without a word, holding a plastic bag with a pack of disposable napkins, a small water bottle, antiseptic wipes and a few more stuffs.

He didn't bother saying anything or taking the bags from you as you waited, expecting his usual grin. "They're all yours, by the way," he'd mentioned earlier, almost like an afterthought—but you knew better.

You stood there, still a little dazed and trying to shake off the fog in your mind as Gojo tore open the napkins with ease. Pouring water onto one, he stepped closer, his presence filling the space between you. Without asking for permission, his hand came up to your face.

You flinched, a subtle, instinctive reaction. He hesitated for just a fraction of a second, something unspoken flickering in his crystal-clear eyes behind his sunglasses, but he didn't pull away.

His touch was steady, methodical, though there was a softness to the way his fingers grazed your skin, wiping away the dried blood under your nose.

"Still bleeding?" he murmured, his voice dipping low as he worked, wiping away the last traces of the nosebleed. The bleeding had stopped long ago, thanks to the reverse cursed energy he'd funneled into you, but he was still fussing like you were fragile.

The proximity was unnerving in the way it wasn't casual. Gojo being close was nothing new, but this—the care in his movements, the way he was just a little too gentle—had you swallowing back words you didn't quite have yet. His thumb lingered at your chin for a moment longer before he tossed the napkin into a nearby trashcan, eyes flicking to yours with a glint of amusement, as if he knew exactly how rattled you were.

"There. All cleaned up." He tapped your chin lightly, a smile tugging at his lips. "Now, let's get you fed, yeah?"

You blinked, still catching up when he handed you half of his blue twin popsicle. "Here," he said, his carefree tone slipping back in as he nibbled on the other half. "You need this way more than I do."

Hot. The way his lips moved around the treat, suckling on it slowly, sent a sudden heat between your legs. You pressed your thighs together, trying to ignore the stir it caused. Your hand instinctively closed around the popsicle, the cold shock snapping you a bit more awake.

Your mind was still sluggish, processing everything slower than usual, but Gojo—being Gojo—kept you distracted just enough not to get lost in it.

You both began walking. He kept the pace unhurried, casually guiding you toward a small restaurant on the outskirts of town. You noticed how he skillfully avoided the busy streets, steering clear of the crowds.

Every sound felt too loud, every scent sharper than usual, and it was like he knew. Like he always knew more than he let on.

By the time you reached the restaurant, he'd ordered your favorite dish without even looking at you. Not for here, though. Takeout. He wasn't sticking around longer than necessary, and you couldn't help but wonder if it was for your sake. His nonchalance didn't exactly hide his consideration.

He caught you staring as he leaned in to snag a bite of your half-eaten popsicle, his own long gone after those oversized bites. "Feeling better? Or do I need to carry you again?" His tone was playful, but you knew better—it was never just a joke with him.

"Don't push... your luck," you muttered, but the words lacked any real sting. The cold from the treat in your hand was helping, grounding you just enough.

Teleporting back to Jujutsu High was almost a relief.

Gojo chose a spot away from the main grounds, deep enough into the forest that the trees became a comforting shield from the world. The rocks here were flat, perfect for sitting, and the stars above glittered in a way that made the air feel almost enchanted.

You settled down beside him, unwrapping your dinner in the silence, the cool breeze soothing the sensory overload that clung to you.

"How did you know?" The question slipped out, sharp and direct.

Gojo didn't even look your way, casually popping the last bite of your popsicle into his mouth, savoring it. "Know what?"

"That I couldn't handle the city right now. You just... sensed it," you replied, tracing the edges of your chopsticks with a steady hand, an unspoken weight in your gaze.

A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth, his tone light yet layered. "I don't need special powers to sense when you're off balance." His playful demeanor held a sharper edge, as if he could see right through your 'façade'. "Just call it instinct. Wouldn't be your man if I didn't get you this well."

You leaned back against the rock, looking up at the stars. The spot was perfect, quiet, isolated—a break from everything. "This isn't the same place as last time," you noted after a moment.

Gojo turned his head just slightly, amusement flashing across his features. "What, you were hoping for a repeat performance?"

A slight twitch in your brow betrayed a subtle hint of irritation, a touch dark, as memories of your last 'date' with him stirred in your mind. "Not quite what I meant, but now that you mention it..."

"Relax." He stretched his arms behind him, settling into a more comfortable position. The warmth radiating from his body mixed with the comforting pulse of his cursed energy, wrapping around you like a soft blanket. "Tonight's different. Not everything has to end in chaos, you know."

You scoffed softly, a subtle smirk tugging at your lips. "And here I thought you thrived on... theatrics."

His gaze flicked to you, and for a brief moment, something electric crackled in the air between you. "I'm full of surprises," he murmured, his voice low and teasing, a dangerous edge lurking just beneath the surface.

You smirked, letting your eyes wander back to the stars. "You really think too highly of yourself, don't you?" you shot back, your tone dripping with a sultry challenge. "It's just... breathtaking."

Gojo's grin widened, that insufferable confidence radiating off him. "I know, but you haven't seen anything yet."

You chose to ignore him, even though the heat of his presence was hard to shake. Instead, you focused on your food, lifting the lid to reveal—naturally—ramen. Your favorite, the one dish that always hit the spot.

As you separated the disposable wooden chopsticks, a thought crept in: Was there anyone else who truly understood you like he did?

He'd move mountains for you yet never dared to acknowledge your place in his chaotic world. The hurt twisted in your chest, but you shoved it down. Not now. Not today.

Just as you began to lose yourself in the comforting steam of the ramen, Gojo's voice sliced through the silence, playful yet provocative. "You know, if you're struggling with that... you could always use me."

The suggestion hung heavy in the air, absurd yet tantalizing. You knew exactly what he meant—an invitation that sparked both desire and irritation within you. Sex. Release. You glanced at him, his expression a wicked blend of mischief and sincerity, igniting something primal inside.

"Is that really what you're offering now?" you countered, your voice smooth like velvet, laced with hints of dark amusement.

He shrugged, utterly nonchalant. "I'm just saying, if you need help—or a little distraction—I'm right here. I promise, I'd be a much better remedy than any... toy."

You let out a low, mocking laugh. "Help? A distraction? You really think you're the solution to my little predicament?"

His eyes sparkled with mischief, a dark, primal intensity simmering beneath. It felt like he wanted to devour you right then and there. He leaned closer, the air between you charged. "Why not? I mean, I'm pretty good at pleasing, if I do say so myself."

You fought the urge to smirk, your pulse racing. "I'll give you that. You've got a real talent for being useless... and a pain." You tilted your head, your tone laced with playful sarcasm. "It's almost impressive how much of a joke you are."

For a fleeting moment, the cocky smirk on Gojo's lips faltered, his crystalline eyes flashing with something—something you almost missed. But just as quickly, it was gone, replaced by his usual laid-back grin.

"Ouch," he chuckled, his tone light, though you could sense a slight edge beneath it. "Remind me not to ask you for a compliment anytime soon."

You raised a brow, staying silent, waiting for his inevitable comeback. The air between you felt thick with unsaid things, the tension subtly shifting as his eyes lingered on you just a beat too long.

With a lazy grin, he leaned in just a little closer, his voice lowering, a teasing heat in his tone. "But let's be honest. You'd miss me if I wasn't around to annoy you."

The closeness of his body, the warmth radiating off him, sent a ripple through you. You held your breath, refusing to give in to the magnetic pull between you. His lips curved in that infuriatingly smug way, but his eyes were darker now, more focused—like he was daring you to acknowledge the electricity sparking in the space between you.

There it was—classic Gojo, never letting anything truly get under his skin.

His confident facade firmly in place, though the glint in his eyes told you he was enjoying the subtle game you both played. But you knew the sting of your words lingered, just a little. And that knowledge gave you a small, twisted sense of satisfaction... even as your pulse betrayed you, quickening in response to his nearness.

You took a bite of the warm noodles, the rich flavor enveloped your senses, grounding you momentarily. Yet, the image of him, effortlessly captivating, lingered in your mind.

You chewed slowly, forcing yourself to focus on the comforting meal, even as the storm of emotions swirled inside you. Because if you didn't, you weren't sure what you'd do—or what he might do next. And that thought sent a thrilling shiver down your spine.

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