Bound In Love's Curse [Gojo Satoru x Female Readers]

177 ~ Hundred And Seventy-Seven

[T]he rest of the night drifted by, a slow burn of music and conversation.

It might've been uneventful had it not been for Gojo's constant little games—the subtle touches, fleeting but hot enough to remind you he was there, simmering under the surface. His fingers brushed against your wrist when you passed, an innocent lean closer that sent a ripple down your spine. You kept your composure, though, ignoring the sparks he kept setting off like firecrackers just beneath your skin.

Twice, maybe three times, you excused yourself to the bathroom. A quick breath, a wipe at the heat blooming at your core, and you were back out, pretending nothing had fazed you.

Gojo, on the other hand, made sure you knew exactly where he stood. Close. Too close. His body brushing yours on the dance floor, his energy rolling off him, thick and insistent—a silent reminder of what could be yours if you wanted it.

But you didn't bite. You ignored him. Purposely, skillfully.

Instead, you stayed engaged with Nanami—teasing him, your words laced with that playful energy you knew Gojo was watching. Nanami gave as good as he got, though the tension wasn't lost on him either. He had always been too perceptive for his own good.

Shoko noticed too, of course, because she always did, murmuring just loud enough for you to hear as you deliberately avoided Gojo's gaze, "Mean."

You chuckled softly, licking your lips as you took a deliberate sip of your drink. The ripple in Gojo's cursed energy was palpable—he flinched ever so slightly, trying to keep his cool, but you knew better. The game was getting to him.

"This is fun," you mused quietly to yourself, barely audible but enough to catch Shoko's smirk.

Maybe you were being petty. Maybe Shoko was right when she said Gojo was clueless about how much his close proximity with Utahime had hurt you. But you hadn't raised a fuss; you'd let it slide, quietly tolerating it all. Now, though? This little bet? This was your chance.

Making Gojo keep quiet all night while another man held your attention was definitely cruel, a little manipulative even. But sometimes, people needed to feel what they'd put others through. A taste of helplessness, confusion—just enough to make him question why it had hurt you so much.

By the end of the night, his cursed energy clung to you—thick, possessive, a frustrated tangle of emotions. You knew he was silently fuming, but what did he expect? You'd played your hand well, given him exactly the mixed signals you'd intended.

"Leaving already, Y/N?" Shoko's voice cut through the noise, pulling your attention as you stood and stretched. The effects of the shots you'd taken earlier had finally worn off, and you were feeling more like yourself—calm, in control. Exactly how you liked it.

"Yeah. Just going to grab my purse from the car. I'll get Ijichi to drive me back," you said, shooting Nanami a look.

Nanami smirked, pushing his glasses up, voice cool and steady as ever. "Not sure that's the best idea. Ijichi might not be in a position to drive."

You glanced at the couch where several of the assistants lay passed out from the night's excess. "Guess I'll have to catch a cab then."

"I can take you to a nearby hotel if you prefer. It'd be safer than trying to get a cab this late," Nanami offered, ever the gentleman.

You felt Gojo's cursed energy spike as he stepped forward, finally moving in to make his presence undeniable. He raised a hand, not speaking, but the look in his eyes was a challenge. The silent vow was still in effect, and he wasn't going to risk breaking it now.

"Got something to say, Satoru?" You let the question hang in the air, your tone sharp, mocking, knowing exactly how he'd react.

He smirked, as if you'd granted him permission to finally speak. "I'll take you back. You know I can get you there faster."

Teleportation versus a cab? He wasn't wrong.

"Fine," your shoulders lifted in a casual shrug, though the sly curve of your lips betrayed the spark of mischief behind your calm. This was exactly the reaction you'd been baiting him for, and you knew Gojo wouldn't hesitate to seize the opportunity. "Let me just grab my purse."

"You won't need it," Gojo countered, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "Not when I'm here."

"I insist," you replied smoothly, already heading toward the door, feeling his gaze burn into your back. There was something in your purse—something important. And by the end of the night, you'd decide what to do with it.

"Will you be alright?" Shoko asked, her voice a gentle tether as you moved through the room. She shot a quick glance toward Utahime and Mei Mei, who were still deep in conversation despite the amount of alcohol they'd consumed.

"I'll be fine," you laughed softly, stopping at the door. With a look back, you added, "Besides, I've got something planned for him. Perfect timing, actually."

Gojo's brow lifted, curious. Nanami's eyes flickered, knowing. Shoko just chuckled dryly, already sensing the storm brewing.

"You go, girl," she said, her smirk subtle but approving. "And remember—my offer still stands. Call me if you need backup."

"Sure thing." You gave her a nod, stepping out into the cool night air, with Gojo trailing closely behind like a shadow.

The silence between the remaining two hung heavy for a moment before Shoko turned to Nanami, lowering her voice. "You know, if you liked her, you could've given it a shot. I doubt she'd have turned you down."

Nanami froze, the whiskey glass hovering mid-air before he took a measured sip. He didn't deny it. How could he? He'd known for a while now, ever since that quiet hospital visit when you'd fallen asleep on his shoulder, so relaxed, so peaceful. It stirred something in him, something he couldn't quite shake off.

"I wouldn't stand a chance," Nanami finally admitted, his voice calm, almost resigned. "She's in love with Gojo Satoru. That's not a battle I'm willing to fight."

Shoko tilted her head, studying him with a knowing smile. "Since when has love ever been logical?"

The blonde sighed, his gaze distant. "It's not about logic. It's about what's best for her. And as much of an idiot as Gojo seems, he does love her. His actions speak louder than words."

Shoko raised an eyebrow, a teasing lilt in her tone. "Didn't think you were the self-sacrificing type."

Nanami rubbed his temples, the weight of the night settling in. "I just don't have the time or patience for unnecessary drama, Shoko."

She grinned, watching him over her drink. "And yet, here we are."

***

When Gojo materialized with you, the first thing you noticed was the skyline—sprawling, glittering, and utterly captivating. The space surrounding you was no less breathtaking. Luxurious. Clean lines and modern elegance. It had the kind of charm that screamed wealth without trying too hard.

You weren't sure where in Tokyo you were, but the view was enough to tell you it wasn't some random part of town.