𝐁𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐈 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐫 | 𝐒. 𝐆𝐨𝐣𝐨 ✔️

Chapter IX

I have successfully avoided Geto and Shoko all morning, which is honestly a miracle. Step one of surviving this nightmare: don't get interrogated by people who know Gojo better than I do. So far, I'd say I'm off to a very good start.

Step two, however, is proving to be a challenge. I need to find Gojo—or, technically, me—and I literally can't.

I've been wandering the halls, glancing into classrooms, and retracing every possible step I think he—I—might take. My schedule? Memorized. My usual hiding spots? Checked. Every possible location where Gojo could be slacking off? Nothing.

At this point, I'm not sure if he's skipping class, playing some kind of elaborate prank on me, or just being his insufferable self.

The bell rings, and students flood the halls, jostling me as they rush to their next classes. I clench my fists and try not to lose it.

"Where are you?" I mutter under my breath, my tone laced with frustration.

"Looking for someone?"

I freeze. That voice. Turning slowly, I come face-to-face with Geto, who's leaning casually against the wall, his signature smirk firmly in place.

Crap.

"Uh, no," I say quickly, maybe a little too quickly. "Just... heading to class."

Geto raises an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. "Right. Because you're such a punctual and diligent student, Gojo."

I force a laugh, which probably comes off as awkward. "You know me. Model student."

He steps closer, peering at me with sharp eyes. "Funny, you've been acting kind of... off today."

"Off?" I echo, trying to sound casual, but my voice wavers. My eyes dart around, desperate for an escape, when I spot something—no, someone.

It's me! Or rather, Gojo! My body. Whatever.

Panic surges through me. I need to get to him before he does something else to make this worse.

"I have to go," I blurt out, awkwardly trying to sidestep Geto, but his intense stare pins me in place like a nail in wood.

"Is there something wrong?" he asks, his tone suspicious now.

My heart pounds in my chest. I can feel the sweat prickling at the back of my neck. "Wrong? Nope. Everything's fine. Just... uh, forgot something important."

His eyes narrow, and he tilts his head. "You're sweating, Gojo. You never sweat."

Crap. Crap. Crap.

"New skincare routine?" I say, forcing a grin. "Gotta keep this face flawless, you know?"

Geto stares at me like I've grown a second head. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Before I can dig myself into an even deeper hole, Gojo—me—rounds the corner with his trademark confidence, waving like he doesn't have a care in the world.

"There you are!" he calls out, striding toward us.

I almost sag with relief, but Geto's gaze shifts between the two of us, his eyebrows furrowing. I can see the wheels turning in his head, and it's only a matter of time before he puts two and two together.

"I'll catch you later!" I say quickly, practically yanking Gojo away before he can say anything stupid.

Once we're out of earshot, I hiss, "You really need to stop leaving me alone with your friends."

He just laughs, that infuriating, carefree laugh that makes me want to scream.

"Relax," he says, slinging an arm around my shoulder—his shoulder? Whatever. "You're doing great. Besides, Geto's sharp, but he's not that sharp."