As days turned into weeks following the unsettling encounter with Sukuna, a lingering tension settled within me like a persistent ache. Satoru Gojo had been conspicuously absent, his usual presence inescapable yet now notably absent. It was as if the storm that typically followed him had momentarily subsided, leaving behind an eerie calm.

One evening, as dusk painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, I found myself walking towards my dorm, lost in my thoughts. The campus felt quieter than usual, the stillness unnerving after recent events. It was then that Geto approached me, his usual calm demeanor masking a keen observation.

"Hey, (Y/N)," he greeted warmly. "How have you been?"

I hesitated for a moment, unsure how much to reveal. "I've been okay," I replied honestly, though my voice carried a hint of uncertainty.

He caught up, falling into step beside me. "You seem preoccupied. Is everything alright?"

"Just thinking," I replied vaguely, forcing a small smile.

Geto nodded understandingly and studied me with gentle concern. "Is it about Satoru?" he asked softly, his voice low, his gaze searching.

I blinked in surprise, "Satoru?" I repeated, caught off guard by his assumption. 

"Why would you think that?" I countered, trying to keep my tone casual.

He shrugged slightly. "He hasn't been around lately. I assumed maybe that was bothering you," Geto explained, his eyes searching mine.

A rush of conflicting emotions swept through me—frustration, confusion, and a twinge of something I refused to acknowledge. "He's not my concern," I said firmly, though the words felt hollow even to my own ears.

Geto nodded, seemingly accepting my response. "Fair enough," he said softly. 

He leaned against a nearby pillar, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "You know, sometimes he can be a handful," he said with a small smile. "But underneath all that charm and charisma, he means well."

I chuckled softly, despite myself. "Yeah, I guess so," I admitted, feeling a pang of reluctance to agree with Geto about Satoru.

We continued talking for a while longer, our conversation drifting to lighter topics—the upcoming exams, the latest university gossip. Geto had a calming presence, and by the time we were to part ways, I felt a little lighter, a little more at ease.

I offered him a grateful smile, appreciating his much needed company. "Thanks, Geto," I murmured, genuinely touched by his gesture.

"Of course," Geto replied with a nod. "Take care, (Y/N)."

With that, I headed inside. 

::.............................................::

The familiar corridors and the buzz of student chatter provided a small sense of normalcy. I made my way to the warden's office, deciding it was finally time to address the broken window lock.

The warden, a stern but kind woman named Mrs. Tanaka, listened attentively as I explained the situation. 

"We'll get that fixed right away," she assured me, making a quick call to maintenance.

Within minutes, a maintenance worker arrived and followed me to my dorm room. He examined the broken lock and nodded. 

"It'll be fixed in no time," he said, setting to work.

I watched as he replaced the lock, my thoughts drifting back to the events of the past few days. The encounter with Sukuna had shaken me deeply, and Satoru's absence only added to my unease. Despite my efforts to push the memories away, they haunted me, leaving me feeling vulnerable and exposed.

"All done," the maintenance worker announced, snapping me back to the present.

"Thank you," I said, offering a small smile.

He nodded and left, leaving me alone in my room. I pulled the curtain aside and tested the new lock, relieved to find it secure. With a sigh, I closed the window and let the curtain fall back into place.

::.............................................::

In the quiet solitude of my kitchenette, I decided to cook myself a simple yet comforting meal. I gathered ingredients for oyakodon. As I chopped vegetables and prepared the chicken, the rhythmic motions of cooking helped to ease my mind, if only momentarily.

The aroma of simmering dashi filled the air, mingling with the savory scent of soy sauce and mirin. As I stirred the ingredients together in the pan, memories of happier times floated through my mind—laughter shared with friends, late-night study sessions, and quiet moments of reflection.

Once the dish was ready, I plated it carefully, garnishing it with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Sitting down at the small dining table in my room, I savored each bite, the flavors transporting me back to a place where life had felt simpler, less complicated.

Just as I finished eating, my phone buzzed with a text message. I glanced at the screen to see a message from an unknown number.

Who could this be? Is it sukuna??

Despite myself, a rush of anticipation and irritation surged through me. With a sigh, I opened the message.

Unknown: Hey there, troublemaker. Miss me yet?

Huh? It doesn't sound like sukuna. Satoru???

I rolled my eyes at his predictable attempt at humor, but couldn't help the slight tug of amusement that stirred within me. I saved his number. Then replied.

Me: Not even a little.

Satoru: Hey,You recognized me. But ouch, that hurts. I thought you couldn't live without me.

Me: Dream on, Gojo.

Satoru: Can't blame a guy for trying. So, how's life without me? Boring, I bet.

I resisted the urge to respond immediately, instead taking a deliberate sip of water to compose myself.

Me: I've managed just fine, thank you very much.

Satoru: Sure you have. Bet you miss my charming presence.

Me: Not in the slightest.

Satoru: Hmm... You keep saying that, but I don't believe you.

I scoffed, inwardly amused by his persistence. Despite my outward sarcasm, a part of me begrudgingly acknowledged the truth—he had a way of getting under my skin, whether I liked it or not.

Me: Believe what you want. It won't change a thing.

Satoru: Oh, I believe plenty, trust me.

Before I could formulate a witty retort, another message popped up.

Satoru: By the way, I've been away dealing with some family stuff. Sorry I didn't tell you sooner.

I frowned then rolled my eyes, surprised by his unexpected honesty. It was unlike Satoru to offer an explanation without being prompted, let alone apologize.

Me: Right.

Satoru: I know you're rolling your eyes right now. Admit it, you missed me.

I sighed, torn between annoyance and a begrudging acknowledgment of his absence.

Me: Maybe a little.

Satoru: Ha! I knew it.

I shook my head, a faint smile tugging at the corners of my lips despite my best efforts to remain unaffected.

Me: Don't get too cocky, Gojo. You're still insufferable.

Satoru: And you still can't resist me.

I rolled my eyes again, but couldn't deny the truth in his words. Satoru had a way of twisting situations to his advantage, leaving me flustered and off-balance.

Me: I have better things to do than argue with you.

Satoru: Like what? Cooking dinner for one?

I bristled at his teasing tone, refusing to give him the satisfaction of knowing he had hit a nerve.

Me: Like enjoying a peaceful evening.

Satoru: Alone? Boring.

Me: Better than dealing with your antics.

Satoru: Come on, (Y/N). Admit it—you love it.

I sighed, feeling a mix of exasperation and reluctant amusement. Satoru had a way of twisting my words and emotions in a way that no one else could.

Me: I tolerate it. Barely.

Satoru: That's what they all say. But deep down, you can't resist me.

Before I could respond, another message came through.

Satoru: Anyway, I'll see you around. Don't miss me too much.

I scoffed, shaking my head at his audacity.

Me: Don't count on it.

With that, I set my phone aside, the conversation with Satoru leaving me oddly unsettled yet strangely amused. Despite our constant banter and clashes, there was an undeniable chemistry between us—a tension that simmered beneath the surface, waiting to ignite at the slightest provocation.

As I cleaned up the dishes and prepared for bed, I couldn't shake the lingering feeling that despite my best efforts to resist him, Satoru Gojo had carved out a place in my life that I couldn't easily dismiss. And as much as I hated to admit it, a small part of me had come to anticipate his next move with an inexplicable mix of dread and curiosity.

As night fell, I found myself staring out of the window, the repaired lock gleaming in the soft glow of the moonlight. Despite everything, despite the fear and uncertainty that had plagued me earlier, a part of me couldn't help but wonder when Satoru would return—and what new challenge he would bring into my life next.

But for now, in the calm of the night, I allowed myself a moment of respite, grateful for the friends who had stood by me and the strength I had found within myself. And as sleep finally claimed me, I couldn't help but wonder if maybe, just maybe, there was more to Satoru than met the eye—a complexity that both intrigued and frustrated me in equal measure

::.............................................::

Hello guys!!

Done with this chapter. Hope you guys are enjoying it.

And I really do appreciate the engaged readers here. 

I love you guys!!

See you again soon.