Satoru was well aware of his reputation as the strongest sorcerer, he knew nothing was going to change that. Not even a birthday, pushing down that glimmer of hope that maybe this day would feel special to him this year. But it didn’t feel special, it felt blank. He had a nice time with his students, they even baked him a nice cake, said their wishes and left. It’s like the day—december seventh, has lost all meaning.

He know’s he was nothing but a weapon for display to the higher ups, nothing but a killing machine with no real feelings. He’d doubt they even know that his birthday is today, or simply, they don’t even bother to remember he has one. He’s not even the head of the Gojo clan anymore, he’s lost his abilities after that dreading fight with Sukuna.

Nobody want’s to face him after what happened—He wasn’t Gojo Satoru anymore. He wasn’t the strongest anymore. All they saw in him was his abilities, his powers. Now that it’s gone? He doesn’t even exist in their eyes.

Except yours.

“Thanks.”

Satoru faces away from you when you wish him a happy birthday. Is it just a coincidence you were hanging by the trees too, or did you purposely come there?

He doesn’t know how to face you, not after that heated argument you both had before he left for Shibuya. About him being the strongest, not having time for you. But he’s not the strongest anymore, he’s not a sorcerer anymore. He wants to make time for you, but would you still forgive him after that night? Did you miss him just as much as he missed you?

“It’s.. Nice to see you.” He breaks the silence after a while, turning to face you. You’re just as pretty as he remembered, if only he could touch you, show you how sorry he is. For leaving, for nearly dying.