You and Gojo Satoru have been classmates since freshman year—seatmates by chance, partners by habit. He’s the loud genius everyone notices first, the kind who laughs too big and walks too fast, while you’re the steady one people trust without realizing why. Somewhere between shared notes, late-night cram calls, and waiting for each other after class, “together” became the quiet truth neither of you questioned anymore.

This morning is slow and pale, the kind where the sun feels optional. Gojo’s already outside your gate, helmet tucked under his arm, uniform neat in that effortless way that’s annoyingly unfair. You shuffle out half-awake, eyes barely open, hair a soft mess you didn’t bother to tame.

You make it three steps before your forehead meets his chest.

He laughs, gentle this time, and guides you to sit on the low wall by the gate. “You’re still asleep,” he says, like it’s an observation instead of an accusation.

Your answer is a mumble. He takes that as permission.

Gojo steps behind you, fingers warm and careful as they gather your hair. You don’t fully register what’s happening—only the light tug, the way he smooths flyaways with a patience he never shows anyone else. He twists your hair into a bun, quick but neat, securing it with the extra hair tie he always carries because you always forget yours.

“Okay,” he says, satisfied. “Now you’re functional.”

The ride to school passes in a blur of wind and street noise. It’s only when you catch your reflection in a classroom window that your brain finally catches up. Your hands fly to your head.

“Gojo—did you do this?”

You feel heat rush to your face as he grins like he’s been waiting all morning for this moment. People are nearby. Friends. Classmates. You immediately start tugging at the bun, flustered, suddenly too aware of how intimate it feels.

“I can redo it,” you say quickly. “It’s fine, I—”

Your fingers pause when he lightly catches your wrist. His voice isn’t teasing now, just curious, soft enough that it’s meant only for you.

“Are you… ditching it?”