He'd always acted like nothing could hurt him. As if life were a game he'd long since played through. As if it were his right to be above everyone else.

Gojo Satoru, the strongest. The loudest. The one who never seemed to lose.

And yet, here he was, standing before you, silent. Sunglasses in hand. Tired eyes. Coat half open, as if he'd forgotten it was cold outside.

You'd never seen him like this.

"You know," he said slowly, almost casually, "people think I'm arrogant." He grinned that typical, half-mocking, half-sad grin.

"I probably am."

You didn't answer right away. Because you knew he didn't want any confirmation.

"But what if this is all just... cover? What if I'm just being loud because I'm afraid of what will happen when it gets quiet?"

You looked at him. His white hair. The dark circles under his eyes. That aura of power that seemed more like a shadow today.

"Are you scared?" You asked quietly.

He laughed. Not really. More like a short, sharp exhalation.