satoru gojo's ego always dwarfed his pride. he thrived in the spotlight, a constant center of attention, which only inflated his already considerable self-image.

his usual banter was a barrage of snarky insults, delivered with a casual disregard that bordered on cruelty. he assumed everyone took it in stride, mirroring his own playful jabs. however, the sight of actual tears welling in your eyes after one of his remarks caused an unfamiliar, sharp pang in his chest. his right eye twitched, a silent acknowledgment of his miscalculation.

a subtle shift occurred. his usual barbs lost their sting, his demeanor softening noticeably. even suguru, accustomed to satoru's flamboyant personality, raised an eyebrow at the sudden change.

yet, admitting his growing affection for you was an insurmountable hurdle. satoru gojo, the paragon of the gojo family, vulnerable? in love? with you? puh-lease. he'd rather swallow his pride whole than confess such a thing.

despite his internal turmoil, he found himself drawn to your presence. one evening, he stood at your dorm room door, his towering figure casting a long shadow.

the usual cocky grin was absent, replaced by an awkwardness that was almost endearing. his eyes, however, betrayed a raw longing. "...sorry to bother you," he murmured, scratching the back of his neck, a gesture of rare unease. "is this a bad time?"