Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Part 1 –  Reattachment

Some people believe that the ultimate goal in life is just to have money. But the true is... nothing makes sense if you don't have anyone to share it with...

Many people think that having a lot of money is synonymous with greatness and success, but what people doesn't see is the amount of work that comes with that, and if you don't handle it correctly, it can become a burden... a cage.

And so it was for Gojo Satoru.

Being the direct heir to the Gojo fortune and companies comes with a burden, an invisible weight of inherent responsibilities that can drown you if you're not careful.

This burden is a mighty, insatiable river, with a current so strong that not even the best swimmer could beat it, so in the end, when you get tired of swimming against the current, you would give up.

It's there, in this golden cage, within these steel confines, elegant carpets, fine wood furniture, behind glass windows, at the very top of the Gojo Tower, in the center of Tokyo.

It's there that Gojo Satoru practically lives.

Behind a three-meter-high glass wall facing the busiest street in the center, the city of Tokyo is outlined in front of it, a city that never sleeps, never rests, always illuminated, active, demanding, and hectic.

This is also how Gojo Satoru's life is reflected on the other side of the glass.

At night, as usual, he was taking off his tailored jacket made of some expensive fabric.

Gojo leans against the glass, untying his tie that seems to suffocate him.

Gojo found this view from the building amusing, even though he's seen it for a long time, it's the only thing he likes about his office, that view, because in the distance the city lights look like shining eyes, and from that point in the city at that time they look like six blue eyes reflecting in the big window.

While the dim light from the lamp next to the armchair illuminates him, highlighting his back, the wrinkles in the light blue shirt he's wearing, highlighting his height, illuminating his silky white hair.

That's where Gojo wonders if this was all... everything his life could offer him.

Just being "The heir" and being buried behind a desk piled with papers, after being visited time, again and again, by people interested in business, after time and time again with shareholder meetings only interested in money.

Sleeping only three hours a day.

Day after day.

Gojo no longer knew the difference between living to work and working to live.

Aside from the family pressure to uphold the clan's honor and traditions, while running the company and making it grow.

After Gojo graduated with honors from two degrees he had pursued simultaneously: astrophysics and business management—one for pleasure and the other out of duty—he joined the family business.

After a few years working at the company, his father passed away from an illness that took only two months to claim him, and it was then that everything fell on his shoulders.

As the only direct heir, he accepted the challenge, taking on the responsibility and burden it represented. He took on the challenge of being the youngest in the Gojo line to assume the presidency of the company.

So it went for some time, overcoming challenges during the bad times and the good times, growing it by expanding into new horizons, and stifling the competition.

But…

After almost a decade at the helm of the company, Gojo Satoru begins to feel that everything is losing meaning. Nothing is a challenge for him anymore, only tedious and repetitive tasks.

Along with a ceiling that doesn't let him keep climbing, walls that suffocate him, and a floor that doesn't let him move.

Even the view from the office is starting to displease him.

Meals seem empty when he's present with other people—workers, clients, even his family. The smell of perfume seems intrusive; the lights that seem to fix their gaze on him, bother him the most. The incense in the traditional Gojo clan house is too intense; along with the candlelight, he feels like it's stabbing his eyes when he enters the temple.

Everything started to take its toll on him; that's when the migraines started, and his eyes became more sensitive than ever.

Despite being surrounded by people every day, no one held any sentimental value for him. He's even gone on a few dates, arranged by his family, but nothing makes him feel... something...

Anything

Because nothing is really changing for him.

After finishing his studies, it was difficult for him to maintain friendships with his classmates. Some became occupied with their own lives, their jobs, and the truth is, Gojo's family is so demanding that he barely had time for himself, even at school years.

All the other people around him were there out of self-interest.

And little by little, this had eaten away at his spirit.

That longing for a genuine connection had driven him... or so his psychologist had described it... It had driven him to delirium, with dreams of another life, one where he once felt his heart was full, even in the midst of chaos, he felt a sense of belonging.

Sometimes in those dreams, he could see a person with black hair, amber eyes, and a warm smile. That made him feels satisfied.

Gojo wondered if he was truly delirious, or if there was truly a hidden message in these "visions" as he called them.

Like an echo from another life, calling to him.

Those memories reverberated in his head, screaming out to find this person.

As if they had made a promise to see each other in another life.

Am I going crazy?... Gojo sighs at this thought as he rubs his face, while in front of his office's large window, the lights of the city ahead reflecting on him.

He turns around and begins the long walk back to his empty apartment....

There are no friends to call, no relatives he cares about, no special someone waiting for his arrival.

This route is so well-trodden for him, he's done it so many times, that he could walk it blindfolded. One day he should try it, Gojo thinks, as he walks through his office in his shiny, well-polished shoes that contrast with the fine wood floor.

Waiting for the elevator as his gaze goes to his right, the metal elevator doors reflect his reality... there's no one else by his side.

Those amber eyes appear every night, calling to him, contrasting with a dark blue suit, and a button, a gold button adorning his shirt.

As a constant reminder

Who are you... and why do I feel this... Gojo wonders. All these memories and feelings flow through him, through his mind, haunting him.

Ding!

The elevator bell rings as it reaches the first floor, bringing Gojo back from his thoughts.

He crosses the lobby; the only sound is the squeak of rubber shoes against the marble floor.

Gojo greets the receptionist and leaves the building.

Into the night that darkens the street.

He carries his dark blue jacket over his shoulder, held up by a couple of fingers.

With that, he joins the stream of people.

No matter what time it is, downtown Tokyo is always bustling with people walking by and flashy lights adorning the shop windows.

And that's why he always wears sunglasses, to avoid migraines from the intrusive flickering lights of the neon signs.

But as he walks back to his apartment, he notices something different.

The store that used to sell fried chicken and has been vacant for several years, just a few blocks from the company, no longer has a "For Rent" sign for the first time in a long time.

Gojo pauses for a moment, appreciating the clean windows and the empty space inside.

Then he wonders what they're going to put up...

-

Several months after the new store opened.

It's become a sensation, the new thing to visit, the hottest thing on everyone's lips. The buzz even reaches the Gojo Enterprises offices, where the receptionist, secretary, and other employees are talking about how delicious the sweets at this new store are.

"I can't believe they have Sago Gula Melaka! And it tastes just like the one I used to have back in Malaysa" said one of the employees, while eating with her friends in the company cafeteria.

"That cafeteria belongs to a renowned Japanese chef who made his career while winning competitions in other countries."

"Oh wow!"

"Yes! And the chef is very handsome."

“Hehe”

"That chef... wasn't he the right-hand man of the great master chef Kenjaku?"

"Yeah, I heard they broke up."

"They weren't dating, were they?"

The other shrugs, not knowing.

"That guy is crazy. He likes to change outfits as much as David Bowie, but with bad taste, he has a sour reputation."

"Well, then the chef is free now."

The employees laugh after gossiping during lunch.

-

Gojo smells and hears the conversations about the new coffee shop that had opened in that location nears the center of Tokyo.

So he decides to stop by, without telling anyone else, without asking anyone to come and buy him something. He had to do something different or he'd go crazy, so this give him the perfect excuse.

So one day he gets up from his desk, grabs his jacket, and leaves the building in the middle of the day, joining a whirlwind of frenetic activity that envelops and absorbs him.

When he arrives at the store, from a distance he can see the long waiting line that stretches out from it and reaches a couple of stores further on.

Gojo sighs and decides to line up, like any other person, even if it's not his style. He's determined to do something different that day.

The bustle of people, the bright light of the midday sun, the vibrant, flashing colored signs screaming for attention, the sound of electricity, the blinking sign that says “Open” – all of this is too much for his sensitive eyes, even with sunglasses on.

He knows a headache is coming soon as he feels the tingling behind his right eye, a dull throb slowly expanding like an ink blot on paper, his fingers beginning to go slightly numb.

The heat isn't helping; mixed with the smell of hot asphalt and car exhaust; it only announces that summer will soon arrive.

He can easily count the 20 people in front of him, not counting those inside the shop, and he can estimate that this will take at least half an hour, while his restless foot moves rhythmically taping at the floor.

While he waits, he notices everyone in line murmuring, some turning to look at him, some talking about the chef who created this cafe.

With a throbbing headache in his head, he finally enters the coffee shop, causing him to overlook the storefront, completely missing the name of the place and its windows displaying a variety of desserts.

Standing at the counter, he's greeted by a tall man with dark brown mushroom-shaped hair, a big, friendly smile, and a voice that can be heard throughout the establishment, clear and strong, yet gentle.

"How may I help you?" the barista says energetically.

Still with his sunglasses on and unable to hide the migraine that plagues him, Gojo says, "A mocha latte with extra whipped cream, extra caramel, and extra chocolate." As he orders, he reads the name of the person embroidered on the apron he's wearing: "Haibara."

"Got ya!" Haibara says, smiling. "Would you like to add some freshly made mochi or any dessert to your order?" he asks, indicating the display case next to him, where a variety of desserts are beautifully displayed.

As his gaze scans the display, he quickly passes the blue, red, and... purple mochi, called cosmic mochi.

Then his eyes land on the international section.

Gojo had never seen some of them, much less tried one, their names as exotic as their texture and presentation.

His gaze stops on one of them, the name “Puto” has a brief description below the name in smaller letters “Steamed rice cake” and a flag drawn next to it, with a white triangle and inside it a yellow sun, next to two horizontal bars, blue at the top and red at the bottom.

"It's from the Philippines" Gojo thinks when he sees the flag.

"An order of Putos" Gojo orders

"Sure, I'll give you your order in a moment!" Haibara says politely.

Gojo barely moves to the side to allow the next person to pass when Haibara reaches out to get his attention. "Sir! What's your name order?" he asks, slightly embarrassed as he squints his eyes and tilts his head.

Right... he thinks.

"Just put GS," he says, not caring what they write on a cup of coffee; he only came for the hype. "It's not like the coffee shop is that good. It's probably just another cutesy cafe that boasts of being run by a chef" Gojo ponders at the counter, crossing his arms while he waits.

Just then, two more customers are called over and their orders are handed to them. It's so crowded that Gojo literally has to press himself against the wall to let the other customers through.

After a few minutes, barista Haibara shouts "GS!" while holding the coffee in one hand and a craft bag in the other.

Gojo approaches.

Hands him his order with a big smile, "Thank you for your purchase, see you tomorrow!" Haibara says, bowing.

Gojo leaves the store, crosses the street, and at the next corner, the traffic light turns red. At that moment, for the first time, he sips the mocha with caramel, whipped cream, and chocolate. An explosion of flavors bursts into his mouth, taking him by surprise and making him forget what he was thinking.

He quickly moves the glass away from his mouth and stares at it in disbelief, as if the glass were glowing. Unable to understand where all those flavors are coming from, well-defined yet smooth, well-blended, and in the right proportion.

He takes another sip, checking he hasn't made a mistake, and imagines the sweet taste of the coffee on his palate. But once again, the flavors mingle in his mouth, the aroma emitted from the top of the glass only enhancing the experience.

"Wow" would be the rating Gojo would give him after finishing his drink.

He wonders, as he continues walking, how good the bread he bought is. So he opens the bag and a soft, warm aroma of sweet rice wafts up to his nose.

Gojo takes a deep breath of that sweet aroma, his mouth watering.

He takes one in his hand; he can feel it soft, not sticky. He bites it in half. The cheese is warm but not burning, and the soft rice bread melts in his mouth, while the flavor of the cheese blends perfectly with the taste of the steamed rice bread.

This whole experience fills him with joy; you could say his eyes sparkle, and his smile is so big he could lick his ears.

It's then that he understands the excitement of everyone coming to try the cafeteria's food.

Upon returning to the office, he feels… different. As if the weight of his worries had dissipated, he could say he'd left the bitterness of that morning behind, replacing it with a pleasant sense of peace.

How long has it been since he felt like this, Gojo wonders as he gets on the elevator. He's amazed at how a good meal can change his mood, make him think differently and keep him going.

The rest of the day passes quickly. Gojo finishes his work and once again that evening, he stands in front of the glass, but this time, he doesn't even bother to take off his tie; he must have left it at the reception desk when he left in the afternoon.

A small change and nothing is the same.

It was time to make changes, from the smallest ones to reaching new goals, Gojo thought as he looked at his reflection in the glass. He would no longer wear ties and would shift his vision to investing in new, bolder, and more modern businesses.

Gojo nods to his reflection on the glass.

That's how he used to feel when he began the difficult journey of becoming the leader of this company, full of life, full of passion, and a desire to break records and face challenges.

-Weeks later-

Gojo now sends his secretary Ijichi every morning to buy him a coffee from that shop.

While the news reports the expansion of Gojo Enterprises into renewable energy. And they announce in the local news section that the coffee shop will expand with the purchase of the space in the back.

-Months later-

Ever since Gojo began making changes to the company, all the shareholders had gotten angry; they didn't like the changes or the shifts in the companies they had acquired. There was always a catch. He even left behind of some companies that didn't make enough money to sustain themselves, even though they were part of his father's legacy.

It was time to make the company his own.

So one of those days, Gojo Satoru lost his temper at one of the meetings.

One of the old shareholders or “old weezers” as Gojo call them, started the traditional "We shouldn't invest in new things because blah blah blah..." speech.

He rolled his eyes and stood up from where he was sitting, at the head of that long table that had preceded so many meetings for so long; that it probably wasn't the first time that table had seen one of the Gojos get up and leave.

If that big table could speak, it would probably agree with Gojo.

Everything fell silent inside the boardroom as everyone's eyes followed him as he left.

“The meeting is adjourned for another day,” Gojo says as he slides open the opaque glass door. Then he thinks, “It wasn't important after all, and it could have just been an email” as he leaves the meeting room and closes the door.

Heavenly, as he grumbled through the office corridors, the building's cold, artificial air conditioning following him everywhere, the once-familiar glare of the lights now gave him a slight sting. A chill. It wasn't an intense pain yet, but rather a growing pressure, a silent warning that insinuated itself into his consciousness.

He tried to ignore it, concentrating on his walking, but it was getting harder. The hum of the refrigerator as he passed the kitchen, previously imperceptible, now resonated in his head like a hammer.

“I'll have to be careful not to become one of those old men” Gojo murmurs as he takes the elevator and puts on his sunglasses.

Ding!

The elevator doors open…

Gojo, not remembering which floor number he had selected in the elevator or… if he had pressed any buttons, realizes he's on the first floor of the building.

He stands still for a moment, trying to decide whether he should return to his office or what he was supposed to be doing, for a moment all his to-dos have been erased from his mind.

But then he looks toward the entrance; sunlight illuminates the glass doors, as if indicating the path he should take.

Gojo accepts fate's signal and goes for a walk downtown with his hands in his pockets.

He was already good at walks; he took them often to clear his head and meditate. He meditated on everything: work, the next project, what he would do this weekend, or whether he should visit someone.

From the moment he decided to go out, walk, and try something new at that cafe, he could feel his life shifting, and he felt calm again. Even his migraines were diminishing thanks to all these small changes.

Even so, the "hallucinations" continued, like sirens in the sea, singing, bewitching him, reminding him of that past life, bringing back more memories of that person...

As he walked, his body stopped in its tracks, his eyes widened, his mouth opened. As Gojo was surprised to see...

A person with... long, black hair?

Yellow eyes!

Tall and subtly built, making him stand out from the crowd.

The man of his dreams!!!...

His mind screamed.

He describes him as watching him walk on the opposite sidewalk, his body frozen as he follows him with his eyes, unable to believe what he sees…

He slides his glasses into his hair to follow with his gaze as he prepares to run to catch up with him.

“Stop!” Gojo shouts as he reaches out for him, as if he could hear him.

Then he desperately looks around, trying to figure out the best course to take to catch him.

He realizes he can't just dash across the street; the traffic is a river he won't be able to cross.

He runs to the nearest corner, dodging the people in his way, but when he reaches the light, turns red.

Gojo curses under his breath as he uneasily taps his foot against the ground.

He doesn't miss him with his gaze as he waits for the blue light.

How a color can mean something.

Blue!

He takes off like a swimmer after hearing the shot of the gun at the edge of the pool.

He crosses the street and follows the sidewalk to the left.

Almost like a football player, he dodges and runs through the street full of people who seem to be against him reaching his goal.

But once he makes up his mind to do something, Gojo Satoru succeeds.

Gojo shouts "Hey! Wait!" as he raises his hand in the direction of this person, without thinking much about it, as he continues running toward him.

This unknown person... but known in dreams, has a quick gait, but isn't running. He has a peculiar hairstyle: his hair is long and loose, but tied in the middle, forming a bun. He is wearing a leather jacket with the sleeves rolled up, underneath a gray shirt with the top button undone, slightly baggy dark blue pants, and white sneakers.

At that moment, the man of his fantasies enters the event hall located on that block.

Gojo sees him from afar entering this place as he continues swimming against the current through the river of people.

As he continues his eagerness to reach him, he wonders... what will he say when he reaches him?

But that doesn't matter to him in that moment; he has to find him, he has to reach him, as if his life depended on it, and... Maybe it does.

Upon arriving at this event hall, without asking permission or even stopping to ask if he could enter, or if he should enter, or if he should wait for him to leave, Gojo enters as if he owned the place.

His eyes scan the place, searching it from side to side, but he finds nothing but quiet reception area, three doors to three different halls, and an exaggeratedly large and elegant staircase to his right.

Just then, he hears the siren sing. Or rather, he hears that soft, warm voice inside one of the rooms.

He slowly walks to the door and slides it open slowly, his heart beating rapidly as he tries to catch his breath after this hectic chase.

Peeking his head slightly through the door of the hall, he notices that it's so large it can hold about 1,000 people in there, and in the middle of it all, this man who appears in his thoughts every night is standing next to a woman shorter than him, almost touching shoulders, both of them with their backs to him.

Just before entering, Gojo overhears their conversation.

The woman laughs.

"Why that color?" the man with the irresistible figure says, almost complaining.

"Well, I like it" the woman says.

The man with the black hair sighs. "Well, about the cake..."

"Right! Let it be three-tiered. Here's the design I told you about" the woman says, handing him a printed sheet of paper.

As he takes the paper, he stares at it, as if reading it, his yellow eyes focused on the sheet of paper he's holding while a lock of hair falls delicately over his face.

The lady gently rubs his shoulder and says in a soft, gentle tone, "Everything will be okay. Don't worry."

He sighs once more as he relaxes his shoulders, then looks at her with a loving gaze and says, "Thank you. I don't think I would have made it this far without you."

The lady laughs softly, closing her eyes.

And then looks back at him, her head tilted upward. “Well, the wedding will be in two days, so…” she sighs as she tells him this she looks back down to check her phone.

Gojo can't hear the rest of the conversation; his mind wanders to a distant place as he realizes what's happening.

A chill creeps down his spine.

“It can't be…” he thinks, almost sighing these words.

He struggles to breathe.

He feels the world shrink, as if part of his spirit has left him… “They are getting married in two days…” Sadness invades him; despair strikes him like a lightning bolt.

He takes a step into the room with the intention of interrupting, but in that instant he regrets it and steps back.

He takes two more steps back, feeling his body tense and rigid.

What should he do? He wonders. Walk in and say I love you?

To whom? To a stranger. He questions his sanity. That he's about to get married?

No one is so crazy that they would decide, at that fleeting moment, to leave everything for another... stranger...

He realizes... he had arrived late... he arrived late to the life of this man who invaded his thoughts daily...

A wave hits him with the force of a tidal surge, leaving him stranded on a desolate beach. You see his broken dreams, scattered like rubble across the sand. The sunlight seems dull, filtering through a dense layer of gray clouds. Hope fades like the last ray of sunlight behind the horizon.

It's a deep pain, a feeling of existential emptiness.

Feeling defeated, he turns around and walks out of the store to the sidewalk.

He can feel the world has just lost some of its color...

He puts his glasses on as he feels a force pressing on his chest. He slouches slightly as he puts his hands in his pockets and walks aimlessly... disappointed in life.

He glances back briefly, feeling as though someone is following him, before continuing on his way.

The afternoon passes...

The days pass...

It's easy to forget the things you've done, the things you've achieved in the past, when at some point in your life you feel alone... when you feel lost... those good memories vanish like steam from a morning coffee, and all they leave behind is the black, hot, and bitter liquid of the pure feeling of being forgotten.

So there's no place to comfort his soul, nothing to cheer him up, and the people around in his life are of no comfort, never have been...

In that times, his body moves, his mouth speaks words, his hands write things, but his mind is on a journey, gone with his soul to the bottom of the sea, where sounds are only distortions of what they were, where the light vaguely reaches, like a lamp with a low battery, where he feel surrounded, but there's nothing.

Then he waits.

And wait.

His mind sometimes returns and he remembers who he was.

But his soul never returns.

It waits, down there, in the deep, cold, and dark sea.

The days pass, he get up, eat, work, sleep.

So the weeks go by.

Seasons pass, from winter to summer, where the warmth of the sun is not enough to warm his cold heart.

The years pass.

Things are lost, people walk away, and he remains trapped in that life he don't recognize.

What should I do? He sometimes asks himself when his mind awakens from that lethargic dream called life.

Waiting is the only answer he have to offer to that tedious, bitter question he ask himself from time to time, when the stars align and he can feel the warmth reaching that forgotten, soulless heart.

Sometimes he was glad when he got sick, because it allowed him to rest that tired, numb body, to even out the state of his soul for a period of time, while he is lying there sick.

He doesn’t feel sadness, no.

It's just emptiness, the absence of feelings within him.

Sometimes he wonders if he has a heart. Because his soul doesn't recognize the body it came from.

But one day, or so he hopes, one day the warmth will come to warm his heart, melting that icy stone and turning it into a tumult of feelings. So, perhaps, he can recover his lost soul, abandoned at the bottom of the sea.

Life goes on...

With or without him.

-Some time later-

A gloomy night, where the clouds and the wind announce the arrival of rain.

Gojo Satoru stands outside the Gojo Enterprises building, ready to go back to his apartment, once again, but now with the certainty that those memories, those memories, were real... but unattainable.

Not in this life... he tells himself, better luck next time...

He relaxes his shoulders, puts on his jacket, and walks, joining the river of people. This time, he doesn't oppose the flow; he lets himself be carried by it, like a leaf falling into a river, only floating and being carried by the will of the flowing water.

Despite all his secretary's warnings that it was going to rain, almost begging him to call him a taxi to take him safely back to his apartment.

Gojo flatly refused.

And now, in the middle of the street, the long-announced rain begins to fall.

Pitter-patter

Drip-drop

The sound of drops against the storefronts, dampening and blackening the pavement, water trickling down the windows, almost as if they were crying, reflecting his mood as he walk by.

Gojo doesn't rush to cover himself from the rain; he just lets it bathe him, thus disguising the sorrow he carries on his shoulders...

That disappointment and sadness that comes with knowing that this dream, these visions... these...memories, will never come true.

He hopes that these dreams will soon end, just as they came, will go away, so that he can forget and resign himself to his life as an entrepreneur, and maybe, one day... feel that fleeting happiness elsewhere.

The sound of puddles disturbed by vehicle tires, the shoes of passersby, the roar of distant thunder, and the crash of raindrops against the ground.

All this sound surrounds his walk, unconcerned about how heavy his jacket is becoming from being so soaked, unconcerned about his hair sticking to his forehead.

He continues…

He turns in an unfamiliar corner.

He walks without really paying attention to where he's going.

His eyes, trained to avoid puddles and people, guide his body through the city, to the rhythm of the traffic lights. But his mind isn't indicating the purpose of this walk; he has no fixed point to reach.

His mind wanders through memories… he disassociates, trying to disconnect from his feelings.

Until… at one point, his mind returns to reality, unaware of where he is.

He stands on an unfamiliar cobblestone street, feeling nothing, neither haste nor fear. He looks around and spots a bench in front of him.

The rain had lessened its insistence on wetting the streets.

He slumps onto the bench, huffing and puffing, somewhere between angry and frustrated, but above all sad.

He closes his eyes.

He can feel the soft, cold drops on his face. The sound of them touching his soaked clothes and the wind isn’t helping; it reminds him that his body is getting cold.

But none of this makes him react. He doesn't look on his phone to see where he is, doesn't do anything to get back to his apartment, nor does he move to take shelter from the rain, or at least to take off his wet, heavy jacket.

Heavy thoughts begin to torment Gojo, just as the rain left him wet and cold, the thoughts are not pleasant at all.

Why can I have what I want for ONCE?... a quick thought passes through his mind like a lighting bold, a quick rage mixed with frustration.

Unaware of how long he's been sitting there, in that unfamiliar place, sitting on that bench in the rain with his eyes closed.

In an instant

The raindrops stop touching him, their sound still lingers around him, but they don't wet him anymore.

It's an interesting feeling, as if he'd once been able to stop the drops from getting him wet.

But in this life, he knows that's impossible, so he opens his eyes as his head lolls back from the bench, his glasses slipping down to his forehead.

To his surprise, there's a transparent umbrella over him... covering him...

He slowly focuses to understand the scene in front of him, or rather, behind him.

Long, almond-shaped eyes, softly outlined by a beautiful line of short, black eyelashes, frame those amber eyes.

A soft, affectionate smile graces the face of this handsome man, who smiles at him while holding the umbrella.

He almost lost himself in this moment of happiness, almost forgetting the reason he ended up there.

Thinking his visions had returned, so he decided to enjoy the moment, for a second longer.

Neither of them said anything, just staring into each other eyes, into each other souls.

Then this tall man with shiny black hair broke the silence between them, saying, "Were you looking to get sick?" He was half joking and half worried, say with voice soft while tilting his head.

At that, Gojo realized that he wasn't dreaming, he wasn't hallucinating. This man was once again... there...

Not just there, but... talking to him?

He blinked a few times before straightening up and turning to look at him properly, still sitting on the bench.

At that, he realized he was carrying a wooden lattice crate. Inside, there seemed to be some fruit, judging by the green leaves that seemed to wave out from between the wood.

"Come, follow me, let's dry you off" the man says in that tender voice.

The man he would recognize even if he were blind.

Gojo jumps up and follows him, as if a magnetic force were pulling him and guiding him to... no idea where they were going or where he were, anyway.

The man, slightly shorter than him, walks beside him, trying to balance the umbrella and the box while protecting them both from the rain.

Realizing this, Gojo takes then wooden box. He can feel the warmth of his hands as they gently brush against the person's knuckles, almost as if asking permission to take it, but the touch had awakened long-held feelings, like an electric current surrounding his body.

He swallows at this while holding the basket with strawberries, Gojo feels as if he's in a dream, a distant and beautiful one as he walks beside him, so unreal, that maybe he was dreaming and he doesn't want to wake up.

He then finds himself standing in front of the back of a store, carrying the wooden box, while this man holds the umbrella with one hand and with the other tries to open the door by inserting the key into the lock and turning the knob.

They both enter the establishment.

This warm man closes the umbrella and takes the wooden box from his hands. He can feel the warmth of those hands on his. It's just a touch, but that warmth, that caress, feels like something... more, as he tries to take the box from his hands.

Feeling that, Gojo lets go and laughs softly embarrassed.

The person in front of him blushes slightly, and tries to hide it by turning around and going into what looks like a professional kitchen.

Gojo finds this adorable.

"Make yourself at home, grab a chair!" he says from inside the kitchen, as the light in the rest of the establishment turns on, illuminating everything around them.

"Wouldn't the owner mind?" Gojo asks as he walks to the front of the establishment, where tables are lined up along the edges and chairs are upside down over the tables.

Peeking his head out to look at him with his black hair hanging down and with a confused face he says “No… the owner won’t mind” ending with a quiet laugh and returns to the kitchen.

So Gojo pulls a chair from the table and sits down, but not before taking off his soaked jacket and hanging it on another chair, dripping water all over it, forming a small puddle on the floor.

This kind person standing in front of Gojo gently throws a towel over. "Do you want some tea?" he asks.

Gojo nods while drying his hair. As he finishes and lowers the towel, he catches a glimpse of this man. He's no longer wearing his blue jacket, he's wearing a thin T-shirt, where he can see his broad arms and the hollows of his back.

Gojo shakes his head, trying not to think any further. "This man is married" he reminds himself as reality hits him like a bucket of cold water crashing against his face.

When this man returns, he asks, "Tell me what you were trying to prove out there in the rain? Were you trying to stop it with your superpower?" he says playfully while placing two hot cups of tea on the table.

Those cups smelled so good.

"Huh?" This small phrase echoes in Gojo's head, as if it resonates with something he should understand. He laughs and then honestly answers, "I was trying to... forget" in a soft but sad tone as he takes the cup.

“Do you want dessert? We have Chak Chak available. Let me get you some.” Seeing the confused expression on his face when he mentions the name of this dessert, he turns around and leaves.

When he returns, he sits opposite him, placing two plates of some crunchy, honey-scented treat.

Gojo's eyes widened in curiosity, drawn to the golden shape and the promise of something new.

So he extends his hand and says, “Geto Suguru.”

His gaze returns to Geto's face. “Nice to meet you” Gojo says, taking his hand and shaking it. Still somewhat shocked and overwhelmed by the moment, he even forgets to mention his name, while contemplating that name in his mind. “Suguru... Suguru?, Suguru Geto, Geto?” That name tastes so good in his mouth, like a sweet memory of the past.

He finally knows the name of this mysterious person who has invaded his dreams for so long. "Better late than never" he thinks, reminding himself that... he lost him... again.

How does it feel to lose someone you don't know again? Well... Gojo Satoru knew that feeling very well.

Gojo, with a mixture of skepticism and anticipation, took the first bite of chak chak. The texture, an initial crunch that gave way to an inner softness, was the first surprise.

The sweetness of the honey, warm and enveloping, flooded his mouth, followed by a subtle touch of butter that added an unexpected creaminess. Each small piece of fried dough, coated in honey, was an explosion of flavor.

A smile spread across his face, a reflection of surprise and pleasure. It was something different, something special.

Gojo paused for a moment, savoring every detail, every nuance of flavour.

"This tastes delicious!" says Gojo after finishing eating.

"I'm glad you liked it" says Geto, tilting his head and smiling softly at him, narrowing his amber eyes.

He gets up and takes the plates to the kitchen. When he returns, he leaves a small box on the table where they were eating.

Gojo turns to look at him.

Geto stares at him while still standing next to him.

They exchange glances. Not like two strangers staring at each other, no, the glances have the taste of a sweet memory. Despite the circumstances, the moment stretches on without feeling awkward. Rather, it's like a moment of recognition, like an exchange of wishes.

A second later, Gojo opens and closes his mouth, trying to say something.

So does Geto, but neither of them can find the words.

Then Geto's gaze falls on Gojo's pale, slightly pink lips. "They must taste better than any dessert I've ever made" he thinks as he stares at him.

Gojo's cheeks tinge with a subtle shade of pink, as if he'd heard it, or perhaps thought about trying those black circular earrings with his own lips.

Like true soulmates.

They approach slowly, very slowly, their hands barely beginning to move, to touch some spot on each other's bodies.

But they are interrupted by the sound of a door opening, paralyzing them both in the moment.

A click-clack of heels announces the arrival of someone else.

Geto smiles embarrassedly and turns around.

Gojo is about to get up from his chair to leave, almost scared. "What was I thinking..." He wonders, feeling embarrassed for letting it all go so far.

"Chef" the lady's voice is heard, she’s looking for Geto.

Geto meets her halfway.

"Manami, what are you doing here so late?" Geto asks when he sees her.

"I knew you'd be working late, and I wanted to know if you were... okay" Manami says with a slightly concerned tone, but stops mid-transition when she sees someone else in the cafeteria.

Realizing who it is, she gently pushes Geto aside and bows to Manami, while saying, "I apologize for the interruption, Gojo-sama!"

She straightens and continues, "I didn't realize you were with an important client," turning to see Geto, worried about having interrupted an important meeting.

"No... Don't worry..." Gojo said as he stood up from his chair and took a step to leave.

"I'll let you finish. Once again, I apologize!!!" Truly embarrassed for interrupting, Manami says goodbye and leaves through the back door.

Geto laughs and shakes his head as he watches her leave and closing the door.

A little confused, Gojo stands still when he sees her leaving.

But he tenses when he sees Geto's expression when he turns around to see him.

"So, Gojo... huh?" Geto says, looking at him appreciatively.

"I have to go" Gojo says. He needs to get out of there quickly, or he'll do something he'll regret. Something inappropriate and unkind after Geto had been so kind to him that night.

Geto is confused and a little surprised when he sees him walking out the door. He doesn't react in time to grab his arm to stop him.

By the time he goes after him, Gojo is already a few feet ahead, hurrying along, his soaked jacket forgotten behind.

Geto locks the door and follows him, undecided whether he should catch up or let him go. After all, he doesn't really know this person, he barely knows his name, but he's spent these past years trying to find him. His memories flood him every night, every time he finishes dessert. Sometimes he even hears his laughter in the crowd at the coffee shop like an echo from the past.

"Satoru" Geto says quietly. He realizes what he is calling him, and then hesitates... He doesn't want to rush things, but he doesn't want to lose him either.

Gojo stops, seemingly hearing how he called him... He turns around and fakes a smile as he says "By the way, congratulations on your engagement." He turns around and starts walking quickly. Feeling his heart weighing heavily, a sharp pain tightening his chest, he has to go; he can't bear to see him without throwing up everything he feels all over him...

Caught off guard by this comment, Geto asks, "What the...?" stopping dead in his tracks at the sound of it.

Geto wasn't supposed to be wearing the ring because he was cooking or something. Not for any other reason. Gojo thought.

"What do you mean?" Geto asks in a louder voice.

Gojo stops at this, as if he needs to clear things up between the two of them, so he can close this chapter of his life, and maybe, just maybe, be able to move on.

He turns around once more to face Geto. At that moment, he realized Geto was standing a meter away from him, his hand extended toward him.

Gojo's eyes fell on the hand.

Geto notices and quickly pulls it back, his body tensing in the process.

Neither of them really knows each other, and everything moves at a rapid pace... their hearts, their gait, their thoughts, their memories, like a flood, falling upon them both.

"I saw you..." Gojo says, but he stops for a second, thinking he'd sound like a stalker, but he continues anyway, "I saw you with... Manami the other day at the event hall, while you were discussing the details of your... wedding" He finishes the sentence with a fake smile that quickly transforms into a stoic look as his blue eyes lower until he isn’t seeing him directly.

Geto raises his eyebrows at this.

Then he laughs, understanding everything. A quick laugh, squinting his eyes and placing his hand on his stomach. "And I thought I was crazy when I saw you there. One moment I saw you, and the next you were gone. I looked for you all over the place..." he finishes the sentence with a sad aftertaste.

"I even went back and forth to that place that whole week, just to see if I'd see you again, like a desperate man. I asked at the front desk if they had anyone scheduled by the name of Gojo. I've been looking for you like crazy this whole time. I even had to confess my hallucination to Manami and friends" Geto thought.

Gojo stares at him intently, his cheeks flushing at the news of him been caught that day. Then he gets angry and snorts, turning his face to the side.

None of that changes the fact that... Gojo thinks.

"Manami is just a good friend. She works as an event planner, and she asked me to make the cake for her client, who was desperate because his wedding was coming up soon" Geto says, interrupting Gojo's thoughts.

At that point, everything starts to fall into place in Gojo's mind.

Manami called him Chef just now. He's the owner! Geto had the keys to the establishment!

So, he was with a client that day in the event hall. He's not married, it wasn't his wedding!

And the last unanswered question... Why so much kindness toward me, then?

Geto closes the distance between them and tries again to take his hand.

"Why?" Gojo says amidst all the chaos in his head, staring at that person, who is now real, there, and available. Better yet, he's nice to him, but... why? Could it be that... he's also...

Geto takes his cold hand and places it between his two warm ones. "Sat, Gojo... I... This may sound strange, but... I feel like I know you" Geto says, feeling Gojo's hand slightly trembling between his own.

"Do you know me?... You too!" Gojo shatters the concept of time and space, opening up the possibility of reincarnation in just that one sentence. But he's never cared about stretching time and space to his liking. Not here, not in any of his lives.

Geto, without another word, hugs him tightly, leaving no space between them.

"I..." he says in his ear, holding him in his arms while feeling Gojo hug him back.”I have vague memories of you, from another life. Every time I see you, I feel like I miss you. I don't know how to describe it. Your eyes guided me back."

Gojo can feel the contrast of the heat of Geto's body against the cold of his own, it is a pleasant feeling. Grounding.

After a moment they break away from the hug.

Satoru eyes fixed on his lips, and he doesn't wait for anything else, doesn't ask anything more. Being this close, he just leans his head slowly until his lips press against Suguru's, claiming what was his, what belonged to both of them, for so long, and what he longed to have, it’s a soft kiss, just a taste.

Then they exchanged kisses, gradually becoming more desperate, more erratic, more careless.

His hands found their warm bodies beneath their touch. Slipping between their clothes, reaching up to touch the skin of their waists, sliding up to touch their backs.

Neither of them wanted to break away from the kiss, even though it was hard to breathe.

That entire moment felt as if their bodies missed each other, not only for those years apart, but also for the past life in which they both resented each other's absence.

Memories of them rain down upon them when they were together, like a waterfall of feelings bathing them with its gentle fall, pain, resentment, longing, desire, but above all those feelings, a warm feel of... love.

Suguru pulls away from Satoru for a moment, panting, trying to catch his breath. “Not even in his wildest dreams had he gone this far” he thought. But he said instead "My apartment is nearby."

"Yes" Satoru quickly says, unconcerned about the implications, what people might say, or what would happen there. He had waited long enough to know it was the right moment to take a leap of faith, and trust those visions that are now real and that desperation to be together was palpable.

“Suguru its right beside me, feeling the same thing” Satoru thought.

That connection they had left attached a long time ago is now sending signals.

They barely arrived at the apartment when their bodies were already colliding against the walls, like two desperate teenagers, as if it were the first time...

And maybe that’s what they were.

Maybe they were just two desperate teenagers, trying to find each other again in this life, after having promised in the afterlife.

The reattach was just beginning.

Clothes were discarded no matter where they fell.

Hands searching, memorizing each of the valleys and mountains of their bodies, mouths searching for love in the deepest recesses of each other's oral cavities.

“Is this ok for you?” he asked.

“Yeah...” panting said.

Between kisses, he tried to keep breathing while whispering sweet nothing in his ears.

A desperate moan can be heard as they touched more sensitive parts.

Breaths crashed against each other's skin as they felt the heat of their bodies rise.

Pants slipped down their legs, crumpling on the floor, and were tossed with his foot so they wouldn't get in the way.

Amidst all this dance of naked bodies, Satoru could take a look on one of Suguru's arms and saw a tattoo of the jin jang, characterized by two beta fish, one black with a white eye, and the other white with a black eye.

Between cries of pleasure, they both ended up on the bed, naked, breathless, but with all the vigor to continue, until nothing else mattered, until the heat fused them into a single being.

They both did so until their souls were satisfied, after so long of craving each other.

The heat molded them to each other's figures, finally lying amidst the whirlwind of pillows and wrinkled sheets, damp bodies, and the shared warmth from the depths of their hearts to their skin.

The warm morning light gently filters in, the orange of the sun caressing their skin as Suguru slips out of bed, slowly, without disturbing Satoru.

He stands for a moment admiring Satoru's beauty in bed, the peace that emanates from watching him sleep. His bare back is a canvas of strength and beauty, his spine, a straight and elegant line that runs along his back, arching slightly toward the base, curves and lines, of strength and delicacy, a work of art chiseled by time and effort.

“It had been worth the wait” Suguru thinks as he puts on his clothes.

Now at the kitchen.

He begins preparing breakfast, like a ritual.

He pours the flour, like a white waterfall falling into the bowl, followed by the sugar, which blends with the softness of a kiss.

The vanilla, magical drops that awaken the senses, joins the dance.

With a firm but gentle hand, beat the egg whites, feeling the creamy texture transform into a fluffy emulsion. The milk, like a liquid caress, slowly blends in, creating a smooth and silky batter.

The griddle, hot and ready, awaits the touch. With a spoon, he pours the batter into perfect circles, watching them slowly expand and brown. The aroma, an irresistible invitation, spreads through the kitchen, awakening anticipation.

The scent of vanilla wakes Satoru, who is sprawled across the bed, like a starfish resting on the seashore under the sun.

He slides down to sit on the edge of the bed, still drowsy, his mind still unraveling the events of the past day. He still doesn't even know where he woke up.

He's never slept so well, or for so long.

He gets up and searches for his clothes on the floor, under the dim light that dimly illuminates the room, but soon realizes that everything he'd discarded during the night is neatly folded on the chair next to the desk.

As he leaves the room, already dressed, the smell of butter guides him to the small kitchen of that apartment.

Inside is the most wanted and beautiful person in his life.

He stares at him for a long moment, appreciating his figure, watching him dance in the middle of the kitchen while preparing breakfast.

Satoru wants to record every moment with him in his mind, collect every gem of memory, and guard it like a dragon jealous of its treasures.

Suguru notices him standing at the entrance to the kitchen. He smiles as he asks, "Do you want some coffee?" while holding a scoop in one hand and a pan in the other containing what looks like a pancake—not just any pancake, but a large, fluffy one, a beautiful Japanese pancake.

Satoru nods.

Suguru can see he hasn't fully woken up yet. "Sit down, I'll get it for you," he offers a glance toward the dining area.

But Satoru stares at him for a moment longer. Suguru flips the pancakes with an elegant movement, revealing their golden, fluffy side... of the pancake of course. Each one is a work of art.

The aroma wafting from the kitchen is overwhelming; they smell like a mixture of intimacy and bread.

29 years later, and they can finally share a moment together.

The next moment, they're both sitting at the table enjoying breakfast.

The taste of the freshly made pancakes is simply irresistible. A soft, fluffy texture that melts in your mouth, with a delicate sweetness that intensifies with each bite.

"We have a lot to catch up on" Suguru says before sipping his black coffee.

The first bite reveals an unparalleled tenderness, a perfect contrast between the fluffiness of the interior and the light golden crunch of the surface. The subtle sweetness of the batter blends with the rich, creamy taste of the butter.

Satoru nods, his mouth full as he chews a large piece of pancake he says, "We started a bit hastily," as he continues eating, and laughs as he finishes.

The soft, affectionate look they exchange speaks volumes, almost like a conversation between two souls longing to be reattached through words.

But the ringing of a cell phone interrupts them.

Satoru looks around, trying to remember where he left his phone. Last night was so unexpected and spontaneous that he doesn't even remember how he got to this apartment.

It rings a second time, and that's when he sees it shining on the table next to the sofa.

"Ah, there it is, hehe" Satoru laughs as he gets up from the table, walks over to it, and pick up the call.

Suguru finishes his coffee while listening to him talking on the phone.

A sigh is heard as he hangs up, and Satoru approaches the dining room more slowly and with less enthusiasm. He scratches the back of his neck and says, "Ugh, I didn't realize how late it was. I have a meeting going on right now... well, it started half an hour ago, so... see you tonight?" he suggests, hoping he'll want another date.

Suguru laughs at the knowledge that he's already late for a meeting, as if this resonates with some trait of the Satoru he remembered. "Yeah, sounds good to me" says nodding, agreeing to another date, and eagerly awaiting another, and another, until their hair matches, as turning white.

“Shall I call you a taxi?” Suguru asks.

Satoru quickly checked his phone's GPS and found himself a few blocks from downtown Tokyo, “Nah, I can walk.”

Satoru leaves his phone on the table and goes into the room where he had left his jacket and others of his belongings.

He returns and notices Suguru waiting to open the door for him, holding a small box. “Have a nice day” Suguru says as he sees him pass by and hands it to him.

Satoru smiles at him, but before taking another step out of the apartment, he turns around and looks at him intently. He places his hand behind Suguru's head and pulls him in for a kiss before leaving.

With a smile he can't hide, Suguru picks up the plates and takes them to the sink. As he returns to collect the cups, he sees Satoru's purple cell phone on the table. It has an infinity symbol drawn on the case.

Realizing he'd forgotten it, he takes off his apron and leaves the apartment. He almost jumps down the stairs and runs down the sidewalk, hoping to catch up with him.

He imagines that in this days and times, it would be difficult for him to survive without his cell phone.

Satoru walks hurriedly through the crowd, crossing without much caution. He doesn't even register when he crosses at a yellow light that quickly turns red halfway through.

His mind is elsewhere. Despite being late, despite leaving quickly, he feels calm, happy, as if the solar system of his life had been predesigned to be binary, and finally, that second sun has arrived to bring balance to his life.

Just then, he hears a scream, bringing him down from the stars to this reality.

He turns back to where he came from, to the large intersection he just crossed, and his eyes widen when he sees a teenager crossing the street at a red light.

Without thinking twice, he runs toward this teenager with spiky black hair. Gojo crosses, dodging the car in the first line. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees the truck coming, his eyes fixed on the teenager, who is now scared because he can't get back, jumping backward when a car almost hits him.

Time slows down.

Satoru breathes slowly, runs, hoping to arrive before the truck, hoping the driver will notice...

He catches up to the teenager and forcefully pushes him out of the street.

The teenager falls to the pavement after being pushed, tripping over the curb. Sitting there, he reaches out for Gojo with wide eyes opened.

The people on the sidewalk are screaming.

At that, time returned to its usual speed.

Standing in the middle of the street, Gojo turned his head as he saw the people pointing to his right.

The delivery truck driver braked and skidded when he saw the person standing in the middle of the street, but it was too late.

The squeal of tires was a sharp prelude to the impact. A tall, white-haired figure was struck by the vehicle.

The impact was dull, a sound muffled by the roar of traffic. The truck came to an abrupt stop, the small box of tarts smeared on the truck's windshield, a witness to the accident.

The figure lay motionless in the middle of the street, a pool of blood spreading beneath his head.

The crowd, once a bustling river of people, froze, silently watching the incident. Cell phones rose like antennas, capturing the scene in a frenzy of images and videos.

The next thing Gojo remembers is lying on the pavement in the middle of the street, the pain sharp is enough to stop him from registering anything else…

Screams and honking horns can be heard in the distance.

Geto is alarmed when he hears the commotion around the corner; he would never have thought it had anything to do with him.

He turns around and finds people whispering on the corner, some calling emergency services, others recording on their cell phones. As he gets closer, he notices a truck stopped mid-crosswalk, along with the other cars in the other lanes.

He approaches slowly; the crowd doesn't let him see what had happened.

A small movement of people opens a gap, just enough for Geto to see a person lying in the middle of the street. When he realizes this person has white hair, he freezes... the blood drains from his head, he feels dizzy, and fear overcomes him.

The next thing he remembers is being in the hospital waiting room.

-

*Big news hits the news*

In a heroic act, the head of Gojo Corporation saves a teenager from being run over in the street. The teenager is the son of renowned retired wrestler Toji Fushiguro who is now the coach of two-time women's champion Maki.

"Yeah... it's just... we were fighting and he crossed the street without looking, it all happened so fast..." A shocked, agitated, and sad teenager with pink hair, who witnessed the events, says when interviewed at the moment of the accident.

In the footage, a police officer in a navy blue uniform can be seen running toward the scene, whistling through his teeth as he pushed people back.

"The chaos, for a moment, had stopped, giving way to the harsh reality of an accident in the vibrant, but relentless, city of Tokyo" says the reporter with long, light blue hair, who happened to be nearby after having gone to film a commercial in a nearby location.

*The teenager escaped unharmed* the banner under the screen said.

-

This can be heard and seen on the television in the hospital waiting room.

Geto can't even hear what the television is saying. He's sitting in a chair with his elbows on his knees and his hands over his face. He's in shock... he can't believe what just happened.

Everything is too much for him: the artificial light stinging his eyes, the sound of the television, and the talks of the other people in the waiting room.

Waiting is overwhelming...

A nurse approaches and says "Are you here with patient Gojo Satoru?"

Geto quickly looks up and nods.

"You can fill out this form" the nurse says, handing him a clipboard with a patient information form. The patient number is 725, written in red pen.

He takes the folder and reads: blood type, address, name, allergies, and other personal questions, typical information requested for admitting a patient.

It's at that moment that Geto realizes... he doesn't really know Satoru...

"What are you about the patient?" the nurse asks kindly.

It gets worse when he hears that question…

He struggles to swallow, his breathing quickens, and he doesn't know how to answer that question…

-Days later-

“And what did the nurse said?” Manami asks worriedly as she rubs his back.

“…that he was transferred to another hospital… they won't even let me in!” Geto says hopelessly, frustrated and sad, as he sits in a chair in the cafeteria kitchen, wearing his apron.

“Geto-senpai… remember, you're not alone in this. We love you and will support you, and I know he'll be okay, you'll see” Haibara says, trying to cheer him up.

-

-Days later at the cafe-

“Another letter came… should I tell him?” Haibara asks quietly.

Manami shakes her head as she presses her lips into a thin line, knowing this will only put more burdens on Geto's shoulders.

Haibara sighs, saddened by the whole situation.

“I have to go. Call me anything, please” Manami says as she waves goodbye.

Haibara nods and leaves to tend to the shop.

In the afternoon that same day

“Senpai, how are you?” Haibara asks worriedly as he sees him enter through the back door of the cafeteria.

Geto slumps into one of the chairs, looking tired, the dark circles under his eyes already prominent.

“How was the hospital today?” Haibara asks as he approaches and sits next to him.

Geto sighs and says, “One of the doctors said he were fine, but… they aren't allowing visitors other than immediate family members, after they caught me trying to sneak in.” Then he puts his hands over his face in frustration.

-

-Days later-

"Senpai! You have a visitor. It's the doctor" Haibara comes running into the kitchen to tell Geto.

Geto was kneading dough. Hearing this, he quickly puts it down. "Let her in" he says while washing his hands.

"Thank you for your visit, Dr. Leiri" Geto bows as he welcomes the doctor into the back of the cafeteria. From his time visiting the hospital, he knows she's a renowned doctor with several medical degrees.

"Yes... yes, look..." the doctor says as she lights a cigarette.

"No-no... you cannot smoke..." Haibara tries to stop her, since smoking is not allowed near the kitchen.

Geto elbows him, preventing him from finishing what he was about to say.

The doctor exhales smoke and then says, “I understand the situation you're in, I really do, so… but I'm sorry to bring bad news.”

This makes Geto's heart skip a beat as a cold streak runs down his spine.

“They transferred him again, but this time… they took him to a private hospital. You know, these rich families always have an extra house on the outskirts of town where they can take their family members to recover” the doctor explains, shaking her hand as she says this.

“What!” Geto says, not as a question, but with an expression of disbelief, as if he were hopeless of ever seeing him again.

“What I can tell you is that he's fine. The man is strong and was almost fully recovered” the doctor confirms.

"It's good... to know" Geto looks down. After everything that's happened, it's a relief to know that at least he's okay...

"Another thing you need to know is that all the desserts and gifts you sent to the hospital were all discarded before they reached their destination... I'm sorry... but on behalf of all the medical staff, we appreciate those delicious desserts." She pauses for a moment, takes a breath, and then continues. "We ate them, and I must tell you, you really have talent. Thanks to those desserts, I found your address, and now I came with my girlfriend to buy her something."

"I appreciate the compliment." Geto bows as he says this, then adds, "Please accept a gift from me for the inconvenience I caused you at the hospital."

"Good" the doctor says as she stands up, but before leaving, she stares at him for a moment, and then says, "Ugh... I told the patient you were looking for him" and leaves the kitchen.

Haibara follows her to attend to her.

Geto stares at her as she disappears behind the door. What she said brings him some comfort.

-Days Later-

Shades of blue invade the interior of the dark, cold apartment.

Knock knock

A couple of knocks on the door wake Geto, who was asleep on the couch; it was almost noon.

"Honey, open the door" Manami says from outside.

With difficulty, he gets up from the couch and goes to open the door for her while combing his hair with his fingers.

"Hello" Manami greets him and without asking, enters the apartment, turns on the light, and leaves a couple of bags and a cardboard box on the table. "Miguel sent you one of his famous dishes and his best regards" she says while unpacking a plastic container from inside the bag.

Geto grunts when he sees the light and covers his face. "Thanks, but... I'm not hungry" he says without much enthusiasm as he approaches and sits at the table.

Manami sighs. “I know, but you have to eat something and…” She stops when she sees Geto looking listless, his lost eyes and disheveled hair. “And Haibara says hi too. They’re both working at the cafeteria today.”

Geto just nods.

Manami slides the plate of freshly cooked food on the table, piping hot and with a mouth watering curry aroma.

But Geto just stares at this.

Manami sits next to him, takes an apple out of the other bag, and begins to bite into it, hoping it will whet his appetite. "Also this box arrived."

Geto turns to look at Manami, then his gaze moves to the box as Manami slides it toward him.

The sender is anonymous.

Geto opens it. Inside, there are plastic balls protecting the contents. After digging, he finds a white box. It's a new cell phone box. Attached to it is a yellow note:

--

"I forgot to ask for your phone number. I'm so sorry it took so long. I finally found your address to send this to you. By the way, I'm fine. Thanks for stopping by.”

XOXO

Signed Satoru.

--

Geto's face changes, transforming from stoic and listless to a slight but noticeable smile, his eyes shining as he reads this.

Manami gets up from the chair, kisses Geto on the head, and leaves the apartment without another word.

Everyone in the cafeteria had opened the box, feeling reassured after reading the note. Seeing who signed it, everyone felt relieved and happy for their friend, after Geto had talked to them for a long time about his dreams of having met the head of Gojo companies in another life, and almost convincing them that he had feelings for him.

Chapter Text

Part 2 –  Ebb and flow

Geto takes the cell phone out of the box, turns it on, and notices that there's only one phone number saved in the contact list.

"One and only" was registered under that name.

This elicits a short, silent laugh from Suguru.

His soul is relieved to have hope again, to be able to reconnect with Satoru once more, and above all, that he wants to talk to him again.

For a moment, he thought it might just be one night and that's it. Maybe out of decency, he'd asked if they could meet later that day for breakfast, and after the whole accident, maybe he'd rather not return; maybe it was bad luck.

So, he stares at his phone nervously, but then he dares to call the number.

It rings once...

It rings a second time...

"Suguruuu!" a voice comes from the phone. He can almost feel Satoru's arms coming out of the phone to reach out to hug him, judging by the cheerful tone he uses when saying his name.

"Satoru!" Suguru said in a loving, gentle tone. He had truly missed him a lot during his time in the hospital, and especially without really knowing if he was okay. All of this had caused him a lot of anxiety.

"How are you?" was the first thing he asked; it was what mattered most to Suguru. He had to hear it from him, he had to understand if he was okay.

"I'm fine! It really wasn't that bad (he lies), it's just that my migraine problem got much worse because of the accident, and my family had to take... drastic measures... as you may have heard, they changed hospitals several times, and in the end... I ended up... here" Satoru replies, trying to explain the distance and justifying his family, once again for taking over his life. Then he adds, "Sorry... I couldn't reach you before... I..." With a sad tone, he ends by saying, having dumped him after just one night of being together makes him think he must have hurt him, or maybe, he didn't want to go out with him again. That's why he hesitated to send him this cell phone.

"No-don't apologize" Suguru interrupts. "You were in poor health and your family protected you." He knows and understands that he didn't mean much to Satoru's family.

"Something like that..." Even so, Satoru wasn't comfortable with everything that happened; he should have intervened if it weren't for his poor health.

"And where are you?" Suguru asks, interested in knowing if they can see each other, or if he's already returned to work, or if he's still hospitalized somewhere.

“Well, right now I'm at my family's Zen garden village. It's a place where... you know, they put their “loved” ones to rest. I've been hospitalized here a couple of times already” Satoru says, half jokingly, half telling the truth. “This is what you get when you're raised by a family that only cares about status and traditions. Isolation in the Zen garden village” Satoru finishes, somewhat resigned and in a mocking tone.

“It doesn't seem so bad, but the way you describe it, it sounds a bit... depressing” Suguru says, a little worried.

“It's fiiiine” Satoru assures him, then adds, “According to the doctors, I'm getting better, and I'll probably be able to return to work in less than 10 days” he says, excited to get out of there as soon as possible.

“Can I visit you?” Suguru asks in a low, somewhat sentimental tone, desperate to see him again.

“Me? …The way I am?” Satoru asks, puzzled. He hadn't considered the possibility that Suguru would be interested in seeing him under these conditions, not while he was sick, and not after the chaos that must have happened after the accident and the reunion with his family.

"Eh?" Suguru confused says, "Of course I'd like to visit you, if you don't find it uncomfortable or inconvenient..." Suguru assures him, but hesitates in the end; perhaps he didn't want to be bothered right now.

"You'd really come! You'd do that for me?!?" Satoru says, surprised and moved. "He really wants to see me!" he thinks, feeling a comforting feeling inside him.

"Yes!" Suguru nods as he assures him, his cell phone glued to his ear, even though Satoru can't see it.

Without thinking twice, while they're talking, Suguru starts eating the curry Miguel had personally made for him.

Since he'd been feeling depressed these past few days, Manami had taken it upon herself to call Miguel to help them at the restaurant and lend a hand in caring for his friend Geto.

They all owed him a debt, given that he'd helped them in the past without asking for anything in return.

-Flashback-

Back in those days, when he was barely 17, Geto lost his parents and was left with the house and farmland. He wasn't very close to his parents, and this news reached him while he was taking the university entrance exam; he wanted to study psychology.

This delayed him for a while, while he sold the house and the rice paddies.

Upon returning to his hometown, he learned that his father had large debts with some locals and the leader. So, much of what he earned went to pay off debts.

Another portion of the money paid for his studies and he rented Manami's house, who was in trouble at the time. The two lived in that house for a few years. Later, Miguel joined them when he was looking for a place to live while on an exchange program in Japan.

One day during his first year of college, Geto ran into Haibara, who knew each other because they had both attended high school. Haibara was happy to be reunited with his childhood friend and they accompanied each other during their first year of university.

-

-Back to the call with Satoru-

“Let me text you the address” Satoru says. Then it can be hear him put his phone down and the tapping of his fingers on the screen.

It's then that Suguru sees his phone flash with a new message appearing on the screen. He opens it, and the address is in… Kyoto. He quickly opens the subway station app and searches for the nearest one, along with the train schedules.

Hearing him breathe as his fingers tap against the glass of the phone he gave him, “What are you doing?” Satoru asks.

“I'm looking for the train schedule” Suguru replies casually.

“Oh, okay… so when could you come?” Satoru asks, not understanding that Suguru was ready to leave at that moment.

"Well, it says here that if I leave right now, I'd arrive in about six hours, a little longer if I stop to eat." Suguru had found the train schedules and marked the times he should be able to leave his apartment with a suitcase.

"You'd arrive today!?" Satoru shouts, genuinely surprised and excited.

"Well, yeah, I'll just pack a few things and head to Tokyo Station... and..." Suguru finishes the plan and is telling Satoru, but stops abruptly when he hears him... crying?

It's a subtle, almost imperceptible sound.

Satoru really didn't expect anyone to visit him. No one had ever visited him, no one had ever really cared. While he was confined in the Zen Village, the headaches became unbearable, and he preferred to jump into the lake and drown himself rather than continue in that state of agony and loneliness. It was like being forgotten inside a gray box, amidst the ghosts of all his ancestors who died right there in that village. It was terrifying to think about, but even that didn't scare Satoru anymore. That's where the amber eyes kept him afloat, along with the promise that everything would be resolved, somehow, someday.

"Satoru, are you... okay?" he asks softly worried. Suguru thinks he must be feeling ill because of the headaches. He really has no idea what a migraine feels like, or how much it affects Satoru.

“Yes…” Satoru nods weakly, removing the blindfold and wiping away his tears. During his isolation, the doctors had prescribed a blindfold. It helped block out the light, which caused him more pain, and soothed the throbbing pain in his forehead with its coolness and scent.

“You know, let me pack a bag and on the way, I'll stop by the cafe and grab something to take for you. How about that?” Suguru says, trying to cheer him up, although he's actually the happier one, more lively, more active, thanks to Satoru. “Can you eat dessert?” he asks unnecessarily.

Satoru is someone who would devour every sweet in a candy store even if he were diabetic.

“Of course I can!” Satoru assures him. “I'm the strongest” he says, pointing at himself with his thumb, still with a tear stuck in the corner of his eye, even though Suguru can't see it.

Suguru laughs. “Okay, okay, I get it, but don't jump in front of another truck again to prove it” he says in a mocking tone, trying to hide his concern.

Satoru laughs, loud and clear. His pure, uninhibited laughter was a laugh reminiscent of a child's, full of wonder and happiness. His body shook with each laugh, and his eyes shone with innocent joy. It was a laugh that invited him to put aside his worries and simply enjoy the moment.

Soothing both of their hearts with that beautiful laugh.

“Okay, I'll let you pack your suitcase. I can't wait to see you” Satoru happily tells him, thinking that they might need to hang up soon, but…

“Yeah, I'm already doing it. How about we leave the line open until it cuts off or I get there?” Suguru suggests, because the truth is, he doesn't want to hang up, doesn't want to stop hearing his voice, and doesn’t want to be separated from him. All he's thought about since that beautiful night they met was about… Satoru.

Satoru thinks it's a great idea. He didn't want to hang up either, and continuing to talk to him was all what he wanted, most in those moments. Enough time had passed without Suguru to waste this opportunity.

And like two children who had just become friends, they begin to talk.

It was as if the air itself vibrated with a subtle energy, an invisible current connecting their words. It wasn't just the casual conversation of two strangers meeting for the first time; there was something more, a deep echo in their hearts that resonated with an unexpected familiarity. Their laughter had a special timbre, light and full of complicity.

Each pause in the conversation was a space charged with electrifying tension, but not uncomfortable, rather… expectant. They felt a resonance in their souls, a silent understanding that transcends time.

It was as if they had known each other forever, as if the pieces of an invisible puzzle fit together perfectly, creating a complete and harmonious picture.

As Suguru leaves the apartment, he is first hit by a blast of artificial air conditioning, a sharp contrast to the slightly humid temperature outside.

The midday Tokyo sun, though filtered through the tall buildings, falls with a gentle but persistent intensity.

The scent is a complex mix of the sweet, lingering smell of street food, mixed with the metallic smell of cars and the subtle perfume of flowers in the small vertical gardens that adorn some buildings. The sound of the city surrounds them with a mix of distant sirens, the almost imperceptible hum of traffic, and the constant murmur of conversations.

As he drags his wheeled suitcase along the pavement, Geto stops at the cafe to grab some desserts, a coffee for himself, and to let everyone know he's going to... Kyoto.

"Senpai??" Haibara says slowly, incredulous to see Geto in the cafeteria, fully dressed and groomed, with a suitcase in hand and a face of happiness that he cannot hide.

“Hi Haibara, I appreciate all the help” Geto says, bowing. He then takes a glass of tiramisu cake and some tarts, putting everything in a to-go box.

Miguel quickly runs out of the kitchen upon hearing the conversation, having thought he saw a ghost pass through the back door.

“Geto! What are you doing here?” asks Miguel, surprised to see him.

“Well, your curry works wonders” Geto says jokingly as he makes himself a coffee.

“I’m glad it worked” Miguel says, laughing as he places his hand on his waist.

“Would you do me a favor?” Geto asks more seriously as he places his hand on his shoulder.

Miguel nods. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for him. Thanks to him, he was able to get into the most prestigious cooking school, not to mention afford to live in Japan for a some years.

“I’m going to Kyoto for a few days. Will you take care of everything while I’m gone?” Geto knows it's a huge favor, and to top it all off, he doesn't really know when he'll be back.

"Sure!" Miguel enthusiastically assures him as he approaches him and gives him a hug. "Be good and enjoy your trip, you deserve it" he says as he breaks the hug. Geto has never taken a break since returning to Japan, and probably hasn't while he was away either.

"Thank you" Geto says a little moved, then he pats him on the shoulder and waves goodbye.

"See you, Haibara, and thanks again!" Geto says goodbye as he leaves the cafe.

"Who are they?" Satoru asks, overhearing the entire conversation in the cafe.

"They're my friends. They're taking care of the cafe while..." Suguru stops, having to think carefully about what he's going to say, not wanting to worry Satoru further. "While I was busy with a big order" he lies.

"It's good to delegate some things. It's great that they can support you so much with that." Satoru understands these things. "Hey! You're drinking coffee?" Satoru complains when he hears Suguru sipping.

"Mhmm" Suguru confirms his suspicions as he continues walking to the nearest station. "I'm bringing you tiramisu. I hope you like it."

"If I like it? It's my favorite dessert!" Satoru says excitedly.

"I'm glad" Suguru says as he puts on the headphones and connects them to his phone. "Can you hear me well? I switched to using headphones" he asks, now speaking into the headphones' microphone as he puts the phone in his pocket.

"Yes, loud and clear" Satoru nods as he lies down in a hammock by the lake. Even though he feels tired, he'd rather keep talking to Suguru than go to sleep; being on the phone with him lifts his spirits.

-Now seated on the train to Kyoto-

“You were also having visions of me, right? How long have you been having these dreams?” Satoru asks, wanting to compare the time they've been seeing these memories.

“Well, it's been a few years. In fact, thanks to those visions, I returned to Japan.” Suguru confirms his suspicions, but what Suguru is really referring to is that it's thanks to the visions that he's alive.

“Where were you when you started seeing them?” Satoru wants to know more, wants to know everything.

“I was in a competition in France…” The memories begin to flow into Suguru's mind. They aren't pleasant; in fact, they're a constant torment. “The first thing I heard was, 'How long are you going to let them use you?' With your voice.”

“Really! Wow, voices, you were really hallucinating, hahaha” Satoru laughs, unaware of the significance of what Suguru just said.

“Yes, it seems like that…” Suguru answers, trying to sound cheerful, “but thanks to that, I decided to return to Japan a couple of years ago.”

“Great, so we could meet up. Did you know my name?” Satoru says, having heard him say it that rainy night.

“Yes, I knew your full name” Suguru says quietly; the entire train is almost silent.

“Why didn’t you look for me at the company?” Satoru asks naively.

“So, you wanted me to stand in front of the offices and shout like a desperate pop band fan, ‘I love you Gojo Satoru!’” Suguru jokingly replies in a playful tone.

Satoru imagines Suguru standing in front of the Gojo Enterprises building with a cardboard sign with “I love you Satoru!” written in colored markers while Suguru whistles.

Satoru blushes, his heart skips a beat, and butterflies fill his stomach just imagining that… but all he can do is laugh, a mixture of nervous laughter and disbelief. “It sounds romantic, but I understand that it must have been difficult to find me within the company, right?” he finishes the question with a sigh. He knows it wasn't possible to just walk in and get an appointment with the head of the company when he was... nobody...

"Yeah, it was a little frustrating knowing you were out there, and not being able to reach you." Suguru had tried a couple of times to send him a gift, and he often went for walks near the Gojo Enterprises building, just to see if he'd see him one day.

"Were you looking for me too?" Suguru asks, longing to have met him before.

"Yeah" Satoru quickly answers, then adds, "I used to go out for walks just to see if I'd see you on the street. I didn't even know your name, just your voice and your face, that's all I remember" Satoru nods slowly.

"You don't remember anything... more?" Suguru says, a little disappointed, because he does remember more things... and the feeling of having disappointed Satoru in his past life weighs on his shoulders.

“No, and yet I felt like I missed you” Satoru says in a loving tone. “How did you end up being a chef?”

“It’s a long story…” Suguru swallows hard as he says this.

“Well, we have time, hehe” Satoru laughs, intrigued by the answer, as he lies down on the bedroom floor.

“I was studying psychology, and to pay for some expenses, I started baking some desserts, basic things, cookies, cupcakes, etc.” Suguru begins to tell Satoru his story…

-Memories of the Past-

During his first year of psychology studies, Geto lived in Manami’s house, which he rented and shared with Miguel.

To cover extra expenses, Geto came up with the idea of making desserts and selling them at the university. This was a resounding success at school, making him more popular, and thus, Geto pushed himself a little harder to make more refined desserts.

At one point, a person was visiting the university, he was a renowned chef, many suspected he was undergoing psychological treatment, due to his mannerisms, others thought he came to steal some prominent student from the cooking program, since rumor had it that he used to steal restaurant employees and use them in his own restaurants.

But Geto didn't know him; Geto wasn't in the culinary school program, so none of this interested him.

One day, this chef named Kenjaku, in a fortuitous event, tasted Geto's desserts and became determined to find out who was cooking these impressive desserts. It's said he searched for him throughout the culinary school for almost a year.

Until, in disbelief, he found him in his room, this psychology student... with an oven used, inside the school dorms, preparing desserts so delicious they could easily compete with prestigious restaurants.

Without hesitation, he had found what he was looking for, and made him an offer he couldn't refuse. He introduced himself to him and promised to make him the best chef. They could travel around the world, participate in competitions, and eventually, he would be the chef at one of his restaurants, which he owned.

Geto accepted, and for about eight years, he was absent from Japan, never returning during that time.

Traveling around the world, he gained a wealth of experience, learning from everything and everyone, from the locals to the most prestigious restaurants. He also took several cooking classes in the places he visited, gaining more and more experience, but always under the shadow of his mentor.

Over time, while traveling, his health worsened. He suffered from depression, like a flower without sun. He began to struggle to eat and took up the habit of smoking. This was due to the persistent pressure at work, the stress of constant travel, and the teasing from his mentor for being out of shape, along with his coworkers who were originally from other countries. They envied his height, his well-defined features, his smooth skin, and his almond shaped eyes. Just for being different, he was always the butt of ridicule. But it was all because he was the best in the kitchen.

Until one day he couldn't take it anymore. While sitting on the floor, holding onto a toilet bowl somewhere in Paris, after vomiting the only food he'd been able to eat that day, and then... he heard that voice, he felt like he knew the person.

"How long are you going to let them use you?" It didn't sound angry or disappointed; rather, it was like a call to stop, to face it, and decide what he really wanted to do.

Without telling anyone, without knowing where he was going to end up, or what he was going to do, but one this was for sure he was determined to leave everything behind. Geto packed his things and left France, taking the first flight to Japan.

The first thing he did was go to Manami's house, and luckily for him, she still lived there.

Manami stared at him, half worried and half happy to see him again after a long time, because Geto probably weighed half his weight before he left, and had dark circles under his eyes and bad breath from smoking.

Over the next few years, he regained weight, quit smoking, and everyone encouraged him to open the cafe, investing all his remaining money into buying the premises and equipping it.

-

“And that's why I own that place now” Suguru proudly tells him as he gets off at Kyoto station.

“Wow… I'm sorry, I wish I could have been with you during those times.” Regretting having missed out on that part of his life, Satoru decides he won't miss the rest.

“It's okay, we didn't even know each other, and I didn't know what I was doing…” Suguru pauses, halfway between getting off the train and not wanting to remember that part of his past anymore. “Well, I've arrived in Kyoto” he announces to Satoru.

As he steps off the train, the atmosphere immediately changes. The bustle of the day gives way to a calm night, interrupted only by the soft whisper of conversations and the occasional roll of suitcases. The station's lights, warm and welcoming, reflect on the damp ground as Suguru walks through them until he exits the subway.

The city envelops him in its nocturnal beauty; the contrast between the old and the new creates a fascinating image. A soft night wind caresses his face as he heads out into the streets of Kyoto.

“I'm looking for a way to get there” Suguru says, his voice tired after this long journey.

“No, wait! My driver will pick you up. He'll be there in a few minutes” Satoru tells him.

“Did you really send someone for me?... Thanks” Suguru stops walking and heads back to the station exit.

“Yeah, I wasn't going to let you walk all the way here. Besides, since it's a private area, only authorized cars can enter” Satoru says as if it were the most normal thing.

“Sure…” Suguru says sarcastically. That's when a black car pulls up nearby, and a driver with glasses who's more nervous than he is gets out. It has a sign that says “Geto.”

Geto greets him, and the driver recognizes him instantly; Gojo had already described what he looked like.

Moments later, they drive into a private area that looks more like a Zen park.

After being dropped off in front of the house, which could almost be called a mansion with an ancient traditional theme, Suguru walks around the house while following Satoru's instructions on his phone.

Before him, a vast Japanese Zen garden stretches out, a sea of calm and serenity. Carefully placed stones, gray and smooth like time-polished boulders, lie on a bed of precisely raked gravel, forming rippling patterns reminiscent of water. The gentle whisper of the wind through the tall, slender, gracefully swaying bamboo creates an atmosphere of profound peace.

In the center of the garden, a traditional Japanese house made of dark wood rises with understated elegance. Its curved, red-tiled roof blends with the sky, while its wooden walls, protected by a wooden porch, seem to embrace the stillness of the surroundings. The delicate, translucent shoji paper windows filter in soft light, spilling over the garden, creating an intimate and contemplative atmosphere.

To one side of the house, a crystal-clear pond reflects the sky and the branches of an ancient pine tree, whose twisted, majestic trunk seems to have witnessed centuries of serenity, dating back to the Henan era. An arched wooden bridge spans the pond, inviting contemplation and a quiet stroll.

Around it, ancient trees, imposing pines and delicate maples, stand with quiet majesty. Its branches, twisted and elegant like the brushstrokes of a master, extend toward the sky, creating a canopy of shadow and mystery.

The air, perfumed with the earthy scent of moss and the subtle fragrance of cherry blossoms, evokes a feeling of profound tranquility. The sober colors and the absence of flashy elements contribute to the feeling of peace and harmony.

The garden is a space for meditation, for connecting with nature, and for seeking inner tranquility, but in this case, it was used to leave sick relatives there to be forgotten, or so Satoru had described it.

It was then that he saw it in the distance; Satoru was waving at him from across the lake.

Satoru was wearing a white kimono with black stripes and a black belt that matched the black blindfold covering his eyes and forehead.

And in that instant, the world seemed to stop. A radiant smile lit up both their faces.

Without a second thought Suguru, excited, drops his suitcase and broke into a run, his heart pounding in his chest. His feet barely touched the ground as he approached, the distance between them rapidly vanishing.

Satoru with arms outstretched, waited, a mixture of disbelief and happiness flooding his being.

The encounter was a whirlwind of emotions. They merged into a deep, tight embrace, a refuge where time and space ceased to exist. Laughter mingled with the occasional furtive tear, sealing the moment with the intensity of a long-awaited reunion.

As he breaks away from the hug, Suguru fixes his gaze on the black blindfold he's wearing. "It looks good on you" he says, smiling kindly, a tear forming at the corner of his eye.

"Thank you" Satoru says as he removes the blindfold to look at him. He can't see anything with it on, even though he can walk around the Zen garden with it on, since he knows it by heart. He's truly grateful that he came, to see him again, to… have him within reach once more.

Satoru caresses his face, wiping away the tear with his finger.

They both stare at each other. It's been a long time and uncertainty since they last saw each other, and finally, they can be together again.

Satoru takes his hand and leads him to a traditional house with sliding bamboo doors and solid red-painted wooden columns. There's not much furniture inside, and a large futon-style bed sits on the floor.

"This will be your room" he says as he walks to one of the walls and slides it open. "Next door is mine, and the next room has a kitchen and a dining room."

"Then I'll leave the dessert I brought there" Suguru says as he heads toward the other room, but Satoru stops him by not letting go of his arm.

Suguru looks back.

"I want that one now" Satoru says, smiling and teasingly placing his finger on Suguru's cheek.

"Impatient as ever" Suguru shakes his head at this, as they both make themselves comfortable on the floor, as he brings and opens his suitcase to take out a few things.

The aroma, rich and seductive, is an intense blend of espresso, vanilla, and cocoa, anticipating the pleasure to come as Suguru unpacks the tiramisu cake cups.

Satoru's first bite is a revelation; the texture is key, with the creamy softness of the mascarpone contrasting with the light moisture of the sponge cake, creating a harmony of contrasts that delights even the most discerning palate.

The flavor is a complex symphony, where as Satoru chews, he perceives all the nuances, such as the subtle sweetness of the sponge cake, the velvety creaminess of the mascarpone, the intensity of the coffee, and the final bitterness of the cocoa. Blended together, the flavors balance each other.

Each ingredient contributes to a complete sensory experience, a dance of flavors and textures that lingers on the palate long after the bite is finished.

This was also the experience he had when he first tried the coffee from that cafe. And now knowing that this cafe belongs to Suguru makes the moment even more intense, knowing that he himself, with his own hands, prepares all these delicacies.

You could almost say that if Satoru were weak, he would be crying right now, as the flavors mingled in his mouth, with the moment shared with Suguru, their souls in harmony, and the tranquility of the atmosphere.

"I'm sorry this is how our second date has to be..." Satoru says, finishing the cake, while looking down.

Suguru laughs.

Satoru looks at him with longing eyes.

"Well, the first one was a bit..." Suguru blushes as he says this.

"Hot" Satoru laughs as he says this.

Suguru nods. He wishes things had been different, but this is what they had and what they could do… “You know… I used to say I'd like to have a stable relationship and start with slow, tender dates, but I don't think that's possible anymore” he laughs embarrassedly as he scratches the back of his neck.

“This author couldn't handle the slow burn…” Gojo thinks.

“When I feel better, I'll take you on a real date” Satoru says tenderly.

Suguru stares fondly at Satoru, the pink watercolor ink remaining on his cheeks.

“You know… that night in the rain, when you called me Satoru for the first time, that's when I felt like I was waking up from some dream I was in” Satoru says, playing with the teacup in his hands.

“Huh?” Suguru asks, not understanding what he's saying.

Satoru laughs as he scratches the back of his neck. Then he tries to explain, “Yeah, it’s just that… I was always Gojo, never Satoru.”

Suguru stares at him with a tender expression, wanting to take him and never let him go. He promised himself at that moment that he would never leave him.

This is how they share their days alone in that now beautiful villa with a Zen garden that exudes tranquility and harmony.

Almost a week later, Suguru receives a call from Haibara. He's embarrassed to admit that he's needed to keep the cafe running. Several ingredients are gone, and most of the sourdough is gone.

Thus, he remembers that a cafe couldn't survive without its chef. Businesses are like children; they're jealousy of your time; you have to take care of them and be by their side.

Suguru knew he couldn't stay any longer; in fact, he'd only planned to stay a couple of days. But he didn't want to leave Satoru alone either, especially when he was feeling so bad with his migraine and his loneliness.

Resigned, Satoru understands, saying goodbye with the promise that as soon as he feels better, they'll meet again without stopping calling each other.

So, on the way back to Tokyo, Suguru and Satoru continued their conversation the entire way, but this time Satoru told him everything about his past.

After a couple of days of talking remotely, Satoru was at the Zen residence in Kyoto and Suguru was in Tokyo, working at the cafe.

But... A full day went by without Suguru calling Satoru.

Satoru didn't pressure him during that time, although he did check his phone every two hours, waiting for a message or a call, while he bored himself by throwing stones into the lake in front of the large gray stone cube-shaped statue with eyes carved on each side, like a marked dice.

Then the next day he receives the long-awaited call.

"Suguruuu!" says Satoru. He didn't want to sound desperate, but he couldn't help but answer the call.

"Uh... I apologize, I didn't mean to bother you, Gojo-sama..." Manami's voice is heard on the other end of the phone, as she hesitates slightly.

"Huh?" Satoru, puzzled, says, "Where's Suguru?"

"It's just..." Manami sighs. She doesn't know how to explain what just happened. She doesn't know how well he knows Geto, she doesn't know how much he knows about his past.

"Talk now!" Gojo orders, sensing something is wrong.

Manami gathers her thoughts. "Look... Geto's been arrested" she says directly.

"Hah!?" Gojo almost shouts in disbelief as he pulls away from his phone and stares at it, confused and worried.

"Yes, he's in jail" Manami says again.

“Yes, I understood the first time, it's just an expression... ugh,” Gojo says a little angrily, but stops and changes his words. “Why, how?” He has many questions and enormous concern for Suguru.

Manami tells him that when Geto retired from being his mentor's right-hand man, he just left, but after a year, he started receiving letters... between harassing and actual accusations.

“He recently received summons for breach of contract” Manami tells him worriedly. “But this time the police came for him. Even they seemed hesitant to take him away, but they received an arrest warrant for... theft” She swallows as she says this. “I wouldn't be bothering you if it wasn't serious... I wanted to ask if you could help us with this... Gojo-sama.”

Satoru, enraged by everything that was happening to Suguru, began to feel the pain in his head, which grew by the second. "I hate being like this right now..." he thinks, cursing the migraine taking over his head, "Look, I'll send my lawyer. He can sort this out. I'll go as soon as I recover."

"Thank you very much, Gojo-sama." Saying this, Manami bows while holding the phone to her ear.

Gojo hangs up and calls his personal lawyer, who had met at school, since both schools were close and the students always used to hang out at a restaurant nearby.

-

Geto sighed as he leaned against the cold stone wall and placed a foot on the bench he was sitting on inside the cell.

"I told you you'd always be mine..." a calm but threatening voice was heard.

"We were never anything..." Without opening his eyes, Geto responded coldly.

"If you don't come back, I'll make your second-hand friends' lives miserable" Kenjaku said contemptuously but calmly while eating a purple mochi.

When he opened his eyes, Geto stared at his mentor, his jaw clenched. He had mixed feelings, his anger raging inside him, while fear ran down his spine. He couldn't believe what he was seeing... his mentor, known for his change of appearance, was now disguised as... him, as Geto.

“I like you more this way… when you’re quiet and attentive, you know, I thought I’d lost the goose that lays the golden eggs, but these mochis taste incredible” he says with a smile dripping with venom, then turns around and leaves, but not before saying, “I still don’t understand why you hang out with those losers when you could be on the winner’s podium.”

-

The clinking sounded, a brief, metallic pling that spilled through the café as soon as the door opened. It wasn't a loud sound, rather a delicate one, but it echoed over the silence inside. It mingled with the whisper of the wind that came in, carrying with it the scent of the street, and the muffled murmur of conversations from people walking outside.

The ringing of the bell, a small flash of sound, announced the arrival of someone unexpected.

"Sorry, we're closed!" Haibara shouted as he finished moving the chairs around the table.

Hearing no response, he turned around. What he saw then confused him, then horrified him as he recognized the person in front of him. He didn't need to have met him in person before, just as Geto used to describe him, but having seen him on television a couple of times was enough to understand who he was.

“I’ll only ask once” Kenjaku says in a low, menacing tone as he walks toward him at a brisk trot, cornering him between two tables and the wall. “Where is he?” he asks with a hint of desperation.

Haibara, cornered against the wall, stutters as he stares at him. “I-I don’t know who are you looking for” pretends not to know what he is referring to.

“The owner of this place… who thinks he can escape from me again?” Kenjaku stares at him intently.

“And who’s looking for him?” Haibara asks, a little scared. He’s stalling for time while he thinks about what to do.

Kenjaku narrows one of his eyes, showing his frustration as his hand moves in search of the chef’s knife he always carries.

He always has it; it’s his trademark; it’s the typical pose he strikes when someone asks for a photo, or when he appears in an interview.

For the first time, Kenjaku feels his plan is getting out of hand. He couldn’t figure out how Geto got out of Prison so quickly, and they didn’t tell him or warn him that he would get out.

He quickly reaches out to grab Haibara’s throat, saying, “Don’t get in my way, stupid barista, or I’ll give your friend a harsher punishment.”

Out of pure instinct, Haibara grabs him by the arm, making him double over, and pushes him aside.

Haibara may be a kind person, but no one would guess he was good at fighting. He'd been taking fighting and self-defense classes at a dojo with a famous retired fighter for several years. He'd only been going for a few years before he almost stopped, but then a handsome boy with a stone-serious face that contrasted with his blond hair came to train. He was new to the dojo, but it was obvious he already had some experience. And since then, he's never missed a visit.

While doing this, the doorbell was disturbed again when another person entered.

Haibara and Kenjaku tensed when they heard the bell.

-

-Meanwhile-

“So, is he okay?” Gojo asks into his phone as he walks hurriedly along the sidewalk somewhere in central Tokyo.

“Yeah, he's here with me. Go get this guy, and we'll talk later” the lawyer says, sounding desperate to hang up.

“Ugh, I don't understand why he's always angry” Gojo says, staring at the phone after being hung up on.

He sighs and continues walking until he spots the cafe in front of him.

He stops for a moment, seeing the cafe's facade for the first time. He looks at it carefully as it all sinks in. He tilts his head as he says, “Oh, Suguru…” He regrets not having paid attention to the facade sooner.

The cafe's facade, an oasis of sweetness between two imposing steel and brick buildings, is a balance of color and texture. An old brick wall, lovingly restored, contrasts beautifully with the cool gray and cream lines of the neighboring buildings.

The sober sand and brown colors highlight the large floor-to-ceiling windows that display the variety of desserts they offer under the warm light of the display case, shining like jewels in the light.

The name of the café, "Rainbow Dragon" is written in large, elegant, dark chocolate brown letters. Beneath them, a pair of wooden signs describe the day's specialty and exquisite international desserts. The whole thing is a visually appealing composition, a swirl of colors and textures that promises an unforgettable culinary experience.

And at the very top, a huge blue-white dragon head with bulging yellow eyes decorates the entire shop, attracting the attention of passersby.

Then, he enters the café and sees Haibara punching a person in the shoulder, knocking him aside.

Gojo's eyes widen as he watches the person stagger after the ride until he's holding onto a table. This person looks like... Suguru? He has long black hair, and he's wearing that blue kimono he usually wears while cooking at the cafe. But how? And why? These questions begin to form in Gojo's mind.

When this person suddenly turns around and is shocked to see him inside the cafe, Kenjaku had never expected to see a Gojo in the cafe.

Gojo is brought back from his train of thought when he sees his face. He takes another breath, and then he realizes this is an imposter... probably that boss Suguru had a long time ago. Then he realizes this is the one who should have put him in jail.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Gojo asks seriously.

Angry at not being recognized as the world-famous chef Kenjaku, he swallows his pride and simply says, "I was just looking for the owner when this guy attacked me as I entered the place" he says, raising his hands, palms up, feigning innocence as he walks toward him.

It's not Gojo's fault he doesn't watch TV or have the slightest interest in the lives of celebrities.

Haibara shakes his head, thinking he was about to say something when he was interrupted.

"I'm the owner, so get out of this business!" Gojo lies angrily as he points to the door.

"Look, I just came to warn you that you have a criminal as an employee. You know what you going to do with that scumbag of Geto, who can't even fulfill a contract" he says as he walks toward the door and leaves the premises.

With that, Gojo understands who was responsible for Suguru's misfortune.

"Thanks" Haibara says, sighing in relief. "That guy is crazy. He's Geto's former boss, his name is Kenjaku."

Saying this, Gojo's suspicions are confirmed.

"Good move" Gojo gives him a thumbs-up as he says this. "I could hire you as my personal guard."

It's not that Gojo doesn't know how to defend himself; in fact, he knows martial arts, but he's always been asked to hire someone as a security guard.

Haibara scratches the back of his neck at this, flattered but slightly embarrassed at having to resort to violence.

“Come on, let's go to Suguru's house. My lawyer is asking for you” Gojo says, placing his hand on his shoulder. Before moving toward the exit, he asks, “Do you have surveillance cameras?”

“Yes” Haibara nods.

-

"Suguru!!!" Upon entering the apartment, Satoru raises his arms in excitement at seeing Suguru sitting in the living room chatting with Satoru's personal lawyer.

Suguru seemed upset by everything that was happening, but upon seeing Satoru enter, his expression relaxed, and a shy but warm smile curved his mouth. "Satoru" he says in a soft tone, as if he enjoyed saying that name again.

Satoru throws himself onto the couch next to Suguru and hugs him. "Who's my favorite criminal?" He gives him a quick kiss on the cheek.

Suguru is embarrassed by Satoru's attitude, but the truth is, he misses him more than he could be embarrassed, returning the hug and burying his face in Satoru's neck.

Then something unexpected happens.

As Haibara enters the door, the lawyer quickly turns around in surprise, softening his stiff expression. His mind short-circuits slightly, causing him to stumble slightly as he walks toward Haibara, extending his hand in a warm greeting.

A small, embarrassed laugh escapes the lawyer's mouth as he shakes Haibara's hand, and he, in turn, laughs back.

"Wow, I've never seen Nanami smile before" Gojo says, half-mockingly, half-truthfully, seeing this act before him.

Nanami clears his throat as he turns to look at the two men sitting on the couch, then begins to inform them about the case. "After analyzing the lawsuit and speaking with Geto, I can say that the lawsuit will proceed, and he will have to pay royalties for using a registered name."

"What?" Gojo asks, bewildered. "And I thought you were the best lawyer."

"Just because I'm the best doesn't mean I can bend the law. The lawsuit Geto has is for using a name..." Nanami clarifies, but is interrupted.

"Registered name, yes, yes, we understand" Gojo replies frustrated.

Nanami continues, ignoring the interruption. "It's just for the registered name and nothing more. The other charges, like breach of contract and alleged theft, are all baseless."

"What do you say about a countersuit?" Gojo looks intensely at Nanami, raising an eyebrow.

"On what charges?" Nanami looks at him stoically.

“Breaking and entering, threat, assault, maybe attempted murder?” Gojo shrugs, his face smug.

Geto is surprised to hear this, his face worried, wondering what he means.

“And you have anything to back that up?” Nanami asks, crossing his arms as he hears Gojo casually say this.

Gojo points his hand at Haibara.

Haibara had barely sat down at the end of the sofa when all eyes fell on him.

"This innocent man was attacked on private property while working" Gojo said, feigning concern when he saw Haibara.

"Are you okay?" Geto quickly asked.

"What does Gojo mean by that?" Nanami asked, half-scared and half-concerned.

Haibara scratches the back of his neck. "Well... it's just that, he embarrassedly tried to explain, but was interrupted.

"When I got there, your idiot ex-boss was threatening Haibara with a knife, and he defended himself" Gojo explained, interrupting Haibara.

"WHAT?!" Geto and Nanami said in unison, frightened.

Then Nanami turned angrily to look at Gojo. He wasn't angry with him, but rather wanted revenge for what had happened to Haibara. "Tell me you have more than just a witness and a victim. I want him in jail" he said seriously.

"Yep" Gojo nods, emphasizing on the “p”

That's when Gojo reaches out to Haibara to give him the USB flash drive containing the security footage from that day. "My good, handsome boyfriend had surveillance cameras... it seems like he had a feeling they were coming for him."

At the word "boyfriend" Geto opens his eyes and blushes uncontrollably.

Haibara laughs silently upon hearing Gojo say that and seeing Geto like that.

Nanami, stone-faced, shows nothing. He just takes the USB and says, "Fine, I'll take care of the rest." He turns around and walks toward the door, but not before bowing and saying goodbye to Haibara. Then he leaves.

"Well, that concludes the case" says Gojo, leaning back in the sofa and relaxing by putting both arms behind his head, celebrating and concluding that everything will be okay.

"Good thinking, Gojo-sama" says Haibara with a smile as he gives him a thumbs-up.

With a soft tone, "I appreciate it" says Geto while looking at the floor, shattering the good mood in the room and permeating the atmosphere with a mixture of relief and sorrow.

That's when Satoru realizes that all this wasn't just another challenge he'd have to overcome, but rather a problem that had been intimidating Suguru for a while, and Gojo didn't know he was carrying that weight. "What else is Suguru carrying on his shoulders?" Satoru wonders.

Satoru straightens up and places a hand on Suguru's thigh. "I..." He sighs as he says this, but is interrupted.

"It seems you need a moment alone. Goodbye and thank you, Gojo-sama" Haibara bows as he says this and leaves the apartment.

Haibara slowly closes the door and goes downstairs. To his surprise, Nanami is downstairs finishing a call.

Then they both stare at each other.

Haibara breaks the silence by saying, "Do you want to go eat? I'm hungry" he laughs tenderly afterward.

Nanami just nods, trying to maintain his composure as he opens the car door and invites Haibara in.

The car engine starts, and they set off on a new adventure.

Meanwhile, inside the apartment

"It seems I'm cursed, every time something good happens to me, something comes to destroy it" Suguru sighs breaking away from Satoru's gaze.

"In that case, me too..." Satoru approaches and sits next to Suguru, rubbing his leg against his. "But if we're together, we're stronger" he says, bending down and searching Suguru's face. Those light blue eyes searching for his amber ones as they meet and Satoru smiles tenderly at him.

"Do you really think so?" Suguru asks, raising his head and looking at Satoru, as if trying to memorize his face.

"Of course!" Satoru says with a huge smile.

It's then that Satoru imagines a simpler life, because he realizes that this is all he needs at the end of the day. Having Suguru in his life and an apartment full of friends is more than enough for him.

But a kiss brings him back from his thoughts.

Suguru cups his face with both hands and plants a kiss on Satoru's lips; it's soft and sweet.

As they stand like this, happy memories flood their minds, like fireworks displaying happy memories of their other lives.

-

Some Time Later

“Geto! They're looking for you!” Haibara shouts as he enters the cafe's kitchen.

Geto was finishing making the brownie batter. The whole interior smelled of a mixture of vanilla and dark chocolate. It was pleasant, and anyone would try to eat the batter in the bowl Geto was holding. “I'm coming” he says, putting down the bowl of batter and wiping his hands on his apron.

He leaves the kitchen, and Haibara points to the back door of the cafe.

Geto comes out and runs into…

Satoru

Who's wearing an elegant suit, his hair slicked back, and you could smell the scent of his cologne, a sweet touch of citrus and wood. He's carrying a basket with six small bags of craft.

“I brought you some flour” Satoru says lovingly while extending his arms to give him the gift.

This makes Suguru laugh from the bottom of his heart as he narrows his eyes.

Taking the gift basket, Suguru asks confused but happy, without accusing, just curious "What are you doing here?" It was almost time to close the place, they hadn't finished the orders for the next day and he didn't remember that they had agreed to go out together that night.

“Would you like to go out with me? Like in a date” Satoru says.

Seeing him like that, Suguru knew everything would be fine, that he had chosen well this time, so smiling, the pink tinge etching his cheeks, he says, “Yes, just let me finish…”

But Satoru interrupts him by pulling him by the arm and stealing a kiss, while his other hand reaches for the apron on Suguru’s back.

“Always so desperate” Suguru says between kisses.

“Can you blame me? By having the most handsome man in my arms” Satoru says.

“No” Suguru shakes his head as he breaks away from the kiss.

“It’s just that... I’m the luckiest man” Satoru says, looking at him tenderly.

“I disagree” Suguru says.

This confuses Satoru a little.

But then Suguru clarifies, “I’m the lucky one to have you” he says with a smile.

“I love you”

FIN