Chapter 1

January 2021

''Iori, we are so proud of you! Don't forget to call us every day and make sure to eat well.''

''Stand here while I take a photo to remember you before you leave for Tokyo.''

Utahime's parents were helicopter parents by default, they had to be because their daughter was alienated from other kids for being odd. To overcompensate for the lack of friends/companions Iori had, her parents decided to smother her with love at every waking moment. Utahime understood this but it got to the point where she felt babied, at age 22 almost 23 in mid-February she found it embarrassing, but took the love bombing because she knew her parents meant well.

Utahime was set to start her new job as a Personal Assistant next week and had to move from Kyoto to Tokyo for it. It would be her first time living alone and she never left home before.

''That's okay, I don't think that's necessary Dad.'' Utahime shrugged before a flash of light and a click emerged, she saw her dad holding an old mini beatdown Canon camera to his face with a huge canine smile. The three of them were in the living room of the family home. The house was small, a council estate home with 1 bedroom, 1 toilet/bathroom, a kitchen connecting to the living room, and a basement. The basement got transformed into a room for Utahime to stay in so she could have a room.

Both parents were the perfect blend found in Utahime, her mother had violet thick hair that was shoulder length, small almond brown eyes, and was extremely small in stature. Her dad had pale creamy skin, thin and lanky, onyx-coloured straight hair, and golden eyes. One look at Utahime and you knew she was her parent's daughter. But the most prominent feature Utahime adopted was her mother's red-tinted lips, It is a natural facial feature but it stood out like a sore thumb. At times it looked like her lips were bleeding when the sun shined too hard on her face, other times they would glisten in natural lighting or light with darker hues.

Iori hated it. She believed her red lips made her seem more creepy than she already was to others. It's bad enough with the huge scar on her face.

''It's necessary when I won't be seeing my baby every day anymore. I'm still trying not to get a heart attack letting you take this job. It will pay well which we're thankful for regarding the bills, but you'll be in the big city alone, we can't come and save you.'' her dad started, she'd gotten used to this, it was just another crazy rant that Utahime heard a million times.

''What happens if you're home alone and some creepy guy tries to break into your home? Or what if you finally get a boyfriend, get married, and stay in Tokyo forever without telling us? Once a man comes into your life it's goodbye to us, you'll forget us in a heartbeat.'' Utahime's father continued as he paced around the living room skimming his legs on the beige low-cost carpet.

All Utahime could do was roll her eyes hoping her dad would finish his episode.

''And then the grandbabies will come in no time? You know what this is a good idea for you to go to Tokyo, I want grandbabies and a good man to take care of you as a husband. You've been alone enough and need love, but I don't want to lose my little girl, I can't stand to be in second place to some guy from the city and also..''

''Honey don't you think you're going overboard?'' Utahime's mother interjected taking a small breath before continuing

''Utahime would never forget us when her husband and children come along, we will be the first people she tells. Me preferably. Anyway I can't wait to meet your future boyfriend from Tokyo!'' she sang

''Dad! Mom! Look, a boyfriend from Tokyo is NOT on my radar. I don't care about any of that, all I plan to do is use my savings to help out at home and save enough to get training again for baseball. This job could be my chance to revive my dream.'' Utahime said earnestly turning her head from her dad to her mom.

And that was the problem, Iori had focused on one thing (her dream of baseball) that she'd stopped evolving as a person in every area of her life. No friends, minimal social interaction or social life, lack of expression of herself to others than her parents, and no romance or love are all lacking in Lori's life.

She never strived or had an interest in those areas due to her somewhat simple-minded personality and the effects of being singled out by others for how she looked and acted.

Having a dream is supposed to amplify her life, but if that were all there was to it, then life would become barren.

Iori had yet to have her coming-of-age moment from a girl to a woman at the age of 22.

Utahime's mother slowly took her hand and guided her to the lime green sofa, Utahime sat in the middle while her mom sat to her left and her father joined at her right. Utahime seemed confused about what her mother would say as the look on her mom's face changed from lovey-dovey to sentimental.

''Listen little Iori. You need to be more free. Your life has just begun, but you aren't living it. You're always alone in your room watching cartoons or anime, reading, listening to music, or practicing baseball in the park alone at every moment, and if not you're with us. We both love you to pieces but we don't want you to end up being more isolated than you already are.'' Utahime's mother held her daughter's hand continuing on.

'' We want you to go on an adventure, this job role is a blessing in disguise. It was the only way you'd leave the house and be on your own without us forcing you to. For college, you never left the house but commuted, and even after school you still decided to stay home whilst training to compete for the women's baseball team.'' she continued

''I agree. One day you'd need to start your own life, at your age I had already met your mother on the farm and then after some time we were engaged. After 2 years of marriage, you were born and the rest was history.'' her father smiled at her mother with love in his eyes, causing her mother to blush and hold her face from recalling old memories.

''I get that, it's just that people don't like when I'm me. They just think I'm weird or they see me as ugly & scary due to my scar.'' Utahime protested feeling that she was losing the battle against her parents despite her hardships.

''Then keep being who you are, one day the right crew of people will understand and see it. That only happens over time and not in an instant. But you have to give them a chance. Don't settle for less but be open. I know you're good at seeing people for who they are, you don't judge others. Use that as a strength.'' Her father finished

That was true, Iori didn't fuss about the big things she cared about the little stuff, who people truly were inside. Maybe she needed to use that to connect with others.

Maybe it was time to be open to a change.

'Why?' & 'U Calling My Name' are the biggest songs to chart on the Billboard 100 in 2020. Both songs have been on instant replay in Japan and internationally, peaking at no.1 and no.2 since 14th October 2020. The songs were released on that specific day by Japan's hottest newest sensation, Sweet Debauchery, a six-membered Rnb/Pop boy group. Sweet Debauctery debuted with their mini album /EP 'Crazy, Sexy, Cool'' taking the world by storm. They were an instant hit selling over 10 million copies of the EP by their second week of debut.

The group aims to serenade the female audience, to show them what true love is, once through the ears and twice through the heart. At this moment in time, they only had six songs, including the two title tracks but were in gear to release their first full album in Spring 2021 and go on tour by Summer 2021.

The group got extremely busy after debuting promoting everywhere in Japan music shows, Korea for Music Bank, and the USA. Therefore staff members/assistants were vital in assisting the group with their schedules.

At this moment in time, it was 7:00 am and the group was taking editorial photos for Vogue Japan to cover the front page. The theme of the cover was individuality. The intention is to showcase each member's personality, style, and aura to introduce the group officially to the world. All the members stood in front of a fake blue sky backdrop with fake artificial fluffy clouds falling from the ceiling being held by a thread. Below their feet was artificial green grass with tulips, sunflowers, roses, and lavender flowers.

Sukuna stood to the left end of the group, sporting a pale red ripped t-shirt, Gucci black sweatpants, a black velvet Fendi cap, and White Airforces. His bulky exterior worked with his style. He also wore gold cut grills on the lower part of his teeth and black stud earrings. Sukuna's position is the Main Rapper/MC.

Choso stood in near the middle wearing a huge denim dungaree from Celine, it was five times bigger than his size. His hair was in his signature two pigtails, left one leg sleeve rolled up with his dungarees, pairing it with red Doc Martins, and a rainbowed colored turtle neck. Choso's position is Second Main vocal & youngest member of the group.

Toji stood next to Sukuna, left of Choso, he wore a super tight long black shirt from Calvin Klein showing off his defined chest and upper body, pairing them with chunky grey sweatpants, Calvin Klein boxers, and black trainers from Adidas. Toji's position is Lead Vocalist, Sub-Vocalist & eldest member of the group.

Geto stood next to Gojo who was in the middle, Geto wore a low neck peach sweatered jumper and tight black leather pants from Dior, pairing them with a white long Dior ribbon that tied his hair in a long ponytail. He also wore a pink dangling earring from Dior on his left ear. Geto's position is the Main Vocalist, Songwriter & Lead Dancer

On the outside on the right side stood Nanami next to Geto. He wore a beige crisp Saint Laurent Blazer, with a white tank top underneath caressing his tight chest, Saint Laurent boyfriend jeans, and expensive Italian brown shoes. Nanami's position is Main Dancer, Lead Vocalist, and Leader of the Group

And Lastly in the middle is Gojo Satoru, the Visual, Ace, and Face of the group. The IT boy. Gojo wore purple Y2K squared sunglasses from Chanel, a warm yellow checkered Chanel sweater vest with no shirt underneath showing off his athletic lean top build and muscles. Paired with sparking small hoop earrings, caramel leather pants, and purple expensive crocs to finish the job.

Sounds of clicks & snaps of light came from the photographer's camera, while a male director guided the group's photoshoot.

''Nice, nice don't only stare into the camera boys, try to come across as authentic but sexy at the same time. Channel your inner individuality but work together whilst doing so'' says the director

The photographer continues to take shots of the group while they pose.

''Yes, yes Gojo. You're a natural. It's giving Playboy, the dream guy every girl wants, the 'I'm sexy and I know it charisma'. You're lethal with those glasses and eyes, it works. Keep it going. Nanami you're doing incredible the fangirls will eat this up, just push more attention to your chest. Choso, great job, it's cute and snappy, but play around with your clothes a bit more and you'll knock 'em dead''. said the director before turning to Geto

''Geto keep that pose with your ponytail in your hands, that dark gaze you have is fire, the girls will go crazy for that. Sukuna keeps that smirk going, those girls won't get enough of it. Great use of your space and hands, go harder.''

''Toji you look great but I need more, right now you only going by your looks, but you need to push the edge. Look at Gojo he's a natural.'' the photographer mentions after pausing to chime in with the direction of the shoot.

Gojo broke out of modeling to laugh and Toji came out of position to playfully wack Gojo up the side of the head, causing everyone to laugh breaking character.

''What! Come on Toji. Not my fault the director loves me.'' Gojo smirked

Toji turned to Gojo hiding his left hand from the view of the photographer and director giving Gojo the middle finger. Gojo grinned and walked in Toji's face nodding as he returned one to him covering it from view as well.

''Is everything okay? Are you all good? Because we are on a tight schedule today'' the director mentions pointing his hands towards Gojo and Toji

Geto placed his arm around Gojo's neck stealing his best friend's purple Y2K sunglasses from his eyes.

''Satoru…you promised Kento that you wouldn't catch a case with Toji today, you've both been fighting for a month straight.'' Geto laughed pulling Gojo away from Toji.

''Tell that to Mr Zenin over there, his goofy ass started it.'' Gojo rebutted snatching his glasses from his best friend's hands playfully.

''It's not Zenin you idiot. And I saw your ass laughing, you're lucky I didn't punch you.'' Toji responded nonchalantly rolling his eyes.

''Come on boys, you can both hash it out later. We only got 30 minutes left here, before returning to the Company in a few hours for our meeting. We will be getting our new personal assistant soon and you both need to be on your best behaviour.'' Nanami said with his hands on his hips, both Gojo and Toji were quick to straighten it out with a handshake but muttered insults about the other under their breath.

''Aye. Big boss told y'all to make up so do it! We're on scheduled time here like he said, I'm hungry, and Choso keeps burping next to me in my ear for no reason. Will you STOP!'' Sukuna yells at Choso pushing Choso's face away from him.

''Sorry, I'm just bored,'' Choso said quietly rubbing his eye while Sukuna slapped his hand away to prevent Choso's makeup from being ruined.

Nanami turned to the director and photographer apologizing for the group's behaviour as his five co-members argued behind him. They had been working for 62 hours straight on 6 hours sleep & 10-minute naps. When the group got overworked Nanami stayed the most professional being a workaholic, and Geto was second due to his lax calm nature.

In no time the group found their tempo again thanks to Nanami and smashed their photoshoot.

The chosen front cover of Vogue Japan was a close-up shoot of all the members holding each other from the back from left to right, standing behind sunflowers, lavender, and tulip flowers, all giving a spaced-out attractive gaze of sincerity with small parted mouths.

The magazine cover would go on to sell out completely in 1 day after being published for sale.

—-

After the successful shoot, the group was on the way back to JJK Records for their meeting. Gojo sat in the back seat of the black Mercedez Benz car wide awake leaning his head against the black tinted windows. All the other members were napping on the ride back before the meeting.

Despite trying his hardest to get some rest Gojo's body was wide awake, it was probably that strawberry iced americano drink he drank on the photoshoot set that did it, the caffeine in his body was running wild. He was annoyed because he wanted to be in the best shape at this meeting due to the circumstances.

The last Personal Assistant had quit her job after Gojo and her got into a situationship. Her name was Yumi, a pretty brown-haired bombshell with a curvy body and fat ass. She was good at her job but Gojo's tendency to flirt with her whilst entertaining multiple women at the same time was not a good mix. Yumi could not handle it, believing Gojo was in love with her, becoming obsessed and decided to quit. Yaga never knew the true reason as Nanami had covered why she left.

After that incident, Gojo promised the group he wouldn't mess around with the new personal assistant. But the thing is Gojo didn't care about how he treated Yumi, he just wanted to have fun. Every woman he came across who allowed him to entertain them was strictly for a fun time. He didn't belong to anyone, his job was to entertain as a performer, singer, dancer, and playboy.

For years Gojo had to be the golden child of his clan and keep up strict professional appearances to keep the higher-ups happy, that is the story of every prodigy child born into a rich clan. He couldn't express his true self at all and had to be a puppet. Many girls in his circle saw him as the prize, a great candidate to have their future offspring with, he knew all of them were desperate to enter the Gojo clan via marriage because of his looks and money. He was only loved for what he could offer his clan and other families. Not for him as Satoru. That's why he treasured Surguru Geto as he was the first person to see Gojo as Satoru and break into his world when he was 8 years old.

Now Gojo had some more freedom and chance to express himself, and despite having to play a character/persona for the fangirls, he was free to be himself around his members, free to entertain all the women in the world that he couldn't do before (all in secret of course), whilst traveling the world.

The Gojo clan did not approve, but Gojo was happy living life with his friends.

The clan still appointed him as the future head of the Gojo clan despite his decision. But he would need to enter a marriage to get the title.

But Gojo didn't give a damn, freedom is what he wanted and got.

To him, his needs were fulfilled.

Or so he had thought….

Today is the first day of Utahime's new role as Personal Assistant. The week flew by for her, she had departed from Kyoto to Japan from the train station after a tearful goodbye to her parents. Her dad cried bullets of tears and couldn't let his daughter go until the train came, while her mother held the tears back saying ''see you later'' with glassy eyes.

Utahime shared a few tears but held most of them back, it was a new change she'd be going through and she was going to miss her parents.

They were her safe place.

Tokyo to Utahime felt so weird. She saw herself as a fish out of water because everything in Tokyo is fast-paced and quick, while Kyoto is serene and quiet.

Moving into her 1 bedroom apartment felt weird as she didn't have a lot of things to decorate it, and was confused about how she wanted it to look.

The time was 8:10 am, Utahime had gotten off her train and made her way to JJK Records, she had 20 minutes before her first meeting with the CEO and the group she'd be assisting. Truth be told Utahime wasn't a fan of the group, she didn't know how they looked nor care for boybands but knew they were popular. She was told to look up the group to familiarize herself with them, but she wasn't interested.

Utahime had made it to the front door of JJK Records Homebase Building where all artists would go for meetings. The building was a huge skyscraper merged with other sleek buildings with curved building tops. The building had two huge glass doors that provided a glimpse of the building inside. It looked very busy with all the workers running around.

As Utahime made her way into the building, she was stopped by a sound she heard of a whiny voice behind her screeching. It sounded like an adult voice imitating a kid.

Before she knew it, she was run into by a tall athletic figure who towered over her body bringing her down with full force. The whiny voice belonged to this tall figure who yelled ''Why didn't those idiots wake me up? They're gonna make me late'' before crashing into her hard.

The two of them were on the ground and the figure lay over Utahime's small statute giving her no room to breathe. The man-child now was cursing like a sailor due to the pain of the fall but didn't register that someone was underneath him.

Utahime had a small tolerance when it came to getting annoyed. Once she got annoyed about something it took forever for her to get over it. She didn't have time for foolish things when she had other important things to care about like doing well on her first day. This idiot falling on her just set her off, the fact that he didn't notice she was under him made her frustrated.

''Hello! Excuse me. Can you get off me please?'' Utahime used all the breath left in her to speak up, which got the man to tense up and quickly remove himself from her.

The man-child was now crouching on his knees, offering Utahime a hand in silence whilst Utahime sat upwards slowly in pain from the fall. Her eyes sprung up a few tears thanks to the pain her back felt, this man fell on her hard. After addressing the pain, the first thing Utahime noticed was the man's large pale hands, she'd never seen hands so big & long. They were veiny and mature, it looked like he used his hands a lot for hard work.

The next thing she noticed was his eyes. Was the sky in them Utahime thought? They were clear blue, with soft clouds of white draping in them. Crystal and swirls of cerulean blue shined through. What kind of sorcery was this Utahime thought? This guy didn't look real.

Silvered-white tussled bangs, a messy undercut, peachy glossy lips, and pale pinked hue skin. It was as if he was an anime character. The lazy lopsided grin he made didn't help either.

And that made her annoyed. She didn't need a goofy, crazy lunatic falling on her on her way to her new job.

Who was this nut job? Did Wacko's appear a lot in Tokyo?

A few tears fell out of Utahime's eyes from the pain she rubbed them away.

''You crying!''