"You want me to do what?"
Kagome couldn't believe it, her chopstick stopped in mid-air. She looked at her beloved mother, utterly surprised.
Her mother, oblivious to her daughter's reaction, smiled warmly, "I think it's time for you to introduce Gojo-san to us." Her mother's eyes met Kagome's with a sly twinkle, "You always talk so fondly about him."
Kagome eyebrows twitched in response. "Fondly? Mother, all I do is complain about how he never takes anything seriously and he loves to test my patience all the time."
"Ah, testing the waters, that's what keeps it interesting!" Kagome's mother chimed in with a mischievous twinkle in her eyes.
"Sounds like how the boyfriend would do." teased Sota, half whispering to grandpa, his grin visible even at the tail of Kagome eyes and everyone except Kagome couldn't help but chuckle.
Kagome shot her brother with a sharp glare. She really didn't need that comment, not the one that can't help her to dissuade her mother from extending the ill-fated invitation.
Then she looked back to her mother, "It's not like what Sota implied mom, Satoru is just…a handful. He's acting so immature and childish, and it drives me crazy."
Her mother leaned in, a conspiratorial smile on her face, "I see, a love-hate relationship. Those are the most interesting, you know. Besides, he sounds like a lively and spirited young man. It would be delightful to have him over for dinner."
Kagome couldn't help but groan. She had a feeling that her mother had already made up her mind about this dinner. "Mom, he's not the kind of guy you bring home to meet the parents. He's, well, different."
Her mother laughed, "Different can be good, dear. Give him a chance, I'm sure we'll all get along just fine. Besides, I'd like to meet the man who manages to make my daughter so exasperated and yet so animated when talking about him.
"Everytime we have dinner you like to talk about him." her grandpa joined in, "It would be nice to know the guy that has always been a topic of the family dinner."
"Yeah, Satoru this Satoru that," teased Sota, "I feel like I know the guy already, and we haven't met him!"
Kagome sighed, realizing she would not be able to win this argument, if Sota and her grandfather side with her mother. "Fine, fine, I'II ask him. But if this turns into a disaster, it's on you, Mom"
Her mother simply winked, "Trust me, dear, it'll be anything but a disaster."
…
As the morning sun rose over the horizon, casting a golden hue across the cityscape, Kagome felt something churning inside. Today was the day she had promised her mother to invite Satoru to their family dinner. She took a deep breath to steady herself as she walked through the gates of Jujutsu Tech, the nervous flutter in her stomach intensifying with each step. She pondered how to broach the topic with Gojo Satoru, the stoic and sometimes infuriatingly playful man who had become an inextricable part of her life.
As she navigated the familiar corridors towards the faculty area, Kagome rehearsed the conversation in her mind. She could almost hear Gojo's laughter when she would relay her family's request. Would he take it seriously, or would he simply see it as another opportunity to tease her?
She found him in his usual spot, lounging carelessly in the teacher's lounge with a relaxed smile on his face. Kagome hesitated at the door, watching him for a moment. He seemed so at ease in his own skin, so detached from the usual social anxieties that plagued others. It was one of the things that exasperated her – and yet, she had to admit, it was also one of the things that drew her to him.
"Nice view, isn't it?" His voice broke her reverie, and she found herself locking eyes with his sly smile. "Feel free to take a picture if you'd like."
Kagome rolled her eyes at Satoru's suggestion, a small smile tugging at the corner of her mouth despite her intent to appear unamused. She stepped into the teacher's lounge, taking the seat next to him. "I think I'll pass on the picture. Your ego is already big enough without a shrine of photos."
Satoru chuckled, the sound rich and unbothered. "Ego? I prefer to call it self-assured confidence," he replied, his blue eyes glinting with amusement.
Kagome shook her head, her smile now fully on display. Their banter was typical, a dance of words they had grown accustomed to. "There's a fine line, Satoru, and you crossed it a long time ago."
He leaned back, propping his feet up on the table, giving her a look that was equal parts challenging and teasing. "And yet, here you are, always seeking out my company," he remarked, his tone holding a hint of flirtation that he knew would get a rise out of her.
Kagome's cheeks flushed a light shade of pink, though she would never admit that his words had affected her. "I'm here on official business, actually," she said, trying to steer the conversation back to her original intent.
"Oh? Do tell," his posture suggesting genuine interest now. She opened her mouth to broach the subject of the family dinner, but before she could get the words out, the sound of the bell echoed through the halls, signaling the start of classes. Kagome glanced at the clock, cursing inwardly at the time.
Satoru followed her gaze and sighed dramatically. "Duty calls," he said, standing up and stretching leisurely. "Let's continue this 'official business' later, shall we?"
Kagome stood as well, a twinge of disappointment that she hadn't managed to extend the invitation. "Yes, let's." She gathered her things, feeling Satoru's eyes on her as she made her way to the door.
"Kagome," Satoru called out just as she reached the threshold.
She turned to look at him, her expression inquiring.
"There's something different about you today," he observed, his voice softer than before. "Whatever it is, make sure you share it with me later, okay?"
Kagome nodded, her heart skipping a beat at the unexpected gentleness in his voice. "I will," she promised, before hurrying off to her class.
As she walked away, Kagome felt a mixture of frustration and anticipation. She hadn't accomplished her mission, but Satoru's interest in her 'official business' and his last remark made her believe that perhaps the dinner invitation would be received more warmly than she had expected.
"Good morning student!" Kagome greeted her three students with a warm smile.
"Higurashi sensei! Good morning." chimed Itadori and Nobara in unison, with Megumi nodding his head in acknowledgment.
"How are you sensei?" Itadori asked eagerly, his eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Kagome returned Itadori's smile. "I'm doing well, thank you for asking. And how about you three? Ready for another exciting day of learning?"
The students nodded with enthusiasm.
"Excellent! Let's make today count," Kagome said, leading the way to the classroom, her spirits lifted by the positive energy of her students.
As the class proceeded, Kagome engaged her students in lively discussion and interactive activities. Itadori were participative asking question with how little his knowledge about jujutsu world and Nobara with Megumi helping Kagome answer question for Itadori. Kagome was pleased to see it.
As the lesson drew to a close, Kagome summarized the key points and assigned them some readings for the next class. The students chatted animatedly amongst themselves as they prepared to leave.
However, before they could exit the classroom, the door swung open with a bang, and in strode Satoru, his presence commanding attention.
"Good afternoon, everyone!" Satoru announced loudly, his trademark grin lighting up his face. "I hope you're all ready for a little excitement because we've got a mission!"
The students exchanged glances, clearly taken aback by Satoru's unexpected appearance. Kagome felt a mixture of surprise and annoyance at his intrusion. She had hoped to discuss the dinner invitation with him in private, not in front of her students.
"Satoru, what are you doing here?" Kagome asked, trying to keep her voice steady despite her rising irritation.
Satoru flashed her mischievous grin. "I couldn't resist the opportunity to spice up your classroom routine, Kagome-sensei," he replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement.
Kagome crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "Well, you've certainly succeeded in that," she remarked dryly, shooting Satoru a pointed look.
And of course Satoru being Satoru chuckled, unfazed by Kagome's sarcasm. "Come'on, Kagome, loosen up a little, would ya?" he teased.
Itadori with his curiosity on peak leaned forward eagerly, "are we really going on mission, sensei? What kind of mission?"
Satoru grinned, his blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Ah, that's the fun part. It's a surprise!" he replied.
Nobara raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "A surprise mission? What are we, a group of secret agents?" she quipped, crossing her arms over her chest.
Satoru seemed to consider it. "Nah, we're cooler than them. But think of it as a chance to put your skills to the test," he said, his tone light.
Megumi remained silent, observing the exchange with his usual stoicism. He seemed to be assessing Satoru's words, weighing their significance.
"Hold on Satoru," Kagome interjected, her brow furrowing slightly as she sought clarification. "What exactly do you have in mind? And what about Maki-chan's class? Won't they need you?"
Satoru, ever the carefree spirit, waved off Kagome's concerns with a dismissive gesture, his confidence unwavering. "Don't worry about my class," he reassured her, his tone casual yet assured. "I already gave them a task to keep them occupied."
With a casual flick of his hand, Satoru ushered the group forward, his excitement palpable. "Now chop-chop, time's ticking, guys," he urged them, his playful grin widening. "Let's go and see what kind of mischief we can get into!"
…
"Now what should I do?"
Kagome followed the group as they left the school, her mind consumed by the task she had yet to complete. The mission had come at the most inconvenient time, throwing a wrench into her plans to speak with Satoru alone. Surrounded by her students, who were buzzing with the thrill of a new challenger, she felt even more self-conscious about the dinner.
Nobara and Yuji chattered excitedly with Megumi chiming this and that, speculating about the mission's details and the cursed spirits they might encounter. Satoru contributed to their conversation with his usual nonchalant charisma, occasionally glancing back at Kagome with a hint of curiosity.
Kagome, however, remained unusually silent. Her typical spirited input was absent, replaced by a pensive quietness that didn't go unnoticed. She walked a few steps behind the others, wrestling with the embarrassment of discussing family matters in front of her students.
They arrived at the mission location, a dense area and ominous area where the presence of cursed energy hung heavy in the air, sending shivers down their spines. Satoru, with practiced ease, laid out the curtain around them, concealing their area from prying eyes.
"Remember, safety first," Satoru reminded them. "Communicate and support each other, we'll be here if you need backup."
Itadori, ever eager and curious, couldn't contain his excitement. "What makes this mission so special, sensei?" he pressed, his eyes wide with anticipation. "You've been hyping it all the way."
Satoru grinned mischievously, his index finger pressed to his lips in a playful gesture of secrecy. "Ah, but that's the thing, Yuji," he teased. "It wouldn't be much of a secret if I spilled all the details now, would it?"
"Seriously?" Nobara rolled her eyes at her sensei antics, her skepticism evident in the arch of her brow.
Meanwhile, Megumi, ever the observant one, took in their surroundings with a keen eye, his senses alert for any sign of danger. "Are there any special-grade curses lurking here, sensei?" he inquired, his voice steady despite the tension in the air.
Satoru offered his students a reassuring smile, though his response left much to be desired. "Don't worry," he reassured them, his voice carrying a note of unwavering confidence. "I believe in each and every one of you."
His vague answer only served to heighten their alertness. A silent exchange passed between the trio, their expressions reflecting a shared understanding and determination. With unspoken agreement, they nodded in silent agreement, a silent resolve settling over them as they prepared to embark on their mission leaving Kagome and Satoru alone.
The silence that settled between them was heavy with unspoken words. Kagome could feel Satoru's gaze on her, patient and expectant. It was as though he was giving her the space to speak, yet she found herself hesitating.
"Suddenly got quiet, Kagome," Satoru finally said, breaking the stillness. "That's not like you. Is something wrong?"
Kagome turned to face him, her resolve solidifying. There was no turning back now. "It's just… I wanted to talk to you about something personal, and I didn't want to do it in front of the students."
Satoru's expression softened, his teasing demeanor fading into genuine concern. "You know you can tell me anything, Kagome. What's on your mind?"
Kagome took a deep breath, steeling herself. "My family," she began, her voice a little stronger now. "They want to meet you. They've invited you over for dinner."
For a moment, Satoru was silent, processing her words. Then, a smile slowly spread across his face, one that was both reassuring and kind. "I see. And you were worried about telling me this?"
Kagome nodded, feeling a weight lift off her shoulders as she confessed. "I was. It's just… you're an important part of my life, and they're curious about you. I didn't want to make it a big deal in front of the others."
Satoru's smile widened at her words, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. "You're too sweet to worry." he remarked, his voice gentle. "But don't you think it's about time I met your family properly?"
Kagome furrowed her brows in confusion at Satoru's cryptic comment. "What do you mean by 'properly'?" she asked, a tinge of suspicion in her voice. "Have you met my family before?"
Satoru's eyes danced with a mischievous light. "No, not exactly," he admitted, "but considering how often you share our exploits at your family dinner, I feel like an honorary guest already." His grin widened, revealing a playful arrogance that Kagome had come to expect from him.
Kagome let out a half-hearted laugh, the tension easing from her shoulders. "Well, I suppose you're right," she conceded, a smile finally breaking through her earlier apprehension. "But it's one thing to be a topic of conversation and another to sit at the dinner table."
"True," Satoru acknowledged, nodding thoughtfully. "But I'm looking forward to it. Your family sounds…interesting."
"They are," Kagome said, warmth spreading through her voice as she thought of her loved ones. "They're excited to meet you, though I've warned them you can be a handful."
"Me? A handful?" Satoru feigned shock, placing a hand over his heart as if wounded. "I assure you, Kagome, I can be the epitome of grace when the occasion calls for it."
"I'II believe it when I see it," Kagome teased back, finally feeling the last of her nerves dissipate. The prospect of introducing Satoru to her family no longer seemed daunting with his supportive response.
Satoru chuckled, then glanced in the direction their students had gone. "Now, speaking of being a handful, we should probably make sure those three aren't getting into too much trouble on their mission."
Kagome nodded, grateful for the change of topic. "Right. Let's go. And Satoru?" she added just as they started to move.
He looked at her, an eyebrow raised inquisitively.
"Thank you," she said sincerely, meeting his gaze with a steady one of her own. "For understanding and accepting the invitation. It means a lot to me."
Satoru's expression softened, a rare moment of genuine affection showing through his usual facade of bravado. "It's my pleasure, Kagome. After all," he said with a smile, "how could I pass up the chance to charm your family just as much as I've charmed you?"
Kagome let out a genuine laugh, shaking her head at his incorrigible nature as they walked together toward their students.
…
The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow through the windows of Kagome's family home. The aroma of a home-cooked meal filled the air, and laughter echoed from the dining room where her family had gathered in anticipation of their special guest's arrival.
Kagome fidgeted with the hem of her shirt, her nerves returning as the reality of the situation set in. She'd introduced friends to her family before, but Satoru was different. He wasn't just a colleague; he was a significant part of her life. The thought of how her worlds were about to collide sent a flutter through her stomach.
The doorbell rang, cutting through the hum of conversation. Kagome's heart skipped a beat. "I'II get it!" she called out, more to calm her own nerves than anything else.
She opened the door to find Satoru standing there, his hair as white as ever and his eyes hidden behind sunglasses. Yet, there was something different about him tonight. Perhaps it was the way he held a bottle of fine wine one hand, or the subtle change in his attire, wearing a smart casual jacket that made him look more approachable, less like the untouchable jujutsu sorcerer he was.
"Good evening, Kagome. I hope I'm not too late," Satoru greeted her with a smile in his voice, extending the wine to her. "For your family."
Kagome took the bottle, a smile tugging at her lips despite the butterflies dancing in her stomach. "You're just in time," she assured him. "Come in, they're all eager to meet you."
As they entered the dining room, her family rose to greet the newcomer. Her mother's warm smile was the first to welcome Satoru, followed by her grandfather's curious gaze and Sota's friendly nod.
"Welcome, Gojo-san. We've heard so much about you," Kagome's mother said, offering her hand.
Satoru took it, his manner impeccable. "It's a pleasure to meet you all. Thank you for having me," he replied, his voice carrying the perfect blend of respect and charm.
Dinner commenced with a clinking of glasses and a chorus of 'kanpai'. Satoru regaled them with tales that had just the right amount of embellishment, his animated gestures and infectious laughter filling the room with warmth and laughter. Kagome watched in awe as her family hung on his every word, captivated by his presence.
But as she watched the scene unfold, she couldn't help to feel contentment washing over her. Her family adored Satoru, and he, in turn, seemed genuinely delighted by their company. The evening was a symphony of laughter and conversation, a harmony she hadn't known she'd been missing.
As the evening wore on and it's time for dessert to be served, Kagome's mother turned to her daughter with a warm smile. "Kagome, dear. Could you help me bring the dessert here?"
Kagome nodded, a gentle smile lighting up her face as she rose from her seat to assist her mother. "Of course, Mom," she replied warmly, her movements graceful as she made her way towards the kitchen.
Kagome's mother's eyes followed Kagome's figure until she disappeared behind the dividing wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area. Then she turned her attention back to the dining table, and found herself locking eyes with Satoru.
"I hope you still have room for dessert," she said warmly, her tone inviting. "I have a special treat prepared that I think you'll enjoy."
Just as the anticipation for dessert began to build, Kagome's grandfather cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the room. His weathered face bore a look of curiosity as he posed a question that hung in the air like a delicate wisp of smoke. "Did Kagome ever have a hard time teaching at the school?" he inquired, his voice tinged with genuine interest in his granddaughter's experiences.
Satoru's expression softened with the question, his head tilting in a thoughtful manner. "Kagome is an exceptional teacher," he began, and his voice held a note of respect that had not gone unnoticed. "She's faced challenges, like any teacher does, especially in a field as…unique as ours. But she handles them with a strength and grace that inspires her students—and her colleagues," he added with a glance towards the kitchen.
Her grandfather nodded, the lines in his face deepening with his smile. "She's always been determined, even as a little girl. It's good to hear she's been doing well."
Sota chimed in, his tone teasing, "Yeah, but does she ever let loose? She's always been so serious about her work. I bet she could use a break now and then."
Satoru chuckled, a glint of mischief returning to his eyes. "Oh, Kagome knows how to have fun, but she's dedicated. She finds a balance, even if it means putting extra hours into her lessons plans or training. You should see her in action at the school; she's quite the force."
The family's expressions ranged from amused to impressed as they absorbed Satoru's words. It was clear that he not only respected Kagome professionally but also cared about her well-being.
"We're so relieved," Kagome's mother said. "That Kagome has someone like you watching out for her," Kagome's mother continued, her voice tinged with gratitude. "Especially after what she's been through."
A warning look from the grandfather didn't escape Satoru's notice, but the mother seemed oblivious to it and kept talking, "Kagome…my daughter, she went through a lot when she was younger. It was a difficult time for her. After that happens, something changes on her."
A hush fell over the table. Satoru could see the weight of those memories in the lines of her mother's face, the way her hands clasped tightly together.
"She was always such a bright child, full of life and laughter," her mother went on, her voice barely above a whisper. "After the accident, it's as if a part of that light dimmed. We didn't know how to help her, but then she found her way into the jujutsu world. It gave her a new purpose, a new family of sorts."
"It was a difficult decision, sending her to another dangerous adventure. But we saw how she began to heal in ways we couldn't. And when we saw how she began talking about you…" a smile started gracing the mother's lips, staring at Satoru in a meaningful way.
The grandfather finally understood the flow of conversation and began to join, "we asked Kagome to invite you here so we could express our gratitude, Gojo-san. Kagome has found her way to heal because of you."
Sota nodded, his eyes shining. "Thank you Gojo-san," he bowed his head to the table to show how grateful they were.
Satoru's gaze swept over the family, a sense of warmth spreading through him. He was deeply touched by their words and the sincerity with which they were offered. "I'm just grateful to be part of Kagome's life," he said humbly. "She's brought so much joy and meaning into my world."
Kagome's mother smiles so softly with her eyes reflecting a depth of emotion. "You've brought out the best in her, Gojo-san. For that, we can't thank you enough."
Just then, Kagome returned to the dining room, a tray of beautifully arranged desserts in hand. She felt the shift in the atmosphere as she placed the tray on the table, her eyes flickering between the faces of her family and Satoru.
"Did I miss anything?" she asked, trying to read the room.
Her mother quickly wiped away a tear that was building up in her eyes. "Just sharing some family history with Satoru. Now, let's enjoy this wonderful dessert you've helped prepare."
The evening continued, the earlier somber tone giving way to lighter conversation as they indulged in the sweet treat and the wine Satoru brought. Kagome couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had transpired in her absence, but she let it go, choosing to focus on the laughter and stories that filled the room.
Once the dishes were washed and the leftovers were stowed away, Satoru prepared to leave. He thanked Kagome's mother for the meal, her grandfather for the conversation, and gave Sota a friendly nod.
Kagome walked him to the door, the cool night air brushing against their skin as they stepped onto the porch. "Thank you for coming, Satoru. It means a lot to me," Kagome said, her voice soft under the glow of the porch light.
Satoru turned to her, his glasses hiding his eyes but not the warmth in his smile. "I should be thanking you. Tonight I've been blessed to see how incredible your family is," he said. "And not only that, but with my charisma and charm, I've managed to win your family over completely."
Kagome chuckled softly, "well they already think the world of you, you know."
Satoru's lips curled into a wider smile, one that reached his eyes. "Well, they're not the only ones I was hoping to win over."
Kagome's laughter ceased abruptly, her eyes widening in surprise at his unexpected statement. She searched his gaze, trying to decipher the meaning behind his words.
Satoru chuckled, a playful glint in his eyes as he observed her reaction. "Goodnight, Kagome," he said, his voice carrying a hint of mystery as he turned to leave, his figure disappearing into the darkness of the night. Leaving Kagome pondering alone on the porch.
.
.
.
NOTE : I hope It's not too weird.