【 ꜱʏᴍᴘᴛᴏᴍꜱ ᴀɴᴅ ᴄᴀᴜꜱᴇꜱ 】 ch. 04
x pairing professor!gojo x med student f!reader (medical au)
x summary he's arrogant, self-centered, and he's your professor. renowned for his brilliance in neurosurgery and infamous for his allure. too bad you have to work with him on this research team. now you're stuck with dr. satoru gojo, delving into the complexities of both the brain and the heart—and of how far you'd go for a love that could destroy not only him but you as well.
x wc 7.9 k
x warnings [18+] this story contains substance abuse/addiction, (rough) smut, mature themes, self-destructive behavior, (heavy) angst, mentions of death / illness / blood / abuse, graphic medical procedures. reader discretion is advised.
x author's note has anyone asked for a bit of angst? dive in and let me know what you think—i love hearing your thoughts! & pls like or repost if you enjoyed, it means the world ♡
series masterlist + playlist + ao3 + wattpad
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It had been a week since you had your unconventional date with Gojo. You were back in practical class, relieved that it didn't involve drawing blood like the last time.
Yuta surely was thankful for that.
Doctor Kento was demonstrating how to perform various types of stitches. You paid close attention, even though you knew most of the stitches by heart. When it was time for the students to try, you picked up the needle and thread, grabbed an orange and began to stitch.
You never learned to suture on fruit before, but it must be easier than working on actual human skin, right?
"Bet I can finish my stitches before all of you," Yuta chimed in, a grin spreading across his face as he expertly threaded his needle.
Maki glanced at him. "You're on, Okkotsu. But don't come crying to me when I beat you."
The two worked with newfound speed, their needles weaving through the orange peel. Yuta finished his line first. "See, what did I tell you?" he said with a smile.
Maki leaned closer to inspect his stitching. "Not bad," she admitted. "But check out your spacing here, Yuta. It's a bit off."
Yuta squinted at his work. "Ah, you're right. Gotta work on that."
"And... done!" you said, holding up your perfectly sutured orange.
Yuta turned to look at your work. "Wow, that's some neat stitching. Makes mine look like child's play."
"Impressive," Toge said.
Maki paused her stitching to glance at your handiwork. "Seriously impressive," she commented. "How'd you get so good?"
You smiled. "I had to learn a few things on my own before university," you explained. "And I guess some practice outside of class helped too."
As you finished your set of stitches, doctor Kento came over to inspect your work. His eyebrows raised as he examined the neat line of sutures. "Excellent work," he said. "And I thought you were a failure in practical class, after the mess you made with the blood withdrawal."
Ouch.
Why was he always so direct.
You and your friends were fully engaged in the session, focused on perfecting your suturing techniques. Suddenly, the door opened and professor Gojo entered. He moved towards Kento's desk, as if to retrieve something.
Then, as if drawn by an invisible force, Gojo's gaze found you across the room. His eyes met yours, and a small smile appeared on his lips. You watched him as he walked over to Kento.
Maki leaned closer to you. "Oh, look, Dr. Handsome graces us with his presence," she said. "Isn't it strange how often he shows up around you?"
"Only strange coincidences," you replied, but Maki's raised eyebrow told you she wasn't entirely convinced.
Gojo finished his brief conversation with Kento and made his way over to your group. The others paused, needles in mid-air, as he approached.
"Hello there." His gaze swept over the group and then rested on you. "I see you're all making good progress with your suturing."
Yuta leaned back in his chair. "We're doing our best, professor. But she over here is putting us all to shame," he said, nodding towards you.
Gojo's smile broadened. "Is that so?"
He walked over to you, a bit too close for the classroom setting. He picked up one of your stitched oranges, turning it over in his hands. "Impressive precision."
"But perhaps a bit basic for your skill level," he added, his eyes meeting yours briefly before he picked up another orange from the table. He pulled a chair up to your table, sitting down close enough that his knee brushed against yours under the table.
"Have you ever tried a subcuticular suture?"
"No, I haven't."
Gojo grabbed an unused needle and thread. "Let me show you."
Your friends gathered around, watching as Gojo skillfully maneuvered the needle through the orange peel. "Subcuticular suturing is an intradermal suture that minimizes scarring. You need a steady hand and some patience to do it."
The needle dipped in and out of the orange peel, leaving a nearly invisible line on the surface. "The key is consistent tension," he explained. "Imagine you're weaving, each pass of the needle equidistant to the last, and the thread tension must be just enough to approximate the edges without puckering the tissue."
Once finished, he held up the orange for everyone to see. "See?"
He tossed another orange towards you. Your caught it just in time. "Your turn," he said.
Gojo leaned further towards you, his leg touching yours under the table. Then you felt a hand resting on your thigh. You jumped slightly and immediately kicked him with your foot under the table.
God, Gojo, keep it professional, at least in class.
He received the message and gave you a quick, sly smile that you hoped would go unnoticed by your friends.
With Gojo still watching closely, you began to work on the orange, trying to mirror the technique he had just demonstrated. The stitch was more complex than you were used to. And it didn't help that Gojo was so close.
"Angle the needle a bit more... that's it. Now, even tension as you pull through," he said. You were acutely aware of every comment, every slight touch as he pointed out adjustments.
When you finished, Gojo examined your work, his fingers brushing lightly against your hands as he reached for the orange. "Well done," he said. "You're a quick learner. Or perhaps I'm just a good teacher?"
Sure.
At that moment, Kento approached your table, his gaze lingering on the two of you for a brief second. "Taking over my class, Gojo?"
Gojo straightened, turning to face Kento with a relaxed posture. "Not in the slightest, Kento," he replied. "Only sharing a new technique with the students."
"Well, ensure it doesn't become a regular occurrence," he said. "Managing these students is challenging enough. I don't need any additional burdens."
"Understood, Kento," Gojo said, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. "I'll leave the teaching to the experts, then."
He turned his attention back to you and your friends. "Keep practicing, students," he said, his gaze lingering on you for a moment longer than necessary. As Gojo moved to leave the classroom, he cast one last glance in your direction, his smile lingering.
After he left, Maki leaned closer to you, a suspicious look in her eyes. "You know, he looks at you a bit too long to be just your research partner," she observed in a low voice.
Your stomach fluttered. "Does he?"
Maki leaned back, her eyes studying you closely. "Yeah, It's pretty obvious."
You hesitated, searching for the right words. "We've just gotten to know each other better recently. That's all."
"Uh huh," Maki replied. "Just be careful, okay? He's your professor, after all."
The conversation came to an abrupt halt as Kento redirected the class's attention to the front.
─── ·✧· ───
Later that day, the campus was bathed in warm sunlight, the air filled with the chatter and laughter of students enjoying a break between classes. You were sprawled out on a blanket in the grass with your friends, Toge, Maki, and Yuta, basking in the pleasant warmth of the early afternoon sun.
The breeze, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, rustled through the leaves of the trees. Birds high above scurried and chirped. The world seemed to slow down for a moment, allowing you all to enjoy this brief respite from the university's hustle.
As you lay there, soaking up the sun, your phone buzzed with a new message. Glancing at the screen, you saw Gojo's name. Your stomach fluttered. You sat up, shielding your phone from the sunlight to read the message.
[3:12 PM] Gojo: Why aren't you here?
[3:12 PM] You: Where?
[3:12 PM] Gojo: With me.
[3:13 PM] You: Just done with class.
[3:13 PM] Gojo: Done with class, but not with me. How about we change that?
[3:14 PM] You: Is that an invitation or a challenge?
[3:14 PM] Gojo: Consider it both. I'm at the cafe, and it's missing your presence.
[3:15 PM] You: How tragic. Perhaps, I could be persuaded to change scenery.
[3:15 PM] Gojo: I'm sure I can provide a few persuasive arguments.
[3:16 PM] You: Such as?
[3:16 PM] Gojo: The best coffee on campus, for starters. And, of course, the pleasure of my company.
[3:17 PM] You: Tempting, professor.
[3:17 PM] Gojo: I aim to convince. Join me, and let's see if I can sway your decision further.
[3:18 PM] You: Give me 5 minutes.
[3:18 PM] Gojo: I'll be waiting, first-year.
A smile tugged at the corners of your mouth. Slipping your phone into your pocket, you turned to your friends. "I've got to step out for a bit."
Maki raised an eyebrow. "Mysterious meeting with a certain professor?"
You laughed it off, feeling the warmth of a blush creeping up your cheeks. "Just a coffee break. Nothing to gossip about," you replied, gathering your things.
As you stood up, Maki gave you a knowing look, but she didn't press further. "See you later then," she said with a smile.
You made your way to the campus cafe. The afternoon sun filtered through the leaves of the trees that lined the path, casting dappled shadows on the ground. As you approached, you spotted Gojo waiting outside, casually leaning against a wall. His eyes scanned the crowd until they settled on you.
A smile played on his lips as he pushed off the wall and strolled over to you. "I was starting to think you'd ditched me," he teased, his snow-white hair falling loosely across his forehead.
"Ditching my favorite professor? Never," you quipped back, falling into step beside him. Entering the campus cafe, you both queued up to grab coffees.
"So I'm your favorite, huh?" he said. "I'm flattered."
"Well, you do make things more interesting."
"Is that so?" He leaned in slightly closer. "I'm not just an interesting professor, you know."
"Oh?" you responded, your tone feigning innocence. "Pray, enlighten me, professor Gojo."
His lips curved into a sly smile. "Well, that's a conversation for a different setting."
"Such a tease, professor."
The barista called out for the next order. "An americano for me, and whatever she's having," he said to the woman behind the counter, already reaching into his back pocket for his wallet.
"You know I can pay for myself."
He glanced at you. "I know, but I don't want you to."
After picking up your coffees, Gojo guided you through the campus towards its back garden. "Thought we could use a bit of privacy," he said. "Less chance of running into nosy students or colleagues."
As you followed him, the firm pavement turned into a lush, vibrant green carpet of grass and flowers. The garden was in full bloom, with knee-high blossoms exuding a sweet scent that wafted through the air.
Suddenly, he strayed off the path and into the grass. Without a word, he lay down, almost disappearing among the colorful blossoms. He lay on his back, arms folded behind his head, gazing up at the cerulean sky.
"You're really just going to lie down there?"
He looked up at you with a relaxed smile. "Why not? It's a beautiful day. Come, join me."
Hesitantly, you sat down beside him, tucking your legs to the side. The grass was soft and cool beneath you, and the floral scent enveloped you. Sunlight filtered through the leaves of the nearby trees, casting playful, dappled shadows across the two of you.
Your gaze flicked around the area, half-expecting someone to appear. "Aren't you worried about someone seeing us?"
He chuckled, his eyes still fixed on the sky. "There's no one around. And even if there was, we're just two people enjoying a beautiful day. Nothing wrong with that."
Yeah, nothing wrong with a young, stupidly attractive professor and one of his students lying on the grass together.
You watched him for a moment.
Gojo wore his usual white button-down shirt, which accentuated his well-built physique, the top few buttons casually undone. Dark designer sunglasses adorned the bridge of his nose. His sleek white hair was tousled by the gentle breeze that caressed the garden.
As he reclined amid the flourishing garden, the shifting patterns of light and shadow played a mesmerizing dance upon his skin. He seemed to savour every ray of sunlight that touched his skin. The corners of his lips curled upward.
"We have a potential case," he began, shifting to a more serious tone. "There's a patient who might be a perfect candidate for the neurotransplant procedure."
You glanced at his bandaged hand. "Are you sure you're ready for that? With your hand still healing?"
He lifted his hand, testing its movement as he flexed his fingers. "It's healing better than expected. It has to be okay," he said. "Besides, Principal Yaga is really breathing down both mine and Geto's necks about it. He wants to see results."
"And you're okay with that?"
"There's no other way."
You pondered for a second.
"The patient's young, only sixteen," he revealed.
"Sixteen? That's so young," you murmured.
"I know, but he's a perfect fit for this surgery. He wants this chance, and we owe it to him to give our best."
Your brows furrowed.
"I know you're worried," he began. "But trust me, we'll take every necessary precaution. And this time, we have the advantage of everything we've learned so far. We're in this together, and I'll be right there by your side every step of the way."
You smiled faintly.
Gojo propped himself up on one elbow to face you. "What happened to your fearless spirit? When we first met, you suggested an approach in surgery that even I hadn't considered. It was bold, a bit crazy even."
"It was a different situation. That patient was dead either way. So it didn't really matter".
He lay back down, gazing up at the sky. "Wow, how pragmatic of you."
"Aren't you scared? That we mess this up?"
"No, not really. I trust you."
You huffed. Yeah, if only you could have his confidence.
"Why does it always seem like you're so carefree?" you asked him.
He let out a soft chuckle. "Me, carefree? Not exactly. It's more that I've stopped giving a fuck about the small stuff. Stick around in research long enough, and you'll learn to do the same."
"Stopped giving a fuck, huh?" you mused, raising an eyebrow. "That's one way to live a careless life, I suppose."
"It's not about being careless. It's about choosing what deserves your energy and what doesn't."
"And what deserves the energy of one of the most famous neurosurgeons?"
His smile deepened. "Challenging surgeries, medical mysteries and, of course," he paused, " intriguing students who keep me on my toes."
Before you could react, Gojo grasped your shoulders in a swift, unexpected move and pushed you back down onto the grass. Suddenly, you were looking up at him, his face inches from yours, his eyes holding yours in a captivating gaze. Your heart raced.
"Are you insane? What if someone sees us like this?" Panic tinged your voice as you instinctively tried to push him away, but he remained steadfast.
Gojo's eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "Would it really be that bad?"
He was surely insane.
Yet, your breath caught in your throat as Gojo's eyes burned into yours. You could see the raw desire in his eyes, mirroring your own.
"You're always so tense, first-year," he teased. "Need someone to help you relax?"
"Gojo, we really shouldn't—," you tried to protest. But your body betrayed you, responding to his closeness. You felt your core heating up.
His lips grazed your earlobe, sending delightful shivers cascading down your spine. "Shouldn't what?" he whispered. "Have a little fun?"
Your heart raced as his lips traced a tantalizing path along your jawline, leaving a trail of heated anticipation in their wake. "Gojo," you breathed out, torn between desire and restraint.
Suddenly, Gojo's hand reached out, grasping your wrists that were still pushing against his chest. He pinned your hands above your head, pressing them into the lush grass.
He paused for a moment, his lips hovering just above yours. "Tell me to stop," he challenged softly.
You swallowed hard, acutely aware of his presence, his warm breath, and his other hand that found its way between your legs. "Gojo, seriously," you whispered. "We're in public."
Yet you couldn't stop yourself from letting your head fall back. Your back arched into him as his fingers traced a slow path along the inside of your leg. "Thrilling isn't it?" His lips moved ever so slightly against the curve of your neck. "Didn't hear the word 'stop' yet."
Yes.
Fuck.
Please stop.
Please be the reasonable one of you two.
Because you surely were not able to.
"Gojo, this is crazy." You took a deep, shaky breath, trying to still the rapid beating of your heart. "We can't... not here."
He pulled back slightly, his eyes still locked with yours. "Then tell me to stop."
You knew you should push him away, end this dangerous game before it went any further. But the desire to give in was overwhelming. His fingers continued their slow, deliberate path, now dangerously close to your core. "I'm waiting, first-year."
His touch ventured higher, feather-light yet electrifying, teasing over your most sensitive spot between your legs. A soft moan broke from your lips. Instantly, his hand clamped over your mouth.
"Shh, sweetheart," he cautioned, his breath hot against your lips. "What if someone hears us? We wouldn't want to get caught, now would we?"
With a sly smirk, Gojo pulled back, granting you a moment to catch your breath. He sat upright. "Seems I can't trust you to keep quiet."
Your heart raced as you watched him, unable to form a coherent response. Gojo had a way of leaving you breathless and wanting more, and you couldn't deny that you were drawn to the dangerous game he was playing.
Eventually, Gojo stood up, casually brushing off grass from his clothes. "Break's over," he said, glancing at his watch. "I've got a lecture in 15 minutes."
He extended a hand toward you, offering to help you up. You took his hand, allowing him to pull you to your feet. Standing close, your eyes locked once more, though your gaze briefly dropped, noticing something.
"You can't go lecture like that."
Looking down, Gojo sighed. "Yeah, it always happens with you. Don't worry, I'll just remember your clumsy attempt to draw blood from Okkotsu's arm. That should take care of it."
Oh, how funny.
"By the way, we're starting the surgical practice again tomorrow, right after your last class," he added. "Wear something nice and easy to get rid of."
─── ·✧· ───
You pulled on your surgical gloves, positioning yourself in front of today's human brain test subject. The sun was beginning to set, casting a crimson glow through the windows and onto the sterile surfaces of the lab.
You went straight into action. You stabilized the tissue as Gojo proceeded to implant the neurotransplant into the cerebral cortex. You breathed slowly, trying to keep your hands as still as possible.
You and Gojo worked together in silence. Every muscle tensed. Gojo successfully placed the neuroimplant in the intended location in the brain. However, when it came time to test the connection between the implant and the biometric arm that the patient would eventually use, something went wrong.
The neural signals fluctuated, failing to align with the anticipated patterns. After double-checking the connections and recalibrating the equipment, you traced the issue back to the placement of the implant.
"Looks like the placement is slightly off," you said, examining the data on the screen. "The implant is a bit too far to the right. That's why we're not getting a proper signal."
Gojo sighed. "A fraction of a millimeter off, and it makes all the difference," he muttered, his gaze fixed on the brain before him. "Let's redo this part. We need to make sure we get this right."
You retrieved a fresh brain from the lab's refrigerator. You sure were spending these brains like you get them at the supermarket.
But Gojo wanted perfection. And so did you.
You made the first incision, exposing the underlying area of the brain where the neuroimplant would be placed. Gojo followed with another incision, providing access to the targeted cortical area as you stabilized the tissue. Gojo then carefully placed the neuroimplant in place.
You watched Gojo closely. It was then that you noticed a subtle tremble in his hand.
"Gojo, your hand..."
He glanced at his hand briefly. "It's nothing to worry about," he said. "Just a slight tremor. It'll pass."
He paused for a moment and took a deep breath to steady himself before continuing. You watched him, noticing the small beads of sweat that formed on his forehead.
"Gojo, if your hand isn't ready, we should—"
"I know. Just give me a second," he cut you off.
Despite his words, Gojo's hand continued to tremble more noticeably as the procedure carried on. The strain on his face became more evident.
At a crucial point in the procedure, when precision was essential, Gojo's hand shook erratically. He tried to steady it, but the tremor proved too severe. After a moment's hesitation, he abruptly withdrew his hand. He muttered a curse under his breath.
He tore off his surgical gloves, tossing them into the trash with unnecessary force. The sound of his heavy breathing filled the otherwise quiet lab.
You watched him, the room enveloped in stillness.
Gojo leaned heavily against the lab counter, his head hanging low. After a minute, he ran his hands through his hair and met your gaze. "Let's switch roles. I'll take care of the parts I can do with one hand, and you'll handle the critical aspects."
What?
"You mean I should try the implant placement?"
"Yeah," Gojo confirmed. "You've got steady hands, and we just need to ensure it's placed correctly. My hand will heal by the time of the actual surgery."
"I'm not sure, Gojo."
He walked over to you. "We'll need to practice," he continued. "I want to make sure we have every step down perfectly."
"Okay, then let's try it."
So, you prepared again, this time with you in the lead and Gojo at your side, standing close. You glanced at his hand. "Are you sure you can manage with just one hand?"
He smirked. "One hand is all I need to get the job done."
You didn't give him the satisfaction on answering to that.
You began the procedure.
"You're doing well," he said as you carefully maneuvered the tools. His voice close and calm. Every so often, you caught Gojo flexing his injured hand, working through the discomfort. Yet, he remained focused on guiding you through the process. "A steeper angle gives you better access... yes, perfect."
The session progressed more smoothly than you had anticipated. As you completed the practice run, a sense of accomplishment washed over you. You had successfully completed the implant placement.
"We make a good team," Gojo remarked. "I knew you could do it."
You found yourself smiling. "Thanks to your guidance, professor."
"Let's try again just to make sure."
You both prepared for another round of practice. As you repeated the procedure, you became acutely aware of Gojo inching closer. His focus seemed to shift away from the procedure to something other.
"Gojo what are you doing?"
Suddenly, you felt him lean in closer from behind. His breath was warm on the back of your neck, causing a shiver to run down your spine. You could feel him subtly inhaling, as if taking in your scent.
"Did you change your shampoo?"
His question caught you off guard, causing a momentary lapse in your focus. "Ehm, yeah."
"Hm. Change it back. I liked the other one better."
You cleared your throat, trying to ease the flutter in your stomach. "We should really focus on—"
Without warning, he reached out and took the surgical tools from your hands. "We've practiced enough for today."
You turned around to face him. "We could still use some more time to—"
Before you could finish your sentence, he leaned in, closing the space between you. "I think there are other things we should be focusing on right now, wouldn't you agree?" he said, his voice a husky whisper.
He set the surgical tools down on the table behind you. Gojo inched even closer, his lips hovering over yours. "Sometimes, first-year," he whispered, his breath mingling with yours, "—it's important to know when to take a break and enjoy the moment."
In a fluid motion, he lifted you effortlessly, setting you down on the edge of the lab table. His hands were planted firmly on either side of you. Your pulse quickened as you looked up into his crystal blue eyes, unable to tear your eyes away from his.
"Hard work should be rewarded," he went on. "Don't you think so?"
You couldn't find the words to respond, your breaths growing shallow. He reached up, his fingers grasping your hair at the nape of your neck. His tilted your head back, exposing the delicate skin of your neck to his gaze.
"Tell me," he whispered, his lips brushing against your neck, "where should I start?" His mouth met your skin, planting deliberate, slow kisses along your neck. Your breath hitched.
His hands slipped beneath your shirt, pulling you closer until your chest pressed against his. His fingers began to explore the skin underneath your shirt. The sensation of his touch was like fire, sparking a heat within you that you hadn't known before.
He trailed his lips down to your collarbone, each kiss a question. "Should I start here?"
Your arms found their way around his neck, pulling him even closer. The realization that you were crossing a line was there, in the back of your mind, but it was overshadowed by the overwhelming need to be close to him.
Breathless, hearts racing, you both surrendered to the moment. He pulled your shirt over your head, tossing it aside. In an instant, his lips found your collarbone once more, trailing down to your chest. "Or here?" His warm, wet breath brushed against your skin. His fingers dug into your hips.
"Gojo," you breathed out, unable to say anything other than his name.
"What is it, sweetheart? Tell me, where do you need it?" He placed soft, lingering kisses down your chest until he reached your breasts. The sensation sent a wave of warmth through you as he kissed the skin right above the hem of your bra.
Then, in one fluid motion, Gojo knelt before you, his eyes never leaving yours. He lifted one of your legs, placing it over his shoulder. With his hand, he pushed the other away, spreading your legs apart. Unable to support yourself on the table any longer, you leaned back.
He continued, placing kisses over the fabric of your jeans, from your knee up to your thighs. "How do you like it here?"
He persisted in his journey up to your sensitive spot, mere inches away from it, his face nestled between your legs. "Tell me, should I start here, sweetheart?"
Overwhelmed, you leaned back further on the table, resting on your elbows for support. Then, accidentally, you pushed the glass container holding the brain, causing it to tip over. The preservative liquid spilled across the table, drenching both of you. You sat up abruptly.
Gojo pulled back. "Did you just spill brain fluid on us?"
"I guess I did," you admitted, still trying to process what had just happened. Here you were, in the middle of a lab, drenched in preservation fluid from a human brain, right before... well, you'd rather not think about it.
Gojo stood up, wiping his face with his sleeve. "Well, that's one way to cool down." He offered you a hand to help you stand up properly. "We should call it quits for today."
You stood, glancing down at your drenched jeans, still feeling the remnants of his kisses and touches on your heated skin.
He leaned in. "You know, if you wanted to get me wet, there are far more enjoyable ways to do it." Then he backed away with a playful smirk.
Back home, you tossed your shampoo bottle into the trash.
─── ·✧· ───
The day of the surgery had finally arrived.
You methodically scrubbed your hands and arms, the sterile scent of the hospital soap filling the room. Through the window, you could see the young patient being prepared in the operating room. He smiled nervously as the nurse inserted the anesthesia needle into his arm.
Is he more nervous or are you? Perhaps you.
The observation gallery was filling up with hospital staff and the usual press, setting up cameras to document the high-stakes surgery. The weight of their gazes, even from a distance, was palpable, intensifying the pressure.
You glanced at the clock on the wall. Gojo hadn't arrived yet. Your heart rate quickened slightly. You reminded yourself that Gojo's hand had been functioning perfectly in the days leading up to the surgery. There was nothing to worry about, right?
Taking a deep breath, you tried to calm yourself. As you continued your preparations, the door to the washing room opened, and Geto stepped in.
"Geto," you greeted him, trying to mask your surprise. "What are you doing here?"
"I just wanted to wish you luck," he replied with an easy smile. "But I guess you're so prepared you won't need any."
"Thank you."
"I'll be cheering on you from the observation gallery."
You nodded. After a moment of silence, you said, "Do you know where Gojo is? He should have been here by now."
Geto's brow furrowed. "Hm? I'm not sure, actually. He didn't mention anything to me about being late."
Your stomach turned. It was unlike Gojo to be late, especially on a day like this. "I need to find him," you said, removing your gloves.
"Should I come with you?"
"No, I'll be fine."
You hurried out of the washing room, your mind racing. Where could Gojo be? Was it because of his hand? Or something else? You quickened your pace, moving through the corridors of the hospital, checking every possible place where Gojo could be.
Pulling out your phone, you called Gojo's number. But he didn't answer. You tried calling again, each ring echoing your growing anxiety. Still, silence.
You reached his office. The door was shut and no one answered when you knocked. Taking a deep breath, you cautiously opened it and peered into the dimly lit room.
The blinds were drawn, casting the office in near darkness. Your eyes adjusted, and that's when you saw him—Gojo, slumped against the wall, his legs sprawled on the floor, head tilted back.
Your heart sank as you saw him.
No.
No.
This can't be real.
You stepped inside, closing the door behind you. You knelt in front of him. Gently, you cupped his pale face in your hands, urging him to look at you. His usually sharp eyes were unfocused as they struggled to fix on you.
No doubt.
"Satoru," you whispered, his first name escaping your lips. There was no need to address him by his last name anymore, was there?
Not anymore.
His slightly glassy eyes flickered, showing a glimmer of recognition, but he seemed distant, lost in a world of his own—clouded by whatever substance he had taken.
The realization hit you hard.
"Satoru," you called his name again, more urgently this time.
His lips parted, an attempt at speech, but only a slurred, indistinct sound emerged. It was painful to see him like this, to witness the downfall of a person you respected and cared so deeply for. Your skin run cold with fear.
"Fuck, Satoru what are you doing?" you asked, your fingers tenderly stroking his cheek. You needed answers, but more than that, you needed to understand why.
Why?
Why today?
Why Satoru?
You shook him slightly, trying to get any response from him. "Satoru, answer me!"
His focus sharpened slightly, and he murmured, "God, you look so beautiful today."
You shook your head. "What are you saying?"
You swallowed the lump forming in your throat, fighting back the tears that threatened to overwhelm you. Right now, you needed to be strong—for him, for the patient waiting in the OR, and for the team depending on you both.
"We need to call this surgery off," you said as you tried to stand up but his grip on your wrist halted you.
"No, wait!" he said. "We can't call it off."
"What?"
"There's too much at stake. If we don't go through with it today, the project will be dead. The funding, everything we've worked for, will be lost."
"Are you insane? You're fucking high, you can't operate!"
He tilted his head up to meet your gaze. "You can."
Gojo's words hit you like a ton of bricks. "You are insane." You stared at him. "I can't do that."
"You're prepared for this," he countered, gaining a semblance of clarity in his speech. "You know the procedure inside and out. You've practically done it already."
"Don't ask this of me, Satoru," you pleaded, feeling the weight of the responsibility he was trying to place on your shoulders.
Shakily, he stood up, his hands gripping your shoulders. "You can do it," he insisted. "I know you can and I'll be there to assist you."
"Geto is also here, he should do it. "
"Suguru hasn't trained for this specific approach. He won't be able to do it without harming the patient. But you can."
"Then we call it off!" you raised your voice, feeling trapped.
"No, you should do it. You need to do this."
You stared at him, lost for words. The intensity in Gojo's eyes was undeniable, his grip on your shoulders firm yet pleading. "You are the only one who can do this now. And I'll be there to guide you. You have the skills, the knowledge. You've done it before, you can do it again."
"This is insane. You can't assist in your condition," you whispered, holding back tears.
"Give me a few minutes and I'll be ready. I swear."
You studied his face, the redness in his eyes betraying his current state. "Fuck, Satoru. Why are you making me do this?"
"You can do it, I know you can."
Silence.
You nodded.
Stepping into the OR your heart raced. Sweat broke out on your forehead. You moved as if in a trance, the reality of the situation numbing your senses. You and Gojo scrubbed up, then walked into the OR where the patient lay prepped and waiting.
You took your position at the operating table where Satoru was supposed to stand. You could feel the weight of numerous eyes on you; could hear them whispering, but no one dared to say anything. Not with Satoru Gojo beside you. No one dared to question him.
Your eyes darted to the gallery. You saw Geto rise from his seat, his brows furrowed as he stepped closer to the glass in front of him.
"Ignore him," Gojo whispered beside you. "Focus on what's in front of you."
Taking a deep, steadying breath, you turned your attention back to the patient, the ridiculous young patient lying open skull in front of you.
Then you held out your hand to Satoru. "Scalpel, please."
─── ·✧· ───
The clapping around you was a distant sound, barely reaching your ears as you stepped back from the operating table. The surgery was a success. Stress and adrenaline abruptly left your body, leaving you feeling suddenly empty and nauseous.
You run over to the corner of the OR, barely making it to the trash bin before succumbing to the overwhelming urge to vomit. Your body shook with each heave.
The whole room suddenly fell silent.
After vomiting into the trash bin, your body shaking from the sudden release of tension, you pushed your way out of the OR. You heard Satoru call your name, but chose to ignore it. You needed space; you needed to get away from him.
You rushed through the sterile corridors of the hospital. Finally reaching a bathroom, you locked yourself in, pressing your back against the door as you fought to steady your breathing.
The clinical smell of the bathroom was sickening.
The sterile exterior felt sickening.
Everything felt sickening in that moment.
You splashed cold water on your face, trying to wash away the remnants of nausea and regain your composure.
Fuck, you whispered.
Fuck.
Fuck.
Fuck!
Your hands clenched tightly around the edge of the sink, knuckles white with tension. Tears brimmed in your eyes, threatening to spill over, but you willed them back.
Why did it feel like your heart was being torn to shreds?
Your breaths came in rapid succession, shallow and uneven, as panic threatened to take over. But you couldn't let it. Not now. Falling apart was not an option. You forced yourself to take slow, deliberate breaths.
Inhale. Exhale.
Inhale. Exhale.
With one final, deep breath, you pushed open the bathroom door. Pulling out your phone, you called Geto without hesitation. "Where are you?" you demanded, cutting through any pleasantries.
"In my office."
You hung up and marched straight to his office, pushing the door open without bothering to knock.
"When did you want to tell me he's a fucking addict?" You yelled at him.
Geto stood up, his hands planted firmly on his desk. "When did you want to tell me you're fucking him?" he shot back, his voice equally furious.
You didn't even spend the breath to correct him.
You approached him. "I didn't know my love life concerns you that much."
"Don't you get it? He's your professor, he's lecturing you, you're working on this project together that could shape your whole career. What was that even about just now? Why did you do the surgery?"
"Because Gojo was high, damn it! He was fucking high!" Your frustration boiled over, your hands tugging at your hair as you paced the room.
"You should have called off the surgery! What were you thinking?"
"Huh?" You turned to him. "What I was thinking? What were you thinking? Why didn't you tell me? You knew, didn't you?"
He sank back into his chair, tilting his head back as he let out a heavy sigh. "I thought he had it under control."
Was he for real?
"Under control?" you hissed. "Since when do addicts have their addiction under control?"
The room fell silent.
"You should have told me, Geto," you said as you sat down on the chair in from of his desk.
Geto leaned forward, rummaging through his coat pocket. He retrieved a cigarette and lighter. As he lit it, the flame briefly illuminated his face in a warm, orange glow. The cigarette's tip crackled softly, the smoke curling upwards in lazy spirals.
"Smoking in the office now?"
As he took a slow drag, the cigarette's cherry end burned brighter, and he inhaled deeply, letting the smoke fill his lungs. A sense of calm seemed to wash over him, his tense shoulders relaxing slightly as he exhaled a thin plume of smoke into the room.
"Does it matter anymore?" he said as he took another drag from his cigarette. He leaned back, the creak of the leather chair punctuating the silence. His dark eyes were fixed on you. Wisps of smoke curled around him.
"When did it start? With Gojo?" you asked him.
His lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out. Instead, he took another slow drag from his cigarette, exhaling slowly as he continued to study you. Then his eyes drifted away for a moment.
"It started back in our university days," he finally said. "Satoru was always the charismatic one, the life of every gathering. Back then, it was just for fun, a way to let off steam, to unwind after exam periods."
The ember of his cigarette glowed brighter with each drag, casting a faint light on his face. "But over time it got worse. The occasional use became more frequent, and he lost control. He started needing the drugs just to get through the day. On good days, he could mask it, but on the bad ones..."
He trailed off.
"He tried to quit, to get clean, but it's... he developed such a high tolerance for it that he could easily take drugs and still function. Eventually, he became an expert at hiding his addiction."
Your stomach tightened. The truth felt like a heavy stone on your chest, and it refused to go away. Then your phone rang with a message. Startled, you reached for it. Your heart skipped a beat as you saw the name.
[5:43 PM] Gojo: Where are you?
"Message from your lover?" Geto asked dryly, rising from his seat to get something out of a cupboard.
You tucked your phone back into your pocket. "He wants to know where I am."
"Of course he wants to know." Geto remarked, returning to his desk with a bottle and two glasses. He poured a rich, dark liquid into the glasses, sliding one towards you.
"I don't really drink," you said, observing him take a sip of his whiskey.
"What a shame."
"What happens to the project now?"
Geto laughed. "The project? It was a full success, wasn't it? The neurotranplant worked. The surgery worked. The media will love the story of a young, brilliant surgeon performing such a groundbreaking procedure. They'll be even more fascinated when they find out you're still a student."
"You find this amusing?"
"Not really. It's my project, after all," he replied, taking another sip. He set his glass down, his gaze meeting yours. "They'll want you to lead more surgeries like this one, to further validate the technique."
"I don't think I can do that again. Just the thought of it makes me sick."
Your phone vibrated again.
[5:48 PM] Gojo: Where the hell are you?
[5:48 PM] Gojo: Talk to me.
You stared at the screen.
"You want to go to him?"
"No." Without hesitation, you reached for the glass of liquor, tilted your head back, and swallowed the drink in one fluid motion. The alcohol burned in your throat. "I want to leave."
"Should I drive you home?"
"No, I'm fine," you said, setting the empty glass back on the desk with a slight clink.
─── ·✧· ───
After leaving Geto's office, you made your way to the elevator, lost in thought. The doors slid open, and you were jolted back to reality by the sight of Satoru leaning against the wall inside the elevator. His eyes looked up at you.
No way.
Before you could react or step aside, the people behind you, caught up in their own hurry, pushed forward, shoving you into the elevator. The confined space forced you to stand close to Satoru, your back to him.
The elevator began its descent. The people around you chattered, but you felt that the silence between you and Satoru was louder. You could feel his presence only centimeters away. The close quarters left no room for avoidance, and you were acutely aware of every breath Satoru took.
The elevator ride felt like an eternity, each second stretching out as you struggled to maintain your composure.
"You smell like smoke," Satoru observed quietly.
"Are you still high?" you retorted under your breath, not turning to face him.
"I'm good."
"You're good?" you echoed. "How can you even say that after what happened today?"
"You're angry."
"Angry is an understatement," you replied, turning slightly.
He leaned closer, wrinkling his nose. "Did you drink?" he asked, a bit too loudly. "Are you drunk?"
"It's none of your business, Satoru."
As the elevator stopped and its doors slid open, you saw your chance to escape and quickly maneuvered through the crowd. You wanted to put as much distance between you and him as possible.
The lobby of the hospital was a blur as you rushed through it, Satoru's voice calling after you, but you ignored him. You wanted nothing more than to get away from him.
You pushed through the exit doors and stepped outside, only to be greeted by a heavy downpour. The rain drenched you almost instantly, but you hardly noticed.
His footsteps splashed behind you. "Talk to me!" he called out, his voice barely audible over the sound of the pouring rain.
You quickened your pace, the rain streaming down your face. Your heart ached as you tried to distance yourself from the situation, from Satoru, from everything.
"Enough of this crap already! Talk to me!"
"Leave me alone, Satoru!"
"Then just tell me!" he implored, his tone desperate. "Tell me, will it ever stop?"
You halted, but didn't turn to face him. The rain was relentless, soaking through your clothes, matting your hair against your face. "What do you mean?" you called over the downpour.
"Wanting you—every damn second of every fucking day. I don't think I can take it anymore."
His words cut through the sound of the rain, raw and unguarded. For a moment, you were speechless, his confession hanging heavily in the air between you. You slowly turned to face him, seeing in his eyes a tumult of emotions that mirrored your own.
"Satoru—," your voice barely rose above the rain.
"I can't ignore it," he said, taking a step towards you, closing the gap. "I've tried, believe me, I've tried. But it's always there—you are always there."
Your heart pounded against your chest as he stopped mere inches away from you. Raindrops trickled down his face, cascaded down his striking white hair, which clung to his forehead and temples.
"So tell me," he urged. "Will it ever stop? Because I don't know if I can take it much longer."
You were both soaked to the skin, standing in the middle of the downpour, the world around you blurring into insignificance.
"It's killing me, pretending not to want you is killing me," he said quietly.
He stepped closer. His hands reached out, gently cupping your face.
Then, he kissed you.
Without warning, without permission.
Without even deciding to do it, simply because he couldn't not do it.
His lips pressed firmly against yours, molding to their contours as if they had been crafted to fit together. The world around you faded away, leaving only the sensation of his warm breath mingling with yours, the electrifying touch of his fingers on your cheek, and the intoxicating taste of his mouth.
Your hands found their way to his rain-soaked shirt, fingers clutching the fabric of his shirt as if you were afraid he might disappear if you let go. His mouth moved hungrily against yours, and you responded in kind, as if trying to convey all the unspoken words and feelings that had lingered between you for far too long.
As the rain poured down, you tasted rainwater mixed with his unique flavor, and in that moment, nothing else mattered. You finally gave in to the undeniable pull that had drawn you together, allowing it to consume you completely.
Because that's how it felt. Satoru Gojo consumed you.
His tongue grazed your lower lip, seeking permission to explore further, and you willingly granted access. His tongue explored every inch of your mouth, caressing and teasing, his urgency and intensity increasing with each passing second.
His arms wrapped around you, pulling you closer. Your bodies pressed closer together. His hands roamed your body with a newfound boldness, tracing the curve of your waist, the small of your back, and the nape of your neck. Each touch sent shivers down your spine, and you couldn't help but respond in kind, your fingers tangling in his hair.
But as you kissed, the reality of what had just happened crashed over you like the waves of the rainstorm around you. In that fleeting moment, you hesitated, and Satoru pulled back.
Separated now, both of you stood there, breathless and drenched by the rain. He lowered his forehead to rest against yours. His arms remained loosely around you.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
"No, it's... don't speak."
You both stood there under the relentless downpour, the rain streaming down your face, mirroring the tears that had started to well up in your eyes. Satoru reached up to tenderly brush away the tears that slipped down your cheeks.
The silence stretched between you, filled with words you were too afraid to say.
Then you pushed away and turned.
You walked away.
He didn't follow you.
─── ·✧· ───
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x a/n: let the angsty and hurtful part of the story begin haha. as always thank you for reading ♡
🏷️ @sad-darksoul @aerithsthingss @mylovelessnightmare @bbyxxm @musababy @neuviloved
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