Where Did I Go Wrong | Gojo Satoru x Reader | Old Beats AU

Chapter 1

The m̶a̶n̶ monkey's body twists with a crack, and you look away just in time not to see it explode.

It's disgusting.

Now the tatami is covered in blood and other things—more solid things—you don't even want to look at. There's some clapping, but most people look just like you: uncomfortable. Some are terrified. Well, they knew what they were getting into, didn't they? So did you, when you made the decision to come here, years ago. All the cards were on the table, and he never lied to you.

You lift your gaze from the floor and meet his sharp eyes. He raises a single eyebrow, and you let out a sigh.

You've known each other far too long to need words. You know that face.

"Behave," he warns. "Don't undermine me in here."

Suguru knows watching m̶e̶n̶ monkeys die gets to you. You've tried to normalize it, but you never could. They come to the temple asking for help—you know their lives—and when they're no longer useful, that cracking sound... you have to look away every time. Suguru would like you to be more enthusiastic about it, but for now, he's content with your presence. Not that you've ever talked about it openly. You don't need to. That's why you've been close friends for a decade.

The sister of the crushed m̶a̶n̶ monkey starts screaming, and chaos follows. You need a break.

While Suguru's henchmen begin clearing out the room and calling the cleaning crew, you head for the exit, pulling a pack of cigarettes from your back pocket.

You hide the cigarette in your closed fist when someone catches you from behind.

"Auntie!" Nanako yells, squeezing you tight. She reminds you of the m̶a̶n̶ monkey. Ugh. "Where are you going?"

"I've told you a thousand times not to call me that. Makes me sound ancient." You ruffle her hair, unable to stop the smile creeping across your face.

"But you are ancient! Like four hundred years old." She bursts out laughing when she sees your annoyed expression.

"We're only twelve years apart!"

"And that's not a lot?"

"Where are you going, Y/n?" Mimiko asks from behind.

Hard to believe they're twins. They don't look alike, act alike, and their favorite hobby seems to be teasing you. But honestly, being with them is one of the best things life's given you. Before they came along, it was way too much testosterone around you.

You shake an unpleasant thought out of your head and discreetly tuck the cigarette back into your pocket.

"I'm just getting some air," you say casually. "It's been intense in there. You two should go out and enjoy the weather too."

Nanako raises one eyebrow, and for a second she reminds you of Suguru. Can genes be contagious?

"We're not dumb. We know you're going to smoke."

"Me? What? I quit years ago." You try to sound innocent. You're terrible at it.

"Sure, sure."

She's already typing something on her phone, not paying attention. Teenagers, ugh. You weren't like that at their age—definitely not.

"Auntie" Mimiko says. You turn to her. "Can you take us to the movies tonight?"

"Hmm. Tonight?" You touch your lips, trying to remember if you have any unmissable plans. Sadly, none come to mind. "What do you want to see?"

"Bloody Worm 3." Mimiko's eyes gleam like they only do when violence's involved. "It's about a parasite that—"

"Okay, okay, stop. La-la-la." You plug your ears with your fingers as they laugh. "You're sadists. I'll take you, but I'm waiting outside. I'm not sitting through that."