Suguru Geto wasn’t the type to express feelings. He kept everything locked inside, hidden behind that calm, serene exterior that fooled even his best friend. While Satoru Gojo never stopped talking, laughing loudly and clapping at his own nonsense, Geto was the opposite: quiet, rational, with that sharp sense of responsibility that made him the balance of the duo.

They left campus together, backpacks slung over their shoulders, crossing the street bathed in the orange glow of the setting sun. The fading light reflected off Gojo’s sunglasses as he walked carefree, sucking on a lollipop.

Geto adjusted the strap of his bag, rubbed the back of his neck, and drew in a breath before speaking, trying to sound casual:

“Well... how’s your sister doing? Haven’t seen her in a few days. I mean... the three of us haven’t hung out in a while.”

Gojo turned his head, grinned mischievously, and smacked Geto lightly on the back of the head.

“Don’t even get me started, man! Looks like she’s been seeing some guy from her college. Some asshole, I don’t know him.”

The words hit Geto like a gunshot. He immediately choked on the water he was drinking, coughing hard and nearly spilling it down his shirt.

“What?!” he sputtered, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, heart hammering. “S-she’s seeing someone?! Since when?!”

Gojo only laughed harder, finding his reaction hilarious.

“Yeah, what’s the big deal? Why do you care so much? You jealous, Suguru?”

A cold shiver ran down Geto’s spine. He wasn’t sure if it was the evening air or the sudden shock of the news. He forced his expression back into something neutral, swallowing hard, though his voice cracked as he muttered:

“It’s not... not like that. I just thought it was... strange, you know? Out of nowhere, her with... someone.”