Chapter 28 Kiss

　　After Rina Kojima's death, Kei Kojima seemed to have a switch turned on. The growth rate of his cursed energy became extremely terrifying, and the speed of casting spells also increased greatly. He was no longer trapped by time and grew rapidly. Before graduation, he had become a first-level sorcerer.

　　Perhaps it was because of the huge change in his mentality, this time his goal was extremely clear and unwavering.

　　——I must kill Geto Suguru with my own hands.

　　However, after all, I lack talent, and no matter how hard I try, I can't reach the threshold of the special grade.

　　He couldn't even last ten minutes under Gojo Satoru's hands.

　　Even though the gap was so huge, Kei Kojima still didn't give up.

　　Time flies.

　　These old stories were forgotten as new classes came in one after another.

　　Only a few people know about the existence of the curse master Geto Suguru, and no one knows that Kei Kojima's training method, like a workaholic, is for revenge.

　　Whenever there was information about Geto Suguru, Kei Kojima always rushed to the front line. Unfortunately, in the past few years, this man had been secretly accumulating strength and never showed up in public. At least when Kei Kojima tracked him down, he had already disappeared without a trace.

　　After so many times, Kei Kojima realized that this person was deliberately avoiding the pursuit from the Jujutsu world, or from him, and would never appear in front of him on his own initiative.

　　In the fifth year since Geto Suguru became a curse master, that is, the fifth year since he escaped from the curse world, Kei Kojima finally caught Geto Suguru.

　　It may also be because this man was tired of Kei Kojima always looking for his traces like a mad dog, and could not bear to see Kei Kojima fail every time, so he took the initiative to expose himself to his sight.

　　This year, Kei Kojima was 21 years old.

　　The two fought, and Kei Kojima was defeated by Geto Suguru and failed to catch him.

　　The result of this battle was

　　——Geto Suguru escapes and Kei Kojima is seriously injured.

　　Kei Kojima did not call for any help and went there alone. He tried his best but could not even touch a corner of Geto Suguru's clothes. The cursed spirits he summoned alone made him suffer a lot. His head was almost cut into pieces by Geto Suguru's special cursed spirits, which barely grazed his neck and cut off one of his arms and thighs.

　　"Certainly--"

　　Geto Suguru cast a binding spell, and Kojima Kei lost his ability to move. He could only lie on the ground, staring at the man opposite him. This man, who he had killed countless times in his mind, was now sitting leisurely on the stone opposite him, propping his chin up and sighing slightly:

　　"Kyu. This is why I don't want to see you. You'll definitely kill me, and I'll definitely stop it, which will definitely hurt you. —I don't want to hurt you."

　　When Kei Kojima heard this, he felt it was extremely ironic.

　　"But you've already hurt me."

　　Kojima Kei said indifferently:

　　"Now you say this bullshit, do you think I'll be moved to tears? That's ridiculous."

　　"Kyu, why won't you believe me?"

　　Geto Suguru said as he used cursed energy to heal Kei Kojima's injuries and sewed up the wound on the broken limb.

　　His tone was somewhat helpless, and the look he gave Kei Kojima was still as gentle and tolerant as before.

　　He stretched out his hand and wanted to touch Kei Kojima's head, but when he saw the disgusted expression on the opposite side, he paused and retracted his hand.

　　"I'm sorry about what happened to your mother, but I'm also grateful to her."

　　After bandaging the wound, Geto Xiayou said slowly:

　　"I don't regret anything that happened before. You don't understand, I just wanted to create a world full of sorcerers. Before... you were a monkey without magical power, and I just wanted to end your suffering as soon as possible.

　　But now I won't, we are equals, I will naturally not hurt you again. So... don't look for me anymore, I will come to you when I finish all this, okay?"

　　Kojima Kei looked at him silently:

　　"Is this the reason why you killed your uncle and aunt?"

　　He stared at the corners of the man's mouth, which were always curved, and clearly saw that the man's expression froze slightly when he mentioned this matter.

　　Kojima Kei emphasized:

　　"They are your biological parents!"

　　Geto Summer Oil paused for a moment and said calmly:

　　"Even if they are my biological parents, monkeys without magical powers would only be harmful to society if they were alive. We can't be partial to one and not the other. Isn't it better for me to send them to reincarnation sooner?"

　　Kei Kojima was speechless.

　　"What a shame! It would be great if you didn't have any memories of your past life."

　　There was a deep regret in Geto's tone:

　　"You must be the only one in the Jujutsu High School who stands on my side."

　　He looked at Kojima Kei and began to imagine:

　　"You transferred to the Jujutsu High School. Even though your technique caught Wu's attention, you will definitely like me more. You will confess your love to me like in your previous life, and we will become lovers again. No matter what happens, you will definitely stand by my side without hesitation. I know you will do this. If only you were not a monkey in your previous life, if only you had no memories in this life, if only it were not like this..."

　　"It wouldn't have led us to where we are today."

　　"What a shame."

　　Kei Kojima felt sad.

　　He didn't answer.

　　If he didn't have the memory of being killed by Geto Suguru, perhaps things would really turn out like this.

　　He would definitely believe everything Jay said without thinking, stand by him and fight against the whole world.

　　Only now...

　　"You're so...disgusting. To think I'd ever been with you before,"

　　Kojima Kei said indifferently:

　　"I'm about to throw up the food I ate last night."

　　"Kyu, what you said really hurts my heart."

　　Geto Summer Oil smiled slightly:

　　"Are you sure you want to piss me off? I can easily get rid of you right here. Your mother worked so hard to save her life, are you going to waste it just like that?"

　　Kei Kojima, who was filled with deathly aura, suddenly looked up when he heard this:

　　"What do you mean?!"

　　Geto Summer Oil raised his eyebrows:

　　"What? You don't know?"

　　He pondered for a while and smiled:

　　"Didn't Wu tell you? He really cares about you. Are you still together after I've been away for so many years? Are you sure you would still be his lover without me?"

　　Kojima Kei looked at him steadily:

　　"Of course. He is my lover. I love him. After you kill me, remember to tell Wu my last words, telling him that I can't be with him until the end... He is the person I love most in my life. To me, he is my savior. You are just a clown."

　　Geto Suguru suddenly jumped up and grabbed Kojima Kei's neck:

　　"I told you! Don't make me angry! I'm your only lover! I spent more than ten years raising you, and everything about you is nurtured by me! Kojima Kei! I was the one who gave you your name, Jie, Kei, we were meant to be a couple! You're actually going to be with him now?! Did you kiss? Did you go to bed? Huh?! He just inherited the bloodline of the Gojo family! If it were me..."

　　A strange smile appeared on Kei Kojima's lips, and suddenly a long, thin nail came out of his mouth.

　　Geto Suguru was unable to dodge in time and was hit on the left shoulder, with blood soon flowing out of his clothes.

　　With the nail as the center, a violent light burst out, enveloping both of them at the same time.

　　Kei Kojima lay there and subconsciously closed his eyes in the violent explosion.

　　“Boom—”

　　Geto Suguru rushed out of the flames holding Kei Kojima's collar. His whole body was covered in burning flames. His shoulder hurt and he couldn't grab Kei Kojima's clothes. He threw Kei Kojima far away to a place where there was no flame. His wound broke open again, and a thin stream of blood flowed from his sleeve like a small river, filling his entire palm in a blink of an eye.

　　Tick-tock.

　　Kei Kojima's attacks before had no effect at all, and now he finally looked embarrassed.

　　However, the one who was more seriously injured was Kei Kojima. He was thrown out and rolled on the grass. He finally stopped and kept coughing because of the smoke. His whole body was burned and there were burn marks on the exposed skin.

　　This is the last resort.

　　Even if you already know this will be the result, how can you know if you don't try?

　　I had already thought of exchanging my life for another's. I wanted to drag him to hell with me and then atone for my sins to my mother, but it seems that I can't do it...

　　"Kill me."

　　Kei Kojima had completely lost the ability to resist, his consciousness was a little fuzzy, he closed his eyes, many people flashed through his mind, and finally stopped at a man's face.

　　When he received the information from Geto Suguru, he ran out without even saying hello to Gojo Satoru. Over the past few years, he'd been taking up the mantle of Gojo Satoru's lover, receiving a lot of help from the Gojo family. Not to mention the countless days and nights Gojo Satoru spent training with him, providing him with a place to play, and helping him with the aftermath. If he hadn't stood in his way, he might not have had the freedom to enter and leave the high school.

　　Although he knew that this man didn't like him, he had no idea what Gojo Satoru was thinking. Perhaps it was because of Geto Suguru? Perhaps it was because of his mother? Or perhaps it was because of Mr. Yaga...

　　The only regret is that I couldn't say sorry to him.

　　Kei Kojima felt as if there were footsteps coming from the surroundings.

　　He couldn't open his eyes, he couldn't feel any pain anymore, he felt dizzy, and all his senses were getting further and further away from him. He had experienced this feeling once before, and it was very familiar.

　　——He is about to die.

　　"Kui."

　　He vaguely heard a voice beside him say:

　　"How could I possibly kill you?"

　　The voice whispered:

　　"I won't do something like that again."

　　Kojima Kei felt a chill all over his body, as if something had fallen on his face:

　　"I hope we don't meet again. Although... I want you to stay away from me, but I don't think you can do that."

　　The footsteps gradually faded away, and along with them, the voice also became farther and farther away, almost inaudible:

　　"But it's okay this way. What I like is Kei's unyielding spirit that refuses to give up until he hits a wall. Goodbye, Kei. Say hello to Wu for me. However, I won't be blessing either of you."

　　Kei Kojima completely fainted.

　　When he woke up again, he was already in the treatment room of Ieori Nishiko at the technical college.

　　This time he was seriously injured and almost could not be saved.

　　Everyone at the college thought he was just carrying out a simple mission, but he ended up in this miserable state.

　　When Gojo Satoru carried him back, he was almost dead and had to stay in the medical room for a whole week before he recovered.

　　Kojima Kei had a high fever and was trapped in a nightmare, babbling non-stop. He woke up once and grabbed Gojo Satoru's sleeve. Under the silent gaze of the other party, he finally shed tears and sobbed uncontrollably:

　　"I want to...quickly take his head to mourn my mother, but I'm still so weak..."

　　Gojo Satoru's eyes were dark as he embraced him and held him in his arms:

　　"You can try harder...Kyu. You're pushing yourself too hard."

　　Kei Kojima burst into tears in Gojo Satoru's arms.

　　Kei Kojima, who had accumulated regret and sadness for five years and had not shed a tear in the five years since his mother's death, finally found an outlet for it. He cried until he was exhausted and fell asleep.

　　Gojo Satoru gently placed him on the bed, wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, covered him with the quilt, and sighed softly.

　　After waking up again, Kei Kojima found that only Nozomi Ieiri was left in the room.

　　He didn't know how long he slept, he only remembered that his head was dizzy and his body was burning hot. He couldn't remember clearly, and he seemed to see Gojo Satoru beside him, and he seemed to be talking nonsense to him.

　　The warm touch on his back, the comforting warm words, and the whispers in his ears lulled him to sleep.

　　Is this... a dream?

　　Or did it really happen?

　　Kei Kojima looked around but didn't see Gojo Satoru.

　　"If you're looking for Gojo, he just received an urgent mission and has already set off. Until then, he's been here with you."

　　Hearing what Ieiri Glass said, Kojima Kei's heart suddenly skipped a beat, and he subconsciously explained in a low voice:

　　"No... I didn't look for him... Isn't he abroad? When did he come back?"

　　"I don't know either. It would be faster if you asked him in person."

　　Ieiri Naoko replied casually, her tone nonchalant, making Kojima Kei's elaborate explanation seem unnecessary. She finished clearing the medical supplies from the treatment table across from her, washed her hands, and walked over, touching Kojima Kei's forehead.

　　"The fever has finally gone away. How are you feeling?"

　　Kojima Kei replied:

　　"Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you, Senpai. Sorry... How long did I sleep?"

　　"Including today, it's been seven days. I almost thought you wouldn't make it. You've been so stressed out these past few years. You need to rest properly and balance work and rest."

　　"……good."

　　The room fell into silence for a moment.

　　Kei Kojima looked up and found Naoko Ieiri staring at him.

　　"Senior?"

　　"Kojima, there's something I've always wanted to tell you."

　　Jia Ru Xiaozi lit a cigarette and stood in front of the cabinet, in the misty smoke:

　　"Don't think I'm being harsh. Do you think you're the most miserable person in the world?"

　　Kei Kojima's face turned pale instantly.

　　"Your father died young, and your mother died in front of you. For you, it's like the world has collapsed."

　　Kei Kojima frowned, a little indignant at her nonchalant tone, but he continued to listen to her.

　　Jialiu Xiaozi took a puff of his cigarette and crushed the remaining smoke into the pool:

　　"You've made killing Geto Suguru your lifelong goal. You've got the priorities wrong. There are so many broken families in this world. Working in this industry, you should be well aware of how many sorcerers disappear on missions every year, never even bringing back their bodies. Compared to them, you're already very lucky."

　　I know you love your mother dearly, and she's your only family. But honestly, would your mother be happy seeing you like this? She'd probably rather you live happily. Relax, Kojima. You're so badly injured this time, I imagine you want to die with Geto Suguru.

　　But have you ever thought about what would happen to the people left behind if you really did that? What would happen to Gojo running around for you? What about Mr. Yega? And your friends? Living well is your life. Don't let hatred blind you. There are many people around you who care about you. Let me ask you, if one day you really killed Gosho, what would you do?

　　Kojima Kei was stunned for a few seconds:

　　"How about it……"

　　He had never thought about this.

　　"I've seen too many people lose themselves in hatred. After the hatred fades, they become the walking corpse. You call me Senior Sister, and we have some friendship. I don't want you to become like that."

　　Ieiri Shoko's dark eyes stared at Kei Kojima.

　　Kojima Kei got out of bed and stood on the ground to defend himself:

　　"How is that possible! I... can't do that!"

　　He had been lying there for too long, and as soon as his feet touched the ground, he felt dizzy and had to hold on to the pillar next to him to steady himself.

　　He looked down at the ground.

　　Could it be that in the eyes of others... has he become such a person?

　　But it was because of him that his mother became like that. If there really comes a day when he succeeds in his revenge, what will be his motivation in life?

　　"I'm sorry, I said too much today. You just recovered from your injuries, and I just don't want to...see the bodies of my companions in the morgue again. You don't have to take today's conversation to heart."

　　Kei Kojima looked at the profile of Nozomi Ieiri, she looked a little sad.

　　"Senior...I..."

　　Kojima Kei wanted to explain, but Ieiri Shoko reached out, took out her phone and made a call:

　　"Gojo, your lover is awake."

　　Kojima Kei: "!!"

　　Damn it! It's all his fault for not clarifying things in time. Now he's calling me...lover!

　　It’s… too outrageous and too shameful!

　　"Tsk, why don't you call him yourself? What a hassle."

　　Ieiri Glass threw the phone over:

　　"Gojo wants to talk to you for a minute. Put it on the table when you're done. I'm going to get busy."

　　"good……"

　　Kojima Kei watched Ieiri Shoko leave the room and put the receiver to his ear:

　　"Hello……"

　　"Hey, Kyu~ Are you awake? Sorry, I have to go out for a while now and won't be back until tonight. Are you feeling well? Are you feeling unwell?"

　　The voice coming from the other end of the phone was the same as before, full of vigor and a familiar smile.

　　"Yeah, I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, Senior."

　　Gojo Satoru laughed:

　　"Kyu, why do you always say such strange things? I care about you, isn't it my duty? It's just that I can't be with you right now. When I come back, I will make up for it, okay?"

　　He always said this as if they were really a couple.

　　The senior sister at home school was right. He couldn't go on like this and affect other people.

　　He must kill Geto Suguru with his own hands, but that would be too cruel to Gojo Satoru.

　　Before he entered the school, these two people were obviously such good friends.

　　Should Gojo Satoru witness all this in person? Perhaps it was time to put everything back in place.

　　"Yeah. Wait until you come back. I have something I want to tell you."

　　"Okay~"

　　Kei Kojima hung up the phone.

　　On the other side, Gojo Satoru was holding his cell phone, lost in thought.

　　When Kei Kojima walked out the door, he saw Yu Haibara walking towards him.

　　"Kyu! That's great!"

　　When Haibara saw Kojima Kei, a bright smile spread across his face. He ran over and soon reached Kojima Kei:

　　"You finally woke up!"

　　"Haiyuan,"

　　Kojima Kei was a little surprised:

　　"How did you find out so quickly?"

　　As soon as he finished speaking, you knew the reason.

　　As expected, I heard Huiyuan Xiong say:

　　"Gojo-senpai called me. Are you hungry? Let's go get something to eat. Gojo-senpai said he'll deliver dinner to the cafeteria later, so we can just go over there."

　　Haibara Yu patted Kojima Kei's shoulder with a smile:

　　"I just got back too. I'm starving. Thanks to Kei, I can also enjoy the feast of the Gojo family."

　　Kojima Kei forced a smile.

　　When we arrived at the dining hall, servants in kimonos were already standing by the table holding lunch boxes.

　　"Master Kyu."

　　"Master Huibara."

　　They all saluted respectfully, and the leading butler, Fujikawa Mio, bowed and said:

　　"Dinner is ready, please take a seat."

　　"Excuse me, Uncle Fujikawa."

　　Kojima Kei nodded his thanks.

　　He has frequently visited the Gojo family in recent years and has gotten to know many of the family's servants, especially the housekeeper Fujikawa Mio.

　　“It’s our honor.”

　　Fujikawa Mio said respectfully.

　　Haibara Yu's eyes widened the entire time, occasionally glancing at the food on the table, then at the servants standing behind them, picking up food for them, and poking Kojima Kei next to him with his elbow:

　　"Kyu! Does Gojo-senpai live like this every day at home? It's too luxurious! This is what aristocracy is like! I've learned a lot!"

　　He took out his cell phone and started taking pictures:

　　"No, I want to send it to that Jianren guy! It will definitely make him envious to death!"

　　"Are you two still in touch?"

　　Kei Kojima asked while biting his chopsticks.

　　Shortly after passing the first-level sorcerer exam, Kento Nanami left the sorcery world and studied on his own to get into university. Kei Kojima often learned about his recent situation from Yu Haibara.

　　"Yeah, but he should be working overtime right now. I don't know if he can see the news."

　　After Huiyuan Xiong finished sending the message, he picked up a piece of food with chopsticks and said, "Hmm~~ It's delicious! I really envy you, Kei! I have to work hard too!"

　　Kei Kojima ate silently:

　　"I haven't contacted him for a long time... I just hope he's doing well."

　　"He's fine, don't worry. He sent a message yesterday asking about you. He was very worried about you." Huihara Yu ate happily.

　　Kei Kojima's hand holding the spoon trembled slightly.

　　He thought... after Nanami Kento left, he had long forgotten everything here. He had been immersed in his own world in the past few years and had never cared about anyone else.

　　Kojima Kei was a little ashamed.

　　He was not the only one who experienced trauma. Many people in the world of magic lost their lives because of Geto Suguru's attack. But to be fair, he was the only one in the high school who was truly hurt and saw with his own eyes that his mother lost her life under Geto Suguru's attack.

　　But what did Geto Suguru mean by that sentence at that time?

　　The second life his mother gave him?

　　He inherited his mother's techniques completely. Up to now, he has been able to use the techniques his mother taught him skillfully. For him, there is nothing special about them.
　　--【aging】.

　　His technique can penetrate the surface of objects, using his magical power to reach deep within them and destroy them from the inside.

　　He originally wanted to use this move to make Geto Suguru's body collapse from the inside, but unfortunately, this cautious man was surrounded by hundreds of cursed spirits, and he couldn't get close to them even for a moment.

　　It seems that we need to change tactics.

　　Next time... I must kill him with one strike! No mercy!

　　The image of Geto Suguru pulling him away from the explosion flashed through Kei Kojima's mind, but he quickly erased it.

　　After dinner, Huiyuan Xiong yawned and went back to his room to rest.

　　Kei Kojima reported to Masamichi Yaga and returned to the training ground.

　　He replayed last week's battle with Geto Suguru in his mind.

　　There are so many cursed spirits, seemingly endless.

　　He cut down a hundred, and a hundred more sprang up.

　　Kei Kojima replayed the scene of the battle in his mind, waving his sword in the training ground with his eyes closed, feeling tireless.

　　Only when he actually plays will he truly understand where his shortcomings are. He still has a lot to train.

　　Gojo Satoru returned in the afternoon of the next day.

　　At that time, the new batch of students were on the playground.

　　Kei Kojima stood far away at the edge of the playground.

　　Looking at the young faces waving spell tools and training clumsily on the playground, Kei Kojima recalled his own youth and couldn't help but smile.

　　At that time, they were also standing here.

　　As I recall, he was depressed most of the time, hiding in the shadows and unwilling to communicate with others.

　　"What's wrong, Kei?"

　　Gojo Satoru stood beside him without him knowing when, and Kojima Kei's heartbeat couldn't help but speed up.

　　"You've been standing here for a long time. What are you thinking about?"

　　Gojo Satoru spent the entire last year abroad on exchanges. As the strongest sorcerer in the country, in order to go further, he went to a broader stage to improve his strength and rarely came back.

　　The two of them had less and less contact. Kei Kojima almost never took the initiative to contact him, but only occasionally peeked at his social media platforms abroad.

　　In the photo, Gojo Satoru is surrounded by handsome men and beautiful women, and his smile looks particularly dazzling. Kojima Kei was a little dazzled by the photo, so he took a few glances and immediately turned off his phone.

　　However, Gojo Satoru often sent him messages to let him know he was safe.

　　Kei Kojima tracked down Geto Suguru, and when he fought with him, Gojo Satoru was still abroad.

　　But Ieiri Shoko said that it was Gojo Satoru who found him and sent him back.

　　How did he find his own?

　　"Nothing... just looking around."

　　The two hadn't spoken for a long time, and a thin layer of sweat formed on Kojima Kei's palms. He suppressed his nervousness and said calmly:

　　"Well, I just think they are really young, and I'm a little envious."

　　"Hey~~ Don't be like this, Kei is obviously younger than me, why are you already reminiscing about the past?"

　　Gojo Satoru chuckled:

　　"But now that I think about it, Kei rarely smiled back then. I thought the past was something you didn't want to recall."

　　Kojima Kei couldn't help but look back, and he happened to meet Gojo Satoru's face. He was wearing an eye patch, so he couldn't see his eyes, but Kojima Kei inexplicably felt that he had met Gojo Satoru's gaze, which made his cheeks hot. He saw the man's lips slightly raised, as if smiling, and his voice was soft:

　　“That’s wonderful.”

　　A mature man exudes charm. He no longer has the arrogance and recklessness of his youth. What he has now is just strong self-confidence from the inside out.

　　Kei Kojima looked at his profile and his heartbeat slowed down.

　　He looked away somewhat awkwardly and laughed awkwardly twice:

　　"Haha, I'm sorry... I was so naive back then, timid and dull, a problem child."

　　Gojo Satoru chuckled softly:

　　"Why not? I actually think it's cute. By the way, what did you say you wanted to talk to me about on the phone?"

　　Kei Kojima felt that he couldn't continue the conversation and he had to leave immediately.

　　"I suddenly remembered something else. I'll be leaving now! We'll talk about that later!"

　　Kei Kojima hurriedly said goodbye to Gojo Satoru and walked away quickly.

　　He felt a pair of eyes staring at him from behind, so he forced himself not to look back and left.

　　After Kei Kojima left, Gojo Satoru stood there and sighed softly.

　　"Oh, that's so difficult."

　　He murmured to himself:

　　"Is first love so unforgettable?"

　　Kei Kojima ran towards the dormitory.

　　You came back so suddenly!

　　I just made up my mind to break up with him yesterday, but when I met him in person, I couldn't even speak a complete sentence.

　　Let's wait a little longer...

　　Wait a little longer and explain everything to him.

　　Kei Kojima took a deep breath. The heat inside his body hadn't subsided since he saw Gojo Satoru. He turned on his phone, looked at the photo of him and his mother on the screen, hugged it in his arms, and forced himself to calm down.

　　What is he thinking here when his great revenge has not yet been taken?

　　Kojima Kei let out a light breath.

　　I ran so fast that I forgot to ask him about the most important thing.

　　I'll find another chance to ask tomorrow.

　　The moon and stars are sparse.

　　No words were spoken that night.

　　Kei Kojima got up in the morning and went to the training ground as usual. On the way, he happened to see the school notice board.

　　There was a notice posted on it, and the content on the front was: From now on, Gojo Satoru will be the first-grade homeroom teacher, fully responsible for all first-grade teaching content, and will assign an assistant teacher.

　　Kojima Kei: "?"

　　Wait? ...Did he see it wrong?

　　Gojo Satoru...he wants to be the homeroom teacher?

　　Not only Kei Kojima, but other people in the school who gathered around were also talking about the content of the notice.

　　"Gojo-senpai, are you ready to start teaching?"

　　"Huh? Am I seeing things right? How could this young master possibly have the patience to teach someone a lesson?"

　　"You've already passed the teaching certificate exam, so you're full of confidence. We'll just have to wait and see."

　　As Kei Kojima listened to the discussion, the phone in his pocket rang. It was Yega Masamichi calling:

　　"Um, Kei. Are you at school?"

　　Kojima Kei picked up the phone: "Yes, teacher. What can I do for you?"

　　Ye Moth Zhengdao said in a deep voice:

　　"Did you see the school's notice? The appointment has been made. Wu will soon be the first-grade homeroom teacher."

　　"Well... I'm standing in front of the sign right now. I just found out."

　　Kei Kojima was a little confused. Could it be that because they were lovers in front of everyone, she called him specifically to inform him?

　　"That's perfect, you can stop by my office."

　　There was a hint of smile in Ye Mo Zheng Dao's voice:

　　"Wu has nominated you to be his teaching assistant and to help teach the first grade. I've signed my consent."

　　"Huh?! Teacher! Why didn't you ask for my opinion?"

　　Kei Kojima was struck by lightning.

　　“So this isn’t what I’m talking about.”

　　Ye Mo Zheng Dao coughed dryly.

　　Being his teaching assistant...wouldn't that mean we would have to be in contact with each other every day and be in the same office every day?

　　How can he break up with me?

　　Everyone knows they're together, so why would they even work together? Aren't they worried their relationship might affect their work?!

　　Kei Kojima felt that God was playing a trick on him again.

　　Why is it such a coincidence every time!

　　"It's time for you to change your environment and stop practicing so hard alone."

　　Noctua righteousness says:

　　"It's a perfect match for Wu. He can teach the new students. You can't let an old man like me take charge of the class! ...Thank you for your help, Kei."

　　The old teacher tried to play the sympathy card.

　　Since the respected teacher said so, Kei Kojima couldn't refuse:

　　"……All right."

　　——"I forgot to ask, is there any money?"

　　"certainly."

　　Kei Kojima walked out of Yaga Masamichi's office with a dejected look on his face, and was forced to accept this fact.

　　"Hi~Kyu."

　　Gojo Satoru smiled brightly and greeted him:

　　"We'll be colleagues from now on. Please give me your guidance!"

　　Kojima Kei: "..."

　　He didn't even have the right to refuse, it was all arranged so clearly?

　　Gojo Satoru put his arm on Kojima Kei's shoulders and said with a smile:

　　"That's great, Kei, we'll have plenty of time to spend together from now on~"

　　Kojima Kei then forced a laugh: "...Haha, indeed."

　　"I've been away too often these past few years and have neglected you, so I specifically requested this. Teacher Yega is very considerate! From now on, we can have lunch and dinner together! Are you happy, Kei?"

　　Kojima Keiko... is so happy.

　　Looking at the smiling faces of the young people every day, feeling their vigorous vitality, and with the sun shining around him from time to time, the shadows of failure lingering in Kei Kojima's heart seem to be slowly dissipating.

　　The teaching assistant's job is not heavy. He or she only needs to supervise them to complete course assignments and training every day.

　　For a long time before, Kei Kojima lived a tense life and hadn't been so relaxed for a long time.

　　Gojo Satoru kept his promise and ate lunch and dinner with Kojima Kei every day, though he would occasionally bring students and other people along. Opportunities for the two of them to talk alone were rare, and after finishing his daytime classes, Kojima Kei never found the right time.

　　Kei Kojima sat in the hot sun, organizing the students' training manuals.

　　There are four people in the first grade this time, three boys and one girl.

　　One of the students was brought back from the deep mountains and forests by Gojo Satoru. He rescued him while on a mission and applied for a scholarship. Before graduation, the Gojo family will bear all the expenses of this child.

　　"Teacher Kojima!"

　　After teaching for more than a month, Kei Kojima was still a little uncomfortable being called teacher. He looked up and looked at the boy in front of him.

　　"Teacher, I heard that you are Gojo-sensei's lover, is that true?"

　　Hatta Kazuma's eyes sparkled as he stared at Kojima Kei and asked excitedly.

　　Kojima Kei: "..."

　　How come this guy is so well-informed! He only came here for a month and already knows this?

　　"This has nothing to do with your studies, so don't ask."

　　Kojima Kei said with a straight face:

　　"Have you finished your training today?"

　　Hatta Kazuma chuckled:

　　“It’s so easy!”

　　Kei Kojima made a note in the training manual:

　　"Yeah, that's good. Seeing that you have so much free time and even have time to pry into other people's gossip, you really need to increase the intensity of your training."

　　Hatta Kazuma's expression froze.

　　Kojima Kei stood up and stretched his arms and legs:

　　"Come on, Yata-san, let's have a practical lesson. I'll teach you what Taijutsu is."

　　Hatta Kazuma: "..."

　　Five minutes later.

　　Yata and Ma lay on the ground.

　　Kojima Kei clapped his hands. "Keep up the good work, Hatta-kun. You still have a long way to go."

　　Hatta Kazuma said weakly:

　　"yes……"

　　Fukuzawa Yuki, the only girl in the first grade, was standing not far away. When she noticed Kei Kojima's gaze, she shrank her neck and quickly lowered her head.

　　Kei Kojima stood there and thought for a moment, then walked over.

　　"Um……"

　　Kojima Kei stood not far from her, hesitated for a moment, and spoke softly:

　　"How are you doing lately? Are you getting used to school life, Fukuzawa-san?"

　　Fukuzawa Yuki lowered her head, her fingers tightly intertwined and circling, and answered in a low voice:

　　"I'm fine, thank you teacher..."

　　After all, she is a girl, and as a male teacher, Kei Kojima finds it difficult to ask her many things.

　　I went to school with three carefree boys and lived in the next-door dormitories.

　　She is very timid and keeps silent most of the time. Last week, during her period, she was in so much pain that her face turned pale. If Kei Kojima hadn't noticed her abnormality, she would probably have remained silent until the end of the class.

　　She works so hard because she is the weakest among her classmates.

　　"Well, next time you feel uncomfortable, tell me immediately. You are still in the growth stage, and your body is much more fragile during menstruation. Don't worry, rest well before going to class. It is more important than anything else."

　　Seeing that Yuki Fukuzawa didn't say anything, it seemed that she didn't quite agree with what Kei Kojima said.

　　Kei Kojima had a headache. He finally understood how Ye Mo Zhengdao felt towards him back then.

　　Being a teacher! It’s really not easy!

　　Especially for children who have strong self-esteem but are very fragile inside, they have to think twice before saying anything.

　　Kojima Kei paused for a moment and continued:

　　"Actually, when I was in school, I was just like you. I wanted to spend even my sleep time training."

　　Yuki Fukuzawa whispered:

　　“The teacher is already very good.”

　　"At the end of my second year, I was still a fourth-level sorcerer, while my classmates were already second-level sorcerers, and my two...seniors were already special-level sorcerers."

　　Kojima Kei said.

　　Fukuzawa Yuki was surprised:

　　"The end of second grade or fourth grade?"

　　Kojima Kei smiled slightly:

　　"You're much better than I was back then. I couldn't even pass my first grading exam. There's still a long time to go, four full years. Don't rush it. Okay?"

　　"Okay... I understand, teacher."

　　"What? Teacher, second or fourth grade?"

　　On the ground, Yata Kazuma had somehow recovered his full health. He leaned forward and listened, humming:

　　"I'm definitely going to be better than the teacher in second grade!"

　　Kojima Kei tapped him on the head and said, "Okay, when you pass the third-level sorcerer exam, I'll treat you to a meal."

　　Yata and Ma giggled:

　　"It's a deal!"

　　Kojima Kei turned his head and looked at Fukuzawa Yuki next to him:

　　"You too, come on."

　　Fukuzawa Yuki stared blankly at Kojima Kei, moved her mouth a few times, and was about to say something when a voice suddenly came.

　　"What are you talking about? You look so happy~"

　　A man suddenly appeared in front of them. He reached out and rubbed Kei Kojima's head:

　　"Good afternoon, everyone~"

　　"Gojo-sensei!"

　　"teacher!"

　　"Finally back!"

　　The first years gathered around Gojo Satoru, chattering.

　　Gojo Satoru smiled as he listened to the students' reports.

　　"You guys worked really hard this week! Good job! Let's get out of school early today! I'm taking you shopping in Tokyo!"

　　"Very good!"

　　The students cheered, with Hatta Kazuma's voice being the loudest.

　　Kojima Kei: "...Hey!"

　　Where can you find such a teacher?

　　He didn't show up for a whole week, leaving everything to him alone, and now he's taking them out to play as soon as he comes back?!

　　After staying in school for a month, the students were very happy when they heard the signal that they could go out and play. Kei Kojima looked at the smiles on their faces, and even the shy Yuki Fukuzawa smiled.

　　As long as he comes, the whole atmosphere becomes lively because of this man.

　　This may be his personal charm.

　　"Go ahead, have fun."

　　Kei Kojima hasn't been training properly this month, so perhaps he can use the evenings to sort things out:

　　"I won't go..."

　　"Reject~"

　　Gojo Satoru put his arm around his shoulders, refusing to allow him to refuse:

　　"Let's go! Let's go! The teaching assistants are also responsible for the students' safety!"

　　Kojima Kei: "..."

　　So he's a bodyguard?!

　　The last time Kei Kojima went to an amusement park was six years ago.

　　At that time, in order to avoid Geto Suguru, he sought shelter and mustered up the courage to confess his feelings to the man around him.

　　At that time, Gojo Satoru broke through in battle and became the true strongest.

　　The four students were taken by Fujikawa Mio to play other activities, leaving only the two of them, and they could fully enjoy their own world.

　　"This is a perfect date spot for couples. I don't want to sit with a bunch of brats!"

　　Gojo Satoru said disdainfully:

　　"Don't disturb our date~ You four can go have fun~"

　　Hatta Kazuma grabbed his hair:

　　"So, teacher! You two really are..."

　　"That's right~"

　　Gojo Satoru puffed out his chest complacently:

　　"Little ghost, are you envious of me for having such a lovely lover~"

　　Kojima Kei's face flushed:

　　"No...what are you saying in front of the students! Gojo-sensei!"

　　Before Kei Kojima could finish his words, Gojo Satoru grabbed his collar and threw him into the Ferris wheel car, where the door was closed.

　　Kojima Kei: "..."

　　Is this really okay?

　　The Ferris wheel turns slowly.

　　Kei Kojima's feet were on the floor, and the scenery on the ground was getting farther and farther away from them. The carriage was carrying them higher and higher towards the darkening sky.

　　"Kyu, what are you thinking about?"

　　Gojo Satoru sat opposite him and asked the same question as he had asked six years ago.

　　"I'm thinking,"

　　Kei Kojima looked at the crowd below and spoke softly:

　　“Humans are truly insignificant.”

　　"I'm right in front of you, and you're still thinking about these profound questions?"

　　Gojo Satoru smiled, paused for a moment, and then said:

　　"Why didn't Kei message me when I was away on business?"

　　“I sent it.”

　　Kojima Kei said dullly.

　　"Using your work-related reply? That's so cold~ I miss Kei all the time when I'm abroad~"

　　"Gojo-senpai, don't make jokes like that next time. It'll make people gossip."

　　"Why are you gossiping? We are lovers~~"

　　Gojo Satoru said with a smile:

　　"Could it be that Kei has turned his back on me? Has he fallen in love with someone else? Is there anyone better than me? Of course not~"

　　“…”

　　Kojima Kei clenched his fingers, took a deep breath, turned his head and looked directly into Gojo Satoru's eyes, as if he had made up his mind:

　　"Gojo-senpai, I have something to tell you."

　　"Oh? So serious? Are you planning to propose to me?"

　　Gojo Satoru curled up the corners of his mouth.

　　"Although it's a little late to say this, I've always wanted to say it."

　　Kojima Kei looked at Gojo Satoru seriously:

　　"I'm sorry, senior, let's break up."

　　Gojo Satoru suppressed his expression and looked at him silently.

　　The carriage was silent.

　　After a while, Gojo Satoru finally let out a sigh:

　　"As expected."

　　...?

　　What is it?

　　Did he see it?

　　"I disagree."

　　Gojo Satoru refused decisively. He said with a smile:

　　"What? Kei has fallen in love with someone else? Has he fallen in love with someone else? Who is it?"

　　"……No."

　　"Since there's no such thing, then let's not break up~ Unless one day Kei tells me in person that you like someone else."

　　"But...I don't like you at all!"

　　Kojima Kei felt a little aggrieved:

　　"Why don't you agree?!"

　　Gojo Satoru suddenly stood up, held up Kojima Kei's face, and stared into his eyes:

　　"Because—you lied."

　　Under the man's gaze, Kojima Kei trembled, but still said firmly:

　　"I'm not lying, I don't like you."

　　The Ferris wheel rises higher and higher.

　　Reached the top and began to slowly descend.

　　"But your pulse is beating fast."

　　Kojima Kei was startled. He looked down and found that Gojo Satoru had grasped his wrist without him noticing. His other hand had reached into his neck, pressing against his burning skin.

　　"Kyu, you probably don't know this, but every time you see me, I can feel the warmth of your skin and your heartbeat. Why do you always get nervous when you see me? Why do you always blush?

　　—With all this evidence before you, you still say you don’t like me? Liar.”

　　Kei Kojima opened his mouth but didn't say anything for a long time.

　　Gojo Satoru didn't urge him, but just waited quietly.

　　The boy grew into a young man, but his shoulders were still so thin, as if they could be blown down by a gust of wind.

　　But Gojo Satoru knew what a heavy burden this guy was carrying in his heart.

　　"Senior, wouldn't you mind?" Kei Kojima said in a low voice.

　　Gojo Satoru was stunned for a moment:

　　"Hmm? What do you mind?"

　　"Do you mind if I ever had a relationship with..."

　　Kojima Kei said in a small voice: "Is that why you're teasing me?"

　　"Anything about you and Jay dating before?"

　　Gojo Satoru said directly, "Why would I mind? Even if we were together, that was in the past. It has nothing to do with us now, right?"

　　Kojima Kei looked up at him:

　　"But I mind."

　　Gojo Satoru looked at him quietly.

　　"I'm sorry, I should have made it clear to you. I used you before just to stay away from... Geto Suguru. Now that he's gone, our relationship should end. Continuing to be entangled with you... would be unfair to you."

　　Kei Kojima said:

　　"We were fake from the beginning. You don't like me at all, why don't you agree to break up?"

　　He doesn't understand.

　　Gojo Satoru stared at him:

　　"So, you confessed to me because you like me?"

　　Kojima Kei was speechless.

　　"sorry……"

　　Kei Kojima shed tears:

　　"I shouldn't have lied to you."

　　"Why are you apologizing?"

　　Gojo Satoru squatted down and looked at him:

　　"Are you apologizing for not liking me? Or just for confessing your feelings to me?"

　　Kojima Kei tried to avoid the man's gaze, his hands tightly grasping the bulge on the wall behind him: "I'm not..."

　　"I told you, Kei, although you started this relationship, I'm the one who decides how to end it. I don't want to break up with you."

　　Gojo Satoru held his head with his palms against Kei Kojima's neck. The warmth was transmitted through his skin to all parts of his body, making Kei Kojima feel inexplicably hot.

　　"Why……"

　　Kojima Kei felt very aggrieved. In this small space, his emotions were amplified infinitely, and his chest ached.

　　"I also have the right to stop. The person you like is obviously not me..."

　　He heard his voice was crying and his face was a little wet.

　　What is he doing?

　　Did he actually cry?

　　Kojima Kei thought in shock.

　　But before I could sort out my emotions, the man's face came closer:

　　"I didn't know you loved me so much, to the point of crying."

　　Kei Kojima felt a heat on his lips, and suddenly realized that the man was leaning over and kissing him.

　　"It's really my fault. After being lovers for so many years, I haven't fulfilled my duties as lovers."

　　Gojo Satoru moved his lips away and stared at Kojima Kei's face, as if observing his reaction. Not finding any expression of disgust or resistance, he kissed him again.

　　“I’m not…”

　　Kei Kojima wanted to argue, but the embrace was too warm and he couldn't bear to push it away. He reluctantly opened his mouth and let the man in.

　　Maybe I'm too lonely.

　　Kei Kojima heard the beating of his heart in his chest, boom, boom, boom, and there was a sticky sound in his ears. He couldn't help but let out a light hum, which was quickly swallowed.

　　He felt the strong body opposite him pressing against him. He didn't know if it was his own temperature or the temperature being transmitted from the other side, but he just felt very hot.

　　The staff outside the window were knocking on the door, signaling them to come down quickly.

　　"Now I'm finally not crying anymore."

　　Gojo Satoru touched his red cheek and smiled:

　　"Let's go."

　　"...Hmm." Kei Kojima lowered his head.

　　The cool breeze of the summer evening blew over, and Gojo Satoru held Kojima Kei's hand and walked out of the Ferris wheel.

　　Several students ran over from a distance, and seemed to be talking to Gojo Satoru. The children were very happy, and Kojima Kei could no longer hear them.

　　It seems like the person is still there, but in fact he has been gone for a while, and no one knows where his soul has drifted to.

　　Kei Kojima followed behind him, and when he looked up he saw half of the sunset glow and a figure that was always blocking his way.

　　He raised his hand to touch his hot face and let out a breath softly.

　　Kei Kojima tossed and turned in the middle of the night and couldn't sleep. He got up listlessly, washed up and went to work.

　　As soon as he opened the door, Gojo Satoru rushed in like a gust of wind, holding his face and giving him a deep kiss without saying a word.

　　"Good morning~Kyu~"

　　The man who had kept him awake all night looked refreshed, his smile particularly hateful:

　　"Did you sleep well last night? You didn't miss me all night, did you?~~"

　　Kojima Kei: "..."

　　Oh my God!

　　Who gave him the confidence?

　　He won't like him at all!

　　Damn man!