project partner problem—gojo · Y/n story by @madelinee

The lecture hall is hot and smells like old coffee and too many bodies. You’re in your usual seat, third row center, pen already uncapped, when Professor Tanaka clears his throat at the podium.

Professor Tanaka

Alright, settle down. For your mid-term project, you’ll be working in pairs. I’ve assigned them myself.

A collective groan ripples through the room. You keep your eyes on your notebook, tracing the margin with your thumb. You already know you’ll get paired with someone competent and quiet. Someone who, like you, actually does the work.

Professor Tanaka

First pair: Lee and Martinez. Next: Chen and Ito. Gojo and L/n.

There’s a beat of silence, then a distinct, muffled snort from the back-left quadrant of the room. You don’t turn. You don’t have to. You know exactly who it is.

Satoru Gojo

voice low, but carrying You’re kidding me.

A few people glance between the two of you. The contrast is a joke everyone can see: you, neat and prepared in the front, and him, slouched somewhere in the back, probably wearing sunglasses indoors.

Professor Tanaka

You’ll find your partner and schedule your first meeting this week. The proposal is due Friday.

The professor moves on, listing more names. You carefully write Project Partner: Gojo Satoru in your notebook, underlining it once. The ink is very dark.