"Gojo Satoru! Open the door, quick! It's so cold outside!" Kugisaki Nobara's Voice.
"Gojo-sensei, Happy New Year," Fushiguro Megumi's Voice, much more composed.
“Gojo—open the door—I brought ingredients—” Panda's Voice, thumping loudly against the door.
"Salmon." Inumaki's Voice.
"What a pain." Zenin Maki's Voice.
"Um.. everyone is outside.." Okkotsu Yuta's Voice, sounding a bit helpless.
Gojo Satoru closed his eyes and took a deep breath.
Tu Bai took the opportunity to break free from his embrace, frantically tidying his clothes. He rushed to the Bathroom to look in the Mirror—his face was still flushed, his Eyes were red, clearly indicating something was Incorrect.
He washed his face and then slapped his cheeks hard, trying to make the Red fade a little.
When he came out, Gojo Satoru had already put on his clothes. He walked over, helped Tu Bai straighten his collar, then used his thumb to wipe the corner of his mouth.
There, nothing can be seen," he said softly. "Shall we go open the door?
Tu Bai nodded and followed him to the Doorway.
Gojo Satoru opened the Shoji.
Outside the door, Itadori Yuji had his hand raised, preparing to press the Doorbell again. Upon seeing Gojo Satoru, he grinned widely: "Gojo-sensei! Happy New Year!"
A group of people stood behind him. Fushiguro Megumi was carrying a large bag, Kugisaki Nobara was holding several bottles of drinks, Panda was carrying a massive box, Maki was holding two bags of vegetables, Inumaki was cradling several boxes of seasonings, Okkotsu Yuta was lugging several boxes of meat.
"Happy New Year!" everyone said in unison.
Gojo Satoru looked at them and sighed.
What is this.. are you here to give New Year's greetings or to rob me?
To mooch a meal!" Itadori said righteously, "We brought the ingredients, so Gojo-sensei is treating!
You were the ones who said you're treating, you were the ones who brought the ingredients," Gojo Satoru said, raising an eyebrow. "Then what am I treating you to?
The Old Place!" Kugisaki said. "You have plenty of space here!
Gojo Satoru was choked up.
Tu Bai poked his head out from behind, seeing so many people, he felt a bit embarrassed: "Happy New Year.."
Happy New Year, Tu Bai-ge!" Itadori greeted him enthusiastically. "Wow, your face is so red, were you sleeping just now?
"Huh? Um.. yeah.." Tu Bai nodded guiltily.
Everyone crowded into the house, placed the ingredients in the Kitchen, began chattering away as they set everything up. Itadori and Kugisaki scrambled to wash the vegetables, Fushiguro Megumi silently took out the Hot Pot and set it out, Panda opened the massive Box—which contained various meatballs and vegetables, Maki and Okkotsu helped set out the bowls and chopsticks, Inumaki was in charge of preparing the Dipping Sauce.
"Gojo-sensei! Does your house have any extra pots?" Itadori poked his head out from the Kitchen.
Yes, in the Cabinet.
You got it!
A group of people began working together in a lively and bustling manner.
Tu Bai stood to the side, feeling a bit at a loss. He was used to living with only Gojo Satoru, so having so many people arrive all of a sudden felt a bit unfamiliar.
Gojo Satoru walked over and put his arm around his shoulder.
You'll get used to it," he said softly. "This group of guys comes every year, there's no driving them away.
"I heard that, Gojo-sensei!" Itadori's voice came from the Kitchen.
That's exactly why I wanted you to hear it.
Tu Bai couldn't help but laugh.
The Hot Pot was ready very quickly. A group of people sat around the Dining Table, with the steaming pot placed in the middle, as slices of meat, vegetables, meatballs tumbled inside.
"Come on, cheers!" Itadori raised his drink.
Cheers!
Everyone clinked their glasses and took a large gulp.
"Gojo-sensei, what is your New Year's wish for this year?" Kugisaki asked.
Gojo Satoru glanced at Tu Bai beside him, the corners of his mouth curling up: "My wish.. I hope there will be one more person next year."
One more person?" Itadori was stunned. "What do you mean?
Fushiguro Megumi silently picked up a slice of meat without saying a word. He seemed to understand.
Tu Bai's face reddened again, he lowered his head, eating his food frantically.
"What about you, Tu Bai-ge?" Kugisaki asked again.
Me?" Tu Bai thought for a moment, "I hope.. everyone stays safe and sound.
"So formal," Kugisaki curled his lip.
"And what about yours?" Tu Bai asked in return.
Mine?" Kugisaki thought seriously for a moment. "I hope to become a stronger Sorcerer, then—eat all the delicious food in Tokyo!
"What kind of wish is that?" Itadori complained.
What about you? What about you?
Me?" Itadori grinned. "I hope I can provide protection to everyone, then—be as tall as Gojo-sensei!
Everyone glanced at Itadori's current height, then looked at Gojo Satoru, fell silent.
"Good luck," Fushiguro Megumi said, his voice unusually rare.
Fushiguro, why do you sound like you're saying 'my condolences'!
Everyone burst into laughter together.
They spent two hours eating Hot Pot, chatting as they ate, ranging from gossip about the Jujutsu World to interesting stories from Jujutsu High, from New Year's resolutions to embarrassing incidents from the past year. Tu Bai was a bit reserved at first, but later he relaxed and laughed along with them.
By the time they were sent off, it was already dark.
"Gojo-sensei, I'm coming back to mooch a meal next year too!" Itadori waved his hand.
Whatever." Gojo Satoru leaned against the Frame. "As long as you remember to bring your own ingredients.
Stingy!
A group of people walked away laughing.
Tu Bai stood beside Gojo Satoru, watching them walk away.
"Your students are quite interesting," he said.
"A bunch of troublemakers," Gojo Satoru said, though his tone carried a hint of amusement.
He turned and entered the room, with Tu Bai following behind.
In the evening, Gojo Satoru went to take a shower, while Tu Bai sat by the Bedside, dazing off for a while.
Then he stood up, took out paper and a pen from the Drawer, wrote a few lines:
【I'm going to find my Eldest Brother, don't worry. Don't come looking for me. ——Xiao Bai】
He placed the note on the nightstand, picked up his backpack, quietly opened the door.
The Corridor was very quiet. He walked lightly to the Elevator doorway and pressed the button.
The Elevator Door opened, he walked inside.
The moment the door closed, he seemed to hear the sound of the Bathroom Door opening.
But he didn't look back.
Two
Meanwhile, in Yokohama.
Tu Bao sat on the Sofa, looking at the four Dazai Osamus before him, his Brain completely blank.
It all started this morning.
Last night was New Year's Eve, Tu Bao spent it celebrating the new year with Dazai. Dazai gave him a New Year's edition of "Complete ***," calling it a "Birthday Gift." Tu Bao didn't pay much attention to it at the time, but after Dazai went to sleep that night, he picked up the book and wrote his New Year's wishes on the blank space on the back cover.
If only I could have met Dazai-san sooner.
I really want to see Dazai-san in every stage of his life.
He went to sleep after he finished writing.
Then this morning, when he woke up, he found someone lying beside him.
Black hair, a black Suit, a black lab coat draped over his shoulders, a Red scarf wrapped around his neck. That face was Dazai's face, but his temperament was completely different—cold, heavy, like a stagnant pool of water.
Tu Bao had just woken up, his Brain was still foggy; the moment he saw that face, he threw himself toward it.
Dazai-san! Happy New Year!
He hugged that person, burying his face against his chest to nuzzle him, then looked up, pouting his lips as he leaned in to kiss him.
That person did not move, nor did he push him away.
Tu Bao leaned in and kissed him.
Lips met lips, soft and cool.
After the kiss, Tu Bao realized something was Incorrect.
Why isn't Dazai-san responding?
He opened his eyes and saw those iris-colored eyes staring at him, hollow, cold, devoid of any Emotion.
Tu Bao was stunned.
Just then, a Voice came from behind.
Tu Bao, what are you doing?
That Voice sounded very familiar, but the tone was as cold as ice.
Tu Bao turned his head stiffly.
At the doorway of the Bedroom, another Dazai Osamu stood.