After coming out of the Infirmary, Gojo Satoru took a phone call. He stood in the Corridor, said a few words, his brow furrowed.
He hung up the Phone and walked back.
There are still some things to handle at Jujutsu High," he said. "Why don't you head back first? I'll arrive home a bit later.
Tu Bai nodded.
Gojo Satoru glanced at him and reached out to ruffle his hair.
Be careful on the road.
Then she turned and walked away.
Tu Bai stood in place, watching his back disappear at the End of the Corridor.
---
Returning to the Apartment, Tu Bai first gave Tu Bao a phone call.
The Phone rang once and was then picked up.
Er Bao!!
Tu Bao's voice was loud enough to make my ears ring.
Tu Bai moved the Mobile Phone a little further away, waiting until he finished shouting before bringing it back to his ear.
"Alive," he said.
“You scared the life out of me, do you know that!!” Tu Bao was still shouting, “My connection suddenly cut off! I thought something happened to you! I even asked Dazai-san to help me investigate! He said you both had disappeared! I—”
Alright, alright," Tu Bai interrupted him, "It's fine now. We're back.
Tu Bao fell silent for two seconds, then his voice grew quiet, tinged with a hint of a sob.
Are you really okay?
Really.
Where is that white-haired one?
He is also fine.
Tu Bao fell silent for another two seconds.
You.. you guys..
Tu Bai knew what he wanted to ask.
I'll tell you later," he said. "It's a bit complicated.
Tu Bao let out an "oh" and didn't press further.
After hanging up the Phone, Tu Bai sent another Message to Tu. He said a few simple words and reported that he was safe.
Tu replied quickly: 【Got it. Take care of yourself.】
Tu Bai stared at that line of text for a few seconds, then put down his Mobile Phone.
---
In the following days, life seemed to return to its normal routine.
Gojo Satoru went out every day. There were matters at Jujutsu High, matters involving students, those backlogged missions, one after another. Sometimes he left in the morning and didn't return until evening. Sometimes he would return at noon, bringing some food for Tu Bai, before leaving again after staying for a short while.
Tu Bai stayed at home. Sleeping, eating, staring blankly. Occasionally, he would tidy up the room, reorganizing those Baby Care Products. That Black Rabbit Doll was still on the Coffee Table; he picked it up and put it back down, finally stuffing it into the Drawer.
He had called Tu Bao several times. Every time, Tu Bao asked many questions, asking where he was, asking if that silver-haired man treated him well, asking how the child in his belly was doing. Tu Bai answered selectively, saying not much.
Tu occasionally sent messages as well. Not many, but every single one hit the mark.
Life went on just like that.
Sometimes Gojo Satoru would return early, the two of them would have dinner together. They would watch TV and chat aimlessly. Just like before.
But Tu Bai knows that some things have changed.
He couldn't explain what was different. It was just that sometimes, when Gojo Satoru looked at him, his heartbeat would accelerate. Sometimes, when Gojo Satoru accidentally touched him, his whole body would stiffen. Sometimes, when Gojo Satoru spoke to him, he would lose himself in thought while listening.
He loves him.
Tu Bai was very certain of this.
That one month in the Otherworld, the dependence during amnesia, the panic after regaining his memories, the lingering attachment at the moment of his return—it all made him certain that he loved that person.
He loved the way he smiled, loved the way he looked when he was being obnoxious, loved him when he was serious, loved him when he was gentle.
But he was not sure what Gojo Satoru thought.
That man was good to him, always good to him. Ever since that Back incident, he had always taken care of him, indulged him, played along with him, accompanied him on his adventures.
But..
Tu Bai looked down at his slightly protruding abdomen.
It must be because of this.
Because he was carrying his Child. Because he was the Strongest, he habitually took care of those around him. Because of responsibility, he chose to take responsibility.
If it were others, he would act like this as well.
This thought was like a thorn, embedded in his heart, impossible to pull out.
---
Day 5 Night.
Tu Bai stood on the Balcony, looking at the Night View.
The night in Tokyo is very bright. In the distance, the billboards on the buildings are flashing, the traffic on the streets nearby is like a flowing light belt. The wind blows past, a bit cool and very comfortable.
He rested his hand on the railing, dazing off.
Footsteps came from behind.
Gojo Satoru walked out and stood beside him.
He was wearing a loose gray Hoodie, his hair a bit messy, as if he had just returned from outside. He looked at the Night View without saying a word.
The two of them just stood there, silent for a while.
Then Gojo Satoru spoke.
I'll be done with this busy period in the next few days," he said, his Voice slightly lower than usual. "After that, you won't have to go out every day.
Tu Bai gave an "mm" in response.
Gojo Satoru remained silent for a few seconds, then turned around to face him.
Tu Bai felt his gaze and turned his head as well.
Under the moonlight, Gojo Satoru looked at him. There was no usual laziness in those Blue Eyes, nor any hint of a joke; he was simply looking at him very seriously.
“Xiao Bai,” he said.
Tu Bai's heartbeat skipped a beat.
Let's be together.
Tu Bai was stunned.
Gojo Satoru continued, his voice flat, as if he were stating something that should be taken for granted:
I like you. Be with me.
Tu Bai stood there, motionless.
He looked into Gojo Satoru's eyes, trying to find something within them. A joke? A probe? Or something else?
But there was only seriousness in those Eyes.
But that seriousness only made Tu Bai's heart ache even more.
He knew what kind of person Gojo Satoru was.
Usually, he looks unreliable, lazy, loves to joke around and tease people. But at critical moments, he is always the most dependable one. When trouble arises, he is always the one standing at the very front. When it comes time to take responsibility, he never hides.
Because he is the Strongest.
Because he is Gojo Satoru.
So now, he stands here, saying "Let's be together," and for what reason?
Because he is pregnant. Because he has his Child [male] in his belly. Because he feels he should take responsibility.
Tu Bai looked at those Blue Eyes, suddenly feeling a bit like laughing.
He wanted to ask: If it weren't for this Child, would you still say that?
But he didn't ask like this.
He was afraid to hear the answer.
Yeah." He spoke, his Voice very calm, "I understand.
Gojo Satoru's eyebrows twitched, as if he were waiting for him to continue.
Tu Bai turned around and walked back into the house.
I'm a bit tired," he said, without turning back, "I'm going to sleep first.
He walked into the Bedroom and closed the door.
The door lock clicked.
---
Gojo Satoru stood on the balcony, stunned for a few seconds.
He looked at that closed door, a bit stunned.
He had just said they were together, Xiao Bai said, "I understand," and then he left?
What does this mean?
Did he agree or not?
He walked back to the Living Room and sat down on the Sofa. He stared at the Bedroom door, his Brain spinning through several thoughts.