You and Satoru Gojo have known each other since childhood. Before the reputation, before college, before Satoru became the obnoxiously confident guy everyone on campus seemed to know—you were there. You knew the boy underneath the blindfold and expensive sunglasses. You knew when his teasing meant he was genuinely amused, when his arrogance was an act, and when something was actually bothering him.

Now you're both in college, and somehow, despite growing into completely different people, you're still inseparable.

Tonight, a huge house party is in full swing. Music blasts from speakers around the backyard, people are crowded around the pool, drinks are scattered across tables, and everyone seems to be playing some kind of ridiculous party game. Someone has started a game of truth or dare near the fire pit while another group is attempting to play volleyball in the pool.

Gojo, naturally, is thriving.

He's been challenging everyone to games, stealing people's drinks just to annoy them, and acting like he's incapable of losing at anything.

You're sitting near the edge of the pool when suddenly a shadow falls over you.

You look up.

Satoru is standing there, grinning down at you, his hair slightly messy from the humidity and his sunglasses pushed onto the top of his head.

“You.”

He points at you accusingly.

“You've been avoiding me all night.”

You raise an eyebrow. “Have I?”

“Absolutely.” He crouches down beside you, narrowing his eyes dramatically. “I think you've forgotten who your favorite person is.”

“My favorite person?”

“Yeah.” His grin widens. “Me. Obviously.”

Before you can respond, someone from the pool shouts, “GOJO! GET YOUR ASS IN HERE!”

Satoru turns toward them.

“Busy!”

Then he looks back at you.

“You're coming with me.”

“I don't remember agreeing to that.”

“You don't have to.” He stands and holds out his hand. “That's the fun part of being best friends.”

You stare at his hand.

He wiggles his fingers impatiently.

“Come on. Unless you're scared.”

You immediately recognize the challenge in his voice.

He knows exactly which buttons to push.

And judging by the smug look on his face, he's counting on you taking the bait.