#introvert reader

You don’t like Satoru’s world. It’s too bright. Too loud. Too full of people who are convinced that the oxygen in the room belongs to them by default. You prefer the silence of your room, the blue glow of your screens, and the sanctuary of your bed—a place where no one expects you to be "on."

So when Satoru appears in your doorway with that look of ownership he wears everywhere he goes, you already know your night is forfeit.

“You’re coming tonight,” he declares.

“I’m not,” you reply, not even bothering to look up from your phone.

“Yeah, you are.”

“Absolutely not.”

Satoru lets out a dramatic sigh, as if your very existence is a conceptual disappointment to him.

“It’s just a frat thing, Y/N. People will be there. Normal people. You might even end up enjoying yourself.”

“That’s exactly how I know I won’t.”

He stops for half a second. A sharp, predatory grin tugs at his lips.

“Oh? So you do have opinions tonight.”

You finally look at him, your gaze flat and unimpressed.

“Unfortunately, yes.”

You never win against him.

That’s how you end up standing in front of a frat house that feels like it’s rejecting you before you even step inside. The music thumps against your skull, the lights are too warm, and the smell of cheap beer is thick enough to swallow. Satoru throws a heavy arm around your shoulder, dragging you into the crowd like this is all perfectly natural.

“Relax,” he murmurs. “You’ll survive.”

“I am relaxed.”

“You look like you’re five seconds away from committing a federal crime.”

“I might be.”

He laughs. It’s only then you realize you’re already trapped.

The whispers start almost instantly. Not about you—but about his version of you. “That’s Gojo’s sister, right?” “She looks… intense.” You don’t correct them. You only exist here as an extension of his light.

You let him pull you through the chaos until the air suddenly feels a bit easier to breathe near the back of the room. That’s when you see him. Suguru Geto.

He doesn't look like the rest of the room. He isn't louder or flashier; he’s just… stable. An anchor of calm in a sea of frantic energy. Satoru lights up instantly.

“Suguru!”

Geto turns. And unlike everyone else in this house, his eyes land on you first. Not Satoru. You. As if that’s the correct order of operations.

“You’re Satoru’s sister,” he says, his voice a smooth, deep baritone that actually manages to cut through the noise.

You tilt your head slightly, eyes tracking his with a dry, unblinking stare.

“And you’re Satoru’s friend,” you reply. “So we’re both suffering, just in different ways.”

A beat of silence follows. Satoru chokes on a laugh behind you. Geto doesn’t flinch. Instead, a slow, controlled smile spreads across his face.

“You’re not what I expected.”

“Let me guess,” you say, your tone clipping the ends of your words. “Quiet. Polite. Intimidated by boys in varsity jackets.”

Another pause. His eyes drop a fraction of a millimeter, scanning your posture.

“…Something like that.”

You shrug.

“I’m also a person, unfortunately.”

This time, he actually laughs. It’s a rich, genuine sound that seems to ignore Satoru’s presence entirely. Satoru looks between the two of you, suddenly appearing a little less sure of the dynamic he’s created.

“Wow,” Satoru interjects. “You’re actually talking back to him.”

“I talk like this to everyone.”

“That explains why you have no friends.”

“I have standards.”

Geto’s eyes stay on you. Too attentive. Like he’s rewriting his entire first impression of you in real-time.

“You don’t like this kind of place,” he says after a moment. It isn't a guess. It’s an observation.

“No,” you answer simply.

“Then why are you here?”

You cut a sharp look at your brother.

“Hostage situation.”

Geto laughs again, softer this time, as if the sound slipped out before he could stop it. Later, as Satoru starts to drag you toward another room to "introduce" you to someone else, Geto’s voice stops you.

“Wait.”

You turn slightly. He’s looking at you directly now. Not as "the sister." Just you.

“What’s your name?”

The question is simple, but the timing is surgically precise. You pause, then, with a hint of your usual dry bite:

“Y/N.”

The small smile he gives you then is different. It’s personal.

“Y/N,” he repeats, testing the weight of it.

He nods once.

“Got it.”

And this time, you know he’ll remember it.

Hope you survived Satoru’s chaos! This was Part 1 of a 4-part journey (plus some bonus content if the interest is there).

Get ready, because the next chapters are stepping into 18+ territory—it’s about to get much more... intimate ( ͡~ ͜ʖ ͡°)

Stella didn’t notice; she never did. Not because she was a bad friend, but because when she focused intensely on someone (in this case, the group of people she’d just met), she paid no attention to anything else. You were fine with that; after all, you knew exactly what she was like (and that’s how you loved her). You couldn’t expect the impossible from her.

You sighed, looking away from the new girls, zoning out again. The blue sky was beautiful at this time of day, and the moon was shining brightly. Sometimes, you just wanted to travel up there and skip all kinds of social interaction with anyone you didn’t feel like dealing with, and live peacefully, without having to worry about anything other than eating and sleeping. Maybe that is a little antisocial, though, you thought to yourself. Realistically, you knew you’d end up hating solitude. You already hated it right now in some way, and maybe you feared it too.

You sighed, pushing those thoughts away as quickly as you could.

Your mind drifted off to other places, wandering and rambling, until you heard a sound.

Click.

Your eyes flew open in surprise at the sudden sound that echoed to your left. Maybe that was what allowed you to really see the guy standing in front of you. Black hair, eyes the same color, and practically dazzling. Handsome as they come, and it’s worth adding that he made your mouth go dry pretty quickly.

And of course, it couldn’t be anyone other than Hanjin. Han Zhen. A guy you might like a little too much.

“Hanjin…” you murmured, stepping away from the group a bit, taking two steps back. It wasn’t as if they noticed, or if they did, no one said anything or asked where you were going—nor who Hanjin was. (And no, not even Stella).

“Hey there,” he greeted, lowering the camera and waving his left hand from side to side.

He eagerly stepped closer to show you the Polaroid he was holding. “Do you like it? I thought you looked great with the moon in the background,” he said with a big smile that didn’t show all his teeth—just like Hanjin always did.

You felt your throat tighten, and suddenly everything you’d overlooked—everything that had bothered you but you’d decided to ignore—came flooding back in front of him. You felt like crying, though you weren’t quite sure why.

The girl in the photo was ethereal, pensive, and something in her gaze said she was lost. Very lost and with no one to help her find her way out of that maze. It was you, but you didn’t look like the usual (name). Instead… you seemed more subdued. Maybe you were the only one who noticed those things.

“Hm.” You nodded finally, trying to smile as best you could. “It turned out really well, Hanjin. Have you ever thought about giving up studying to be a teacher and becoming a professional photographer?”

He laughed, frowning at the same time. “You don’t have to exaggerate, but thanks. I don’t think photography is my thing either; it’s just that I’ve seen you looking distracted and… distant. So I wanted to take a picture of you. You know? It was like you were on the outside of something you wanted to be a part of and… well. It’s hard to explain, I know; I’m probably coming across as the weirdest guy ever right now.” He said, looking ashamed, scratching the back of his neck.“I wanted you to belong, to have a place in my camera—if that makes any kind of sense…”

You blinked. You couldn’t tell if the lump in your throat had grown worse or if it had dissolved. What you did feel was the warmth, the affection from Hanjin.

Maybe that’s why you’d fallen in love with him, almost without realizing it. Maybe you weren’t the only one who noticed the details; you just had to find someone who cared about you.

A sincere smile tugged at your lips.

One day, you remembered, Hanjin confessed to you that he only took photos with his instant camera of things he found truly beautiful (and he emphasized that they had to be important to him) because the film cartridges were too expensive to buy every week. Especially as a student.

And he had taken a photo of you.

You realized, then, something very simple: with Hanjin, you wouldn’t be alone. Ever. He would notice everything that was going on with just a quick glance. And above all, he valued you enough to have several photos of you with him, to dedicate those beautiful phrases to you day in and day out—phrases that could only come from affection.

Maybe the problem had never been you, for not being as open with people as Stella. Maybe the problem lay with the one who didn’t know how to look.

Hanjin’s smile only confirmed it even more.

You took his hand, and with a look more serious than you would have liked, you said, “Let’s get out of here.”

And that’s how, yet another day, you got lost on campus amid laughter and flowers.

© jellyluvsjihoon 2026. do not copy or repost. ask to translate. (cr for the dividers to @pixopix)

“Good morning pretty girl” Eddie beamed when you hoped into his van. “Moring Eddie” you whispered with blush covering your cheeks, you still aren’t used to Eddie and his pet names. “Going shy on me already it is barely 7 in the morning” he teased. You hid yourself in your hands “No No No come out of there it is just me your boyfriend” he cooed. He let you calm down then said, “So what did you bring me for breakfast” “Um a bagel and orange juice” “Oo and its warm too” The rest of the drive was you feeding Eddie his bagel with some small talk and his music playing in the background. He loved it when you talked, it took you awhile to get comfortable enough to freely talk to him before you would only speak when spoken too and that would be two maybe three words. Now you are going on a full-on rant about how someone on the show you watched pick the wrong guy.  

When he pulled into a parking spot, he quickly ran to open your door with a bow “M’lady” there it was again he thought your face turned a bright red. Before he could admire you a gust of wind made you shiver “Oh your cold let me get a jacket” your eyes widen “No I have one on then you will be cold” “You have this thin little thing on you” as he pinches your cardigan “I can’t have my pretty girl freeze” you face heated up his pretty girl. He went back into his van a grabbed a black hoodie from the back. “It might smell a little, but it will keep you warm” he said when he sniffs it. He was right, it did smell but like him that musky scent with a hint of cigarettes and a bit more of a weed smell, but it was him Eddie your Eddie. He put it on you somehow your already red face got redder and hotter, you were in Eddies jacket his smell as all over you, your only thought in your mind was Eddie.  

You walked into school as normal, your head down holding Eddie’s arm as you walked to your locker. Liz was at hers when she saw you and ran over to you, she started talking about your show last night but all you can do is nod, you have Eddie’s sweater. You were released from your thoughts when Eddie spoke “I got to do some business really quick I will be back in time to walk you to class” he kissed your cheek and was on his way. “Sooooo” Liz started “New hoodie” “It’s Eddie” you said quietly “I can tell it smells just like him” she joked “He really has a hold on you” “What do you mean... is that bad” “Girl I was talking to you about the show last night and you didn’t even say a word to me” “Sorry I am just in shock I'm wearing his sweater” “I know you are sweetie your face says it all” 

Just like Eddie said he was with you before first period started. You got stares and whispers you never noticed before, especially not now, while wearing Eddie’s sweater. But Eddie did, he always did. He didn't mind when they were for him but if they were for you, he was livid. That’s how you guys started. You both had 5 period English together he was drawn to you by your beauty and shyness. Being in the back of the class he goes unnoticed and hears all the conversation. He can normally tune them out except when your name was heard. “Y/N is probably so easy” “Hell nah she is too shy” “Exactly, no one wants a shy girl” I do he thinks “Have you seen her with any guys around no right so any male attention she gets she will want” all of those stupid Jocks agreed. From that moment on Eddie has sworn to protect you. That day at lunch he found you and Liz sitting in a tree eating lunch. You were talking to her freely with no worries, when he walked up to you guys you looked at him with wide eyes then at Liz then back down Liz snickered. She knew of your crush on Eddie but you being you would never make a move. After he invited you both to sit with him at lunch, you looked at Liz with eyes pleading no, but Liz decided it was time to move and said yes. He extends an arm towards you, Liz was proud when you took it, then he carried your bag and lunch, yes, your face was red. He watches those jocks faces drop when they saw you with him, even more when he puts his arm around you. He saw your face the way you stared at Liz with wide eyes and blush on your cheeks, he loves that face. 

The day went by way too fast for your liking, you knew at the end of the day you would have to give him his sweater back. The warmth would be gone. When the finally bell rang you walked slowly to your locker in hopes that time would slow down. Before you know it, you saw Eddie’s head of hair over the sea of students. When you came into view he opened his arms wide for you, you snuggled into his warmth “You ready to go” go no you thought “Yeah sure” you said more quietly than usual Eddie picked that up fast “Are you ok, did anyone say something or do something because tell me and I-” “No Eddie no one said anything I’m just tired” you lied. He eyed you suspiciously “Mk whatever you say pretty girl- ah don’t hide from me” he caught your hands before they covered your face. He kissed your red nose “Let’s get you home tired girl”  

Aside from trying to find the missing piece, you loved this dream, you loved the way you felt in it. You long ago suspected it was more of a past life vision than a dream. From what you could see, you were someone of importance, maybe a priestess, a queen. It made sense the more you thought about it, your deep love for Egypt, and studying Egyptology in college.

You were sure this deep attachment led you to work at the British Museum in London. You were a bit of an introvert but loved history, and always imagined yourself working at a gallery or museum.

Upon applying for the job, you knew exactly what you wanted. But that department was notoriously hard to get into, so you took the only job you could get at the time, the information desk. You worked that desk for three months before switching to the bookshop.

After 6 months of working at the British Museum, a position finally opened up in the Ancient Egypt exhibit. It was a mix of part-time tour guide and occasional work at the small gift shop. You were nervous, and some intimidating people were applying for the same job, people who were there longer than you, more social than you, and seemed to be part of the cool kids club.

You were always unique and didn't really fit in, you made amends with that and gave it little thought until things like this happened. You felt nervous and self-conscious, you still remember the way your pulse raced as you sat there waiting for your turn. But you must have impressed the right people because two days later you got the call; the job was yours.

Instead of falling asleep, your mind continues to recap the last 7 and a half months. You liked working there and didn't see yourself changing jobs anytime soon. But it did get lonely sometimes. You liked some of your coworkers but didn't really have close friends there. There was Birdie and Layla, who you ate lunch with sometimes and went to after-work events occasionally, but overall London was lonely.

You imagined your move to London would come with all the things you always wanted. It didn’t really turn out that way. You had an okay life, there wasn't much to complain about, but you missed having close friends like you did back home. But now that you had your dream job for a month and a half, you definitely were not leaving London.

Your thoughts start to slow down, your breathing becomes more relaxed; sleep is on the horizon. You wrap yourself in the blanket and breath deeply, hoping to bask in the golden hues again…

Ring Ring

At first, you ignore it. But the more your phone rings, you slip farther and farther away from the land of dreams. You sit up with a sigh and grab your phone. It’s the museum.

It was your day off and you contemplated ignoring it. But you were also newish in your position and didn't want to mess that up. You answer and discover Hanna called out sick, she has two booked tours today and your boss asked you to cover. Keeping your annoyance to yourself, you agree to come in.

... 1 hour and 17 minutes later 

Sipping a hot coffee you step off the bus and approach the museum. When your eyes land on the massive banners, you can’t help but smile to yourself. A few days ago you had a conversation with your crush, Steven Grant, about these very banners. The Ennead had 9 gods, not 7. Steven made sure to mention it often. It seemed like you and Steven were the only two who even noticed, or cared.

You’re a little early and decided to sit on the stairs to finish your coffee. Your thoughts travel back to Steven. Though you didn't work in the same department before, you noticed Steven when you saw him around. You thought he was cute, sweet, kind; a gentle soul whose awkwardness only made you like him more.  

You only worked with him twice a week, but the two of you spoke whenever you could and slowly a friendship was built. It wasn’t easy when Donna was around, but the two of you still found a way to connect. Steven was a bit of a mystery though, there was only so much anyone knew about him, but you didn’t mind that so much, you kept people at a distance too.

You loved the days you got to see him. The way his face would light up and how he’d wave as he said hello. Steven always seemed so happy to see you, and even if you were having a crappy day, the sight of Steven instantly cheered you up.

…

You walk inside and head to your department. Your palms still feel a little warm from the now finished coffee and the caffeine is already helping you feel more awake. You pass some kids looking at cases and spot Steven in the gift shop. Before you can say hello, you can already tell Donna is breathing down his neck about something, and from his body language, he looks tired and frustrated.

As you get closer, you hear,

“It’s Steven.”

He holds up his name tag. She must have called him the wrong name again, it was something that drove you mad, and sadly she wasn't the only one. You hated seeing him have to say this over and over.

He raises his head slightly and the somber expression on his face quickly lifts as he smiles. He waves at you, “ hello.”

“Hi, Steven.” You smile back and quicken your walk when Donna turns around. You give her a basic hello and head back toward the employee-only section to put your stuff away. You tried to limit contact with her, she was a downer.

After putting your bag and jacket away, you put on your name tag and come back out. You decide to visit Steven until your first tour starts in 16 minutes. When you come over, you notice Dylan walking away from the desk smiling. Dylan was tall, beautiful and one of the social butterflies.

You walk a little closer and Donna beats you to it. You overhear their conversation and your jaw nearly drops. Dylan has a date with Steven? Steven asked someone out?

Donna, being her evil self, makes a comment before walking away. You notice this feeling in your chest and feel a little sad. You were building up to telling Steven you liked him, but if he liked Donna, well…you blink and turn around, deciding to keep yourself busy until the tour starts.

In between tours, you sit outside on the stairs and Steven joins you, sitting next to you.

“Hello,” he grins and offers you one of the snacks he’s eating. You take one.

“Hey.’

“You look sad today, are you okay?” His brown eyes are soft and full of concern.

“Yeah, fine.” You lie and force one more smile.

Steve nods and looks down at his shoes. “I can’t stay long, Donna’s keeping me busy. I just wanted to check on you.”

“That’s sweet of you Steven, thank you.” You gently touch his shoulder, it brings the smile back to his face. He stays with you for a few seconds before standing and going back inside.

…

Four Nights Later  

The song playing during the end credits of the film won't leave your mind.

Turning the corner, your phone vibrates in your pocket. You take it out and see its text from your failed date last week.

Apparently, this guy had a completely different experience than you did. You delete the text and block the number. You made yourself clear after there would be no second date, yet here he was with a douchey “what are you doing tonight?”

You hated dating and London wasn’t delivering. You didn't want to play games or waste your time, you just wanted to meet the one and settle down already. But life seemed to have other plans.

You shove your phone back in your pocket and make a left. This was one of your least favorite streets to pass en route to the bus. It was beautiful, but totally a couples lane. A flower shop, a chocolate shop, a bar that was popular for couples, and in the middle of the block was a huge fancy steakhouse with outdoor seating. You never felt more single than when you walked on this block.

You try to keep your eyes focused on the ground until something calls you to look up. You slow down and glance up at the golden lights and red curtains visible through the large windows of the steak house. Then you see him, Steven Grant.

You stop in place, the sight of him making your heart hurt. He looked so sad as his eyes searched the busy streets and he anxiously tapped his fingers against his knees. A heart-shaped box of chocolates sat on the table, a bouquet of flowers on top of it. Across from him is an empty seat, with an empty plate and glass.

Steven’s eyes land on you and he sits up, he looks like a sad puppy and all you want to do is comfort him. You walk up to the steakhouse and stop in front of the round platform.

“Steven?” You ask, observing him.

He says your name softly and you can tell he feels a little embarrassed, you see him like this. He laughs nervously and looks at the empty seat, then back at you.

You slide the chair open and sit, to Steven’s surprise. You start to speak when the waiter comes back over. He makes a comment about being glad to see you made it and offers you a menu. You only nod at him and wait until he walks away to finish your thought,

“I won’t let you dine alone. Guess we’re having dinner.”

Steven lights up, “ thank you, thank you,” he leans in a little closer then stops, “I-it was my fault I lost time, I loose time.”

“It’s okay,” you put the menu down, “ I have one question though, why a steak restaurant? Aren't you vegan?”

The question seems to set him on a mental spin, you can see his mind working. He may not even know the answer to that. You gently touch his hand, it pulls him back and he focuses on you.

“Maybe you can get a salad or something.”

He nods, “ Yeah, good idea…” he smiles, “ you look nice.”

“Thank you, a mild night. We saw a movie. Really painting the town red.” You both laugh and Steven looks like he wants to ask something, but he’s nervous. “Everything okay?” You ask him.

“The guy, “ he lowers his gaze, looking at the table, “who picked you up last week, is that your boyfriend?” He still doesn’t look at you.

“Boyfriend?” You raise your brows then remember that awful date and his stupid message minutes ago, “oh no. I don’t have a boyfriend. That was yet another failed attempt at dating.”

Your answer causes him to look up at you under his brows, his dark curls falling into his forehead. You wanted to touch those curls so badly, you loved his hair.

The table falls quiet aside from street noise and Steven flashes a sweet smile at you before grabbing the glass of water.

You smile back and nod to the menu. “Sitting here for so long, I bet you’re hungry. Should we order food?”

“Yes, very hungry.” Steven nods and fiddles with the bouquet of flowers.

…

The unexpected dinner goes well, you both chat about Egyptology, London, and the most recent books you’ve read. You agree to do a book exchange and share your favorites with each other.

After dinner, you take the bus together and share the chocolates, eating all of them by the time you reach your stop. You lived off the stop before his, and like a true gentleman, Steven walked you right to your door.

The night continues to remain beautiful as he does, the moon hanging high above. Even though it wasn't an official date, it was the best one you’ve ever had.

Steven very sweetly says goodnight to you and notices he’s still holding the flowers. “I don’t know what to do with these.” He holds them up.

“You should keep them, and everything you look at them you can remember how tonight turned out.” You suggest.

Steven looks at them, then back at you, “I wouldn't know what to do with flowers, “ he smiles, “I rather you have them.”

He offers the bouquet and you take it. You slide one out and tuck it away in his pocket, he watches you do so.

“For you.”

He pats it softly, “ thank you.”

“Goodnight Steven.” You take out your keys and smell the flowers.

He says goodnight once more and waits until you get inside. Once you are inside, still smiling at himself, Steven takes out the flower and smells it as he starts the walk home.

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