Chapter Text
Later that week, the four of you are back in Tokyo, escaping the monotony of university life for the day. It started with Nobara, who declared she “couldn’t stand another second being cooped up in uniform and held captive in the university grounds”, so you casually suggested a day trip to Tokyo: some food, some shopping, and a change of scenery, and she immediately jumped at the idea. Naturally, the boys tagged along with you.
After debating where to eat, you all settled on sushi once more, and indulged to your hearts’ content. The meal was loud and lively, with Nobara critiquing Megumi’s bland taste in sushi toppings, Yuji trying to steal bites off everyone’s plates, and Gojo mysteriously footing the bill from afar (Megumi has Gojo’s card). The city bustles around you, and for a moment, it felt like a normal outing between friends with no curses, no missions, and no looming dangers.
As you walk through Tokyo’s crowded streets afterwards, the excitement from lunch gives way to a more relaxed pace. Nobara is window shopping, already talking about the next restaurant you’ll try, while Megumi trails behind. Yuji walks beside you, occasionally pointing out random things with the enthusiasm of someone seeing the city for the first time.
Your aimless wandering comes to a halt when you notice a pair of siblings huddled together on the sidewalk. The older sister looks to be no more than ten, her arms protectively around her little brother, who clings to her jacket with tearful eyes. Their expressions are a mix of panic and despair, and something in your chest tightens uncomfortably. Before you can process it, the four of you are already making your way toward them.
The sister looks up, her eyes wide with worry, and hesitantly explains their problem: their cat, Lucky, has escaped, and they can’t find her anywhere. The little brother nods fervently, his lip trembling as he adds, “She’s just a small thing, and completely black. Please help us, she’s never been outside before.”
A strange feeling washes over you as you crouch to meet their gaze. You think of your own little brother, his earnest eyes, the way he used to come to you for help with every small problem. Then, your thoughts drift to your own cat back home, her presence and comfort, now so far away. The memories hurt more than you expect, a bittersweet ache settling deep in you.
“We’ll find her,” you say, as the sister’s face lights up with renewed hope. Her brother looks at you like you’ve just promised to push Sisyphus' boulder to the top of the hill, and keep it there.
The group quickly splits into pairs, with you and Yuji taking one half of the neighbourhood while Nobara and Megumi take the other. The plan is simple: search every nook and cranny, call out Lucky’s name, and meet back in an hour before returning to the children.
As you and Yuji weave through the narrow streets, scanning bushes and checking under parked cars, your mind feels distant. You can’t quite focus, too caught up in your own thoughts. Yuji doesn’t seem to mind the quiet, though. He hums a soft tune under his breath, the corners of his lips curling into a gentle smile that’s oddly comforting.
“So,” he says after a while, breaking the silence. “Are you a cat person or a dog person?”
You blink, startled by the question. “Huh?”
“Cats or dogs,” he repeats simply, his hands tucked into his jean pockets. “Which do you like more?”
You hum thoughtfully. “I like both. They’re just… so cute, y’know?”
His grin widens, nodding enthusiastically. “Exactly! I can never decide either. Dogs are loyal, but cats are so independent. They’re both just great, I guess.”
“Yeah. I think that’s why people love the both of them, they’re opposites that somehow make sense together.” You shrug.
Yuji chuckles softly, his eyes lighting up. “Totally. A perfect duo.”
His words settle between you in an unspoken compliment, but before you can respond, a soft meow catches your attention. You freeze, whipping your head toward the sound. Yuji follows your gaze, and the two of you spot her, Lucky, perched precariously on a thin branch of a tall tree.
“I’ve got it!” Yuji says, already clambering up the trunk before you can protest.
“Yuji, wait!” you call, your heart lurching as he ascends higher. “Be careful!”
The branches creak under his weight, each sound tightening the knot in your chest. But Yuji remains undeterred, his movements quick and measured. Reaching the branch, he stretches out slowly, as he coaxes the frightened cat toward him. “Come on, Lucky,” he murmurs, “It’s okay. I’ve gotcha.”
After a tense couple of moments, he scoops her up, cradling the small, trembling form against his chest. Relief washes over you as he begins his descent, and you exhale a breath you didn’t realise you were holding the moment he lands safely on the ground.
“Good job, Lucky,” he coos, handing her to you with a triumphant grin. You hold her close, her soft fur brushing against your cheek as you pull out your phone to text the others. Yuji stands by, brushing dirt from his jacket, his grin never faltering.
‘we found her’ you type quickly, adding your location. ‘meet back at the spot’.
The two of you stroll back through the neighbourhood, Lucky cradled in your arms. She’s calm, her little purrs audible as you stroke her silky fur.
Yuji glances at her, a soft smile forming on his face. “She’s so cute,” he says, voice kind. “Y’know… she’s kinda like our kid.”
You freeze mid-step, blinking at him. “Huh?”
Realisation dawns on him, his eyes widening as a flush shoots up his neck. “I mean, not like that!” he sputters, waving his hands in front of him. “I just… y’know, we found her together, and we’re taking care of her, like a team! Not, like, parents or anything. That’d be… uh…”
You bite back a grin, watching him flail in embarrassment for a few more beats before cutting him off. “Relax, Yuji. It’s fine,” you say with a teasing lilt. “She can be our kid if you want, but…” You pause for effect, your smirk widening. “You’d better take me out to dinner first.”
His face turns an impressive shade of red, his jaw working soundlessly as he tries to process what you’ve just said. “Wait, what, uh-”
You laugh, the sound light and unbothered. “Kidding, kidding,” you say, adjusting Lucky in your arms. “Mostly.”
“Mostly?” he echoes weakly, voice cracking slightly.
“Relax, I won’t hold you to it,” you throw a lazy wink his way.
He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly, his cheeks still glowing pink. “Man, you’re dangerous,” he mutters, half-laughing.
“Dangerous? Me?” you say, mock gasping. “You’re the one scaling trees like it’s no big deal.”
This earns a laugh from him, bright and carefree. “Fair enough,” he says, his grin wide again. “But since we’re co-parents now, could I at least pick the restaurant?”
You tilt your head, pretending to think. “Depends. Are we talking something like ramen or yakiniku?”
“Yakiniku, obviously,” he says, pretending to be offended.
“Good choice,” you nod approvingly.
As the two of you approach the meeting spot, Yuji glances at Lucky one more time before looking back at you. “For real, though,” he says. “We did good, huh?”
You nod. “Yeah. We did.”
Megumi and Nobara arrive at the same time as you two. Nobara sighs dramatically, one hand on her hip. “Of course you two found her,” she says, rolling her eyes but smiling nonetheless.
You retell the story animatedly, words tumbling out in a rush as you describe Yuji’s daring climb and Lucky’s cute meowing, like a furry damsel in distress. As you recount how he reached for her, coaxing her down with such care, your voice softens, a hint of awe slipping through. Without realising it, you lean closer to Yuji, your shoulder brushing against his arm.
Yuji chuckles softly, his laugh low and a little bashful. He avoids your eyes, rubbing the back of his neck, his usual confidence nowhere to be found. It’s endearing in a way that makes your heart skip, and you find yourself smiling a little wider.
“Yuji was amazing,” you say simply, turning to him, admiration threaded through your words. His grin falters just slightly—like he doesn’t quite know what to do with the praise—before he ducks his head, the pink in his cheeks deepening.
“Nah, it wasn’t a big deal,” he tries to shrug. “Anyone would’ve done the same.”
“Not anyone,” you counter, tilting your head to catch his gaze. “You were so cool!”
For a moment, it’s just the two of you, the rest of the group and the bustling streets fading into the background. His grin, his warmth, the easy way he makes you feel, it’s all so much more than you expected.
But then out the corner of your eye, you catch the way Megumi's eyes flicker between you and Yuji. There’s something about the way his jaw tightens, the faint crease in his brow. Is it disapproval? Irritation? Whatever it is, it slices through your bubble of excitement, pulling you back to the present.
Nobara, ever perceptive, doesn’t miss a beat. She raises an eyebrow, her smirk sly as she crosses her arms. “Alright, alright,” she cuts in with a dramatic sigh. “We get it. Yuji’s your knight in shining armour. Let’s focus on getting these kids back to their cat, yeah?”
Heat rushes to your cheeks, and you straighten up and clear your throat, stepping slightly away from Yuji. “Right. Yeah. Let’s go.”
Laughter spills into the air as the children reunite with Lucky, their joy bright and unrestrained. It seeps into your bones, and you can’t help but glance at Yuji, his relieved grin warm as he watches them. But when your gaze drifts back to Megumi, his expression is anything but, his dark eyes lingering on you, heavy with something you can't quite place, something that stirs a strange ache in your chest as the group starts heading back.
Another afternoon, you settle onto the sofa in the common room, a new copy of Norwegian Wood in your hands. The sunlight filters through the linen curtains, warming your skin, casting golden hues across the room.
It’s a delicate moment, and you’re more than happy to lose yourself in Toru Watanabe’s recollection of his younger years. Finding Murakami’s work in this universe had been a delightful surprise, and you couldn’t resist buying this book on a whim. Even though you’ve read it before, the familiar words draw you in, their meaning deeper and more personal now in this strange, unpredictable world.
The sound of shuffling pulls you out of your thoughts. Glancing up, you see Megumi entering the room, grabbing a cold can of Coca-Cola from the fridge. He turns, catching your eye, gaze lingering on the book in your hands.
“Norwegian Wood,” his voice is softer than usual. “I love that book.”
You blink, surprised by his admission. It feels uncharacteristic, this small, personal glimpse into his tastes.
“Really? Same!” you exclaim, excited to have something in common with him.
He nods, leaning against the counter, his expression contemplative. “Murakami’s work has a certain... honesty. He captures loneliness in a way that feels real.”
His words hit hard, and before you realise it, you’re launching into a tangent about your love for Murakami’s storytelling.
“Exactly! The way he portrays isolation, how his characters carry this 'burden' they can’t get rid of, it’s so just raw. It’s like he understands what it means to exist in the spaces between people.”
Megumi moves to sit on the other sofa, can resting loosely in his hand as your conversation deepens, trading thoughts about Murakami’s other works, dissecting their themes and characters. There’s a rare connection forming between the two of you, that feels as natural as breathing.
At some point, you notice the way he leans forward slightly when he speaks, gaze holding yours with an intensity that sends heat rushing to your cheeks. He listens carefully, his responses thoughtful, his words deliberate. You can’t help but admire the way his mind works; analytical yet strangely poetic.
Is he an INTP, or something?!
In the back of your mind, you think about how perfectly Megumi fits into Murakami’s world, a character carved from shadows and subtlety, (literally), someone who understands the ache of solitude. The thought floats around in your mind, bittersweet and oddly tender, as he speaks about his favourite scene in Norwegian Wood, his voice softening in a way that feels like a secret.
The room begins to stir as Nobara and Yuji join, their chatter filling the space with livelier energy. Nobara plops onto the sofa beside you, stealing a glance at your book. “Ugh, Murakami? He’s so depressing. Do you read anything fun?”
“It’s not depressing,” you counter with a laugh. “It’s… y’know, introspective.”
“Same thing!” she retorts, making Yuji laugh as he drops onto the floor, stretching out with a sigh. Their conversation quickly diverges into something else, leaving you and Megumi in your quieter bubble.
You glance at him, catching the faintest hint of a smile as he watches the others. It’s fleeting, almost imperceptible, but when his eyes shift back to you, there’s something else in them. The warmth in your chest spreads, a realisation settling over you: moments like this, with Megumi, feel different. Like they matter.
The door swings open, and Gojo walks in. “Alright, everyone,” he says, clapping his hands together with a smile that radiates mischief. “I’ve got a little announcement for you before we dive into tomorrow’s mission.”
He pauses, letting the moment stretch out unnecessarily long, blindfolded gaze sweeping across the room. Finally, his hands stretch toward you, his grin widening, calling out your name. "Congratulations. You’re officially a Grade 2 sorcerer!”
You freeze, taken aback as the words sink in, as the others turn to look at you
“Wait, seriously?” your voice cracks slightly.
“Well, that was fast,” Nobara mutters, smirking as she nudges you lightly. “You’re making the rest of us look bad.”
“Don’t let it go to your head,” Megumi deadpans, but there's an unmistakable hint of pride for you in his voice.
“Woah, that’s insane! Grade 2, already?!” Yuji’s face lights up as he leans towards you. “Congrats!”
Gojo beams, clapping a hand on your shoulder. “Nanami gave a run-down, and I saw the write up myself. That curse you fought? Definitely misclassified. It was a semi-grade 1, and you took it down like a pro. You’re still standing, so I’d say that’s more than enough to earn your promotion.”
Your heart skips a beat as his words hit home. Thats right, it was a semi-grade 1. Your mind flashes back to the fight: the split curse, its relentless attacks, the way it had pushed you to your limits. Yet, you still came out victorious. A small wave of pride stirs in your chest.
You straighten slightly. “Thanks,” you mumble, trying to keep your voice steady, though a small, shy smile tugs at your lips.
“Yeah, yeah, she’s great,” Nobara teases, but her smirk softens into something warmer. “Seriously, though. Good job.”
Yuji grins so wide you’re half afraid his face might split. “You’ve got to tell us all about it later, okay?”
“Grade 2 already,” Nobara adds, turning thoughtful. “That puts you right up there with Fushiguro. Pretty impressive for someone who just got here, like us!”
Your gaze flicks to Megumi, who shifts uncomfortably under everyone’s attention. He meets your eyes briefly, offering you a subtle nod of acknowledgment. “You’ve earnt it,” he says simply.
Your heart sings at the praise. Gojo, ever the showman, claps his hands together once more, pulling the room’s focus back to him.
“Alright, now that we’ve celebrated, let’s keep moving forward! Tomorrow’s mission isn’t going to prep itself, after all.”
The room hums with renewed energy as the conversation shifts, but you stay quiet, letting the moment settle.
Grade 2. The same rank as Megumi. The thought lingers in your mind, both thrilling and humbling. You’re one step closer to standing on equal ground, not just with Megumi, but with the world you’ve found yourself in.
“Alright, focus up!” Gojo’s voice cuts through the chatter. “I’ve got a little assignment for you tomorrow. Quick mission at a juvenile detention centre, so it shouldn’t take too long. A piece of cake!”
The air in the room seems to grow heavier instantly, though no one else appears to notice. Your blood runs cold, Gojo’s words cutting sharper than they should. The juvenile detention centre. You know what happens there. Yuji’s death, or at least, his temporary one. Your pulse quickens, the timeline is slipping into place, real and undeniable.
Your gaze darts to Yuji, his expression curious but unbothered, like this is just another day in his new life. Megumi, on the other hand, sits straighter, his brows furrowing slightly, already sensing that something feels off. Nobara seems intrigued, her lips curling into a determined smirk as if she’s looking forward to the challenge.
But you barely register their reactions. Your mind is already racing, dread gnawing at your insides as a quiet resolve begins to grow in your chest.
Not this time.
Whatever it takes, you’re determined to change what’s coming.
That night, you can barely sleep, your mind whirling with thoughts about what's going to happen tomorrow. Before you can think better of it and talk yourself out of the idea, you creep out of your room, the soft padding of your footsteps barely audible in the silent hallway. You hesitate for a moment, then gently knock on Yuji’s bedroom door.
Just as you’re about to turn away, thinking he hasn’t heard it, the door creaks open. Yuji stands there, his hair tousled, wearing a cosy hoodie. He’s a mess, but somehow, it works, handsomely so.
Your name falls from his mouth in tired recognition. “Can’t sleep either?”
His room is simple, with an unmade bed, probably because he was just in it, and there's a scent of fabric softener lingering in the air. He closes the door quietly behind you, watching you with that easy, open expression of his.
“What’s goin’ on?” he asks.
You fidget with your hands, suddenly unsure why you thought this was a good idea. You hadn’t prepared a speech or even an outline of what to say. “I… uh, about tomorrow…” you start hesitantly, voice barely above a whisper. His brow furrows slightly, and he tilts his head, waiting patiently.
“I just… wanna say,” you begin again, carefully choosing your words. “You shouldn’t rush in, and make rash decisions. You’re really strong y'know, stronger than nearly everyone here.”
He moves toward his bed and pats the spot beside him. “Sit,” he says gently.
You do, perching awkwardly on the edge of the mattress, your hands clasped tightly in your lap. The silence stretches for a beat as you gather your thoughts. “But… if it comes down to it,” you continue slowly, “Don’t worry about us three. We’ll handle ourselves. And if you… go away for a bit after the mission to recuperate, we’ll… manage. I’ll know you’re not really gone.”
Your words feel clumsy, inadequate, and you’re very aware of how cryptic you sound. Yuji watches you closely, his brow knitting further in confusion, but he doesn’t interrupt.
“Thank you,” he says finally. “I think I sort of understand what you mean. You mean if I get hurt, right?”
“Sorta,” you murmur, glancing down at your hands. “Anyway, I just wanted to say that. And also… good luck tomorrow. It’s your first real mission.”
He nods slowly, his gaze searching your face, trying to decode the deeper meaning behind your words.
“You’re worried about me,” he says simply.
You nod, the words caught in your throat.
“I’ll be okay,” he reassures you, but then quieter, he adds, “You don’t have to carry all this by yourself, you know. Whatever you’re feeling, it’s okay to share it.”
You glance up at him, your resolve wavering for just a moment. The sincerity in his gaze is almost too much to bear. “Uh-huh. Thank you,” you whisper, barely audible.
The room falls into a comfortable silence, the soft glow of the moonlight streaming through the window catching on Yuji’s boyish features. You suddenly become hyper-aware of the proximity between you, your breaths suddenly feel too loud, too shallow, and then it happens: his gaze flickers down, just briefly, to your lips.
It’s so subtle you almost think you imagined it, but the slight shift in his expression tells you otherwise. The moment stretches for a second, taut and fragile. His gaze lingers on you, his breath hitching just slightly, and you feel the pull of something between you. But then, almost as if catching yourself, you shift back—just a hair, the space between you widening.
The tension finally breaks, as he turns and leans away fully, hand brushing awkwardly through his hair. You quickly turn your attention to your lap, your cheeks burning, the air charged with something neither of you dare to name.
He stands after a moment, his movements careful. “You should get some sleep,” he says softly, his voice steady, but there’s some sort of restraint in it.
You nod, rising with him. “Goodnight,” you murmur.
He hesitates, just for a breath. “Goodnight.”
As you step back out into the hallway, you look back—catching the faintest flicker of something in his eyes before the door clicks shut.