Chapter Text
~|Ieiri Shoko|~
[FLASH-BACK: CIRCA- 2006] Ages: |Name| 16, Shoko 17.
The cursed weapon storage at the Tokyo branch was always to put it simply, a mess. Things were haphazardly organized into piles or shoved away on shelves. This was of course all thanks to the fact that Yaga had left the task of organizing the place to the infamous trio of Second-years. One Gojo Satoru, Geto Suguru, and last but not least leiri Shoko.
Between the three you'd think it would've been somewhat organized, however, it was somehow worse. |Name| happened to be the unfortunate victim of her upperclassmen's gross negligence. That was how she found herself tasked with fetching a particular cursed weapon for Yaga-Sensei.
She had no idea where to start, from the literal piles that somehow blocked the door, to the overflowing shelves that threatened to collapse. Overwhelmed was an understatement to her current mental health.
"This is gonna take all fucking day isn't it?" She hissed under her breath, silently cursing the upperclassmen she'd yet to even meet. Certainly, it wasn't a great first impression of her new schoolmates.
"Why the hell are there even so many?" |Name| checked her pictures again, flipping open her phone. The grainy photo displaying itself on the dim screen. "And what's with the no lights? Know damn well this school can afford a hanging light bulb- cheapskate higher ups..."
Feeling blindly, |Name| attempted to find some sort of switch or cord. Instead of finding a light source, her face found the floor. A wayward sword being the culprit behind her literal downfall.
A pit of defeat grew in her stomach as she didn't bother to get up. Dull pains pulsing throughout her body as she laid there. Distantly, light footsteps were making their way down the hall. |Name|, remained none the wiser to them though, content to take a nap to spite Yaga and the upperclassmen responsible for the atrocious organization of this room.
|Name| yelped as a sudden bright light flooded her vision. The wooden door having slide open, allowing light to creep in. Shoko stood dumbfounded for a moment in the doorway, before a light chuckle escaped her lips.
"Odd Place to catch up on sleep huh? Can't blame you though- it's probably the quietest place on campus. Most the time anyway."
Shoko's relaxed voice filled the dusty storage room, as she stepped inside. Scrambling to her feet, |Name| quickly tried to defend herself.
"I wasn't napping! I'm just- I'm trying to find something! I'm not-" Shoko raised a brow at her frantic rambling and waved her off.
"You're good- m'not a snitch. I came here to sneak a smoke break anyway-" Shoko took a seat on a case and rummaged through her uniform pockets.
"Uh- is that a good idea in here? This rooms not well ventilated at all-" |Name| pointed out, growing concerned about the potential disaster waiting to happen.
"There's a window- it's above the back shelf." Gesturing behind her, Shoko slipped a cigarette between her lips.
Rays of sunlight revealed the well hidden window, perched just above the very back shelf. |Name's| gaze drew upwards towards it as she threw together half-assed plan to reach it.
"I can give you a lift I guess- normally Suguru gets it if I share with him-" Shoko remarked, as she watched the confused underclassmen.
"Ah you don't have to I-" Before |Names| protests could be heard, Shoko had knelt and clasped her hands together as a step.
"You coming? I'm on limited time, hiding from two idiots right now." Shoko joked, hesitantly |Name| stepped up. Shoko carefully helped her balance on her thigh.
|Name| struggled for a moment, hands grasping at the window before finally getting it open. Not a moment later a loud bang sounded, startling |Name| and catching Shoko off guard.
So much so that |Name's| foot slipped, sending her tumbling down onto her upperclassman below.
"OW- fuck are you okay?!" |Name| was mortified, so much so that she hardly realized how their position could be interpreted.
"Nothing I can't fix later- Don't worry yourself over it." Shoko reassured her with a wave as they were about to move a certain menace arrived.
"Shoko!~ We're gonna get ice cream cause Suguru totally lost the bet-....SUGURU YOU OWE ME CREPES IT HAPPENED!!-"
"What happened- Oh- Well I'll be damned. I didn't think you went that way Shoko-"
Two grinning idiots, also known as Shoko's best friends, stood in the door way.
"What are you two so happy about huh? Don't get any weird ideas- You already scare away our older classmates enough."
Shoko glowered at the two of them as |Name| quickly got to her feet. Extending a hand to Shoko, she helped the older girl up.
"So who is this huh??? Hiding your hookups from us??" Satoru pouted as he spoke, his usual overplayed sense of dramatic flair in full swing.
"Oh I haven't gotten her name yet actually-" Shoko drawled while placing a hand behind her neck.
Suguru snickered slightly amused by the whole situation. Satoru seemed to get a kick out it as he turned to the first year who was attempting an escape.
"Hey you! Shoko's hookup-"
Shoko abruptly interrupted "She's not my hookup- She's clearly a first year Satoru go easy on her-"
"You realize telling him she's a first year was a terrible idea right-" Suguru added onto the conversation as he stepped next to Shoko.
"...Yeah I'll have to apologize to her later..." Shoko replied as the color drained from her face.
She leaned closer to the flame of Suguru's offered lighter as he offered to light the cigarette still between her lips. The two friends watched as their white-haired friend practically harassed the first-year.
"How old are you!?"
"16!?"
"What's your favorite color?!"
"...Brown?!"
"....Brown?...really?....like actually?-"
"...yes?!!-"
".....OH BECAUSE SHOKO'S HAIR- that's so gA-"
A text book smacked into the back of Satoru's head. The weighted object genuinely caught the normally cocky sorcerer off guard.
"Forgot your infinity, huh Satoru?" Shoko asked coyly as Suguru choked down a laugh.
"Oh you're so fucking on-" Satoru started before realizing that the first year had already fled.
"Damnit! I didn't get her name! This is your fault Shoko! Now I gotta keep calling her your hookup~" Satoru remarked with a smug grin, somehow disregarding his precious offense about being whacked.
"Gah Get it through your thick head- She's just a first year- I don't even know why she was here-" Shoko replied, taking a long drawl from her cigarette.
"She was probably getting something for Yaga-Sensei." Suguru says absentmindedly as he similarly inhales the smoke.
The three collectively look around the poor excuse for a storage room.
"Should we?-" Shoko starts, looking between the two taller boys.
"...Nah" They reply in unison, taking their usual seats on random piles.
"That first year was pretty cute though huh Shoko-"
SMACK
"You won't get me a second time!~"
"You wanna bet?"
"Bets? I bet 1000yen you can't hit Satoru again-"
"Fine, I bet 1000 I can hit him again."
"Suguru!~ You Gotta by me crepes later! Don't forget."
"You haven't proved she's gay yet-"
"Why are you guys betting on my sexuality?-"
-
As the conversation faded out |Name| found herself out of breath, empty handed, and worst of all afflicted with a new pit in her stomach.
A fluttery pit that made her feel lightheaded and unable to speak. Why didn't anyone warn her? That she's meet an upperclassman that was so...pretty?!
|Name| now thoroughly dejected returned with only one thing, a massive crush.
--------------------------------------------------------------------|<3|----------------------------------------------------------------------------
~|Tsukumo Yuki|~
[FLASH-BACK: CIRCA- 2007] Ages: |Name| 20, Yuki 21.
A/N: There is no confirmed age for Yuki in the "Gojo's Past Arc" to my knowledge. I did look, so if you happen to find something please comment. I based these off Utahime's age. She's been made roughly a year older than then her, the reader has been made the same age as Utahime during the past arc.
Evening light flooded the cabin through the large windows, as the train exited yet another tunnel. |Name| shielded her eyes from the sudden onslaught, moving the folder in her hands to help block the light. She honestly had no clue how she'd make the remaining three-hour trip back to the Tokyo campus. Her conscious state was rapidly declining at this point after hours spent on a mission with a couple fellow grade two sorcerers.
If there was one thing she could say, they completed the whole thing in record timing! She couldn't recall another time she'd finished a mission in the same day. Her thoughts were interrupted by a sudden shadow that blocked out the evening sun.
A tall shadow that grasped the overhead handrail with a certain easygoing presence that was unfamiliar to |Name|. Glancing up, she met the shadow's playful gaze. Brown, warm brown eyes that trained on and trailed over her form.
She felt herself exhale a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. They held their staring contest for a while longer, until the shadow laughed. A melodic sound that echoed softly off the walls of the deserted cabin.
"It's not often I run into sorcerers outside of work!" The shadow plopped down in the empty space next to |Name|. Stretching her arms behind her head before resting one on the back of the seat.
"I wouldn't expect you to. We're a pretty rare bunch, aren't we?" |Name| replied, leaning her head back against the window.
The shadow hummed in response, glancing over at |Name|'s face again. Eyes tracing over the details of her expression.
"We haven't met before, have we? I'd remember a cute face like yours!" The shadow exclaimed with a relaxed grin.
|Name| found herself at a brief loss as she processed the comment. She averted her gaze towards the floor as she clasped the folder.
"No, we haven't met. I'm |Last Name| |Name|. Grade two Sorcerer." |Name| introduced, letting her eyes fall back on the shadow.
The shadow's eyes lit up with an air of mischief. She leaned forward, resting her face on the palm of her hand.
"Tsukumo Yuki, Special Grade. I'm sure you've heard of me?"
|Name|'s mind raked over the names she'd come to learn over her career as a sorcerer.
"The useless female special grade that wastes all her time fooling around overseas rather than on missions?"
|Name| said absentmindedly, not realizing how rude that comment was. Yuki winced, a pout forming on her face.
"Jeez, that's like the 4th time I've heard that today! Is everyone really spreading such bad rumors about me?!?" Yuki lamented with a sigh, crossing her arms as she leaned back in her seat.
"It's how one of my kouhai described you when I was still a student. It's the prevailing opinion of you I suppose-".
Yuki let out an exasperated groan as she covered her face. Her expression remained sour as she looked back to |Name|.
"Regardless, I have a very important question to ask you!" Yuki perked up a bit, the frown curling into a smile.
|Name| sweat dropped; she really didn't like that tone! What kind of question could switch the special grade's mood so suddenly?
Yuki leaned forward once again, her hands resting on her knees.
"What's your type?" Yuki asked with a wide smile.
"...Come again?-"
"I said- What's your type?"
"You can't actually be serious-"
"Do you prefer women? That's totally fine too! You can tell a lot about someone based on their type." Yuki's gleeful expression never faded as she awaited |Name|'s answer.
"...I don't have time to date anyway- I don't see how that's relevant-"
"I didn't ask If you date, I asked your type. Surely, you've had time to find people attractive, yeah?"
A long pause of silence persisted between the two women as |Name| processed the question.
"I guess...My type is women with a strong presence and a passion for their work."
|Name| answered slowly, studying Yuki's expression to gauge her reaction. Yuki seemed pleased, nodding her head.
"Interesting Answer! I'm surprised you actually played along- Personally, I like guys that are willing to get their hands dirty!"
"...You like men that don't wash their hands? That's kind of disgusting-"
"I think you're taking that phrase to literal-"
"The point stands, it sounds gross."
-
|Name| found the rest of the ride back to the Tokyo campus to be eventful. The conversation with Tsukumo was anything but boring that was for sure. The two women talked in that empty cabin for the remainder of the travel time.
An odd feeling blossomed in |Name|'s chest when the ride was finally over, filling her with a sense of disappointment at the thought of Tsukumo's departure.
"I guess this is goodbye for now?" |Name| asked, glancing to the other sorcerer as they exited onto the station's platform.
"You're going to the Tokyo campus right? I'm heading there too. Let's walk together!" Tsukumo said with that same wide smile she'd shown several times.
"...I'd like that." |Name| replied, a smile making its way onto her own face.
Their conversation carried on as they made the trek back to the Tokyo campus.
"Say, why did you need to come here anyway?"
"Ah, I wanted to meet my fellow special grades!"
"Oh...You mean those two...Good luck with that."
As the two women went their separate ways, |Name| couldn't help but think to herself.
'I hope I meet her again.'
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~|Iori Utahime|~
[FLASH-BACK: CIRCA- 2005] Ages: |Name| 16, Utahime 17.
Early spring wind blew in a lively dance, jostling |Name|'s hair as she trailed behind her classmates. Stone stairs, that had grown cracked under the foot of former alumni, now made way for the newest set of first years.
A lively bunch of four that had met up prior for the hour-long ride by train it took to get to their future campus. |Name|'s gaze fell on the two boys that lead the party up the overgrown trail. Gojo and Geto, whom she'd quickly become acquainted with on the train, were racing each other up the stone stairs.
Her remaining classmate, Ieiri, was a ways behind the two boys. She kept her own pace as they climbed the stairs. |Name| lingered behind all of them, taking in the oddly rural part of Tokyo they were in.
She heard them shouting up ahead, as the school's front gate came into view. Framed by two large trees, that casted shade over the entrance. A figure was waiting for them, tucked in the corner with crossed arms and a neutral expression.
Geto, who was winning the aforementioned race, came to a sudden halt. Gojo realized this only last minute, unable to slow down as he collided into Geto's back. So like a line of dominos both fell right into the dirt, with the white-haired boy crushing the former.
"Off-A Me!-" Geto's muffled voice called out from under Gojo, as the other switched to a lounging position on top of his back.
Gojo leaned his cheek against the palm of his hand and looked up towards the now frowning figure under the gate. His glasses falling down his nose, he called out to the figure.
"Heyyyy!~"
Utahime stared down at the new first year with disbelief, why did she get stuck showing these morons around?
"Gojo-, I think you're suffocating Geto." Shoko pointed out blankly. The black-haired teen's face was starting to turn blue from the lack of oxygen.
"Ah-, Woops!" Gojo rolled off the other male's back. Geto breathed heavily, not wasting a moment in attempting to choke the white-haired boy out in retaliation.
Utahime watched the two boys roll around in the dirt, wildly throwing jabs and trying to gain on each other. She had enough bullshit to worry about as is, so she put a pin in separating the two and turned towards the remaining first years.
"You two." Utahime started as the two girls moved over to her.
"I'm Iori Utahime- Second Year. You both are?"
"Ieirl Shoko."
"|Last Name| |Name|"
Utahime nodded in response to the girls' answers, glancing over at the two brawling boys.
"And those two? Did you catch their names?"
"Sunglasses is Gojo, Bangs is Geto." Shoko responded, gesturing over her shoulder to each boy as she said their names.
"I'm supposed to give you four a tour of the campus, per Yaga's instructions- But we're never going to get anywhere when two outta four of you are idiots-" Utahime complained loudly in the boys direction.
"Geto. I've only known you for three hours."
"And? Where are you going with this-"
"Let's form a temporary alliance."
"Why the hell would I-"
Gojo pointed over to where the three girls were talking with a scheming grin.
"I'm thinking of something more fun than beating each other's face in-"
Geto's eyes fell where Gojo's were looking and what he was implying finally clicked. He let out a low whistle as he stood, brushing his uniform off.
"An upperclassman? You sure about bothering a big fish on the first day?" He said with an amused smirk.
"If you're gonna dive, why not make a big splash?" Gojo said matter of factly, coming to stand next to Geto. They two joined with the group once again, falling to the back to whisper about their scheme.
=
Satan
That's how Utahime would describe the foul creature known as Gojo Satoru.
You could not convince her that boy was not satan incarnate. He and that conniving weasel with bangs. The whole tour, she was interrupted constantly by the white-haired ones back-handed comments or plagued by banged one's obvious questions.
"Utahime!~ Your tours really great and all but when can we get lunch? I'm freaking WASTING away here!" Gojo sighed dramatically, leaning into Geto like he'd collapse.
"Yeah Iori-Senpai, Gojo's looking pretty faint." Geto added to Gojo's act, fanning him with one of the pamphlets Utahime had handed out.
"For the last time you little bug eyed freak- Don't call me by my first name!" Utahime practically growled out towards Gojo.
"Gojo does have a point though, it's about lunch time Iori Senpai-" |Name| spoke up for the first time in awhile. She'd been so absorbed in the tour that she'd missed a large part of the war the boys were waging against their senior's mental health.
Utahime looked to a wall clock and frowned upon seeing it's declaration that it was in fact lunch time.
"The canteen is down the hall If you're really going to starve..." Utahime grumbled out to them all. She left the room, intent to get a break from the first years.
|Name| looked between the boys and Utahime's retreating figure with confusion. She turned her head to Ieiri, who was already heading off towards the canteen with the boys.
"Hey, Ieiri! Did something happen with Iori-Senpai?" |Name| asked, walking in step with the other girl.
"...Where have you been for the past 40 minutes- They were acting asinine the whole tour-" Ieiri mumbled, searching her uniform for a cigarette.
"I got a bit distracted I guess..."
-
Utahime sat down on the steps with a sigh, relived to finally catch a break. She grimaced as her stomach growled, urging her to go eat. There was no way in hell she was going back to the canteen while that sunglass wearing menace was about.
Prepared to fend off her hunger the rest of the day, she hugged her knees to her chest. Soft footsteps approached her from behind.
"Iori-Senpai? Mind if I sit with you?" |Name| questioned, joining the older girl.
Utahime sighed with relief that it wasn't either of those hellions.
"That's fine. Did you eat already?" She asked the younger girl, looking over to her.
"Yeah, I did! I wasn't expecting this school to have so many options! I didn't end up eating the lunch I packed." |Name confessed as she plopped next to Utahime.
|Name| debated her next move for a moment before placing something in Utahime's lap. It startled the other girl for a moment before she realized it was harmless.
"What's this for?-"
"You didn't come to the canteen. It's the lunch I packed...you should eat it. I figured you're trying to avoid Gojo right?"
Utahime's reaction grew surpised as she picked the box up. A weak smile grew on her face as she opened it.
"Thank You, |Last Name|."
"You can just call me |Name}, you know? I am your Jr after all! It's a little stuffy to call me by my last name!"
"Okay...|Name|" Utahime relented, causing the corner of the girl's lips to turn up slightly.
For the remainder of their lunch break, Utahime ate while |Name| told her what the middle school she attended was like.
Utahime listened intently while eating the boxed lunch, nodding along with the girl's story. She even laughed at some parts, making the girl determined to hear it again.
-
They ended the tour on a lighter note, much to Gojo's displeasure. The first years parted ways from their senior. |Name|'s eyes never left Utahime until she had disappeared from sight.
This fact did not go unnoticed by Geto, who was paying much more attention then Gojo at the moment. He grinned as he threw an arm around |Name|'s shoulder, breaking the girl's focus.
"So, |Last Name|...What were you and Iori-Senpai talking about during lunch?" He asked, already throwing her under the bus by revealing that information.
"WAIT WAIT HOLD UP-" Gojo interpreted, getting in |Name|'s face.
"You talked to Utahime? ALONE?"
"She gave her lunch cause she was too freaked out by you to come eat." Shoko supplied helpfully from the side.
"YOU GAVE HER A LUNCH?" Gojo practically yelled again, getting in |Name|'s face.
"Why is that a big deal?- I just didn't want her to be hungry and I happened to have it so-"
"|Name| likes Utahime~" Gojo cut her off in a sing-song voice.
"I mean, she's not bad looking- but is your type really loud grouchy girls, |Name|?" Geto further played along with Gojo's teasing.
"I'm happy for you, |Name|." Shoko played along as well in a rare display of solidarity with the boys.
"I don't-...Whatever it's not worth it- Don't go making Iori-Senpai uncomfortable saying stuff like that!" |Name| complained, as Gojo joined Geto in hugging her.
They both pet her head mockingly while cooing towards her.
"It's okay |Name|~ Denial is the first step to true love!~"
"We'll help you get your girl, what are friends for after all?" Geto said with a shit-eating grin.
"THAT'S ACTUALLY A GREAT IDEA! I'm so glad I thought of it!" Gojo exclaimed, jumping up to start planning.
"Hey I-"
"Operation |Name|-hime is a go! We're gonna set this ship asail!"
|Name| gave Geto the world's frostiest death glare at the monster he'd just created.
Geto only offered her a shrug as they both buckled in for the ride.
-
|Name|'d never admit it, but Gojo's accusation held some truth.
She wasn't sure what part was true just yet, but that mystery was exciting.
She couldn't wait to unravel it further.
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~|Mei Mei|~
[FLASH-BACK: CIRCA- 2006] Ages: |Name| 20, Mei Mei 20.
Kyoto's campus didn't differ all that much from its sister school Tokyo. There were the obvious ones like location and values of course. After all, Kyoto was the 'Holy-land' of jujutsu sorcery, which meant it was bound to be more uptight.
Regardless, it had been the learning institution |Name| had called her home for nearly the last three years. She was entering her fourth and final year as a Kyoto senior, practically already a fully-fledged sorcerer.
As a result, she could no longer participate in the yearly exchange event between the two schools. |Name| would be lying if she said she was sad about that fact. Although Kyoto had been kicking Tokyo’s ass in a steady winning streak the past three years, something felt different this year.
The rumor mill painted a particularly grim picture of the incoming second years from Tokyo. |Name| herself was unfamiliar with most of the students in attendance at the sister school. She'd had a few missions here and there with Iori and Ieiri, but past that she had no clue what the current fodder was looking like.
Somewhere, that should have been ringing alarm bells in her mind. However, blinded by the excitement to actually watch the exchange event for once, she dismissed her lingering reservations. After all, she'd get to see her kohai in action!
-
Mei Mei arrived earlier than most of the others who would be in attendance to watch the event. The time needed to set up her crows for surveillance warranted it anyway.
Yaga had promised her a nice paycheck in return for providing her services for the whole thing. Motivated as ever, Mei Mei jumped at the easy earning opportunity he provided for her.
"Excuse me, is this the viewing room for today's activity?" An unsure voice called out to Mei Mei, footsteps padding against the floor as the figure moved closer.
"It is, who might you be?" She replied, with a certain mirth laced in her usually professional tone. The question hadn't been necessary of course, she already knew the face in-front of her.
Kyoto Senior |L/N| |Name|, a grade one sorcerer, known for her good cooperation and pleasant demeanor. At least, that's how she knew the girl from how Utahime had described her. What a long conversation that had been!
"Oh- I'm |L/N|, it's nice to meet you!-" |Name| managed to form a cohesive response in a socially acceptable amount of time. Mei mei nodded in response to the girl's introduction.
"Likewise, you can call me Mei Mei. You're rather early, you realize that right?" The white-haired woman pointed out, making a show of gesturing to the wall clock.
“Ah?...” |Name| froze as she looked from the sorceress infront of her, to the clock and back.
“I could have sworn my phone said the right time...” She drawled, pulling the device from her pocket and flipping it open.
Mei Mei took the opportunity to look over her shoulder at the small glowing screen. An amused hum left her as she placed a hand on |Name|’s shoulder.
“I believe you’re using the wrong time zone.” She purred directly into the woman’s ear, causing her to flinch from surprise.
“uH-“ A new feeling blossomed in |Name|’s chest at the sound of Mei Mei’s voice. Her mind made the delayed connection a few moments later.
“You’re right- I just got one recently so they’re a bit new to me...” |Name| replied, trying to quell the foreign feeling the sorceress had sparked.
“Kyoto has a pretty strict cell-phone policy, doesn’t it? It’s not a surprise that you’re a bit behind.” Mei Mei replied, shifting around to face |Name| once again.
“Yeah- We’re only allowed them for work purposes at the moment- though I’ve heard the new second years have been protesting it.” |Name| affirmed, snapping her phone closed.
“Well, I suppose we’ll be keeping eachother company for quite awhile, won’t we?” Mei Mei said with a cheshire grin.
“That we will! You’re a Tokyo senior right?-“
-
Sat together near the front row of chairs, the two women had been discussing a number of topics the last hour. It ranged from their latest missions to the current scheduled event. |Name| expressed her excitement to watch the event unfold.
“I think I have an idea of how to make them even more exciting. If you’re up for it, of course.” The white-haired sorceress leaned her head against her palm as she spoke.
“More exciting? Let’s hear your idea then-“ |Name| invited, waiting for her to continue.
“We should bet on which school we think will win!” Mei Mei replied quickly, in a rare passionate outburst.
|Name| considered the gamble, eyeing her newfound company.
"What would we be betting?” |Name| inquired, her interest growing.
“Our next bonus, do you find that agreeable?” Mei Mei’s eyes remained fixed on the other woman’s expression.
“That’ll work, you have a deal then! Any way you’re rooting for yet?” |Name| questioned with a polite tone.
Mei Mei’s lips curled into a knowing smile as she answered.
“Why, Tokyo of course.”
-
"Yo, Satoru!"
A certain black-haired sorcerer called to his friend; dark glasses glanced back in his direction. The former came to a stop in front of the latter. Hunched over on the bench, Satoru looked at Suguru with clear displeasure.
"Why'd you run off so soon? Did Shoko's bullying finally get to you?" Suguru asked, clearly amused, taking the open seat next to his friend. Satoru only shook his head, a light scoff leaving him.
"As If Shoko's even capable of bullying me! She's just mad I called that purse she got fake- Which it was by the way! I think I'd know designer of all people! The thanks I get for trying to look out for my friends- I'm never taking your advice again, being nice sucks."
Satoru loudly complained, glasses falling down his nose as he rested his chin against his palm. Suguru was never really sure whether or not the pouting was genuine or not. He suspected Satoru was at least feeling a bit frustrated for once.
"What did you expect? You certainly haven't built a reputation for being nice." Suguru all but gleefully reminded the white-haired sorcerer of his less then kind reputation amongst other sorcerers.
"GAH! That's not the point shitty bangs! I wouldn't give a crap If it was some weak nobody! But it's Shoko!..." Satoru grumbled the later part of that sentence under his breath. Suguru was taken aback for a moment but found himself pleasantly surprised.
"Wow...never thought I'd see the day. Gojo Satoru, actually giving a shit? I think the world's ending..." Suguru's tone of voice exaggerated enough that Satoru could tell it was jesting.
"It's not like I'm some kinda crazy rare Digimon Suguru-... Actually- I kind of am If you-"
"Satoru, I'd rather not listen to a rant about the parallels between Digimon and your life right now." Suguru interrupted sarcastically, giving Satoru a deadpan look. The white-haired sorcerer huffed and crossed his arms at this.
"Jeez, I'm trying to express myself in a healthy way and this is the resounding support I get? Shoko's right, you're a terrible listener Suguru."
Suguru rolled his eyes and chuckled, stretching his arms behind his head.
"So- How're you feeling about the exchange event?" He asked, eyes settling on the other boy.
"The what now?" Satoru tilted his head to the side, genuine ignorance clear in his eyes.
Suguru's expression slowly morphed into a familiar dance between exasperation and disappointment.
"Satoru, you have got to be kidding me-"
"I'm not- What's the exchange event? Does that have something to do with why classes were canceled?-"
"I cannot with you right now. Do you never pay attention?"
"I've been playing Digimon World! Come on Suguru! It's freaking portable! How could I pay attention to Yaga when there are Digimon to be found!"
"I'm taking that DS."
"You'll have to pry it from my cold dead hands."
-
"Then my bets are on Kyoto!" |Name| answered confidently, nodding to herself as staff began to file in.
-
"Geez Satoru, that was a little cruel don't you think?" Suguru chuckled, walking to join Satoru after he released blue on some unsuspecting Kyoto Student.
"Psh- I'm not killing anyone am I? That's the rule!" Satoru waved Suguru's concerns off and lightly kicked the Kyoto student.
"Yo! You alive?" Both boys were met with a groan from the incapacitated student.
"See! All good Suguru! He's fine!"
-
|Name| sat dumbfounded at what she just witnessed. Did that white-haired boy just instant knock out one of her jrs? More importantly, was anyone going to check on that kid??
Mei Mei chuckled, "Impressive, right? Gojo never fails to shake things up."
Mei Mei placed her hands in her lap, a knowing grin forming on her face. |Name| looked to her exasperatedly.
"Impressive? He's downright terrifying-" |Name| mumbled under her breath.
"Makes you glad we're seniors, right?"
"Oh definitely- I think I would drop out If I were the younger years-"
"...IS THAT A DRAGON?-" |Name| covered her mouth quickly, realizing she'd practically shouted.
Several heads had turned towards where her and Mei Mei were sat.
"That would be Geto."
-
"...That was..."
"I'll be frank, I didn't expect them to completely wipe the floor." Mei Mei spoke, genuinely surprised the Tokyo pair incapacitated Kyoto's entire available student body for the event.
"It seems you won." |Name| sighed, leaning her head back against the chair.
"It seems I did, although it's too bad they cancelled the individual battles portion!"
"I'm just glad they aren't expecting Ieiri-san to repair all the damage."
Both women laughed at the bizarreness of the whole situation.
"Can I get your number? So I can get you your money-"
-
|Name| exchanged numbers with Mei Mei, snapping her phone closed as they both stood together.
"I hope we'll meet again soon, it was fun talking with you."
"Likewise, I hope we'll get to tackle a mission together at some point." Mei Mei responded with a coy grin.
-
|Name| was unsure what to make of Mei Mei. The woman seemed polite enough, and she was most definitely a character. If there was one thing she took away from the experience, it was not to bet on Kyoto anytime soon.
As much as it hurt to admit, it seems their winning streak was coming to an end for now.
|Name| is curious to see where her interactions with Mei Mei will lead her in the future.
--------------------------------------------------------------------|<3|----------------------------------------------------------------------------
~|Zen'in Maki|~
[FLASH-BACK: CIRCA- 2017] Ages: |Name| 16, Maki Zen'in, 16.
Grading Nanako and Mimiko's practice worksheets had practically become a pastime for |Name|. No matter what subject they were on, it usually took her a good hour to get through even half of them.
"It's...It's just a solving for x problem- You did great with these yesterday!" |Name| lamented, looking over to the two younger girls. They both looked to where she was sitting: Nanako shrugged, while Mimiko looked out into space.
"It's just- we're kinda distracted you know?" Mimiko spoke up, her twin nodding along with her statement.
"What's distracting you?" |Name| asked, raising a brow at both of them. She had a feeling this was gonna be another excuse like the last time.
"Geto-sama's calling all the leaders together." Nanako continued for her sister, both had a pensive look on their faces.
"Huh? When was this? Geez- He never says anything! Yeah no, homeworks excused then-" |Name| decided, plopping next to the two younger girls. The girls exchanged elated looks and internally cheered about not having to do more math.
"|Name|!! Mimi!! Look at these crepes!!-" Nanako leaned over, showing some photo to the other two girls.
"Ah..Those look so good."
"How'd they get the picture like that?"
-
"I'm just saying, they seem kinda overpriced" |Name| defended herself against Nanako's growing irritation. The three girls were waiting in the meeting room alongside the other leaders.
Miguel leaned over the girls shoulders, catching a view over what two-thirds of them were arguing about. His eyes widened as he read the price of the crepes Nanako was looking at.
"2,935.40¥?? For just one?? They're not even blind robbing you, that's just straight up!" Miguel practically shouted, not realizing his own volume in the moment.
All three of the young curse users practically jumped, |Name| almost falling off the couch.
"JEEZ- Watch the shouting we can hear you!" Nanako complained, lightly whacking Miguel's hat while he stepped back to avoid her wrath. |Name| sighed, readjusting herself on the couch.
"Miguel gets it though, those things are way overpriced!" |Name| quickly uses the older's comment to back her side of the argument. Miguel goes blanked face and looks to the others in the room for some kind of back-up. The last thing he wanted was to get caught up in teenager drama over desserts.
"Hah! Miguel!! Take it back!! |Name|'s the worst when she thinks she has a point!!" Nanako complained, her gaze moving to Miguel expectantly.
'God what did I just get myself into?'
-
"My Beloved Family!" Geto spoke as he entered the room, a wide grin on his face. The meeting had finally begun, |Name| leaned her head against her palm as she listened.
-
|Name| walked beside Geto after the meeting, both watching the twins as they ran ahead.
"They really strong-armed you into getting those crepes, huh?" |Name| pointed out, a relaxed atmosphere forming between the two.
The dark-haired curse user chuckled, stretching his arms behind his head.
"Oh well, they've been doing good recently, haven't they? Let's call it a treat." Geto ruffled |Name|'s hair, as they came to a stop outside the temples building.
"And I can trust you to keep an eye on them when I can't."
|Name| nodded at his words, glancing towards the twins.
"I'll always look out for them."
-
A large bird curse with some kind of monk on it's back was not on Maki's 2017 bingo card. One moment the first years were all walking together, the next their path had been blocked by the odd sight.
It wasn't even a moment later that several people filed out of the bird's open mouth. Maki grimaced, looking to her classmates in the moment. Unauthorized parties shouldn't have been able to get onto campus, this was spelling bad news.
"Hey! Outsiders aren't allowed here! Leave before Yuta makes you." Panda piped up towards the group.
"Tuna and Mayo!" Inumaki added to Panda's declaration.
"What those two said, get your asses outta here! Before Yuta kicks them!" Maki added even more fuel to the fire, putting a nervous Yuta on the spot.
Yuta was mortified, looking between his friends and the strangers.
"G-Guys-" Yuta stammered, when suddenly the monk had moved towards him.
At his side in less than a minute, Geto clasped Yuta's hands in his own.
"Nice to meet you, Yuta Okkotsu. My name is Suguru Geto." Geto said with a fox like smile.
'He's Fast!'
The three remaining first years thought, as they looked upon the pair.
-
|Name| watched Geto for only a moment before the twins caught her attention.
"Ugh, Geto-sama's doing his scam artist thing again-" Nanako whispered to the other girls; Mimiko sighed, leaning against |Name|.
"How long do you think he's gonna take?-" Mimiko asked, looking to |Name| to answer her question.
"I'm sure he'll be done soon, but you know him- He loves the sound of his own voice." |Name| said with a sly smile, causing the other two girls to cover their mouths to suppress their laughter.
"Ah! Is that a panada?! So cute!" Nanako spoke up, referring to one of the jujutsu tech students. The young curse user scrolled to her camera and took a picture.
"Quiet down, we don't wanna draw attention away from Geto-sama." |Name| reminded the girl in a hushed voice.
Nanako pouted towards the older girl, but relented finally and calmed down.
-
As the freaky monk kept on, Maki turned her attention to the others in tow with him. She spotted some shirtless weirdo and...three teenage girls? Did this guy shop for all his goons outside of a jr high or something? Her eyes fell to the tallest one of the trio, who seemed to be hushing the more lively one with a bun.
For some reason, her mind decided to commit that girl's face to memory. They both locked eyes, hard stares across the short distance between them. The girl seemed to give Maki just as long a once-over, like she was looking deeper.
"kill all non-jujutsu sorcerers-"
That statement finally brought Maki back to the current situation. What the hell had he just said?
He wanted to kill all non-sorcerers?!
-
|Name|'s interest in the green-haired girl was peaked, she seemed strong.
"Can you stop preaching your insane beliefs to my student's, Suguru?"
|Name| tensed up at the sound of a new voice.
-
As things escalated, |Name| naturally ushered the twins back toward the bird curse. She had a feeling things might get out of hand.
"Geto-sama! The Shop's going to close!" Nanako loudly complained, causing Geto to glance back in the girls direction.
"Oh my, it's that late already? I'm sorry Satoru, the girls wanted to grab crepes from Takeshita Street."
-
|Name| sighed when they finally ended up at the crepe shop.
"You almost lost your act back there." She spoke, looking to Geto as he watched the twins take pictures with their desserts. He let out an amused huff and met |Name|'s gaze.
"I think I handled everything well, there's not exactly a guide on how to declare war." He mused, offering her the remaining crepe.
"I thought you wanted one?" |Name| pointed out, recalling him agreeing earlier with Nanako that he'd pick the same flavor as her.
"You know how I feel about eating things made by-"
|Name| interrupted him, "Alright Alright= I hear you loud and clear- no need to finish that sentence- You use that word so much it doesn't even sound real anymore." She spoke with an annoyed tone, taking a bite of the crepe.
Geto covered his mouth, holding back a laugh that threatened to leave him.
-
After the night parade of 100 demons, |Name| was reminded just how drastically things could change. She'd gone from being with her family, to being separated and unsure of all of their whereabouts. She recalled realizing the moment Geto had failed his goal when that white-haired sorcerer left.
The only human she'd ever seen that in her eyes was stronger then Geto. She'd thought of him as some raging storm during his confrontation with Miguel. Nanako and Mimiko to her side, unbelieving gasps. It was that moment that changed her whole priorities, that broke her from some sort of spell.
She needed to get Nanako and Mimiko the hell out of here.
-
It was around two months after Geto's death was confirmed, |Name| had been in a convenience store stocking up on some cheap snacks for the twins. After the loss of their guardian, |Name| had taken on a more parental role over the younger girls, thankfully she had Larue and the others to fall back on for now.
The pre-packaged crepes on the shelf were like some ironic punch to the gut, calling back memories she saw in a bittersweet lense. She went to grab a pack, when her hand met a larger one. At that moment, she looked up on instinct.
"There you are!"
-
It took a lot of convincing to get the young curse user to follow him to a cafe. Gojo couldn't exactly blame the girl for not trusting him, he did act pretty unhinged the last time they saw eachother.
"So- Here's the deal! I wanna enroll you in-"
"Why?" |Name| interrupted him.
"Huh-?!"
"Why do you wanna enroll me? I'm a wanted criminal." |Name| spoke with a deadpan look.
"So? So was my newest student, like two months ago! I mean...technically? Your circumstances are different, but they're kind of similar!" He said with a wide smile.
|Name| sighed, pressing her forehead against the table.
"And it'd be like a way to atone for what they consider my crimes? I'd just have to work as a sorcerer?" She asked, looking up at him with an unsure expression.
"Something like that, You'd be taken off our list of wanted curse users and be enrolled as a delinquent student!"
|Name| grimaced, looking off out the cafe's window at the people walking by.
"They-...My little sisters- I can't just leave them."
Gojo nodded, taking |Name|'s situation into account. He snapped his fingers after a moment, getting her attention.
"If you agree, then I'll support your sister's. You can tell them you someone that had an opening and send the money home." Gojo spoke, as if his idea was normal.
"...Geto-sama was right- You're freaking insane aren't you?" The girl asked in disbelief.
Gojo smirked, leaning forward with his chin resting against his palm.
"I do try."
-
"AND THAT! Is how I acquired your new and final classmate!" Gojo exclaimed as he made jazz hands towards the first years.
|Name| frowned at his wording, "You make it sound like I'm some kind of stray dog-" she complained.
Panda was the first to introduce himself, he seemed more willing to give the girl a chance than the other first years. |Name| very quickly told him how Nanako hadn't stopped talking how cute he was.
"Did you hear that? I'm cute! I told you I don't stink Maki!" Panda beamed, which lightened the room's awkward mood.
"wH- I never said that! Stop putting words in my mouth-!"
-
"Hey you! Curse user! What are you doing?!" Maki approached the girl, studying her expression. Her face had been lingering in the back of her mind for awhile now.
"Texting my little sister, Got a problem with that?" |Name| replied, a slightly irritated tone taking root in her voice. She didn't enjoy the constant confrontational energy she got from Maki.
It had taken her some time to adjust to attending Jujustu tech, she still wasn't adjusted really. Oddly enough she found her three other classmates were easier to open up to. Even Yuta, who she thought would hold a grudge against her based on her former association had come around quickly.
All that remained now was the girl in front of her, Maki Zenin.
"I do If you're gonna waste all our training time on your phone! Panda and Toge are useless for someone like me and Yuta's doing special grade bullcrap! You use a cursed weapon, don't you? Get over here so I can kick your ass-"
|Name|'s eye twitched, "What makes you think you can kick my ass? You can't even see cursed spirit's without that crutch of yours!" the ex-curse user hissed towards Maki.
Maki grinned, "Oh? Are you mad that someone like me can beat you? You probably share the same views as that monk guy did right? Let's see If you can back them up." Maki said, her tone laced with confidence.
In the heat of the moment, |Name| agreed with a huff.
"Fine!"
-
"Yuta! You're back just in time! Maki and |Name| are duking it out!" Panda called out to the boy, waving him over. Yuta heard the alarm bells going off in his head.
"THEY"RE DOING WHAT?!-" He rushed over, thinking his classmates had gotten into a full-on brawl, when he noticed it was just a spar. He inwardly sighed in relief, breaking Maki up from someone was the last thing he wanted to do.
"Salmon Roe." Toge commented, sitting next to Panda, as Yuta joined them.
"They had an argument?" Yuta looks to Toge to confirm what he'd said.
"Tuna." Toge nodded in confirmation.
"Hopefully, beating each other will give them the direction they've been needing." A voice commented from behind the trio.
"Gojo!"..."Gojo-Sensei!"..."Sea Weed!"
"The one and only!"
Gojo took a seat next to the boys, as they all watched the two girls intense fight.
Yuta looked to Gojo with a frown, "What did you mean by-"
"They've had it coming- Maki represents everything |Name|'s bunch wanted to get rid of, and |Name| represents everything that wants to hold Maki back. Clashing ideologies, that and vice versa- it was bound to happen." Gojo answered nonchalantly, kicking his legs up.
"So..you're just going to let them fight?...because it's for their own good?-" Yuta asked slowly.
"Bingo! You win!" Gojo cheered, crossing his arms behind his head.
"...It probably wouldn't hurt to have Shoko on speed-dial though! Don't want any accidents!"
-
"Get off of me!" |Name| shouted, struggling under the knee Maki had dug into her back when she pinned her to the ground. Maki seemed pleased with herself.
"Beg me and maybe I'll consider it! I'm not letting you up until you admit a 'weak' sorcerer like me defeated you!"
|Name| gritted her teeth and let out a sharp breath, her gaze lowering towards the ground. She looked up towards Maki as much as her current position allowed her to.
"You beat me...I admit defeat...just get off me..."
-
There was a moment of silence between the two after Maki had let the girl up. |Name| took a deep breath before bowing her head towards Maki.
"I never thought you were weak. Whatever I've said, it was definitely bad, but I don't think you're weak." |Name| asserted, raising her head again.
Maki paused for a minute, appraising the girl's expression.
"That's a hell of a way to avoid saying sorry-" Maki joked, walking towards the girl.
"I'll forgive you, If you work on the internalized bullshit you've got going on."
"It'd be a waste of your talent to stay as some judgmental prick the rest of your life." Maki added, offering the girl a pat on the shoulder before walking away.
|Name| watched her leave, frozen in place by her actions.
'Jeez, I have a lot of work to do, don't I?'
-
Gojo watched the exchange with a knowing smile.
"They're going to be just fine"
--------------------------------------------------------------------|<3|----------------------------------------------------------------------------
~|Kugisaki Nobara|~
[YEAR-2018] Ages: |Name| 17, Nobara 16.
Settled on the stairs, Nobara and Megumi sat in a shared solemn silence. Itadori's death and the events of the past day weighing on their minds.
"Is this your first time having a partner die?" Nobara posed the question as she leaned forward, head in her hand.
"It's the first that's been my age." Megumi replied, not looking up from the ground.
"You seem to be taking it well, all things considered." The sorceress remarked, gaze remaining forward.
"Same to you."
An awkward pause, "Of course."
Nobara began, "I only knew him for about two weeks,"
"I'm not some simple woman who breaks down over a guy a barely know dying."
"Jeez"
Megumi glanced towards her silently, spotting how her lips quivered as she spoke.
He glanced back towards the ground, his frown deepening.
=
The two students remained in their silent state.
"What's this?" A feminine voice spoke, causing them both to look towards the source.
"You're looking even more glum than usual, Megumi." Maki stepped towards the stairs, holding onto her cursed weapons case. She narrowed her eyes at the pair.
"This a wake or something?" She asked, tilting her head slightly.
"Zenin-senpai." Megumi greeted, with a blank gaze.
"Don't call me by my last name!-" Maki began to say when she was interrupted.
Maki-! Maki-!
Panda called from behind a statue where he and Inumaki were peeking out from.
"I'm talking here!" Maki asserted.
"Y-You don't know why they're so depressed?"
"What are you going on about?"
"Someone really did die! One of the first-year boys!"
"Bonito Flakes."
Maki instantly flinched, her expression twisting into a mix of awkwardness and regret.
She turned to Panda and Inumaki, whispering "You should have told me sooner!"
Pointing her finger towards them she yelled, "Now I look like some kind of heartless, cold-blooded demon!"
"That's exactly how you came off!" Panda exclaimed in agreement.
"Tuna and Mayo" Inumaki added.
-
Nobara and Megumi shared an impassive glance before Nobara turned to face him fully.
"Who are those guys?" She questioned as she pointed towards the trio.
"Our second-year upperclassmen." Megumi replied in a monotone voice.
-
"Then there's Okkotsu-senpai, who's the only one I can openly respect. But he's overseas right now." Megumi had just introduced the three second-years to Nobara.
"You're not adding more about the panda named panda?" Nobara asked, looking exasperatedly up towards him.
"You forgot |Name| Megumi!" Panda interrupted the pair's conversation as the trio walked over.
"|Name|?" Nobara questioned, looking toward Megumi.
Megumi froze for a moment before his face dropped. He sighed and rubbed his head, "She's never around." Megumi defends himself, in case they got on him for forgetting there was a fifth second-year.
"There's a fifth second-year, L/N, she has such an abysmal sense of direction and lack of spatial awareness that she's always missing." Megumi explained to Nobara, who nodded along.
"Don't be mean Megumi! |Name|'s just as reliable as the rest of us!" Panda exclaimed, messing up the boys hair.
"Panda! Cmon! We came here for another reason!" Maki interjected.
"Right Right-"
-
|Name| rubbed her nose, "I feel like Megumi is talking shit about me again..." She muttered to herself as she continued walking. The buildings on campus all looked identical, which never helped her when she got in this mess.
Why did she take her eyes off Panda! How did she miss where a giant bear went off to?! Seriously, how many places could one cursed corpse go because this was frankly getting ridiculous!
-
"And that's why we need you guys for the exchange event-" Maki finished her explanation, looking over the first years.
"Alright, not like we have anything else to do." Nobara mumbled, accepting Maki's plea.
Megumi just nodded along, largely unphased.
-
During their training for the exchange event, Maki had sent Nobara and Megumi to go run some errands. Nobara stood in front of the vending machine, cheesing her way into free sodas by messing with it.
"Yes! Watch and Learn Fushiguro!" She claimed proudly, hands on her hips.
Megumi barely glanced towards her, raising an brow at her.
"Stop fooling around."
-
"What is your type of woman?!"
-
"Personally, I'm into women that are self-assured and spirited!"
...
During the confrontation between Mai, Todo, Megumi, and Nobara, |Name| had wandered to the scene.
Megumi deadpanned, looking between Todo and |Name|.
"|Name|!" Todo called out excitedly, running towards the girl.
|Name| blanked for a second, before a wide grin spread on her face.
"Todo! Hey! How long have you been here?"
The remaining trio stared in vague shock at the interaction they were seeing.
-
"So um, are we gonna talk about this or-" Nobara started, to which Mai interjected.
"Idiots tend to be attracted to each other." Mai said plainly, a frown forming on her face.
"Idiots?...yeah that checks out so far..." Nobara relented, unsure of who the chick Todo was hugging even was.
"Megumi- Who's that?-"
"L/N-senpai."
-
"Oh hey! Megumi! It's been so long little guy! Did you grow some?" |Name| grinned upon seeing the first-year, grabbing him in a headlock which he violently fought.
Nobara watched silently as Todo laughed in the background.
"...Wait a second...Are you like Megumi's girlfriend?" |Name| questioned, looking at Nobara.
Nobara immediately made a disgusted face, "nO? How could you even think that?!"
"I just wanted to believe he finally got some game." |Name| answered disappointedly, releasing the boy.
"But speaking of, You're a first year right? I'm L/N, |Name|. It's nice to meet you." |Name| offered Nobara a friendly smile as she extended her hand.
Nobara took it with hesitation, "Kugisaki Nobara, Likewise."
-
|Name| stretched her arms behind her head as Nobara watched. The pair had teamed up after they all resumed training for the exchange event. The younger girl had reservations about being paired with |Name|.
"Did Megumi talk shit about me? That look you have screams he did." |Name| broke Nobara's line of thought as she froze.
"I wouldn't say shit-"
"What did he say-"
Nobara hesitated before speaking, "You have a bad sense of direction and a lack of spatial awareness..."
"Knew it! Gojo owes me a free homework pass!" |Name| shouted happily.
Nobara stared at her bewildered.
=
"And that's basically it, Gojo and I have a running count of who he bad talks more! I finally caught up!"
"That's...why are you proud of that-"
"Oh I'm not- but no homework is no homework."
"I wasn't aware Gojo gave homework-"
"Yeah, he normally doesn't"
"..."
-
|Name| watched Nobara closely as they practiced different things together. She got an idea at some point and tapped her to get her attention.
"Hey Hey! Wanna learn something cool?"
"Something cool?"
-
"Alright Alright, go try it out on him! Just like we practiced!"
Nobara nodded, approaching Megumi slowly "Yo! Fushiguro!"
"What is it?-" Megumi asked, only to let out a sharp yelp as Nobara kicked his feet out from under him and tackled him to the ground.
"Awesome form my apprentice!" |Name| shouted, running over to the two.
"Sorry I used you as a test subject Megumi!" |Name|, however, didn't sound all that sorry.
-
|Name| spent the rest of the time teaching Nobara different ways to tackle or sweep someone off their feet.
It was an odd experience, but Nobara found herself having fun with it.
-
Abruptly, |Name| asked If she was feeling better, "What do you mean?" Nobara responded.
"I mean do you feel better?, I heard your classmate passed away. That's probably a lot to deal with, especially with all this crap coming up." |Name| explained, patting the ground next to her.
Nobara sat with her reluctantly, plopping down on the grass.
"...It's not like I knew him that well." Nobara's voice grew quieter as she looked towards the ground.
"You can still feel sad about people dying, even If you weren't close. Denying that grief might end up backfiring on you. You should really let that kinda stuff out." |Name| commented, turning her head towards the sky.
Nobara found herself silent at this, unsure how to respond.
"Hey, how about we go shopping together?" |Name| offered, a wide smile on her face.
"I always ask Maki, but she's never interested!"
Nobara considered the offer, "Yeah...sure let's go shopping sometime. I can't say no to that, can I?"
-
'What a confusing girl',
Nobara thought to herself, as she joined |Name| in looking at the sky.
-
|Name| has her moments.
She hopes she cheered the girl up.
-------------------------------------------------------------------|<3|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
~|Kasumi Miwa|~
[YEAR-2018] Ages: |Name| 17, Miwa 17.
Kyoto's countryside gradually slipped by, as |Name| leaned her head against the cool glass. Trees flowing past in a sea of green, spring in full bloom. Murmuring voices holding soft conversation, contrasted with Todo's booming octave. |Name| internally cringed at the difference, having to travel with Kyoto's lot never got easier.
She was thanking the higher ups she didn't have to sit with Todo this time around. His unfortune victim happened to be Noritoshi, which ashamedly filled |Name| with a sadistic glee. Normally, she'd frown upon seeing the suffering of others, but Noritoshi was Noritoshi.
Although decently spaced, the bus still managed to sound like those meet and greets Todo was torturing Noritoshi with. Tadaka-chan this and Tadaka-Chan that, even all the way in the back, it was getting ridiculous.
|Name| barely finished packing beforehand, so conveniently she left behind the reprieve of her headphones in her haste. Seriously, how long can one man go on about an idol?
Utahime's disrupting sigh sounded from beside her, pulling her gaze to the older woman. The teacher's languid form entering her vision, slumping in the seat next to her.
"When Gakuganji passes out, we're hitting up the nearest convenience store."
"Let me guess, ear plugs?" |Name| questioned, to which her instructor nodded. The older woman shifting to sit properly in her seat, leaning her head against the back glass. The girl held back a laugh; seems she wasn't the only one Todo was giving a massive headache.
-
"...What's the difference between extra extreme spicy and devil extreme spicy?" |Name| pondered aloud, squat in front of the selection of instant ramen flavors. She scratched the base of her neck, trying to discern the better option. She wanted something so hot it made her mouth burn, so which was hotter? Devil, Devilllll, devil sounds pretty hot? Then again, EXTRA in bold red letters was also giving her a pretty hot vibe...
-
"Mecha Maru!! Heyy! Do you uh want anything? I saw these AA batteries-"
Muta stared blankly at his blue-haired classmate, wondering what she was even on about. Seriously, aren't they looking for earplugs for Iori-sensei while she buys alcohol? Of course, they get put on errand duty since no one else in the school can be trusted apparently!
"What are you even- We had this conversation; I'm not built like that-" anddd she's off, again! Does Miwa never have a thought for more than five seconds? Fine, he'll find the earplugs...not like he wanted to listen to her ramble on anyway!
-
"DEVIL EXTRA XTREME SPICY IS THE BEST FLAVOR!!" |Name| hissed as her eardrums were practically shot, clasping her hands over her head in some desperate attempt to save what remained. She glared up at the one responsible for her sudden hearing loss, Todo.
"Dude, inside voice for fucks sake! Jeez-" |Name| stood, glancing over at the 'Devil Extra Xtreme Spicy' packaging. The bright red wrapping had several skulls and flames printed on the side, alright she had to admit, that DID look pretty hot.
"Huh yeah, does look pretty decent. What flavors do they carry?" The girl questioned, picking up the flashy 2-pack as she looked up at her loud classmate. He nodded in approval towards her, patting her shoulder.
"Good choice, |Name|! I knew you were manly." |Name| deadpanned at him, not fond of that adjective in relation to her. She huffed, smacking his hand off her shoulder.
"The flavors Todo! What Flavors? Cmon, we don't have all day here. This is my dinner we're talking about!"
-
"Six single packs of ear plugs, One 6-pack of beer, 3 two-packs of 'Devil Extra Xtreme Spicy' beef flavor instant noodles, One cup of seafood instant ramen, barbecue chips, one copy of 'Popteen', 3 bottles of green tea, and a pack of seven stars."
"Since when did you smoke, Iori-sensei?" |Name| questioned as her teacher read aloud the receipt of purchases she'd made on the school card. Her comment earned her a light smack on the back of the head, courtesy of Mai, who was now wielding her magazine as a deadly weapon.
"Will you quit being so damn rude?" Mai scoffed at her, ushering her back towards the bus. |Name| blanked and looked back at the green-haired girl with a confused expression.
"How was that rude?"
"I have to explain that to you?!"
-
A knot had formed on her lower neck by the time she settled back into her seat, |Name| returned her gaze to the window. The scene gradually drifted by as the grassy fields turned into concrete jungles. All passing in silent bliss, no Todo to be heard, thanks to the earplugs.
Her mind drifting to her eventual dinner that night, as she pressed her head against the seat. |Name| allowed herself to doze off, hoping to get a little more rest. The student knowing full well she'd have to confront her first time at the exchange event when she awoke.
-
|Name| always forgot how many stairs the Tokyo Campus had, by the time they'd trekked up she felt like faceplanting into the ground. She trailed behind her classmates at a leisurely pace, opting to stare at the back of Miwa's head. Now that she was on the thought, is blue even a natural hair color? She'd seen similar shades of green like Mai's, she did have a twin with nearly identical hair, so was Miwa's natural? It'd be rude of her to ask that, wouldn't it?
Memories of when she'd asked Gakuganji if his frown was a permanent facial feature come back to her. Deciding that an even sorer head was something to avoid, the thoughts stayed locked in her mind.
-
The sight of Tokyo's own student's waiting for them was almost a welcome one for |Name|. If not for the fact Mai and the rest of her classmates, save for a certain blue-haired girl, were hellbent on trash talking the moment they came into contact. She braced herself for the fallout, tilting her head when she realized no sound was coming out of Mai's mouth.
Right, had she ever taken out her earplugs? As the exchange between Tokyo and Kyoto continued, she watched on in blissful silence from beside Miwa. Although, based on their expressions, Tokyo was killing the trash talking. Her eyes moved over the Tokyo students, recognizing the second-years. A silent wave to the cursed-speech user, who returned the gesture.
Maintaining eye contact with Inumaki, she gestured towards the vending machines. Silently signaling her intent, he nodded along as if in sync. A mutual agreement to meet there later, once this mess met its conclusion.
-
When a pink doll was suddenly shoved into her hands, |Name| froze up trying to process what events had occurred. She'd decided to space out for the rest of this awkward conversation a while ago, then as if by an act of fate this thing was in her palms. Everyone else from Kyoto had been given one, besides Iori-Sensei, who didn't seem upset at that.
Made from a fuzzy, felt sort of material, she felt faint cursed energy radiating from it. Another thing to throw away when no one was looking, just great.
-
She decided to not listen to one conversation, and now she was sorely regretting it. Not soon after the meeting of the Tokyo students, Gakuganji had called a side meeting. The meetings context of which |Name| was missing entirely, go figure.
Gakuganji spoke, "Kill Sukuna's vessel, Itadori Yuji."
She could hardly believe it, well no, it was actually totally believable. It wasn't unlike the old man to go declaring a young person was a danger to jujutsu or even greater society. Although, this instance seemed just a bit overkill, given Itadori Yuji was only 15 or 16?! Was he not dead less than two hours ago?! Seriously, what the hell did they possibly talk about earlier?
-
"Miwa, would you get me a green tea?" Gakuganji looked over to Miwa, irritation leaving now that the white-haired eyesore had left the room. The blue-haired sorcerer nodded dutifully, moving to leave the room as |Name|'s eyes followed her.
"I'll go with you!", She interjected suddenly, moving to follow her classmate out of the room.
-
"If we hurry up, we can get a picture with him!"
Miwa's voice echoed off the walls, as she dashed off in the direction of Gakuganji's least favorite member of staff. Floors creaking as she left |Name|'s sight, flickering out of her vision like an extinguished flame.
"Has she always been that fast?-" The second-year questioned aloud to herself, no audience to hear her thoughts besides the empty halls. Her body moved on its own time, steadily after the excited girl. They're supposed to be getting tea, If she recalled, should she get onto that? It'd be a good excuse to see Inumaki.
-
"Thank you very much!!~"
"You're very welcome!!!~"
As Gojo turned to leave, Miwa skipped back toward her station. Her thoughts only focused on the phone in her hands, smiling at the selfie that was now stored on it. The door sliding open as she entered, returning to her spot.
"...My tea?"
"Huh?!"
-
"And then he ranted about the Idol he's infatuated with- and what kinda instant noodles she'd like to eat." |Name| said in-between sips, looking over to Inumaki as he nodded. The two second years leaning against the brick wall, discussing the day and event to come.
"Mustard Leaf...mentaiko"
"Hey! Watch your language! I'm not trying to get whacked anymore today!" |Name| huffed out toward Inumaki after his colorful comment towards Todo. He just shrugged, taking a sip of his own drink.
"Bonito Flakes, Tuna mayo."
-
"What the hell?..."
|Name| poked the prone form of Miwa with her foot, prodding at the sleeping figure on the ground. She'd originally been told to follow Noritoshi and go from there, but as they naturally split up, she stumbled upon her classmate.
Confirmed, Miwa seemed down for the count on this one. Normally, Iori-Sensei would probably come retrieve her for safe keeping, however, the opportunity to get out of the group battles portion of the event had arisen for |Name|. She wasn't going to sleep on the opportunity to get out of extra work.
"Which ever of Tokyo really got you huh?" She mused lightheartedly to no one in particular, shifting to heave her incapacitated classmate over her shoulder. A trace of confusion overtook her at the sight of Miwa's missing sword, did she drop it somewhere?
"Oooh, Ouch. You must have believed Mai...Hopefully she'll give it back.." She sighed out, making sure to grab her classmate's phone. Head shifting up towards a blackbird watching them, she waved her arm to catch more of its attention.
"Taking Miwa to Infirmary!!" She mouthed to the bird, not knowing if they could pick up audio. Seriously, what a creepy cursed technique regardless!
-
"Well, that was..." |Name| sheepishly glanced towards her injured classmates, well mostly injured. Todo seemed in great spirits despite the aftermath of group battles, that she had so conveniently managed to avoid. Rewarding her with glares from those of her school that were still conscious, mainly from her ever-hated classmate Noritoshi.
"Where the hell even were you?! We called you! We're a team first and foremost! You're meant to cooperate!" Noritoshi grunted out, a mix of disappointment and frustration in his tone. |Name| couldn't help but roll her eyes, shifting in her seat.
"I found Miwa passed out, I didn't want anybody taking freebie hits or you know that SEMI GRADE ONE curse that our principal released? She was unconscious and her sword was gone, I wasn't just gonna leave her! What kind of 'teammate' would I be If I went and did that?" The second year twisted her seniors' words against him, goading him on further in hopes to get him to snap.
"That's enough."
At Todo's interruption, she begrudgingly backed down with a huff. Her fight being denied, causing her to stare at the unconscious members of her class to pass the time.
-
|Name| reached out, brushing Miwa's bangs out of her face. Her still expression taking center in her vision, drifting down her sleeping face.
"I'm telling you this, cause I think you'd appreciate the humor." |Name| spoke softly to the open room, leaning against Miwa's bed.
"Noritoshi looks like a mummy right now, it's great." She snickered, phone in hand as she leaned next to Miwa.
"I took so many pictures! Did you get that one with Gojo? Hope you'll show me later."
She frowned, it'd been almost 4 hours, everyone else had at least woken up! It's not like she was concerned for Miwa, it's just the thought the nicest of her classmates wouldn't wake up, it stirred uncomfortable feelings. Those emotions were like that feeling you get when someone you know gets sick for a little too long.
"It's dumb, you know? You're really easy to talk at, but when I'm faced with talking to you? Ugh, maybe it's a blessing you aren't awake right now. I wanna put tape on my mouth just listening to me."
Her eyes shifted to the view outside, sun long since set from the sky. Arms folding, she leaned her head down against them.
"I'll be here when you wake up, gotta keep my word after all."
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~|Uraume|~
[Year- 2018] Ages: |Name| ???, Uraume 1000+.
Dim lighting illuminated the curves of Mahito’s face, a rare moment of concentration. His hands folded, chin resting on them as he pondered his next move. Fingers running across the board, until he picked up a piece.
“King Me” He spoke, delight rolling off the curses tongue. Hesitant shifting, as his opponent placed a piece on top of his. They let out an irritated huff, leaning forward to study his play.
"When did you get so good?! You were ass the last time we played!-" It's voice, with a certain raspy quality, lashed out.
“It’s been 6 months, and I’m always learning~ Especially If it’s to squash your ego.” Mahito jeered, watching his opponent hold back her temper. Fingers tapping, hitting against the wooden armrest.
“Ugh, why do I even bother?” The opposing figure muttered under her breath, fingers combing through her hair. A piece advances, this time snatching one of Mahito’s.
“Maybe you should reconsider joining Jogo and Hanami’s Mah-jongg matches instead, it’d be best to put a granny like you in the nursing home, no?”
Her eye twitched at the bratty curses jab, restraining herself from wringing his neck. Ken- Geto would be upset with her if she lost her temper over Mahito’s usual antics.
"If we're talking proper places, I think you have a sewer to be returning to, 'no'?" She drawled out, leering at him over the board.
His patchworked face dropped, a scowl forming as he leaned forward. Mismatched eyes, turning up to meet her gaze.
"You're so mean!~ Are you that easy to rile up, |Name|?" Mahito pouted towards his opponent, leaning his cheek further into his palm. Facade fading gradually, he let his lip curl up into an amused sliver.
"You could at least try to be amicable, though, I shouldn't have expected even basic manners from a curse that's barely a year old. I'm starting to agree with Jogo's opinion of you, you are insufferable."
Mahito snickered, hand covering his mouth as he reveled in the insult. He delighted in others hatred of him, enjoying the dramatics.
"Why, thank you!~ <3"
-
The atmosphere was thick with tension, sliced only by the entrance of a familiar robe cladded curse user. He briefly glanced in the direction of both curses, lowly chuckling after reading their expressions.
"Pardon me, Am I interrupting?", condescension dripping from the curse user's smooth baritone.
"Geto! |Name| is bullying me again!!" Mahito complained to the monk, pout once again lining his face. |Name| held in the urge to glare at the curse, side eyeing his theatrics.
Geto shifted, arms crossing over his broad chest as he stepped into the room. Nodding his head toward |Name| in acknowledgement, as he offered the patchwork curse a lithe smile.
"Oh my, bullying you Mahito? How dreadful, I'm sure you'll be relieved I'm taking her off your hands for now." Geto's serene expression almost showed the trace of delight he got from Mahito's face falling.
"WHAT?! Come on, why now?! We haven't finished!"
-
"I put up with a lot of things, still, I wish you wouldn't leave me to babysit that little bastard." |Name| grumbled out, shifting to walk at Geto's side, as she glanced his way.
Geto or rather, Kenjaku, chuckled at her disgruntled comment, disregarding her negative attitude in favor of catching her up. Coming to a sudden halt, as he stepped forward and faced the curse.
"My deepest apologies then, for making you 'babysit'. Though, I've no more need for you to keep him corralled for me. I'm sure this will make it up to you, I found someone that you'll find quite, curious."
The curse raised a brow at his statement; indeed, it did make her curious. In all the time she’d known the brain, or body snatcher if you will, he rarely rewarded her for anything at all.
“Curious? Who’ve you met that could possibly interest me? If this is one of your thinly veiled attempts to soften the news you found a Mahito 2.0 I swear to-“ Her voice cut off when the figure in question stepped into frame, notably not the Mahito clone she’d feared.
”Kenjaku, how dare you keep me waiting!”
-
It was as if time had perfectly preserved the piece of history before them. An ancient treasure from a bygone period, dropped in for the sake of their viewing pleasure. Truly, it was quite curious, a sorcerer from the Heian era.
The fascination that had drove |Name| to align herself with Kenjaku’s goals. There was a real remnant of the golden age, and she’d gotten to lay her own eyes on it. Questions buzzed in the back of her mind, eager to drill the sorcerer for details.
Alas, those urges had to be stifled, since he’d yet to get to the point. Kenjaku only grinned at the ancient sorcerer, as if every second of their time wasted was a precious thing.
“Patience, Patience- I’m getting on with it, so let’s not get testy over something so small, Hm?” He drawled, stepping aside to reveal |Name|.
“Tch- Patience? The only reason I have not killed you, is for the sake of securing my lords vessel. You are a fool for wasting my time, will you not hurry up and explain why you required my presence?” The androgynous sorcerer hissed towards the curse user, fists balled at their sides.
Kenjaku simply waved the other off, stepping next to the curse in the room. Loosely, He threw an arm over her shoulder, pulling |Name| into the fray. Shoulders stiffening, she grew more alert, as the conversation continued.
“I recall telling you this was an introduction, no?” Kenjaku hummed, stretching out the climax of his words. Cheshire grin only growing, as the sorcerer’s temper boiled.
Finally, he delivered, pushing the curse forward like a mother would to a shy child. |Name| stumbled, nearly falling flat on her face. Head whipping over her shoulder to glare at him, those same upturned eyes delighted at her anger.
“I suppose you can say this one’s like my assistant, though, she’ll be at your service from now on. Go on, introduce yourself, or will you make me do everything around here?”
|Name| narrowed her eyes at Kenjaku, irritated at his description of her.
Although, at the chance to learn more about the supposed golden age, she took his bait for now. Lowering herself, offering a bow as a sign of respect.
"|Name|, I look forward to working with you!"
-
"Oh Oh! So did Sukuna really have four arms?!"
"...Yes"
"Oh oh! And two faces?!"
"...Yes"
"And you got to cook for him?!"
"...Yes"
"And was he as-"
"Silence."
|Name| noticeably dampened, like a puppy that'd just been kicked. She hadn't been that annoying, really, she could be asking her real questions! Uraume, apparently the sole servant of the aforementioned Sukuna, was driving her heian era knowledge seeking mind crazy.
A trove of knowledge right at her fingertips! And yet, the floodgates remained closed, as all she got from the monk was side eye and glares.
"Why? You should be delighted to spill all the details about your 'lord', no?" |Name| goaded towards Sukuna's servant, a wry grin forming on her lips.
A spike of ice nearly pierced through her skull, sending cracks up the wall behind her. Sweat dripped down the curse's forehead, glancing over her shoulder. A loud whistle left her lips, as she appraised the attack.
"Niceee- So, is this why they call you the 'Frozen Star'? You definitely live up to the name! In jujutsu and personality!"
Fingers dug so hard into their palms, that they'd started to draw blood. Uraume held back the urge to freeze the damn curse. Insolence, back talk, insubordination, only the start of the list of sins they'd been committing since that disgusting curse user decided to dump his glorified curse lapdog on them!
"Shut your mouth, or I'll exorcise you myself." They scowled as they threatened the curse, ice forming around their fingertips.
|Name|'s stomach fluttered, an odd warmness forming inside her. It was a foreign feeling, something she didn't think she was familiar with. It was so...thrilling? Yes, it was a thrilling feeling, having her life threatened by a powerful, ancient being.
"Uraume-sama, please use me for target practice."
Uraume went stiff, looking at the curse as if she'd just grown a second head. Disgust almost immediately flooded their features, ice dissipating as soon as it had formed. Quickly putting distance between themselves and the curse, a scowl prominently on display.
"Disgusting..."
-
Delighted, |Name| followed the monk with a newfound pep in her walk. Although Uraume didn't seem fond of her; she felt a sense of determination to improve her standing with the curse user.
You're right, Kenjaku.
I do find them quite curious.
A/N: I like to label this dynamic as 'I love a they/them that could kill me x If you even breathe in my direction, I'll kill you.
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~|Hoshi Kirara|~
[FLASHBACK-CIRCA: 2016] Ages: |Name| 16, Kirara 16.
Sunlight filtered down through the tree's |Name| had come to stand under, her phone in hand as she glanced at the time. She'd thought this was where they were meeting, her and her fellow first year classmates. At least, it was the location Gojo-sensei had sent in the group chat. Maybe, it was a blessing the others were late; her nerves were like tv static right now. Jumpy and bouncing at the thought of meeting the people she'd be working with for the next four years.
"WELCOME MY CUTE FIRST YEARS-" The sorcerer nearly dropped her phone at the sudden loud noise. Familiar white hair clouding her vision, as the sensei of the hour frowned. Gojo's expression had become downcast in a matter of seconds as he looked around.
"Damn, this is NOT the reception I'd had planned...Always happy to see you again though, |L/N|-kun!~ I see your classmates are playing hooky on us! Rest assured; I won't make you do the mission I had in mind all by your lonesome!~" Gojo held back at laughed at his student's traumatized expression, patting her shoulder to comfort her.
"Liar, you've literally left me in the middle of nowhere before!", |Name| glowered, averting her gaze away from her sensei's face. She ought to smack him for laughing at her plight, but it would only prove pointless given his infinity.
The first year moved to sit on a bench, her gaze falling back to the time on her phone's screen. Gojo-sensei was nearly 30 minutes late, her classmates even later. This was looking to be a very interesting year; should she follow suit and start showing up late too?
"So Sensei, what's your excuse?"
"Huh?"
"Your excuse? For being nearly half an hour late?!" Exasperatedly, the first year shook her head, deciding to give up on talking with her instructor.
-
"Jeez, this is a gloomy picture."
Gojo looked over his students, finally gathered in one place! His phone in hand to capture what was supposed to be a happy moment. Inconveniently, he'd gotten a bunch of emo's apparently! Seriously, how hard is it to participate in his damn lesson plan a little?!
"Alright Alright! It's time for introductions!! You all know me, it's everyone's favorite sensei- Gojo Satoru!~" Gojo attempted to drum up some energy from the students, met with nothing but crickets.
"..."
"FIRST! Drumroll please! We have- You! Introduce yourself or get failed!" Gojo pointed at |Name|, who jumped as she'd zoned out during his monologue.
"Uh- |L/N| |Name|-" The first year stammered out her name in confusion, looking around for a moment. Gojo grinned cheekily, celebrating his successful attempt at getting one of the teens to participate.
"Everyone say hi to |L/N|!" There were no greetings exchanged, the teacher sighed as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Alright! That's enough, you two, Introductions! Names, Nicknames, fake names! I don't care, just give me something!"
"Hoshi", The shorter of the other two first years provided, crossing their arms over their chest.
"Kinji Hakari", The taller provided, stretching his arms behind his head.
-
Gojo had taken to explaining the mission he'd picked for them as they walked. He had become the equivalent of a mother duck leading his ducklings through the streets of Tokyo. Frustratingly, his ducklings never made as much as a peep or quack as he navigated them to the mission site.
"There's been reports of children going missing around this tunnel, so you three will be tackling whatever's living in there!!~" He gestured wildly behind him, trying to drum up hype for the ominous dark pathway. A sigh left him, noticing they weren't even paying attention.
"I'll be back to pick you all up by 5, try not to die!"
-
Kenji took one look at the tunnel and groaned, looking over his shoulder at Hoshi. As the two locked eyes, Hoshi nodded as if understanding his thoughts. The taller turned on his heel, moving to leave.
|Name| perked up, jaw almost dropping. Where the hell was he going?! Did their instructor not just get done telling them they needed to exorcise the curses in this tunnel?
"You! Get your ass back here! We've got curses to-" The sorcerer interrupted her, turning to face her with a deadpanned look.
"I'm gonna go fight a curse user that hangs around here, If you wanna play kill the curses, be my guest." Kenji spoke, unbothered as he continued walking away from the scene.
|Name|'s jaw dropped, looking between the back of her departing classmate and the face of the remaining one.
"Did...Did he just ditch us?!"
-
A long period of silence persisted between the two first years, as they stood at the foot of the tunnel. |Name| let out a sigh, moving to take a step in when a shiver ran down her back. Immediately, her feet took her two steps back from the tunnel, a defensive move.
"Hey...level with me...you feel it too right? There's something like really wrong here! It's not just me right?!"
Hoshi glanced into the tunnel; the tunnel glanced back. Now that their classmate was bringing attention to it, something was kinda off compared to the solo missions they'd been on previously. There was something besides grade 3 and 4's in that thing, and without Kenji here it was a bad idea to go venturing in.
"What's your technique?" Hoshi asked blandly, looking over at the girl opposite of them. Noticing how her longer hair was obscuring her face, as she processed their question.
"It's kinda hard to explain-"
"Guess we all have that in common then..." Hoshi shot back instantly, returning their gaze inside the dark abyss before them.
-
"OH, TO HELL WITH IT!"
Hoshi flinched at the girls octave, eyes falling on her.
"If that bastard is gonna ditch and our sensei is gonna ditch...then we're gonna ditch!" The first year declared loudly, grabbing the back of Hoshi's uniform before they could say anything.
Well, it was better than getting beaten up they supposed. Maybe they should have gone with Kinji though, they weren't sure how interesting this was gonna be.
-
Tokyo's streets were swelling with people, the crowds of residents and tourists obscured the two first year's ditching. Walking side by side, they window shopped as they navigated the streets.
Hoshi noticed often that their classmate was constantly brushing her hair out of her face. The expression on her face portraying a sense of nervousness. It occurred to Hoshi it was probably the first time in this girl's life that she was betraying authority to this extent.
They'd gotten used to ditching with Kinji more often, it made sense why she was so awkward now.
"Why do you keep your hair that long? You clearly don't like it."
|Name|'s eyes glanced to their classmate, her nerves twisting into confusion.
"Huh? What are you talking about?"
"I'm saying you clearly don't like it, so why keep it?" Hoshi stated more bluntly, crossing their arms across their chest.
"...Well my family- said I'd look like a man If I cut it so-"
"So you're keeping it cause a bunch of geezers told you to?"
"When you put it like that, I guess..."
"We're getting haircuts, come on."
"What-"
-
"Stop complaining, you're a jujutsu sorcerer now- That stupid teacher will literally defend you to the death- So pick a cut or I'll tell them to go wild!"
Hoshi had dragged their classmate to a salon, leaning over the back of the chair |Name| was sat in. Their eyes ran over the catalogue the girl was holding, several hairstyles represented inside. Hoshi's eyes fell on one in particular, the urge to jump in a chair themselves emerged.
|Name| noticed the way Hoshi's eyes lit up, her eyes landing on the style that had caught their attention. She debated her next move, building the courage to speak up.
"Why don't we both get a haircut? If you do this with me...I'll...I'll go super short! Get an undercut too!"
Hoshi snickered, feeling a smile peak through at her emerging boldness.
"Why stop there? Why don't we get some dye work done too? Really piss a few people off."
"Ah...maybe just a stripe? I mean I'm already chopping it off. We could...get a streak of purple each! It'd match Kenji! You know cause his hairs that bright purple-"
Hoshi was fond of that idea, a matching trio? Maybe they'd be able to include her after all, it felt nice being the bad influence for once.
"Alright, a streak each then."
-
Hoshi smiled at what they saw in the mirror, it looked just as good as they'd imagined! |Name| seemed to agree, as she was so distracted by her classmate's new appearance, she barely registered her own drastic change.
They stifled a laugh, enjoying the switch up in her attitude. Shorter hair really did suit her, if the smile now adorning her lips, was any indication. A smile suited her, just like how a bee suited a flower.
"We've still got awhile, right? Let me teach you how to loiter."
-
|Name| kicked her legs back and forth idly, watching as the crowd around them dwindled. She cradled a bag of takeout in her lap as they waited on Kinji.
"You know I can relate to you, kind of." Hoshi spoke out of nowhere, pressing their face into their palm.
"Really?" |Name| glanced over to the sorcerer, noting their more vulnerable tone.
"Yeah, I wasn't honest with myself for a long time. I lied for the sake of making strangers comfortable." Hoshi's gaze found the familiar comfort of the ground.
|Name| took their words into consideration, finding her voice as she decided on a response. Her lips moved, "I'm really happy, that I'm not the only girl in our year."
Hoshi froze, looking up at |Name| with surprise etched on her face. As the words set in, she couldn't help the grin that settled on her face.
"Kirara."
"Huh?"
"My name's Kirara, so stop calling me Hoshi, okay?"
"...Alright, Kirara. I'm |Name|!"
-
"WHY IS YOUR HAIR BLONDE?!" Kirara groaned, glaring at Kinji as he shrugged off her shock.
"You know, you fight a curse user, see a lady doing hair for free If she can do what she wants- decide to go for it cause you only live once- and end up going blonde" Kinji waved her off, shoving another bite of his noodles into his mouth.
|Name| couldn't keep in the laugh that escaped her, nearly choking on her own early dinner. Her classmates looked toward her, Kinji with amusement and Kirara with vague concern. She wiped her eyes and coughed up a bit of her food.
"I- I guess you could say we all had the same idea today, huh? I honestly can't wait till Gojo-sensei gets back."
All three first years burst into a shared fit of laughter, finishing up their dinner with off-topic conversation.
-
"You didn't exercise any curses?! And where is |L/N|?!...Oh wait- There you are! Ah what the hell...you guys are really killing my reputation as a good sensei, you know that?" Gojo lamented as he stared at his first years, that looked like pokémon that had just evolved. He's pretty delighted though, he got a shiny Hakari, so today wasn't all for not!
"Alright fine, you guys can just write an essay about why ditching your missions is bad. Come on!" Met with a sea of groans, the first years followed him reluctantly.
-
A weight finally lifted off of |Name|'s shoulder, allowing her to smile once again.
Kirara was like a cool breeze in the middle of summer, relieving her of the heat that had followed her for so long. She smiled, smiled so wide that her cheeks hurt.
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