章 6: Jealousy? Or future?
Shoko found herself spending more time in the common room, ostensibly studying but often lost in thought. On this particular evening, she sat curled up in her favorite armchair, a thick medical tome open on her lap, though her eyes had glazed over long ago.
The sound of the door opening startled her from her reverie. Suguru Geto stepped into the room, his long dark hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. He smiled when he saw Shoko, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Ah, Shoko-chan," he said, his voice warm. "I thought I might find you here. Burning the midnight oil again?"
Shoko returned his smile, albeit a bit sheepishly. "I suppose so," she admitted, gesturing to the book in her lap. "Though I'm not sure how much is actually sinking in at this point."
Geto chuckled, settling himself on the arm of the couch nearest to her. "Perhaps it's time for a break, then. You know what they say about all work and no play."
"I'm not sure Yunichi would agree with that sentiment," Shoko said, a fond smile tugging at her lips.
At the mention of Yuno's name, something flickered in Geto's eyes. He leaned forward slightly, his expression turning more serious. "Speaking of Yunichi," he said, his voice low and intimate, "I've been meaning to ask you something, Shoko-chan."
Shoko felt her heart rate quicken, a mix of anticipation and anxiety swirling in her stomach. "Oh? What is it, Suguru-kun?"
Geto's dark eyes bored into hers, intense and searching. "You like him, don't you? Yunichi, I mean."
The question hung in the air between them, heavy with implication. Shoko felt her cheeks flush, her hands fidgeting with the pages of her book. For a moment, she considered deflecting, but something in Geto's gaze compelled her to honesty.
"I... yes," she admitted softly. "I thought I'd made that clear before. Why do you ask?"
Geto's expression softened, a hint of sympathy creeping into his features. "I just worry about you, Shoko-chan. Yunichi is... well, he's not the most emotionally available person. I'd hate to see you get hurt."
Shoko bristled slightly at this, her protective instincts flaring. "Yunichi may be reserved, but he cares deeply. He just shows it in different ways."
"Perhaps," Geto conceded, holding up his hands in a placating gesture. "But you have to admit, he's not exactly the romantic type. And you, Shoko-chan... you deserve someone who can appreciate you fully. Someone who can show you the affection you deserve."
As he spoke, Geto leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. Shoko felt her breath catch in her throat, suddenly very aware of his proximity. "There are other men out there, you know," Geto murmured, his eyes flicking down to her lips. "Men who would cherish you properly."
Before Shoko could process what was happening, Geto closed the distance between them. His lips pressed against hers, soft but insistent. For a split second, Shoko froze, her mind struggling to catch up with the sudden turn of events.
And then, as if summoned by some cruel twist of fate, the door to the common room swung open.
Yuno Rentaro stood in the doorway, his red eyes wide behind his glasses. For a moment, he seemed frozen in place, taking in the scene before him. Shoko jerked away from Geto, her face burning with a mixture of shock and embarrassment.
"Yunichi!" she gasped, her voice higher than usual. "I... we were just..."
But Yuno's face had already settled back into its usual impassive mask. "My apologies," he said, his voice perfectly neutral. "I didn't mean to interrupt. I'll come back later."
Before Shoko could say anything more, Yuno turned on his heel and walked out, closing the door behind him with a soft click. The silence he left in his wake was deafening.
Shoko slumped back in her chair, her mind reeling. She hardly noticed when Geto stood up, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly.
"Shoko-chan, I'm sorry," he began, but Shoko cut him off with a sharp shake of her head.
"Please, Suguru-kun," she said, her voice tight with suppressed emotion. "I think you should go."
Geto hesitated for a moment, looking as if he wanted to say more. But something in Shoko's expression must have dissuaded him, for he simply nodded and made his way to the door. "For what it's worth," he said softly, pausing with his hand on the doorknob, "I meant what I said. You deserve better."
And then he was gone, leaving Shoko alone with her tumultuous thoughts.
She buried her face in her hands, trying to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions coursing through her. On one hand, she felt a deep sense of betrayal. Geto knew how she felt about Yuno, and yet he had kissed her anyway. It felt like a violation of their friendship, of the trust she had placed in him.
But on the other hand... Yuno's reaction, or rather, his lack of reaction, stung deeply. He had walked in on her kissing another man – or being kissed by another man, to be more accurate – and he hadn't shown even a flicker of emotion. No anger, no jealousy, not even disappointment. Just that same cool, detached demeanor he always wore.
Shoko didn't know which feeling was stronger: her anger at Geto for putting her in this situation, or her heartache at Yuno's apparent indifference. The two emotions warred within her, leaving her feeling drained and confused.
She sat there for what felt like hours, replaying the events of the evening in her mind. The warmth of Geto's lips, the shock in Yuno's eyes, the cold formality of his apology. It all swirled together in a dizzying kaleidoscope of sensations and regrets.
Eventually, exhaustion won out over her churning thoughts. Shoko gathered her books and made her way back to her room, her steps heavy with the weight of unresolved emotions.
Meanwhile, in another part of the dormitory, Yuno Rentaro walked the halls with mechanical precision, his face a study in practiced indifference. To anyone who might have passed him, he would have appeared as composed as ever. But beneath the surface, his mind was in turmoil.
The image of Shoko and Geto, locked in an intimate embrace, played on repeat in his mind's eye. He had known, of course, of Shoko's feelings for him. It was obvious to anyone with eyes, and Yuno prided himself on his observational skills. But he had always kept her at arm's length, convinced that romantic entanglements would only serve as a distraction from their duties as jujutsu sorcerers.
And yet, seeing her with Geto had stirred something within him. A feeling he couldn't quite name, but one that left an uncomfortable tightness in his chest and a bitter taste in his mouth.
Lost in thought, Yuno barely registered the approach of footsteps until a familiar voice called out to him.
"Yuno-senpai!"
Yuno looked up to see Kento Nanami striding towards him, the younger student's serious face creased with concern. Nanami was a promising first-year, diligent and level-headed. Under normal circumstances, Yuno might have appreciated his company. But at this moment, all he wanted was solitude.
"Nanami," Yuno acknowledged with a slight nod. "Is there something I can help you with?"
Nanami hesitated for a moment, seeming to sense Yuno's mood. But his concern apparently outweighed his caution, for he pressed on. "I was wondering if you've seen Shoko-senpai. I had a question about a healing technique we covered in class today, and I thought she might be able to help."
At the mention of Shoko's name, Yuno felt that strange tightness in his chest intensify. He struggled to keep his voice even as he replied, "Leiri is... occupied at the moment."
Nanami's brow furrowed slightly. "Occupied? With what? Is everything alright?"
Perhaps it was the stress of the evening, or the unusual emotions roiling within him, but Yuno found himself saying something he would normally never verbalize. "She's busy procreating life," he said, his voice flat and devoid of inflection.
Nanami's eyes widened comically, a visible shudder running through his body. "P-procreating?" he stammered, his usual composure completely shattered. "Yuno-senpai, what do you mean?"
But Yuno had already turned away, continuing down the hallway as if he hadn't just dropped a verbal bomb on his underclassman. "Good night, Nanami," he called over his shoulder, leaving the stunned first-year gaping in his wake.
As he walked, Yuno tried to analyze his own behavior with his usual clinical detachment. Why had he said that to Nanami? It wasn't like him to spread gossip or make such crude implications. And yet, the words had slipped out before he could stop them, tinged with an bitterness he hadn't known he possessed.
He thought again of Shoko and Geto in the common room, of the flush on Shoko's cheeks and the intimate way Geto had been leaning towards her. The tightness in his chest increased, accompanied now by an uncomfortable churning in his stomach.
The warm spring sun filtered through the branches of the old oak tree, casting dappled shadows across the grassy lawn of Jujutsu Tech. Beneath its sprawling canopy sat Yuno Rentaro, his back pressed against the rough bark, a heavy tome balanced on his crossed legs. To any passerby, he appeared the picture of studious concentration, his red eyes intently scanning the pages before him. But in truth, Yuno's mind was far from the arcane jujutsu theories laid out in the text.
For what felt like the hundredth time that day, Yuno found himself replaying the scene from the previous night in his mind's eye. The soft glow of the common room lamps, the shocked expression on Shoko's face, the casual intimacy of Geto's posture as he leaned in close. Each detail was etched into his memory with painful clarity, refusing to fade no matter how he tried to focus on his studies.
Yuno's long fingers absently traced the edge of the page, his brow furrowing in concentration. He had initially attributed his discomfort to jealousy, a foreign and unwelcome emotion that had caught him off guard. But as he turned the events over and over in his mind, a nagging sense of wrongness began to take root.
With a soft sigh, Yuno closed the book, setting it aside on the sun-warmed grass. He leaned his head back against the tree trunk, his red eyes sliding shut as he allowed his thoughts to wander down a dangerous path. Despite his self-imposed rule about looking too far into the future, Yuno found himself recalling the visions he had seen after viewing Riko Amanai's photograph.
"Riko Amanai will die in a month," he murmured to himself, his voice barely audible above the gentle rustling of leaves overhead. "To be certain, I looked into Suguru's future as well. He was there, standing beside her when it happened."
Yuno's eyes snapped open, his gaze unfocused as he stared into the middle distance. "The one who killed her... I still don't know his identity. But he must be incredibly powerful to have defeated Satoru."
Rising to his feet in a fluid motion, Yuno began to pace beneath the tree, his steps measured and deliberate. "After that incident, it was like a switch had been flipped in Suguru. He spiraled into depression, gradually withdrawing from everyone around him. Eventually, he abandoned the school entirely, becoming a malevolent sorcerer."
Yuno paused in his pacing, a frown creasing his usually impassive features. "I have a strict rule about not looking more than a year into the future. But Suguru..." His voice softened, tinged with an emotion he rarely allowed himself to feel. "Perhaps it was because of the fondness I hold for him, but I looked two years ahead. He never returned to the school."
As he resumed his pacing, Yuno's mind raced, piecing together the puzzle before him. "But what's truly perplexing is that in all of Suguru's future that I saw, he never once displayed any romantic interest in Leiri. Not even in his past. So why now, so suddenly?"
Yuno stooped to retrieve his book, cradling it against his chest as he continued to mull over the situation. "To alter the future, I must prevent the canonical events from unfolding. In this case, that means averting Riko Amanai's death. Perhaps that would be enough to keep Suguru from turning to evil. But still..." He trailed off, his brow furrowing deeper. "Why this sudden interest in Leiri? In fact, I had begun to suspect that he harbored feelings for Satoru, or something of that nature."
Lost in thought, Yuno barely registered the approach of footsteps until a familiar voice broke through his reverie.
"Yunichi," Suguru Geto called out, his tone casual but with an undercurrent of tension. "I thought I might find you here."
Yuno turned to face his friend, his expression carefully neutral. "Suguru," he acknowledged with a slight nod. "Is there something you need?"
Geto stepped closer, his dark eyes intense as they met Yuno's gaze. "I wanted to talk to you about Shoko," he said, his voice low and serious. "I know you saw us last night, and I wanted to explain."
Yuno felt his chest tighten, but he kept his voice level as he replied, "There's no need for explanations, Suguru. What you and Leiri do is your own business."
A flicker of frustration passed over Geto's face. "That's just it, Yunichi. It's not just our business, not when I know how Shoko feels about you. And..." He paused, seeming to gather his courage. "And not when I have feelings for her as well."
Yuno blinked, the only outward sign of his surprise. "I see," he said carefully.
Geto stepped even closer, his intensity radiating off him in waves. "I want you to know that I don't intend to back down. I care for Shoko deeply, and I believe I can make her happy. I won't lose her without a fight."
For a long moment, Yuno was silent, his red eyes studying Geto's face. Finally, he spoke, his voice devoid of emotion. "Do as you wish, Suguru. It doesn't concern me."
A flash of anger crossed Geto's features. "Doesn't concern you? How can you be so cold, Yunichi? Don't you care for Shoko at all?"
Yuno turned away, his hand reaching up to adjust his glasses. For a split second, he considered removing them, using his power to peer into Geto's past and unravel the mystery of his sudden change in affections. But before he could act on the impulse, Geto's hand shot out, gripping his wrist.
"Don't even think about it, Yunichi," Geto said, his voice low and dangerous. "Using your power to look into my past or future would be cheating. This is between us, as we are now."
Yuno stared at Geto's hand on his wrist, then slowly raised his gaze to meet his friend's eyes. The tension between them was palpable, charged with unspoken challenges and barely suppressed emotions.
After what felt like an eternity, Yuno gently but firmly extracted his wrist from Geto's grasp. "As I said," he repeated, his voice cool, "do as you wish. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have matters to attend to."
Without waiting for a response, Yuno turned and began walking towards the school gates, his stride purposeful and unhurried. He had nearly reached the exit when a familiar voice called out to him.
"Yunichi! Where are you going?"
Yuno turned to see Shoko Ieiri hurrying towards him, her shorts hair streaming behind her and concern etched across her delicate features. He felt a twinge in his chest at the sight of her, but quickly suppressed it.
"Kioto," he replied simply, adjusting the strap of his bag on his shoulder.
Shoko's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of hurt passing across her face. "Kioto? But why? Is it..." She hesitated, her voice dropping to a near whisper. "Is it to see Utahime?"
Yuno fought back a sigh of exasperation. "I don't have time for this, Leiri," he said, his tone perhaps sharper than he intended.
Shoko flinched slightly at his words, but quickly rallied. "Then I'm coming with you," she declared, her chin lifting in determination.
For a moment, Yuno was tempted to agree. The thought of spending time alone with Shoko, away from the complications of school and their fellow students, held a certain appeal. But he quickly squashed the feeling. He had more important matters to attend to, and he couldn't afford the distraction of sorting through his confused emotions regarding Shoko.
Just as he was about to refuse her company, Yuno caught sight of a familiar figure walking past. Without thinking, he reached out and grasped Kento Nanami's arm, pulling the startled first-year student to a halt.
"Nanami is coming with us," Yuno announced, ignoring the look of utter confusion on the younger student's face.
Nanami blinked, his usually stoic expression giving way to bewilderment. "I... what?" he stammered, looking from Yuno to Shoko and back again.
Shoko's face fell slightly, but she quickly masked her disappointment. "Oh, I see. Well, the more the merrier, I suppose."
As the trio made their way off campus, Nanami trailing behind with a resigned expression, the young man couldn't help but wonder what he had done to deserve being caught up in this strange situation. He sighed softly, adjusting his glasses and resigning himself to an undoubtedly interesting, if potentially uncomfortable, journey.
As they walked, Yuno's mind raced, trying to piece together the puzzle before him. The changes in the timeline, Suguru's unexpected feelings for Shoko, the looming threat to Riko Amanai – it all swirled together in a complex web of cause and effect. He knew he needed to act, to try and prevent the tragedy he had foreseen, but the path forward was far from clear.
Beside him, Shoko chatted animatedly with Nanami, her cheerful voice a stark contrast to the turmoil in Yuno's thoughts. He found himself stealing glances at her, noting the way the sunlight caught in her hair, the gentle curve of her smile. Each time, he forcefully redirected his attention, reminding himself of the bigger picture, of the lives at stake.
As they boarded the train to Kioto, Yuno settled into a seat by the window, his red eyes fixed on the passing landscape. He could feel Shoko's gaze on him, filled with questions she was too polite to ask. Nanami, for his part, had pulled out a book and was doing his best to appear engrossed in its contents, though the slight furrow in his brow betrayed his confusion at the situation.
The rhythmic clacking of the train's wheels provided a soothing backdrop to Yuno's thoughts. He closed his eyes, allowing his mind to drift back to the vision of Riko Amanai's death. There had to be a way to prevent it, to change the course of events without causing even greater calamity. But to do so, he would need to tread carefully, to consider every possible outcome.
As the train sped towards Kioto, Yuno Rentaro steeled himself for the challenges ahead. Whatever happened, he was determined to protect those he cared about – even if it meant going against the very fabric of fate itself. With Shoko and Nanami by his side, unknowing participants in his silent struggle, Yuno prepared himself for whatever awaited them in Kioto, and for the ripples their actions would send through the tapestry of time.
As the train rumbled along the tracks, cutting through the lush Japanese countryside, an uncomfortable silence had settled over the small group. Shoko Ieiri fidgeted in her seat, her delicate fingers twisting the hem of her skirt as she struggled to find the right words. The events of the previous night weighed heavily on her mind, and the tension between her and Yuno was palpable.
Finally, gathering her courage, Shoko turned to face Yuno, her warm brown eyes filled with a mix of determination and apprehension. "Yunichi," she began, her voice soft but steady, "I think we need to talk about what happened yesterday. With Suguru, I mean."
Yuno's red eyes flickered briefly towards her before returning to the passing landscape outside the window. His expression remained impassive, but there was a subtle tightening around his eyes that betrayed his discomfort. "There's nothing to discuss, Leiri," he replied, his tone measured and cool. "As I said before, you're free to do as you please. Your personal matters are your own."
Shoko's brow furrowed, a flash of hurt crossing her features. "But Yunichi, I—"
Before she could continue, a familiar, exuberant voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Ooh, what's this? Secret conversations? Juicy gossip? Count me in!"
All heads turned to see Satoru Gojo practically bouncing down the train aisle, his signature white hair gleaming under the fluorescent lights and a mischievous grin plastered across his handsome face. He plopped down in the empty seat next to Nanami, who looked up from his book with a mixture of surprise and resignation.
Yuno's eyebrows rose fractionally, the only outward sign of his shock. "Satoru? What in the world are you doing here?"
Gojo's grin widened, his blue eyes twinkling with barely contained glee. "I was bored, so I decided to follow you guys! Can't let you have all the fun without me, now can I?"
To everyone's surprise, a small smile tugged at the corners of Yuno's usually stoic mouth. "Satoru," he said, his voice tinged with an unusual warmth, "I believe this may be the first time I've ever been genuinely glad to see you."
Shoko's eyes narrowed, her earlier hurt giving way to irritation as she realized Yuno was using Gojo's arrival as a convenient distraction. She crossed her arms, leaning back in her seat with a huff.
Gojo, oblivious to the undercurrents of tension, clapped his hands together excitedly. "So, where are we off to on this fine day? Some secret mission? A daring adventure?"
Nanami, who had been silently observing the proceedings with growing bewilderment, cleared his throat. "Actually, I was wondering the same thing. Yuno-senpai hasn't exactly been forthcoming with the details."
All eyes turned to Yuno, who met their gazes with his usual calm demeanor. After a moment's hesitation, he spoke, his voice steady and measured. "We're going to visit my cousin, Riko Amanai. She's staying at a boarding school in Kyoto."
Gojo's eyes widened with interest. "A cousin? I don't think I've ever heard you mention her before, Yunichi."
Yuno shrugged, his expression neutral. "It's not particularly unusual to be unaware of others' family members, Satoru."
As the conversation lulled, Yuno's brow furrowed slightly, a rare show of uncertainty crossing his features. "Though I must admit," he said, almost to himself, "I'm not entirely certain of the school's exact location."
With a fluid motion, Yuno reached into his pocket and retrieved his cellphone. Shoko, her earlier irritation momentarily forgotten, leaned forward curiously. "Who are you calling, Yunichi?"
"Utahime," Yuno replied matter-of-factly, his fingers already dialing the number. "I'm going to ask her to guide us once we arrive in Kyoto."
Shoko couldn't help the small eye roll that escaped her at the mention of Utahime's name, a reaction that didn't go unnoticed by the ever-observant Gojo. His grin widened, but for once, he kept his thoughts to himself.
As Yuno spoke quietly into the phone, the others settled into a somewhat awkward silence. Gojo, never one to sit still for long, pulled out his own cellphone – a chunky model typical of 2006 – and began tapping away at the keys with impressive speed.
Nanami, seemingly resigned to his fate as an unwitting participant in this impromptu journey, closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the seat. His usually stern features softened slightly in repose, giving him a more youthful appearance that belied his serious nature.
Shoko, for her part, found her eyelids growing heavy as the gentle rocking of the train and the events of the past day caught up with her. Despite her best efforts to stay alert, she felt herself drifting off, her head gradually tilting to the side.
Yuno, having finished his call with Utahime, glanced over at Shoko just as her head began to loll dangerously. Without a word, he reached out and gently guided her head to rest on his shoulder, his movements careful and precise.
Gojo, ever attentive to his surroundings despite his apparent absorption in his phone, caught the gesture. A knowing smirk spread across his face, and he opened his mouth as if to comment. However, before he could utter a word, Yuno fixed him with a stern look, raising a finger to his lips in a clear signal for silence.
Gojo's smirk widened, but he acquiesced, returning his attention to his phone with an exaggerated air of innocence. What neither of them realized was that Shoko, despite her closed eyes and steady breathing, was not actually asleep. Her heart raced at the feeling of Yuno's shoulder beneath her cheek, and it took all of her self-control to maintain the illusion of slumber.
As the train continued its journey towards Kyoto, the carriage fell into a companionable silence. Gojo's fingers tapped away at his phone, the soft clicks providing a rhythmic counterpoint to the rumble of the tracks. Nanami dozed lightly, his chest rising and falling in a steady pattern. And Yuno, his posture rigid but his expression softer than usual, gazed out the window at the passing scenery, hyper-aware of the warm weight of Shoko's head on his shoulder.
The next two hours passed in a blur of green landscapes and fleeting towns. Yuno remained still, careful not to disturb Shoko, even as his arm began to tingle with the prolonged contact. His mind, however, was far from idle. Behind his impassive expression, thoughts and plans whirled, each potential course of action weighed and measured against the possible consequences.
He thought of Riko Amanai, the cousin he had fabricated, and the very real danger she faced. He thought of Suguru Geto, his friend and rival, and the dark path that lay before him if events proceeded unchecked. And, try as he might to push the thoughts aside, he found himself acutely aware of Shoko's presence, of the trust implicit in her vulnerability as she "slept" against him.
As the train glided into Kyoto station, the small group of jujutsu sorcerers stirred from their individual reveries. Yuno Rentaro, his red eyes sharp and alert despite the long journey, gently roused Shoko Ieiri from her feigned slumber on his shoulder. Shoko blinked slowly, putting on a convincing show of grogginess while her heart raced at the lingering warmth of Yuno's touch.
"We've arrived," Yuno announced, his voice low and measured as always.
Satoru Gojo stretched dramatically, his white hair catching the afternoon sunlight streaming through the train windows. "Finally!" he exclaimed, a mischievous grin spreading across his handsome face. "I thought we'd never get here. So, Yunichi, where's this mysterious cousin of yours?"
Yuno's expression remained impassive as he stood, smoothing out the wrinkles in his dark uniform. "Utahime will be meeting us at the station. She'll guide us to the school where Riko is staying."
At the mention of Utahime's name, Shoko felt a twinge of unease in her stomach. She had always admired the older girl's strength and poise, but there was something in the way Yuno spoke of her that made Shoko's chest tighten with an emotion she wasn't quite ready to name.
Kento Nanami, the youngest of their group, adjusted his school uniform as he rose from his seat. His usually stern face was softened by the lingering effects of his nap, making him look more his age. "Iori-senpai is here in Kyoto?" he asked, curiosity evident in his tone.
Yuno nodded, leading the way off the train. "She's familiar with the area and offered to assist us."
As they stepped onto the bustling platform, Gojo's eyes lit up with excitement. "Ah, Kyoto!" he declared, spreading his arms wide and nearly smacking a passing businessman. "City of history, culture, and hopefully some excitement!"
Nanami sidestepped Gojo's exuberant gesture, a slight frown creasing his brow. "I hope you're not planning on causing any trouble, Gojo-senpai," he said, his tone dry but tinged with genuine concern.
Gojo clutched his chest in mock offense. "Me? Cause trouble? Nanamin, you wound me!"
As they made their way through the crowded station, Yuno's eyes scanned the area, searching for a familiar face. Suddenly, he stiffened almost imperceptibly, his gaze fixed on a point in the distance. The others followed his line of sight to see a striking young woman with long, dark hair making her way towards them.
Utahime Iori moved with grace and purpose, her expression serious as she approached the group. Her eyes locked with Yuno's, and a silent communication seemed to pass between them. Shoko couldn't help but notice the way Utahime's cheeks colored slightly as she drew nearer, her dark eyes softening as they rested on Yuno.
"Yuno," Utahime greeted with a nod, her voice cool but carrying an undercurrent of warmth. Her gaze swept over the rest of the group, lingering for a moment on Shoko before moving on. "I see you've brought quite the entourage."
Yuno inclined his head slightly. "Thank you for coming, Utahime. I appreciate your assistance."
Shoko watched the exchange with a mixture of curiosity and something that felt uncomfortably like jealousy. She had always known that Utahime harbored feelings for Yuno, but seeing them interact in person stirred emotions she wasn't entirely prepared to confront.
Gojo, never one to be left out, bounded forward with his hand outstretched. "Utahime-chan!" he exclaimed, his voice dripping with exaggerated charm. "How lovely to see you again!"
Utahime's expression cooled noticeably as she regarded Gojo. "Gojo," she acknowledged, pointedly ignoring his offered hand. "I wasn't aware you would be joining us."
Gojo's grin widened, undeterred by her frosty reception. "Oh, you know me. I go where the wind takes me!"
Nanami, sensing the tension, stepped forward and bowed politely. "Iori-senpai, thank you for your guidance. I'm Kento Nanami, a first-year at Jujutsu Tech."
Utahime's expression softened slightly as she returned Nanami's bow. "It's nice to meet you, Nanami-kun."
With introductions complete, Utahime turned back to Yuno, her expression growing serious once more. "The school isn't far from here. We can take a bus, or if you prefer, we could walk. It would give us a chance to... discuss the situation more thoroughly."
Yuno nodded, understanding the unspoken message in Utahime's words. "Walking would be best, I think," he said, glancing at the others. "If no one objects?"
There were no objections, though Gojo made a show of sighing dramatically about the exertion. As they set off, following Utahime's lead through the bustling streets of Kyoto, Shoko found herself falling into step beside Yuno.
For a moment, they walked in silence, the sounds of the city washing over them. Then, gathering her courage, Shoko spoke softly, her words meant for Yuno's ears alone. "Yunichi," she began, her voice tentative, "I know you said there's nothing to discuss about... what happened. But I just want you to know that it's not what you think. Suguru, he—"
Yuno cut her off gently, his red eyes meeting hers with an intensity that took her breath away. "Leiri," he said, his voice low and serious, "I understand that you want to explain. But right now, we have more pressing matters to attend to. Can we... can we discuss this later? When we're back at school?"
Shoko searched his face, noting the subtle signs of tension around his eyes and mouth. Whatever was going on, whatever had brought them to Kyoto, it was clearly weighing heavily on Yuno. After a moment, she nodded, offering him a small smile. "Of course, Yunichi. Later."
As they continued their journey through the streets of Kyoto, Utahime fell back to walk beside Yuno, her voice low as she began to brief him on the situation at the school. Shoko found herself drifting towards the back of the group, watching the easy familiarity between Yuno and Utahime with a growing sense of unease.
Gojo, ever observant despite his carefree demeanor, sidled up to Shoko with a knowing grin. "Complicated, isn't it?" he said, his voice uncharacteristically soft. "Matters of the heart always are."
Shoko felt her cheeks flush, but before she could respond, Nanami called out from ahead. "Iori-senpai, is that the school?"
The group came to a stop, looking up at the imposing gates of what appeared to be a prestigious private academy. Yuno's expression tightened almost imperceptibly as he gazed at the building beyond.
"Yes," Utahime confirmed, her voice carrying a note of tension. "This is where Riko Amanai is staying."
As they stood before the gates, each lost in their own thoughts, none of them could have predicted the events that were about to unfold – events that would test their strength, their loyalties, and the very bonds that held them together in ways they could never have imagined.
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