The chaos of Shibuya was like nothing you had ever experienced. Curses roamed the streets, their dark forms twisting and writhing as they fed off the fear and despair surrounding them. You and Megumi Fushiguro had been thrown together in this nightmare, both of you sorcerers and classmates, but that didn’t mean you had ever gotten along. He was aloof, often brooding, and you couldn’t shake the feeling that he thought he was above everyone else.

Now, though, that didn’t matter. You were both out of breath and running on adrenaline as you stumbled into an alley, seeking refuge from the carnage outside. But the moment you thought you could catch your breath, curses appeared from the shadows, their hungry eyes glinting with malice.

“Great,” you muttered, your heart pounding in your chest. “Just what we need.”

Megumi’s gaze flicked to you, with concentration. “Stay behind me,” he commanded, his voice steady despite the chaos surrounding you.

You hesitated, your instincts screaming at you. You had never relied on him before, so why should you start now? But before you could voice your protest, he stepped forward, drawing a shikigami to face the approaching curses.

But then he froze, his eyes widening. “I just felt Sukuna’s presence. What the hell is happening in Shibuya?”

The weight of his words settled over you like a dark cloud, panic seeping into your veins.

Before you could respond, Megumi pivoted toward you, grabbing your hand and pulling you behind him. “We need to get you out of here. Now.”

The urgency in his tone was palpable, and without thinking, you followed his lead. The two of you raced deeper into the alley, dodging curses that lurked just beyond the shadows. His grip on your hand was firm, and for a moment, you could hardly process the fact that he was actually protecting you.

“Why are you—” you started, but he cut you off.

“Just keep moving!” he barked, his voice low and intense.