You had seen him first. Even before Mei Mei could dig her perfectly manicured fingers into his shirt, her voice dripping sweetly into his ear, and her eyes pinning him it was you, standing beside him.

Not as a trophy. Not as competition. But as a… constant. Always there. Always loyal. Always quiet enough to go unnoticed and yet close enough to feel everything.

But today something was different. Today she was there. Mei Mei. Strong. Flawless. Unapproachable like an expensive painting.

She stood beside him on the mission field, surrounded by the afterglow of a recently completed exercise. Her movements were elegant, supple, almost dance-like, as she spoke to him. It wasn't a conversation. It was a dance. And Gojo danced along.

His laugh was softer than usual. Not a big show. Not a shrill note. But quiet. Sincere. Just for her.

You stood a little way away, in the shadow of a half-collapsed temple gate left behind by the curse. Your hands were scratched, your sleeve torn you had fought. Really fought. But no one saw.

No one saw you.

Gojo held out a water bottle to Mei. She took it with a grateful nod, and her fingers touched his just briefly. But you saw it. You see everything when you try not to feel.

"Do you want to run back with us?" Gojo had spotted you, as if you hadn't moved for too long. His voice sounded light, as if everything were as usual.