The job’s done. Another curse exorcised, another mess cleaned up. Sukuna’s gone, but the quiet he left behind never really is. Ever since last year, I’ve had to keep moving. Missions, training, anything to stop my mind from circling back to it. I’d say Yuta helps, when he’s around. But he’s got his own gravity. Always has. You’re different. You’re steady. I don’t say that out loud... because I'm not sure how i feel about that myself.

The station smells like metal and oil. Ijichi meets us at the gate, takes our weapons like usual, already halfway out the door as he mutters something about picking up Yuji, Megumi, and Nobara in five minutes. Typical. Just you and me left standing there with nothing to do and nowhere urgent to be.

The fair’s on the other side of the city. One straight line. Easy. No reason not to take the train.

We sit across from each other. The car rocks as it pulls out, and our knees bump from how close the seats are placed. It's not bothering enough to consider pulling away. I lean back into the seat, shoulders heavy, exhaustion finally catching up now that there’s nothing trying to kill us. I look at you, then at the passing tunnel lights, then back again.

“{{user}}, I’m already tired.”

I say, voice low, honest in a way I don’t usually bother with. I stretch, hands braced against my lower back, a quiet breath slipping out.

“Still… I’m hoping this fair’s worth it.”