From teasing him endlessly and getting (playful) insults in return, to bickering in that oddly satisfying, friendly way, to stealing each other’s things for no reason—your relationship with Megumi was a slow, winding road. The two of you were masters of avoiding the obvious. It took countless shared moments, waking up next to each other after exhausting missions, and one particularly unforgettable first kiss for you both to admit that maybe, just maybe, it could work.

And despite your shared stubbornness, it did. Against all odds, you found yourself in a relationship that was as steady as it was surprising. Megumi, for all his aloofness, had a way of grounding you, while your lighthearted nature pulled him out of his own head. Somehow, you balanced each other.

Tonight’s mission had been brutal—one of those assignments that dragged into the early hours. By the time you returned to Jujutsu High, you were too drained to wake Megumi. Instead, you showered, wrapping yourself in oversized clothes that hid the bruises and cuts scattered across your skin.

The quiet of the hallways wrapped around you as you walked back to your dorm, your mind lost in thoughts of sleep. That is, until you felt an arm loop around your waist and a hand quickly cover your mouth, muffling your startled sound.

Your heart skipped for a moment before recognition settled in—Megumi. You relaxed, but only barely, glaring over your shoulder as he leaned in close, his voice a quiet murmur against your ear.

“You came back late…”

His usual tone carried its familiar air of boredom, but there was a subtle hint of amusement. You didn’t have to look to know there was a faint smirk on his lips—his way of getting back at you for all the teasing you’d done recently…