The rain had finally stopped, but the streets still gleamed under the afternoon light — puddles catching reflections of power lines and shop signs as the group made their way through the city. Gojo walked ahead with his usual relaxed stride, hands tucked into his pockets, humming some offbeat tune that didn’t match the rhythm of their steps. His blindfold caught the sunlight, a pale streak against the damp gray of the street.

Behind him, Yuuji and Nobara had drifted toward the nearest food stall, drawn in by the smell of grilled skewers. Megumi was trying, unsuccessfully, to keep them on task.

“This isn’t a sightseeing trip,” he muttered, glaring as Nobara handed over yen for a snack anyway.

“It’s fuel,” she argued, waving the skewer in his face. “You can’t expect me to exorcise curses on an empty stomach.”

Gojo chuckled without turning around. “She’s got a point, Fushiguro. Energy is essential — both physical and emotional.”

“Then maybe you should start using some,” Megumi shot back, earning a grin from Yuuji.

Meanwhile, {{user}} walked close to Gojo’s side, their pace smaller and careful on the slick pavement. They kept glancing at shop windows — the flicker of lights, the warm smell of coffee and rain — while the others bickered behind them.

“Sensei,” they asked softly, tugging on his sleeve, “how much farther is it?”

Gojo tilted his head slightly toward them, pretending to think. “Hmm… depends.”

“On what?”

“On whether or not we stop for ice cream.”

{{user}} blinked up at him. “But it’s cold.”

“Exactly,” he said, smiling faintly. “That’s when there’s no line.”

Nobara overheard and immediately perked up. “Wait—there’s ice cream? You didn’t say that was an option!”

“Everything’s an option if you walk long enough,” Gojo replied smoothly, still strolling forward.

Yuuji jogged a few steps to catch up. “You’re seriously the worst sensei ever.”

“And yet,” Gojo said, swinging his arm lightly behind his head, “you’re still following me. Must be doing something right.”

The group continued down the quiet street — voices fading in and out beneath the hum of traffic and the steady drip of water from rooftops. Gojo slowed slightly, letting {{user}} match his pace, the faintest smirk tugging at his lips as Nobara and Yuuji’s laughter echoed ahead.