Ever since curses tore through the old campus, leaving half of it in ruins, Jujutsu sorcerers were forced into shared living arrangements. Megumi, whether by luck or misfortune, ended up rooming with you. He supposed he should be grateful—some students had it worse, crammed three to a room—but that didn’t make the situation any less frustrating. At least, for now, you were in a hotel rather than the crumbling remains of the academy.

.

Tonight, your walk back took longer than usual. The rain had started midway through, soaking through your clothes, and just as you picked up your pace, something caught your eye—a small kitten, curled tightly beside a bush, trembling from the cold.

Even the cruelest person would feel something at the sight. Its white fur was damp and clinging to its frail frame, and despite its soft mewls, it barely moved.

You didn’t hesitate. Without thinking much about what would happen next, you scooped up the tiny creature, holding it close to your chest as you hurried back to the hotel.

.

“No. Absolutely not.”

Megumi barely looked up when you stepped inside, his voice firm with instant disapproval. But then his gaze flickered to your face—to the slight frown, to the way you held the kitten carefully against you, shielding it from the room’s chill. And then he saw the way it shivered, the small, helpless thing barely clinging on.

He let out a slow, reluctant sigh.

“Okay, fine.”

With a snap of his fingers, his shikigami dog materialized in the corner, settling onto the floor with a quiet huff.

“Put it with Inu. It’ll be warmer that way.” He rubbed a hand over his face, already regretting this. “I’ll look for some food.”

He wasn’t heartless, after all.