The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the training yard of Tokyo Jujutsu High, The usual sounds of Nobara loudly complaining about literally everything.
“—and then Maki had the audacity to say my shopping bags were excessive,” Nobara scoffed, arms crossed tightly over her uniform as she leaned against the wooden fence bordering the yard. “Like sorry I have standards.”
You snorted softly beside her, seated on one of the low benches near the field.
“You bought six pairs of boots.”
“They were different shades.”
“Barely.”
Before Nobara could defend herself again, a voice interrupted.
“You know,” the new sorcerer drawled smoothly, “I think confidence like that is attractive.”
Tony.
Nobara visibly resisted the urge to roll her eyes as he wandered over like he owned the entire school. His uniform jacket hung open intentionally, sunglasses perched on top of messy dark hair despite the sun already setting.
He stopped directly in front of you.
Not Nobara.
Of course.
“I’ve been meaning to talk to you.”
Nobara muttered under her breath, “No, you’ve been meaning to harass her.”
Tony ignored her completely.
“I heard you’re insanely strong,” he continued, leaning casually against the bench beside you. “Honestly? I could use a training partner.”
You already knew where this was going.
For the past two weeks every conversation somehow turned into him flexing cursed techniques, talking about his muscles, or trying to impress every girl within breathing distance.
Mostly you.
Which was unfortunate for him.
Because your boyfriend happened to be Choso.
And Choso was patient… until he wasn’t.
You gave Tony a polite but flat look. “You can train with Panda.”
“I’d rather train with someone prettier.”
Nobara gagged dramatically.
“Oh my god, he actually said it out loud.”
Tony smirked, clearly proud of himself. “What? Too much?”
“Yes,” you and Nobara answered immediately.
Still, he kept going.
“You know,” he said, lowering his voice slightly, “you don’t have to hang around weird antisocial guys all the time. You should spend time with someone more fun.”
Your expression cooled instantly.
Across the yard, footsteps approached through the open gate.
Yuji’s loud voice carried first.
“I’m starving. If Gojo-sensei eats my leftovers again, I’m throwing hands.”
Megumi sighed tiredly behind him. “Please don’t.”
And then Choso walked in beside them.
His dark hair was slightly disheveled from the mission, loose strands sticking against his face. There was dried blood staining the sleeve of his black shirt. His tired eyes swept lazily across the yard—
—and stopped on Tony standing far too close to you.
The atmosphere shifted immediately.
Yuji noticed first.
“…Oh no,” he whispered.
Megumi looked exhausted already. “The new guy’s dead.”
Choso’s expression didn’t visibly change, but you knew him well enough to catch it.
Tony either didn’t notice or was stupid enough not to care.
“So,” he continued confidently, “what do you say? Maybe me and you could sneak into the city tonight—”
A quiet voice cut through the yard.
“She already has plans.”
Tony turned.
Choso stood only a few feet away now, towering over him with unreadable dark eyes.
Tony blinked. “Uh… and you are?”
Nobara immediately covered her face with her hand.
“No way he just asked that.”
You rose from the bench just as Choso stepped closer, his gaze never leaving Tony.
“I’m her boyfriend.”
A cold breeze swept through the yard.
Tony’s confidence faltered for the first time all week.
Choso moved beside you calmly, one hand settling against your waist with quiet possessiveness. Despite the softness of the gesture, the pressure of cursed energy underneath it was unmistakable.
Tony laughed weakly. “Right. Cool. Didn’t know she was taken.”
Choso tilted his head slightly.
“You knew,” he said softly. “Everyone here knows.”
Tony opened his mouth again, but Choso took one slow step forward.
The dirt beneath his feet cracked.
Just slightly.
But enough.
Enough for Tony’s face to pale.
Choso’s voice stayed calm.
“So stop bothering her.”