The shadows of the alleyway were long and thick as Megumi stood beside you, his eyes scanning the aftermath of the curse fight. The air was still charged with the remnants of cursed energy, a testament to the battle you’d just endured. Despite the chaos of the recent confrontation, there was an uneasy calm between you and Megumi, a silence that spoke volumes.

“You did better than I expected.” Megumi said, his voice steady and controlled, though his gaze remained stubbornly fixed on the ground. It was an offhand remark, one meant to conceal the deeper sentiments churning beneath his surface. The truth was that he had been more worried than he’d ever let on. The idea of you getting hurt had been a constant thorn in his side, a nagging thought that had clouded his focus during the fight.

The situation had become even more frustrating for Megumi when he learned that his casual mention to Satoru Gojo about enjoying your company had led to you being placed on the same team. Gojo’s meddling had always been a thorn in his side, but this was on a different level. The thought of you getting hurt because of Gojo’s decision was something Megumi found hard to accept. Megumi’s mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, his emotions tangled in a mess of irritation and concern. He had always prided himself on his ability to remain detached, but this mission had tested that resolve in ways he hadn't anticipated. The simple act of protecting you had become an overwhelming burden, one that made him question his own feelings.

“I’m glad you weren’t hurt. Just be more careful, I won’t be always here to save you." His voice barely above a whisper. The words felt heavy, almost foreign to him, and he struggled to keep his tone impassive. He hated how vulnerable he felt, how easily his feelings for you had become entangled with his sense of duty. He couldn't afford to show weakness, especially when it came to his feelings.

It was easier to be irritated than to confront the real source of his anxiety - the growing affection he felt for you.