The night sky was cloudy and turbulent, thunder rumbling ominously as rain beat down relentlessly upon the streets. A singular curse stood atop a building, its large and grotesque form towering over the surrounding rooftops with ease. Its dark energy radiated through the rain-soaked air, causing a palpable tension.
"Really, I thought the amount of you guys would be down in this area at this time of year," a voice called out casually.
The curse turned abruptly, only to be immediately struck by a powerful blow that blasted a hole straight through its center. Yuji stood in the aftermath of the attack, shaking off remnants of cursed energy from his hand.
"Oh, come on, brother! I could have dealt with that," Todo shouted from the street below, his voice filled with exaggerated frustration.
Choso, standing next to Todo, chuckled quietly. "He beat you to it, big guy," he teased.
Yuji, still standing in the middle of the curse's dissipating form, grinned sheepishly. "Sorry, man. I just love this grocery store, and it was on top of it."
Todo let out an exasperated sigh before laughing heartily. "Fine, fine. So, what movie are we going to watch?" Choso asked.
"Something about the great Takada-Chan!" Todo shouted enthusiastically, tears gleaming in his eyes as though he'd been personally blessed by Takada herself.
"Ha! Couldn't expect anything else from you, dude," Yuji said with a playful eye roll.
As Todo and Choso continued their animated conversation, Yuji fell into thought. Ever since the encounter with Geto, he'd been on edge. Although he had defeated Geto during their fight, something strange had happened. During the fight Yuji left a tag of his own cursed energy in Geto after the fight Yuji had sensed a change in the cursed energy surrounding Geto—a subtle shift, like something else had taken over. It wasn't like Kenjaku's usual control either since that did not change the cursed energy. Could there be another player involved? He shook off the uneasy feeling, deciding to focus on spending time with his brothers instead.
After the Night Parade of a Hundred Demons, Choso had decided to stay at the Kyoto Jujutsu school, training to become a full-fledged sorcerer and acting as Yuji's inside source for events happening in Kyoto. His transition had been surprisingly seamless.
The three eventually arrived at the movie theater, where Todo could barely contain his excitement. "This is going to be the best movie ever!" he shouted, nearly skipping toward the entrance.
Choso raised an eyebrow at Todo's enthusiasm. "I just hope it's not as chaotic as the last time we hung out."
After buying their tickets, they waved Yuji goodbye as they boarded a bus back to Kyoto. Yuji popped in his headphones and began the walk back to Tokyo Jujutsu High, enjoying the steady rhythm of Juice WRLD's music.
"I'm glad it's around the time Juice WRLD came out. I love his music," Yuji said to himself, bobbing his head to the beat. "Hopefully, he doesn't die in this world—or should I say Wrld?" He snickered at his own pun.
His thoughts shifted as he remembered the date he had planned with Yuta the next day. "I gotta get back in time, or she'll be upset," he muttered, picking up his pace.
The next afternoon, Yuji and Yuta strolled through a Lego store, inspecting various sets and discussing their prices.
"I didn't know you were into these, Yuta," Yuji commented, examining a massive Lego Star Wars set.
Yuta blushed and looked away. "W-Well... when Rika was super possessive, she barely let me talk to people. Legos were kind of my escape."
Yuji's expression softened. "I think that's cute, Yuta."
Yuta's face turned even redder as she playfully smacked his shoulder. "You idiot."
Their date continued at a fancy restaurant where they sat across from each other, browsing the menu. Yuta's eyes widened at the prices. "You don't have to bring me here, you know. It's really expensive," she said bashfully.
Yuji waved off her concern with a smile. "Oh, I don't mind dear. I just want you to enjoy some of the best food!"
Yuta blushed even more. Yuji had just called her "dear" in front of the waitress, making her heart race.
As they walked back to Jujutsu High hand in hand, Yuta spoke up. "Thanks for everything today, Yuji," she said shyly, glancing down at the pavement.
Yuji looked up at the sky. The clouds were particularly beautiful that evening. "It was nothing, Yuta. I want to make sure you and the other girls are happy," he said earnestly.
Yuta's heart swelled with warmth. She had been dating Yuji, along with the other girls, for three months now. She wanted to do something special for him. Summoning her courage, she tugged on his arm.
"What is it, Yu—?"
Before Yuji could finish his question, Yuta pressed her lips against his, pushing him gently against the wall of a nearby building. Her hands rested on his chest as she deepened the kiss.
Yuji responded by kissing back, wrapping his arms around her waist and pulling her closer. When Yuta finally pulled away, her face was flushed, and her breathing was uneven.
"Oops... that might've been a bit too much," she said, flustered.
Yuji chuckled. "I sure as hell didn't mind. That was hot."
Yuta shook her head, grabbing his hand and starting to walk again. "Pervert," she teased.
"Says the one who pushed me against a wall," Yuji shot back with a grin.
Later that evening, the first-year dorms were lively. Panda, Inumaki, and Yuji sat on the floor, intensely focused on a game of Mario Kart. Yuta, Yuko, Maki, and even Megumi were seated on the couch, chatting and laughing.
"Bullshit! No fair!" Panda shouted as he found himself in last place yet again.
"Haha! Just get better, scrub," Yuji taunted with a wide grin.
"Salmon!" Inumaki laughed, giving a thumbs-up.
"Not you too, Inumaki, bro!" Panda whined, hanging his head in defeat.
Yuko munched on snacks from the couch. "Yeah! You better win, Yuji!" she cheered.
"It's not fair!" Panda protested. "He's got all his girlfriends supporting him—that's like a huge stat boost!"
Panda put a hand on Inumaki's shoulder. "Salmon?" Inumaki could only shake his head sympathetically.
Yuji smirked. "Don't worry, Panda. I'm sure some zoos have room for you~."
With that, Yuji bolted out of the room as Panda roared and chased after him. The others on the couch burst into laughter.
"What a bunch of idiots," Maki said with a shake of her head, though a smile tugged at her lips.
The others nodded in agreement, their laughter filling the room.
When Yuji and Panda returned, both sporting identical bumps on their heads, Yuji spoke up. "Hey, isn't the Sister School Exchange Event coming up?"
Maki arched an eyebrow. "Yeah, why?"
Yuji grinned. "Oh, nothing. It's just that my brothers are there."
The entire room froze, all eyes on Yuji.
"You have brothers?!" everyone shouted in unison.
"Um... yeah. Did I forget to mention that?" Yuji said sheepishly.
Maki responded by bonking him on the head. "Idiot."