You stepped out of a fast food place after buying anything you could with the little money you had. You took side jobs just to make some type of income. It wasn't easy for you to have a stable lifestyle as being hunted was somewhat a daily occurrence. If you got too comfortable then everything would shatter before your eyes. It's a cycle you knew too well. You slept on the streets and at women's shelters before. You bought clothes from donation centers and still kept a good appearance despite struggling to run away from curse users. Since you couldn't afford to purchase weapons for your own protection, you didn't even want to put up a real fight because the majority of curse users you faced were shikigami users. Hence, you refused to get caught up because a shikigami was the last thing you wanted to brawl against.

"Well, tomorrow's work is gonna be tiring. Gotta deliver food but at least I eat for free." You weren't going to complain about work if you're gonna be fed. Even if this wasn't the life you wanted to live, you were still going to find a way to make it better than it was before.

Humming to yourself, you enjoyed the streets of Kyoto. There were beautiful temples, shrines, palaces, gardens everywhere. All the colors were vibrant and the air smelled so fresh.

"I love coming here!" You were all happy and in an upbeat mood until you felt a pointy object pressed against your back. You gulped knowing your enjoyment was over; you didn't have to turn around to know who it was. It was time to deal with your crazy murderer.

"Keep walking forward until I tell you where to go. If you try to do anything funny, you're dead." The curse user whispered behind you as their shikigami snake slithered around your neck. It was similar to a rattlesnake. The only reason why they said that was because where you were had a bunch of people walking everywhere.

Ah, shit. Not this position again. It's been a good few weeks without encountering one! I just want peace. You wanted to punch a wall for being unlucky. Not to mention, the shikigami snake was unpleasant too. It felt like you were wearing a choker but this one moved and can squeeze itself. Your body wanted to shutter so badly from its scaly skin. This made you walk stiff like you got sunburned.

The curse user walked closely behind you, making it look like you were on a date but clearly it wasn't. You needed to survive and being obedient was the only way for now.

As you kept moving straight, you would casually move your head to help the tension around the neck. Your skin crawled from feeling the snake traveling on you and their tail shaking in your ears. You hated this feeling and wished it was off you.

I'm going to die… Well technically they can't kill me if they want to exploit my ability but still. I need to find help somehow! I refuse to go down like this, but I don't want to be choked to death either… Gosh, it's hard. You felt trapped in a way. You wished for a miracle to happen and save you from these situations. It's so tiring and draining to be in all the time, but you're glad you come out alive time after time.

Your eyes were locked on the ground as you didn't even want to look at where you were going because you're over it. Your mind blocked your outside awareness and your ears refused to listen. You acted like a walking corpse just trudging to your doom.

And that was until you hit something.

"Oof!" You stumbled backwards, almost losing your balance but a hand grabbed your arm and pulled you right up. Your googly eyes snapped at the person who helped you, and immediately you recognized that face—the tall blonde man who saved you and whom you saved. How couldn't you forget his funky glasses and his incredibly chiseled cheekbones.

"Are you okay—!" The man remembered your face too. He's been wanting to find you so he could figure out who you were. He couldn't believe it would be the day where he walked out of a bakery shop and bumped into you. However, his eyes narrowed at the little shikigami snake tied to your neck. Beneath his tinted lens, you felt him staring at your neck. For some reason, his gaze made you shy but at the same time you questioned if the man was a sorcerer too. Whose first glance would be at someone's neck unless they saw something there?

Oh? Did he see it? If he exorcizes the shikigami or something then he IS a sorcerer… You put his integrity on the spot and waited for him to make a move.

Then his eyes shifted, noticing a curse user behind you like they were using you as a shield. The man had a hunch about the situation.

As you noticed the man's sudden change in body language, you pretended to know him like you two were a couple."Babe! Why didn't you tell me you were gonna be here?!" Your stretched smile hinted at your stressed circumstance. He's the strongest person you know because he handled the curse user when he first encountered you. You had faith in him that he'll rescue you again as trouble has a way to find you and bring you to him, your hero.

The man knew what you were planning and followed suit without questions. He finally found you so he was going to talk to you alone after this. What you did to him never left his mind. He didn't know how to explain to his driver about it when his ride pulled up as soon as you left. Even if he told someone about this, nobody would have an answer but you.

"Honey, it's because I wanted to surprise you with your favorite bread." The man said, swiftly crushing the snake shikigami on your neck and glaring at the curse user in the process as he slid his arm around your shoulders, pulling you closer to him.

You smashed against his hard rock chest which took you by surprise. You never expected him to be this built. His muscles felt toned like he's a secret bodybuilder. You didn't need to use your eyes to know his button up shirts squeezed his good parts.

Slowly, you wrapped one arm behind his back and leaned on him, still keeping a bright expression. "Awww! How sweet of you to do that for me!"

Hmm so he confirms my assumption. He's a sorcerer because my neck feels free and light, and I don't see it anymore either. Now my airways are properly working! You said to yourself.

The man shot another glare at the curse user, threatening them with their life if they chose to harm you first than thinking about their own livelihood.

Footsteps retreated, finally leaving you alone as you watched the curse user run in the opposite direction.

You breathed a sigh of relief and pulled back from him. Your chest felt lighter and you mentally felt better now. You really didn't know what you would do without him. "Thank you, sir. What is your name? This is our third time meeting and I don't know your name."

The way you talked was so soft spoken and he never realized that from the two encounters. Not to mention, you had an angelic face and a gummy smile. He felt his heart race due to your beauty, but he wasn't going to let it affect his performance.

The man cleared his throat. "It's Nanami Kento and yours?"

"Y/n… You're always saving me when I'm in danger. Are you sure you're not a superhero? Or we're fated partners? Or maybe my stalker?" You teased because you knew something was stringing you and Nanami to meet. You didn't think it's a coincidence as it felt like you're bumping into him every few weeks. It made you a bit worried as you don't even know him yet you used him twice to help you.

Nanami's brows furrowed and denied your question. "No, no, and no. I don't have an answer either, but I'd say it's luck that we meet each time. I help you get out of those situations and those men are dangerous—"

Immediately, you cut him off as you didn't want to hear him continue. You heard the saying before and you knew how scary and dangerous curse users were. You refused to be scolded. "I get it. I get it! You're not my parental figure! And I'm pretty sure we're close in age so don't talk down to me like I'm a child!" You pointed your finger at him. You weren't completely mad but unsettled, not to the point where you showed your brewing anger though.

You took another big step away from him and waved your hand. "It's nice meeting you again, Nanami. I'm gonna head out!" Before you could sprint off, Nanami grabbed your wrist as he didn't let you go. This made you a bit worried about this man. You barely know him, and now he's stopping you from leaving? You didn't want to assume it's coming from a bad place in his heart because Nanami has been very considerate during your two stalker troubles.

"Still act like we're a couple. Who knows if they're still following you because if you leave now, who else will intervene? Not everyone is capable of defending others."

Nanami's right. I'm always being watched or followed. They don't strike until they feel like it. Plus, I wouldn't be so defenseless if I had a weapon to fight against them but I don't. At least, he's being thoughtful about the situation and willing to help me. You said to yourself after weighing your options.

"Okay, lead the way. I don't really have a destination." You gestured, staying close to him but keeping a good distance from him.

After 10 minutes of walking, Nanami leaned in and whispered in your ear. "They're following us. Keep calm and I'll handle them but let's head to an isolated area."

"Wow you weren't wrong." You weren't sure if you're supposed to be surprised at this news. It's not something you discovered recently as it happened before. You're honestly just tired of it, making life feel mundane.

"Just follow my lead."

"Okay," you nodded. You weren't too concerned about Nanami dealing with the curse user as he's definitely a sorcerer who used jujutsu. He seemed like a man with lots of experience. You bet he could kick ass in thirty seconds on a solo trip.

"So how's your day?" You asked him since staying silent was going to kill you, and if you're gonna see Nanami every few weeks by chance, you might as well know him. He'll be your first friend in decades.

Nanami took a quick glance at you and replied, "Not too bad. Got off work early so I went to buy some bread at the bakery. They're known to have tasty bread and other pastries too." He lifted up the paper bag containing his bread.

"Hmm. Maybe one day, I'll try it out but I gotta work hard for it first." You chuckled upon your unfortunate circumstance. You're always making enough to ensure your survival as you watch what you spend. You needed to live the next day.

"Do you—" Nanami was gonna offer you to try it, but you changed the subject before he could say all of it.

"Where'd you get your glasses? They look cool but funky. It's like swimming goggles. I'm just amazed it sticks on your face!"

Nanami blinked a couple of times from your on-going questions as it didn't stop. You were like a talking child who couldn't stop thinking about the smallest and biggest things in life and why things were the way they were. It kind of struck a nerve. You were very intrigued about his glasses attaching on his face. Maybe she's very talkative. It's not as bad as Gojo… but I'm not used to being drawn to a mysterious person who's like that. I want to ask her about what happened the day we met in the bathroom, but I fear she's going to run away. I'm not going to obstruct this opportunity because it appears we meet every few weeks. What if the next chance comes and she disappears? Then I lost it. Nanami told himself the possible truth.

Though he didn't intentionally answer all of your dying questions, he did give you a generic response. "My work specializes in cool equipment and they created these." Nanami pointed at his glasses you dearly adored. "I got a pair and rolled with it. I don't know how it defies gravity but it does. Are you satisfied?"

Hearing how monotone Nanami's voice was, you kind of wanted to giggle. You felt like you could pinpoint how he carried himself from the way he spoke—very stoic but caring, has a fierce appearance but is actually a sweetheart, and a gentleman in disguise. You've seen a lot on the streets to conclude people's make-up of their personalities.

"Yes, sir! Oh!" You suddenly yelped, feeling Nanami pulling you closer to him. You didn't know what triggered him to do that, but it caught you off guard.

Then Nanami leaned in and whispered, "They're getting closer to us now that we're alone. I'll be right back. Stay here and don't move. If something happens just yell for help."

"Oh, sure… I guess…" You knew how to play the damsel in distress. You didn't need to be told how to do it. You're just curious how it's going to go down on his end, so you went to find a bench to relax for the time being.

So you watched Nanami walk in a different direction to fend off your enemy. You really appreciated him for doing this when it's none of his business, but you wished you could handle this on your own. Cursed tools cost so much money, more money than your own life. It could be as pricey as a mansion, and the money you're making was barely enough. It would take years for you to buy one.

When Nanami placed himself in an alleyway, he called for the curse user to come out. "If you want the woman, you're gonna have to kill me." He pushed up his glasses and pulled out his cloth covered weapon, tapping the flat side of the blade against his thigh. "But first I have a question for you to answer."

/

The fight between Nanami and the curse user didn't last long as Nanami overpowered them. He had one foot on the person's chest and the other foot on their right wrist while his weapon was pointed at their neck.

"Why are you and others curse users after her? What's so special about the woman?" Nanami demanded and put more weight on his foot which lay on their chest. He made sure to pressure them by making them feel like their rib cage was going to shatter. With enough force and cursed energy flowing into his foot, it can definitely cause some damage. Perhaps to the extent of death. He won't risk scaring you away, but he will do it to your enemy.

The curse user coughed blood out and knew Nanami wasn't joking. They didn't know when or why sorcerers became so interested in you. "The woman has always been special… And now it finally reached the sorcerers' ears huh?" Their voice was strained, close enough to sound like they're gasping for air. "I'd rather die than to let her be 'safe' in your hands! Her technique will corrupt you and everyone else! We are selfish creatures. I bet she wishes she was dead."

Though Nanami didn't fully know you, he felt insulted for you. Disdain coursed through his body and he showed no mercy as he crushed their wrist. Nanami rolled his foot back and forth ensuring it turned into fine powder. The curse user held in their screams and wanted to squirm around in agony, but Nanami's foot wouldn't allow it. He will get his answer from the curse user one way or another.

"Explain." Nanami simply stated in his chilling voice, sending goosebumps down their spine.

"…because her tears are worth millions. It's an antidote for all cures, injuries, and the dead."

Hmm. So she can use jujutsu from what I'm getting, but I can't really feel her negative cursed energy compared to others. I know it's there but it's faint. She kind of reminds me of Maki Zenin. They're both similar in terms of low negative cursed energy. So does that mean she knows how to use positive energy? Because how else can she make those god-like tears and can heal the injured? Nanami felt like he stepped inside a fiery pit. You're a special person people want, and he's the only one who knows your existence. He doubted the higher ups or any scouts were able to detect you or care to bat an eye in your direction.

Nanami pulled out his phone to call someone to take the curse user away.

Once Nanami emerged from the alley, he spotted you laying flat on a bench and staring at the evening sky. You seemed very bored like you wanted to go home. He hoped he didn't keep you waiting for too long either.

Straightening out his jacket, Nanami proceeded to stride towards you and announce the good news. "It's all taken care of. You don't have to worry about your stalker."

You glanced at him without moving your whole body. "Really?" You said in a neutral, calm voice as it wasn't in a happy or sad tone to his statement because this was your daily cycle. They will always find a way to spawn back and wreak havoc.

"Are you sad that I handled them?" Nanami couldn't understand your sudden change of attitude. Most people would be thankful and joyous over the fact there's no need to fret about their stalker.

Then you pulled yourself up and spread your legs wide as you hunched forward, staring at the ground so he couldn't stare at your gloomy expression. "I never said that. It's more like they're not that easy to get off my back… But I should go now. Thanks again for fending them off." You perked your head up and smiled in gratitude. You didn't want your emotions to change the structure of your face. Being mad or sad won't do any good but give you premature wrinkles. Plus, it's better not to be too heavily involved with a sorcerer like him. Though he could give you a hand to help you build a better life for you, you're just unsure since you don't even know him or know what the other sorcerers would do if they found out too.

Standing up, you were about to leave until Nanami called out to you. "Wait!"

A curious look took over your face as you wondered what he wanted. "Yes?"

Nanami gulped down his spit and got the words out of his throat, keeping his eyes on you. What were the odds that you and him would ever meet again? He didn't know but he didn't want to take that risk. Your unfathomable nature lured him in as he didn't want to fully say goodbye until he got his answers from you. Nanami's not trying to be a bad person, rather he'd want to give you a push into a different direction if you choose to. "Meet me here tomorrow. I'm going to repay you for saving me in the bathroom because the injury would have cost me my life…"

Your motionless face didn't change a bit as you processed his words. You knew he could temporarily stop curse users from stalking you if you're around him. Though it sounded bad that you're using him for your own protection, you knew there could be worse intentions than yours. At least you were going to know him better than now while keeping your guard up. "Sure why not? You paying?"

"Of course. It's my treat."

"Alright. I'll see you here in the evening."