That night of the brutal murder scene, Gojo finally arrived and saw how horrible it looked. It truly resembled a horror film, and it hurt him to know that you had to witness this. He recalled how he met you ten years ago at the hospital.

This has destroyed her even more than her parents' deaths because the only family she had left was Gin… Poor y/n. I wished you didn't have to face this again. I'll make sure whoever plotted this will never see daylight again. Gojo said in determination as he felt a bit guilty about Gin's death. He wondered if he had never brought you into this jujutsu life, maybe you would've been happy with Gin. However, he doesn't know if he would've been able to protect you or prevent this situation from occurring in the alternative timeline. It's something he can't control to make your life feel as painless as possible.

When Gojo saw your disheveled appearance in Yuji's arms, his face tightened as his heart squeezed. Your eyes were hollow and could barely look up to make eye contact with anyone. You looked so lifeless like a rag doll thrown in a trash can. He knew your only comfort was Yuji. You wouldn't let anyone else touch you like that. "Make sure y/n gets some rest,"

Yuji nodded with a lopsided solemn expression and carried you out of the house. He glanced down at you and saw how quiet you were as you sniffed through your congested nose. Yuji felt really bad and wanted to take your pain away if possible while your head leaned against his chest as you stared into oblivion.

He took you back to campus since that's the only safe place that could keep you away from your grandma's killer. When Yuji put you down, your head hung low and your arms fell to your sides as you felt so numb. Your heart was empty and you were confused about your next step in life.

"Y/n, if you need anything from me just—"

Immediately, you swung your left arm back to grab his sleeve without turning or lifting your head. "I don't want to sleep alone," you meekly said as Yuji heard how hoarse and muddled you sounded. It squeezed his chest and he threw his arms around you without saying a word. Your eyes were dried out like a drought taking over your tear ducts. He wanted to make it known that people like him love and care for you. There's no way he could abandon you. He doesn't want to die because of Sukuna. If Gin's death heavily impacted you like this, what would happen if he died? Would you be a mess? Would you be able to move forward? How would you be?

When Yuji took you to his room, he lended you his shower and clothes since you didn't pack any, and neither one of you wanted to wake up Nobara, especially when you didn't want a lot of people to know about it.

While you took a boiling hot shower to melt all your agony and grief, Yuji sat on the ground, wondering what he should do to cheer you up.

"I don't want to pretend that her feelings and this event didn't happen. I'll sound like an ignorant jerk! Mmm… I'll think of something," Yuji knew this was going to be tough but that won't stop him from trying to uplift your spirit.

In the shower, you rinsed off all the blood and watched the tinted water go down the drain. The scorching water didn't feel painful whatsoever; it felt like another layer to your heart. "What did I do to deserve this? Why does my life have to be at the cost of the people I love? Why does the higher ups care so much about their power when it wasn't theirs at the beginning?!" Your sadness turned into anger as it's all because of the higher ups. They're the one to blame. They took your parents and now your grandma. They're obsessed with ruining your life.

You began laughing in madness while the shower noises blocked it out from Yuji's ears. Your body hunched forward as your fingers curled up like you were ready to claw someone's eyes out. Your hair fell in front of your face and water dripped off from your nose. "I'm going to fucking kill them! I'm going to make sure they suffer! They're going to confess their sins and repent in hell!" Your heart felt elated from those dark thoughts intruding your weakened state. You really want the world to know pain.

Brushing your hair back as you flipped your head, your eyes scanned the foggy ceiling from what the hot water caused. "I wonder if I'm feeling crazy because my emotions are erratic, or that's what I truly want, or it's the curse that's encouraging me to. I can't tell. They're all blended into one another."

After you and Yuji showered, he let you sleep in his bed as he insisted on taking the floor.

You glanced down at him from the bed. "Yuji, this is your room. Just sleep in the same bed as me. I won't kick you off. We can also create a barrier so we won't cross each other's comfort zone." You suggested, thinking he was freaked out that the fact you two would be in one bed together. You didn't feel much since your emotions were somewhere else. It felt like you were going to sleep with a trusted person who won't harm you in your sleep and nothing more than that. There's no need to feel worried when Yuji's a respectful person. He would never make you feel uncomfortable.

However, Yuji declined since you're the guest in the room. "No, it's okay y/n. Don't worry too much about me!" He tried to be modest and reserved with you, but you weren't having it since you didn't mean to take over his bed. You couldn't sleep alone at the moment because you're unsure what you'd do in the dark silent room.

"No! Please sleep on the same bed as me. If you don't then I'll sleep on the ground with you!" You were persistent about it. Sleeping on the cold ground will make him get sick since it's getting colder outside.

Yuji's lips thinned as he sighed, knowing he doesn't have a choice to refuse you. "Okay, you win, y/n. Personally, I don't need any barriers since if I know I'm sleeping with someone, I won't move around too much."

"That's fine by me."

It didn't take you long to fall asleep since crying your eyes out eased the transition. You snored lightly as you slept on your side, letting your back face Yuji's body.

On the other hand, Yuji wasn't tired yet. He was wide awake in the pitch black room as he laid flat. His eyes looked at the high ceiling and wondered why you had to suffer so much. Y/N can't soak in any happiness without tragedies striking in. Why can't the universe let her rest? What's the point of setting her off? What is this world going to gain?

/

The next morning, you and Yuji met Gojo at his house.

You were still drained and depressed from last night's event. Your emotions were numb while your eyes stopped producing tears. Furthermore, your eyes were extremely puffy and stressed that you looked like a bug. It's hard for you to cover them so you opted for sunglasses. It's better to not hear people asking why your eyes were puffy. You know there's no point in crying since it's not going to bring back your grandma. Plus, she wouldn't want you to cry when the real culprit took everything away from you from day one. Your anger was geared towards them over anything else. You will make sure the higher ups know who has power in this world.

"Y/n, I have locked the man in the basement of my house. I tried to get some answers from him but he's keeping his mouth shut." Gojo sighed, recalling how badly he punished the curse user but to no avail, he refused to say a word and cursed at Gojo and laughed. The inflicting pain was nothing to the curse user, and that surprised Gojo since most people would break down so fast. But he concluded that the curse user was used to interrogation by the way he acted. "I'll do it again tomorrow since I'll be in Kyoto tonight. Hopefully starvation will make him say something."

However, you already knew the truth of everything but you didn't want to tell Gojo or Yuji. It's not like you don't trust them, it's more like they don't need to be involved in your personal matters. This dates back to Kameko's reign and now to yours. It's your job to end this.

"Satoru, don't tell this to the higher ups. I don't want them to meddle. I'm tired of them nagging in my ears." You tried your best to conceal the fact that you're on to them. The less people suspect, the less they know and will not interfere with your action.

"I wouldn't have anyways. I don't like them, I'm just tolerating them."

/

Your grandma's body was cremated and you collected her ashes. Instead of burying her, you threw it at a place where you knew she'd love. You set her free even though you didn't want to let go of her.

"Y/n, let's go." Yuji put his hand on your back and guided you away. He had other plans to lighten up your feelings. He doesn't want you to shut people out.

Yuji took you to an ice cream shop. You two stood in front of the shop as you stared at the large sign above the door.

"An ice cream shop?" You read the store's name in your head over and over again. "Why?" You questioned since you thought you'd go home or something. You didn't think Yuji would take you here.

Yuji had his hands in his pocket as he tried cheering you up. "Well, they say that ice cream can fix a sad heart."

Your eyebrow arched at him. "Isn't that for a breakup?"

"Shhhh! Let's go!"

After ordering and getting your food, you stared at your sundae cup. The chocolate syrup cascaded down the creamy scoops of ice cream and the glass cup was frosty from the cold food. You weren't in the mood to eat it, but you felt like you had to because Yuji bought it.

Yuji noticed your mopey face and he quickly leaned over the table and clapped his hands on your cheeks, causing you to jolt. His warm hands squished your face up as he forced you to look at him. Your cheeks were pushed upwards while your lips resembled a tight duck lip. Your eyes narrowed, glaring at him for surprising you like that.

"I'll make you laugh and smile again. Just wait and see!" Yuji giggled.

Pulling back, you were able to shake off his hands. This felt like a declaration of war because you're unsure if your turmoil feelings could be turned over by Yuji. "Are you sure about that?" You said in a monotone voice. You're skeptical but not afraid to see how long he can last.

"Yes! Now eat some ice cream or else I'll feed you!" Yuji threatened in a joking manner, and you hesitantly picked up your spoon and ate it.

Out of nowhere, Yuji broke the silence between you two and brought up the past when you guys didn't know each other that well.

Yuji chuckled to himself, wondering how this even happened. It was very short lived. "Remember when we played boyfriend and girlfriend?! I didn't even last long in that school because you didn't want me."

"Oh… that…" You immediately remembered those days very well. It made you cringe just thinking about it. Chills sent down your spine as your ears turned red and your skin flushed.

"Y/n, are you okay?" Yuji saw how fast your complexion changed. Just a minute ago you looked fine, but now you were completely red.

You nodded, covering your face with your hands. You felt embarrassed for doing that. The fake role didn't benefit you as much as you hoped. "You were a great actor though." You pulled your hand down and fiddled your fingers underneath the table. "You made my heart flutter," you shyly admitted, casting your eyes away. You didn't want to see his reaction.

Yuji's eyes widened from your statement. He didn't believe a small act like that impacted you. He watched how you fanned yourself, seeing you look the other way than making eye contact with him. Your timid state tickled his heart because you never show that side of you. Before Yuji knew it, he let his words trickle out of his mouth. "Wow you're so cute."

When his words got trapped in your ears, you stopped what you were doing and flickered your eyes at him. It's as if someone told everyone in the room that there was a bomb trapped in here and if someone tries to leave it'll explode, that's how much it alarmed you.

What did he say? You asked yourself, having a staring contest with him.

Damn! I didn't mean to say this out loud! What's wrong with me?! Yuji's face and ears turned red on the spot.

Suddenly, you lightly hit his hand. "Don't joke about that. I'm very sensitive." The line of it being a joke or serious was indistinguishable. It was very thin since he looked sincere when saying it with his concentrated eyes laying on your figure. He confused you.

Yuji's head tilted sideways and said something that caused your heart to skip a beat. "But what if I wasn't?"

BA-THUMP!

In the moment, you didn't breathe as you stared with your mouth agape. Did he turn into Satoru? I can't tell if his player side is coming out or not. But geez, making my heart race like that isn't fair!

A nervous smile curled your lips. "Where's Jennifer Lawrence when I need her?" You spat out, changing the topic.

/

You and Yuji sat in front of a shallow riverbank to end the day. The sun was lowering back to its hiding place until its next scheduled visit. The chilly weather couldn't penetrate your skins due to the thick jackets you two wore.

Sighing, you laid your head on Yuji's shoulder as he didn't stiffen or jerk back from your unexpected touch. "You know, I can't thank you enough for meeting you."

Yuji peaked at you as you fondly spoke about him.

"My life completely changed whether it's for the better or worse." You had to express your gratitude. He stuck by you in all situations when he didn't have to, making sure he put you first before him. Nobody has ever done that to you. Then you lifted your head and looked at him, "I appreciate you staying with me regardless. It's like you're my knight and shining armor. You're always there for me to run to when I'm in despair or need a shoulder. You're so selfless… I wish I could be like you." A bittersweet smile thinned your lips, and you immediately got off the grass and ripped off your shoes and jacket. You felt like dipping your feet into cold water, so that's what you did.

Meanwhile, Yuji didn't know how to translate what you said as he watched you play by yourself. Was he supposed to feel happy that you appreciate him? Or feel sad that you're comparing yourself to him? Nonetheless, if you're not sad, then he shouldn't worry.

"Y/n! Don't have fun without me!" Yuji tagged along to see you in your happiest moments in case things were to escalate. He's afraid to never see you carefree again.

In the water, you guys were splashing at each other, getting your clothes soaking wet. The chilly air nibbled at your wet clothes and made you two shiver despite all the fun. You and Yuji were panting wildly as the thrill was sinking into your muscles and making you guys stumble around. Your nose and cheeks were flushed just like Yuji's.

"Be careful, y/n! Don't slip on the rocks."

"I know! We played carefully, but now it's time to go or else we'll get sick…" You dreaded the thought of being bedridden. You love your bed but not when you're unwell because you can't breathe through your stuffy nose.

"I'm freezing…" Yuji mumbled through his jittery teeth as he extended his hand towards you. "Let's go."

You firmly grabbed his icy hand and nodded, queuing for Yuji to start walking. But when he took one step out, he somehow slipped and completely lost his balance as you tried helping him but got wrapped into the slippery mess and fell with him.

SPLASH!

Freezing water flew everywhere as it drenched you two from head to toe like you guys went to the water park. Before you knew it, you found Yuji straddling you as his hands were planted next to your head. His nose was only centimeters apart from touching yours. Both of your faces were bright red as Yuji didn't pull back like time froze him in place. No one spoke up. You averted eye contact whereas Yuji licked his lips in nervousness. Then it wasn't until you broke the silence after a couple of minutes flew by.

"I'm wet, Yuji…"

That's when Yuji's face blew up because his mind was in the gutter. He stuttered, confessing what he felt about you despite having the wrong idea. "I-I think you're cute and you have a nice smile…but I-I think it's too fast for us to do that. It'd be better to take it slow, but you are growing on me and you do make my heart flutter."

In response, your eyes widened from his confession then you gave him a 'what the fuck' face. You clearly knew he misinterpreted your words. This was far from what you meant. It was off the grid. "Uhhh, did you just confess to having feelings for me?"

"Maybe?" Yuji meekly said as he avoided making eye contact with you for a quick second. Now he felt embarrassed for sounding dumb. He didn't mean to say that but it just happened at the wrong moment and time. He just had a feeling that he's going to get rejected by you.

However, your answer was open ended. You chuckled as you didn't know what to feel right now. "I enjoy your presence and you make me feel like time is so much better with you too. Yeah, you're also attractive too, and maybe I do have feelings for you? I don't know since I don't really know what love is. But… You know I was talking about my clothes right? I'm laying in the water so my clothes are soaking wet. That's why I said I'm wet."

Immediately, his mouth formed an 'O' as he finally got it. He was really off and he knew that you're not going to let him off the hook. You're going to remember this. Then Yuji quickly got off of you and pulled you back on your feet. "Sorry, I misunderstood. I thought you meant in that context." Yuji apologized for his terrible mistake but you laughed at him.

"Haha! Now I really think you are a pervert! I don't get how you could get it mixed up when we're in water?!"

"Y/n, I swear on my life that I'm not a pervert! It just didn't make sense!"