YŪJI
A week has passed since Yūji helped Megumi and Nobara. It almost felt like a dream, with how normally boring her life was before and after the incident. It was a bit disappointing, but Yūji was just glad those two kids were safe. Satoru had said that he would call her in the future for a reward–that she tried to refuse–but as time went by, Yūji could tell Satoru had accepted her refusal.
Yūji yawns loudly, stretching her back. She closes the worn textbook she had and checks the time on her phone. 6:43 PM.
"Shit!" Yūji bolts up from the uncomfortable library chair. She fumbles with her schoolwork and textbooks, shoving it all into her bag. Yūji unlocks her phone and presses the chat with Sukuna.
Sukuna:
Aneue: I'm going to the grocery store now! Dinner's in the fridge and please make sure the younger ones are asleep before you go out!
Suku-nī: You lost track of time again? Aneue...
Aneue: please be safe! If you and Junpei need anything, please call me!
Yūji races down the stairs, stumbling forward when she gets to the front desk. "Bye, Egawa-san! I'm sorry for all the noise!"
"Get home safely, Yūji-san!" The librarian says brightly. Yūji gives her a wave as she races out of the library.
"Not again!" Yūji squeaks in surprise when she almost falls forward in her sudden stop. She looks up at glares up at the pouring rain. Fucking hell...
Yūji almost starts to sprint down the street when a man coughs loudly from behind her. She turns and quickly brushes back some of her already drenched hair. A tall man with slicked back blonde hair, tinted green sunglasses, and fair skin stood in front of a black car with tinted windows. He wore a white suit, currently being drenched in the rain, and a spotted green tie over a pale blue shirt.
"Did you need something, sir?" Yūji asks loudly over the pouring rain. Lightning flashes before thunder booms loudly.
He opens the door silently and waves a hand. "Gojo has asked me to retrieve you."
Yūji blinks at the statement before it clicks in her head. She nervously glances down the street, in the direction of the grocery store, and bites her cheek.
"It won't take too long, will it? I need to go to the grocery store again and I don't want to leave my brothers alone for too long..." The pink haired female trails off quietly when the man doesn't move. She glances back down the street before she walks forward.
"It shouldn't take too long, Itadori-san. I'll drop you off at your house when it's all over," The man says as Yūji hesitantly gets into the car. He closes the door behind her before walking towards the driver's side. Yūji looks around and slightly curls in on herself when she realizes how expensive the car was.
"Oh no... This isn't real leather is it? I hope I didn't ruin this seat!" Yūji tugs at her drenched hoodie, flinching slightly when water drips onto the floorboards.
"Ah... what's your name? What does Gojo-san want?" Yūji asks when the man gets in his seat. He stays silent as he starts to drive immediately.
"Gojo said he would reward you for your selfless nature when helping his children, did he not?" The blonde eventually speaks. Yūji blushes slightly and looks out of the window.
"...he said he would call... eheh... You can call me Yūji by the way. Itadori-san was my grandfather's title," She says awkwardly. The man hums indifferently, turning left onto a slightly wealthier street.
"Nanami Kento. I am Gojo's right hand... nice to meet you Yūji-san," Kento introduces himself after a moment. Yūji smiles brightly and perks up.
"Nice to meet you too! Oh, how's Megumi-kun and Nobara-chan? I know it isn't my place, but I grew attached to them. Are they alright? They didn't get sick did they?" Yūji leans forward slightly with furrowed eyebrows. "I made sure they took a warm bath to combat the cold last week, but I didn't know if it would help. I hope they didn't get sick..."
"They're fine, Yūji-san. Shoko-san checked over them for any unforseen injuries or illnesses. You don't need to worry," Kento states calmly.
Yūji sighs in relief and her shoulders relax. "That's good. Megumi-kun's injury had worried me, but I know how much a minor cut to the head can bleed. Aoi had more than enough cuts to his head from all of his fighting and roughhousing."
"This Aoi is a brother of yours?" Kento asks indifferently, glancing at Yūji through the rearview mirror. Yūji grins brightly and nods her head with a hum.
"He's the third oldest of my younger brothers! He likes to take after Sukuna, despite my worry for him getting into a fight he won't be able to win..." Yūji frowns slightly at the reminder and takes out her phone. She checks her messages for any security alerts about the fire escape opening.
"How many brothers do you have? How old are they?" Yūji looks up at the slightly interrogative questions, but ignores it for now.
"I have six younger brothers. Sukuna is 15, and so is Junpei, but Junpei's adopted. Aoi is 13 and adopted as well. Chōso is 11, Eso is 9, and Kechizu is 7. Sukuna's a bit... rough around the edges, but he shows his kindness in his own way. Junpei's a sweetheart, but he's a recluse–not that that's a bad thing! Aoi's a spitfire and looks up to Sukuna and tends to fight problems than think to solve them. Chōso's very quiet, but he's just as kind. He's very protective and tends to put others before himself. Eso has a vivid imagination and follows after Chōso in everything. Kechizu is inseparable from Eso and tends to cling to Sukuna, but he's very outgoing and loves to watch movies with Junpei. I love all of my strange little brothers," Yūji rambles excitedly, her smile brightening even more as she continues to talk about her brothers.
"...do you take care of them by yourself? Where are your parents?" The slight shock coming from Kento surprises Yūji. Her smile falters slightly and she averts her gaze to look out the window. It seemed to be raining even harder.
"Yes. My parents haven't been... around in a while... I've been taking care of them since I was 12 years old. It's hard work, but I'd do anything for my brothers," Yūji answers vaguely. She doesn't notice how Kento's grip tightens around the steering wheel.
"Are you in high school?" Kento asks instead of digging further into Yūji's childhood.
Yūji smiles and shakes her head. "I graduated early. I'm in my second year of university. TJU."
"Impressive. Not many can get into that school without legacy," Kento states calmly, giving the pink haired female a raised eyebrow through the rearview mirror. Yūji flushes at the praise and grins brightly, kicking her feet back and forth.
"Received full-ride too. It's hard, but I wouldn't have it any other way." The conversation ends there, not that Yūji minded. She was just glad that it wasn't an awkward silence afterwards.
"You're joking." Yūji stares up at the pretentiously extravagant restaurant in front of her. She turns her head and gives Kento an incredulous look.
"This was the first free day Gojo had since he first met you. He's on a date with his fiance," Kento explains as if nothing was wrong. Yūji faces the extravagant restaurant before looking down at her outfit.
She wore a pair of blue jeans, two sizes too small, that were sewn back together so many times, the sewing thread looked like patches. Her sneakers were at least two years old with holes in the soles and the shoe separating from the rubber. She only wore a hoodie over a too small sports bra, the hoodie so worn and stretched, if someone were to give the sleeves a single pull, they would rip off like paper. Her hair was completely drenched, strands now crumpled together and stretched to its true length.
"Nanami-san, do you see what I'm wearing?" Yūji points at the restaurant through the window. "Do you see the five-star restaurant you parked in front of? Nanami-san, I look like I went dumpster diving for my clothes in the rain."
Kento presses his mouth into a thin line, obviously stifling a chuckle. "You'll be fine. It's only a short meeting. I will be waiting here for you."
"That doesn't make it any better!" Yūji faces the car door again. She sighs heavily and bites the inside of her cheek. Get it over with. Just get it over with.
Yūji opens the door and quickly scrambles out of the car. She closes the door before rushing towards the restaurant. She huffs in annoyance when she walks into the warmth of the restaurant, brushing back multiple strands of her hair stuck on her face.
"...excuse me, this is not a place for soliciting. If you don't have a table reserved, I must ask you to leave the premises." A snobbish feminine voice makes Yūji squeak in surprise. She looks up and sees an impeccably dressed young woman standing near the host station. Yūji feels her cheeks warm as she smiles nervously.
"Ah sorry ma'am, but I'm here to meet Gojo-san... I'm Itadori Yūji..." Yūji explains awkwardly, messing with the sleeves of her hoodie. The woman gives her a blank stare before she lifts up a phone. Yūji blinks rapidly at the sudden camera flash that blinds her for a moment.
"Wait outside," The woman orders before turning on her heel and walking into the restaurant. Yūji winces slightly at the cold tone before she slowly backs out of the restaurant.
"If I ever act like that, I'll have Sukuna slap me," She thinks bitterly as she stands in the pouring rain. "Or I'll have Junpei make me sick as punishment."
Fortunately for Yūji's immune system, the woman quickly comes back with a warm smile and shaking hands. Yūji narrows her eyes at the sudden change in demeanor as she is lead back inside.
"I must apologize for my behavior towards you, Itadori-san. We weren't expecting someone so... penurious. I'm sure you understand, yes?" The woman quickly rambles with a certain fear in her eyes. Yūji raises an eyebrow before placing a hand on her hip.
"I'm not that poor, ma'am. Besides, would you want to dress up only to get drenched in this weather?" The pink haired female states with a small frown. The woman pales before she quickly speeds up without saying a word. Yūji huffs in satisfaction and quietly follows after the hostess.
Yūji fidgets with her hoodie as almost every customer turns to glare at her. Compared to them all, she looked like some homeless bum. The bags under her eyes she didn't bother covering today probably didn't help her image either.
"Gojo-sama, Itadori-san is here..." The woman stops before a table in the center of the restaurant and gives a deep bow. Yūji gives Satoru a bright smile in greeting when she sees him glance over at her.
He wore a crystal blue, satin button-up short, black slacks, and incredibly expensive oxfords. He still had on his round sunglasses and his hair was in a casual style.
Satoru smiles back before snapping his fingers at the hostess. "You're not needed anymore. Yūji-chan, it's good to see you! I hope Nanamin didn't scare you too bad."
"It's good to see you too, Gojo-san... ah, no he didn't. Surprised me is all..." Yūji awkwardly stands by the table, making sure to keep her gaze focused on Satoru instead of the glares and whispers pointed towards her.
"Sato-kun~ why's there this... thing in front of us? It's ruining my appetite!" A young woman, a few years older than Yūji herself, whines loudly and tugs at Satoru's jacket. She had platinum blonde hair, obviously not natural, dull brown eyes, and fair skin. She wore a gold body-con dress and a lot of makeup caked on her face.
"Otome, Yūji-chan here is the one who helped Megumi and Nobara." Satoru wraps an arm around Otome's waist before giving Yūji a bright smile. "Come! Sit down! We have something important to discuss, yeah?"
The pink haired female smiles nervously and awkwardly sits down across from the couple. She ignores Otome's withering glare, making the woman huff haughtily.
"Ah, this is my fiance, Tsubobayashi Otome. Otome, this is Itadori Yūji," Satoru introduces the two. Yūji smiles kindly towards the older woman and gives her a nod.
"Nice to meet you, Tsubobayashi-san." Otome makes a small noise from the back of her throat, her fingers clenching around her silverware.
"You too." Yūji doesn't even flinch at the icy tone.
"Gojo-san, I really don't need any reward... it's good enough that Megumi-kun and Nobara-chan are safe and sound now," She says sincerely, messing with the hem of her hoodie. Satoru tilts his head down, revealing the color of his eyes for the first time.
Yūji sucks in a sharp breath in surprise. His eyes were a beautiful crystalline blue, almost shimmering in the dim lighting of the restaurant. They were the most beautiful eyes Yūji has ever seen in her life.
"Yūji, my two youngest were taken by a group known for human trafficking. If you didn't take them in, I'd likely never been able to see them again. You deserve to be rewarded," Satoru states seriously, his smile gone. Yūji flushes slightly, but doesn't avert her gaze.
"You can ask for one thing. Anything you want, anything you desire. There are no limits. You can ask for one thing and I will get it for you. That's your reward," He continues as he plasters his bright smile back on his face.
Yūji bites her lip and tucks some of her drenched hair behind her ear. "Gojo-san... I'm serious. I really don't need a reward. I appreciate the thought, I truly do but–"
"You will take this reward," Satoru interrupts the pink haired female. Yūji blinks and stares up into his eyes. They were dark with icy intrigue.
Yūji straightens her posture as the hairs on the back of her neck stands on end. Her eyes narrow, not breaking from the staring contest the white haired man initiated.
"You're threatening me." Yūji doesn't sugarcoat it.
"Am I?" Satoru asks sweetly, tilting his head innocently. Yūji stares at him for a moment longer before averting her gaze first with a heavy sigh.
"...there's a drawing tablet I've had my eye on for a while. This winter, Junpei has a big chance at going to a really nice art school if his portfolio impresses the board enough. I want to get him a new drawing tablet, so he doesn't have to worry about his breaking in the middle of school and not being able to replace it," Yūji lists her price in defeat.
A few moments of silence passes between them. Satoru opens his mouth in shock when he realizes that's all Yūji wants.
"That's–that's it? A drawing tablet? No–no insane amount of cash, no really expensive clothing, no drugs, no sex. Just–just a drawing tablet?" Yūji smiles brightly and nods her head.
"Mmhmm! Junpei's been saving up for one, but we've had a lot of problems with the apartment recently. He thinks I don't know that he's been sneaking his savings into my account. It'll make him so happy to finally have a nice drawing tablet," Yūji explains cheerfully.
"Really? You could've gotten anything, anything in the entire world, and you chose to get something for someone else? Pathetic," Otome asks with a disgusted sneer. Yūji blinks at the sudden input and keeps her smile on her face.
"My brothers will always come first," Yūji states with a certain confidence that makes Otome scowl.
Satoru leans back, staring at the pink haired female with a contemplative look. An amused smile appears on his face and he takes out his phone.
"Which drawing tablet are you getting Junpei-kun? I didn't know he drew," Satoru asks, ready to type. Yūji smiles and messes with her hoodie.
"He loves movies. Watches them all the time. He would always recreate scenes from movies he watched and it eventually lead to him drawing concept art. It would be the Wacom Cintiq 16" Drawing Tablet." Yūji blinks in realization. "Oh, with the screen. Eh... Junpei wants the Wacom One Digital Drawing Tablet but... he deserves something nicer."
The white haired man types it into his phone. Yūji feels her face flush when he pauses for a moment.
"I-if it's too expensive... I can take the–"
Satoru bursts into laughter. Otome glances at him with wide eyes before giving Yūji a glare. If looks could kill, Yūji would be dead twice over. The pink haired teenager struggles to keep the cheeky smile from growing on her face.
"You're really strange, Itadori Yūji! Never have I met anyone as honestly kind as you." Satoru taps something on his phone before putting it up. Yūji flushes slightly and tugs at her drenched hair.
"Nanamin will make sure you get home safely," Satoru continues with a smile. Yūji smiles at him and stands up at the permission to leave.
"Can you tell Nobara-chan and Megumi-kun I said hello? It was good seeing you Gojo-san–oh! And it was nice meeting you, Tsubobayashi-san!" Yūji gives a wave as she leaves the table.
Satoru grins brightly and gives a cheerful wave back. "Bye-bye, Yūji-chan!"
Yūji continues to ignores how the entire restaurant stares after her. She quickly rushes out into the pouring rain and gets into the car.
"Sorry, I didn't take too long, did I?" She asks as she slams the door close. Kento looks up from his phone and gives Yūji a small smile.
"No," He states simply. Yūji sighs in relief and brushes her hair to one shoulder.
"I know you're meant to take me home, but I really do need to stop by the grocery store. It won't take too long, but I can always go in the morning if you don't have the time." Kento starts the car and begins driving. "I'll make an exception. You'll get sick if you stay out in the rain any longer."
Yūji grins brightly and leans forward. "Thanks Nanamin!"
"I am going to slap Gojo."
Hey! Hope you all like the new chapter!
...you guys, I spent around three hours researching drawing tablets (specifically ones in 2018). Jesus H. Christ, I just–I know too much about them now...
I hope you all are enjoying the story so far (and my suffering)! Bye.
WhovianWhoudini