"OHHH my gosh, this room is amazing!" Nobara cried as they entered their suite. At the far end of the room stood a floor-to-ceiling window that was framed with authentic Japanese oakwood, providing a stunning view of the surrounding mountains. A square coffee table sat in front, with plush silk cushions on each end, at the opposite side of a fully installed kitchen with marble countertop. Two furnished queen beds laid in the bedroom to the right, the cream-colored walls reflecting the bright ambient sunlight.

Qian also couldn't help but agree, her jaw dropping in awe. "I-It's like we're in France and Japan at the same time!"

The other girl immediately kicked off her shoes and threw herself face first onto one of the beds. "Ugh it's like I'm on a cloud…" She mumbled into the pillows. She suddenly shot up with an excited gleam in her eyes. "WAIT. We gotta go try the onsen before Gojo-sensei drags us off to scope out the mission."

Qian smiled softly, understanding how weary she must feel from the long journey. "I-If you want to, you should!"

"No, no, let's go together!" She immediately hopped off the bed and grabbed her by the arm. "It's not fun just being by myself!"

"B-But-!" Qian cried as she was dragged out of the room.

"NO BUTS. Let's go!"

—-

A few hours later, Satoru slowly sat up on the edge of a bed. Shadows from the flickering candles danced along the walls of the room as he reached down to grab his clothes, slipping his arms through the sleeves. As he slowly buttoned up the front of his shirt, a pair of manicured hands hugged him around his waist.

"Going so soon?" Adalaine purred, kissing his shoulder blade lightly.

He gave a low chuckle as he snaked an arm behind her, placing his lips against her temple. "Mission, remember?"

As he stood to put on his pants, she laid back down in the silk sheets, bringing up the thin material of her blanket to cover her breasts. Her hair spread around the Egyptian cotton sheets like a golden river as she pouted playfully. "You always prioritize work over pleasure."

He stood and headed to her dresser to scrutinize his reflection. "You sure? Because I'm pretty positive I came to you first." Running a hand through his hair, he attempted to smooth out the messiness that had ensued before glancing back over his shoulder with a smirk.

"True." She laughed, turning over to push herself up with one arm. "Well, it was fun while it lasted."

"Don't worry, this will probably end up being no big deal, and my students can take care of themselves. Worst case, I'll be back in a couple hours." He walked over to lean back on the bed, giving her a chaste kiss on her lips.

"Mm." She sighed into the motion before pulling away. "Speaking of, it's not like you to take in strays."

"Who?" Satoru quirked a brow and paused, finally discerning her meaning. "Oh, her. Yeah, not my call. Orders from above."

"Ah, I see. I was surprised when I felt no cursed energy coming off of her." She then smiled at him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Or maybe perhaps… is the famous Gojo Satoru finally developing a heart?"

Satoru barked a harsh laugh. "You know me well enough that I never will. Why do you think I come to you?"

"Just because you're right, doesn't mean it doesn't sting." She stuck her tongue out and flipped her hair. "Careful Satoru, one of these days, you'll find someone who will make you eat your words."

He scoffed and rolled his eyes before placing his sunglasses on the bridge of his nose. "Yeah, right." Sliding his phone back into his pocket, he headed towards the door, a cocky grin spread on his face. "That will be the day I lose. And sweetie, you know I never lose."

—-

"Okay. I gotta admit- you were totally right."

The two girls were soaking in the outdoor spa area. Surrounding the pool were numerous plum trees, their dark pink petals scattering across the crystal-blue water. Pearlescent gravel was spread along the edges as looming boulders towered over them, blocking any noise or ruckus from outside the property.

Qian turned to Nobara curiously, who had submerged herself from the her head remained above the water as she leaned back against one of the rocks. "A-About what?"

"About this place. I came from the countryside myself so I thought Gunma would be super boring but…" The brunette sighed in relaxation as she closed her eyes. "I'm happy to be wrong. This is just what I needed."

"A-Ah… you guys have been really busy, right?" Qian asked inquisitively, taking her glasses off momentarily to wipe off the steam with a dry towel. She, on the other hand, kept her robe on and sat by the pool, her feet dipped into the warm water.

Nobara nodded before tilting her head up to face the clear sky, opening her eyes to give a weary sigh. "With these new spirits appearing, plus the Cursed Users we encountered during the Exchange Event running about…we haven't had a chance to- well- breathe, really."

Qian regarded her with sympathy. "I-I'm sorry, that sounds so stressful."

"Eh, it comes with the job." Using one hand, the first-year student spooned up a petal and held it to her face, admiring the color. "Plus, we're learning a lot, so we can't complain!"

She turned to Qian with a small smile. "And not gonna lie, having someone like you on the team has been surprisingly super helpful. We're all so busy focusing on fighting, we sometimes forget to take care of ourselves."

"R-Really?" Qian clasped her hands together in glee, cheeks glowing in pride. "That means so much, thank you!"

"Yeah, definitely." Nobara shrugged, massaging the back of her neck. "And I know it just sounds like I'm acting like a spoiled brat, but it's nice to just have support when you need it. So…thanks."

"I-I'll keep doing my best!" Qian cried emphatically. She then plucked her feet out of the pool and pushed herself to her feet. "I-In fact, I'll go get some water to make sure you stay hydrated!"

The brunette immediately sat up with wide eyes, raising her hand in protest. "Oh- that won't be necessary-"

But the girl was already scurrying down the stone path, back towards the building. Nobara felt a pang of guilt and sighed. "Damn, she's fast."