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"Random Subject Prompts"

Chapter 092: Toge Inumaki

Anime: Jujutsu Kaisen

Prompt: Language Barrier

Chapter Warning(s):

Author's Note: Inumaki's Safe Words translation was thanks to the Jujutsu Kaisen Wiki fandom

TI*KH*TI

Today was the day, Inumaki thought to himself. He was going to find the courage to speak to the really cute Higurashi girl who typically worked at a small restaurant near the school. He and his classmates had gone there a few times after training, though he wouldn't deny having gone on his own just to see her.

The problem, however, was that either his classmates would place his order on his behalf, or he would simply point at his selection. Due to his cursed technique, he always had to be so careful about what he said and to whom. If he said the wrong thing, he could accidentally curse someone. And he definitely didn't want to curse Kagome Higurashi.

Inumaki entered the homey establishment, trying his best to appear relaxed and casual. Inside, he was sweating bullets as his violet-colored eyes darted left and right to locate Kagome. When he caught sight of the raven-haired beauty, his heart skipped several beats, and he swore he forgot how to breathe.

He didn't flinch when he was assigned a mission, even when he'd been a first-year student and solo. He never backed down from any curses, no matter how outclassed he may have been. He was willing to lay his life on the line for his friends and fellow sorcerers – no questions asked. He even dealt with Gojo-sensei without batting an eye.

But having to face Kagome and actually having the courage to speak to her?

Before Inumaki had a chance to turn around and swiftly leave, said raven-haired beauty caught sight of him and smiled warmly. His feet no longer knew how to function, rooting him to where he stood. He didn't have a choice now. He would need to find a way to communicate or risk more embarrassment.

"Hello, Toge-kun," Kagome greeted. "Are you by yourself today? Were you just stopping by to order more onigiri?"

"Kelp," he greeted back, though it sounded more like an order of his usual onigiri. He mentally punched himself in the head. What the hell was that?

Kagome didn't seem to mind, however. She lightly laughed. "Sure thing. Did you want anything else?" Picking up a pair of tongs, she started getting his food order prepared.

"Salmon." Yes, he did want something else. He wanted to be able to have a semi-normal conversation with her. But he was nervous, and nothing was coming out right. He'd practiced safe words for just this moment, but all of them were escaping him as he reverted to his usual speech.

Which happened to be onigiri ingredients. At a shop that sold different types of onigiri.

Today was not his day.

"No problem," she replied. "We also have umeboshi (pickled plum) today. Did you want one of those as well?"

No. "Fish flakes," was all he could say. If he could, he would've bashed his forehead into the nearest wall. Was it still too late to turn tail and run? Maybe he should quickly text the others and ask them to intervene?

Inumaki nearly slapped himself. That would definitely not be a good idea. Panda would want to engage in 'sexy talk' and ask if Inumaki preferred Kagome's breast size. Maki would mercilessly tease him and then 'accidentally' reveal his true feelings to Kagome. Fushiguro would most likely refuse to intervene, finding it 'bothersome.' Nobara was too similar to Maki for him to trust. Itadori was an honest guy, but he wouldn't know the definition of subtle.

And Inumaki would never, ever ask Gojo-sensei for assistance, especially in this type of situation. Who knew what type of crazy that demented sorcerer would scheme up?

So, I'm doing this solo then, he concluded.

"Fish flakes? Okay, I can get that prepared for you," Kagome brightly said.

Inumaki willed himself to try again. "Tuna…" Look… He mentally cursed. He needed to calm down. "Spicy cod roe." He just needed a little bit of motivation.

"You're in luck – we only have one left. Let me get everything wrapped up for you, okay, Toge-kun? I'll be back in a few minutes."

In response, he nodded. As soon as she was out of sight, he released a deep breath, shoulders slumping with defeat. What had he been thinking? He went about this all wrong. He should've practiced his new safe words more. Coming today had been too rushed.

Kagome came back with his wrapped food order. "Thanks for waiting. Here you go!"

Inumaki nodded his thanks. "Melon pan (bread)." Great. Now he was speaking gibberish. His cheeks heated with embarrassment.

"Yes, we'll have those freshly baked tomorrow morning. It'll be in time for breakfast, so you should stop by again." The way she brightly smiled, eyes sparkling with happiness, had him nodding blankly before he realized his head was moving.

Before he could further embarrass himself, Inumaki turned and swiftly exited. Once he was a safe distance away, he released the pent-up breath he'd been holding. That was close.

Then he looked at the large order of food he carried. "Caviar." Damn it.

What did you guys think? Personally, Inumaki is my favorite character (aside from Gojo-sensei, of course) from Jujutsu Kaisen. He's so freaking adorable!

As always, thank you to everyone who reviewed, followed, and added this list of prompts to their favorites list~! Your kind words make me smile :)

XOXO,

Celestial Law