Chapter 23

They didn't sleep too much.

Satoru stayed up all night, planning how he would run into that woman and start a conversation. "Let's see, do I drop something? Do I get something to eat and make it appear I am going for the same thing she is…" he plotted scenario after scenario in his mind.

All the while, Ryomen was on his bed, reading up on the amenities of the facility. "Do you have to 'run into' her? I think these ladies are on a different level. Honestly, they might be out of our league…"

"We haven't even spoken to them yet and you figure that out?" Satoru asked sarcastically. "You don't take risks do you Ryomen?"

"I take risks, but it's determining which risk you take!" he snapped back. "Approaching a woman is a fine art, just like a curse technique, you perfect it over time. However with a lady, you only get one shot!" he protested, but then paused. "Curse technique… that's what jujutsu sorcerers have… are we sorcerers?" he asked.

"Yeah… that sounds very familiar to me too! I think we are!" Satoru decreed. "But, I don't think we can use our power here… either way it shouldn't matter."

"If the ladies are not sorcerers? Does it matter? I don't care either way" Ryomen protested.

"A woman is a woman…"

"What's with that tone?"

Satoru paused as Ryomen glared at him. "What tone?"

"A woman is a woman… don't tell me you are going to hook up with her and ditch her?"

Satoru only smirked. "We're at a hotel… I think… a little fling is no big thing…"

This, pissed off Ryomen. "A little fling?" he demanded. "A woman is not a toy you bastard! I could care less if this is a once in a lifetime meeting, I wouldn't dare use a woman for the mere sake of a conquest. Get your head out of your ass!"

Satoru was stunned. In fact he apologized for his comment. "I… I should know better…" he muttered. "Sorry…"

Ryomen sighed. "I swear to you, if you break her heart… I'm going to do something to you that will mimic that pain you inflict! Now… divide and conquer right?"

"Wanna make this a little fun? I'll bet you I hook up with my lady before you hook up with yours!"

Ryomen smirked. "Agreed, what's the wager?"

Satoru paused. "Name it!"

"Okay, I win, you buy me drinks until I can't drink anymore, or streak across the lobby naked"

Satoru snickered. "Sounds good, I'll go with the streaking since I doubt I have enough money to pay for your booze" then he pondered. "Okay then, if I win. You buy me all the desserts I can eat or you make a total fool of yourself in the dining hall… and it has to be good!"

"Deal" the two shook on it.

When that hotel door opens, it's game on.

#

Yua and Chusi just finished breakfast.

"Mmm, that was good… so, do you think…" Yua was about to ask, but Chusi bore a smirk and nodded.

Yua turned and saw the two nearly fighting each other to get into the dining hall. They snickered as they finally made their way in, but once more they kept their distance, but were sitting closer.

"Let's see how far they are going to go to flirt…" Yua said offhandedly.

"You wanna see Ryomen flirt? It's rather adorable, mom really drilled in respect for women into him at a young age."

"I think he developed that after all, she raised him, right?" Yua asked.

Chusi nodded. They got up and left the table to do their own thing. "I think I am going back to the spa. I don't know why but that bath they make for me is just heaven!" Yua cooed.

"I think I am going to see their library today." Chusi explained. "I need to find a good book to curl up with."

With their plans spoken aloud, they two went their separate ways.

Allowing Satoru and Ryomen to make their move…

#

Chusi found a library.

The books were plentiful and many, she couldn't believe her eyes!

It was also a very popular place too, she saw others lingering about, reading in silence as the books appeared to be rare and no longer available to the outside world.

She skimmed through some of the titles on the spines of the books, but didn't find one of interest until, she came to a third shelf. There was a book, high out of reach about dragons. "No way…" she whispered. Chusi tried to reach for the book, but it was out of her range.

Until a massive arm reached up and took it down. She paused as the book was presented to her. "I didn't mean to interfere, but you looked troubled. Here."

She smiled as Ryomen offered her the book she was after. "Thank you… you are?" she asked, playing along to this 'sudden run in'.

He smiled. "Ryomen Sukuna," he said and lowered his head. "May I have the honor to know your name?"

"Chusi," she simply stated.

"Lovely name… would you mind if I read that with you. I too am curious about dragons."

She blushed and agreed. They found a table all to themselves and spend most of the morning until lunch, merely reading.

#

"Excuse me, Miss!"

Yua paused as she turned to see Satoru following her. "Can I help you?"

He paused in the halls and yet… froze. Satoru… was rendered speechless. "I… Uh… Hi…" he managed to spit out.

"Hi," Yua said back and smiled. "Are you… okay?" she asked of him.

"Oh me, yeah, fine, peachy, never better!" he spat out.

'Is he… nervous around me?' Yua wondered.

"I… uh… was wondering if perhaps… you may want some company? My name is Satoru Gojo." He said and gave a quick bow.

"Pleasure to meet you, I'm Yua" she said gently.

"Yua… nice name… so… uh… Yua… would you mind if I… accompanied you?"

She giggled. "I'm going to the spa area, you are welcome to join me if you want."

His eyes sparkled. "Really? I would be delighted!"

Until Lunch, Satoru stayed with Yua. She didn't take her bath, but instead got manicures and pedicures with Satoru… she even picked out his nail polish.