[rewriting] 𝐆𝐈𝐑𝐋𝐅𝐑𝐈𝐄𝐍𝐃 ; yuji itadori

VII. forgiveness never given

Haruki stayed in her room for the next couple of days. In the sorry state she knew she was in, the girl didn't let anyone see her. She knew that they'd be understanding even if they did see her, but she couldn't bring herself to face them while a mess.

Without any words said, it seemed that Megumi understood that. The first meal she went to eat, which was lunch the day following Itadori's death, was already outside her door when she opened it. On a silver tray sitting on the floor was a meal she knew the black-haired boy left for her. Only he knew strawberries, especially ones dipped in chocolate, were her favorite besides Itadori, who it couldn't be.

She was thankful for Megumi and all he was doing for her, even if she never got the chance to say it. However, today would be the day that'd change. Instead of wallowing around, the girl wanted to put her energy into actually doing something that would get her somewhere.

Haruki was preparing to go out for a long walk when a couple of harsh knocks sounded at her door. On the other side stood Maki Zenin, whose right hand gripped her polearm while patiently waiting for the door to open.

Behind her were the other second years. The group of four stared at Maki in horror while she tapped her foot. It was thought that they all silently agreed to leave Haruki alone until she was ready to talk to them. Maki, however, didn't receive the memo.

"Maki," a certain brunette stepped towards the said girl, "I don't think this is a good idea. We should leave Haruki alone until she wants to come to us, you know."

"Look, Amaya, she can't sit around all day. Look at Megumi and Nobara."

"But it's different-"

"Why are you all at my door?"

Maki's words ceased the moment Haruki spoke, her head turning to the first year's. Although her body physically looked fine, Haruki's eyes seemed more hollow than they normally were.

"You've been sitting in your room for days," Maki huffed, "so I had to come here to ask you about the Exchange Event. Are you- hey!"

Amaya Fushiguro, another second year, elbowed Maki's side. Haruki tilted her head slightly while the brunette sent her an apologetic, sad smile. She kindly asked, "Are you doing alright? I know this all must be hard on you, Haruki."

"I'm doing fine," she replied. "Loss is nothing new to me. I'll be able to handle it."

The brown-haired girl pursed her lips.

"Hey, am I missing something here?" Maki furrowed her brows. "I didn't think you'd be so affected by this Itadori's death if I'm being honest."

"Psst psst, Maki!" the girl turned to Panda. "They were dating, did you forget?"

"It's also impolite to say that in general," Junko Nakajima reminded Maki.