𝖲𝖺𝗍𝗎𝗋𝗇

chapter six

With shortness of breath I'll try to explain the infinite

Megumi used to think that if he ever were to describe Yuuji with just one single word he would have said kind.

That's his essence, that's what everyone first notices about him - at least those with enough decency to see him as something other than Sukuna's vessel. Something more.

But after seeing Yuuji hug every single one of their senseis, senpais, kouhais and other friends and acquaintances reunited tonight at Jujutsu Tech, after seeing him giggle when Panda ruffled his hair, and shriek when Todou raised him up in the air unexpectedly; after witnessing him whisper words of comfort to a very emotional Miwa and a too stunned Kamo, make a way too-complex handshake with Inumaki, and even get a kind-of-hug from Mai - there's no word Megumi would use to describe Yuuji other than loved.

It's clear in the way Okkotsu hugs him tight and mutters something into his ear that makes Yuuji laugh then thank him wholeheartedly. It's also quite evident in the way Shoko pinches his cheek and praises his courage and strength, a compliment she would never throw around carelessly.

But it's also noticeable in the adults that barely got a chance to know him well yet still take their time to hold his hands and say a proper goodbye.

At the end Gojou-sensei, Nobara and Megumi himself are the only ones left to say their goodbyes. Megumi isn't confident they'll even get to give Yuuji a more fitting farewell tomorrow - especially him.

But once again, considering he'll probably be the last person Yuuji will ever lay his eyes on... that should be enough of a goodbye for him.

By the time they're free to go back to their rooms the moon is quite high on the sky, so Yuuji insists on taking a brief stroll outside, and make their way back through the gardens instead. Megumi accepts even if it's freezing outside.

This would've been a nice thing to do in summer, under the mid-august's perseids, surrounded by the stifling, unbreathable air of Tokyo until sunrise catches them stealing kisses from each other between whispered wishes and prayers.

He'll miss what it could've been.

He'll miss him so much - from his smile to the way he walks.

He'll miss them together, too.

"You're quiet again." Yuuji notices as he takes Megumi's hand in his, lacing their fingers together as he always does. Megumi wraps his free hand around his bicep and clings to his arm as they walk through the dim lighted path lined by trees as old as the curse living within him.

"Sorry, I was... reliving a memory that doesn't exist." Megumi cringes a bit at his own words but Yuuji hums happily as he spares a glance his way. "What do you think will happen after you...?"

He lets the question hang in the air, but Yuuji is quick to pick it up - unoffended and unafraid, diving head-first into it as he always does. And when he talks it's like the whole universe stops for a while to allow for his answer to be heard and for his words to settle deep inside Megumi's chest.

"I'm not religious at all, so I'm not quite sure but... I'd love to carry on somehow, like... you know, like the water or the wind..." He gestures with his free hand, frowning a bit as he tries to convey what seems to be like a swift river or a gentle breeze. Then he looks up, his eyes lighting up immediately as a smile bright as the sun parts his face: "Like the stars."

Megumi isn't quite sure what he means - stars do die out at the end, turning into black holes and sucking everything in, even light.

But he sees the resemblance there - the burning passion, the short lifespan.