A Case of You (Yuji Itadori x OC) AU

Graduation

Yuji's laughter echoes.

Playful. Boisterous. Contagious.

Umi looks at him from the other side of the room.

Yuji Itadori is a flame which doesn't burn, but caresses with its warmth, attracting people like moths.

Yuji Itadori is a ray of light on a rainy day.

Yuji Itadori is the sunshine.

Standing between Nobara and Megumi, he looks like the main character of a typical high school romcom, which he enjoys watching so much and she hates to the gagging reflex.

When their eyes meet, Umi looks away, not noticing his faltering smile.

"You know, you could be right there too." Satoru playfully whispers into her ear. She winces but does not move away.

It's Satoru.

"I don't want to." Umi shrugs. And it's true. Both Nobara and Yuji were Megumi's friends. But Umi...as Megumi's twin, they came as a package, so inevitably she entered their group.

"Then how about a dance with daddy?" He spread his arms open, invitingly. Umi pursed her lips, but they tremble before spreading into a heartfelt smile.

"Don't call yourself daddy." She retorts but takes his hand anyway.

Gojo leads.

"So, your decision is final?"

She nods.

Gojo sighs. "Tokyo it is then." Suddenly he lightens up. "Have you thought about what you want as your graduation gift?"

Umi blinks.

"I don't want anything."

Satoru groans. "Why? Why are both of my children so difficult?! This is supposed to be the easy age!"

Unable to control herself, Umi bursts out laughing. Satoru smiles.

"Who told you such nonsense?"

Gojo pouted dramatically.

"Read it."

"You'll have to show me."

Most of the eyes in room turn to them. It doesn't surprise her. At least half of her classmates are in love with Satoru. It makes her smile.

The song finishes and he releases her from his grip. Satoru ruffles Umi's hair, completely disregarding that she spent an hour trying to make it look presentable and strolls away to mingle.

The graduation is over.

Umi notices Nobara wave at her to come over, but with a gesture, she excuses herself and steps outside.

Instead of evening freshness humidity hits hard.

She eases down on the bench and closes her eyes, enjoying the silence. She needs it.

The moment of peace doesn't last too long.

"Escaping the social events again, Fushiguro Umi." Cold, somewhat mocking voice of Sukuna Ryomen breaks the silence.

He lits a cigarette and offhandedly drops beside her.

"Didn't think you were coming."

Sukuna releases a puff of smoke. "Wouldn't miss little Yuji's special day." His voice drips with sarcasm, yet Umi catches notes of restrained tenderness.

Sukuna turns his gaze to her.

In the dim streetlights his face looks more outwardly charming. No, that's not it. His face looks seductive, luring into madness. Pink spiked hair slightly pushed upfront and with tattoos on his forehead, nose and cheeks only add to the insanity.

His lips stretch into a predatory grin. She can see his slightly sharpened teeth.

Umi returns his gaze calmly.

They do look ridiculously alike, regardless the twelve-year age difference. However, their similarities end there.

Sukuna touches her face.

His fingers are cold despite the summer heat.

"Sukuna!" Yuji's loud voice breaks the tension.

Sukuna grins wider. "Speak of the devil."

The only devil here is you.

Umi's gaze turns to Yuji who rushes towards them.

"Impressive." Sukuna bares his teeth. "Very impressive brat." Sarcastic.

He leans closer, his lips almost touch her ear. Umi shivers. "Did you know that he's been in love with you since he was ten? A little pathetic, right?"

Yuji stops in front of them, clenching his fists.

Sukuna rises to his feet.

"Congrats, kid." Ryomen ignores Yuji's burning gaze, his clenched hands, his tensed posture.

"I assume your frustrating guardian is already inside." Not a question.

Umi nods disconnectedly.

Sukuna says no more.

Umi watches his back disappear at the entrance before her gaze shifts to Yuji.

Yuji who is looking at her with his furrowed eyebrows.

Yuji who is no longer smiling.

Yuji whose lips are a thin line on his face.

Yuji whose tie is missing, and white shirt is dishevelled.

Yuji who reaches his hand to her and Umi unconsciously accepts it, still stunned at Sukuna's words.

Yuji who holds her hand tightly, desperately.

Yuji who looks into her eyes and for once she understands the hurricane of his emotions.

Yuji who gently kisses her, the way he's been doing for the past month.

Yuji who is waiting for her to push him away.

Yuji, whose body consists of uninsulated wires. A ball of nerves.

Yuji who loved her for the past eight years.

And she had no idea.