A Dead Man's Return

III. Apology

Nobody's POV:

One week later – Friday

9:30 AM

Today was a windy and cloudy day, the air cool and pleasant smelling. Fall was approaching slowly but surely, and along with the change in seasons, moods were volatile as well.

Two first years sat alone in their sunlit classroom, the light pouring from the sun through the glass panes, heating the room up considerably.

"What's wrong, Kugisaki? You've been out of it the last couple of days," Fushiguro whispered. He was currently rested on the wooden top of a desk, his eyes gazing out of the transparent windows at the scenery of Jujutsu Tech during the cusp of Autumn. Bright green leaves and prepossessing plants and flowers that would all soon whither with the inevitable change in climate.

Still awaiting an answer, he turned his head towards the latter, who sat on their sensei's comfortable office chair as she swiveled in circles. Noticing his anticipating glance at her, she leaned back and sighed, staring at the white ceiling and shaking her head.

"I'm just tired. Being a sorcerer is tough work. But... I'm still gunning for that grade one spot so I won't be slowing down anytime soon."

Kugisaki had yet to tell Fushiguro about her encounter with a dead man. She didn't know if she should tell him... hell, she still didn't even know if that whole encounter was real or not. It was conflicting... he felt real... he looked real... he spoke to her. It could just be her imagination playing tricks on her, but she knew deep down it wasn't; he was truly alive.

Nobara hadn't seen him since she stormed off that fateful day, although she figured he was most likely somewhere on campus. It wouldn't be a stretch to say that dead man was with Gojo. That idiot of a teacher was most likely off dilly-dallying or doing something absurd with Itadori– he was a lot more absent than usual recently, so that would undeniably explain it.

"Grade one would be an honor," Megumi mumbled, returning his gaze to the outside verdant sprinkled with warm colored flowers. It wouldn't be a shock to say he really enjoyed the sight of vegetation. "We both have the skills to get there. I think."

"Not sure about you, but I can confidently say I do," Nobara chortled, pointing a thumb to her chest and shutting her eyes pridefully.

"I'm sure Itadori would be excited if we became grade one so soon," Fushiguro added absentmindedly with a short grin, which in turn caused Nobara's heart to once again fluctuate as she physically flinched and looked towards the side pensively, yet melancholically. Megumi noticed that action and flattened his mouth, apologizing.

"Sorry."

"Nah it's... it's fine."

"I know it's still a sore subject... but–"

"I said it's fine!" Nobara snapped before quickly recollecting herself and shaking her head with sharp eyes. "It's fine Fushiguro, I'm just not in a good mood today. Y'know how girls get."

"That time of the month?" he asked curiously, the latter's skin exploding in dark red as the resolution to punch him took over her body. However, with one quick look of his puzzled face she quickly realized that he looked serious and wasn't trying to make fun of her.