Curse Bound (Jujutsu Kaisen Fanfic)

16

Hanako stirred awake, a sliver of sunlight slipping through the blinds and tickling her eyelids. A melodic call, tinged with a hint of impatience, sliced through the morning fog in her mind. "Hanako," it lilted, pulling her fully into consciousness.

Creaking her eyes open, she was met with the sight of Iori and Mei framed in the doorway. Sunlight glinted off the stern lines of Iori's face, while a playful glint danced in Mei's dark eyes.

A sleepy groan escaped Hanako's lips as she dragged a hand across her face, the remnants of sleep clinging stubbornly. "Good morning," she mumbled, her voice thick with drowsiness. She attempted to prop herself up on her elbows, the rumpled sheets whispering a protest.

Utahime's lips curled into a rare, almost hesitant smile. "Good morning!" she boomed with uncharacteristic cheer, the volume jolting Hanako fully alert.

"Morning, Utahime," Hanako said back, her voice barely a whisper next to Iori's. Mei offered a curt nod in greeting, her expression unreadable.

"It is time for you to rise, Hanako," Utahime declared, her posture imposing. "Today marks your first day at Jujutsu Tech." A flicker of amusement crossed Mei's face at Iori's dramatic phrasing.

Hanako's brow furrowed in confusion. "Classes?" she croaked, the remnants of sleep finally dissolving. A spark of memory ignited-Jujutsu Tech. Right, school.

"Classes?" she echoed once again, the question tinged with a sliver of disbelief.

With a resigned sigh, she pushed back the covers, her legs dangling precariously over the edge of the bed. Utahime materialized beside her, a folded set of clothes held out like a ceremonial offering. Hanako took them with a murmured "thanks," her fingers brushing against Utahime's cool hand in a fleeting moment of connection.

"What were these for? A uniform, perhaps?"

As if reading her mind, Mei spoke up, her voice a low contralto. "Your school uniform. You'll wear it for classes and missions."

Understanding dawned on Hanako's face. "Oh, right." A nervous flutter danced in her stomach, but beneath it, a spark of anticipation ignited.

Iori placed a hand on her shoulder; her touch was surprisingly gentle. "Get yourself dressed and presentable, Hanako. First-year jitters are a natural part of the experience, but fear not; you'll meet your fellow first-years today. A chance to make some new... allies." " A reassuring smile softened her usually stoic features.

"Let us know when you're ready," Mei added, her voice devoid of emotion.

Nodding mutely, Hanako watched the two sorcerers leave, the click of the door echoing in the sudden silence. Taking a deep breath, she steeled herself. Today was the day her new life began.

......

The fluorescent lights of the classroom buzzed overhead, casting a sterile glow on the first-year students already dutifully hunched over their desks. Ieiri slumped in her chair, and her backpack slumped to the floor like a deflated balloon. "Ugh," she groaned, I swear, if Principal Yaga decided to schedule a pop quiz today after that cursed mission..." Her voice trailed off, a longing for a day of uninterrupted sleep clinging to each word. dropping her head with a thud. "I can't believe we don't have a day off.

Satoru, sprawled across his chair with an air of practiced nonchalance, chuckled. "Preaching to the choir, Shoko-chan. But hey, on the bright side: "His voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper: "Did you hear about the rumors floating around?"

Ieiri lifted her head, a flicker of annoyance battling with exhaustion in her tired gaze. "Rumors? You mean you actually have the energy to pay attention to gossip after that mess?"