That Time When I Fell Down the Stairs and Became a Jujutsu Sorcerer

Chapter 9 - Year Three (Loop 2)

I lay upon the cool, weathered stone steps, tracing the torii gates with my gaze as they rise gracefully against the backdrop of April's cloudy sky. I'd been here countless times before, even apart from starting a loop, seeking solace in this familiar sanctuary, but today it felt different.

The air was thick with the fragrance of cherry blossoms and damp earth, a reminder of the countless springs past. As I lay there, the clouds above seem to carry my thoughts away, drifting aimlessly like lost dreams. Memories flooded my mind, memories of moments when hope felt attainable and dreams felt within reach.

But this time, hope felt distant, elusive, slipping through my grasp like a wisp of smoke. The weight of expectations and unfulfilled ambitions rested heavy on my chest, suffocating my spirit. The torii gates, once symbols of guidance and possibility, now seem like a barrier, closing off the path I had hoped to tread.

In my quiet struggle on those ancient stone steps, I wrestled with my own doubts and fears. Yet, despite the creeping hopelessness, a flicker of resilience persisted within, urging me to rise once more and face the uncertain path that lie ahead again.

As expected, Satoru was the one who found me first. I had assumed last time it was by chance, but this time I realized he must have sensed my presence. Looking up at him pathetically, he cradled me in his arms with no questions asked as soon as he recognized the state I was in. He carried me all the way to the dorms in silence.

"Suguru…" he whispered, knocking on his best friend's door, "Hey, C'mere."

Suguru opened the door, and was immediately elated before his smile quickly fell. Looking closely, he eyed the miniscule curse still pulsing in my ear. Pointing at it he seemed shocked when he looked back up at Satoru.

"That's one of yours, isn't it?" Satoru whispered, walking past his best friend and laying me down gently on Suguru's bed, "You didn't do this, did you?"

Suguru shook his head, putting his hand beside my head. Gently he stroked my hair with his free hand while he beckoned the worm-like curse to exit. I winced as it's little clawed feet clambered out and into his hand. Holding it up, he narrowed his eyes.

"It is definitely one of mine. But I would never do this…" Suguru whispered, looking at Satoru, "How is this possible?"

I shivered, my mind finally silent after days of psychological torture. Satoru quickly covered me in the comforter, his eyes scanning my face before he looked back at Suguru.

"Something must have happened while she was gone…" he whispered, "Can you get Shoko?"

Suguru nodded, turning to leave, "The residual effect of that particular curse should fade quickly, depending on how long she had it. Check her for other injuries."

Satoru gently brushed my hair out of my face, "Hey… it's alright now. You're back with us. Don't worry. We'll keep you safe."

My eyes filled with tears as his gentle words. How could he understand that the sadness I felt was because I was with him again? It would never be easy to watch him die. No matter how many times I saw it, that's something I couldn't possibly feel indifferent about.

Pulling the covers back, he looked me over for injuries. His hands moved slowly and delicately, those beautiful blue eyes looking so concerned. He was so angry when I saw him last. It was jarring how different he could be between situations. Not long ago I watched him literally crush his best friend into a wall and now he was so gentle.

"Well you're not hurt in any way I can see…" he murmured, pulling the comforter over again, "You wanna sleep? I can take you to your room if you want. It's still the same. Suguru and I made sure of that."