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

Chapter 25 - Mistakes

As September dawned, the highrise apartment was bathed in a warm, golden glow. The city below began to stir, but the air within was serene. Sunlight painted the room with a soft palette, casting long shadows that danced on the sleek, modern furnishings. The hum of the waking city faintly reached the windows, as the fresh morning breeze carried the promise of a crisp autumn day.

In the soft glow of morning light filtering through the highrise windows, I slowly opened my eyes, expecting to find Satoru. Instead, a silhouette loomed over me—features blurred by the dawn's haze. A flicker of confusion danced in my gaze, realizing it wasn't him. Tension hung in the air as I grappled with the sudden shift from comfort to uncertainty.

A laminated paper was thrust into my face.

“GOOD MORNING”

“Oh, damn.” I sighed with relief, “Don't scare me like that.”

Sitting up, I rubbed my eyes as the soft white sheets pooled around my middle. Satoru wasn't here, probably taking Megumi and Tsumiki to school. I yawned, brushing my hair back into my hands and quickly tying it into a loose ponytail. The ethereal blue glow of the spirit beside me was gentle, I'd noticed as he practiced manifesting the glow seemed to pull inwards to his skeletal form.

“Talk?”

“Mm?” I glanced at the softly glowing figure of the spirit, “Sure? Something wrong?”

The skeleton hesitated, rubbing his boney hands together. I'd never seen him like this before. He had always been so sure of everything. I'd always had the inkling that maybe he knew what each loop held, since oftentimes he'd manifest right on time without being asked.

He looked at me, the empty sockets in his skull seeming to meet my eyes. His jawbone dropped for a moment, then shut.

“Be careful”

“Hm?” I tilted my head, “Why? Is something wrong?”

He shook his head, tuning away, “Stay Home”

“What's with you?” I asked, sliding to the edge of the mattress and picking up Satoru's t-shirt off the floor, “Usually you're all hype about going out. Did something change?”

He shook his head, then hesitated and nodded, “Yes. Please be safe.”

I stared at him, my eyes searching his skull like I could read any emotion on it. Something was definitely different about him lately, although I couldn't quite understand what it was. Pulling the t-shirt over my head I walked up next to the skeleton, looking up at him.

“Hey, well… Why don't you tell me?” I asked softly, “I’ll wait if it's a long sentence? I'll listen. I trust you.”

He looked down at me, his jaw moving just a little before he shook his head. In a swirl of energy he retreated back into the dagger.

I picked up the dagger off the bedside table, “Well, if you change your mind and want to tell me I'll listen.” I said, holding it up, “I'll be careful anyway, alright?”

I heard the door of his apartment open and the rustle of a paper bag. His keys dropped on the glass table and moments later he opened the door to his room with a soft smile. 

“Yay! You're up!” Satoru grinned, “I got some breakfast!” He held up the paper bag, shaking it a little.

“Oooh~!” I trotted over to him, throwing my arms up around his neck, “What'd you get?”

“Got those sandwiches you like.” He leaned down, resting his forehead on mine for a moment, “I've got to go away for a few days, so let's eat before I need to leave.”