A Twist of Destiny (Naoya x reader)

Chapter 3

A/N: This is an AU where Haibara didn't die because I love all JJK characters 😙 And I'm not like that one guy who likes to kill off his own characters 😒

The abandoned factory loomed in front of you and your fellow first-year friends, its shadowy silhouette outlined by the overcast sky. The air was heavy with the promise of rain as you prepared to confront the grade-one cursed spirits rumoured to inhabit the decrepit structure. You, Haibara, and Nanami exchanged determined glances, ready to exorcise whatever cursed spirit waiting inside as part of your field training.

As you approached the entrance, Haibara spoke up. "Let me cast the curtain."

With a quick incantation, Haibara extended his hands, and a dark barrier formed around the factory. The air within it seemed to distort slightly, rendering the events inside invisible to the outside world. The curtain was a crucial precaution, ensuring that the supernatural battle remained hidden from non-sorcerers' eyes.

"Thanks, Haibara," Nanami said with a nod. "Let's proceed."

Inside, the factory was of rusted machinery and broken glass, every creak and groan amplified by the encroaching storm. It didn't take long for you to encounter your first adversary. A cursed spirit emerged from the shadows, resembling a massive porcupine with spikes glistening ominously.

"Watch out!" Nanami shouted as the creature launched a volley of spikes towards you.

Reacting swiftly, Haibara jumped to push you out of the way of the deadly projectiles. The sound of the wall cracking echoed through the factory, mingling with the first drops of rain that began to fall.

"Thanks, Haibara!" you called out, your relief evident.

Nanami, always composed, assessed the situation. "We need to split up and take them down quickly. Haibara, with me. Y/N, keep an eye out for any other threats."

You moved with practised precision. The rain intensified, soaking through your uniform and making the floor treacherously slick. You focused on maintaining your ice barrier, ensuring your classmates were protected as they engaged the spiked spirit.

Suddenly, the creature lunged, faster than expected. Its spiked tail whipped towards Haibara with lethal speed. Haibara, caught off guard, stumbled back, unable to react in time. The spikes were inches away from piercing him when you threw yourself forward, your hands outstretched.

"Ice Barrier!" you screamed, your voice cutting through the chaos.

A thick wall of ice erupted in front of Haibara just as the spikes struck. The force of the impact sent shockwaves through the barrier, but it held firm. Haibara, wide-eyed, stared at the ice, realizing how close he had come to death.

"Haibara!" Nanami shouted, his usually calm demeanour shattered by the close call. "Are you okay?"

Haibara nodded shakily, his face pale. "Yeah... thanks to Y/N. That was way too close."

The relief in the air was palpable. Your heart pounded in your chest as you struggled to catch your breath. Nanami's eyes were intense as he turned to you. "Excellent reaction, Y/N. That barrier saved his life."

Before you could regroup, a sudden movement caught your eye-a second cursed spirit, a monstrous centipede, slithered out from behind a pile of debris. Its segmented body writhed, each leg ending in a razor-sharp claw. The centipede lunged towards Nanami, who stood his ground calmly.

"Ken, look out!" you yelled, your voice barely audible over the pounding rain.

Nanami's eyes narrowed, and he activated his Ratio Technique. His blade flashed through the air, slicing the centipede with surgical precision. The creature writhed in agony before disintegrating into a cloud of malevolent energy.

With the immediate threat neutralized, your team regrouped. Haibara, still catching his breath, wiped the rain from his face. "Good work, everyone. Let's get out of here before more show up."

As you made your way back, the rain continued to pour, drenching you to the bone. Despite the success of your mission, you felt a shiver run through you. By the time you returned to the school, you were shivering uncontrollably.

The next morning, you woke up feeling sick. Your head throbbed, and your body ached. You groaned, realizing that the rain had taken its toll. Reaching for your phone, you texted Haibara, your fingers trembling.

Hey, I'm not feeling well. Caught a fever from yesterday's mission. Could you let Yaga-sensei know I won't be in class today?

Within moments, your phone buzzed with Haibara's reply. Of course! Get some rest and feel better soon.

You sighed in relief, sinking back into your pillows. As you were about to drift off, a soft knock sounded at your door, surprising you. You weren't expecting anyone, least of all Haibara, this early.

"Come in," you called weakly, expecting your cheerful classmate.

The door creaked open, and to your astonishment, Nanami stepped inside. He carried a small tray with a bowl of soup, some bread, and a packet of fever medicine.

"Ken?" you croaked, unable to hide your surprise. "What are you doing here?"

He placed the tray on your bedside table, his expression softened. "Haibara informed me that you were unwell. I noticed you didn't have breakfast this morning, so I brought you something to eat and some medicine for your fever."

You blinked, taken aback by his unexpected kindness. "Thank you, Ken. You didn't have to-"

"It's important to take care of your health, especially after a mission like yesterday's," he interrupted gently. "Rest is crucial. Make sure you eat something and take the medicine."

You nodded, still too surprised to say much else. "Get well soon, Y/N. We need you back on your feet."

With that, he gave a small nod and left the room, leaving you to process what had just happened. You glanced at the tray, your heart warming at the gesture. Nanami, typically so reserved, had shown a side of him you rarely saw.

As you sipped the warm soup and took the medicine, you felt a deep sense of gratitude. You realized just how much your team cared for you, and it fueled your resolve to recover quickly. You wouldn't let them down. You would come back stronger.