𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐜

04

RATHER THAN GUARDING Amanai Riko at her side, you were outside of the building and at the unusable swimming pool. The girl did not want any of you showing your faces around her classmates. To say the least, you were sulking at the fact, sitting down with a scowl. You weren't the only one annoyed; Gojo was on the phone with Yaga-Sensei, trying to argue with him. His leg flew out at the waters, spraying it upward in galore.

Well, the man would not budge. Tengen's decision overrode everything else, after all.

"Lax upbringing at its finest," Gojo said, getting off the phone call. You and Geto exchanged glances. If anything, it was Geto who was the only one fine without staying by the vessel's side.

"Don't be like that, Satoru," Geto eventually responded. "Despite what she may say, after the assimilation, she'll spend her whole life as Tengen in the deepest floor of Jujutsu High, as the foundation of all barriers. She won't be able to see her friends, family, or anyone precious to her ever again. Let her do what she wants. That's part of our mission."

Your eyes widened, staring at the dark head for a moment. Geto had said everything you were thinking about previously, where your lungs both wracked in guilt and jealousy alive. He had made a solid point, one that could not be denied. Though she was indeed quite the brat, perhaps letting enjoy her last moments however she may liked was best. Having three whack sorcerers floating around all the time sounded quite suffocating. Even you could admit to that.

Geto was understanding in a way you envied almost. He was quite selfless, more than you and Gojo. For him, it was like second nature. And to you, it pulled you towards him like a magnet, an inkling of curiosity and astoundment. How... How could you be more like him? Was that possible? Was it possible when all of these ugly feelings erupt within you in a way you could not even comprehend? Somehow, Geto was still the light, despite the curses that weighed and burdened him -- despite the missions, the training, the never-ending cycle of exorcising spawns.

Kuroi, Amanai's maid, who was sitting a few feet from you, suddenly spoke up. The three of you turned your attention upon her. "Riko has no family. They were in an accident when she was little. I've taken care of her ever since then. So I want her to at least have what time she can with her friends."

"So you're her family, then," Geto said. He smiled, warmly like the sun, his eyes closing. A breath caught in your throat, heart skipping a beat for a moment there. So genuine and kind, you could feel his words like an embrace on a cold day.

"Yes," Kuroi uttered, cheeks red and eyes ready to tear up.

He always knew what to say.

You wished he would smile at you like that. And say words like that to you.

It would comfort you the most. Rid you of your worries. Save you from the demons.

Meanwhile, Gojo Satoru stood there blankly, unable to say anything. You nearly made a face at him, wishing to rub it in -- however, it wasn't like you were any better. Small and wide and everything in between, you were sometimes more similar to Gojo than you would like to think.

He scratched his head and sighed, ready to move on. "Suguru. How're the cursed spirits you sent to watch over her?" His arm leaned over Geto's shoulder.

"I just wish I could share I could share my senses with them like Mei does. Even so, they'll let us know as soon as anything unusual happens."

He seemed to have jinxed himself.

"Satoru. [Name]. Hurry to Riko's side. Two have been exorcised."

Your ears perked and your face brightened. Okay, yes, it was a bad sign that danger was lurking so close to Amanai, but you couldn't help it. Finally! To get a quick glimpse of the remnant memories of your middle school days. And this was why you were selfish. Desires clouded your judgement, but so would your ego. It was not a good mix.