Eyes of Shadows

Chapter 2: A Night Out

As Gojo and I walked toward the bar, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and curiosity. "So, who's going to be there tonight?" I asked, glancing up at him.

"Well, you'll meet Geto, Shoko, Mei Mei, and Utahime," he said, ticking off names on his fingers. "And my friends Daisuke and Yuki, who are also sorcerers."

"Sounds like a fun group," I replied, feeling a little more at ease.

When we arrived at the bar, I was immediately drawn to the vibrant, cozy atmosphere. Bright lights illuminated the space, giving it a lively yet intimate feel. My eyes lit up as I spotted a pool table in the corner, memories of my college days flooding back.

Gojo noticed my reaction. "You like pool? We can definitely play a round."

I smiled. "I used to play a lot in college. I'd love that."

We walked over to the group, who greeted me warmly. "Everyone, this is Y/N," Gojo introduced.

Geto, a tall man with long dark hair, took an immediate interest, giving me a charming smile. "Nice to meet you, Y/N. You look stunning tonight."

I blushed, feeling embarrassed by his directness. "Uh, thanks," I mumbled, looking away.

Gojo smirked. "Looks like Geto's already trying his luck. Don't be fooled, Y/N. His flirting is terrible."

The group burst into laughter. Shoko, a woman with short hair and a relaxed demeanor, chuckled. "You'll fit right in, Y/N."

I ordered a whiskey sour and turned to Gojo, teasing him. "Seriously, Gojo? Sunglasses in a bar? You look ridiculous."

He grinned. "It's all part of my charm."

As the drinks flowed, the group began asking me questions. "So, Y/N, how old are you?" Mei Mei inquired.

"I'm twenty-four," I replied.

"What's your favorite music?" Utahime asked.

"I love indie rock and classical music," I said, feeling more relaxed.

"Why did you start teaching?" Shoko asked, her eyes genuinely curious.

I took a sip of my drink. "I want to help the next generation and learn more about my curse technique along the way. My family disappeared years ago, and I need to understand my powers better."

Daisuke leaned in, his interest piqued. "What does your curse technique involve?"

"It's something to do with my eyes," I explained. "I can't control the amount of cursed energy I release, so I rely on hand-to-hand combat and a sword infused with cursed energy."

Gojo looked at me with renewed curiosity. "Another clan with a dojutsu? Interesting."

I felt a little shy under his intense gaze but continued. "I don't know much about it. I just want to learn and grow."

Sensing the conversation needed a lighter turn, Gojo asked, "How about that game of pool now?"

Shoko grinned. "I call Y/N on my team."

Geto smirked at Gojo. "Looks like it's you and me, Satoru."

The game quickly turned into a playful competition, with Shoko and I beating Gojo and Geto. The guys argued good-naturedly over missed shots, while I basked in the camaraderie.

After the game, I felt a strange sensation, a slight shiver of cursed energy in the air. I decided to ignore it for now, not wanting to ruin the moment. Gojo noticed and gave me a concerned look, but I nodded to reassure him I was fine.

As I chatted with Shoko, she asked, "So, is there anyone special in your life?"

Mei Mei and Utahime leaned in, clearly interested.

I sighed. "I dated around in college. Only found one guy I truly loved, but it didn't work out. He broke my heart."

Mei Mei laughed. "Any of the boys here catch your eye?"

I shook my head. "I'm more focused on learning about myself and my curse technique right now."

We continued our girl talk, laughing and sharing stories about college, embarrassing moments, and our favorite movies. It felt good to bond with them.

Geto, sensing a challenge, bought a round of shots. "Think you can hold your liquor, Y/N?"

I grinned, feeling competitive. "Bring it on."

Shoko and Mei Mei joined in, and soon we were in a full-blown drinking contest. Memories of my party girl phase in college came rushing back. I felt a warmth and happiness I hadn't experienced in a long time.

Gojo laughed, clearly enjoying seeing me come out of my shell. "You're fitting right in, Y/N."

As the night wore on, Daisuke, Yuki, and Utahime decided to call it a night. Gojo begged one of them to stay and help with the rest of us, but Yuki was the only one who agreed.

By the time we were ready to leave, I was thoroughly drunk, as was Geto. Shoko and Mei Mei seemed fine, while Gojo took charge, guiding us to his car.

"Did you have a good time?" he asked as he helped me into the backseat.

I slurred my words but managed to say, "It was great. I win."

Geto rolled his eyes playfully. "In your dreams, Y/N."

Gojo laughed as he started the car. "Glad you enjoyed it. Let's get you both back to the school."

As we drove back, I couldn't shake the feeling from earlier, the slight chill of cursed energy. But I pushed it aside, focusing on the laughter and new friendships forming around me. This was my new life, and I was determined to make the most of it, despite the shadows that lingered in the background.