Cursed Legacy: Sayuri Gojo

第十四章

Sayuri stayed hugging Utahime from the back while she scrolled through Instagram on her phone.

Utahime sighed, trying to focus on her feed. "Sayuri, do you have to cling to me like a koala while I'm trying to catch up on my friends' lives?"

Sayuri giggled, tightening her grip. "But you're so comfy, sensei! Besides, it's not like you have that many friends to keep up with."

Utahime rolled her eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence. And for your information, I have plenty of friends."

Sayuri peeked over her shoulder at the screen. "Uh-huh, sure. Is that why you're stalking Onii Chan's page again?" 

Utahime quickly switched tabs, her ears turning red. "I am not stalking! I'm... keeping tabs on a colleague."

Sayuri snickered. "Right, because checking out his beach selfies is totally professional behavior."

Utahime groaned. "Can't you go cling to your brother or something? He's the one who thrives on attention."

Sayuri shook her head. "Nope, he's busy annoying Megumi-kun. Besides, you're way more fun to tease."

Utahime sighed again, leaning back into Sayuri's embrace. "I'm surrounded by children. Literal and figurative."

Sayuri laughed, resting her chin on Utahime's shoulder. "And you love every minute of it, admit it."

Utahime couldn't help but smile. "Maybe a little. But only because you all make life interesting."

Sayuri grinned. "See? That's the spirit! Now, let's see what everyone's up to... oh look, another ridiculous selfie."

Utahime groaned again, but there was a hint of a smile on her face. "I really need to get better friends."

As they headed for the cafeteria, Utahime gave Sayuri a sidelong glance. "Don't get kidnapped again."

Sayuri rolled her eyes dramatically. "Oh, because that's totally on my to-do list. 'Get kidnapped by a bunch of moronic curses,' right after 'do my nails.'"

Before Utahime could retort, a voice called out behind them. "Gojo, Iori!"

They turned to see Mei Mei approaching. Sayuri's face lit up as she ran to embrace her. "Miss Mei!" . " Heard about the kidnapping, are you okay now?" Mei asked softly.

Sayuri nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Yes, Miss Mei, why are you here?"

"To help in the investigation of this new group of curses and sorcerers. As far as I know, they're strong. Now the only thing left to find out is if they're stronger than me."

Utahime snorted. "Hope not. I mean, they did seem strong, but if they were stronger than you, we'd never hear the end of it."

Mei Mei laughed lightly. "Oh, Iori, you know you secretly love my confidence. It gives you something to aspire to."

Sayuri grinned, pulling back from the hug. "I missed you, Miss Mei. It's not the same without your over-the-top ego around here."

Mei Mei raised an eyebrow. "Over-the-top? I prefer 'well-earned.' But I heard you put up quite a fight. Maybe you're learning from the best."

Sayuri laughed. "Or maybe I'm just trying to keep up with Gojo-sensei's lectures on how amazing I am."

Utahime shook her head, smirking. "Yes, because Gojo's never met a compliment for himself he didn't like."

Mei Mei looked thoughtful. "Well, Gojo does have a way of... inflating things. But seriously, Sayeri, you did well. Just maybe try not to make a habit of getting captured. It gives the rest of us heart attacks."