A hundred lives for the life of one (is this the end?) | JJK

CHAPTER ELEVEN | KINDNESS IS ...

That December was filled with warmth. Nukumi experienced a generosity and kindness that were unfamiliar in this life. The outing ended with eye-catching snow fluttering down onto the moonlit streets, glittering under the minimal light. Gojo had insisted they indulge in what would likely be the last snow of the year. Tenma and Gojo were quick to drag her along to a nearby park, laughing the whole way as Suguru shouted behind them and Ieiri laughed loudly.

Her spoils from the whole ordeal ended up being plentiful, much to her annoyance. Suguru found her a paint set and insisted she take it even when she refused, citing that she could bring it with her when she visited her brother that weekend. Ieiri chose a simple deck of cards with cute animal designs on the back. Tenma, in his desire to learn with someone, bought her a pair of knitting needles and yarn of her choosing. The food and arcade visit were paid for by Gojo, who thankfully didn't buy anything else for her. Or so she thought.

After her regular tutoring session on Tuesday, she returned to her dorm only to find a potted plant waiting for her. The familiar dark leaves of the gardenia she had admired the day before greeted her with their pretty white flowers. A simple smiley face on a notecard gave away who the gift was from. If it were any other gift, she might have reluctantly accepted it or hidden it away, unwilling to admit her thankfulness for a gift from Gojo of all people. But this was a plant. She couldn't help but put it on display on her desk and care for it like it was her own baby. Damn Gojo and his thoughtfulness.

That weekend, she visited her brother as usual. This time, she brought the paints Suguru had gifted her, and Yuuji took to them like a fish to water. With the cooking channel in the background, they painted on the floor of the apartment, surrounded by multiple pieces of paper. It became something they did every time she visited, talking about their week as they painted. Nukumi silently thanked Suguru for making this possible.

It was during these moments alone with her brother that Nukumi discovered how much she loved painting. Even when it got on her clothes, even when she had to scrub the substance from Yuuji's small hands and clean up any mess he made, it was calming. She was good at it. Choosing the right colors came easier to her than struggling through mind-bending math problems. Arranging each brushstroke settled any anxiety bubbling deep in her chest, allowing her to focus solely on the paper and paint. That was another thing she was thankful to Suguru for: his kindness that allowed her to find a new passion.

Nukumi watched as Yuuji's small fingers dipped into the paint, his face scrunched up in concentration. The living room floor of their apartment was covered in newspaper, scattered with pieces of paper splattered in various colors. The cooking channel played softly in the background, providing a comforting hum as they worked.

"Look, Nee-chan!" Yuuji's eyes sparkled as he held up a messy, vibrant drawing of what she assumed was a dragon.

"It's amazing, Yuuji," she said, ruffling his hair. She couldn't help but smile. This had become their routine, a cherished tradition born from a simple act of kindness.

She watched as her brother messily pressed paint onto the paper in front of him. There was nothing but adoration on her face as she observed the way his tongue stuck out in concentration and the line of drool that fell down the side of his chin. It was in times like these that Nukumi relaxed and thanked every higher being for allowing her a chance to live this life.

"Nee-chan, look at this one!" Yuuji's excited voice pulled her from her thoughts. He held up another painting, this one a colorful mess of abstract shapes.

"That's wonderful, Yuuji," she said, her heart swelling with affection. They continued painting, the bond between them growing stronger with each brushstroke.

______________________

Nukumi had expected, just as she had every year, to not celebrate the shift into the new year. Not being meaningful, at least to Kaori, she took the habit of not caring for the passage of time. That is, before they had married into the Itadori family. Jin took New Years seriously, throwing a party late into the night with drinks and meaningful snacks a child could partake in. She was never allowed to stay up until the clock struck into the next day, signifying the new year. But, she distinctly remembered waking up to Jin being too loud, proclaiming "Happy New Year" enthusiastically, only to be shushed by Kaori.