Energized | Yuji Itadori

15 - Whispered thoughts

Aurora

The past couple of days haven't been easy. I really wanted to get back out there and train now that I finally have some faith. But Yuji practically has been glued to my side ever since I woke up. He barely lets me use the bathroom without him barging in to check if I'm not doing 'secret training'.
I should say I'm pissed off by it but, I actually like it. Him being this close to me, I never thought I would enjoy it this much.

The first two days, I was forced to stay in my bed. Nobara and Megumi came to visit often, and Yuji stayed most of the times so that I didn't feel lonely.

After that, I was finally allowed to do normal stuff again. Go to the few classes we have, going outside the school, but no training in sight. What's even the point of going here if I can't even work on what matters the most, becoming a good sorcerer?

Today I'm not waken up by a sudden intruder in my room. It makes me wonder if he finally thinks I'm ready to be doing more than sitting around all day. I'm so frustrated, I haven't been able to any physical activities and I know my stamina must've gotten terrible.

I should go for a run.

I feel like I can do that without messing up the stitches covering my stomach and it's not too much for starting up again.

I don't see anyone around while I walk through the halls after putting on proper clothes and shoes. They're probably training already.

It's kind of embarrassing really. Nobody was as injured as me after the fight. The curse wasn't even that strong and it only makes me think I'm more weak. Nobody had to recover for longer than a day, why do I need more time? They're the same age as me, and still, I'm behind them in every way possible. And I can't seem to get the conversation I had with the principal a few weeks back out of my head...

I sat down after the principal asked if he could have a word with me. I was surprised for a moment but I already know what this is about... I can only look down, my shoulder are slumped, I'm already dying out off embarrassment.
"Aoki... You know that I trust Saturo when he told me that you were the real deal. He knew there was something special inside of you, but that I had to be patient."
A pause.
"But I have to say... You aren't making any improvements. And it makes me worried, that when we'll send you on a real mission, you won't be able to handle it and you'll only slow down you're squad mates"
I look away, he acts as if  I don't already know this. What a jerk...
"I'm sorry that I'm not living up to your expectations"
He takes a long breath.
"Look, I'm not saying you're not worthy. I'm only worried. And if I don't see improvement, I need to consider not sending you on harder missions..."
The tears prickle in my eyes when I force myself not to cry. Seriously?
"Alright, thanks for your consideration" I nod and get up, and without looking back I leave the room. I probably shouldn't have left like that, but it was getting too much. I want to punch everything I look at...

—

I hear a knock on the door. Finally.
After my running session, I did nothing but sit in my chair and read. It was getting old now...

"I was wondering where you were..."
I stop talking when I see the expression on Yujis face. He looked concerned and uncertain, completely the opposite from his usual happiness and confidence. What the hell?

"Can I uh... talk to you for a minute"

"Yeah sure?"
I'm still confused when I watch him take a seat on my bed. He shifts uncomfortably and I slide down next to him.

"How are you feeling?" He asks, eyeing my up.

"Good" I answer, still not fully relaxed. This seriousness is beyond him and it's throwing me off. Did I do something?