𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐒𝐓. 𝗷𝘂𝗷𝘂𝘁𝘀𝘂 𝗸𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗻

─ 𝟎𝟐𝟒.

CHAPTER 024 // YOU WERE MINE FIRST

━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎━︎

NEXT DAY // HARAJUKU STATION

Amidst the bustling streets, the trio of student sorcerers navigates the lively atmosphere. The colourful chaos of attractions surrounds them, with Itadori's wide eyes darting from one sight to the next, excitement written all over his face. Fushiguro, ever the composed leader, walks ahead while you trail behind, enjoying the carefree energy of the city.

A nearby popsicle stand catches your eye. The vibrant colours and icy relief promise a perfect escape from the scorching heat.

Without hesitation, you detour toward it, causing the boys to follow with curious glances.

Moments later, you return triumphant, popsicles in hand.

You offer the frozen treats to your classmates with a grin. Itadori snatches the blue one without hesitation, smiling brightly as he thanks you.

Fushiguro gives you a look, raising an eyebrow in mild protest. "I never asked for one."

You roll your eyes, waving the white popsicle in front of him. "It's a popsicle, Fushiguro. It won't kill you."

He sighs, eyes rolling in surrender as he accepts it, taking a bite while you savour your red-tinted treat.

As you all walk, Itadori, ever curious, brings up the small number of first-year students.

"So, why are there so few of us?" he asks, biting his popsicle thoughtfully.

Fushiguro, finishing his treat, glances at Itadori before replying, "Have you come across anyone else who can see curses?"

Itadori shrugs, a little lost in thought. "Not really."

"Exactly. People like us—those who can perceive and wield cursed energy—we're rare," The dark-haired boy explains, his tone matter-of-fact, but his words have an underlying seriousness. The rarity of their abilities isn't something he takes lightly.

Itadori raises an eyebrow, puzzled. "But you said I'm the fourth student."

Fushiguro adjusts his uniform, nodding slightly. "Her transfer was arranged a while ago."

Just then, as if on cue, Gojo saunters over, his usual carefree smile plastered across his face. "Thanks for waiting! Oh, by the way, your uniforms arrived just in time."

Itadori, always quick to smile, beams at the mention of his uniform. "Yeah, it fits perfectly! But it's a little different from Fushiguro's. There's even a hoodie."

Gojo waves a hand dismissively. "If you have preferences, we can make adjustments. Customizations are cool."

Itadori blinks, perplexed. "Huh? I didn't make any requests."

The man gives him a knowing look. "That's because I made some on your behalf."

Itadori examines his uniform, rolling his shoulders to test the fit.

"Well, I guess it's fine. I like it." He turns to you, curiosity shining in his eyes. "What do you think, Sugano?"

You take a moment to inspect his uniform, nodding approvingly before sticking out your tongue, revealing the red hue from your popsicle. "Look! Ah! We match!"

Itadori's confusion quickly turns into amusement, a chuckle escaping him at your playful display.

"Guess we do!" he laughs, clearly entertained by your lightheartedness.