Cursed Bloodlines: Y/N's Legacy [ Season 1 ]

Episode XIII: Love's Gentle Voice

Nobara Kugisaki and Megumi Fushiguro sat across from each other in the canteen, surrounded by the gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of utensils on plates. Nobara's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she stared at Megumi, her gaze unyielding. Megumi, sensing her intensity, focused on his lunch, his expression impassive.

The silence between them grew thick until Nobara finally broke it. "Fushiguro, you're hiding something," she declared, her voice barely above a whisper. Megumi's eyes flickered, his gaze darting to Nobara's face before quickly returning to his food.

"No," he replied, his tone flat, unconvincing.

Nobara's grin widened, her interest piqued. "Come on, spill it," she coaxed, leaning forward, her elbows on the table.

Megumi sighed, setting his chopsticks down. "It's nothing."

But Nobara's persistence wore him down. "Fine," Megumi relented. "Sensei barged in when a boy asked Utahime sensei out. Said they had a mission."

Nobara's eyes widened, her excitement palpable. "Ooh, juicy! I bet Sensei was just jealous!" She leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed, a sly grin spreading.

Megumi's expression remained stoic, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "Maybe," he conceded.

Nobara pounced, her questions rapid-fire. "What's the mission? Is it dangerous? Does Utahime Sensei have feelings for the boy? Tell me everything!"

Megumi's face contorted, overwhelmed. "Kugisaki, slow down. I don't know all the details."

But Nobara wouldn't relent. "You're holding out on me, Fushiguro! Spill!"

As Maki Zenin and Toge Inumaki stepped into the canteen, the warm glow of lunchtime camaraderie enveloped them. The aroma of savoury dishes wafted through the air, mingling with the gentle hum of conversation. Nobara Kugisaki's infectious laughter echoed across the room, drawing their attention to the lively gathering.

Maki's eyes sparkled with curiosity as she slid into the empty seat beside Nobara. "Hey, what's going on?" she asked, her voice blending with the background chatter.

Nobara's gaze snapped to Maki, her eyes shining with mischief. "Just getting Fushiguro to spill some juicy gossip," she replied, her words tumbling out in rapid succession.

Inumaki settled into the seat beside Megumi, his eyes crinkling at the corners. He nodded, his lips curving into a silent smile. "Salmon Roe," he said, his voice low and measured.

Megumi raised an eyebrow, his expression a mask of feigned indifference. "You're encouraging her, Inumaki?" he asked, his tone laced with dry amusement.

Nobara laughed, her shoulders shaking. "See, Fushiguro, even Inumaki wants to know." She leaned in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "So, Sensei barged in when a boy asked Utahime sensei out, saying they had a mission."

Inumaki's eyes widened, his interest piqued. "Tuna," he said, his voice infused with urgency.

Nobara's grin grew mischievous. "Right? I bet Sensei was just jealous." She winked at Maki. "Can you imagine? Sensei, the ultimate matchmaker."

Maki chuckled, her eyes sparkling. "Only if it suits his purposes." Her gaze shifted to Megumi. "What's the mission?"

Megumi's expression turned matter-of-fact. "There is no mission. Sensei was just making excuses."

Nobara's face fell, her excitement deflating. "What? But you said--"

Megumi continued, "Sensei didn't want Utahime sensei to go out with that boy, so he intervened."