Fragments of Us (Megumi Fushiguro)

CHAPTER 1

In the dimly lit teacher's lounge, Megumi, Yuji, and Nobara sat quietly, their gazes shifting between each other and their eccentric teacher, Gojo Satoru, who leaned back against his desk with a mysterious grin on his face.

Gojo cleared his throat, catching their attention. "I've got some news for you three!" he began, his tone a bit too cheerful.

Nobara's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Finally, something interesting! Spill, Gojo-sensei."

Gojo's grin only widened. "Today, we're welcoming a new classmate. She's... a little different, though," he said, drawing out his words with a mischievous look. "She's not exactly used to the outside world, so make sure you're kind to her. Think of it like... meeting a princess."

Yuji looked like he was about to burst with excitement. "A princess? Really?"

Gojo chuckled, clearly enjoying their reactions. "Well, something like that. Now, back to class, you three. I'll bring her in soon, but let's keep it a surprise, okay?"

Yuji and Nobara immediately launched into a chaotic conversation, voices overlapping as they tried to guess who the new student could be, and why she might be so unfamiliar with the world outside.

"Maybe she's some kind of spirit or something!" Yuji suggested.

Nobara rolled her eyes. "Don't be ridiculous. But if she's really a 'princess,' I bet she's got some super fancy powers!"

Megumi, who had been watching Gojo's expression with suspicion, stayed silent, though even he felt a hint of curiosity prickling beneath his calm demeanor.

As the three returned to the classroom, Yuji and Nobara's excitement was contagious, and Megumi found himself quietly intrigued despite himself. They sat in anticipation, eyes glued to the door every time someone walked by, even growing a bit impatient when it seemed like Gojo was taking forever.

Finally, about an hour later, the door opened with an energetic flair, and Gojo stepped in, beaming. "Everyone, please give a warm welcome to our new student!" He stepped aside, allowing a figure to emerge behind him.

Slowly, a girl walked in, standing close to Gojo, her expression shy and tentative. She had long, snow-white hair that cascaded down her shoulders, and her striking red eyes shimmered as she glanced around the room, looking slightly overwhelmed. Her whole demeanor had a rare, ethereal quality that made her seem almost otherworldly.

Yuji's jaw dropped. "Whoa..."

Nobara clapped her hands excitedly, unable to contain herself. "She's so pretty! Like... princess-level pretty!"

"Thank you for the enthusiasm," Gojo chuckled, giving the girl an encouraging nudge. "Go on, introduce yourself."

The girl's gaze flickered nervously between her new classmates before she spoke, her voice soft yet clear. "Um... my name is Y/N Asakura," she said, giving a small, polite bow. "I'm... it's nice to meet you all."

Yuji immediately gave her a bright, welcoming smile. "Hey, Y/N! I'm Yuji Itadori! Don't worry, you'll fit in just fine. We're not that scary—"

"Speak for yourself," Nobara interrupted with a smirk. "I'm Nobara Kugisaki. It's nice to meet you, Y/N! And don't worry, I'll make sure these two don't bother you too much."

Megumi gave her a nod, his voice gentle. "I'm Megumi Fushiguro. Welcome."

As they introduced themselves, Y/N's nervous expression softened, and a faint smile graced her lips. There was a fragile innocence about her that immediately made Yuji and Nobara feel protective.

Once the introductions were over, Gojo gave them a thumbs-up. "Alright, now that you're all friends, I'll leave you to it! Show Y/N around, okay?"

As soon as Gojo left, Nobara scooted closer to Y/N, her eyes full of curiosity. "So, Y/N, where did you come from? I mean, Gojo-sensei was being all mysterious about it!"

"Oh, um..." Y/N hesitated, glancing at Megumi and Yuji before continuing. "I... I've just never really been... outside much. Gojo-sensei helped me."

Yuji nodded enthusiastically. "Well, that's okay! We'll show you around. There's a lot to get used to here, but we've got your back!"

Y/N seemed relieved, and for the first time, her smile brightened as she looked at him. "Thank you... It's a bit overwhelming, but everyone seems really kind."

"Of course we are," Nobara said proudly. "You're safe with us!"

Megumi observed the group, noting how Yuji and Nobara quickly established a warm, protective bond with Y/N. He couldn't deny that he felt a subtle urge to ensure she was comfortable as well, though he stayed back, simply listening.

"Y/N," Nobara started, "do you have any hobbies?"

She tilted her head thoughtfully, a slight blush coloring her cheeks. "I like... reading. And I enjoy learning about... plants."

"Oh! Megumi knows all about plants!" Yuji exclaimed, nudging him.

Megumi gave a small smile. "I can show you the garden sometime, if you'd like."

Y/N's eyes brightened. "Really? That would be wonderful..."

The gentle exchange was interrupted by Nobara suddenly grabbing Y/N's hand. "Come on! I'll give you a tour. Let's start with the training grounds!"

Yuji beamed, following after them with Megumi in tow. As they led Y/N through the halls, showing her around, her shy smiles gradually grew more confident, and her laughter soon echoed with theirs. The four of them made their way to the courtyard, where the sunlight cast a warm glow over everything.

"Do you know any self-defense?" Nobara asked Y/N curiously.

Y/N shook her head, looking slightly embarrassed. "Not really... I don't even know how to throw a punch."

Yuji grinned. "No problem! We can teach you! Right, Megumi?"

Megumi raised an eyebrow. "As long as Yuji doesn't teach her his terrible techniques."

Y/N giggled softly, her gaze moving between the three of them with gratitude. "I'm really glad I met you all."

After a while, they sat under the shade of a tree, chatting and laughing. Y/N leaned back, her expression finally relaxing, and she seemed genuinely happy.

Megumi, who had been sitting beside her, caught her looking at him with a curious expression.

"What is it?" he asked, a bit surprised.

Y/N quickly looked away, her cheeks turning pink. "Oh, I... I was just thinking that you seem... very kind."

He was taken aback, and a slight flush crossed his cheeks. "I'm... just making sure you're comfortable."

Yuji smirked, nudging Megumi. "Yeah, sure, Mr. Serious over here is totally a softie."

"Shut up, Yuji," Megumi muttered, looking away.

Y/N giggled at their exchange, feeling her nerves melt away bit by bit. For the first time in a long while, she felt genuinely happy, surrounded by people who made her feel accepted.

Nobara leaned closer, giving her a playful nudge. "You're gonna be just fine here, Y/N. And don't worry—if anyone messes with you, they'll have to go through us."

Y/N's eyes shone as she looked at them all. "Thank you... I really mean it. This... it feels like home."

Yuji beamed, giving her a thumbs-up. "Then welcome home, Y/N!"