Fragments of Us (Megumi Fushiguro)

CHAPTER 3

Days at Jujutsu High quickly fell into a new rhythm with Y/N's presence. Yuji and Nobara were immediately drawn to her warmth and curiosity, and soon it was hard to spot one without the other two by her side. Her laughter often filled the classroom as she questioned everything, her eyes sparkling as they explained even the smallest things to her with a sense of wonder.

"Y/N, seriously?" Yuji grinned, showing her how to use a smartphone one day. "You've never had one of these before?"

Y/N shook her head, wide-eyed. "No! I've never even held one. We didn't have anything like this at home... this is so cool!"

Nobara handed her the phone, smiling fondly. "Here, Y/N, try taking a picture of us!"

Y/N focused carefully, and a moment later, the camera clicked, capturing Yuji and Nobara's wide, grinning faces. She giggled as she looked at the image, her amazement making them both chuckle.

"Look at us, Megumi!" she beamed, holding up the phone toward him as he stood by the door, watching.

He simply nodded, but a small smile played at his lips. "You captured them perfectly," he said quietly.

Gojo would occasionally drop hints about her past, fueling their protective instincts even further. Once, in the teacher's lounge, he'd casually mentioned, "You know, Y/N wasn't allowed out much before she came here. It's no wonder she's curious."

Yuji's expression darkened. "Not allowed out? Like... kept locked away?"

Gojo nodded, his expression unusually serious. "She's been through a lot. Treat her kindly, okay?"

From that day forward, the group seemed to adopt Y/N as their own. Nobara would call her "princess" playfully, and Yuji treated her like a younger sibling, explaining things with boundless patience. Even Megumi found himself lingering by her side more often, watching her with a careful eye.

One evening, Gojo pulled Megumi aside in the hallway. "By the way, about Y/N," he said, his voice low. "There are things she doesn't remember — and might never want to. It's likely that certain... parts of her past still linger." Gojo's gaze was serious as he added, "Just don't let her go. If someone tries to take her, protect her."

Megumi nodded, feeling a surge of determination. He wouldn't let anything happen to her.

Every night, Megumi made sure to keep watch over her room, standing by the door in case she wandered off in her sleep again. Her sleepwalking had become a nightly occurrence, yet every time, he felt a pang of worry seeing her roam the halls, her face so quiet and serene.

One night, however, something felt different.

He watched as Y/N's door slowly opened, her delicate form stepping out as she drifted into the hallway. Tonight, her steps were slower, her expression more troubled, as if caught in a dream she couldn't escape from. Megumi followed at a safe distance, noting her hesitant movements.

Suddenly, Y/N paused in the courtyard, her body swaying slightly. He moved closer, afraid she might lose her balance. Just then, she stumbled, and his hand shot out to steady her, his fingers intertwining with hers.

She stayed still for a moment, still asleep but seemingly soothed by his touch. Gently, he led her back toward her room, guiding her carefully with her hand in his.

"Come on, Y/N," he whispered softly, his voice barely audible. "Let's get you back to bed."

As they reached her room, he tucked her in gently, his hand lingering on the edge of her blanket. She looked so peaceful, and he couldn't help but feel a protective warmth in his chest.

The next day, as they sat in class, Y/N turned to him with a grateful smile. "Megumi, you're always looking out for me. Thank you."

He nodded, brushing it off casually. "It's nothing. Just... keeping an eye on things."

Over time, Y/N's presence became the highlight of their days. Every question she asked made them smile, and every new experience seemed to enchant her. Yuji and Nobara continued to dote on her, and Megumi's careful watch became second nature.

One day, after class, Y/N tugged on Megumi's sleeve as they walked to the dorms. "Megumi, I had the strangest dream last night."

"Oh?" He glanced at her, feigning ignorance. "What was it about?"

"Well..." She hesitated, looking down. "It felt like someone was guiding me through the hallways. But it was warm and comforting. I can't really remember much, but I felt... safe."

Megumi felt his cheeks warm slightly, but he managed a small smile. "Dreams can feel that way sometimes. Like you're not alone."

Y/N's gaze softened, and she gave his sleeve a gentle tug. "Thank you for being here, Megumi. I feel safer with you around."

Just then, Yuji and Nobara caught up with them, both beaming. "Y/N!" Yuji said with a grin. "We're taking you out to try some real food tonight. Get ready!"

Nobara laughed, wrapping an arm around Y/N's shoulders. "It's time you experience the joy of street food!"

Y/N's eyes lit up. "Really? I've never tried anything like that before!"

Megumi watched as she walked off with them, a soft smile lingering on his lips. Her laughter echoed through the hallways, filling the air with a warmth he hadn't realized he needed.

Later that night, after they'd all enjoyed a feast of takoyaki and grilled squid, Y/N fell asleep in her room, her expression content and peaceful. Megumi stayed nearby, watching her door as he always did, thinking back on Gojo's warning.

After a while, he pulled out his phone, looking at a picture they'd taken that evening — Y/N laughing, Yuji grinning, and Nobara making a face at the camera. Megumi had been caught off guard in the background, a rare smile softening his usual stern expression.

As he looked at the photo, he thought of the promise he'd made to himself: no matter what lay ahead, he would protect her.