Fragments of Us (Megumi Fushiguro)

CHAPTER 5

Y/N sat nervously on the edge of the medical bed as Shoko prepared the needle, her fingers drumming anxiously against her knee. Despite her efforts to stay calm, her heart raced as she watched Shoko draw closer.

"Don't worry," Shoko said in a soft voice, noticing Y/N's tension. "It'll be quick, and I promise it won't hurt much."

Y/N managed a small smile. "I know... I'm just a little nervous, that's all."

Gojo, who had been leaning against the wall with his usual grin, jumped in. "You know, Y/N, you should be used to needles by now," he teased, winking at her. "But hey, maybe Shoko here has a special one just for you!"

Y/N gave him a half-hearted glare. "Not helping, Gojo-sensei."

Shoko shot him a look. "Maybe if you didn't keep making her nervous, she'd be more relaxed."

As the needle pierced her skin, Y/N winced slightly but held still, her gaze fixed on the ceiling. She knew her blood was unique — noble, precious, and, most of all, dangerous. Her family had called it both a gift and a curse, and although she didn't remember much about her past, she'd been warned about her abilities. Shoko gently pulled the needle out and placed a bandage over the tiny wound.

"All done," Shoko said with a warm smile, patting her arm. "You did great."

Y/N let out a relieved breath, her shoulders relaxing. "Thanks, Shoko-sensei."

Shoko held up the vial, examining the deep crimson liquid. The scent was subtly sweet, almost intoxicating. She knew they had to keep this aspect of Y/N a secret — her blood, with its unique properties, was too valuable and dangerous to reveal.

"Just be careful not to get hurt, alright?" Shoko advised, her gaze softening as she placed the vial away carefully. "Your blood is special, but it also comes with risks."

Y/N nodded, her smile tinged with a hint of worry. "I know, I'll try to be careful."

As they walked back toward her classroom, Gojo stayed by her side, his playful attitude softening slightly. "Don't overthink it, Y/N," he said, nudging her gently. "Just be yourself, okay? Leave the rest to us."

She nodded, though her mind still swirled with thoughts.

When they reached her classroom, Y/N pushed open the door, only to see that everyone was already waiting for her. Yuji and Nobara brightened instantly at her arrival, and Megumi was the first to approach, his gaze drifting down to the fresh bandage on her arm.

"You're alright?" he asked, his voice quiet, concern evident in his eyes.

Y/N smiled, a little taken aback by how closely he was inspecting her arm. "I'm fine, Megumi. It was just a small blood test."

Yuji grinned, walking up behind Megumi and patting him on the back. "See, told you she'd be okay!"

Nobara, not one to be left out, joined them, throwing an arm around Y/N's shoulders. "You're a tough one, Y/N," she said, giving her a squeeze. "But next time, tell Shoko to go easy on you."

Y/N laughed, feeling the warmth of her friends surrounding her. "I'll let her know you said that."

Then, on an impulse, she turned and hugged Nobara, wrapping her arms around her tightly. Nobara's eyes widened, and she froze for a moment, but a big smile broke across her face as she returned the hug enthusiastically.

"Aww, Y/N, don't get all mushy on me," Nobara said, laughing as she ruffled Y/N's hair. "But... I don't mind it."

Yuji chuckled, nudging Megumi as they watched. "Looks like Nobara's got a new best friend."

Megumi rolled his eyes but couldn't hide the faint smile on his lips as he watched Y/N laughing with their friends. The worry he'd felt earlier finally began to fade, replaced by a quiet relief.

"Alright, alright, break it up," Gojo announced, striding into the classroom with a grin. "Can't have you all gushing over each other — Y/N's already got a full fan club."

Y/N blushed, pulling away from Nobara. "It's not like that, Gojo-sensei..."

"Oh? Are you sure?" Gojo teased, looking around. "I'm pretty sure I see four people ready to protect you at all costs."

Megumi cleared his throat, and Nobara shot Gojo a glare. "We're just looking out for our friend, that's all," she said, crossing her arms.

Gojo chuckled, patting Y/N's shoulder. "Good to know you've got some good bodyguards. Keep it up, everyone."

As the day went on, Y/N found herself feeling lighter, her worries momentarily forgotten amidst the laughter and support of her friends. At lunch, she sat between Megumi and Yuji, happily listening to them bicker over something trivial. Every so often, her gaze would drift toward Megumi, who was uncharacteristically watchful today, his gaze frequently darting to her bandaged arm. When she caught him looking, he quickly averted his eyes, but the concern was evident.

"What?" she finally asked, smiling gently at him.

He shook his head, his usual stoic expression softening just a little. "Nothing. Just... don't get hurt again."

"Yeah!" Yuji chimed in, grinning as he reached over to poke her arm gently. "We can't have you getting hurt on our watch."

Nobara, sitting across from them, nodded in agreement. "Or else we'll have to go give Shoko a piece of our mind for scaring you."

Y/N laughed, feeling the warmth of their friendship. She hadn't felt this happy, this safe, in as long as she could remember.