Fragments of Us (Megumi Fushiguro)

CHAPTER 12

The next day, Y/N slowly pushed open the door, a faint smile on her lips as she greeted everyone. Her face looked pale; her movements sluggish.

Nobara noticed right away. "Y/N, you're burning up!" She walked over, placing her hand on Y/N's forehead. Yuji joined, touching her cheek.

"You've definitely got a fever," Yuji said, concern filling his voice. Y/N only smiled, her eyelids drooping as she leaned more into their touches, clearly too tired to even protest.

Megumi's eyes narrowed with worry, stepping forward and gently placing his hand against her forehead. "You're not supposed to be wandering around if you're this sick," he said softly. Y/N blinked up at him, leaning even more into his touch.

"I'm just... so sleepy," she murmured, her words barely a whisper.

Without another word, Megumi wrapped an arm around her and guided her towards the infirmary. Nobara and Yuji exchanged glances, both of them pouting.

"Hey, not fair!" Nobara exclaimed, crossing her arms. "Why does he get to take her?"

"Yeah!" Yuji added, mock grumbling. "We could've helped too!"

Megumi glanced over his shoulder, irritated but unwilling to argue. "Then why don't you two go tell Gojo she's sick?"

Nobara smirked, sensing an opportunity. "Oh, Megumi, are you actually worried about her?"

Ignoring their snickers, Megumi continued walking, one arm supporting Y/N as she leaned against him. The quiet, comfortable weight of her presence only made his worry grow.

When they reached the infirmary, he gently lowered her onto the bed, his touch careful and mindful. He took a wet cloth and placed it on her forehead, brushing his fingers gently through her hair. "Just rest," he said, voice gentle.

Y/N closed her eyes but then reached out, catching his hand in hers. She held onto his fingers, a small smile on her face. "I don't want to sleep yet... it's nicer with you here."

Megumi felt his heart skip. He patted her head softly with his free hand. "I'm not going anywhere. Just try to get some sleep."

After a few minutes of resting against him, her breathing softened, and she finally fell asleep, her grip on his hand loosening but still present. Megumi felt an unfamiliar warmth settle in his chest, his eyes lingering on her peaceful expression.

Just then, Shoko and Gojo entered, Shoko carrying a medical kit. Gojo raised an eyebrow, a smirk playing on his lips. "So, this is where you disappeared to?"

Megumi shot him an unamused look, but Gojo's grin only widened. "Ah, young love... it's almost heartwarming."

"Enough," Megumi muttered, his cheeks warming.

Shoko walked over, her eyes gentle as she checked Y/N's pulse. "She seems exhausted," she murmured. "I'll just take a quick blood sample. You... might want to brace yourself, though."

Megumi's eyes widened slightly as Shoko prepared to draw her blood. As the needle pricked Y/N's skin, a scent started to fill the air, sweet and intoxicating, making his heartbeat pick up. Shoko drew a small vial, but even that was enough to make the scent linger, strong and alluring.

Sensing the tension, Gojo snapped his fingers, conjuring a protective barrier around them. "We don't need this spreading all over the school, do we?" He gave Megumi a knowing glance, barely holding back a laugh. "Hold yourself together, Megumi."

Megumi clenched his fists, focusing on steadying his breath, trying to ignore the scent that made his head spin. The moment felt too long, his heart pounding as Shoko analyzed the blood.

Shoko cast a sympathetic look his way. "Almost done, Megumi. Just a little longer."

As she finished up, Y/N shifted in her sleep, a small, contented sigh escaping her lips. Megumi felt a wave of calm settle over him, grateful that she was finally resting.

When Shoko finished, she gave him a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "She'll be fine. Just keep an eye on her and make sure she gets enough rest."

Megumi nodded, letting out a slow breath of relief.

Gojo, however, couldn't resist a final jab. "Careful, Megumi, or you might be the next one needing medical attention."

Megumi glared, but Gojo only laughed, leaving him to watch over Y/N, the feeling of her hand still faintly warm against his own.