The Binding Vow of Lazarus

Chapter 13

In the kitchen, chaos had a new meaning.

Sarah was trying her best, darting between pots, trays, and cutting boards, but each step was a near disaster waiting to happen. The mashed potatoes narrowly avoided becoming wallpaper, and a bowl of stuffing miraculously stayed on the counter after a close brush with her elbow. Despite it all, she was a whirlwind of energy and smiles, determined to make this Thanksgiving feast a success.

Satoru, meanwhile, was an endless menace, snatching up taste tests whenever he thought no one was looking—though he got caught every time. He’d sneak a spoonful of stuffing, earning a smack from Suguru, or dip a finger into the cranberry sauce, only for Shoko to swat his hand away with a roll of her eyes. None of it phased him; he just flashed his signature grin and kept on “supervising” the food.

Suguru, the only one truly sticking to the carefully planned schedule, was moving around, trying to keep some semblance of order. He had made a detailed timeline, but his friends’ antics constantly threw him off. Still, he managed, adapting with a sigh here and a quick readjustment there. The smell of roasting turkey, savory sides, and warm pies slowly filled the room, a perfect counterbalance to the bustling chaos.

Shoko was helping in whatever way she could, swapping between stirring, chopping, and keeping Satoru from raiding the kitchen prematurely. Her calm, level-headedness provided a needed balance, though even she couldn’t help but laugh whenever Sarah narrowly avoided dropping another bowl.

Finally, everything was ready. The table was set, and Suguru called for everyone to gather around. To Sarah’s delight, the other students joined, each one looking a little nervous especially when Satoru flashed them a knowing smirk. But as they took their seats and chatted with each other, the atmosphere softened, the initial hesitation melting away.

They had even invited Yaga and the other faculty, who’d popped in to chat and grab a few bites before leaving the students to their fun. Everyone began digging in, laughter and conversation filling the room as they shared this unexpected moment of warmth.

Satoru took a step back from the table, looking around at everyone’s cheerful faces. This wasn’t something that usually happened in their world of jujutsu sorcery. Friends weren’t something you were supposed to make; gatherings like these were rare luxuries, usually overshadowed by the demands of their duty.

He caught sight of Sarah stumbling, as usual, and a third-year quickly reached out to help her steady herself. Watching her just brush it off and thank them with that unwavering brightness, not a trace of any past bitterness, made Satoru smile. She had always been so resilient, always willing to forgive and keep going.

Then, his gaze drifted to Suguru, watching him move effortlessly through the group, listening intently to students, offering words of encouragement, and sharing soft laughs. It was natural to him, as if he were made to lead and bring people together. Satoru couldn’t help but admire him, seeing in him the warmth and strength that balanced out his own intensity.

For a moment, Satoru let himself feel grateful. This was why he kept pushing for change, why he kept fighting. Because scenes like this, with friends and laughter, were worth protecting, worth building—especially if it went against the tradition of solitude that the sorcerer’s life typically brought.

Shoko eased down onto the bench next to Satoru, her cup already half-empty. She leaned back, watching him as he turned to her with a soft smile. There was a peace in his face she didn’t see often. She smiled back, content.

After a quiet moment, Shoko raised an eyebrow, looking at him over her cup. “So, do you even know what Thanksgiving is actually about?” she asked, with a teasing glint in her eye.