Bits and Pieces (Jujutsu Kaisen AU)

Chapter 1-7

Afterlife: Shika

"You're letting her flight Tatsuko on her own?" Kaori said as she looked at me.

It was the morning of the next day. December 25, the start of the last seven days of the year. People in the afterlife were celebrating for such an event. Seven days with seven grand activities, each one more entertaining than the last.

I had made my way to the library and was with Kaori helping her put some of the books away. I didn't talk about things with people, but I did talk to Kaori.

"She wants to risk her life, so be it. I'll say my goodbyes."

Kaori scoffed dramatically as she threw her head back and raised her arms in an exaggerated way. "Shika, you can't be serious."

I looked back at her as I placed a book on the shelf and walked to the cart to get some more. "I'm serious."

"That's your friend. You either get her to not do it or you do it with her."

I clenched a book as I put it on the shelf. I sighed. "She is not my friend. She's not an ally she's not a bestie. None of them are my friends." I glared slamming one of the books back on the cart.

Kaori crossed her arms as she glared at. "Okay, then what am I?"

I rolled my eyes as I pushed the cart further down the aisle, and Kaori followed me.

"Somebody that I know." I stated.

I stopped the cart, picking up a few books. Kaori snatched them from me, catching my attention. I looked at her as she took the books to the shelf, placing them where they belonged as she spoke.

"I get not showing your emotions. I don't know your life, so I can't imagine what happened for you to get like that. But would you please stop acting like you don't care."

I wanted to say something, but Kaori guessed that as she turned around, pointing one of the books at me.

"I read his book; you know." She spoke.

I raised an eyebrow, wondering who she was talking about.

"Who?" I asked.

"You know who. The man you once loved." She stated.

My eyes widened as I turned away. That same person's life book was still in my office untouched and unread. Of course, she had to bring it up. It's probably because I never went through the trouble of returning it. "So, what."

"So, you're just like him."

"I am not." I stated.

Kaori crossed her arms. "You didn't read it, I know. But you two are exactly the same. You act as if there is no one to care for, and you act like no one cares for you. And to distract you from the obvious lie, what do you do.  You fight. You stay on top, and you wear it like a crown. No need to be pointed out cause it's so fucking obvious."

"I am not like him!" I yelled. "That so-called person at the top let me die. Right in front of him. He could have saved me, but he didn't. He stared and watched as my twisted fiancé slit my throat. I cared for him he couldn't bring himself to say that he cared for me. And it was obvious when he let me die."

"And yet Juri cares for you. Everyone you took in the past ten years cares for you. You don't show it. And you're about to let Juri die. Right. In front. Of you." Kaori glared. "Sounds the same to me."

She stormed off, taking the cart with her stating she'd do it by herself. I watched her leave, not sure what to say. For once since I knew her, I had to admit. She was right. Someone had stunned me into silence into opening my eyes. I shook my head.