Star | Jujustu Kaisen

i wanted to fix this (but couldn't stop from tearing it down)

"The certificate of commendation and the prize for the finest work in the national book report competition goes to... Itou Shouta."

The announcement echoed through the packed gymnasium as the audience erupted into applause. A young high school boy, Shouta, walked up to the stage. His expression was a mix of bashfulness and pride as he approached the podium to accept the certificate handed to him.

"One, two..." A group of girls suddenly squealed from the audience, shouting in perfect unison, "Shouta-senpai!"

Shouta froze for a brief second, then waved at them with a wide smile. The girls screamed louder, utterly charmed, while a few of his classmates chuckled under their breath or looked envious.

"Gosh, they're embarrassing me," Shouta muttered to the staff member standing beside him, scratching the back of his neck as if trying to play it cool. Then, without missing a beat, he walked off the stage, joining his fellow male classmates with an air of confidence. His friends greeted him with a mix of cheers and playful punches on the arm, clearly impressed.

The announcer continued, their voice filled with pride, "We are extremely pleased to have a student of our school as the winner of such an honorable award."

The crowd murmured in agreement, their admiration for Shouta evident in their faces. To them, he seemed like the perfect student—bright, charming, and talented. His easy smile and confident demeanor captivated everyone, leaving no room for doubt about his character.

But beneath the polished exterior, there was a truth that no one seemed to know. Shouta wasn't as honorable as he appeared. He had taken advantage of another classmate to win this prestigious award, though no one in the room seemed the least bit suspicious. All eyes were focused on him with admiration, oblivious to the cracks in his perfect façade.

As the applause died down and the ceremony carried on, a faint sense of unease began to creep into the air. A handful of students glanced toward the gym's windows, their attention drawn away from the stage by something outside. The mood shifted slightly, and hushed whispers began to spread among the crowd.

"What is that?" a student whispered, his voice barely audible over the announcer's words.

"Huh? Where?" another asked, turning to follow his friend's gaze.

Outside the gym, something unnatural stirred. It was difficult to make out at first—just a vague, ominous shape lingering in the distance. But whatever it was, it sent a shiver through the students who caught sight of it. It felt... wrong, like the air had suddenly grown heavier.

Junpei did his best to keep calm, but his heart was racing as he stood at the edge of Mahito's black veil. Watching the cursed spirit conjure such an ominous barrier around the school made his stomach churn, but he forced himself to stand tall. He couldn't afford to look weak, not now. He clenched his fists, steadying his breath, hoping that [Name]'s plan would actually work. Deep down, he was terrified. The last thing he wanted was for Mahito to grow tired of him and turn him into a curse—or worse.

His mother's words echoed in his mind, a faint reassurance amid his fear. Come back safely, Junpei. That promise he made to her was the only thing keeping his resolve intact. He couldn't fail her. Not her. And not [Name].

Once the veil completely encased the area, Junpei stepped into the gym. His footsteps echoed in the eerie silence, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on a familiar figure—his old homeroom teacher. His chest tightened as a wave of hatred surged through him. This was the man who had turned a blind eye to his suffering. The man who had let the bullying go unchecked, ignoring Junpei's cries for help, leaving him to endure torment day after day. And now here he was, scrambling in panic, trying to save someone else.