A Yaelokre-inspired fantasy fanfiction. You awake in unfamiliar lands, in a foreign bed, with all your friends missing after a mission. Frazzled, you are tasked with adventuring through this dreamscape-esque town to regain your memories of the battle and friends. But what happens when you can't find their bodies in time?
《Word count: 4.7k 》
pt.2 pt.3
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟
Darkness surrounds you. Infecting your lungs, puncturing your head, and stalling your breathing till you take all the air from the room, in an inhale, and blowing your eyes open.
Unfamiliar hospital bed. Strange, colorful meds in vials, marinating herbs. Scent alone fills you with tranquility, fleeing from the Dream Tiger’s grasp.
What was that?
A glimpse of pinkish orange fur brushed past you. Within this dreamscape, hiding behind objects of irrelevance and blocks of forgotten crucial memories, it watched.
Nightly inky stripes fizzling into your pool of consciousness, contaminating the waters of clarity. The Dream Tiger hung around your slumber state. It wanted something. Slit eyes boring into the background of every reality record—if any remains—replaying.
It wanted something. ‘What if it fed off my dreams?’
Entered a paranoid thought. Lying awake, encased by cotton sheets, providing warmth even during early spring’s rigid days. Perhaps the bated breeze brought the cold in from the window right before you.
Sitting up, you contemplate closing it. Soon the door hinge pointed down, clinked. A woman with tired eyes and smoke whisking away at the ends of her lips. Dressed in a straight, pearl coat. Dirtied at the ends and cuffs. Bearing no fashionable semblance or authoritative energy, she seemed to be a good person.
An unfamiliar feeling creeps in. Everything about her screams familiarity. Your mouth instinctively opens to call out a name, yet the only sound escaping is that of a chicken’s cawk. Awkward…
She sighs, walking over to shut the window before facing you. “You should be well by eve. I suggest you leave when you feel better.” Confused, you glance down; both arms and torso are fully wrapped in bandages. Taped onto your chest is a talisman. “That is good luck. Mother Nature always heals her children. That talisman puts you on the priority list—you could say.” The caring, exhausted nurse reassures you.
She walks over with a medical instrument in hand. For the next ten minutes she took your vitals and measured bruising and scars.
How did you end up here?
Meekly, you cough up a “Miss?”
She hums in response, fully focused on a chart.
“Do you know how this happened to me?” She clicks her pen and drops it onto the paper.
“You were found bloodied and unconscious at the Battle crossroads. The entire field was damaged. A white-haired fellow had retrieved your dead body."
“Dead body?” You tilt your head, shaking it. “What about the others?”
“Others?”
“Yes, there were four of us. Another girl, mask of a fox, a boy with a tiger mask and then another with a wolf’s.” Quivering, questions continue to bubble. “Where are they?”
A final puff, she sighs. “Just you.” Throwing her blunt away, she begins to scribble away at a separate piece of paper. “He did mention that they are looking for three missing children…I’m sure they’ll be found, dear.”
Your heart sunk so low, you couldn't keep it.
“You were presumed to be dead, but…” She trails off, grabbing another cigarette. Her gruffy voice continues to speak. “You were under a coma.”
“For how long?”
“A month. You’re roughly healed now. Don't strain yourself too much; it'll reopen the wounds.” She helps you out of bed by the next morning.
Before you had left, she had placed a pouch into your hands.
“Here, the white-haired fellow had left some extra coins for you. Take this and buy me some bread while you adventure the market. Perhaps you’ll remember something…” She coughed. “By nightfall, return here.”
By the time you had exited the Healer’s home, she had fixed you up with a satchel, in it a pouch of medicine, and pale cloths to rewrap your wounds with. Tasking you with visiting the market.
The town was overgrown with vines, the scent of petrichor filling your nose with ecstasy. The taste of bones and blood still lingers on your tongue. Glimpses of the four of you still return to your mind as your eyes glaze over the tall mountains in the back. Snow tips peaking over roofs; a chill fragrant lure you to the gardenscapes.
The healer’s garden is filled with strange herbs and pretty flowers. A nest of honey hung at the back of a large, entrancing tree. All the trees are here. Dark bark with branches caressing the roof stops and above, kissing the clouds by daybreak.
A Woodland Fairytale. There were cats roaming about, freely, everywhere. A white one stares at you, while your eyes feast on every flower, every cloud, and every cat. Until catching a glimpse of that Furr ball.
It leaps down from the trees, circling your legs, purring. You haven’t moved a step from the doctor’s door. The cat paws on your thighs, then walks off. Glancing back. A sign. For you to follow along.
And you do, because who wouldn't? This possibly couldn't be a kidnapping. Kidnapping by a cat? Please, fantasy world crimes would be far worse.
Your feet were taking one step too soon after the other, catching up to the feline. Yet by the time you turned into a street corner, the kitty was nowhere to be found. Instead, you were overwhelmed with delicious smells and flowery scents.
Before you were stalls sprawling across kilometers of green grass fields. A main dirt road sat in the center, lined on both sides, were blooming businesses with charming salespeople who were selling all kinds of products.
Banners with wind wheels spun above their heads, as the sun shone down onto everyone. Your eyes were scanning for a bread stall. Taking the first steps from under that cute banner, a sweet, blue-haired girl waved you over.
She wore a worn straw hat with a sunflower strung onto it. Probably a hand-me-down from her father, not the most stylish hat. Her blue overalls were earthy, leaves poking out of her pockets as she grinned brighter at your approach.
“You’re the person who was recently rescued, right?” Her summer sky bright eyes gleamed at you. Glancing over your wraps, before speaking once more. “I heard from my siblings that you got here a month ago? Mother overheard you had been in battle?” You nod. Unsure how to feel about this girl. Is she a friend yet? “Why, you’re so brave!” She clapped her hands together, turning around, searching for something from her baskets. She whips around with a basket of berries. “Grandmother told me these help with healing and bring good fortune!” She takes your wrist and places the handle into your palm.
Giving you no time to resist. “N-no, I, I cannot accept. You are so friendly, my heart melts from your words alone.” You smile back, feeling a twinge of guilt for even being forced to accept these offerings? Gifts. How strange, people are oddly friendly. Perhaps it might just be her though, no need to generalise.
“Oh, c’mon! I grew these myself! Besides with all the nighttime scares that have been happening, everyone needs a bit of luck. Don’t ya think?” She shrugs, placing it onto the counter.
Do others also get that nightmarish tiger in their dreams? You thought of asking her about it. “Nighttime scares?”
“Yeah, haven't you heard—wait; you did just wake up after a month—OH! I have much to tell!” She sparked, glancing behind you to see a customer. She turned around and yelled, “MA, COULD YOU TAKE OVER NOW? I’LL GO BUY SOME BREAD!” An older woman’s voice yelled back an affirmative answer, and your new friend popped out of the stall. Her mother? could be an aunt, stepped out from the back and into her spot. “Miwa, get the soft buns, alright?”
“Okay!” She waved her off. Grabbing you by the hand, she led you a little further from the market into the forest area.
“Your name’s Miwa?” You asked, eyes trained onto the natural obstacle course of not stepping into the mud of tripping on any pebbles.
“Hm? Oh, yeah.” She jumps over a branch. “There's a really nice log up ahead. My friends and I hang out around there all the time!” She laughed, leading the way.
“Ah~, well my name is—” Miwa cuts you off, giggling.
“I know your name, don’t worry.” You look at her horrified, soon laughing at her worried expression. “I mean, ever since teacher rescued you, you’ve been uh, like a Hero. The kid who survived in the Rotten fields. Notorious place of death, many don’t survive…” Her voice fizzled out. “Uhm, yeah most cannot survive the beasts that lay there.”
You feel worried, saddened by her distracted eyes and frown. Trying to change the topic, you return to “What are these night terrors?” You almost tripped on a rock.
She smiles; face furrowed in confusion. Laughing lightly, she mutters quietly. “Huh? night terrors…Oh! You mean the nighttime scares?”
“Aha,” There, the holy log laid before you. Sitting in a small clearing.
“Here we are!” She plops down, and so do you. Finally relaxing your shoulders, you place the basket down beside your feet.
Once again, this tranquility soothes your nerves away, a lullaby to stay awake to. The forest song welcomes you to the two. Leaves shake in greetings as a breeze kisses your cheek. The birds chuckle before flying off.
“So, the nighttime scares. Hmm, they started about a month ago, and people’s ankles were getting bitten. Mainly, men, women, and kids were only scared off. Some call it the devil, others report seeing a fox do all this.” The blue-haired girl giggled. “Can you believe it? A fox?”
You laughed along. It all sounds absurd. A fox biting men? Sounds like a wonderful dream… “Hey, Miwa?” Your smile dropped, eyes baring wide for the winds to cut tears into.
“Yeah?” She smiled gently, eyes slightly hesitant as your tone sounded serious, so suddenly.
“Uhm—how do I say this? —Have you seen this scary tiger in your dreams? Not aggressive or anything; it just sits there and watches. Stipes endlessly spilling off, with these daunting round eyes that want answers." You shivered at the thought…or the wind.
The forest no longer sung, quietude took over. She whispered, pure horror on her face for the briefest moment. Miwa hesitated; the words slowly left her mouth as she processed your words. With utter confidence, as if this was common knowledge to all. A brazen fact you cannot mistake for anything else. An equilibrium, the perfect answer from a long equation. A fact.
“People don’t dream.”
The clouds draped over the sun, stealing away all that warmth. A chill ran down Miwa’s spine. In a panic, she glanced around the surroundings and there, deep within the forest echoed the cracking of branches beneath steady paws.
Then a howl.
She waited no longer to find out, grabbing your hand and running back with you. Tears escape your eyes from the wind blowing at you two once more. The world had stopped for a moment. A very brief moment. How odd…
Upon reaching the main street of the market. The busiest hours have ended, people were still strolling through, bards were singing songs of jolly, and that white cat is sitting in the center of the street.
She held your hand tight, looking back to make sure you guys were safe. "That was scary.” She laughed it off.
Something was missing. “Oh dear!”
Startling her. “What! What is it?”
“The basket of, of berries and fruits! The one you gave me, I left it by the log. In the hurry, I couldn't pick it up, oh noo.” Too scared to go back, you crouch onto the ground, trying to calm your breathing. Your chest began to sting after the sudden run. Your legs were pained, and bending your knees hurt. Yet, the sudden purring of a familiar feline settled your doubts and pains.
Miwa patted your back. Helping you up, as she held your arms and back. “Hey, there-there, it's alright. I’ve grown plenty, don't fret.” She noticed the kitty. Squealing with joy. “AHHH KITTYYY!!!” Deafening your ears. You sit down onto the cobble road to rest yourself.
You tried laughing it off but doubt forever lingers. Why did it howl? Tigers do not howl. There should be no wolves near…You two were barely inside the forest, how was such a heavy creature nearby? Why hadn't it attacked? You two were defenseless. Completely defenseless. Surely it wasn't those beasts. Those nightmarish creatures…no, they belong to the rotten fields. They couldn't live in such happy and populated areas in the bright, where the sun can shine.
What was that?
Glancing up, the two of them were strolling towards the market. “Guys!” You struggle onto your feet, following fast after them. “Wait up!”
The Sun was lying lower in the sky, perhaps two hours before sunset? The market still seemed as mystical as before. Constant conversations with bickering bargains. There were many elderly people buying fruits and vegetables around you. All the stalls and shops had some people, but this one, right before your eyes, had none. No customers. Yet, strangely, Miwa made a detour towards it. Weapons were laid about as toys. This seller’s lair was laced with a taste of prestige and honor. A green-haired girl sat at the front, bangs covering her eyes as she yawned.
“Hey! Mai! Wake up!” Miwa ran over to the front of the stall, waving her eager hands at Mai. Her radiant beam instantly disrupted the sleepy bird’s rest.
The swords lady groaned. “Miwa shut uuuupp,” she sat erect, sizing you up and down. “Oh? And you are...?”
Miwa teased, “C’mon, you know~” The other only rolled her eyes.
“Of course I do. You’re the fool who ventured to the rotten fields alone.” She turned around and picked up a dagger. Scoffing, she reaches her hand out. “You're lucky to even be alive.” She had a mean look in her eyes. If she were an apex predator, she would have bitten your head off by now. You hesitate to step back, holding onto your satchel strap.
Miwa stomps her feet like an annoyed parent. “Be nice. She just recovered.” Glancing over to you with an apologetic sigh, on her friend’s behalf. Your eye contact cut mid second as a sharp and shiny blade reflected your own eyes instead of the blue girl’s.
“Here.” Shrugged Mai. Placing the silver dagger onto the countertop.
You blink at her. One hard blink.
Just how friendly are these people? Who gives away freshly picked berries that could have fetched a fine price and a perfectly shiny dagger with a blade more reflective than rivers?
She sighs, calling you a blundering buffoon underneath her breath. “You.”
“Yeah?” You felt a little startled, going right into defensive mode. She might just go off on you, berate you for your injuries, for going alone to fight at the rotten fields...Alone? Wait, just why had you gone? You were not alone. You know that well. Speaking off friends...where were they?
“Hello? Snap out of your daydreams.” Mai curtly snapped her fingers before your face. Laughing, once your frazzled eyes met her. She leaned onto the table, picking up the dagger and swirling it between her fingers. “That shaft of yours seems ushed and battered, I doubt your daggers of any sharpness. It’s as good as shrapnel to reuse if you ask me.” She sighed as if this were the most obvious bit of knowledge in the world. Miwa, the cat cradled in her arms, tilted her head, unaware of your dagger that hung at your belt loop. “Give it to me.” She instructs you.
As offended as you were, you handed over your weapon. Sure enough, that thing has definitely seen some heroic days. A chunk of the blade was missing. HOW?? The edges were roughed up and the leather on the handle was worn and torn, slowly comin off. It smelled awful. Yeah, that weapon of yours has definitely seen some better days. Probably survived through the worst of ‘em.
She gave you a nasty look and threw that thing to the back. Gagging, as she looked you over with disgust. “You are not using that piece of cow dung.” Nose pinched high, her lips turned to a frown, even the cat woke up and freed itself from Miwa’s grasp. Just to get away from that stank.
The blue girl giggled as you reluctantly took the finer, silver dagger and placed it onto the belt loop. Yes, the green girl had you throw away that worn shaft. Not that it mattered to you; not anymore. Accepting defeat, she looked down on you, because she's taller, with a triumphant smirk. “Weaklings like you need a better weapon than that to protect yourselves.” She chucked.
“Did you make that dagger? It looks really good.” Miwa piped up, looking at Mai.
The latter seemed offended at the mere thought that she would create something so disgusting and worthless. Coughing up a sound of disgust, she chuckled. “Please, my worst creations compete with my sister’s best.” She rolled her eyes, smiling with pride. You scoffed. Did this Mai girl seriously just throw her least-favored item at you? No wonder she sold it without a cost. She threw you her trash! But as they say: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. The dagger still seemed effective and sharp. Better than what you had previously.
“Have you heard of the Fox that’s been roaming around at night?”
“Miwa, please, everyone knows about that rabid dog.” She groans, turning around to sharpen a blade.
“Strange, don’t you think? Animals here are rather peaceful.” Miwa replied, pouting at Mai’s snarky response.
You stood, being one with the dancing grass for this conversation.
“Haven’t you heard the rumors?” She glanced around, whispering. “That mut’s face if odd. Those of the men who have survived say it looked like the fox had a leather orange fox mask on.”
Stunned, you gasp, catching her attention. Miwa was holding onto your arm by now, shivering in her own boots. “That’s quite unsettling.” She quivered; her fear soon turned into playful anger upon witnessing her friend’s sneaky smirk fighting through. “Why would you say that! Now I’m gonna have nightmares~” She whined, shaking your shoulders.
Mai halted her work to lean over the counter and pinch your cheeks. “Ha! Ya goin’ ta shit yourself or somethin’, go cry to mommy about your nightmares too, okay?” With a feigned caring baby voice, she cooed at you.
“Oh, please, you’re lying. How would an animal even wear a mask?” You reason back, crossing your arms.
“Why would a fox go rogue and attack people? Men, to be specific?” She retorts, mimicking your confidant face and cocking a brow.
Miwa coming between you two. “Alright, that’s enough. I still need to buy bread.”
You remembered the list that the strange doctor lady gave you. To buy some bread. “Oh, I do too.” You sheepishly mention. Looking up at the sky, washed over by an orangish blue blend. Huh, time sure flew by.
The two of you bid farewell to Mai and run down the cobbled road towards the Town’s most favored bakery. According to Miwa, it is owned by a really sweet lady. Upon nearing the building, it seemed adorable. With small tables lined up before the front windows. As the two of you entered, bells chimed to announce your arrival. The store was rather empty, with only a blond-haired older man sitting at the window seat with a cup of tea and a delicious sandwich before him. His eyes were trained onto the piece of paper in his hands, a newspaper perhaps? Though it was smaller than most of what you remembered.
The sales lady greeted you both with a bubbly smile. “Why are you two out so late?”
“Well, I was busy showing her around the market,” Miwa shyly admitted, scratching her head. “I came to buy those soft buns my mother always buys!”
The sales lady chuckled, lightly scolding her about distractions, before walking to the back and bringing out a basket of bread buns. There were plenty. The lady was packing about ten of those into another basket for your friend to take home. Wrapping them in red and white checkered cloth. “Here you go, dear.” She hands them over to bubbly Miwa. You giggle at their adorable interaction, yet over Miwa’s shoulder, you could see the man longingly stare at the bakery lady’s smile. The sight itself warmed your heart with a longing for someone. But who would that person be? You cannot remember. Not now, because the lady is staring at you.
“And what about you, young one?”
“I was told to buy bread,” You blurted out, feeling embarrassed at her motherly chuckle. You rummage in your satchel. “Uhm, ah---here!” Pulling out two gold coins, you put them onto the counter. “The, uh, oh, I don’t know her name, the ahh healer lady! Yes, the doctor asked me to buy some bread for her, so could I have the same bread buns as hers? Just without the basket.” You politely ask, fiddling with your bag strap. Who knew a pretty woman could make you so nervous?
As you reached forward to receive your buns wrapped in cloth, the bandage wraps poked out from under your hands. Earning a concerned gasp from the sweet lady. “Oh dear! What happened?”
You smile back, now that she brought your attention back to your wounds; they began to hurt and sting. “I woke up today.”
“Ah?” The lady looked at you, confused.
Miwa nudged you, making you hiss. “She means from a month-long coma.”
“Ahh, so you’re the kid they found?!” Now it's her turn to be stunned. The bread lady scratches her head, groaning. As if she couldn’t remember something. “Ahh, what was it called? Oh, whatever, my great-grandmother used to make this specific herbal tea for all the knights who went out into the Rotten fields to keep their souls and sanity.” Racking her brains, she told you both to wait. Running to the back of her store.
A calm, soothing voice spoke up. “Yarrow and Astragalus.”
Both girls turn around to stare at this man’s random, albeit helpful, interjection. Perhaps the golden-haired fellow felt bashful, as he apologized. “My apologies, I meant not to overhear or interject myself into your conversations. However, since the answer is what I know, I thought it best not to shield.”
You thanked the kind man, while Miwa had a few questions. “That’s impressive, mister! How do you know?” He placed his book down to fully engage in the conversation, adjusting his glasses lower on his nose bridge.
“I served as a knight during my younger days. I still drink this brew, regardless of whether I am entering those fields or not.” His laugh was airy, gaze melting into the fading sunlight. Miwa continued conversing with the man as you began to look around the store, thinking.
He might have been reminiscing about his youth, perhaps of someone close from those days. Maybe a bubbly, charming guy, the type that would complement his standoffish and awkward personality. Did he even have friends? He seems quite content with solitude.
The thunder of stumbling footsteps returned. Bangs stick to her forehead as she consumes all the air in the room. “The plants,” she stops her speech to breathe. After regaining some breath and dignity, she resumes. “The plants my granma’ mentioned were Yarrow and Astragalus. A pearlish little bundle of smaller flowers and a striking purple, pinkish plant.” She announced proudly.
You produce sounds of understanding; your eyes are more fixated on the thick little book in her hands. That man’s voice spoke up again. “The former allows for wounds to heal faster, while the latter betters the overall health of the person.” He states gently.
Impressed, the lady chuckles. “You seem to know a lot, there.” She glances over at the stunning customer. The golden gleam was slowly slipping away from his face. As the evening dawned on her. “You two, go. It’s getting late, here.” She extended her hand with the book.
Miwa shakes her head before glancing at you. “You should take it. I already have one at home.”
You did your best in declining, but she insisted and had you pack it into your satchel with all the bred. Waving you both out the door, as it chimed once more.
The sun has set now, and the skies are painted purple. Another hour before dark. The streetlamps are all being lit up. The two of you stroll down the street. “I had a wonderful time with you today.” She smiled, halting in her footsteps. “I can go on my own, my home is quite near here. Thank you for escorting me home and run back safely! The Doctor’s house is quite far from here.” She patted your back and waved you goodbye. You watched as she walked down the street, fading over the hill’s bend.
A chill down your spine. It is cold once more. The road back home, the Doctor's place is your temporary residence, she surely wouldn’t mind. Down the path straight is the roof you shall sleep under. It was a long way down. The town has lost its fairy touch. No longer made for a story of childish glee; it made one's skin crawl and flee.
The moon shone brightly down the path, guiding you home. A gentle hand, a protector. Not all beauty is lost at night. The forest sings a lullaby to itself, soon delving into a blissful slumber.
Then a crunch.
From behind.
You dare not glance back. You know exactly what it was. All the rumors you heard? By almost everyone you met. Why now? Why you? You walk faster. Perhaps you just imagined it. It might’ve been your own footsteps, after all, and it's just your paranoia and fear taking over.
Your heart sank. Fear is fully seeping into your mind.
The sound of leaves crunching also quickens in pace.
You take off running. Like a soaring kite in summer’s day. Unable to look back, your feet take you wherever. Stumbling over the cracks in the road. You hear a lady laughing behind you. Tears slip out of your eyes as you
Run through the market, past all the stalls. All who looked so lovely during the day now haunting and daunting at night.
Making a detour through the bushes, you ran wherever your feet took you. Through the sleeping forest, jumping over branches as the follower neared your rear.
It’ll eat you next time! That creature is a horror!
The log! You reach for your dagger, yet as you do, you trip over a tree’s leg. Landing right onto the ground, hitting the log.
Your heart is racing. Glancing around you see...
No one.
After a moment, your body aches terribly.
Then a crunch. One after another. Two auburn ears poke out from under the bushes.
A fox.
A FOX???
It lunges at you.
With your right hand you swiftly bring forth your dagger and slash its arms. That green girl had not lied. It truly looked terrifying. It was as if it wore a child’s mask.
Fighting it off with your legs, kicking. You reach back with your left hand, grabbing at nothing until you squish something.
The berries!
You grab a handful and throw it at the fox. Woh seems distracted by the scent.
Granting you the perfect opportunity to strike. You hold it down with both hands and climb atop it. With the silver dagger, you pry its mask off. You don’t know why. It just felt right.
A flash of light came to be. Blinding you entirely.
Your eyes black out. Vision? GONE.
As if all the exhaustion of the day crashed into your body at once.
You passed out.
Yawning, you are woken up by two familiar voices chatting beside you in rushed tones and worried tongues. Afraid for your safety, you blink open your eyes. Heart rate accelerating once more. Sitting up to see...the doctor? With a girl? Who? ...!
You groan, weak, whispering her name. Rubbing the sleep out of your eyes.
A Yaelokre-inspired fantasy fanfiction. You awake in unfamiliar lands, in a foreign bed, with all your friends missing after a mission. Frazzled, you are tasked with adventuring through this dreamscape-esque town to regain your memories of the battle and friends. But what happens when you can't find their bodies in time?
《Word count: 4.7k 》
pt.2 pt.3
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟
Darkness surrounds you. Infecting your lungs, puncturing your head, and stalling your breathing till you take all the air from the room, in an inhale, and blowing your eyes open.
Unfamiliar hospital bed. Strange, colorful meds in vials, marinating herbs. Scent alone fills you with tranquility, fleeing from the Dream Tiger’s grasp.
What was that?
A glimpse of pinkish orange fur brushed past you. Within this dreamscape, hiding behind objects of irrelevance and blocks of forgotten crucial memories, it watched.
Nightly inky stripes fizzling into your pool of consciousness, contaminating the waters of clarity. The Dream Tiger hung around your slumber state. It wanted something. Slit eyes boring into the background of every reality record—if any remains—replaying.
It wanted something. ‘What if it fed off my dreams?’
Entered a paranoid thought. Lying awake, encased by cotton sheets, providing warmth even during early spring’s rigid days. Perhaps the bated breeze brought the cold in from the window right before you.
Sitting up, you contemplate closing it. Soon the door hinge pointed down, clinked. A woman with tired eyes and smoke whisking away at the ends of her lips. Dressed in a straight, pearl coat. Dirtied at the ends and cuffs. Bearing no fashionable semblance or authoritative energy, she seemed to be a good person.
An unfamiliar feeling creeps in. Everything about her screams familiarity. Your mouth instinctively opens to call out a name, yet the only sound escaping is that of a chicken’s cawk. Awkward…
She sighs, walking over to shut the window before facing you. “You should be well by eve. I suggest you leave when you feel better.” Confused, you glance down; both arms and torso are fully wrapped in bandages. Taped onto your chest is a talisman. “That is good luck. Mother Nature always heals her children. That talisman puts you on the priority list—you could say.” The caring, exhausted nurse reassures you.
She walks over with a medical instrument in hand. For the next ten minutes she took your vitals and measured bruising and scars.
How did you end up here?
Meekly, you cough up a “Miss?”
She hums in response, fully focused on a chart.
“Do you know how this happened to me?” She clicks her pen and drops it onto the paper.
“You were found bloodied and unconscious at the Battle crossroads. The entire field was damaged. A white-haired fellow had retrieved your dead body."
“Dead body?” You tilt your head, shaking it. “What about the others?”
“Others?”
“Yes, there were four of us. Another girl, mask of a fox, a boy with a tiger mask and then another with a wolf’s.” Quivering, questions continue to bubble. “Where are they?”
A final puff, she sighs. “Just you.” Throwing her blunt away, she begins to scribble away at a separate piece of paper. “He did mention that they are looking for three missing children…I’m sure they’ll be found, dear.”
Your heart sunk so low, you couldn't keep it.
“You were presumed to be dead, but…” She trails off, grabbing another cigarette. Her gruffy voice continues to speak. “You were under a coma.”
“For how long?”
“A month. You’re roughly healed now. Don't strain yourself too much; it'll reopen the wounds.” She helps you out of bed by the next morning.
Before you had left, she had placed a pouch into your hands.
“Here, the white-haired fellow had left some extra coins for you. Take this and buy me some bread while you adventure the market. Perhaps you’ll remember something…” She coughed. “By nightfall, return here.”
By the time you had exited the Healer’s home, she had fixed you up with a satchel, in it a pouch of medicine, and pale cloths to rewrap your wounds with. Tasking you with visiting the market.
The town was overgrown with vines, the scent of petrichor filling your nose with ecstasy. The taste of bones and blood still lingers on your tongue. Glimpses of the four of you still return to your mind as your eyes glaze over the tall mountains in the back. Snow tips peaking over roofs; a chill fragrant lure you to the gardenscapes.
The healer’s garden is filled with strange herbs and pretty flowers. A nest of honey hung at the back of a large, entrancing tree. All the trees are here. Dark bark with branches caressing the roof stops and above, kissing the clouds by daybreak.
A Woodland Fairytale. There were cats roaming about, freely, everywhere. A white one stares at you, while your eyes feast on every flower, every cloud, and every cat. Until catching a glimpse of that Furr ball.
It leaps down from the trees, circling your legs, purring. You haven’t moved a step from the doctor’s door. The cat paws on your thighs, then walks off. Glancing back. A sign. For you to follow along.
And you do, because who wouldn't? This possibly couldn't be a kidnapping. Kidnapping by a cat? Please, fantasy world crimes would be far worse.
Your feet were taking one step too soon after the other, catching up to the feline. Yet by the time you turned into a street corner, the kitty was nowhere to be found. Instead, you were overwhelmed with delicious smells and flowery scents.
Before you were stalls sprawling across kilometers of green grass fields. A main dirt road sat in the center, lined on both sides, were blooming businesses with charming salespeople who were selling all kinds of products.
Banners with wind wheels spun above their heads, as the sun shone down onto everyone. Your eyes were scanning for a bread stall. Taking the first steps from under that cute banner, a sweet, blue-haired girl waved you over.
She wore a worn straw hat with a sunflower strung onto it. Probably a hand-me-down from her father, not the most stylish hat. Her blue overalls were earthy, leaves poking out of her pockets as she grinned brighter at your approach.
“You’re the person who was recently rescued, right?” Her summer sky bright eyes gleamed at you. Glancing over your wraps, before speaking once more. “I heard from my siblings that you got here a month ago? Mother overheard you had been in battle?” You nod. Unsure how to feel about this girl. Is she a friend yet? “Why, you’re so brave!” She clapped her hands together, turning around, searching for something from her baskets. She whips around with a basket of berries. “Grandmother told me these help with healing and bring good fortune!” She takes your wrist and places the handle into your palm.
Giving you no time to resist. “N-no, I, I cannot accept. You are so friendly, my heart melts from your words alone.” You smile back, feeling a twinge of guilt for even being forced to accept these offerings? Gifts. How strange, people are oddly friendly. Perhaps it might just be her though, no need to generalise.
“Oh, c’mon! I grew these myself! Besides with all the nighttime scares that have been happening, everyone needs a bit of luck. Don’t ya think?” She shrugs, placing it onto the counter.
Do others also get that nightmarish tiger in their dreams? You thought of asking her about it. “Nighttime scares?”
“Yeah, haven't you heard—wait; you did just wake up after a month—OH! I have much to tell!” She sparked, glancing behind you to see a customer. She turned around and yelled, “MA, COULD YOU TAKE OVER NOW? I’LL GO BUY SOME BREAD!” An older woman’s voice yelled back an affirmative answer, and your new friend popped out of the stall. Her mother? could be an aunt, stepped out from the back and into her spot. “Miwa, get the soft buns, alright?”
“Okay!” She waved her off. Grabbing you by the hand, she led you a little further from the market into the forest area.
“Your name’s Miwa?” You asked, eyes trained onto the natural obstacle course of not stepping into the mud of tripping on any pebbles.
“Hm? Oh, yeah.” She jumps over a branch. “There's a really nice log up ahead. My friends and I hang out around there all the time!” She laughed, leading the way.
“Ah~, well my name is—” Miwa cuts you off, giggling.
“I know your name, don’t worry.” You look at her horrified, soon laughing at her worried expression. “I mean, ever since teacher rescued you, you’ve been uh, like a Hero. The kid who survived in the Rotten fields. Notorious place of death, many don’t survive…” Her voice fizzled out. “Uhm, yeah most cannot survive the beasts that lay there.”
You feel worried, saddened by her distracted eyes and frown. Trying to change the topic, you return to “What are these night terrors?” You almost tripped on a rock.
She smiles; face furrowed in confusion. Laughing lightly, she mutters quietly. “Huh? night terrors…Oh! You mean the nighttime scares?”
“Aha,” There, the holy log laid before you. Sitting in a small clearing.
“Here we are!” She plops down, and so do you. Finally relaxing your shoulders, you place the basket down beside your feet.
Once again, this tranquility soothes your nerves away, a lullaby to stay awake to. The forest song welcomes you to the two. Leaves shake in greetings as a breeze kisses your cheek. The birds chuckle before flying off.
“So, the nighttime scares. Hmm, they started about a month ago, and people’s ankles were getting bitten. Mainly, men, women, and kids were only scared off. Some call it the devil, others report seeing a fox do all this.” The blue-haired girl giggled. “Can you believe it? A fox?”
You laughed along. It all sounds absurd. A fox biting men? Sounds like a wonderful dream… “Hey, Miwa?” Your smile dropped, eyes baring wide for the winds to cut tears into.
“Yeah?” She smiled gently, eyes slightly hesitant as your tone sounded serious, so suddenly.
“Uhm—how do I say this? —Have you seen this scary tiger in your dreams? Not aggressive or anything; it just sits there and watches. Stipes endlessly spilling off, with these daunting round eyes that want answers." You shivered at the thought…or the wind.
The forest no longer sung, quietude took over. She whispered, pure horror on her face for the briefest moment. Miwa hesitated; the words slowly left her mouth as she processed your words. With utter confidence, as if this was common knowledge to all. A brazen fact you cannot mistake for anything else. An equilibrium, the perfect answer from a long equation. A fact.
“People don’t dream.”
The clouds draped over the sun, stealing away all that warmth. A chill ran down Miwa’s spine. In a panic, she glanced around the surroundings and there, deep within the forest echoed the cracking of branches beneath steady paws.
Then a howl.
She waited no longer to find out, grabbing your hand and running back with you. Tears escape your eyes from the wind blowing at you two once more. The world had stopped for a moment. A very brief moment. How odd…
Upon reaching the main street of the market. The busiest hours have ended, people were still strolling through, bards were singing songs of jolly, and that white cat is sitting in the center of the street.
She held your hand tight, looking back to make sure you guys were safe. "That was scary.” She laughed it off.
Something was missing. “Oh dear!”
Startling her. “What! What is it?”
“The basket of, of berries and fruits! The one you gave me, I left it by the log. In the hurry, I couldn't pick it up, oh noo.” Too scared to go back, you crouch onto the ground, trying to calm your breathing. Your chest began to sting after the sudden run. Your legs were pained, and bending your knees hurt. Yet, the sudden purring of a familiar feline settled your doubts and pains.
Miwa patted your back. Helping you up, as she held your arms and back. “Hey, there-there, it's alright. I’ve grown plenty, don't fret.” She noticed the kitty. Squealing with joy. “AHHH KITTYYY!!!” Deafening your ears. You sit down onto the cobble road to rest yourself.
You tried laughing it off but doubt forever lingers. Why did it howl? Tigers do not howl. There should be no wolves near…You two were barely inside the forest, how was such a heavy creature nearby? Why hadn't it attacked? You two were defenseless. Completely defenseless. Surely it wasn't those beasts. Those nightmarish creatures…no, they belong to the rotten fields. They couldn't live in such happy and populated areas in the bright, where the sun can shine.
What was that?
Glancing up, the two of them were strolling towards the market. “Guys!” You struggle onto your feet, following fast after them. “Wait up!”
The Sun was lying lower in the sky, perhaps two hours before sunset? The market still seemed as mystical as before. Constant conversations with bickering bargains. There were many elderly people buying fruits and vegetables around you. All the stalls and shops had some people, but this one, right before your eyes, had none. No customers. Yet, strangely, Miwa made a detour towards it. Weapons were laid about as toys. This seller’s lair was laced with a taste of prestige and honor. A green-haired girl sat at the front, bangs covering her eyes as she yawned.
“Hey! Mai! Wake up!” Miwa ran over to the front of the stall, waving her eager hands at Mai. Her radiant beam instantly disrupted the sleepy bird’s rest.
The swords lady groaned. “Miwa shut uuuupp,” she sat erect, sizing you up and down. “Oh? And you are...?”
Miwa teased, “C’mon, you know~” The other only rolled her eyes.
“Of course I do. You’re the fool who ventured to the rotten fields alone.” She turned around and picked up a dagger. Scoffing, she reaches her hand out. “You're lucky to even be alive.” She had a mean look in her eyes. If she were an apex predator, she would have bitten your head off by now. You hesitate to step back, holding onto your satchel strap.
Miwa stomps her feet like an annoyed parent. “Be nice. She just recovered.” Glancing over to you with an apologetic sigh, on her friend’s behalf. Your eye contact cut mid second as a sharp and shiny blade reflected your own eyes instead of the blue girl’s.
“Here.” Shrugged Mai. Placing the silver dagger onto the countertop.
You blink at her. One hard blink.
Just how friendly are these people? Who gives away freshly picked berries that could have fetched a fine price and a perfectly shiny dagger with a blade more reflective than rivers?
She sighs, calling you a blundering buffoon underneath her breath. “You.”
“Yeah?” You felt a little startled, going right into defensive mode. She might just go off on you, berate you for your injuries, for going alone to fight at the rotten fields...Alone? Wait, just why had you gone? You were not alone. You know that well. Speaking off friends...where were they?
“Hello? Snap out of your daydreams.” Mai curtly snapped her fingers before your face. Laughing, once your frazzled eyes met her. She leaned onto the table, picking up the dagger and swirling it between her fingers. “That shaft of yours seems ushed and battered, I doubt your daggers of any sharpness. It’s as good as shrapnel to reuse if you ask me.” She sighed as if this were the most obvious bit of knowledge in the world. Miwa, the cat cradled in her arms, tilted her head, unaware of your dagger that hung at your belt loop. “Give it to me.” She instructs you.
As offended as you were, you handed over your weapon. Sure enough, that thing has definitely seen some heroic days. A chunk of the blade was missing. HOW?? The edges were roughed up and the leather on the handle was worn and torn, slowly comin off. It smelled awful. Yeah, that weapon of yours has definitely seen some better days. Probably survived through the worst of ‘em.
She gave you a nasty look and threw that thing to the back. Gagging, as she looked you over with disgust. “You are not using that piece of cow dung.” Nose pinched high, her lips turned to a frown, even the cat woke up and freed itself from Miwa’s grasp. Just to get away from that stank.
The blue girl giggled as you reluctantly took the finer, silver dagger and placed it onto the belt loop. Yes, the green girl had you throw away that worn shaft. Not that it mattered to you; not anymore. Accepting defeat, she looked down on you, because she's taller, with a triumphant smirk. “Weaklings like you need a better weapon than that to protect yourselves.” She chucked.
“Did you make that dagger? It looks really good.” Miwa piped up, looking at Mai.
The latter seemed offended at the mere thought that she would create something so disgusting and worthless. Coughing up a sound of disgust, she chuckled. “Please, my worst creations compete with my sister’s best.” She rolled her eyes, smiling with pride. You scoffed. Did this Mai girl seriously just throw her least-favored item at you? No wonder she sold it without a cost. She threw you her trash! But as they say: One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. The dagger still seemed effective and sharp. Better than what you had previously.
“Have you heard of the Fox that’s been roaming around at night?”
“Miwa, please, everyone knows about that rabid dog.” She groans, turning around to sharpen a blade.
“Strange, don’t you think? Animals here are rather peaceful.” Miwa replied, pouting at Mai’s snarky response.
You stood, being one with the dancing grass for this conversation.
“Haven’t you heard the rumors?” She glanced around, whispering. “That mut’s face if odd. Those of the men who have survived say it looked like the fox had a leather orange fox mask on.”
Stunned, you gasp, catching her attention. Miwa was holding onto your arm by now, shivering in her own boots. “That’s quite unsettling.” She quivered; her fear soon turned into playful anger upon witnessing her friend’s sneaky smirk fighting through. “Why would you say that! Now I’m gonna have nightmares~” She whined, shaking your shoulders.
Mai halted her work to lean over the counter and pinch your cheeks. “Ha! Ya goin’ ta shit yourself or somethin’, go cry to mommy about your nightmares too, okay?” With a feigned caring baby voice, she cooed at you.
“Oh, please, you’re lying. How would an animal even wear a mask?” You reason back, crossing your arms.
“Why would a fox go rogue and attack people? Men, to be specific?” She retorts, mimicking your confidant face and cocking a brow.
Miwa coming between you two. “Alright, that’s enough. I still need to buy bread.”
You remembered the list that the strange doctor lady gave you. To buy some bread. “Oh, I do too.” You sheepishly mention. Looking up at the sky, washed over by an orangish blue blend. Huh, time sure flew by.
The two of you bid farewell to Mai and run down the cobbled road towards the Town’s most favored bakery. According to Miwa, it is owned by a really sweet lady. Upon nearing the building, it seemed adorable. With small tables lined up before the front windows. As the two of you entered, bells chimed to announce your arrival. The store was rather empty, with only a blond-haired older man sitting at the window seat with a cup of tea and a delicious sandwich before him. His eyes were trained onto the piece of paper in his hands, a newspaper perhaps? Though it was smaller than most of what you remembered.
The sales lady greeted you both with a bubbly smile. “Why are you two out so late?”
“Well, I was busy showing her around the market,” Miwa shyly admitted, scratching her head. “I came to buy those soft buns my mother always buys!”
The sales lady chuckled, lightly scolding her about distractions, before walking to the back and bringing out a basket of bread buns. There were plenty. The lady was packing about ten of those into another basket for your friend to take home. Wrapping them in red and white checkered cloth. “Here you go, dear.” She hands them over to bubbly Miwa. You giggle at their adorable interaction, yet over Miwa’s shoulder, you could see the man longingly stare at the bakery lady’s smile. The sight itself warmed your heart with a longing for someone. But who would that person be? You cannot remember. Not now, because the lady is staring at you.
“And what about you, young one?”
“I was told to buy bread,” You blurted out, feeling embarrassed at her motherly chuckle. You rummage in your satchel. “Uhm, ah---here!” Pulling out two gold coins, you put them onto the counter. “The, uh, oh, I don’t know her name, the ahh healer lady! Yes, the doctor asked me to buy some bread for her, so could I have the same bread buns as hers? Just without the basket.” You politely ask, fiddling with your bag strap. Who knew a pretty woman could make you so nervous?
As you reached forward to receive your buns wrapped in cloth, the bandage wraps poked out from under your hands. Earning a concerned gasp from the sweet lady. “Oh dear! What happened?”
You smile back, now that she brought your attention back to your wounds; they began to hurt and sting. “I woke up today.”
“Ah?” The lady looked at you, confused.
Miwa nudged you, making you hiss. “She means from a month-long coma.”
“Ahh, so you’re the kid they found?!” Now it's her turn to be stunned. The bread lady scratches her head, groaning. As if she couldn’t remember something. “Ahh, what was it called? Oh, whatever, my great-grandmother used to make this specific herbal tea for all the knights who went out into the Rotten fields to keep their souls and sanity.” Racking her brains, she told you both to wait. Running to the back of her store.
A calm, soothing voice spoke up. “Yarrow and Astragalus.”
Both girls turn around to stare at this man’s random, albeit helpful, interjection. Perhaps the golden-haired fellow felt bashful, as he apologized. “My apologies, I meant not to overhear or interject myself into your conversations. However, since the answer is what I know, I thought it best not to shield.”
You thanked the kind man, while Miwa had a few questions. “That’s impressive, mister! How do you know?” He placed his book down to fully engage in the conversation, adjusting his glasses lower on his nose bridge.
“I served as a knight during my younger days. I still drink this brew, regardless of whether I am entering those fields or not.” His laugh was airy, gaze melting into the fading sunlight. Miwa continued conversing with the man as you began to look around the store, thinking.
He might have been reminiscing about his youth, perhaps of someone close from those days. Maybe a bubbly, charming guy, the type that would complement his standoffish and awkward personality. Did he even have friends? He seems quite content with solitude.
The thunder of stumbling footsteps returned. Bangs stick to her forehead as she consumes all the air in the room. “The plants,” she stops her speech to breathe. After regaining some breath and dignity, she resumes. “The plants my granma’ mentioned were Yarrow and Astragalus. A pearlish little bundle of smaller flowers and a striking purple, pinkish plant.” She announced proudly.
You produce sounds of understanding; your eyes are more fixated on the thick little book in her hands. That man’s voice spoke up again. “The former allows for wounds to heal faster, while the latter betters the overall health of the person.” He states gently.
Impressed, the lady chuckles. “You seem to know a lot, there.” She glances over at the stunning customer. The golden gleam was slowly slipping away from his face. As the evening dawned on her. “You two, go. It’s getting late, here.” She extended her hand with the book.
Miwa shakes her head before glancing at you. “You should take it. I already have one at home.”
You did your best in declining, but she insisted and had you pack it into your satchel with all the bred. Waving you both out the door, as it chimed once more.
The sun has set now, and the skies are painted purple. Another hour before dark. The streetlamps are all being lit up. The two of you stroll down the street. “I had a wonderful time with you today.” She smiled, halting in her footsteps. “I can go on my own, my home is quite near here. Thank you for escorting me home and run back safely! The Doctor’s house is quite far from here.” She patted your back and waved you goodbye. You watched as she walked down the street, fading over the hill’s bend.
A chill down your spine. It is cold once more. The road back home, the Doctor's place is your temporary residence, she surely wouldn’t mind. Down the path straight is the roof you shall sleep under. It was a long way down. The town has lost its fairy touch. No longer made for a story of childish glee; it made one's skin crawl and flee.
The moon shone brightly down the path, guiding you home. A gentle hand, a protector. Not all beauty is lost at night. The forest sings a lullaby to itself, soon delving into a blissful slumber.
Then a crunch.
From behind.
You dare not glance back. You know exactly what it was. All the rumors you heard? By almost everyone you met. Why now? Why you? You walk faster. Perhaps you just imagined it. It might’ve been your own footsteps, after all, and it's just your paranoia and fear taking over.
Your heart sank. Fear is fully seeping into your mind.
The sound of leaves crunching also quickens in pace.
You take off running. Like a soaring kite in summer’s day. Unable to look back, your feet take you wherever. Stumbling over the cracks in the road. You hear a lady laughing behind you. Tears slip out of your eyes as you
Run through the market, past all the stalls. All who looked so lovely during the day now haunting and daunting at night.
Making a detour through the bushes, you ran wherever your feet took you. Through the sleeping forest, jumping over branches as the follower neared your rear.
It’ll eat you next time! That creature is a horror!
The log! You reach for your dagger, yet as you do, you trip over a tree’s leg. Landing right onto the ground, hitting the log.
Your heart is racing. Glancing around you see...
No one.
After a moment, your body aches terribly.
Then a crunch. One after another. Two auburn ears poke out from under the bushes.
A fox.
A FOX???
It lunges at you.
With your right hand you swiftly bring forth your dagger and slash its arms. That green girl had not lied. It truly looked terrifying. It was as if it wore a child’s mask.
Fighting it off with your legs, kicking. You reach back with your left hand, grabbing at nothing until you squish something.
The berries!
You grab a handful and throw it at the fox. Woh seems distracted by the scent.
Granting you the perfect opportunity to strike. You hold it down with both hands and climb atop it. With the silver dagger, you pry its mask off. You don’t know why. It just felt right.
A flash of light came to be. Blinding you entirely.
Your eyes black out. Vision? GONE.
As if all the exhaustion of the day crashed into your body at once.
You passed out.
Yawning, you are woken up by two familiar voices chatting beside you in rushed tones and worried tongues. Afraid for your safety, you blink open your eyes. Heart rate accelerating once more. Sitting up to see...the doctor? With a girl? Who? ...!
You groan, weak, whispering her name. Rubbing the sleep out of your eyes.
Satoru's head swirls with theorums, equations and you. Fantasies that shall never seek daylight. He loves you. Loves you lots, too deeply. Too much for staying friends, more than being besties (That's how you call it).
He's known you for two years. You've seen his ugly, booger faced bratty behaviour from a year ago—not that much changed, he's still a bitch—but now he's better! Suguru libarated him.
So why?
Why won't you confess you like him back?
He knows you're smart. You think you're a fool, but thats a lie you both play into. On a particularily bad day, you offered him an umbrella and the test answers. He's had heart eyes since.
Driving both Suguru and Shoko up the fucking wall with his endless yapping. They know your life better than you do. If a kahoot game on your life was in session you'd be in third place. Mr. Nonchalant blue eyed king, forever a winner is first, mother chainsmoker is second by ten points. Suguru, on a good day would be neck to neck with Gojo.
Why won't you like him? He's born perfect! All the ladies want him. The typical shojo boy everyone drools over. His luscious locks, giant blue orbs, muscular biceps and grippable waist.
You once called him Y/n and he laughed it off. Searching up the terms and memes before bed then walking into class with a soggy face about how he thinks you hate him. Safe to say you all laughed at him and he had you on your knees apologising.
Still at his desk, he daydreams about that punushment. He should have had you on your knees for another reason.
The strongest, Gojo, blushes a shade of straberry jelly every time the inapropriet thought of kissing you crosses his mind. God forbid anything more than that.
The strongest, Geto, teases him about it. And everytime he runs to Shoko for a saviour she stabs him twice as hard.
She glances around to make sure you're in earshot. "Why did you blush staring at her?" Twirling her lolly with a smirk.
Mr. IHateMonkeys pulls up with a snide remark. His hauntingly sing-songy voice ringing in Satoru's ears. "Oh, c'mon Satoru~" The two devils do a fist bump, watching him turn a deeper shade of red. All signs of confidence erased from his face.
Dignity? Gone.
He can only wish you didn't hear them. But from the tips of your ears matching his, he doubts it. Saw you walking away with one of Suguru's curses, his heartbeat throbs faster.
Watching you kiss the cute creature bubbled a newfound envy in him. Satoru marched over to you, face poisoned by blush.
Gaze darting everywhere else, arms on his hips he announces. "Me next!" In a rather meek voice.
Early spring weather had everyone second guessing their wardrobe. Training had been cancelled due to the downpour outside.
What a shame.
The first thing Megumi feels upon entering his room was the slight breeze brushing past him. The second feeling was a rush of blood to his bashful cheeks.
His monotone voice, softening at the sight of you curled up in his bed. Fully wraped in his blanket. The only way he knew it was you is because of the little tuft of hair that poked out, onto the pillow.
"Why are you in my bed?" Placing his bags to the side.
"To warm it up for you." You groan, rolling over to face the wall. He smiled. Placing some books on his desk before he moved on to change his clothes.
He never liked shsring his personal space with anyone. Yuuji would have to beg to step foot into his dorm, let alone lay on his bed? Megumi would drag him by the foot onto the floor.
He's had a soft spot for you. Everyone knew that, including you. And you took full advantage of it. Testing his boundries, this being one of them.
Out of the 6 months, and weekly life threatening missions, sameday last week was the day he first held your hand. Unprompted. Out of his own free will! Insane right? Maybe because you were slipping on the wet terrain and he caught you—but that's not important.
You were fully expecting to get thrown off the bed by now. Craning your neck around to see what he was doing. However, your eyes just happened to land upon a rather muscular back. Squeaking out a yelp before completely caccooning yourself in his blanket.
Slight blush crept onto his cheeks as he wore his stunning outfit. Black t-shirt and grey sweats. Trudging over, he pulled back the covers revealing a blushy idiot on his bed.
You sit up, sighing. A taste of heaven is more then enough for you. "I accept defeat." Placing both your hands up. Guilty, written all over your face with red.
To you suprise he grumbles a little "No" before grabbing your hand and pulling you down onto the bed. Tucking both of you in, he smiles facing you.
You chuckle. "Well if it isn't Mr.Nonchalan—" Your words are muffled by a plushie's ass smothering your face. He giggled, pulling you closer to his chest after removing that plush.
"Yeah yeah, and Mr.Nonchalant will remove these privalages if you continue bring annoying."
He humms, brushing your hair, lulling you to sleep.
By a strange turn of events, you and Shoko have to go on a mission in Miyagi. Three days away from Jujutsu Tech, having the time of your lives fighting. Gojo's also fighting for his life. He feels boxed, missing you.
(hehe, see what i did there, boxed = prison realm)
《Pairing: Gojo Satoru x Reader》
《Word count: 4.2k 》
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟
Late winter Monday mornings were chilly. Since the boy's dorm was further away, you and Shoko opted to run to class together. A result of having your dorms side-by-side. Classes usually began at nine.
So, Shoko, ever the genius, always wakes up at 8:59. Now it's become a routine that you drag her out of bed. Every morning. Force her to maintain hygiene, pack her bag partially, and run out the door with her. By some stroke of luck, you two always make it in before Mr. Yaga.
Today was no different. However, Mr. Yaga said that this week there'd be a special mission and today would be the day he'd announce who goes.
Now all four of you second years knew which duo he would choose. The strongests. A title meant for one, shared by two. To be fair, you and Shoko had gone out on the previous "special mission" so it would make sense to send the boys.
Therefore, you two made your way over with ease and leisure. Admirirng the sunrise, breathing in the crisp air, taking deep breaths.
"Hey, Sho"
"Yeah?"
"Don't you get sick from fresh air?"
She lets out an airy chuckle, reach into her pocket for a cigarette. Handing you the lighter. "I do, thanks for the reminder dear." She placed the roll between her lips, eyeing you.
You both halt your steps, she watches with a loving gaze. How you pathetically fiddle with her shitty lighter. She gave you the wrong one on purpose. This shit stopped functioning a week ago, but stopping a hectic morning to be with you a second longer doesn't sound bad.
She reaches for her functioning lighter, the one she swooped from Geto yesterday. Her monotone voice chuckled with a mischivieous tone she expressed her gratitude. "Such a cute little thing you are." Lighting her own smoke, she plucked the shitty lighter from your hands and began speed walking.
"Sho? hey—Wait up!"
Meanwhile, in the classroom the boys were fighting each other using the brooms as weapons. Gojo began at the window side, Geto at the door.
They were tasked with morning classroom clean-up duty as punishment for fucking up a previous mission. Caused bit too much of a scene.
An intense scene. Geto was whiping around the broom in full offense. Striking the air with speed. Making it hard for Gojo to attack. He has no choice but to defend! Summoning random boxes and bins to block his attacks.
Focused on their swift movements and fight, Gojo forgot to check if Mr.Yaga was approaching or not. Gojo threw a spinning broom towards Geto, who skillfully doged it.
The door swung wide open.
Both boys turn with dread and fear dancing on their faces. They were so in trouble. There stood a figure at the door with a bump on their head. After fully processing who it was, safe to say even Shoko laughed.
Because, at the door was not Yaga, but you. With a reddish bump on the side of your forehead.
"GOJOOOOOOO—!" You grab hold of that broom and lunge towards him. While you were beating a defenseless Gojo, because God forbid he uses his infinity the revenge will become even worse, Shoko was returning Geto lighter, throwing the shitty one out.
The sun was beaming through the grey clouds, by the time Mr. Yaga came to class. By that time, you had Gojo kneeling and apologising. He whispered, with a cheeky tone, to you, before Yaga started speaking "Try not to miss me when I'm gone."
"Good morning, kids." He announced in a tired voice.
The rest of you repeat after him in equally tired voices.
"About the outer-mission. The board decided to send the girls instead."
"What?" Three of you blink in shock. You and Shoko glance at each other. She sat by the window to your left, on your right was that snobby broom-licker and his accomplice.
Gojo yells with too much energy for an early morning class. "WHAAAT—SENSEI ARE YOU SURE?"
"Indeed." He turns towards the two of you. "You two will be going to Miyagi. Accomodations have been booked and sent to your emails. Uhh, departure will be tomorrow at 11—go by the bullet train—and the entire mission is three days long. You are tasked with exorcising a list ranging from third to semi first grade curses."
You were processing the information given. Glancing over to Shoko, who had nothing behind her eyes. She was going to ask you about it afterwards.
Classes till noon went as normal. Geto wanted to cook something for Lunch, so you were on Gojo duty.
It is the worst when he gets whiny and cligny. Attached to your hip, like a bestfriend. Following you around your room, like a puppy kicked to the curb. Desperate for your attention, like a soon-to-be-widow watching her husband go off to war.
"Text me everyday!" He stood awkwardly beside you, while you were knealt over your dresser packing your undies away.
"Aha, sure."
"Make sure to eat proper meals, alright? Don't skip just because you're tired!" He begins to scold you. He's getting on your nerves. "Gojo, go sit on my bed."
He pouts. "Not Toru?" Glasses were on your desk the moment he came in. You could clearly see his eyes gloss over, before he turns away. "Fine, Toru."
"Yeah?" His head perks up.
"On the bed. I need to pack for tomorrow."
"Yes ma'am~" He chuckled, eyes still prickling. Gojo plops onto your bed, taking up the entire space.
"Why don't you put your glasses on? Don't your eyes hurt?"
"Nah, I'm the strongest afterall." He smirked. He lied. He doesn't want to admit that he'll miss you. That the reason his glasses are off is to have a clearer memory of you while you're gone.
As youre busy packing away your clothes, looking into the mirror holding up different clothing combos for three days, you catch his eyes staring right at you.
This isn't your first time. Last time you went on a mission like this with him two months ago. You did well. As much as he let you, anyway.
Why's he acting so attached to you anyway? Why isn't he harassing Shoko? Such a caring bestfriend he is. Most of the time it is you who has to remind him of these things.
He's usually the one who never eats full or proper meals when stressed. Skipping food most days, he just eats snacks and sweets. Never admits to getting sick or feeling weakness.
Always forgets to keep in touch with you when he's away. One time, few months ago, you had to call Suguru—mind you, he picked up right away—to ask if Satoru was alive or not. He was, to your annoyance, very much alive and well watching digimon! His comfort show. Of course you got mad at him.
But that was back then. Besides, he made it up by spending most his afternoons with you for a week.
But right now? You could use a moment without him. Talking your ear off, its clear he just wants to look after you, but damn. You're not a baby.
"If you have any, like problems or anything, just, y'know call me. I can help you! Teleport and be there in a jiffy!" He giggled, like he always does with Suguru. Just as a best friend.
You slightly loosen the reigns on your temper and snap at him. "I'm not a baby. I understand you can't trust me to be on my own, but I can handle myself. Beside you've seen me—"
He sits up on his elbows, intrrupting you hurriedly to prevent this misunderstandjng from growing. "What? No, that's not what I meant."
You turn around, facing him, tired. "Then what? Don't tell me the strongest cares for a weakling like I?" You laugh, blandly. He sat up straight at the edge of the bed, feet planted onto the ground.
Satoru may act dumb most of the time, but he knows you. He had overstepped a boundry. Extending a hand, which you took, he pulled you in closer. Stumbling into his embrace, your hands take comfort on his shoulders as you stood between his legs.
"Toru, what—"
"I'm sorry. I know I sound real hypocritical right now. Yes, I do care. Of course I would care, you're my—" He pauses, looking up at you, reaching a hand to poke your cheek. As much as it hurts to say, he whispers "my best friend."
For a moment, you let the words sink in. Eyes straying away from his, feeling dejected. Best friend is all you'll ever be to him. Glancing back into his hopeful eyes. Gojo looked at you puzzled. A rare look on that know-it-all bratty face of his.
"Why are you looking at me like that? With those eyes..." He trails off, looking at you—no, into you. The gaze of one who is intriguied by an anomoly and wishes to investigate it further. He wants to sink deeper into you.
This day has been exhausting. Especially getting slimed by those cursed plushies of Mr Yaga. Annoyingly ass cute creatures.
You reply, quietly. "What eyes?" His endless questions never tire you.
What does is having to remind yourself that he's just a best friend. That you two will never share wsrmth under one blanket a rather chilly night. Waking up next morning to a pile of white fluff next to your head with his limbs dangling off the bed. It wouldn't be such a far fetched dream...since he's already on your bed, but the odds of it happening are slim.
The chances of getting your best friend loving you back are low. Very low. And you probably have ass luck in gacha games, so we all know how this story is going to play out.
Besides, you coudln't tell him you were upset because you're his best friend. He deserves to be with someone on his level. Someone he loves. Someone that fucking clan approves of. Hell, he'll probably live a luxorious, long life with heirs to dominate Jujutsu society, who knows?
As amazing as you are, he truly is different. You try to not let it get to you. The feeling that he will soon leave you. Grow distant and despise you for existing.
You know you shouldn't let such doubts plague your mind and yet, you let it happen. It slips through the crack occasionally. Brushing your fingers along his cheek cure your doubts by dissolving them.
"You look miserable." Gojo softly mutters, lying down and pulling you with him.
"Hey—!" These student beds barely fit one person comfortably and now there's two of you. After a few moments of struggle, you were comfortably splayed out on top of him, a blanket covering you both.
Whenever the four of you have sleepovers everyone sleeps on two matresses on the floor, slightly piked on top of each other. Legs entangled, arms in others faces and all.
So, this isn't your first sleeping with Satoru. Definitely the first time with the two of you together. Just the two of you.
Burying your face into his chest, to hide away the blush burning away your insides. Feeling a yawn take flight from your throat you cozy up on him, drowsy.
Gojo chuckles, hugging you tightly. "You seem reslly sleepy. I'll wake you up early so you can finish packing, alright?" He poked your cheek as you hum in response.
You knew he could handle your weight. He's carried you countlesd times. Whether that be when you were wounded or simply because he wanted to equip you. You'll end up on the floor anyway. Gojo moves a lot in sleep. You've gotten kicked in the back by him and his stinky feet.
He began to ramble on about the crestion of the digimon franchise. Yet, somewhere throughtout the lecture you fell asleep. He stroked your hair, while his other arm was situated on your back to keep you stable.
Satoru never thought he'd get so attached to someone like this. Only after bring granted this freedom last year, he had read every shoujo and shonen manga, watched any and all kinds of movies and read books on love.
He thought it was all for normal people, not Jujutsu sorcerers. All the people he grew up around were miserable. He was barely around his parents. Satoru had been lacking that deep, warm connection until he met you guys in first year.
Well, he had met the other two first. You had joined later in the year, and that year he understood what those shoujo main characters were feeling when their love interest gave them the slightest sliver of attention.
Gojo's milky blue eyes scan your sleeping form with deep adoration, like he does everyday. However, he doesn't understand how you haven't noticed through his pitch-black glassess. He yawns like a cat and shuts his eyes.
When a room light is on, most would rightfully assume that the person inside is awake. So, Shoko knocks once, twice...no answer? Your room's oddly quiet. She cracks the door open slowly to find the two of you cuddling, asleep. Sneaking over, she snaps a bunch of pictures to send to Geto and for delicious blackmail from you.
As she was leaving, she turned the lights off. Chuckling to herself as she walked away, "Hah, they fell asleep before dinner. How cute~ I should also go pack..." She continues down the hall to Suguru, towards the dining/kitchen area.
Geto raised his brows, chuckling while chewing. “Did Satoru tire her to death?” Drinking down his food, he smiled up at her.
“Seems like it, they’re asleep.” She shrugged.
“What? Seriously?”
Ieri took a bite of her rice. Looking at him deadpan. “Yeah”
“You’re telling me they’re asleep? Did she knock him out on the floor?”
She grinned like the Cheshire cat from Alice in Wonderland. “Worse. You owe me a cig, hah~” She sighed, emptying half her plate in one go.
“Woah there,” Geto handed her a glass of water. “Ever learned to chew? You’re gonna shit bricks if you keep eating like that—”
“I already do.” She responds with a laugh, making him cackle like a witch. “Besides, don’tcha wanna know more about those two?”
He sarcastically joked, taking another bite of his food. “Righht~ Oh, don’t tell me they're cuddling.”
“Yeah.” Suguru choked on his food. Not even drinking water helped, Ieri had to get up and hit him between his deltoids.
“Ow, OW—GIRL STOBITHURTS!” He whines, pout-glaring at Shoko. When Geto whines it's quieter, less mosquito-like and cuter. After regaining some dignity, he looks back up at her. Geto’s usual bunned up hair is not loose down his back and shoulders, bangs draped over his face. “They, they’re actually cuddling? Spooning?—did you get blackmail?” He giggles cheekily, a hand covering his mouth.
“Not spooning,” Shoko finishes her bite, before continuing. Pointing her chopsticks in the air while explaining. “More like Gojo was laying on the bed and she was on top of him.” She demonstrated by putting a sliced fish, which was you because you’re chopped, onto her rice.
“Aww, he’s actually doing something about that crush of his.” Suguru giggled, getting up to put the two untouched plates away.
Ieri glanced over at his plate, which barely had enough food on it from the start and that amount roughly still sits there. “Hey, Sugu, you barely ate anything. Eat some more.” She got up after him and fed him some from her bowl.
“Since when are you so caring?” He rolled his eyes, taking a bite. The two cleaned up the kitchen in a comfortable silence, before heading out for a smoke.
⊹ ࣪ ﹏﹏𓆜⋆˚࿔﹏⊹ ࣪ ˖
Waking up to the sunrise dlapping you awake, the birds sing in your ears. A comforting melody woven together with snoring? You look around.
Youre on the bed, covered with your blanket. Wide awake, where the fuck is that snoring coming from? Sitting up, you rub your eyes to get that 20/20 vision.
On the ground was your half packed suitcase and bag, outfit for tomorrow and a crooked Gojo.
You slap yourself. “Okay, I’m not dreaming. What the fuck.” It takes a few seconds to fully process who’s on your bedroom floor. Who best to get answers from then the roach on the ground? “OI! DIPSHIT WAKE UP!” You threw a pillow at him.
He groans. Voice deeper than usual, a lot softer eithout that annoying whiny baby edge. “Noo~ stop, this is the best sleep I’ve had in weeks.”
“On the floor?” Two cricket chirps pass as Gojo blinks his eyes open, confused.
His face contorts dramatically, placing a dainty hand onto his forehead feigning worry. “How does her majesty feel spending the night with her peasant? Kicking me off the bed!”
You roll your eyes, playing along. “Ah yes, me and my lofty 60cms off the ground. Her majesty slept well without the constant pestering of her foolish peasant.” You laugh, reaching a hand out to him. Which he gladly took with a grin, pulling himself onto your bed.
Those doubts of imperfecrion fade away as you look into his silly eyes. “Good morning, princess.”
Rolling your eyes you only look at him and laugh with him. There was something overly happy about Gojo here, beside you. Laughing till his face is pinkish, could be mistaken for blush.
Feels like he’s savouring the moment. Fighting every urge in your body to jump that boy and tackle him into a cuddle till you forget all the curses of this world. The first one was being born.
He noticed that sombre expression you harboured in your eyes. It felt restricted and yearning. His six eyes tell him you're troubled, so why do you smile with such warmth? Won’t you tell him? Best friends tell each other everything, don't they?
Before he could urge a word out the door swung open. “TWO BEST FRIENDS IN A ROOM—!” Geto bursts in, wearing his uniform, laughing. Shoko recording right behind him.
She continued. “They might kiss~”
Gojo.exe has stopped working.
You were equally red, hiding your face into a pillow.
“I-I’ll get going, uhm safe travels girls!” Gojo hurried out of there with Geto running after him.
Not having processed what happened, Shoko walked in, chuckling. “Get up loser! If we don’t leave in the next hour we’re gonna be late and Yaga’s gonna kill us.”
You glance up at her with the most pathetic face you have ever sported. “Oh shit your face is red.” She ruffled your hair, sitting onto your bed. “Ya should’ve seen the look on his face.”
“Weren’t you recording?” Already exhausted from the day.
“Oh right!” She digs in her pockets for her phone and found it to be still recording. You watched the entire footage of them conspiring against you two, giggling in front of your door before bursting in. At the end Gojo was a shade of red you had never seen. He looked sickly.
You sat there processing everything by spilling every action and detail that happened last night to provide reason as to why you had a boy in your room. By the end of the story she was cackling on the ground, she never had such a hard time breathing.
The day moved on and you two eventually packed up and left in time to reach your train and head towards Miyagi. You fell asleep on her shoulder during the ride, prompting her to take a pic and send it into the group chat that has all the Tokyo students—there’s like six of you in total.
‘She’s mine, boys’ She texts giggling at the others wishing safe travels and then there’s Geto instigating Gojo’s jealous ass.
Gojo Satoru said he could never find love. The clan never entertained the idea. They only told him to focus on getting dtronger. That’s why hes at Jujutsu Tech in the first place, to get strong.
So why is it that everytime he sees you in class every morning his resolve weakens?
Even last year when you two hated each other for no reason. Well, you hadn’t understood why, the otherwise bubbly boy was being so cold with you. You assumed it was because he’s not good with strangers? In the end he did open up to you.
Gojo could never admit to you that he was afraid of his walls weakening each time the two of you made eye contact. He’d go into alert mode and ramble into everyone else's ears about how treacherous your tactics were.
Now, in second year he’s seen enough movies, read enough books to be aware of the feeling. Never thought he would fall victim to this virus until he looked at you with a clearer vision. His six eyes being more understanding or perhaps it's just his perception that has changed.
He feels weak around you. Feels like himself and not the weapon this society needs. Not the strongest, to justify the imbalance he caused.
Feels like Satoru. Just himself. He’s afraid to loose you. Therefore, he’s afraid to be honest with himself and love you.
You’ve been gone for a day now. He gets pictures from the both of you posing selfies with the beat up bad guys bleeding out or of the food you guys are eating. The two of you have already finished with the entire assignment, which was supposed to take three days. Yaga allowed you two to enjoy the rest of your two days, as a sort of vacation.
Gojo felt his airways shut as the night fell and it was past 10pm. Alone in his room, he would be bothering Suguru, but he’s already asleep. Exhausted from the tough day mission they had.
“Hmm, I did sleep real good in her bed.” A stupid idea brewed in his head. Bubbling with mischievous joy. Because before he knew it, his feet were trudging towards your room. He plops down onto your bed, cuddling your plushies instead of you.
The second day, you and Shoko went shopping where there were good sales. You bought some balls from those gashapon machines. Her being an adult now, she could buy alcohol. So of course her ass bought two cans of Heineken. Both for herself. In her eyes you’re a baby—a year younger mind you—so no alcohol for you.
Of course you guys provide today’s treasures. A few balls with cute characters, sweets and snacks, collectibles and five cans of beer. All heineken. All Shoko’s doing.
While you two were having the time of your lives, killing curses and relaxing, the boys had to deal with hell back home. During training Gojo was so uncooperative that they had to have someone get him moving.
A cheery voice was trying to hype him up. “She’s gonna come back, no need to grieve, dude!” He yelled, hoping the flailing Gojo on the grass could hear him.
A deadpan blond emo spoke from beside him. Placing an arm on his shoulder. Handing gim a coke. “Haibara, here.” Nanami sighed, sitting down next to Mr.Giggles. “Satoru, she’s not dead, stop grieving.”
Geto chuckles, standing above the yearning mess. “Even our juniors are right, you truly are hopeless.”
“It’s not fair~! I want to be with her.”
Haibara whispers to Nanami "Isn't she single?”
“I dunno, maybe?”
Happy boy calls out to Gojo. “When are you confessing to her?”
Gojo only whines in defeat, as a response. Geto reassures him. “Give it some time, flirt with her some more to see if she’s really interested then confess by buying flowers.”
“You sure know a lot for a guy who's never dated—”
“Woah there Little Nanami, how would you know?” Suguru remarks, slight embarrassment blooms on Nanami’s cheeks. “Besides, I know how to treat women so, don't just assume—”
Satoru whines from below. ”He’s never actually gotten into a committed relationship!” Earning a kick to his ass.
Over in Miyagi, you and Shoko were watching movies together while you painted her nails.
That night Gojo lay awake in your bed, planting soft kisses onto your plushies pretending it's you. You scent lulling him into a sleep he’s never enjoyed before. Melting into your bed, pretending it's an embrace he never received from you. You hadn’t even wished him a goodbye, or given him a goodbye hug.
His greatest weakness might just be all the love he has grown and stored in his heart. Half of which is all monopolised on by you.
Now imagine your shock, when you come back a day early, around 9AM to see a sleeping Gojo Satoru with streaks staining his squishy cheeks.
After a particularily easy mission in a residential district, the four of you decided to hangout at one of the local parks. Making a rucuss in these quiet, cute family home streets. Cloudless skies, winter's hold on the weather loosening.
"Shoko for the fifth time we are NOT BUYING BEER!" You yell at her, pulling her away from an off-lisence. "YOU'RE 16?? YOU LEGALLY CAN'T DRINK!!"
Shoko laughed, walking beside you. "Its alriightt~ heineken comes to mee~"
"What" In disbelief you look to the boys beside you.
"Wow, she already sounds drunk." Suguru pokes, chuckling. The lot of you were a lively bunch.
"You go girl! Sniff out the love of you life" Gojo laughed, making a run for the park in sight. "THE SWINGS ARE MINE!"
You chase after him. "YOU DON'T NEED BOTH OF THEM FATASS!" Jumping him from behind, you both tumble onto the ground. Pulling at your arm, he wouldn't let you get up. Not like you allowed it either.
"I'M NOT A FATASS!"
"YOU WERE LITERALLY FLOATING YESTERDAY SAYING SOME SHIT LIKE" You imitate his annoying voice and face with 100% accuracy. "Throughout McDonald's and BurgerKing, I alone am the hungry one." You get back to sitting on top of him and continue bickering. "THEN YOU INHALED FIVE, SATORU FIVE FUCKING BURGERS!"
He began to whine, at an earpiercing voice. "Whys that a probleeem? I WON FAIR AND SQUAREE!"
"Fatass."
"Asshat."
"Oi! You two! Quit cleaning the pavement!"
You both glance at Shoko who sits victorious upon the left swing.
"Yeah, stop squabbling. Idiots. Also, tickle Sstoru's right side!" Geto, sat on the right swing, yelled out to you.
Doing as instructed, you attack Satorh with a final move. As he yells in defeat "NO PLEASE NO AAAAHHHHH!" Shokowas laughing wildly, while Suguru yelled "K.O."
Satoru final loosened his grip on you, allowing you to get up. Yet, for somereason you coudln't walk away. Maybe there was a guilt eating you from inside? Or maybe—just maybe—it was that dead albino roach leaching onto your ankle!
"TORU GET OFF ME!" You shake your legs, yet the roach is ever relentless. Whining, he sits up reaching a hand out.
"Oh, great the seniour citizen needs a hand standing up?" You tease, but he doesn't reply. Only flashing those huge ass bright blue orbs at you. Puppy dog eyes, his master move and unfortunately, your weakness.
You extend your hand. Big mistake.
She yelled a bit too late, in her monotone voice she calls out with affection. "It's a trap!"
By that time, you were already on his lap.
Gojo boasts triumphantly "Hah, I won!" You squeeze his cheeks.
Geto chimes in "Technically, you both lost, because we have taken your swings." Making you both groan.
"And I'm getting a Heineken~!"
You and Geto reasonably groan "No," while Gojo giggles "You go girl!"
Teenage Gojo slightly distances himself out of jealousy, and soon the smoker duo knocks some sense into him and sends him out into the rain.
《Pairing: Gojo Satoru x Reader》
《Word Count: 2k》
𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟 𓆞𓆝 𓆟
Chipper birds sing brightly outside to the getle carvings of pencils on papers. The classroom was quiet.
Mr. Yaga gone to do paperwork and other things for this half hour long break. Geto and Shoko dipped for a smoke break, leaving the two of you in this awkwardly comfortable silence.
The room felt large, having two of the three troublemakes gone leaving the last one quiet and focused on some homework. Even he sat at a distance, not too far since Shoko's desk was between you two. Not that it mattered.
He would never love you back.
His glasses rest on the table, books splayed open soaking in sunlight, born with scribbles of physics. He had bragged to Geto that he's takin higher level physics, because he is the strongest afterall.
The silence feels still. Too boring. You call out to him. "Hey." Disrupting this tranquil silence.
The breeze brushes past leaves, caressing the clapping leaves as they all pass for fruitful lives.
No response.
'How rude' you think before trying again. Got nothing to loose and too much time on your hands. You whisper his name with a sing-song ring to the end. "Satoruu~"
He grunts a response.
You sigh, melring into your chair, eyes wandering out the window frames. Truthfully, your friendship has been a strained one. From the start. He used to be really sweet, really.
Used to talk your ear off about his digimon collection, even showing you his collections and showcases! Something he only does to people he trusts and considers them as close friends.
Used to be near you, constantly. In some way, he always bothered you. You could've been showering and hed burst in whining about how he's "Dying from boredom, and you are the only one who can save him!"
Used to follow you around. From classess to your room. From finishing up missions together, he'd follow you to stores and use his six-eyes to predict your next move in rock-paper-scissor. To pay for you, of course. Fair and square.
Sulking onto the table, frown deepening into your once gleeful face. Its strange. He is. Since last week. When he had followed you after an easy day mission to one of your hangouts with a friend. A middle school male classmate of yours who you were catching up with.
Infact, it was a hangout arranged with others, many other girls, but he had arrived first. Possessed by an unknown force, Gojo felt this urge to get between you two. So, he did. Very calmly, he totslly didnt freak out on the dude, drape his arm around your shoulders and glance the other boy up and down from above his dark rimmed glasses.
You introduced him as a friend, current classmate and after a but of small talk the others had arrived and Gojo had bid his farewells.
Your girl friends were fawning over him for a few days afterwards, but that was it.
The doors slammed open, snapping you out of your daydream. The smokers have returned with snacks!
His silky voice purrs his name. "C'mon now Satoru," Geto's voice whispering as he sat down. "Tell her before I do, for you."
Gojo gasps in betrayl, snatching a sweet out the plastic bag. "Hmm, dunno."
"When are ya gonna stop acting like a petulant child?" Shoko bonked his head with his favourite juice bottle, placing onto his table. Soon she sat down, facing you and handing the entire plastic bag of goodies to you.
"Is he still ignoring you?" The queen of subtlety loudly asked. Getting nudged in the back by Gojo.
"Yeah, I think he hates me." You shrug, feeling no shame. So what if he hears? What's he gonna do? Talk to you? He'd rather get cut in half vertically then speak to you, at the moment.
Gojo's eyes go wide in shock, while Geto spares him a knowing look.
Shoko continues. "Right, so how was that reunion thing this weekend?"
"Its was boring. Didn't stay long."
Shoko looked schoked, as if someone had told her another version of the events. Geto had leaned back in his chair, making eye contact with you, to ask "thought you met up with your boyfriend?"
Choking on air, you gasped. Shoko began to chuchkle, opening a bag of crisps. "As if she'd have one that's not—" You stuffed a snack in her mouth. She grinned. She had set you up.
"And who told you that?" You asked Geto, laughing with both of them. While you took a potato chip and ate it.
You both glance at Gojo, who's blushing a shade of guilty red.
Yaga walked into the classroom to continue in with some mathematics. Sneaking in bites, the rest of the day followed as usual.
Yet what you couldn't see were the lovelorn looks Gojo gave you mid class. Sneaking glances at you, shamelessly. At some point during the lesson he had gotten caught by Yaga who only scolded him to pay attention to the class. All that matyered is that you saw and giggled.
He thought to himself. 'Maybe I overreacted.'
The sun has fully set. You were studying in your room. In the afternoon, Gojo had burst into his bestie's room. Flailing on Geto's bed like some fish out of water. While the bed's owner was sitting on the floor, brushing his hair.
"What do I doooooooo"
"Like I told you before, get her apology flowers and say you're sorr—"
He whines at an earpiercing volume. "BUT THATS TOO ROMAANTIC!" Throwing a pillow at Suguru.
Who only sighed in response. Standing up and smothering Satoru with the pillow.
It was well past dinner time. The weather forecast wasn't lying when it said there'd be a downpour this evening. Resting at your desk, you heard a knock at the door. "Yes?" Then banging. "OKAY I'M COMING!!" Sighing, ready to knock someone out.
"GOJO IF YOU DON'T STOP BANGING-oh, Hi Shoko!!" It hurt a little to not see that towering goofball at your door, but Shoko seemed like she really needed your help.
"Hello beautiful," Shoko shimmied her way into your room.
"What do you want."
"Suguru wasnt picking up my calls, can't find either of them actually, and I need someone to go smoke with."
"No. Now, tell me why you're actually here."
"Oh, c'mon" Ruffling your hair. "Figured me out so soon, aren't you a smart girl." she chuckled. Plopping down onto your chair, she twirled a lollypop between her lips. "D'you still hate Satoru?"
"What?"
Her monotone voice replied. "Answer with yes or no, honey." She looked around your desk, memorising the answers you had written.
"Well, I mean I don't hate him, its jus..." You pause for a moment. Finding the words to say it. "I feel like he might've been jealous of that random old classmate of mine and now he's mad at me." Shoko only nods along for you to keep going. "It, I reslly like him and, and I just, fuck, I don't even know anymore."
Unimpressed she highlights "You still like him?"
"Yeah," You flop onto your bed. "I do, I really like him it's unfair. He's apart of some leading clan, strongest ever or whatever and is smart as hell. Why'd he—"
"Oh, you poor fool." She spoke, standing up and laying down beside you, poking st your cheek. "Think logically, smart girl, would an idiot like him think before acting? Yes, he seems like the smsrt type. Yet, he's acting so irrationally these days, y'know what that means?"
"Girl, why are you feeding my delusions." You gently shove her, whining. Making her laugh.
"But, you know what that means right?" You look back at her, ponder, then shake your head no.
She opened her mouth to speak, yet right st that moment her phone began to ring. Groaning, she got up and went to pick it up. "Oh my god, can't they leave me alone for a second?" She gpanced back at you. "I'll go take this call, dear." Hugging you good night before closing the door to your room. "Tell me how it goes~"
How what goes??
Rolling around on your bed, you reach for your phone when all of a fucking sudden there's a knock at the door.
You reluctantly get up, dragging your feet. "SHOKO I AM NOT GOING TO SMOKE WITH YOU—oh, shit." Before you stood the loser boy you fell in love with. His shoulders and hair damp, sniffling. Your eyes had met for a brief moment. Slightly bowing his head he extended, with both hands, a modest bouque.
He began his word vomit. "Uh, uhm I am sorry for...for being so distant this week I, I know it was a misunderstanding—well I know now, hah—I mean I might have overreacted, no I definitely did and I didn't mean to it just, ah." He paused to breathe, stumbling over his words.
"Wait, Satoru-"
"I let my jealosy take over and, and I was afraid you'd already foudn me boring and I felt unsure if you even wanted tk be my friend and I just, I like you and I was afraid you had a boyfriend, like-"
"Toru-"
"-someone you actually lived who wasn't me and it really scared me how much I liked you to the point I felt like distancing myself would lessen the pain but it only hurts more in my chest and I just wanted to apologise."
He was bowing 10° deeper each paragraph of a confession. "GOJO SATORU!" You shook his shoulders very aggressively.
Startling Satoru, he glanced up at you and that's when you got a good look at him. His eyes were glossy behind those glasses, face flushed, even the tips of his ears were redening.
"My government name? Did I mess up?"
"No, I—uhm how do I say this?—where you even paying attention to what you were spouting?" You could feel your cheeks fevereshly heat up.
"Yeah? I was apologising to you for beign distant because of that guy. He made me feel weirdly jealous and—to be transpersnt like Suguru told me—I told you how I truly feel."
"You told me how you truly feel."
"Yeah, why?" He tilted his head.
Grabbing him by the arms, you pull him into your room, closing the door.
"In other words..." You try leading him on to realise, yet the blush on your face makes him come to his senses quicker.
He glances down, recounting everything he had said. You could tell when he had realised, because his face dropped as he made eye contact with you.
His voice, panting, breathless. "I confessed." He couldn't hear you over his own anxious heartbeat.
"and I accept." You blush, not expecting to confess.
"Please don't think I'm weird I, I didn't mean it like...like—WHAT!"
You sigh, hugging him. "For a smartass you sure are slow." Laughing, as he hides his red face behind those large hands of his.
He mumbles out "Wait, no no nononono"
Your heat halted for a moment. "What do you mean no?"
"No, its, just I-uhm" His face was an unrecogniseable shade of red. Eyes darting everywhere but meeting yours. "I wanted to confess properly." He wraps your hands around his apology bouque, still avoiding eye contact. "So, uhm, are you free tomorrow, y'know after school and, and ah." One look at the love of his teenage dreams, you, has him reeling. Loosing his composure, reducing him to a blabbering mess once more.
While the two lovebirds discussed their morrow's confessions, two smokers stood out in the hallways enjoying the petrichor kiss their faces.
Shoko's monotone contrasts the smirk that plays her lips. "I win."
Geto rolls his eyes, handing her another cigarette.
I want nikolai to shove his fingers into my mouth so I can suck them of all that dirt on those hand and I want fyodor to feed me (so much I am choking and tearing up. I straight up want them to choke me, one with his delicate fingers down my throat while the other can wrap his slender fingers around my neck choking me, making me tear up and then "bullying" me for not being able to take it, but then immediately start peppering kisses on my face and body teasing me and shit like please, I'll do anything for you two
daily reminder that itadori yuuji is actually nobody, and forgettable. when he dies, he has no family to mourn him. his surname is his and only his when he dies. his ancestral home, where wasuke raised him, goes to the government of japan. his manga collection remains in dust until its donated to some second hand store. he doesn't get a grave. he doesn't get a funeral. no one sees his body. shoko doesn't give it a second glance while wrapping it up.
NOOO THE ONE THING MY BABY WANTED, HIS WISH NEVER CAME TRUE GEGE. GEGE WHEN I CATCH YOU GEGE (he wrote this anime masterfully, yet I feel its not at its true potential of being a horror anime, so he just fucking gave up amd pumped it full of angst)
IN MY WORLD he is happily married to that girl who liked him in his, he left the jjk world and lives w her in a condo having normal problems
megumi is alive and asleep, while Maki leads the clan making killer descisions
and Yuuta is the Gojo clan leader, he is also serving, bc he respected Maki's idea of not merging the clans together (Yutamaki for the win) (Yuuta gave birth, i was there, i saw it) (trust me bruh)
atleast gojo died as gojo, and not the strongest, I'm happy for him
MY BABYYYYYY AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH HE WAS STILL USED AS A WEAPON EVEN POSTHUMOUSLY AAAHHHHHHHHHHHH IMGONNACRY-
dededos
theartofmadeline
snowghoul
ellievsbear
tangentwithtanner
titsay
origamiaround
