"Let me get this straight," Gojo's voice sounded from the phone speaker. "You want me to grab Yuta and meet you at Yasohachi bridge?"

"Yeah," Yuji replied, giving a thumbs up. "Can you make it quick? We need him as soon as possible."

Gojo chuckled, and his voice sounded amused.

"Yeah, I can do that. Give me fifteen minutes."

The call ended, and Yuji pocketed his phone.

"They are on their way," the boy announced.

"I can't believe this is the plan," Nobara mumbled, running a hand through her hair.

"I've been through worse," Choso said, shrugging. "I trust Yuji, and I'm willing to do what he thinks is best."

"You don't even know him!" Nobara exclaimed.

"Yes, but he is my brother. I feel like I know him," Choso stated, his voice firm.

Yuji noticed that Megumi started to doze off, and the dark-haired boy's body leaned towards him. He caught him, and guided him to lay on the grass.

Megumi's head rested in his lap, and the boy curled up on his side. Yuji could tell his friend was exhausted, and the events of the night must have finally caught up to him.

"His domain was... amazing," Nobara said, her voice quiet.

Yuji's eyes softened, as he looked at his best friend.

"Yeah, I bet it was," he whispered. "When I saw it in the exchange event, it was incredible. I never got to see Fushiguro's domain expansion in my old timeline."

Yuji's fingers found their way into Megumi's hair, and he stroked his hair gently. His breath was calm, and even, and his chest was rising and falling, slowly.

The corner of Nobara's mouth twitched but, surprisingly, she didn't make any comments.

"I'm not sure your friend likes me, Yuji," Choso announced, his expression serious.

Yuji smiled.

"Don't worry. That's just his face," Yuji explained. "He's very protective over his friends. He doesn't hate you. He just doesn't know you yet."

"So, he's like a brother to you?" the man asked, tilting his head.

Nobara snorted.

"Not really," the girl replied. "These two have some weird unresolved tension."

"Kugisaki," Yuji groaned.

"What?" the girl defended. "It's true!"

Choso looked confused.

"Tension? Like fighting?" the man asked, sounding unsure.

"No," Yuji quickly interrupted. "We're not fighting. And, don't listen to Kugisaki."

"Okay," the man replied, shrugging.

A few minutes later, they heard footsteps approaching, and the three of them turned their heads.

"Gojo-sensei! Okkotsu-senpai!" Yuji greeted.

"So, what's the situation?" Gojo asked, raising an eyebrow.

"I managed to convince Choso to not kill me, and help us fight Kenjaku," Yuji announced.

Yuta gave him a small smile, and Nobara crossed her arms.

"But, we need to fake his death so Kenjaku doesn't suspect him," the boy continued. "We were hoping Okkotsu-senpai could stop his heart, and bring him back."

"Huh?" Yuta blinked. "I've never tried something like that before."

Yuji waved him off.

"No worries! You did it on me in my old timeline," he said, nonchalantly. "When you had to execute me. It was pretty cool, and I think it'll work. If you're up for it, of course."

"Wait, what the hell do you mean by-" Nobara started, her voice loud.

"Okay," Yuta cut her off, and took a step towards Choso. "I can try."

Yuji grinned at Yuta and looked at Choso.

"Are you ready, onii-chan?" Yuji asked, softly.

Choso smiled.

"Yeah, little brother. I'm ready."

-

"Well, that was a success," Yuji announced, smiling at his companions.

Choso was laying on the grass, and his eyes were closed. The man was unconscious, and Yuta had just successfully restarted his heart.

"I'm sure Eso and Kechizu felt his death," the pink-haired boy continued. "So, I think we're good. Thank you so much, Okkotsu-senpai."

"Glad I could help," the upperclassman replied, offering a smile.

"Now that this is taken care of, let's head back," Gojo spoke, clasping his hands together. "I'd offer to carry Megumi, but I have a feeling you'll fight me for the honor."

"I've got him," Yuji announced, and bent down, scooping up his sleeping friend, and holding him in his arms.

Megumi shifted a little, and pressed his face into Yuji's neck, sighing quietly.

Nobara smirked, and Yuta looked a bit concerned.

"Is he okay?" the upperclassman asked, looking at Yuji with a worried expression.

"Yeah, he's just exhausted," Yuji assured. "His domain is insane. We had a long day, but I think everything worked out."

Gojo smiled, and picked Choso up, with ease.

"Okay, let's go," he announced. "We can talk more tomorrow when everyone is awake and refreshed."

-

As soon as they returned, Yuji gently set Megumi down, on his bed.

The boy seemed to wake up a little, as Yuji pulled his shoes off, and the boy opened his eyes.

"I can do it," Megumi muttered, sleepily.

"I know," Yuji smiled, and set his shoes aside.

The boy's fingers wrapped around his wrist, and his eyes fluttered shut, again.

"Stay," Megumi mumbled, pulling him closer.

Yuji's heart stuttered in his chest, and his face flushed.

"I need to talk to Gojo-sensei, but I'll be back soon, I promise," he replied, quietly.

Megumi hummed, and let go of his wrist, curling up, on the bed.

"Come back," the boy mumbled, sleepily. "Wanna cuddle."

Yuji's brain was malfunctioning, and his heart was beating fast. Megumi was usually never so vocal about his desire to be close, and it made Yuji's heart swell with warmth.

"I will," Yuji assured. "Go back to sleep, Fushiguro. You did good, today."

Megumi made a content noise, and buried his face in the pillow. Yuji felt his cheeks grow warm, as he watched the boy for a few seconds, before heading towards the door.

"See you soon, Fushiguro," the boy whispered, before closing the door, and making his way towards the stairs.

He found Gojo in the common room, and the man was sitting on the couch. He was looking at something on his phone, and he offered a smile, when he saw the boy approach.

"I figured you had a lot to say," Gojo teased, and gestured towards the spot next to him.

"Yeah," Yuji replied, and sat down. "A lot happened, today."

Gojo put his phone away, and tilted his head, his attention completely focused on Yuji.

"I'm sure you know that it wasn't Choso, who was supposed to be there, tonight," the boy said, keeping his voice low.

"Yes," the man nodded. "Was it something we changed?"

"Yes," Yuji replied, fiddling with the hem of his shirt. "Choso said it was because Fushiguro killed Hanami. Kenjaku found out that Fushiguro was going to be there, and that's why Choso went instead."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

"Well, that's not necessarily a bad thing, is it?" Gojo asked. "It sounded like you were really close with Choso in your old timeline, so I'm assuming it was easier to talk to him."

Yuji scratched the back of his neck.

"Well I wouldn't say it was easy," the boy admitted. "You see, he didn't want to believe me at first. He thought I was messing with him, so he attacked me."

"You fought him?" the man questioned, raising an eyebrow.

Yuji chuckled, nervously.

"Yeah. Uh, actually, that's kinda what I wanted to talk to you about," the boy admitted.

Gojo looked curious.

"I used Blood Manipulation."

The man blinked, and his lips formed a small 'o'.

"Well, that certainly is an interesting development," Gojo said, crossing his arms. "What happened, exactly?"

"We were fighting, and I tried to talk to him, and reason with him, but it wasn't working very well. I was dodging his attacks, and I thought about how I wish I could use Blood Manipulation, because then I could convince him, but..." the boy trailed off.

"And then you did," Gojo finished.

"Yeah," Yuji sighed. "I didn't think it would work. I mean, I'm not supposed to be able to use it in this timeline! I gained it only after I ate the Death Paintings. But, my fingers were tingling, and it was like my body was telling me it could do it, so I just... did it."

"Hm," Gojo hummed, thoughtfully. "So, it's almost as if the technique is inside you, already."

"Yeah, but how?"

"I actually have a theory," Gojo replied, smiling.

"What is it?"

"Well, our innate techniques are congenitally engraved in our brains, meaning that we were born with the ability to use them. However, in your case, Blood Manipulation wasn't an innate technique, so, it seems that it's not tied to your body, but, rather your soul."

"My soul?" Yuji questioned.

"Yes. When you traveled through time, your soul traveled, too, which means that the knowledge of your old life is still a part of you," Gojo explained. "This is the reason why you have your memories, and, in this case, the technique."

Yuji felt like his head was spinning.

"So, you're saying that Blood Manipulation is in my soul, and my body is trying to catch up?" the boy asked, confused.

"Precisely," the man confirmed. "That's why you felt a tingling sensation. Your body knew what it was doing. It just needed a little help."

"Huh," Yuji replied, his brows furrowed. "So, technically, everything I was able to use in my old timeline, I can use, now?"

"Yes, it appears so."

Yuji was speechless.

"This is so weird," he muttered.

Gojo laughed.

"It is, a little," he agreed. "Damn, if the higher-ups knew half the things you can do, they would probably consider promoting you to special-grade."

Yuji laughed, nervously.

"Uh, let's not tell them, please."

"Do you think I'm an idiot?" the man replied, smirking. "I wouldn't tell those assholes anything."

"Well, thank god," the boy breathed out.

"Anyway," Gojo continued. "Now that Choso is here, he can help you with training. You know, with Blood Manipulation, and all that."

Yuji almost chuckled, thinking about his brother's questionable teaching skills.

"Yeah, I will talk to him about that," the boy replied. "Where will he stay, anyway?"

Gojo grinned.

"Well, for now, I've put him in the basement room. The one you and Megumi played house in."

Yuji's ears turned red.

"Sensei! Don't say that," the boy whined.

"Sorry, sorry," the man chuckled. "Anyway, you should go and get some sleep. You can visit him tomorrow."

"Yeah. Thank you, Sensei."

"Oh, and Yuji?"

Yuji looked up, eyes curious.

"The official report says Choso was killed by the three of you and you ate Sukuna's finger. The higher ups shouldn't become too suspicious with that turn of events, and, if the info ever gets leaked to Kenjaku, he shouldn't find it strange. That's the story we are sticking to, alright?"

"Understood," the boy nodded.

"Good. Now, go get some sleep."

Yuji stood up, and offered a smile.

"Alright. Goodnight, Sensei."

"Goodnight."

The boy stood up, and made his way towards the stairs, waving at Gojo, before heading back to his room.

He quietly opened the door, and walked towards the bed, noticing Megumi was still asleep. The boy's lips were slightly parted, and he looked calm, and peaceful.

Yuji smiled, and slowly slid into the bed, trying not to wake him up. Despite his efforts, the boy stirred, and his eyes opened, slightly.

"Sorry," Yuji whispered, as he tucked himself under the blankets. "Go back to sleep, Fushiguro."

"C'mere," Megumi mumbled, and rolled over, wrapping his arms around Yuji, and pulling him close.

Yuji froze. On one hand, he was used to cuddling with Megumi, as they'd been doing it for the past months, but, on the other hand, he noticed that Megumi had started being a bit more self-conscious, almost embarrassed at times, about their physical intimacy.

Probably Kugisaki's fault, Yuji thought.

But, tonight, Megumi seemed to be too sleepy to care.

"Warm," Megumi murmured, and buried his face in Yuji's neck, breathing out a quiet sigh.

The boy's heart skipped a beat, and he swallowed, trying to ignore the way his skin was burning under Megumi's breath.

Yuji could feel his friend's eyelashes brushing against his skin, and his hair tickled the underside of his jaw. He suddenly felt guilty, as the boy seemed to be half-asleep, and was unaware of his own actions.

Yuji wrapped his arms around Megumi, and stroked his hair, gently. The boy hummed, and snuggled closer, and Yuji bit his lip.

He couldn't deny the way his chest swelled with affection, and his skin was tingling with a strange warmth. It was something that happened everytime he was around Megumi, or even thought about the dark-haired boy.

And, although he didn't completely understand the feelings, he decided not to dwell on it. For now, at least.

So, instead, he closed his eyes, and fell asleep.

-

Choso's eyes fluttered open, and he squinted at the bright light coming from the window. As his vision adjusted, he slowly sat up, and took in his surroundings.

He was in a large room, and the bed he was laying in was soft, and comfortable. There was a television and a dresser, and a few posters hung on the walls.

"Oh, you're awake!"

Choso blinked, and turned his head.

Yuji was standing by the doorway, and he was holding a tray, which appeared to be filled with food.

Yuji.

His brother.

His little brother.

Choso was suddenly hit with a wave of emotions, and his eyes filled with tears.

"Little brother," he croaked, his voice hoarse. "You're here."

Yuji smiled, and approached the bed.

"Yep," the boy nodded. "Here, I made you breakfast."

He placed the tray on the bed, and Choso's heart swelled with warmth. This boy had gone out of his way to take care of him, and he was grateful.

"I'm sorry I attacked you, yesterday," the man whispered, his eyes still filled with tears.

"No worries, onii-chan. In my original timeline, you did worse," Yuji replied, grinning.

"I did?" Choso asked, surprised.

"Yep," Yuji confirmed. "But, you also saved my life. So, it's okay."

Choso felt a little confused. He couldn't imagine himself harming his brother, but, he was happy that the boy seemed to be forgiving.

"By the way," Yuji said. "Are you good? Are you feeling alright?"

Choso nodded.

"Yeah," he replied. "Did you manage to do it?"

"Yup!" Yuji announced, happily. "Okkotsu-senpai was able to stop your heart, and restart it."

Choso felt relief wash over him.

"Thank goodness," he said. "So, that means I can be here, without hurting anyone."

"Right," Yuji nodded.

Choso thought about Eso and Kechizu, and a pang of sadness went through his heart. His brothers think he's dead. He hated to cause them pain, but, at the same time, he had no choice. It was the only way to keep them safe for now, until he figured out a better solution.

"You look sad," his brother's voice cut into his thoughts.

"Yeah," Choso muttered. "I'm just worried about Eso and Kechizu."

Yuji frowned, and his eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"We will get them back," the boy assured. "Don't worry. They are my brothers, too."

Choso felt the tears fill his eyes, again.

"Why are you so nice to me?" he choked out, covering his face with his hands. "After everything I did, and how I attacked you. Why are you being so nice, Yuji?"

"Because," the boy began, and placed a gentle hand on the man's shoulder. "You are my family. And, I've missed you."

Choso didn't understand. How could he possibly be related to such a wonderful person? It didn't make sense, but, for some reason, he didn't feel the need to question it. He decided that he will believe his brother, and try to make him proud.

"I'll protect you, little brother," the man promised. "No matter what. I'll do whatever I can to help you."

Yuji's eyes filled with warmth.

"I know," he smiled. "Now, eat up. I made pancakes."

The sight of pancakes made Choso somehow even more emotional, but, he decided not to comment on it, because he didn't want to start crying again.

He nodded, and picked up the fork, taking a bite, and humming in appreciation.

"This is delicious," he announced. "Thank you, Yuji."

"You're welcome," the boy smiled. "Fushiguro and Kugisaki said they'd come down to meet you. Is that okay?"

"Of course," Choso replied, as he continued to eat.

Yuji beamed, and stood up.

"Alright, I'll text them."

Choso watched him for a few seconds, before his gaze went back to the pancakes. He decided that they were the best things he'd ever eaten.

A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door, and two familiar faces walked into the room.

"Good morning," Choso said, politely.

"Morning," the boy, whose name he recalled was Fushiguro, replied.

The girl, Kugisaki, looked him up and down.

"Hi," she greeted, cautiously.

Choso didn't mind. He understood that it might be strange, and uncomfortable for them, but, he wanted to prove that he could be trusted.

"Yuji made me pancakes," he announced, cheerfully.

"Yeah, I noticed," Kugisaki chuckled.

"They are delicious," Choso added.

Fushiguro raised an eyebrow.

"Pancakes, huh," he said, thoughtfully.

Choso's eyes lit up.

"Would you like one?" the man offered. "There's enough."

Kugisaki snorted, and Fushiguro looked a little surprised.

"Uh, I'm okay, thank you," he replied.

"You sure?" the man asked, a hopeful expression on his face.

Fushiguro looked amused.

"I'm sure," he said. "Thank you, though."

"More for me," Choso grinned.

Kugisaki laughed. Yuji's friends seemed to be nice people. He could tell that they were protective of his little brother, which meant that they probably cared a lot about him. Choso was happy about that.

"Alright, well," Yuji interrupted. "Choso, Gojo-sensei said that it would be best if you stayed in this room for the time being, so no one could find out about you. It's only temporary, though, so don't worry. We just don't want the higher-ups finding out."

"That's fine," the man nodded.

"Cool," Yuji grinned. "It's actually the same room where I spent two months, while I was pretending to be dead."

"Oh, really?" Choso replied, intrigued. "This is your room?"

"Yeah. Well, not anymore, but, it was mine for a little while," the boy explained.

Not anymore.

It meant that Yuji had a different room, now. That made Choso a little sad. He hoped that the boy would visit him, sometimes.

"I'll stay here," the man nodded. "Are you sure you can't stay with me, though, Yuji? I could protect you."

Kugisaki laughed.

"Don't worry," she said. "Fushiguro here can protect him, since they're, you know, practically married, or whatever."

Choso's eyes widened. His little brother was married?

He didn't think the boy was old enough for that, but maybe that was just because Choso was very old, and he had no idea about modern dating rules. But, Yuji never mentioned his partner. Was that bad? Maybe his brother didn't trust him enough.

"Kugisaki, for the love of god, shut up," Fushiguro muttered, rolling his eyes.

Choso was a little confused.

He eyed Fushiguro, carefully. The boy was tall, and he had a nice face. He seemed a bit cold, and serious, but, that was understandable, considering he was a sorcerer, and was constantly in danger.

Overall, he looked like a responsible young man.

Choso decided that he approved.

"Okay," the man nodded.

Everyone turned to look at him, in surprise.

"Okay?" Yuji repeated, sounding nervous. "Okay, what?"

"I approve," Choso announced, nodding, again.

"Approve of what?" Yuji asked, a frown forming on his face.

"Your partner," the man explained, gesturing to Fushiguro. "He seems like a good guy. Very strong. He could protect you."

Yuji's eyes almost popped out of his skull, and Kugisaki was trying very hard not to burst into laughter. Did he misunderstand something?

"Choso," Yuji choked out. "We aren't married. Kugisaki was just joking."

"Oh."

That didn't make any sense. Then, why did Kugisaki say what she did? Was it some sort of weird slang, that he didn't understand?

"Well, regardless," Choso said, waving a hand. "He seems like a nice person. Very polite. I like him."

Fushiguro stared at the man, his eyes slightly wide.

"Uh, thank you?" the boy replied, sounding unsure.

"You're welcome," Choso smiled.

"Well, then," Yuji said, clearing his throat. "I guess, we'll let you eat your pancakes. We'll come visit, later. We could watch a movie, or something. Maybe play a board game."

Choso felt his chest fill with happiness.

"That would be nice," he said.

"Cool. See ya later, onii-chan," Yuji announced.

Onii-chan.

That sounded so sweet.

Choso had to swallow the tears, again.

"See you later, little brother."

-

Yuji was thoroughly feeling overwhelmed, and the text he got from Gojo-sensei wasn't helping.

The man was letting him know that they decided to allow Junpei and his mom to leave the safehouse, and move back to their apartment. Since Mahito was dead, there was no real threat, and the two would be perfectly safe.

Yuji felt relieved. He had been worrying about Junpei, and was glad that the boy and his mom would be able to return to their normal lives.

However, with everything that was going on, he never got the chance to meet the boy in this timeline, and he felt bad about it. The whole reason Gojo texted him was probably because he wanted Yuji to go talk to him before the two would leave.

So, he asked Megumi to come with him, and they headed over to the safehouse.

"I'm so nervous. What if we won't get along this time?" Yuji asked, chewing his bottom lip.

"You'll be fine. Just discuss the stupid Wormo Man movies, and you'll be best friends in no time," Megumi teased.

"It's Human Earthworm, and that's not funny," Yuji mumbled, but Megumi could tell he was holding back a laugh.

"Fushiguro, you and Kugisaki were the ones who talked to them, right? What did you think?" Yuj asked.

"Well, Junpei's mom was nice. A little... intense, but nice. Junpei was very... gloomy, and depressing, and had some strange views on the world, but he seemed like a good guy," Megumi explained. "Though Kugisaki said that him and me are a lot alike, which, frankly, is insulting. So, I take it back. He wasn't nice. He was creepy."

Yuji laughed.

"It sounds like you made a friend," he joked.

"A weird friend," Megumi grumbled, as they approached the building.

Megumi rung the doorbell, and Yuji held his breath. After a moment, the door opened, and Junpei stood in the doorway.

"Fushiguro-kun," he greeted.

"Hi, Yoshino," Megumi replied, and gestured to the other boy. "This is Itadori Yuji."

Yuji was fidgeting, and playing with his sleeves. He felt nervous, and didn't know what to say.

"Nice to meet you," he mumbled, looking down.

"Likewise," Junpei responded.

They stood there in silence for a moment, and Megumi rolled his eyes.

"Itadori, Yoshino is a huge fan of the Human Earthworm movies," he announced.

"Oh, really?" Yuji said, pretending to be surprised. "Me too!"

Yuji smiled, shooting Megumi a thankful look. Despite looking unimpressed, the boy was secretly very considerate, and always knew the right thing to say.

"Come on in," Junpei said, opening the door wider. "My mom is in the kitchen, preparing lunch."

The boys walked into the safehouse, and sat down at the small table in the dining room. Yuji felt his hands start to shake, and Megumi placed his hand on top of his, giving it a comforting squeeze.

"So, Yoshino, we wanted to talk to you," Megumi said. "The curse that was targeting you, Mahito, he's dead. He won't hurt you, or anyone else, anymore."

"He's dead?" the boy asked, his voice shaky. "How? Why?"

"Itadori here, he was able to defeat him," Megumi explained, his voice proud.

Yuji blushed, and looked away. He didn't know how to handle praise, and Megumi's words warmed his heart.

"Really? You killed him?" Junpei asked, his eyes wide.

"Yes," Yuji mumbled, feeling embarrassed.

"You're a sorcerer, right? Like, Fushiguro?" the boy questioned, looking nervous.

"Yes, that's right."

"I- I can see curses, too," the other boy revealed.

"I know that. And I knew that you spoke to Mahito, and he told you that you could get powers and become a sorcerer, like us. But, I'm telling you, you don't want to do that. It's dangerous, and not worth it," Yuji warned.

Junpei looked down, and Megumi cleared his throat.

"So, have you given any thought to what I mentioned before?" Megumi inquired. "About becoming a window? It's a great way to contribute to the Jujutsu community, and you wouldn't have to worry about the danger."

Yuji watched Junpei's face carefully. The other boy looked thoughtful and was considering the option.

"Yes, I've given it some thought," the boy admitted. "It'd be amazing, to be able to help people. To feel useful."

Yuji grinned. This was going much better than he had expected. He wanted Junpei to be happy, and it sounded like this could be the perfect fit.

"And, you don't have to go to your shitty school anymore," Yuji offered. "Gojo-sensei mentioned that there is a special school in Tokyo for people for people who can see curses but don't want to be jujutsu sorcerers. It's a regular school, but the students are also taught about curses and the jujutsu world. It's a good way to get a normal education, and to learn more about the jujutsu world, if you're interested. Plus, no more bullies."

Junpei's eyes lit up, and Yuji's grin grew wider.

"Really?" the boy asked. "I wouldn't have to be around those jerks anymore?"

"Nope," Yuji confirmed.

"Yes! That's perfect," Junpei exclaimed, laughing.

"It's settled, then," Megumi announced. "We'll talk to the principal about enrolling you, and Itadori and I will make sure that you're set up with everything you need."

"Thank you," the boy said, his voice sincere. "Thank you, both. I owe you guys big time."

"No problem," Yuji said. "You can pay us back by watching all the Human Earthworm movies with me. Fushiguro says that they suck, but I think he's just jealous because he has no taste."

"Hey!" Megumi protested, rolling his eyes.

"It'd be my pleasure," Junpei assured him. "I can't wait."

"Great," Yuji said, his smile wide.

Suddenly, a delicious smell hit his nose, and his stomach rumbled.

"Mom's made curry for lunch. Would you like to join us?" Junpei asked.

"Sure, I'd love to," Yuji responded.

He glanced at Megumi and raised an eyebrow.

"I'm hungry," Megumi said, and sighed. "Let's eat."

-

The next day, Yuji was feeling better than ever.

He managed to talk to Junpei, and it turned out that the two had become fast friends, just like last time. He also had an interesting conversation with Junpei's mom, and, in general, things were going well.

They spent the previous night playing board games with Choso, and it had been fun. His brother had been surprisingly competitive, and the night ended with Choso declaring himself the champion.

Yuji didn't have the heart to tell him that it was a team game, and that everyone had won.

Now, Yuji was making his way to his dorm room, so he could get ready to meet up with the second years. He had promised them that they would train together, and, since he didn't have anything else planned, he wanted to go through with it.

As he approached his room, however, he saw someone sitting on the floor, in front of his door.

"Okkotsu-senpai?" he called out.

The older boy turned around, and a warm smile spread across his face.

"Hi, Itadori," he greeted.

"What are you doing here?" Yuji asked, confused.

"Waiting for you," the older boy replied, giving him a warm smile. "There was something I wanted to discuss with you."

"Oh. Come in, then," the pink-haired boy said, gesturing towards the door.

The two entered the room, and Yuji sat down on his bed, gesturing for the older boy to do the same. Okkotsu gave him an appreciative smile, and sat down.

"What did you want to talk about?"

"The soul research, actually," the other boy answered.

Yuji's eyes widened.

"You've managed to make some progress? Did you figure out how to use Idle Transfiguration to lift Tsumiki's curse?" he questioned, excitement clear in his voice.

"Actually, I think I did," Yuta nodded.

Yuji let out a happy gasp.

"Seriously?" he asked, grinning.

"I've been having video calls with Tsukumo-san, and she's been a huge help. She has a lot of useful resources, and she's been guiding me on how to use her research on the soul, and apply it to Idle Transfiguration," the older boy explained. "We were able to come up with a few ideas, and I've been working on perfecting them."

"That's amazing," Yuji said, beaming. "So, when will you try it? How soon can we lift her curse?"

Yuta gave him a small, nervous smile.

"She's arriving back to Tokyo tomorrow, and she offered to help. Gojo-sensei arranged for Tsumiki to be brought here, so that I can try out the technique," he revealed.

"Tomorrow?" Yuji repeated, sounding shocked. "That's so soon."

"Yes," the older boy nodded. "It's a little nerve-wrecking, but, I'm excited. We've been working hard on this, and, now, it's finally happening."

Yuji was smiling, and he was practically shaking with excitement.

"Oh my god, Fushiguro is going to be so happy," he said, his smile growing wider. "He's going to be ecstatic. Thank you, Okkotsu-senpai. Really, thank you."

"You're welcome, Itadori," the older boy grinned.

Yuji let out a long sigh, and leaned against the wall, his eyes closing.

"Man, it feels so good to have something good happen. I'm almost waiting for something bad to pop up and ruin this. I can't believe things are finally starting to go our way."

He could feel the other boy's gaze on him, and he opened his eyes, giving the older boy a sheepish smile.

"Sorry, I'm not trying to bring down the mood," he apologized.

"No, it's okay," Yuta assured him, giving him a smile in return. "So, Maki mentioned that you were coming to train with us, later. Are you still up for that?"

"Of course. I promised, didn't I?"

"Alright. I'm glad," the older boy replied, grinning. "It's always good to have someone to spar with. Plus, maybe Panda and Inumaki will get off my case about being too soft on Maki. They're convinced that I'm holding back on her, and won't stop complaining."

"Are you?" Yuji teased, chuckling.

"I guess, sometimes," the boy admitted, sheepishly. "She's really strong, but, I just, I can't help myself. I don't like the thought of hurting her."

"Don't tell her that," Yuji warned, snickering.

"Oh, I know. Believe me," the boy laughed.

The two were silent for a moment, and Yuji thought about what Nobara said a couple days ago.

"Can I ask you a question?" he inquired, his voice uncertain.

"Of course," the older boy replied, shooting him a friendly look.

"Did... did you and Maki ever have a thing?" he asked, biting his lip.

Yuta's eyes widened, and a blush appeared on his cheeks.

"Oh. Umm... no," he answered, avoiding the younger boy's eyes. "We've been friends for a long time, and, sometimes, people make assumptions, but..."

His voice trailed off, and he rubbed the back of his neck.

"Maki is very important to me. I care about her a lot, and, if it were up to me, she'd never have to fight, or be in any danger, ever again," he revealed.

Yuji listened to him quietly, and thought about his own feelings towards his friends.

"Yeah, that makes sense," he agreed, nodding. "Don't worry, I won't tease you about it. I know how that is."

Yuta looked at him with an amused smile.

"You do, don't you?" he laughed. "How are things with Fushiguro?"

Yuji groaned, and fell back on the bed, covering his face with his hands.

"Kugisaki is being a menace. She's convinced that we're in love, or something, and won't shut up about it. She's been teasing us mercilessly."

"Are you?" the older boy asked.

"Huh?" Yuji squeaked, sitting back up.

"In love?" Yuta clarified.

"N-no," Yuji mumbled, looking away.

"Okay," the other boy replied, simply, and didn't press him.

Yuji took a deep breath.

"What does it feel like? Being in love, I mean?"

Yuta considered the question for a moment, before responding.

"Well, I'm not an expert, but... being in love makes you feel warm. Your heart starts beating faster, and you want to be around that person all the time, even if you're not doing anything special. You can't stop thinking about them, and, every time you're with them, your heart swells with happiness. It's a strange feeling, but a good one. A very good one."

Yuji felt his cheeks warm, and he bit his lip.

"Does... does that sound familiar?" the older boy inquired, looking amused.

"N-no. What, that's ridiculous," Yuji stammered, his blush intensifying. "I'm not- I mean, Fushiguro- he doesn't- we're just friends. Best friends. Sure, we're closer than normal friends, and maybe we touch more than normal, and, like, sleep together. Oh god, that sounds so bad. I mean, not that kind of sleeping together, just regular, sleep, and not that there's anything wrong with- you know what, never mind."

Yuji looked down, feeling flustered. Yuta was trying his best not to laugh, and, after a moment, he composed himself.

"It's okay, Itadori," the older boy assured him, his voice gentle. "There's nothing wrong with how you feel."

"It's just that, Fushiguro- he doesn't," Yuji mumbled, his voice quiet. "He's a guy. I've never, I mean, I've never thought of another guy like that. I'm not, like, gay, or whatever. I mean, it's not like there's anything wrong with being gay, I just, I've never thought of anyone that way."

Why was he even saying this? He had no idea. Yuta didn't need to hear all of this. He had only asked him a simple question, and Yuji had ended up spewing his insecurities to the older boy.

He felt pathetic.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said all that," he mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck. "It's weird, isn't it? I'm being stupid."

"You're not," the other boy protested, frowning. "There's nothing weird about it."

Yuji remained silent, and the older boy seemed to be thinking, before speaking up again.

"Maybe... maybe you don't need to think about it. If you feel like you and Fushiguro are just friends, then maybe that's it. But, if it ever changes, and you start to realize that your feelings run deeper than that, that's okay, too," he explained.

"Is it?" Yuji asked, his voice small.

"Yes," the older boy promised.

Yuji felt his heart flutter, and he smiled.

"Thanks, Okkotsu-senpai," he murmured.

Yuta patted him on the shoulder, and shot him a warm smile.

"So, are we sparring or not?" he asked, standing up.

"Hell yeah, I'm ready," Yuji declared, grinning.

"Good. Let's go, then."

A/N: You might call this a filler chapter, but the only thing I'm trying to fill is the void in my heart left by our bestest brother. 💔

Also, the Junpei scene might feel a little bit out of place - I intended to have that scene in the previous chapter, after defeating Mahito, but it got lost among my drafts. But, I still wanted to include it, so here it is!

Next time, we'll find out whether Yuta will be able to cure Tsumiki.