Yuji was sitting on the bed, waiting for Megumi to arrive. It was a little bit past noon, and he was feeling restless. He wanted to do something, but there wasn't much he could do, locked up in the hidden room.

He heard the door open, and his head shot up. He saw Megumi carrying a bag of food, and his stomach growled.

"Hungry?" the dark haired boy asked, a slight smirk on his face.

"Very," Yuji admitted, his cheeks pink.

Megumi sat down next to him, and the boy could smell the delicious aroma of the food. He reached into the bag, and took out the containers.

"I'm glad you're feeling better," Megumi said, his voice soft.

"Yeah," Yuji murmured. "I'm sorry about earlier."

"It's fine," the boy replied, shaking his head. "Kugisaki is a little shaken, though."

"Oh," the pink haired boy's shoulders slumped. "I didn't mean to scare her."

"It's not your fault," Megumi assured him.

They both started eating, the silence between them comfortable. Yuji was glad that Fushiguro didn't push him to talk about the nightmare, or his feelings.

"Gojo told me you wanted to, uh, sleep in here," the pink-haired boy said, his cheeks pink.

"Is that okay?" Megumi asked, his eyes uncertain.

"Y-yeah," Yuji nodded. "I'd like that."

Megumi's lips quirked into a small smile, and the boy felt his heart skip a beat. He had missed seeing the other boy's rare smiles.

"Good," Megumi murmured. "I don't want you to be alone, and it wouldn't make sense for Gojo-sensei or Nanami-san to spend the night here."

"Yeah," Yuji agreed.

They continued eating, their thoughts wandering. The tension in the air was thick, and it was difficult to ignore.

"Can we train again today?" Yuji asked, his tone hopeful. "Kugisaki could come, too."

"Sure," Megumi replied, taking out his phone. "I'll let her know."

The two boys finished their lunch, and cleaned up the containers. As they were putting the trash away, the door opened, and Nobara stepped inside.

"Oh, hey," she greeted, her expression guarded.

"Hey," Yuji said, his tone friendly. "Uh, I'm sorry about earlier. I was a little overwhelmed."

"It's okay," Nobara shrugged, her eyes averted. "I'm just glad you're alright."

"Thanks," the boy smiled.

"Fushiguro texted me to meet you guys here," the girl said, her hands in her pockets.

"Yeah," Megumi replied. "We're going to train outside."

Nobara's eyes lit up, her expression excited.

"Sounds good," she said, her lips curving into a grin. "But don't expect me to go easy on you, Itadori."

Yuji laughed, and shook his head.

"Don't worry, I won't," he promised.

The three of them left the room, and made their way towards the training grounds. It was a warm, sunny day, and Yuji felt his spirits lifting.

He watched Nobara and Megumi bantering as they walked, and he felt his heart ache. It was so strange, seeing them like this. He almost forgot how different the past was, and it made him feel a little lost.

"You coming?" Megumi called, his brow furrowed.

Yuji blinked, and realized he had been lagging behind.

"Yeah," the boy nodded.

They reached the training grounds, and the two boys began stretching. Nobara pulled out her hammer, and twirled it around.

"So, what are we doing?" she asked, her voice eager.

"Hand to hand," Megumi replied.

"Sounds good," Nobara grinned.

The three of them started sparring, the sounds of their grunts and yells filling the air. It felt good, and Yuji was able to focus on the fight.

Yuji made sure to hold back, but it was still difficult. He had to keep reminding himself not to use too much force. He didn't want to hurt his friends.

After several rounds, the three of them were tired, and covered in sweat. Yuji and Megumi were leaning against the wall, catching their breath.

"I noticed you're holding back," Nobara pointed out, her expression curious. "Why?"

"Because I don't want to hurt you," the boy admitted.

"Itadori, that's kinda insulting," Nobara huffed, her arms crossed.

"Eh?" the boy frowned, confused.

Megumi looked at Nobara, his expression serious.

"Kugisaki, he's not being arrogant," Megumi said, his voice firm. "He's actually being considerate."

"What do you mean?" the girl asked, her brow furrowed.

"I watched him spar with Gojo-sensei yesterday," the boy replied, his eyes narrowing. "He's not just strong, Kugisaki. He's ridiculously strong."

Yuji felt his cheeks heat up. He didn't want to be called strong, not when he was too weak to prevent his friends' deaths.

"Really?" Nobara breathed, her eyes wide.

"Yes," Megumi confirmed.

Yuji felt even more uncomfortable, under the girl's gaze. He wasn't used to such attention, and he didn't really care about his own strength. All he wanted was the ability to protect his friends.

"Well, then, I want you to go all out," the girl declared, her tone determined. "I want to see what you can do."

"No," Yuji refused, his voice strained.

"C'mon, Itadori," Nobara insisted.

"He said no," Megumi interrupted, his voice sharp.

Nobara glared at the boy, her eyes flashing.

"Why?" she asked, her tone petulant.

"Because I said so," Megumi stated, his tone final.

Yuji was surprised by the dark haired boy's defense of him. He had always seemed so calm, and aloof, but he was showing a different side of himself. He wondered whether Megumi's concern was for his sake, or Nobara's.

"Whatever," Nobara muttered, rolling her eyes.

She walked over to the bench, and started drinking water. The two boys followed her, and Yuji could tell that she was annoyed.

"I think that's enough for today," Megumi declared.

"Yeah," the girl agreed.

They gathered their belongings, and headed back to the school. Nobara walked ahead, and Yuji could feel the tension in the air. He didn't know what to say to relieve it, and he felt guilty.

He kept thinking of Nobara's body, lying on the ground, and her blank, lifeless eyes. He couldn't bear the thought of seeing that again, and it made him anxious. He knew that it was stupid, refusing to use his strength against her, but the thought of hurting her, even accidentally, was too much for him to bear.

When they reached the school, Nobara headed straight to her room, without saying goodbye. Megumi sighed, his expression troubled.

"Itadori, I'm sorry," Megumi apologized.

"It's okay," Yuji shrugged. "I can't really blame her."

"You shouldn't have to deal with that," Megumi muttered, his voice angry. "I think she's frustrated because she's trying to process her own feelings. But that's no excuse to take it out on you."

Yuji's heart skipped a beat. He hadn't expected such words from the other boy, and he didn't know how to respond. He didn't know how to explain that, even though she was angry at him, just seeing Nobara alive, and full of life, was more than he could have ever hoped for.

"It's not a big deal," the boy mumbled, his cheeks pink.

"If you say so," Megumi murmured.

They were quiet for a moment, before Megumi spoke again.

"I'm gonna go back to the dorms and shower," he said, his eyes thoughtful. "I'll bring a futon and some clothes with me, when I come back."

"Okay," Yuji nodded.

Megumi headed off, and Yuji was left alone with his thoughts.

-

Yuji was lying on his back, staring up at the ceiling. He was waiting for Megumi to return, and the anticipation was making him nervous.

He kept replaying the events of the past few days in his mind, and he was still at a loss for what to do. The guilt was weighing heavily on him, and he wanted to confide in someone. But every time he had the chance to say something, he felt overwhelmed and paralyzed. He was angry at himself for his weakness, and he wished he could just get it over with.

But how do you tell someone that you saw them die?

How do you explain that you came from the future, where everything is fucked up?

How do you admit that you're scared, and don't know what to do, but you're determined to save everyone, even if it kills you?

And how do you tell your best friend, the one person who is always there for you, the one person you never want to hurt, that the fate that awaits them is far worse than death?

How do you explain that he is doomed to suffer a living hell, at the hands of a maniacal monster who has no remorse?

Yuji closed his eyes, and let out a long, slow breath.

He knew that Megumi would listen. That his friend would believe him.

But, Yuji was afraid.

He was afraid of the inevitable questions that would follow. He was afraid of the accusations that would be thrown his way. He was afraid of the anger, and the resentment, that would inevitably result.

He was afraid that he would lose the one thing that was keeping him sane, the one person that was giving him hope, and he couldn't stand the thought of it.

The boy let out a shaky breath, and felt the tears burning in his eyes. He was so, so tired. Tired of the pain, and the guilt, and the fear. He just wanted everything to stop.

He heard the door open, and quickly sat up.

"Oh, hey," Megumi greeted, his voice soft. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't," Yuji assured him.

Megumi entered the room, and closed the door behind him. He had a bag slung over his shoulder, and his hair was damp from the shower.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

"Better," Yuji lied, forcing a smile.

"That's good," the other boy nodded.

Yuji watched as Megumi took out the futon and laid it down on the floor. He was quiet, his expression thoughtful.

"Can we talk?" he finally asked, his voice hesitant.

"Uh, sure," Yuji said, his voice wary.

Megumi sat down next to him on the bed, and the boy felt his heart rate speed up.

"I know you're going through a lot," the dark-haired boy murmured. "And I know that there is a lot of pressure for you to talk about it, but you don't have to. Not until you're ready."

Yuji swallowed, his throat tight.

"Thank you," he whispered.

"I'm not gonna pretend to know what you're going through," Megumi said, his voice steady. "But I want you to know that it doesn't matter how unbelievable your story is, I will believe you."

The need to talk, to confess, was almost overwhelming. Yuji opened his mouth, and closed it, his chest tight.

"You don't have to say anything," the dark-haired boy murmured.

It was now or never. Yuji could feel the pressure building, and he had to let it out, before he burst.

"I want to," he said finally.

Megumi stared at him, his eyes wide.

"You do?" he asked, his tone hopeful.

"Yeah," the pink-haired boy nodded.

His fingers twisted in the sheets, and he looked down.

"But I'm scared," he admitted, his voice quiet.

"Scared of what?" Megumi asked, his brow furrowing.

"Scared of losing you," Yuji said, his voice wavering.

Megumi frowned and shook his head.

"You're not gonna lose me," the boy insisted.

"You don't understand," Yuji protested.

"Then, help me to understand," Megumi pleaded.

Yuji's jaw clenched, and he closed his eyes.

"I don't know how," he whispered. "I... I don't know where to start."

The dark-haired boy placed his hand on Yuji's knee, and the boy felt his heart jump.

"Just take a deep breath, and try to calm down," Megumi suggested, his voice gentle. "I'm not gonna force you to tell me anything, and you don't have to rush. You can take as much time as you need."

Yuji opened his eyes, and stared into the other boy's dark blue eyes. They were so full of compassion, and understanding, that he felt his heart ache. He wanted to tell him. Hell, he needed to tell him.

Suddenly, the picture of Megumi's face, with Sukuna's markings on his skin, flashed across the boy's mind. The evil, wicked smile, the malice in his eyes, and the cruel twist of his lips. The room began to spin, and he felt like he couldn't breathe.

"You're panicking," Megumi stated, his voice firm.

Yuji tried to calm himself, but the image kept flashing in his mind, over, and over again.

"I'm gonna take your hand," Megumi informed him. "Okay?"

Yuji nodded, and the boy felt his hand being enveloped by the other boy's warm, comforting touch. He focused on the sensation, and gradually, his breathing began to even out.

"You're okay," Megumi soothed, his voice soft.

Yuji squeezed his eyes shut, and took a deep breath. He tried to banish the image of Sukuna's face, but it kept coming back.

The Sukuna inside him laughed, and it echoed in the boy's mind.

"Fuck off," Yuji hissed.

"What?" Megumi frowned, confused.

The pink-haired boy opened his eyes, and gave Megumi an apologetic look.

"Not you," the boy mumbled.

"Oh," the boy nodded, his voice strained. "Sukuna."

"Yeah," Yuji confirmed.

"I'm assuming he's the reason why you're freaking out," Megumi guessed, his voice quiet.

The pink-haired boy let out a bitter laugh.

"Yeah, you could say that," he agreed, his tone bitter.

"What is he doing?" Megumi questioned, his tone serious.

"Fucking with my mind," Yuji replied, his jaw clenching.

"Asshole," the other boy muttered.

Yuji laughed, and he felt his heart rate slow. The sound of Megumi's voice helped ground him, and he was able to push away the image of Sukuna's face.

"Feeling better?" Megumi inquired.

"Yes," he exhaled.

Megumi released his hand, and Yuji immediately missed the contact. He felt cold, and he rubbed his arms.

"What happened?" the dark-haired boy prompted.

Yuji looked down, and chewed on his lip.

"I- I died on the 24th December, 2018," the boy confessed, his voice small.

Megumi's eyes widened, and he blinked.

"What?" he breathed, his voice hoarse.

"I died on the 24th December, 2018," Yuji repeated, his voice cracking.

Megumi swallowed, and shook his head.

"That's in the future," the boy whispered, his brow furrowed.

"Yes," Yuji confirmed.

Megumi was silent for a moment, his eyes distant.

"Okay," he finally said.

Yuji was surprised by the boy's calm acceptance. He had expected a more dramatic reaction.

"You believe me?" he questioned, his voice hesitant.

"I do," Megumi nodded, his eyes filled with determination.

Yuji stared at him, and wondered if he was dreaming.

"Why?" Yuji breathed.

"Because, despite all evidence to the contrary, you are an honest person, and a terrible liar," Megumi chuckled, his tone wry.

"That's true," the other boy agreed, his voice faint.

"Also, I've seen you fight," Megumi continued, his voice firm. "And there is no way you are capable of those moves, unless you have a hell of a lot of experience. No offense."

"None taken," the pink-haired boy murmured, his cheeks pink.

Yuji's chest tightened, and his heart hammered in his chest. He knew that the dark-haired boy was smart, and perceptive, but he hadn't expected such immediate acceptance. Megumi was looking at him with such openness, and trust, that the boy felt overwhelmed.

"T-thank you," he stuttered, his voice thick.

"What happened?" Megumi asked finally, with a hint of hesitation.

Yuji knew that the dark-haired boy was trying to tread lightly. That he was attempting to give him space.

"Sukuna," Yuji explained, his voice flat.

The dark-haired boy frowned, his brow creasing.

"What?" he questioned, his tone incredulous.

"Sukuna killed me," Yuji explained.

"H- How is that even possible?" Megumi muttered, his voice shaking. "You are his vessel. If he kills you, he would die as well."

Yuji shook his head, and swallowed the lump in his throat.

"Not in the future," the boy mumbled.

"What do you mean?" Megumi's eyes widened.

Yuji closed his eyes, and tried to block out the image of Megumi, possessed by Sukuna, but it wouldn't go away. The King of Curses had branded his appearance onto his brain. He felt his eyes sting, and tears slid down his cheeks.

"Fuck," he hissed, angrily wiping away the tears.

"I'm sorry," Megumi whispered. "I didn't mean to make you upset. It's okay. We don't have to talk about it."

Yuji tried to take a deep breath, but it caught in his throat. His lungs felt like they were being crushed, and he couldn't seem to breathe.

"I- I'm sorry Fushiguro. I'm trying," he apologized, his voice cracking.

Megumi shook his head, and gently placed his hands on the boy's shoulders.

"It's okay," the boy assured him. "Let's not talk about your death. Let's focus on something else."

Yuji took another shuddering breath, and tried to calm himself. He was grateful for the boy's presence, and his willingness to help him. He knew that he would have to explain everything, eventually. But he needed more time. He needed to be able to process his own emotions, before he could explain them to someone else.

"Okay," he agreed, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Is there something else that you can talk about?" Megumi questioned, his voice quiet.

"Mhm," Yuji mumbled.

The dark-haired boy nodded, his eyes searching the boy's face.

"Alright," Megumi said softly. "Tell me whatever you can. It's okay."

Yuji looked down, and his fingers twisted in the sheets.

"On the 31th October, a large-scale curse incident happened in Shibuya," he divulged, his voice hesitant. "It was... bad."

"How bad?" Megumi asked, his eyes wary.

"Bad," Yuji confirmed, his voice wavering.

"Were people hurt?" the dark-haired boy pressed.

"Yes," the boy whispered.

"How many people?" Megumi inquired.

Yuji squeezed his eyes shut, and tried not to cry.

"A lot," he choked out.

He could see the hesitation on Megumi's face, the boy clearly struggling with the question.

"Was it- was it anyone that we know?" the boy probed, his voice strained.

"Yes," Yuji whispered.

He could now see the fear, the dread, in the other boy's eyes.

"Who?" Megumi breathed, his voice low.

"Kugisaki," Yuji replied, his heart breaking.

The dark-haired boy froze, and stared at him. Yuji watched as the color drained from his face, and his eyes glazed over.

"Gojo-sensei would never let that happen," the other boy murmured, his brow furrowed.

"Gojo-sensei was sealed," Yuji revealed, his voice quiet.

"He- he what?" Megumi stammered, his eyes widening.

"They used the Prison Realm," Yuji mumbled. "They sealed him inside a cube, Fushiguro. They sealed the strongest sorcerer alive inside a goddamn box."

Megumi swallowed, and shook his head.

"No," he whispered.

"Yes," Yuji stressed.

There was a moment of silence, before Megumi spoke.

"Okay," the boy said, his voice strained. "Did we- did we lose anyone else?"

Yuji looked down, and bit his lip.

"Nanamin," the pink-haired boy replied, his voice soft.

"Oh," Megumi mumbled, his voice cracking.

They were both silent, neither of them wanting to acknowledge the weight of those names. Yuji's chest was tight, and he felt a lump form in his throat.

"I was badly injured," Yuji continued, his voice low. "I- I almost died. I was unconscious when that curse, Jogo found me. They wanted Sukuna on their side, so he- he fed me ten fingers."

Megumi's eyes widened, and his mouth fell open.

"What?" he breathed.

"Ten fingers," Yuji repeated. "At once."

"But- but that would-" Megumi started.

"Yes," the pink-haired boy agreed, his voice flat. "Sukuna took over. He had control of my body."

"Fuck," Megumi cursed, his expression horrified.

Yuji couldn't blame him. He would have reacted the same way, had he been in the boy's position.

"It's all my fault, Fushiguro. He unleashed his domain. Right there, in Shibuya. He killed over a thousand people. It was all my fault. I was weak, and I couldn't stop him. I should have been stronger. I should have- I should have- fuck!" the pink-haired boy blurted out.

His chest was rising and falling rapidly, and he was unable to catch his breath. He was spiralling, and he could feel the panic rising.

"Itadori," Megumi called out, his voice firm. "Listen to me. You are not weak. You are not at fault for what happened."

Yuji shook his head, and tried to block out the image of the desolate wasteland that Sukuna's domain had left behind. The dead bodies, the destruction, and the piles of corpses. The overwhelming stench of death, and decay.

The room felt too small, too claustrophobic, and Yuji struggled to breathe.

Suddenly, he was pulled into a hug. He was enveloped by warmth, and his heart skipped a beat. Megumi held him tightly, his hand running up and down the boy's back. Yuji inhaled, and the boy smelled faintly of soap, and freshly cut grass.

"You're having a panic attack," Megumi said, his voice quiet. "I'm holding you. Breathe. Just focus on breathing."

Yuji was still struggling to draw air into his lungs. He could feel his pulse racing, and his body trembling.

"Come on, Itadori," Megumi coaxed. "Take a deep breath."

The pink-haired boy did as the boy asked, and slowly, his breathing returned to normal. He closed his eyes, and leaned into the boy's embrace. The dark-haired boy's skin was cool against his own, and his touch was comforting.

"That's it," Megumi soothed. "You're okay."

"I- I'm sorry, Fushiguro," Yuji stuttered, his voice thick.

"There's nothing to apologize for," the other boy murmured. "You have been through a lot. It's understandable that you're struggling."

Yuji sniffed, and wiped his eyes.

"Thanks," he mumbled.

"I think we should end this conversation," Megumi suggested, his tone gentle.

"Yeah," Yuji agreed.

The dark-haired boy pulled away, and the pink-haired boy immediately missed his touch. He wanted to beg the boy not to let go, to hold him for a while longer, but he resisted. He had already revealed so much, and he was terrified of burdening the other boy.

"Whatever happened in your future, it's not going to happen again," Megumi assured him.

Yuji gave the boy a weak smile, but it was devoid of any warmth.

"How can you be so sure?" the pink-haired boy questioned.

"Because we'll change it," the dark-haired boy declared. "Together."

Yuji looked at the other boy, and his eyes softened.

"Thank you," he whispered.

Megumi smiled, and his cheeks reddened.

"There's nothing to thank me for," the boy mumbled.

They were silent for a moment, before the boy cleared his throat.

"We will need to talk to Gojo-sensei," he pointed out.

Yuji sighed, and looked away.

"I know," the pink-haired boy replied. "Will you- will you be with me? When I talk to him?"

"Of course," the other boy nodded.

"Thank you," Yuji murmured, his voice sincere.

"We can talk to him tomorrow," Megumi proposed.

"Okay," the pink-haired boy agreed, relieved.

Megumi gave the boy a small smile, and Yuji's heart fluttered. The other boy's presence made him feel safe, and he was grateful that he had opened up to the boy.

"Get some rest, Itadori," the dark-haired boy instructed, his voice soft.

"Alright," Yuji agreed, and he felt a wave of self-consciousness wash over him. "Uh, I know that hearing all of this has been- uh, stressful. If you're not comfortable sleeping here after hearing all that, I totally understand."

"I'm not going anywhere," Megumi responded, his tone firm.

Yuji blinked, and his eyes widened.

"Y- you're not?" he stammered, shocked.

"No," the other boy stated, his voice firm.

Yuji studied the dark-haired boy's features, and he saw the conviction and determination, etched on his face. He felt his heart swell, and he smiled.

"Okay," he mumbled, his voice shaky.

"You need rest," Megumi asserted, his tone firm. "So, let's go to sleep. We'll deal with everything else tomorrow."

"Right," the pink-haired boy agreed, his eyes half-lidded.

Megumi got off the bed, rolling out his futon, and setting it up. He took a blanket, and laid down, pulling the covers over his shoulders.

"Good night, Fushiguro," Yuji whispered, his eyelids fluttering.

"Night, Itadori," the other boy replied, his voice low.

Yuji drifted off to sleep, and his dreams were calm.