Gojo felt like his mind was going to explode.

It'd been an hour since he got back to his room, and he had been staring at Yuji's notebook ever since.

He wondered if this is how it felt like to experience the Unlimited Void - his head spinning, and his brain overloaded with information. It was like he was trying to understand a puzzle without knowing any of the pieces.

Yuji had drawn his family tree. That, in itself, was not particularly strange. Many people have a family tree, and it would not have been unreasonable for him to draw his. However, most people don't have a family tree that includes a mother with stitches on her forehead, with a note scribbled beside her that says "Kenjaku", or 9 half-brothers who are special-grade cursed objects.

This was seriously messed up.

He tried to wrap his mind around what he had just learned, but it was impossible. Yuji had been so casual about it. It was like the whole thing was no big deal, which only made it all the more unsettling. Although, considering some of the other things the boy had written in his notes, it was somewhat understandable that he would not have reacted more strongly to this.

Gojo was angry at himself for not looking into Yuji's family sooner. He had done it in Yuta's case, but, for some reason, he had never considered it in Yuji's case. Maybe, it was because he was so completely sure that Yuji was just a normal, regular human, who was at the wrong place at the wrong time. A regular human, who, by chance, was capable of becoming a vessel to the King of Curses.

And, of course, there were his superhuman physical abilities. Yuji's stamina, and strength, and speed were far beyond what should be possible for a regular person. But, that wasn't enough for Gojo to really start digging into the boy's past.

Gojo was feeling very, very stupid.

Kenjaku was smarter than he gave him credit for. It seemed like everything the sorcerer did for centuries had been planned and calculated. Everything was leading up to this point. And, it was all for the purpose of creating the Great Merger.

But, that still didn't answer the question: why did Kenjaku need a vessel for Sukuna so desperately? Why was his ability to host the King of Curses such a crucial part of his plan?

There was also the question of what the Great Merger was, exactly. After all, on his own timeline, Yuji had died before the merger was activated, so, it wasn't like he could ask him about it.

Gojo sighed. His head was throbbing, and he felt like his brain was about to implode. This was too much information to process.

Yuji had also asked him to allow certain things to happen the same way they did in his original timeline. But he never imagined that those things would involve his first-year students going up against special-grade curses on their own. Well, he was proud of them for being able to pull it off, but, seriously, that wasn't something first years should be doing.

Letting the death paintings get stolen was also something he wasn't thrilled about, but Yuji's pleading eyes had been so genuine, and, well, it wouldn't hurt to gain some further allies.

Gojo looked back down at the notebook. There were almost ten pages describing the Shibuya Incident, and he could read about five pages before he felt sick to his stomach. The descriptions of the deaths were graphic and disturbing, and even he felt a little traumatized after reading it. No wonder the boy was having nightmares.

It was hard to believe that all of this happened in a night. Some parts were less detailed - he figured that these were the events that Yuji didn't get to witness first-hand, only hearing about it from others. Other parts were so vivid, like the boy was reliving the moments again.

Gojo hated alcohol.

But right now, he felt like he could use a drink.

-

Yuji was sprawled out on the bed, reading a manga, when the door burst open and Kugisaki stomped inside, her face red.

"Hey," he greeted.

"Shut up," she hissed, throwing herself on the couch beside him.

Yuji noticed that her face was bruised, her tracksuit torn, and her hair was a mess.

"What happened?" he questioned, putting the book down.

"That bitch Mai," she spat, her voice laced with venom.

Yuji raised an eyebrow. He tried recalling what Megumi and Nobara told him about the two months before the Goodwill Event. He faintly remembered something about Mai and Todo coming to Tokyo and picking a fight with the two Tokyo first-years. Which means, that Megumi was also...

The door opened again, and Yuji's mouth fell open when he saw Megumi.

His hair was a tangled mess, and his skin was bruised and cut. His uniform was torn, and he had blood dripping down his chin.

"Wow, Fushiguro, you look terrible," Kugisaki remarked.

"Gee, thanks," Megumi mumbled, slumping onto the chair. "You look lovely yourself."

Yuji's jaw dropped even further, and he gaped at them.

"Are you guys okay?" he demanded.

"I'm fine," Megumi grumbled.

"I'm fucking pissed," Nobara huffed.

"Uh, do you guys want some ice? Or a painkiller? Should I go get Ieiri-san?" Yuji asked.

"No, we're good," Kugisaki replied.

"I'm fine," Fushiguro muttered.

"Uh, okay," Yuji mumbled.

The two were breathing heavily, and Yuji shifted. He didn't know how to help.

"So, what happened?" he asked.

"Aren't you the time traveler? Aren't you supposed to know?" Kugisaki questioned.

Yuji scratched the back of his head.

"Uh, I don't really remember the details. I think you said something about Mai and Todo showing up and beating you up because of Fushiguro's taste in girls? Or something like that," he recalled.

"Yeah, that's it," the girl confirmed. "You must have met him too, on your own timeline. How the fuck did you put up with him? He's fucking annoying."

Yuji laughed, and nodded.

"He's pretty intense," he agreed. "I thought he was kinda funny, though. He's an interesting guy. He was really helpful, actually. He helped me train, and learn new techniques. I think he's a good guy. Just, a little strange."

"Tch," Megumi clicked his tongue.

Megumi was silent, his arms crossed over his chest. He didn't seem angry, but he was clearly agitated. Yuji watched him, biting his lip.

"Fushiguro, are you okay?" he asked.

Megumi's eyes snapped up, and he looked at him. Yuji blinked, surprised by the intensity of the gaze.

"Uh, yeah, why wouldn't I be?" Megumi questioned.

"Well, you just seem a bit upset," Yuji answered.

"He's pissed because of their shitty comments," Kugisaki replied.

Yuji looked between the two, his confusion growing.

"What comments?" he asked.

"He-," the girl began, but she was cut off.

"Nothing," Megumi insisted, his voice tight. "It's nothing."

"Fushiguro," Yuji pleaded. "Come on, talk to me."

Megumi looked up, and met his eyes.

"They were talking about how you're nothing but a half-curse and how we should be glad you died," he spat, his eyes narrowing.

Yuji flinched.

"Ah, well," he mumbled.

"It was fucked up," Megumi muttered, his hands curling into fists. "They don't know you. They don't know shit about you. You're not a curse. You're not Sukuna. You're not evil. How could they say those things? Fuck them."

Yuji's cheeks flushed, and he was filled with a warm sensation. He felt so cared for. It was amazing to see Megumi getting so riled up about his reputation.

"You don't deserve to die," Megumi continued, his voice low. "You deserve to live, and have a future. You deserve happiness, and success. You deserve everything."

"Fushiguro," Yuji murmured, his voice cracking.

Nobara was staring at Megumi with wide eyes, her mouth hanging open. Megumi seemed to realize what he was saying, and his face flushed. He glanced away, his shoulders tense.

"Thanks," Yuji mumbled. "I, uh, appreciate it."

Megumi's face reddened, and he crossed his arms over his chest.

"Whatever," he muttered.

Kugisaki was still staring at him, her eyes narrowed.

"You're a fucking sap," she teased.

Megumi glared at her.

"Shut up," he hissed.

"You are," she insisted.

"I said, shut up," Megumi repeated.

Yuji smiled, watching the two bicker. It was nice to see them having fun. He was glad they were getting along.

"Well, I'm gonna head out," Nobara declared, standing up. "I have a hot date with a tub of ice cream and some face masks. Don't wanna end up with huge pores like a certain Zen'in."

"Alright," the boy said, grinning. "See you later, Kugisaki."

"Yeah, yeah," she mumbled, waving him off.

Megumi scoffed and rolled his eyes, and Yuji laughed.

"Later," Nobara called, exiting the room.

The door slammed behind her, and the boy glanced at his friend. Megumi was sitting in the armchair, his arms still crossed.

"You look really beat up," Yuji remarked.

"Thanks," Megumi muttered.

"Let me patch you up," Yuji offered, standing up and moving closer to his friend.

"I'm fine," Megumi insisted, avoiding his gaze.

"You're bleeding," Yuji pointed out, reaching out and swiping his thumb across the blood on Megumi's lip.

Megumi blushed, and pulled away.

"Stop," he muttered.

"You're stubborn," Yuji declared, grabbing his friend's arm.

He dragged him to the bathroom and grabbed the first aid kit. He sat Megumi on the toilet lid and gently cleaned the cuts. The other boy sat silently, his eyes averted. Yuji took care of the injuries, his eyes scanning over the bruises and the scratches.

"Do you have any other injuries?" he questioned.

"My side is bruised," Megumi mumbled, shifting.

"Okay, take off your shirt," Yuji ordered, grabbing a fresh towel.

Megumi glared at him.

"What?" he asked.

"Take off your shirt," Yuji repeated.

"Hell no," Megumi huffed, crossing his arms.

"I have to check you for injuries," Yuji reasoned.

"No," Megumi snapped.

"Why are you being difficult?" Yuji demanded.

"It's weird," Megumi insisted.

"You're acting like a child," Yuji scoffed.

"Shut up," Megumi grumbled.

Yuji let out an exasperated sigh.

"Fushiguro, take off your fucking shirt," he growled, his patience wearing thin.

Megumi looked up, his brows furrowed.

"Are you serious?" he questioned.

"Dead," Yuji stated.

"Fine," Megumi huffed.

He reached for the hem of his shirt and lifted it. He winced as he struggled to pull the fabric over his head, his bruised muscles aching.

"Here," Yuji muttered, stepping forward.

He gripped the bottom of the fabric and tugged it over Megumi's head, gently maneuvering it around the injury. Megumi let out a sharp hiss as the movement pulled at his sore skin.

"Sorry," Yuji said quietly.

He tossed the shirt on the floor and reached out, running his fingers over the purple and blue skin. Megumi shivered under the touch, his teeth gritted.

"Shit, this looks bad," Yuji muttered.

"No, shit," Megumi grumbled.

"You're in a mood today, huh?" Yuji mused.

Megumi glared at him, but it held no malice. Yuji smiled and gently pressed the damp cloth to the bruise. The other boy winced, but didn't complain.

Once he was satisfied with the job, Yuji moved to the sink and washed the blood from the towel. He then returned to Megumi's side, and gently wiped the dried blood from his skin. Megumi remained still, his eyes following Yuji's movements.

When the last of the blood was removed, Yuji grabbed the bandages and carefully wrapped them around Megumi's torso. When he was finished, he stepped back and admired his work.

"There," he said, a smile on his face.

Megumi's face flushed, and he looked away.

"Thank you," he mumbled.

Yuji's eyes widened, surprised by the show of gratitude.

"You're welcome," he replied, a grin spreading across his face.

Megumi didn't meet his eyes, and his cheeks were pink.

"Do you have any other injuries?" Yuji inquired, grabbing the first aid kit.

"No, that's it," Megumi muttered.

"Good," he sighed, placing the kit on the counter.

"Thanks," Megumi murmured.

"You're welcome," Yuji replied.

Yuji was smiling, and Megumi couldn't help but return it.

-

The next day, Megumi was feeling better. He was less sore, and the cuts on his face were healing.

When he woke up, Yuji was already awake, cooking breakfast. The strange feeling of domesticity washed over him once again, and his stomach twisted. He didn't know why the sight of his friend in his kitchen, making breakfast, filled him with such a sense of happiness and safety. It was confusing.

"Morning," Yuji greeted, flashing him a grin.

He was in a good mood. Megumi was pleased to see him smiling.

"Morning," Megumi mumbled.

He walked past his friend and headed to the coffee maker.

"Are you feeling better?" Yuji questioned.

"Yeah," Megumi replied, filling the pot with water.

"Good," Yuji stated, turning back to the pan on the stove. "Gojo texted me that he wants me to go on a mission with Nanami later today."

Megumi felt his stomach twist.

"Oh," he muttered.

He hated how much the thought of Yuji leaving bothered him. He was worried. He knew the boy could handle himself in a fight, but his mental and emotional state was still fragile. Megumi didn't want anything to set him off. He wanted to be there, to keep an eye on him.

God, he sounded like a helicopter parent.

"Is it a dangerous mission?" Megumi questioned, pressing the button to start the coffee.

"I don't think so," Yuji answered. "I think it's one or two first-grade curses, at most."

Megumi raised an eyebrow. Yuji was talking about first-grade curses like it was nothing. His tone was casual, like he was talking about a new restaurant or a TV show.

"Oh, okay," Megumi murmured, turning away.

He watched the dark liquid flow into the pot, his thoughts racing. He was scared that something might trigger the boy's memories and make him panic. He didn't know how Yuji would react. He was afraid that it might set off his trauma. He wanted to keep him safe.

"Can I come with you?" Megumi blurted, the words escaping his mouth before he could stop them.

Yuji stared at him, his eyebrows raised.

"Really?" he asked.

"Yeah," Megumi mumbled, looking away.

"Fushiguro, I won't be in danger," Yuji reminded him.

"I know," Megumi muttered, his cheeks flushing.

"But, you still want to come?" Yuji questioned.

Megumi glanced up, meeting his friend's gaze.

"Yeah," he admitted.

Yuji blinked, surprise written on his face.

"Okay," Yuji agreed. "I'm sure Nanami won't mind."

Megumi smiled, feeling relieved.

-

Nanami didn't mind. He had just grunted and nodded when Yuji told him that Megumi would be joining them.

They stood before a small shop, the name barely visible above the entrance. The area was quiet, the streets nearly empty.

"Two first-grade curses," the man informed them. "We need to destroy them quickly and without causing too much damage."

Megumi's jaw tensed. That would be difficult. First-grade curses were stronger than humans. They were difficult to destroy, and they had a tendency to cause significant collateral damage. Of course, Nanami was a first-grade sorcerer, and a talented one at that. He would be able to handle it. But, it would still be a challenge.

"Sounds good," Yuji remarked, bouncing on his heels.

Yuji seemed eager, his eyes shining. Megumi couldn't help but smile. It was nice to see him so enthusiastic.

"Let's go," Nanami commanded.

They followed him into the shop, their senses on high alert. The inside was dark, the air thick with dust and mildew. It was obvious that the building had been abandoned for some time.

"I sense one in the back," the blonde man stated, his voice low.

They made their way down the narrow hallway, their footsteps echoing on the hardwood floor.

Suddenly, the sound of a loud crash came from behind them, and they whipped around. A massive curse, nearly eight feet tall, stood before them, its black eyes glinting in the dim light.

"I'll handle this one," Nanami instructed. "You two, take care of the other one."

"Got it," Yuji said, his tone serious.

Megumi summoned his divine dog, and the three of them split up.

The two boys navigated the halls of the abandoned shop, searching for the second curse. The place was eerily silent, the only sounds their footsteps and the occasional creak of the floorboards.

They turned a corner, and came face-to-face with the second curse. It was shorter than the first one, but it was clearly stronger. Its form was more solid, and its aura was more intense.

Megumi reacted instantly, sending his divine dog to attack. The creature lunged, its jaws snapping. Yuji moved fast, his fist colliding with the curse's skull.

The curse snarled, and lashed out, its claws catching the boy's cheek. Blood trickled down Yuji's face, but he didn't even flinch. He continued attacking, his movements precise and efficient.

Megumi's dog kept the curse busy, distracting it long enough for Yuji to strike. Megumi's eyes were wide, and his breath caught in his throat. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. The boy was moving with a level of grace and control that was unheard of.

Yuji dodged a swipe of the curse's claws, and landed a hit to its chest. The creature staggered back, its black eyes narrowed.

Yuji was a sight to behold. He moved with a deadly elegance, his body lithe and strong. His face was calm, and his eyes were focused. Megumi could feel the intensity radiating off of him.

He defeated the curse with such ease, as if he had done it a hundred times. The creature was no match for him.

When the curse was finally destroyed, Yuji turned to Megumi, a grin on his face.

"That was awesome," he declared, his eyes shining. "Let's find Nanami."

The boys hurried back to the entrance, where they found Nanami standing over the lifeless body of the first curse.

"Did you take care of the other one?" the man asked, glancing up at them.

"Yeah," Yuji confirmed, smiling.

"Good," the blonde man said, his tone bored. "Let's get out of here."

The boys followed him out of the shop, their hearts racing. But just as they reached the door, Megumi sensed another presence. He froze, his blood running cold.

A third curse.

He turned to warn the others, but it was too late. The curse struck its nails into Yuji's abdomen.

The boy let out a strangled gasp, his eyes wide. Megumi's heart stopped, his chest tightening. The boy staggered back, his hands clutching his stomach.

Megumi was about to summon Nue, but Nanami was already moving. The man drew his blade, and sliced the curse's head clean off. The creature collapsed, and its body dissipated.

"Itadori-kun," the blonde man breathed, hurrying over to Yuji.

Megumi stood frozen, his eyes glued to Yuji's wound. The blood was pouring out, staining the boy's clothes. But Yuji's face was calm, much like it had been during the fight.

"I'm okay," Yuji mumbled, his voice steady. "It's just a scratch."

"Just a scratch?" Megumi repeated, his tone incredulous. "You're bleeding out!"

"It's not that bad," the boy insisted.

"Itadori-kun," Nanami cut in. "That is a deep wound. We need to get you to Ieiri-san, immediately."

But Yuji was still smiling, despite the blood soaking his shirt.

"No need," the boy said. "It's almost healed."

Megumi gaped at him. The wound was already starting to close, the skin knitting together.

"What the fuck?" Megumi whispered.

Nanami stared at the boy, his eyes wide.

"You know reverse cursed technique? How?" the blonde man questioned, his brows furrowed.

"Yeah," Yuji answered, shrugging.

Megumi couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"How did you learn it? Most sorcerers can't master reverse cursed technique." Nanami pressed, his eyes narrowed. "Even Gojo took a while to get it."

Yuji hesitated, his expression thoughtful.

"Well, I learned it in a month, to prepare for a fight," the boy explained.

"What kind of fight?" the man inquired, his voice laced with suspicion.

"A big one," Yuji said, his tone cryptic.

"I see," Nanami muttered, his gaze lingering on the wound.

The injury had healed, the skin now smooth and unblemished.

Megumi's thoughts were racing.

Yuji knew reverse cursed technique. He was proficient at it. It had only taken him a month to learn.

"I've never heard of someone learning reverse cursed technique in a month," the blonde man remarked.

"Well, it was important," Yuji explained, shrugging.

Megumi felt a sense of relief. If Yuji had mastered reverse cursed technique, then he wouldn't have to worry about the boy's safety as much.

"Let's get you to Ieiri-san, just in case," Megumi insisted, grabbing the boy's arm.

"Okay," Yuji sighed, allowing the other boy to lead him.

-

Shoko was just as shocked as Megumi and Nanami. She had examined Yuji's stomach, her fingers probing the wound.

"It's completely healed," she breathed, her eyes wide.

"Told you," the boy smirked.

Gojo was standing in the corner, his blindfolded eyes glued to Yuji.

"You learned reverse cursed technique in a month?" he asked.

"Yep," Yuji affirmed.

"Who taught you?"

Yuji blushed and looked at the woman next to him.

"Ieiri-san," the boy replied, his tone sheepish.

Shoko's eyes widened, and she stared at him in disbelief.

"Me?" she questioned.

"Uh huh," Yuji said, a grin spreading across his face. "It took me a bit of time, but you were a great teacher."

Shoko blinked, as if trying to process the information. Then, she chuckled.

"Satoru, did you hear that?" she mused. "I'm a great teacher. Back when we were students, you wouldn't shut up about how bad I was at explaining the basics of reverse cursed technique."

"Yeah, well," Gojo shrugged. "You were, at the time."

"And now I'm not," Shoko stated, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Apparently," Gojo conceded.

Megumi was still a bit dazed. Yuji had healed a potentially fatal wound in a matter of seconds. And he had done it with such ease, as if it were nothing. It was an incredible feat.

"This is incredible," Nanami said, his voice soft. "Itadori-kun, do you realize how powerful this is?"

Yuji scratched his chin, looking thoughtful.

"I guess," he murmured. "It's a handy trick."

"Handy trick," Shoko echoed, laughing. "Oh, this kid."

Yuji blushed, clearly not used to being the center of attention.

"Uh, do you think we could leave now?" the boy questioned. "I'm hungry."

Megumi's chest felt warm. Yuji was the same as always.

"Sure," Gojo agreed. "Go eat. We'll talk about this later."

Yuji grinned, hopping off the bed. He grabbed Megumi's wrist, tugging him towards the door. Megumi's eyes widened at the sudden contact, but he allowed himself to be pulled along.

They got back to the room, and Yuji released his hand. Megumi felt a pang of disappointment, but he brushed it aside.

"Man, that was weird," the boy sighed, flopping onto the bed. "I mean, I knew I could do reverse cursed technique, but I didn't expect everyone to freak out so much."

"Yeah," Megumi muttered, his tone distracted.

Yuji had healed his wound. In a month, the boy had mastered something that most sorcerers never managed to learn. It was incredible. Megumi was amazed, and a little jealous. He couldn't help but wonder what else the boy was capable of.

"So, what do you want to eat?" Yuji asked, sitting up. "I could cook us something, or we could order takeout."

Megumi glanced at his friend. Yuji's expression was relaxed, his smile bright. He didn't seem to have had any flashbacks all day, and he hadn't shown any signs of panic. He was almost like his old self, and while Megumi knew that it was only a temporary reprieve, it was nice to see the boy happy.

"We can cook," Megumi decided, a smile playing on his lips. "I'll help."

"Awesome," Yuji grinned, springing to his feet.

He bounced into the kitchen, and Megumi followed him, his chest warm.

-

Time seemed to slow down so much that it stopped completely.

The boy watched the events unfold before him. He saw the world freeze, the ringing in his ears intensifying. He felt the pressure of the wind, the dust particles in the air. Everything was suspended, the seconds stretched out into an infinite loop.

Mahito's hand touched Nobara's face. A sickening feeling spread through Yuji's gut, his mind screaming. He watched the curse's fingers press against the girl's skin, his eyes wide.

He could hear a voice - was it his own? - a scream that echoed in the stillness.

Nobara's hand snapped over her cheek, her eyes wide. The second stretched into an eternity, and Yuji felt his heart stop.

"Itadori," her voice rang out. "Tell everyone... it wasn't so bad."

Then, it all came crashing down. The world moved again, and it was only him frozen in place. The sound of Nobara's body hitting the ground was like a gunshot, echoing in his ears.

He couldn't breathe, his lungs burning. He couldn't speak, his voice stolen by the pain in his chest.

A second later, he was hit by a Black Flash, but he barely felt it. The only thing he felt was the agony that gripped his soul, his entire being shaking.

His heart had shattered, and there was nothing he could do to fix it.

Megumi was awoken by a scream.

He bolted upright, his heart racing. His eyes darted around the room, and he saw Yuji thrashing in the bed, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Itadori," he gasped, scrambling to his feet.

He hurried over to the bed, and shook the boy's shoulders.

"It's just a dream," he reassured, his voice low.

Yuji's eyes flew open, and he stared at Megumi, his breathing ragged.

"Fushiguro," he sobbed. "K-Kugisaki..."

"She's alive," Megumi stated, his tone firm. "She's fine."

Yuji's expression was pained, his eyes clouded with despair.

"She's dead," he whispered. "I watched her die."

Megumi's heart ached. The boy was still living in the future, his memories vivid and raw.

"She's alive, I promise," Megumi insisted.

"No," Yuji sobbed, shaking his head. "I saw it."

"It's not real," Megumi murmured. "Kugisaki is safe. She's asleep in her dorm right now."

Yuji was crying harder now, his shoulders shaking. Megumi couldn't bear it. He pulled the boy into his arms, his hands stroking Yuji's back.

"Shh," he soothed. "It's okay."

"It's not okay," Yuji choked. "It's not okay. I-I can't do this."

Megumi hugged him tighter, his own eyes burning.

"Itadori," he said softly. "You've been so strong. You've been fighting so hard. It's okay to let it out. Just cry, and I'll hold you."

The boy buried his face in Megumi's chest, his body trembling. His tears soaked Megumi's shirt, but Megumi didn't care. He held him close, his hand running up and down his back.

"It's okay," he repeated. "I'm here."

Yuji's sobs grew louder, his body shuddering. He clung to the other boy, his fingers digging into his shirt. Megumi kept whispering words of comfort, his hands moving soothingly over the boy's back.

He didn't know how long they stayed like that, but eventually, Yuji's sobs began to subside. His grip on the other boy loosened, his body relaxing. Megumi gently pulled away, his eyes meeting the boy's red-rimmed ones.

"You're okay," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion.

Yuji's face was streaked with tears, his cheeks flushed. His hair was a mess, his eyes swollen. But he looked at Megumi, his gaze full of pain.

"I don't know what to do," Yuji admitted.

Megumi's heart twisted.

"What can I do to help?" he asked, his voice quiet.

"Stay," Yuji replied, his voice cracking. "Please."

Megumi's throat tightened.

"Okay," he said, nodding.

He climbed under the covers, and Yuji immediately curled up against him, burying his head in the crook of his neck. Megumi wrapped his arms around him, his chest aching.

"It's okay," he whispered. "I'm here. Just cry if you need to. I'll hold you until you fall asleep."

The boy's breathing was shaky, but his body relaxed against Megumi's. His arms wrapped around Megumi, his hands clutching his shirt. Megumi's fingers tangled in the Yuji's hair, stroking the soft strands.

Yuji's breathing began to even out, his grip loosening. Megumi's heart rate slowed, and he closed his eyes, his body sinking into the mattress. He held Yuji close, his breathing matching the other boy's.

As they lay together, the darkness enveloping them, Megumi's thoughts drifted.

He thought about Nobara. About how her death must have torn Yuji apart. About how it must have haunted him. He didn't know that she died in front of Yuji. It was another piece of information that Yuji had kept hidden.

Megumi's heart hurt.

He understood why Yuji was so desperate to save everyone. He understood the boy's determination. He was willing to risk everything, to give up everything, for his friends. It was noble. It was selfless.

As he slowly drifted off to sleep, his mind clouded with exhaustion, he vowed that he would do the same.

He would save the people he cared about.

He would save his friends.