Chapter Text
*****
“Blah blah blah blah blah……Utahime, Utahime”
Utahime looked up at a displeased Naoya.
“as I was saying Utahime, you should be showing your support of the conference,” Naoya continued pointing next to him. Utahime felt like strangling him if he clicked his fingers.
Utahime rolled her eyes. Toma had led her to a small room, where Naoya was having a photoshoot. It was a mini shoot with a photographer and lighting assistant. The room was slightly dimmed for the shoot, which looked like it was for a magazine. She had just been in the back of the room like background personnel, wondering why she was being dragged away from the snack table for this.
“Fine,” she moved over next to Naoya, facing the camera. Naoya was posing in front of the window, the floor-to-floor window displayed a busy night view. He raised his head up, straight posture, intended to use his full height to be domineering. Utahime’s small frame was dwarfed while standing next to him.
*****
Nanami found himself burdened, burdened with babysitting Gojo. After his training session with Ino, Gojo had found them.
“Senpai, I’m beat. Do you think the yoga has helped with your migraines?”
“It’s hard to sa..”
“Na-na-mi! I-no!” waved Gojo, he was at the foyer of the building waiting for them as they exited the lift.
“Gojo-Senpai, Nanami-Senpai, I have a date this afternoon so I’ll be going now, bye bye,” Ino, who had merely seconds before exclaimed exhaustion, practically ran out of the building.
“Deserter,” Nanami had muttered under his breath next to an oblivious Gojo. He didn’t actually half blame Ino. Ino had downed so much alcohol last weekend that he ended up with a massive hangover and hugging the toilet. Gojo had insisted on a few rounds for winning karaoke and Ino was the lightweight of the group.
Nanami eyed Gojo and Gojo gave Nanami a massive grin.
“Na-na-m..”
“Coffee, Gojo, coffee first”
*****
Yuji rubbed his temple; he felt a slight headache. He had been feeling tired quite a lot lately. He wasn’t sleeping well and knew he was exhausted from Gojo’s latest training regime. He, Mai and Todo were currently waiting in line for the Takada-chan fan-meeting.
“My friend, it is a little daunting at first, but I assure you the wait for Takada-chan is worth it,” Todo opened his palms gesturing at the crowd. The line was massive, filled with mostly male fans and arranged in a zigzag to fit the exhibition room. The actual meeting with Takada-chan was in another room, they were in a waiting room.
“He means expect a 30-45 minute wait in line,” Mai said calmly, “you can go and buy a drink, you look like you need it”.
“Ok, thank you, I’ll be quick,” Yuji smiled and sped off before Todo could complain.
“Bbbut-bu” Todo opened his mouth.
“Can it, he probably skipped breakfast to make it here on time,” retorted Mai, “and it will be a while before lunch, you wouldn’t want him fainting”.
“How observant, Mai,” Todo regained his composure, “I hope my dear friend makes haste, so as not to miss out on anything, just meeting Takada-chan can relieve all ailments, her smile, her infectious happiness……..”
Mai rolled her eyes, but she did secretly admit it was fun meeting Takada-chan. She did have a calming effect on people.
*****
Maki waited at the table while Nobara and Toge lined up for round one of snacks. She had suggested them since she wasn’t sure how much she could stomach after the Kyoto students came, especially her sister. Maki barely saw Mai now, event though they used to be inseparable as kids. When Maki left the Zenin household, she knew it would be tough, but she hadn’t quite realised how strange it would be for her sister to turn on her overnight. As if a line in the sand had been drawn in between them, you are either with the Zenins or not.
Maki shook the thought out of her head as she saw a triumphant Nobara and Toge approach the table.
“Guess who got the Belgian chocolate cream puffs?” Nobara’s eyes sparkled as she dramatically gestured to the plate in her hand before presenting it to Maki.
“Shake Shake”, Toge was beaming.
“Pfft,” Maki snorted. Nobara quickly took a photo of the cream puffs, while Toge waited patiently with a fork in his hand.
“Maki, they only sell 200 a day, so we have to savour them, enjoy them and then I’ll have to make a big fuss when the others arrive”. Maki knew Nobara was clearly enjoying herself, she also smirked at Toge waiting for Nobara to give him permission to eat the cream puffs. He was obediently listening to her every word.
“Shake,” nodded Toge.
Nobara divided the puffs on serving plates and placed them in front of everyone. Toge and Nobara dug in like happy little kids which made Maki smile. It has been a while since she was just hanging out with her friends, outside of school, outside of a jujutsu mission. A while since she felt so relaxed. The last time was with Toge, Panda and…
An over-sized white pullover entered the corner of Maki’s vision. She turned her head to follow, mouth opened, ready to call out. She felt her gut wrench when she realised it was someone else. Maki sighed.
If only you were here.
How long will your training take?
*****