Chapter Text
Seki stared as the trio rushed past him.
Megumi, then Nobara, and lastly, Yuji.
This was the second lap around the schoolyard they had to do.
They had two left.
The sky was clear that day— a vibrant, blue shade, seasoned with the many curly clouds that resembled an array of frozen treats.
Seki licked his lips just thinking about it.
By the third go-around, Seki paced across a small span of the yard, watching as Yuji fell behind even further than he did before— doing a lot more flailing than running at this point.
"Yuji," Seki called from his position. He lightly jogged over to and alongside him.
Yuji heavily sighed and slowed to a walk, to which Seki paced with him.
"Mr. Seki, are you sure this is even a doable exercise for high schoolers?" Yuji asked between heaves, his face drenched with sweat.
"Megumi and Nobara are doing just fine," Seki replied, pointing in their direction. They were already on the other side of the yard, still sprinting uniformly and at high speed— not a single step out of place.
Yuji stammered. "But that's because they're Megumi and Nobara!" Yuji complained. "Of course they're good at this stuff."
Seki lightly smiled.
"I think you just need to have more confidence in yourself," he murmured. "This should be light work for sorcerers like you."
"I think you might have too much confidence in me," Yuji dejectedly responded.
"Nonsense!" Seki chuckled, a tad bewildered. He continued to walk with Yuji, just meeting the corner of the field before stopping.
Yuji paused, and watched as Megumi and Nobara rushed past them, a short burst of wind blowing past both Yuji and Seki.
Third lap.
"You better catch up with them," Seki said to Yuji. "The quicker you finish, the more time we'll be able to spend off-campus."
"We're going off-campus? To where!?" Yuji exclaimed. His eyes gleamed with newfound curiosity.
Seki quickly shushed Yuji, amused by his expression. "Don't be too loud about it! But if we have enough time, I remembered a small shaved ice place not far from here I hear they're very good, and all of you have done some excellent work recently!"
Yuji visibly drooled.
Seki chuckled at the display.
"Well, if you're really that excited, you better get running!" He said, wholly motioning with his arm to the schoolyard.
As fast as Seki spoke, Yuji was off. And very quickly, Yuji caught up with both Megumi and Nobara.
From a glance alone, both Megumi and Nobara were pleased to see Yuji alongside them.
Yuji passed Nobara, weaving in front of her with his newfound energy. Swiftly he threw one leg in front of the other, his arms shoving themselves through the air with each step he made.
Only after a few seconds did Yuji match pace with Megumi— flashing a smile and soon passing him.
Fourth lap.
Seki shoved his hands into his jacket pockets, fixing his posture and watching as the trio ended their last roundabout.
"You cheated!" Nobara shouted, playfully punching Yuji on the shoulder.
"I didn't cheat! I just had to take a moment!" Yuji argued.
"This is an endurance activity! You don't get breaks in the heat of battle!" Nobara scuffled back.
Megumi sighed, watching the chaos unfold. He waved at Seki once he drew near.
Seki waved in return, turning to the other two.
"Thats my fault," he said, "but great work, all of you."
The three said their thanks.
"Can we go now, Mr. Seki?" Yuji pestered.
"Go where?" Nobara asked.
"I hoped to treat you guys to something sweet—"
"Shaved ice," Yuji interrupted, shaking his fists at his sides with unmistakable enthusiasm.
"You look more excited than the time you saw that trailer for Human Earthworm," Megumi said, scratching the back of his ear.
"Human Earthworm 4!" Yuji corrected.
Seki snickered.
"Well, we have no time to waste," Seki began. "It's not far— so we should have time to eat-in before you'll have to continue your other activities."
"Oh, great— the last thing we need is an incident like last week with Gojo," Megumi sighed.
"Ah, yes, I… suppose," Seki murmured, sheepishly scratching the back of his head. "That wasn't intentional— but don't worry. It won't happen again."
Seki fell into a momentary, monotone-faced silence, and the other three mirrored the same, only with a hint more of awkwardness.
"A-anyway," Seki stuttered, peppered with a weak, clumsy laugh, "let's set that aside. We can't be wasting time!" He began to walk, and the students followed.
"Speaking of which, Yuji, I didn't know you enjoyed those types of movies," Seki spoke, "tell me more about Human Earthworm 4."
Yuji sprinted forwards, meeting Seki's side, beginning to yammer about his movie choices.
Nobara and Megumi strayed behind.
"Why do you think they hate each other so much?" Nobara whispered.
"Dunno. Gojo said it was something stupid," Megumi lowly replied.
"Damn," Nobara mused, "must be really weird if even Gojo won't run his mouth about it."
"Hmph," Megumi shrugged.