Chapter Text
Yuuji wasn't in class.
That was one of the first things Megumi notices when he walks in class. Sure, sometimes he isn't exactly on time; he would often show up a few minutes late, which is what Megumi assumes before the class period ended and there was no sign of Yuuji. Did he decide to skip? He doesn't seem like he was the type to--
Megumi shakes his head, silencing the thought. He doesn't know Yuuji. He doesn't know the kind of person he is or if what he decides is out of character. He doesn't know him so he should stop acting like he does. Megumi doesn't have time for that. The bell rang and class was dismissed.
"Fushiguro, could you come here please?" Nanami calls from his desk. Megumi quickly wraps up his stuff, making his way to his professor. "Do you know where Itadori is?"
Why's he asking me this like I'm supposed to know?
"No,"
Nanami hums in response; his gaze drifting back to the pile of paperwork on his desk. "Well, when you do see him, can you inform him that next week there's an exam."
Megumi nods and exits the class. A group of five walks past him, talking about the new villain Spider-man fought.
Spider-man.
Ever since that night Megumi kept replaying the events in his head. How he felt to be close to him, to feel safe in his arms as he swung him to the Brooklyn bridge, the sense of familiarity. It's stupid for this moment to be altered in Megumi's brain, he doesn't even know the guy. What he does know is that it can't happen again. Getting involved with a superhero is not something he wants or can afford.
After reliving the moment in his head, he came to realize how some things didn't make sense.
Spider-man knew his name. And he knew the school he goes to. Megumi sure as hell didn't tell him that.
It doesn't add up how he knows. Unless the spider is for whatever reason stalking him.
His thoughts get interrupted by Nobara screaming his name from down the hall. Megumi runs a hand down his face, a sigh of annoyance escaping past his lips. "Why are you yelling?"
"You would've ignored me if I hadn't," she pants, "Anyways have you seen Itadori? He isn't answering my calls and Okkostu says he hasn't been home in a few days.”
Megumi's brow twists as he processes what Nobara is saying. If Yuuji wasn't in class and he hasn't been home then where is he?
Is he.. Okay? Why is he suddenly worried so much?
He pulls out his phone and clicks on his messages, pausing as he looks at his recent conversations only to realize he doesn't have Yuuji's number. He groans to himself. What bad timing.
“Could you send me his number?”
Nobara looks up from her own phone; looking at him like he grew a third leg. Megumi sucks his teeth and rolls his eyes at Nobara's stupid grin. She sends him Yuuji's number and Megumi wastes no time saving it into his phone. “I’m going out with Maki but let me know if Itadori gets back to you,”
Megumi nods and Nobara walks past him.
It was almost two pm so he decided to just go home and study since his lectures were done for the day
-
Megumi rests his weight on his elbow as he nervously clicks his pen against the desk; leg bouncing up and down uncontrollably.
Fuck, why cant i focus?
He often finds himself glancing at his phone. On his way back he ended up sending Yuuji a message. It's been five hours since and he still hasn't gotten a response. He would check from time to time if Yuuji had at least read the message, anything to signify that he was okay.
He didn’t get why he was this worried. It’s not like he and Yuuji were close.
With a sigh, he leans back on his chair. Head tipped back as he found interest in the ceiling. Yuuji was a good person; Megumi could tell that much.
He has this sense of energy that radiates off him like he was bathed in sunlight. The kind of smile that would pull anyone away from darkness. He saw it the moment his eyes met his honey ones.
Megumi knew he was fucked from the first day after he went back inside his dorm and wrapped himself in a blanket and found himself thinking about the new pink haired boy, wishing he was his roommate instead.
This wasn’t like him. He doesn’t think this way about people. Especially ones with pink hair and the warmest brown eyes he’s ever seen.
His head rolls to the side and his eyes fall on the cat plushie that lays on top of his bed. He smiles to himself as he remembers how nervous Yuuji looked trying to give it to him. He doesn’t really sleep with stuffed animals, not anymore, but he’s been sleeping with that one ever since Yuuji gave it to him.
He chews the inside of his cheek before pushing his chair back and standing up. He was going to look for Yuuji himself. Inumaki was napping on the couch so Megumi took this as the perfect opportunity to slip out without question.
The sun was beginning to set. Pink and orange hues painted the sky. He smiles to himself as it reminds him of Yuuji.
Megumi isn’t sure where to look first. He thought about stopping by at the cafe or even texting Gojo to see if he knew where he was but the afterthought made him shiver so he crossed that out.
He sighs, this was gonna be harder than he thought.
He strolls through the city as he keeps an eye out. Megumi figured this was best instead of battling a war in his head about different places he wasn’t even sure Yuuji would be at.
It was dark out now. The moon is shining brighter than it has this week. Megumi was constantly checking his phone for a reply, maybe even a text from Nobara herself or Yuuta saying that Yuuji was safe. But there was nothing.
He finds himself in the middle of central park. It didn’t occur to him how he got here but he has yet to check here.
The park isn’t as crowded as it normally would be during the day; which is good because it’ll make it easier to spot out people. He continues the trail, his eyes falling on every possible shadow he can spot but none have pink hair. It was already getting later, should he just turn b—no.
He came out here to find him so that’s what he’ll do.
“Fushiguro?”
Megumi stills. That voice.
Whipping his body around, he’s met face to face with the person he spent hours searching for. It never felt more relieving to look into one’s eyes.
“Itadori!” he runs up to him, “Where have you been? Kugisaki’s has been annoying asking for you! I’ve been—“ he cuts himself off with a sigh.
“Fushiguro… were you.. worried about me?” Yuuji smiles, stepping off his skateboard and Megumi feels nothing but embarrassment flush in.
He balls his hand in a fist and smacks the top of Yuuji's head. Yuuji yelps and rubs his head with a pout. “What was that for?”
“For being an idiot,” Megumi folds his arms over his chest, putting all his weight back on his left hip. He waits.
“Well?”
“Well what?”
“Where have you been?”
Yuuji stays quiet, he looks tense. Posture rigid and now that Megumi is really looking at him he can see how exhausted Yuuji looks. Dark circles shadowed his eyes which looked red and puffy as if he were crying.
He takes a step closer and lets his hand linger on Yuuji's shoulder. “Hey,” he waits till he looks up at him. “What’s wrong?”
Megumi notices now Yuuji avoids his gaze. How he bites his bottom lip to prevent it from trembling. How he’s constantly blinking to avoid crying.
“Nothing! I’m good,” he forces out. He returns his gaze to Megumi (who doesn’t look not even the slightest bit convinced) and sighs. “It’s.. well, it’s complicated—“
“Okay, you don’t have to talk about it. Just tell me you’re okay. You’re not hurt right? Physically, ‘cause you’re clearly hurt mentally.”
The corners of Yuuji's lips twitch, “Yeah I'm fine.”
Megumi nods. He isn’t exactly sure where to proceed from here. Yuuji clearly doesn’t want to talk about whatever’s going on—which is fine, but Megumi doesn’t know how to comfort for shit.
But, he doesn’t want to leave him on his own, he knows that.
Should I ask if he wants to go somewhere? To eat? Or maybe the movies? The movies is probably better, he doesn’t need to talk and the movie would be a great distraction.
“Hey, um, do you wanna maybe go to the movies?
“Wait, really? Right now?”
Megumi nods, “Yeah, we can watch whatever you want.”
Yuuji interlocks his hands together leaving his index fingers free as he taps them against his bottom lip in thought. “Oo oo, human earthworm 4 is out!”
“Human what what?”
“Human earthworm 4” his eyes turn to crescents as he smiles and holds up four fingers. He must’ve noticed Megumi’s confusion based on how he frowned afterwards. “You don’t know it?”
“No,”
Yuuji leans down to grab his skateboard, hooking them to the straps of his bag as he wraps his arm around Megumi’s shoulders and turns him in the opposite direction. He does his best to connect the dots of each movie Yuuji tells him about but if anything, it makes him more lost. The movie itself makes no sense.
Megumi found the walk to the cinema enduring. Normally he hates when people yap so much, especially about stuff he has no interest in but the way Yuuji's face lights up when he talks about this weird movie makes his chest tighten in a way he can fathom.
-
They wait in line to order their popcorn and drinks. Yuuji starts rambling on about a different movie he saw recently that was remotely similar to the one they’re about to watch now.
Megumi takes notice that everyone else in the line with them are couples. They’re all huddled together, whispering in each other's ears as they giggle, pecking each other on the cheek. It made Megumi heat up. It didn’t even occur to him that they were next in line until Yuuji tugged his wrist.
“Hey! Can we get a large popcorn and two cokes please?” he makes a small noise of surprise before turning to Megumi, “Coke is okay with you, Fushiguro?”
Megumi blinks as his question processes. He nods, “Fine with me.”
The worker nods and turns to fill up their popcorn bucket and cups. Yuuji was rocking in place, trying to keep his excitement in check. He seems a lot happier than he was when Megumi found him.
Yuuji grabs the popcorn and sodas, handing Megumi his as he thanks the worker. “Okay we should be in auditorium seven.”
Silence stretches on as they walk side by side, eyeing the numbers on the wall till they reach seven. Megumi opens the door and holds it open for Yuuji who grins sheepishly.
Why did I do that?
“Let’s sit in the back, like more towards the middle!”
Megumi couldn’t ignore the suggestion as Yuuji's puppy eyes bore into him. He follows Yuuji to the back, keeping his focus on his own steps.
The two reach the middle and recline their seats. There was no one else in the row and Megumi wasn’t sure how he felt about being alone with Yuuji. Technically speaking he wasn’t alone since the other rows have people but you know.
Trailers and ads were beginning to show. Yuuji's hand was already diving into the bucket of popcorn. Megumi refused to shove his hand in there to avoid accidentally brushing his own against Yuuji's.
After a long twenty minutes, the lights shuts off and the movie begins.
Megumi couldn’t even pinpoint what the hell he was watching. He was too hyper aware of the boy next to him. The one who’s at the edge of his seat with the biggest smile on his face and popcorn bucket clutched in his arms. It would be the biggest lie told if he said he was paying attention to the movie, because he’s not.
Honestly it was fine, Megumi found more interest in seeing Yuuji's reaction rather than experiencing it himself.
Once Yuuji was too occupied in watching the movie to even move, Megumi took this as the opportunity to grab some popcorn. Yuuji, whose eyes remained locked on the screen, moved the bucket so it was closer in Megumi’s reach.
He wasn’t all in all a big fan of popcorn so he didn’t end up eating much. Eventually though, his focus went back to the film in front of him (which he still didn’t understand.)
The movie came to an end and the credits rolled. People started to rise from their seats and exit the auditorium. Yuuji turns to Megumi, “Sooooo, what’d you think?”
Megumi blinks as he awkwardly glances to the side. What does he think? Besides it not making sense? Nothing. He wasn’t focused on that.
“Well, it was a bit confusing… I haven't even seen the first three. Plus your explanation earlier also made no sense.”
He shoves the last bit of popcorn in his mouth before speaking, “Mm, okay so, the mad scientist from human earth worm 1 is making long awaited reappearance—“
“Mad scientist?” Megumi interrupts in question.
“Doctor Richards, Keep up! Anyways, He's making a reappearance in the hybrid human earthworm fusion from the doctor’s experiment that is going to give rise to an enhanced human earthworm!
“The poor human earthworm, who BARELY escaped Doctor Richard mind you, with its life finally wanders into a campground where a bunch of college students are and now this is where the REAL story kicks off!”
“How so?”
“Glad you asked! One of the college students is a woman who’s an animal rights activist and the human earthworm falls in love with her so all together this is actually a beautiful love story!” he beams.
Megumi blinks twice, entirely lost. The whole worm concept just strikes him in a weird way he rather not think about. The auditorium was now empty; them being the only two left.
They both stand up and leave the auditorium. Yuuji was ahead of him scrolling on his phone. Megumi wasn’t far behind. His eyes fixate on the edge of Yuuji's hoodie, his own fingers betraying him with a sudden urge to reach out and grab it. The temptation was strong. So strong that his fingers twitch to force themselves in place.
He feels his breath quicken as his index finger betrays him and reaches out.
“Hey Fushiguro, what do you think of Spider-man?”
The sudden question makes him halt. His finger froze helplessly mid air in the space between them. Why would Yuuji ask him what he thought of Spider-man?
Now that he thinks about it, this isn’t the first time. He asked what he thought of him back in STEM the other day.
Regardless, the question made Megumi’s throat feel like it was suffocating because what did he think about Spider-man?
He hasn’t given much thought to their night a few days ago. More like he’s trying to avoid it, pretend it didn’t happen. But it wasn’t like anything really happened for him to just act like it didn’t happen. Honestly what’s his deal lately?
“Uh, which one are we talking about?” he forces out. He watches how Yuuji's eyes turn back to his phone with a shrug.
“The new one. But both work.”
“Um. Well I mean they’re cool, I guess? I never really encountered either or to form a proper opinion.” which isn’t a lie, but it isn’t the whole truth either. Megumi can confidently say he’s never interacted with the first Spider-man but he can’t let Yuuji—or anyone know about his recent interaction with the new Spider-man.
He wasn’t embarrassed or anything, (okay, he was a bit embarrassed but who really needs to know that) but if word got out he’ll never hear the end of it and that’s the last thing he wants.
He doesn’t miss how Yuuji's face falters for a split second before returning to normal. He wraps an arm around Megumi’s neck and drags them outside.
They sit on the curb while Yuuji shares some childhood and high school memories. His heart felt a lot calmer knowing that Yuuji was back to himself, even if it was just for a little while. Seeing the smile on his face is worth it.
“Oh by the way, Nanami told me to tell you we have an exam next week.”
Yuuji throws his head back in a groan and Megumi can’t help but smile.
The conversation from there dies down and they both sit there enjoying each other's presence. It reminds Megumi of the other night with Spider-man. He mentally groans and pinches the side of his thigh. Why did Yuuji have to bring him up? And why is he even comparing this moment to that one at a time like this?
“Fushiguro?” Yuuji's gentle voice snaps Megumi out of it. He looks at him. Yuuji's gaze remains attached to the stars.
“Thank you for this. And I'm sorry for disappearing on everyone. I didn’t mean to worry you—or Kugisaki, or anyone for that matter, I just…” he takes a deep breath, “I got a call the other night from the hospital. My grandpa, he has cancer and the doctors said he was getting better but…”
Megumi softens, letting Yuuji take his time.
“He passed away and I—I just didn’t know what to do. I went to the hospital, and I stayed there overnight till the nurses told me I had to go but I didn't want to go home. Not yet,”
“Where’d you go?”
“I stayed in my old apartment. I know i should’ve reached out but—“
“Itadori,” he calls out as he scoots closer to him. Their shoulders brushing against each other. “It’s okay.” Megumi’s voice comes out so tenderly that it barely felt like his own.
He can tell Yuuji's trying his best not to cry and it’s breaking his heart. With a soft motion, he slips an arm around Yuuji's shoulders and draws his head down to rest against him. Yuuji's body relaxes as he tucks close against him.
It’s weird. Megumi doesn’t really do physical touch. He would much rather avoid it if he can.
“You can cry if you want, you don’t have to keep it in.” Megumi whispers as he rubs a hand up and down Yuuji's arm soothingly.
-
The weather was nice outside enough to enjoy without complaints. Megumi sat by the lake reading the book Gojo got him a few weeks back and never had the chance to properly read. He didn't really know what was going on, but the plot was interesting enough for him to continue.
His pocket vibrates and he closes his book, placing it gently on the grass as he pulls out his phone. A message from Gojo.
Gojo
gumiiiiiiiiiiiiii 😁😁😁😁
would u be so kind to stop by the shop?
Megumi
why?
Gojo
i have a surprise for u! 😛
Megumi
cant you give it to me when you see me again?
Gojo
i am
right now!!!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰
Megumi
jesus
alright, be there in a few
Gojo
YAYAYAY
love ya megs
With a soft sigh, Megumi pushes himself off the ground and grabs his book. Putting the book in his bag, he swings the straps over his shoulders.
The walk to the shop wasn’t too far. He puts his headphones over his head and presses shuffle on his playlist. The city had even more Spider-man propaganda than before now that New York officially has two Spider-men.
He walks past the daily bugle building and notices a hiring poster:
NOW HIRING: Press Photographer
part-time | freelance
key responsibilities:
capture local news, sports, and community events. Edit and submit high-resolution images under tight deadlines
Requirements:
Professional portfolio demonstrating photojournalism experience, proficiency with digital cameras and photo-editing software's, reliable transportation and flexible hours.
How to apply if interested:
Scan the QR code below or email us.
Megumi read the application poster with careful consideration. He’s always wanted to get into professional photography. This was a good opportunity.
He pulls out his phone and takes a picture of the QR code. He makes a mental note to apply for it later.
As he rounded the corner, he slams straight into a broad, solid chest. He looks up at the figure. He was towering and heavily built with light pink hair.
Megumi felt small compared to this guy. He quickly apologizes and walks past him.
He arrives at the cafe and opens the doors. The bell above the door dinging as he walks in. He greets the employee cleaning the desk that he knows as Ozawa and takes a seat by the table near the window.
“Megumiiiiiii!” Gojo sings-songs as he comes out of the storage room. “You took your sweet time getting here.” he carefully places a cup of coffee in front of him and pulls out the chair across from him, taking a seat.
Gojo throws one leg over the other with a smirk. Megumi takes a sip from his coffee and sighs. “What did you call me out here for?”
“Because I have a surprise for you!” Gojo reaches into his pocket and pulls out a black box.
“Did you really call me out here to tell me you’re going to propose to Geto?”
Heat floods Gojo’s cheeks, rubbing the back of his neck as nervous laughter escapes his lips. “Good one! But no.” he opens the box, revealing a black and blue beaded bracelet.
“I don’t get it.”
“It’s a bracelet!”
“Yeah, I can see that, you idiot. I mean why are you giving this to me?”
“Because I love you! And I thought you might like it, so please do your old man a favor and accept the gesture.” he puckers his bottom lip out.
Megumi rolls his eyes and takes the box from his hand. He takes one final look at the bracelet before closing it and stuffing the box in his pocket. “I started reading that book you bought me.” he takes a sip from his coffee.
Gojo straightens, nearly flying off his seat. “The one about the falling angel and faithless god!?”
Megumi hums, setting the mug down. “I’m still trying to figure out what’s happening but it’s pretty interesting so far.”
“Yay! I knew you’d like it. If you want, we can stop at the bookstore this week when you’re free. I’ll pay!”
Megumi leans back on the chair, nodding his head. “Sure. I’ll… like that.”
The relationship he has with Gojo is something he can’t exactly piece together. He raised him and Tsumiki after their father supposedly left him; Gojo didn’t mention him a lot growing up which was fine. Megumi didn’t care to know his father if he didn’t bother to know him.
Gojo was always attached to Megumi since he was harder to crack. Tsumiki was always open and easy to get along with. Megumi was the opposite which is why he assumes Gojo is the way he is with him.
He believes Gojo is the most annoying person to ever walk this earth, but he’s grateful for him, nonetheless. Though, he’ll never admit that to his face.
“We can go now, if you want.”
Gojo breaks into a smile and rises to his feet. “Aw, Megs, you're gonna make me cry. Let’s go!”
-
“Idiot, you stepped on me!” shouts Nobara.
“It’s not my fault you’re in my way! You’re not even doing the right steps!” Yuuji argues back.
Megumi sighs as he pours in the coffee in his mug. Nobara had invited both Megumi and Yuuji over to hang out because Maki was unavailable and Yuuta and Inumaki had plans. The two idiots decided to play just dance (but they’re more like yelling at each other.)
Megumi sets his mug down on the coffee table and flops down on the couch. He pulls out his phone and opens up the image he took earlier of the QR code. He holds it down till the website pops up and he clicks it.
He reads the description thoroughly and answers each question to the best of his ability. After that, he looks for his best quality photos and attaches them below. It wasn't the greatest portfolio, but he thinks it's good enough.
“Fushiguro, come dance!” Nobara says as she grabs his wrist and tries to tug him off the couch.
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because no. I don’t dance, and I'm busy.”
“Oh boo, you never do anything. And you aren’t even doing anything, you’re on your phone!”
“Tch, idiot. I’m applying for a job.”
“Wow, didn’t think you had it in you.” Nobara jokes.
Yuuji laughs and Megumi lays his eyes on him. Seeing him have goof around almost makes him reconsider his choice in joining and indulge in one dance.
Almost.
“Oh hey, did you bring your camera?” she asks him.
He hums and points with his head towards his bag and Nobara hops over to search for it. Yuuji flops down on the couch beside him. “You into photography?”
The sudden closeness caught him off guard and he looked off to the side, finding more interest in the carpet. “Yeah. My sister was into it as a kid and I followed in her footsteps.”
“That’s so cool! You’re so cool, Fushiguro!”
He sucks his teeth, “Shut up, it's not that big of a deal.”
“Oh cmonnnn, it totally is!”
“Ah ha, found it! Alright, huddle up losers, we’re taking a selfie!” Nobara exclaims. She throws herself in between Megumi and Yuuji and turns the camera around. She holds it up and angles it.
She snaps the picture. A bright flash illuminating their faces. Nobara brings the camera down, turning it in different directions. “How do you check the picture? Is there like a button on here or something?”
Megumi hums and grabs the camera, “It's right here.” he points to the button and clicks it, handing the camera back to her. Nobara grabs the camera and looks at the picture they just took. Yuuji leans closer to her to get a better look.
“Awwww, we look so cute!”
“Who is we? I look cute, Fushiguro looks surprisingly decent and you look like a rat.” she scoffs.
Yuuji slaps his hand over his heart in a dramatic mock agony, letting out a sharp, ragged gasp. “You’re so mean to me, Kugisaki,” he pouts as he throws himself on her. “Just cruel!”
“Get off me, you're heavy as shit!” she pushes him off her. “Anyways, did i tell you guys how i had a run-in with Spider-man the other day?!”
Yuuji chokes on his own breath. Nobara gives him a look and settles pats against his spine until his breathing cleared. “You good?”
Yuuji nods and clears his throat. “So, which one was it?”
“The og one. You know, blue and white suit? We really need a name to separate the two…Maybe we should call the new Spider-man: Spider-man 2.0
“Mhm mhm, got it. So, how did it go?”
Megumi notices how tense Yuuji looks all of a sudden. How his voice is a bit higher than usual as he attempts (and fails) to sound normal. How his fingers drum against his legs and how his jaw is clenched. Nobara doesn't seem to notice his off-putting behavior as she goes on about her one on one interaction with Spider-man.
Should he mention his night with the other Spider-man? No, he already told Yuuji he's never interacted with either or so saying this now probably isn't the best idea. Plus, he can already imagine the swarm of questions from both of them.
His phone goes off, a notification popping up. Checking his phone, he gets an email from the daily bugle saying they received his application and will get back to him within the next few days.
“—And then he told me I was funny and made his day! This is like my greatest accomplishment yet!” she exclaims.
“That’s amazing, Kugisaki! I’m jealous…” Yuuji mops. Nobara huffs and flips her hair.
“I know!”
“Are you two idiots done dancing or what?” Megumi questions.
“Well I'm done! My muscles are all sore,” Yuuji soothes his sore muscles with his palms.
“Booooo, i wanted to keep dancing.”
“You can still dance, though.” says Yuuji. Nobara jeers.
“No way, it’s not fun by myself!”
“Whatever! You guys wanna watch a movie or something?” Yuuji suggests.
“I am not watching that weird ass human wormo man shit.” Nobara states. Crossing her arms over her chest.
Yuuji rolls his eyes and rises from the couch. “Did you bring any of your DVDs with you from your apartment?”
“Some. They’re in my closet.”
Yuuji nods as he opens the door to her room and looks around her closet. Megumi and Nobara were left alone on the couch.
Nobara lets out a breath as she lets her body go still against the couch. She throws one leg over the other and turns to Megumi. “I’m so bored… got any ideas?”
“Itadori is literally getting a movie?”
“Yeah but I know whatever he picks is probably boring.”
“Aren’t they your movies?” he deadpans.
“Yeah? And?” she rolls her eyes. “A lot of movies I have are because of Itadori. The guy has such weird taste in films.”
“How about getting a job so you can be useful to society? Maki complains constantly about you spending all the money you have and then go on about not having anything afterwards.”
Nobara’s jaw hung wide open. She spins towards him slowly as the corners of her eye twitch. “What!? She said that?” she semi-yells.
Megumi hums. “Unfortunately so.”
“Man fuck both of yall.” she says, clearly dumbfounded.
Yuuji emerges from his room with three DVDS in his hands. “Okay I found them! I picked out three movies and I want Fushiguro to pick the one we watch.”
“Huh? Why me?” he tilts his head slightly to the side.
“I trust your intake!” he smiles. Eyes turning to crescents. Megumi bites the inside of his cheek and looks at the movies Yuuji had laid out in front of him.
Megumi eyes the movies carefully. He doesn’t recognize two but he is familiar with one. Shrek. Gojo used to watch it a lot with Tsumiki.
“Uh, that one.” he points to the cover with the green ogre and donkey.
“Good choice!” Yuuji beams as he whips his body around and skips to the TV stand. Kneeling down, he presses the power on button from the DVD player and waits till the little words pop on. Then, he presses the eject button.
“You just had to pick that one, huh?” Nobara sighs.
“I recognize that one,” he shrugs, “Go—my dad used to watch it with my sister growing up, so,”
“I guess I'll allow it this time.”
Megumi makes a face at that because the fuck she means she’ll allow it this time? Who does she think she is? He averts his eyes to Yuuji who’s (still) setting the movie up.
He notices how perfectly his shirt fits. Tight to his skin but not to the point where it seems suffocating. How his muscles flex at every movement—no. Stop it.
He needs to stop thinking of him like this—or at all.
The movie begins to play and Yuuji smiles. He takes a seat a little too close to Megumi. Ears turning red.
Nobara snickers about something to herself.
The movie goes on and all Megumi can do is compare how this moment felt back to when they were at the cinema. How it felt to have Yuuji out but not close enough. Except this time he can be close enough.
Slight snoring feels the room and both Yuuji and Megumi turn their heads to the noise. Nobara has her head thrown back on the couch. A giggle escapes past Yuuji lips as he pulls out his phone and opens the camera app. He zooms out the lens till it’s on 0.5 and he leans over Megumi.
Megumi’s ear goes red as he looks down at his lap. Yuuji, who’s clearly oblivious of the state Megumi’s in right now, holds his breath as he angles his phone just above Nobara’s forehead and snaps a picture. Multiple pictures, in fact.
Megumi takes the chance to glance up already to see Yuuji looking down on him. Flush reaches his cheeks, painting them almost the exact shade of his hair.
“My bad,” he says, nervously, as he sinks back down to his seat.
Megumi is so, so fucked.
He’s just grateful that he’s not roommates with Yuuji because that would make things ten times more difficult.
They didn’t talk about that little occurrence. Megumi doesn’t even know why he’s reacting to it so much when Yuuji appears so normal. Is he freaking out too? He has no reason to be.
He’s going out watching the movie like nothing, mimicking some of the lines like nothing, because it is nothing.
He doesn’t know how much time passed in his head until he felt a heavy pressure on his shoulders. Immediately, his body tenses up, going completely still. He glances to his shoulder, seeing Yuuji there.
His breathing was slow and steady. His heartbeat was soothing enough to put you to sleep.
Fuck. Okay Megumi… breathe.
Breathe…. I'm breathing, right?
Nobara was sleeping next to him, and Yuuji was sleeping on him. He could almost laugh at how awkward and overwhelming this situation is. Should he move? Wake him up? Will Nobara wake up? What would she make of the position? He should wake Yuuji up, for sure.
Except, he couldn’t really bring himself too. He thought back to the other night when he told him that his grandpa passed away. Yuuji never spoke on it—never showed any other emotions to it other than the typical ones he shows everyday. He wonders if Nobara knows, considering they’re best friends and all.
But most importantly, he’s wondering how Yuuji is holding up. Is he getting enough sleep? Eating? Megumi doesn’t dare to ask—it’s not his place. He hates how goddamn worried he feels.
The rise of wearisomeness is what stops him from waking him up.
-
Megumi fights the urge to keep his eyes open and locked on the screen in front of him. He didn’t have any classes today but he has nothing else planned so he decided on doing some school work. Sleep wasn’t as kind to him last night; it was too hot and he was feeling everything touch his skin a little more than he'd like.
His eyes began to droop, the ringing of his phone waking him up. He pats around his bed till he finds his phone. Tsumiki.
Picking it up, he holds the phone to his ear. “Hello?”
“Gumi! It feels like forever since we last spoke, how are you? How’s college? I need updates!”
“Right, sorry. I’ve been so caught up I haven't had much time to call.”
“Don’t worry about that! Tell me stuff, cmon!”
A small huff escapes Megumi's lips. Carefully, he removes his laptop from his lap, placing it beside him on the sheets. He spreads his legs out, getting comfortable; he knew this talk with Tsumiki was going to last a while. Whenever they could talk, Tsumiki would go beyond to ask about every detail and events in his life. Then, she would return the gesture. “Well, college has been fine. I’m caught up with all my classes, but I was doing an assignment before you called since I have nothing to do.”
“Why aren’t you going out with friends? You have friends, don’t you?”
Megumi shifts uncomfortably before answering, “I have—i have friends, okay? They’re just all busy.”
“Really? Maki doesn’t count; she’s family.”
“Besides Maki,”
“I have other friends, Tsumiki. There’s Inumaki and Okkostu.”
“Okay, have you made any new friends?”
He stays quiet for a moment. Thinking the question over in his head. Did it really matter if he made new friends or not? His mind wanders to Yuuji and Nobara. They’ve hung out already; can he count them as friends? Are they his friends? Would they consider Megumi a friend?
“Megumi.” Tsumiki calls out from the other line.
“Hm?”
“I asked if you made any new friends,”
“Oh yeah, yeah,” he says a little too fast. Tsumiki stays quiet on the other line. He hates how good she can read him, even over the phone.
“Names?”
“What?”
“What are their names?”
He scratches the side of his collarbone, averting his eyes to the opposite side of the room. Sorry Nobara and Yuuji, if he doesn’t say something now, he will never hear the end of it from her and does not want the famous Tsumiki lecture.
“Itadori and Kugisaki,”
“These aren’t names you made up?”
“Tch, no. As if I would ever have the energy to come up with names like that.” he rolls his eyes even though she can’t see. Tsumiki, on the other hand, squeals over the phone. Megumi winces as he pulls his phone away from his ear. “The hell, Miki?”
“My little Gumi-bear is making friendssss, ah, this is so exciting! I want to meet them! Can I meet them?”
Sometimes, Megumi doesn’t know where she gets her enthusiasm from, but then he remembers who raised them and it starts to make a little sense. Though Tsumiki was always like this, it just heightened once Gojo took them in.
“I mean, I guess,” he sighs. It’s useless to say anything else. Knowing her, she’ll probably come visit unexpectedly and throw herself at them.
“Yay! So, tell me, anyone caught your eye yet?”
The question itself caught him off guard, making him falter and second-guess any possible answer that could escape his lips. This should be an easy answer. A quick no and they both move on. But the fact that he’s quite right now, almost hesitant, is scary. Tsumiki seems to have caught on.
“Oh my god, someone did catch your eye!”
“What was that? I think you're breaking up, Miki,”
“Megumi, I swear to god if you–” the line cuts. Megumi drops his phone on his bed, sighing. Tsumiki was definitely going to kill him for hanging up. Sometimes she reminds him a lot of Gojo. If anybody knew they weren't related, Megumi would be sure people would think so by how alike they are at times.
All the previous motivation he had to complete any schoolwork flies out the window. Good thing they aren't due for a while.
Right when he was about to pick up a book, his phone went off.
Kugisaki
yo, moron
let’s hang out
Megumi
tf
why?
Kugisaki
bc im bored
and you’re bored
Megumi
who said i was bored?
i’m busy
Kugisaki
busy with what exactly
Megumi
well
i was doing schoolwork
Kugisaki
school work on a free day?
boy get ur ass up and get dressed
we’re going shopping 🙂↕️🙂↕️🙂↕️
Megumi
bro
fine, wtv
Kugisaki
YAA
let’s meet up here
[sends location]
Megumi leans against a building, doomscrolling on his phone. Nobara, annoyingly so, was late. Why tell someone to meet up if you’re gonna be late and don’t let them know?
Megumi gets an alert on his phone about a robbery at some gun store. How stupid does one have to be to rob a gun store out of everything? Targeting a room where nearly every single occupant is heavily armed and trained to respond to threat has gotta be one of the stupidest moves. If it were Megumi, he would rob some luxurious place like a hotel or an auction house. Maybe even a data center. But that's just him. Obviously he wouldn't do that, but if he were, he would settle for those places.
He clicks on the live stream hosted by the Daily Bugle. They were at the scene of the crime. Both Spider-Men were there, shooting their webs and dodging the hits the robbers throw at them. The new Spider-man—or Spider-man 2.0 got grabbed by his hood and thrown out the building.
Megumi winces when the reporters move the camera to zoom in on Spider-man stuck in a tree. He shuts his phone when he hears footsteps approaching, looking up to see Nobara. “You’re late,”
‘No, you're just early.”
He rolls his eyes, “I still don't know why you asked me to hang out.”
“Maki is at work, Inumaki is at Okkostus, and Itadori has class and going to work after. Plus, we’re friends, so why wouldn't I ask?”
Friends,
His eyes fall to the ground, kicking a pebble as he moves, her words playing a part in his head. Hearing the words officially from her lips made him feel a warmth that soothes him better than him overthinking if they considered him a friend. He’s not telling her that.
“Oh my god wait,” she halts, moving her hand up to stop him from walking. “That gun shop that’s being robbed, it’s on our way to the store.”
“Your point is?”
“My point is that you’re going to be nosey with me and see both Spider-men in action. Now come on before we miss it!” her hand wraps around his wrist and they bolt.
Nobara suggests they hide behind a building so they don’t get caught or worse—injured. She pulls out her phone, opens the camera app and presses record. Megumi couldn’t see much besides the crazy amount of camera flashes and light smoke.
Jesus, I get doing your job but this is pushing it.
Then, it hit him. If he were to get this job, depending on the job he’ll be assigned, he’ll mostly likely be first-hand at scenes where Spider-man is.
He watched as the Spider-man 2.0 webs an RPG out of one of the robber's hands; he thugs it too far to where it crashes into his own body. “Ah, that’s not good….”
“You okay, Spider-man?” Spider-man drops to the other’s side, helping the RPG off him.
Spider-man 2.0 gets up, a small wince escapes past his mask. He gives the other Spider-man a thumbs up and they both jump back into action.
Nobara decides to stop being nosey when the cops pull up and they quickly retreat from the scene.
-
“I don’t understand why you need this many bags. How are you even spending this much money unemployed?”
“I didn’t invite you out for you to judge me!” she snickers, shoving another big into his arms. “Plus, isn’t your ass unemployed too, and you’re coming for me?”
“Yeah but I know how to save money. And I applied somewhere already.”
“Oh, so you were serious? Fine then,” she drags out, tone filled with sarcasm. “Where?”
“None of your business.”
“Whatever, look at this.” she walks to the clothing rack and pulls out a hoodie. The print was a hairy chest with weirdly large nipples, and it’s the ugliest and stupidest shit Megumi has ever seen.
Seriously, who even buys this and wears it, willingly?
Actually, Gojo just might.
“You would look amazing in this, must I say,” she smirks at Megumi’s nose scrunch.
“You must’ve lost your whole damn mind if you think imma wear that.”
Nobara laughs, “Oh c'mon, look,” she holds the hoodie to his body and laughs uncontrollably. “Aw man, I wish Itadori was here to see this. Actually, hold that thought—“ she quickly pulls out her phone and snaps a picture before Megumi has to move out the way.
She runs off laughing. Megumi felt his eyes twitch. “Kugisaki, delete that!”
“No way! This is generational,” she eyes the picture, putting the hoodie back on the rack. “I gotta show this to Itadori in person—actually he should be at work by now, let’s go.”
“What?”
“We’re going to visit Itadori so I can show him this picture.”
“Why can’t you send it like a normal person? … Actually, don’t do that.”
“You know what? I might just,”
Megumi sighs, rolling his eyes.
Nobara drags him to the perfume section to get a refill on her favorite perfume that ran out before heading to check out.
She made him carry that bag too.
On their way to the cafe, Nobara spends the majority of the time talking about Maki. It was odd to hear someone talk this way towards his cousin, but just by that alone he can tell Nobara really likes her.
If anything, he’s sure Maki likes her too.
She hasn’t said it out loud directly, but he has a good feeling.
It doesn’t take long for them to reach the cafe. Yuuji was leaning over the counters, what looks like a sketchbook in his hands. He’s so into his mind that he doesn’t know he and Nobara walk in.
“Itadoriiiiiiiii” Nobara sing-songs. Yuuji looks up from his sketchbook and closes it immediately. Propping his elbow on the cover and his hand on his chin.
“Kugisaki, Fushiguro! Wait, what are you guys doing here?”
“We were out shopping, anyways, look at this!” leaning over the counter, Nobara pulls out her phone, opening the picture she took of Megumi in that god awful hoodie.
Yuuji covers his mouth with his hand, trying his best to suppress a laugh when Nobara flips the phone.
Megumi doesn’t feel half the annoyance right now than he normally would.
“What are we giggling about over here—Gumi!” Gojo appears from out of nowhere. His eyes flick to Nobara. “Ah, Gumi, is this one of your new friends?!”
Nobara nods, flipping her hair dramatically. “Kugisaki Nobara,” Gojo snickers as he pats her shoulder, looking back at Megumi. “I like her,”
“She hasn’t even said anything?”
“So? We had an aura bluetooth connection!”
“Oh my god,” Megumi runs a hand down his face.
“It’s nice to meet you, Nobara. I’m Saturo Gojo, Megumi’s dad!”
Nobara whips her body so fast that he’s sure if she went any faster she would’ve fell. “What?!” she shouts.
Megumi sucks his teeth, “Don’t listen to this idiot, he’s not my dad.”
Gojo juts his bottom lip forward. “Why do you hate me, Gumi?”
“I’m so fucking confused.” Nobara says, eyeing the two.
“Gojo just raised me and my sister. That’s all.” Megumi stares, glaring at Gojo; daring him to say anything else. Gojo throws his hands up in surrender, laughing.
“Oh Kugisaki, Show Gojo sensei the picture of Fushiguro!”
Gojo sensei? Why the sudden formality?
A small surprised gasp escapes from Nobara as she searches for the picture again. She hands the phone to Gojo who stares intensely at the picture like he’s trying to piece it together.
Nobara and Yuuji cover their mouths in the background, doing their best to hold in their laughter as Gojo's lips purse.
Gojo then breaks into an uncontrollable laughter. He holds the phone in the air so it's side by side with Megumi's current figure. The three’s laughter continues, making Megumi pitch his nose bridge.
“The three of you are so childish. Delete that picture,”
“No way! I’m keeping it forever and ever!” Nobara exclaims. Gojo returns her phone after snapping a picture of it with his own.
Oh, now he’s irritated.
Yuuji breaks into a sudden wince, hugging his ribs. Nobara looks at him, brows twisting. “You okay?”
“Yeah, uh, just um—in pain.”
“Well what the hell happened?”
Yuuji's eyes snap open, darting over to Gojo nervously. Gojo makes a face, urging him to say something and frowns when he keeps shut. “Yuuji fell on the counter earlier!”
“Jeez Itadori, how fucking dumb are you?” Nobara shakes her head, arms on her waist. Yuuji's eyes are closed into crescent moons as he plasters an awkward smile.
Megumi, who isn’t convinced, looks between Yuuji and Gojo. The excuse seemed fake, and they could’ve gotten away if they didn’t do the whole obvious glance thing. Nobara seems to buy it though.
Wait—didn’t…
“So, Kugisaki, what would you like? Yuuji here will make it for you in the house.”
He snaps straight, looking shocked at the words he didn’t sign up for. Nobara smirks, tapping her nail on her bottom lip.
“Buckle up, Itadori. This is a long one.”
Megumi didn’t catch a single word of that order. She was adding so much shit into one drink it didn’t even seem drinkable. He honestly felt bad for Yuuji, who looks as equally shocked as he does.
-
Inumaki was acting odd.
Since Megumi got back from hanging out with Nobara and visiting the cafe, Inumaki has been fidgety, almost nervous. Like something is on his mind and he has no idea how to lay it out front.
Megumi doesn't feel like cooking so he settles on making him and Inumaki some cup ramen.
He prepares the noodles in a bowl, filling it with water half way before placing it in the microwave. He watches the bowl as it spins, muffling out the constant shifts from Inumaki on the couch.
The microwave beeps and Megumi carefully takes the bowl out. Placing it on the counter, he adds the seasoning packet and mixes it with a fork. “Inumaki, I made ramen.” he calls out, putting his own bowl in the microwave to heat up.
Inumaki sits on the high chair, sliding the bowl towards him. Megumi leans on the counter, taking notice that Inumaki is watching the noodles spin around.
“You good?”
Can I ask you something? he signs. Megumi nods and Inumaki continues.
I wanted to ask if you were willing to switch rooms with Yuuta?
Megumi blinks. Switch rooms? Like, dorm rooms? With Okkostu? Who just happens to share a room with Itadori?
He shifts from one foot to another, “Why the sudden switch?”
Inumaki slurps a noodle in his mouth before continuing. I wanna get close enough to Yuuta to make a room, but we only have one class together and it’s hard to make progress like that. And he’s been pretty busy lately so it’s not like we can hang out afterwards.
So this is his way of making a move.
Smart, but it’s a big ask.
If he were to say yes, he would have to go through the process of packing his stuff, moving it in and out of his dorm and into another one, and not only that, but he’ll be forced to see Yuuji. Every. Single. Day.
Is that a step he’s willing to take? It’s a pretty big jump. He feels as if he can barely hold himself together around him as if, wouldn’t switching dorms make it harder for him?
But… this is an opportunity to also get clo—no.
“I don’t know, Inumaki… It’s a big switch,”
I could help you pack so you don’t have to do it alone. I know it’s a big ask, Fushiguro, but I feel like this is the only way it could happen. He signs.
Megumi purses his lips in a tight line, running the idea in his mind. He still isn’t sure of the whole situation but at the same time, he feels bad saying no.
Would it be the worst thing in the world? No.
Would it cause unnecessary complications for whatever the hell he’s feeling? Most likely.
Inumaki keeps his eyes locked on him, searching for a response. The microwave behind him beeps and he takes his bowl out.
Switching is something a good friend would do, right? Megumi is a good friend.
Opening the season packet, he pours it into his noodle and takes a deep breath before looking up at Inumaki. “Okay, when do you wanna do the switch?”
Inumaki sets his fork down, a big smile on his face before signing: You and Yuuta would have to submit a room switch form. I heard they get back to you in a couple days so after we get the approval, we can start packing and whenever you’re fully done i can help you with the switch.
“Alright, sounds good. I’ll submit a form after dinner.”
Two weeks have passed since he and Yuuta submitted the forms. They got back to him within a week and Inumaki’s been helping Megumi pack since.
Thankfully, there weren't a lot of boxes since Megumi didn’t have too much stuff so it didn’t take as long to pack everything.
Megumi lays on his bed after finishing boxing up the last box. It’s still pretty early, so he decides to use up the rest of the time to relax.
He jolts up when he gets an email from the Daily Bugle.
“Oh, fuck.. okay, okay, okay…” he opens his email, fingers trembling slightly. He doesn’t realize he’s holding his breath.
August 28th
The Daily Bugle, New York City Brooklyn
Subject: Acceptance of photographer offer
Dear, Fushiguro Megumi,
I hope this email finds you well. I am writing you to formally accept the offer at the Daily Bugle as a photographer. I please ask of you to come by today or tomorrow so our fellow employee can show you the ropes before you begin.
We welcome you to our team. Please let me know if there’s anything you want to discuss beforehand.
Thank you.
“Holy shit they accepted me?” Megumi beams from ear to ear. He might as well go today since he’s free.
He changes into more presentable clothes and fixes his hair.
Walking out of his room, Inumaki and Yuuta were in the living room. “Oh, Okkostu, didn’t know you were coming over today.”
“Yeah, sorry,” he chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck. “I figured we could do the switch today. The rest of the week will be pretty busy for me.”
Fuck, seriously?
Were you about to head out? Inumaki signs, tilting his head.
“Mm, i got accepted at the Daily Bugle and they want me to go in today before starting.”
Oh cool! I didn’t know you applied. he signs
“I didn’t tell anyone in case I didn't get in.”
“Well if it’s okay with you, Inumaki and I can do the switch while you’re there? Or we can find another time, whatever works for you!” Yuuta suggests.
“That’ll be great, if it’s alright with you.”
Yuuta gives him the okay and Megumi quickly leaves. He isn’t sure what time he should be there but he would rather not go so late either.
He opens the double doors and walks in; the cold air rushing against his skin. This place looks way bigger inside than it does from the outside. It almost makes him feel small.
He notices a girl by the printer and heads over to her.
“Um, excuse me?”
The girl looks over her shoulder, waiting for him to continue. “Sorry, um, I applied here two weeks ago and got accepted. They told me to come in for early training?”
“Oh! Fushiguro Megumi, correct?”
He nods. “That’s correct,”
“Perfect, come with me.”
She places the copies on top of the printer and leads Megumi towards the elevator. As they step in, she presses the button to the fifth floor. “I’m Kirara Hoshi! It’s so nice to have someone new here, are you looking forward to it?”
“Oh, yeah. I’ve always wanted to go into photography professionally and I saw this as an opportunity. To be honest, I didn't think I would get accepted but I'm glad I did.” Megumi states.
Kirara smiles as the doors make a little ding and opens.
“I’m sure you’ll do great! You got accepted, after all, which means you have talent!” she steps out of the elevator and Megumi follows behind. “This is the floor you’ll be on. There’s a bunch of equipment here and even computers stationed to edit any pictures.”
Megumi takes in all the lamps filled in the production space. It all felt so real to him. This felt so surreal.
“Even though you will have your own assignment job; we still provide the lamps for any shoots we do here.”
Kirara shows him around, explaining each station and what his role will be. Shuffling from a closet breaks out, causing Megumi and Kirara to freeze.
The door swings open, a blonde hair appearing with a pile of various fabrics. She stops mid-step, blinking before breaking into a nervous laugh.
“Kirara! Hey, I was searching for some fabric to change the background of the picture I took yesterday.”
Kirara smiles before turning to Megumi, “This is Hana Kurusu. She mostly does interviews but she spends a lot of time here editing pictures and videos.” she turns to Hana, “This is Fushiguro Megumi. He’s our newest.”
Megumi politely greets her.
She blinks repeatedly before tucking her hair behind her ear and smiling. “Welcome! It’s nice to have you.”
“Likewise.”
Kirara clasps her hands together, slightly leaning forward. “Hana will help you settle in. They should send you an email in a little bit of your role. Have fun!” she waves goodbye, heading to the elevator again.
Hana drops the fabric onto a table, avoiding eye contact with him. “So, are you excited to work here?”
“Yeah, I am. I think it’ll be a good opportunity for me.”
“That’s amazing! Do you have your own camera? If not, don't worry, we can provide you with one.”
“I have one,” he nods. Hana mirrors the nod. “Great! Here, I'll give you a tour of the place.”
They spent the next hour going through each floor and its purpose. They even spent some time looking over his portfolio and taking pictures around the building and its perimeter. Megumi got the opportunity to meet cool people, along with the media host CaseOh, who has…very strong feelings towards Spider-man.
Which speaking of, is just his luck. About thirty minutes during the tour, Megumi received an email about this position.
He had two jobs:
1. Take pictures of the daily life in the city.
2. Capture any and all photographs of Spider-man as possible.
Megumi almost laughs. Before when it was just one Spider-man, he never had anything to do with the guy. Never spoke to him, never was at the scene of the crime, never saw him anywhere apart from magazines and social media.
Now this new Spider-man appears and it’s like Megumi isn’t able to step away. Now, he sees them everywhere, he’s spoken to one, ‘hung out’ with one, was near them when they were dealing with this whole spider business and now he has to take their pictures.
Fate is a funny thing.
Hana walks him out the building, the evening air holding a promise. “I should see you in about a week. Take care, Fushiguro!”
He smiles lightly, saying his goodbyes.
On his way back, he spots Spider-Man swinging around, stopping by a tree to help a cat. Proves his point. He’s everywhere now.
Yuuta sends him a message that Itadori isn’t home right now so he left the doors unlocked and the keys on the counter.
He walks in the dorm, taking in how different it feels compared to how it felt with Inumaki. Yuuta and Inumaki left his room open so he didn’t confuse it with Yuuji's.
He steps in and starts unpacking his stuff
He doesn’t notice how much time passes but he decides to go make himself a cup of coffee. He deserves that much.
Thankfully, Yuuji has a coffee maker. Hopefully he doesn’t mind him using it.
As he makes the coffee, the door knob rattles and swings open. Yuuji stands there, leaning against the door. Hair messy and out of breath.
Yuuji walks in and freezes when he sees Megumi. He blinks and rubs his eyes as if his imagination was playing tricks on him, not believing for a second that Megumi would be standing in his kitchen making coffee.
“Fushiguro? Wha—what are you doing here?”
Great, so no one told him about the switch.
Yuuji quickly fixes his hair and sits on the edge of the counter. Legs dangling. Megumi leans back and explains how Inumaki wanted him and Yuuta to switch in order for his plan with him to work.
Half way through he thought Yuuji was going to be annoyed—upset about the sudden switch, but it was the opposite.
Instead, he looks as if he was trying to contain his emotions so they don’t burst. He hooks one ankle over the other, rocking them back and forth.
Megumi feels a sharp pain in his chest. One he doesn’t want to familiarize himself with.
This was going to be hard.