Chapter Text
Ever since that evening at his old school, Junpei's life was forever changed. He transferred to Tokyo Prefectural Jujutsu High School and was given a new uniform, but he opted to wear his mother's jacket instead of the school's standard blazer. Thankfully Gojo was understanding when he explained the sentimental value behind it. As for actual Jujutsu lessons, they were put on hold due to a supposed exchange event. Yet it wasn't all a waste due to his special 'first lesson' while the event was going on.
"Keep an eye on your classmates and pay attention to how each of them fight. You could learn a thing or two from them."
Those were the instructions Gojo gave Junpei. So here he was, sitting next to Gojo in the faculty lounge watching the other students through six monitors. It was for the best, anyway. He was still fresh from Mahito's influence and he barely knew any of the other students, only knowing Yuji for about two days. Gojo figured watching the Exchange Event from afar would serve as a quick guide for knowing who each of his classmates are going to be. Despite this, Junpei felt a bit wary of actually meeting them after the event, especially since one of these classmates appeared to be a talking panda.
Awkward introductions (featuring a cringe catchphrase) aside, the Exchange Event started off rather smoothly. The first day would be an exorcism race involving exorcising various spirits throughout the area. But soon it became quite clear the visiting students from Kyoto were less focused on the curses and would rather fight the Tokyo crew instead, especially a shirtless guy with bulging muscles. And speaking on him, he was quick to get in a fist fight with Yuji.
Junpei kept a close eye on this particular fight. Yuji was able to withstand this guy's relentless beatdown, including a couple of stomps to the face. He silently envied the pink-haired boy's endurance. Even as blood dripped from his skull, he was still able to get back on his feet and keep going. But without warning, the muscular guy spoke a very strange question.
"What kind of woman is your type?"
At first Junpei was surprised by how inappropriate the question was, but as Yuji revealed he likes American actress Jennifer Lawrence, he couldn't help but think about his own preferences. Did he even have a type? He never really showed an interest in any of his former female classmates, yet they used to accuse him of staring. Just more fuel for the already-blazing fire. So if that option was off the table, what else was there-
"I'm proud to call all of them my friends."
Junpei's eyes widened in fear. Why would he think about him at this very moment? He wasn't even human, yet that memory... He was so close and so gentle back then, before he realized what kind of creature he was. Had Yuji not shoved him aside before he was pinned to the wall...
"Don't just stand there! Run!"
So instead of freezing up as realization dawned on him, Junpei did run. He ran out of the school and bumped into an older man wearing goggles. One thing lead to another and the next thing he knew, he was enrolled at this very school. But despite this seemingly better outcome, he could still feel that cold, dark embrace on his heart. How could he forget that supposed kindness? It was the first time he felt different, almost like...
He grasped his mouth as tears fell from his eyes.
"...Mahito."
Gojo averted his eyes from the monitors. "You say something?" he checked.
"That was my type..." Junpei realized as he sobbed uncontrollably. "Mahito was..." The rest of that sentence was inaudible, but Gojo quickly realized what he meant to say.
Utahime was annoyed by the sudden outburst. "Gojo, control your student!" she sighed.
Of course, the blindfolded teacher did respond in his own way. Seeing how distraught Junpei was, he stood up and calmly escorted him out of the room. When the door was closed, the audible sound that followed made Junpei realize where he was, yet he was still upset.
"Nanami told me what happened at your old school yesterday," Gojo revealed. "But I never got hear your side of the story. So how'd you get involved with someone like Mahito?"
Junpei crouched down slightly, feeling unsure about disclosing this information. Sure Gojo was a teacher, but when was the last time a teacher helped him? He'll probably turn a blind eye like all the others. That's how it always was for him. Why bother talking if history was going to repeat itsel-
A firm hand on his shoulder snapped Junpei out of his dark thoughts. He slowly looked at the man who did that, surprised with that gesture. What was with him? Why was he being kind to a freak like him? He didn't deserve this sympathy after eveything he went through.
"I don't know all the details from your old school," Gojo informed. "But I do know this. Jujutsu Tech is different. This is a safe place. When you're a student here, you're like family. So if you're ready to talk, I'll be more than happy to listen."
Junpei's eyes widened as tears continued to fall. This man was clearly different from the teachers he knew in passing. He seemed to be so caring, willing to listen to others and actively help them out. If this school really was a safe place, would he actually help him out? Taking a deep breath, he straightened his posture as he attempted to wipe his tears away.
"Mahito...was my friend," Junpei explained. "He took care of a couple of bullies from my school. I wanted to see if he could teach me how to use similar powers. He was so kind to me and he told me about his way of thinking." He winced slightly. "But then..."
"Your mom was killed?" Gojo assumed. He saw Junpei's hurried nod in response. "I see... So that's how you got caught up in all this."
Junpei nervously rubbed his arm. "I-I...didn't know Mahito was the one who killed my mom," he continued. "Not until he admitted it that night. Now I..." He couldn't bear to finish his sentence. Luckily the older man standing next to him knew what he meant.
"I get it," Gojo said as he released his grasp. "You've got a lot of trust issues." He saw Junpei's wordless nod once more. "I already told you this school is a safe space. Besides, Itadori told me how you two bonded some time ago. He's a nice kid. I'm sure he'll be a good influence to you."
At that moment, a new mental image appeared in Junpei's mind. The memory of seeing Yuji screaming at a plate as he reenacted a scene from Cast Away. That's right... He still has an actual friend! He was so happy during that dinner, laughing at Yuji's impressions and having fun like nothing else mattered. Just thinking about that made him smile softly.
"There's that smile!" Gojo encouraged. "So are you feeling better?"
"Kind of," Junpei replied. His heart was still hurting and it might take him a while to trust others, but he was feeling better than before.
"That's good," Gojo said. "Now how about we continue watching the exorcism race?"
And so, Gojo and Junpei reentered the faculty lounge as the exchange event continued. Junpei watched the six monitors, now genuinely curious about what his classmates were like. He learned so much during this race. Megumi Fushiguro could summon shikigamis like he could, both Nobara Kugisaki and Maki Zenin used various tools for combat, Toge Inumaki was able to control people through his words, and Panda was a cursed corpse who could transform into different animal hybrids. He also learned about their different personalities by watching them from afar.
Maybe it wouldn't hurt to let this wide variety of people into his social circle...