Archive of Our Own ^beta

7pm - Arrived at the dorms

Rest well, okay? See you tomorrow!

I waved at them as I walked ahead, going straight to my room. Both Yuuji and Megumi waved back, saying their goodbyes.

See ya tomorrow! Get some good sleep! Yuuji said, finally letting out a yawn as he succumbed to his exhaustion, and added Man, I feel like a zombie. I could sleep for a week straight.

I chuckled.

Rest well. We have another long day tomorrow. Megumi added.

As I walked away, Yuuji turned to Megumi, noticing his tired expression.

You look like you're about to pass out on your feet.

I hear their conversation fade away as I enter my room. "F—k I'm exhausted" I grumble as I get ready to go to bed. Few minutes later and I lay awake in my bed, tired but not enough to fall asleep as thoughts of this and that keep running on my mind

I need some fresh air. I sighed, frustrated, as I got up from bed to go outside to the courtyard.

The small courtyard had always been a place where I could think clearly, especially at night. I lay on the grass and closed my eyes feeling the cold breeze of the cool night. Opening my eyes, I gazed up at the night sky and admired the vast view as a sense of tranquility washes over anyone wanting to clear their mind. It was a small respite from the rigorous training and the hectic environment of Jujutsu High.

As I was enjoying my moment of solitude, I heard footsteps approaching from a distance. I froze for a minute, but regained my composure as I somehow recognized who it belonged to and so, I continued to be lost in my thoughts.

The footsteps came closer, and the person who was approaching soon came into view.

It was none other than Megumi, his hands shoved into his pockets, his expression calm and composed as usual. He noticed me lying on the grass, and a flicker of curiosity crossed his eyes. He stood a few feet away, observing silently for a moment before speaking up.

...Mind if I join you? He said, breaking the silence with a simple question.

Yeah, go ahead. I said softly, it's not like I owned the courtyard anyway.

Megumi nodded, making his way over to where I laid on the grass. He sat down beside me, maintaining a reasonable distance between the two of us and mimicked my position, with his back resting on the grass and his eyes fixed on the starry sky above. He seemed content to just sit in silence, taking in the peaceful surroundings and letting the quiet moments wash over him.

We sat in comfortable silence, obviously both tired from training.

What brings you here? Isn't this courtyard quite far from your room? I asked curious, he left with Yuuji a while back so I assumed that they were both already resting. Megumi glanced at me, his gaze drifting from the sky to my face.

I could ask you the same question. You should already be sleeping, but you're also out here. He paused and after a moment, he spoke again; his tone slightly softer than usual. You're right, it's further from my room. But I couldn't sleep, so I decided to take a walk.

I could sense the softness in his voice as he spoke those words, it wasn’t like him to express his feelings. Usually, he’d just brush off my question and stay silent. Well my room is just over there, and… I needed to think, so I came here. I answered. I always come here. Besides it being in close proximity, the silence of the night drew me in like a promise of temporary tranquility every time I can’t sleep; which is a frequent occurrence.

Megumi nodded, acknowledging my response as he spoke up again. So, let me get this straight. You came all the way out here, when your room is just a few steps away, because it's ‘more’ quiet and suitable for thinking?

I laughed.

"Well it's fine that you don't get my sentiment."

I sat up from where I was laying down. Still gazing at the stars added, Even though my room's clean and all, I find it stuffy when thoughts cloud my mind. It happens whenever I’m too exhausted because of training too and today was HELL.

Megumi chuckled at my response, remnants of his serious demeanor fading slightly. I suppose I can understand that, in a way. Sometimes, you do need a change of environment to clear your mind and relax.

He too sat up, his gaze mirroring mine as he looked up at the starlit sky.

It is peaceful out here at night. No one is around, just the stars and the chill air.

I just hummed in agreement.

A moment of comfortable silence passed between us, both captivated by the vastness of the night and the stillness it brought. But something seemed to be on Megumi's mind, as he broke the silence.

Hey... can I ask you something?

Shoot. I say, urging him to continue.

Megumi turned to look at me, his expression slightly more guarded now. He seemed to be contemplating the thought in his mind before finally speaking up. It's just... I've noticed that you tend to be out here in the courtyard a lot, especially late at night. He paused, gazing at my expression for a moment before continuing.

Is there a reason you come here so often?

I continue looking at the stars, admiring their glow and twinkle as each second passes by. ‘How does he even know that I come here frequently? Isn’t his room on the other side of the dorms?’ I thought, but brushing over that I answered, This place is just comforting you know? I don't really get it either but I keep finding myself going back here.

Megumi listened intently, his gaze shifting between the stars and my focused expression. He couldn't help but feel a twinge of curiosity. Comforting, huh?

There was a hint of contemplation in his voice, as if he was mulling over the idea in his mind.

You find comfort in coming out here alone, in the stillness of the night?

I chuckled, as I faced him.

Is it really that weird? Won’t others think the same? I asked, amused

Megumi shrugged, a small smirk tugging at the corner of his lip. He didn't want to offend you, so he chose his words carefully. Not weird per se. Just... unexpected from you, I guess. I wouldn't have thought you'd find comfort in spending time in an open space like this at night, all by yourself.

You think of me too highly. I see I laughed, continuing Even though I'm as stubborn and loud as Yuuji at times, I guess I'm still more introverted and easily tired than he is.

Megumi chuckled at my take, his serious demeanor gone as he admitted I was right. Fair enough. You are more reserved than Yuuji, that's for sure. And yeah, you can be a handful sometimes, but that's part of your charm, I guess. Megumi's smile widened slightly as I chuckled at his comment at the end. And, I suppose that makes me the unfortunate soul who has to deal with both of you, doesn't it? He spoke with a hint of mock annoyance, but was betrayed by his tone, showing an underlying fondness.

I can’t help but chuckle in agreement, he really does a great job making me feel at ease.

Megumi leaned back, resting his hands behind him in a relaxed fashion. He let out a low sigh, his gaze returning to the night sky once more. You know, it's not a bad thing, needing some alone time. Even I find myself seeking solitude every now and then. It helps to clear the mind and helps regain focus.

Exactly.

... Megumi lost in thought, still had something on his mind.

Do you mind if I ask you something else? It's a bit personal. He asked.

Well go ahead, since we're already here.

Megumi took a moment to spill his question, choosing his words carefully. He turned to look at me, his expression slightly serious.

Have you... ever had trouble sleeping? When you're in your room, I mean. Do you find it difficult to fall asleep?

I looked at Megumi, curious. At times, yeah... Have you?

Megumi casually shrugged. He didn't want you to worry about him, especially since he didn't like showing vulnerability.

Occasionally as well. It comes and goes. He spoke with a nonchalant tone, as if it were a mere triviality. There was a subtle hint of fatigue in his eyes, a sign of the restless nights that haunted him these days.

Hmm… I said as I tried to find the next words to say.

Megumi waited patiently, his calm demeanor belying the slight tension in his shoulders. He could sense my contemplative thoughts, but he let me take my time.

Well… I started It's not like it would help but… would you mind if I invite you to my room every time you can't sleep? I looked at him, Think of it as a mini sleepover. I accept guests at any time

Megumi was caught off guard by my offer. Who wouldn’t be? It was a ridiculous offer to begin with.

He looked at me, his eyebrow raising slightly in surprise. Your room? You'd be okay with me just... showing up whenever I can't sleep?

Yeah? I mean, we are buddies after all.

Megumi couldn't help a small chuckle of disbelief. You're serious? You'd let me barge into your room at weird hours just because I can't sleep? What about your own sleep?

Of course you won't just barge in, that's rude. I laughed. At least text me before going or check if I was in the room

Megumi's chuckle grew a bit in amusement. So a bit of notice, huh? I'll make sure to be polite then. He paused, mulling over my offer. Are you sure this is alright with you? I don't want to impose.

It's cool. I continued, I honestly did this setup with one of my friends too back in middle school. But back then, I was the one having troubles.

Megumi raised an eyebrow at the revelation, intrigue now mixed in with his surprise. Oh, really? So, you've done this before then? He chuckled softly at the thought of you being the one showing up unannounced in someone else's room in the middle of the night like a sleep-deprived ghost. It was kind of amusing. You didn't get in trouble for it? I can't imagine your friend was too happy about unexpected intrusions in their room at unusual hours.

I shook my head as I looked at him, Like I said we agreed with it. Besides, our parents didn't mind us going back and forth each other’s house for some reason

Megumi nodded, understanding the dynamic. I see. So it was a mutual agreement then. Makes more sense now. He fell silent for a moment, contemplating your offer, before speaking up again. Alright. I guess I'll take you up on your offer then.

Great! you're welcome anytime"

Megumi smiled slightly at your words, a small but grateful expression on his face. Thanks. I'll make sure to be respectful of your space and time.

His gaze drifted back to the night sky. The prospect of having a place to go to when sleep eluded him felt reassuring, and perhaps even a tad bit comforting.

We sat under the night sky for a few more minutes, until I stood up to take my leave. Well... I guess I should go and really rest up now. Thank you for keeping me company, Megumi

Megumi stood up when you did, and smiled faintly at your words. He too had started to feel the weariness in his own body.

No problem. Glad I could provide a distraction for a bit.Looking up at the sky once last time, before turning his gaze back to me he added, Get some rest. See you at breakfast.

See you. I said as we part ways, and I walk up to my room

Megumi nodded in farewell, a small wave of his hand as he watched you walk away until you disappeared around the corner. He stood in the courtyard for a moment longer, letting the quiet of the night wash over him once again before heading to his own room to prepare for bed.

2:00 AM

The clock ticked past midnight as Megumi laid awake in his bed, the hours slowly creeping by. He had tossed and turned for what felt like an eternity, his mind restless and awake despite the fatigue in his body. Glancing at the clock on his nightstand, the glowing red numbers displayed the time: 2:08 AM.

Megumi let out a silent sigh of frustration, knowing that his attempts to fall asleep were futile for now. He sat up in bed, pushing the covers off of him with a resigned motion. He thought about the offer you made a few hours back. It seemed like tonight was already one of those nights where sleep was going to be elusive.

With a resigned sigh, Megumi got out of bed and quietly made his way to your room.

I was sleeping soundly, when I stirred awake because of the faint knocking on my door. I checked my phone and it showed 2:15 AM and a message from Megumi.

Sorry, I can’t sleep. I’m coming over

Sleepily, I made my way over to the door. And as I opened it l yawned, Well you took that offer quite quickly, we only spoke a few hours before. Was it that bad these days? I asked worried, as I led him into my room.

Want to talk about it?

Megumi stepped into my room, a slightly sheepish expression on his face at the sight of my sleepy demeanor. He ran a hand through his hair, clearly tired and a bit on edge. It's been a rough few nights. My brain just won't shut off, no matter what I try. He made himself comfortable on a nearby chair, letting out another weary sigh.

I see. I said as I thought of ways to help him, even though I was battling my own sleepiness.Well, maybe you just need another person's company to sleep. Would you mind sleeping on the floor? I have an extra futon you can use.

I suggested it absentmindedly because this is what me and my friend used to do. We would just tire ourselves out by talking with each other about random things. But I didn't tell Megumi that, hoping that tiredness would come to him naturally.

Hoping that my company is enough.

It’s alright, I don't mind. He replied as he moved toward the futon I offered, and began setting it up on the floor. Once done, he settled down onto it, laying on his back with a somewhat exhausted expression.

As he settled down, I thought of the topics we could maybe talk about so as to get him to be at ease. So, what do you think of cats? Personally, I LOVE them As I finished, I looked over at megumi and saw his puzzled expression clearly wasn't expecting my question. I chuckled and thought ‘well, we would want to keep it random so as to help him relax.'

He couldn't help but be a bit perplexed, the subject matter being quite unrelated to the current situation or lack thereof. Cats? They're... alright, I guess. He paused, trying to figure out where this was going. But he decided to just roll with it, responding idly as he laid on the futon. Why do you ask?

Nothing really, but what about you? Do you have a favorite animal? I said, continuing the conversation.

Megumi thought for a moment, his expression growing more contemplative. He wasn't particularly an animal lover, but he did find some creatures fascinating. I guess... maybe a wolf. Or a fox. Something wild and independent.

He kept his gaze fixed on me, his attention fully focused on the conversation now. Albeit a tad confused by its sudden direction. What made you think of asking about animals? He asked. I just remembered about your ten shadows technique that's all ’well i guess my question was TOO random I thought.

Megumi's eyebrows raised slightly in realization as you mentioned his technique. He hadn't expected that connection, but it made sense.

Ah. That's fair. He paused, contemplating something for a moment, before continuing. Wolves and foxes come up the most often because of their intelligence and adaptability, I guess. They're always depicted as cunning and strong, so those are the ones I like using the most.

Megumi fell quiet for a bit, his mind wandering again. The subject of animals and his technique brought back memories from his training and battles. He shook his head slightly, bringing himself back to the present. He turned the question back to you, returning your random question with a random one of his own. "And you? You said you LOVE cats, right?"

I chuckled as i look at the ceiling, confirming his question

But if you ask me on a deeper level, I love how cats are so independent and smart. I know that some people perceive them as unpredictable and scary, which I agree they are, but that adds another charm to them. Y’know? Even if the cat is grumpy or not that affectionate, I still care for them deeply. Besides, if a grumpy or non-affectionate cat becomes comfortable with you, it feels all the more rewarding to be in their company

I kept my voice calm and thoughtful as I went on a tangent.

Megumi listened intently to your explanation, his lips curving into a small, approving smile as you went on. He hadn't expected such a detailed response, but your passion for cats was evident in your voice. He laid back on the futon, his eyes looking up at the ceiling, a sense of comfort and perhaps even somnolent starting to creep into him.

I can see why you like them. He paused for a moment to yawn quietly.

You know sometimes… I see you as a cat Megumi I added, still keeping my tone while keeping my gaze at the ceiling

People see you as a stoic and strict person when they don't know you personally. While I agree that at times you are, you are also laid back and willing to joke around me, Yuuji, and Nobara which I appreciate so much

Megumi blinked once, taking a few moments to process your comparison. No one had ever likened him to a cat before. A small chuckle escaped him as he digested what you said.

A cat, huh? I suppose there are some similarities… I think…He continued listening to your words, a touch of warmth in his usually reserved demeanor. Megumi felt a strange sense of contentment settling over him as your words washed over him. The unexpected comparison to a cat and the praise for his company were somewhat foreign, but not unwelcome.

And I guess the grumpy and non-affectionate part is true too He added quietly, a hint of dry humor in his tone. I chuckled.

We lay in silence as we enjoyed being in each other's company. A few minutes passed and i can finally hear Megumi's breathing as it slowed and maintained a steady rhythm, he finally fell asleep.

Goodnight, Megumi. I whispered to myself as I too, quietly adjusted into a comfortable position as sleep crept in.

Megumi's breathing had slowed, his body finally succumbing to fatigue. His mind was now at ease, the conversation with you having calmed his thoughts and allowed him to relax.

The silence in the room was only filled by the soft, steady rhythm of his breathing.

Quietly, a soft and somewhat unfamiliar smile tugged at the corners of Megumi’s mouth, something about the night and your company making him feel…

Safe.