Chapter Text
SUMMER 2007
ONE MONTH BEFORE
‘Today is the day! Can’t wait to see you there!!!! XD XP’
“Does he honestly have nothing better to do with his life than bug me?” Utahime tiredly grumbled as she glared at the text from Gojo that rolled in at four o’clock in the morning. Soon following his text were a couple of pictures of his packed luggage by the door of his dorm, and then a selfie of himself holding a peace sign with that stupid smile of his.
‘Are you packed, Utahime?’ He texted her, causing her thin brows to furrow. Did he really believe that she was going to be up at this hour?
Of course he did.
Utahime took a picture of her dark room, replying: ‘Try looking for it. That should answer your question.’ The instant that she pressed the send button, she knew she'd made a mistake. Responding to him would only promise more texts. Yet, on the other side of the same coin, if she didn’t respond then he just may send more texts until she finally caved in.
God, why is he such a pain?
After a couple of minutes, Gojo responded. ‘Too dark :p Send me another :D’
‘How about you just go back to sleep?’
‘Don’t need to. I don’t sleep much nowadays.’
‘Well. I still do. Goodnight Gojo.’
Flipping her phone closed, Utahime tucked it underneath the fluff of her pillow then closed her eyes to return to sleep. However, she wasn’t spared, not even for a good moment because another text rolled in from him, and she knew better than to indulge him by looking at it.
But she still did and regretted it the moment she read it.
‘Silly Senpai. It’s the morning. XD’
‘Good morning Hime<3’
“I wish I never gave him my number.” She muttered then set her phone aside on the bedside table after silencing it. She wrapped herself in a blanket in an attempt to go back to sleep. Unfortunately for her, no thanks to Gojo, she would spend the next few hours tossing and turning until the sandman finally came to whisk her away to sleep.
Just four hours before they needed to leave for Camp Kaisen.
The sound of firm continuous knocks rapping against her bedroom door roused the drowsy Utahime from sleep. She forced herself to abandon the dream she had yet to enjoy then groaned in frustration upon reading the time on her bedside table.
It’s thirty-eight minutes past noon and she still feels so exhausted.
Damn Gojo for interrupting her sleep.
Damn herself for responding to him.
“Utahime,” The familiar voice of her good friend, Mei Mei, called from the other side of the thin wooden door. “You in there? Please don’t tell me you’re still asleep.”
“I’m awake.” The dark-haired teen yawned as she sat up in bed, rubbing the sleep from her eyes. Upon requesting to enter, Utahime gave her friend permission to do so then silently watched as Mei strolled in with a slight sway to her hips.
“What are you still doing in bed? The bus will be here in less than thirty minutes.”
“I’m not going,” Utahime said with a pout.
“Why not?” Mei asked, plating her hands on the curves of her hips. Coming off as a parent ready to scold their child.
“Because” Utahime hesitantly started, “I really don’t want to spend an entire week in the middle of nowhere, exploring the woods in this summer heat, with him.”
“Him? Him who?” Mei asked, a single silver brow lifting in temporary confusion before the light bulb went off in her head. “Wait? Are you talking about Gojo?” Utahime nodded, earning an eye roll and tsk from Mei as she took a seat at the end of her bed. “Seriously, Utahime, why do you hate him so much? He’s really not all that bad.”
“I don’t hate him,” She corrected. “I just really don’t like him.” Utahime’s brows furrowed deeply as she reflected on the two years she endured of his tenacious teasing and acts that got under her skin quickly. He had become so much of a distraction and stress in her life that he left her with no choice but to transfer to the much quieter campus of Kyoto for her third year.
Don’t get her wrong, she doesn’t nor can say she will ever hate him. Of course not. But there is only so much Gojo Satoru she can take at a time. Especially when, for whatever reason from the very first day they met, she had been a source of his entertainment.
The pinnacle of his endless teasing.
And in return, he has become the stubborn thorn in her flesh. The one that refuses to leave no matter how many times she picks at it.
“Not going because of him is a bit extreme… and ridiculous if you ask me.”
“That's because he doesn’t annoy you like he does me.”
“Yeah, you’re right. And I don’t want to ignore your feelings. But I think you’re being a little bit dramatic. Don’t let the idea of him being annoying ruin the trip before it even begins. And besides, you’ve been away from each other for months now. So, maybe he will take it easy on you?”
“I highly doubt it."
"And why is that?"
"Because the idiot texted me at four o’clock this morning.”
“Has he texted you any other time?”
Utahime thought carefully, “No, not really.”
“Okay then. You just may be in the clear.”
“I seriously doubt it. And what if he starts teasing me as soon as we arrive at the camp?”
“I don’t know, Utahime. I’m not God. I don’t have all the answers for you.” Mei said as she rose from her friend’s bed, patting down the nonexistent wrinkles of her school uniform skirt. “But if he does the moment that he sees you, then see it simply as a fact that he missed you.”
Utahime froze, her words catching in her throat briefly as she dared to entertain the thoughts Mei planted in her head. Something like that should’ve made her chuckle at how absurd it sounds, but it didn’t. Instead, it had her feeling… strange? But why? Why think that someone like him, Gojo Satoru, would ever miss her? That would never happen because the guy only thinks of himself. And even if what Mei said were true… he'd probably only missed teasing her and nothing more.
“Mei…”
“Hmm?”
“That is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard you say,” Utahime said lowly, uncomfortably shifting in her bed.
“Maybe you’re right,” The tall teen said, smirking as she began walking towards the door. “Regardless, you should come. I think it’ll be a lot of fun and it would be nice to see the others again because I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of looking at Zenin’s face.”
Utahime chuckled, “I couldn’t agree more.”
Shuffling out of her bed, she saw a pleased look appear on Mei’s face as she pulled out her luggage from her closet. Informing her that she’ll be waiting outside, Mei took her leave, closing the door behind her.
Noting the little time she had left to pack her things, Utahime swiftly moved around her room, rummaging through her dresser and bathroom for necessities she knew she would need for the week-long trip at the camp. Although she’s still not happy at the idea of spending a week in the outskirts of Japan with Gojo, she should at least give it a chance and not allow him to ruin what could be an amazing time away with her peers, and future fellow colleagues.
Right?
“Wow,” The young boy said sarcastically, very much unimpressed with the sight before him. He took a step closer to the parked bus for a better examination, then turned over his shoulder to where the old and withered Principal stood behind him. “What a piece of shit. Is this really the best the school can do?”
“Watch your mouth, Zenin. You’re beginning to sound ungrateful.”
Naoya tsked loudly, “I’ll show my gratitude once the school gives us a better bus. I mean, seriously, just look at this piece of shit.” The frustrated teen kicked the rusted rims of wheels with his clean black shoes. “These wheels are going to fall off the moment we leave the campus. This is no way to transport a valuable member of one the three major clans. Aren't I right, Principal Gakuganji?”
“Drop it, Zenin.” The old man warned, “These childish complaints will get you nowhere.”
“Wanna try me?” Naoya cockily grinned before using the sleeve of his dark school uniform to wipe away the sweat that was beginning to creep down the sides of his face.
Before either could say another word, the remaining students, Mei Mei and Utahime, arrived with their duffle bag and luggage in tow.
“Is this really our ride, Principal? Looks like they towed this thing out of the junkyard.” Mei asked, a disappointed frown crossing her features.
“See!!” Naoya yelled, throwing his arms in the air.
Utahime glanced between her classmates, slightly confused but decided it would be best to ignore them.
Though the same couldn’t be said for the older man that gave each of them a glare to be frightened of.
“I’ve had enough of this.” He started in a raised, authoritative voice. “Just get on the damn bus and be grateful that you don’t have to walk to the camp in this forsaken heat. I also don’t want to hear any talking the entire way there. Do I make myself clear?”
“This is lame.”
“I said. Do I make myself clear, Zenin Naoya?”
“Yes, Principal.” The teen grumbled as he folded his arms behind his head.
The old man then faced the ladies of the trio. “Mei and Utahime? Am I clear?”
“Crystal.” Mei answered.
“Yes, Principal Gakuganji.” Utahime replied.
“Okay then. Now board the bus before we miss our arrival window. You all should already know how much I despise being late.”
“Yes, Sir.” They all said in unison before securing their belongings to take onto the bus. Uthaime couldn’t help but notice how incredibly hot it felt the second they stepped in. It almost seemed like they were walking into a sauna.
The driver had all the vents the bus could offer facing him on full blast. The force so strong that not even dust could land on his shoulders. The bus also reeked of something old, perhaps something moldy. Either way, it made her incredibly nauseous to her core.
The teens took their individual seating, each equally observing the cheap material of the leather used to cover the steel skeleton of the seats. Utahime saw the discomfort in Naoya’s features and watched quietly how he opened and closed his mouth like a fish—fighting the urge to complain. Mei on the other hand remained stoic, but anyone who knew her well could see in her eyes that she too did not favor the seating.
Once the older man entered the bus, the driver turned the ignition. After a few tries the worn bus engine began to run. The principal stood a few steps down the aisle until he came close to the three students. He scanned their faces with his dark beaded eyes, shadowed by the bows of his brows.
“It’ll be a two a half to three-hour ride to Camp Kaisen. Because it’s a short ride, there will be no bathroom breaks until we get there. And remember, no complaints. No speaking.” Gakuganji announced before taking his seat up front, close to the bus driver.
“We’re gonna die of a heat stroke before we even get there.” Naoya said under his breath as he began to remove the coat of his uniform.
Turning around in her seat to face Mei, Utahime whispered, “I’m starting to regret coming onto this trip.”
“A bump on the road, Utahime. That’s all it is. A bump on the road.”
Utahime frowned, facing forward in her seat once more then pulled out her MP3 player to drown herself in music upon plugging her ears with her ear buds.
For the next three and a half hours, they would keep to themselves. Just as their Principle instructed. But several times during the trip, they would exchange looks with one another, acknowledging their mutual suffering from the lack of a working A/C in the peak time of heat on this summer day. And apart from their own water bottles, only opening the squeaky frames of the bus windows to let the air flow saved them.
Even if the wind that blew against their sweaty faces sometimes felt all too dry.
It couldn't possibly get much worse than this, right?
After what felt like a lifetime of sitting in the overheated bus for hours, they finally made it to their destination: Camp Kaisen. Not a moment after the bus had parked and its door opened towards freedom, the three students in suffering peeled themselves off the cheap leather of their seats and raced off the bus to hit their knees onto the hot dirt road.
“That was too fucking hot.” Naoya was the first to complain, glancing over to his classmates that mirrored his own state of being. Hot, sticky, and sweaty. They too were stripped in only their white button-down shirt that clung to the curves of their sweaty bodies. Their legs were bare for all to see, their think black pantyhose long gone with their modesty.
“Get up you three.” Principial Gakuganji said as he stepped off the bus, seemingly unbothered by summer heat despite his wardrobe. “My students should not be on the ground looking like panting dogs.”
“Easy for you to say, old man.”
“Just sock it, Zenin.” Utahime snapped, earning a glare from the young man.
“Are you really siding with him?” Naoya nodded his head in the direction where the principle stood aside, speaking to the driver.
“No, but you really shouldn’t speak to your seniors that way. Especially the Principal.” She stood from the ground then did her best to wipe the dirt off her hands and knees. The remaining two students did the same, then Naoya approached her closely, stepping into her personal bubble. “If you’re going to side with that bastard, how about you return home with him on that janky-ass bus while Mei and I go home on a nicer charter bus?”
A single dark brow raised, and she stared at him amusingly. “What? You’re gonna ask daddy to spend his pocket change to rent a bus for you?”
The corners of Naoya’s lips lifted into a devious smirk, “Why not?” He said cockily, “Perks of being born into one richest and major three clans of Japan. But you wouldn’t know the privilege of that, now would you, Iori? Girl who came from a small village with no clan worth noting of importance.”
“You’re an asshole.” Utahime said, brows furrowed deep in the creases of her face.
“Ah-Ah.” Naoya waved an index finger at the girl who balled her hands in to fists. “That’s no way for a young lady to speak. You need to watch that dirty mouth of yours.”
“Do you genuinely find pleasure in belittling people?”
“Belittling? Is that what I’m doing? I thought I was only speaking truth?”
“Zenin, you’re a—”
“Just drop it, Utahime.” Mei cut in, wedging herself between the wolves showing their fangs. “He’s not worth it.”
“But Mei—”
“No, just listen to me.” Mei said firmly, a tone she very rarely used on anybody. “We’re all hot and agitated right now. So let it be water under the bridge and if you want to revisit this dumb argument later, then you can. But right now, I much prefer not to listen to you two argue for another minute. Okay?”
“Yeah, water under the bridge, Iori.” Naoya teased, lifting his hands in pretend surrender, his ugly face still wearing his cocky grin.
This whole time she was worried about Gojo ruining her trip when in reality she should’ve been worried about Zenin. While they don’t speak, nonetheless, interact much on campus, he’s never been as disrespectful as he is right now. Though he does wear his pride on his arm and always took the opportunity to brag about the Zenin clan and how great and strong they are, and how he one day hopes to be Head of the clan.
“I swear, someone needs to punch him in the throat one day.” Utahime mumbled so that only Mei could hear.
“I’m sure it will happen one day. Afterall, the boy likes to run his mouth like a faucet.”
The girls giggled amongst themselves then suddenly, heard a loud gasp coming from where Naoya stood. “What the hell?!?!?” He shouted as he raised his cellphone high in the air, as far as he could reach.
“What’s the matter now?” The principal asked, walking closer to the students.
“Old man! There’s no service out here.” Naoya whined. “How are we going to survive out here?”
“That’s the point. These little flip thingies you kids have nowadays been dulling your senses. You’re here to break away from those meaningless things to instead learn how to build real skills and connections.”
“Spoken like a true man of ancient times.” Mei joked, earning a giggle from Utahime.
Before Gakuganji could ask what, the girls thought was so funny, the bus for Tokyo High School arrived. Their charter bus was rather large and clean with unnoticeable imperfections. It rolled in on the winding dirt road with speed. Its tinted windows gave the illusion that it was carrying a celebrity inside instead of a bunch of students.
The Kyoto trio stood in awe as the large black charter bus pulled up in the dirt driveway, coming to a smooth and quiet stop. Not like the bus they came in. They exchanged looks with one another before facing the bus again, and though neither said it aloud, they all thought the same thing: ‘I bet the A/C feel nice in there.’
The doors of the sleek charter bus opened slowly, only missing a smoke screen to make it more dramatic. Not a second to spare once it opened fully, out came the first student of Tokyo. Hopping off the bus and creating a small dust cloud at his feet. His white hair shone in the summer sun, his bright smile gleaming all the more too. And if he weren’t wearing his rounded shades, no doubt, at least in her mind, his eyes would be mistaken for the cloudless sky.
“Utahime!” Gojo shouted across the way, quickly singling her out. “Long time no see, Senpai!!”
“Here we go.” She said under her breath, giving him a small wave, hoping it would be enough to keep him away.
The second student to come out of the Tokyo bus was a dark-haired student, Geto Suguru. In contrasting enthusiasm to his best friend, he slowly exited the bus then dragged his feet to where Gojo stood.
Shortly after Geto came the second-year students, Yu Haibara and Kento Nanami. Two peas in a pod they’ve always been since their first year.
Similarly, like Gojo and Geto.
The next student to follow them, much to Mei’s and Utahime’s delight, was none other than Ieiri Shoko herself. Excitement lifted her lips into a smile as she waved over to them, “Hey, guys!!”
“Shoko!!” Utahime cheered happily. They met in the middle to embrace each other with longing hugs. “Ugh! It feels like it’s been forever since I last saw you. I missed you so much.”
“I missed you too” Shoko giggled, then let go Utahime to give Mei and warming hug. When she pulled away to examine them both, she tilted her head in confusion. “Question. Why are you two all sweaty and dressed like that?”
“Our bus didn’t have a working A/C unit.” Mei answered. “The entire ride here was literally hell.”
“I bet.” Shoko grinned uncomfortably. “I guess we were lucky enough to have Gojo get his family to rent a bus here. The seats were so comfortable, and the bathroom was so spacious… I almost felt like a celebrity.”
“You certainly looked like one coming out of that bus. Mei and I are just simple peasants.”
“You can keep the title. I’m riding back in first class with them.” Mei said bluntly, earning giggles from her friends.
As the girls continued to talk, Utahime’s eyes caught sight of a student she’d never seen before. Exiting the bus way after his peers, came a young man with a mop of black unkept hair and hollow cheeks. He seemed almost skittish, perhaps too timid as he held his hands together closely to his chest. He sorta reminded Utahime of a fawn stepping beyond the safety of its home for the first time.
Bested by her curiosity, Utahime queried, “Who’s that guy over there?”
Following her line of vision, Shoko looked past the group of boys to see a single one clearly out of his comfort zone. “Oh, that’s our first year. His name is Kiyotaka Ijichi. He’s an interesting fellow.”
“How so? Is he rich?” Mei jokingly asked, and Utahime rolled her eyes.
“Rich? That I do not know. But what I do know is that he’s easily scared but wants to become a sorcerer. Gojo doesn’t seem to believe that he will make it as one, but I believe in giving everyone a chance. I think he just needs to grow in his role a little.”
“Perhaps,” Mei started, staring at the young man who was now being swept under Haibara’s wing as he excitedly spoke. “Only time will tell.”
“Yeah. Gojo was pretty harsh when he said Ijichi is pretty useless.” Shoko added.
Utahime rolled her eyes again, annoyed by the mention of his name. “He’s one to talk. Gojo is a useless person himself, if you ask me.”
“Well, that’s not very nice.” A sudden warm breath and deep voice sent shivers down her spine. Startled, Utahime stumbled forward then turned over her shoulder to look at the perpetrator square in the face. “Senpai, you hurt my feelings.”
“As if you have any.” Utahime frowned. “A roach has more feelings than you. And what did I tell you about teleporting behind me?! It’s so creepy.”
“Ha!” Gojo laughed, standing tall with his hands tucked in the pockets of his dark school pants. “I just can’t help myself. You’re such a scaredy cat.”
“Don’t start with me, Gojo.” Utahime said, mustering all her patience to not snap at him like she usually does.
Do not let him ruin your trip.
“Oh, but I like seeing you riled up.”
Before she could say more, Naoya invited himself into their space. “Don’t even bother with her, Gojo. She’ll get too upset for no reason then use that dirty mouth of hers to curse you. Right, Iori?”
“I’m sorry? Who invited you into this conversation?” The young teen with dark hair crossed her arms tightly against her chest. Leaning into a hip with attitude that no doubt silently sparked a fuse in Gojo.
“You don’t say.” Gojo said smirking, pleased once her attention returned to him. He leaned in close to her personal space, and his rounded shades slipped very slightly down the bridge of his nose, allowing her to get a glimpse of his crystalline eyes. “I’d actually like to find out just how dirty your mouth can get.”
Face flushed, quickly becoming beet red, Utahime’s eyes widened in surprise as her heart stumbled at the words of his innuendo.
“YOU IDIOT!!” Utahime yelled. She swung a hand to his stupid face only to meet the air when he teleported a few feet away from her.
“YOU MISSED, UTAHIME!!” He shouted teasingly, then ran away with his laughter filling the air as she began to futilely chase him around.
“GET BACK HERE AND FACE ME, GOJO!!”
“Those two are idiots.” Shoko giggled, a smile on her lips as she joined the others in watching the cat and mouse duo causing a scene like they always do whenever they’re together. It’s been a while since she had last seen them like this. Largely in part due to Utahime transferring schools. As much as she understands how much Gojo’s teasing annoys Utahime greatly, there is much light-hearted amusement that comes from their complex relationship with each other.
From around the corner, Yaga and Gakuganji stood amongst the students with unamused looks on their faces. They disapprovingly watched a few seconds of Gojo and Utahime before Yaga stepped in by using the loud roar of his voice to bring their childish chase to a halt.
Gojo came to an immediate stop, and not as quick with her feet as he is, she ran into what felt like a thick wall—causing her to bounce off and fall backwards onto the dirt road.
“You, okay?” Gojo asked in a chuckle, his voice was laced with slight concern.
Slightly disoriented, she rubbed her head then took his helping hand, “What was that?”
“Infinity. I’ll tell you all about it later.”
“Don’t know if I want to spend time talking about you.”
“Well, we can talk about you too.” He said, charming Utahime with his smile and making her blush. She let go of his warm hand, stuttering for him to shut up.
Standing before the group of students, “Gather around everyone,” He instructed, and everyone condensed into a single spot for the man to see easily. “I need you all to listen carefully to what I’m about to say because I really do not enjoy repeating myself.”
“Oh, sorry? Can you repeat that? I didn’t hear you.” Gojo joked, making his peers chuckle a little while receiving eye rolls from the two adults and of course his favorite Senpai.
“Don’t start with me, Satoru.” Yaga warned and the young teen only grinned.
Reaching into his pockets for a folded letter, through his shades he made sure all the students’ attention was on him before clearing his throat to begin reading the letter upon opening it. “Welcome to Camp Kaisen: Summer Camp for the Next Generation of Promising Sorcerers. Built in 1964, this wonderful camp was created in mind to bring together our young, gifted sorcerers to not only build everlasting friendships, but to also strengthen the bonds and teamwork between our Tokyo and Kyoto school. Though being a sorcerer has its sacrifices and hardships, it is the journey through it all that should bring peace to oneself. May your time here at Camp Kaisen be part of a peaceful time in your life as a sorcerer.”
Concluding the speech, Yaga folded the paper once more then tucked it away neatly into his pocket. He glared up at the students who each had their unique expressions that ranged from excitement, to confusion, to lack of interest, and annoyance.
“Who in the world wrote that cheesy speech?” Naoya asked.
“I thought it was rather nice. Really motivating.” Haibara deflected, feeling pumped and ready for the adventure that awaits them.
“Unfortunately, Haibara, you don’t count because you’re easily impressed.” Nanami looked at his classmate who gave him a puppy dog pout.
“Sounds like I’m gonna need a smoke after the stress Sensei just put my ears under.” Shoko shook her head, already fishing for a lighter and cigarette in preparation for her next disappearing act.
“Alight. Enough with the mumbling.” Gakuganji raised his voice, silencing the chattering students with his authority. “The speech your Sensei just read is from the founder of this camp. For years, students at the Tokyo and Kyoto schools came here in the summer to build teamwork. Unfortunately, that tradition became lost whenever the annual exchange events were introduced sometime after. However, this year in place of the exchange event, we decided to bring you here.”
“Why?” Gojo asked bluntly. “I was really looking forward to winning at the exchange event again. Right, Suguru?”
“Satoru…” The young teen sighed.
Gakuganji grumbled, “Because we said so and that’s final. This camp will most likely be demolished in the next year or two, so before that happens, we want you all to enjoy what is left of it.”
“I guess so, if you put it like that.” Gojo said, kicking the dirt at his feet. Utahime sending him a scowl when some of it landed on her brown school shoes.
“For the next week, we will be setting up a daily challenge for you all to complete. This is to help bring you all closer because in reality... there aren’t a lot of sorcerers out there in the world. So, keep in mind that all you have is each other in the end. Now, given that it is summer, you will also have plenty of free time to do as you please under certain rules and guidelines that have not only been posted all over the grounds of this Camp, but also on each of your beds in your bunkhouse.”
As Yaga continued on with breaking down the rules for them, Gojo bent slightly down to reach Utahime’s ear and whispered, “You’ll fit right in this place. There’s nothing but a bunch of rules for someone like you to follow.”
“Shut up before I kick dirt in your eyes.”
“I’d like to see you try.” He chuckled, then straightened his posture and returned his attention to Yaga.
“Before any of you get any ideas,” Yaga said sternly, “just like on campus, the boys and girls will sleep separately. There will be no late night in each other’s bunk houses and no ‘accidentally’ falling asleep in each other’s bunk houses either. That type of behavior will not be tolerated at this camp. Though I trust that you all know better than to engage in certain activities that may lead to unexpected surprises, do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Sir.” They all said in unison.
Haibara leaned forward, out of position, to view the students on either side of him. Reading their faces in search of an answer he seems to be the only one missing out on understanding. “What does he mean by unexpected surprises?” He quietly asked Nanami who only frowned at him for a moment before sighing deeply.
“It’s not important. It’s more of a comment geared towards an irresponsible student like Gojo. Though I doubt any of the ladies here will let him get near them to do that.”
“To do what?” Haibara asked innocently.
Nanami shook his head, deciding not to indulge Haibara further. Yaga then came up to the group of students and handed each of them a map to the camping grounds along with a sheet of times of when certain events will be made available to them along with their scheduled meals.
“There are no locks for the houses, so there will be no need for each of you to have a key. All I ask is for you all to be responsible and respectful of each other’s spaces. Now, the boys will say in the Sunset house, and the girls will be in the Moonlight house. So, go ahead and grab your things off the bus and place them in your assigned homes. Once you get settled, meet me and Principal Gakuganji at the Cafeteria. Lunch should be ready for you all soon.”
“Yes, Sir.” They all again said in unison, then scattered to gather their things upon dismissal. As a group they took a winding path that led to the bunkhouses, chatting amongst each other as they traveled. As she towed her luggage and duffle bag up the slope, Gojo weaved his way through the crowd until he was able to walk side-by-side to Utahime.
His lips turned into a boyish smile when she paid him no attention. Then just how he always done before, he lightly tugged on her pigtail. A guaranteed way for him to gain her attention.
“What do you want now?”
“Did you hear what Sensei said earlier in the speech about the camp?”
“Which part?” She looked up at him.
“The part about creating everlasting friendships.”
Utahime stayed quiet for a moment. “What about it?”
“That means you and I are going to be friends forever. We’re going to be together like gum on a shoe.”
Utahime cringed at the analogy, however much less than the idea of spending her entire life with the likes of Gojo. “No chance. There will be no everlasting friendship between us.”
“Hmm,” Gojo thought carefully. “I guess you’re right.” Utahime looked at him in surprise, waiting for him to say something in the moment he remained silent. “Is this your way of telling me that you see us being more than friends? Like a couple one day? Because I sure like that idea better than being in the friendzone with you forever.”
Utahime’s face flushed for the second time that day, her cheeks burning red like apples as she let out a frustrated huff to brush off the rapid beating of her heart. “Honestly, the gymnastics you do in your head to come up with such a ridiculous conclusion is outstanding. You’re so insufferable.”
“I don’t think you truly believe that.”
“Oh, trust me, I do.”
“Bet you won’t be saying that after we fall in love.”
Doing her best to ignore the erratic beating of her heart, Utahime asked, “Where is this even coming from? You and I will never be a thing. I will never fall in love with someone like you, Gojo.”
“One day we might. It might even be this week. You just may never know.”
The young teen with dark hair scoffed, “Not even in your dreams, Gojo.”
"If you say so... I’ll try not to be surprised when I see you there.” With that, the young teen gave her a wink before zooming past her to meet Suguru at the front of the pack.
“What’s gotten into him?” Utahime questioned under her breath. They’ve been separated for a few months and now he’s getting all mushy with this... nonsense? Does he really miss picking on her?
Looking up at the cloudless summer sky, reminding her of his breathtaking eyes, his words repeated in her head like a broken record—never permitting her heart to take a moment to rest as she tiredly hiked up the slope to the bunkhouse.
Though she doesn’t know what to expect for the next few days, she hopes this trip will be worth it.
May it be a peaceful time in her life as an upcoming jujutsu sorceress.