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She already finds herself regretting listening to Yuji. Not knowing what she expected out of this, Nobara moves to stand up from the edge of the water fountain she'd been sitting at for the past five minutes. The sounds of the water had been a comfort for perhaps the first minute. Past that point, it had become nothing more than a nauseating backdrop for her current predicament.
Though not explicitly one of the first people to be told. That honour, of course, fell to people like Sukuna, who'd been told well in advance, and people like Gojo, Geto and Shoko. Having found herself in their inner circle after meeting with them all that time ago, Nobara had been quick to be informed nonetheless. Yuji and Megumi getting married was huge news.
After everything that had happened, and how deeply entrenched her involvement had been. Not just with their literal day to day participation she'd thrown herself into, but also afterwards where she'd become a shoulder to cry on and a steady comfort by Yuji's side. By that point, Yuji had started expressing himself better and had then found himself expressing his emotions more visibly.
Many nights had been spent with Nobara by his side. Talking about this and that while she offered what comfort she could. Her experiences differed from Yuji's but she spoke gently, reassured him where she could and offered advice that'd help her out over the years with her own issues. He was always patient and appreciative of her whenever she offered help.
Leaving those memories behind and watching the days tick by. They'd become true friends who just came to appreciate each others company. Yuji hadn't really had the type of childhood that allowed for friendships, so this was more or less a first for him. He'd known and interacted with people on occasion growing up, but this was his first real and proper friendship with someone of his age range.
Yuji reasoned that Megumi didn't count because they ended up as partners. Nobara took what she could and gladly accepted the title of best friend. It's not like she had other friends of her own, that she had to push aside to make room for Yuji. Though she hadn't exactly been locked away or protected like Sukuna had done to Yuji. Living the life she had, she'd been happy enough being with Nanami and lending him a hand.
With everything that happened, the streets became quitter. They were needed less and less, and Nobara found herself with more free time to spend with others. She'd even been introduced to Megumi's friends. Now though, leading up to the wedding, Yuji had suggested Nobara find herself a date to go with. Platonic or romantic, it wasn't like it mattered.
Though Nobara didn't want to explicitly point out that she didn't have anyone, it was clear that Yuji caught on. He'd mulled it over for a while before an idea had popped into his head. Eyes glistening with excitement. Seeing this expression on Yuji's face made her feel soft inside for just a moment, before she realized this new burst of energy was for an idea that involved her.
"Whatever you're thinking right now. Stop it." Nobara warned but her voice held no commanding tone.
Reasoning with her that it was a good idea. Yuji promised that she'd like it, before rushing off somewhere to call someone. Nobara had found herself left alone all of a sudden, eyes wide and confusion thrumming through her. Shaking it off, she hadn't given it much thought for a little while afterwards. It's not like she had to panic over it, and she wasn't being pressured to bring anyone.
Having simply framed it as a suggestion. It was clear that Yuji had nothing but good intentions, even if it reminded Nobara of her meager relationships. She'd hooked up with people in the past. Dirty bathroom stalls and in the far corner of a library, hidden away out of sight while being forced to be quiet. Hooking up was one thing and she didn't do it with any particular regularity.
In her heart, she was a romantic. She couldn't believe that Yuji had managed to not only start dating before her but to also be the first to get married. Nobara was beside herself, though she felt incredible joy, she couldn't help but pout and tease over it. All her experienced amounted to having to sneak around while she was in the middle of work.
One day a little later on, Sukuna had been sent over to discuss some things with Nanami. Nobara had found herself in a side room tending to some of their weaponry. A focused look on her face. The room was a little dark but her remaining eye had incredible sight. Having adapted to her circumstance, she was busy at work without even bothering to make the room any brighter.
She could hear rustling about and conversation from the other room. Though she couldn't exactly make out what was happening, she'd been informed earlier that Sukuna would be coming over. Not bothering to make her way out to greet him, she continued on with her tasks. Although she's found her position as Yuji's best friend, she has no greater relationship with Sukuna himself.
Not for any particular reason other than that's just not how they are. Since they've known each other, Nobara has probably shared a scant few conversations with a man that were all business-like and rarely ever personal. Having not left the room to provide any greetings, she hadn't realized Sukuna didn't come alone until the door was quietly pushed open wider and someone appeared at her side.
"You're going to love me for this."
Speaking up suddenly right by Nobara's side caused her to tense up in surprise. Eyes round with shock, Nobara held the small gun in her hands almost limply before straightening up and putting it aside. Complaining and reprimanding him for having no self-preservation skills to speak of. She let him come further into the room and made space for him.
"Why am I going to love you?" Her words were spoken a little distractedly, not dragging too much of her attention away from work.
It seemed like Yuji wasn't bothered by this in the slightest, "Before the wedding, I want you to meet up with someone. Though I wouldn't exactly say we were ever really friends, she's a girl who lived on the same street as the tattoo parlor."
"Don't tell me you found a random girl our age on your street and thought about hooking me up with her?"
Spotting her grimace, Yuji interjected with, "No!"
Noise continued to stream in from outside through the slightly open door. Nobara put the gun down and moved to close it completely, separating he two groups and offering some semblance of privacy. Then she moved to turn the big light on in the smaller room, illuminating the space. Now she could see Yuji a lot better, and looked him up and down.
"Explain." She said simply.
"It's only her and her dad. They run a small corner store down the end of the street. Over the years I've lent them a hand with lifting heavy boxes in and the like. She's far taller than me so I did the heavy lifting while she was the one to lift the things up onto the shelves. Anyway, that's not important. What's important is I made some calls, and found out that she's into girls."
"So, not just some random girl?"
Cracking a small smile as he answered, "I promise I didn't just think of the first girl I interacted with close by. Her name is Yuko Ozawa and she has a fairly subdued personality, it takes her a little while to come out of her shell but she has a lot more confidence now than she began with. I know you're quite taken with girls who have more dominant personalities, but I think you might like her."
"You gave this a lot of thought, huh."
His smile was softer this time, "This doesn't mean you have to date her or hook up with her, really. When I was talking to you about bringing a plus one, suddenly she came to mind. It'd been a little while since I spoke to her, but she made a great impression on me. Really thoughtful and considerate, strict with her own beliefs but not overbearing. Though she's a little timid, she'd not a push over."
Listing off all these qualities one after the other. One may consider that Yuji had been closer with this girl then he let on. Truly though, Yuji just had a knack for picking up on people's personalities and assessing the type of person they are. Having only spent a few interactions with her, most of them being quiet short in their extent. He had still gotten a good feel for her.
This was everything that had led up to Nobara taking a seat on the edge of the water fountain. The chilled breeze brushing through her hair frustrated her, as she'd spent time styling it this morning. It was just chilly enough to need a coat, and she'd put on a simple green zip-up before leaving the house this morning. Dressed in a simple but presentable attire.
Long black skirt with a massive belt keeping it tight to her waist. Matched with a simple white shirt, tucked into the black skirt at her waist. Nobara had agonized over the type of jewellery to wear with it for quite some time. Yuji hadn't been much help at all with picking out her outfit but he'd thought this look would work well with her. It wasn't exactly a date, but it wasn't exactly not a date.
Now standing up from the water fountain, she considered cutting her loses and heading home. Though she'd gotten here a little earlier, a new found bout of nervousness hadn't let her just show up on time. It'd ticked on by the meeting time by just a few minutes, and she wasn't sure how long you were meant to allow people before you realized they just weren't showing up.
With how Yuji had described her, Nobara hadn't expected her to not show up. A little embarrassed over getting her hopes up just a little. Nobara dusted herself off and thought about walking off in a random direction, seeing where the day takes her from there. However, just as the thought began to formulate in her mind, she spotted a figure out of the corner of her eye.
It was easy to catch sight of them. From their towering height, lean figure and the speed at which they were rushing over with, Nobara couldn't have missed this person if she'd tried. From how Yuji had described her appearance, it was clear to Nobara that this was the girl she was meant to meet. Rushing over like this, a thought then began to blossom in Nobara's mind.
Confirmed by the rushed words Ozawa pushed out, "I'm so sorry! This older lady needed help crossing the road but she ended up being quiet slow! I tried my best but I didn't want to cause her any issue either. I must've cause you some worry, sorry about that."
A little out of breath and with her cheeks flushed a light pink colour. It looked like she'd seriously attempted to do the best she could. On top of that, it wasn't like she was really all that late to begin with. It's just that Nobara isn't used to these things, and she'd been cautious and on edge. At the first sign or trouble, she'd wanted to save herself.
But beyond her expectations, not only had Ozawa indeed shown up, just a little late but she'd also readily apologized. Nobara blinked in surprise. Even though they'd never met before, Ozawa was quite kind by nature it seemed. Nobara isn't sure that she'd met many genuine people like this in her life, and she couldn't help but feel herself softening up.
"It's no worries, I'm sorry I wasn't more patient. I don't often get to come out with people, is all." Nobara mumbled out that last line, feeling a little embarrassed at having to be so exposed.
"Me neither." Ozawa sighed and sat down where Nobara had been sitting just a moment prior, "This is new to me, and I left my house early and everything! These are the little things you just can't predict."
"How about we both agree to start the date from here. We're both here now, no need to worry about anything else."
Nobara's suggestion was readily accepted by Ozawa who seemed relieved by her words. Her smile was incredibly light, and she seemed to glow with a pleasantness that completely disarmed Nobara. Her eyes couldn't help but take all of her in, before she realized she'd just been staring all this while. Coughing a little to dispel her embarrassment, Nobara hoped she hadn't been caught.
Trust Yuji to completely undersell this gorgeous woman's appearance. Her hair was about as short as Nobara's but styled just a little bit differently. Though she'd apparently spent much of her childhood indoors, she'd built up a little bit of a beautiful tan in recent years. Skin glowing with warmth, though she was mostly covered with the fabrics of her clothes.
In the sunlight, her eyes were shining an almost golden colour. Lips a pretty pink colour as they formed around words, and Nobara realized Ozawa was speaking and quickly moved to listen in. They organized where they would be going next. Nobara was a little surprised at how firmly Ozawa took the reigns on their almost date. Her soft words and gentle smile were disarming.
Tucking her hair behind her ear, Nobara let herself be taken around. Despite preferring other women to take the lead, it wasn't often that Nobara found someone who would do just that. Though she'd always liked pretty things, she'd never been particularly soft. With a strong personality, people often saw that and assigned her to a particular role.
Not able to fight against it, eventually Nobara just gave into it. Understanding that it's what her partners came to expect of her. Really, she couldn't blame them too much, it wasn't like they were all that familiar with her nor was she familiar with them. A quick hook up couldn't amount to much anyway. Only now, for the first time, had someone stepped into that role before assigning it to Nobara.
For the first time, she was actually able to stand back as someone grabbed her hand and led her away. Talking about a crepe place nearby that she'd wanted to try, but she'd held back from going when she'd heard she'd be meeting up with Nobara. Though they hadn't had explicit plans laid out for the day, it was clear that Ozawa had actually more or less, planned out their date.
"Oh! Woah"
Almost moaning in delight. The sounds Nobara was making while eating the crepe might've caused others to look their way, if the store wasn't mostly deserted at this particular time. Sitting across from her with her own crepe in hand, Ozawa seemed to beam. Giddy as she'd clearly chosen the right place to have a quick treat to start off their date.
Something seemed to catch Ozawa's attention though. Instinctively, Nobara tensed and went to ask what was wrong. Before she could get those words out of her throat, they were stopped in their path. In the blink of an eye, Ozawa had reached over to swipe off some cream that had made a mess of the corner of Nobara's mouth and had even streaked across her cheek.
While Nobara could only watch on. Helplessly embarrassed as Ozawa brought her thumb to her lips, and licked off the cream that had just been smeared on Nobara. Her plush, pink lips wrapped around her thumb and her tongue poked out to lick along her thumb until the cream was all gone. Perhaps it'd all happened within the span of only a moment, but Nobara felt like she'd watched it all in slow motion.
Though she didn't have any sort of eidetic memory, she felt like she could replay that moment over and over again in her mind. Honestly, Nobara feared that this would be the only thing she'd be able to recall of today before falling asleep. In her dreams, she could only imagine what this sight might conjure up in her. In her chest, her heart was beating fast.
"Sorry, you had a little cream there." Her tone was a little teasing but her smile was soft, genuine.
"Thank you."
Most of their date continued on much like this. Nobara had never found herself so flustered before in her entire life. It's like Ozawa seemed so unsuspecting, that when she pulled something, it really managed to trip Nobara up and make her stumble right into Ozawa's wide, open arms. She was an incredible match for Nobara and it was starting to make her feel a little dizzy.
On and off in her own head, she'd been describing this as a date. But she wasn't exactly sure what to call it. Actually, she wasn't all that certain about how Yuji had even set this up. She knows, with her permission, he asked Ozawa to meet with her. Likely explaining the upcoming wedding and Nobara wanting a plus one to attend with but was this meant to be a date or just a chance to get familiar before the wedding.
At first, Nobara hadn't considered that it would be a big deal either way. Then Ozawa had managed to breathlessly, sweep her off her feet and now she feels a little lost. It feels so sudden and the thought is absolutely mortifying. However, after all her one night stands and awkwardly public sexual experienced with people. This felt so nice that she wanted to hold onto it tightly.
Having someone actually consider her and her feelings. Ozawa was paying attention to everything she was talking about, and her smile was genuine all throughout. Even going so far as to ask relevant questions and inserting relevant stories into their conversation. They fit together perfectly and their dynamic was so cohesive. It's just that Nobara didn't want to get ahead of herself.
Simply put, the idea of Nobara calling it a date, only for Ozawa to consider her a newly made friend. Just thinking about that sort of outcome makes Nobara shiver. A worry circulates around her heart but she tries not to consider it too much. Ozawa is being good to her and she doesn't want to be distracted during their date. It'd be cruel of her to ruin it over assumptions.
"How long have you known Yuji for?"
They'd found themselves walking own a street side by side while Nobara answered, "It honestly feels like forever but it really hasn't been that long. I'd never really had a friend like him before, we really seemed to click from the get go. We've been through a lot together which makes it feel like we've know each other since both of us were little, but really, it's only been a short while, even shorter than you two."
"Yuji spoke about you so fondly, it definitely sounded like the two of you were close."
"It's been surprising, having a best friend who I can speak to and be around. I'm not good at forming or maintaining relationships."
Nobara could feel Ozawa's hand brush against her own as they walked and talked, "Oh?"
"Things were difficult for me growing up. Meeting Yuji, and the rest of them, introduced me to a new world of interpersonal relationships. It's something I've been really treasuring, even if I don't tell them too often. But it's been really pleasant spending this time with you. This is new to me as well, this is, special."
Her words took on a slight note of hesitation towards the end. Breaking her sentence up into little bits, as she tried to express her softer feelings without outright bringing herself embarrassment. Nobara was keeping her attention straight ahead of them. Taking note of people walking on the other side of the street and the sounds of cars in the distance.
A colder breeze managed to fill the street they were walking down. Even though she'd put a jacket on earlier, it had only been something thin. It had provided her enough warmth in the earlier temperatures but over here, it had managed to drop down to an even colder temperature. A slight shiver broke out in Nobara's body. She didn't even have a moment to think about it before she was pulled over.
Brought closer to Ozawa's side, Nobara was able to leach off some of her warmth. Nobara was stunned for a second, before she continued on like it was no big deal. Also trying to not be too obvious as she burrowed into Ozawa a little further. The two of them caught up in each other as they walked. It was like the colder weather was working to bring them closer together.
"Do you go out on any dates with girls?" Her question sounded simple and reasonable enough but there was an underlining searching tone to her voice.
Shaking her head before speaking, Nobara was quick to answer, "Never?"
"Never?"
Embarrassment flushed her face red but Ozawa couldn't see it too closely from how they were standing, "It's not like I've never been with a girl before. Dating is a completely different thing though. Something I've never gotten to experience before, so it's special."
Ozawa, as attentive as ever, seemed to catch onto the wording and brought her thoughts back to what Nobara had said a moment ago about their time together today being special for her. Her grin became wider on her face but her words were no less searching when she continued on. Yuji hadn't said too much so Ozawa was doing most of the heavy lifting herself, to figure Nobara out.
"Have you thought about what it would be like, to have a girlfriend?"
Pressed in close against Ozawa, Nobara answered, "A bit too often."
"That's sweet."
Not trying to embarrass her, Ozawa was genuine with her words but she was a little teasing with them. Trying not to ostracize Nobara or make her feel like she'd doing something wrong, but also keeping the mood around them light. Keeping Nobara close against her, Ozawa considered their current position. The easiness with which Nobara seems to accept her in.
"Would you just get with anyone then, if you think about it so much?"
Her tone was a little self deprecating and she couldn't help it. Though she didn't doubt Nobara at all, nor her intentions. She couldn't help but worry that Nobara was just attaching herself to the first person to look her way. Ozawa would accept it if that's what it was, but she knew that those types of relationships weren't built to last. A simple puppy love.
What surprised her was Nobara's response, "Absolutely not! I'm very picky!"
"Even though you've never been with someone before?"
"Don't underestimate me!" Nobara fired back with, "Yes, my situation didn't allow for me to explore many relationships growing up and sleeping around came from my need to connect with people. Dating is sacred to me though. It's something I hold dear to me, Nanami often teased me about being such a romantic. I wanted someone to come along who would tick all my boxes, and then bring me along with them."
Considering these words, Ozawa found that she couldn't fault her. Thinking back to the beginning of her date, back before they'd settled their awkward start. She had turned up late, and it seemed like Nobara hadn't considered waiting much longer. She wasn't sticking around just for the desperate chance of clinging to someone. Her position had been testing Ozawa's intentions.
Deeming her behaviour, helping out that elderly woman, to be acceptable. She'd continued on the date, and the further she'd gotten into it, the more comfortable she had begun to feel. Yes, they found themselves rushing through it all a little fast. But Nobara was serious about this, she truly felt a connection with Ozawa. It's just that she worried it didn't go both ways.
Wanting to be transparent, Nobara bit the bullet and said, "I think I really like you, a lot."
"You're blushing so much." Instead of an answer, Ozawa first brought her thumb up to swipe across Nobara's flushed cheeks.
She'd moved to have a look at Nobara's face, and take a look at how serious her expression had become. Nobara flushed even darker after this was pointed out. She then grumbled through a complain, whining about how unfair Ozawa was being to her. Pouting over Ozawa's behaviour. With a startled, light laugh brought out of Ozawa, she couldn't hold back much longer.
"I think I really like you too, a lot." Her grin was clear in her words.
Nobara wanted to shove Ozawa away but she was quickly dragged back into Ozawa's arms. Flustered and unable to do much against Ozawa, Nobara felt herself sinking into Ozawa. Though she hadn't found herself any sort of relationship before Yuji, she would begrudgingly accept second place if it meant scoring someone as incredible and as beautiful as Ozawa.
They still had things to discuss, so their date wasn't going to end there. But they looked like a couple of newlyweds if anyone laid eyes upon them on the street. A patient Yuji sitting back at home couldn't wait to receive Nobara's updates, but he'd mostly been left out of the loop. She'd been completely caught up in her date and he'd have to wait for later.