Chapter Text
It was during summer that you first caught his eye.
A hot and sunny day, perfect for the beach. Gojo-sensei, the second years, along with Itadori and Kugisaki – who had all but dragged Megumi there – were searching for the best spot at the beach, one that wasn’t too crowded. He was already regretting coming out in the blazing heat, having to deal with his annoying classmates and his even more nerve-wracking sensei. The heat, combined with their endless chatter was giving him a headache.
Just as he sat down beneath the parasol, his eyes drifted around the beach. A sudden pull caused him to avert his gaze towards two people sitting in the sun.
You and your friend were lounging in the sand, talking about everything and nothing while enjoying the occasional cool breeze.
A perplexed look crossed his face, which didn’t go unnoticed by his company.
“Yo, Fushiguro! ‘Sup, see some cute girls?” Itadori asked, but Megumi paid him no mind. He was too busy trying to figure out what caused him to look your way. Was it a curse?
Then, you turned your face toward him. As if struck by lightning, he flinched – caught red-handed. Megumi wanted to turn away, but something stopped him. Your gazes met and a delicious shiver ran down his spine. He fought the overwhelming urge to go to you, struggling to keep his composure.
Just when Fushiguro was about to stand up, cold water splashed across his face. Shocked, he turned toward Kugisaki, who was holding up an empty bucket and looking annoyed. “Earth to Fushiguro! Are you there? Don’t ignore us, you emotionless rock,” she complained.
“What is wrong with you? Couldn’t you have just called out to me like a normal person?” Megumi grumbled, brushing his hair out of his face.
“Well, we figured since screaming your name for five minutes straight and throwing sand your way didn’t do shit, why not bring the ocean to you?” Kugisaki replied.
“Yeah, you’re unusually out of it today. I mean, you’re always quiet… silent. However, you seem distracted, is something the matter? Got a heatstroke?” Itadori questioned.
“Of course he isn’t okay, you insolent brats! How is anybody supposed to handle my handsomeness? My dear Megumi is clearly lost for words. It’s not every day that you mortals get to bask in the glory of the Satoru Gojo,” Gojo explained, rather offended.
“Tuna mayo,” Inumaki scoffed.
“Inumaki’s right! Don’t be so arrogant – that’s why you’re still single!” Panda added.
Despite their bickering, they forgot all about Megumi Fushiguro, whose eyes had once again drifted in your direction. He couldn't hear what you and your friend were talking about, since you were too far away. Still, it didn’t stop him from studying every inch of you. His preying eyes followed your movements, afraid to miss even a second. Something deep within him refused to look anywhere else. You had such a strong hold on him.
The sun shone upon you, the wind running through your hair. A fire ignited inside him, his heart giving a tight squeeze, brimming with an indescribable desire to touch your sun-kissed skin.
He raised a hand to his chest, trying to calm the strange feeling inside of him – one that only grew by the minute. The euphoria coursing through his body felt intoxicating, and he didn’t want to come down from it. But all good things must end, and this was no exception.
“I think he’s looking at those girls over there.”
“Which one do you think? I call dibs on the blonde with big boobs!”
“Whaaat? No way, he seems like the type who’d like calm and shy girls.”
“Salmon.”
“My little Megumi’s grown into a man. He may not have my charm and looks, but who could, really?” Gojo said dramatically.
“Shut up already Gojo. The world doesn’t revolve around you, old man.” Maki declared.
“Ouch, I’m only 29!”
Megumi was about to berate them for their childish behaviour in a public place, when he noticed two guys advancing towards you and your friend. Although every instinct in him screamed to run over and chase them away, he stayed seated, eyes narrowing, fists clenching and jaw tight. His intense glare was fixed on you – his whole body rigid, like a drawn bowstring.
You felt a chill run down your spine and recognized it as the burning gaze from before. Turning toward the noisy group, your eyes immediately found him – the same guy from earlier. He was tall, well-built, with glistening black hair swept back from his face. Even from a distance, he stood out – enough to make not only you but several other girls on the beach steal glances at him.
Still lost in thought, you failed to notice the two men now standing in front of you. “Hello ladies. My buddy and I were wondering what you beauties were doing here all alone. Isn’t it boring just sitting there in the bright sun? Come on, let’s hit the bar, drinks are on us,” one of them said, his skin so fake-tanned he resembled an orange, his mouth full of too-white veneers. The other, hairier one, was busy ogling your friend.
“Um, how about no? Is it impossible to leave women alone and let them enjoy their time? Or is that what gets you going – harassing women whenever and wherever you can?” your friend shot back, clearly irritated.
“Then don’t dress like sluts if you don’t want to be treated like one,” the buff one sneered.
“Excuse you? This is a public beach you dickhead. What are we supposed to wear, a hazmat suit? Unlike you, we’re trying to get a taste of the real sun not some five-dollar fake one from Target. Why don’t you take your own advice and just f-,“ she was cut off as a shadow fell over you both. You felt a warm presence behind you and turned.
Standing there in the blazing summer sun was your mystery guy – his body surrounded by dark cursed energy, his expression fierce, his mouth twisted into a scowl. He looked down at them, his glare radiating hatred toward the two scumbags in front of him. “Get lost,” he demanded, his tone cold and commanding.
Fake-tan guy, clearly offended, took a step forward and shoved you aside, trying to reach Megumi. What he didn’t see coming though was the punch that that sent him flying backward into his friend. A loud crack echoed, and everyone froze. You instinctively wanted to pull Megumi back to prevent a scene. Just as you reached out, shouts broke the silence.
"WOHOOO! You go Fushiguro!”
“Fushiguro: 1, stupid guys: 0!”
“That’s how you throw a punch!”
You turned to see the group he’d been with, grinning and cheering proudly. When you looked back at him, the two jerks were already stumbling away. His eyes found yours again, and you were transfixed.
Up close, he was even more handsome – flawless skin, long lashes, and dark hair that now stuck up slightly, somehow making him look even better.
What you didn’t realise though was that you weren’t the only one staring.
Megumi was equally entranced by your beauty. Seeing you this close only made things worse – his thoughts wandering dangerously as he tried not to stare too long. “Fuck,” he muttered under his breath, his jaw clenching. Megumi was fighting the urge to reach out, while fantasies flickered in his mind – less clothing, different places, different positions.
It took all his strength to avert his gaze as he asked softly, “Are you alright?”
You were speechless. Heat spread through your body, your cheeks surely bright red. “Uh, yes. Thank you,” you managed, your voice shy but sincere.
That did it. His heart pounded violently in his chest, excitement coursing through him. He wanted to make you smile again, to hear your sweet voice again, to be the one you turned to. Megumi wanted you by his side, to have your eyes only on him.
That one small gesture had sealed your fate, you just didn’t know it yet.