[After a Month we return...]

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[Your POV]

"I love you, (Y/n)."

...Those were the words that came from her mouth. There was no denying it. They were as clear as day. It was in a moment where my mind was so caught up on the emotions I felt when fighting Junpei, that even when I realized what I had heard, it still felt so unreal. Before hearing them, I was forced to comprehend a toxic mixture of regret and anger as I fought off the attacks of someone I considered a friend. But whether I wanted to or not, my mind immediately threw out such concerns when I realized Junpei had involved Maki into all of this. 

Just seeing her restrained against her will, the look in her eyes asking for help... It made me angry. It made me bitter. For a good while, I was holding back my punches. I went into the fight fueled by rage and anger from seeing the girl I love being put in a situation I never wanted to see her in. But when that fight, both in reality, and in my mind, finally came to an end, and I rushed to Maki's side to hope on a silent will that she was okay, everything was suddenly thrown out of my mind when I heard those words from her mouth.

"I..."

"Love..."

"You..."

Hearing those words didn't just quench a drying thirst of worry in my spirit, but it also opened up the floodgates of a more deeper emotion I had yet to come across in the time Maki and I had been dating. And to put it in a more simpler light, Maki had never said she loved me before. Now, sure, Maki cared for me, and as much was obvious. I mean, I don't think a girl would go to the lengths Maki has in making sure other girls don't get too close to me just for her to not like me. No. It was clear Maki cared. 

And I believe that knowledge was enough to saturate the knowing prospect that Maki hadn't once said to my face before that she loved me. But hearing it now, after so many other emotions were locked together so closely, it really set me back for a moment. I wasn't going into this fight thinking at the end of it Maki would finally say the three magic words every lonesome guy urges for. But upon hearing them, I knew now that it was one of my favourite things to enter my ears. The way she said it with so much authority, mixed with concern and relief all in one go. 

It only cemented just how much she meant every word she said. In the end, that rounded out the moment perfectly. Not only for our relationship but also the endless circle my mind was currently going through after everything with Junpei. Maki saying these words, as if reminding me that no matter what happened, at the end of the day, I'd always have her, was enough for that circle to cut off and continue in a straight line. But as that clearing came, a new roadblock entered my mind. A true realization that had yet to creep its way into the black void that surrounded my inner thoughts...

(Y/n): [Thoughts] "Di-Did-Did-D-D-Did she just...Did she just save she loved...Me? Me? Ma-Maki loves...Me?"

Thinking back on in now, I'm glad those thoughts were just in my head. Because whilst I don't think Maki would have thought much of them in the moment, after all was said and done, I couldn't help but how nervous my inner most thoughts could get. It kinda made me glad that my outside reaction was kept to very few words being spoken. Though, it didn't really help that in the entire time that my mind spent processing everything, Maki just continued to look up at me with so much love and concern that made her beautiful eyes sparkle in a way they never had before. It might sound cheesy...But they looked exactly like a painting of the night sky. 

I don't know why my mind went to that thought, but it did, and honestly, I couldn't really disagree with it. However, whereas my mind seemed to be processing everything at a slow, but definite pace, my body was seemingly under the control of something else. For with all these thoughts, added on by the way Maki currently stared up at me, the only urge I had in the moment was to hold her close. So that's exactly what I did. In the moment of silence that had reign for barely a minute at this stage, suddenly, it was broken when a broken sentence blurted from Maki's lips as my arms reached out and picked up Maki with ease.

Maki: "Wha!! Ugh! (Y-Y/n)? What are you--DOING?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

Her loud words were not filled with anger, but confusion. An emotion that only grew for the beautiful green-haired girl as with little to no effort I picked her up in my arms, holding her in a way a husband would hold his bride. Never once did I think it was awkward...Mainly because my mind currently couldn't think of anything other than the feelings I felt for this girl in front of me. As for Maki, whilst she didn't hate the situation, the blush on her face showed she clearly wasn't prepared for it to happen. Though, prepared or not, Maki did nothing to stop it as I held her body closer and began to take my leave from this dark and eerie school ground. 

In the five minutes that followed, of me holding Maki with a single arm, and using the other to drag Junpei by his jacket along the ground, not a single word came from my mouth. Maki on the other hand wanted to say something. Such was clear by the sudden movements she made whenever a movement more than a step was made. But in the end, she'd say nothing. She'd simply close her lips and gently turned her head away from the world and pressed it softly into my chest. The blush on her face had eventually settled into a weak shade of pink by this point, of course, not that anyone could see it. Maki just continued to remain in my arm, unwavered by the fact I used my other to drag Junpei's unconscious body behind me. 

When we finally reached outside the school building and headed toward the veil in the distance, Maki finally lifted her head and looked up at me. My face was still frozen in the shock of everything that just happened, as my mind repeatedly replayed those three words over and over in my head. Eventually, though they were overthrown by a new source of words. This lot, also coming from Maki, was much softer, and with less urge, as the previous sentence she gave. It was a showing of, despite the awkward position she was currently in, how safe she truly felt in my arms. But no matter how quiet her words may have been...Nothing could ever block my ears from hearing that amazing voice.

Maki: "You know... You don't have to carry me anymore. I can walk..."

(Y/n): "Don't wanna."

Maki: "H-Huh?"

Maki's confused face suddenly exploded into a shade of red as I used the strength in my arm that was carrying her to suddenly toss her into the air slightly. The action of her body coming free from my arm gave me enough time to regather a proper grip on her body, with the palm of my arm getting a firm hold of the back of her thigh and butt. When Maki realized such, she was quick to narrow her gaze up at me once more, a sharp glare quickly meeting the red face now on display.

Maki: [Mutters] "...Pervert."

I could only look down and smile at her, knowing full well that there was no way I was letting Maki go right now. And after a short while of being stubborn, Maki eventually realized such and proceeded to drop her glare. In return, she simply softened her entire body and merely accepted the position she was in right now. Meaning there was no restraint from her whatsoever as she sunk further into the warmth of my body in which she was currently held up against. 

It seemed to be the perfect comfort as we walked through the cold air of the dark surroundings brought on by the veil. In this moment, I thought Maki and I were done for words, and would simply talk about the whole 'I love you' thing later, or tomorrow. But to my surprise, just when I was ready to offer a sigh of relief at all this chaos being finally over with, my mind was abruptly put back into the moment when the gentle voice of the girl I loved most came from below.

Maki: "...I was scared."

(Y/n): [Looks Down] "Hmm?"

Maki: "I said...I was scared..."

When I first heard those words, I felt a surge of anger course through my body. Junpei had caused her to be scared. I knew exactly what it was like to be afraid, and not wanting Maki to go through such a thing made my anger towards the person I once considered a friend to grow at double the speed this time. To the point, in not wanting to break the moment with Maki, I merely clenched tightly against the leather fabric that Junpei's jacket was made of.

Maki: "...Not of Junpei, I mean. I wasn't scared about that. Just...annoyed, and a little creeped out to be honest."

(Y/n): [Surprised] "O-Oh, um...Then...What were you scared of?"

It didn't take long to realize Maki didn't want to talk about it much. Shown by how she clenched my shirt tighter with her hand and buried her face more into my chest to conceal the blush that had returned to her cheeks. But in the end, there must have been something about whatever that caused her grip on my shirt to relent and her face to reappear from my chest.

Maki: "I was scared...Of telling you how I felt. That...I loved you. That's why I hadn't said it before now."

(Y/n): "Oh..."

Maki: "D-Don't get me wrong, okay? I've always...loved...you, it's just...sometimes...It's just hard for me to say. I feel it's something soft people say, and I was raised where no one told me they loved them. So for me to actually say it...It was hard, a-and even when I saw it hurt you when I didn't say it I still didn't because--"

(Y/n): [Chuckles] "Hey. It's alright...Really. There's no need to stress about it."

Maki: [Slowly Looks Up] "Huh?"

Lifting her head even further up this time around, Maki was greeted by the smile I had on display. The joy in which it carried only doubled when I saw how simply looking at it was enough to make her worried mind come further into a state of ease. Once I felt it did the job I returned to talk, though never once did I drop my smile.

(Y/n): "Look, I'm not going to deny the fact that I've always wanted you to say those words, but, Maki, I... I know that just how I've gone through my struggles, you've gone through your own. And if you struggle to say those words, that's okay. I know you care about me."

Maki: "Yeah, but...Still..." [Lowers Head] "...I know I probably don't show it, or tell you as much, but you're really great, (Y/n). Sure, you can be a punk sometimes..."

(Y/n): [Chuckles] "Okay, sure..."

Maki: "...And a pervert..." 

For some reason Maki made sure to look up at me as she said that part.

Maki: "But...You really are great. And I don't think you hear that enough. And I know I should say it more, but I'm scared. I'm scared that me showing emotion will only make things weird between us, and...I don't want that. Because, well...I love you."

Even now, after hearing those words more times in the last ten minutes than I had in my entire timeline of dating Maki, still affected me in a way like it was first happening to me. But even with that, it didn't stop me from savouring the moment. It only made me do so more.

Maki: [Sighs] "Look...Growing up for me wasn't easy. I didn't have a family that told me they loved me. And even with how close I was with Mai, it was never on that level. So growing up with that, the word 'love' sounded like a word that meant nothing to me. Which made me feel like if I said that to you, it'd only do more harm than good by saying I loved you. Because to me, that word doesn't come anywhere near how much I care for you, (Y/n)..."

(Y/n): [Slightly Blushing] "Um...I-I care for you to, Maki. L-Like really care, a-and I will always tell you I love you if..." [Slightly Lowers Head] "I-If you want...I mean..."

Maki: [Smiles to herself] "...But after everything that just happened, and when Junpei started saying stuff about how I should be dating him, and calling me stuff like 'Pookie'--"

(Y/n): "--He called you 'what' now?"

A slight glare from Maki was all I got in response. Clearly she wanted me to remain silent for a moment more. Something I heeded to instantly, as for whilst I find Maki very attractive and loving...She's also incredibly terrifying.

Maki: "...But after all of that happened, and I was locked up in that closet, I couldn't find it in myself to be scared, or concerned for my safety. All I could think about was when Junpei said we should be together... The only thing I could think about was how much I wanted to punch him in the face for being disgusting..."

(Y/n): "Oh..."

Maki: "That..." [Smiles at you] "...And how much I love you."

(Y/n): [Blushes again] "O-Oh..."

Maki: "The thought of it came to me before I could even contemplate it properly. But when I realized that, I came to understand that the word 'love' may not have mattered to me when I was young because my family. But it does matter to me now. It matters to me because whereas my family failed to make me understand the true meaning of love, you, (Y/n) (L/n), a person who everyone sees as weak and full of cursed potential...Is truly the strongest one out of every other person. And not because of the amount of cursed techniques you have, but because of the only technique that matters... Showing love."

There wasn't many moments in my life where I was placed in a moment filled with so much genuine care and nurture into each word that was spoken. So being in one now made me feel like I was in a dream. That fact was only doubled when I looked down to see those beautiful eyes of Maki staring right up at me. And somehow the effect that normally gave when I stared so deeply into them was enhanced by the smile she gave. Just like the words she spoke, there was nothing about anything she currently gave off that wasn't genuine. It all came together, perfectly wrapped as a gift, to showcase that even if there was the slightest bit of doubt that the words 'I love you' didn't have enough effect to them...Well, this most certainly would. 

And honestly, after hearing all that kind of stuff Maki had just said about me, it made it even more harder to properly bring out a response. I mean, what could possibly be said to sum up just how I felt from hearing all of that?! Like, not only had I had a shitty life growing up, but I was also a guy! We're basically raised with the mindset that one way or another you'll feel alone and without hope. That no one will care for you as much as you care for yourself. And that only makes that period in your life when you're at your most loneliest state. Where you lie in your bed at night, left to look up to the roof above you, and contemplate just where is that special person for you in this pitch-black world. 

But you know what? For all those people who are still stuck in that period of grief and hopelessness...Don't give up. For when you are at your lowest, one way or another, a bright light will appear before you. For me, it was the letter Maki wrote me when I was stuck in that void. I was so alone and without any source of encouragement, but the one thing that kept me going was the words Maki put to paper, and the thought that came with the idea that if someone had put in the time of their own day to write words meant solely for me...Well, what good of a person would I be if I didn't get back to them to make their words worth it? So that's what I did. 

I fought through the grief and pain and fought my way back to the world I called home, and once back...I made that special person in my life even more special. And right now, as I hold that person in my arms, and contemplate just how I could show this person just how special she was to me, where words seemed to fail in all regards I could think of, I eventually came to one conclusion. If words would only fail me, then just like when I was stuck in that void, I wouldn't use words...I'd use action. It was with that final thought that out of nowhere, without warning, I launched my head downward, closing my eyes as the seconds passed me by. 

And before I knew it...The action was completed. My lips now pressed right against Maki's own. And even with my eyes shut, I knew the shock coursing through her body was enough of a giveaway to tell me her eyes were as wide as a kite right now. But as much as I would have loved to take in the adorableness that was Maki being caught off guard, I eventually gave up on that when I realized that kissing her was all the more important aspect to take in right now. Eventually, Maki's shock did willow. Once it did, the green-haired beauty that I had the privilege to call my own, slowly brought her arms up around my neck. 

The interlocking of her fingers all it took for me to understand that as the shock began to die down for her, the realization of what was going on was only just beginning to form. And after everything that had just been said and done, it was fair to say that Maki was also taking this action of kissing to showcase how she felt about me, just as I was doing for her. It wasn't long before I got so lost in the action of Maki showing me as much passion, if not more, than I was trying to show her, that my left hand which had for the majority of this time been locked onto the crop of Junpei's leather jacket, had now completely lost all force on the fabric. 

Instead, it quickly shifted to the side of Maki's hip, which was used to stabilize her body as I lowered her to her feet. But even when they touched the ground, Maki still kept her body close, and her lips closer. How forms were so close that they could have been moulded together. But if they were to have gone in that direction, I wouldn't have cared...Because when Maki is with me, I truly feel like the sorrows of my life were nothing more than worth it. So...Yeah, a day that had started off shit, only to get shitter, ended up being pretty okay. I mean, I got to stand in the cool breeze of the late afternoon, where I kissed and held the girl of my dreams, what could have gone wrong to make this amazing moment so bad?

[3rd Person POV]

But it was as these two birds of love shared their moment of union and genuine emotion for one another, that not far away, atop a building at the furthest reaches of the school grounds, Mahito and Geto could be seen witnessing the scene. With both beings of darkness sharing different emotions toward what was happening before them in the distance.

Mahito: "...Ew. Why are they touching each other with their lips? That's weird."

Geto: [Simply smiles] "That's called kissing, Mahito."

Mahito: "Kissing?! Why would people do that? It's gross, and with a girl no less? She probably has cooties!!"

Geto: "Cooties?"

Geto nonchalantly exclaimed as he sends a raised eyebrow towards the grossed out curse beside him.

Mahito: "Yeah, cooties, it's like a disease that girls have! And this guy is just letting her give them to him! It's weird and disgusting!"

Geto: "And tell me, Mahito, who exactly told you about... 'cooties'?"

Mahito: "Jogo, why?"

Confusion quickly found Mahito's face as he turned to Geto. The aforementioned male, of course, did nothing but smile in response. When Mahito realized he wasn't going to get any answers, he reluctantly turned back toward the disgusting sight before him once more.

Mahito: "Anyway, what about these two? They beat Junpei, do you want me to go fight them now?"

Geto: [Raises a hand] "No. No. Let (Y/n) have his victory..."

Mahito: "But, if he's going to be a problem to us, why wouldn't we just attack him now when he's getting poisoned by that girl?"

Geto: [Turns to Mahito] "Because, child, sometimes it is best to strike an opinion when they are least expecting the chance of battle."

Mahito: [Tilts head] "...Huh?"

Geto: "Right now, (Y/n) has the taste of violence and anger on his tongue. Your puppet, Junpei, sought to that. To strike (Y/n) down would be foolish. Instead, it would be best to wait for a proper time when he least expects it."

Mahito: "And when will that be?"

Geto: "Well..." [Grins] "If my calculations are correct, in just a few days for now, the Jujutsu High in Tokyo should be going up against Kyoto in their sister school exchange event. So, what better time to show our faces and intentions...Then when all the big names will be present?"

Even with these words, the confusion on Mahito's face remained. As for Geto, he did nothing to elaborate further. Simply, he just chose to keep his lips perched in a smile as he true plan continued to grow within the inner walls of his mind. But for whatever was to come along, none of it was on the mind of neither (Y/n), nor Maki, right now. For following their kiss, the pair, still remaining close, returned to exiting the curtain that had now completely faded. Once outside, they were greeted by the concerned faces of their fellow students, both first and second years, along with Nanami and Ijichi were all present. 

The latter of which taking care of Junpei's unconscious body as Nanami and the others sought to everything that went down behind the curtain and if the pair were alright. But for those that were quick to notice, the focus of students like Panda and Nobara quickly shifted to just how close (Y/n) and Maki were, something that was more even more noticeable by the smile the green-haired girl carried as she rested her head on her boyfriend's shoulder. A sign of affection Maki once kept to personal times with her boyfriend, but now...she didn't care about what others would think of her in showing her love for (Y/n). Now she just would do it wherever she so pleased, and the good thing about love...It comes in all different forms~

--Later That Night at Jujutsu High | First Year Dorm Rooms--

"YYYYAAAAWWWWNNNN!!!!"

The non-exaggerated noise of nothing but complete lack of energy roared through the opened entrance of (Y/n)'s bedroom back in the safe walls of Jujutsu High. The darkened room, illuminated by the lights outside, perfectly gave off the appearance of both (Y/n)'s, and Maki's, bodies that were perched at the opened doorway. Once the door was the opener fully and the lights turned on, the pair began to enter the room, where (Y/n) proceeded to walk over to a nearby nightstand to grab a few things he'd need for his upcoming shower. Meanwhile, Maki went straight for her boyfriend's bed, which she proceeded to sit down upon on the very edge, where she now eyed the boy across from her with a smile. 

(Y/n): [Without looking] "You're cool to hang in here for a bit if you want, I'm just gonna go and grab a quick shower." [Chuckles Lightly] "I think I need one after the day I've gone through."

Maki: "Okay, take your time!"

The joy in her spirit surged even at the lightest action she believed to be cute in the moment, such as the way he gave off a more quite yawn as he rubbed his eyes slightly. To some, it may just be a simple thing. But for Maki, it was just yet another thing she could add to the list that made her love him. But as more stuff came to mind, Maki soon forced her gaze to shift to different parts around the bedroom of her boyfriend, not exactly landing on one thing in particular. It was clear something was on Maki's mind, and the way she went about her next sentence showcased that.

Maki: "Sooooo...Quite a day, huh?"

(Y/n): [Without Looking] "Yeah...Sure was." [Yawns again] "Don't want another one like that for awhile."

Another few futile yawns followed as (Y/n) crouched down and began grabbing a few sets of clothes from his draws.

Maki: "Haha! You're telling me!"

Again, Maki smiled as she spoke her words. Not exactly the usual you would get from Maki, though, as was about to be shown, Maki wasn't exactly going out of her way to speak for just nothing. She had something she wanted to say...She just didn't know how to say it.

Maki: "S-So, um...You're going for a shower, huh?"

(Y/n): [Without Looking] "Yep. Just a quick one though."

Maki: "Cool...cool...Showers are nice." [Realizes] "I-I mean...After fighting someone! Showers are nice!"

(Y/n): [Without Looking] "Yeah...I guess so?"

He said with a slightly unsure smile as he looked over his shoulder towards his girlfriend. When Maki noticed the set of eyes on her, the green-haired girl with hands in her lap, merely smiled as best she could. Seeming to do enough as her boyfriend's gaze returned to the task at hand seconds after. Following this, another round of silence began to build. But this wasn't what Maki wanted. So, in hopes of avoiding the dreaded silence, she just started speaking out anything that came to mind.

Maki: "I mean, showers! They're nice, so, um...It kinda makes you glad we're back home safe, don't ya think? Y-You get to enjoy your shower in peace then!"

(Y/n): [Smiles to himself; Without Looking] "Ha! Trust me, when you're a guy with over sixty Cursed Techniques, you don't really get worried when leaving the house..." [Perks and eyebrow] "...Or school, in this case?"

Maki: [Mutters to herself] "...Yeah...Yeah...That sounds about right for you..."

With the annoyance at herself growing inside, Maki was soon left to awkwardly rubbing the back of her head as she tried desperately to think of something to keep (Y/n) with her in the room. However, her thoughts were suddenly broken when her stupid boyfriend with his stupid smile got to his stupid feet with all the stupid clothes and items he needed for his stupid shower and was about to leave...Stupid.

(Y/n): [Smiles Brightly] "Alright! Well, I've got everything I need. I'll just go have a shower and then we can go get some food and--"

Maki: "No! Wait!"

The words exploding from her mouth as Maki jumped off the edge of (Y/n)'s bed and bounced to her feet. The anxiousness on her face growing to the point her eyes stretched as far as they could. All the while her boyfriend just stood there...confused... That confusion only growing after a few seconds of Maki being nothing but silent whilst nervously looking around pursuing further.

(Y/n): "Um...Everything alright, Maki?"

Maki: [Nervously] "Huh? O-Oh...Uh...Yeah! Yes! Everything is...fine."

Again, another wave of silence followed.

(Y/n): "Alright, so... I can go for my shower then?"

Maki: "No!"

(Y/n): "No?"

Maki: "N-No...Because, um...B-Because I want you...to stay?"

Even with the confusion of everything going on, (Y/n) couldn't help but smile at the sight of his girlfriend being silly. At least, he thought she was being silly. (Y/n) actually had no idea what Maki was currently going through. But it was with that lack of understanding that (Y/n), with a soft smile, slowly began to approach his girlfriend with tender intentions on the mind. By the time he finally reached her, his hands had automatically gravitated towards her hips. When Maki felt the connection between them, her nervous gaze quickly flicked up to the eyes of her boyfriend, where his soft smile was even more on display. It made her wonder...Did he know what she wanted to say?

(Y/n): [Smiles] "Okay. Okay. I see what this is."

Maki: "...You do?"

(Y/n): "Of course, I do! It's obvious, Maki!"

Maki: "Um...You sure? Because, uh, I'm not exactly the right person that'd go along with what I'm thinking about."

(Y/n): "You saying that just makes me now one hundred per cent know, I know, what you are thinking."

Yet again, Maki still wasn't sure if she believed that. Nevertheless...(Y/n) seemed adamant that he did. And, after thinking over it for a few seconds, Maki realized that on the off chance that he actually did know what she was thinking then maybe it'd actually help her in the moment. So, in the end, Maki went against saying anything and simply just returned her gaze to her boyfriend, who just continued to smile down at her. By the time it eventually came around for him to speak, however, it soon was revealed that all along...Maki was right.

(Y/n): "Maki, I can see clearly now what this is. You...Not wanting me to go...It's obviously side-effects from Junpei taking you and locking you up!"

Maki: "What?!"

(Y/n): "Despite what you said earlier, you obviously are scared, to the point you don't want me to leave you because you're afraid that that fear will only grow. But Maki..." [Smiles softly] "...You have nothing to fear. Because even if I was in the shower, I wouldn't let anyone hurt my pookie~"

With his smile only growing, and the care in his eyes maturing, (Y/n) proceeded to slowly reach out his hand to cup Maki's cheek. However, just before he touched her, his girlfriend suddenly snapped.

Maki: "What the hell are you talking about? None of that is fucking true!"

(Y/n): [Still smiling] "...Say what now?"

Maki: "None of it is true! I'm not scared of Junpei, (Y/n)! I told you that! If that dweeb didn't get the jump on me, I would have kicked his ass into next week."

(Y/n): "Oh...Um..." [Blinks repeatedly] "But if you're not scared...then why did you want me to stay?"

Maki: "Because, idiot! I was trying to get you to stay because I was trying to tell you that if you want we can have sex!!"

That final word was the nail in the coffin for any functions running to (Y/n)'s young, male, brain...

(Y/n): "...Sex? A-As in...Sex...Sex?"

Maki: [Sighs] "Yes, you loveable idiot...Sex sex. I was...Whilst everything I said earlier, about when I was locked up I realized how much I loved you, is true...There was also something else I realized whilst it happened."

(Y/n): "...Oh..."

Maki: "And...I realized...That even though it was awkward before when I tried to force all of it to happen so quickly, having...sex...is something special, and...It's something I want to share with you."

(Y/n): "Um..." [Blushes] "I-I guess I get that, but, um...It's something you wanna do...Now? I mean, after everything that happened today, you really wanna...Do it?"

Maki: "Look, don't make this more complicated then it has to be. I realized today that I don't know what was going to happen. I could have died for all I know. And if I was to die, I don't wanna miss out on sharing anything special with someone I care about...so...I thought that when it was all over we'd just come back here and...do it."

(Y/n): "...Do it?"

Maki: "Yes! Do it, you idiot! Do it! Sex! Have sex! Stop making this weird!"

(Y/n): "Okay. Okay. Well, in my defence, you acting like this isn't normal, 'kay? And I'm a teenage guy, it's not often the girl tries to start things in this way."

When (Y/n) said that, Maki's eyebrow raised slightly.

Maki: "Not this way? Well, how do girls normally start it?"

It was in this moment that (Y/n)'s blush tripled from the embarrassment, nevertheless, with Maki's prolonged gaze focused on him...He continued.

(Y/n): "Well, I mean...T-There's different ways. But, um...The way I guess I always pictured it was, uh...The girl and I would be close...I'd, um...Touch her and she'd uh...Touch me?"

Maki: "Oh...I see."

Maki said as she lowered her gaze. It was as she lowered the gaze that she began to walk closer. Before (Y/n) knew it, Maki was inches in front of him. Upon her head lifting once more, a jolt ran through his body as Maki reached out and gently grasped one of his wrists. The action alone was enough to send his arm hairs rising.

Maki: "...Like this?"

(Y/n): [Unable to Blink] "Um...Y-Yeah. That'll, uh...T-That'll do..."

Maki: "Oh. Okay. Because, well, when you said touch you. I thought you meant something like thi--"

Within the blink of an eye, and before Maki even finished speaking, (Y/n)'s eyes, soul, and mind expanded beyond belief when he felt a certain feminine hand touch him in a place that basically hadn't been touched by anyone but himself. And whilst Maki didn't exactly expect this reaction, when it came from her boyfriend, it caused her to question whether she had moved a little quickly. However, she was unable to get an answer, for in her act of touching this 'special area' was all it took to kick something inside of (Y/n). 

To the point that his next action came by tossing the clothes in his hands behind, to the floor, as he grabbed Maki by the hips and leaned forward, causing her to gasp into a kiss initiated by her boyfriend, as they both fell backwards onto his bed. It was in this act that this big step in their relationship was finally taken. And going off the antics that night held...It probably wouldn't be the last time either. Such was actually confirmed, for as the story foretold, the next three nights in a row, all after acquiring busy days of school work and dealing with those most annoying in their lives. 

But when the time came for sleep, both Maki and (Y/n) would reunite at either one of their dorm rooms. Though it was mostly at (Y/n)'s. But it didn't matter where they met up, nor how much 'sleep' they would have. Simply put, the next three nights were the eventful mascarade for the young couple, who had seemingly found a way to get rid of the stress that came with their lives as sorcerers... However, that wasn't to say their newfound freedom in the stress department didn't go unnoticed by others.

--Three Days Later | Jujutsu High Courtyard--

"Hmm...Something isn't right."

The soft, questioning tone came from none other than the High School's resident Panda...Panda. The cuddly oversized teddy bear left to repeatedly tap his chin as he stood beside Inumaki in the courtyard. But it wasn't to do with the silent boy beside him, nor anything in the courtyard, that brought out this reaction from Panda. Instead, he was forced to make such reactions as soon as he saw the over-the-top smiling expression his other friend gave him right now. That friend, of course, being none other than (Y/n). 

You see, every morning for the last three days now, whenever Panda and (Y/n) would first meet for the day, normally at the school's cafeteria, the non-Kung Fu type Panda was quick to catch onto the large toothy smile his friend would have plastered on his face. It was one of those smiles that was clearly brought on for a reason, Panda knew as much. But it was the lack of knowing what that thing was that caused him to question (Y/n)'s happiness. For on the first day he saw it, Panda just presumed (Y/n) had finally folded to pressure and tried drugs. 

But after repeated days of such smiling, and no aftermath of weird drug smell coming from him at all, Panda was forced to count up other options. His only clue so far was that every morning that (Y/n) was smiling...He smelled of perfume. But why? (Y/n) didn't own perfume. And when Panda confronted the boy, all (Y/n) did was keep smile as he denied every accusation his friend had thrown at him. Which left Panda without any answers to the lifelong question...Why was his friend smiling like a crazy person? It also didn't help that (Y/n) didn't really play into any of the thoughts Panda had in mind.

Panda: "(Y/n), why have you been smiling so much these days? You're starting to confuse Inumaki and I."

Inumaki: "Tuna..."

But, of course, whereas both junior detectives hoped to receive some answer to their questions, again, like every other time, all (Y/n) did was the same. He'd laugh and smile as if he were an over-the-top anime character.

(Y/n): [Smiles Brightly] "Something wrong? Haha! Nothing is wrong, Panda! I'm just happy!"

Panda: [Narrows Gaze] "...Yes, that's the point."

Inumaki: [Narrows Gaze] "...Tuna Mayo."

Both boys just continued to keep their narrowed eyes focused in on their friend, not buying a single line of this 'happy' bullshit he was sprouting. They knew something was wrong, and they'd find out about it! But just when all hope seemed lost, lightning struck within the mind of Panda.

Panda: [Realization] "Ah ha!" [Snap Fingers; Turns to Inumaki] "I know why (Y/n) is acting weird!"

Inumaki: "Salmon Roe?"

(Y/n): [Eyes Closed; Continues to Smile] "Haha! Come on, guys! I'm fine! Haha! Really! I'm just happy!"

Panda: "SHUT UP WEIRD (Y/N)! THERE IS SOMETHING WRONG WITH YOU AND WE WILL FIND OUT!!! Oh..." [Turns to his right] "Would you like to join us, Megumi?"

It was as Panda spoke, that he turned to his right to see that the three boys had already been in the company of another...Megumi. However, the first year student had proceeded to completely block himself out of any conversation as soon as he realized what 'said' conversation was to hold. So since then, he had completely turned his back to the scene, crossed his arms, and began mumbling under his breath how he wished he really didn't end up in this school. Panda took this grumbling silence as Megumi's answer.

Panda: "Alright then, no problem." [Suddenly turns to Inumaki] "Anyway, Inumaki! We cannot waste a moment. I fear if I am right, we only have a short time to act! Here is what I think is wrong with our good friend..."

(Y/n): [Eyes Closed; Smiles] "Haha! You guys are so silly. You silly billys!"

The sound of (Y/n)'s laughter just continued to fill the air, even as Panda and discussed with Inumaki about what he believed to be wrong with (Y/n). In the end, the conversation only lasted about half a minute, and by the time it came to an end, both Inumaki and Panda were confident in their answer for why (Y/n) was acting weird...and they delivered such revelation with quite the show of gusto.

Panda: "YOU ARE THINKING PERVERTED THOUGHTS!!!"

The words were strong and courageous, coming along with the pointed fingers of both guys aimed directly at their friend. They were so confident in this answer that Panda couldn't help but curse himself for not realizing such sooner. After all, what type of friend would he be if he didn't know when his boy was thinking about something perverted...He was a failure in life...But he hoped to make up for it by using this very understanding of the teenage boy's mind to now tease and make fun of his friend for having such thoughts. After all, it is what the boys do together. However, their glee in bringing such information to the world was soon brought down when they saw (Y/n) was just smiling and laughing like before.

(Y/n): "Haha! You're funny, Panda. I'm not thinking perverted thoughts, I'm just happy!"

"Who's not thinking perverted thoughts?"

Upon this new voice entering the conversation, Panda's eyes immediately widened in relief. That feeling of surefire joy was instantly doubled when he saw the person walking their way was none other than the other half of their boy, Maki.

Panda: "Oh! Maki! You're here! Hey, quick question, you enjoy calling out (Y/n) on having perverted thoughts, right?"

Maki: [Smiles] "It is a hobby I enjoy as a pastime. Why?"

Panda: "Well, you see, for the last few days now, every time I see (Y/n) he is smiling and being happy and it is weird."

Maki: "(Y/n) being happy is weird?"

Panda: "It is when he doesn't stop being happy! Inumaki and I are so used to this particular (Y/n) who is equal in all emotions that seeing him be so happy all the time is just...Weird!"

Maki: "I thought you guys were (Y/n)'s friends, don't you want him to be happy?"

Panda: [Sighs] "...Why am I not surprised this is coming from a girl. Look, Maki, you must understand that when guys come together in a bond of friendship, it is practically law that you then must jab and strike each other with random insults and jokes all in the name of humour."

Maki: "Okay, and...?"

Panda: "And...It's incredibly hard to do so if any joke or insult thrown at a person has no fire. Like it has been with your boyfriend lately. Like, watch this!" [Turns to you] "Hey, (Y/n)!"

(Y/n): [Smiles Brightly] "Haha! Yes, good buddy?"

Panda: [Nonchalantly] "...You're bad at video games, your Mom's hot, and I've been putting my Panda hair into your food when you're not looking. How does that make you feel?"

(Y/n): [Smiles Brightly] "Well, haha, at least you're being honest! Haha!"

The only response Panda could make upon hearing all of that was dropping his head and turn his blank gaze toward Maki. That look alone was enough to basically tell her 'see what has happened to my friend'. But instead of getting sympathy from Maki, all Panda got was a roll of the eyes. It was merely after rolling those eyes that she turned to her boyfriend, offered him her own soft smile, and gently wrapped her arms around his own. Now the couple stared into each others eyes as Maki finally responded.

Maki: "Well, I like seeing my boyfriend happy. So you're just going to have to get used to it, Panda."

The two just continued to smile at one another. Of course, upon hearing this, some may find it weird that Maki didn't call out her boyfriend for the thoughts he was clearly having. However...There was one good reason why she couldn't call him out for them.

(Y/n): [Thoughts; Smiles at Maki] "Haha! Maki can't call me out on my thoughts this time around because she outwardly is the cause of them. Haha! I wouldn't even be surprised if Maki herself was thinking perverted thoughts right now..."

Maki: [Thoughts; Narrows Gaze at You] "Shut up, (Y/n)."

(Y/n): [Thoughts; Still Smiles] "Yes, dear."

The silent conversation held together only by expressions lasted for but a moment as everyone looked on in confusion. It suddenly came to an end, however, when Maki abruptly tightened her grip around her boyfriend's arm and shot a sudden glare towards Megumi, who had just so happened to make the mistake of turning to look at the scene behind him.

Megumi: "U-Um..."

Maki: *Intensifies Glare*

Megumi: "What the hell are you glaring at me for?!"

Maki: [Narrows Gaze] "...You know why."

...It seemed Maki had not quite forgotten about the time she caught Megumi hugging her boyfriend. And whilst Maki seemed to understand the uncertainty of certain women trying to steal him from her, there was just something about a guy trying to steal (Y/n) from her that just didn't sit well. So, of course, she was going to remind Megumi on every chance she got that she was clearly paying attention to all things around her. Unfortunately for all in this situation, it was suddenly disbanded by the sound of something falling to the ground behind them, seconds later, the confused voice of a familiar persona followed the noise.

"What?! Why are you all empty-handed?!"

Turning around, the group of Jujutsu High students were greeted by the sight of a weekly Kyoto magazine lying on the stoned footpath. A little beyond the fallen object, the confused voice could be seen belonging to none other than Nobara herself, who currently having a matching pink backpack and suitcase in her possession. Honestly, if the rest of her clothes were pink, (Y/n) believed Nobara would have made the perfect Japanese Barbie right now.

Nobara: "Where is everything?"

Maki: "Everything? What do you mean?"

Panda: "Yeah? And why are you carrying all that luggage?"

(Y/n): "Are you going on vacation, Nobara?"

Nobara: "Wh-What? Vacation? No! I-I thought we were going to Kyoto today? For our exchange event with the sister school in Kyoto, right?"

(Y/n): [Chuckles] "Oh! Haha! I see where you got it wrong."

Maki: [Shakes Head; Smiles] "I'm not really surprised, if you ask me."

The confusion on Nobara's face only doubled upon seeing these smiling reactions from her friends.

Nobara: "What's going on?"

Panda: "Look, Nobara, you're right. Today is the day we go up against our sister school in Kyoto...Held in Tokyo."

 Nobara: "WHAT?! NO WAY!!"

Panda: "Yes, Nobara, I am sorry to--"

Nobara: "SHUT UP YOU HUMANLY DEFORMED PANDA!!"

Panda: "...W-What?"

Before he could say anything else, the stunned Panda was suddenly forced backward slightly when Nobara quickly ditched her items and launched forward, grabbing a clump of fur below Panda's neck, holding him in place as her rage continued to grow.

Nobara: "WHY DIDN'T ANYONE TELL ME ABOUT THIS?!"

Panda: "I-I don't know! Really! I'm just a Panda! A cute loveable Panda! Please don't hit me!"

Nobara did not hit him, but simply began shaking his body back and forth, much to the amusement of the others watching.

Maki: "She didn't know, huh? Well, that explains why our conversations have been off lately."

(Y/n): "Hmm? What do you mean, Maki?"

Maki: "Well, the last few days, Nobara has been asking me about all these places in Kyoto and if we should all go there. I didn't really understand why she was showing me so many places from Kyoto, I just presumed she wanted to go there for the day. I didn't actually understand she thought we were going there for the exchange event."

(Y/n): "Oh...I see."

The plain response was all (Y/n) could give, as both he and Maki quickly turned back to the sight of Nobara shaking Panda around like a ragdoll.

Nobara: "THIS ISN'T FAIR! HOW COME WE AREN'T GOING TO KYOTO?!"

Panda: "W-Well, ugh...Basically it works out that the school who won the exchange event the previous year hold the event the year after."

Nobara: "SO...WHAT?! YOU GUYS SOMEHOW WON LAST YEAR?!"

Panda: "W-Well...Yeah?"

Nobara: "HOW?! EVERYONE HERE EXCEPT FOR (Y/N) can barely hold their own life together, so how did you beat another school?!"

Panda: "Well, I mean...W-We had the third years, and, uh...Some of Kyoto's students were sick, so we are..."

Nobara: "YOU FLUKED IT?! I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS! I WANTED TO GO TO KYOTO!!"

Nobara's anger only continued to grow, eventually storming off to the side and beginning to walk around in circles. Meanwhile, the released Panda was tended to by Inumaki, who encouraged his big, furry, friend as best he could. It was as all of this went down, however, that (Y/n) found himself smiling again. This time around it wasn't from the abundance of energy and happiness he had gotten lately from his nightly activities with Maki. 

Instead, it was one filled with pure joy at seeing just how fun it was to be back home, and how his trials in the void were now truly worth it. Though, it was in this intermission of words that he felt a movement at his side. Realizing it could only be caused by one person, (Y/n) quickly dropped his eyes to his left, where Maki could still be seen holding onto his arm. But this time her face carried a hesitant look, confusing the young boy and leaving him wondering in mere seconds.

(Y/n): "Maki? Is everything alright?"

Maki: "Yeah, I'm just..." [Looks up at you] "With the exchange event being held here, it means you're going to see all of the Kyoto students again for the first time since everything. And I know you eventually managed when Todo and Mai were here, but...I just don't want to see you get sad because of everything they've done to you. I want you to kick their butt and make them pay for--"

(Y/n): "--Don't worry, Maki. I'm fine!"

Maki: "Huh? Really?"

She looked up in surprise at her boyfriend, only to see his smile still remain present.

(Y/n): "Haha! Yeah! Actually, I've been fine for the last few days now. I mean..." [Leans down; Whispers] "I don't know if I'm still high from the sex, or what, honestly. But...For once...I'm not worried about those guys. If anything, I'm looking forward to showing them what us Tokyo students are made of!"

His innocent smile quickly took the form of a confident grin as he clenched his fist and placed it on display. Meanwhile, a blushing Maki merely smiled back as best she could. Now, normally, she probably would have whacked him over the head for saying something weird like he did just now. But with the Kyoto students coming to their school, and the inevitable conflict that was to come between the two schools, Maki allowed it to slide. 

Besides...Though she may not say it herself, Maki had found herself being rather happy lately. O-Of course not just from sleeping with her boyfriend...But all the other things about finally being able to say she loved him without it feeling emotionless. It was this scene that brought the entire moment into one tight bow. Some were happy, others were mad, and then there was people like Megumi who were just outright confused. 

But no matter what these people felt, they knew fully well that they had a task at hand in the back of their head. And they'd be sure to use all of these circulating emotions to make sure they took out every single agitating and annoying aspect of their lives onto these students from Kyoto. But...Before that could happen, we needed to see the return of yet another fan-favorite character.

"Heyo! Guys! Hey! Over here!"

Maki: "Hmm?"

Turning to her right, Maki's gaze shifted over towards the nearby walkway. It was as her eyes landed on that particular area of the courtyard that she was greeted by the energetic, waving, image of Gojo approaching the group. All the while he pushed a metal cart with a large metal box on it. It didn't take very long for everyone else to turn around and acknowledge the return of Gojo Satoru, who hadn't been seen on the school grounds for quite some time now. But for Maki, she carried the same expression she always had when coming across him.

Maki: [Sighs] "Great, you again..."

Gojo: [Suddenly Stops] "...What? Maki! Don't be so mean, okay?!!" [Whines, Turns to You] "Babu!!! Your girlfriend is being mean to me!!!"

(Y/n): "Huh? She is?" [Turns to Maki] "Are you being mean?"

Maki: "No."

She said adorably as she looked up at her boyfriend.

(Y/n): [Smiles] "Alright! Good enough for me!" [Turns to Gojo, Blankly] "Sorry, Gojo, don't have any idea what you're talking about!"

Gojo: "Wha--But she--You just--ARGH! BABU!! This is so not fair!"

Following this point, Gojo just grumbled under his breath as he continued pushing the metal cart towards the group of students. Though, by the time he finally got in front of everyone, it was clear that the equivalent of his motivation that was once present was now gone.

Gojo: [Sighs] "...Hey everyone, it's me, Gojo Sensei. I'm back from my business trip overseas."

Megumi: [Blankly] "What's in the box?"

Gojo: "Huh? Oh!" [Perks up; Smiles] "I'm glad you asked, Megumi! You see, in this box is a special present for every single person here!"

Panda: "Well, that's sudden, I guess."

Nobara: "I hate over-energetic adults. They're just creepy."

Gojo: [Laughing Through the Pain] "Haha! Your words can't hurt me, Nobara!"

...Oh, but they could. Little did anyone in this school know right now, but Gojo was facing a pain far worse than anything else he had felt before. That pain was being laughed at people he wanted to appear as cool in front of. So Gojo was left to simply laugh through the pain, before eventually doing his best to completely disregard any such emotions as he took the ground stage right before the eyes of everyone in front of him. This was it. The moment everyone had unknowingly been waiting for. In the metal box on the cart he pushed, the scrunched-up body of their departed friend, Itadori Yuji, had only seconds left before he was reintroduced to the world. Out of everyone present, only Gojo and (Y/n) knew of what was about to happen.

Just the thought of seeing everyone crying with joy from seeing someone they've lost, return, was enough of a burst of energy that Gojo could push through his own pain. It was with this newfound strength that Gojo proceeded to spin around like a dancer, his left hand remaining on the handle of the cart at all times. After a few seconds of spinning, his body came to a sudden stop, a pose sanctioned by his right foot being lifted high into the air left to captivate everyone before him. Their attention was suddenly drawn elsewhere, however, when the lid to the metal box magically flipped open. As it did, a burst of pinkish/blonde hair came catapulting from the dark abyss within to reveal the grand prize everyone had not been waiting for. Itadori Yuji!!!

Itadori: [Smiling Brightly] "Hey! OPP!"

Gojo: [Smiles Brightly] "Look! It's your departed friend, Itadori Yuji-Kun! Aren't you all excited?!"

There it was! The reveal was over! In the following seconds, the shock of it all will build up. The cast of characters before them will surely begin to cry and be flooded with a wave of emotions that no one could--

Nobara: "...I thought you said you were giving us a present?"

Gojo: "...Hmm?"

Itadori: "HUH?! THAT'S YOUR RESPONSE?!!!"

...Okay, so the emotion didn't seem to be present. Like, at all. Everyone just looked the same as they did before, like they hadn't just witnessed the miraculous return of someone they thought was dead. So it was safe to say both Gojo, and most definitely Itadori himself, were baffled beyond belief. The pain and shock of which only added on by the blank expressions of everyone else gathered together.

(Y/n): [Chuckles] "I think what Nobara is trying to say, is that when you said 'present' she thought it'd be an actual present."

Itadori: "B-But...Ya boy Yuji is back? Isn't that a present enough?"

Nobara: "Huh? Oh...Um, yeah...Totally." [Turns to you] "Is that good enough?"

(Y/n): "Hmm. Don't know. We'll have to see how he takes it."

Though, upon turning back to Itadori, it seemed he didn't take that response any better than the first reaction. The hurt look on his face just continued to remain as Gojo's only face tilted to the side.

Gojo: "Wait a minute. Why aren't you guys shocked to see someone come back from the dead?"

Panda: "Well, us second years didn't really know Itadori very well."

Maki: "That, and we knew he was alive. So it's not very surprising to see him."

Gojo: "Wait! Wait! Wait! You guys knew? How did you know?!"

Maki: "(Y/n) told me."

Gojo: "WHAT?!" [Turns to you] "Babu?! What the heck, man?"

(Y/n): "What? She's my girlfriend. I had to tell her."

Maki: [Nods] "It's true. He has too."

Gojo: "Oh...Well, I guess that's fair. When did you tell her?"

(Y/n): "Almost right after it happened."

Gojo: "WHAT?! THAT SOON?!"

(Y/n): "Look, in my defence, cuddle time can sometimes get silent, and I had to think of something to say and it was the first thing that came to mind! Besides, it's Maki, she's cool!"

Gojo: "Um, alright. I...I guess that's okay?" [Turns to the Ohters] "Well, that explains Maki then. But what about the rest of you?"

Nobara: "Maki told me."

Inumaki: "Salmon Roe." [Nobara Told me]

Panda: [Smirks] "I think we're all caught up at this point to know I don't really need to answer. I just know things."

Gojo: [Nods] "True. True. Well then, that just leaves you, Megumi...Megumi?"

But upon turning to Megumi, Gojo was shocked to see that out of everyone, the only person shocked...was Megumi! It seemed he had been left out of the gossip sharing, so him seeing Itadori standing right in front of him know was truly something he was not expecting!

Megumi: "ITADORI'S ALIVE?! SINCE WHEN?! HOW?!"

Gojo: [Pumps Air] "Yes! Got one of them!" [Points at Megumi] "I knew I could always count on you for your shocked expressions, Megumi!"

Megumi: "HOW?! HOW?!"

Megumi just continued to spread his shock through the air. Meanwhile, everyone else was silently moving onto focusing on other things. It was as this happened, that in the background, Itadori continued to struggle with everything that just happened.

Itadori: [Slightly Shaking] "W-Well then...At least Megumi was shocked to see me...R-Right?"

...But no response came. Instead, Itadori was left to further dwell in the walls of his thoughts, left to question what life really meant at this moment. However, things were left to shift in a completely different direction when the sound of footsteps began growing louder from a small walkway to the right. It was as this noise grew louder, that it became known it wasn't just one person approaching them. No. That was soon confirmed when every student of Tokyo's Jujutsu High slowly began to turn around one by one to see who was approaching them. 

Of course, it didn't take long to figure out who it was. I mean, the matching school uniforms. The familiar faces amongst the little over a dozen bodies. The look of superiority that appeared on a few expressions. And, of course, the smug nature that carried with every step they made. When this group finally reached the top of the stairs, finally coming in contact with the students of Tokyo Jujutsu High, out of everyone present, (Y/n)'s eyes were the first to widen when he saw who was before him right now.

Panda: "Looks like they're here..."

"...The Kyoto Students."

One by one, the students of each school faced off. Their expressions were on clear display. Some chose to bring out their 'confidence' more so than others. For most of the Tokyo students, they were left shocked at the looks of their sister school opposites. Whilst the seconds years of Tokyo seemed less phased and more so...aware. But out of everyone, (Y/n), of course, was the one most tested by coming face to face with his old classmates for the first time in three years, at least, for him. Sure, he had already caught up with Mai and Todo, but as weird as that encounter went, seeing all of the others, and the memories in which was brought on by seeing them, left him questioning for the first time in a while if he could really do this. 

Earlier when Maki asked him, he genuinely was telling the truth that he didn't feel much about the big day. But now, standing here right now, being able to look each of them in the eyes, (Y/n) couldn't help but feel a slither of doubt slowly try to creep into his system. But just when things started to feel like they wouldn't calm down, it was in that moment (Y/n) felt a gentle warmth embrace his hand. Immediately he dropped his gaze to see that Maki was holding his hand. After processing the image, he lifted his gaze up to her face, yet, she wasn't looking at him. Instead, her eyes remained on the students before her. 

(Y/n) wanted to comment on this, but before he could, he was silenced once more when he felt another shift of movement to his left. This time, it was Nobara. And though whilst she did not hold his hand, she did have her eyes remaining on the opposition as she stood beside her friend, silently reassuring him that she would be there to help. Slowly, (Y/n) was beginning to realize what was going on. Such thoughts only grew when Panda, Inumaki, and even Megumi began to stand by his side with fierce gazes set out towards the Kyoto students. It was clear to almost everyone that this was more personal than first thought. It was that shared ideal between both schools that brought a smirk to cross the face of Mai, Maki's sister, who decided to be the first to speak out.

Mai: [Smirks] "Well, isn't this cute? All of the Tokyo students gathered together...Oh! And what's this? In the middle is the little lamb that was once ours!"

Momo: "Huh? What are you talking about Mai?" [Leans in closer] "Wait a minute. Is that?! Is that you, (Y/n)?!"

A large smile found the lips of the short blonde-haired wannabe witch girl holding a broom.

Momo: "Wow! Mai and Todo really weren't lying! You are here, (Y/n)! And you're..." [Looks you up and down] "...Different?"

It was true, (Y/n) had gotten different. Not only had his body gotten more muscular. But his hair had grown out better, the white uniform he wore drew gazes from across the park, and the other slight changes definitely caught the attention of the other Kyoto students who had heard from Mai and Todo previously after (Y/n)'s sudden return. But out of everyone from the Kyoto side present, the one who was most shocked out of them was their teacher...Utahime. 

The teacher of Kyoto, normally keeping her emotions in check, couldn't help but showcase her shock as her eyes widened at seeing the boy before her. He looked so different yet, so much the same. She was so stunned that as Mai went to speak again, the young girl was slightly shoved out of the way as Utahime stormed through the crowd to head right towards her former student.

Utahime: "(Y/n)? (Y/n), is that really you?"

Gojo: [Steps out with a smile] "Utahime? Is that you? Wow! Long time no se--"

Utahime: "Outta my way, idiot!"

Before Gojo could say anything else, he was suddenly shoved to the side, allowing Utahime to claim those final few steps she needed before she finally reached (Y/n). It was when she did, that all of the Tokyo students kinda took a step back out of confusion. But they were left even more confused when the teacher of the Kyoto students didn't just stop inches from (Y/n)'s current position, no, she outright pushed forward before crashing into him with a warm embrace. The sight of the teacher hugging the boy was definitely shocking to a lot of people. 

But none were stunned more than the Kyoto students. Sure, they knew back in the day when (Y/n) was at their school, that Utahime showed a soft spot for him. But seeing this! Right in front of their opponents for the exchange event was something they did not expect. And then there was people like Maki, who, was not only stunned by the sudden action. But with this person Utahime was hugging being her boyfriend, there was also that factor to add in. Long story short, there was a lot of thoughts going on in this one moment. 

The only person who wasn't thinking was (Y/n), and that was mainly due to the fact he was still trying to process the fact that Utahime was hugging him. He didn't even really expect his old teacher to remember him that well, believing that he was more a burden on her during school than anything else. But right now, he was left to question everything. He was only given a breather when the older woman finally took a step back from the hug, though as she did that, she did noticeably place her hands onto the cheeks of the young boy and offered him a happy smile.

Utahime: "(Y/n), is that... Is that really you?"

(Y/n): "Um...Yes? Uh--"[Awkwardly Chuckles] "H-Hey, Mrs. Utahime, how are--"

Before he could finish, for the second time now, he was pulled into a hug by the female teacher.

Utahime: "Oh, I'm so happy to see you! Todo and Mai said you were here when they came with the principal last, but I didn't believe them, but..." [Pulls away] "It's really you?" [Looks you up and down] "Wow! You've changed so much! You've grown! What happened to you? I heard you got taken and--and--"

(Y/n): "Uh, yeah...Look. It's a long story. And, um...Now's probably not the time."

Utahime: [Blushes Slighty] "O-Oh, um...Yeah...Right. Sorry."

A nervous chuckle mixed with the shaking of her head as she outright pulls her hands away from (Y/n). By no surprise, he, too, was now carrying a pink tint. A scene that rested in the minds of everyone present for but a moment, only because their focus was suddenly pulled away when a grinning Gojo poked his head beside Utahime's head.

Gojo: "Utahime! I didn't know in your age that got rather...scandleous~ And with my cousin of all peopl--"

Utahime: "ARGH! Shut up, you over-the-top imbecile!"

The female teacher held back nothing as she spun around, shoving Gojo back by the face and returning to her side of the courtyard where her students waited for her. As for Gojo, he just rubbed his chin as he continued to laugh and smile. Just like with Utahime, Gojo now stood by his own students. The two sides from both schools facing off once more. Though, unlike before, of course, things appeared different. 

Uncertainty surrounded most students, whilst Utahime and (Y/n) now carried pink tints on their faces. It seemed that the moment had been brought to a standstill, unsure of where it would go next, in the end, it simply came to a close by both sides from different schools facing off. It was clear that one way or another, at the end of this exchange event... A clear reigning school would be decided. The only question remaining was...

...Which school would come out on top?

_____

[To Be Continued...]