March. 3 months later.

"CANNON BALL!"

"YUUJI YOU FUCKING IDIOT, QUIT THAT!"

"Right? It's not even a cannon ball, you're already in the water! You're just splashing at this point!"

I looked ahead at Yuuji, Maki and Nobara having their fun in the sun as I set up my beach towel. The school year was just finishing up and Gojo insisted that we go and have a beach day, even though he was no where to be found. Since everything that had happened the last year, I attempted to give up my disdain for the white haired idiot, but I certainly hadn't forgotten.

Luckily, there had been no major new developments since our 'inflicted' encounter, or as Nobara lovingly called him, 'Ted'. That didn't stop Megumi from researching day and night about it though. Well, the nights I didn't spend at his dorm anyways.

We became an official couple pretty much straight after our night before his birthday. It wasn't really a formal thing, he just kind of passively called me his girlfriend and the rest was history. It didn't take long for the rest of Jujutsu Tech to hear about it and lovingly tease Megumi whilst being sweet to me about it.

To be honest, things for the first time in my entire life were going well. My technique was under control, I had an amazing support system, spectacular friends, a gorgeous boyfriend...but I knew in my heart of hearts I still didn't feel right. There was something gnawing at my spirit that I couldn't quite place my finger on and it had been that way since the night I went to Megumi's and we discussed 'Ted' for the first time. It was like it wasn't fully over.

Most days, though, I'd been hiding that feeling. The only one who ever really brought it up was Yuuji, who thankfully was not jealous about Megumi and I. He passed off his comment about us 'banging' as a failed attempt at a joke and it honestly made sense, he wasn't always super on it when it came to comedic timing. And hey, he turned out to be right anyways, much to his dismay. He had definitely knocked on the walls to try and get us to shut up more than once at night.

"So what's everyone's goals for second year?" Yuuta asked as we all dispersed around the man made fire, warming our hands. Yuuta returned to the school a few weeks prior and it was nice to actually start getting to know him. The one time I'd truly met him, I had just been attacked by a flock of birds so it was nice to get to know him under more normal circumstances. It was getting late and after a long day of swimming, tanning and barbeque-ing, we were all beat.

"Hmm...I think I want to incorporate retinol into my skin care regimen," Nobara said thoughtfully.

"Isn't that for like, old people?" Maki laughed.

"No! It keeps you looking young! Old people buy it way past the time they should've really started using it."

"Whatever," Maki laughed, "I'm just gonna train more. Get stronger."

"I don't know how much stronger you can get, Maki," Yuuta grinned sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"Well, I for one, plan to see Human Earthworm 4 with all of my nearest and dearest friends at midnight release!" Yuuji proclaimed triumphantly.

"And what friends are those?" Megumi deadpanned, poking the fire to ignite more flames.

"You realise you could just ask Ayane to keep it warm, right?" Yuuji smirked.

"I don't use her for her technique."

"Yeah," Nobara giggled, "You use her for other stuff though," she laughed as she covered her mouth her hands. The rest of the students also descended into smirking and giggling.

To be fair, he walked right into that one.

"Right, enough," I said, pushing her shoulder, looking at Megumi's cute blushing face, illuminated by the fire, "I feel the same sentiment as Maki. I want to get better at harnessing my technique."

"To do that, you'd actually have to show up for your lessons, Miss Ayane."

Fuck. He's here.

"Sensei! We didn't think you were coming," Yuuta smiled, "Marshmallows?"

"Why thank you, Yuuta," Gojo smiled, plopping himself down between Megumi and I, instantly going to roast his marshmallow, "I couldn't miss the sunset with all my students, could I?"

"You definitely could've," Megumi grimaced.

"Oh come on, Megumi, lighten up. Actually you are looking a little red, you feeling ok?" He remarked as he began to fret over him, trying to feel his face for a temperature.

"I'm fine," Megumi replied, taking his arms away from the dwindling fire which was enough to snuff it out.

"Suppose we better get going for the last bus," Maki said as she picked up some of the gear we'd taken with us. Gojo wasn't too happy about the fact his marshmallow wasn't nearly toasted enough. He then proceeded to ask me to 'hit him with a spark' to roast it. I did no such thing.

I picked up what I could and began to walk behind everyone, Gojo walking stupidly close behind me.

"What do you want? I'm not toasting that marshmallow," I sighed after a few minutes of him being shady.

"Well, something about the beach just makes me feel so youthful," he smiled and it did seem genuine.

"Why's that?"

"No reason," he continued, "I'm thankful for you, Ayane. For what you've done for us this year."

Is he high?

"What are you talking about?"

"You may not see it, but you united the students in a way that only certain kind of people can. It's great to witness."

Definitely inebriated in some way.

"I don't think that's the case..."

"It certainly is! I mean, take Megumi for example. I spent years trying to get him to open up. He just flows with you. It's nice."

"Damn, I didn't know a beach trip would get you this sentimental," I laughed. It almost made me completely forget my silent grudge towards him.

"I'm a sentimental guy, what can I say? Thank you for taking care of Megumi."

I stopped to look at him for a second and I saw his true nature, his blue eyes slightly peeking from the top of his jet-black sunglasses, "You're welcome."

He pushed his glasses back up and looked straight ahead, "Come on, they are walking a way ahead of us."

We caught up with the rest of the guys and Gojo went on ahead, being silly with Nobara and Yuuji. I took my place by Megumi's side.

"What were you two talking about?" he questioned suspiciously, taking my hand in his.

"Oh, you know, just mutually adoring you," I giggled which brought a smile and a scoff to his lips.

"Yeah, right."

The sunset had me reflecting. Over the last year, I'd found a semblance of family. Within a super fucked up world, sure, but I'd do anything for them. I had friends I'd die for. And as for my lover? Well, we walked hand in hand down the promenade.

And a greedy part of me felt like that smile was reserved for me and only me.

'Suspend Your Disbelief 'will be continued in 'Finding Phoenix'