Chapter 4
The next day when Yuji woke up, his brother was gone. Just like he'd asked, his brother had disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only the lingering scent of his favorite cologne and a few scattered manga volumes on the bookshelf.
Yuji pushed the heavy thoughts to the back of his mind, focusing instead on his morning routine.
He moved through his modern kitchen, the marble countertops cool under his fingertips as he reached for his favorite ceramic mug – a gift from a former co-star, decorated with little sakura blossoms around the rim.
The coffee maker hummed to life, filling the kitchen with the rich scent of freshly ground beans. He stirred his cup, watching the dark liquid swirl as he added just a couple drops of milk from the small glass creamer he kept specifically for this purpose. The milk created delicate patterns as it mixed with the coffee, like wisps of clouds in a sepia sky.
Bringing the mug to his lips, he blew gently across the surface, creating tiny ripples. He took small, careful sips, savoring the bitter warmth while avoiding burning his tongue. The morning silence wrapped around him like a comfortable blanket, a rare moment of peace in his usually chaotic life as an actor.
Having just wrapped his recent role – a supporting character in a psychological thriller that had consumed the last three months of his life – Yuji knew he should be on break until his next invitation came through.
After quickly draining the last of his coffee, he placed the mug in the sink with a quiet clink. His footsteps echoed slightly as he walked over to his shoe rack.
He selected a pair of well-worn running shoes, the comfortable ones he reserved for his morning walks. As he slipped them on, he caught a glimpse of himself in the hallway mirror – dressed down in an oversized black hoodie and a simple black mask. As an actor who had played multiple roles, including a few notable main characters in popular dramas this was by far his shittiest take on disguising
The morning sun greeted him as he stepped outside, its warm rays cutting through the crisp spring air.
His phone buzzed in his pocket, the sudden vibration making him jump slightly. The notification showed a message from Nanami, his serious manager who somehow managed to make even text messages sound stern:
Nanami: "Yuji, there's going to be a party hosted by Satoru Gojo. You're one of the few people he hand-selected. It's in two days. Please dress appropriately."
Yuji's heart rate picked up slightly at the mention of Gojo. While they'd crossed paths at various industry events, their interactions had been limited to polite small talk and professional nods. Gojo's reputation preceded him – the man was practically legendary in the entertainment industry, known for his eccentric personality and brilliant directing skills. Being hand-selected for anything by him was significant.
Yuji: "you got it sir ( •͈૦•͈ )"
Yuji: "don't worry about me (૭ ｡•̀ ᵕ •́｡ )૭"
Nanami: "For some reason, I don't trust you one bit."
Yuji: "have some faith (╥﹏╥)"
The truth was, Yuji's experience with high-profile parties was limited. He generally avoided them unless his close friends were attending or his presence was mandatory. But something about Nanami's tone, coupled with the prestige of being personally selected by Gojo, told him this wasn't an event he could skip. Besides, it might be a good opportunity to properly meet the famous director and model.
"Yo Yuji!!" A familiar voice cut through his thoughts, causing him to turn around with a start.
A genuine smile spread across his face as he recognized Yuta Okkotsu, "Hey Yuta!" he called back, feeling his mood lift instantly. "Fancy seeing you here. Aren't you working?"
Yuta's characteristic gentle laugh rang out as he caught up to Yuji. His black hair was slightly disheveled, as if he'd been running his hands through it – a nervous habit Yuji had noticed early in their friendship. "Yeah, I was, but my client took a day off today, so I'm kind of free now."
Yuji slowed his pace to match Yuta's, their footsteps falling into an easy rhythm. "Are you going to the party hosted by Gojo?" he asked, curious if his friend had also received an invitation.
Yuta raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "You do know I'm working for him, right? Of course I'm going." There was a hint of pride in his voice – working for Gojo was no small achievement.
Yuji mentally kicked himself for forgetting such an obvious detail. "Oh shit, I forgot," he admitted with a sheepish laugh, running a hand through his pink hair.
"I'm gonna assume you're going too since you brought it up," Yuta said, glancing sideways at his friend.
"Yup, you got that right," Yuji confirmed, rubbing the back of his neck – a nervous gesture he'd never quite managed to shake.
A mischievous grin spread across Yuji's face as he remembered something. "Sooo," he drawled, "is your crush gonna go too?" He couldn't resist teasing his friend, especially about this particular topic.
The effect was immediate. Yuta's face flushed a brilliant red, his hands flying up in protest. "Crush??? What- what are you talking about?" he stammered, words tumbling over each other in his haste to deny the accusation.
"I don't even work with you, but I already know who your crush is," Yuji pressed, enjoying his friend's flustered reaction.
"It's not like that!" Yuta exclaimed, his voice rising slightly. "Maki's just my friend!" As soon as the words left his mouth, his eyes widened in horror at his slip-up.
"I never said the name of your crush," Yuji pointed out triumphantly. "You just outed yourself."
Somehow, Yuta managed to turn an even deeper shade of red, his hands coming up to cover his face, though his fingers parted just enough for Yuji to see his mortified eyes.
Taking pity on his friend, Yuji threw an arm around Yuta's shoulders. "Chill, man, I won't tell her," he assured him. "I'd be glad to help you pull her though."
Yuta's shoulders slumped slightly under Yuji's arm. "Thanks, Yuji, but I don't think I stand a chance," he sighed, his voice heavy with resignation.
"You guys are coworkers – just ask her out or something and see how it goes," Yuji suggested, trying to inject some optimism into the conversation.
Yuta managed a weak smile. "Yeah, I'll see if I have enough courage." The words came out soft, almost whispered.
"I'm sure she'll say yes to being your girlfriend," Yuji reassured him, causing Yuta's blush to deepen once again.
Clearly desperate to change the subject, Yuta cleared his throat. "Well," he began, "speaking about relationships, how's you and Mei?"
It was Yuji's turn to feel uncomfortable. He let out an exaggerated sigh, his hand automatically moving to rub the back of his neck again. "She broke up with me," he admitted, trying to keep his tone light
Yuta's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Seriously? Why?"
"I've been too busy, couldn't spend any time with her," Yuji explained, the words tasting bitter in his mouth. The truth was, it had been more complicated than that, but he wasn't ready to delve into the details of how his rising career had created an insurmountable distance between them.
"Ah, I see," Yuta said softly, understanding filling his eyes. "Sorry for asking."
"It's alright," Yuji assured him, forcing a smile. "My schedule was too packed for me to do dates anyway."
"Hey," Yuta said suddenly, breaking their contemplative silence. "Have you eaten breakfast yet? There's this new café around the corner that's supposed to be really good. My treat."
Yuji's stomach answered before he could, letting out an embarrassingly loud growl. He'd been so caught up in his thoughts this morning that coffee had been his only sustenance. "I guess that's a yes," he laughed, rubbing his stomach sheepishly.
The café Yuta led them to was tucked away in a quiet side street, its facade a charming mix of modern industrial design and traditional Japanese elements. Large windows let in plenty of natural light, and potted plants hung from macramé holders, creating an atmosphere of urban tranquility. A small bell chimed as they pushed open the door, and the rich aroma of freshly baked bread and coffee immediately enveloped them.
"Okkotsu-san!" The barista behind the counter called out in recognition, her face lighting up. "Your usual?"
"Morning, Miwa-san," Yuta replied with a friendly wave. "And yes, please. Yuji, what would you like?"
Yuji studied the menu board mounted on the wall behind the counter, his eyes widening at the extensive selection. "Everything looks amazing," he admitted, then pointed to a particularly appetizing photo. "I'll try the tamago sandwich set with an iced matcha latte."
They found a quiet corner table by the window, settling into comfortable chairs that seemed designed for long, leisurely conversations. Yuji couldn't help but notice how Yuta's shoulders relaxed as soon as they sat down, as if some invisible weight had been lifted.
"So," Yuji began, his tone carefully casual, "how long have you been working for Gojo-san? I feel like I should know this, but..."
Yuta smiled, absently arranging the condiments on their table. "About eight months now. It's been... interesting, to say the least. Gojo-san is brilliant, but he can be quite..." He paused, searching for the right word.
"Eccentric?" Yuji supplied with a grin.
"That's putting it mildly," Yuta chuckled. "Last week, he showed up to a major meeting wearing a blindfold because he said it helped him 'visualize the scene better.' The executives were not amused, but nobody can argue with his results."
Their conversation was interrupted by the arrival of their food. Yuji's sandwich was artfully presented on a wooden board, accompanied by a small salad and a cup of miso soup. His matcha latte was topped with a delicate foam design that almost looked too pretty to drink.
"Speaking of Gojo-san," Yuta continued, picking up his coffee cup, "the party he's throwing... it's not just any party. There are rumors going around that he's about to announce his next big project. Something completely different from anything he's done before."
Yuji paused mid-bite, his sandwich hovering halfway to his mouth. "Really? Any idea what it might be?"
Yuta shook his head, taking a careful sip of his coffee. "He's being unusually secretive about it. Even Maki doesn't know the details, and she's his primary assistant." His cheeks colored slightly at mentioning her name, but he pressed on. "All I know is that he's been meeting with people in the entertainment industry entirely."
"Like who?" Yuji asked, his curiosity piqued.
"Not sure, buts he’s been talking to a lot of people" Yuta replied, his brow furrowing.
Yuji whistled low under his breath. "No wonder Nanami was so insistent about me attending. Being hand-selected for something like this."
"Yeah, you should definitely take it seriously," Yuta agreed. "Gojo-san might seem carefree, but he notices everything. If he invited you specifically, he has a reason."
The weight of this information settled over their table like a heavy cloud. Yuji took a long drink of his matcha latte, letting the bitter-sweet flavor ground him. His career was at a crucial point – he'd built up a solid reputation with supporting roles, but he hadn't yet landed that one defining lead role that could catapult him to true stardom.
"Wait" Yuta said, his expression turning more serious, "what are you planning to wear to the party? Please tell me you're not going to show up in one of those questionable suits from your drama wardrobe."
"Hey! Those suits are designer!" Yuji protested, then wilted under Yuta's stern gaze. "But... no, I wasn't planning to. Actually, I have no idea what to wear. The invitation didn't specify a dress code."
"Knowing Gojo-san, that was intentional," Yuta mused. "He likes to see how people interpret ambiguous situations. It reveals something about their character, he says."
Yuji groaned, dropping his head onto the table with a soft thud. "Great. So my entire future could depend on whether I choose the right outfit?"
"Don't be so dramatic," Yuta laughed, then paused. "Although... maybe we should go shopping after this. I know a few places that might have what you need."
"Really?" Yuji lifted his head, hope brightening his features. "You'd help me?"
"Of course," Yuta smiled. "besides might even get you a date"
"Yuta!"
Their laughter filled their corner of the café, drawing curious but indulgent looks from other patrons. As they finished their meals, Yuji found himself feeling more optimistic than he had in weeks. Yes, his brother was gone, and yes, his relationship with Mei had ended, but people shouldn’t dwell on the past for to long.
After paying (despite Yuji's protests that he could cover his own meal), they stepped back out into the late morning sunshine. The streets were busier now, filled with people rushing to and from appointments, tourists taking photos of the cherry blossoms, and students enjoying their weekend freedom.
"The boutique I'm thinking of is in Daikanyama," Yuta said, checking his phone. "It's about a twenty-minute walk from here. That okay?"
Yuji nodded, falling into step beside his friend.
The boutique Yuta led them to was exactly the kind of place Yuji would normally walk past without a second glance. The window display was minimal but elegant, featuring just a few carefully selected pieces on industrial-style fixtures. A small sign in sophisticated typography identified the store as "FLUX."
"Don't worry about the prices," Yuta said, noting Yuji's hesitation. "Consider it an investment in your future."
The interior of the store was cool and quiet, with soft lighting that made everything look expensive. A sales associate approached them immediately, recognition flickering in her eyes as she took in Yuji's pink hair.
"Welcome to FLUX," she said with a professional smile. "How can I assist you today?"
"My friend here needs an outfit for a very important industry event," Yuta explained before Yuji could speak. "Something that makes a statement while remaining sophisticated."
The associate – whose name tag identified her as Kugisaki – nodded thoughtfully, her eyes scanning Yuji with professional assessment. "I have a few pieces in mind. What's the venue?"
"Gojo-san's private residence," Yuta supplied.
Kugisaki's eyebrows rose slightly. "Ah, I see. In that case..." She disappeared among the racks, returning moments later with several items draped over her arm.
What followed was an intense hour of trying on various combinations under the critical eyes of both Yuta and Kugisaki. Yuji found himself in everything from sleek suits to avant-garde ensembles that he would never have considered on his own.
"Try this," Kugisaki said, handing him yet another outfit. "I think this might be the one."
Yuji emerged from the fitting room wearing a black silk shirt with subtle geometric patterns that seemed to shift in the light, paired with tailored trousers in a deep burgundy that bordered on black. The cut was modern but not flashy, the kind of outfit that drew attention without screaming for it.
"Oo, do that one," Yuta said, circling him slowly.
The outfit made him look sophisticated but not stiff, successful but not showy. It was exactly the image he wanted to project.
“I think this one will do”
The sun was setting, they sat on a small bench, there bags beside them, Yuji turned to his friend, gratitude washing over him. "Thanks for today," he said softly, "I needed this more than I realized."
Yuta's smile was warm and genuine, his eyes crinkling at the corners in a way that reminded Yuji why so many people in the industry found him charming. "That's what friends are for," he replied, "Besides, you've helped me plenty of times with my Maki situation."
"Speaking of which," Yuji's grin turned mischievous "What are YOU wearing to the party?"
The effect was immediate – Yuta's cheeks flushed pink, and he suddenly became very interested in with his jacket zipper. "Actually..." he began, his voice slightly higher than usual, "Maki helped me pick something out last week. She said my usual style wasn't quite right for the occasion."
"Oh?" Yuji leaned forward, "And how exactly did that shopping trip go?"
Yuta's flush deepened, a smile creeping up his cheeks despite his obvious attempt to remain casual. "Oh you know, normal coworker shopping, nothing special," he said with a nervous laugh that betrayed his words. He fidgeted with his zipper, a habit Yuji recognized
Yuji couldn't resist. "Aww, cute! Little Yuta went on his first date," he teased, expertly dodging the wadded-up punches Yuta threw at his head.
"I wish it was a date," Yuta sighed, his expression softening into something wistful.
"Yeah, because little Yuta doesn't have enough courage to ask," Yuji said, his tone gentler now, understanding in his eyes.
Yuta frowned slightly, no real heat behind his expression. "Just shut up" he muttered,
“Yeah yeah” Yuji said
Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden change in the atmosphere – the warm golden light of sunset had given way to something darker, A cool breeze swept through, carrying with it the unmistakable scent of approaching rain.
"Dang it, is it really raining?" Yuji asked, feeling the first fat droplets land on his arm. The water left dark spots on his sleeve.
Yuta's frown deepened as he looked up at the rapidly darkening sky. "Well, this might just be the worst timing," he observed, quickly gathering their shopping bags.
yujis eyes scanned the area, his eyes catching on the familiar glow of a convenience store sign beckoning them like a lighthouse. "Come follow me!" he called out, already breaking into a run. Their shopping bags bounced awkwardly against their legs as they sprinted through the increasingly heavy rain.
The store's automatic doors slid open with a gentle chime that seemed almost comically delicate given their dramatic entrance. Fluorescent lights cast everything in a harsh but somehow comforting glow, the familiar order of convenience store aisles offering a stark contrast to the chaos of the storm outside.
The clerk, a young man with fashionably messy hair and a name tag that read "Inumaki," looked up from his magazine with mild interest. His lips quirked in a small smile of acknowledgment before he returned to his reading, apparently unfazed by the sight of two drenched customers clutching designer shopping bags.
They made their way to the umbrella section, their shoes squeaking against the pristine linoleum floor. Yuji selected a clear umbrella, appreciating how it would allow him to watch the rain without obscuring his vision. Yuta, true to form, chose a sleek black one that matched his usual aesthetic.
"500 yen per umbrella isn't bad, considering how hard the rain's getting," Yuta observed, glancing out the store's windows where the rain had become a solid sheet of water.
"I can pay since you paid for breakfast," Yuji offered, already reaching for Yuta's umbrella. The gesture felt small compared to everything Yuta had done for him today, but it was something.
Yuta's expression suggested he wanted to protest, but instead he simply said, "Thanks," his voice warm with appreciation for the friendship behind the simple gesture.
Yuji made his way to the front counter, placing both umbrellas down carefully to avoid dripping on the surface. He reached for his wallet, the leather still slightly damp from their mad dash through the rain.
"1000 yen please," Inumaki said, his voice carrying the practiced politeness of retail workers everywhere.
The transaction was completed with efficient Japanese courtesy – card presented, items scanned, receipt offered with both hands. "Here's your receipt and items, enjoy!" Inumaki said, his customer service smile never wavering.
"Thank you!" Yuji replied with genuine warmth, gathering the umbrellas and making his way back to where Yuta waited near the door.
He handed Yuta his umbrella, both of them watching the rain continue to fall outside. "I'm guessing this is where we part?" Yuji asked, a note of reluctance in his voice.
Yuta nodded, his smile gentle. "It was fun hanging out, let's do it again sometime," he said,
They opened their new umbrellas just outside the store's shelter, the sound of rain hitting the plastic creating a cozy bubble around each of them. For a moment, they stood there in companionable silence, watching the city transform under the rainfall. The neon signs and street lights reflected off the wet pavement, creating a dreamlike atmosphere that made everything feel slightly surreal.
"Text me when you get home!" Yuta said,
"you betcha," Yuji promised. "Byee!" Yuji said, watching as his friend figure began to walk away
He started to make his way home through the rain-slicked streets of Tokyo, watching as the occasional car zoomed past, their headlights creating shifting patterns on the wet asphalt. The city felt different in the rain – softer somehow, its usual sharp edges blurred by the curtain of water. The streets were almost deserted, giving the usually bustling neighborhood a different quality.
Under his clear umbrella, Yuji found himself mesmerized by the rhythmic pattern of raindrops. Each drop created its own small sound as it hit the plastic above his head, the sound somehow both chaotic and soothing. The shopping bags from their afternoon excursion swung gently at his side, protected from the downpour.
His peaceful reverie was suddenly interrupted by the sound of struggle cutting through the rainfall. Through the sheets of rain, he could make out a figure crouched low to the ground, seemingly wrestling with something. As he drew closer, the scene came into sharper focus – a person with dark hair was gripping what appeared to be a dog's mouth, their entire body drenched by the relentless rain. The contrast between the dog's pristine white fur and their owner's jet-black hair created a striking image against the grey backdrop of the storm.
Curiosity and concern propelled him forward until he found himself standing just behind them. From this vantage point, he could see that the person was actually reaching into the dog's mouth, clearly trying to retrieve something stuck inside. Their clothes – a light shirt and shorts entirely inappropriate for the weather – clung to their frame, completely saturated by the rain.
"YES!" The person suddenly exclaimed, springing upward with such unexpected force that they crashed directly into Yuji. The impact sent water flying everywhere, but Yuji managed to maintain his grip on the umbrella, quickly adjusting it to cover them both.
Steadying himself, he couldn't help but smile at the triumphant expression on their face. "I'm guessing it ate something it shouldn't have?" he asked, carefully manipulating the umbrella to provide better coverage from the increasingly heavy rainfall.
When they looked up, Yuji felt his breath catch in his throat. Striking green eyes met his, and something in his stomach did a peculiar flip. She was breathtakingly beautiful – her features delicate yet strong, framed by short dark hair that the rain had plastered artfully to her face. As she pushed a wet strand behind her ear, she maintained unwavering eye contact that made Yuji's heart rate pick up slightly.
"Yeah," she answered with a laugh that somehow seemed to brighten the dreary evening. "Dog started eating my AirPods," she explained, holding up the slightly mangled evidence of her victory. The white dog in question had positioned itself behind them, taking full advantage of the umbrella's protection while maintaining an expression of absolute innocence.
"Aww, your dog's so cute," Yuji couldn't help but comment, reaching down to scratch behind the dog's ears. The fur was surprisingly soft despite being wet, and the dog leaned into his touch appreciatively.
The woman offered a smile that transformed her entire face, but Yuji couldn't help but notice how she wrapped her arms around herself, clearly trying to generate warmth. Her short-sleeved shirt offered no protection against the rain and the cool breeze that had picked up.
"Bad time to be caught in the rain?" he observed, glancing up at the dark clouds that showed no signs of letting up. The raindrops were now falling with such force that they created a constant drumming sound against his umbrella.
"Yes," she managed through chattering teeth, "had no idea it would rain." A visible shiver ran through her body as she spoke.
Without hesitation, Yuji made a decision. "Here, hold this," he said, carefully transferring his umbrella and shopping bags to her hands. "You can borrow my sweatshirt."
"It's okay, really! I'll be fine," she protested, though her trembling body betrayed her words.
Yuji shook his head firmly, already pulling his sweatshirt over his head. "I'll be fine as well," he insisted, "wouldn't want a lady like you to get sick!"
She tilted her head slightly at his words, an expression of confusion crossing her features that Yuji found inexplicably endearing.
Taking his belongings back, he held out the sweatshirt to her. "It's fine, really," he assured her with a warm smile. "I have like a million of them." The garment was still warm from his body heat, and though it was slightly damp from the rain, it would certainly provide more protection than her current outfit.
He watched as she fidgeted with the sweatshirt, clearly torn between accepting his kindness and maintaining her independence. Her hesitation was written clearly across her face, prompting him to add softly, "Please, I wouldn't want you to get sick."
Finally, she nodded, pulling the sweatshirt over her head. It was slightly too large for her frame, the sleeves falling past her fingertips, but somehow that made the gesture even more intimate. "Thank you, I really appreciate it," she said, her voice sincere.
"It's no problem," he replied, trying to ignore how his heart jumped
A smile bloomed across her face, transforming her features once again. "I'll try to give it back to you someday," she offered.
"Honestly, keep it," he said, rubbing the back of his head in a nervous gesture. "I'll be fine without it."
For a moment, they stood there in the rain, her green eyes locked onto his with an intensity that made his breath catch. She was truly beautiful, beautiful in a way that made his chest tight.
"Well, miss, do you mind if I walk you home?" he asked, offering what he hoped was a reassuring smile. The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them, driven by some impulse he couldn't quite name.
Her confused expression made him realize how his offer might have sounded, and panic flared in his chest. The last thing he wanted was to come across as creepy or threatening.
Quickly, he added, "Not to intrude, but I wouldn't want to let a pretty lady like you walk home alone." He'd called countless people pretty before, but this time the word felt different on his tongue – more genuine, more weighted with meaning.
Suddenly, her expression shifted into one of understanding, followed by a melodic laugh that she tried to hide behind her hand. "Well, if you insist, I won't say no," she replied, her eyes twinkling with amusement.
Relief flooded through him, and he smiled broadly. "Well, now if that's settled, which way is to your apartment?"
"Over this way, I'll lead you," she said, already beginning to walk. Her white dog padded along beside her, seemingly unbothered by the whole situation.
As they walked through the rain-washed streets, she broke the comfortable silence that had fallen between them. "So, what should I call you?"
"You can call me just Yuji," he answered, enjoying how his name sounded in her voice.
She quirked an eyebrow, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Wow, first name?"
"Yup, it's fine," he assured her, matching her playful tone.
"Do you not like your last name, or do you let everyone call you it?" she asked, tilting her head towards him in a way that made her wet hair catch the light of the street lamps.
Yuji hummed thoughtfully, a small smile playing at his lips. "Nah, just the pretty ones," he replied, surprising himself with his own boldness.
The blush that spread across her cheeks was visible even in the dim light, and she quickly looked away, apparently trying to compose herself.
"Well, in that case, you can call me Megumi," she said when she finally looked back at him, her green eyes somehow even more striking than before.
"Fitting name," he responded without hesitation, "you'd be anyone's blessing." The play on words felt natural, even if it was admittedly cheesy.
Megumi's face flushed an even deeper shade of red, her eyes darting everywhere but his face. "Flirt ass," she mumbled, shoving her hands into the pockets of his sweatshirt.
A laugh escaped him, warm and genuine, “sorry ! To truthful?
She cleared her expression, a small silence happening before she spoke"So," she ventured, adjusting the too-long sleeves of his sweatshirt, "what brings you out in this weather? Besides helping people and their AirPod-eating dogs?" Her tone was teasing, but there was genuine curiosity beneath it.
Yuji found himself gesturing to his shopping bags. "Shopping for an important event," he explained, then hesitated. Should he mention the party? His status as an actor?
"Must be quite the event," Megumi observed, eyeing the designer logos on the bags. Her dog trotted along beside them, occasionally shaking water from its coat.
"Yeah, it's tomorrow actually," Yuji admitted, watching as a car passed by, its headlights creating momentary halos in the rain. "I'm a bit nervous about it, to be honest."
"Oh?" Megumi's green eyes fixed on him with interest. "Why's that?"
The question made him pause. How could he explain the complex web of career implications, personal relationships, and potential futures that tomorrow's party represented? "Let's just say it could change a lot of things," he said finally.
They turned down a quieter street, where traditional houses mixed with modern apartments. The rain had lessened slightly, creating a gentler percussion above them. Steam rose from the warm pavement, giving everything a slightly dreamy quality.
The white dog suddenly perked up, ears forward, and began trotting more purposefully. Megumi laughed. "Looks like someone recognizes we're almost home."
Sure enough, they were approaching a modern apartment complex, its glass and steel facade softened by the rain and evening light. It was the kind of building that spoke of quiet luxury – not flashy, but definitely exclusive.
"Guess this is where we’ll part," Megumi said, stopping at the entrance. She turned to face him, and for a moment, they just stood there, sharing the space under his umbrella. The dog sat patiently at her feet, looking between them with what Yuji swore was amusement.
"I should give you back your sweatshirt," she started to say, her hands moving to the hem.
"Keep it," Yuji said quickly, perhaps too quickly. "Like I said, I have plenty. Besides," he added with a grin, "it looks better on you anyway."
Megumi rolled her eyes, but her smile remained. "You really are a flirt, aren't you?"
"Only when inspired," he replied honestly.
A comfortable silence fell between them, broken only by the sound of rain and distant traffic. Yuji found himself desperately wanting to prolong this moment, to learn more about this mysterious woman who had literally crashed into his life.
"Megumi," he began, gathering his courage. "I know this might seem forward, but"
His words were cut off by a sharp bark from the dog, followed by an familiar voice calling from the building's entrance.
"Megumi! There you are! Where the hell did you go?!!!"
They both turned to see a tall, striking woman hurrying towards them, concern etched on her features. Something about her seemed familiar to Yuji, but he couldn't quite place it.
"Maki?" Megumi said, sounding surprised. "I thought you were working late tonight."
Yuji's heart stopped. Maki? As in, Yuta's Maki? As in, Gojo's assistant Maki?
"I was, but then the rain started, and you weren't answering your phone, and–" Maki stopped short, finally noticing Yuji. Her eyes widened in recognition. "Yuji Itadori?"
Megumi's head whipped around to stare at him. "Itadori? The actor?"
Yuji felt his face heat up. "Uh, yeah. That's me. Hi, Maki-san."
"You two know each other?" Megumi asked, looking between them.
"know through friends" Maki explained, then turned to Megumi with an expression Yuji couldn't quite read. "And you, mister I can take care of myself,” she mocked “is going to catch a cold standing out here in wet clothes."
mister.
The word suddenly clicked Megumi was... a guy. The pretty. mysterious woman. he'd been flirting with for the past twenty minutes. was actually Maki's cousin. He recognized his name now. The realization crashed over him in waves: the confusion at being called a lady, the amusement at his attempts at flirting, god he dumb
"Oh," he said weakly. "Oh."
Megumi was looking at him now with an expression that mixed amusement, apprehension, and something else Yuji couldn't quite identify. "Sorry," he said softly. "I probably should have corrected you earlier, but..." He shrugged, the movement making the borrowed sweatshirt shift on his shoulders.
"No, I'm the one who should apologize," Yuji said quickly, though his mind was still reeling. "I just assumed... and then I kept... oh god." He buried his face in his free hand, feeling his cheeks burn.
To his surprise, Megumi laughed – a real, genuine laugh that made his heart do that same flip it had been doing all evening, gender revelation or not. "Don't apologize," he said. "It was... funny, actually."
Yuji lowered his hand, meeting Megumi's eyes. In the soft light of the building's entrance, with rain still falling around them, "it’s still so embarrassing"he mumbled out, his face slightly red in embarrassment
"Well," she said after a moment, "I should get inside and call Gojo-san about tomorrow's arrangements. Megumi, don't stay out too long. Yuji... I guess I'll see you at the party?"
"The party?" Megumi's eyes widened. "You're going to Gojo-sensei's party tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Yuji admitted, suddenly remembering all his shopping bags. "That's what all this was for, actually."
"Huh," Megumi said, a slow smile spreading across his face. "What a coincidence. I'll be there too."
"talk more there?" Megumi asked,
Yuji felt a grin spread across his face. "Absolutely."
As he walked home through the now-gentle rain, Yuji couldn't stop smiling. His shirt was damp, he was missing a sweatshirt, and he'd just spent twenty minutes accidentally flirting with a guy – Gojo’s adopted son to be exact. What the hell was wrong with him.