grim

It’s recess, Yuji and Nobara are having one of their petty arguments while Megumi and you decide not to get involved. You were resting your chin on your palm, turning your glance between the two of them as they spoke. It was like watching a live reality show. You’d snicker to yourself sometimes when they got too ridiculous. At some point you decided to take a look at Megumi, but he was already looking at you. “Hey.”

He doesn’t break eye contact, dark blue eyes unreadable as always. His expression stays neutral, but there’s a slight softening around the edges—almost imperceptible, like the first crack in ice under warm light.

“…Hey.”  

He glances away first, adjusting the sleeve of his black sweater like it’s suddenly bothering him. A beat passes before he mutters, “They’re exhausting.” But he doesn’t sound annoyed. Not really. More like he’s stating a fact you already know, sharing a quiet joke just between the two of you.

You nod in agreement and shrug, “When are they not?” 

Both of you stayed quiet for a bit longer, just sitting next to each other while your other two friends were rambling on. They'd address each of you sometimes but you’d  just respond with a nod or a hum.

“Wanna listen to music?” you asked abruptly.

He almost looks surprised at the question. But he quickly masks it, returning to his usual calm expression. “Sure.”  

He fishes his phone from his pocket, opens the spotify app, and offers you one earbud. You gave a thankful nod as you placed the earbud in your ear. “Put that one playlist we made together,” you said. Leaning in towards him to see his phone screen, stretching your hand out to scroll through his library, your fingers brushing past his for a moment, “You still have it right?”

He can feel a slight heat rushing to his cheeks as your hand brushes his, the contact seemingly accidental but intimate nonetheless. He hopes you don’t notice the way his heart is suddenly beating just a little faster. “Yeah, I do.”  

He nods, glancing at you as you scroll through his phone. There it is—the playlist you two had made together, a mix of both your music tastes. He watches as you select it, trying to act casual but acutely aware of every little touch between you.

“We should put a new cover on it. Or is this one fine?” you ask casually. It was an unspoken rule to have a picture of you two on it—a subtle but meaningful connection. The one on it right now was from a few months ago, a picture at a photobooth, just both of you with a small pressed lip smile.

He nods in agreement, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips as he looks at the picture. “Yeah, we should take another one.” He glances at you, the soft glow from his phone illuminating your face. He thinks you look prettier than usual but quickly diverts his gaze, not wanting to get caught staring.

“We’ve gotten much closer since then.” You hum in agreement, smiling slightly at the memory from that photobooth. You gestured for permission to grab his phone then went straight to his phone camera, made it face you for a quick selfie. “Make a heart,” you instructed while leaning your head closer to his. He feels a rush of warmth at the closeness, your hair grazing his cheek as you lean close. His heart skips a beat, but he keeps his composure, raising his hand and forming a heart with his fingers as you requested.

The picture captures the two of you close together, the subtle touch of your hair against his cheek, finger hearts, a casual smile on your face while he didn't smile but his eyes were softer than usual—a moment of intimacy in the midst of the noisy school hallway. “I love it,” you commented quietly while examining the picture fondly. He watches as you set the new picture as the playlist cover, his heart doing that strange fluttery thing again. “Make sure to send it to me later, yeah?” you hummed while placing his phone on his lap. He nods. The proximity between you two is comfortable. The closeness is comforting, a subtle connection that feels so natural now.

He glances at your hand, still close to his. The urge to take it in his own is hard to resist, but he bites it back. Instead, he says quietly, “You look pretty in the photo.”

“You look cute too..I guess…” was your mumbled response. Caught off guard completely from his comment, keeping your gaze forward as your cheeks threatened to tinge with pink.

"You guess?" He teases gently, nudging your shoulder lightly with a small smile playing on his lips. ‘You're adorable when you're flustered’, he thinks, but he keeps that to himself.

You scoffed at his teasing, nudging his shoulder back with the same gentleness. “Shut up, Megs.” Flicking his hand playfully, that same smile on your face.

He doesn’t pull away—doesn’t even flinch—when you flick his hand. Instead, he lets his fingers linger near yours, the contact warm and quiet. The way your knee presses against his feels like an anchor.

“...You started it,” he murmurs, voice low and teasing still, but there’s something softer underneath. 

But the music? Still playing.  

The playlist? Still named "ours." 

And you two?

Closer than ever.

Yuji and Nobara have just finished their silly conversation and are finally turning their attention to you. “You guys done now?” you greeted them with a little smile and a polite nod.

Yuji grins widely, running a hand through his messy hair, while Nobara rolls her eyes dramatically.

"Yeah, we've reached the conclusion that my argument was clearly superior. As always." Nobara rolls her eyes. "In your dreams, Itadori. We all know I was right." They both banter back and forth, clearly not taking the argument too seriously. They turn their attention to you and Megumi—noticing the closeness. Yuji's eyes twinkle mischievously. "What are you two whispering about?"

“We were just listening to music,” you reply simply while gesturing to the earbuds in each other's ears.“It was more entertaining to watch your debate than be part of it.” 

Megumi nods in agreement, his expression casual.  "Fair enough. You guys were in your own little world." Yuji chuckles and ruffles his hair, a mischievous grin on his face. Nobara rolls her eyes but grins, nudging you lightly. "You weren't even paying attention to us at all, were you?"

“I think I stopped paying attention 15 minutes ago,” you teased.

“What do you guys wanna do now?”  you asked, glancing in between all three of them, your gaze lingering on Megumi for a moment longer than the other two. 

"Go get food. I'm starving," Yuji says, already standing up and stretching dramatically.

Nobara stands too, brushing off her skirt, "Only if we're not getting burgers again. We had them yesterday." Megumi stays seated, his knee still lightly touching yours. He notices your gaze lingering—just for a second longer than necessary—and looks down at his hands before speaking.

"We could go to that café near the park." He glances at you. "You like their coffee."

There's something thoughtful in his tone, the way he looked at you, how it seemed his request was just for the two of you. “Hmm that sounds good actually, I do love their coffee. Do you guys like that plan?” you ask with a hum to your other two friends.  Yuji grins and claps his hands together, already excited about the plan. "Hell yeah! I was getting tired of our usual hangout spots. This'll be a great change."  

Nobara shrugs, a small smirk on her face. "As long as there are sweets involved. I'm in."

Megumi nods in acknowledgment. He doesn't smile, but there's a slight softening of his usually stoic expression. He's actually looking forward to this—the quiet café with you.

"Then it's decided. Let's go."

The walk to the café was filled with the usual banter between Yuji and Nobara. They were loud by nature, with Yuji often cracking jokes and Nobara matching his energy with her own sharp retorts. Megumi and you, on the other hand, interjected occasionally. You two mostly observed the conversation, adding your thoughts when it felt natural. Megumi's attention, though, was half-focused on the conversation and half-focused on you—the way your hand brushed against his, the way you laughed at a joke, the way your eyes lit up.

After a while, you arrive at the café. It's a quaint, quieter place, exactly what Megumi would choose. The smell of coffee and pastries greets you at the door. The café hums softly with quiet music and the occasional clink of cups. Sunlight filters through the blinds, casting long stripes across the table. You're tucked into the booth beside Megumi—close enough that your shoulder brushes his whenever you shift.

He sips his black coffee, eyes low, but he’s paying more attention to you than the pastry in front of him. When you murmur about how cozy it is, he glances at you from the corner of his eye.

“...Told you,” he says quietly, voice just above a whisper so only you can hear. “Good coffee too.”  

He nudges his cup slightly toward you in silent offering—his way of saying, ‘You know I got your favorite.’

Yuji is mid-sentence about some new horror film he wants to watch. Nobara groans dramatically. But Megumi barely registers them.

His focus?  

You.

And maybe how nice it feels—the warmth between your arms where they touch under the table without either of you moving away.

“Thanks. You're the best.” you whisper back, giving him a little nudge with your elbow under the table as you sip the coffee. He doesn’t react much at first—just a slight dip of his chin, like ‘I know’—but the corner of his mouth twitches. Almost a smile. 

While Yuji explains the plot of the movie, which you were actually interested in watching, you break a piece of your pastry and place it on Megumi's plate and then eat your piece. He finally looks at you fully. Dark blue eyes soft, guarded but warm, like he’s trying not to show how much little things from you mean. “You don’t have to feed me,” he murmurs under the chatter, voice low and dry. “I can afford my own food.” But he eats it anyway. Slowly. Deliberately. And when your arm brushes his again?

He leaves it there. Letting the warmth stay. Letting you stay close. Like this is where you belong.

When you feel the warmth of his arm on your stay, you quickly try to get a hold of yourself, to not let a stupid smile spread. So after clearing your throat you spoke, “When do you guys wanna watch the movie?” then taking a bite of the pastry, acting like holding Megumi’s hand wasn’t all you could think of. 

"How about Saturday?" Yuji suggests, already excited."It releases Friday night, so we can go the next day!" Nobara nods. "Yeah. We should make it a full day thing. Arcade after, right?"

The conversation buzzes on, but Megumi stays quiet—watching you from the corner of his eye. He sees the way your fingers fidget with your fork, how you won’t look directly at him for too long now. And he knows. You're flustered. Good. He shifts slightly under the table—his hand brushing yours as he reaches for his coffee cup. Not an accident. Intentional.Soft. Brief contact that lingers in your nerves longer than it should.  "...Saturday works," he says calmly, as if that small touch didn’t just send a spark through both of you.

It’s now Saturday and you’re all meeting up at the mall for the movie and arcade. You were already waiting by the snack stand with Nobara since you got there earlier to do some shopping. Megumi and Yuji arrive 20 minutes later, both with their hands in their pockets. Megumi's expression is indifferent as usual, but he can't ignore the way his heartbeat picked up the instant he saw you. Yuji grins and throws a casual greeting."Hey. How's the shopping spree?"

“Went well. I got a new necklace.” you shrugged casually, gesturing to the necklace which managed to match with your outfit perfectly. “We should get snacks already. The movie will start soon.” you added after everyone conversated for a minute.

The necklace catches the light as you move—simple, silver, elegant. Megumi’s eyes flicker to it for a heartbeat too long before he looks away, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets like they’re suddenly bothering him. “Yeah,” he agrees quietly,  “Movie starts soon.” He falls into step beside you as the group moves toward the snack bar, close enough that his sleeve brushes your arm. When you order a medium popcorn and a soda, he silently adds a gummy pack to the tab. Just in case you want some later.

Yuji grabs an absurd amount of candy. Nobara rolls her eyes but tosses a gummy pack into her basket anyway. And Megumi? He watches you. Watches how your fingers tap lightly against your thigh, the same nervous habit he’s noticed before. And without looking at you, he says, “I like your necklace.”  

Said low. Said quick. Like if he doesn’t rush it out now, he never will. 

“Thanks. I really like it too,” you hum out a response. You all walk into the theater and take your seats, coincidentally Megumi and you sit together again. 

The movie begins—an interesting horror flick with enough suspense to keep everyone’s attention. 

The plot thickens. A jump scare. A scream and a flinch from Nobara. Some giggles from Yuji. Megumi stays stoic, expression calm, but his knee knocks against yours slightly as he shifts. Trying to get an optimal view between you and the screen. You’re not the type to be scared from movies but these jumpscares were definitely intense. You grimaced at the screen from an especially gory scene, then take a glance at Megumi, he's as stoic as ever, so you tugged on his hoodie sleeve slightly. “How does nothing faze you?” you whispered with a quiet chuckle. He glances down at where your fingers tug his sleeve, just a fraction of a second too long, before turning to you. The dim light from the screen casts shadows across his sharp features, but his eyes are soft. “...It’s just fake blood,” he murmurs, voice low and steady.“I’ve seen worse.” Another jump in the film—a loud crash—and Nobara actually yelps. Yuji cackles. Megumi doesn’t even flinch. But he does something small. Subtle. He shifts slightly closer to you on the seat, shoulder pressing into yours like an anchor. And when he speaks again, it’s quieter, just for you. “I’ll warn you before the next one.” Like it’s nothing. Like protecting you isn’t something that matters. But it does.

Your forearms are now sharing the arm rest of the theater seat. You were slowly reaching out for the soda cup that was in the cup holder in the front of the arm rest when suddenly another jumpscare hit, it genuinely made you flinch the hardest from the others. You clenched whatever was in your hand. Then you quickly realize that what was in your hand, was Megumi. Megumi's hand. You accidentally grabbed his hand.  “Oh…i-im sorry i didnt—“ your usually calm and stoic expression was nowhere to be seen, panic and embarrassment filled it, your hand started letting go of his as you spoke.

When the jumpscare flashes across the screen, Megumi doesn’t even blink. His attention is on you.

On your hand—small, trembling, already pulling away like you’ve done something wrong.

Before your fingers can fully slip from his grasp, he shifts. Just slightly. And then his hand turns, catching yours before it leaves. Not tight. Not dramatic. A quiet hold in the dark theater light. “It’s fine,” he says  lowly, voice calm like still water. “I don’t mind.” He doesn’t look at you, just keeps his eyes on the screen, but there’s a faint warmth creeping up his neck. His hand is just…there. Not gripping. Not forcing. Just offering.  Like he’s saying, ‘I’ve got you,’ without saying it at all.

You nod slightly as if in a trance from his gentleness, your eyes look down to his hand, waiting for yours to stop hovering. So it does. Your hand intertwined with his, carefully, like this was a sacred act. Keeping your eyes forward on the screen when you did it, nibbling your lip, cheeks burning, heart pounding.

He doesn't react to the new contact. Doesn't tighten his fingers or shift his grip, but his shoulders relax ever so slightly. The warmth from his hand—warm and calloused and big—sinks into yours, sending a shiver through your nerves. He glances at your intertwined fingers, then away again like he's trying to look unfazed. But that faint flush creeping on his cheekbones? Gives him away. And he can't ignore the rapid beating of his own heart. Or the urge to smile. Just a little.

The movie starts reaching its peak, the adrenaline is high, focus has shifted towards it again. Whenever something caught you off guard your hand instinctively clenched around his slightly and he would rub his thumb over the back of your palm so tenderly, which is when you would become self aware again. It became so hard to hide a smile and how flushed your face became that you resorted to covering the bottom half of it with the jacket you were using as a blanket.

He notices every little thing. The way your grip tightens on his hand during the tense moments. The quiet hitch in your breath before a jumpscare. How, each time, you seem to forget—just for a second—that you’re holding his hand at all. And each time you squeeze? His thumb moves. Soft. Calm. Reassuring.

Like he’s saying, ‘I’m here,’ without breaking focus from the screen. Without giving anything away to Yuji or Nobara beside him who are too wrapped up in the chaos of the film anyway. But when he feels your fingers curl tighter, your palm warm and slightly damp from nerves, he doesn’t just comfort you once... He does it again. And again. Each pass of his thumb is slower than the last. Gentle. Steady rhythm under dim light and flickering images across your faces—underneath that half-covered smile hidden by fabric and false modesty. He stays still outwardly, but inside…it’s all falling apart in silence.

Because this?  

You leaning into him like this?  

Trusting him enough to hide behind your jacket but not let go of his hand?

Means more than anything else ever could.

The credits on the screen begin to roll. Yuji and Nobara stretch and chatter, discussing theories and critiques like they do after every film. But Megumi doesn't move. He watches you from his peripheral vision. The way your focus shifts to his hand, how you look conflicted between letting go and staying. The subtle way your fingers clench, gripping him a little tighter like you want that reassurance again. He stays still. Doesn't speak. Lets you make the first move.

It was fine to do this in the dark, but the second the lights in the theater turned on, panic settled in you and quickly let go of his hand. “So did you guys like the movie?” you cleared your throat while fidgeting with your hand. It was tingling, burning. his warmth lingering in your palm. Yuji launches into a loud review. Nobara argues over his interpretation. Megumi stands slowly, hands in his pockets again. His fingers curl slightly, as if remembering yours. "I liked it," he says quietly, eyes flickering to you for just a second. "Especially the ending." He doesn't mention the warmth. The way your hand fit in his. How he didn’t want that moment to end. But when you glance at him, nervous and flustered, he gives the smallest nod.

Not smiling, but calm, like everything’s fine, like ‘you’re safe.’

And that single look says what he never will:

‘I liked holding your hand.’

‘I still do.’

That look was all you needed for the anxiety and panic building up inside you to dissipate, crumbling in almost an instant. Understanding everything through his eyes, like you always did, silent communication only you two understood. Returning the same nod, “I liked it too. Crazy twist.” 

The four of you began to walk towards the arcade now. Yuji and Nobara were a few steps ahead because of excitement and the fact they're still geeking about the movie. While walking with Megumi you let the back of your hand press against his. He glances at your hand, his own hand flexing subtly at the contact.

But his expression remains unchanged, eyes low, mouth slightly downturned like he's deep in thought. He's careful to keep up his facade in front of his friends.

Yuji's in a frenzy on the next video game while Nobara watches with a teasing grin when he fails a difficult level. "Dammit!" Yuji yells. "Why is this part so hard?!" Nobara cracks up, shaking her head.

"Dude, you just suck."

You snicker as you  watch Yuji and Nobara play video games. “Yuji try again. Just aim higher,” you encouraged. Yuji grunts, grumbling about being given orders, but he follows your advice anyway.

He hits the target, getting past the level, and cheers loudly. Nobara cackles with laughter when he turns to face her with a huge grin. Seeing them have fun is fun in itself, amusing to say the least.  While they're not paying attention your pinky finger reaches out for Megumi’s, curling around his so carefully. You take a sneaky glance towards him for a moment, there's no smile on your lips but in your eyes.“After they play this one, I wanna play the racing game over there.” You speak casually, acting like nothing is happening, nodding in the direction of the game.

Your pinkie gently curled around his has his whole attention. He can't help glancing at you, can't help the way his pulse jumps. But he plays it cool. "Hm?" he hums softly in response, pretending his heart isn't racing. "You like racing games?"

You nod your head with a pressed smile. “Mhm. One of my favorite arcade games. Besides shooting ones.”  Once those two were done with their game you gave Megumi’s pinky a little tug to make him follow.  “Play with me.” you say while gesturing to the seat next to yours.  He follows without a word.

Slides into the seat beside you like it’s nothing, like his hand isn’t still tingling from where your pinky touched his, like he doesn’t feel every breath you take near him.

“Fine,” he says, voice dry,  “but don’t blame me when I win.”

His fingers hover over the controls, posture straight, eyes locked on the screen—but when you look over at him for a second too long before the race starts. He side-eyes you, just once.A quiet challenge in that glance. And then—

GO!

The race begins. Tires screech. Megumi reacts fast, calm under pressure, but then…

You surprise him. Tight turns, perfect timing. Yuji and Nobara watch with growing interest behind both of you. "Whoa—she's actually beating Megumi!" Yuji blurts out loud. Nobara raises an eyebrow and smirks. "Huh... looks like someone finally met their match."  On screen, you cross the finish line first by half a second. Megumi leans back slowly as defeat flashes onscreen beside his car name: 

Player 2 — LOST

He’s not annoyed, not even close to it. He exhales something quiet, almost a sigh… or suppressed amusement? Without looking at you directly,“…Lucky break.” But there’s no heat behind it, only warmth.

“Sore loser.” you replied, an underlying giggle in your tone. There was such a proud glint in your eyes, how excited you were from not just playing but actually beating him at the game. Nobara and Yuji hype you up, nudging your shoulders and making pulling jokes. Your usual little smile was big now, all toothy. 

"Sore loser?" Megumi scoffed, finally turning to face you, just slightly. His eyes catch yours.

And for a split second, so fast you might miss it, there’s something soft in them. Almost like he’s smiling on the inside. "...I let you win." He says it flat. Deadpan. Like he really expects you to believe that.

Yuji snorts. "Yeah right! You were dead serious the whole time!" Nobara leans in while snickering "Pride’s taking a hit today, isn’t it, Fushiguro?"

You’re glowing. Laughing. All teeth and light and warmth—and Megumi can’t look away. So instead of arguing?

“Play again.” He crosses his arms and looks back at the screen. He really wants to see that smile again…

You take him up on his challenge. Playing about two more rounds but only the same outcome. You beat him, he did try his best at the game but it was inevitable. “That was fun.” You smiled, the toothy, proud, bright smile.  

Then Nobara sees the claw machine and makes you all chase after her. "I saw a plush of that cursed spirit from the last mission in there!" Nobara announces dramatically, already fishing out coins. "It’s coming home with me." Yuji groans. "You’re gonna waste all your cash again—" "I do not lose at claw machines," she snaps. Megumi watches from a distance, arms still crossed, though his fingers flex subtly against his sleeve where your hand had held his earlier. You step closer to the machine, peering inside at the prizes. And then you see it. A small black cat plush, simple, soft-looking, sat quietly among the chaos of gaudy toys… like it didn’t care if anyone noticed it. Just like someone else here.

"Huh..." You glance sideways at Megumi without turning your head. "That one’s cute." He stiffens slightly, as if caught off guard by being indirectly called “cute” and looks away fast. But when you aren't looking, he studies the black cat plush with new interest. "...It's just a toy," he mutters, voice flat.

You all watch Nobara try to get her plush for a while but to no luck. She failed so many times she had to go get more coins with Yuji so you and Megumi stayed behind to claim the machine. You noticed him looking at the black cat plush again. “Do you want it? We could try to get it.”

He doesn’t answer right away. Just stares at the plush, round eyes, unimpressed expression like it’s judging everyone in the arcade. "...No," he says flatly. "It's stupid." But he doesn’t look at you when he says it. And his hand flexes again, like he’s imagining reaching for it.  You tilt your head more, not buying it for a second. So quietly, you step closer. Close enough that your shoulder brushes his arm. "Then why keep looking at it?" you whisper, voice low. "I’ll get it for you if you want." His breath hitches, just slightly, but he schools his face fast.  "...I don't want some dumb plush." Liar.

Before he can protest further, you slide coins into the machine and take hold of the joystick.

Megumi watches, not the plush, but you through the reflection of the window. The way your fingers move with focus, how your tongue peeks out slightly between your lips when concentrating. The claw drops—MISSES. A beat of silence. You huff, a small laugh escaping. “Oh..woops..” He finally looks down at you. "Let me try." Not because he wants to win. But because he wants to see what happens if he gets it, for you instead. Or maybe something small that can belong to both of you.

He drops a few coins into the machine and takes the control. You stand next to him and watch closely. It seems Megumi knows how these things work, maybe he’s seen Yuji play enough to learn the trick. He aimed for the back of the plush, not the front. The claws open and close, adjust…and then they grip. The plush lifts. It hangs. Holds steady. Slowly rises out of the machine like a bird taking flight. And the claws open again, dropping the plush straight into the prize slot. “You did it!” you let out a surprised gasp and tap his shoulder repeatedly in excitement. You bend down to get the kitty out of the shoot and hold it out for him. “That was so cool.”

He doesn’t move at first, just stares at the prize slot like he can’t believe it actually worked. Inside, quiet and deep, something warm spreads through his chest. Unfamiliar. Too big to name.

"...I guess," he mutters, voice low, trying to sound smug—but it cracks slightly under your gaze.

He glances down at the plush but only to come back and hold your gaze for a moment. Then slowly shake his head. "Keep it." Just like that. No explanation. No argument. "Just... don't lose it." 

Your brows lift at his words. Could he tell you wanted it too? Why is he just letting you keep it? When you open your mouth to urge him to take it back, Yuji and Nobara come back. So you admit defeat in trying to give it back. Instead you treasure it, a gift from him. Cradling it in your arms like nothing else matters. 

Every time you four come to the arcade you  take a picture at the photobooth so here you are, squished together into the booth. Nobara and you sat next to each other and Yuji sat next to Megumi.

The photobooth flashes three times—bright bursts in the dim arcade light.

First flash:  

Nobara grinning with a peace sign, Yuji mid-laugh, you holding the black cat plush against your chest like it’s something precious with a small smile. Megumi sits stiffly in his corner, arms crossed, expression blank.

Second flash:  

Yuji puts his arm over Megumi, while Nobara puts her arm over you, pulling everyone closer for a silly picture. You stick out the tip of your tongue while Nobara and Yuji go wild, and Megumi’s face is just of judgement.

Third Flash:

After a lot of convincing your friends finally got Megumi to smile for a picture with the rest of you. All four best friends with toothy smiles.

The booth printed out four strips for each. Your eyes light up seeing the picture, “It's adorable.” Yuji and Nobara took all your tickets to redeem some prizes so it was just you and Megumi again. Just there. “Wanna get a picture together?” you ask quietly. Just to have something to do while you wait. It's not like you haven't taken photos by yourselves before. He nods in agreement and we both sit inside the booth again.

For the first picture you both just lean into each other and you do a peace sign with a simple smile, he copied your mannerism. There was a 10 second interval, you posed next to him holding up the plushie he got and he had a blank look on his face. At the last second, you impulsively turned your head and gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Thanks..” you mumbled quietly, a shy look on your face, surprised about the fact you actually did that. That was the second picture, you kissing his cheek.

Megumi looks so caught off guard it’s almost comical. One hand half up like he just started reaching for you, one hand stiff in his pocket, head slightly turned. Not the cool, calm guy he usually is. Before you can apologize or explain or act like it didn't even happen, you feel a hand on the back of your neck. Cool fingers, pulling you closer, tilting your head back slightly. And without warning, his lips hit your cheek. Soft, warm, so gentle. Like you're something precious, too. And flash— that was the third picture. 

Once the photoshoot is over and the pictures print you take one for each silently, still processing what just happened. When you see the photos your heart melts but the vibe in the booth still hasn't been addressed. You look up at Megumi, not really knowing what to say. “Um..” clearing your throat nervously, trying to gauge his reaction from the impulsive behavior. “That was..stupid.” you mumbled and rubbed the back of your neck as you tried to find the words.

"Stupid?" He repeats, voice low—almost a scoff—but there's no edge to it. He doesn’t look at you. Instead, he studies the strip of photos in his hands like they hold the secrets of the universe.

"...Yeah," he says finally, voice quieter now. "Totally stupid." Then he tucks the picture into his hoodie pocket, carefully, deliberately, and turns to face you.

"Just like how it was stupid for us to hold hands..."

A beat.

"...Stupid to look at you the way I do..."

Another pause. His fingers brush against the pocket where the photo now rests.

Then, so quietly only you can hear—

"...And stupid that I didn't do this sooner."

And before your brain catches up, He reaches out. Not for your hand this time. But to cup your jaw—gentle but sure—and leans in slowly, giving you every chance to pull away…until his lips meet yours in a soft, fleeting kiss under dim arcade lights. A little hum escaped you as you deepened the kiss a bit, saying ‘I wanted this too,’ as if confessing everything to each other just like this. After a minute or two you separated, your bodies still close to each other, just examining one another’s eyes. A moment later you start chuckling softly to yourself, “I'm happy.” you say quietly while reaching out for his hand.

"...Yeah," he whispers, "Me too." A smile plays at your lips when he confesses he feels the same way. 

His eyes linger on you, on your lips, his thumb swipes gently over the back of your palm, like he needs to reassure himself that he just actually did that. Then—as if the world around them finally catches up—his eyes glance away for a moment. And his cheeks are pink. "...Should we go find Yuji and Nobara?"

You wouldn't be able to be this confident later but because of the emotional high you lean in and give him a quick kiss on the cheek again. “Yeah lets go,” you hum with a nod. With fingers intertwined, you lead him out of the photobooth to go find your friends. He lets you pull him along, fingers laced, palm warm in yours. Spotting them near the snack bar and you wave with your free hand. “There you guys are.”

At the snack bar, Yuji’s juggling three sodas like a clown. Nobara yells at him to stop before he drops them all. When they spot you two walking hand-in-hand? Nobara freezes mid-sip. Yuji nearly chokes on his drink. "Wait—WHAT?!" She narrows her eyes, scanning your faces. The blush on your cheeks, the way Megumi isn’t letting go even though he definitely should be if he wanted to hide it. "...Oh my god," she says slowly.  “What's up?” you ask simply, acting like nothing is out of place, just super casually and nonchalantly like usual. But seeing them speechless was definitely the most amusing part of the day.

Yuji is the first to react, pointing at you both with one hand while his other hand struggles to keep his soda balanced. "Are you guys--?!" he blurts out, wide eyes going from your faces to your intertwined fingers like he can’t believe it. Nobara is the opposite; slow to react, but fast to understand. She stares at you for a whole minute before pointing an accusing finger in your direction. "...No freaking way, girl. Don't tell me you—you and Megumi?!"

Their reactions are so ridiculous it cracks your facade. You hum like you're thinking of an answer and then shrug. “Maybe.” you say in a teasing tone while Megumi squeezes your hand and looks at them with an unamused expression, our plushie in his other arm. Like if he was carrying our child.

They both explode.

Yuji chokes on his drink again. Nobara claps her hands over her mouth like she just saw a ghost. Both their eyes jump from your faces to your intertwined fingers and back. Yuji finally recovers, wiping soda off his chin. "For real?!" Nobara, still speechless, slowly drops her hand away. "When... when the hell did this—?" Megumi looks bored. "Just now." They go silent again.

Then, at the exact same time:

"NO WAY!"

"WHAT?!"

"YOU??"

"OH MY GOD!"

They look at each other. Then right back at you.  In complete, utter shock. "Wait, seriously?! You have to tell us everything. How this happened—when—seriously. Now. Go."

“It just kinda happened.” you said simply. “Nothing too crazy.” you added while glancing up at Megumi. His eye twitches. "...That's it?" Nobara says, squinting at you like she doesn’t believe a word. "How did two of the most hardheaded people on the planet just…accidentally wind up dating?!"  Yuji leans in, fascinated. "Dude… did you fight for her honor or something cool like that?!" Megumi pinches the bridge of his nose.  "We held hands first." Silence. Then—

"YOU WHAT?!" —both scream simultaneously, loud enough to startle the snack bar cashier.

Megumi looks so done right now. Like he wants to disappear into his own shadow and stay there forever.

You gave the snack bar cashier an apologetic nod before shaking your head and taking a deep sigh before continuing. “During the movie. That's when that happened.” you explained in a quieter tone.

"...You're not helping," he mutters under his breath at you, voice low and strained.

Yuji clutches his chest dramatically. "No way… Megumi Fushiguro? Holding hands in the dark? Like some kind of romantic drama lead?" Nobara narrows her eyes—then slowly grins. "Wait... I saw something." Both of you and Yuji turn to stare as she pulls out her phone with a smug smirk.

"...I took pictures during the movie."

"What?!" —Megumi immediately tries to lunge for it—but she holds it up high above her head.  

The screen lights up. It was a selfie of the four of you watching the movie, Nobara smiling with a peace sign, Yuji making a silly face, but the two of you were too focused watching the movie.“ I didn't notice before but now that you guys mention it…” Nobara zooms into it: The arm rest which you and Megumi were sharing, your hands intertwined. Crystal clear view. "...This," she says dramatically, voice rising an octave,"is evidence." Yuji grabs her phone and zooms in on Megumi's face with a gasp. "Dude! You were being all... soft! Like actual mush!" Megumi looks about ready to summon Mahoraga right here in this arcade just so he can delete reality itself.

Your eyes widen when you examine the picture, if you weren't looking at it closely you definitely wouldn't notice those hands together. You sigh deeply and rubbing the side of your temple. “Well yeah there you go…caught us.” you mumble and roll my eyes. (you’re definitely asking Nobara to send you that picture later.) “..and then we took pictures at the photobooth together like i said before and thats it.” you said simply after clearing your throat, hoping they will be  satisfied with just that.

Both of theirs' eyes go wide. Like they can't actually believe it. “And that's it?!" Nobara groans, dropping the phone into her bag."That's your whole story?! The big romantic revelation?! Come oooonnnn!"

"Right? What the—" Yuji sputters. "What about... like, fireworks?! Or roses?!"

While you watch them whine you almost feel bad for them, they ARE your best friends, of course they're curious. You glance at Megumi, as if gauging his opinion on indulging them just this once. “Megs?..” you asked quietly while giving his hand a gentle squeeze. Megumi glances at you and instantly his expression softens. His shoulders relax slightly, which was all the answer you needed. "...Fine." Their reaction is instant. Nobara and Yuji's grins go from zero to a thousand in 0.7 seconds. "REALLY?! FINALLY!"

 “Alright. Pay attention. I'll only explain once.” you clear your throat while signaling them to sit down and quiet down. “So he won me the cat plushie.”you begin, pointing towards the plushie he’s still holding. “Then while you guys were gone we went to the photobooth.” you show them your photo. “then we actually had a real kiss.” you summarized everything quickly and efficiently. Then braced impact.

Both of their jaws drop. "...No way," Yuji mumbles, voice barely audible. "Holy..." Nobara whispers, eyes locked onto the photos.  A moment of shocked silence. "NO. FAIR!!” both scream simultaneously, loud enough to bring the attention of all the other arcade-goers. "You two are already all sweet with each other?!" Yuji wails. "And we didn't even get to see any of it!"

You roll your eyes and give them an unamused look. “Thats what the picture is for. Look at it now. You won't see it again.” you huffed in almost a strict tone. Giving them a few more moments to get a good look at it then put it away in your bag. “Take it easy. We're dating now so you’ll probably catch a cute moment or two with your own eyes.”

"Probably?" Nobara snaps, putting a hand on her hip and raising an eyebrow. "Now that we know, we're going to be watching like hawks." Yuji nods enthusiastically. "Totally. We gotta witness every adorable moment now!" Megumi sighs under his breath; he can already tell these two are going to be a pain.

As they start devising all their plans to catch you being lovey dovey, you glance at Megumi slowly and lean into his ear. “I think this is our chance to escape…but real slow so they don't notice…” you whisper to him while nodding towards the exit of the arcade. Megumi doesn’t even look at you. He just nods. Once, sharp and quiet, then slowly turns his body toward the exit like a shadow slipping through cracks.  

His grip on your hand tightens slightly. Not in fear. In plan mode. "...On three," he murmurs under his breath, eyes still forward."One... two..." And then he yanks you gently but fast behind him as he starts moving, not running, not rushing, but stepping smoothly into the flow of people heading out, blending in with the crowd leaving after dark.

Nobara’s head whips around first. "Wait—where are they going?!"

Yuji blinks once… then shouts, "HEY! NO ESCAPING THE LOVEY-DOVEY REPORTING TEAM!!"

But it's too late. You're already near the door, the night air cool against your skin, and Megumi pulls you just outside into a quiet alley beside arcade lights flickering above…

Safe.

He turns to you the second you’re out of sight, chest rising and falling just slightly faster than normal—not from running, but you.Your laugh. Your eyes. The way your fingers are still tangled with his.

"...They're going to be insufferable," he mutters, voice low and dry—but there's no real annoyance in it.

Just quiet awe.

“Not just them. Gojo-sensei too, when he finds out.” you giggle quietly, wiping a tear from your eyes from how amusing this whole situation was. Then he leans back against the alley wall, tugging you gently closer by the hand until your shoulder brushes his chest.  "...We could stay here a little longer."  

“Yeah…or head back to the dorms.” you nod in agreement towards his suggestion.

The silence finally sets in, your safe haven, the distant hum of arcade music fades behind them as city lights flicker above, warm yellows cutting through night sky haze. The warmth from his hand and the softness in his face making that toothy smile of yours come back. Megumi looks down at where your hands are connected…then up at your face…

"…You're smiling again."

“I find myself wanting to do that a lot when I'm with you…” 

He watches you quietly; watches the smile pull at your lips. The way you look up at him—how that simple upturn of your mouth and your warm, bright eyes makes him think...

This is peace.

His fingers tighten around yours—not enough to hurt, just anchoring. Like you might vanish if he lets go.

"...Idiot," he mutters, voice rougher than before. But his eyes? They're warm. Searching your face like it holds the answer to every question he's never asked out loud.

Then—softly—he lifts your joined hands to hold against his chest and presses a kiss on your lips; slow, deliberate…  

A confession without words: 

‘I do too.’