Chapter Text
Suguru read the first line of the letter aloud, his voice steady but tinged with curiosity:
“To my dearest and only friend, Lucy.”
He paused, glancing at Satoru to gauge his reaction. Satoru's brows knitted together, his usually carefree demeanor replaced with a rare seriousness.
“Do you think this ‘Lucy’ is…” Satoru began, letting Suguru finish the thought.
“Lucia Okkotsu?” Suguru said, the name heavy on his tongue.
Satoru nodded, his eyes narrowing as if piecing together a puzzle. “Seems likely. Keep reading.”
Suguru turned back to the letter, continuing aloud:
“I know you told me you didn’t want me to contact you anymore. But since this concerns the most important people in our lives, I hope you’ll overlook it this time.
Lucia, the Zenin clan has been disturbing my family a lot lately. I fear this is because of my son. My son, Megumi, has inherited the Ten Shadows Technique from the Zenin Clan, and someone within the Zenin clan has learned of it. Since then, they’ve been pressuring me and my husband to return to the clan or return their so-called ‘heir.’
And I know you’re going through the same thing. I’ve heard whispers. They want your Haylee too.
The difference between us, Lucy, is that you still have the chance to stop them. I don’t.
Please, my dear Lucy, do whatever it takes to stop the Zenin’s plans. Both of our children are still so young. And we both know what awaits those claimed by the Zenin.
For the last time, Lucy, I beg you - do this for the sake of our friendship.
Also, Naoki is back. He said that he would step in if you didn’t.
With all my love,
Tsukuyo F.”
Suguru let the letter fall to his lap, his expression unreadable as his mind worked through what he’d just read. Satoru leaned closer, his eyes flashing with sharp intensity.
“Megumi,” Satoru murmured, the name carrying an unspoken weight. “And Haylee.”
Suguru exhaled, leaning back as if the words had struck a nerve. “The Zenin clan… They’ve been trying to claim them both. That explains so much.”
Satoru frowned, his usual lightness nowhere in sight. “But why would Haylee’s parents keep this from her? They’ve known all along.”
Suguru met Satoru’s gaze, his voice low and resolute. “Because they’re trying to protect her. And now, so are we.”
“Who is Naoki, though?” Satoru asked, a deep frown settling on his face.
“I’m not sure,” Suguru admitted, his brows furrowed as he stared at the letter in his hands. “But one thing is clear - this woman and Lucia have known each other for a long time.”
“It sounded like they were more than just acquaintances,” Satoru added, pacing the room as he spoke. “But something happened. Something big enough for Lucia to cut ties and tell her not to reach out anymore.”
Suguru nodded slowly, his mind racing as he tried to piece together the puzzle. “This is a lot to take in, but we have to start somewhere.”
“And where exactly do we start?” Satoru asked, raising an eyebrow in mock impatience.
“By figuring out who Naoki is and why Lucia and Tsukuyo went ‘no contact,’” Suguru replied, his tone calm but decisive.
Satoru stopped pacing and stepped toward Suguru, who was seated on the edge of the bed. Without warning, Satoru snatched the letter from Suguru’s hands and tossed it carelessly onto the desk. “Yeah, yeah, we’ll do that tomorrow,” Satoru said dismissively, leaning closer, his smirk growing more mischievous. “But right now, kiss me, Suguru.”
A small grin tugged at Suguru’s lips. “You’re so fucking needy,” he murmured, but the teasing edge in his tone betrayed his amusement. Without hesitation, he grabbed Satoru by the waist and pulled him onto the bed.
Satoru wasted no time, pressing their lips together in a searing kiss, his tongue grazing Suguru’s lips until a low groan escaped him. Suguru’s fingers tangled in Satoru’s snowy hair, tugging slightly to tilt his head back. With a smirk, Suguru reached up, sliding Satoru’s sunglasses off and tossing them aside.
“Better,” Suguru muttered, his voice low and husky. He pulled Satoru back to him, their mouths meeting in a fervent kiss that deepened with each passing second. Satoru grinned against Suguru’s lips, his hands slipping under the hem of Suguru’s shirt as they both gave in to the heat between them.
For now, the letter - and its mysteries - could wait.
***
The next morning, Haylee rose early and prepared for the day. She wore her workout clothes and headed to the gym, working up a sweat with her usual routine of strength training and sparring practice. Feeling accomplished, she returned to the dormitory to wash up and change into something comfortable.
Afterward, she made herself a simple breakfast, savoring the quiet of the morning. Just as she was finishing her breakfast, Haibara and Nanami walked into the common area, Haibara looking unusually enthusiastic.
“Hey, senpai,” Haibara greeted, his grin as cheerful as always. “Are you free today?”
Haylee tilted her head, curious. “Yeah, I don’t have anything planned. Why?”
Nanami adjusted his hair so it wouldn’tt get in his eyes. “We were wondering if you’d like to come shopping with us.”
“Shopping?” she repeated, intrigued. “What for?”
“Well,” Haibara began, “since Ren’s injured, we thought it’d be a nice idea to get him a present. You know, to cheer him up.”
Haylee’s eyes lit up. “That’s such a thoughtful idea! Why didn’t I think of that before? Of course, I’ll come.” She paused, a new thought occurring to her. “Let me ask Shoko if she wants to join us.”
The three made their way to Shoko’s room. Haylee knocked on the door, and Shoko’s muffled voice called out, “Come in!”
Pushing the door open, Haylee found Shoko buried under a pile of books and papers. “Hey, Shoko, we’re going shopping for Ren. Want to tag along?”
Shoko glanced up from her notes, looking regretful. “I wish I could, but I have way too much work to catch up on. You guys go ahead, though.”
“Alright, I’ll bring you back something nice,” Haylee said with a smile, earning a chuckle from Shoko.
With their group set, Haylee, Haibara, and Nanami made their way to Shibuya.
Thirty minutes later, they had stepped into the mall, the bright lights and chatter of shoppers surrounding them as they wandered aimlessly at first, thinking of what to buy for Ren.
“So, you guys don’t have any specific ideas yet?” Haylee asked, glancing between Haibara and Nanami.
“Nope,” Haibara admitted with a sheepish grin. “We just thought, ‘Hey, let’s get him something,’ and left it at that.”
Nanami nodded in agreement. “We didn’t really think this far ahead.”
Haylee rolled her eyes playfully. “‘ Boys.’ Alright, let’s start looking around and figure something out.”
They began by visiting several clothing stores, browsing through rows of shirts, jackets, and accessories. For nearly an hour, they sifted through racks and debated over styles, but nothing seemed quite right.
“This is harder than I thought,” Haibara groaned, holding up a shirt that was too weird to buy. “What if we just gave him socks or something?”
“Please don’t,” Nanami said, deadpan. “He’ll think we hate him.”
“Yeah, I don’t think clothes are the right choice,” Haylee chimed in. “It feels kind of… impersonal, you know?”
Both boys agreed, nodding in unison.
As they left the last clothing store, Haylee spoke up, “Okay, maybe we’re thinking in the wrong direction. Does Ren like video games? Or maybe he’s into collecting stuff? We could find something related to that.”
Haibara scratched his head. “Video games… I think I’ve seen him play sometimes. But collecting? I’m not sure.”
“Let’s focus on the video games idea,” Nanami suggested, his tone pragmatic. “It’s easier to explore.”
Haylee smiled. “Good thinking. Let’s check out a gaming store and see what we can find.”
***
Haylee wandered through the aisles of the gaming store, eyes scanning the shelves for something new. She turned to Nanami, curiosity piqued. "Does Ren have any gaming consoles? Maybe something fun to play?"
Nanami glanced up from the display of game cases and nodded. "He has a Nintendo Wii."
"Really?" Haylee’s eyebrows raised. "Do you know what kinda games he has?"
Nanami paused, thinking for a moment. "Well, there’s Super Mario Galaxy, Smash Bros., Mario Kart, and a few others I don’t remember now." He listed off titles she hadn't heard much about, his voice matter-of-fact. Haylee, intrigued but a little confused, tried to process the names. She wasn't familiar with any of them other than Mario Kart.
"Hi sorry, where can I find the Nintendo Wii games?" she asked, turning toward an employee nearby.
The worker smiled and gestured toward a nearby section. "Right this way."
The trio followed the employee to a row of shelves stocked with a variety of games. Haylee’s eyes darted between the cases, her fingers grazing the spines of titles she had never seen before. Haibara though, was already pulling out a game and holding it up triumphantly.
"Look!" Haibara grinned. " The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess !" He was practically vibrating with excitement.
Haylee blinked, surprised. "Does Ren have it already?"
Nanami, who had been looking over a few other titles, shook his head. "I’m sure he doesn’t. He tends to miss the classics."
Haibara shot him a playful glare, but there was no mistaking the excitement in his eyes. "Alright, let’s get it!" he declared, grabbing the game and holding it out to Haylee.
At the register, Haylee smiled at the cashier. "Could you wrap it in a nice gift wrap? It’s a gift for someone."
The employee nodded, taking the game and expertly wrapping it in colorful paper. Haylee, meanwhile, reached into her bag for her wallet, ready to pay.
But before she could take out any money, Nanami cleared his throat. "Let’s split the cost three ways, shall we? It’s only fair."
Haylee glanced at him, a little surprised, but nodded. "Sure, that works."
She watched the total appear on the register screen - 6,000 yen. As she fished for her wallet, though, a thought struck her. She glanced at Haibara, then back at Nanami. She knew they were students with limited funds, and she knew they weren’t exactly rolling in cash.
"How about this," Haylee said, a small smile on her face. "Let’s each pay 1,000 yen."
Haibara blinked. "1,000 yen each? That won’t cover the whole cost."
Haylee grinned. "I’m counting Satoru, Suguru, and Shoko too. They’d want to gift Ren something too, and I’ll cover their share - for now of course."
Understanding flickered across their faces, and they nodded in agreement. Haibara even chuckled. "You’re always looking out for everyone, senpai."
With a soft laugh, Haylee paid the amount, including the others’ share. As the cashier handed her the wrapped gift, she smiled, feeling a little lighter knowing she was able to help her friends with the gift too.
After buying the gift, the trio decided to grab something to eat. They found themselves in the mall's food court, their McDonald’s orders spread across the table. Haylee absentmindedly dipped a fry into ketchup as they chatted about what to do next.
“Should we head back after this?” Haibara asked, stuffing a nugget into his mouth.
“Maybe,” Haylee replied, glancing around the bustling food court. “Unless there’s something else you guys want to do.”
Nanami shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind leaving. It’s too noisy here.”
Just as they finished their meal, Haylee froze mid-motion. A ripple of cursed energy brushed against her senses. She frowned, scanning the area.
“Something wrong?” Nanami asked, noticing her expression.
“There’s a curse nearby,” she muttered.
The three of them stood and began following the faint trail of cursed energy. After a few minutes, it led them to the women’s restroom. The oppressive aura grew heavier, and Haylee immediately understood the situation.
“It’s inside,” she whispered.
Nanami pushed up his sleeves. “It’s just a semi-grade three. We should exorcise it now before it hurts someone.”
“We can’t,” Haylee said firmly. “Not without informing the Jujutsu Headquarters first. It’s protocol.”
Nanami clicked his tongue but nodded. Haibara looked between them nervously. “What do we do then?”
“Stand guard,” Haylee decided. “No one goes in until we get clearance.”
The trio positioned themselves outside the bathroom door. Haylee pulled out her phone and dialed the Jujutsu Headquarters, stepping a few paces away to explain the situation. After a brief exchange, she received the ‘go-ahead’ to exorcise the curse.
When she returned, she noticed Nanami and Haibara staring into the bathroom, their jaws slack with shock.
“What’s going on?” Haylee asked, rushing over.
She followed their gaze and froze. Inside the restroom, a tall woman with long blonde hair was mercilessly pummeling the curse. Her movements were brutal yet precise, and within seconds, the curse was exorcised.
Haylee blinked, unable to process what she’d just seen. The woman dusted off her hands and stepped out, looking utterly unbothered.
“Don’t worry,” she said with a smirk, her voice smooth and confident. “That thing won’t hurt anyone anymore.”
“Who are you?” Haylee asked, her voice coming out sharper than she intended.
The woman raised an eyebrow, her smirk growing wider. “Oh, you can think of me as a hero of sorts.”
“No,” Haylee pressed, stepping forward. “You’re not a sorcerer as far as I know. So… who are you really?”
The blonde woman’s expression shifted slightly, her curiosity piqued. She studied Haylee for a moment before replying.
“Do you study in Tokyo?” she asked instead, ignoring the question.
Haylee nodded automatically, her thoughts muddled. There was something magnetic about the woman - her presence was overwhelming, almost intoxicating.
“Then we’ll meet soon enough,” the woman said cryptically, brushing past them with a confident stride.
Haibara finally broke the silence. “She was… so cool,” he muttered, still staring after her. Then he turned to Nanami and Haylee. “Cooler than Geto-senpai? No, that’s impossible… but, man, maybe she was.”
Haylee, still staring at the spot where the woman had disappeared, couldn’t shake the strange pull she’d felt. Whoever that woman was, she was no ordinary person.
***
After wrapping up their eventful day, the three returned to Jujutsu High. Ren was in his dorm room, resting with a book in hand when they knocked on his door.
“Come in!” Ren called, his voice slightly hoarse.
The three entered, and Haibara held out the neatly wrapped gift. “For you, Ren! A little something to cheer you up while you’re stuck resting.”
Ren blinked, clearly surprised. “You didn’t have to do that.”
“Of course we did,” Haylee said with a grin. “You’ve been moping around like an old man since you got injured. Think of it as motivation to get better.”
Ren chuckled, his expression softening. He carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing the Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess game. His eyes lit up immediately.
“No way! This is amazing,” he said, grinning ear to ear. “You guys really didn’t have to.”
“We did,” Nanami replied flatly, but there was a faint smile tugging at his lips. “Just don’t waste all your time playing it. Recovery comes first.”
“Yes, sir,” Ren joked, giving a mock salute before turning his attention back to the game.
The group chatted for a few more minutes before leaving Ren to enjoy his new gift. Haylee felt satisfied as they walked back to their rooms. It had been a good day.
***
Later that evening, Haylee curled up in her bed with her laptop, deciding to watch her favorite movie - 10 Things I Hate About You. As soon as Heath Ledger’s Patrick appeared on screen with his mischievous smile and carefree attitude, she sighed dramatically.
By the time the movie was over, she was pacing around her room, talking to herself.
“If my future husband isn’t like Patrick, I don’t want him,” she declared, throwing her hands up for emphasis. “I mean, look at him - he’s charming, confident, and sings for her in front of the whole school! He does such an embarrassing act with such confidence just for her… What more could a girl want?”
She paused, looking at herself in the mirror. “But Cameron is so sweet too! Maybe I need someone who’s a mix of both. Yeah, that’s it. Confident and bold like Patrick, but kind and thoughtful like Cameron.”
Haylee flopped onto her bed dramatically, staring at the ceiling. “Why are fictional men always so perfect? My standards are officially ruined.”
A knock on her door interrupted her dramatic musings. She sat up.
“Who is it?” she called.
“It’s me,” came Satoru’s familiar voice. Before she could respond, the door creaked open, and he stepped in, sunglasses perched on his nose despite it being nighttime.
Haylee immediately sat up straighter, brushing her hair back like she hadn’t just been pacing around and talking to herself moments ago.
“Were you talking to someone just now?” he asked, raising an eyebrow as he leaned casually against the doorframe.
“Oh, uh…” She laughed nervously. “Just myself.”
Satoru smirked. “What, giving yourself a motivational speech?”
“No!” she exclaimed, her face heating up. “I was just… thinking out loud. That’s all.”
He chuckled, walking further into the room and flopping down unceremoniously into her desk chair. “Sure, sure. So, what’s got you all worked up? Spill.”
Haylee brightened at the invitation, immediately launching into a full recap of her day. “Well, first of all, we went shopping for Ren. We didn’t know what to get him at first, but then we thought of video games - oh, did you know he loves The Legend of Zelda ? Anyway, we bought Twilight Princess for him, and he was so happy when we gave it to him. Like, his face totally lit up, and I was like, ‘Why didn’t I think of this sooner?’”
“Then we got McDonald’s because we were starving, and after we finished eating, I sensed some cursed energy - oh, right, there was a curse in the women’s bathroom! Can you believe it? It was just a semi-grade three, but still dangerous for regular people. So, Nanami wanted to exorcise it right away, but I told him we had to inform Jujutsu Headquarters first. You know, protocol and all that.”
She barely paused for breath, waving her hands animatedly as she continued. “While I was on the phone with HQ, this insanely cool and pretty blonde woman came out of nowhere and exorcised the curse before we could! She was tall with longgg blonde hair and she was totally badass. Like, I couldn’t stop staring at her, and Haibara wouldn’t shut up about how cool she was, even saying she might be cooler than Suguru.”
Satoru raised an eyebrow but didn’t interrupt, clearly amused by her enthusiasm.
“And then,” she continued, “I came back here and watched 10 Things I Hate About You . Have you seen it? Patrick is so perfect, Satoru, - if you didn’t watch it let’s watch it together -. He sings for her in front of the whole school! I was just saying earlier - if my future husband isn’t like him, I don’t want him. Oh, and Kat! She’s so pretty and so soooo cool-”
“Wow.” Satoru finally held up a hand, grinning from ear to ear. “I didn’t think it was possible, but you beat me to it.”
Haylee blinked, confused. “Beat you to what?”
“To being the biggest talker in the room,” he teased, leaning back in the chair with his arms crossed. “I didn’t know there was someone other than me who could talk this much.”
Haylee’s mouth fell open, and she frowned in mock offense. “I didn’t talk that much!”
Satoru raised an eyebrow, his smirk widening. “Oh, really? Should we rewind the last five minutes and count how many breaths you took?”
Haylee crossed her arms, pouting. “You’re just jealous because my stories are more interesting than yours.”
“Sure, princess,” he said, standing up and ruffling her hair as he headed toward the door. “Whatever helps you sleep at night.”
“I don’t talk that much...!” she shouted after him, though her cheeks flushed with warmth.
As the door clicked shut, Haylee flopped back onto her bed with a huff, muttering, “Look who’s talking…”
Somewhere down the hall, Satoru’s laugh echoed in response.
***
18 years ago…
The soft hum of chatter and clinking cups filled the quaint cafe in the heart of Tokyo. Sunlight filtered through the windows, casting a golden glow over the polished wooden tables. Lucia sat across from Tsukuyo, her slender fingers wrapped around a steaming cup of tea.
“I’m just saying,” Tsukuyo began, swirling her straw in her iced coffee, “Toji’s been through enough. Every time he talks about his family, it’s like he’s dragging himself through the mud again. I swear, the Zenins... they don’t see their children as anything more than tools. They broke him.”
Lucia nodded, though her expression was tight. “I know what you mean. Naoki... he doesn’t talk about it much, but I can see it in his eyes. The fear. The weight. Like he’s always bracing for something to go wrong.” She exhaled, her frustration evident. “They’re monsters, all of them. Controlling their children, twisting them into... whatever suits their agenda.”
Tsukuyo leaned forward, her voice dropping to a whisper. “That’s why Toji and I are planning to leave.”
Lucia’s hand froze mid-air, her cup hovering just shy of her lips. “Leave?”
“Run away,” Tsukuyo clarified, her dark eyes flickering with a mix of hope and defiance. “We’ve been saving up, working part-time jobs in secret. It’s not much, but it’s a start. We just need enough to get out of Tokyo, maybe even the country if we’re lucky.”
For a moment, Lucia’s expression remained neutral, but her grip on her cup tightened imperceptibly. “That’s... bold,” she said carefully, her voice tinged with an edge she couldn’t entirely hide. “And naive.”
Tsukuyo frowned. “Naive?”
“Yes,” Lucia said, setting her cup down with a soft clink. “Do you really think you can just disappear? From them ? The Zenins don’t just let people go, Tsukuyo. You and Toji... you’ll spend the rest of your lives looking over your shoulders. It’s a dumb idea.”
Tsukuyo’s lips pressed into a thin line, but her resolve didn’t waver. “It’s not dumb to want freedom, Lucy. Toji deserves better than the life they’ve forced on him. We both do.”
Lucia forced a tight smile, but her voice betrayed her inner turmoil. “And how, exactly, do you plan to make that happen? Do you even have enough money to leave Japan?”
“We’re working on it,” Tsukuyo said firmly. “We don’t have enough yet, but we will. We’re not looking for luxury. We just need to get out, start fresh somewhere they can’t reach us.”
Lucia let out a bitter laugh, though she quickly tried to stifle it. “See? Even the world is against you. You don’t have enough money to leave the country, let alone live comfortably elsewhere. It’s a ridiculous plan.”
Tsukuyo’s eyes narrowed slightly, picking up on the sharpness in Lucia’s tone. “It’s better than doing nothing. At least we’re trying.”
The words hit Lucia harder than she cared to admit. She glanced away, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of her saucer. Naoki wouldn’t dare. He’s too scared. The thought gnawed at her, making her chest tighten.
“Look, Lucy,” Tsukuyo said, her tone softening, “I know you’re worried. And I know you wish Naoki would stand up to them too. But this is what Toji and I need to do. I’m not saying it’ll be easy, but it’s our only chance.”
Lucia met her gaze, her smile thin but polite. “I hope it works out for you, Tsukuyo. Really, I do. But don’t be surprised when reality comes crashing down.”
The tension lingered between them, unspoken jealousy and frustration coloring their words. Tsukuyo sipped her coffee, while Lucia returned to her tea, her mind swirling with thoughts she’d never dare voice aloud.
***
The late afternoon sun bathed Tokyo in golden hues as Haylee adjusted the hem of her soft pink dress. The fabric swayed gently as she twirled in front of the mirror, checking her reflection one last time. The dress was short but elegant, with delicate details that added a playful charm.
“You’re gonna make us late,” Satoru teased from the doorway, leaning casually against the frame. His gaze swept over her, and his usual grin widened. “Not that I’m complaining. You look fascinating.”
“Yeah,” Suguru chimed in, walking up behind Satoru. His tone was softer, but his dark eyes lingered on her dress with an appreciative glint. “Pink suits you, Haylee.”
Haylee rolled her eyes, though her cheeks tinted faintly. “Thanks, now let’s go before my mom thinks we’re standing her up.”
The four of them filed out of Jujutsu High, hailing a taxi as Haylee insisted. “It’s more convenient,” she explained, sliding into the backseat.
Suguru sat beside her and Shoko on her other side, with Satoru in the passenger seat ahead. As the car wove through Tokyo’s streets, Satoru and Suguru exchanged a glance, silently agreeing that Haylee’s excitement was contagious.
When they arrived at the grand estate, Haylee’s father, Ryo, greeted them at the door. His expression was warm, though his tone held its usual formality.
“Welcome,” he said.
Haylee tilted her head, glancing inside. “Hi dad, where are the housekeepers?”
Her father stepped aside, allowing them to enter. “Lucia dismissed them for the evening. She wanted to prepare everything herself.”
As soon as they stepped inside, the tantalizing aroma of roasted meats, fresh herbs, and baked bread greeted them. Satoru leaned closer to Suguru, whispering, “We’re never gonna like school dinner again after this.”
Suguru smirked in agreement, his stomach already growling.
“Good evening,” Ryo said, addressing Haylee’s friends with a polite nod.
“Good evening,” they all replied in unison. The greetings were brief but warm, a reflection of their familiarity from previous visits.
They followed Ryo into the spacious living room, where the sound of animated voices filled the air. Yuuta and Rika were sprawled on the plush couch, engrossed in Avatar: The Last Airbender . The show was playing in English, and Yuuta seemed fully captivated by it, while Rika… just watched.
“Does Yuuta understand English?” Shoko asked, glancing at Haylee.
Ryo answered for her, his voice tinged with pride. “Not completely, but he’s learning. He picks up more every day.”
The sound of footsteps caught Yuuta’s attention, and he turned to see Haylee. His face lit up instantly. “Haylee!”
With boundless energy, he leaped over the couch and launched himself at her.
“Yuuta-!” Haylee yelped as the force of his embrace sent her stumbling backward. She flailed slightly, teetering on her heels, just as Suguru stepped in, his hands firm and steady on her shoulders to keep her upright.
“You okay?” Suguru asked, his voice calm but laced with amusement.
Haylee straightened herself, brushing off her dress as she gave Yuuta a playful scolding look. “I’m fine, but next time, warn me before you attack me, okay?”
Yuuta just grinned, clearly unapologetic as he hugged her again - this time more gently.
Suguru chuckled softly, standing close enough to ensure she wouldn’t stumble again.
Haylee walked into the kitchen, following the delicious aroma that filled the house. Her mother, Lucia, stood by the stove, gracefully stirring a pot. The counter was filled with trays of food ready to be served, their vibrant colors reflecting the care and effort that had gone into their preparation.
“Mom, do you need any help?” Haylee asked, stepping closer.
Lucia turned to her daughter, a soft smile gracing her face. “Not really, my pretty girl, but I wouldn’t mind the extra hands. By the way, that dress looks lovely on you. But then again, everything suits my beautiful girl.”
Haylee giggled, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Thanks, mom.”
Lucia handed her a tray with a perfectly baked lasagna, the cheese golden and bubbling. “You can take this to the table.”
“Okay!” Haylee carefully took the tray and made her way to the dining room.
The dining room wasn’t overly large, but its elegant design made it feel grand. The polished wood table was already set with fine china, and the centerpiece - a simple arrangement of white lilies - added a delicate charm to the atmosphere.
After placing the lasagna in the center of the table, Haylee returned to the kitchen to grab the drinks. On her way back, she noticed Suguru in the kitchen, carrying a tray of appetizers. He was speaking to Lucia, his tone warm and respectful.
“Thank you for having us over,” Suguru said, his voice soft but sincere.
Lucia smiled gently. “It’s a pleasure to have you all here, Suguru. You’re always welcome.”
Haylee paused in the doorway, watching the exchange with a small smile before she headed back to the dining room.
Soon, everyone gathered around the table. Yuuta and Rika also joined them, though their plates held something entirely different - dinosaur-shaped chicken nuggets.
“Dino nuggies!” Yuuta announced enthusiastically, biting into one and making a loud roaring sound.
Haylee and Shoko burst into laughter each time Yuuta made a roaring sound as he ate his nuggets.
“Yuuta, sweetheart, no roaring at the table,” Lucia said gently, her tone a perfect balance of firmness and affection.
Yuuta pouted but nodded, reluctantly suppressing his dinosaur impersonation.
As the meal progressed, Ryo looked up from his plate. “How are things going for all of you at Jujutsu High? How have the missions been?”
Suguru swallowed a bite of lasagna before answering. “Same as usual. It’s busy, but nothing we can’t handle.”
Ryo nodded, turning his attention to Shoko. “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you talk much about missions, Shoko. What’s your specialty?”
“I only go on missions that require medical assistance,” Shoko replied calmly. “I specialize in reverse cursed technique.”
Lucia’s expression brightened. “That’s impressive, Shoko. Do you study anywhere apart from Jujutsu High?”
Shoko hesitated, then admitted, “I’m trying to get into The University of Tokyo, but… it’s really hard.”
Lucia’s smile widened with encouragement. “Oh! I know a professor there. I’ll put in a good word for you.”
Shoko’s eyes lit up. “Really? Thank you so much!”
Lucia reached across the table, her gesture warm. “Come here this weekend when you have time, and we’ll figure out how to make the process easier for you.”
Shoko nodded eagerly, her gratitude evident. “Alright, thank you again.”
Satoru leaned back in his chair, balancing his plate on his hand as he shoveled in the last bite of his third helping of lasagna. Suguru, seated beside him, was doing the same, his appetite just as insatiable. Lucia watched them with an amused smile, her hands folded neatly in her lap.
“It’s great to see you two enjoy the lasagna,” Lucia said, her voice warm.
Satoru paused, setting his plate down with dramatic flair. “‘Enjoy’ is such a weak word for what I’m feeling for this lasagna, Mrs. Okkotsu. I think I’m in love.”
“I’m glad it’s appreciated,” Lucia said, a glint of pride in her eyes. Then, turning her attention to Haylee and then Satoru, she added, “So, since the three of you often go on missions together, do you think it’s effective? Or should I talk to Yaga about adjusting things?”
The response was immediate.
“No!” Haylee exclaimed, nearly dropping her fork. “Mom, please, it’s really good like this. Don’t mess with it!”
Suguru and Satoru nodded in agreement, Suguru adding, “Yeah, it works perfectly. We’ve got the dream team dynamic going on.”
Lucia chuckled at their enthusiasm. “Alright, alright. I was just asking your opinion. I’ll leave it be.”
Satoru, always one to push the envelope, leaned forward with a curious glint in his eye. “Speaking of Yaga, what exactly is your role at Jujutsu High, Mrs. Okkotsu? You seem… pretty involved.”
The atmosphere shifted subtly, a flicker of tension passing between Lucia and Ryo. Lucia cleared her throat, smoothing her expression before answering. “We’re close friends with Yaga. Occasionally, he asks for my advice on certain matters, and I provide input - as a friend and nothing more .”
Suguru and Satoru exchanged a glance, nodding politely. While they seemed to accept the explanation on the surface, Haylee noticed something in their demeanor that suggested they weren’t entirely convinced. Still, she said nothing, letting the moment pass.
Suguru took the opportunity to shift the conversation. “Did you hear about our underclassman who got injured at the start of the week?”
Lucia’s face softened with concern. “Yes, we did. It’s very sad.”
Satoru frowned. “Yeah, it’s a shame the Zenin Clan started putting representatives at Jujutsu High. It’s a real mess .”
Haylee, unable to hold back, interjected. “Mom, how right is it to put a political representative in a school? Doesn’t it compromise the neutrality of education and training?”
Her father, Ryo, sighed lightly, his tone measured. “You’re right, darling. It’s wrong. Schools like Jujutsu High should be free from such interference.”
“Then you guys should do something about it,” Haylee pressed. “Isn’t that your job?”
Ryo’s expression tightened just slightly. “Let’s talk about this later, Haylee.”
But Haylee wasn’t deterred. “No, dad, it’s fine. It’s not that deep of a topic. You and mom are Jujutsu Diplomats. Isn’t it your responsibility to protect these schools from such political acts? These schools are the backbone of Jujutsu Society.”
The table fell silent for a moment, the weight of her words lingering in the air. Ryo and Lucia exchanged a look, something unspoken passing between them, but neither of them offered a direct reply.
Lucia finally spoke, her voice calm but firm. “You’re passionate, Haylee, and that’s admirable. But these things are more complicated than they seem. Let’s finish our meal and enjoy this evening together, alright?”
Haylee sighed, leaning back in her chair. “Alright, mom. But you know I’m right.”
Lucia smiled faintly, her eyes reflecting both pride and a hint of unease. “I know, my pretty girl. I know.”
***
The lively hum of post-dinner chatter filled the grand living room. In one corner, Lucia and Shoko were deep in conversation, the woman leaning in with a gentle smile as she offered advice.
“You have so much potential, Shoko,” Lucia said warmly. “If you aim high and stay focused, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. And if the University of Tokyo is your goal, we’ll figure out how to make it happen.”
Shoko nodded, a rare glimmer of excitement in her typically composed demeanor. “Thank you, Mrs. Okkotsu. I’ve been feeling a bit overwhelmed, but this really helps.”
Meanwhile, across the room, laughter erupted as Satoru, Suguru, and Yuuta huddled around the TV, battling each other in a frantic PS3 game. Rika sat nearby, watching with wide eyes as Satoru dramatically yelled, “I’m unbeatable!” only to immediately lose to Suguru, who chuckled smugly.
Yuuta was in hysterics, clutching his sides as he laughed. “You two are the funniest and coolest people ever!”
Haylee, perched on an armchair nearby, gasped dramatically, “Yuuta! You said I was the coolest person ever!”
Satoru didn’t miss a beat, glancing over his shoulder with a sly grin. “Sorry to break it to you, princess. But that was before he met us.”
Yuuta, noticing Haylee’s exaggerated pout, quickly scrambled to make amends. “No, no! Haylee, you’re also cool! Don’t be sad!”
Suguru and Satoru burst into laughter, Suguru barely managing to say, “Wow, Yuuta, smooth recovery!”
Haylee crossed her arms, pretending to be hurt but unable to suppress the small smile tugging at her lips.
As the laughter continued, Ryo passed through the living room, excusing himself politely. “I have some work to attend to in my study. Don’t let the kids get too wild, Lucia.”
Lucia turned slightly, her eyes twinkling as she replied, “They’re having fun. That’s what matters.”
Lucia excused herself from her conversation with Shoko, gracefully rising from her seat. “I’ll get the desserts ready,” she said warmly, heading to the kitchen. A few minutes later, her voice called out from the other room. “Dessert’s ready, everyone!”
The group migrated to the dining table once again, this time without Ryo, who remained upstairs. Lucia carried out two beautifully presented Italian desserts: a classic tiramisu layered with delicate espresso-soaked biscuits, and a second, richly sweet cannoli, dusted with powdered sugar.
Shoko took a bite of the cannoli and sighed in contentment. “This tastes even better than I imagined. It’s amazing!”
Hayleee smiled as she sampled the cannoli, her eyes lighting up. “Mom, I don’t think I have the recipe for this one. Can you give it to me so I can make it myself later?”
Lucia’s face softened with pride. “Of course, darling. I’ll write it down for you tomorrow.”
Haylee didn’t miss the quick flicker of excitement in Satoru’s expression at the mention of her making desserts. His grin was almost mischievous as he glanced at Suguru, who rolled his eyes knowingly.
As they enjoyed their treats, the conversation turned to Haylee’s upcoming birthday.
“So, my sweet girl,” Lucia began with a smile, “your birthday is coming up. Do you want a big party like usual, or something smaller this year?”
Haylee tapped her fork against her plate, thinking for a moment. “I just want to celebrate like this, mom. Just us - and maybe my underclassmen too, if that’s okay.”
Lucia reached over to tuck a strand of hair behind Haylee’s ear, her gaze tender. “Of course, baby. Whatever you want.”
“And speaking of what you want,” Suguru chimed in, resting his chin on his hand, “do you have anything specific in mind for your gift?”
Haylee quickly waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, don’t worry about it. I don’t want anything!”
Satoru leaned back in his chair, smirking. “You don’t want anything? Haylee, come on, there’s gotta be something.”
Haylee hesitated, her lips quirking into a shy smile. “Well... I mean, I wouldn’t mind good things, but really, I’m just happy to spend it with you guys.”
Lucia laughed softly, her gaze full of affection. “We’ll see what we can do, my love.”
Shoko snickered, “I already know what I’m gonna buy, so good luck to all of you.”
As the last bites of dessert were savored and the plates cleared away, Lucia rose from her seat, brushing invisible crumbs from her hands. “It’s getting late,” she said gently, her gaze falling on Rika and Yuuta, who were now yawning and rubbing their eyes. “Ryo will take Rika back to her house, and I’ll get Yuuta ready for bed.”
Rika reluctantly got up, her tiny hand slipping into Ryo’s larger one as he led her toward the door. Yuuta, on the other hand, fought to keep his eyes open, his head drooping slightly as Lucia scooped him up effortlessly.
“Goodnight, everyone,” Lucia said with a warm smile, her voice hushed so as not to disturb Yuuta further. “Enjoy yourselves.”
“Goodnight,” Haylee and the others echoed as they watched the family depart, leaving the four of them alone in the dining room.
Haylee turned to her friends with a grin. “Come on, let’s head to my room. It’s way cozier there.”
The group followed her up the stairs, the sound of their footsteps muffled by the plush carpet.
As they settled in, Shoko flopped onto the beanbag chair in the corner, her legs crossed. Satoru sprawled lazily across Haylee’s bed, his arms behind his head, while Suguru claimed a spot by the window, leaning casually against the sill.
“So,” Satoru began, his signature grin spreading across his face, “what’s the late-night topic of choice? School drama? Zenin gossip? Or are we diving into your secret stash of embarrassing childhood stories, princess?”
Haylee tossed a cushion at him, which he caught with ease, laughing. “No embarrassing stories, thank you very much! I was an angelic child, and you don’t need to know otherwise.”
“That’s a lie if I’ve ever heard one,” Suguru teased, smirking.
The moonlight streamed through the cracks in the curtains, bathing Haylee’s cozy room in a soft glow. On her bed, Haylee and Shoko were fast asleep, tangled together in a peaceful embrace, their even breaths the only sound in the room. Satoru and Suguru exchanged a silent glance from where they sat on the floor. This was the opportunity they had been waiting for.
With practiced stealth, the two rose from their spots and crept out of the room, careful not to make a sound. The hallway was eerily quiet, amplifying the soft creaks of the wooden floor beneath their steps. They moved with purpose, navigating the grand house to reach Lucia’s study.
Once inside, Satoru flicked on a small desk lamp, its faint light illuminating the neat rows of books and carefully arranged files. Suguru closed the door behind them, leaning against it for a moment to ensure they hadn’t been followed.
“This is it,” Satoru whispered, his tone serious despite the hint of a smirk on his lips. “Let’s see what secrets she’s hiding.”
Suguru nodded, moving to a shelf where he began scanning for anything that seemed out of place. Satoru rifled through the desk drawers, his hands deftly flipping through documents. After a few minutes, Suguru’s eyes landed on a folder labeled Zenin Clan - Restricted. He pulled it free and laid it on the desk between them.
As they poured over its contents, their expressions grew more grim. “This is messed up,” Satoru muttered, his usual bravado absent. “The Zenin Clan’s politics, their treatment of their own… no wonder Lucia’s been so cagey.”
Suguru’s gaze hardened as he read through a report mentioning Toji Fushiguro and Tsukuyo Fushiguro. “It’s worse than we thought. Look at this - Tsukuyo tried to get help before all this happened.”
The door clicked open, and both froze. Standing in the doorway, her arms crossed and an unimpressed expression on her face, was Lucia.
“I knew you two would try something like this,” she said coolly, her eyebrow raised in a mixture of annoyance and exasperation.
Satoru leaned back in the chair, unfazed by her sharp tone. “Well, since you knew, how about giving us a hand? We’re kind of stuck in the middle here.”
Lucia’s expression darkened, and she stepped further into the room, shutting the door behind her. “What exactly are you two trying to accomplish by snooping through my study?”
Suguru leaned against the desk, his smirk sharp as a blade. “We’re trying to figure out what you’re trying to accomplish, Mrs. Okkotsu.”
Lucia’s jaw tightened. “I’m doing everything in my power to protect all of you - Haylee, Yuuta, even the two of you - from the dangers out there. That’s all you need to know.”
“We’ll be the judge of that,” Satoru countered, his voice laced with defiance.
Lucia’s gaze narrowed. “What do you think you know?” she asked, her tone laced with both curiosity and unease.
Suguru didn’t hesitate. “We know about Tsukuyo Fushiguro’s death. We know you’re stuck in some miserable game between Toji Fushiguro and the Zenin Clan. And yet, you refuse to take help from your ex boyfriend, Naoki Zenin. ”
Lucia’s face paled slightly, her composure faltering for the first time. “Naoki…” she echoed, her voice barely above a whisper. “How do you know him?”
Satoru leaned forward, his ice-blue eyes gleaming with uncharacteristic intensity. “From Tsukuyo’s letter. The one you never read. Maybe if you had, she wouldn’t be dead.”
The accusation hit like a physical blow, and Lucia visibly recoiled. “You think her death is my fault?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly before she forced herself to regain control.
“We’re not saying that outright,” Suguru replied evenly, though his tone carried an edge. “But maybe if you’d acted differently, things could’ve turned out better.”
Lucia took a deep breath, her fists clenching at her sides. “Does Haylee know about any of this?” she demanded, her voice sharp.
“No,” Satoru said, his voice suddenly softer. “She only knows about Tsukuyo’s death. Nothing else.”
The tension in Lucia's study was palpable as Satoru and Suguru placed the envelope on her desk. Its edges were slightly crinkled, evidence of Suguru's careful pilfering a few days prior from Tsukuyo’s belongings. Lucia eyed it warily, her lips pressed into a thin line.
“What is this?” she asked, though she already had an inkling.
“It’s something you should’ve read a long time ago,” Suguru said, crossing his arms. “It’s from Tsukuyo.”
Lucia’s hand trembled slightly as she picked up the already opened envelope. She took the letter out with delicate precision, her eyes scanning the contents of the paper. Her face shifted through a series of emotions - confusion, sadness, and finally, regret. Tears pooled in her eyes as she read the heartfelt words.
“I didn’t know…” Lucia whispered, her voice breaking. “I didn’t know this would happen. I never wanted any of these things to happen.”
Satoru and Suguru stood in silence, allowing her a moment to process. Then Suguru broke it, his tone calm but firm. “We’ve found him.”
Lucia looked up sharply, her tear-streaked face marked with surprise and anger. “Found who?”
“Your- Naoki Zenin,” Satoru said bluntly, his hands in his pockets. “He’s willing to help.”
Lucia’s tears vanished, replaced by a fiery glare. “You had no right to speak to him about this - about our family matters! ”
Suguru shrugged, his expression unapologetic. “We don’t care about your family matters. We care about our friend and our school.”
“And,” Satoru added, his voice laced with an uncharacteristic seriousness, “I care about keeping the Zenins from turning Jujutsu High into a puppet for their political games. I’m here because I don’t want to be part of their demanding, authority-obsessed clan. Since they sent representatives to the school, it’s clear they’re trying to bring their influence here. I’m not letting that happen.”
Lucia’s anger simmered beneath the surface, but she knew they weren’t wrong. Still, her protective instincts flared. “You will say nothing about this to Haylee. Do you hear me? Nothing. ”
“We’re not here to drag her into this,” Suguru said evenly. “But we’re not backing down either. You know we’re right.”
Lucia closed her eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath. When she spoke again, her voice was softer, though it carried a note of resignation. “Fine. I’ll help you with the Zenin representatives. But all of this stays between us.”
Suguru nodded, but his next words carried a probing edge. “And what about your situation with the Zenins? And Toji Fushiguro? You know we can help you, too.”
Lucia stiffened, her guard snapping back into place. “I know how to handle my problems,” she said curtly. Her tone brooked no argument as she moved toward the door. “Stay out of it.”