Otherworldly Attraction | Various!JJK x Reader

44 - fuel to the fire

The exchange event begins tomorrow.

For obvious reasons, you're nervous. While it's true that none of the main characters are supposed to die at this point, there were still some casualties, if you recall correctly. Mahito still transfigured a few people while he infiltrated to steal several cursed objects-Sukuna's fingers, along with the Death Painting Wombs. Not to mention that allowing him to steal those cursed objects is already bad enough. If they successfully obtain more of Sukuna's fingers, then they will forcibly feed those fingers to Itadori and awaken Sukuna during the Shibuya Incident. By then, it will already be too late. The casualties will be innumerable.

It goes without saying that your top priority should be preventing the cursed spirits from infiltrating. But... how in the world are you supposed to do that, without incurring any suspicion?

"Sensei, the exchange event is supposed to be a pretty big deal, right? Since we're bringing both the Tokyo and Kyoto branches together. Do you think others also know about this event? Do you think there's any way cursed spirits might know about it, too? Wouldn't that mean... that they'll try to interfere?"

You nibble on your lower lip. No, that's a little too specific. If you were to phrase it that way, it sounds like you're expecting some kind of invasion. It wouldn't go over well. The timing would be far too coincidental.

"Sensei, do you think Mahito already knows where I am? Do you think he tracked me down somehow, all the way back here?"

That one sounds more natural and plausible, but Gojo might argue that the barrier will at least alert them in the event that anything happens. He would probably just try to reassure you that you're safe. You doubt he would buy into the idea that any of Jujutsu High's students are at risk of being attacked on their own campus, and again, if you insist upon it too much, it'll be far too suspicious when Mahito actually does end up infiltrating.

It's all so complicated. You don't know what the right way to tackle this situation is. If only it was easy to divulge that you've been isekai'd. If only everyone would take it all in stride-but for obvious reasons, you sincerely doubt that'll ever happen. People don't take too kindly to uncovering a massive secret that will trigger an existential crisis. Take The Matrix, for example. The red pill versus blue pill thing is basically a metaphor for how most people would gladly be ignorant, rather than face an unsettling truth.

Maybe it would work. Maybe. Given how risky it is, however, it will have to be your final resort. A last-ditch effort, in case everything goes to absolute shit.

For now, you're going to try to resolve this on your own terms.

"[Name], hey!" Itadori beams. As always, his expression brightens up the moment he realizes you're here to visit him. You make sure to return his smile with one of your own, momentarily setting your doubts and anxiety aside.

"Hi, Itadori," you say. "Are you looking forward to tomorrow? You've been stuck here for a while. It'll finally be over soon. You did a really good job hanging in there. If I were in your position, I probably would've lost my mind a bit, to be honest."

"No, it really wasn't that bad," Itadori reassures.

Being able to spend time with you was already more than enough. He wasn't lonely or anything, although it definitely would've been nice to see you as often as he'd liked. That being said... he can't pretend like he enjoyed being stuck here. He was incredibly limited in the things he could do. If he hadn't been stuck here, then maybe he could've helped you fight Mahito. Maybe Junpei wouldn't have died. Then you wouldn't have shed all those tears.

Conversely, it also means that Junpei would still be your boyfriend. He would be alive and well right now, closer to you than ever.

Itadori honestly can't bring himself to admit how much that thought bothers him.