You're going to help me! (1/2)

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The morning breeze whispered through the trees of the old, abandoned shrine, carrying a faint scent of mold and damp wood. Utahime walked hesitantly along the cracked stone path, her miko outfit — a red hakama and a pristine white kimono — swaying gently with the wind.

Her eyes, shining with a mix of determination and fear, scanned the surroundings, alert to any sign of the grade 3 cursed spirit she had been assigned to exorcise.

Suddenly, a dry snap echoed behind her. Utahime jumped, letting out a high-pitched squeal. "Come on out!" she exclaimed, spinning around to face… nothing. Just a bird perched on a branch, staring at her with gleaming eyes.

"A bird. Just a bird," she whispered, placing a hand on her chest to calm her racing heart. "It's just… a grade 3 spirit, Utahime. Nothing serious. Nothing serious!" She repeated the words like a mantra, straightening her posture and continuing down the path.

Utahime took a few more steps into the shrine when she saw a shapeless shadow crawling across the floor. 'Found you...' she thought, quickly ducking behind a pillar for cover.

The creature let out a low, viscous gurgle, like stagnant water bubbling in a swamp. 'Disgusting.' Utahime pressed her back against the pillar, the rough stone grazing her blouse. Her fingers flexed, and cursed energy began to flow around her hands — subtle and controlled. She took a deep breath. 'Quick and quiet. No mistakes.'

With a fluid motion, Utahime sprang from behind the pillar and lunged at the spirit. Too slow to react, the creature took a direct hit and let out a final, muffled gurgle before dissolving.

Utahime exhaled deeply, relief softening her features. "I did it…" she whispered, allowing herself a brief moment of pride.

Then, a slow clap echoed through the air. Utahime froze, her heart skipping a beat. 'Who— ' She turned sharply, only to see Gojo Satoru leaning against a tree, his eyes hidden behind his glasses, but his unmistakable smile clear on his face.

"Not bad, Utahime!"

The girl felt her face heat up — half from the scare, half from sheer irritation. "What are you doing here, Gojo?!"

Satoru stepped forward, raising his hands in an exaggerated gesture of innocence. "Easy, easy! I just came to check on my favorite senpai."

"He wants something." Utahime came to the conclusion instantly. She knew Gojo well enough to tell that if he didn't start a conversation with a joke about her being "weak" or some sarcastic comment, it meant he was up to something. "Cut it out with the sweet talk. It doesn't suit you," she said, narrowing her eyes.

Satoru laughed, tilting his head as if genuinely offended. "Wow, Utahime! What happened to your faith in humanity? So you do prefer it when I tease you?"

"I prefer when you speak like a civilized human being!" she snapped, tone sharp, though she could already feel herself getting pulled into his pace.

"Alright, alright, let's try the civilized approach," he said, pulling his phone out of his pocket and glancing quickly at the screen. "Look, it's 11:30. How about we grab lunch? My treat."

Utahime blinked, her suspicion now screaming in her mind. 'Something's very wrong here... Gojo Satoru offering lunch? And paying?' That was practically a sign of the apocalypse. "What are you scheming, Gojo?"

Satoru just shrugged, his smile never wavering. "No schemes, Utahime. My act is 100% honest."

She hesitated, eyes locked on him, trying to read his intentions. But her stomach chose that exact moment to let out a quiet growl, betraying her.

Of course, Satoru noticed right away and let out a chuckle.

***

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters, images or songs featured in this fic. Additionally, I do not claim ownership of any products or properties mentioned in this novel. This work is entirely fanfic.