Chapter Text
“Come on, Gojo-sensei isn’t waiting much longer,” a gruff voice begins, more irritated than usual.
“Yeah,” Yuuji agrees, followed by the sound of an annoyed grumble. “Why are you even taking so long?” The pink-haired boy hammers his knuckles hurriedly on the wooden door.
“You wouldn’t know, Itadori,” a girl laughs on the other side of the entrance that separates them. Kugisaki. “Dressing up and looking pretty requires time and patience.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Yuuji responds with a whine, confusement fused in his tone. He wears the look of a lost puppy.
“And nice try Fushiguro,” the young woman smirks while swinging the door open. Black eyeliner traces her curved, almond eyes; a light orange eyeshadow dusted on her eyelids. “Sensei is never on time.”
Fushiguro scoffs, hands in his pockets. “Whatever,” he mumbles, turning his head over his shoulder.
There is definitely a rosy blush covering his cheeks, Yuuji takes notice when glancing towards Fushiguro’s direction. Heh, clearly embarrassed.
“Why are you even dressed like that for a mission?” Fushiguro turns his head back around, his lip hidden by his dark collar, whilst motioning towards her non-uniform, blue-pastel dress. The cool color of her ruffled attire contrasts her auburn short hair and vibrant makeup.
Kusgisaki dodges the dark-haired teen’s question with a query of her own. “Why in such a hurry anyway?” She nudges between both of the boys, backpack on shoulders, and two bags hand in hand. “And what’s got you so excited? You’re nearly bouncing off the walls.” Her eyes follow Yuuji up and down.
Truthfully, Yuuji is thrilled to share a tent with Fushiguro, but none of them needed to know that. “Well, it’s our first mission with all the second years!” Okay, maybe he is a little ecstatic for that too.
“Panda and Okkatsu-senpai aren’t even going to be there,” Fusiguro says, hesitating for a second before adding a quiet, “—dumbass.”
Most people would think the harsh word was an insult, but to Yuuji it was a nickname. His neck reddends at the thought. “But, it’s our first mission with Zenin-senpai and Inumaki-senpai!” Yuuji exclaims, throwing his hands up in the air. Fushiguro and Kugisaki pay no mind, already on the move down the narrow hall. “We can build a campfire, tell ghost stories, roast marshmallows—” Itadori’s half expecting Kugisaki to disagree and make fun of him, only for her to turn animatedly around.
“Yes! We need to play games!” Kugisaki cuts him off with a clasp of her hands. Itadori swears he can see stars in her eyes.
“Guys, this isn’t supposed to be a party.” Megumi clicks his tongue.
“God, you’re so boring,” the ginger girl groans, eyes rolling. “Come on, Itadori. Let’s go!” She links her arm around the boy’s elbow as they continue to pace down the wooden floorboards among the walkway.
They make their way towards the courtyard, putting down their bags on the benches as they wait in the summer heat. Yuuji smiles to himself, thinking of the evening to come. He is so happy he has made new friends. Especially Fushiguro and Kugisaki. Though he has realized over the past couple weeks, ever since the school exchange event, his feelings have turned borderline romantic for Fushiguro Megumi. Itadori can feel Sukuna howl at the thought. So, he makes an agreement with himself to deal with that issue later, putting the thought in the back of his already overwhelmed head.
After a couple of minutes, their beloved Sensei finally shows up, teleporting a few meters in front of them. “Hello my favorite students!”
Yuuji’s excitement levels automatically skyrocket. “Sensei!” He runs over to wrap his arms around Gojo’s waist, looking up at him with dreamy eyes.
Gojo leans down to pat his head, ruffling his short strands of pink hair as Yuuji leans into the touch.
“Ugh, why do they act like that,” Kugisaki says, yet it doesn’t come out as a question. “He looks like a lost puppy with his owner.”
“Can you not call Gojo-Sensei his owner?” Fushiguro snaps, his upper lip curling in frustration.
“Woah, chill out. I was just messing.” Kugisaki throws her hands up in defense, eyes widening in the process. “What’s got you in this mood today?”
Itadori turns back to the commotion to see Fushiguro flip Kugisaki off. “Nothing.”
“Hey now!” Gojo lets go of his hands on Yuuji’s head to clap his hands together. “Let’s not fuss now, shall we?”
“Sensei is right. I want to have fun today. Especially since we all get to sleepover,” Yuuji remarks, a worried expression showing evidently. “I missed you guys and I’m so happy I’m back. I don’t want to fight.”
“We’re not fighting, Kugisaki is just being annoying.” Fushiguro’s pesky tone still lingers.
“What did I even do? I just called—”
“Please. Don’t say a word. I’ll let it go.” It’s unusual for Fushiguro to let go of things so quickly, and Yuuji would usually suspect otherwise, but this time he leaves it be.
Yuuji wonders in confusion what happened between the two of them, but then again, Fushiguro is miserable most of the time, and Kugisaki often gets irritable. The three don’t bicker as much as they used to, but every once in a while they’ll butt heads, which just shows how close they are.
Kugisaki sighs before commenting, “I’m happy you’re back too. As much as I hate to admit it.”
Yuuji knows she is truthful, especially if she says the words “I’m happy,” so he simply offers her a smile back. It is a little wobbly, his lips begin to tremble, and he has to bite down on his tongue to keep himself from crying. The topic of his supposed death always discourages the three of them due to the tragic events it put each one of them through. When Yuuji was gone, Fushiguro became so depressed and overwhelmed with the guilt and trauma at the sight of seeing his best friend die in front of his own eyes. If it wasn’t for Kugisaki, who knows what would have happened. Kugisaki was also a mess, although she was able to hold herself together since she often kept her emotions in, fearful of presenting as weak. Ever since then, the two have become super close, bickering just like siblings.
Maybe I shouldn’t have said anything.
“I’m happy too,” Fushiguro adds.
Yuuji whirls his head towards his voice, caught off guard by the honesty. He blinks, as if the whole scene in front of him would whisk away. It doesn’t. Fushigiro is still there, smiling even. He never smiles. Yuuji’s heart drums loudly at the thought of Fushiguro being happy because of him.
Heh, getting hard from a compliment? A voice snarls from deep within. Sukuna.
“No!” Yuuji blurts out loud, slapping the temple of his head. The two students and professor turn to stare at him in confusion. Itadori’s whole face heats up, mouth gaping in shock. “Sorry… it was just…” Do I say it was Sukuna? “Not you, Fushiguro.”
Fushiguro’s smile weakens, brow furrowing in worry. “Was that Sukuna?”
Great, how did he know? “Yes.” There was no point in lying.
Before the conversation takes another turn, Gojo-Sensei interrupts, preventing the tension from rising. “Alrighty kids! Let’s get going!”
Kugisaki seems to have already moved on, talking kilometers a minute. “Not unless we get sushi beforehand! And you haven’t even told us our mission yet! Where’s Nitta anyways? I miss her!”
Yuuji’s mood elevates at the sound of food. “Yes! Sushi!”
“I third that,” Fushiguro adds. “Especially if Sensei is paying.”
“See? Even Fushiguro can’t resist the thought!” Yuuji vocalizes, grinning widely.
“Okay, okay. Think of it as a special treat for my special, special students,” Gojo says slyly, winking at Yuuji, linking his arm around his broad shoulder.
Yuuji looks back at the two friends to see Fushiguro scowling at Gojo and Kugisaki laughing at something on her phone. Gojo pulls down his black glasses, sticking his tongue back at the dark-haired teen. Yuuji smiles at the interaction, oblivious to Fushiguro’s true feelings. He’s just excited to see everyone again. Happy to be with his friends, happy to be with his professor, happy to have found solitary at Jujutsu tech.
(At least for now).
—
“Awh my gawd,” Yuuji says in between bites, mouth still full. “This is amazing!”
“You don’t say.” Kugisaki stares at him in disgust, fake gagging at the sight of Yuuji, earning a quiet laugh from Fushiguro.
The gentle chuckle catches Yuuji off guard for the second time that day.
“Hey Yuuuji~” Gojo flirtatiously says with the tilt of his head, white bangs covering his rectangular shades. “Lemme clean that up for you.” He takes out his napkin, folding it in a triangle, before reaching out to dab Yuuji’s chin. Gojo’s hand lingers a few seconds longer than needed, thumb tracing his lower lip, all while making eye contact with Fushiguro, who scowls in his direction.
“Hmph,” Fushiguro clicks his tongue under his breath, turning the other way, chin in hand. His eyebrows furrow in angerment while he clenches his teeth.
Yuuji stays oblivious, again, to the whole interaction, licking his bottom lip right where Gojo’s thumb had been. He doesn’t mind Gojo’s touchiness— he considers it normal.
Gojo wipes his own mouth with the exact same napkin, pissing off the dark haired teen even more. Once bored of annoying Fushiguro, Gojo declares, “Alrighty my precious first years!” He clears his throat before continuing, “Let me now discuss the mission. Unfortunately Ichiji cannot be here today. He is busy with uhhh, work? Panda maybe.” Gojo sounds unsure, but when is he not? Gojo never seems to pay attention, too busy with his own travels (or pulling antics on Nanami).
“Ooo! Ooo! Where are we going?” Yuuji’s eyes light up, his hands folded under his chin as he patiently waits for Gojo’s response.
“Ahem! Drum roll!” Gojo says, nodding towards his students. Yuuji and Kugisaki immediately follow orders, tapping their fingers in an unsteady rhythm against the chabudai they’re sitting at. Yuuji thumps the heels of his feet on the floor in the seated position he’s currently in, only to touch Fushiguro’s bare toes.
“S-sorry!”
“‘ts fine,” Fushiguro mumbles. The taller teen blows his fringe out of hair to get a better look at the other boy, before turning away again.
Yuuji admires his side profile, his own cheeks flushing and mouth drying at the thought of Fushiguro’s lips on his. (Yuuji gets distracted easily).
“–Okayama!” Gojo finishes announcing.
“Haaaaah?” Kugisaki growls, automatically standing, hands on her hips. Kugisaki is abruptly stopped by Gojo’s infinity before she gets the chance to stab him directly in his nose. “Okayama? The countryside? That’s 8 hours away!”
“Actually 5 ½ hours by train,” Megumi mumbles.
Gojo smiles innocently. “My bad. Forgot you hated the country. Well, Nitta will be here in 10 minutes to drive you to the train station and explain. Hopefully you guys have all your belongings!”
“The train?!” Kugisaki screams in the background in disarray.
“Great. What was the point of even coming here?” Megumi seems in agreement with Kugisaki; his annoyed tone has returned.
Yuuji uses his chopsticks to pick up another piece of the roll. “Free sushi, I guess.” Feeling brave, he decides to offer Fushiguro a piece by using his chopsticks. “Want a bite?”
“Oh, sure.” Fushiguro leans forward, seeming unaffected, opening his mouth wide. Yuuji peeks to look at Fushiguro’s expression, which remains neutral. Yuuji doesn’t know how to feel about that. He was hoping he would be flustered, or something, but obviously that would never happen. Yuuji sighs at the thought. (He doesn’t catch the blush on the dark-haired man’s upper cheeks).
Luckily, Yuuji’s saddened thoughts are put to a pause as Gojo says his goodbyes.
“Alright, I got a train to catch!” Gojo says, staring at his non-existent watch. He throws his card down and adds, “Give this back to Nitta when you’re done!” only to swiftly teleport after. Knowing Gojo, he most likely isn’t taking a train.
After they finish paying, the three head out to sit on the curb as they wait for the familiar dark blue car to pull up. A few minutes later and they’re all climbing into the back, Fushiguro in the middle as usual. It is a little squished, though Yuuji doesn’t mind, especially since he gets to feel the heat radiating off Fushiguro’s body in such close proximity.
Nitta greets them with a friendly wave, and then automatically dives into the task at hand: the mission. The short lady hands back her tablet with the information and evidence they will be using for their expedition. She begins explaining how Inumaki and Maki have already arrived at the site and have been scouting the area. “After they’re done looking around for an hour, they will head to the campsite, which they should be at,” she looks at the clock on her phone, “about now. They most likely have already set up the two tents and tarps. I also gave them non-perishables, a cooler with drinks and more food, a canopy, two lamps, three chairs, a first aid kit, and other non-essentials.”
“Are there s’mores?” Yuuji prays, hoping the answer is yes.
“Of course you’d ask that,” Kugisaki laughs.
Nitta ignores the question, moving on, “The mission takes place in an abandoned school north of Okayama in the mountains. The official title is Johan Junior High, though the place is also known as ‘The White School’ due to its mysterious white paint that covers all the concrete walls. There is not much we know since they were a very private and secluded institution that closed down back in 1947. According to news reports, it closed due to the fact that the school did not receive enough funds and donations, as well as the lack of attendance and interest from the public. The incident that occurred was very tragic— it was rumored that 69 students and 2 teachers died. Moreover, the institution and higher ups surprisingly managed to cover up the massacre by blaming it on a fire. Authorities hid evidence, so there is not much available information on the matter, just speculations. So it was hard for us to get our hands on it, until recently.
“The abandoned school became more damaged than necessary due to unseen events— of course it was blamed on unidentified teenage gangs messing around. This happened around three days ago. To us sorcerers, it’s obvious it was the doings of a curse. And after, a woman’s body appeared on the school grounds. Here are the pictures.” Nitta leans back, left hand still on the steering wheel, as she uses her other hand to swipe upside down through the tablet.
“Ohhh, creepy,” Yuuji says, putting his head on Fushiguro’s shoulder to get a closer look. Fushiguro stiffens at the contact. “You alright?”
“I’m… fine,” Fushiguro’s voice strains, gulping. Kugisaki side-eyes the two suspiciously, before turning her attention back to Nitta.
“Due to numerous pieces of new evidence, it’s expected that the school is an incomplete domain with a grade level one curse. The curse has been there for the past 70 years and is what initiated such bloodshed.”
“What the? 70 years? Why hasn’t it been stopped yet? How is that even possible?” Kugisaki asks, stealing the iPad from Fushiguro’s hands.
Nitta focuses all her attention back on the road. She grips the steering wheel as she adds, “Not sure. Zenin-san and Inumaki-san should report to you what they have found so far once you arrive. The mission should take around approximately two days. We will pick up after the mission— just call us when you’re ready and someone will be sent right at the call.”
“So why are we even camping?” Kugisaki’s nose twitches in disgust. “For fun?”
“For experience,” Nitta comments. “Jujutsu sorcerers need to know how to handle all types of terrain and situations. Who knows when you’ll be sent to the middle of nowhere.”
Kugisaki huffs, “Great.”
“It’ll be fun!” Yuuji elates, leaning across Fushiguro to grab the iPad from Kugisaki. Yuuji’s shoulder rubs his breast, earning a grunt from him. “We can make it fun! Well during the evenings of course.”
“Stop leaning on me,” Fushiguro gabs, pushing Yuuji’s head out of the way.
A pout spreads across Yuuji’s face. That sorta hurt, but then again, it’s just Fushiguro’s personality.
The three talk for a while before they arrive at the train station. Nitta turns the hazards on, pulling up to a curb. She sends them off with a wave, shouting “Goodbye,” before pulling out.
Tickets in hands, the three meander to the forming line, bags by their sides. Boarding time takes a little longer than expected, however, they eventually enter the high speed railway train. After they’re situated, an announcement is heard above, and then they’re off.
Fushiguro falls asleep right away, his lead leaning forward, half of his face covered by his collared uniform. His fringe messily covers his eyes, long, thick eyelashes poking through; his arms are crossed against his abdomen, phone clenched in hand with headphone wires twisted up to his ears. Curious to what he’s listening to, Yuuji leans over, smoothly pulling the phone out of his hand.
“What are you doing?”
I guess not smooth enough. “Nothing,” Itadori says slyly, opening his phone. The trio all keep their passwords off for emergencies. He reads the name on screen: it’s the Japanese artist EVE. “I didn’t know you listened to this type of music, Fushiguro.”
The dark-haired teen yanks his phone back out of the curious teen’s fingers. “Well now you know.” Fushiguro’s shoulder brushes against Yuuji’s in the process. That slight moment of physical contact always makes Yuuji happy— knowing it’s the only form of touch he’ll receive from the other man. “Anyways, let’s get some rest before we get there. We don’t know if they will need help with anything.”
Yuuji nods his head, squirming in his seat to get settled. Unfortunately, he never does get comfortable throughout the entire 5 ½ hour ride. He’s able to shut his eyes, but his mind is racing with the thoughts of sleeping next to Fushiguro.
The train finally arrives around sundown. The first years get off right as the sun begins to set over the horizon, the light illuminating the clouds, flashes of pink and purple painted across the sky. They follow Nitta’s written directions: they order a taxi, drive for 20 minutes, and then get off and walk the rest of the way. Kugisaki complains, dragging her feet, asking if Yuuji can carry her. Yuuji jokes and says maybe, but only if she pays him; Fushiguro turns his head at his answer of maybe.
Eventually Kugisaki toughens it up and starts to speed walk, rambling about how she’s excited to finally interact with another girl— Maki. “As much as I love you guys, I need some girl time, even if it’s during a mission.”
“Understandable,” Yuuji says. He doesn’t get it.
They arrive at the supposed meeting spot to find their seniors already waiting there. The upperclassmen greet them as they lead the way to their camp site. The trio discover everything is already set up, which relieves them wholeheartedly due to their exhaustion from the long day.
Maki begins to explain what they found as they sit around the glowing campfire. “We don’t know much yet, but I believe what caused the curse to evolve and kill all those people was because of the body found on the site,” Maki says, cursed tool still in hand. “Inumaki thinks it might have something to do with a sacrifice. We’ll solve more tomorrow.”
“Salmon,” adds Inumaki with the nod of his head.
Maki goes over more details, explaining how they are in contact with two other sorcerers who work as doctors, friends of Shoko. She also mentions that the woman’s body was wrapped in synthetic bondage rope, her hands tied to her ankles, making it unable for her to escape.
“There are also a bunch of curses around the school, so we need to be careful,” Maki sighs, stretching her arms, cursed tool almost bonking Yuuji. “Anyways, I’m beat. We should get some sleep and start the day early.”
“Salmon,” Inumaki affirms, nodding his head once again.
“We already ate— have you three eaten yet?”
The three say no in union, since their sushi was more than five hours ago. Their juniors begin to cook simple beans and rice, with chopped teriyaki on the side.
“Sorry, it may not be preferable, but here’s some hot sauce,” Maki whips the bottle out, grinning wide. Yuuji reaches for it gleefully.
After the trio finishes, they part their separate ways, girls and boys heading to their own tents. The boys topple inside, Yuuji hurling himself on the open floor, spreading his legs and arms like a starfish.
“Ahhh, this is the best!” Yuuji sighs happily. The other two teens begin to blow up their mats and unroll their sleeping bags when Yuuji asks, “Where are we sleeping?”
“Salted cod roe,” Inumaki chirps, pointing to the left side.
“Wait… can I sleep there?” Fushiguro questions, worried expression covering his face as he points to the other side of Inumaki, away from Yuuji. “I, uhh, move around a lot… and don’t want to kick any of you.”
Yuuji begins to spiral at Fushiguro’s comment. What? This wasn’t supposed to be the plan! I thought we were supposed to be sleeping next to each other? Does he not want to sleep next to me? Do I smell? Does he prefer Inumaki as a friend?
“W-wait!” Yuuji nearly yells, speaking without thinking; he doesn’t know what to say next. The two turn their head in his direction, waiting for him to go on. “U-um,” he stutters, “I thought you’d want to sleep in the middle since you’re the skinniest?”
“Hey, I’m not that skinny,” Fushiguro complains.
“Dude, you weigh 60 kilograms,” Yuuji laughs awkwardly. Was it weird to know and mention his weight?
“Salmon,” Inumaki confirms in agreement.
Fushiguro sighs, defeated. “Whatever. I can.” He steps over, plopping next to Yuuji as he takes out his belongings from his backpack. He also pulls out a long sleeve shirt and sweats, and at the very moment, Yuuji registers that they need to get undressed.
Yuuji decides to make conversation in an attempt to distract himself. “We should play never have I ever!”
“With the three of us?” Fushiguro scoffs, but it sounds more like a laugh.
“Fine, what about a movie? I downloaded a few on my phone,” Yuuji suggests.
“That could possibly work…” Fushiguro says, slipping out of his shirt.
Yuuji tries to keep his eyes on Fushiguro’s face, but he fails. His eyes wander down the toned man’s body, admiring his pale chest and perky nipples, which are a soft pink color, just like his own hair; Yuuji aches to run his hand along his abs, and take a hold of his narrow waist, knowing it can definitely fit in the palm of his rough hands. The bigger man then glances up, only to meet eyes with the other man himself.
“What?”
Yuuji gulps, freezing like a deer caught in the headlights. He’s a bad liar so he settles on saying, “Nothing. You’re just, uhm, skinny?”
“…Yes, we went over that,” Fushiguro hesitantly answers, eyes squinting in confusion. “Why.” It poses as a statement.
“Tuna mayo,” Inumaki chirps. Yuuji is still learning what which rice ball phrase means which, but he gets the feeling he’s being made fun of.
Yuuji decides to go back to talking about something he knows well: movies. “So, interested in horror?”
Fushiguro and Inumaki both speak at the same time, “God no,” and “Okaka.” One can probably guess who said what.
“Okay so horror it is!” Yuuji grins, eyes crinkling, ignoring their response.
“As long as it’s realistic, then maybe I’ll like it,” Fushiguro mutters. He’ll prefer anything that is close to non-fictions or documentaries.
“Well you’re in luck! It’s the Conjuring. It’s based on a true story.” Yuuji wiggles his eyebrows mischievously.
The boys continue changing into their rest clothes, and this time Yuuji is smart— he turns the other way to keep his temptation within control. Fushiguro and Inumaki then unzip their sleeping bags, climbing in. Yuuji, who is feeling a little warm, decides to unzip his sleeping bag all the way and uses it as a blanket instead.
“Aren’t you freezing?” Fushiguro verbalizes, shocked in his tone.
“It’s only 16 celcius.”
“Well, I’m cold.”
“That’s because you have no fat on you!”
“Speak for yourself. You’re entirely made of muscle and hunk— I mean uh, junk.”
“Wait, what?”
“Can y’all be quiet?” Kugisaki shouts from the other tent. Fushiguro breaths out, saved by the bell. “We’re actually trying to sleep and be good students, unlike you hooligans.”
“Shake,” Inumaki says back, clearly not loud enough for the girls to hear. It sounds like an apology.
“That was all Itadori,” Fushiguro shouts back.
“Hey!” Yuuji pouts, sitting up on his sleeping mat.
The three boys go back to chatting, but quietly this time, until Yuuji remembers the phone in his hand. He suggests they scoot closer so they can all see his screen. Fushiguro seems hesitant, but Itadori pays no mind, wiggling closer as he drags his blanket. Yuuji remains laid down, chin in his hands, as he props his phone up against a water bottle.
The movie slowly begins to play, and suddenly Yuuji feels sleepy. It’s only 10 minutes in and he can already feel himself drifting, his eyes slowly shutting.
“Sleeping already?” Fushiguro whispers in question.
“Wha— no,” Yuuji says determinedly, opening his eyes wide. “I’m totally awake.”
“Sureee,” Fushiguro slyly says with a smile. Bubbles arise in Yuuji’s stomach at the sound of his surly and flirtatious voice. Yuuji suddenly feels wide awake again, realizing the position he’s in. With his shoulder pressed firmly against Fushiguro’s, he can feel the warmth seep through the dry barrier separating their skin from making the delicious and desirable contact that he suffers for.
Yuuji struggles trying to keep his mind off of the teen right next to him. He puts two fingers on his temple, attempting to focus on the movie in front of him. It doesn’t work.
The movie is only 30 minutes in by the time Yuuji can hear Inumaki’s light, steady breathing. He is the first to pass out, tired from the day of scouting around and setting up camp. Fushiguro starts to blink, heavy with sleep.
“Should I turn it off?” Yuuji asks quietly with a yawn.
“No, it’s okay. You can still watch.” Fushiguro chatters his teeth. “It’s still so cold, shit.”
Yuuji thinks about it for a good second before offering, “Do you want my sweatshirt?”
Fushiguro also hesitates before answering, “…You wouldn’t mind?”
“I wouldn’tve offered.” Yuuji smiles coquettishly. “But you know, you seem unprepared this time. It’s the mountains, of course it’s going to be chilly at night. It’s unlike you.”
“Aren’t you observant?” Most would assume Fushiguro is being rude, but in reality, he doesn’t mean anything by his comment.
It’s his way of being funny, Yuuji thinks. “Well I am when it comes to you.” Oops. Was that too blunt? It definitely was.
Fushiguro heats up automatically as the confession, cheeks flushing in embarrassment. Though he covers his true feelings up with another joke, “Stalker.”
“Whatever!” Yuuji laughs, shoving his shoulder with his own.
“But I am cold. So thank you.” Fushiguro flashes him an unfiltered, weary smile, his fringe slightly covering his sea-green eyes.
Suddenly it’s quiet between the two of them. Both boys stare at each other, mouths agape, itching to say something, but waiting for the other to break the ice first.
Yuuji cracks first, yet speaks in doubt, “Would you want to um, possibly cuddle? I just know you’re uh, cold, and it might w-warm you up?” Wow, smooth. Good going.
“Cuddle? Yeah,” Fushiguro yawns, appearing unaffected. He leans up on his elbows to get a better look at Yuuji.
“Only if you’re okay with it of course!” Yuuji adds on quickly, worried he had overstepped boundaries. There was an invisible barrier between the two of them right now, both teens aching to cross it; the intense desire to hold the other in each other’s arms, but there was still a hurdle blocking them from passing over.
“You were the one who just asked.”
“Just checking!”
“Why… do you think it’s weird for us to do that?”
“Not at all.” It’s risky. Especially when knowing Yuuji’s true feelings. Although the yearning was becoming overwhelming, nearly swallowing Yuuji whole– he had to do something about it, or else he would break. Even if it was just a touch, even if it was just a graze of skin; Yuuji needed to feel connected in any way possible, and he was willing to risk his true feelings for that. “You and Kugisaki have before.”
“Exactly. It’s fine. We’re friends after all.” Friends? “Well uh, do you wanna be the big or small spoon? I don’t mind either way.”
“I actually prefer sleeping on my back.”
“Ah, okay, I’ll just sleep with, I mean on! On you,” Fushiguro stuttered, covering his hand over his mouth in embarrassment. Yuuji doesn’t catch his words, too busy overthinking himself.
“I can be the big spoon instead. It might make you warmer that way, if you know, I have my arms around you. Unless you don’t want that? Maybe you just wanted to sleep–”
“Stop spiraling again, oh my god. It’s fine. I want this, you know,” Fushiguro whispers, sitting up to scoot closer. He shuffles out of his sleeping sack before unzipping it to use as a blanket. That way, the two boys have more space and more blankets with the two sleeping bags rolled out on top of them. Fushiguro settles next to Yuuji, his back facing him; Yuuji feels the automatic wave of heat roll in as his back makes contact with his front.
The rosy-haired teen’s heart begins to thump loudly in his chest, his core tightening at the idea of Fushiguro’s rear centimeters away from his crotch. Now was not the time for such lingering (and impossible) notions, but Yuuji can’t help it– this was the first time the two were so intimate, bodies flush together. There’s minimal distance between them, the space being the barricade of their clothes. Yuuji squirms, adjusting himself, causing his shirt to rise up and reveal a sliver of skin; ever so close to making skin-to-skin contact. The idea of bodily contact makes his stomach somersault at the thought.
Yuuji’s thoughts are interrupted by Fushiguro tapping him on his thigh. “Do you want to put your arm over mine? You’ll be more comfortable that way.” Fushiguro angles his face sideways when he speaks, until he realizes he’s centimeters away from caressing Yuuji’s lips, so he turns his head forward, not daring to look into Yuuji’s eyes. It’s dark, so Fushiguro’s red ears go unnoticed.
Yuuji nods his head against Fushiguro’s fluff of hair, untangling his arms from the blanket that drapes over them. He delicately wraps his arm around Fushiguro’s side, careful not to touch the fragment of skin that peaks between his sweats and shirt; the sacred place poses as an off limits zone in Yuuji’s book. If Yuuji’s hands were to caress his naked waist, it surely would enlighten a fire within his deepest parts.
“Is this alright?” Yuuji asks, gently squeezing Fushiguro’s lower arm. Yuuji’s fingers twitch with the need to put Fushiguro’s hand in his own.
“Yeah,” Fushiuro lightly whispers, drowsiness on his tongue. “Thanks for keeping me warm…” A silent yawn can be heard.
“Goodnight, Fushiguro,” Yuuji whispers after a minute, still wide awake. Fushiguro doesn’t respond, too exhausted for his own words. Yuuji wonders how long it will take for him to fall asleep given the current position he’s in. Probably a good three hours, or maybe not at all. But eventually he does, Fushiguro still wrapped in his hold.
—
The morning sunrise glistens though the thin material of the tent, light reflecting off floating dust particles. Birds chirp in the nearby distance as a wakeup call, awakening Yuuji in the process. He squints his eyes due to the incoming bright stream of light, groaning in response. Rubbing his eyes, Yuuji begins to move to check the time on his phone, until he realizes Fushiguro is nearly on top of him. At that very moment, that’s when it hits him; his morning wood is growing rapidly strong.
Yuuji takes a moment to process the predicament he’s in: the two teens had moved around throughout the night, bringing them to their current position— Yuuji on his back, and Fushiguro’s head on his heart, left arm around his waist, with his legs entangled with Yuuji’s, all while his own erection strains angrily against his pants. Yuuji assumes the situation couldn’t get worse (or better) until Fushiguro begins to stir, threatening his ability to keep calm.
Fushiguro mumbles something incoherently, hiking up his leg, dragging it hard against Yuuji’s fully erect cock, eliciting a low moan that escapes his throat. Fuck, Yuuji worries. What should I do? He does the first thing he can think of, which is untangling Fushiguro from his grasp. He slowly takes a hold of the dark-haired teen’s wrist and pulls it downward, gently putting it aside. Yet Yuuji is stopped short due to Fushiguro’s next movements. Fushiguro decides that it’s perfectly okay to move his leg again, threatening Yuuji’s entire body and will. This time, Fushiguro hauls his leg down, scraping over Yuuji’s clothed dick, and then bends his knee inward, right where his kneecap sits snug against his boner.
It’s enough pressure to send Yuuji over the edge.
Fushiguro starts moving slowly, rolling his hips against the side of Yuuji’s hipbone, sending him straight into orbit.
Holy shit— is Fushiguro humping me in his sleep? Yuuji’s mouth is left agape, too stunned to move or even breathe or even think. Instead of escaping Fushiguro’s grasp, Yuuji stays absolutely still, too in awe to know what to do next. He tilts his chin down to get a glimpse of Fushiguro’s sleeping face, and God, he’s ridiculously sexy. His hair lays messily over his closed eyes, thick eyelashes fluttering, drool forming at the corner of his mouth. His eyes scrunch up in what appears to be pain, but a good pain?
Suddenly, Yuuji feels a growing bulge against the middle of his thigh, and it’s obvious from Fushiguro’s movements that he’s now hard too.
“Nghhh…” Fushiguro moans in his sleep, squeezing his eyes tight. “Uh…” He starts pistoning his hips faster and the stroke is absolutely enlightening; a wet spot seeps through Fushiguro’s front, leaking onto Yuuji’s knee. The feeling of his fluid drives Yuuji insane.
Who is he dreaming of?
The intense pressure against Yuuji’s leg forces his brain cells to a halt. What do I do, what do I do, what do I do? Yuuji tends to act and speak before he thinks, so what he does next is done with little-to-no thought process whatsoever: he follows his instincts.
Yuuji grinds up, rolling his hips to meet Fushiguro’s knee that presses down. The friction is absolutely marvelous; a deep, intense blaze illuminates from the depths of his core. With how Fushiguro lays slumped over, his crotch is still miles away from Yuuji’s cock– the opposite of what Yuuji craves, what he needs . Yuuji is about to turn over on his side to guide their crotches together and cant his hips up, until Fushiguro’s eyes bolt open in shock.
“What…” Still half asleep, Fushiguro looks around, taking in their surroundings and the awkward situation they’re in. Fushiguro looks down, eyes making contact with Yuuji’s very obvious erection that pokes his knee. “What are you doing?” Fushiguro says in an accusatory tone, automatically pushing Yuuji away.
“Whaa…” Me?
“Shake.”
The two whip their heads immediately, but luckily, Inumaki is just talking in his sleep. They then turn back to face each other, too stunned to speak.
“Sorry,” they both say unsion, cheeks turning red.
“I didn’t mean–” Yuuji begins, only to get cut off by the man opposed to him.
“Actually, no, it was my–”
“Boys! Wakey, wakey!” Kugisaki says from outside their tent, causing the two to jump yet again. They immediately pull apart and sit away from each other, attempting to look normal. Kugisaki begins to unzip the tent door without asking, forcing the boys to cover their morning wood with nearby blankets. The ginger peaks her head through the door with a giggle, “Ohoho, looks like the two of you have a cuddle party without me! I would’ve assumed you two did something naughty with the facial expressions you’re both wearing,” she jokes, “but it’s probably because you’re both idiots.”
The teens cringe at the word naughty since Kugisaki wasn’t that far off.
“Haha, very funny Kugi,” Yuuji gulps, scratching the back of his head, while using his other hand to hoist up the blanket. He cannot let Kugisaki see. She would make fun of him for the rest of his remaining days.
“What time is it?” Fushiguro questions with an awkward cough, an obvious strain in his throat.
“Time to get up! We have a long day ahead of us,” Kugisaki declares. “Someone wake Inumaki up,” she calls as she exits the tent.
“Shake,” the silver-haired boy repeats, this time awake. He rubs his eyes, turning to stare at Yuuji and Fushiguro, who face away from each other. Sensing the tension, Inumaki asks, “Cream cheese?”
Great, Yuuji sighs in his mind. Perfect choice of rice ball ingredients to choose from.
Fushiguro confidently faces Inumkai, clearing his dry throat. “We’re fine. Just tired. We stayed up late.”
Yuuji can feel Fushiguro adjusting himself under the sleeping bag. He decides to do the same, attempting to tuck away his still obvious bulge. “Yeah,” Yuuji smiles wryly, his voice cracking, “J-just tired. That’s all.”
Fushiguro nudges Yuuji’s side with a whisper, “Idiot.” Right. Yuuji can’t lie to save his life. Moreover, the two are still clearly hiding something, both hands under the blankets. Thankfully, their suspicious actions go unnoticed, Inumaki too accustomed to their awkwardness.
The three begin to slowly get ready as the smell of roasted ham and steamed rice can be smelt from outside. Inumaki gets ready fast, so he’s the first to depart the tent to help the two women cook breakfast, abandoning Yuuji and Fushiguro in the tent, causing tension and anxiety to bloom even more. Nerves steadily rise as a hefty silence fills the room once again. They stay quiet, both dressing, not daring to even peek at the other, too worried what would happen. Yuuji wonders if Fushiguro is still hard due to himself still being at half mast.
If I said something to Fushiguro… would he yell at me? Would he accept my apology? Would we… continue where we left off? Yuuji ponders. No… there’s no way the last option would happen. He accidentally sighs out loud, causing Fushiguro to stiffen.
Fushiguro then stands, quietly announcing, “See you outside.”
Fushiguro’s voice startles Yuuji, forcing an eek! out of him; Yuuji cringes at the noise that leaves his mouth. “Sorry.” He doesn’t even know what he apologized for, whether it was for the weird noise or earlier this morning.
“It’s… okay.” Megumi’s voice is nearly a whisper as he glances at Yuuji from the corner of his eye. He then smiles wryly as he turns to exit, leaving Yuuji to bask alone in the silence.
Yuuji is stuck wondering what Fushiguro’s response truly meant.