Between the unspoken words

Morning light filtered through the tall windows of the main building, scattering pale reflections across the light marble stairs. The corridor of the Institute seemed quieter than usual — and yet, something inside us remained taut, like even the silence itself was holding its breath.

It was Maki who took the lead.

<< Gojo-sensei needs to know everything. Now. >>

And so we did.

We showed up at his office on the first floor, still cluttered with paperwork, empty teacups, and messy sketches taped to the walls. He greeted us with his usual smile — somewhere between theatrical and shameless. Dark glasses, sleeves rolled up, an expression that said "I was expecting you," even though he had probably just woken up.

<< Finally. You've got the dark circles of a cursed trauma. Spill it.>>

We talked. About what we saw, the curse, the feeling it wasn't over, the little girl. And my fears.

Gojo listened in silence, fingers laced in front of his mouth. When we finished, he stood up slowly and paced the room, hands behind his back.

<< Got it. Here's the plan,>> he said, with the kind of seriousness only he could pull off when it truly mattered.

<< Tomorrow, Geto and I will head to the place where the curse appeared. There should still be some spiritual trace left behind. If it's what I think it is, we won't need long to find a connection to the past.>>

<< What you think it is?>> Yuta asked.

Gojo turned toward him but didn't answer. Just a small nod.

<< As soon as we know more, we'll let you know. Until then… don't let the anxiety eat you alive. Eat ramen instead. Works better.>>

***

That day, we returned to class.

The room buzzed with familiar sounds: Panda arguing with a first-year about who was stronger between Nanami and Toji, Nobara painting her nails at her desk and daring anyone to say something, Megumi reading like everyone else was invisible.

I sat between Yuta and Toge.

He shifted to make space for me, as always, his gaze soft. He placed his phone on the desk without a word, but I understood. I knew him. Every time he gave me that kind of look… he was asking if I was okay.

<< I'm fine,>>I whispered, just for him. And he nodded.

Then I felt it.

Those eyes.

From the other side of the room.

Yuji.

Staring at me. Not rudely, not angrily — but full of something he was trying hard to hide, something that still glowed across his face like a neon sign.

He tried to smile, but it only touched one side of his mouth. One of those smiles that never quite reach the eyes.

And I… looked at him one second longer than I should have.

Just one second.

But long enough for Toge to notice.

He didn't say anything.

He didn't write anything.

But I felt his knee brush against mine.

A small touch — but solid.

A presence. A reminder.

So I lowered my gaze, trying to find calm in the edges of my notebook pages, while the lesson came to life around me — diagrams, techniques, and Gojo-sensei's corrections scribbled in neon markers.

<> Yuta asked.

<> I replied, smiling.

<< Count me in. But only if Panda doesn't sing karaoke.>>

<> Panda laughed, loud enough to make even Megumi glance up.

From the back of the room, Maki lifted her eyes.

<< I already know we'll end up somewhere lame. >>

<> I said. <>

The final bell rang through the classroom like a call to freedom.

The others began gathering their things, but no one was in a hurry.

It was Yuta who broke the silence first:

<>

<> Maki grumbled, crossing her arms as she stood. <>

<> said Panda, raising two fingers like an orchestra conductor. <>

<> asked Megumi, who had appeared behind us like a shadow, in his usual flat tone.

<> Nobara replied, flashing a mischievous smile.

I turned to Toge.

He typed something on his phone and showed me the screen.

"You sure you're up for this? You look tired..."

I smiled.

<>

He nodded slightly, a tiny tilt of the chin that said Alright then, and gave Yuta a thumbs-up. Yuta returned the gesture with a knowing smile.

<> said Nobara, shooting a sharp look between me and Yuji.

<> I replied — but the words came out with just a bit too much tension.

Toge lowered his gaze for a second.

Yuji didn't say anything. He quietly packed up his bag, each motion precise, as if the contents mattered more than anything else happening around us.

Then suddenly, he stood up.

<>

It sounded casual, but it wasn't.

There was something underneath.

Something Toge sensed immediately.

And I did too.

<> Panda declared, pointing at all of us. <>

<>

<>I corrected.

<> added Nobara.

Maki shrugged.

<>

We all burst out laughing.

And in that moment… we really did seem like just a bunch of normal teenagers. No curses. Just life.But beneath all that lightness, there was a thread connecting us.

Invisible.

And that night… we were about to pull it even tighter.

***

The room was bathed in the soft glow of the bedside lamp, reflected in the mirror as I finished the last touches of my makeup. The brush swept across my skin in smooth, practiced strokes. The eyeliner traced my lash line boldly. My lips bloomed with a warm, deep red.

The dress fit like a second skin — burgundy, short, elegant, and bold in all the right ways. The thin straps clung delicately to my bare shoulders, while a fine golden chain looped from one side of the neckline to the other. My back was completely exposed, and with every step I took, it felt like I was whispering something without speaking.

I had chosen high heels to match — perfectly coordinated — and a small, minimalist clutch in the same shade. My hair flowed in soft, perfumed waves down to the middle of my back. My eyes — green, shining — were already telling the story of the night, even before it began.

I glanced at myself in the mirror one last time.

With that quiet awareness that comes after a battle.

When you know who you are.

And you know you're allowed to shine.

When Toge knocked on the door, I opened it with a smile.

And there he was.

He was... perfect.

A fitted black shirt that traced the lean lines of his body, a charcoal-gray jacket worn open with casual ease, dark jeans and black shoes that looked tailor-made. His hair was carefully styled — but just enough. Effortless. Intentional. On his wrist, a slim metallic watch.

But it was the scent that reached me first — warm, spicy, unmistakable.

The kind of fragrance that lingers on your skin.

That makes heads turn.

That stays in memory.

He looked at me once. Head to toe. Then straight into my eyes.

He didn't say anything.

He didn't have to.

I smiled.

He typed on his phone, holding it low between his fingers:

"You're heart-stopping. But tonight I'm your shield. From everything."

A soft laugh escaped me.

<< You're the one who's heart-stopping,>> I replied.

We stepped out together.

Maki looked stunning too — a long black dress with a side slit, tall boots, and makeup that sharpened the fire in her eyes. Her hair was tied up in a half-bun that revealed silver hoop earrings.

Maki was war — always.

Panda wore a floral shirt unbuttoned over a linen pair of trousers.

Yuta kept it simple but elegant: a white shirt, slightly undone at the collar, beige trousers, and that ever-ready smile.

Nobara had gone for a soft pink dress paired with an oversized denim jacket, bold earrings, and glossy lips. She was glowing.

And then… there was Yuji.

He was already waiting at the gate, hands in his pockets, wearing that look of someone pretending to be lighthearted — but carrying the weight of every breath.

Dark jeans, a midnight-blue shirt rolled up to the elbows, spotless sneakers.

When he saw me, he took half a step forward.

His gaze froze.

He didn't say a word.

He just… looked.

His eyes widened slightly. His lips parted in a faint smile — one that never quite reached his eyes.

Then he turned away.

But that was enough.

That silence, that held-back look, said more than a thousand words.

Toge, standing beside me, noticed everything.

I saw it in the way his shoulders tensed, in the subtle movement of his fingers, in the slight downward glance of his eyes.

Then, without showing anyone, he raised his phone and typed just for me:

"If he looks at you like that again, I swear I'm punching him before we even go inside."

I burst into laughter — not too loud.

It was a fragile moment.

A moment that belonged to us.

And as we all walked together into the night, toward the lights of the city, toward a promise of something normal... no one yet knew that something, deep beneath that carefree surface, had already begun to stir.

At the club...

The club was hidden behind a row of low buildings, not far from Shibuya.

The neon sign glowed faintly, reflected in the pavement still wet from the afternoon rain. The entrance looked almost secret — like one of those places that only exists for those who know where to look.

The music pulsed through the walls — a mix of African rhythms and electronic beats, the warm, sensual thump of a bass marking every breath.

As soon as we stepped inside, we were hit with the scent of soft incense and fruit-laced cocktails.

The lighting was dim, painted in hues of red, gold, and blue. Each table was surrounded by plush velvet couches, and the air buzzed with whispered conversations, stifled laughter, and hands finding their way toward one another.

We took a spot in a secluded corner, where the sofas curved into a half-circle — intimate, shielded from the chaos around us.

<> said Maki, leaning back with her arms stretched over the back of the couch, while Yuta sat beside her, already holding his first drink.

<> Nobara added. <>

Laughter bubbled up immediately — soft, natural.

Like all the weight from the past few days had melted in that very moment.

A little later, between banter and a second round of drinks, I saw Maki lean over and kiss Yuta.

A real kiss — deep, deliberate.

Her hand on his jaw, his lips meeting hers gently, without rush.

It was a full gesture. Grown-up.

A whispered "I'm here" between one heartbeat and the next.

I smiled. Watching them, sipping my honey and ginger cocktail, I felt my legs a little lighter, my head a little warmer.

And in the middle of all that soft chaos, I felt Yuji's eyes on me.

They burned on my skin — discreet, but heavy.

It wasn't an obvious stare, but it was constant.

Every time I looked up, he was there. In silence. His jaw tight, fingers playing with the glass, his gaze catching mine and then darting away.

Toge noticed. As always.

He took my hand without a word and gently pulled me toward him, settling me on his left leg.

His arms wrapped around my body naturally, protectively, claiming me.

He rested his chin on my bare shoulder, and I leaned against him, fully relaxed.

His fingers began tracing lazy circles on my bare thigh, barely grazing me with the tips. A touch so light, so sensual, it made me close my eyes for a moment.

<> I began, smiling.

His hand paused for a second, then continued, slowly, as he listened.

I was telling a funny story — a night when my friends and I had chased a stray cat, convinced it was a spirit guide. My voice carried humor, but also a bit of nostalgia. I missed Rome sometimes.

But right there, in those arms, there was no other place I'd rather be.

Toge listened in silence.

And every now and then, between a laugh and a sigh, he kissed me.

Not on the lips.

But on my arm.

A kiss on the shoulder.

Another just below the inner elbow.

One more, just above the curve of my collarbone.

Small gestures. But everything.

Around us, the world moved on.

Panda was ordering snacks like there was no tomorrow.

Nobara was trying to teach Yuji how to hold his alcohol.

Maki and Yuta had melted into their own little world. She was on his lap now, lost in their intimacy.

But for me… it was just that moment.

Me and Toge.

Slow breaths. Hands on my legs.

The music picked up, the DJ keeping the energy just right.

The velvety sound of it blended with the calm rhythm of our breathing.

I kept talking in a soft voice, telling him about a summer night in Trastevere, of the yellow lights gliding over ancient stones, and street musicians who looked like they'd stepped out of a dream.

My words were light, while his fingers kept drawing lazy paths across my bare thighs.

Toge looked at me with still, almost hypnotic eyes.

Not just watching — holding me with his gaze.

I felt beautiful.

More than ever, maybe.

Suddenly, he pulled out his phone and tapped quickly. He showed me the screen.

"We have a problem."

I turned to him slowly, one eyebrow raised, lips curved in a knowing smirk.

<> I whispered, my voice lighter than I meant.

I looked him right in the eyes.

He didn't type.

He lifted me slightly — just enough to let me slide further down his leg, enough for me to feel the answer.

Then, he pointed with a finger.

There. Between his legs.

His body spoke for him.

And it spoke clearly.

I stared at him, half shocked, half amused.

He returned the look — intense, dark. Then typed again, no hesitation this time:

"We need to fix this. Fast. I'm going crazy."

I smiled.

Not a laugh. Just a smile.

One of those smiles with tension on the edges.

Complicity. Promises.

I leaned in, pretending to tell another little story. But my voice brushed his ear just to say:

<>

Toge dropped his gaze to my crossed legs, to the line of my bare back, to every detail he was fighting not to lose control over.

Then he typed:

"You're driving me insane."

I laid my fingers lightly on his chest, over the tight black shirt.

I felt his heartbeat.

Uneven. On edge.

<> I whispered.

I sat back upright again.

But every muscle in my body was aware of him.

The night continued around us.

Drinks kept flowing.

Panda was trying to convince Nobara to sing on the tiny stage.

Yuta and Maki were still deep into each other, her body wrapped around his.

Toge leaned toward me, slowly.

Typed one last thing.

"If you stay like this for five more minutes… I swear I'm dragging you to the bathroom."

I looked at him.

Inside me… there was already fire.

He shook his head — didn't wait five minutes at all.

He gave me a small slap on the butt to make me stand.

I smiled.

<> I whispered.

He gave me a look of pure exasperation.

Then shook his head again and typed:

"You're coming with me. Now."

We stood on tiptoe. Yuta and Maki were too lost in their own world, Panda was dancing with some girls on the dance floor, Yuji and Nobara were close, too intimate, and Megumi was on the phone. I followed Toge to the bathroom. He opened the door and let me go first, and I smiled at him. I could tell from his look that he wasn't in the mood to smile.

The music was loud and clear, even inside the bathrooms. He pushed me toward one of the many open ones, locked the door behind him, and without waiting another minute, pushed me against the wall. I placed my hands on the cold, sticky tiles. I arched my back automatically, panting. I was already soaking wet. I clearly heard the metallic sound of the belt unzipping and the zipper sliding down. He grabbed my hip with one hand, and I bent even further. He pushed my black lace thong aside and entered me, violently.

His hands remained on my hips, gripping them tightly, with a firm grip. His thrusts weren't slow and sensual at all: they were violent, each thrust burning in my gut. The sound of our sweat-drenched bodies was drowned out by the loud music, and my loud, intense moans were heard only by him, and no one else.

He lifted my dress even higher, so he could grip me better. He went faster and faster.

<>

He didn't even stop to breathe. I saw his legs were soaked, sweat dripping everywhere.

He slowed down shortly after, but only to step out for a moment, turn me around, and have me lie down on a changing table used for changing babies' diapers. I was lying naked in front of him, my legs spread and dripping wet. Without waiting a moment, he came back in and grabbed my inner thighs with both hands.

He was pounding me so hard I could barely breathe. My moans had become more intense, and I felt indescribable pleasure. At that moment, my eyes met his. He looked at me with a shocking sweetness, leaned down, and kissed me. His mouth was full of saliva. I felt him tremble more than before, and I knew he was about to come.

<> I begged.

He stared at me, almost in disbelief.

<> I continued, panting.

He resumed his violent pace, much faster than before. I was in heaven now, my mind lost because of the alcohol, the loud music, and him. I felt him tremble again, we were almost there. He was huge and rock hard inside me.

<> I said.

He looked at me, ready to explode.

<< AH…>>

<< Yes, yes…come all the way…please…>>

He lowered himself toward me, his chest against mine. He finished inside me. The pleasure he felt was incredible, I could tell by his moans and the final thrusts he gave me while he was still inside me. More intense, stronger, sudden. Still panting, he rested his forehead on my exposed breast, which he immediately kissed, lowering the neckline of my dress.

I stroked his hair and smiled.