Jujutsu Kaisen: False Dawn

Mei Mei sat frozen on the floor, heart pounding hard enough to drown out the echo of Rika's final hiss. She was still recovering from what she'd seen—from what she'd felt. That cursed spirit… no, that thing… had gripped her like she wasn't even a sorcerer.

And Ren?

He hadn't broken a sweat.

He stepped forward again, crouched down, and gently cupped Mei's chin, tilting her face toward his.

"Aww, you hurt?" Ren asked with a teasing glint. "Sorry, that was Rika. She gets jealous when other girls are around me. Honestly, she's a little possessive."

Mei's face didn't show it, but inside her mind, everything was spiraling.

Ugh… he still talks like this is just another afternoon. God damn it… Her jaw tensed slightly. But… he stopped when I said I'd do anything. Maybe… maybe the reason he flirted with me was… She bit the thought before it could finish. No! What the hell am I thinking?! That's the last option!

Ren gave her no time to regroup.

He gently pulled her forward.

Still dazed, Mei let herself be moved. Ren sat on the couch, casual as ever, and now Mei found herself kneeling in front of him.

The position wasn't lost on either of them.

Ren's voice dropped into a softer tone—almost lazy.

"Okay. Since you tried to seduce me and, like, broke my feelings…" He smiled. "You'll need punishment, okay?"

She blinked.

He continued: "Make a binding vow with me. All you have to do is agree—nothing else. And I'll let you live for this little mistake."

The world seemed to narrow.

Her eyes widened as the words hit.

Binding vow? she thought. Oh shit. That's… that's way more than I was thinking. Fuck. Fuck. I really messed up this time, huh…

But strangely, despite the sudden dread, she wasn't angry.

Why am I not angry? she wondered. Why haven't I moved yet? Why am I still on my knees?

Mei looked up at him slowly. Her lips parted.

"…Okay," she said, voice carefully neutral. "Fine. But I want to add something to the binding vow if you're going to make it."

Ren's expression barely shifted—but there was amusement behind his eyes.

Once a businesswoman, always a businesswoman, he thought. Still trying to negotiate terms. Cute.

Then the amusement vanished.

But why does she think I care about her? Honestly… I could just make Rika eat her. Her crow technique is damn useful. Be a shame to waste it.

His grip on her chin tightened slightly.

He leaned in.

Voice cold.

Controlled.

"I should kill you right here," he said. "Send the higher-ups a message: Don't mess with me."

Mei froze.

This wasn't teasing anymore.

This wasn't flirty Ren.

This was a different animal.

He's actually thinking about it, she realized.

He's really weighing the idea of killing me.

The reports had been wrong. Completely wrong.

This boy is not a hero.

And then something clicked in Mei's brain—something primal.

Capacity.

Most powerful people had limits. Morals. Lines they didn't cross. But this?

This wasn't restraint.

This wasn't morality.

Ren didn't seem to have lines. Or if he did… they were faint. Flexible.

She didn't think.

She reacted.

"Yes! Yes!" Mei said, almost too fast. "I agree to whatever binding vow you'll tell me. I won't add anything. Just don't—don't kill me."

Her voice trembled.

She didn't even notice it… but she arched her back slightly as she spoke, as if submitting physically would help plead her case better.

Ren blinked.

Then smiled.

Oh? That's all it took? he thought. I thought I'd have to show her some pain before she caved. Smart woman. I like smart women.

He sat back a little, more relaxed now.

"Alright then," he said with that same lazy tone returning.

And then, in a steady rhythm—like reciting scripture—he spoke:

"Your will shall walk beside mine, where dissent holds no voice.

Of me, you shall speak only in echoes I permit to ring.

That which is yours may answer when I call, as value seeks value.

To stray from this accord is to invite a silent end from within."

(To be continued.)