Chapter Text
Itadori Yuji was known for many things. Though, if you were to interview any person who came across the infamous Itadori Yuji, they would all unanimously call him: Reliable. He is the most reliable person to ever walk this planet, and he does a great damn job at maintaining that image.
He maintains it when he walks the neighbor’s child to the bus stop every morning, and when he feeds the starving stray cats on the street. He believes it to be a good omen; superstitions can creep up on anybody. Or when he has to pick up an angry drunk Nobara Kugisaki at the bar at 3 in the morning.
Though, the most reliable Itadori Yuji is when he is in the court room battling against the most corrupt and vile men in Tokyo. And he makes damn sure; he wins every single case file that lands on his desk.
Itadori has worked hard for the notoriety he has built for himself in the world of justice. However, on this particular Tuesday morning, he is finding it incredibly difficult to accept a responsibility being laid upon him.
Yesterday afternoon, Itadori opened an email sent by his boss, Gojo Satoru. A new case, bubbling with excitement he opened it. With every good thing that comes Yuji’s way, 10 bad things follow it. I should’ve fed more cats this week.
The email read:
Dear Itadori Yuji AND Fushiguro Megumi,
Starting Tomorrow, Tuesday, October 2nd, you will be working a joint
case with one another. This is short notice, but this is a very high profile case against
a powerful defendant. Therefore, I need two of my best lawyers to win it.
We will be having a meeting tomorrow at 11am for more details!!
Farewell,
Gojo Satoru!
Itadori isn’t a novice when it comes to working joint cases, it just so happens this time, it’s against his ‘so-called’ work rival: Fushiguro Megumi. It’s not that Yuji hates the guy. He truly doesn’t, he hasn’t even met the guy before. It’s just that ever since, his idiotic colleagues started to tally the cases he and Fushiguro won. It created a downturn spiral of a silent rivalry.
It lit a fire under Yuji, knowing somewhere in his office building there was a Fushiguro Megumi who was equal in skill. It started to tick him off, but It isn’t Fushiguro’s fault for being good at his job, he should be. It’s only natural in this field, justice for all, is the motto, right? So, why was it slowly eating at Itadori’s consciousness every single day he looked at that damn tally board.
130-130
They have been going tit for tat for a year and a half now. Yuji has been at this firm for 2-years, ever since he graduated law school, and he is grateful for being able to have an opportunity at such a prestigious law office in Tokyo. So, Yuji is going to get ready for work, march into the office, and face Fushiguro Megumi with an unbiased opinion.
Itadori won’t ruin his chances at advancing in this field, due to a childish tally. He is able to make friends with anybody, so Fushiguro won’t be any different. Which is an exciting thought for Yuji, he wonders what kind of person he is. He has of course seen his face in televised court proceedings, due to his curiosity. And Yuji cannot lie, Fushiguro is infuriatingly gorgeous, so maybe working on this joint case won’t be so bad afterall.
Once, Yuji is done brushing his teeth and doing his hair. He grabs his most dignified looking suit and quickly puts it on, then he leaves his apartment in a hurry. It is like any other morning, he greets his neighbors and their child, and walks them down the stairs to the lobby to begin their journey.
“Mr. Yuji, you look rough, is everything okay?” the child says with pure innocence. Damn children and their blatant honesty.
“What do you mean? I don’t look rough” Yuji combs the right side of his hair back, “I look just fine, plus it’s rude to judge a person's appearance, May” he says in the wisest act he can put on.
May just glances at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes and then chuckles, “This serious adult look isn't working on you Mr. Yuji. You look like you wanna soil your pants”
Yuji falters in his steps, does he truly look nervous right now? Is this upcoming joint case actually affecting his body subconsciously? Yeah, it is unnerving to finally face the infamous Fushiguro Megumi, but to shit himself? That is clinically insane, I need to calm down.
Yuji straightens up, smooths out his suit and calmly replies, “I’m fine, I just have a new important case coming up” then smiles with natural reassurance.
May looks at him for a few seconds before speaking up, “Are you sure that is all that’s bothering you, Mr. Yuji?” raising an eyebrow.
The Nakamura’s have been in Yuji’s life ever since he found his apartment 2 years ago. They’re his neighbors, and May is their youngest child. She just started middle school this year, so she has become more brazen with her personality. Although it's not something Yuji can’t handle, she is like a younger sister to him. So he treats her as such.
Yuji just chuckles, “It’ll be televised for sure, so you can watch your cool neighbor in his element” and pats her head as to annoy but also puts her thoughts at ease. She may put up a front, but Yuji knows deep down. May was worried about him, but just couldn’t show it properly.
May swats his hand away and snarls, “I wouldn’t go that far. You are pretty uncool Mr. Yuji” and giggles at his disbelief. “Whatever, just make sure you win. Cause if you don’t, that would be very uncool”
Yuji just smirks as they finally reach her stop, “I would never” and she just makes a disapproving face, before they say their farewells. May is a good kid, she has an attitude but a colorful personality nonetheless. It keeps Yuji on his toes, so as he watches the bus go down the street, he turns on his foot and makes his way to the cafe.
It’s like any other day Yuji must remind himself. This little hiccup in the road is nothing Yuji can't handle; he has the weight of all his decisions and sins on his back. That fact alone calms his nerves. This petty rivalry between him and Fushiguro, is nothing in comparison, and he will not ruin the reputation he worked so hard for because of it. So, he will shake Fushiguro's Megumi hand, introduce himself, become friends, and then win this case. It's simple.
Simple.
He then takes a deep breath and embraces his surroundings for the first time this morning. Since the last remnants of summer have left with September, there is a chill in the early hours of the day, but the cooling breeze is refreshing during times of crisis. The morning bustle of adults and children alike just trying to reach their destinations, to continue the spinning cogs of Tokyo. To make their existence matter, and in the grand scheme of things, no matter if it's them or another replacing their spot. The cogs will continue to spin with or without them. It’s a harsh reality, but Yuji was forced upon this revelation, and it pushes him to do his part before it's his time to be persecuted for the life he has led.
It’s not that Yuji always lived a life without romanticizing it, he still wants to believe there is a reality without imperfections, but in this line of work it’s his job to look at the face of evil and be the one to exorcize them. For his words to be the shield and the sentence be his weapon to protect the innocence. To protect as many people as possible, even if he can’t save the ones closest to him. His mission, his alibi, his morals, he must protect that at all costs. As that is all he has left from his home.
In clouded thought, he has made it to the cafe in record time. From the moment Yuji opened his eyes this morning, everything has felt like it's been moving in slow motion, but still it’s too fast. Yuji is lost in his own head, and he needs to combat this fog that has been forecasted in his mind. He takes another deep breath for the 100th time this morning, and opens the door to Moonlight Cafe.
This cafe has been the holy grail for Yuji ever since he’s been introduced to it. Nobara was the one who randomly found it. It was their first time in the region, and she was aimlessly searching for food in the area on google maps. Moonlight was the closest in walking distance, so they decided to try the local cuisine. Ever since, the cameral ice coffee and lavender mocha have been the best they have ever tried.
As Yuji waits on the egregiously long line, he checks his phone for the first time since he left the apartment and sees 5 messages from Nobara Kugisaki. All ranging from “Where the hell are you?” “You better buy me a drink on your way to the office” to “I heard about the joint case” “is it true it’s with Fushiguro???”
Fucking great.
Of course word got out. Why wouldn’t word get out about the infamous joint case of Itadori Yuji and Fushiguro Megumi. And out of all the people to know, it has to be Nobara, she’s going to bug him right as he walks into the office. It’s not like he already wants to puke due to the inconvenience.
It’s fine Yuji, the meeting will go just fine.
Shake hands. Introduce himself. Become friends. Win the case. Simple.
The line has shortened by the time he finished responding to his texts, and he is finally being rung up. He asks for the usual, a cameral ice coffee with a vanilla creamed croissant for himself and a lavender mocha for Nobara. When the order is ready, he snatches it up quickly and leaves the cafe. He is running sort of late by this time, 7:45, he only has 15 minutes to make it on time. Damn his stupid brain for being lost in thought.
***
Yuji unfortunately arrived 10 minutes late to the office, which is an unusual occurrence, and knowing his colleagues they will not slide past it.
“Wow you look like shit, not trying to impress anyone today? Truly making a statement.” Nobara comments while stifling a mischievous smile. Yuji rolls his eyes while handing her the mocha he bought. “You have such a way with words, Nobara.” he says in the most sarcastic tone he could conjure up in the present moment.
Nobara takes a sip of the drink with a nod, “Hold up” she says in a stern tone before Yuji could snake away to his office, “So, you were just not going to tell your best friend about the new joint case you got, with your sworn rival?”
“He’s not my sworn rival.” he says definitively, because Fushiguro truly wasn’t his rival, there is no reason to hate the guy. Was there annoyance? Yes, but it was only natural, when you are consistently being compared to a reflection of yourself. Of course Yuji would become irritated at times, but Fushiguro Megumi is not his sworn rival.
“You have a case with Fushiguro Megumi?” Inumaki speaks in his quiet presence while coming up from behind Yuji. “Isn’t there tension between you two?” He spoke as he rested an arm on Yuji’s shoulder, while he pestered him.
If Yuji only knew this was how his October would start, maybe he would’ve visited more temples, created cat figures for good fortune, or ate 12 grapes before the year even started. If he wasn’t going through a mental battle all morning, he would’ve indulged in all the pestering and little jokes, but Yuji is so on edge about introducing himself to Fushiguro, and the meeting. He can’t help but feel overwhelmed with all the first degree at 8:15 in the morning.
Yuji just straightens out his back and for the 15th time today inhales for a deep breath, “Yes, I have a joint case coming up with Fushiguro, and no there is no tension between us. It’s only due from that stupid tally board you guys created, might I add” Yuji says trying to convince the peering eyes of his colleagues. “Trust, I’ve got this, Fushiguro and I will be friends in no time.” he finishes off his performance with a smile.
Nobara just stares at Yuji with an unimpressed look, “Okay, whatever, you and Fushiguro will create a bromance and run off into the sunset together, woo.” She states sarcastically, which earned a chuckle from Inumaki and Miwa in the process, “But, my issue is, why didn’t you tell me about the case to begin with?”
She’s right, normally Yuji would've told Nobara immediately about something this big happening in his life. They have been friends since the beginning of high school, and continued on well into college. Nobara has been through every phase of Yuji’s life, and vise versa, there was no TMI boundary between them. And there was no NDA in the world that would stop the two of them from informing each other about their lives.
Yuji knows Nobara is hurt by this, but he got the email well into the afternoon yesterday, and it hadn’t crossed his mind to tell her. Yuji was too in his head with the spontaneity of the upcoming case. He was nervous and needed to figure out how he would go about it; without burdening Nobara with his nonsensical worries. Which is stupid, he understands that. But that doubt is a default setting at this point, and he feels like shit for it.
“You’re right, I should’ve told you, I just didn’t want to burden you with my worries.” he says in pure raw honesty, “I’m sorry” is what he finishes with, and Nobara just looks at him, then laughs. Which really catches him off guard.
What the hell?
“Jesus, Yuji this joint case really is fucking with you, huh?” She then shoves his shoulder playfully, “Don’t blow an aneurysm, I don’t care that much.” Gosh, maybe Yuji was losing it. He was way too tense; he just needs a second opinion to clear his already clouded conscience.
Yuji sighs in defeat, “I have been anxious ever since I got the email. It’s not that I have a vendetta against Fushiguro, it’s just nerve wracking finally having to meet the guy, I have a stupid tally war with.” he then leans on Nobara’s desk and slides his hands down his face. This is so idiotic, I am a 27-year-old man. I can handle this childish made-up rivalry.
And he could handle it.
Shake his hand. Introduce himself. Become friends. Win the case. Simple.
“Yuji” Nobara calls pulling him out of his thoughts.
“What?” he mumbles into his hands
“Have I ever told you how idiotic you can be sometimes? It really pisses me off” Nobara says as she takes another sip of her almost gone lavender mocha, and then continues. “It's not rocket science, just meet up with him, greet yourself and act like your usual stupid cheery, bright-eyed self. He will fall for the charm, trust me” she finishes with a confident nod.
Nobara Kugisaki was many things. Assertive, blunt, loud, confident to a default, and has a huge heart for the people she cares for. She loves loudly in her own weird fucked up way, but Yuji has grown fond of it over the years. But, one thing to note about Nobara, is that her intuition has a 50/50 win rate. With all the advice Yuji has blindly followed over the years, only half of them have worked in his favor. So will he take a gamble, and trust Nobara’s words? Yes, yes he will. It’s the only piece of salvation he has in the state of in-between he has been in all morning.
“Nobara’s right, you know.” Inumaki chimes in, “From what I’ve heard, Megumi seems to be fond of kind hearted people. So just be yourself, and you will be just fine.” Inumaki pats his back with a gentle nod, and then heads back to his desk.
With that, Yuji feels the weight of the world be lifted off his shoulders. What was he so afraid of? He is just another colleague, working to defend and protect the innocent. He isn’t fighting against a greater evil lurking in the shadows. It’s just Fushiguro Megumi, a fellow lawyer who is great at his job. Nothing can go wrong. Yuji then stretches out his shoulders, and for the first time all morning feels calm.
“You’re right, I was in my head for no reason.” Yuji then puts on his first genuine smile of the day. “I know I’m right, no need to be reminded” Nobara says with her stupid shit-eating grin. I can never give her a compliment. Yuji playfully rolls his eyes, and then finally makes his way over to his office.
It’s still surreal for Yuji to have his own office 2 years into his career, but 6 months ago, he got promoted to be a partner within the firm, and now has control of the 12th floor. Which gets him to handle the larger cases, while giving work to others on the floor.
Although, the case load is split between him and Higuruma Hiromi. He has been a lawyer for 20 years and is an associate of the firm. But his home base is on the 12th floor, so he has been helping Yuji in this new found position.
Yuji looks up to Higuruma, and they have created a close bond over the last few months. Higuruma acts with altruism, and the strongest sense of justice that even puts Yuji’s to shame. He has become a mentor to Yuji, in many ways, and in turn Higuruma has served him many uncomfortable truths. Higuruma understands the innocence, and the guilty more than anyone in the world. It’s as though he rules with his own mullet seeking his own convictions. It’s inspiring, and Yuji can only climb the mountain in which Higuruma stands on, to reach his level of morality.
Yuji finally reaches his office and places his belongings on the mahogany desk. His office is average size, with a bookshelf on the far left of the room, and a half shelf on the far right, which stands a lamp and a small circle table shoved in the corner. There is floor to ceiling windows that stand behind and in front of Yuji’s desk, and the room is decorated with some photos and a few plants. It gives him motivation to consistently look after something. Finally, he has his own mini fridge he recently added, due to the fact his homemade lunches kept getting eaten in the break room, by an alleged (for sure) Nobara Kugisaki.
It’s currently 8:45am, so during this time Yuji will eat his breakfast, catch up on paperwork, and then at 10:30 he will make his way to the 16th floor and finally greet Fushiguro Megumi. It’s simple.
Shake his hand. Introduce himself. Become friends. Win the case. Simple.
***
It is now 10:15, and Yuji has finished all the work he wanted within the hour and a half time span. Now, he must put his courage to use and head to the 16th floor. Everything will go well, and Yuji will have gained a new friend. So why does it feel like he wants to vomit? Yuji is never this nervous, maybe it’s because of the rival thing, or he might hate Yuji?
Ugh shut up.
Yuji then slaps his face, stands up, straightens out his suit, combs the right side of his hair back, takes a deep breath, and he darts for his office door in a composed, civilized manner.
Just shake his hand. Introduce yourself. Become friends. Win the case. Simple. Its sim-
“Woah, don’t actually shit yourself, Yuji”
“Yeah, you’re turning a bit pale, you need water?”
Nobara and Inumaki both speak, stilling him in his place.
“I am just fine, just about to make a new friend is all” putting up a semi-composed smile.
“Right so, in order to do that, you gotta pull your head out your ass and calm down. You look sick.” Nobara is coming from a good place, she’s worried about Yuji. Though, all he feels at the current moment is irritation. He just needs to splash some cold water on his face. Yup, that’s all he needs to do. It’s a simple solution to a simple issue. Simple.
“I am calm, have some faith.” he then starts walking away towards the bathrooms.
“Okay, just don’t puke all over him. Heard he's a germaphobe.” Nobara snickers, getting a giggle out of Inumaki in the process. Yuji came to the conclusion that all his friends are just dicks.
“Thanks, assholes” but he mumbles the second part to himself, and all he hears from the distance is ‘You’re welcome’. He rolls his eyes but holds a soft smile, as much as his friends berate him. They always manage to lighten his mood. Yuji then enters the bathroom, and thankfully it’s vacant. He heads for the first sink he sees, and stares at himself in the mirror. He did look slightly pale, and sickly. He closes his eyes for a brief moment and tries to meditate and pray to whomever was listening.
Everything is fine, I’m going to ride up onto the 16th floor, find Fushiguro, and greet him. Everything will go well, he is just a colleague and soon to be partner on the case. I’m just making a new friend.
I’m fine.
Yuji then breathes out, opens his eyes and smiles in the mirror. See, all better. And he was looking better, he was less pale and looked healthy at the very least. For extra precaution, he turns on the faucet and splashes cold water on his face. It was like a slap of reality washed over him. He was reborn, and was ready to begin a new chapter.
He grabs the closest washcloth and wipes the water off. Before he leaves the bathroom, he takes one last look in the mirror, smiles, assures himself for the 100th time, and then heads out the door.
With a newfound rhythm to his step, he feels unstoppable. Even humming a small tune on his way over to the elevators. He feels ridiculous having felt the pressure of the world, over one small interaction with another colleague. He was being hysterical for no reason. The elevator reaches his floor and he steps into it, clicking the number 16.
As the slow bumps of the elevator briefly stopped on each floor, he became jittery with slight anticipation. Wondering what Fushiguro was like in person, with all this time working in the firm. They haven’t interacted or even crossed paths before, which is an odd occurrence, but working at the biggest law firm in Tokyo it becomes understandable. The building has 24 floors, and each has their own system, lawyers, associates, and jobs they must handle. It becomes easy to be home bound to the assigned floor you’re given.
Yuji hasn’t had a reason to visit the 16th floor yet, so this is a first for him. He is excited for the tiny world he will be walking into. The elevator finally stops at the 16th, and he steps out of the cage. He was hoping to see anything out of the ordinary, but the floor is basically the same layout as the 12th. It was disappointing, but anticipated. Yuji then walks towards the main area and wonders about like a ghost. He has no idea where Fushiguro could be, nor anybody on the floor who might know.
Lost in thought, Yuji gets a tap on the shoulder by someone behind him,
“Hey, you looking for someo- Itadori?” The man says as Yuji turns around. He knows my name? He then takes a good look at the man in front of him, pale, tired sheepish eyes, and black straight bangs hang down the sides of his face. It takes him a second to realize the man standing in front of him is Okkotsu Yuta.
He hadn’t realized Okkotsu worked on this floor; they had met briefly through Inumaki at a gathering at a bar some time ago. He was shy but very kind, and understood why he and Inumaki were close. Whether it be friends or more it’s not Yuji’s business.
“Okkostu? I wasn’t aware you worked on this floor. How are you?”
“I’ve been good, but what are you doing on this floor? Looking for someone?” Okkostu asked with genuine confusion on his face.
“Oh, was I that obvious?”
Yuta lets out a small laugh,“Yeah, you looked like a lost puppy wondering about.”
“My bad, I was just looking for Fushiguro Megumi. Would you know where he is?” he asked, turning slightly pink by the embarrassment.
“Fushiguro? Does this have to do with the upcoming case?” So, the case has made its way around the firm, or Okkostu is close enough to Fushiguro for him to confide in him? Which would be news to Yuji, but he isn’t close enough to Okkostu to know his inner circle like that.
“Yeah something like that,” Yuji laughs nervously, “So would you happen to know where I can find him?”
Okkostu analyzes Yuji slowly and then puts on his usual soft smile, “I think I saw him go into the break room a moment ago, you should find him there.”
“Oh really? Thanks for the help, Okkostu. I owe you one.” Yuji smiles and Okkostu just nods saying, “No need, and Good luck.” and then he heads for the break room. As he reaches for the handle, he takes his last deep breath and opens the door.
He is first met with a kitchenette and a circle table with a few chairs surrounding it. Then in the corner near a coffee machine, stands a tall man, at least 6 foot 1, in a black sleek suit and black spiky hair. His back is turned to Yuji, so he can’t make out his face just yet, but from what he can make out, the man is lean, and the fabric fits his arms just right. He must work out. Just then the man finally turns to face the door. Assuming how long Yuji hasn’t moved since he walked through the door.
Though, once the man fully faced him. Yuji was met with undoubtedly the prettiest man he’s ever seen. He had porcelain skin that looked like it was made straight out of winter snow, combined with beautiful deep blue eyes that are aligned with incredibly long lashes. This man was the human reincarnation of apricity, and it was Fushiguro Megumi.
The videos Yuji saw of him hadn’t truly captured the beauty this man holds. But before Yuji could get ahead of himself, and further be humiliated, he decided to finally greet himself.
“Hi, I’m Itadori Yuj-”
“I know who you are.” Yuji was cut off before he could even finish his greeting. Which caught him off guard. Did he truly hold a grudge against him because of the rivalry? No possible way that could be it. Could it?
With this minor setback, Yuji bounces back, in record speed.
“Oh right, that was stupid of me. Anyways, I just wanted to introduce myself.”
“Okay” and then he turns back to the machine that has indicated it is done brewing, and pours himself a cup of coffee. Yuji stands there dumbfounded, has he gone about this all wrong? Should he have not met up before the meeting? Does he lack social awareness?
But as the silence stretched on for longer than intended, Fushiguro broke the silence first this time.
“Look, if you just came here thinking we would bond before the meeting. You are mistaken, it's just a regular joint-case.” He takes a sip of his black coffee and stares at Yuji with his icy-gaze. “So you can just go now, if that's all”
Yuji lets out a chuckle of disbelief, which makes Fushiguro raise an eyebrow slightly. Although, that expression was gone as fast as it came.
“Right, my apologies just wanted to see the asshole, I would be working with.” Yuji had said without thinking, but he was in such disbelief of the man standing in front of him. Was he really that far up his own ass? Did he truly have a vendetta against him because of a stupid tally? No matter what it was, his complete disregard of his kind gesture already told Yuji all he needed to know about Fushiguro Megumi. He was a prick with a pretty face.
“Excuse me?” he spoke in his deep monotonous voice, and that pissed Yuji off more.
“Oh I misspoke, I meant colleague.” he put on a fake smile, and started back for the door, “I’ll see you at the meeting.” and before Yuji could get a response he left the break room.
What a fucking dick.
Yuji felt idiotic in believing he could befriend Fushiguro, he was a carbon copy of his work ethic. Although, he would argue that his is way better than Fushiguro’s. It’s irritating him now that everyone compares him to someone like that. Someone with no regard for another human, treating them like nothing. Yuji was nothing like Fushiguro, and hates the idea of having to be associated with such an ideology.
Yuji darts straight for the elevators in his angry haze, and clicks the button for down. Fine if he wants to treat me as an enemy? Cool, I can play that game. The elevator arrives, and he steps into it clicking the 12th floor. If Fushiguro was that threatened by his talent, then so be it. Let him feel inferior. Though, Yuji would be shocked if the guy felt anything other than miserable.
To think he wasted his whole morning worried about an asshole like that. It’s disgraceful and truly wants the energy he wasted on Fushiguro back.
Simple my ass. Yuji thought.
The elevator doors finally opened to his floor, and he steps out heading to his office hoping his friends won’t bug him. He wants his 15 minutes of peace, before he has to see Fushiguro again. Great. Just his luck, he has to work with the guy who has a stick shoved so far up his ass. Just Yuji’s luck. Sometimes he wonders what he did in a past life for him to have the world's most shittest luck.
“That didn’t last long, did you actually puke on the guy?” Nobara playfully remarks.
“I should’ve.” Is all he mutters as he walks past Nobara and Inumaki. He couldn’t deal with his emotions head on at the moment, much less indulge in their commentary. Yuji knows himself, and he just needs to cool off for the 15 minutes he has left before the meeting.
He hears concerned mutters and speculations as he closes the door to his office. He is all alone now and can properly look at the situation for what it truly is. Fushiguro Megumi was an asshole from the beginning of the conversation till the very end. He couldn’t even properly introduce himself, that is just basic manners. Maybe, he came from a prestigious family of rich dick heads.
Looking down on me for using basic formalities? Tsk. Pathetic.
Yuji is usually not the type to anger, but when someone disrespects him or a person he loves. Then, he can’t help but defend himself. Once you lose Yuji’s respect it becomes hard to earn it back. He can be stubborn to a fault, but it is far in few when people disrespect Yuji. He is a stand up guy, so it is bewildering when Yuji encounters someone with such blatant disregard.
It’s childish. It was childish for Yuji to believe it would be simple to befriend his ‘work rival’. It was childish to be so worked up about it all morning, and it is childish for Fushiguro to have such disdain towards him for it. But fine, if he feels inferior, then Yuji must continue to leave Fushiguro in the dust. Be the best damn lawyer Tokyo has ever seen.
Yuji grabs a cold water bottle from his fridge before he decides to head up to the 24th floor where Gojo Satoru resides in his office. The meeting. Great. He takes a sip to try and cool off before he heads into war. Since he knows what to expect from Fushiguro now, he can plan ahead of how he will prove his capabilities. He will be the most mature, intellectual in that room.
Spiteful is the name of the game.
It’s 10:50 at this point, so Yuji starts to head out of his office while grabbing some papers and a briefcase if needed. He feels on fire, he has never felt more passionate in his life. Yuji will win this case and the unspoken battle between him and Fushiguro. It’s in his blood to be competitive when given a challenge.
As Yuji makes his way to the elevators he is stopped by his friends, with looks of concern and curiosity of the situation.
“I’m fine, no need to give me those looks. Fushiguro was an asshole towards me is all. I’ll handle it. No worries.” Yuji says with a smile. The last thing he needs is for his friends to worry about him.
“Yuji, you are lucky you have to be somewhere but when you get back. You will tell me everything.” Nobara says in her most stern tone, as inumaki nods along. One thing Nobara can’t stand is when someone messes with Yuji. She has always been a ride or die for him, and has gotten into many bar fights because of it. So, he knows deep down, Nobara Kugisaki is just as pissed as him right now.
Yuji gives her a reassuring smile before heading off, “It’s not like I have a choice.” She scoffs in response and then he is finally on his way towards the elevators again. He presses the button and sighs. Yuji has only been up for 4 hours, and feels drained but exhilarated all at once. All this energy used and it still hasn’t hit noon yet. The elevator arrives and he enters, in a haze not even realizing there is another person present in the elevator.
“Floor?” Yuji is startled but answers, Although, the button has already been pressed. He’s going to the same floor? The man lets out a soft velvet laugh, and says “Same floor I’m heading to? Funny.”
“Yeah, small world.” Yuji says awkwardly, he has never seen this man in his life and he is sure he doesn’t work at this firm by the way he is dressed. The mystery man is dressed in a traditional kimono haori, with long black hair that is half tied up in a bun.
He can’t be a higher up? He must be the client, right?
An intense calm demeanor is oozing off this guy, and it is starting to make Yuji feel small, and intimidated. The elevator slowly makes its way up to the 24th floor, can this ride go any slower? They stand in this awkward suffocating silence for the rest of the ride, while Yuji’s curiosity nags at him.
The elevator finally dings as it alerts them of their arrival, and the man steps aside for Yuji to head out first. The man carries himself with such an old fashion aura, though he looks like he couldn’t be over the age of 35. This whole interaction has thrown Yuji for a loop, but he abides with a small ‘thank you’ and heads towards Gojo’s office.
The man follows, which confirms his original analysis. This is most likely their client. However, the man takes a seat in the waiting room rather than following him to the door. Yuji wonders why that is? Usually, clients want to meet with Gojo first before a meeting, since he is the best lawyer in the business. Yuji doesn’t harp on the logistics of it all but makes a mental note of their potential new client.
It is now 11am on the dot, and there is still no sign of Fushiguro. Is he running late? Good, let the asshole be tarty. Yuji then proceeds to confidently knock on Gojo Satoru’s door. He hears a ‘come in’, and he enters brazenly.
“Good morning, Gojo.” Yuji says but his formality gets caught in his throat as he spots Fushiguro Megumi already seated in front of Gojo. He barely makes an effort to look at Yuji, but he does overhear a small scoff from his direction.
Yuji calm down. He takes a deep breath and makes his way over to Gojo’s desk to sit down.
“Good morning, Itadori. Fushiguro beat you to the punch this morning. Arrived 5 minutes early.” Gojo smiles and lets out a small laugh, “He was eager to meet you I’d say.” If Yuji didn’t know any better, he’d think Gojo was trying to get under his skin, but he is his boss afterall. He must remain calm, Gojo meant no harm in his words. Although, the scowl Fushiguro is making at Gojo, makes Yuji feel way better.
“Ahh, you flatter me, Gojo. No way, someone like Fushiguro would ever be eager, he’d need emotions for that.” Yuji laughs playfully, trying to play off his comment but regrets saying it immediately. That comment was incredibly inappropriate to make in front of his boss, but to his surprise, Gojo burst out laughing instead.
He is laughing so hard in fact, tears start streaming down his face. Fushiguro, on the other hand, looks incredibly irritated about the whole scene. He might even pop a forehead vein. Which makes Yuji’s gut bubble with satisfaction of successfully pissing him off. He even makes it an effort to whisper towards him.
“Calm down Fushiguro, you might end up shitting yourself." he laughs under his breath. Which in turn makes Fushiguro face him with his stone-cold stare, and suddenly he is forced into an early winter.
“Like I would ever listen to the pity hire.” Is all Fushiguro says with his dark blue eyes that hold nothing but misery and turns back to Gojo who has finally composed himself.
“I apologize for my informality, but, man Itadori, you are hilarious. You truly made my morning.” Gojo spoke and continued to speak. But Yuji was already in his own world, working on autopilot. Pity hire? I’m the fucking pity hire? In what world, does Fushiguro get off in calling him a pity hire? Like he isn’t just as good, or even better than he is in the courtroom. Yuji was fuming at this point, spiraling at the belittlement he kept on receiving from Fushiguro.
Yuji has worked incredibly hard to get to where he is, had to go through hell and back to even push forward in life. To call him a pity hire? That is such a low blow, and it makes Yuji want to strangle the man sitting right next to him. Disregarding his hard work? Looking down at him, and his previous efforts? Acting like he is unaware that Yuji is on equal footing as him? Basically, telling him to piss off, earlier? Fushiguro was undeniably an egotistical, spoiled, socially unaware douchebag.
And I hate him. I fucking hate Fushiguro.
There it was, Itadori Yuji without a shadow of a doubt, hated Fushiguro Megumi.