October 30, Sunday.
Megumi Fushiguro had no missions that day, and Jujutsu High was on break too, so Miwa Chisei had told him in advance that she would be coming over for a meal with Toji Fushiguro and Satoru Gojo.
Megumi Fushiguro had simply replied, "Okay," without saying anything else.
But throughout the drive, Toji Fushiguro was unusually quiet, even a little uneasy.
"Why aren't you talking, Fushiguro? Are you crying?"
Satoru Gojo glanced at Toji Fushiguro through the rearview mirror from the driver's seat and mocked him mercilessly.
For once, Toji Fushiguro did not even acknowledge him.
"Satoru, don't bully Toji."
Miwa Chisei spoke up for her outstanding employee. After all, she had a pretty good idea of how nervous Toji Fushiguro was right now.
Tsumiki Fushiguro's school was in Nerima Ward, so the detached house they rented was in that ward too.
Miwa Chisei pressed the doorbell beneath the nameplate marked "Fushiguro," while Toji Fushiguro stared at the name in a daze.
When the door opened, Megumi Fushiguro appeared in the entryway in his lounge clothes. He sighed at the things Miwa Chisei was carrying.
"Qianxing, you didn't need to buy so many presents."
"They're new clothes and accessories for Tsumiki. None of them are for you, Megumi."
Megumi Fushiguro did not mind. Miwa Chisei looked after him at school too, even if she sometimes treated him like a little kid.
His gaze settled on the tall man behind her. One sleeve of his black jacket hung empty.
His biological father, Toji Fushiguro.
Under Megumi Fushiguro's gaze, Toji Fushiguro grew momentarily awkward. Noticing this, Satoru Gojo cheerfully raised his hand.
"Don't like him, Megumi? Want me to kick him out for you?"
Megumi Fushiguro cleared his throat, his voice resigned.
"What nonsense are you talking now, Gojo-sensei? Come