Itadori's light brown eyes held the warmth Junpei knew so well.
His tense body gradually relaxed, and the hand covering his scars slowly fell away, trembling.
His sweat-soaked black bangs still lay messily over his forehead, easing his discomfort a little.
Itadori touched his forehead through his hair. His body instinctively stiffened, and he closed his eyes.
Warmth spread from the palm resting against his forehead.
The fear in his heart gradually faded.
He felt a warm current flow from that hand and cover his forehead, bringing a soothing sense of comfort.
Soon, Itadori's voice reached his ears, deeper and huskier than usual-
"All done."
He opened his eyes again and saw only Itadori's usual bright, happy, open smile.
He instinctively raised a hand to his forehead, then discovered to his surprise that the uneven surface had become smooth and soft.
His mouth fell open in shock. He couldn't believe the possibility that had suddenly occurred to him.
Beside him, Nobara quickly rummaged through the little pouch she carried her nails in and handed Junpei a mirror. His hand paused as he took it, but under her encouraging gaze, he opened it.
When the mirror reflected exactly what he had suspected-a forehead free of scars-Junpei froze.
Years of violence had made him think he would never be free of those wounds.
He had combed half his hair down to cover them, shutting out half the light in his life along with them.
And now, he could finally leave all that behind...
The fingers pressed against his forehead pushed harder and harder, then relaxed.
He lowered his head and haphazardly wiped the sweat off his face with both sleeves, along with the tears that had fallen without him noticing.
...Honestly...
*...How many times was he going to cry in front of