Late-night talk (I)

Wariness rose in Qingxiao's heart, and his nerves, which had only just relaxed, abruptly tightened.

Jujutsu High was strictly controlled, with outsiders forbidden from entering or leaving late at night. No matter how he looked at it, that sudden red dot seemed wrong.

He instinctively assumed it was a surveillance cursed technique secretly installed by the higher-ups, a concealed monitoring device, or a detection cursed tool used to track Sorcerers' movements.

Could the higher-ups be generously granting us authority and resources on the surface, yet still distrust us behind the scenes, secretly monitoring our movements even in the dead of night?

Qingxiao frowned slightly, filled with doubt and wariness. He intended to investigate it himself and eliminate any hidden danger. He lightened his steps, silencing his footfalls as he slowly made his way up the stairs toward the rooftop.

The stairwell was pitch-black and cold, with only scattered moonlight spilling through the windows to guide him. It was so quiet he could hear his own faint breathing.

The closer he drew to the rooftop, the clearer that faint trace of smoke became, diluting the cool, damp smell of wood in the stairwell.

The rooftop's old iron door stood ajar, unlocked. He gently pushed it with his fingertips, and it gave a faint creak that sounded particularly clear in the stillness of the night.

A cool night breeze immediately brushed his face, carrying a faint, distinctive scent of tobacco. The view opened up completely. The rooftop was empty and quiet, its tiles bathed in cool yet gentle moonlight.

In the shadows by the railing nearest the wall, a slender, slight figure stood leaning quietly.

The girl rested one hand on the cold railing, a slim cigarette held between her fingers. Its orange-red ember brightened and dimmed with her breathing, while flecks of ash drifted away on the night breeze and vanished into the darkness.

When Qingxiao made out that familiar face, his wariness vanished, leaving only utter surprise.

It was Shoko Ieiri.

The sudden sound of the opening door shattered the rooftop's stillness. Lost alone in her thoughts, Shoko stiffened, nearly dropping the cigarette from her fingers.

All the composure disappeared from her usually calm, unruffled features, leaving only panic and uncertainty.

Cool moonlight fell on Shoko's slightly puffed cheeks. Gone was her usual capable, dependable appearance as a doctor; she showed the youthful awkwardness and cuteness of someone her age, looking uncomfortable at having her secret discovered.

Qingxiao stopped in the iron doorway, momentarily stunned, and a faint smile unconsciously spread across his face.

So Shoko really did smoke.

He felt no aversion, only surprise. After all their time together, Shoko had always been dependable and steady in his eyes, and in everyone else's.

She was always organized, calm, and rational. She carefully tended everyone's wounds, gently soothed her companions' emotions, and always cleaned up the aftermath and processed all her feelings, as though she were born incapable of exhaustion, confusion, or negative emotions that needed an outlet.

He had never imagined that Shoko, of all people, would have this little habit, too-that she would hide alone on an empty rooftop late at night, smoking to ease her troubles, concealing her vulnerable, exhausted side in the unseen darkness.

The night breeze gently stirred Shoko's short brown hair and brushed across her features, leaving only a young girl's softness and loneliness.

This side of her, unknown to others, inexplicably softened Qingxiao's heart, easing even some of the exhaustion throughout his body.

Shoko quickly suppressed her panic and forced the awkwardness from her eyes, but a lingering flush of embarrassment and annoyance remained on her cheeks as she glared at Qingxiao, her cheeks puffed.

Her voice was very low and husky, with a hint of discomfort at having her private business discovered. "How do you walk without making a sound? And what's with that expression? Are you that surprised I smoke?"

Qingxiao quickly suppressed his smile and walked slowly onto the rooftop. He reached back and gently closed the iron door, shutting out the silence of the dormitories below, along with all the disturbances of the outside world.

The rooftop became a private space belonging only to the two of them. His tone was gentle and sincere, without the slightest surprise or reproach. "I'm not surprised."

"As Jujutsu Sorcerers, we face so much danger and pressure. Everyone has their own way of dealing with their emotions. Whether it's smoking or spending time alone, it's perfectly normal."

His gentle gaze settled on her slightly lonely profile, and he added softly, "I'm just surprised you'd hide up here alone, smoking over your troubles."

Shoko paused slightly at his words, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing the cigarette. Its burning ember slowly consumed it, and the night breeze carried the fine ash away bit by bit.

She turned to look at Qingxiao. "What, judging by your reaction, do you smoke too?"

Qingxiao shook his head gently, a faint smile returning to his lips. "No. I never learned, and I don't have the habit."

"True." Shoko nodded lightly. "Endorphins relieve stress much better than nicotine."

Gusts of night wind swept away the faint tobacco scent in the air, and a quiet pause settled over the rooftop.

There was no arguing, no clamor-only the rustle of wind through the woods and the lingering smoke.