His first visit to an amusement park

The atmosphere was lively and relaxed along the way, but Qingxiao alone still carried a lingering trace of awkward embarrassment.

He deliberately walked near the outside of the group, trying to look natural and composed. His gaze drifted toward the winter scenery beside the road now and then, and he hardly dared turn to look at Shoko.

The words he had just blurted out kept replaying in his mind, and the more he thought about them, the more awkward they sounded.

I only wanted to protect a friend. Why did I make it sound so clingy?

Qingxiao silently berated himself. He had always had a strong sense of boundaries, and today had been a rare lapse in composure. More embarrassingly, Satoru had deliberately called him out in front of everyone, leaving him feeling strange inside, unable to settle down.

Beside him, Satoru Gojo was completely oblivious to his quiet awkwardness. Brimming with energy, he chattered nonstop as they walked, planning their rides and naming the roller coaster, drop tower, and carousel one by one, as excited as a little kid.

"I'm telling you! We're going on every single ride today! We have to give Shoko the most perfect birthday!"

Suguru Geto ambled alongside him, occasionally smiling and chiming in as he reined in Satoru Gojo whenever he darted off.

Shoko walked with the group, her expression calm, completely unaffected by those suggestive words earlier. As relaxed as ever, she listened to the two bicker, occasionally nodding and joining the conversation.

The four chatted and joked along the way, soon arriving at the amusement park in the city center. Without the crowded bustle of summer, the winter amusement park had far fewer visitors. Sunlight spilled through the clear sky onto the colorful rides, bright and soothing. Though the breeze was cool, it was not the least bit biting.

Once they entered, Satoru Gojo took charge of the entire itinerary, dragging the others straight toward the popular rides.

He was extremely daring and favored thrill rides, pulling Suguru Geto along as he rushed to be the first onto the roller coaster. He shouted excitedly throughout the ride. Rather than frightening him, the sensation of weightlessness only made him laugh all the more happily. Suguru Geto accompanied him for the whole ride, his hair blown into disarray.

Shoko showed little enthusiasm, neither resisting nor particularly eager. She joined them for two rounds of thrill rides, remaining composed throughout. Even during high-speed plunges and loops high in the air, her expression never changed.

Qingxiao quietly accompanied everyone the whole time, showing endless patience.

He still had not entirely shaken off his awkwardness and followed quietly most of the time. Occasionally, he raised a hand to shield them from the cold wind blowing toward them, or discreetly made some room when the crowd grew dense, protecting those beside him.

It's a friend's birthday. Don't overthink things. Just focus on making sure everyone has a good time.

Qingxiao reminded himself of this over and over, forcing down that trace of unease and steadying himself.

Once he had tired of the thrill rides, Satoru Gojo finally agreed to slow down and dragged everyone over to the leisurely carousel. The colorful horses rose and fell slowly to soft, soothing background music.

Winter sunlight fell over the four of them, its warmth dispelling all the chill.

Satoru Gojo took out the desserts and snacks he had prepared, opening them and sharing them with everyone while chattering and cracking jokes.

Suguru Geto opened the warm tea drinks he had just bought and handed them around one by one.

Shoko sat on a carousel horse, her fingertips still lightly cradling the silver lighter. Her movements were natural, and she had long since taken proper care of this special gift.

She watched the lively scene before her, a faint smile in her eyes, looking relaxed and happy.

Seated off to the side, Qingxiao happened to glance at her. Seeing that she had not taken it too much to heart, he finally felt his awkward embarrassment slowly fade.

The four spent several full hours at the amusement park, playing from the warm midday sunshine into the afternoon breeze, with the lively fun never letting up.

During the latter part of their visit, Satoru Gojo seemed to have thoroughly enjoyed himself. He pulled Suguru Geto along to quietly fall behind the others. They exchanged a glance, reaching an unspoken understanding.

"Geto, let's check out that new dessert stand over there! I hear their limited-edition ice cream is amazing!" Satoru Gojo deliberately raised his voice, pretending it was a spur-of-the-moment idea.

Suguru Geto nodded along and took the opportunity to excuse them. "Sure, it's a good time for a break. You two take your time looking around. We'll be right back."

Without waiting for Qingxiao or Shoko to reply, the two turned and strolled away, putting some distance between them and leaving the entire amusement area to the pair.

The chatter faded, and their surroundings instantly grew quiet, with only the soft sound effects of distant rides and the whisper of the cool breeze remaining.

Qingxiao instinctively grew a little tense. This was his first visit to an amusement park in his life. Without Suguru Geto and Satoru Gojo, he had absolutely no idea what to do next.

Before transmigrating, he had lived a plain, straitened life, toiling day after day to get by. He had never had free time, nor anyone around him willing to accompany him to a place so full of everyday warmth and childlike fun.

After transmigrating into the world of Jujutsu, he had dared relax even less. All he could think about was training hard and growing stronger, pushing himself to the limit every day. Fun and leisure had never figured into his plans for his life.

The vast, colorful amusement park bustled with life and everyday warmth, filled everywhere with laughing crowds, dazzling lights, and vibrant rides. Such a lively, gentle scene was ordinary to others, but to him, it was entirely unfamiliar territory.

The unfamiliar surroundings and the rides he had never experienced stirred a barely perceptible trace of nervousness and uncertainty in the usually calm Qingxiao.

He instinctively slowed his steps, looking at the rides arranged before him with unfamiliarity and bewilderment in his eyes.

P.S. Guys, are there any scenes you'd like to see? Feel free to send in suggestions. I'll probably write them in.