Without Satoru Gojo and Suguru Geto's teasing, the atmosphere in the small, enclosed room was especially relaxed.
At first, Utahime still maintained some of her reserve as a senior, sitting properly on the edge of the bed with her back perfectly straight, deliberately keeping a dignified posture out of regard for her seniority.
Shoko sat sideways on the other side of the bed, casually set their backpacks neatly in place, then opened a bottle of mineral water and handed it to Utahime. Her fingertips lightly touched the bottle as she gently urged, "Have some water and relax first."
She accepted the water with a quiet word of thanks. Her tense shoulders eased imperceptibly, and she stopped forcing herself to keep up her senior's air.
She drew up her knees and leaned against the headboard, her posture much more casual, her whole body relaxing.
In the quiet room, the two chatted on and off. Utahime bluntly complained about Satoru Gojo's disrespectful, unruly, and laid-back nature, shaking her head helplessly as she said that the two gifted juniors did as they pleased on the strength of their talent and were a real headache.
She also earnestly exchanged insights on Jujutsu training with Shoko. When she became engrossed in the conversation, she turned slightly toward Shoko, her expression relaxing, her eyes full of genuine feeling.
Shoko always listened quietly, nodding slightly and offering agreement at appropriate moments, occasionally giving a few gentle words of advice.
Sometimes, she also quietly shared the little concerns on her mind, talking about the pressures no one knew she faced at Jujutsu High, where geniuses gathered.
Utahime listened with particular care, unconsciously nodding slightly, and took the initiative to offer reassurance, clumsily but sincerely soothing Shoko's anxiety.
The two grew increasingly relaxed and familiar with each other. The