Love triangle

The neon lights of Tokyo's bustling streets painted the night sky in a kaleidoscope of colors, drowning out the stars above. The city hummed with energy, a stark contrast to the peaceful nights in Kyoto that Yuno had experienced just days before. The air was thick with the scent of street food and the faint aroma of cherry blossoms, a reminder that spring was in full bloom.

Yuno stood impatiently at the entrance of the arcade, his foot tapping a restless rhythm on the pavement. Inside, the sounds of electronic beeps and triumphant shouts echoed as Geto and Gojo continued their competitive gaming session. Yuno's patience was wearing thin.

With an exasperated sigh, Yuno called out to his friends, "You two, aren't you finished yet? It's getting quite late."

Satoru's voice rang out over the cacophony of arcade sounds. "Relax, Yunichi! You sound like my grandmother."

Geto chimed in, his eyes never leaving the screen, "Satoru's right, Yunichi. Just relax a bit."

Yuno's flip phone buzzed in his pocket. He pulled it out to find a message from Shoko: "Where are you?"

His thumbs moved swiftly over the keypad as he replied, "At the arcade with the explosive duo."

Shoko's response came quickly, "Haha, looks like you'll be late."

Yuno frowned, typing back, "I hope not. I'm seriously considering leaving these two behind."

"When you do," Shoko's next message read, "can you bring me something from the store?"

Yuno's eyebrows furrowed as he typed, "I'm not your errand boy."

"Come on, Yunichi," Shoko pleaded, "won't you do it for me?"

"No," came Yuno's curt reply.

"You're so mean," Shoko responded, the playful tone almost audible through the text.

Yuno snapped his phone shut, the sound lost in the noise of the arcade. He strode purposefully towards Gojo, grabbing him by the collar of his shirt and beginning to drag him away. "Let's go, Satoru. I want to sleep."

Geto burst into laughter at the sight, while Gojo protested, "Hey, hey! I was just about to beat him!"

Yuno rolled his eyes. "You always beat him. What's the problem?"

"You're such a bore, Yunichi," Gojo grumbled, but allowed himself to be pulled along.

Geto, still chuckling, conceded, "Yunichi's right, Satoru. We should head back."

The trio began their walk through the Tokyo streets, the city's nightlife in full swing around them. As they passed by a group of giggling young women, one of them broke away from her friends and approached the boys.

She was stunningly beautiful, with long, silky black hair that shimmered under the neon lights. Her almond-shaped eyes sparkled with mischief, and her porcelain skin seemed to glow. She wore a fashionable dress that hugged her curves, drawing admiring glances from passersby.

"Wow," she said, her voice smooth as honey, "you're very handsome."

Gojo's face split into a wide grin. "I know," he replied cockily. "I hear that a lot."

The girl giggled, twirling a strand of hair around her finger. "Want to go have some fun?"

Gojo waved his hand dismissively. "Sorry, I have to head home."

Undeterred, the girl turned her attention to Geto. "How about you, handsome? You're quite the looker too."

Geto smiled politely but shook his head. "No, thank you. I need to get back as well."

Finally, the girl's gaze landed on Yuno. "And you, gorgeous? Don't you want to go out with me?"

Yuno adjusted his glasses, his expression impassive. "Be the third choice? No, thanks."

Gojo burst into laughter. "That's right! If he goes out with anyone, Shoko will hang him."

Yuno's brow furrowed. "Why would she do that?"

Geto threw an arm around Yuno's shoulders. "You know why, buddy."

Yuno let out a resigned sigh. "Have a good night, miss," he said politely to the girl, who huffed and walked away, disappointed.

As they continued their journey, Yuno's eyes caught sight of a convenience store across the street. Shoko's request echoed in his mind. With another sigh, he said, "Wait here. I need to buy something."

Geto's curiosity was piqued. "What do you need, Yunichi?"

"Shoko asked me to get her something," Yuno admitted reluctantly.

Gojo's grin widened. "Well, well, looks like they've got you well-trained."

Yuno spun around, his eyes narrowing. "We don't have that kind of relationship."

"I never said you did," Gojo replied, his voice dripping with amusement.

Yuno's patience finally snapped. "Fuck off," he growled, before storming into the store.

Geto and Gojo erupted into laughter. "That's the first time I've ever heard him swear," Gojo said, wiping tears from his eyes.

Geto shook his head, still chuckling. "That's what you do to people, Satoru."

Inside the store, Yuno tried to calm his irritation as he perused the aisles. He wasn't entirely sure what Shoko wanted, but he figured some snacks and a drink would suffice. As he picked out a few items, he couldn't help but reflect on the events of the past few days.

The trip to Kyoto, meeting Utahime and Rin, the strange conversations they'd had – it all swirled in his mind like a confusing whirlpool. And now, here he was, buying snacks for Shoko in the middle of the night. When had his life become so... complicated?

As he approached the counter to pay, Yuno caught sight of his reflection in the store window. He looked tired, the bags under his eyes more pronounced than usual. But there was something else there too – a spark of something he couldn't quite identify. Curiosity? Excitement? Whatever it was, it was clear that things were changing, and he wasn't sure if he was ready for it.

The cashier's voice broke through his reverie. "Will that be all, sir?"

Yuno nodded, handing over the money. As he waited for his change, he glanced outside to where Geto and Gojo were waiting. They were engaged in what looked like an animated discussion, probably about their arcade games. Despite his earlier irritation, Yuno felt a warmth in his chest. These were his friends, as annoying as they could be sometimes.

Stepping back out into the night, Yuno held up the bag of snacks. "Got what I needed. Let's go."

Gojo's eyes lit up. "Ooh, did you get me anything, Yunichi?"

Yuno fixed him with a flat stare. "No."

"So mean," Gojo pouted, mimicking Shoko's earlier text.

As they resumed their walk home, the conversation drifted to their recent trip to Kyoto. Geto was particularly interested in Yuno's interactions with Utahime and Rin.

"So, this Rin guy," Geto mused, "you said he seemed to know a lot about us?"

Yuno nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It was strange. He talked about you and Satoru like he knew you personally."

Gojo shrugged. "We are pretty famous, you know."

"It was more than that," Yuno insisted. "He knew things... details that aren't common knowledge."

A comfortable silence fell over the group as they each pondered this information. The streets were getting quieter now, the late hour finally catching up with the city's nightlife. As they turned onto the street leading to their dorms, Gojo suddenly spoke up.

"Hey, Yunichi," he said, his voice uncharacteristically serious, "you'd tell us if something was wrong, right? If you saw something in the future that concerned us?"

Yuno was taken aback by the question. He looked at Gojo, then at Geto, seeing the genuine concern in their eyes. For a moment, he considered telling them about the vision he'd had of Geto with the scar, of the uneasy feeling he had about Rin. But something held him back.

"Of course," he said instead, forcing a small smile. "You two are too much trouble for me to handle alone anyway."

Gojo's serious expression melted into his usual grin. "Aw, Yunichi, I didn't know you cared!"

As they reached the dorm building, Yuno felt his phone buzz again. Another message from Shoko: "Did you really get me something?"

Yuno typed back quickly: "Yes. I'll bring it up in a minute."

"You're the best, Yunichi!" came Shoko's enthusiastic reply.

__________

The Tokyo Metro rattled along its tracks, carrying passengers through the heart of the bustling city. Among them sat Utahime Iori, her long black hair neatly arranged in two pigtails, and Yuno Rentaro, his nose buried in a thick book as usual.

Utahime glanced at her underclassman with undisguised annoyance. "Remember, Rentaro, you're here because Professor Yaga asked you to accompany me. Try not to be completely useless."

Yuno looked up from his book, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose with a sardonic expression. "How could I possibly forget? The joy of being your personal escort is simply overwhelming."

Utahime bristled at his tone. "Watch it, Rentaro. I'm still your senior, even if you act like you're above everyone else."

"My apologies," Yuno drawled, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "I'll try to contain my overwhelming excitement at this thrilling expedition to purchase hair products."

The train lurched to a stop, and the automated voice announced their arrival. As they exited the station, Utahime pulled out her phone, squinting at the map on the screen. "The shop should be down this way," she said, pointing to a narrow side street.

Yuno peered over her shoulder, his voice laced with skepticism. "Are you certain? That alley looks about as inviting as Gojo's personality."

Utahime huffed, pocketing her phone. "Of course I'm certain. I did my research. Just because it's not some pretentious bookstore doesn't mean it's not legitimate."

They made their way down the street, which was lined with small, eclectic shops. Colorful signs advertised everything from fortune-telling to handmade crafts. Yuno's eyes darted around, his expression a mixture of disdain and reluctant curiosity.

"I must say," he remarked dryly, "you certainly know how to find the most questionable areas of Tokyo. Perhaps next time we could visit a landfill for added ambiance?"

Utahime shot him a venomous glare. "If you're so concerned, Rentaro, feel free to wait outside. I'm sure your delicate sensibilities can't handle such plebeian surroundings."

As they walked, Utahime found herself watching Yuno from the corner of her eye. Despite his caustic comments, there was a hint of interest in his gaze as he took in the sights and sounds of the bustling street. It was... almost tolerable.

"Ah, here it is!" Utahime exclaimed, coming to a stop in front of a small, weathered shop. A hand-painted sign hung above the door, advertising natural remedies and beauty products.

Yuno eyed the entrance with open skepticism. "Charming. I do hope you've had your tetanus shot recently."

Utahime rolled her eyes. "Your concern is touching, truly. Try not to faint from the excitement."

They entered the shop, a small bell chiming overhead. The interior was cozy and filled with the scent of herbs and flowers. Shelves lined the walls, crammed with jars, bottles, and packages of all shapes and sizes.

An elderly woman emerged from behind a beaded curtain, her face lighting up as she saw them. "Welcome, welcome! What brings two young people to my humble shop?"

Utahime stepped forward, her tone polite despite her irritation with Yuno. "Good afternoon. I read about your natural hair care products online and was hoping to try your special shampoo formula."

The old woman's eyes twinkled. "Ah, yes! I have just the thing for you, dear. And for your young man as well, perhaps?"

Both Utahime and Yuno recoiled at the suggestion. "He is absolutely not my—" Utahime began, her voice sharp.

"I would rather bathe in acid than—" Yuno started simultaneously, his tone icy.

The shopkeeper chuckled, holding up her hands. "My mistake, my mistake. No need to get worked up. Now, let me show you what I have."

As the woman led Utahime to a display of hair care products, Yuno found himself reluctantly examining the shop. He paused in front of a shelf filled with books on herbalism and traditional medicine, his curiosity momentarily overriding his desire to appear disinterested.

"Find something to expand your vast intellect?" Utahime's acerbic voice cut through his concentration.

Yuno turned, seeing her holding a small paper bag. "Merely observing the quaint superstitions that pass for knowledge in establishments such as these," he replied smoothly. "Did you find your magical hair elixir?"

Utahime narrowed her eyes. "As a matter of fact, I did. Try not to die of shock at my success."

As they left the shop, Utahime checked her watch. "We still have some time before we need to head back. I suppose we should eat something, unless you'd prefer to subsist on your own sense of superiority."

Yuno raised an eyebrow, a challenge in his voice. "Why, Iori, are you asking me to lunch? I'm flattered, truly, but I'm not sure my delicate palate can handle your plebeian tastes."

"Don't flatter yourself," Utahime snapped. "I'm merely fulfilling my obligation to keep you alive. Professor Yaga would be quite put out if I returned you in a state of malnutrition."

They walked side by side, the air between them crackling with tension and unspoken barbs. As they reached a small ramen shop, Utahime turned to Yuno with a sardonic smile. "Let me guess... you're going to complain about the lack of caviar on the menu?"

Yuno's lips curled into a smirk. "I wouldn't dream of it. I'm sure whatever slop they serve here will be a culinary revelation. Lead on, oh arbiter of fine dining."

Here's a continuation of the story, incorporating your new elements and requests:

As they finished their meal, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the bustling streets of Tokyo. Yuno dabbed at his mouth with a napkin, his movements precise and deliberate. "I know a shortcut back to the station," he announced, his tone matter-of-fact. "It'll save us at least fifteen minutes."

Utahime eyed him suspiciously. "A shortcut? Since when do you know the backstreets of Tokyo?"

Yuno adjusted his glasses, a hint of smugness in his voice. "Unlike some, I actually study the city layout. It's called being prepared, Iori."

Rolling her eyes, Utahime stood up. "Fine, lead the way, Mr. Know-It-All. But if we end up lost, I'm holding you personally responsible."

They set off down a narrow alleyway, the sounds of the main street fading behind them. The passage was lined with weathered buildings, their walls adorned with faded posters and graffiti. As they turned a corner, they came across a peculiar sight: a middle-aged man sitting behind a rickety table, a deck of cards spread out before him.

The man's eyes lit up as he spotted them. "Ah, young ones! Care to test your wits? I have a game that could win you a tidy sum."

Yuno's eyes narrowed, his posture stiffening. "We're not interested," he said curtly, moving to walk past.

But Utahime had already stopped, curiosity piqued. "What kind of game?" she asked, ignoring Yuno's exasperated sigh.

The man grinned, revealing a gold tooth. "It's simple. I'll pose a riddle. If you answer correctly, you win 1000 yen. No strings attached!"

Utahime's eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "That sounds fun! Come on, Rentaro, where's your sense of adventure?"

Yuno pinched the bridge of his nose. "This is hardly what I'd call an adventure, Iori. It's more like an exercise in pointless risk-taking."

Ignoring him, Utahime turned to the man. "Alright, let's hear it!"

The man cleared his throat dramatically. "What has keys, but no locks; space, but no room; you can enter, but not go in?"

Utahime's brow furrowed for a moment before her face lit up. "Oh! A keyboard!"

The man clapped his hands together. "Correct! Well done, young lady. Here's your prize." He handed her a crisp 1000 yen note.

Utahime beamed, turning to Yuno with a triumphant smirk. "See? Sometimes a little risk pays off."

The man leaned forward, his voice lowering conspiratorially. "Care to try another? This one's a bit tougher, but the reward is much greater. If you get it right, you win 10,000 yen. But if you're wrong, you owe me 2000 yen. What do you say?"

Yuno's hand shot out, gripping Utahime's arm. "We're leaving," he said firmly.

But Utahime shook him off, her competitive spirit flaring. "You're on," she told the man, her chin raised defiantly.

The man's grin widened. "Excellent. Here's your riddle: I am not alive, but I grow; I don't have lungs, but I need air; I don't have a mouth, but water kills me. What am I?"

Utahime's confident expression faltered. She wracked her brain, muttering to herself, but the answer eluded her. Just as she was about to admit defeat, Yuno's cool voice cut through the tension.

"Fire," he said, his tone bored. "The answer is fire."

The man's jaw dropped, his eyes widening in disbelief. "That's... correct. How did you...?"

Yuno ignored him, turning to Utahime. "We're leaving. Now." Without waiting for a response, he grabbed her hand and pulled her away from the table.

"Wait!" the man called after them. "Your winnings!"

But Yuno didn't slow down, his long strides forcing Utahime to jog to keep up.

"What's wrong with you?" she demanded, her cheeks flushed with anger and exertion. "We just won 10,000 yen!"

Yuno stopped, turning to face her with an exasperated expression. "Use your brain, Iori. Men like that don't just give away money. It's likely a setup. Even if we'd taken the money, we'd probably have been jumped by his associates around the next corner."

Utahime's eyes widened slightly before narrowing again. "So what? We could have taken them easily. In case you've forgotten, we're jujutsu sorcerers."

Yuno adjusted his glasses, his voice dripping with disdain. "And cause a scene in the middle of Tokyo? That would be a headache I'd rather avoid, especially considering your... limited abilities."

Utahime's fists clenched at her sides, her voice rising. "Limited abilities? You arrogant little—"

"Oh? So this is why you couldn't come to the arcade, Yunichi?"

The new voice cut through their argument like a knife. Yuno stiffened, turning slowly to face the newcomer. Shoko stood a few feet away, lazily twirling a lollipop in her mouth. Her eyes darted between Yuno and Utahime, a mischievous glint in their depths.

Yuno quickly released Utahime's hand, which he hadn't realized he was still holding. He adjusted his glasses, his voice carefully neutral. "Don't misunderstand, Shoko. This is merely a favor for Professor Yaga."

Shoko's eyebrows rose, her lips curling into a smirk. "Hmm, quite the favor he's asking of you, isn't it?"

Before Yuno could respond, two more familiar faces appeared behind Shoko. Gojo and Geto, wearing identical grins that spelled trouble.

"Well, well," Gojo drawled, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. "Looks like our little Yunichi has gotten himself into quite the predicament."

Yuno's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Satoru, Suguru, don't you have anything better to do than meddle in other people's affairs?"

Geto chuckled, resting an elbow on Gojo's shoulder. "But Yunichi, your affairs are so much more interesting than our own."

Shoko stepped forward, her gaze sharp despite her playful tone. "So, Yunichi, care to explain what's really going on here?"

Yuno adjusted his glasses once more, a telltale sign of his discomfort. "I've already told you, Leiri. There's nothing to explain."

As the others continued to tease and prod, Utahime found herself lost in thought. The scene before her stirred a memory – a conversation with her classmate, Rin, just a few days ago.

---

"Hey, Utahime-senpai!" Rin had called out, jogging to catch up with her in the hallway. "Can I ask you something?"

Utahime had sighed, already anticipating some inane question. "What is it, Rin?"

"I was just wondering... what's your type? You know, in guys?"

The question had caught her off guard. "My type? Why on earth are you asking me that?"

Rin had grinned, undeterred by her sharp tone. "Just curious! Come on, there must be some qualities you look for in a potential boyfriend."

Utahime had rolled her eyes, but found herself considering the question. "I don't have time for such trivial matters," she'd said finally. "But if I had to choose... I suppose I'd want someone intelligent and mature. Someone who can hold their own in a conversation and doesn't act like a complete fool."

Rin's eyes had widened, a slow smile spreading across his face. "You know who that sounds like? Yuno Rentaro!"

Utahime had felt her face heat up, a mix of embarrassment and indignation flooding her veins. "Don't be ridiculous!" she'd snapped. "Rentaro is nothing like that. He's arrogant, cold, and insufferable."

But even as she'd stormed off, leaving a bewildered Rin in her wake, a small part of her had wondered if there might be a grain of truth in his words.

---

Now, watching Yuno deftly handle the teasing from his friends, Utahime found herself reassessing her opinion of him. Yes, he was still infuriating and far too smug for his own good. But he was also undeniably intelligent, and his actions today had shown a level of maturity and foresight she hadn't expected.

Before she could talk herself out of it, Utahime stepped forward, cutting through the banter. "Rentaro," she said, her voice clear and steady despite the nervous flutter in her stomach. "I need your phone number."

The conversation screeched to a halt. Four pairs of eyes turned to stare at her in disbelief. Yuno's eyebrows shot up, disappearing behind his neatly combed bangs.

"I beg your pardon?" he said, his usual composure slipping for a moment.

Utahime felt her cheeks heating up but pressed on. "Your phone number. In case... in case something like this happens again. For practical reasons, of course."

A heavy silence fell over the group. Gojo's mouth had fallen open, while Geto looked like he was trying very hard not to laugh. Shoko's eyes darted between Yuno and Utahime, a calculating look on her face.

Yuno adjusted his glasses, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "I... suppose that would be prudent," he said finally, his voice slightly strained. He pulled out his flip phone – a sleek model that had only recently hit the market in 2005 – and recited his number.

Utahime quickly entered it into her own phone, her fingers trembling slightly. As she saved the contact, she couldn't help but feel like she'd just crossed some invisible line.

Gojo was the first to break the tension, letting out a low whistle. "Well, well, Yunichi. Looks like you're more popular than we thought."

Yuno shot him a venomous glare. "Don't you have somewhere else to be, Satoru? Perhaps bothering someone who actually cares about your inane commentary?"

Geto chuckled, slinging an arm around Gojo's shoulders. "Come on, Satoru. I think we've teased them enough for one day. Let's leave the lovebirds to sort things out."

"We are not—" Yuno and Utahime began simultaneously, before stopping and glaring at each other.

Shoko laughed, her eyes twinkling with mirth. "Alright, alright. Show's over, boys. Let's go before Yunichi decides to use us as target practice for his next technique."

The Tokyo Metro train lurched into motion, its fluorescent lights casting a harsh glow over the four jujutsu sorcerers-in-training. Yuno stood near the doors, one hand gripping the overhead rail, his posture rigid and eyes fixed on the passing darkness outside. Utahime sat nearby, her shopping bag clutched tightly in her lap, stealing occasional glances at Yuno's stoic profile.

Gojo and Geto had managed to snag the last two available seats, much to Shoko's annoyance. She leaned against the opposite wall, her gaze alternating between Yuno and Utahime, a slight frown marring her usually carefree expression.

"So, Yunichi," Shoko called out, her voice cutting through the rhythmic clatter of the train. "How exactly did you end up playing escort to Utahime-san? It's not like you to volunteer for such... social activities."

Yuno's eyes flicked briefly to Shoko before returning to the window. "As I said before, Leiri, it was a request from Professor Yaga. Nothing more."

Utahime felt a twinge of irritation at his dismissive tone. "It wasn't entirely unpleasant, you know," she said, her voice sharp. "You could at least pretend to have enjoyed the outing."

Yuno's eyebrow arched slightly. "Oh? And here I thought you found my company utterly insufferable. Have you had a change of heart, Iori?"

Before Utahime could retort, Shoko interjected, her voice laced with false sweetness. "Now, now, Yunichi. Don't tease. We all know you're not exactly the most... approachable person. It must have been quite the ordeal for Utahime-san to spend an entire afternoon with you."

Gojo snickered from his seat. "Ouch, Shoko. That's a bit harsh, don't you think? Our Yunichi can be quite charming when he wants to be. Right, Utahime-chan?"

Utahime felt heat rising to her cheeks. "I... that's not... He was adequate company, I suppose."

"High praise indeed," Geto chimed in, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Yunichi must be beside himself with joy at such a glowing review."

Yuno adjusted his glasses, a telltale sign of his growing irritation. "If you're all quite finished discussing my social aptitude, perhaps we could enjoy the rest of the journey in silence?"

Shoko pushed off from the wall, moving to stand closer to Yuno. "Oh, come on, Yunichi. Don't be like that. We're just curious about your little adventure. It's not every day we see you willingly spend time with someone outside our little group."

Utahime bristled at Shoko's tone and the way she casually invaded Yuno's personal space. "It wasn't an 'adventure,'" she snapped. "We simply ran an errand. And for your information, Rentaro was quite helpful. He even solved a riddle that I couldn't figure out."

Shoko's eyes widened slightly, a flicker of something – jealousy? – crossing her face before she masked it with a smile. "Is that so? Well, Yunichi has always been clever. He's helped me out of plenty of tight spots with that big brain of his."

The atmosphere in the train car grew tenser, the air practically crackling with unspoken emotions. Gojo and Geto exchanged knowing looks, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama.

As the train pulled into the next station, a crowd of people pushed their way in, forcing the group to rearrange themselves. Somehow, Utahime found herself squeezed between Yuno and the door, while Shoko ended up on his other side. The close proximity made Utahime acutely aware of Yuno's presence – the faint scent of his cologne, the warmth radiating from his body, the slight brush of his arm against hers as the train swayed.

Shoko, not to be outdone, casually placed a hand on Yuno's shoulder to steady herself. "Oh, sorry, Yunichi," she said, her voice low and intimate. "It's a bit crowded, isn't it?"

Yuno stiffened slightly but didn't move away. "It's fine, Leiri," he muttered, his eyes still fixed on some point in the distance.

Utahime felt a surge of inexplicable annoyance. She shifted slightly, accidentally-on-purpose bumping into Yuno. "Sorry," she mumbled, not sounding sorry at all. "Limited space."

The rest of the journey passed in a tense silence, broken only by Gojo and Geto's occasional whispered comments and stifled laughter. When they finally arrived at their stop, it was a relief to spill out onto the platform and into the cool evening air.

As they made their way back to Jujutsu Tech, the sun had already set, painting the sky in deep purples and blues. The streets were quieter now, the daytime bustle replaced by the soft glow of streetlights and the distant hum of nightlife.

"It's getting quite late," Shoko observed, falling into step beside Yuno. "Utahime-san, will you be able to make it back to Kyoto tonight?"

Utahime, who had been walking on Yuno's other side, frowned. "I... I'm not sure. I hadn't realized how late it had gotten."

Yuno glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "It would be unwise to attempt the journey at this hour. Perhaps you should stay at the Tokyo campus for the night."

"Oh, what a wonderful idea!" Shoko exclaimed, her voice a touch too enthusiastic. "I'm sure we can find a spare room for you, Utahime-san. And since you'll be here, maybe we could all have breakfast together in the morning? I make excellent pancakes, don't I, Yunichi?"

Yuno nodded absently. "They're... adequate, Leiri."

Utahime felt a pang of something she refused to identify as jealousy. "That's very kind of you, Shoko-san, but I wouldn't want to impose. I'm sure I can find a hotel nearby."

"Nonsense," Yuno said firmly. "It would be irresponsible to let you stay alone in an unfamiliar area. The Tokyo campus has plenty of guest rooms. You'll stay with us."

The finality in his tone left no room for argument. Utahime found herself both irritated and oddly pleased by his insistence.

As they approached the gates of Jujutsu Tech, Gojo stretched dramatically. "Well, this has been fun, but I think it's time for Suguru and me to call it a night. We have some... important business to attend to."

Geto rolled his eyes. "By 'important business,' he means he wants to sneak into the kitchen and raid the ice cream stash."

"Suguru! You weren't supposed to reveal our secret mission!"

As the two boys bickered playfully, Shoko turned to Yuno with a sweet smile. "Yunichi, why don't you show Utahime-san to one of the guest rooms? I'll go prepare some tea for us all."

Before Yuno could respond, Utahime interjected. "Actually, I'm quite capable of finding my way around. Rentaro, why don't you go help Shoko-san with the tea? I'm sure you know how she likes it prepared."

Shoko's smile tightened almost imperceptibly. "Oh, but Yunichi always insists on making his own tea. He's quite particular about it, you know."

Yuno, looking increasingly uncomfortable caught between the two women, adjusted his glasses. "I'm sure Iori can manage to find her way. The guest rooms are just down the hall from the main entrance. Leiri, there's no need for tea. It's late, and we should all get some rest."

Both Shoko and Utahime opened their mouths to protest, but before they could say anything, Gojo and Geto suddenly reappeared, flanking Yuno.

"Change of plans, Yunichi!" Gojo announced, slinging an arm around Yuno's shoulders.

Geto grinned, grabbing Yuno's arm. "We're having a video game marathon in Satoru's room. No excuses, you're coming with us."

Yuno's eyes widened slightly. "What? No, I have no interest in—"

"Too late!" Gojo declared. "We've decided for you. Consider it team bonding."

Before Yuno could protest further, Gojo and Geto began dragging him towards the dormitories, leaving Shoko and Utahime staring after them in disbelief.

"But... the tea..." Shoko mumbled, her carefully laid plans crumbling before her eyes.

Utahime, for her part, felt a mix of relief and disappointment. She had been both dreading and anticipating more time with Yuno, and now that opportunity had been snatched away.

"Well," Utahime said, breaking the awkward silence. "I suppose I should find that guest room."

Shoko nodded, her usual cheerful demeanor slightly dampened. "Right. It's just down that hallway. If you need anything..."

"I'm sure I'll manage," Utahime cut in, perhaps a bit too quickly. "Goodnight, Shoko-san."

As Utahime walked away, Shoko stood for a moment, watching her retreating figure. She couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted today, that the delicate balance she had maintained with Yuno was somehow threatened.

Meanwhile, in Gojo's room, Yuno found himself sandwiched between his two boisterous friends, a game controller thrust into his hands.

"I really don't see the point of this," Yuno muttered, adjusting his glasses as he squinted at the bright screen.

Geto chuckled, elbowing him playfully. "The point, Yunichi, is to have fun. You remember what that is, right?"

Gojo grinned, selecting a fighting game from his extensive collection. "Besides, after the day you've had, I figured you could use a distraction. Quite the little love triangle you've got going on there, eh?"

Yuno's head snapped up, his eyes narrowing. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Satoru."

"Oh, come on," Geto drawled. "Even you can't be that oblivious. Shoko's been pining after you for months, and now Utahime seems to be joining the fray."

"You're both delusional," Yuno said flatly, though a faint blush colored his cheeks. "Leiri is a friend, nothing more. And Iori can barely tolerate my presence."

Gojo and Geto exchanged knowing looks. "Whatever you say, Yunichi," Gojo sang. "Now, prepare to have your ass handed to you in this game!"

As the night wore on, Yuno found himself reluctantly drawn into the game, his competitive nature overriding his initial reluctance. The laughter and playful insults flying between the three friends echoed through the room, a stark contrast to the tense atmosphere of earlier.

In her guest room, Utahime lay awake, staring at the ceiling. She could hear the faint sounds of laughter and electronic music drifting through the walls. Despite her best efforts, her thoughts kept drifting to Yuno – his sharp wit, his unexpected moments of kindness, the way his eyes had softened ever so slightly when he insisted she stay at the campus.

Shoko, too, found sleep elusive. She sat at her desk, absently sketching in a notebook. The page was filled with doodles of Yuno's profile, interspersed with little hearts that she immediately scribbled out, embarrassed by her own sentimentality.

As the first light of dawn began to creep through the windows, Yuno finally stumbled back to his own room, exhausted but with a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. For all his protests, he had enjoyed the night more than he cared to admit.