CHAPTER 27: A normal household

As the late spring evening sun cast a warm glow over the elegant glass structure of Sana's home, a familiar rush of emotions welled up within her. Nearly a year had passed since she had last walked through those doors, having spent her time in a hospital bed, and now that she was finally back, the feeling was bittersweet. She stood at the entrance, hesitating for a moment as the sight of her home filled her with both relief and trepidation.

"Get your bags packed. We are leaving." Satoru's voice, direct as always, broke through her thoughts.

Sana turned to face him, her eyes softer than they had been in days. "Can we stop here for a while? I want to ask my parents' permission and spend some time with them before we go. Just one night."

Satoru raised an eyebrow, clearly reluctant. "We should be getting back, Sana. We're already behind schedule."

"I know," she replied, her voice gentle but insistent. "But just for tonight. We'll leave first thing tomorrow morning. Please?" There was a quiet plea in her tone, the weight of the past year bearing down on her.

Satoru sighed, his icy blue eyes softening, though the seriousness in his expression didn't waver. "Fine. But only tonight."

Relieved, Sana took a deep breath and led the way inside, Satoru following close behind. The familiar smell of home—her mother's bakery and the faint lingering scent of sweet confections—washed over her like a comforting blanket.

"Sana!" Her mother rushed toward her, worry and happiness battling for dominance on her face. "What are you doing here? Are you out of the hospital already?" Her voice trembled with concern as her eyes flickered between Sana and Satoru, clearly seeking answers.

Behind her, Sana's father stood, arms crossed, his expression a mixture of confusion and relief. "Is everything alright?" he asked, his voice steady yet laced with a quiet urgency.

Sana smiled softly, raising her hands in a soothing gesture. "I'm fine, Mom. Dad. Really." She paused, her voice catching slightly. "I just… I wanted to come home for a night. I needed to see you both before I leave tomorrow."

"Leave tomorrow? And without us knowing? How did they even discharge you without consulting us?" Her father's concern grew, stepping forward to envelop her in a protective embrace.

Sana exhaled, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm going to a new school. Satoru says there's a chance I might get better. That I might be able to lift this curse if I go there."

Her father's eyes shifted to Satoru, hardening into suspicion. "Is that true?" His tone was almost confrontational, protective as he sought answers.

Satoru met his gaze squarely, unfazed. "I won't make promises," he said, his voice calm yet firm. "But there's a chance. With the right guidance, she could learn to control it. Understand it. And there will be a very skilled doctor to look after her at all times."

Her father's frown deepened, and a tense silence hung in the air for a moment. "How can I trust your words, little boy?"

Satoru didn't blink. "I'm not here to make you believe me. But your daughter is cursed, and she won't get better until she lifts it. She's been given an incredibly rare opportunity to attend Jujutsu High as a non-shaman. I was ordered to execute her in silence, but I chose instead to give her a chance—to fight her curse and, with luck, live a normal life."

Her father's eyes flared with rage. "You would execute my daughter? Should I execute you first?"

Before he could react further, Sana's mother quickly delivered a sharp, yet gentle punch to his head. "He's just a kid like Sana," she scolded, her voice softening as she turned to Satoru with a warm smile. "And he saved her. Don't you dare shout at him."

Satoru blinked, momentarily thrown by her mother's affectionate treatment. He wasn't used to being seen as a normal kid, and yet something about it made him feel an odd warmth he hadn't expected.

"Come, let's all sit in the living room." Sana's mother gestured toward the cozy space nearby.

As they settled, Sana's father busied himself in the kitchen, clearly trying to avoid further conversation. His mind was racing, trying to process everything that had unfolded. The once-happy, peaceful family life they had known seemed like a distant memory.

Sana noticed Satoru's sharp gaze roaming the room, his keen eyes taking in every detail. The house was an interesting blend of traditional Japanese and modern design—sliding doors, tatami floors, but equipped with the latest technology. The smell of baked goods wafted in from her mother's bakery, bringing a comforting sense of normalcy.

Sana's mother soon returned with juice and slices of cake, her usual hospitality in full force despite the tense atmosphere. "Please, eat to your heart's content."

Sana watched as her parents, busy in the kitchen, silently grappled with the situation. She looked at Satoru, her eyes tinged with sadness. "I think they need some time to process everything."

Satoru nodded, understanding. "It's not every day you're faced with something like this. They definitely need time."

After the brief snack, Sana led Satoru upstairs to her room on the third floor—a quiet, secluded space that felt untouched by time. As they entered, the soft light of the evening filtered through the large triangular windows that reached up to the ceiling. The space had a serene, almost dreamlike quality, as the rain began to gently patter against the glass.

Satoru's eyes swept over the room, taking in the cozy, lived-in feel. The bed was the focal point, draped in earthy-toned blankets, while a desk in the corner held a gaming console, manga volumes, and a few anime figurines. Her athletic shoes rested neatly by the wall—a subtle reminder of the life she had before the hospital.

"This is nice," Satoru commented, his voice soft as his gaze shifted to a corner adorned with photos. He paused, noticing one in particular. "Is that your best friend?"

Sana followed his gaze, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Yes. That's Suguru. He's been my best friend since we were little."

There was a warmth in her voice, and Satoru, though he already knew, found himself quietly observing the way her face lit up when she spoke of Suguru. There was a kind of innocence to it that made him pause.

Before they could continue their conversation, Sana's mother called them for dinner.

 As they joined the family at the table, Sana's mother handed a food container to her husband. "Take this over to Suguru's house."

"It's raining, and Suguru's not even home. His mother can't eat all of this alone," Dai(Sana's dad) grumbled, clearly irritated.

"Don't start with your grudges again," Sana's mother replied, while Dai was rolling his eyes as she took the food. "What did Suguru's father ever do to you?" She asked, while Dai stuck out his tongue in response.

"Haha kids you carry on with your dinner, it's nothing." her father told them to have the dinner while he was serving food to Satoru.

Sana and Satoru exchanged amused glances as her father cracked more jokes. Satoru, though typically detached, found himself genuinely amazed by Dai. The man was taller than him, with an impressive physique and a commanding presence, yet his humor softened his aura.

He found himself surprisingly at ease in this home—something about the warmth of Sana's family, their lively banter, and their genuine care for her had softened the sharp edges of his usual demeanor. For once, he wasn't burdened by his responsibilities, and the usual weight on his shoulders felt lighter.

He glanced around the cozy kitchen once more, taking in the little details he had missed earlier—the family photos on the wall, the small vase of fresh flowers on the table, the handwritten grocery list pinned to the fridge. It was all so…normal. A life he'd never really had.

"Hey! Hana the kids are almost done wash your hands and sit for the dinner. Sana is leaving tomorrow I think she wants to spend some time with us." Dai Said while looking at his wife with a smile. 

They all sat together and enjoyed dinner. Dai was making sure that Satoru is not hesitating and eating to his heart's content.

As he Satoru sat there, his mind wandered back to Sana. She had been through so much, yet she had a warmth and resilience that even he couldn't help but admire. He wondered what her future held now that she was heading to Jujutsu High, a place where her life would change drastically.

"So, Satoru," her mother said, breaking the comfortable silence. "Where exactly is this school you're taking Sana to?"

Satoru swallowed his food and wiped his mouth with a napkin, his demeanor as calm and composed as ever. "It's in Tokyo itself. A place that deals specifically with curses and the supernatural. Not your typical high school."

Her mother's brow furrowed slightly. "It sounds dangerous. But you'll be looking out for her, right?"

Sana's father spoke up, his voice gruff but steady. "You'll make sure she's safe."

Satoru met his gaze evenly, unbothered by the intensity. "I'll protect her. That's why I brought her here. She's under my care now."

Sana glanced between the two, feeling a swell of emotions. She knew her father wasn't easily convinced, but she also understood that this was his way of showing he cared—by being tough on the person who would be responsible for his daughter's safety.

Dinner continued with more light conversation, her mother asking about Sana's hospital stay and making sure she was eating enough. Every now and then, Sana would catch Satoru glancing at her, his expression softening whenever he thought no one was looking.

As soon as they finished the dinner Sana took all the dishes to the kitchen and then took Satoru to her room.

"Satoru, is it fine if you sleep in my room tonight? It's all good as new since I was away for a year," Sana said, looking at him with a bright smile.

"Hein? You... want... me... to sleep... in your room?" Satoru replied, his voice laced with playful hesitation, a smirk dancing on his lips.

"Yes! I mean, it's the only room that's ready. Sorry, I'm really sorry for this, but the other two rooms aren't ready at the moment. My room is cleaner than those. Plus, you can use my washroom; it's all clean! Just take the fresh bathrobes from the walk-in closet in the gallery near the washroom," she explained, gesturing towards the glass-walled bathroom in her room.

"And I thought you might need a change of clothes. Here, these should be comfortable for you." She handed him the clothes, her cheeks turning a slight shade of pink. "They're new, but I've washed them once. Sorry, they're a bit cute, but they should fit you since they're free size."

Satoru raised an eyebrow, playfully leaning closer. "Cute, huh? I didn't realize I was signing up for a fashion show tonight! Are we sharing the runway too?"

Sana laughed, her cheeks deepening in color. "Well, at least I'll have a cute model to show off!"

"And please, when you're done, just give me your clothes, and I'll wash them." She beamed with complete hospitality, making it hard for him to resist.

"There's no need! I'll just—"

"No, don't be silly! You're my guest! At least let me do this. I'll get it done while you take a bath. Just throw your clothes outside when you're ready," she insisted, giggling at the situation.

Satoru chuckled, feeling the warmth of her kindness. "Alright, alright! Your hospitality is overwhelming."

"And don't forget to take fresh towels from that same closet!" she reminded him, fluffing the pillows on the bed and preparing it for him.

"Got it! I'm on it!" he said, heading toward the bath.

"Sana, I've thrown the clothes outside!" he shouted from the bathroom.

"Okay! Thanks for letting me know!" she called back, walking over to collect his clothes.

She dashed away to clean his clothes but then remembered it was raining outside. "Oh no! What am I going to do?" She quickly dried them a bit in the washing machine and then hung them on a clothes stand under the fan. {Japanese homes usually don't have a clothes dryer, so they sundry their clothes.}

Once that was done, she headed back upstairs to check if Satoru needed anything.

"Satoru, may I come in?" she asked, knocking lightly on the door.

"Yeah, why are you asking?" he replied, sounding a bit curious.

Sana opened the door and gasped a little, seeing him in the clothes she had given him. "You look so cute!" she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

"Hehehe, I am already cute," he said, puffing his chest out dramatically.

"Well, I forgot to ask, did you enjoy the dinner?" she inquired, her expression turning serious.

"I guess this was the best meal I've had in a while," he said, trying to keep his tone calm but failing to hide his grin.

"That's good," she said, placing something on the table. "These are your belongings—you forgot to take them out of your clothes."

"Thanks!" he said, noticing the items. "Hey, what are you doing after this? Going to sleep? In your room, I mean?"

"Good night! Have a good sleep, and let me know if you need anything. I'm going to my parents' room to sleep with them." She turned to leave, switching off the lights.

Satoru's eyes widened slightly, and he felt a blush creep onto his face. "You're... sleeping with your parents?" The realization hit him, and he couldn't help but snicker at his previous misunderstanding.

"Yes, is that a problem?" she asked innocently.

"No, no, all good! Just... you know... have a nice night." He tried to sound casual, but the disappointment was evident on his face, and he rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly.

Sana chuckled, closing the door behind her as she went downstairs to sleep with her parents.

Satoru let out a long sigh, finally alone in the room. "So, let's enjoy this luxury bed now," he muttered to himself, literally falling onto the mattress, sinking into its softness. "What a night! At least I won't be sharing a bed."

Morning arrived quickly. Sana's parents were already awake and going about their morning routine. Her mother, noticing Satoru's clothes, hung them outside for air drying. As they prepared for the day, Sana woke up groggy, and headed downstairs without getting ready.

"Need help with anything?" she asked in a sleepy tone, her hair slightly disheveled.

"No, no, we've got it covered," her father said, sipping his tea.

She smiled and hugged him. "Where's Mom?"

"Where do you think?" her father responded, half-joking.

Sana immediately ran to the bakery. "Mom! Good morning!" she shouted, running into her mother's arms.

"Good morning, sweetheart," her mother said, kissing her cheek. "Now go sit with your father or else I have to clean this all over again."

Sana, laughing, returned inside to sit with her father. As they were settling in for breakfast, the sound of footsteps on the stairs made them look up.

"Hey, Satoru! Good morning! Come sit and have some breakfast," Sana greeted, motioning to the chair.

"Good morning, Sana-san," he replied, taking a seat.

"Good morning, young man," Dai said with a friendly nod.

"Oh, good morning, Mr. Dad," Satoru quipped with a playful grin.

Sana watched the exchange with amusement, but it was her mother's reaction that caught everyone off guard.

"Oh my! Who is this adorable little thing in my house?" Hana asked, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Satoru in his borrowed clothes.

"Hehe, mom it's me, Satoru," he said with a cute smile, pointing at himself.

Sana and her father exchanged confused glances, unsure of how this conversation had taken such a turn.

Hana, clearly smitten by his charm, brought him juice and breakfast, gently pinching his cheeks. "Are you making something sweet?" Satoru asked, his eyes shining with curiosity.

"Yes, would you like some?" Hana asked, her tone softening.

Satoru didn't say a word, just stared at her with wide, expectant eyes.

Hana laughed and went back to the bakery, bringing sweet bread and cake for everyone. She beamed as Satoru ate with obvious enjoyment.

By the time they finished, it was already 9 AM. Sana stood up, stretching. "Sorry, Satoru, but I'm using the washroom first. I need to get ready and pack my stuff."

"Go ahead," Satoru shrugged, unfazed, as he continued chatting with her parents.

While Sana took her bath and packed, Satoru freshened up in the guest bathroom. He collected his clothes from Hana, now fully dry. When they were both ready, the mood in the house shifted to one of quiet sadness.

"Do you really have to go?" Hana asked, her voice catching as tears welled up.

"I'm sorry, but it's important. And please, promise me you won't tell anyone about what I told you," Satoru said, his expression turning serious.

As they waited for Satoru's assistant to arrive, Dai offered, "I can drive you both if you like."

"No it's fine. Assistant's just running a little late," Satoru reassured him. "He'll be here soon."

After a few lighthearted conversations, a knock at the door signaled the assistant's arrival.

It was time for final goodbyes.