Ryuu didn't respond immediately, but the amused glint in his eyes didn't fade.
The values of the Jujutsu Society differed from the real world, yet at their core, they were the same—just with different criteria.
In modern society, people chase after status, wealth, and connections.
In the world of sorcery, it was bloodline, technique, and power that determined one's place.
The strongest ruled, and those who couldn't keep up were left behind.
Even within the three great clans, this ideology was deeply rooted. The Zen'in family, for example, believed:
"Those without Zen'in blood are not true sorcerers, and those without techniques are not even human."
Mei Mei, though far from that level of obsession, had also been shaped by her upbringing in the sorcerer world.
Still, unlike the Zen'in family, she had carved out her own path to strength and reached Grade 1 purely on her own merits.
Very few could surpass her.
And even fewer could satisfy her insatiable love for money.
Perhaps Gojo Satoru was an exception—but he was never someone she considered.
The Gojo clan was bound by rules, a rigid family structure that confined its women to traditional roles.
Even if she were interested, she'd never be allowed to continue making money as a sorcerer.
But Ryuu?
Ryuu was free.
The strongest today, yet completely unaffiliated. No family ties, no obligations. A wild card—just like her.
It was… appealing.
For now.
Of course, if she were to seriously consider him, he would have to prove his value in more ways than just raw power.
"Well then," Mei Mei stretched, standing up. "That's enough excitement for today. This was… an unexpected, yet enjoyable meeting."
She reached into her bag, pulled out a few bills, and pressed them onto the table beside the shattered glass.
"Let's have another conversation sometime, Ryuu-kun. Preferably an even more profitable one."
With a teasing smirk, she turned on her heel and gracefully walked out of the bar.
Ryuu watched her go, amusement flickering in his gaze.
"Mei Mei, huh?"
He raised the business card she left behind, inspecting it briefly before flicking it into Kamui's storage space.
She really is obsessed with money.
But, he had to admit—she was interesting.
For now.
He pulled out his phone and checked the time.
Late.
Not that it mattered.
With a casual stretch, he vanished into a distortion of space.
---
Back at School
Across several miles, Ryuu reappeared on the rooftop of his High School.
A cool breeze ruffled his hair. Below, the distant sound of lectures and students reading aloud echoed through the air.
He could head back to class…
Or not.
After a brief moment of "consideration," he turned away from the rooftop's edge and made his way toward the Exorcism Club room.
The large couch inside was far more comfortable than a classroom chair.
Lying down, Ryuu closed his eyes, exhaling softly.
At least until—
A warm sensation approached from nearby.
The familiar feeling of positive energy.
Without opening his eyes, he reached out—and immediately found himself pulling someone into his arms.
A soft, full sensation pressed against him.
"R-Ryuu—!"
A squeak of surprise.
Ryuu opened his eyes slightly, looking down at the blushing girl in his arms.
"Ah, Hana," he mused. "You're warm."
Yurikawa Hana, still shocked, blinked up at him. "I-I just came to check on you!"
But her attempt at protest quickly faded as Ryuu tilted her chin up and kissed her—lightly, effortlessly, teasingly.
Hana's entire face turned scarlet.
She was too stunned to move at first, but then—she relaxed against him.
Her hands gripped his shirt, and she shyly began to kiss back.
Until—
"Ara, ara~ Should we come back later?"
A mocking voice interrupted.
Hana's eyes snapped open.
She pulled away instantly, her face now completely buried in Ryuu's chest.
"Too embarrassing!" she mumbled.
Ryuu glanced over, unsurprised to see Kasumigaoka Utaha, Miura Yumiko, and Yotsuya Miko standing in the doorway.
Utaha smirked, arms crossed. "We wouldn't want to ruin your private time, after all."
Ryuu chuckled. "No, you came at the right time."
Gently patting Hana's flustered head, he added, "Besides, she's a little too shy. Try not to tease her too much, Utaha."
"Oh? But it looks like she's enjoying it," Utaha teased, stepping closer.
She reached out, pinching Hana's cheek lightly. "Isn't that right?"
Hana let out a tiny, muffled whimper, still refusing to lift her face.
Ryuu smirked. "If you're feeling jealous, Utaha, I don't mind giving you some attention too."
Utaha scoffed, rolling her eyes. "Tch. You wish."
But even as she dismissed him, her fingers lightly traced her lips, as if considering something.
Interesting.
Yumiko plopped down on the opposite sofa, sighing. "Honestly, Ryuu, you were gone all morning. I had to make up an excuse to your homeroom teacher."
"I appreciate the cover," Ryuu replied lazily.
"Hmph." Yumiko crossed her arms. "You'd better owe me for that."
"Fine. I'll repay you later."
At his suggestive tone, Yumiko's cheeks turned a slight pink. "T-That's not what I meant!"
Utaha chuckled. "Oh? I think that's exactly what you meant, Yumiko."
Meanwhile, Miko hesitated for a moment before, with a deep breath, she climbed onto the couch and lay against Ryuu's other side.
Ryuu glanced at her. "Hm?"
"I… I just don't want to be left behind," Miko mumbled.
She was blushing, but she didn't pull away.
Ryuu simply smiled, wrapping an arm around her waist. "I see."
And just like that, the club room fell into its usual rhythm—
A cozy, chaotic mess of emotions and relationships.
Watching them, Yumiko groaned. "You know, Ryuu… at this rate, you really need a bigger couch."
Ryuu chuckled.
"Noted."
###
Read 15+ chapters ahead on P@treon // Kryzt