Sun's barely hanging on over Tokyo Jujutsu High, just melting gold all across those busted-up tiles and mats that've seen way too many teenagers throwing hands. Gojo's there, leaning like he owns the place, sunglasses crooked so the last bit of sunlight flashes off that ridiculous grin of his.
"Alright, lovebirds," he calls out, just way too chipper for everyone's good. "Time to beat the crap out of each other and call it therapy."
Nobara's eyes could not roll harder. "Say one more thing like that, I dare you—"
"—you'll just fall for him even more?" Gojo shoots back, winking like he's physically incapable of shame.
Akashi's already stepping up, stretching like he's getting ready for a first date instead of a fight. "Can't lie, he's got a point."
Nobara just huffs, "Please. I've punched brick walls that put up more of a fight than you."
Akashi grins. "Guess we'll see, won't we?"
Round One: No Cursed Tricks, Just Fists
Yuji and Megumi are over on the sidelines with popcorn that, let's be real, just materialized outta nowhere. Classic.
"Think she'll murder him?" Yuji's munching away.
"Eh. Flip a coin," Megumi shrugs. "If she blushes, though, that's your answer."
First punch? Nobara, obviously. Clean jab, right for the chin. Akashi's fast—parries, sweeps a low kick at her leg. She dodges, throws an elbow at his ribs. You know, just casual murder flirting. They're dancing, slipping and sliding across the mat, sweat flying, moving so quick it's like some weird, aggressive ballet.
Akashi blocks her next shot, leans in close. "Not bad, Nobara."
She snorts. "Shut up."
And then, bam—she spins, hooks his leg, and slams him down. Hard. Mat rattles.
Round Two: Cursed Energy's On
Both up, both eyes sharper than knives, cursed energy crackling like static.
Nobara's got those black nails glinting between her fingers, looking like she's ready to redecorate with pain. Akashi's throat sigils are glowing—dude's basically a walking warning label.
"Go on," Nobara baits him. "I know you wanna say it."
Akashi grins—yeah, he's definitely gonna say it.
Dragon Tongue: Phase I – Splinter
"Kudakero...Shatter" The ground cracks open under her, but she's already moving, launches a nail up—
"Resonance."
Nail snaps down, hits a hair stuck in Akashi's collar (she's sneaky, don't ask). His cursed energy goes all haywire, and he stumbles. But he's not out—he barrels right back at her.
They crash in the middle of the mat, foreheads basically touching. Neither one's breathing. Nobody's moving.
"Call it a draw?" he mutters, voice barely there.
"Only if you admit I'm hotter," she fires back, smirking.
Akashi gives in, laughing. "Alright, fine. You win."
They moved away, slowly, like the fight's still echoing in their bones.
From the sidelines, Gojo's clapping slow. "Finally. Now kiss—"
A nail whistles past his head. He doesn't even flinch.
Later: Dorm Rooftop
Akashi's up on the roof, nursing bruised knuckles, staring at the city lights. Nobara shows up, not saying a word at first. She sits beside him, quieter than usual.
"Why do you fight so hard?" she asks, breaking the silence.
He takes his time. Stars are out, and for once, he doesn't have something dumb to say.
"To stick around long enough to be someone she'd actually be proud of," he finally mutters.
Nobara nods, like she's known the answer all along. "Pretty sure she already is."
He glances over.
She doesn't look away.