Consciousness slowly surfaced as if from the deep sea. Maki's eyelids felt as heavy as if glued shut. First, there was a blurry buzzing sound in her ears, which gradually cleared, revealing the distinctive smell of disinfectant from the Infirmary, mixed with a faint aroma of herbs.
She struggled to open her eyes, and what met them was the familiar white ceiling and an IV drip hanging above.
Transparent liquid dripped steadily down the tube, connected to the needle on the back of her hand.
Her gaze slowly shifted, and a face with a hint of displeasure appeared before her; it was Shoko.
"Awake?"
Shoko's voice was devoid of warmth, even carrying a touch of impatience. She reached out to press Maki's forehead, then flipped her eyelids, her movements practiced but not gentle:
"It's a good thing Rin knows how to use Reverse Cursed Technique, otherwise, you would have died in the Stadium today."
Maki opened her mouth, her throat dry and aching, unable to make a sound.
Seeing this, Shoko handed her a cup of warm water and adjusted her pillow so she could comfortably lean back and drink.
The warm water flowed down her throat, relieving the dryness, and Maki could finally speak, her voice still hoarse:
"How long... have I been asleep?"
"A day and a night."
Shoko took back the cup, her displeasure even more evident. She crossed her arms, looking at Maki with an expression of disappointment, as if scolding her for not living up to expectations:
"Next time you encounter a Special Grade Cursed Spirit, stay far away! Don't foolishly charge in. Who do you think you are? Gojo Satoru or Rin? Opponents of that caliber aren't for a hothead like you to risk your life against."
Maki's cheeks flushed slightly, and she lowered her head, a little embarrassed.
She knew Shoko was worried about her; those seemingly harsh words were actually born of concern.
But thinking of Rin, her heart instantly tightened, and she ignored Shoko's reprimand, asking urgently:
"What about Rin? How is he? I remember the wound on his abdomen was very deep, and he lost a lot of blood..."
At the mention of Rin, Shoko's expression softened, and her tone became less sharp:
"Don't worry, he won't die."
She paused, leaning against the nearby table, and slowly added:
"His Reverse Cursed Technique is more skilled than I imagined. After treating his own wounds, he came over and treated you for most of the night.
However, he was also seriously injured and should be resting in his dorm now."
Maki's suspended heart finally settled, and she let out a long sigh, though a trace of worry still lingered in her eyes:
"He... he's not seriously injured, right? No lingering after-effects?"
"What serious injury could there be?"
Shoko rolled her eyes but still explained in detail:
"The abdominal wound was indeed deep, but he treated it promptly, and his Reverse Cursed Technique was effective, so it's already starting to heal.
He just lost a lot of blood and needs to recuperate properly.
Compared to him, you should be more worried about yourself. You have more wounds than he does combined. If Rin hadn't been diligently treating you, you wouldn't be awake right now."
Maki felt a warmth in her heart, remembering Rin protecting her in the Stadium, remembering how he, even while injured himself, didn't forget to treat her with Reverse Cursed Technique. Her eyes reddened slightly.
She clenched her hands and said softly:
"I understand. I'll be careful next time."
"It better be."
Shoko snorted, then turned and took a bottle of ointment from the medicine cabinet, placing it beside Maki's hand:
"This is to help scars disappear. Remember to apply it on time.
I'll go get you something to eat. You've been unconscious for so long, you must be hungry."
After Shoko left, the Infirmary fell silent.
Maki looked at the sunlight outside the window, the scenes from the Stadium replaying in her mind.
Not long after, Shoko returned with a bowl of porridge and some light side dishes. Maki took the porridge and ate it in small bites. The taste was ordinary, but it made her feel exceptionally warm.
"Oh, right," Shoko said, as if suddenly remembering something:
"Rin came to see you this morning. Seeing you weren't awake, he left. He also left something for you, it's on the table."
As soon as Shoko finished speaking, Maki's gaze immediately swept across the table. There was only a neatly folded white note, quietly placed in the corner.
She put down the porridge bowl, walked quickly to pick up the note, and the moment her fingertips touched the paper, her heart rate involuntarily quickened.
Gently unfolding the note, it only had two words written on it, the handwriting neat and strong:
"Rooftop."
There was no extra explanation, no complex wording, yet it instantly stirred a ripple in Maki's heart.
She looked back at the window; the setting sun was slowly descending, painting the sky a warm orange-red.
Without the slightest hesitation, she quickly picked up the porridge bowl, finished the remaining porridge in a few gulps, then hastily ate a few bites of the side dishes. Without even bothering to wash the bowl, she walked towards the clothes Shoko had placed by the bed.
The clothes were the Jujutsu High uniform Shoko had specially prepared for her, and the size was just right.
Maki quickly put them on, ignoring the pain from her wounds. She grabbed the note and ran out the door, leaving only a "Shoko, I'm going to the Rooftop" before disappearing from the Infirmary entrance.
The corridor was empty, only her hurried footsteps echoing. Maki jogged along, constantly ascending the stairs, her heart pounding with anticipation.
She didn't know why Rin wanted to see her, but she felt inexplicably nervous, yet also a little excited.
Finally, she pushed open the door to the Rooftop.
The lingering glow of the setting sun enveloped the entire Rooftop in a warm radiance.
The distant sky was painted a blend of orange-red and pale purple, and the clouds seemed to be edged with gold, so beautiful that one couldn't tear their eyes away.
And Rin's figure sat on the railing at the edge of the Rooftop, his back to her, toying with a silver-white Revolver. Its metallic casing gleamed with a cold yet soft light in the sunset.
Hearing the door open, Rin slowly turned his head.
His face no longer held its usual indifference and resistance, nor the fanaticism and sharpness of battle. Instead, there was a rare sense of ease.
The aloofness in his brows and eyes had faded considerably, and the corner of his mouth even held a subtle, almost imperceptible smile.
"You're here."
Rin's voice was very soft, carrying the warmth of the sunset, no longer as cold as before.
He raised his hand and gestured to the spot beside him, "Sit."
Maki paused, then walked over somewhat at a loss. She sat on the railing beside Rin. A small distance separated them, yet there was no awkwardness, only the tranquility and gentleness under the setting sun.
Rin handed her the Revolver. The gun body was cold, but it had warmed slightly from his hand:
"Thank you for what happened this time."
Maki took the handgun, her fingers gently stroking the gun body, feeling a warmth in her heart.
She looked up at Rin and said with a smile, "Aren't we companions? Helping each other is what we do."
"Companions, huh..." Rin repeated softly, his smile deepening, "I suppose so."
The two chatted idly, like old friends.
Maki looked at the Revolver in her hand and suddenly remembered something, asking:
"Did you make this handgun yourself? My sister Mai also has one; she made it using her Cursed Technique."