[OPEN] someone please suggest cut text and subject title for me

[mahoraga]

Who ⬤ Megumi and awesome people (YOU)
What ⬤ May catch-all - substories, IC Mingle log, Megumi's part-time job, anything else that comes up
When ⬤ Throughout May
Where ⬤ Various places
Content Warnings ⬤ N/A - will add as I go


SUBSTORY #1: thanks mods i happen to love body heat meme

[ This is just about the last time he takes free food from anyone, even if they look like a harmless rabbit. Curse his slight fondness for rabbits. While Megumi went a good half hour with no side effects, the chill gradually sets in after that, his long-sleeved clothing and large collar that usually keep him fairly warm no longer making the cut. The worst part is, the effects set in right in the middle of the busy pavement. He would be able to deal with this better if he could wrap himself up at home.

Megumi tries to tough it out for as long as he is able to, arms wrapping around himself as he tries to keep the shivers at bay. He doesn't particularly like to draw attention to himself or make people worry about him, but it's hard to walk normally when the chill seems to have permeated every inch of his body. ]

What did she feed me ... [ Another day he wishes he could summon Divine Dog. Their fur would actually feel divine right about now.

Eventually, his hands seem to seek heat on their own, grabbing the sleeve of someone nearby to give them a light tug closer. ]

SUBSTORY #2: the one with the butts and wild goose chase

[ As if life couldn't get any harder, upon Megumi's refusal to help it with its pointless request, the shirime in all its eye-in-butt glory has taken to following him around, harassing him with its request incessantly.

"So, you'll help me, right? Hey, are you listening? Will you help me? I want the A5! You'll help me, right?"

There's only so much of being followed around and pestered that a boy can take. He doesn't even know which vending machine the shirime is talking about and it keeps ignoring the question when he asks.

There's only one way to solve this problem: Pawn it on someone else. Though he feels a little bad about this, there's no other choice. Megumi addresses whoever might be nearby, thumbing at the silly-looking yokai who's following him. ]

You. Can you help him?

IC MINGLE #1: welcome wagon

[ Megumi doesn't particularly care about movies, preferring to spend his evenings with a good book. When he does watch movies, it's when he's being roped into it by someone else.

He doesn't have much interest in using the movie ticket but it also feels like a waste to throw it away when someone else might want to use it. Anyone who's hovering around the theater will be approached by a tall young man with a deadpan expression. He straight up puts his ticket in your hand. ]

Here. Enjoy.

IC MINGLE #2: haniwa dolls

[ As the night goes on, and the partying locals and lost souls continue to drink themselves silly, a lot of people are focused on having a good time and paying less and less attention to the sporadically emerging dolls. They were creepy at first, but after the fourth time you see one popping up, it becomes a bit easier to ignore, apparently. It's because people are paying less attention that they're being less cautious and allowing themselves to be exposed to its cursed effects.

At a local nightclub, a fight seems to have broken out, a wolf demon randomly breaking out into some paranoid hysteria about everyone else's faces changing, and charging at the other patrons with his sharp claws. At the center of it all is a haniwa figure, and though Megumi's spiritual senses have dulled immensely, he can still pick up its off-putting, dreadful aura.

The other patrons, some also succumbing to the hallucinations, are obviously going to return in kind. A bottle thrown by one of the angry patrons sails through the air towards your character. Before it can hit, they'll be yanked to the side by a young man with dark hair. ]

I have to get rid of that figure. [ He turns to the person he's grabbing now. ] Go somewhere else.

[ He can handle this!!! (Allegedly ... )

ooc: As a note, Megumi is a helpful boy who will be trying to remove the statues as advised by Enma. He might succumb to the effects after a while and i'm happy to plot it out with whoever ]

PART TIME JOB: book shop boys (later in the month)

[ Megumi has found a part-time job at a local bookstore in the Sutoku Alliance. There are books of all sorts available, and the colourful and upbeat members of the staff (with the exception of .. Megumi, who stands out with how quiet he is by comparison) are always ready to help out.

A: If your character looks unsure of what they want to browse, they'll be approached by a quiet young man in a blue apron, who will point at one particular book in the non-fiction section. ]

This one wasn't bad.

[ The title reads 'Everything You Need to Know About Concrete Engineering'. That's ... so boring, why would anyone (who isn't a builder) ever read it??? ]

[ B: Or, if your character happened to wander near the shelves behind some bashful yuki-onna who quickly takes off and leaves, they might get falsely accused of a book-related crime.

Megumi will approach them with a book in hand (a romance story, apparently) and open up the cover. Written on the pages are the romantic exchanges between two regular patrons, who have chosen to trade their love notes through this one book.

The latest one reads "There isn't a day I go on without thinking about you. I long for the touch of your fingers, to hear the sound of your voice. My heart can take no more of this cruel fate that separates us."

Love between enemy faction members? Whatever, he doesn't care. Megumi looks very unimpressed. ]

Please have your love affair somewhere else.

[ OOC: Do something else with me??? You can reach me via PM or at charsiu (feel free to add) ]

Comments

[mahoraga]

Oh ...

[ Megumi pauses, his thoughts catching up to his actions. He releases his hold on Junpei's sleeve immediately, taking in the situation. It's that friend Yuuji made back home when he was playing dead (that idiot). A sorcerer as well. But far quieter, more unassuming and seemingly nicer than the sorcerers he's met (who usually present as a bunch of noisy, zany and selfish characters). They're both in Sutoku together too, so he had intended to get more acquainted. Just not in this particular circumstance. ]

Yoshino-senpai. [ Polite when not peeved about something, Megumi usually uses the appropriate honorifics for the situation. Junpei is technically his senior in their clan. Though he's still shivering, he tries to keep the symptoms at bay, not keen on making others worry about him. ]

I'm ... fine. Sorry for just now.

[moondregs]

[ It feels so ... strange to be called senpai, even if it’s not inaccurate considering their circumstances. Most of the people Junpei is closest to in Jigoku don’t even use honorifics so he’s gotten used to foregoing them. Still, if Megumi wants to use them, he’ll get himself back in the habit around him.

Tilting his head to the side curiously, he mulls over if he should press the other or not. Clearly he had needed something just then, if it had merely been a case of mistaken identity surely he would have mentioned it?

Eventually the desire for politeness wins over and he opts instead just to make bland, inoffensive small talk. Not actually something he’s used to or likes doing at all, but this is someone important to Itadori. ]

It’s okay ... are you adjusting all right? I know this place is ... intense.

[ Scary. Bizarre. Confusing. ]

[mahoraga]

[ If Megumi knew Junpei were making idle small talk he doesn't want to do for his sake, he would suggest they stay quiet since they're happier that way pokdmryj ]

[ Though that chill continues to set in, forcing Megumi to wrap his hands around his elbows, he's thankful that Junpei hasn't chosen to shower him with sympathy and concern - or acknowledge his awkward action from before. ]

It's ... not too different from the world we left behind, if you think about it ... [ People are fighting for no reason. spirits are running amok, and he knows it can be dangerous.

Though Yuuji had hastily tried to introduce them both, with Yuuji there to be the chatterbox in the group, he was mostly talking for both of them, allowing the two introverts to fall into a more passive role in the conversation. He doesn't feel like he got much of a chance to learn about Junpei or really talk to him then. This boy is an exorcist outside of Jujutsu High that Yuuji chanced upon during his time playing dead (the idiot). ]

Did you want to sit somewhere? [ Somewhere warm, preferably. That goes unsaid and he will try to gravitate them towards a more heated place so he can hopefully manage his symptoms. ]

[moondregs]

[ For Junpei, there’s one major difference - he has many friends here. People he can trust. While there are perils, his day to day life somehow feels more secure. Even with actual yokai wandering about he feels much safer, able to relax sometimes thanks to those that look out for him.

When Megumi suggests they sit, Junpei notes his posture. He’s cold? It’s not really chilly out, so that is markedly odd. Still not wanting to pry too much he simply gives a nod of his head, looking around and spotting an old bench a few buildings down from them. He doesn’t actually need to sit down, but he’ll give Megumi the excuse out of politeness. ]

How about there?

[mahoraga]

[ junpei pls stop doing things out of politeness!!!! if only he knew!! Megumi is usually fairly perceptive, but right now he's far too distracted with how cold he's feeling to really be paying attention to the fact that he's imposing on Junpei a little. His eyes travel to where Junpei had suggested. It doesn't look any warmer than where they are standing, but he can't see any better options. ]

Sure ... [ Not much else needs to be said. Megumi goes ahead, hands shoved into his pockets to preserve some warmth. When they get there he sits down, hands still shoved into his pockets and looking rather stiff. His skin is paler than usual. ]

You've got to be careful about the food here. [ As if Junpei doesn't already know!!! Megumi doesn't really want to draw attention to his situation, but it's worth warning the other boy about in case he's feeling like having some mochi today. ]

[moondregs]

[ Subtle. Those words pretty much say it all.

There’s a small frown at observing how much Megumi is suffering. Those good people Junpei has been surrounded with mean he’s not been doing so good at the whole indifference thing - he’s being helped frequently, so his walls aren’t as high as usual. Seeing someone uncomfortable, especially someone important to somebody he cares about, makes him want to help.

Averting his eyes shyly he summons up the courage to just address the elephant in the room. ]

You ate something drugged, right? It’s okay, I’ve done that too ... is it making you cold? Did you ... ah, need help ... not ... being cold?

[ He’s turning pinker by the second, fidgeting in his seat. ]

[mahoraga]

[ He probably should have realised that bringing up that topic would draw attention to his situation. Or maybe that was his subconscious intention all along, brought upon by a desire for the symptoms to go away? The point is, the elephant in the room has now been addressed.

The hesitance in Junpei's voice only adds to the awkward tension between them both. Really, this is just about the worst circumstances to try and get to know someone new. ]

You've been here about as long as Itadori, haven't you ... [ That would why this sounds so known to him. While it's a the logical choice to make, he's also hesitant, because he's pretty unused to physical closeness with other people. ]

Are you sure you're okay with this? [ Junpei looks nervous about it too!! Truthfully Megumi's just stalling as he works up the nerve to accept the offer. ]

[moondregs]

[ If he’s honest about dissecting his feelings on the matter, the nervousness and hesitation come almost entirely from worry this will make Fushiguro think he’s a weirdo. He’s not especially opposed to the contact part of it, not with someone he trusts. Events that have occurred to him in Jigoku have made him learn he enjoys friendly physical contact - a reality that’s still kind of embarrassing, but there’s been a gnawing at the back of his mind craving it.

But you can’t just ask for that kind of thing.

He nods demurely in response to Megumi’s questions, though he still can’t make eye contact.

Then he speaks, oh so quiet: ]

It’s okay. I wouldn’t mind.

[mahoraga]

[ Rationally, it's a means to an end, and if Junpei is a trusted friend of Yuuji's, then Megumi can find it in himself to trust him as well. While Yuuji may act simple-minded, he's got a good emotional sense for people. It shouldn't be such a difficult thing and there shouldn't be this awkward tension between them both, but Megumi's always been unused to touch and needs a bit of time to mentally prepare himself. He's just shy.

The confirmation that Junpei isn't feeling obligated to do this does put him at some ease, with his general desire to not impose on others if possible. Now comes having to initiate, which he approaches with hesitance. ]

Let's ... sit closer. [ It might be the first time he's ever initiated physical contact (outside of a fight), so it feels awkward and unnatural. Megumi shifts a little closer, lining their thighs if permitted to. ]

[moondregs]

Okay.

[ As slow as Megumi wants to take it, Junpei will oblige. There's the slightest shiver of his own when their thighs touch thanks to the palpable tension. Once it's done, however, he relaxes further the more seconds pass and offers a shy smile to the other teen. It's a comfort to know Megumi is just as nervous about this as he is, but still willing to go through with it. ]

Really, when it comes to the effects food can have here ... being cold isn't so bad. I know that's hard to believe when it's happening, but there are some that are much more ... embarrassing.

[ Realizing he's said too much his cheeks flush and he looks away again, hoping he won't be asked to elaborate. ]

Uh, if you wanted me to put my arm around you ... I could ...

[mahoraga]

[ The proximity is still very awkward and makes him nervous, but the company isn't bad. Out of all the people he could have bumped into while in his frustrating predicament, Junpei would probably give him the least grief. He takes some time to think about whether or not he wants that closer proximity before making his decision. Megumi's eyes dart around for potential onlookers (not that anyone would care???), then eventually raises his own arm, opening up his side for the other boy to nestle closer into. He's mostly looking to the floor as he does this, hesitant in his speech. ]

It's ... probably easier like this ... [ Given that he's taller, Junpei's arms might hurt after time keeping it around his shoulder. ]

[moondregs]

[ Oh. Right. He tries not to be too noticeably flustered about this role reversal, reminds himself he's just helping out Itadori's friend and there's nothing intimate about it! Shutting his brain up he gently falls into place at Megumi's side, cheeks burning and still not able to look him in the eyes.

It's so nice. Is he weird for having that thought? People would definitely make conclusions, if they saw them like this ... he clears his throat. He has to think of something to say to make Megumi more at ease. To keep things casual and businesslike.

If only he didn't royally suck at socializing and small talk. ]

I hope this helps. You're ... really tall, huh?

[mahoraga]

[ Though it makes him nervous, it felt like the right decision, because his arm rests easily around Junpei's shoulder, their bodies leaning comfortably against each other. There's warmth that he can feel generally radiating through him, doing much more to relieve the symptoms. Megumi's also extremely conscious of how they must look right now, however, and he's thankful there doesn't seem to be anyone around. He keeps his face turned away, looking at a particularly boring tree. ]

Am I ...? [ He doesn't think so. ] I'm just around a lot of people who are short. [ sorry junpei you are just short ... he means no offense when he says this. ]

[moondregs]

[ Okay, even if he's trying to be polite he does wince a little at that.

He tries his best to ignore the comment. But it hangs there. Nibbling at his brain.

Finally: ]

I'm ... not short.

[ Still polite. Still not being the absolute sass machine he is capable of. Just a quiet correction. Don't stop cuddling. ]

[mahoraga]

[ Megumi rarely means offense when he says things, a blunt person with less than average social awareness. He also doesn't find 'short' an insult. It's more like a physical descriptor? He blinks when he's called out on this, realising that what he had said could be taken as offensive. ]

Oh ... Didn't mean you. [ Lying badly, then moving on quickly. Give him time to think of a new topic to talk about srymk ]

Did you know Itadori long ...? [ He doesn't know the full story yet. ]