I Died in a Knife Fight and Reincarnated into Jujutsu Kaisen

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Sunlight spilt gently through the half-drawn curtains, casting intricate patterns of golden light across the crumpled sheets that bore the remains of a restless night. The air was thick with the faint aromas of sake, mingling with the warmth of skin, creating a cosy atmosphere.

Nobara stirred first, her long lashes fluttering against the pillow as awareness gradually seeped into her consciousness. A slight furrow creased her brow as she attempted to lift herself, only to be met with a sharp pang of discomfort. 

"Ow." 

A quiet hiss escaped her lips, instinctively leading her to place a hand on her hip, where a dull ache throbbed persistently. With a resigned sigh, she dropped back onto the pillow, her gaze fixed on the ceiling above, blush creeping into her cheeks. "Great," she muttered sarcastically to no one in particular.

From the other side of the bed, Alex's voice cut through the stillness, low and languorous, tinged with sleep. "You good?"

Nobara didn't bother to look at him, choosing instead to focus on the ceiling patterns. "I'm going to kill you," she replied, half-joking.

"Again?" His tone hinted at amusement, a trace of smugness in his words. "That's at least the third death threat since last night. I'm flattered."

Turning to shoot him a glare, she immediately regretted her movement as her neck twinged painfully in response. She let out another hiss, cheeks flushing deeper with a mix of embarrassment and irritation. "Don't be so full of yourself."

Alex lay there, hands casually tucked behind his head, completely at ease. The blanket had slipped down, exposing part of his bare chest, the morning light softening his normally aloof demeanour. He appeared more approachable, more relaxed.

"You were the one who told me not to hold back," he remarked coolly.

"That was before... shut up," she snapped back, though the hint of a smile tugged at her lips despite her annoyance.

He smirked, his gaze flicking to her as she pulled the blanket up to her nose in a teasing gesture. 

With a careful swing of one leg over the edge of the bed, she attempted to stand. Still, the movement sent a subtle ripple of discomfort through her. The limp was slight but unmistakable, a reminder of her body's limits. She paused for a moment, steadied herself, then cursed softly under her breath when a fresh wave of pain shot through her hip.

Alex raised an amused eyebrow. "You sure you're not dying?"

She shot another dagger of a glare his way. "You're not funny."

He chuckled, the sound warm and inviting. "You're adorable when you're trying to be mad while limping."

Ignoring his teasing, Nobara slipped into a long T-shirt, one that was clearly his, the fabric hanging loosely around her seductive form. She made her way toward the small bathroom, shutting the door firmly behind her, though not before Alex caught a glimpse of her resolve.

Sinking back against the pillow with a satisfied sigh, Alex shifted his gaze to the ceiling, a faint smile tugging at his lips. The light pouring in highlighted the contours of his features, and he couldn't help but find himself captivated. She was a handful, he reflected, but the type he didn't mind finding beside him in the morning.

When Nobara reemerged ten minutes later, her hair was still an unkempt mess, slightly flushed cheeks betraying her earlier embarrassment. Yet, her chin was held high, radiating a defiance that he found irresistible. She had tied her hair back and donned her usual shorts, though the stiffness in her stride was still apparent.

Alex silently handed her a bottle of water, the quiet gesture speaking volumes between them.

"Thanks," she murmured, taking it gratefully before sliding down beside him on the bed, careful to avoid jostling him too much. The mattress shifted under her weight, reminding them both of the closeness that had filled the space just moments earlier.

"So," Nobara began, keeping her eyes focused ahead, the brightness of the morning filtering in. "What now?"

With a leisurely grace, Alex lit a cigarette, letting the smoke curl around them as he regarded her profile, the soft morning light casting gentle shadows on her face. 

"We don't have to tell anyone," he stated simply, his voice steady and sincere. "But I meant what I said. I want this. You." 

He leaned in slightly, bumping his shoulder against hers in a playful gesture. "I liked waking up next to you. I'd like to do it again."

Nobara felt warmth flood her cheeks anew, and if she hadn't been feeling quite as stubborn as usual, she might have let her smile break through. Instead, she playfully punched his arm, not hard, but enough to convey her annoyance. "You're such an ass."

"Takes one to know one," he shot back with a grin.

Her expression turned serious as she turned to face him directly, her piercing eyes searching his. "But... this isn't just... y'know."

Alex looked back at her with a depth of understanding in his gaze. "I know."

The silence between them expanded, heavy but not awkward, a cocoon built just for the two of them. Outside, the bustling life of Tokyo continued, filled with the hustle and bustle of morning routines, yet within that room, they existed in their own universe. No cursed wombs. No death matches. No fear.

"Do you want breakfast?" she asked suddenly, pulling herself to her feet once more.

"You cooking?" he teased.

"Hells no. I was thinking conbini." 

"Romantic," Alex replied, a playful glint in his eyes.

"Shut up and get dressed," she shot back with mock indignation as she headed for the door.

Alex couldn't help but sit up, watching her carefully navigate her slight limp before catching herself and straightening up. 

He smiled a small, genuine smile just for her.

Worth it.