Jujutsu Kaisen: False Dawn

Before Mei Mei realized it, Ren was sitting next to her in the car she had called. His head rested lightly against her shoulder.

Mei Mei frowned, her eyes darting down at him. What the hell! He's never this… weak? Is he really this worn out from that fight? He doesn't even look hurt. But his cursed energy feels… different. More static. Hmm. Is he sleeping? Well, I bet he never did this with Ogami… Hmph. Finally, that old hag isn't around…

Slowly, carefully, Mei Mei lifted a finger and poked Ren's cheek.

Without opening his eyes, Ren spoke flatly, "What are you doing?"

Mei Mei jerked her hand back, her gaze snapping to the window. "N-Nothing… How did you even notice, huh?"

Ren cracked one eye open, a small smile tugging his lips. "I didn't notice anything. But now, because of your reaction, I know you tried something. You gave yourself away. Good job." His amused tone was followed by a casual pat on her arm.

Mei Mei huffed, cheeks faintly pink. "Are you going to keep changing the topic, or are you finally going to tell me what all of that was about? You know what? I'm not leaving you unless you explain yourself…" She grabbed Ren's arm tightly and pulled.

Ren grunted. "Ugh, you're going to keep trying? Do I have to order you to shut up?"

Mei Mei smirked sideways at him. "I dare you to order me to shut up, master." Her mocking tone was laced with amusement.

Ren just shook his head, exhaling slowly. Ugh, she must have seen the fight through her crows… This is troublesome. Well, people say honesty is the best policy. Let's try that today…

He leaned back from her, eyes turning to the passing blur outside the window.

"The guy I fought," Ren said evenly, "was Emperor Sutoku. Yes. That emperor—one of the Three Great Vengeful Spirits of Japan. And before you ask, no, I didn't know I'd find him in that cave. I don't even know how or why he was there. I think he was sealed in with the Black Rope. But it's still unclear, even for me. Did I fight him? Yes. Did I win? … Yes."

Mei Mei blinked, staring at him as though he'd just turned into gold. For a fleeting second, her eyes gleamed with something raw—part greed, part awe, almost worship. Oh my god… his value might be higher than I thought… Mmpf…

Ren glanced at her sideways. "Stop looking at me like that. Did I answer all your questions?"

Mei Mei coughed and looked away, her voice sharp. "Shut up, I wasn't looking at you anyway. Uh, what is 'Project (Re)'? And when you kicked me away from the cave, I came back to the mansion. After I told Ogami to do it, you were suddenly there. How? And where's that old man who came with Ogami? I didn't see him either…"

Ren's smile thinned. Hmm, expected this question. Ok then. I'll use the advanced skill called 'lying.'

"Well," he said calmly, "Project (Re) is supposed to be instant transportation. A version of it. I wasn't sure if I could win against Sutoku, so I first went to test things out. When he used his domain, Ogami used Project (Re) to pull me out. And I swapped places with that old man. Simple. Hope that answers your questions. Now, let go of my hand, or I'll call the cops."

Mei Mei just nodded, not even shocked. Then she smirked, tilting her head. "The cops in this country won't listen to you. Do you even know that you're under my custody in this country?"

Ren blinked at her, but before he could reply, the car slowed and stopped.

He stepped out first. His old clothes were gone—ripped and ruined. Now he wore a black hoodie and jeans, simple but fresh.

Mei Mei hurried after him, heels clicking, her voice sharp. "Wait! Who did you even call? And even if you did call someone, shouldn't we wait longer? What's the point of coming to the airport right now? Huh?"

Ren's answer was calm, almost casual: "The guy I called doesn't need plans to come here."