Taisai Tensei, still holding Kitagawa's hand, followed Satoru Gojo and his entourage through the station's VIP access until they reached the parking garage.
Two gleaming black Toyota Alphards waited in the reserved area, the surfaces polished enough to reflect the ceiling lights. Beside each vehicle stood a driver in a crisp tuxedo and immaculate white gloves, waiting in perfect posture.
Taisai raised an eyebrow. Well, even if Satoru Gojo was unreliable, impulsive, and absurdly unserious, he was still the head of the Gojo Family. Money and extravagance were things he would never lack.
"How about that, Nero-kun?" Gojo slid up with a grin, attempting to sling an arm over Taisai's shoulder. "Impressive, right? Private chauffeur service!"
Taisai didn't bother responding. He raised an elbow, subtly knocking Gojo's hand aside, then—still holding Kitagawa's hand—walked straight to the nearest Alphard.
The automatic door slid open. He guided Kitagawa into the back seat first, then stepped in behind her.
"Hey—wait up—"
Gojo tried squeezing in after them, but a single sneakered foot extended out from the interior and planted itself on his chest.
Thud.
The force wasn't enough to hurt him, but it shoved him back several steps—enough to make him almost bump into Itadori.
"Pfft—" Nobara burst out laughing before clapping a hand over her mouth.
Megumi looked away with practiced resignation.
"Oi, oi, oi! Nero! That's cold!" Gojo whined theatrically through the tinted window.
The window lowered halfway, revealing Taisai's impassive lower face. "You take the car behind." His tone was flat. The window rolled back up immediately afterward.
"Tch…" Gojo pouted, peeking through the glass. Kitagawa was already seated comfortably beside Taisai, blinking her big red eyes with innocent curiosity at the commotion outside.
With a defeated shrug, Gojo gestured to his students. "Come on, kids. Apparently we're 'not worthy' of riding with him today."
The second driver opened the door silently for them.
Both Alphards rolled out from the underground garage and merged into Tokyo's evening traffic, heading toward Suginami Ward.
———
After weaving through Suginami's quiet residential streets, the cars finally stopped before a newly built detached house.
Gojo hopped out first, spreading his arms flamboyantly. "Ta-da~ Surprise~!"
Taisai helped Kitagawa out. The moment she saw the house, her eyes widened. "Ah! It's back!"
She released his hand and darted to the garden gate. The pebble path, the fresh wind chime swaying gently under the eaves, even the little flower patch by the yard—everything had been restored exactly.
Taisai surveyed the house, then looked at Gojo. "You did this?"
"Sort of~" Gojo removed his blindfold, flashing mischievous blue eyes. "While you two were out traveling, I sorted out the assets of those old geezers."
He tapped the stone lantern near the gate with his foot. "Used their money to rebuild it. Consider it a thank-you gift for saving us from a massive mess."
"Thank you," Taisai said simply.
Gojo froze dramatically. "Oh my, oh my~ Nero-kun actually thanked me!"
His students collectively covered their faces.
"Be serious," Taisai muttered.
"Hehe." Gojo grinned and continued. "We restored the exterior as best as possible. But the interior design? Only the two of you would know the original layout. So I made them renovate it into something modern and comfortable."
Kitagawa tugged at Taisai's arm like an excited puppy. "Ten-kun, come look!"
She flung open the sliding entrance door. New tatami mats released the fresh scent of grass, and Nordic-style furniture blended elegantly with Japanese aesthetics.
Gojo strolled in behind them, hands clasped behind his head. "The kitchen is all top-tier appliances, and the bathroom has been completely redesigned."
He leaned closer to Taisai again—arm sneaking around his neck. "Sooo~ what do you think? I'm suuuper sincere, right?"
Taisai shot him a sideways glance. "Spill it. You're being too nice—what do you want?"
Gojo laughed quietly, stealing a look at Kitagawa (currently marveling at the smart-home panel). Lowering his voice, he said, "Nothing major. With the top two threats gone, all that's left is minor cleanup. We won't need you for those."
Taisai nodded. True enough.
"But," Gojo added, face turning a shade more serious, "Cursed Spirits are everlasting. A super nasty one could pop up anytime."
At that moment, Kitagawa accidentally activated the full-house lighting mode, and the interior lights began shifting colors. "Oooh!"
Gojo leaned even closer. "So, if you run into one… just help us out, yeah? Instead of doing this—" he covered his eyes—"pretending you didn't see it."
Taisai looked at Kitagawa, now dancing along to an anime song she'd activated, then said calmly, "If I encounter one, or if it inconveniences me, I'll handle it."
"Perfect!" Gojo clapped. "Then, as thanks—"
He fished a sleek black card from his pocket and slipped it into Taisai's jacket. "Unlimited. Consultation fee."
Kitagawa suddenly bounded over, eyes sparkling. "Ten-kun! The smart bathtub makes rainbow bubble baths!"
"Have fun~" Gojo winked and retreated toward the entrance. "Alright kids, let's leave the lovebirds alone!"
Megumi gave Taisai a polite nod before following. Itadori grinned and waved. Nobara lingered for one more idolizing look before jogging after them.
The Alphard pulled away, disappearing around the corner.
As soon as it was gone, Kitagawa spun around and launched herself into Taisai's chest like a golden cannonball.
"Ten-kun! Ten-kun!" She looked up with shimmering red eyes. "Those people were so interesting! Especially that tall white-haired guy—he felt super strong! Who are they? Are they your friends? Are they the superheroes you talked about?"
Taisai didn't answer directly. "Let's put away the luggage first."
Kitagawa pouted but quickly perked up again and scampered to the suitcases. Taisai watched her, a faint smile forming at the corner of his lips, before heading into the kitchen.
The new kitchen gleamed with high-end appliances. The giant refrigerator was fully stocked—fresh vegetables, eggs, meat, even artisan noodles.
Good. That saved him time. He began preparing simple dishes and oil-splashed noodles. The rhythmic chopping soon filled the kitchen.
Meanwhile, Kitagawa explored the rooms excitedly, then skipped toward the kitchen doorway. "Ten-kun~ what's for dinner?"
"Stir-fry and noodles," he said while heating the pan.
"Yaaay!" She cheered, leaning on the doorframe as the fragrance of sizzling meat filled the kitchen.
Outside, Tokyo's lights blinked awake. Inside, the warmth of home slowly settled in.
———
The next morning, soft dawn filtered through new curtains.
Kitagawa was still curled in bed when she felt herself being lifted. Half-asleep, she murmured, "Mmm… good morning, Boyfriend-kun…" and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Morning," Taisai said, carrying her into the bathroom. He set her down beside a prepared toothbrush.
A gentle kiss touched her forehead. "Brush your teeth. Then shower. There's still some scent from… last night. Breakfast is ready."
Kitagawa nodded dazedly. He walked out.
After freshening up, she caught sight of faint red marks on her neck. Her face turned bright red. "Ah! They haven't faded yet…"
She considered covering them—then grinned mischievously.
"Hehehe… This is perfect. That Ojou-sama can see them."
Her mood skyrocketed. She showered quickly and dressed: white shirt knotted at the waist, short skirt, loose tie. Light and lively. She bounced into the kitchen. Taisai, back turned, was frying eggs. She popped up behind him and kissed his cheek.
"Good morning, Ten-kun!"
A quiet "Mm."
She sat at the table, staring at him with sparkling eyes. When he turned with breakfast in hand, he paused briefly at the sight of her knotted shirt and bright smile.
He sat beside her.
Before eating, his phone buzzed. "Big Miss" flashed on the screen.
Kitagawa puffed her cheeks, stabbing her fried egg and chewing like she was destroying a sworn enemy. Taisai stroked her golden head, then answered.
"Hello?"
A soft, refined voice flowed through the speaker. "Good morning, Ten-kun. Have you already eaten?"
"Kaguya. Yes. I'm eating."
"Wonderful," Kaguya continued, voice polite yet warm. "Then may I trouble you to wait at home for a short while?"
Taisai's eyebrow lifted. "Why?"
"My driver and I," she said gently, "are currently on our way to your residence."