The Big Four

The morning light filtered weakly through the blinds of the common room, casting soft stripes across the floor. It was far too early for this much noise.

In the middle of the room sat a low table with a cheap board game that someone (probably Yuji) had dug out of a closet. Pieces were scattered. Arguments had already begun.

Todo Aoi was leaning so far forward his chair looked ready to snap. His eyes burned with the intensity of a man who had just witnessed destiny itself unfold.

Todo Aoi: “YES, BROTHER! That is how a true man plays chess! A true chess player to your very core! The way you moved that piece… the confidence… the SOUL behind it! I felt it in my BLOOD! This is why we are brothers!”

Itadori Yuji scratched the back of his head, half-laughing, half-embarrassed. He still looked a little proud though.

Itadori Yuji: “Todo… it’s just chess! But, I guess you’re right, heh… I am pretty good… Wait, did I just take your king or whatever?”

Across from them, Tsukumo Yuki sat with her arms crossed, one leg bouncing impatiently. She looked like she hadn’t slept enough and already regretted waking up.

Tsukumo Yuki: “Chill out you two… it’s early, and I’ve got stuff to do! Can we not start the day with you screaming about “brotherhood” over a board game? Some of us still want to keep our hearing.”

Leaning against the wall near the window, Choso Kamo watched the entire scene with the exhausted expression of a man who had already lived through too many of these moments. His arms were folded, and there was a quiet, bone-deep resignation in his eyes.

Choso Kamo: “You guys aren’t even playing chess… that’s checkers… Y’know what? Why do I even try? There’s literally no point. You guys are just… something else. Every single time. I don’t know why I expected this morning to be different.”

Todo completely ignored him and slammed both hands on the table, making the pieces jump.

Todo Aoi: “Another round! Come on, brother! This time I’ll show you the true power of a man who has mastered the art of the board!”

Yuji grinned and scooted over, making space on the floor next to him.

Itadori Yuji: “Yeah, c’mon! It’s more fun with more people. Don’t mind Todo, he’s always like this… but he’s fun once you get used to him.”

Yuki sighed and muttered under her breath, “I should’ve stayed in bed,” but she didn’t leave. Choso just closed his eyes for a moment, as if praying for strength, then opened them again with a flat, slightly pleading look.

Choso Kamo: “…At least try to keep them from destroying the table. Please.”

The board sat between them, half-ruined pieces and all. Morning chaos had already claimed the room.

The TV cast a flickering blue light across the common room. It was well past 2 a.m. Empty snack wrappers, soda cans, and a half-eaten bag of chips formed a messy ring around the couch. The movie’s volume was a little too loud, but no one had bothered to turn it down.

Todo Aoi was on the edge of his seat, practically vibrating. His eyes were locked on the screen like he was watching a sacred battle unfold.

Todo Aoi: “Did you see that?! The way he refused to back down even when everything was against him! That is the heart of a true man! I could feel it in my chest! Brother, this is why we watch these films!”

Itadori Yuji was stretched out sideways on the couch, one arm dangling off the side, a pillow half-crushed under his head. He laughed quietly at Todo’s intensity.

Itadori Yuji: “You’re really going all out over this scene, huh? I mean… yeah, it was cool, but you act like the guy just saved the world or something.”

From the armchair, Tsukumo Yuki was buried under a blanket with only her eyes and the top of her head visible. She sounded half-asleep and fully done with the noise.

Tsukumo Yuki: “It’s two in the morning. Can we maybe keep the life-or-death speeches to a minimum? Some of us are trying to survive this marathon without going deaf.”

Choso Kamo sat on the floor with his back against the wall, arms crossed, expression flat. He had given up trying to follow the plot several scenes ago.

Choso Kamo: “None of you are even paying attention to the actual story anymore. You’re just waiting for the next explosion so Todo can yell about ‘brotherhood.’ Why do I keep agreeing to these nights? There’s no winning here.”

Todo suddenly stood up, pointing at the screen as another intense moment played out.

Todo Aoi: “Rewind it! We must witness that moment again! The pure will! The unbreakable spirit! This is what it means to live without hesitation!”

Yuji groaned but reached for the remote anyway, already smiling.

Itadori Yuji: “Fine, fine… but only once. You’re gonna make us finish this movie at sunrise at this rate.”

Yuki pulled the blanket higher over her face and muttered something about regretting every life choice that led her here. Choso just stared at the ceiling, silently accepting his fate.

The movie kept playing, the room stayed messy, and the night showed no signs of ending anytime soon.