Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

When people say words are like a double-edged sword, able to wound as much as they can comfort… They are right.

Sometimes, they end up hurting themselves, the ones who wields said sword. Today is one of those unfortunate days, when Yuuji’s words cut deep, leaving pain in both his and Sukuna’s hearts.

“Sukuna, that letter… It’s not for you.”

Nothing prepared Yuuji for uttering those words aloud. The playful atmosphere vanishes the second he says them.

He watched as the small smile on Sukuna’s face wavered, gone so slowly that Yuuji nearly looked away. Even more so now when Sukuna’s looking at Yuuji with such innocent confusion that it pained him.

“What—“ Sukuna falters, tension seizing his shoulders.

Sukuna stares at Yuuji for a couple of seconds, trying to see if Yuuji was cracking a joke, hell, seeming like he’s waiting for Yuuji to reveal a smile and say, ‘I’m kidding!’ But when Yuuji remained silent, Sukuna’s brows only furrowed and his eyes darkened.

It was so hard to tell him, to finally express the truth, but it was even harder to see the confusion, then the disbelief, to be followed by a crestfallen expression written clearly on Sukuna’s face.

It was probably words Sukuna never expected to come out of Yuuji’s mouth. 

“What did you say?”

Yuuji curled his fingers tight, looking at the ground with his head hung low, heavy with guilt. “The letter.” He couldn’t bear to repeat it, but he has to. “The letter is not for you. It’s meant for… for Satoru Gojo. It was… The letter was accidentally placed on your bag. I-It’s a mistake!”

Everything just slips from the tip of his tongue, and Yuuji can’t help himself but to just blurt them. It wasn’t something he expected to happen. He never even thought that he’d reveal the truth now and out of the blue.

It’s cruel of Yuuji too, when Sukuna was having fun the whole day. His feelings of happiness didn’t last long. Only yesterday did Sukuna think his feelings were finally reciprocated, now Yuuji knows not what else to say. Yuuji may as well have stabbed Sukuna in the heart or given him a slap to the face by telling him the truth. With all the misleading acts Yuuji has done, and with the way he withholds the truth from Sukuna all this time… Yes, Yuuji deserves to receive a cruel punishment from Sukuna in return.

Yuuji couldn’t sleep and eat very well as he kept the secret—The reality. Even during classes, he can’t erase the thought of Sukuna smiling the whole morning and afternoon since he could be thinking of that pure elation of having his feelings reciprocated by his crush, when all this time, he has yet to know the heartbreaking truth.

It tears Yuuji’s heart at the sheer idea of bringing this unfortunate news to Sukuna, the most perfect student known in the school. He never wants this to happen to someone, let alone to someone as prestigious as Sukuna Ryomen.

And yet here he is, breaking someone’s heart.

Sukuna takes a step back, his expression slowly morphing to one that is mixed with exasperation and anger. “Gojo?” He pushes his hair back, his gaze running astray. Yuuji looks down, seeing Sukuna’s hand curling into a fist, shaking. “A mistake, you say?”

His disbelief is palpable.

The more Sukuna listens, the more indecipherable his expression gets. Sukuna felt angry, hurt, and confused at the same time. More importantly, the utter disbelief he’s feeling is so immense, it could as well overwhelm his anger. His heart feels heavy and his mind filled with fury. He doesn’t know what expression to wear and so he bears none at all.

With a sharp glare, he snapped. “This isn’t funny, Yuuji Itadori.”

“No,” Yuuji agrees, his lashes wet with tears forming in his eyes. Why is he tearing up? Surely, it’s not him who’s hurting the most between them. But why does this hurt? “Ah, but it’s hopeless now. Gojo-senpai will never return my feelings. I don’t think my crush knows I even exist,” Yuuji gives a small, sad smile. “I am so sorry, Sukuna. I led you on and it all came tumbling down like this. I… I thought you were a bully all this time, so it didn’t make any sense when you—! This… I am… Ugh! I’m such an awful person! You must really hate me.”

Sukuna’s jaw clenched. Every word is a knife cutting his heart to pieces. They stand there, registering the moment. It was silent for a long time.

The school campus is empty, save for the students who remained studying within the school’s library. The sun sets beautifully with its golden light shining on the environment as it welcomes the night. The wind is cold and the leaves flew by. It was a rather beautiful day.

Valentine’s Day is nearing, but not everyone gets to have someone beside them.

“I see…” Sukuna mutters.

Yuuji studies him, not knowing what to do now. He could tell Sukuna looks ready to explode, but with his expression unreadable, Yuuji knows he’s trying hard not to, judging by the way his fists are quivering beside him.

Then, after a few seconds of quiet, Sukuna shifts from his position. He walks towards Yuuji and reaches out to brush his knuckle on Yuuji’s cheek. Sukuna’s hand felt cold from the breeze, but Yuuji felt warm to the touch.

This close, Yuuji observes Sukuna, and this time, he is greeted by a blank look. There’s a hint of acceptance in his eyes, but otherwise, nothing. It was a simple gesture. One small act of affection.

And then Sukuna lowers his hand. He turns around and walks away.

Yuuji is left standing there, staring at the lonely back of the most prideful individual he’s ever known, but all he could ever see is a person whose heart is broken.

~~~

That night, a lone person sheds a familiar sheet of paper to pieces and crumples it.

He heads to the bathroom, turns on the faucet by the sink, and wets the shredded and crumpled paper, watching as the water slowly destroys it. Unrecognizable, never to be recovered.

The paper disappears like ice melting away. It’s a piece of paper, but it elicits a memory he had hoped to cherish. ‘How unfortunate,’ he muses, raising the temperature of the water high, until he felt the mist of hot water clouding the air.

It was only very recently that he treated that sheet of paper with care, but now that he knows the letter was not for him, he cares not for it anymore.

It was meant for the hands of another. Not his. So why should he keep it any longer?

This love letter he used to adore… It’s not for him.

“…that letter… It’s not for you.”

Those words echoed inside his mind as the wet paper disappeared, leaving no single trace in his sink.

He’s made a fool. Sukuna glares at himself in the mirror for a long time, sadness gleaming in his eyes. But soon enough, the trickling sensation of anger returned.

There are many ways he could vent out his anger. Words aren't one of them. Screaming and yelling is quite undignified and embarrassing, even more so with silence as it would do no good at all. However, although it is the last thing he wants to do, something about this idea that flashed in his mind seemed more appealing. 

Many will never find it appropriate, but the thought of it is alluring.

One thing for sure… This, he smiles cruelly. Tomorrow, there will be blood.

~~~

Yuuji couldn’t sleep well that night.

His friends tried contacting him but he didn’t exactly have the energy to update them on what's going on. The next day, he woke up still exhausted.

Yuuji walked to school in silence. His mind was muddled with thoughts and his heart heavy still.

He didn’t even look ahead of him the second he reached the school’s entrance, never realizing there’s a person blocking the way. And when he looked up, confused, the sight alone surprised him and he gasped.

“Sukuna?” 

For a moment, it felt as if they’re the only individuals in the area. It was a rather astonishing sight, if Yuuji says it as much. One would never expect for a ‘perfect’ student to come to school looking like this.

The older student looks just as tired as him, perhaps even worse. Yuuji notes the dark circles around Sukuna’s eyes which made him look as if he hadn’t slept at all. It’s almost pitiful, except it was Yuuji who caused this, making him feel extra guilty.

“Sukuna, what—“

Yuuji has to mute himself when Sukuna approaches him with the same confidence he usually has. Then, Sukuna reaches out to pull Yuuji close, and kisses him on the forehead.

The act was unexpected and shocking. Yuuji blinks, confused. He leans back, only to see the same unreadable expression written on Sukuna’s face, staring down at him.

In that instant, Yuuji’s heartbeat quickened. The air turned icy, crawling over his skin, and his gut churned as realization struck. The emotion flooding him was unmistakable…

It’s fear, born from staring into eyes that held no trace of feeling.

It was unnerving.

“My muse,” Sukuna whispers, “You know you’re still mine, right?”

Something in his tone made the hairs on Yuuji’s skin stand. At that moment, Yuuji felt the need to appease him, and so he nodded in response, not knowing what else to say.

But, in a way, it is true. After all, Sukuna declared they’re a couple. Feelings may be false from one side of the party, but unless they both said something, their relationship isn’t exactly null yet.

They’re still a couple. They never broke up.

“Good.” Sukuna holds Yuuji’s hand tight. Yuuji swallows, feeling pain under his grip. “At least you’re aware of that.”

Yuuji glances at Sukuna who smiles down at him, but the smile doesn’t even reach his eyes. And with that, Sukuna releases him and walks away.

Still unnerved, Yuuji stands there, waiting for Sukuna to turn around and do something else. From this distance, he could see Sukuna’s form locked in tension. As if he’s anticipating something.

Yuuji doesn’t know why, but he feels as if something is about to happen. He doesn’t know what it’ll be. It’s a feeling he isn’t comfortable with, and he knows it doesn’t bode well for the both of them. Unfortunately, there’s nothing much he could do about it but watch Sukuna’s back.

~~~

It’s lunch time and they’re by the windows of one of the halls, and Yuuji finished sharing the events that took place yesterday. The atmosphere is gloomy and the air stifling. Yuuji stares down at his hands, fingers fiddling.

Megumi and Nobara didn’t know what to say after a couple of minutes, allowing Yuuji to release all that tension and energy from such a huge discussion.

“I don’t know what to say,” Nobara says, after they digested the loaded information. “I guess I should praise you for your bravery. After all, we didn’t exactly do any planning. You’ve only… dealt with the problem head-on and… well… didn’t think about the consequences that might come.”

“Mhm.”

“It was a risky and bold move,” Megumi remarks, not one to sugarcoat his words. “I understand the urgency to end this problem, and it’s a good thing you didn’t let this last long, but really, be careful next time, Yuuji. We don’t know what’s going to happen when you’re dealing with Ryomen of all people.”

“Yeah.”

“On the bright side, it’s over!”

“You’re really something, Nobara.” Megumi huffs. “Can’t you see that Yuuji broke someone’s heart because of just one simple misunderstanding? And the fact that this hurts him?”

“Yeah, I know.” Nobara sighs. “It sucks, I get it. It’s not something you want to happen with someone who is an innocent victim to this mess. Sukuna-senpai was just… an accident.”

An accident.

“I hate this.” Yuuji mumbles. “I didn’t mean for this all to happen.”

“No one did.”

“Just move on.” Megumi said, his head lowered. “We’ll probably never do this shit again.”

“The letter thing? I agree.”

“And what about Gojo-senpai?” Nobara nudges Yuuji. “Are you going to…?” She trails off.

Yuuji shakes his head, sadness creeping up on him in a heartbeat. “I gave up.” Flashes of that library scenario appear in his mind. About the girl giving Satoru a love letter, and him throwing it away. “He won’t look my way ever. It’s just a little crush. It’ll… It’ll go away… probably.” Unfortunately, it’s a feeling that won’t go away so easily. He sincerely likes Satoru Gojo.

Nobara opens her mouth to say something when a bunch of students come running past them. They were whispering loudly and excitedly amongst each other. More students came from the other side of the hall, sprinting to somewhere.

It cuts off the somber mood as this brought the three students curiosity. Unable to help themselves, Megumi calls out. “Hey! What’s going on?”

One of the students slows down, running backwards like he’s in a hurry as he responds. “There’s a fight in the Track and Field area!”

A school fight is unusual, but it happens. What’s unique about it are the students themselves who are involved in the fight. So, naturally, this shocked the trio the second they heard the names of those students.

“It’s Gojo and Ryomen! They’re fighting to the death!”

“What?!”

Yuuji pales. His ears are ringing.

Just like that, the trio rushes along with the students.

‘This gut feeling!’ Yuuji internally shrieks. ‘I knew something’s not right!’

When they reach the area, there’s a crowd forming in close distance from the fight. All of them are unnervingly quiet. Just simply watching in horror at the scene unfolding before them. Not one single person bothered to stop them. Not one dared move, lest they, too, receive the pure anger emanating from Sukuna Ryomen himself. Because one thing is clear in this fight…

Satoru Gojo is losing.

It wasn’t even a fight to the death to begin with, when clearly it was so one-sided that just one glance at the brutal scene would make anyone know who’s winning.

But here and now, it was as if light was shed upon those who are ignorant.

In that instant, every rumor about Sukuna was confirmed. Innocent bystanders and naive students, long unaware of the true threat he posed, were finally made to see the truth. The tales that had once circulated, whispered within their walls and through the school halls were no longer just stories. Those who had idolized and even praised Sukuna Ryomen as the perfect student could only stare in disbelief, watching in horror as he brutally struck Satoru Gojo again and again.

Many students who had never realized, or seen, the true Ryomen Sukuna were now forced to witness reality. Meanwhile, those who knew the truth, who understood just how terrifying Sukuna could be, remained silent and shaken. Some even fled the scene, unwilling to risk suffering the same fate again after already having endured it once. Former bullies retreated, while the ignorant students could only stare.

Bullies like Mahito and Jogo were nearby when it happened. They were one of the first students to see up close what just transpired, and their joyous expressions were instantly wiped away the second they saw who it was, watching the scene unfold with silence for a minute or two, until they walked away, their expressions now dark and mixed with fear.

Yuuji Itadori, who claimed he was being bullied by Ryomen himself, was among the students who finally realized that if he truly were being bullied, he would certainly and understandably know.

There would be no mistake this time.

Because here, as cries of agony and pain echoed through the area, Sukuna looked positively delighted.

Satoru lay flat against the ground, unable to rise with Sukuna pinning him down. Blood smeared Sukuna’s fists, darkening the fabric of his uniform. Beneath him, Satoru struggled to push him away, chest heaving as his breath came ragged.

There’s no sight of his close friends. Suguru Geto or Shoko Ieiri is nowhere to be seen. Something about that is planned. Those two are never away from Satoru. Attached by the hip, as they’re known for. As if Sukuna knew that Gojo would be surrounded with friends, and so he deliberately did something to have Satoru alone. Alone to fend for himself with no support at all.

And the crowd around them are people who aren’t so eager to call the teachers right away. They are selfish ones, wanting to witness a bloody fight for as long as they can till someone good and heroic would actually call the teacher.

There’s no cheering. No one called out. No jeers, no comments.

It’s creepy.

How are these people calm? Why are they not stopping the fight? Why are they just watching?!

Yuuji’s shaking. He wants to stop the fight.

He can’t stomach the sight of a bleeding Satoru Gojo, who was grunting in pain, blocking the punches with his arms almost fruitlessly. He can’t stand at the sight of Sukuna Ryomen, with fire in his eyes and a grin so wicked, delightfully beating Gojo to death. Yuuji can’t… He can’t breathe.

“Stop…” He murmurs. Then realizing his voice is too quiet, he shouts. “Stop!”

He marches to the scene, with vigorous intent on stopping the fight himself. Then stood frozen, blood running cold.

Sukuna stops punching. Instead, he snaps his gaze to Yuuji the second he’s within sight. It’s like instinct. Like Sukuna knew Yuuji will do this. Sukuna grins, his eyes wide with adrenaline. He looks crazy.

“Coming to the rescue, brat?” Sukuna’s chest is heaving from exertion, but he looks as if he could do this all day. “Hm? Why are you standing there? Stop me.”

Yuuji’s lips are quivering from fear.

Sukuna pulls Satoru’s collar to lift his upper body from the ground, but the latter couldn’t even carry his head as he releases a pained groan. “Go on, save him.” Sukuna says, still not looking away from Yuuji. “You like him, don’t you? Don’t you think you should do something? Become his hero?”

Yuuji clenches his hands, teeth gritting. “Why are you doing this?!”

“What a silly question. He took what’s mine.” Sukuna released Satoru with a thud, the latter let out another groan when the back of his head hit the rough surface. “It was supposedly mine but this motherfucker got it. But why, you still ask?” Sukuna stands and slowly approaches Yuuji, still grinning with the same insanity, eyes crazed. “Because I’m obviously jealous. That’s fucking why!”

He reaches out for Yuuji—

“What is this nonsense?!”

An adult voice came barreling down towards them. Everyone scrambles at the sight of the school’s principal himself marching with a scowling face. His forehead creases with more lines as he took in the state of the two students. Behind him, Megumi and Nobara trails, along with Suguru and Shoko, bearing concerned faces. They were the perpetrators of putting an end to this fight.

“Sukuna Ryomen, you’re out of line this time!” The principal all but screeches. “Your parents will not even tolerate this, and I will make sure they won’t even save you from this trouble. Head to my office this instant!”

His words implied that he knew Sukuna’s personality all this time. Many students must’ve reported to him about Sukuna’s deeds, which ultimately surprised Yuuji, but the principal either ignored the problem or simply did not care. The stories about the principal favoring Sukuna must’ve been fake, or perhaps feigning said favoritism all this time. The Ryomen, after all, are not to be taken lightly, bearing a prestigious distinction amongst families. 

However, now that Sukuna removed his angelic facade by displaying such an outrageous act in public, the principal had no choice but to be a principal. After all, the Gojo family are prestigious themselves too.

He proceeds to instruct Megumi and Suguru to bring Satoru to the clinic. The bleeding boy nearly passed out since he’s barely able to walk.

As the crowd disperses, Sukuna stares at Yuuji for as long as he can before he’s being dragged by the principal. There’s a certain emotion plastered on his face.

Sukuna no longer looks like a crazy maniac who lusts for blood. It was as if he finally did what he came for. His shoulders eased and his body practically relaxed. Like he just finished a difficult task and looks ready to rest.

It was uncanny.

Still, it seems strange, really, if Yuuji were to put it. 

In his eyes, Sukuna doesn’t look satisfied at all. Yuuji recognizes the expression written on Sukuna's face, or rather, sees the emotion in those eyes that were filled with rage seconds ago…

It’s longing.

Yuuji’s form is shaking by the time the area is empty, standing there, trying to process what just took place. Nobara stays behind as well, putting a hand on his back as comfort. They both stayed like this until the bell rang.

Lunch time is over.

~~~

Sukuna is suspended for a month. An unexpectedly harsh punishment. He was considered lucky to only receive that amount of time as punishment. If Sukuna is any other student, a month-long suspension would mean an end to a student’s future educational career, as it tarnishes their name when they apply for universities.

He may be lucky because of his parents’ persuasion perhaps, but still, four weeks is enough time to miss out on a lot.

Four weeks.

He would miss Valentine’s Day, clearly indicating that he wouldn’t be attending the school event. One of the highlights of the season.

An event he so clearly looked forward to it.

Indeed, Sukuna might be lucky that his punishment is only a month long, but it’s still long enough to make him miss his chance to be with Yuuji.

~~~

There are booths propped up everywhere within the school’s premises despite the fact that Valentine’s Day event would start next week.

‘Next week,’ Yuuji thinks to himself. He believes time passes by too fast.

Much to his classmates’ dismay, their classroom settled on a theme he preferred over anything else. It was a competition, after all, and somehow, out of all the homerooms, their class lost to the room next door. In the end, they were assigned the food theme, specifically selling sweets like chocolates, which, in Yuuji’s opinion, was great. It meant he could steal snacks when no one was looking. After all, what could he possibly do at a kissing booth?

But the idea of having no classes and spending the day surrounded by fun and love no longer excites Yuuji. He lost that feeling after that disastrous day.

The thought immediately soured his mood, and he slouched on a bench, watching the basketball players run their game in the gym. The dismissal bell had rung a few minutes ago, and normally this would be the best time to be outside. Strolling along the famous street lined with food vendors, Taiyaki in hand. Today, however, none of it appealed to him. Instead, he found himself mindlessly wandering the school halls, alone.

Yuuji still isn’t brave enough to call Sukuna, and it seems Sukuna isn’t making any effort to reach out either.

It’s been a week since Sukuna got suspended. Just a week…

“Yo!”

Yuuji jolts from his position, heart pounding. That voice…

He didn’t have the time to turn around to look when the newcomer gleefully took a seat next to him, moving comfortably like they’ve been friends for a long time.

“H-Hello,” Yuuji stammers, “Gojo-senpai!”

Satoru Gojo grins at him. There’s a prominent bruise still very clear around his eye, along with a cut lip that’s healing quite nicely. It’s been a few days but the bandage on his forehead and the slight swelling of his face reminds Yuuji of what took place, and immediately he felt a great sense of guilt.

“You’re Yuuji Itadori, right? My kohai?”

Yuuji gulps, curling his fingers from being noticed all too suddenly by his crush. “Yes.”

Satoru nods, “Good. Then, I wish to tell you something.”

Dreadfully, Yuuji knows what he’s going to say.

“Sukuna said you have a crush on me—“ Yuuji pales. “—You even wrote a letter about wanting me to be your Valentine’s date.”

Yuuji’s lips thinned and he nodded nervously.

Satoru gave him a sad smile. “Sorry, but I’ll have to say no.”

Yuuji’s jaw clenches.

Ah, who is he kidding? Yuuji already knows this, but it still hurts. To be rejected by his crush like this. ‘And Gojo-senpai even looked for me to personally say that,’ Yuuji thinks, feeling his heart shattering in pieces. 

“I see. That’s… Um, yeah, okay.”

He accepted this, he knew this!

Yuuji didn't know what else to say, so he kept quiet. He had the urge to cry all of a sudden, looking away from the older student and directing his attention to the basketball players instead. Yuuji curled his fingers even tighter, feeling pain as he tried not to break down in tears. God, he already knows this. He just hates hearing it directly. Even worse, he prepared himself for days for a possible rejection. He braced himself for impact and still, he wanted to cry.

Why did Yuuji even allow himself to have a crush? And Satoru Gojo of all people?

Why is Satoru not even leaving yet?

Yuuji carefully moves his head to peek at the older boy. Satoru remains beside him, watching the basketball players too. He looks calm, which is unfair in Yuuji’s opinion. Because Yuuji’s heart just got torn from hearing a direct rejection from the person he likes, and all he wants is to be sad and alone.

“You know,” Satoru conversationally begins, after a moment of quiet between them. “I’ve aggravated Sukuna. So much so that he literally beat the shit out of me.”

Yuuji blinks.

“It’s my fault… Well, partially, at least. I’ll tell you why later, but I saw his crappy self and started annoying him. He looked like he didn’t get any sleep that day, with his eyebags and messy hair.” Satoru chuckles, recalling that moment like it was a nostalgic memory even though it’s probably the worst day he ever experienced. “Then Sukuna told me everything, and he looked furious about it. I could literally compare him to a dog growling when he told me why he looked like a mess.”

Yuuji remained silent as Satoru continued.

“According to Sukuna, you… like me. He has no idea why, and just saying that pissed him off.” 

Satoru shifted, leaning forward with his elbows on his thighs and his fingers loosely interlaced. “That’s how I know your name by the way. And anyway, that’s also when I thought teasing him would be a fantastic idea. So I did. I kept bragging, about how I’m the best, how I’ve got these golden highschool heartthrob qualities, how I’m the most good-looking one, which… in retrospect… was not the smartest thing to do when he was already cranky and clearly out for blood.”

Yuuji could guess what happened next. “Then he proceeded to beat the crap out of you?”

“Oh yeah, but that comes after,” Satoru sighs. “I was teasing him in our classroom, you see. After a while, I noticed he went quiet instead of getting angry, and I could tell he was clearly planning something. I brushed it off and went on with my day. Foolish of me, right? Anyway, it wasn’t until I was tricked into going to the field that I realized my friends weren’t with me and that the place was nearly and strangely empty. That was when it finally hit me. He had planned the whole thing somehow, leading me there, just to pummel me with no disturbance until I lost consciousness. I also realized that it didn’t matter if I pissed him off or not, either way, I would still get beaten up no matter what.”

“That’s…” Yuuji trails off, listening to this makes his heart race, the fear never truly abates when it comes to Sukuna and his antics.

“Pretty scary?” Satoru offers. “Yeah, it is. But the thing is, my dear kohai…”

“Hm?”

Satoru gave him a mysterious smile. “I didn’t fight back.”

Yuuji’s eyes widened. “What?!”

Satoru simply shrugs. “I mean, I tried getting him off of me, but if you recall correctly, I didn’t even try to hit him back.”

Flashes of that day zoomed through Yuuji’s mind, and it all came to a startling realization that Satoru Gojo is right.

“B-But… But why wouldn’t you—“

“Because I let him!” Satoru beamed. “I probably deserve it, but ohh man, he kinda went overboard.”

“Wait, I’m confused, senpai… I mean, why would you let him do that to you?” To allow yourself to be beaten up like that? Yuuji could only imagine the pain Satoru allowed himself into, nearly wincing at the memory of blood and grunts of pain. “It doesn’t make sense why you wouldn’t defend yourself!”

“Because I find it interesting.” This time, Satoru leaned back, relaxing his posture, crossing his legs, and even smiling as though this were just an ordinary conversation. “Sukuna and I have known each other since we were children. We both come from old lineages, and our families have occasionally been business partners. That’s one of the similarities between us.” Satoru paused and looked at him. “Are you interested in hearing more?”

“Uh…” Yuuji fiddles with his fingers, not sure where this is going already. “Sure.”

He’s always been curious about Sukuna. Perhaps this is the only way to get to know more about him.

“Well, one thing I’ve realized about us growing up is how different our upbringings were,” Satoru says. “You probably already guessed it, but I was pretty spoiled. I got whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted depending on my whims and whatever mood I was in that day. If I asked for something, it was in my hands almost instantly. Sukuna, though, was raised very differently.”

It’s almost embarrassing to say this, but Yuuji can’t help but say it. “Uh… isn’t he just as spoiled as you?” Judging by the way he carries himself, it’s as if Sukuna has the whole world in the palm of his hand. He acts like he rules everything. Like a king. And even though Satoru Gojo is known for being gentle and somewhat kind, how is Sukuna really any different from him?

Satoru laughs at Yuuji’s bold remark. “You’re not wrong,” he says. “I grew up getting whatever I asked for. Sukuna, in a way, didn’t. He was raised under a strict lifestyle. His family was very particular about what he was allowed to have. I had what I wanted, but Sukuna only ever had what he needed. Personal desires were the last thing on their list, because the Ryomen ruled with only what is necessary for power. To them, only needs truly matter.”

He suddenly pats Yuuji on the shoulder, making him flinch. “So, kohai, on a path like the one laid out for him, there was never room to indulge in simple pleasures.”

Yuuji frowns. “So, Sukuna… He grew up only knowing how to have his needs met and not wants?”

“Exactly.” Satoru winks at him, making Yuuji flush and quickly look away for a second. “Sukuna’s family values power above everything else. It’s something they believe they need. That’s why he acts so high and mighty, an arrogant prick. When he entered highschool, he was quick to establish power. Acting like an angel is one of the easy tricks being taught to him to gain power, as you can see, and when someone dares oppose him, he is brutal to them. Fear is power, and so is reverence. He’s blind to everything else, but then…”

‘Gojo-senpai really does love keeping people in suspense,’ Yuuji muses, watching him with curiosity. “But then…?”

Satoru dramatically throws himself into an overly exaggerated pose, finger aimed straight at Yuuji. “Until you came into the picture!”

“Huh?!” Yuuji scoots away, feeling incredulous. “That’s a joke!”

“I got beaten up by him out of pure jealousy because he has a crush on you, and you think that’s a joke?”

“Oh. S-Sorry.”

“Well,” Satoru adjusts his position, leaning back with his arms folded behind his head. “I don’t know exactly how it happened, but I can only speculate that when he first saw you, he must’ve felt that overwhelming desire for the first time. That’s what makes it amusing, you see. I didn’t fight back, not when I knew how deeply he treasures his desires. And besides, I was curious to see how far he’d go just to keep that newfound feeling to himself. In the end, I was simply indulging my curiosity.”

Satoru’s gaze sharpens as he looks at Yuuji. “So, tell me… Do you remember the first time you met him?”

Yuuji does. He’ll probably never forget that day. Sukuna had looked terrifying back then, tall and imposing. He’d closed the distance between them in an instant, studying Yuuji with the intensity of a predator sizing up its prey. Yuuji could still remember the very first words Sukuna had spoken to him.

“What’s a shortie like you doing out here, right in front of the student council’s office?”

He could still remember the bright curiosity lighting up Sukuna’s eyes as he watched Yuuji. Back then, everything had seemed so simple, with Yuuji thinking he’d found himself a bully on his very first day of class.

“You’ve got the sweetness of a peach, brat. You remind me of one. I’d devour you without a second thought."

Those words must have meant something. They certainly line up with what Satoru has been saying about Sukuna’s strict lifestyle. That day… Sukuna must have gained something he truly wanted for himself for the first time. Perhaps that was when Sukuna acted out of line. He had an image to keep after all, but perhaps seeing Yuuji had opened a strange door. A door leading to somewhere he doesn’t know but eager to explore.

A welcoming change.

Yuuji isn’t an idiot, especially now that he’s aware of Sukuna’s true feelings. He’s particularly sensitive when it comes to the older boy, and with Satoru making comments about Sukuna's rare indulgence in various pleasures, it can only mean that Sukuna felt desire the moment he laid eyes on him.

That feeling, Yuuji reflects, Sukuna must’ve felt true happiness upon discovering that he can want too.

“Seeing you must’ve triggered something in him,” Satoru continues. “And for the first time in my life, I finally get to see that he’s just a boy too. Like me.”

“But I…” Yuuji pauses, and with a downcast expression, he sighed loudly. “But I broke his heart. He probably resents that feeling of wanting now.”

“Hardly.”

Yuuji straightens his posture and pointedly looks at Satoru. “Pardon?”

Satoru grins. “You know him well enough already. Especially with how stubborn and persistent he can be.”

He’s right. Yuuji knows how much of a persistent guy Sukuna is. With the amount of times Sukuna cornered Yuuji and backing him to a wall just to get his attention, and the way Sukuna still declared that they’re a couple even though he knows the full truth now. Sukuna won’t let him go that easily. Not when Yuuji is finally aware of his feelings.

“Now that he knows of true pleasure, he won’t stop. He’ll continue to satisfy his whims, because, after all, you’ve introduced that to him ever since you both met. I dare say that he’s a changed man. I’ve noticed it for a long time now. And I bet not even his family could stop him. Hell, I don’t think they’re even stopping him now.”

“He wants you, Yuuji Itadori. And he’ll have you no matter what.” Satoru stands up, looking down at Yuuji with one of those mysterious smiles again. “He’ll try so hard until you’ll finally look at him. Until all you have to do is to accept him. After all… He knows you.”

~~~

Yuuji arrived at school early in the morning as insisted by his classmates to set up their booth. 

It’s Valentine’s Day, and many people are eager to enjoy the day with their friends or partners. 

He looks at the list set up at their board. He’s assigned with the advertising team, then later, he’ll move to the cashiering team. Supposedly, they would have flyers or a sign to carry around as they walk around the school, hoping everyone would see it and be convinced enough to come to their booth. 

It’s unfortunate, really. He’d rather be at the back, arranging the sweets their class has made. But then again, Yuuji thinks his classmates know him well because he would’ve snacked on the chocolates if no one’s looking.

It’s a good day today. The cold air greets him but with the amount of work he’s done, especially when they needed more muscles to carry equipment, sweat started pouring from his forehead and his back.

Finally, they’ve finished setting up their booth. The day rolled in, with dozens of students entering the campus. They brought their parents, their friends from outside campus, alumni, and lovers. It certainly is a day made for couples, as Yuuji spots many of them circling around the school. Yuuji could even spot elderly couples walking in and enjoy the treats and games the youth promoted from their booths.

The school is buzzling with activity. Their shouts of joy, their cheers, and even the sound of music echoing throughout the campus.

It’s a lively day. Full of love and happiness.

When Yuuji had his break, he took that chance to visit different booths with Megumi and Nobara once they, too, got their break.

He supported every booth that existed, purchasing from them when it matters. This is probably the only time he’s consumed too many chocolates in one day. Even Megumi is baffled at Yuuji with the way he eagerly ate his nth sweets of the day, going so far as to warn him he’ll be sick if he ate too much. Nobara, however, chose to ignore that, and instead, bought some exclusive accessories only available during Valentine’s Day.

Nevertheless, despite the loud sound of music and people, the chaos in the campus, and the overwhelming smell of food, it was a fun day with friends.

However, Yuuji can’t help but feel that he’s missing something, and he’s painfully aware why that is.

When his break is over, Yuuji has to go back to his booth to help his classmates. He’ll be handling cash this time.

“Yuuji!” One of his classmates called out. “It’s pretty slow at this hour. Do you mind if you handle the cash alone?”

‘By himself?’ Yuuji looks around his booth, noticing that the majority of his classmates had abandoned their duties and had probably snuck out after their break when they realize they’re not getting much customers. There were only a few people who stayed behind, especially those who handled the packaging and the stocking. However, they’re busy on their phones and aren’t doing well with their advertising.

Even worse, their class president and homeroom teacher isn’t even here to control a bunch of excited highschoolers.

Yuuji sighs, then faces his classmate with a solemn look, waving him out. “Fine, fine. I’ll hold the fort.”

“Gee, you’re so awesome! Thanks, Yuuji!” And with that, they left excitedly.

With no one else visiting their booth, Yuuji opts to clean up the place. He wiped the table that’s dirtied with chocolate crumbs, smooths down the tablecloth, and arranges the displays littered around. In the corner of his eye, he saw someone approaching their booth, and Yuuji hurried back to his spot.

“Hello, welcome to our booth.” Yuuji greets when the person is close enough. The customer is wearing a hoodie and a face mask, hiding his face from everyone. However, his figure is familiar. The way this person stands tall and almost menacingly, so clearly out of place in this simple classroom hall surrounded with red hearts and chocolates.

His heart starts to race at the unbelievable thought. Yuuji can’t help but feel suspicious because… Could it be? Surely not?

“Um, so we have some chocolate bars and cookies that we made in our Baking and Pastry Arts class. We also have chocolate cupcakes and brownies, if you’re looking for something more filling. That’s all we have in stock at the moment. What would you like, sir?”

It was as though the question prompted the customer to reveal his face, easing the mask down and slipping the hood back. Yuuji had already steeled himself when the figure approached. He was especially sensitive when it came to that specific boy who never left his mind, so Yuuji just knew. Just knew who this is. Because the moment he felt that steady, penetrating stare while he spoke, warning bells went off in his head. The feeling was unmistakably familiar.

Still, he can’t help but feel the shock. It catches him off guard for how unexpected this is.

“You.” The customer replies with a cocky smile. “I would like one Yuuji Itadori please.”

A clattering sound echoes behind him as something metallic falls, and the once-loud voices fade into stunned silence. Yuuji’s classmates must have heard and seen everything unfold before their eyes, their shock mirroring his own.

Sukuna Ryomen, who is not supposed to be here at all, is right in front of them.

He cocks his head lazily in curiosity, almost like a puzzled dog. “Hm? What’s the problem? I came to buy something, and that something is Yuuji’s time.” He turns toward the students in the back who are staring wordlessly. “You there. How much for an hour with Yuuji?”

The poor student who just got called lets out a squeak. “W-W-What—Um…”

Sukuna lets out an exasperated sigh, rolling his eyes. “What’s so difficult to understand? I’m a customer, am I not? I came here to buy something, and yet your customer service is severely lacking. How appalling.”

It was a bold move for someone who had been suspended from school, but it was so like Sukuna to enter the campus without a single care, as if no rule in the world could ever stop him.

‘He’s crazy!’ Yuuji internally shrieks. ‘He’s always been crazy!’

The students already knew the truth about his personality, like how Sukuna wore an angelic facade, pretending to be someone he wasn’t in order to gain more than he ever gave, to secure special treatment. And of course, he always received it, because he was extraordinary. And this boy knew it. A true Ryomen! From a renowned family, no less. Worse still, he was the smartest student in their year, perhaps even the first true genius their school had seen in decades.

Now, Sukuna isn’t hiding his true self anymore, ultimately displaying his confident self.

But he’s always been confident. Just like now.

Yuuji swallowed, cold sweat dripping down his skin. “What are you doing here? You’re suspended!”

“So?” Sukuna leans forward, and despite the table separating them, Yuuji can’t help but lean away. Sukuna is far too tall! “I want to see you.”

The talk with Satoru Gojo days ago resurfaced inside Yuuji’s head. 

“He wants you, Yuuji Itadori. And he’ll have you no matter what.” Satoru had looked excited back then. “He’ll try so hard until you’ll finally look at him. Until all you have to do is to accept him.” 

“But I also want to speak with you.” Sukuna finishes, pulling back to give Yuuji his precious space once more. “Come with me.”

Yuuji steels himself, inhaling deep breaths. No one is brave enough to stop Sukuna. No one is even uttering a word, simply staring at the two of them as if they’re watching a movie. Not leaving much of a choice, Yuuji fixes his posture and clears his throat.

“I can’t. As you can see, I’m on duty.”

Sukuna narrows his eyes. A challenge, he probably thinks. His expression is one Yuuji knows all too well. “Fine then. I shall repeat what I said earlier. How much for your time?”

“It’s not for sale right now.”

“Well, it better be,” Sukuna insists. “Because if you turn me down again, I’ll be forced to take other measures.”

Yuuji feels that familiar spark surge through him, the kind that always flares during moments like this. He tilts his head, stubborn defiance glinting in his eyes. “Oh yeah? Try me.”

Sukuna smirks.

And instantly Yuuji knows this guy is up to no good.

It only took Sukuna a brief glance to the side for another figure to suddenly emerge from behind him. Yuuji’s eyes widened in surprise, wondering how in the world this newcomer had appeared out of nowhere without him noticing.

“Uraume,” Sukuna greets. “It’s about time you must do your duty.”

Almost ominously, Uraume, wearing a pink police hat with a heart symbol as a badge, fixes Yuuji with an intense gaze. In their hand rests a familiar plastic handcuff, deceptively unassuming, until the realization of what is about to happen dawns on Yuuji. “Oh no,” he whispers.

Uraume, a member of the “Handcuff Booth,” approaches Yuuji. He barely has time to register what’s happening before Uraume slips into his booth, closes the distance, and snaps the cuff around his wrist with swift, precise movements. Sukuna watches with a gleeful expression, readily lifting his own wrist for Uraume to secure as well.

“T-T-That’s…!” Yuuji squawks, “That’s not allowed! I am on duty! Y-You can’t apprehend someone on duty!”

But the two ignored him. Sukuna forces him out of his booth with ease even though he tries to resist. Eventually, Yuuji gave up. He looks at his classmates with puppy eyes, but they only look at him pityingly and wave him goodbye. He scowls at them before focusing his attention back to the older student.

“I will explain what you need to know,” Uraume said firmly. “You will be temporarily handcuffed, up to a maximum of one hour. During that time, you are expected to navigate and explore the premises using only your free hand, as the other will be cuffed together.”

Of course, Uraume neglected to mention that the cuffs could be removed early by completing a specific task, such as making a purchase together or taking a photo. Sukuna had explicitly ordered them not to reveal it.

“No cutting the handcuffs, or rather, no cheating to free yourselves,” Uraume continued. “If you wish to be released early, then you must visit all the booths together.” The last part, of course, was a lie. It would take hours to visit all the booths!

‘Released early, you say?’ Yuuji wants to retort back, but failed to find his voice. ‘That’s impossible.’

Sukuna cast a subtle look of approval, unnoticed by Yuuji, who on the other hand, let out a quiet groan before nodding in reluctant agreement.

“Then, enjoy.”

~~~

There are dozens of booths for the two to visit. All of which are fun on their own. It certainly is fun to walk around and enjoy every delicacy and games laid out before them, especially with friends.

However, in this case, it’s a little different.

Sukuna leads Yuuji to booths he’s certain they’ll both enjoy. They share some sweets, play a few minigames despite their cuffed hands, and wander around admiring the lovely decorations plastered everywhere. Of course, wherever they go, they end up startling everyone they pass.

The shock presented in their faces is evident, with no one even bothering to hide them. They look at Sukuna with reverence, but at the same time, with fear. But when they see the small smile on his face, they relaxes, which ultimately, have their gazes transfer to the one student standing too closely to him.

Yuuji felt his cheeks grow warm, flushing red like a tomato whenever someone openly stared at their handcuffed wrists. At some point, Sukuna had somehow laced their fingers together, something Yuuji hadn’t even noticed until someone pointed it out. That only made his blush deepen, leaving him too flustered to focus while a student acting a salesperson tried to talk to them.

Whenever they walk outside, there are always teachers patrolling around the vicinity. Yuuji’s heart would pound so fast when a teacher glance their way. Much to his surprise, however, they only spared Sukuna a lingering stare before turning away, ignoring him.

Yuuji would look at Sukuna almost accusingly. ‘What did he do this time?’

It was impossible for teachers to overlook a suspended student wandering around the school grounds, especially someone as notorious as Sukuna Ryomen, infamous for beating the crap out of Satoru Gojo. And yet, they did. The teachers ignored him. Even the principal turned a blind eye when he walked out of the office and saw them both.

This time, it was clear. Sukuna had done something for everyone to be avoiding him like this.

Speaking of Gojo, they ended up visiting Sukuna’s booth as well. Since their classroom was farther from Yuuji’s, they had to walk a bit longer, drawing even more stares along the way. The trip was nerve-wracking for Yuuji. Only a week ago, his heart had been shattered by a direct rejection from his crush, making him all the more reluctant to face Satoru Gojo again.

But Sukuna doesn’t seem bothered at all. In fact, Yuuji is far more nervous about Sukuna meeting Satoru than about seeing Satoru himself. After all, the two of them have fought before. Satoru would likely lose his temper and lash out at Sukuna, and Yuuji definitely doesn’t want a second round of that bloody confrontation.

Sukuna had openly expressed his jealousy toward Satoru because of Yuuji’s feelings for him. He had beaten Satoru without restraint, his anger clear and unfiltered. By the time the students in the hallway realized Sukuna was heading straight for his and Satoru’s classroom, everyone already knew what that meant.

‘Isn’t he still angry?’ Yuuji questions himself, peeking at Sukuna secretly. ‘What should I do if that happens again?’

This time, Yuuji studies Sukuna closely and notices that he doesn’t look angry at all. Instead, he appears calm, almost stoic, walking toward his classroom as if he had done nothing wrong. With this in mind, Yuuji has to trust his gut and firmly believes Sukuna won’t act outrageously this time. Perhaps things will go more smoothly than he expects.

This thought was proven right when they faced Satoru sitting comfortably in his chair, surrounded once again, with his friends. He looks up from playing a video game, and when he sees them, he grins.

“Yo, Sukuna, Yuuji-kun!”

He greets pretty loud, making everyone in the area turn their attention on them. Yuuji squirms uncomfortably.

It was an unexpected greeting, Yuuji thought to himself. Satoru didn’t look angry at Sukuna—and Sukuna wasn’t angry either! How strange that Satoru could just accept this. His face appeared healed, though with observant eyes, one could still spot faint bruises. Yet Satoru didn’t seem bothered by Sukuna’s presence. His excited smile drew a relieved exhale from Yuuji, combined with a swirl of conflicted emotions.

Satoru stands up from his seat, his friends watching Sukuna warily yet Satoru cares not for it. He strolls to them, looks at their cuffed wrist, and said, “So… Ready for the trial?”

Sukuna nods firmly.

Trial? Yuuji looks at Sukuna puzzlingly.

“Excellent!” Satoru claps, then he turns around to look at his classmates. “Okay, everyone! We got ourselves customers. Prepare the third room!”

Yuuji blinks, confused.

Everyone moved simultaneously. Some of them are busy with the other customers, but the rest began to work according to their leader’s command. There’s no homeroom teacher around, which certainly implies that Satoru must’ve done something about that or else Sukuna would’ve been forced out. Yuuji watches with apprehension, not knowing what is going on. He looks to the side, hoping to get some understanding of the booth by reading the contents written on the sandwich board placed next to their work station. However, before he could do so, someone steps right in front of him.

Yuuji’s brow lifts in surprise. “Uraume-senpai?”

“Yes,” Uraume nods at him in greeting.

Yuuji can’t help but wonder how his senior keeps appearing out of nowhere, as if they know exactly where Yuuji and Sukuna have been all along, always managing to catch Yuuji off guard with these sudden appearances.

“One hour is up. It’s time to release you both,” Uraume announced. The words caught Yuuji off guard. The time had passed far too quickly, and he hadn’t even realized it.

Uraume snaps the handcuffs open and steps aside. Yuuji lets out a long breath, rubbing his newly freed wrist. He moves to step back, but an arm suddenly shoots out and grips his shoulder, making him flinch.

“Wait.” Sukuna’s hand rests firmly there, holding him in place. “Before you go, let’s finish this booth first.”

Sukuna must have thought that Yuuji was about to leave now that they were both free from the handcuffs. Fortunately for him, Yuuji had no intention of going anywhere yet, especially when it was clear Sukuna had brought him here for a reason.

A strange glint shines in Sukuna’s eyes, one Yuuji finds impossible to ignore. Only then does he notice the tension in Sukuna’s shoulders, and it dawns on him that taking part in this booth must mean a great deal to him.

“Okay.” Yuuji says, and Sukuna removes his hand from his shoulder.

Yuuji wonders what’s this all about.

“Hello!” Shoko Ieiri greets them as she casually strolls over, apparently taking charge for the day. “Welcome to our booth, Yuuji Itadori. And, of course, you as well, Sukuna, even though you are my classmate and the one who created this booth.”

That’s a first for Yuuji, snapping his head at Sukuna once again with a puzzled look. It’s a day filled with surprises apparently. To think Sukuna is quite invested in this to the point he created the booth is quite shocking.

Unbeknownst to Yuuji, Sukuna was dedicated in his plans of courting Yuuji. A week before Valentine’s Day, Sukuna had approached the principal and forged a new idea for their booth. This, of course, enraged the school principal, because the idea was absurd and it was quite a last minute decision. However, Satoru Gojo, who had nothing to do except cause chaos, allied with Sukuna.

Their classmates were displeased. Their original idea was a simple snack booth, selling hot food for the couples. They even had a name and decorations made. Unfortunately for them, Sukuna had won in his back-and-forth argument with the principal. Plus, backed by Satoru, he was unstoppable. Eventually, the school principal had to acquiesced, not knowing it was all done for the sake of one pink-haired student.

“So, this is kind of awkward to explain, so I’m just going to look at Yuuji-kun and pretend you don’t exist for a moment, Sukuna.” Shoko dismisses him with a casual wave. “Actually, before we begin with the roleplay, Sukuna would have to head inside first.”

‘Roleplay?’

And with no hesitation, Sukuna walks past her without looking back, confident in his stride. Yuuji blinks, utterly bewildered. “Uh… Wait, what.”

“Oh my.” Shoko chuckles, turning to glance at Sukuna’s back as well. “Don’t worry, Yuuji-kun, he’s just very excited. Now then…” She turns back to Yuuji, clears her throat, and straightens her posture. “Welcome to The Love Restaurant! My name is Shoko Ieiri and I’m your host for today. Here, you’ll experience a three-course fine dining meal! An appetizer, main course, and dessert. I’m sure you’re eager to try what we have prepared! So… table for one?”

Yuuji looks at her with a lost expression. “Uh…” Only then did he look to the side and reads the content of the sandwich board. In bold text, the booth is literally a restaurant type. The name ‘The Love Restaurant’ is written clear as day. There’s no rules written on it. No other information. Just the name of the booth. Yuuji eyes Shoko again, and without much of a choice anyway, said. “Yes?”

“Excellent! Please follow me!”

Yuuji trailed behind her like a lost puppy. ‘What the hell is going on?’

Once inside, he took in the sight before him. It felt like stepping into a maze. A single path stretched ahead, leading somewhere only Shoko knew. The space felt almost claustrophobic, with large red curtains serving as walls. He had no choice but to follow her closely, but the walk was short. Shoko stopped in front of a number pinned to the fabric, lifted the curtain, and bowed. “Here’s your private room. Please, take a seat.”

When Yuuji peeks inside, he sees two chairs and a round table. Yuuji glances at Shoko, who only winks at him, then heads inside. He takes a seat and looks over the other chair across him. “Okay, so… What now?”

“Well,” Shoko said, holding something in her hands, and Yuuji couldn’t help but wonder where it had come from. “I have here a list of food we’ll be serving you today. Take a look.”

She handed him a laminated sheet with a short, simple list of what to expect.

Appetizer – Chocolate Cupcake

Rich and memorable, the heart of the tasting experience.

Price: 10 Hearts

Main Course – Strawberry Daifuku

Soft mochi filled with sweet red bean paste and a fresh strawberry.

Price: 30 Hearts

Dessert – Brownies

Intense and lingering, the grand finale you won’t forget.

Price: 20 Hearts

** Please leave a review at the end of the session!

Yuuji’s eyes widens, his brow lifting in wonder. ‘So, they’re just serving food?’ But it’s strange. There must be something else going on here. “This… looks good.”

“You look confused, Yuuji-kun.” Shoko snickers, stopping her roleplaying act for a moment. “Actually, let me tell you a little secret. We’re not selling any food at all.”

“What?!”

Shoko winked mischievously. “Just play along! Now then…” She swiftly returned to her acting. Before Yuuji could react, she revealed something from who-knows-where and set it on the table. “This service bell is for you to use only when you’ve finished a course. Ring it when your plate is empty, and we’ll come by to clear it and serve the next one!”

Yuuji pauses for a second before nodding. “Okay, sounds simple enough.”

“Alright! The food we’ll be ready in a few minu—Actually, it’ll be ready in a couple of seconds!”

Yuuji huffs, amused.

“Finally and most importantly, please keep in mind that your meal has been specially prepared by our chef. At the end of your tasting, we ask that you leave a rating. Remember, this isn’t a rating of the food itself, but of the chef’s performance.”

‘Strange,’ Yuuji nods in understanding anyway.

With a gleam in her eyes, she bows. “Then, please excuse me.”

Shoko left briskly, flapping the curtain that served as the door. Yuuji sits silently, still wondering what in the world is going on. 

Shoko had said they won’t be serving actual food. Well, there’s no silverware in the first place. So, what will he be served wi—

The curtain lifts open once more. And instead of Shoko, it’s Suguru Geto who entered. Yuuji straightens from his seat, eyes wide at what his upperclassman is holding. 

Is that… his food?

“Sorry to keep you waiting!” Suguru exclaims, and like Shoko, he’s acting too. He had changed his clothing, wearing a waiter’s attire.

Yuuji smiles almost nervously. “Well, it hadn’t been long, so you’re fine.” 

“Here’s your food!” Suguru placed the large item on the table. “The starter of the day. Enjoy!” He left just as quickly he had entered.

Yuuji looks at the apparent food on the table, feeling his heart quicken in anticipation. It’s a box. A peach-colored gift box, and it’s big enough to fit a table lamp. Yuuji stands up, squeezing his hands when it’s starting to accumulate sweat. He looks at the curtain, waiting to see if someone would come inside. Then his gaze travels to the bell on the table.

It’s certainly a gift, waiting to be opened.

He took a deep breath, fingers gliding over the smooth surface of the box before gripping the edges of the flap. He lifted it just slightly, and a sweet scent drifted out. When he finally opened the box completely, the corners of his lips twitched, and he couldn’t help but smile.

It was a sight he never expected to see.

Beautiful paper flowers greet him first. A bouquet. Origami, Yuuji realizes with a flicker of amazement. Each flower is handmade, folded in varying colors, the paper noticeably expensive, and he knew this because girls in his class would occasionally boast about possessing such things.

A memory flashes through his mind. Sukuna, in the library, folding paper flowers during the short moments they’d spent there. 

It melts his heart thinking about it.

Shoko had mentioned that the “food” would be prepared by the chef. Did that mean Sukuna is the chef? The menu also said something about leaving a review, not for the food, but for the chef. The implication made Yuuji’s heart stutter.

However, his attention is drawn back to the contents of the box. At its center, the very source of the fragrance, rests a real, beautiful bouquet, accented in soft pinks and deep reds that perfectly match the colors of the day. It’s so beautiful that Yuuji thought it isn’t real at first, yet when he touch the petals of the flowers, it’s soft and fragile under the grip of his fingers.

“It’s certainly a great way to start the meal,” Yuuji murmured to himself, smiling in quiet amusement.

The flowers were lovely on their own, but there was more. Beside the origami flowers and the real bouquet sat a small spread of sweets. Chocolates and candies Yuuji recognized instantly, the kind he often bought from the vendors he stopped by after school.

Sukuna must’ve noted the things he liked back then. It clearly shows how much the boy likes him.

‘This booth is certainly unique.’

After admiring the contents of the box for a couple of minutes, even snapping pictures of it, Yuuji taps the service bell. The soft ring echoing within the small space.

Seconds later, Suguru enters the room, the curtain swaying softly behind him. “Oh my!” Suguru feigns a surprised expression. “You didn’t finish your appetizer, is the food not to your liking?”

“Huh?” Yuuji tilts his head in confusion. “Oh, was I supposed to eat the sweets?” He didn’t dare move or take the gifts from the box as he is simply admiring them. It felt like he’s going to ruin a masterpiece.

Suguru merely smiled. “Well, that depends,” he said. “Should I wrap it up for you to take home?”

Yuuji blinks. “Uh, what?” 

“It means you can either keep the gift or throw it away,” Suguru whispered helpfully.

“T-Throw it? No way!”

Suguru grinned, slipping easily back into character. “Then I shall have it packaged for you. I’ll leave it by the exit so you can pick it up once you’re finished.” He stepped closer, closed the box, lifted it with care, and walked off with it, looking almost cheerful as he went.

Yuuji could only stupidly stare at the red curtain, sitting back down. “O…kay.”

The scent of flowers still lingers in the air. His finger tapping on the table, half excited and half nervous now that he knows how this booth works. It’s a complicated booth by itself, requiring full participation of the person who had feelings for someone. In the end, Yuuji thinks it’s cute and unique.

It wasn’t something he ever thought would work on someone carrying unrequited feelings. And yet, something was beginning to bloom in his chest.

A tiny spark, not yet fully understood, not yet explored. A road that is not familiar. Still, Yuuji thought he might be willing to start that journey. He wasn’t convinced, not completely. But maybe that was what the remaining two courses were for.

The red curtain flips and Suguru enters once again. This time, he’s carrying a tray. He walks forward and places the tray on the table.

A letter.

“This,” Suguru begins, “is the main course. Enjoy.”

Yuuji didn’t even look at him. He eyes the letter, one that looks exactly like the love letter he had made for Gojo.

But it couldn’t be… right?

Yuuji hesitantly reaches out and takes it. His thumb automatically brushing the folded sheet of paper.

It definitely is.

Yuuji swallows, nerves tightening in his chest. He sits there for a few seconds, trying to rein in his pounding heart, its rhythm unnervingly loud in his ears. Then, at last, he unfolds the paper and begins to read.

‘Dear Crush—’

Yuuji looked away and set the paper down. “Damn it, Sukuna.” His face burned, red as a tomato. There’s a need to slam his forehead on the table.

He was thankful no one was around to see him bite his lower lip, struggling to hold back a smile, or worse, a laugh. Heat crept up his neck, and he knew, he just knew, that things would be different once this was over.

Yuuji pulled himself together, bracing himself by releasing a breath, and continued reading.

‘Dear Crush,

On the dullest days, I find myself searching for you.

You never realized this before, but you are the cure to everything that feels ordinary. You are a beautiful change. A good addition to my life. It’s not an exaggeration when I say you bring light into my world.

Even your frustrated gaze can brighten my day, but it’s also your flustered, embarrassed expressions that truly make my heart feel lighter. You are the one I look for in every room, the one my heart sincerely longs for.

When did my cold heart begin to burn for you? But that’s a foolish question, for I know it started the very day I met you. And when did I become addicted to the sight of you? That, too, is foolish, because you always wear a smile I can’t help but wish was meant for me.

But perhaps that day will come. So, my dear crush… will you be my Valentine? Even if your feelings aren’t the same, I promise your time with me will be worthwhile.

Until the day I finally change the way you see me, my arms will be waiting, patiently and faithfully, for the moment you might at last look my way.

With all my affection,

Your hopeless bully’

It took a long time for Yuuji to place the letter on the tray. His fingers trembling when he did so.

After all, he could feel the spread of heat on his face, the way he rubs his neck in hopes to calm himself down, and the way his leg is bouncing from flusteredness. 

The message is… intense. By the end of reading the letter, Yuuji felt like he could just die from blushing. The letter, he concludes, is tender, soaked in quiet ache and sincerity. It doesn’t seek to impress him. It only wants to confess. It’s a testament of Sukuna’s willingness to have him. That he longs for him.

The rejection cuts Sukuna deeply, and it shows. In some ways, the letter betrays a sense of desperation. Yuuji had confessed his feelings to Gojo in a similar move in the form of a letter, though its contents are blunt, almost childish. And that’s the difference. It’s the delivery of the message. Because this letter is raw and unguarded, impossible to ignore, especially coming from someone as guarded and difficult as Sukuna Ryomen.

Yuuji picks up the letter again. Sukuna may not be here at the moment but through this letter, his feelings are loud and clear.

The letter contains one question for him… ‘Will you be my Valentine?’

Fortunately for Sukuna, there’s already an answer.

Yuuji rings the bell, folding the paper carefully and placing it back down the tray.

Suguru Geto comes in, and once again, he feigns surprise. “Oh dear! Why have you not finished your food? Do you not like it after all? It’s the main course!”

Yuuji laughs. “Well, that’s one heck of a main dish. I like it! Can you wrap it up for me?”

Suguru winks at him. “Certainly.”

When he takes it away, Yuuji leans back on his chair. His thoughts running a mile. “So, it’s the last one, huh.” He said to himself, feeling just a little bit calm. It’s a quick session, but it’s definitely memorable.

There’s just one more for Sukuna to show him. To appeal him.

The red curtain moves. This time, however, Shoko follows him, who had also changed her clothes into a waitress. Shoko is carrying what appears to be a wooden tripod sticks. It’s long and Yuuji looks at it confusingly. But Shoko places it on the floor rather than the table, and Yuuji realizes it’s an easel, typically used by artist to hold their canvas.

When Shoko stepped aside, Suguru took her place. He carried a square object, gripping it carefully by the corners. It was draped in a white sheet, and as he set the hidden canvas onto the easel, Yuuji knew at once. It was another of Sukuna’s artistic masterpieces.

“The chef said you’re the one who gets to uncover it,” Suguru said with a smile. “Enjoy the last course of the meal.” He bows and left, leaving Yuuji alone.

Yuuji brushes the sweat off his palms and stands up. He inches closer to the covered painting, reaching out to tug at the white sheet of cloth. When he lifts the cover off carefully, Yuuji couldn’t help but gasped out loud.

“Woah!”

It’s a painting of him. Created so realistically it almost looks like a photograph. A full display of Sukuna’s talent.

And it’s all for Yuuji.

The colors are so vivid that Yuuji thinks it might glow if he were to shine a flashlight over it. The perspective feels intimate, unmistakable. Sukuna’s, he realizes. He remembers this moment clearly, as if it had been etched into memory.

The painting captures Sukuna’s point of view, with Yuuji as its center. It’s the same night they wandered through the vendor-filled area, the one nearby their school, crowded with tourists and bright with artificial lights. In the painting, Yuuji is smiling, absorbed in the simple joy of eating a strawberry crêpe. His eyes gleam under the lights, his delight unmistakable as he takes another bite.

A hand reaches into the frame… Sukuna’s hand. It hovers near Yuuji’s cheek, as if about to wipe away the smear of cream there, yet it remains frozen mid-motion. The gesture is tender, restrained, like a moment paused between intention and courage. It feels less like a single act and more like a promise. An unspoken sign that Sukuna is capable of care, of gentleness.

Even without Sukuna’s face in the painting, the longing is unmistakable. The outstretched hand seems to reach not just for the painted Yuuji, but for him as well, inviting him to take it, to let Sukuna guide him toward something soft and sweet, toward a door that might open into more.

‘Let me take care of you,’ It seemed to scream. ‘Can’t you see? I can give you everything you’ve ever wanted.’

Yuuji feels like his heart is about to burst.

‘Look at me. I’m here.’ Sukuna’s voice is ringing in his mind. It’s all in his head, but the message is there on the painting. And it is beautiful.

The painting is nothing short of magnificent.

Yuuji returns to his seat. One last time, he rings the bell.

Suguru and Shoko enters, but this time, Satoru Gojo comes with them, surprising Yuuji. He’s wearing a formal attire, one that is fitting for a ‘head waiter,’ because it would seem like he’s playing that role, especially when he’s got a handwritten nametag pinned on his shirt. 

“Looks like you haven’t finished your dessert either!” Gojo exclaimed, his tone unusually bright, even though he was supposed to sound disappointed that his customer wasn’t eating. “Let me guess… do you want to take it home?”

Yuuji nearly chuckles at his customer service. “Yes, please.”

Satoru faces his friends. “Well, d’you hear that? As the head waiter, I order you two to take it away!” His stern voice nearly got him in trouble however, when Suguru kicks him by the leg. “Ow!”

“Don’t you dare order me!” Suguru huffs, but obeys his friend anyway. Shoko simply shakes her head, before taking the easel away.

When Satoru fixes himself, he clears his throat, acting as if that didn’t just happen. “Since you did not like the food, I’m sure you want to complain to the manager, right? Right?”

“Oh, uh, yeah. Sure.”

“Aha! As expected!” Satoru clapped once loudly, his customer service as terrible as ever. “Well, since you insist, I’ll call the manager right away. I’m sure you have plenty of questions for him.”

With that, he unceremoniously handed Yuuji another laminated sheet. “But in case you don’t have any questions, which, of course, you absolutely need to have questions, here’s a list you can ask our dear manager. Oh, and by the way, our manager just so happens to be the chef of this lovely restaurant!”

Yuuji nearly drops the paper in surprise. “Oh! H-How convenient.”

‘Ah, so this is how it ends.’

“But there’s one rule. You may only ask three questions. Three! Choose them wisely, and when you’re finished with the conversation, ring the bell!” Satoru playfully taps the service bell, causing its high pitched ring to echo the room.

Yuuji nods, his nervousness and the tension in his shoulders showing.

“Don’t forget, leave a review once you leave our restaurant. We’ll guide you when that time comes!”

And with that, he left, leaving Yuuji to wait for a certain someone to come.

But he didn’t even have a moment to prepare, let alone study the list of questions handed to him before the curtain was lifted again, revealing Satoru, and Sukuna Ryomen himself.

“Here’s the chef slash manager! I’ll be taking my leave now,” Satoru said, cheerfully patting Sukuna hard on the back before departing. Sukuna didn’t even flinch. His attention was fully fixed on the pink-haired student sitting in the chair, looking like Yuuji might burst from sheer fluster.

What’s even more surprising is that Sukuna is wearing an apron. A crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, and a black apron tied neatly around him. The fact that he’s actually participating in this little roleplay is…

Well, Sukuna did create the booth, so Yuuji probably shouldn’t laugh. Right?

“Hello,” Yuuji coughs, fighting back the urge to smile. “So, you’re the chef.”

Sukuna walks closer, not breaking their eye contact. “I am.” Then, so casually and languidly, takes the empty seat across Yuuji.

“Oh, then…” Yuuji averted his gaze. The distance between them is nervewrecking for Yuuji as he fiddles with the list before actually reading it. “One second.”

There were only eight questions on the list. Now that he understood how the booth worked, it felt as if he were a customer critiquing a meal to the chef, except the questions had nothing to do with food at all.

And the questions themselves were quite… illuminating.

Questions to ask the Chef:

1. If I chose you, what would that mean to you?
2. What made you keep trying even after I said no?
3. Why should I trust you with my feelings?
4. If I never ended up liking you the same way, would you regret trying?
5. What made you think I was worth this much effort?
6. How would you react if I pushed you away again?
7. What happens if I disappoint you?
8. Why me, when there are so many other people?

‘These are,’ Yuuji gulps, frowning, ‘some really good questions.’

Yuuji trails his gaze back to Sukuna’s, who’s sitting there rather patiently. He clears his throat, shifting in his seat. “Um, so, three questions huh.” He said, stalling. 

Seeing Yuuji’s awkwardness, Sukuna smirks. “Choose wisely, brat.”

Yuuji snorts as he looks back at the questions. ‘This guy’s way too calm for someone whose feelings are getting dragged out like this.’ But he already found a good question to start this interrogation process. After all, he’s constantly questions Sukuna’s motives for the past few days now.

It took Yuuji weeks to make sense of his feelings, to navigate something he was experiencing for the first time. Having a crush was easy, far easier than confessing and stepping into the role of someone’s partner. But over those days, Yuuji began to understand the weight and value of choosing someone. He watched others walk that path, saw it play out in movies, and slowly realized that love often comes more easily to those who are already searching for it.

Maybe that’s why Sukuna is confident. Because he was searching for that love, and thus, courting seems like a path he’s ready to walk forward.

They say, it just clicks. Some bonds form effortlessly, as if the two people were always meant to be. Others face a more difficult path, unsure how to navigate a new relationship. Some even falter, crossing paths with someone who could have been their significant other, only to realize they were never meant to be together. Yuuji supposed his own situation was tied to all of these paths in some way.

His path, however, began with a misunderstanding. Communication lacking and feelings hidden. Yuuji knows not how to start a relationship, because crushing on someone instead was easier, and so when this circumstance with Sukuna was thrusted to his face, of course, he wouldn’t be ready. But Sukuna was confident, charismatic, yet cryptic and simply bad at showing his desires.

There’s numerous excuses why this all came to be. But it doesn’t matter anymore.

That’s all in the past.

They’re communicating now, if he counts this roleplay as one. Sukuna is sitting right in front of him, firm in his ways, his feelings known. Yuuji is here too, and like Sukuna, he will display his own feelings, leaving both of them vulnerable. And more importantly, instead of hiding, Yuuji supposes he should try.

He will see where this path goes, no matter the ending. He’ll have to trust the process.

“What made you keep trying even after I said no?” Yuuji asks, watching Sukuna closely.

Sukuna meets his gaze. “Because my life feels more real when I’m with you.”

Yuuji felt the tips of his ears burn. His silence allowed Sukuna to elaborate further. "It was boring before, you see. But you made my days brighter when they felt lifeless," he says, "and I didn’t realize how much I needed that until you came along.”

His gaze is intense that Yuuji can’t help but look away, fiddling with the list once again. He thought he’s ready to face more heart pounding moments, but this is getting too much. “I see,” he mumbles.

He eyes the list of questions again, mentally preparing himself. If this is how Sukuna uses his words, he ought to control himself. Because he’s certain that Sukuna could see him blushing even when Yuuji tries to act like this doesn’t affect him.

The fifth question was almost on the tip of his tongue, ready to be spoken but he stopped himself. All these questions are really good, but he’s only got two left. Perhaps he could ask Sukuna more after they’re done here, but Yuuji thinks that it wouldn’t be the right time then.

“If I never ended up liking you the same way, would you… regret trying?”

Sukuna scoffs. “No. I chose to try knowing the risk. If your feelings never change even after all my efforts, that doesn’t make what I felt meaningless. And besides,” He crosses his arms, chin up as if he’s taking this as a challenge. “I would keep trying over and over again till you’re mine.”

Yuuji internally smacks himself in the face. ‘Okay, so that was a stupid question.’ After all, Satoru had already told him that Sukuna won’t give up. Yuuji should’ve known. He knows Sukuna! But still, after hearing those words coming out of Sukuna’s mouth somehow made him feel… light.

“One last question,” Yuuji says, wanting to cool himself down when he felt himself turning red again. “Ugh, Sukuna, you’re such a talker.”

“Anything to make you change your mind about me.”

Yuuji could only scoff at the smirk directed at him. “Um, okay… I still feel like there’s more to ask, but here goes nothing.” He didn’t even realize his leg is bouncing. “Why me?”

The question flows so easily from his mouth for some reason.

Why me, when there are so many other people?

Sukuna’s response, of course, did not disappoint.

“Because you make me feel human in ways I didn’t think I cared about,” Sukuna says softly. “You’re stubborn enough to argue with me and kind enough to stay anyway.”

Sukuna leans forward from his seat, then reaches out to hold Yuuji’s palm. Yuuji’s heart is loud in his ears, and he wonders if Sukuna could hear it beating quickly.

“You lit that fire, and with that fire, I learned desire because of you…” He caresses Yuuji’s thumb gently. “You opened that path for me, and it felt like taking a deep breath of fresh air. Why did I chose you? Because I want you. And without you, everything else feels like a world made of nothing but void.”

Then silence greets them. Yuuji having unable to process those words quickly is left sitting there, stunned.

He felt like tearing up. The emotions bubbling inside him, overwhelmingly so. It’s a complete mix at this point. Yuuji’s heart wavered at the efforts, and the words that flowed almost beautifully from Sukuna’s mouth. Because, really, what did he do to deserve this?

For a long time, Yuuji had despised Sukuna, only realizing recently that the latter was infatuated with him all this time. Then, Yuuji proceeds to break Sukuna’s heart. Sukuna seemed like a person who must have a right person next to him, someone who’s worthy, one who will ensure his happiness as well. And Yuuji could already tell he is not that person. He broke his heart, misunderstood his feelings, yet still Sukuna sought him.

It’s telling that Yuuji doesn’t deserve Sukuna. He doesn’t deserve this effort directed at him. What has he done to Sukuna? Nothing much, this he knew. But Yuuji isn’t the one trying to win Sukuna over. That burden doesn’t rest on him.

It’s Sukuna. This boy wants him. 

And his efforts bear fruit.

It’s a different type of heartbeat this time. Before, it quickened from fear and embarrassment. Now, it’s beating fast from anticipation.

Yuuji clutches his shirt right over his heart, his cheeks flaming red. He feels hot all of a sudden whenever he pictures himself with Sukuna. The thought of their relationship makes his heart pound, not from guilt, from shame, from fear. But something else. Something new.

It’s a different feeling than what he felt for Satoru Gojo. This time, this one is intense.

Could it be…? Is it what he thinks it is…? Is this what people call ‘love’?

‘I can’t be…’ Yuuji muses to himself. Is he falling in love? He doesn’t know Sukuna like that! And yet here he is, thinking about the efforts Sukuna had gone through to have him. How Sukuna had been teasing him all this time which Yuuji misunderstood it as bullying. How Sukuna had been trying to catch his attention, and how happy he was when he thought Yuuji liked him back, and how he treated Yuuji with intense affection like he couldn’t help himself. And all those scenarios running in Yuuji’s mind, flashed one thing.

It’s sweet.

All the actions Sukuna had done, Yuuji find cute. Looking back, it was simply adorable, especially when Sukuna had tried hard to get Yuuji to look his way. Sukuna’s obsessed with him. His notebook revealed numerous sketches of Yuuji. When Yuuji and Sukuna went out that one night eating food, Sukuna had paid for him and fed Yuuji. When Yuuji had been hiding from Sukuna in that empty classroom Nobara and Megumi had occupied, Sukuna had been searching for him. And that library, where Sukuna had found peace being by Yuuji side.

There’s always been potential. Sukuna has always been showing he could take care of him… If Yuuji could say yes.

All those simple acts of love made Yuuji’s heart skip a beat, and it was at this very moment that Yuuji finally accepted what he felt.

Like Sukuna, he wants this too.

Yuuji straightens from his seat, resolve all high, holding Sukuna’s hand tight. He made his decision.

“I have one more question. Can you allow this, as the manager and the chef of your restaurant?”

Sukuna stops caressing Yuuji’s hand, he studies him for a split second before agreeing. “Yes.”

“In your letter, there was one question for me. You mentioned that you want me to be your Valentine, correct?”

Once again, Sukuna sits there silently, trying to see the intentions behind Yuuji’s calm facade. “Yes.” He doesn’t even know his eyes are betraying his emotions. His nervousness clear as day. Even his fingers twitch under Yuuji’s grip.

Fortunately for Sukuna, there’s no need for him to be nervous at all.

Yuuji smiles. Sukuna can’t look away, silently taking in every detail.

“My answer to that question… is yes. I'll be your Valentine.”

~~~

“Thank you for visiting our booth!” Satoru Gojo exclaimed once he spots Yuuji standing by the exit. “How was it?”

Yuuji smiles at him. “It was fun.”

“Good to hear!” Satoru says, handing him another piece of paper. This one is blank, folded neatly like a card. He then produces a sheet of star-shaped stickers. “These are your review stars. To leave your rating, you’ll stick them on the card. Five stars means worth coming back. Three stars means needs more convincing. One star means not for me.”

Yuuji glances down at the paper. “So… what does that actually mean?”

“Five stars means you like him enough to give dating a try. Three stars means he’s close, but not quite there yet. One star…” Satoru grins. “That’s a hard pass.”

Yuuji blinks at the last part. “Ouch.”

Satoru barks out a laugh. “Those are the rules!”

With that said, Yuuji grabs the stickers and gets to work.

Now that Yuuji’s done here, he said his thanks and goodbye to Shoko, Suguru, and Satoru before walking away from their booth. He carries his gifts. The box, the letter, and even the painting. He left them by the school’s exit, the school guard ensuring him that they’re under his care. Yuuji will have to return for them later, he doesn’t want to bring them in his booth lest someone might invade his privacy.

His classmates are sure to be nosy after founding out Sukuna is here.

His heart felt light, his mind clear. He’s even humming to a song and skipping his steps on his way to his booth.

He was halfway there when loud, pounding footsteps thundered up behind him. He barely had time to turn before someone slammed into him, arms wrapping tightly around his waist. The sheer strength of the hold was a dead giveaway of who it was.

“Sukuna?!”

He’s no longer wearing the apron, having changed back into the clothes he wore earlier. Still, it’s not that which draws Yuuji’s attention, but the ease in Sukuna’s posture, the relaxed expression, and the delighted smirk resting on his face.

“Come on,” Sukuna says, tugging him toward the nearby booths rather excitingly. “Let’s go on a date. You left a five-star review, didn’t you?”

Yuuji can only stare, mouth slightly agape, completely taken by the sight of Sukuna looking this happy. Happier than he’s ever seen him. It’s like a weight Sukuna didn’t realize he was carrying has finally been lifted, leaving him light, unburdened, and just… Free.

For the first time in his life, Yuuji understands what it means to fall in love.

Grinning wider than he ever has before, Yuuji reaches out and takes Sukuna’s hand.

“Okay!”