Arabella

Rules for requests

- I mostly write Character x Reader, yet I don’t mind Character x Character too.

- For smut specifically I don’t write about :

1. NonCon

Exception: I can write it for the plot buiding, not in a romance way, expecially between the pairing.

2. AgeGap

Exception: Resonable distance.

3. Incest. Minors.

No exception.

Side note 💌 : Probably it happens to be against more TW tags. Still, I’m a dark romance enjoyer, so don’t get tricked that I’m vanilla (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶). For me, dark romance ≠ noncon :) Still, I don’t judge any writer based on what they want to write.

If you want to be anonymous, but you want to show me that you are someone who writes often to me, you can use a specific emoji to help me remember you. 🫶🏽

.ᐟ If you ever find your artwork here (I usually specify the source), dm me and I’ll delete it immediately!

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IMPORTANT

1) Not a native speaker unfortunately :(Mistakes or weirdly phrases will probably happen sometimes. Don’t be mean. Also, anly hateful comment will be ignored/blocked.

2) I put my heart and soul into requests. Don’t bother to ask it like it’s a demand (I’m a human too) or not even leave an small appreciation after I’ve made it. Writers are not robots. :)

Much love💜

And you were no different. Always complimenting him. Always seeking out his presence. Always hugging him excitedly whenever you hadn't seen him for a few days.

And so it continued throughout the years until he grew older, mature enough to gather the courage to ask you to be his lover. Not that it hadn't been obvious before. Everyone knew that, ever since childhood, the two of you had been bound together by a red string of fate.

“Obito, when we grow older, promise you'll still be here? And that we'll always stay together?”

He felt his eyes sting at the time, only nodding frantically as he took your hands in his, his heart fluttering wildly within his chest.

“Yes! Yes, yes. Always!”

—

In the present, Obito was pacing near the front gate of the school, waiting for you to arrive. You knew something was wrong from the moment you saw him, familiar as you were with every expression that could grace that handsome face.

“[Name]!”

“Yes?”

He jogged forward until he stood directly in front of you. He rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, his gaze drifting elsewhere.

“Obito, what's wrong?”

He whispered so quietly that you barely caught it.

“I wanted to talk about something...”

“What?”

“I wanted to talk about something!”

Both of your eyes widened at how serious he sounded, and Obito released a breath of relief when you laughed. He missed it every time you didn't laugh or smile, though he liked to believe he was capable of keeping you happy whenever you were with him.

“Yeah? You can tell me anything, Obito.”

He gulped, his throat already dry from nervousness.

“I wanted... I wanted to ask you something.”

You could see the tremor running through his body, his hands twitching at his sides. Your smile widened, your heart pounding against your ribs. You knew. You had waited for this for so long.

“Please, tell me. I want to hear it, Obito.”

“Y-Yes?” You nodded, and he glanced at you shyly. “I suppose I'm not exactly the most inscrutable guy, and you probably already know what this is about... but I wanted to tell you directly because you deserve that.” He exhaled deeply, closing his eyes for a brief moment before opening them again.

He was struggling too hard, so you didn’t have much choice than to be the one taking the lead.

“I like you, Obito.”

Obito blinked a few times. His ears were ringing, and his body only had grown noticeably warmer. Your smile faded slightly as a tear rolled gently down his cheek before you panicked. He wiped away a tear with his elbow, trying to hide it from you.

‘No, no! Obito.” You cupped his face in your hands, making him look at you until he had no choice but to continue.

“I love you, [Name]. And... I want to show you just how much I've always wanted you in my life... only if you want that too.”

The silence between you was agonizing for Obito—until it wasn't. He was terrified, terrified that he had gotten everything wrong, until suddenly you threw yourself into his arms, and he embraced you instantly, your hands settling on his shoulders.

“It sure took you long enough!”

His lips parted in surprise as he gazed into your lovely eyes, then down at your soft lips.

“I love you too, Obito. But I'm sure you already knew that.”

He nodded. He did. Still, Obito had been utterly scared of your answer. But now, as you looked at him as though you truly meant every word, and as your eyes lingered on his lips as well, it became unmistakably clear. The two of you belonged together.

“What do you think?”

He stepped closer until he noticed how tightly your hands gripped the faucet. Oh.

“I’m sorry, [Name]. I think there was a misunderstanding. I realized too late that I should’ve sent a message back.”

Your voice was low enough for him to hear every word clearly.

“A misunderstanding? A misunderstanding about what exactly, Kakashi?”

Kakashi knew he had better explain quickly. You looked like a ticking bomb.

Still, he doubted he’d get out of this so easily.

“As you know, Team 7 was assigned that mission... I didn’t realize I should tell you that, although rare, there was still some risk involved.”

There was something hidden in his gaze that made your heart leap for a second.

“What happened? Something really happened, didn’t it?”

The lack of an immediate answer was enough.

One of your worst fears had been correct. His life had been in danger too.

Kakashi’s eyes widened slightly at your unusual reaction, watching the different emotions cross your face as you articulated words in a foreign language.

「卧槽！你為什么不告诉我？你太过分了! 」
“Fuck! Why didn’t you tell me? You’re impossible, Kakashi!”

He tried to raise his hands in surrender, but you had already turned away, slapping the countertop in frustration.

Hearing you switch to your native language to express sadness and anger was new to him. It felt as though you were using a jutsu he had never encountered before—which was rare.

He exhaled heavily at the same moment you did.

The sound made you tilt your head slightly before straightening your back and turning around. Your lower back hit the counter once again, arms crossed tightly over your chest. Your tongue felt heavy, but you had to say it. A composed shinobi shouldn’t react like that.

“I’m sorry, Kakashi. I shouldn’t have yelled. The most important thing is that you’re alive... and the kids are too. Good job.”

Who were you trying to fool with that trembling voice? Why did you feel the urge to hide your emotions from him?

Fuck. He saw the redness in your eyes, tears only moments away from staining your cheeks. At that point, Kakashi stopped caring about how you might react. He crossed the kitchen in a few firm strides until his arms wrapped around you, pulling you into his embrace.

Kakashi rested his chin atop your head, one hand brushing through your hair before cupping your face, his knuckles grazing your cheek gently. You sniffled quietly until he spoke, causing you to pull back slightly and look up at him.

“Don’t apologize. You must’ve been scared all alone.”

Your glare was much cuter now, not nearly as terrifying.

“I wasn’t scared alone! I was scared because of you!”

He watched you press your face against his chest, giving him just enough time to conceal the vulnerability that flickered across his features at your sincere words. He adjusted his tone. His other hand moved to rub your back soothingly as his voice softened into a whisper.

“I’m here now.” His fingers lingered against your back. “I’m here now, love.”

Itachi

It wasn’t exactly justified or reasonable to yell at your partner, especially at someone like Itachi. It’s just... Itachi could sometimes be a pain in the ass.

It was strange for Itachi to forget something like this. Ever since the beginning of your relationship, he had paid attention to every detail, planning ahead and taking care of any possible need you might have. So how come he replied to your texts today saying he had forgotten about the little trip the two of you had planned to Iriomote Island? A barely populated place, perfect for the two of you, covered in dense jungle and mangrove thickets.

Before he came home, Itachi had no idea you were upset about it. Maybe a slight suspicion, since you always replied to his messages, but he figured you might be busy packing, excited for your anniversary getaway.

He knew you had sensed him the moment he stepped inside the house. Itachi had made a conscious effort not to startle you like he used to (unintentionally), with how silent and graceful his movements were. So why did you only spare him a brief glance from the couch? And only one tea cup? You must be tired, considering you usually waited for him with two cups, just as he often did for you.

“I’m home.”

You muttered under your breath.

“I can see.”

He leaned down, pressing a kiss to your cheek that left it flushed, yet your gaze remained sharp. Only afterward did he hang his coat on the rack, sensing the atmosphere in the room.

“Did something happen?” You shook your head, and the corner of Itachi’s mouth twitched at the innocent pout you gave him, prompting him to press further. “[Name]?”

You groaned, pushing yourself off the couch with your palms as you pretended to head toward the bedroom, your voice laced with irritation.

“What do you mean, ‘Did something happen,’ Itachi?”

He followed you with a faint smile, his steps slow behind you as you entered the room. His eyes quickly landed on the half-packed luggage scattered across the floor, one suitcase left open and unfinished.

“I understand you’re busy and all, but it surprised me when you told me you hadn’t bought the train tickets. We’ll definitely miss the cheaper prices, or even worse, we won’t find availability for the dates we wanted!”

You gestured wildly with your back turned to him, pacing around the room in frustration.

“We won’t lose them. Because... I already bought the tickets.”

You spun around abruptly, your eyes widening. Itachi’s own eyes widened slightly at your tone.

“What?”

You paused, thinking back to his message.

“You bought the tickets, didn’t you?”

“Did I? I’ll have to check…I’m not sure.”

Was he being sarcastic? Itachi? Through text messages?

“マジで、マジで、マジで！ いつも真面目すぎるよ！ そんなの知るわけないじゃん！
“Serious, serious, serious! You’re always serious! How was I supposed to know?”

Itachi didn’t move an inch from where he stood. The regret appeared on your face instantly after you had practically shouted at him.

“I-I’m sorry.”

He spoke calmly, his gaze showing no sign of being bothered by your reaction.

“What does your words mean?”

You dropped onto the edge of the bed, lowering your head slightly.

“That I’m never sure when you’re serious or not because you’re...”

“Always.”

“...always like this.” You lifted your gaze to him when he spoke at the same time as you while he gently patted your head after it. “I shouldn’t have yelled. I’m sorry.”

He could see the regret in your eyes, making any further discussion feel unnecessary.

“I see. Then I’ll try to show you more sides of myself from now on.”

A small smile began to form on your face until he noticed the teasing glint in your eyes.

“Yeah? And which side of Uchiha Itachi should I be more aware of?”

His eyes mirrored yours—not as obvious, but still visible. At least to you.

Itachi crouched down and began organizing the luggage for the vacation.

“There’s plenty of time to discover them, my love.”

Sasuke

With Sasuke, it wasn’t hard not to get annoyed. Although complementary people, your attachment styles blended impeccably (when you wanted them to). Him avoidant, you disorganized (anxious-avoidant). You had to meet in the middle otherwise it would turn into an argument every time, and neither of you wanted that.

Although, you can’t say that you don’t end up at an emotional disadvantage sometimes with Sasuke. He definitely loves you, he’d even give his life for you, but sometimes…? Communication is no longer a problem, you’re not in kindergarten anymore, but comprehension? Different story.

Sometimes he listens, communicates, but doesn’t understand you exactly. Doesn’t understand from where are you coming from.

Like now when you asked him to come with you somewhere in town, just to hang out.

Sasuke had no clue right now, he didn’t know that his girlfriend was actually extremely irritated while getting ready to go out with the girls (also Naruto and the others). He barely lifted his gaze from his book when you slammed the mascara onto the desk.

“Tell me one good reason why you don’t wanna hang out with me.”

Sasuke looked up with a frown.

“With you?”

“Yes, with me. Most people come with their lovers, only I don’t! Never!” He didn’t like the voice that kept rising, shooting you a sharp look that made you roll your eyes. “Okay, fine. Almost never!”

“I’m not in the mood for socializing with their exhausting energy. Is that really so hard to understand?”

Well, Sasuke is not blind. He realized he chose the wrong words and the wrong tone for a not-so-important problem he should’ve navigated gently because he knows what comes next.

“Ce dracu, Sasuke? E asa greu sa vii?”

“What the hell, Sasuke? Is it really that hard to come?”

When you instantly wiped the tear off your cheek and turned away, Sasuke immediately got up and walked toward you. Even though you had your back turned, Sasuke moved slowly, slowly toward you, until his hand stopped halfway there to know if he should embrace you. His fingers brushed yours.

He whispered, not any hint of anger in his own.

“What did you say?”

“You don’t like to hang out with me when we are with our friends?”

He shook his head at your insecure words, leaning slowly his head on your shoulder as he gazed at you.

“That’s not the case at all. I just… prefer to hang out less than you do. But…I’ll come tonight.”

Now you were the one shaking your head, looking at him, taking the hand that tried to take yours in his.

“No, no. I don’t wanna force you or—”

“You don’t. You can’t force me. I’ll come.”

No one can force Sasuke to do things he doesn’t want to. If he comes tonight, it’s not because he feels obligated. It’s because his comfort zone can be compromised to hang out outside more often if it means you’ll be happy.

You lowered your head toward his before you pressed a peck on his cheek. He leaned his forehead against yours too as he whispered.

You moved your hand smoothly, coordinated despite the agitating noise in your mind. The breakfast was simple, sweet just how he enjoyed it. Not like you did it intentionally. You only gave Satoru a side glance when he came into the kitchen, enough to see him yawn, stretching his arms above his head, enough to catch a glimpse of his waist. Annoying.

“Oh, no chocolate?”

His mouth twitched at the glare you sent over your shoulder as he approached you from behind. Satoru’s hand settled on your waist, giving you a peck on the cheek. You didn’t budge. The pancakes were more worthy of your attention, spreading maple syrup over them and the berries sprawled on top.

Your voice was robotic, a passive-aggressive tone melded into it.

“I thought we said we would try to eat healthier.”

He clicked his tongue, a silent complaint that carried no real weight, more teasing than anything. But somehow, Satoru was more composed than usual, murmuring a quiet “Okay” before he gave you another peck and returned to the table.

As clueless as Satoru might seem, he could feel a pressure hanging over him, yet he decided to brush it off for now. His attention focused on the phone, smiling at some pictures Yuuji sent him. He looked up at you when you placed the plate in front of him and he noticed you taking a glance at what he was watching.

“Thank you, baby. Want to see them?”

You cut him off as you sat down on the chair across from him.

“How was the mission?” He blinked when he heard the slight sharpness in your tone. You looked at him seriously, even as the sound of forks only mixed with the tension. “Was it hard for them?”

He gestured with a hand, smiling faintly.

“No, it was pretty easy.” He turned around in the chair, crossing one leg over the other as he rolled the pancake with his fingers(like a freak), taking a bite before speaking again. “No special grade curses. Ah, you really should’ve seen Yuuji throwing—“

“A week spent on grade 4 curses?”

It was the second time Satoru got cut off, but he didn’t mind. He only raised an eyebrow.

“Well, it was an infestation at the hospital. Both of them.”

“Both?”

“Yes. Two hospitals next to each other. The second one contained the actual source of curses.”

You hummed, swallowing your words. Still not excusable. The chair scraped against the floor as you rose to your feet to dump the plate, not wanting to wash it because it meant staying here longer with him.

On the other hand, Satoru sized you up, the teacher clothes really suited you, making your curves more accentuated, appealing to his lovely blue eyes.

You caught him when you turned around, almost making him embarrassed by the way you looked at him, like he wasn’t allowed.

“Already going? Do you want me to drive you to Jujutsu High?” You walked towards the exit door of your apartment as he lifted his hand, trying to brush against your, to catch you, anything. Where was his goodbye kiss?

“I saw you had fun with the kids at the beach.”

“It was fun. Maybe we can go soon? Hm?”

“Bye, Satoru.”

The door handle clicked shut, not so gently, leaving Satoru dumbfounded.

Sooo… someone’s mad.

***

It’s not a common occurrence to go without him at school. Because he is late most of the time, not because you avoid people seeing you together. A few words of dissent might have been uttered by the higher-up at first, but Satoru dismissed your worries. He said their inability to act beyond mere complaints, given their own exploitation of him, while he retained the freedom to pursue his own aims with his title. And you hate them anyway.

It’s not a common occurrence for him to be all over your place when you worked, following you in classes or anything. Maybe before you got together. He had an evil desire to tease you, calling it "courting." And now you feel like you were right in the beginning.

Just now, sitting in a small window to drink the second coffee with Shoko in a relaxing corner, near her working place since your office it's next to her, was distrupted by your not-so lovely boyfriend.

"Hello, hello. Might if I join?"

Shoko observed as you sighed, turning your ergonomic chair to focus on the papers ahead for the next lesson. As highly skilled as she is as a doctor, the primary physician for Jujutsu High School, Shoko was your first help when you joined the school. You were teaching her methods to young generations that might be their followers, or at least be educated in this area.

Shoko checked her hand clock, puffing out the smoke in the room. The air purifier might come in handy, but by the way Shoko smokes at least 1 pack a day, it still made Satou wave the polluted air with his hand.

"Shouldn't you be in the class?"

"Should I? Maybe." He gave his friend his usually carefree grin as he came behind you, giving both of your shoulders a little squeeze, massaging the knots, the contraction of your tired muscles that indeed needed relief, but now they tensed further as he was the one touching you. He bent down, tilting his head until his face was next to you, watching your focused, serious look as you scribbled some points you needed to explain soon. "But more important is to see what my lovely partner is doing, right?"

Shoko flicked the cigarette in the ashtray, her elbow sitting lazily near it on her desk. She furrowed her eyebrows slightly, not like she cares about what's other business, but more like curiosity to see why her friend purposely ignores Satoru. She understands, anyway.

"You can see now." You murmur, giving him a short glance, not letting your eyes linger on his, black sunglasses sitting lower on the nose so it was hard to avoid the galaxies in his eyes.

"I'm always impressed by how much effort you put into these lessons. Really, you deserve a promotion."

"Shoko deserves one first."

Shoko snorted, shaking her head slightly as she spoke. "Yeah, like they will ever do promotions."

He was too damn close, feeling the warmth of his breath on your face, making your skin prickle in return.

"Nothing I couldn't resolve."

In moments like this, Satoru will wait for a retort back, rolling your eyes, anything. But the only thing he could see was the weight of your grip on your pen, ink pressing on the sheet, eyes not meeting his, body unmovable, basically just accepting his presence. He straightened his body, biting his lip before he made eye contact with Shoko, who gave him a funny, small look, telling him, ‘You fucked up, huh?’. He shoved his hand in his pants pockets, watching your back as he spoke.

"Okay, okay. Someone is busy. I get the message. I'll wait for you after school, yes?" At the lack of an answer, Satoru spoke again as he opened the door for him to leave. "Yes, [Name]?"

"Yeah." You gestured with your hand, not turning around. "Good luck with…whatever you're doing. Bye."

"Mhm. Bye, baby."

You could feel Shoko's stare on you as you mumble under your breath.

"Don't ask."

***

Satoru was a man of his words, when he wanted to.

As you left the school, not even taking a step outside of it, a car's tires lost traction, causing a screeched sound to trouble your ears. The door opened automatically, giving you a free show of your lover sitting there—arm resting on the edge of the car window while he propped his head against his knuckles, the other arm was lazily over the black wheel. His black glasses still on, the irritating grin still on his face.

"Right on time."

"Mhm."

You come on his left, to the empty seat, even though your intrusive thoughts suggest you go in the back, treating it like a normal taxi drive, but that's too petty.

Speaking on the back seat, Satoru turned his body dramatically. "Oh, right." His long hand was searching for something until he found it. A bouquet of flowers. "These are for you."

Ajisai flowers. The most iconic apology flowers in Japan. Rooted in a historical folktale where an emperor gifted them to a maiden to apologise for neglecting her.

You glanced at them, then at him as he gave you a soft smile, like the flower choice wasn't intentional.

Everything is intentional with Satoru.

"Thank you, Satoru. They are beautiful." You smiled back only with your eyes, but it was enough for him. But then, you added. "Especially this kind of flower."

Satoru starts driving, his hand moving smoothly. He gave you a short glance, pretending to be sooo focused on the drive.

"Yes? They suited you."

"Yes? Should I also buy Nemophila ones? They match your eyes."

Nemophilia, or "baby blue eyes", flowers symbolise the sentiment of "I forgive you."

He chuckled, and you felt more annoyed as he completely dodgedthe subtle remark. "To give me flowers? I'm not sure, baby. Never received before."

You took your eyes away from him, deciding to focus more on the window and the passing cars; it was easier to control the situation.

"Don't worry, I'm not going to give you anytime soon."

Sometimes, he likes to open the door for you manually, running to your door like a gentleman would do, but today, as he wanted to press the button, you stopped him mid-air.

"Don't need to."

You missed his puzzled expression as he looked at you getting out of the car while you already started walking towards your shared house. Since his money wasn't ever a problem, the house wasn't small either. And now, it overwhelmed you, wanting only to go inside, take a bath and do anything that didn't include him. He almost ran, more like jogging towards you until he opened the front door for you.

For once, Satoru was silent. He barely heard your murmured "Thank you", as you didn't even look at him. You dropped your clothing on the coat rack, your shoes came off, and you were out.

He should talk, shouldn't he? He dropped himself over the couch, looking at the ceiling and almost laughed at himself. His love is upstairs, ignoring him, and here he is, forced to face his feelings. He almost feels like a teenager. A sudden thought entangled him. What will his old friend say? He will probably know how to resolve this. He always did… before.

Anyway, Satoru rewinds the last week, even scrolls through the messages. The universe even decided to help him a little with some random thoughts passing through his mind and old flashbacks of your fight with him before he joined a mission. It was a dangerous one. You didn't even like him that time. Or you did? Now he needs to know. Maybe he was clueless back there and he missed the subtle signs. But he remembers you told him something along the lines of "Call us. At least to let us know you're good." As he brushed your fear off. He's the strongest, did you forget? “Please, Satoru. Don't act so arrogant. It doesn't help!" At the second line, Satoru looked at you a second too long under his white bandages that hide his eyes, before nodding to you slowly.

You hate not knowing his whereabouts. It's not really personal, is it? More like, you fear your closest one can disappear all of the sudden. In fact, he realises he is not so much different from you. Besides that, in the morning you said something about the beach he went to. You didn't speak about things like this randomly. It might mean something.

Satoru sighed, raising himself from the couch. Less talk, more action. He stopped in his tracks when he saw you coming down the stairs in your pyjamas, wearing a satin nightgown over it, probably coming right from the bath. Beautiful, he thought. Still, how long did he stay here on the couch?

"I wanted to buy some takeout. Your favourite?"

Your back was to him, taking a glass to fill with water from the cabinet above your head. He almost hissed as your shorts raised a little, more skin visible to his eyes. You caught him as he did so; your late response wasn't minded since Satoru's mind was somewhere else entirely for a moment.

"Not hungry. Maybe later."

He watched you go again to the stairs. Your firm steps played with his heart, at least a little. Every step was in tandem with his pulse.

"[Name]."

This really shouldn't take too long.

On your side, your thoughts were anything but calm. Did I do too much? You missed him, probably as much as he missed you. You're sure he realised something is off by the time he came home and you didn't hug or kiss him, not at night, not in the morning, not all day. But he wouldn't learn if you'll accept anything.

You hate doing games like this. You know he cares about you. Damn, sometimes you're surprised by how affectionate Satoru can be. Yet, when he refuses to be serious when you need him to, a fear takes root inside of you. Should you cut the roots? Sure. Easy to say. You said you were not hungry. You were. Well, more hungry for something else entirely.

You hate it when he looks at you like this. Like he wants you right here and here. Even before, you knew something restless sat behind those blue eyes when he looked at you. Maybe he wasn't even aware of it. You hate it when he craves your touch because it makes you crave it too. It's not even about sex, but the desire to be close to each other, two souls apart that can't resist much without each other. But you're still annoyed by him. By leaving for no reason for so much time. He should've at least told you, not treating you like a common friend he usually speaks with, not minding giving any personal details.

Well, he did share pictures every time with him. Or the kids. Or with a random cat, dog, or any animal he found. Or every place he visited.

You sighed, staring at the ceiling until you heard the bathroom door. Your pulse ticked every time you heard a step of him from the corridor. Shit, he is coming here.

You rise from the bed, already up when he enters the door and sees you preparing for the next day at school, making your bag and choosing your clothes. Satoru sized you up, seeing the slight tremble in your body.

That's it.

You felt his presence closer and closer until your breath stilled.

Satoru’s hand brushed lightly against your arm, the other finding a place on your waist. As you felt it, the impulse to turn around to escape his intoxicating heat stilled, just like ghe air in you lungs when he whispered against your ear, tilting his head in doing so.

“Can I know why my baby ignored me all day?” He sensed you wanted to move, not giving you a chance when his arms, which just sent goosebumps over your arm until now, came on top of your belly, pushing you against him. “Should I drag the answer myself?”

Your voice wavered, an opening for him.

"I—I don’t want to talk.”

He hummed against your ear, his face buried in your neck. “You don’t want to?" He left faint kisses here and here, enough for your skin to heat. “Then can I make you talk?” You place your hand over his on your belly, intent on escaping his grip as your pulse accelerates, blurring your senses and your anger. “Hmm? You know…I can't take it anymore.”

He let you go from his warm embrace as you turned around, having a much clearer look at how your chest rises and how your eyes glimmer with passion as he barely could take your glare seriously.

“I’m mad at you.” You stepped back as he stepped closer until your legs hit the bed. “You can’t come to me and do whatever you want.”

Satoru’s palm wraps around your pointed finger, gently for now. But his look was anything but gentle.

“Whatever I want?” He looked down at you, his face inches apart while one of his hands cupped your chin and the other was on your hip, gripping tight enough to immobilize you. “But the way you look at me seems to say something else.” His thumb comes to spread your lip, making your mouth open as you did almost unconsciously. His own mouth twitched as you responded to his touch, coming closer to brush his lips against yours. When he straightened, letting you all panting while he distanced himself, you swore you wanted to strangle him and he chuckled. “Or am I wrong?”

Satoru’s eyes lingered on you until his gaze rested on the lingerie you chose; the bra barely showed, hidden, but he knew what it was. His patience was on edge, realizing that even if he might upset you genuinely and for that is sorry, all this attitude was hiding another thing too. You want him. You missed him. But it will not be easy. Still, Satoru definitely knows how to handle you.

“You are.”

Satoru’s smile widened at your answer, letting the distance between you two fade again as he glanced first at your eyes, then at your lips. He whispered against them.

“Yeah?” You only nod, unsure of your voice to speak again as your mouth parted slightly before he brushed his lips over yours, breath faltering. Then, he did it again one more time.

When you didn’t stop him, Satoru stole your glance once before he finally kissed you, one hand cupping your cheek, tilting your head to deepen the kiss, the other one placed behind, on your head, to guide you closer, much closer than you expected. His tongue slipped into your mouth, and you couldn’t stop yourself from not responding back, triggered by the small, pleased sound he gave you.

Satoru’s lips left you, leaving you breathless, a mess—and dizzy from how much his taste affected you. His eyes were so intense, you could say they were the ones making you lower yourself until you sat on the bed, not his hands that were placed on your shoulders.

When he lowered himself until his knees hit the floor, a switch inside of him flipped. He gripped you by the thighs, dragging you all of a sudden as your back met the mattress, legs now around his body.

“Satoru, what are you—“

“Shh. Now you lost the chance to complain.” Your shorts come off in an instant, hardly giving you time to react, before he parts your legs. “Not like you didn’t want exactly that.”

You raise on your elbows, hair all over your face as you try to blow it off.

“I didn’t.”

You gasped when his hands started wandering between your inner thighs, making them shiver from anticipation. He glanced at the wet spot over your white panties, matching the hidden bra, before he looked up at you. Your flustered expression, trying to act innocent, was all in vain for Satoru’s six eyes.

He comes over to you then, only kneeling next to your body. One of his hands is placed next to your head in support as the second one starts brushing your skin, from the top to the bottom of your body, in a teasing manner. He comes back over your breast, squeezing both of them by turns over the clothes. He drags from the middle of the blouse down roughly—now the white bra is on full display. Your cheek burned as you avoided his gaze and looked mindlessly in the other direction. And if you matched them, what?

His big palm comes under your breast to let them breathe over the bra, playing with your nub before he comes to lick around it in slow flicks of his lips. What you did was a mistake when you looked down at him, as he was already watching you, a twinkle of roguishness in his blue eyes. He palmed the other breast and switched to do the same treatment as you start moaning without meaning to. You refused to give him that so freely.

Satoru lifts himself, looking at how sexy you look as ravished as right now—hair sprawled all over, swollen breast out of your bra, legs apart with a full view on your wet panties.

He missed you too.

Satoru’s hand comes between your legs, hovering over your waistline and teasing the tensed muscle here. “And you tell me my favorite match on you wasn’t on purpose.”

“You catch it fast.”

“Hmm.” He didn’t miss the sarcasm in your tone, nor did he notice you biting your lip in distress, curious of what he might do. It’s not happening often, but it did happen to see this side of Satoru before, especially when you two fight.

In fact, the first time you had sex with him was like this.

When the tips of his fingers start rubbing over your clit, you realize you already lost it, two fingers set above your needy spot, while his thumb played with it.

“Do you want it?” Your moans escaped from your mouth as he set the panties aside, touching your skin directly; his long fingers leave trails between your folds, gathering more wetness to rub your clit faster. “Tell me.”

He was mean in his touches, alternating between giving you fast, circled motions, applying more pressure, the way you love it when you’re wet enough, and slow, faint ones that keep you wanting more. “Do you want me?”

“You’re so arrogant.” Your eyes closed, eyes scrunching in pleasure. “D-Did I told you that before?”

What was more surprising was that his voice turned deeper and hoarser as he watched you so intensely, the playful glint disappearing for now. As scary as he was in fights, Satoru had a singular purpose right now that you’re afraid to find out.

In a smooth manner, he lowered himself until he was again in his initial position, between your legs, and your hands came instantly to his head when his mouth found your pussy, sucking around your trembling clit, flicking his tongue around it, and slurping all the wetness you gave him. You gasped loudly when he slapped you here for touching his hair, watching you as he did so.

“Satoru!” You looked surprised at him as he teased your clit with his fingers one more time before he rose to his feet. You understood instantly when his hands came to unbuckle his belt. “Don’t you dare—“

His knees hit the bed as he came over to you. His gaze didn’t leave yours, taking both of your hands above your head.

“Satoru, no—“

The metal clicked, and your hands were now tied as you tried to budge it. When he whispered against your lips, his teasing glint returned for a moment.

“Much better.”

“Oh, you’re done. You’re so…” Satoru was already between your legs, continuing to eat you again. "…f-fucking done.”

He gripped you tight, squeezing in surrender around his head as his mouth devoured you how he wanted, how he needed, not caring about every twitch of your muscles while his face was buried here. You had no hope but to keep up with his slurps and licks while your moans turned worse.

“God—Don’t stop…”

At your appreciative words, he slowed his moves and you whined, before his fingers switched places to play with your clit instead.

“Tell me.”

“Why did you s… Tell you w-what?”

“What I asked before.” His finger circled slowly, dragging it down only to come again and again until it finds your pussy, teasing your entrance. "Or do you already forget?”

His tone seemed neutral, but you could see on his face he was intentionally teasing, like he wanted you to pay off for the attitude.

“Fuck y—“ You moaned as he slipped his fingers inside your pussy, slowly to stretch you at first until he pumped it faster.

“Be careful, love. This night can be much longer for you if you’re not.”

Satoru comes over to you, his body warm and overwhelming, the scent driving you more mad than you already were. He swallowed your moans, kissing you as you barely responded when he added another finger, pumping roughly and hitting your g-spot without a break until you reminded him of your beautiful screams. His smile returned for a second, watching you struggle against the belt as you looked at him through half-lidded eyes.

“So how's it going to be?”

You nod desperately; your body moves frenziedly against his touch.

“I want you. I want you, Satoru—"

"Mhm." His pumps turned faster, pleased by your finally giving what he wanted.

“I'm gonna, I’m g-gonna—" Your mouth parted, ready to feel that sweet edge, building as the second passed; your voice hitched, realizing way too late how Satoru slowed his movements, feeling how the spark never came as your eyes fluttered, his fingers slipping in and out slowly until they stopped.

“Satoru, you’re such an—“ He swallowed your word, "asshole," turning it into a moan when he kissed you.

“Not so fast.” He was serious; his expression didn’t soften, watching you—no, devouring you whole like he was bewitched. His hands took yours, placing it above your head as he claimed your lips again, letting your short-winded murmurs barely slip against his mouth.

“I’m going to make you regret this.”

Satoru hummed, his hair tickling your cheek as he moved, finding a place for his tongue on your neck, marking wet kisses or bites, you didn’t know, along your sensitive skin.

“Yes? You don’t want me to make you cum?”

You couldn’t even touch him; only your thighs lifted, finding a place around his waist, feeling how hard he is against your soaked panties, enough to make your mind gamble with it.

“Hmm?” His mouth twitched at the lack of answer, pecking your lips one more time before he threw the blouse over his head, (not) forcing your eyes to linger on his toned muscles.

“Untie me.”

His mouth twitches as his hands come to undress the lower part of himself, letting only in his shorts. Satoru felt his dick twitch at your hungry gaze, lingering on the wet spot forming around his leaking tip. His shorts were too tight and you were watching it like you felt sorry for him.

"I want to touch you. It's not fair at all—"

He chuckled, coming where he was before, the same as his hand finding its place between your trembling legs and your needy clit. You followed every move of him, pleading with your eyes to not mess with you again.

You grasp the belt, twisting your wrist and gripping it, muscles tensing instantly when his fingers find your clit again, not giving you time like before. You were already stretched enough to take his rough thrusts. Satoru’s palm was toward your clit, slapping the skin, a wet, embarrassing noise, like he did it on purpose. You closed your eyes, whining about how good you felt, but he didn't have it.

“Aw, you’re embarrassed? “His thumb comes over your clit, pressing it gently as he starts circling around. "But she talks so sweet to me." Your blabbering sounds were so irritating to yourself, like you couldn't even speak coherently anymore, only focusing on the sweet, harsh sensations of his fingers hitting your g-spot on and on.

Your eyes open at a particular thrust, making eye contact, since he was already looking at every reaction you gave him.

“Don’t hide.”

Satoru lowered his face, mouth parted as yours, heavy breath falling from it.

"Only you. Only you can make me feel like this—

He groaned, claiming your lips in a second, his tongue slipping inside, kissing you so desperately, so messily, as his fingers find an overwhelming rhythm, bringing you back where you were.

"Show me." He let you breathe; your body started convulsing under him as you watched him through half-lidded eyes when you came, before he found your lips while you ride your orgasm. He didn’t stopped neither when he unclasped your hands swiftly, letting the belt fall somewhere on the floor.

When he looked at you again, Satoru could see the slight uncomfortable expression, giving a peck on both wrists before he helped you put your hands over his back and shoulders. But they didn't stay here too much; when his hands started wandering, palming your breast and touching your curves, yours did too, coming between your bodies, palming his hard dick until he moaned into your mouth.

When he lifted himself, Satoru followed your lead still in his way when you moved, coming on your hands and knees closer to him. His hand rested on your head, guiding you.

"Come here."

You nudged his dick softly with your nose, kissing the wet spot there. He helped you, dragging his shorts down until his dick jumped slightly, resting on your mouth. Your tongue comes out, making sure you look up at him to drive him mad as you let him slap it on your tongue. When you smiled, Satoru knew you're not so different from him.

Your tongue swirl around his tip, letting a long wet string to the base before you take in your mouth. Satoru’s grip on your hair tightened a little when you swallowed his dick in, sucking him for all it costs until you let him hit the back of your throat, urge him to while his hips thrust in return.

“F-Fuck. You’re so beautiful, baby.” Satoru’s grip loosening, his hand brushing your hair away from your face, massaging your head.

He slipped out of your mouth slowly as you gave him a peck on his pretty tip. His hand comes to cup your chin, tilting your head to meet him in the middle while he kisses you, romantic even. The other one comes to guide you to sit on his level, both of you in the middle of the bed, on your knees. He comes to cup your cheek instead, tilting your head to the side so he can deepen the kiss, not letting your breath.

His wandering hand caressed your body, cupping your breast, until he slowly pinched your sensitive nubs, teasing you to moan more against his mouth. Then, it lowered until it was on your puffy clit, playing with it just to spread more wetness around, until he found your hole again. Your hands come over his shoulder, riding the air as you meet his rhythm as he finds you.

You breathe out against his mouth, impatient.

“Satoru…”

“Yes?”

He nibbled your lip, giving you slow pecks, like he barely could stop himself.

“I want to feel you, baby. You don’t want to feel me?”

He slipped his fingers from your pussy, spreading the wetness around his own dick, making you gasp needily. Satoru took your hand and placed his over yours as he guided you to stroke him. “I don’t want? to? What do you think?” You could feel him getting harder if that was even possible, going to massage his painfully full balls too, moistening them as his breath faltered as he whispered, his blue eyes hypnotizing you. “Hm?”

Your back meets the bed as you part your legs for him, but he turns you around in a second. “What are you—“ His hands come to move your hips, raising your ass while pressing a hand over your back until your face is pressed on the bed. "Satoru—" Slap. “Fuck!” Slap. Satoru massaged your now red ass, squeezing the sensitive skin for her.

“Shh.” He chuckled at how you move your hips, chasing him, and how you stopped when his dick finally made contact with your pussy, sliding his dick between your folds.

You turned your head more to look at him, and he made sure to maintain your craving, loving gaze when he started filling you. “Baby, fuck. Please, relax a bit.” Satoru closed his eyes, hissing, eyebrows furrowed in concentration while your tight walls tortured his dick.

“More, more—“ Be damn sure he wants it too. Hell, he planned to fuck you until you couldn't breathe, but when he finally fucking felt you, Satoru actually took his time. He lowered himself over you, thrusting inside slowly.

“Yeah? How much?”

You whined, trying to meet his hips, but you had no chance as he gave you a deep thrust, making you almost incapable of speaking between your moans. “S-So much! Baby, please—“!

He took your arms and moved them on your back, his hands placed on both of your wrists as he started fucking you deeper, rougher. “As much as m-me?” Hell. There’s no chance for him to last longer. Every wet noise your pussy made by how he filled you so good, so punishing after, left you with no thoughts besides how good it felt. He groaned, taking a pause, slipping out as he turned you around.

By the fucked-up look on your face, Satory was the one to part your legs before you felt him skin on skin. “So pretty.” His murmur went unnoticed. At least, your legs come over his hips, hugging his lower part, or more like, chasing his dick back, missing him filling your pussy. And he gives it to you, thrusting inside as fast as he slips off, compensating for the seconds he lets your pussy empty.

Satoru didn’t let you take your eyes off him, his rough thrust waking you over and over as your voice catches, only his grunts and the shortened air at every sweet thrust.

“Please, baby.” His lips brushed against yours, coming so close that his body moved against yours, your clit grinding against his skin. “Cum in me, Satoru. I’m so close—you give him a short kiss between your begging. “S-So close!”

Satoru’s head was buried into your neck, and your face was barely seen over his shoulder, your sweet screaming muffled by the skin. Your pussy squeezed against his veiny dick, creaming him with your own orgasm while chanting his name. He groaned in pleasure, filthy curses were whispered into your ear, accentuated by how harder his dick started pounding into you, shaking the bed until he filled you completely, deep inside your pussy while his dick stilled.

Satoru collapsed over you, his entire body pressing down, bringing you closer than ever as he remained inside your warm walls. His face rested against the crook of your neck, kissing, nibbling nearing your jawline and melting your heavy, racing heart.

"Satoru…I can't breathe.”

He snorted while he put oressure in his palms, on both side of your head, slipping off slowly from inside your pussy as you let out a small whimper, squeezing around him like you want him here as he twitched inside of you. He glanced shortly with a warily look, a gaze that didn't need words to say "You can't take it again." He slipped off, your sweet, mixed cum make it glistening around his swollen tip after he broke your poor insides.

He dropped next to you, sharing a breathless laugh with you as you looked at each other, completely drawn off. It sure was a much-needed sex. A good, mind-blowing one. His arm rising instinctively for you to come hug his chest, resting your head here.

 It didn't take long for him to complain as you spoke first, the reality still setting in slowly.

"I feel so dirty."

He looked down at you, then, tilting his head slightly to see how messy the bed looked, his head hit the bed dramatically.

"We need to wash, don't we?" A perfect moment to use it to his advantage. "Can we teleport in the bathroom?"

"Don't even try."

Satoru smiled. He held your gaze, searching over your face until he could see the hidden vulnerability in here, the aftermath fading by seconds; serotonin slowly turned into something else, the clear mind after the orgasm was flooding you with feelings you reprimanded before this. All of this.

Now, it's the moment Satoru has no choice but to speak. He's not sure why he feels this weight on his heart; his tongue feels heavy as he starts speaking.

“[Name].”

You can hear in his tone the concern. He's aware that he doesn't take accountability for this, even if it's not the worst thing happening; future things will add eventually, making you distance yourself until maybe you'll get tired of his antics and—

He spoke again, pushed by the thoughts, he just blocked it, knowing a familiar spiraling will come if he does not do it now. Satoru's back of his hand brushed your cheeks as you glanced shortly at him.

“I’ll run a bath for you, and we…will talk. "His mouth twitches. "If you’re not too tired for that.” He kissed between the space of your furrowed eyebrows, washing away the threatening look as he started placing kisses all over your face. “Muah." You gripped his arm that cupped your cheeks for him to kiss you better, letting out a soft giggle. "I already know why you might be mad."

You didn't sound ill-intended, mostly teasing.

“Of course you do. That’s why you are an asshole.”

Satoru placed his hand over his chest.

“Auch. Deserved.”

You placed your hand over his, above his pumping heart. 

“I prefer to at least tell me you’ll take long for whatever reason. Even if it’s a stupid one and I will need to wait for you more.”

He nodded, acknowledging too fast, like he enjoyed the way the conversation started; his anxiety dissipated, his fear of vulnerability too.

“I can do that.”

“Of course you can and you will.”

He chuckled, tilting his forehead until it brushed against yours for a second, before he let out a relieved sigh.

“Do you want to see the pictures now?”

You rolled your eyes, and Satoru realized he missed it.

“No.” 

And you realized you missed his irritating grin too, now present on his face.

“Why?”

“You said we were going to go here in the future, but you already decided to see it without me.”

“Oh, man…” He breathed out a laugh, but the pout that followed on your face made him give you a peck to make it go away. "What I want to say is that I’ll go with you everywhere.”

You pointed your finger on his chest, poking as you speak.

“But it didn’t cross your mind what you told me when you go.”

He licked his lips, taking your words in.

“Right.” He glanced up, looking at the mindless spot as his voice turned more serious. "You know how I am, yes? From the beginning, you know. I…might or might not fuck so things in the future, not intending to.”

“Okay? And I should accept—“

 He glanced back at you, cutting you off.

“But I want you to know I want you in every stage of my life too. Firstly, you. Then the others.”

You analyzed every small reaction from him as he said it; then his thoughts hit harder than expected, realizing that's what you wanted to hear. You could see his eyes widening a bit at the emotions in them, taking his eyes off as he tried to disperse the tension. “And we could go see every place in the whole world, okay? You need to keep up with me.”

But you want him a little bit more in the present with you.

“Satoru…” He swallowed, taking two seconds until he met your gaze. As he glanced at your lips, he sensed what would follow; his heartbeat violently spiked.

“I love you.”

He is sure that's not a lie, but he needed more time to fully accept that; that's why he took a moment to say something, anything, not fully aware of your own fearful feelings. He exhales hard, closing his eyes to gain a bit of strength as he speaks; at the same time, he opens them. 

“I love you too.”

You gave him a small reassurance glance. Not that it was the first time you shared these 3 words. Also, he's more courageous through texts. But this was different, somehow gluing the bond between you two stronger. He came to the side, hugging you as you gripped him tight, following each other's rhythm of breath.

Until, slowly, mischievously, Satoru's hand comes under your ass, the other one comes behind your head. It was clear you had no time to react.

“Now…let’s go to the bathroom!”

“Satoru, don’t you dare—"

You nodded, glancing then around until you saw two empty seats.

He doesn't usually sit down—

"Megumi, come!"

His name on your lips. Megumi followed you as he sat down next to you, closer to the door.

"We sit down only for a station."

He realized his tone might seem judgy (he was, but not in that way) by the slight embarrassment on your face.

"Right. Sorry. I live here, but I can't get used to that damn annoying map."

True.

Other than the slight noise made by the forged steel wheels against the ground, no sound could really be heard here. People in Japan don't really talk. It's disrespectful to even talk to the phone. Meiwaku concept.

Neither of you considered that when you turned to the side at the same time, speaking over each other.

"What did you—"

"Do you want to—"

His open mouth closed slowly as he was just as embarrassingly surprised as you were. You chuckled, and his eyes clinked. Someone shushed both of you, and you mumbled a "sorry" under your breath. Megumi tilted his head next to your ear.

"Speak first."

You faintly could feel the warmth of his breath. You gave him a shy side-glance, adjusting your voice.

"Oh, no worries. Just wanted to tell you how…was school? I guess…"

He leaned on the chair, speaking while looking at nothing in particular.

"Yuuji dragged me to one of his practice sessions."

Just then, he realized you two are here already; it barely makes sense how time flies. He's almost annoyed by the cosmic timeline, whatever universe decided on for him today. You hurried your steps, almost colliding with people that wanted to enter because you were too slow, but Megumi grasped your arm, dragging you with him. His touch was firm, but not harsh. Instead, you already missed it when it was gone.

"Practice?"

Ah, right.

"I'm surprised Nobara didn't tell you all the details about me yet, even my zodiac sign."

You chuckled as you walked out of the train station, finally closer to the destination.

"Capricorn."

He snorted, and you blushed instantly after you called yourself out for no reason.

"Sorry, I was—"

"Don't need to explain yourself. If I were in your place, I would want to know more about you."

You blinked twice, mouth parting a little as you raised your head to look at him. Great, now he was the one blushing. So embarrassing. Megumi quickly glanced in another direction.

"He is in sport sciences or whatever it is called. Going to volleyball, trying to learn something from the couch. I sometimes get along with it."

"Do you like it?"

"Sort of." There was a pause Megumi didn't realize at first. A silence he wasn't comfortable with. It was a first. He should talk more, doesn't he? "I prefer literature, as you can see."Megumi looked over the digital map, narrowing his eyes. He lifted his gaze toward the building in front of him, then beside it, noticing an entrance to an underground place. "But I don't mind going sometimes." You both looked at the abrupt stairs leading down to the hidden location, the name Forrest Library scribbled above the door . "Here must be the place. Careful."

He opened the local's door for you as your eyes started wandering in multiple directions, taking everything in. Your body shifted slightly as you looked up, quickly averting your gaze from his striking, oceanic dark blue eyes, far too easy to get lost in.

"I'd like to see you here."

While the conversation didn't seem to stop — not like either of you wanted it to, even if for different reasons — your inner monologues were strangely alike. For Megumi, it was a relief the moment he stepped inside — few people, silence, customers seated on wooden chairs beside matching tables, admiring the hundreds of books from the shelves fixed into the walls — shuffling through them and reading what was written on the back covers, either immersed in one they had already chosen.

This really was a cozy, crowdfunded book café and bar. Megumi preferred places like this, and your expression didn't seem disappointed at all.

You could see the amusement in your eyes despite his plain tone.

"Being out of breath, sweating all over and dying internally?"

He was surprised to realize he couldn't remember the last time he had gone somewhere — anywhere — with someone. A girl. A girl he was interested in, speaking this casually with her. In fact, ever since you two met today, everything felt far more natural than he had imagined. His anxious thoughts were wrapped up, folded away and barely audible when his small tease made you pull your eyes away from him.

The waiters greeted you both, giving you a massive opportunity for your flushed cheeks not to worsen, interrupting your very non-platonic thoughts as you imagined Megumi on the sports field —a few strands of his spiky black hair sticking to his sweaty forehead, wiping himself with the crook of his arm while probably (surely) giving instructions to the team about what to do and how to do it. His serious, focused gaze — seeing him in one of his elements.

"Good evening. You came right on time for the reservation."

The people here already seemed warm, smiling from the moment they started addressing the two of you. The boy working there looked a little fragile, yet tall, more polite than you'd expected considering he seemed around the same age as you both, all of you walked a little through the corridors of the place until you reached your table.

"I'll bring the menus right away. Would you like something to drink meanwhile?"

You both refused, not entirely sure how the evening would unfold. Even though the wooden seat wasn't uncomfortable like you'd expected, you still couldn't find your place. Everything had gone smoothly so far, but now that you had no distractions, you didn't know what to do, how to sit, what to do with your hands. And Megumi was sitting right in front of you, seeming like he noticed every little movement you made, even though reality was far from whatever was currently happening inside his mind.

"What did you want to ask me?"

Megumi tilted his head slightly, checking if the menus would arrive soon.

"If you also want to eat here."

You hummed thoughtfully before shaking your head.

"Kinda expensive. The reviews aren't praising the bar or food section too much."

"I'll pay, so if something seems interesting, get it."

"Ah, no, no. Don't worry. I don't expect you to—"

"You feel like you owe me something?"

"...No? I mean, I think it's a traditional mindset, both the act itself and the gesture, and it's nice sometimes, but I don't expect it, especially after—"

"[Name]."

Your name falling from his lips did something to you.

"If you don't feel like you own me anything back, then let me do it."

You're cute, but he wasn't going to insist a second time. Megumi isn't an insistent person, just like he doesn't want someone else bothering him with things he doesn't want to do.

You nodded afterward. Probably just shy, which was again — cute.

His mind should fucking shut up.

Even though it was a little expensive, what fascinated you about this place was that you could eat dishes from favorite anime series. They were famous for a menu featuring foods pulled straight from the pages of literature. A popular favorite was the "Laputa Toast" — thick toast with a fried egg from Studio Ghibli's Castle in the Sky.

"You want that one?"

You raised an eyebrow. Had he even looked at what he wanted first? You glanced back at the menu. It was the most expensive thing on the list. Before you could refuse, Megumi had already realized that's what you wanted.

"Okay. I'll tell the waiter when he comes back."

"I didn't say anything..."

He gave you a short glance before averting his eyes again to see what he could also eat. He chose quickly, then pointed slowly toward a children's section filled with books.

"You're as much of an open book as those are."

You gasped, slightly offended.

"No, I'm not."

"I didn't say it's a bad thing."

You crossed your arms and leaned back into the chair.

"Well, if I'm an open book, then you're a closed one."

In general, yes. Right now? He didn't feel that way. You didn't even know the impact you'd already had on him, one even he couldn't fully comprehend yet. Still, you quickly added which was not surprising.

"I don't see it as a bad thing either. Not completely."

"You're honest."

Even though your expression clearly looked panicked, Megumi didn't feel offended. Better to know who you're dealing with. To know if you truly want things to stay the way they are now. It's a good question worth asking yourself. If the person you care about — or the person you're going to care about — stayed exactly the same as they are right now, without thinking about their potential, would you still stay with them in the future?

The thought somehow gave him more anxiety. It's true the people around him had opened that closed-off, vulnerable part of him. But ...what if you could open it even more?

"I think you should keep certain things for yourself, not always be transparent. But also not to..."

The words lingered on your lips, somehow unsure how to navigate the conversation. Megumi leaned back slightly into his chair as well, trying to offer you the most unaffected look possible without seeming detached, his eyes softening at the corners.

He continued for you.

"But also not shut yourself away from the people around you."

**

Even though you'd seen the closing hour was midnight, it felt like irrelevant information considering you were sure you wouldn't stay that long.

It was already 11 PM. Not a single trace of regret crossed your mind for how good the food had been. Or the drinks. Or the books you'd pointed at while discussing who had read what.

At the moment, you were both looking through the pictures in a book about temples to visit in Japan.

A hidden temple high in the mountains on the outskirts of Tokyo. No one knows its exact location until they find it themselves. And no one really speaks about what it's like there or has proper pictures. Only a blurry one, left to the imagination.

"I really wanted to go there. The curiosity is eating me alive."

We can go.

Megumi really just had that thought. Was it intrusive? Not really and that's not good. He genuinely needed to back off. This wasn't good for him. Or for you. More precisely, would you even want to go with him? Hell no, you barely knew him. Did you even think about things like that? Was he normal?

He felt like a teenager. He was certain if you grabbed his hand or something he would literally choke on air.

But as he looked more closely, Megumi realized what temple it was. He was lucky his usual stone-faced expression could save him from situations like this. Megumi had lived there before. Well, his parents and relatives lived in that area. But he couldn't tell you that — it was far too personal. The connections his family had, tied to the Japanese government, were the last thing he wanted you finding out about him. Maybe someday.

So he played it simple. But what Megumi didn't notice was that before he answered, your eyes had already analyzed every micro-expression on his face, as if you'd sensed something, especially now that his chair had been moved closer to yours.

"I went there before."

"Oh, so you know the area? Damn, what exactly do you do in your free time?"

"My parental figure deserves the credit."

Parental figure? Judging by the look on his face, it wasn't a conversation he wanted to prioritize right now, so you didn't press further.

"But I remember you working in a coffee shop before?"

He felt embarrassed when the words left his mouth. The first time he spoke them.

"I wanted to ground myself."

"That's..." Don't say admirable. Please don't say admirable. It's the bare minimum a person with financial resources can do. "...nice. Maybe we'd find world peace if all rich people on this planet did something like that."

"I highly doubt it."

You chuckled, the sweet sound brightening his spirits, cheering the very marrow of his bones.

"Yeah, me too."

He had been afraid you'd perceive him as more pessimistic than he actually was, but you didn't. Pessimistic regarding himself? Maybe. About the world? No.

Yet once again, you met him halfway.

He maintained your soft gaze while mirroring your expression, an unfamiliar sensation. A kindred spirit. Were you a kindred spirit to him? Was he one to you?

You rested an elbow on the table, supporting your chin with your hand.

"How do you know Nobara?" You judged his arm. "Did you just roll your eyes at me?"

Your smile widened when you noticed a slight one appearing on his lips too. He was so pretty.

"I just knew this question would come."

**

The flickering of streetlights, the clang of Furin’s shutters closing in the middle of the night at restaurants ready to shut down, or the distant sound of cars becoming rarer and rarer since it wasn’t the weekend, became less and less noticeable the closer you got to your home after the small walk in the park.

“I didn’t expect us to stay this long.”

“Neither did I.”

Your foot swayed from one leg to the other, gently, your hands clasped behind your back. You gave him a sheepish, small smile.

“You didn’t need to walk me home, by the way.”

Megumi’s skepticism could be seen in the slight furrow of his brows.

“Didn’t I?”

“Hm? What do you mean?”

“I would’ve ended up on the blacklist where assholes usually are.”

You clicked your tongue, biting back your words. He asked, his voice calm enough, proving he was sure he was right.

“That’s not true?”

You let out a small laugh. Megumi isn’t that clueless.

“It is.”

“Well, what I wanted to say is thank you, at least.”

Megumi didn’t try that hard to hide his faint smile, but he couldn’t stop himself from making a remark either.

“You could say it more simply.”

“I don’t like simple.”

Just like he isn’t. Just like you aren’t.

There wasn’t much left before you got home, your heart beating a little faster with every step, as if wanting it to last just one more minute.

Your phone vibrated against your skin, making you sigh.

“Nobara killed my phone today with her messages.”

Megumi didn’t. Itadori usually wasn’t the type either, especially when they were together and—his own phone vibrated too.

He turned off his phone just as slowly as you did, pretending he hadn’t received anything at all. You, on the other hand, pretended it was just a normal notification.

Too soon. Or was it? Nothing seemed to be judged by a standard, a book with instructions on what a relationship should be in the future, a rule to follow—just the two of you writing your own unique and unpredictable story.

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