candy baby⋆

Phoenix Shizumu, a determined college student, takes on the unexpected role of team doctor for Aokawa University hockey team. What begins as a chance to gain experience soon turns into chaos as she constantly finds herself pulled into the lives of the players, dragging along her best friend, the sharp-tongued and guarded Airi Kurose, for support and company. But when Phoenix’s clumsy run ins with the brooding Toji Zenin spark a dangerous tension, and Airi catches the relentless attention of the ever charming Satoru Gojo, both girls discover that being close to the team means more than just taping injuries and cheering from the sidelines.

tags; jjk college au, non curse au, oc x toji, oc x gojo, hockey player gojo, hockey player toji, hockey player sukuna, hockey player geto, pothead gojo, angst, smut, hurt no comfort, slow burn, hurt with comfort, partying, drinking, corruption, smoking, dumb college kids, author has bad hockey knowledge

track 006; CHIHIRO - Billie Eilish

CW for this chapter: N/A

proofread + valuable insight from @pinkpachinko : part time editor, full time enabler ♡

zero, one, two, three, four, five, six, seven

CHAPTER SIX ᯓ CHIHIRO

Another away game, this one further than the last, and Phoenix had dragged Airi along for company again. Airi had been reluctant, dreading another long game of a sport she didn’t fully care for, but eventually she agreed after Phoenix promised her another week of free rides.

The drive out of the city to the rival college made Phoenix increasingly impatient. She kept checking the clock, tapping her fingers against the steering wheel, worried she might be late. Despite the anxiety, they had arrived early. Phoenix reported immediately to the sidelines, standing just behind Shiu as she normally did, with her duffel bag filled with extra medical supplies at her feet. She watched her teammates stretch, pass pucks, and practice shots with each other, while across the ice, the rival team did the same.

The stadium was bigger than the last, packed with cheering fans from the rival school and a good handful from Aokawa University. Airi had a hard time finding a seat that wasn't surrounded by clusters of people. She eventually ended up settling close to the front, practically right behind Phoenix, notebook in hand, determined to record as many of her active thoughts as she could.

The game was intense from the opening face-off. Pucks flew with astonishing speed, sticks clashed, and the players pushed each other relentlessly. By the third period, the teams were tied, and a penalty shot was called to break the deadlock. The arena held its breath as a player from Aokawa University stepped up to take the shot. Phoenix tensed slightly beside Shiu, her hands clenched into nervous fists, balled up in her jacket pockets. Aokawa University successfully converted, securing the win, marking their fourth victory of the season.

By the end of the game, the players filed off the ice, sweat-drenched and flushed from the effort. Phoenix followed them into the locker room, immediately tending to a minor injury Riku received. Unlike the last game, this one took longer than usual, as Riku’s hand had a small laceration that required careful patching. Meanwhile, Airi remained in the stands, jotting down her remaining notes from the game.

At first, she didn’t notice anyone re-entering the rink. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of movement. She didn’t look up, not wanting to give the impression she was okay with being approached.

“Kurose, right?”

The voice came from nearby. Airi slowly looked up and saw Gojo standing in the penalty box, not far from where she was seated, gripping his hockey stick. She registered his cheeky smirk, but her expression remained neutral. She was already figuring out at least seven different ways to get out of this conversation.

“What’d you think of the game?” he asked, that cheeky smirk remaining on his face.

Airi didn’t look at him directly, her gaze fixed on her notebook as she spoke, her words clipped. “You guys did great. Amazing job.” The dry tone sounded almost sarcastic, and Gojo chuckled quietly at the delivery.

“Are you doing homework? What’s your major?” He tilted his head.

“No. Political Science.” She answered, still focused on her notes.

“Oh, so you like to argue?” Gojo prodded with a grin.

“Only with people who are worth my time.” Airi replied without missing a beat. Gojo chuckled again, amusement clear in his eyes. He skated out of the penalty box and moved closer to the sideline bench where Airi was sitting just behind the barrier, studying her as she wrote.

He noted all her features carefully, the gentle waves of her ash-brown hair with subtle black undertones resting on her shoulder, with bangs swooped to the left side of her forehead, framing and partially obscuring her face and her gray eyes— tired, but attentive and slightly distant— tracking her words on the page. He caught the delicate curve of her nose and the slight flush and plumpness of her lips.

“You ever skate before, Kurose?” he asked. “I can teach you while you wait for Phoenix if you don't know how.”

Airi stilled, pen hovering above her notebook. Her whole body seemed to lock in place as if his words had touched a nerve she hadn’t let anyone near in years. Gojo noticed the shift immediately; the light bantering air between them thinned into something almost heavier.

She lifted her head slowly, and when her gaze met his sparkling blue eyes weren’t sharp or distant anymore. They were softer, like someone had just spoken the name of a long-lost lover.

What Gojo didn’t know was that figure skating had been the center of Airi’s universe. Before the weight of her family legacy ripped her away, the rink had been her sanctuary, the place she had felt the most alive, the most herself. Just hearing the words roll off of Gojo’s tongue stirred something both sweet and bitter inside her.

Airi’s lips parted, ready to answer.

But before she let the words escape, the arena door creaked open. Phoenix leaned in, her head poking through the gap. “Airi!” she called, her voice bouncing lightly across the empty rink. Phoenix’s eyes flickered between Gojo, who was casually leaning on his stick, and Airi, sitting in the same spot she had left her in with her notebook opened in her lap. Airi’s expression shattered.

That bit of sparkle in her dull, gray eyes from the mere mention of skating fluttered back to their regular, drained state. She snapped her notebook closed, sliding it into her handbag in one practiced motion, and stood without meeting Gojo’s gaze. “Let’s go,” she said to Phoenix’s brushed past the bench barrier. She didn’t look back. Not once. She couldn’t.

Gojo stayed where he was, stick resting against his shoulder, watching them leave. He wasn’t confused— not exactly. But something about the abruptness, the way she’d shut herself off, stuck with him. Most people, especially women, at least found him charming, bantered back, and let him in easily. But Airi Kurose? She barely looked at him, even when he was right in front of her, and she did look at him with cool, unreadable glances as if she’d already decided he was a nuisance. It threw him off for sure, and for some reason, he couldn't stop thinking about it.

Still, he found himself wondering what she would’ve said if they’d had just a few seconds more. With a faint exhale, he shook his head, pushed off his skates, and glided back toward the locker room.

He couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to her than met the eye. Her guarded demeanor intrigued him, and he found himself wanting to understand what lay beneath the surface. For once, his usual charm seemed entirely ineffective, and it left him both curious and unsettled.

The ride back to campus was silent, to say the least. Phoenix was trying to get a read on the situation she walked in on. Airi hurried her way to the parking lot, not immediately connecting her phone to the aux, she buckled in and bit her bottom lip like she was deep in thought. Phoenix could tell her friend wasn’t in the mood for conversation.

She kept glancing over at her every couple of stop lights, trying to read something, anything from her blank expression. She knew Airi well enough to recognize when she needed space and this seems like one of those moments. The rest of the ride was filled with an uneasy quiet, both lost in their own thoughts.

Airi kept her attention on the landscape out the window. Watching the street lights light her dull face. Spotting all of the different buildings that shrink or grow double in size. The passing scenery seemed to blur together. Airi’s mind kept wandering back to Gojo’s harmless questions.

“You ever skate before, Kurose?” It was starting to scratch at her brain in all the wrong ways. She despised that one innocent question could trigger this many memories and a tidal wave of emotions.

When they got back to campus, Airi headed straight for the library, a peaceful place she liked to escape to, a place where the security guard greeted her by name upon her every arrival, and she didn’t reemerge until it closed.

Meanwhile, Phoenix made her way to the campus hockey arena. The players were filing in and out, hauling their sweat soaked uniforms to the laundry bins and stashing their gear into their lockers. She walked right past the bustling locker room, her duffel bag heavy on her shoulder, and stepped into the storage room.

Inside, she pulled out the extra medical supplies she’d bought and restocked and added things that weren’t there before. Fresh rolls of cohesive bandages, instant cold pack, antiseptic spray, sterile gauze pads, and elastic knee supports. Once everything was in place she wrote a rather detailed report of Riku’s minor injury— detailed enough for Shiu to type it up later, and left the paper neatly on his desk, just one door down on the opposite side of the storage room.

Closing the office door behind her, she turned— only to walk right into a wall of muscle, her nose brushed the firmness of biceps, the familiar sting on the bridge of her nose, and the faint clean scent hanging in front of her was oddly familiar.

She looked up to meet Zenin’s gaze.

“Ah— sorry… again,” she blurted.

He let out a quiet chuckle, deep and low. “Gotta start payin’ more attention to where ya goin'.”

The sound of his voice caught her off guard. She was used to hearing him bark orders to his teammates or shout at the referees from the ice, not speaking in a softer register. Deep and weighted but wrapped in something smooth, almost silk-like.

Phoenix dipped her head in apology quickly and almost reflexively, then added, “congrats on the win, you guys played great tonight,” before stepping past him. “Good night.”

Her voice carried very lightly down the narrow hallway as she walked away, the half-empty duffel bag of medical supplies swinging in rhythm with her stride. The overhead dull but fluorescent lights casted a pale sheen along the gray hoodie, loose and shapeless that seemed to swallow her frame. Her low swinging ponytail loosely swept up into a hair tie swung down her back with each step, the curls bouncing excitedly.

Toji’s gaze followed her without much effort drifting over the baggy dark washed denim that hung low and easy on her hips. The hem brushed over the tops of her sneakers, hiding even the smallest glimpse of ankle. Nothing caught the light, no curve revealed, no edge to hold onto, just layers of loose folds moving around her. His eyes wandered back up out of habit, but the motion felt mechanical.

There was nothing in the picture that demanded a second look. He gave a short breath through his nose, the faintest huff as Phoenix rounded the corner, then turned away toward the north exit, the sound of her footsteps fading behind him.

Phoenix Shizumu, a determined college student, takes on the unexpected role of team doctor for Aokawa University hockey team. What begins as a chance to gain experience soon turns into chaos as she constantly finds herself pulled into the lives of the players, dragging along her best friend, the sharp-tongued and guarded Airi Kurose, for support and company. But when Phoenix’s clumsy run ins with the brooding Toji Zenin spark a dangerous tension, and Airi catches the relentless attention of the ever charming Satoru Gojo, both girls discover that being close to the team means more than just taping injuries and cheering from the sidelines.

tags; jjk college au, non curse au, oc x toji, oc x gojo, hockey player gojo, hockey player toji, hockey player sukuna, hockey player geto, pothead gojo, angst, smut, hurt no comfort, slow burn, hurt with comfort, partying, drinking, corruption, smoking, dumb college kids, author has bad hockey knowledge

track 005; NIGHTS LIKE THIS - The kid LAROI

CW for this chapter: N/A

proofread + valuable insight from @pinkpachinko : part time editor, full time enabler ♡

zero, one, two, three, four, five, six

CHAPTER FIVE ᯓ NIGHTS LIKE THIS

Airi sat cross legged on her bed, her favorite leather-backed notebook open in her lap. she absent mindedly tapped her pen against the margins, scanning over half finished notes and scribbled thoughts. She hadn’t even realized she started mumbling quietly to herself until Phoenix’s voice cut in.

“you’re mumbling again…,” Phoenix teased from her bed, leaning back against the wall with her knees tucked to her chest.

“i’m not mumbling,” Airi muttered without looking up.

“mm-hm,” Phoenix hummed, unconvinced, turning back to Shoko who was draped across her bed in a way that seemed like it belonged to her. The two of them chatted idly about whatever was trending on the internet at the moment, Shoko’s voice lifting in a mock outrage before both of them dissolved into quiet laughter.

It was a comfortable early afternoon, the digital clock on the microwave read 12:10, but Airi could feel that restless itch crawling up the back of her neck. She'd been rereading the same sentence in her notebook for five minutes. The dorm was starting to feel a little warm and stuffy too. Finally, she closed the notebook, with a decisive snap. “we should go out,” she announced.

Shoko groaned without looking over at her. “go out…where?”

“anywhere,” Airi exhaled, standing and stretching. “I don't care, just somewhere that isn’t this room. Let's get lunch or something.”

Phoenix tiled her head thoroughly, dangling her legs off the side of her bed. “not a bad idea. there’s this new udon place near camp—”

“perfect,” Airi said before Phoenix could finish her sentence and before Shoko could protest again. “It's not freezing out, we can walk.”

The udon place wasn’t packed, but it was lively. the soft chatter from customers mixing with the clatter of dishes and the faint hiss of something frying in the kitchen. They grabbed a booth by the window, and sunlight spilled over the tabletop.

menus were barely glanced at before the door chimed and a familiar ripple of noise followed. Shoko glanced up absently, and then froze. The other two girls' attention turned towards the noise as well.

Satoru Gojo, in all his obnoxious, too tall glory, strolled in with a small group of teammates. Beside him was Toji Zenin, smirking at something Gojo had said, and Sukuna’s towering presence was impossible to ignore. The goalie, Riku Ito, trailed behind them along with another player that only Phoenix recognized.

“You have got to be kidding me.” Shoko muttered under breath, with tense shoulders. she looked over at Airi and Phoenix. “Gojo’s here. Which means in about thirty seconds or less, Gojo will also be here.”

Sure enough, as they were being shown to a table close to theirs, Gojo’s bright eyes swept lazily across the restaurant and landed right on their both. his grin lit up instantly.

“no, no, no, no, no,” Shoko whispered as she saw him moving towards them.

“Shoko!”

“no. no, no, no, no. I am not in the mood for you right now Gojo.”

“Lucky for you,” he said as he stopped in front of their booth. “im in the perfect mood for you.”

Without waiting for an invitation he knew would never come, he slid into the booth beside Shoko, nudging her over with his unyielding confidence of someone who had never considered he might be unwelcome.

Shoko pinched the bridge of her nose. “Do you not see the 'occupied' sign? It’s written in red on my forehead.”

“Relax, I'm not here to bother you, I just wanna meet your frie—” he started and glanced to the other side of the table. “Phoenix? Huh, small world.”

Phoenix sitting across from them gave a small smile and lifted her fingers in a lazy wave. “Gojo.”

his grin brightened again but before he could say anything else, his gaze slid over to the third person at the table, quietly sitting next to Phoenix. Airi.

she met his gaze with a flat unreadable stare. Her face was still, but her eyebrows betrayed her. A small furrow pulling them together and the faintest lift at the arch. She looked like she was trying to figure out if she was more confused or irritated by the fact that Gojo had just inserted himself into their lunch.

Gojo blinked once, caught off guard by the lack of the usual flustered reaction he got upon meeting strangers. Then in typical Gojo fashion, he recovered quickly, leaning back slightly.

“and you are…?”

Airi didn’t answer right away, just glanced briefly at Shoko as if to say this is your circus, handle your clown. Then recognition set in.

“oh!” Gojo said, leaning forward slightly, blue eyes lighting up. “ Wait… weren’t you at the game with Phoenix the other day? i thought you went to the rival school. I've never seen you around Aokawa before.”

he extended his hand towards her with a grin. “I'm Satoru Gojo. Pleasure.”

Airi looked at his hand, paused for a beat then subtly dismissed it. Instead she let her hands fall into her lap and spoke dryly. “Airi Kurose. Germaphobe.”

Gojo’s grin widened as he opened his mouth to continue to speak. Phoenix glanced over at the table where the rest of the hockey players had been seated. Riku and the other teammate were scanning the menu with a focused frown. Zenin and Sukuna were deep in conversation, Sukuna’s large frame leaning slightly towards Zenin as they exchanged words, though it seemed Zenin was doing most of the talking. Zenin’s eyes flicked up briefly, scanning the room, likely checking whether Gojo was returning back to their table.

But instead, his gaze found Phoenix. Phoenix was suddenly hyper-aware of him, not quite nerves, just the sudden realization that he had noticed her. Zenin’s expression was calm and unreadable, but there was a faint acknowledgement in the slight dip of his head. Then as quickly as it happened, he returned his attention back to Sukuna. Phoenix’s attention drifted back to the table where Airi sat beside her, silently scanning the menu as if studying the fine prints would make Gojo disappear.

Meanwhile, Gojo was still hovering beside Shoko, as she attempted to shove him out of the booth. “C’mon Shoko don't be like that, just tryna make new frien—”

Shoko gave up on forcing him out and exhaled, unamused. “Gojo, if i have to repeat myself one more time, i’m going to break something over your head and incapacitate you for the rest of the season.”

Phoenix suppressed a laugh glancing at Gojo who was only grinning.

“now.” Shoko demanded.

“Alright, alright, I'll leave. you're no fun.” he got up slowly pausing as he stood to his full height.

“Shoko, Phoenix…” his voice dipped ever so slightly as he addressed Airi. “ Kurose… enjoy your lunch ladies.”

with that he turned and headed back to his own table. Phoenix’s eyes lingered on Gojo as he sat down next to Riku and then, almost automatically her gaze flicked toward Zenin. Unlike before, Phoenix looked away first, pretending to be interested in whatever Shoko was saying to the waiter, that she hadn’t even noticed had come over.

Airi let out a quiet breath once the waiter left, her voice just above a murmur. “you were right… he is kind of annoying, and i only said three words to him.”

Shoko let out a low chuckle, shaking her head. “Be glad you dont know him like i do. seeing him in public is the equivalent to a humiliation ritual.”

Not long after they had settled into a steady conversation, their meals arrived, steaming bowls and carefully plated dishes that smelled comforting. The three of them ate at a leisurely pace, chatting in small bursts about classes, homework, professors and an occasional comment about the chaos from the table of hockey players. When they finished, they left without a hurry, shrugging on jackets and gathering their belongings.

They took the scenic route back to campus. Wandering along the tree-lined streets where the leaves were in full transition, golds red and burnt oranges blanketing the ground. Each step sent a small scattering of leaves dancing into the air. For a while the three of them walked in comfortable silence letting the rhythm of their footsteps and gentle crunching of leaves under their shows fill the space.

Phoenix Shizumu, a determined college student, takes on the unexpected role of team doctor for Aokawa University hockey team. What begins as a chance to gain experience soon turns into chaos as she constantly finds herself pulled into the lives of the players, dragging along her best friend, the sharp-tongued and guarded Airi Kurose, for support and company. But when Phoenix’s clumsy run ins with the brooding Toji Zenin spark a dangerous tension, and Airi catches the relentless attention of the ever charming Satoru Gojo, both girls discover that being close to the team means more than just taping injuries and cheering from the sidelines.

tags; jjk college au, non curse au, oc x toji, oc x gojo, hockey player gojo, hockey player toji, hockey player sukuna, hockey player geto, pothead gojo, angst, smut, hurt no comfort, slow burn and i mean it, hurt with comfort, partying, drinking, corruption, smut, smoking, dumb college kids, author has bad hockey knowledge and any sport in general

track 004; IM GOD - Clams Casino, Imogen Heap

CW for this chapter; N/A

proofread + valuable insight from @pinkpachinko: part time editor, full time enabler ♡

zero, one, two, three, four, five

CHAPTER FOUR ᯓIM GOD

The days leading up to the game flew by quicker than either of them expected. Airi— despite her initial reluctance— had spent any scrap of free time researching the basics of hockey. she figured if she had to sit through a game, she might as well be able to tell the difference between a winger and a defenseman. Even if Phoenix was going to be buried in work and nowhere near her, she wanted to at least make the experience tolerable for herself.

game day arrived cold and fast. Phoenix had caught the early bus to her parents house, hurriedly snagging the keys to her mothers car, kissing her cheek and thanking her over and over again as she skipped out of the house. She swung by the dorm to pick up Airi, who was already outside waiting in an expensive tan jacket. Airi claimed the aux the moment she buckled in, scrolling through her playlists like DJing was her full-time job. Phoenix didn’t argue, her mind was already drifting toward whether she had the injury report from the last game or if Shiu had it.

The hour and a half passed in a haze of Airi’s music and occasional short conversation. by the time they had rolled into the rival school’s parking lot, Phoenix was already in work mode. Her easy slouch was gone and replaced with purposeful posture. She parked and grabbed her duffel bag of extra medical supplies that Shiu didn’t have in the medical cabinet, and made her way inside with brisk steps.

The rival rink was colder than the one at home. Phoenix reported directly to the sidelines, standing just behind Shiu with her hands shoved into her jacket pockets. The duffel bag sat near the large container of medical supplies that Shiu had bought. on the ice, the two teams warmed up at opposite ends– sticks tapping the boards, blades carving sharp lines into the fresh surface.

Meanwhile, Airi had found a spot far enough away from the main clump of rowdy spectators to avoid being jostled, but still close enough to see the entire rink. from her vantage point she could spot Phoenix easily.

The game started with an intensity that had the rink buzzing. From the first drop of the puck, both teams skated like they had something to prove. sticks slapped against the ice, bodies echoed in Phoenix’s chest. Her eyes stayed locked on her team, scanning for any sign of strain, ready to move if she was needed.

Airi’s attention was just as sharp, though for an entirely different reason. while Phoenix was away getting her moms car for the journey, she’d asked Shoko about the hockey players she knew from high school and Shoko had rattled off a few names.

The first penalty of the night came fast— a blatant tripping call against their team; the Aokawa University Bears. Airi watched as the player pulled off his helmet to argue with the ref, his gloved hands cutting through the cold air sharp and impatient.

That's when she got a good look at his face. Satoru Gojo. According to Shoko, he’d been the only person from high school she spoke to regularly, though not without plenty of eye rolls at his antics. Even from across the rink he was hard to miss. Tall, broad-shouldered, with snowy white hair that stuck out wildly in places like he’d been doing somersaults with his helmet on. His skin was pale enough to stand out under the harsh rink lights and his features were sharp, almost too perfect, like someone carved them just to be annoying.

Gojo finally gave up on his protest, shoving his helmet back on with a long eye roll and skating towards the penalty box. When he turned, his back faced Airi, the number 19 bold and white against the deep blue uniform.

The first score of the night came not too long after that, just past the halfway mark of the first period, and it was none other than number 8, Suguru Geto. The puck slipped past the opposing goalie cleanly, and the few supporters from Aokawa University erupted into loud, unrestrained cheers, stomping on the bleachers as if their cheers alone could carry the team to victory. From Airi’s spot in the stand she caught sight of him as he skated past his teammates for congratulatory stick taps. Shoko had gone to high school with him as well. she spoke about him with a kind of quiet respect she hadn't given Gojo. seeing him now, Airi understood why.

Geto looked around the rink intensely, a few stray strands of black hair drenched with sweat clung to his forehead. He had a calm collected look in his eyes which contrasted the chaotic pace of the game. where Satoru’s style was flashy and relentless, Geto’s was patient and calculating, he seemed to glide rather than sprint, always a step ahead of where the puck was going, it wasn't as showy as Gojo’s explosive bursts of speed, but it was almost mesmerizing to watch.

the next goal went to the rival team. The majority of the stands erupted, the sound sharp and grating compared to the smaller cheers from Aokawa University. down on the ice Riku Ito, Aokawa’s goalie, was visibly frustrated. his helmet tilting back slightly as he dragged a gloved hand down his face. Shoko didn’t say much about him, only that she knew him through Gojo.

Then came another penalty, from Aokawa’s university. number 11, Toji Zenin.

Shoko’s reaction was an immediate slow, drawn out eye roll just like hearing his name was exhausting. She told Airi he was the most insufferable person she had ever encountered, the kind of guy who somehow managed to graduate high school without ever really trying. still Airi couldn’t deny he was a good player. even now, with the penalty called, there was a king of coiled control in the way he moved. He taunted the referee with an easy, almost lazy smirk, like he was enjoying the argument more than he cared about the outcome, before turning and skating towards the penalty box.

The next few goals came from none other than Ryomen Sukuna. The way Phoenix had described him on her first day had been dead on, he moved like a panther on ice, fluid and dangerous precision. Shoko had told Airi that Sukuna usually hung around Zenin, she didn’t go to high school with him but she heard things about him from Gojo and other people. The two of them were like some unholy duo, though Sukuna was always the quieter one. always in the corner watching, casing any room he stepped into like he owned it. But according to Shoko, his quiet exterior didn't make him any less of a slut than Toji was. Sukuna was impossible to miss on the ice. He was probably the biggest guy on the team. broad shoulders that filled out the white and dark blue jersey, legs like tree trunks under the pads and an intimidating build that still somehow moved fast. His hair was a reddish pink just as Phoenix had described, undercut sides, sharp angular features, his skin,littered with tattoos that peaked out from underneath his jersey, was tanner than the rest of the team which made him stand out even more.

By the end of the game, Aokawa University had secured the win 8 - 3. The boys on the ice exploded into cheers, sticks tapping against the boards, gloves slapping helmets. Across the rink the rival team’s faces were tight with frustration, their coach was pacing behind the bench, seething. Airi’s gaze followed a few of the Aokawa players— ones whose names she still didn’t know— and even Gojo skating over to Phoenix and Coach Shiu to highfive them. Phoenix returned the gesture with an easy smile, bending to grab her duffel bag stuffed with spare medical supplies while Shiu took the one from school he had packed. thankfully, there hadn’t been any major injuries, just a couple players coming to her for ice packs to keep swelling down after taking a puck to the hand, arm or leg.

Airi made her way down to the lowest level of the stands, the air was sharper and colder the closer she got to the rink. She stopped near the rink entrance leaning against the wall as players from both teams filed off the ice and toward the locker rooms.

Gojo came off with the last group, helmet tucked under one arm, stick in his other hand. He was slightly out of breath, chest still rising and falling from the game's final push. His sweat drenched hair clung messily to his forehead, a few stands curling messily from the dampness. His grin was broad and self satisfied, the look of someone who knew exactly how well he played tonight. For a brief second, there was recognition— he’d caught her watching during the first period and clearly hadn’t forgotten. that grin of his sharpened into something almost dangerously flirtatious before he tossed her a wink her way like there was a private joke between the two of them.

Airi’s face scrunched immediately, though he was already striding past her towards the locker room. She decided not to dwell on it and shifted her focus back to waiting for Phoenix.

The ride home was easy in a way that only Phoenix could make it feel the window cracked just a little letting the cold night fall air seep into the car, she let Airi take control of the music again, the soft hum of her playlist filling the space between them. Airi leaned her head back against the seat, the streetlights flickering over her distinct features as she spoke slowly.

“Did you know Shoko went to high school with a good amount of the team?” a quiet huff of laughter left her. “The first one she told me about was Satoru Gojo. loud, annoying, overly flirtatious, which checks out since he winked at me while I was waiting for you and always late to class.”

Phoenix giggled, her eyes on the road, “that makes… perfect sense.”

“and then there’s Suguru Geto,” Airi continued. “she said he’s calmer, hangs out with Gojo and mellows him out, kinda smart, kinda charming, talks his way out of any and everything.”

Phoenix nodded. "He's probably my favorite on the team, the nicest too— to me at least.”

Airi’s lip twitched into a smile. “Then there’s Toji Zenin.”

that earned her an actual laugh from Phoenix. “Oh god, don't even get me started on Zenin. i swear the refs have him on a watchlist, that mouth of his is gonna get him benched for an entire game one of these days.”

“Apparently he’s not shy off the ice either.” Airi chuckled. “Sukuna as well”

Phoenix shot her a quick glance. “Shoko told you that?”

“Mm-hm,” Airi hummed, glancing out the window. “She didn't say much about Sukuna though; she didn’t go to high school with him, just that he hangs around Zenin.”

Phoenix let out a small thoughtful sigh, relaxing further into the driver seat. “they’re all such…characters. But that’s hockey for you, big personalities and bigger egos.”

The rest of the drive drifted into lighter conversation. Phoenix pointed out a song from Airi’s playlist that she never heard or a song that she really liked. Airi made little comments about the artist of some of the songs until they fell into a comfortable silence as the road stretched on.

Phoenix Shizumu, a determined college student, takes on the unexpected role of team doctor for Aokawa University hockey team. What begins as a chance to gain experience soon turns into chaos as she constantly finds herself pulled into the lives of the players, dragging along her best friend, the sharp-tongued and guarded Airi Kurose, for support and company. But when Phoenix’s clumsy run ins with the brooding Toji Zenin spark a dangerous tension, and Airi catches the relentless attention of the ever charming Satoru Gojo, both girls discover that being close to the team means more than just taping injuries and cheering from the sidelines.

tags; jjk college au, non curse au, oc x toji, oc x gojo, hockey player gojo, hockey player toji, hockey player sukuna, hockey player geto, pothead gojo, angst, smut, hurt no comfort, slow burn and i mean it, hurt with comfort, partying, drinking, corruption, smut, smoking, dumb college kids, author has bad hockey knowledge and any sport in general

track 003; Glory and Gore - Lorde

CW for this chapter: N/A

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zero, one, two, three, four

CHAPTER THREE ᯓ GLORY AND GORE

The end of practice always smelled faintly of cold sweat and whatever brand of body spray the locker room was currently suffocating under. Phoenix stayed in the small storage room, a wall over from the locker room, sleeves rolled up, methodically reorganizing the medical cabinet. cotton rolls and antiseptic on the left, splints and wraps on the right, cold packs stacked neatly on the bottom shelf. The medical cabinet was tall and dented, with hinges that squeaked if you didn’t close it just right.

Through the thin wall, the noise shifted from echoing shouts to closer, heavier footsteps. lockers slammed shut. laughter bounced down the hallway as small clusters of players left in groups, still ribbing each other about botched plays or lucky goals. Then it got quiet.

Phoenix slid the clipboard with every player’s name, height, weight, allergy list, and injury record onto the top shelf, tucking it flush against the tin of gauze. She shut the cabinet with a soft click, turned the key until it caught, and dropped it into the kangaroo pocket of her oversized sweater. She flicked off the light. The storage room fell into shadow, and she stepped into the hallway, turning the door’s lock behind her.

when she turned around, she didn’t expect someone to be there. she walked straight into his arm. a solid, unmoving wall of muscle, the kind that gave a little but not enough to avoid the sting to the bridge of her nose. The long sleeve he wore was pulled tight over his bicep, the fabric stretching faintly over the shape of it. A low grunt rumbled from the man, nothing more than acknowledgment.

Phoenix stepped back automatically, muttering, “oh—’m sorry.” her voice going up an octave, startled. she'd thought everyone had already gone. she looked up.

tall. well over six feet. his shoulders filled most of the narrow hallway, forcing her to take in just how little space there was to move past him. His hair was dark and a little uneven in length, pushed back just enough to show sharp cheekbones and a faint scar running across the corner of his upper lip. Toji Zenin. Phoenix had never really gotten a good look at him.

his eyes were a deep, muted green, scanning her once with no urgency before flicking away. The look wasn’t hostile, but it wasn’t warm either. a black duffle bag hung from his shoulder, the strap digging slightly into the fabric of his shirt. He gave a short tilt of his chin, the silent it’s fine, and shifted sideways just enough to let her pass.

“thanks,” Phoenix mumbled, stepping by, feeling the press of the wall on one side and the brush of his sleeve on the other. They continued in opposite directions, her toward the south exit, him toward the dim stretch of hallway that led to the main entrance. she didn’t look back at first, but as her footsteps echoed, she found herself glancing over her shoulder. His broad back was already fading into the low light, duffle bouncing slightly against his side, until he turned the corner and disappeared.

It was edging close to 7 p.m. when Phoenix finally made it back to the dorm. The hallways were quiet, most doors shut, the faint sound of someone’s music leaking from two rooms down. Inside, the warm glow of their tiny desk lamp lit the place just enough to make it feel cozy. Only Airi was there, perched on the edge of her bed with her legs crossed, scrolling lazily through her phone while the small microwave balanced on top of their mini fridge hummed and spun something inside.

Airi looked up briefly when Phoenix entered, gray eyes catching hers for a moment. Phoenix gave a soft, tired, “hey,” as she set her bag down and headed straight for the narrow bathroom, so cramped it barely spanned an arm and a half wide. The hot shower was quick but enough to wash off the faint chill of the arena.

When she came back out, towel-dried hair curled widely around her, Phoenix padded over to her side of the room, pulling on a loose sweatshirt before flopping down on her bed.

"Where's Shoko?” she asked, glancing over at Shoko's unmade and empty bed.

Airi set an empty bowl aside and replied, “small party with some old friends from high school. She tried to drag me along.”

Phoenix tilted her head. “why didn’t you go?”

Airi gave her a dry, flat look that needed no explanation. “Have you ever been the party type?”

a faint smile tugged at Phoenix’s lips. “one small party won’t hurt you.”

“It might.”

They fell into an easy, comfortable silence after that, Airi settling back into her bed with her notebook, Phoenix leaning back against her pillows with her phone in hand. She idly scrolled through the hockey team’s shared schedule Shiu had sent her earlier in the week, eyes flicking past practice dates and game times until one particular line made her freeze.

“Oh crap,” she breathed, sitting up straighter.

Airi looked over with a raised eyebrow. “What?”

“There's an away game next week,” Phoenix groaned, dragging out the words like it was the worst possible news. “it's, like… an hour and change away. I'll have to borrow my mom’s car to get there.”

Airi shrugged lightly, attention already shifting back to her notebook. “so borrow it.”

Phoenix narrowed her eyes at her. “Can you come with me?”

Airi raised a brow. "To get your mom’s car?”

“No,” Phoenix said, shifting in her bed to better face her best friend. “to the game.”

Airi snorted. “Hell n—”

“Please?” Phoenix clasped her hands in mock prayer. “It'll be fun. I'll buy you food. You can even pick the music on the drive.”

Airi shook her head. "No Phoenix, bribing me isn't going to work either."

"Free rides, snacks, my eternal gratitude, pleaseee!"

After a long moment, Airi sighed like she was deeply burdened. she liked the sound of free rides. "Fine.”

Phoenix Shizumu, a determined college student, takes on the unexpected role of team doctor for Aokawa University hockey team. What begins as a chance to gain experience soon turns into chaos as she constantly finds herself pulled into the lives of the players, dragging along her best friend, the sharp-tongued and guarded Airi Kurose, for support and company. But when Phoenix’s clumsy run ins with the brooding Toji Zenin spark a dangerous tension, and Airi catches the relentless attention of the ever charming Satoru Gojo, both girls discover that being close to the team means more than just taping injuries and cheering from the sidelines.

tags; jjk college au, non curse au, oc x toji, oc x gojo, hockey player gojo, hockey player toji, hockey player sukuna, hockey player geto, pothead gojo, angst, smut, hurt no comfort, slow burn, hurt with comfort, partying, drinking, corruption, smut, smoking, dumb college kids, author has bad hockey knowledge and any sport in general

track 002; Eyes On Fire - Blue Foundation

CW for this chapter: N/A

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zero, one, two, three

CHAPTER TWO ᯓ EYES ON FIRE

The weeks before hockey season stretched out with a slow, heavy rhythm that made time crawl for Phoenix. days blended into one another filled with long hours at the athletic training center, late nights studying anatomy and emergency protocols, and stolen moments practicing taping techniques on herself. The excitement of the interview was already a memory, replaced by the quiet anticipation of what was to come.

One chilly afternoon, coach Shiu finally called her in for a brief orientation. the coach’s office smelled faintly of old cigarettes and old leather. Shiu stood by a cluttered desk, pushing a large folder toward her. His gaze was sharp but patient as he gave a rundown.

“The medical supplies are here,” He said, pointing to a locked cabinet against the wall. “access it with this key,” He handed her a small gold key. “You're in charge of bandages, tape, ice packs, and anything the players need during games and practice.”

Phoenix nodded, absorbing the details with focused attention.

“Practice starts at four sharp. sit through it, watch, listen. Get a feel for the players, how they move, how they act off the ice. It's not just about injuries. It's about understanding the team.”

By mid-afternoon, Phoenix found herself alone in the vast bleachers of the ice rink, the chilly air swirling around her. The bright overhead lights reflected off the ice below, casting long shadows as the players skated laps and ran drills. She hugged her arms against the chill, eyes wide and observant as she took in the chaotic energy of the sharp shouts, the thud of sticks, the occasional grunts and curses as skaters collided.

As the drills wound down, murmurs started floating through the team. The players exchanged glances and nudged one another, casting curious looks up toward the bleachers. Phoenix caught snippets of the chatter but kept her gaze steady, notebook open, jotting down observations. When practice finally ended, she gathered her things and made her way down the stairs. Few of the players watched quietly as she passed, some exchanging nods, others simply sizing her up.

The soft glow of the dorm room wrapped around them like a warm blanket. Phoenix, Shoko, and Airi gathered on the worn couch, textbooks and notebooks pushed aside as the evening slipped into quiet camaraderie.

"How was practice?" Shoko asked.

Phoenix settled back against the cushions. “Practice was… something else,” she said, voice low but charged with excitement.

Airi looked up from her leather notebook, eyes curious. “What were they like?”

Phoenix smiled faintly. "Loud, aggressive. There's this one guy… quiet, reddish-pink hair. He moves differently, like he’s hunting, rather then just skating.”

Shoko raised an eyebrow, a grin tugging at her lips. “tattoos?” she asked casually.

Phoenix frowned, thinking. “I couldn't tell. He keeps his sleeves rolled down.”

Shoko laughed softly, shaking her head. “i went to high school with a few guys on the team. Trust me, they’re the biggest whores and most insufferable people on campus.”

Airi snorted, a rare break in her usual monotone. “Sounds like they’re good at hockey, then.”

The days slipped by in a steady rhythm, each practice blurring into the next. Phoenix settled into her routine, claiming a spot in the bleachers just high enough to watch without being seen too easily. The players took time to notice her presence. She preferred it that way. From this quiet distance, she could watch and learn without interference.

The first game arrived faster than she expected. The ice gleamed under the harsh arena lights, the crowd buzzing with anticipation. The rink smelled of cold metal and sweat, the sound of skates cutting ice sharp and unrelenting.

Phoenix’s heart beat steadily as she took a seat inside the penalty box — a neutral island amid the storm of the game. Most of the time, she was alone, the minutes stretching thin between bursts of tension on the ice. Twice, the ravenette joined her, sliding into the cold seat opposite her without a word. The shadows of concentration darkened his sharp features. He offered no glance her way, and Phoenix met his silence with equal measure.

By the end of the game, the ice had been sliced and battered but mercifully, no one required Phoenix’s attention beyond a few minor checks. The crowd’s roar faded as the final buzzer sounded, and players began peeling off their gear, some laughing, others grinding their teeth in frustration.

A voice rang out, clear and commanding.

“Zenin! get over here.”

The ravenette she had shared the penalty box with stiffened and turned sharply toward the locker room entrance where coach Shiu waited.

Toji Zenin— his name flashed in Phoenix’s mind like a spark.

Phoenix gathered her things carefully, methodically packing up the small medical kit she’d kept by her side throughout the game. the rattling of ice packs and the soft rustle of bandages filled the otherwise still penalty box.

She slid the first aid supplies into a worn canvas bag, zipped it closed, and hoisted it over her shoulder. The familiar weight was oddly comforting after the long hours of watching and waiting.

With one last glance around the emptying rink, she stepped down from the box, the cold air still lingering on her skin.

The hallways of the arena smelled faintly of sweat and stale popcorn, but for Phoenix, it was a small victory that this first game was at home. No long drives or late-night travel meant she could keep her routine, keep her footing steady.

She made her way to the supply closet near the locker rooms, unlocking it with the small key Shiu had given her. Inside, rows of neatly stacked medical supplies awaited. Tape rolls, ice packs, bandages, antiseptics, and more.

She methodically put everything away, her movements steady despite the lingering adrenaline.

Phoenix Shizumu, a determined college student, takes on the unexpected role of team doctor for Aokawa University hockey team. What begins as a chance to gain experience soon turns into chaos as she constantly finds herself pulled into the lives of the players, dragging along her best friend, the sharp-tongued and guarded Airi Kurose, for support and company. But when Phoenix’s clumsy run ins with the brooding Toji Zenin spark a dangerous tension, and Airi catches the relentless attention of the ever charming Satoru Gojo, both girls discover that being close to the team means more than just taping injuries and cheering from the sidelines.

tags; jjk college au, non curse au, oc x toji, oc x gojo, hockey player gojo, hockey player toji, hockey player sukuna, hockey player geto, pothead gojo, angst, smut, hurt no comfort, slow burn, hurt with comfort, partying, drinking, corruption, smoking, dumb college kids, author has bad hockey knowledge

track 001; Ready to Start - Arcade Fire

CW for this chapter: N/A

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zero , one , two

word count: 1.2k

CHAPTER ONE ᯓ READY TO START



Aokawa University’s courtyard basked in the soft warmth of a late early morning. Dappled sunlight filtered through the orange leaves of the towering oaks, casting a patchwork of light and shadow over the concrete benches and winding walkways. Students passed by in small groups, some chatting animatedly, others lost in their own worlds, headphones on or eyes glued to screens. the gentle murmur of campus life was punctuated by the occasional distant laugh or the sharp clack of sneakers on pavement.

Phoenix Shizumu sat on a weathered wooden bench beneath a large maple tree, the sprawling branches above providing a cool refuge. Her posture was relaxed but purposeful. One leg crossed over the other, her lean athletic frame partially swallowed by an oversized striped collared shirt layered under a well-worn gray hoodie. The soft curl of her black hair was gathered loosely at the nape of her neck, a single pencil tucked behind her ear. Her dark brown eyes, usually guarded, flicked between the text-heavy pages of her sports medicine textbook and the muted glow of her phone screen resting on the book’s edge.

to her left, Shoko Ieiri lounged on the adjacent bench, her posture casual, ankles crossed as she scrolled absent mindedly through her phone. The low hum of chewing gum was the only sound she made, occasionally popping a piece into her mouth. Shoko’s light brown eyes flicked up briefly to glance at Phoenix, noting the intense focus she usually carried, and today was no different. across from them, Airi Kurose maintained a stark contrast in demeanor. Sitting upright, legs tucked neatly to the side, her slender fingers hovered over the worn leather notebook lying open on the bench beside her. The soft rhythm of her pen scratching against paper was nearly drowned out by the music playing through her headphones. Her slightly wavy ash brown hair was tousled carelessly but somehow purposefully, her bangs swooped to the left falling just above her tired, downturned gray eyes that carried a permanent weight of sleepless nights. the quiet between the three was comfortable, almost companionable, a peaceful bubble amid the bustle of the day.

Suddenly , Phoenix’s phone buzzed against the textbook. She barely registered it at first, then curiosity pulled her thumb across the screen to unlock it. Her breath hitched as her eyes caught the sender’s name and subject: “Shiu Kong: Application Review — Interview Invitation.” a small, involuntary gasp escaped her lips.

Shoko raised an eyebrow and gave a soft hum, tilting her head slightly toward the glowing screen in Phoenix’s hand. The silent question was clear: what is it? Phoenix blinked, startled to find she already had Shoko’s full attention. A tentative smile tugged at the corner of her mouth as she turned the phone just enough to reveal the message.

“its from the hockey team’s head coach,” she smiled, “they want to interview me for the on-call traveling medical nurse position.” Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of disbelief and excitement. “i wasn’t expecting this.”

Shoko’s lips twitched upward into a rare smile, her nod slow but meaningful. “That's huge, Phoenix. You deserve it.” from the corner of her eye, Phoenix noticed Airi pulling one headphone free, letting it fall into her lap. Her expression remained calm but there was a subtle shift in the soft lines of her face as she prepared to take in the news.

“whats going on?” Airi asked, voice low but steady.

Phoenix glanced at her friends, feeling a rare surge of warmth. “i applied a few weeks ago to be the hockey team’s medical nurse… and now they want to interview me.”

“congrats,” Airi said simply, but the corners of her eyes softened. For her, that was basically cheering. The quiet returned, but it wasn’t the same. There was a faint current of good news under it now, something that hummed between them until they finally parted ways for the day. The weight of possibility hung lightly around Phoenix’s shoulders, buoying her spirits even as she dove into her studies. Later, she found herself at her professor’s office, poring over medical diagrams and academic articles, determined to prepare herself for whatever questions the interview might bring.

Meanwhile , Airi retreated to the far corner of the campus library, headphones back in place, surrounded by piles of political science texts. Her eyes moved methodically over dense paragraphs, notes meticulous and precise. Shoko, by contrast, wandered back to their shared dorm room, slipping into comfortable clothes and letting the background hum of her favorite playlist wash over her as she scrolled through her phone, the energy of the day settling around her like a quiet promise.

The day of the interview arrived quicker than Phoenix could blink. the sterile scent of disinfectant mingled with the faint aroma of coffee in the athletic department offices. Phoenix’s heart fluttered beneath the surface as she approached the reception desk, the sound of her sneakers clicking against the polished floor echoing softly. After a brief wait, she was directed to a small office at the end of the corridor. Her fingers briefly smoothed the hem of her oversized polo shirt before she knocked twice, waiting for the call.

“Come in,” came the firm voice from within.

she stepped inside, the room modest but functional. Behind a neatly organized desk sat Shiu Kong, the head coach of the hockey team. His sharp gaze took her in quickly, the kind of look that measured confidence and competence in equal parts.

“Phoenix Shizumu,” she introduced herself, her voice steady despite the nervous flutter in her chest.

“Have a seat,” Shiu invited, gesturing toward the chair across from him.

The interview began with questions about her education, certifications, and hands-on experience. Phoenix answered each with practiced clarity.

“How comfortable are you with blood?” Shiu asked, his tone neutral but eyes locked on hers.

“Comfortable ,” Phoenix replied without hesitation, recalling late nights spent studying injury recovery and emergency care.

“Broken bones?”

“I've set a few,” she said, the memory of her clinical rotations sharpening her confidence.

“Twenty-two-year-old men on skates trying to kill each other?” He added, arching a brow.

Phoenix allowed herself a small, wry smile. “I grew up with four older brothers who all played rugby. I'll manage.”

a faint, approving smirk softened Shiu’s otherwise stern features.

“do you have transportation for away games?” he asked, voice pragmatic.

“Yes, I do.” she confirmed. Shiu scribbled something down.

he gave a small smirk and raised an eyebrow when he looked back up at her. “looks like you know how athletes get. gotta keep distractions down, huh?” his glance flicked back to her extra large polo and baggy jeans. “what was your name again?”

Phoenix blinked, caught slightly off guard by the casual tone and unexpected remark. “P-Phoenix,” she replied, steadying herself.

“Shizumu,” she added quickly, sensing the unspoken test behind his question.

Shiu nodded thoughtfully. “right . write down your contact info. we’ll reach out when the season starts in a few weeks." Phoenix took the pen and scribbled her details carefully, feeling the weight of the moment settle in her chest.

“Alright, Phoenix Shizumu. welcome to the team, for now,” Shiu said, a hint of a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth as he stood to see her out.

She left the office, heartbeat steady, palms slick with nervous energy but also feeling a wave of relief wash over her.

Phoenix Shizumu, a determined college student, takes on the unexpected role of team doctor for Aokawa University hockey team. What begins as a chance to gain experience soon turns into chaos as she constantly finds herself pulled into the lives of the players, dragging along her best friend, the sharp-tongued and guarded Airi Kurose, for support and company. But when Phoenix’s clumsy run ins with the brooding Toji Zenin spark a dangerous tension, and Airi catches the relentless attention of the ever charming Satoru Gojo, both girls discover that being close to the team means more than just taping injuries and cheering from the sidelines.

tags; jjk college au, non curse au, oc x toji, oc x gojo, hockey player gojo, hockey player toji, hockey player sukuna, hockey player geto, pothead gojo, angst, smut, hurt no comfort, slow burn and i mean it, hurt with comfort, partying, drinking, corruption, smoking, dumb college kids, author has bad hockey knowledge

CW for this chapter: N/A

proofread + valuable insight from @pinkpachinko : part time editor, full time enabler ♡

zero, one

PROLOGUE

A soft breath hurriedly escaped from her smooth, swelling lips, once filled with purity and chastity. Was this really how this kind of stuff went? Were they always this suffocating and filled to the brim with sensuality? An increase in her heartbeat, viciously attacking her, made her squirm uncontrollably. The LED lights peeking through the crack of the closet door, sparing them from the darkness, also granted them the look of greed in each other’s eyes. Ear-splitting music floods through the party house, bursting into all of the rooms, making sure there is no silence left.

Even with this unhinged, feral environment that was tossed into her, it all seemed to disappear with the click of a button. The small, confined closet they were brought into felt like a panic room, nothing but madness crawling through her brain that filled her mind with corrupted feelings. Whatever was going on with her mentality is portraying how she is physically in the moment.

Why me? Why now? And why him, especially? She sensibly thought through her panicked state. Even with her current state of mind right now, she sure is holding up fine. At the moment.

She hasn’t even looked at him since they were shoved in there. She didn’t need to. There he was, looking ever so chillingly sexy, just sitting in the corner of the closet. She felt his gaze on her, just there.

She could feel it. The weight of his stare, lazy yet deliberate, like he had all the time in the world to watch her squirm. Her back pressed to the opposite wall, knees pulled up just enough to create the illusion of distance, though every inch of the air between them felt electric.

Her fingers twitched at her sides, betraying her nerves. She didn’t know if it was the alcohol buzzing faintly in her veins, the faint heat radiating from his body despite the space, or the dangerous curve of that half-smile he wore like a secret only he was in on.

God, he wasn’t even doing anything. Just existing. And somehow, that was worse.

The countdown outside the door felt a lifetime away. Every second stretched, warped, and bent around the sound of her own pulse in her ears.

She finally risked a glance.

Mistake.

His eyes caught hers like a hook, pulling without permission. There was no smirk now, just something sharper, heavier. Something that made her forget for one split, traitorous second that she hated this game.

Maybe this was it. Maybe this was what people called Escapism — that reckless plunge into something you knew could ruin you, but still, you couldn’t stop leaning toward it. Maybe this was living freely.

The bass from the party thudded once, twice, and then the closet door rattled with laughter from the person who had shoved them in here.

Seven minutes, they’d said.

Seven minutes suddenly felt like forever.