sou

It's significant that buses are an important site already for Yiyong, before the main events of the drama begin. A bus was the site of his worst memory, the bus crash that killed his father and landed Yiyong and his grandfather in the hospital, the bus they were on because Yiyong slept in (which he hasn't forgiven himself for).

The main reason Yiyong wasn’t hurt worse or killed, as far as I can tell, is because he moved out of the path of the collision just before it happened—his kind dad urged him to go have a seat in the back rather than stand. It's the last communication he has with his father--silent, a text message, a surly teen grudgingly listening to his parent. And then the freak accident happens, the plane collides with the bus, and Yiyong's world collapses.

So what about post-coma, when he starts riding the bus again?

When he’s alone, he's returning to and grieving the memory of his dad’s last moments. When he’s with Guangyan, however, the experience is different.

First Bus Stop Encounter: Ep 4

Things are tense between them here—it’s their first case together (tattoo lady), and Guangyan is still in denial about what the hell is going on right in front of his sweater vest. I love my fussy, self-absorbed neurotic meow meow.

These boys are still not friends, they are constantly thinking back to and remembering their high school drama years, BUT this is also the episode where the nature of the supernatural case makes Guangyan’s curiosity overcomes his fear and dislike of Yiyong; on the other side of it, Yiyong—still figuring out his own deal as an on-call spectral scribe—gets the reassurance of another person who knows what’s going on and can help. Despite the mutual antagonism, he always acknowledges that Guangyan is smart, and he could use a braincell or two on this team (so sad he won't get it).

The very awkward beginning to their bond is apparent here in the way Yiyong (freshly unemployed) has waited for Guangyan’s bus back from school to get his input, but has to threaten him into walking back together and helping out.

First Bus Ride Together: Still Ep 4

On the way back from looking at the John Doe body, they ride the bus together—but start out sitting far apart. They’ve only just started working together to figure out what happened to the John Doe, so it’s incredibly awkward and there’s a lack of communication between them.

However, we can see the beginnings of a softening between them. Behold Guangyan’s little pout when he sees Yiyong hasn’t come to sit with him. His house cat energy is off the charts here: “I hate him I hate him I hate—WHY ISN’T HE SITTING WITH ME???”

Yiyong, who has clearly not picked up on Anything and is still in case mode, casually starts yelling to Guangyan right there and then about corpses (I love him and his complete lack of care for what people think) and the flustered Guangyan scurries over to sit with him to have this conversation privately, for the love of god.

It’s the first time they sit together and it’s important that Guangyan is the one to initiate it, even if it stems from his fear of what people will think of them.

We still see the pole dividing them, but they’re physically closer now. Yiyong is already using and trusting Guangyan's medical knowledge, and even though they're in the "one step forward, two steps back" phase, it's a start.

The Second Bus Ride Together: Ep 6

The next time is completely different—they’re on their little “stalk the potential kidnapper” date and Guangyan, whose chaotic side is jumping out this episode, is on his usual quest to have Yiyong draw the specter for him.

They’re practically squished in together, with mirroring postures. The pole is now to one side, setting them apart from everyone else.

This is the day that Guangyan skips school to follow Yiyong to a theme park, which we know from his dad is completely out of character. He even comes home with a souvenir toy Yiyong won for him. This is a dynamic that is starting to change.

The Second Bus Stop Encounter: Ep 7

Yiyong’s grandfather has nearly died, and he decides a pre-med student is the best person to get for medical advice. It’s a way of saying without saying, “I trust you, please help me,” which takes the form of Yiyong frantically dragging Guangyan off his bus to school while berating him for not answering his phone. Gotta love this messy little gremlin.

The interesting thing is that Guangyan actually capitulates and goes with him, despite the little performance of protest—he skips school again to be with Yiyong.

The Third Bus Ride Together: Still Ep 7

On their way back from the hospital, we get a fantastic reversal of the first bus ride, where the boys sat down apart and only talked about medical questions. Here, the second they get on the bus, Yiyong casually drags Guangyan to sit with him. He asks Guangyan to video chat with him to help him with a dream, and even gives Guangyan an absent-minded shoulder pat on his way off the bus.

For all his “never in all my life” pearls-clutching act, Guangyan goes along with it and they are once again a united front.

The Third Bus Stop Encounter: Ep 10

Our final bus scene so far (episode 11 and 12 don’t come out until Saturday) is a reversal of the very first “waiting for Guangyan’s bus” scene (see the first bus stop encounter above). The poses are essentially the same, but everything else has changed--the camera view has switched so Yiyong is now on the left and Guangyan is on the right, it's daytime instead of nighttime, and their relationship has grown leaps and bounds.

Look at my babies. The Growth. The fact that they are sitting close together, not because they’re squished into bus seats (plenty of room on that bench, Guangyan honey), but by choice. It’s all about the we statements now, Guangyan has been out there defending Yiyong to the world and Yiyong no longer has to drag him into things, he has a real friend now. They've shared a bed multiple times, Guangyan knows Yiyong's favorite foods, Yiyong has apologized and been vulnerable in front of him...they are at the same bus stop as the beginning of their re-acquaintance, but miles away from what they used to be.

AND it’s in this scene that Guangyan gives Yiyong the cutest, tiniest little smile in response to Yiyong’s sarcastic joke, which absolutely spooks our boy. I know this is supposedly not a BL, but Yiyong’s response that Guangyan shouldn’t make such weird faces at him because it is giving him goosebumps, and abruptly walking away—mmhmm sweetie I’ve been there too.

Sukuna forgets to walk for a moment. His mouth feels dry at the onslaught of emotions washing over him. 

Home.

No luxuries in the world managed to turn this penthouse into a home. Not when it was always empty and silent upon Sukuna's return. It was a place to sleep but no home, Sukuna realizes with surprising clarity.

A home is something different. It's a feeling. It's a feeling of comfort and security. A feeling of belonging. A feeling of love and warmth.

The feeling Sukuna experiences when he looks at Yuuji.

He can't function for a moment and just lingers in the middle of the room and stares at the beautiful boy standing by his window wearing his clothes and watching the raindrops run down the window, greeting him after a long day of work, waiting for Sukuna in his apartment like he belongs here.

And he does belong here.

It is almost overwhelming how much sense everything makes all of a sudden. This is right. This is how it always should be. How Sukuna wants it for the rest of his life.

He quickly crosses the few meters between them and wraps his arms around Yuuji, hugging him tightly from behind before he presses a gentle kiss to the side of Yuuji's neck.

"Hey, darling. How was your day? How are you feeling?"

"I'm ok, I think. Better than yesterday. You helped me a lot, Sukuna."

Yuuji leans against him, resting most of his weight on Sukuna, trusting him to hold him, trusting him to be there for him. And Sukuna's pulse flutters. He has so naturally taken on the role of taking care of Yuuji. Offering him his strength and reassurance when Yuuji needed it. And Yuuji allows him to do that. It makes Sukuna's head spin how good this feels.

He would lay anything he has at Yuuji's feet just to make him happy. Strong, powerful Sukuna, the CEO of a successful company, a rich and influential businessman. But as powerful as he is in every other aspect of his life, Yuuji is the one who has power over him. Yuuji has a hold on Sukuna like no one else. On Sukuna's heart, on his feelings.

It's a thought that scared Sukuna just a few weeks ago. It's the kind of thought that made him run and shut himself away.

But now it's not scary anymore. It feels right. This is what he wants. This is what gives his existence meaning. This is what makes him feel alive. Caring for Yuuji, loving him, and letting himself be soft for this beautiful man, no matter how vulnerable it makes him.

Suddenly it's all clear as day. Suddenly it's easy.

Sukuna loves Yuuji. He is in love with Yuuji. And he doesn't want to fight it or run from it. He wants to love, he wants to trust, and he wants to give his all.

And now he finally has to get those words out and say them out loud to the one they are meant for.

Sukuna's arms tighten around Yuuji, holding him safely as Sukuna rests his chin on Yuuji's shoulder. A soft smile tugs at his lips as he gazes outside the window, looking at the endless glittering lights of the city beneath them. A sea of light, an array of millions of people living in this huge city. He wonders briefly how many of them have found a true home. How many of them are holding the one they love in their arms right now too.

And then Sukuna finally says those magical words, his voice low and soft against the warm skin of Yuuji's neck,

"I love you, Yuuji."

He can hear and feel Yuuji's sharp intake of breath. And then Yuuji turns his head, and his pretty honey eyes blink at Sukuna, wide with surprise. His lips part in an inaudible "oh."

But before he can say anything, Sukuna quickly adds,

"I owe you an apology. I hurt you, and I have regretted that every day since then. I am sorry for pushing you away and running away from my feelings. I am not sure I can be the right man for you, not after acting so childish and putting you through all that. I'm not sure I deserve you. But I don't want to run anymore. I want you in my life. Not as an escort or just an acquaintance. I want you officially by my side. As my partner, as the man I love. I understand if you say no, and I will respect any decision you make. I understand if I am just a former client to you. But I want you to know how I truly feel about you. And if you let me, I will always be there for you, even if you say it was just business to you."

Yuuji stares at him, his eyes full of wonderous astonishment. Tears glisten in those pretty eyes and spill over as Sukuna watches. Two thick drops run slowly down Yuuji's cheeks, and Sukuna wants to lean down and kiss them away. But he stops himself. He waits patiently for Yuuji to tell him it's ok. To tell him Sukuna is allowed to do that, that he is allowed to stay in Yuuji's life.

Yuuji turns around in his arms, standing before him in Sukuna's clothes, tears running down his beautiful face. He reaches out to cup Sukuna's cheek with his hand, caressing it tenderly with his thumb. A touch as tender as the expression on his face.

His voice is thick with tears, but not the way he sounded yesterday. Not stricken by grief. This time he sounds happy.

"You haven't been just a client to me for a long time, Sukuna. I... I thought I messed everything up because I was so bad at hiding how much I like you. I thought you were uncomfortable with me having feelings for you. I thought it was too obvious how I felt. That I am...that I am so in love with you."

Sukuna's heart skips a beat at Yuuji's words, warmth flooding him, and relief washes over him that is so intense that he feels like a heavy weight was finally lifted off his shoulders.

He looks deeply into Yuuji's eyes while his arms circle around his waist. Holding him in his arms, but in a way that allows Yuuji to pull away at any time.

"Consider it carefully, darling. You have all the time in the world. I don't want you to feel pressured."

But Yuuji shakes his head vehemently,

"I don't need time! I love you, and I want to be with you! You are good for me, Sukuna! Can't you see? You were there for me when I needed you the most. You are a man who lives up to his mistakes and who takes responsibility. And we both messed things up. I should have been more direct about my feelings too. And my job was to fulfill my clients' fantasies and give them the illusion of love. Of course, you were reluctant to take a step further. But you haven't been a job to me for months. I daydreamed about us dating for real for a long time already."

He looks at Sukuna with big honey eyes and a cute blush on his tan cheeks. There is a hopeful glimmer in his eyes. And so much warmth. Sukuna feels like he will drown in those warm golden eyes. And this time, he doesn't want to turn back before that can happen.

"I'm glad we managed to work it out, baby. I promise you I will always be open with you from now on. No more hiding how I feel. I will be a better man. I will take care of you and give you all I've got from now on."

"You already do, Sukuna."

Yuuji's voice cracks, and he quickly presses his strong body tightly against Sukuna, capturing his lips in a firm kiss.

Sukuna's arms wrap tightly around him, caressing Yuuji's muscular back through the hoodie he's wearing, kissing him with deep, tender caresses of his tongue, smiling when Yuuji melts against him, warm and strong. 

When they pull away again, Yuuji looks dazed.

"So that means...we are dating now? Wow! This feels like a dream. I never thought I could have you!"

His cuteness makes Sukuna laugh softly, reaching out to pet Yuuji's soft pink hair affectionately while his other arm is still wrapped around Yuuji's waist, still holding him in his arms, not willing to let go.

"And I never thought I could have you."

Fresh tears run down Yuuji's cheeks at Sukuna's words, and this time Sukuna really kisses them off his face. His lips lift in a gentle smile when he cups Yuuji's cheek and lets his gaze travel over that beautiful face, those pretty honey eyes that always hold so much warmth, those soft lips that taste so sweet and say such cute things. He can't stop himself from getting drowned in affection for his sweet lover.

Sometimes home is a person, he realizes. And that person is standing before him right now.

A matching smile spreads over Yuuji's face, brighter than the sun. They both grin at each other, and a laugh bursts out of Yuuji's mouth, happy and sweet. His eyes sparkle at Sukuna with so much happiness and excitement that it warms Sukuna from the inside.

And finally, Sukuna is truly home for the first time in his life.

They finally got it right. Yuuji is his. And Sukuna is Yuuji's.

December, a year later.

A low groan escapes Sukuna's mouth as the zipper of his suit pants gets dragged down expertly by Yuuji's teeth. His hips buck when his boyfriend nuzzles his warm cheek sweetly against the throbbing bulge in Sukuna's black boxer briefs.

"Ah, Fuck! Can't get enough of my cock, sweetheart?"

Sukuna smiles as his gaze slips down to where Yuuji is kneeling between his spread legs on the floor of Sukuna's office. He cups Yuuji's cheek tenderly, trailing his thumb over the smooth, warm skin before his fingers wander into Yuuji's hair to caress it gently.

Yuuji is a sight for sore eyes with his flushed cheeks and the horny look on his pretty face. His tongue darts out to wet his pretty pink lips, licking them seductively before he nods and smiles sweetly back at Sukuna.

"Hmm yeah, baby, I can never get enough of you."

The first tender kiss lands on Sukuna's cock, making his breath catch in his throat and his hand tighten in Yuuji's soft pink hair.

Yuuji's firm hands caress Sukuna's thighs, kneading his muscles gently as Yuuji takes Sukuna lovingly into his warm mouth.

And then Yuuji sucks on Sukuna's tip, and Sukuna's head falls back against the headrest of his office chair while a low groan escapes his parted lips.

For the next few minutes, the room is filled with the sounds of sex. The wet slurping noises of Yuuji bopping his sweet mouth on Sukuna's cock. The cute mewls in the back of Yuuji's throat. And the low moans and soft curses falling from Sukuna's lips. And all the while, Yuuji's pretty honey eyes gaze up at Sukuna with so much love and adoration that it makes Sukuna's head spin.

Outside his office room, the annual Christmas party of the S.H.R.I.N.E Group is in full swing. An event Sukuna dreads every year because he loathes the fake smiles and stupid small talk he has to make with his distant family members who only ever come into his headquarters if they get something for free, like the exquisite banquet and the luxurious gifts everyone receives at the end of the party.

But this year the Christmas event is much better. Because this year, Sukuna has Yuuji with him, and his sweet boyfriend is helping him take the edge off in the best way.

They only have a few stolen minutes here after they managed to sneak away from the party, but they make good use of them.

Soon Yuuji is on Sukuna's lap, riding him on his office chair while their lips meet in a heated needy kiss.

Sukuna smiles in between kisses, his lips brushing over Yuuji's neck and his jaw,

"How long have you been planning to fuck me in my office, sweetheart?"

"For months, actually. And when you told me about the Christmas party, I couldn't resist the opportunity. But can you blame me? I just want to give my boyfriend some sexy memories to think about when he gets bored at work. You'll never look at this chair the same again after tonight. I'll make sure of that, baby."

Yuuji smiles that stunning sunshine smile and cocks his head cutely, winking at Sukuna even as a loud gasp falls from his lips when Sukuna rolls his hips to fuck deeper into him. Somehow he manages to look cheeky and innocent at the same time when he adds,

"Merry Christmas, Kuna."

Sukuna can't help but laugh softly.

"Merry Christmas to you too, darling. You give the best presents."

Actually, Yuuji is the best gift himself. Sukuna's sweet and sexy boyfriend. He braces himself on Sukuna's pecs, digging his nails into the firm muscles, leaving his marks on Sukuna's body as he bounces so cutely on his cock, moaning Sukuna's name in that shaky way that always drives Sukuna wild.

Before he knows it, Sukuna already grabs Yuuji's black tie, the only piece of clothing he is currently wearing, wraps it around his wrist, and tugs firmly on it to pull Yuuji into another deep kiss.

Their soft moans fill the room, followed by whispered words of praise and love when Sukuna's fingers sprawl over Yuuji's hips, guiding him up and down on his cock as they both ride out the last waves of their orgasms.

Sukuna has never enjoyed any Christmas party as much as the one tonight.

A few minutes later, Sukuna is strolling out of his private bathroom, tugging himself back into his pants and buttoning up his dress shirt after wiping Yuuji's cum off his skin.

His gaze drifts over to his desk. Yuuji is still naked, sprawling in Sukuna's office chair in all his glory. A fond smile spreads over Sukuna's face. Yuuji is a mouth-watering sight with all that smooth tan skin and strong muscles on display for Sukuna's admiring gaze. His muscular thighs are spread, and his gorgeous thick cock is softening gradually between them. Milky threads of cum are glistening on his defined abs and pecs.

And Sukuna knows that more cum is seeping out of Yuuji's cute hole and onto Sukuna's fine leather chair. Sukuna's cum. A thought that still blows his mind. That he is allowed to claim Yuuji so completely. That he is allowed to pump him full of his warm seed, to be as close to him as possible, without anything between them.

The smile on Sukuna's face grows even wider. He knows how he must look right now. His usually smug smirk replaced by a lovestruck smile, his poker face gone and replaced by a tender expression. Here, with Yuui, he can be soft. He can be just Sukuna.

His heart feels so full anytime he watches Yuuji after they make love.

Those pretty golden eyes meet his, and the beautiful sunshine smile spreads over Yuuji's face. Laughter bubbles out of his mouth,

"I am sorry for making such a mess, baby, but I think it was worth it, wasn't it?"

Sukuna chuckles as he leans down to gently clean Yuuji with the wet towel he brought from his bathroom before also wiping away the small pool of cum on his office chair.

"Very worth it. I hope you will sweeten my boring office days more often from now on."

Before Sukuna can straighten up again, he gets stopped by a strong hand on the back of his neck, warm fingertips gently playing with the short hair of his undercut as Yuuji pulls him closer for a sweet kiss.

When he pulls away again, his sunshine smile is even brighter,

"I will give you all the sweetness you need, baby. And you have a very fancy office...I might come by here more often now that I know how comfy this leather chair is. And you look so sexy in it, sir."

"Not as sexy as you. Especially when you are naked while sitting on it."

More laughter falls from Yuuji's mouth, genuine and loud, and his honey eyes sparkle with so much happiness and love that Sukuna can't help but reach out and ruffle his pretty pink hair.

This is the man Sukuna loves more than anyone or anything in this world. His lover, his partner, his everything.

Sukuna and Yuuji return to the party five minutes later. They both look immaculate as they walk back to the large conference room where the festivity is being held. Two gorgeous tall men in black designer suits and with matching pink hair.

Sukuna knows they have all eyes on them when they enter the room. Each of them looks good on their own, but together they are stunning. He can't help but feel a wave of pride wash over him. Pride that Yuuji is here with him. Sukuna makes no secret about the fact that Yuuji is his date. His official partner, the man by Sukuna's side.

A confident professional smile is on Sukuna's face as he steps into the room. His arm is loosely wrapped around Yuuji's waist as they both take a glass of champagne and sip it while they mingle with the other party guests.

This is the most dreaded part of the evening for Sukuna. The small talk, the useless gossip, the unfunny jokes, the fake smiles. But tonight, he finds it isn't as bad as he expected. If he is honest, he is even enjoying himself.

It's all thanks to his personal sunshine. Even a boring business event is bearable with Yuuji by his side.

Yuuji is good at these things. His natural charm and kindness make him the perfect party guest. And the training he went through before working for Infinity Escorts added to that. Yuuji knows how to hold a conversation, no matter how mundane the topic is. And he can talk business too, always up to date with what is happening in the world. It's something Gojo insisted was necessary for a high-class escort like Yuuji. He isn't working as an escort anymore, but the habit remains that he reads the news. Sukuna can't stop looking at him, and he knows that everyone else is doing the same.

Yuuji is like the sun. He shines so brightly anywhere he goes, filling the conference room with his cute laugh and his pretty smile. Charming and magnetic. Sukuna can see his business partners hanging on Yuuji's lips. He is hit by an almost overwhelming feeling of affection.

A fond smile tugs at Sukuna's lips as he watches his man over the rim of his champagne glass as Yuuji makes conversation with two of Sukuna's business partners.

Yuuji's laugh is genuine and sweet as he shakes his head when Sukuna's business partner assumes Yuuji works for the S.H.R.I.N.E. Group too,

"Oh no. I don't work here. I have my own business. But you can see some of my work here tonight."

He points at the magnificent Christmassy flower arrangement on the large table in the middle of the banquet.

"If you ever host an event at your company and need it to look good, you should place an order at Tiger Flowers. And if you are nice to my dear Sukuna here, I will even give you the family and friends discount!"

His eyes sparkle as he smiles broadly at Sukuna, leaning closer to kiss his cheek before he turns to look at Sukuna's business partners again, raising his champagne glass to propose a toast to Sukuna and the S.H.R.I.N.E. Group. Sukuna's business partners join in on the toast, both laughing with Yuuji.

Sukuna doesn't even try to hide the big grin on his face as he clinks glasses with them and adds in an amused voice,

"You should absolutely check out Tiger Flowers. They only deliver to the best addresses in the city, and the owner is very charming, as you can see."

After he stopped working as an escort, Yuuji continued his studies to become a movie director one day. But he also went back to the flower shop he had worked at prior to Infinity Escorts, saying that he had always enjoyed the job there and that the old owner was probably happy about the help. But it turned out that the owner was about to retire. That's when Yuuji stepped up and asked to take over the shop from him. And Tiger Flowers was born.

Sukuna and Gojo insisted on investing some money in renovating the old flower shop, giving Yuuji a chance to design it exactly the way he wanted. And he turned it into a beautiful modern flower shop with two very lucrative business deals. A contract with Infinity Escorts to deliver all the flower arrangements for the clubs and bars and the roses for the dates. And a deal with the S.H.R.I.N.E. Group to provide all flower arrangements for the office in Tokyo.

Tiger Flowers is a place for everyone. The average guy next door and the members of Tokyo's elite who need pretty flowers to decorate their glittering offices and penthouses.

And after this Christmas party, Tiger Flowers will have even more customers. Sukuna already knows that.

The whole group chuckles softly, and Sukuna's arm around Yuuji tightens affectionately as he grins at Yuuji and then back at his business partners. They continue their little casual bickering, small talk, and jokes, little teasing comments interlaced with business talk about the plans for the following year.

Sukuna walks out of the conversation with a new lucrative deal in his pocket and a warm feeling in his heart.

An hour later, Sukuna and Yuuji stand on the rooftop terrace of the office building, taking a small break from the festivity to get a breath of fresh air and sip another glass of champagne while gazing over the nightly city.

Sukuna smiles as he swallows the drink, and his eyes wander over the twinkling city lights.

"I'm glad that you joined me for the party, darling. It's a lot more fun with you."

Yuuji's answering smile is bright and sweet as he leans against Sukuna's side,

"Aww, come on, baby, it's a nice party! I love the flower arrangements..."

They both laugh at that. Despite the chilly temperatures out here, Sukuna feels warm. That familiar warmth he associates with Yuuji. It's a feeling that never really leaves him since that day he and Yuuji became a couple. Since that day when they both finally laid all their cards open and admitted their feelings.

And now, this warmth surrounds Sukuna even when his personal sunshine isn't standing right next to him. It's a permanent feeling of love. A feeling of belonging. A feeling of home that he carries with him everywhere he goes.

Standing here high above the city, watching Tokyo's seemingly endless sea of lights as the cold December air brushes over his hair, Sukuna can't help but reminisce about the year that will soon come to a close.

A lot has happened in the last 12 months. A lot of wonderful things.

Yuuji went back to college and also opened Tiger Flowers. He moved in with Sukuna, turning the penthouse into a home for both of them. They established the blissful familiarity that comes with sharing your life with the person you love.

A year of getting to know every facette of the other and falling even deeper in love because of it. They both grew into a new version of themselves, a happier one.

Sukuna learned to open up again. To lay his heart into someone else's hands, and trust this person, trust Yuuji, to keep it whole. He learned to give all he's got to Yuuji, just as he promised, and found that it was the most rewarding thing he has ever done.

Nothing has ever felt so right as taking care of Yuuji and letting Yuuji take care of him. He thinks maybe he figured out the meaning of life.

They became each other's home, each other's safe place. Sukuna never thought he would love like this again. But he does. Oh, he does. He loves Yuuji with all of his heart.

His tender thoughts get interrupted by the loud clicking of high heels on the marble tiles. Sukuna turns his head only to groan inwardly as he sees who is marching toward them.

His cousin from Kyoto.

She looks furious as she stops in front of him and Yuuji, not even trying to hide her disapproval. Her gaze is shooting daggers at Yuuji, eying him with obvious disgust on her face as if he is some vermin she wants to get rid of.

It makes Sukuna wrap a protective arm around his angel and pull him against his side. He fixes his cousin with a challenging stare, daring her to say something.

Her voice is harsh when she spats out,

"Do you have no shame at all, Sukuna? You got the nerve to bring one of your little whores to a company event? Do you have any idea how embarrassing this is for me to stand there and watch this? I don't care what you do behind closed doors, but displaying that fetish of yours here is disgusting!"

Sukuna can't help but chuckle darkly. He should have known that she would cause problems. So far, the reactions to his relationship with Yuuji have been positive. Of course, some people knew about Yuuji's former occupation. But none of them had a problem with it. Especially not after meeting Yuuji in person and talking to him. He had easily managed to wrap everyone around his finger.

Except for Sukuna's cousin, apparently. She is glaring at him and Sukuna, shaking from anger.

Sukuna sighs. When he answers her, his voice is dripping with fake sweetness and a condescending tone,

"Good evening to you too, my dear cousin. May I introduce you to my boyfriend Yuuji? You may have mixed things up a little. I don't have any whores. I used to meet some lovely escorts, though. And each one of them was much more classy than you could ever dream of being. But Yuuji here isn't my escort. He is my partner. Something you would know if you showed even the slightest interest in what is going on in my life or my company apart from showing up at my annual Christmas party to get free champagne and a luxurious gift package."

He can't help a smug smirk from spreading over his face when he hears her sharp intake of breath.

"Tsk, I can see what he is! A pretty little whore who spreads his legs for anyone who pays him! And you bring him here and parade him around, making a fool of yourself! A hooker isn't a suitable partner for the CEO of a company like ours. You drag our family name through the dirt and don't even seem to care. I am appalled!"

Sukuna's hand tightens around the champagne glass he's holding. Anger is surging through him. Cold rage upon hearing how this woman talks about the love of his life. Sukuna can feel Yuuji stir in his embrace, obviously uncomfortable. And that's when something in Sukuna snaps.

He fixes his cousin with a deadly glare. His voice is low and dangerous,

"I forbid you to talk about my fiancé like that. Yuuji is worth a lot more than you and your whole branch of the family. He deserves to carry our family name more than you do."

He can see the moment his words register, and his cousin's eyes widen in shock at the same time as a soft gasp escapes Yuuji's mouth. Sukuna can practically feel Yuuji 's eyes on him and imagine the astonished expression on his pretty face.

Maybe Sukuna got carried away a little bit. The fiancé part isn't true. Not yet, at least. Yuuji didn't know about it until now, but Sukuna has thought about it a lot during the last few months. He knows what he wants.

He has it all planned out. He has already booked the getaway over New Year at the same beach resort Sukuna and Yuuji had been to on their first weekend together.

The same hotel suite, this time during winter time, to watch the magnificent fireworks paint the ocean into a bright sea of color. And during that moment, when the fireworks begin, Sukuna wants to get on one knee and ask Yuuji to become his husband.

That is at least how Sukuna planned to tell Yuuji he wants to marry him. Not here on the rooftop of his office building, with his fuming cousin in front of him. But desperate times call for desperate measures.

His cousin's eyes are almost comically wide as her head snaps from Sukuna to Yuuji and back again.

"Fiancé?! You have really lost your mind, Sukuna. How can you even consider that? He is just after your money! He is a whore! Excuse me, an escort... It doesn't matter what you call him. The facts stay the same! He lets anyone fuck him if the price is right! How many people at this party has he already offered his services to? And you want to make him your husband? This is the peak of unprofessionalism! This company isn't in good hands with you!"

She screams the last part, sounding as furious as Sukuna feels too. But his voice is calm, a dangerous whisper, when he retorts,

"Oh, is that so? Do you think you would be better for the company? So why didn't you take it? Where were you when my dad died and we needed someone to take over the CEO post? Know your place. Don't come here to my office, to my Christmas party, and talk shit like this, especially not to the man I love. I've had enough of you. I expect you to hand in your resignation on Monday. If not, I guarantee I will make your life in my company hell. Now go and get your good-for-nothing husband and get out of my sight. If you aren't gone when I return to the party, I will have you kicked out by security."

He watches her open her mouth and close it again several times, eyes wide as the gravity of what he just said washes over her. She gulps hard.

"Fine! I'll leave. Fuck you, Kuna!"

She storms off, banging the large glass door shut behind her, leaving behind a stunned Yuuji and a victorious Sukuna.

Yuuji's voice breaks the momentary silence,

"Oh my god..."

To Sukuna's relief, he sounds more amused than hurt. As if he is watching one of his movies and commenting on the drama that's happening. Sukuna huffs and turns his face to press a tender kiss on Yuuji's cheek.

"I'm sorry about this, baby. Don't listen to her. She has always been a bitter person who is envious of everyone else, especially me."

Sukuna feels Yuuji shift in his arms, and then amused golden eyes gaze at him while a small cheeky smile plays around his lips,

"So, I'm your fiancé, hm?"

Sukuna chuckles softly,

"Well, I had to say something so she would leave you alone. But you know... it wasn't really a lie. Not for me, at least."

"Huh?"

Now Yuuji blinks at him. His big beautiful eyes gaze at Sukuna with a puzzled look. Those pretty eyes that offer Sukuna so much love and happiness every single day.

And suddenly, Sukuna knows that it doesn't matter that they are at his company's Christmas party and not at the fancy beach resort. It doesn't matter that there are no fireworks or that Sukuna doesn't have a ring.

He promised himself and Yuuji to never run again. And so he will just improvise and do what he knows in his heart is the right thing to do.

And so he gets on one knee, takes Yuuji's hand in his and smiles up at him.

"I wanted to do this another way, and I don't even have your engagement ring with me. It's at home, hidden in our closet, waiting for our little New Year trip. But it doesn't matter, because what I want to ask you doesn't need a specific time or place. All that matters is that you are my everything. You make me happier than I have ever been, and my goal is to make you happy too. I love you, Yuuji. And I want to spend the rest of my life with you. So, would you please do me the honor of becoming my husband?"

Yuuji's loud gasp is the cutest thing Sukuna has ever heard. He feels Yuuji's hand flexing in his, clutching at Sukuna as tears form in those pretty golden eyes before they spill over and slowly run down Yuuji's beautiful face.

And then, instead of pulling Sukuna up, Yuuji gets on his knees too, joining him on the floor with his bright sunshine smile and a happy sob falling from his trembling lips.

"I never...oh Sukuna, I never expected this..."

A tender smile spreads over Sukuna's face.

"You are so cute, darling. You are worth the whole world. You are worth everything. My company, my money, my car...all of those things don't matter. I would give anything I have away just to have you forever. I love you, Yuuji."

"I love you too, Kuna. I love you so much."

His hiccup at the end of the sentence makes Sukuna's heart clench affectionately. He reaches out with his free hand to cup Yuuji's cheek, tenderly wiping some of the hot tears away.

"So what is your answer to my question, sweetheart? Do you want to marry me?"

Yuuji smiles at him while more happy tears stream down his pretty face, and he nods enthusiastically.

"Yes! Of course, I want to marry you!"

He makes a cute sound that is a mix between a sob and a chuckle and flings himself at Sukuna, almost knocking him over, wrapping his arms tightly around him and capturing his lips in a tender kiss.

And Sukuna laughs too, happy and carefree like never before, as he wraps his arms tightly around Yuuji and smiles into the tender kiss they share.

He never thought he would have this. Not after he had given up on love years ago. But now, on the floor of his office building's rooftop terrace on a chilly night a few days before Christmas, he has everything he wants right here in front of him.

He has Yuuji.

And Sukuna knows now that you can open your heart again after it has been broken. You can find happiness again, no matter at what point in your life. He certainly did. Even after he gave up on love, even after he decided to shut all his feelings away. He let himself feel again. He let himself love again and let himself be loved in return. And he thinks this is the best decision he has ever made.

He doesn't need fake love anymore. He has true love right here in his arms.

- The end -

Aaaahhh, this was the last chapter!! So many tears were cried while writing this. I hope you liked it and I could give Yuuji and Sukuna the happy end they deserve!! Thank you so much to everyone who read this story until the end! Your comments and all the love I received for this story means so much to me! This AU really is my baby, I was so invested in this love story, and I am so happy that I could finish it. I think I packed some of my worst qualities into both Sukuna and Yuuji, and it feels like therapy to give them a happy ending like this and to say that it's never too late to find love even after your heart has been broken.

It's bittersweet to post this last chapter. On the one hand, I am happy I could tell the whole story. On the other hand, I will miss this AU so much! But Yuuji and Sukuna are happy now, and I am sure they will have a wonderful time at their little getaway over New Year and at their wedding soon after, so they don't really need me anymore :)