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[ Toji x Reader x Sukuna ]
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You were leaning sitting in one of the picnic tables at the side of the gym, the hum of students fading into the background as your thoughts replayed the fire exit scene.
The image of Mei Mei claiming Toji, and the way your presence had thrown her off, kept looping in your head. You felt a pang of foolishness...why hadnât you listened to your brothersâ warnings? Why had you let yourself get caught in someone elseâs drama, even for just a second?
A sigh escaped your lips and you barely noticed Mai tugging at your sleeve.
âEarth to Y/N! Hello? Are you even listening?â she teased, swatting lightly at your arm.
You snapped back to reality, offering a sheepish grin. âSorryâŠI was just thinking.â
Mai huffed, rolling her eyes. âThinking? You mean overthinking.â
You muttered something under your breath but from across the courtyard, movement caught your attention...Toji, leaning casually against the wall near the bleachers, watching you. Not the way a casual friend would, but like heâd finally admitted something heavy to himself and couldnât quite let go. The weight in his gaze made your stomach twist.
Tojiâs chest felt tight, a foolish heaviness settling over him. He had just realized what he actually felt for you, but the thought of admitting it aloud, even to himself... was terrifying. Especially to your brothers. He shifted slightly, unwilling to let anyone see, eyes never leaving you as Mai jabbed at you playfully.
And then, like a predator sensing opportunity, Mei Mei appeared. She slid past a group of students nearby, graceful and confident, yet sharp-eyed. Her gaze followed Tojiâs line of sight and she caught you immediately. The girl from the fire exit, the one Mai always hung around, with twin brothers in tow.
Mei Mei leaned slightly toward Toji, lowering her voice just enough to seem casual. âSoâŠwhatâs caught your attention over there? Looking at her?â
Her tone was teasing, confident, like she wasnât trying to stake a claim but the underlying question carried a subtle edge. Tojiâs heart skipped. He hadnât expected anyone to notice the small pull he felt, especially not her.
He swallowed, forcing a casual shrug. âNothing, justâŠthinking.â
Mei Meiâs smile tilted mischievously. âYou? Thinking? Thatâs a bad sign. I donât think youâre the type.â
Toji stiffened slightly, caught off-guard. He quickly diverted his eyes, tucking his hands into the pockets of his pants and walked away without another word.
But Mei Mei had seen enough.
For once, he didnât want to be around her and that refusal...the subtle dismissal stung in a way she hadnât expected. Someone so confident, so used to attentionâŠsuddenly challenged by a presence that didnât even need to fight back.
Her eyes flicked toward you at the table, calm and detached. A spark of vengeful irritation appeared in her eyes...she hadnât expected you to have such a pull towards Toji, even she was aware of Tojiâs habits she knew she had a new obstacle to deal with.
Maiâs voice was background static. ââŠand then Maki saidâY/N...is your mind floating again?â
Suddenly two polished hands slams ontop your table hard enough to rattle the items on top of your table.
You looked up in surprise.
Mei Mei stood there, smiling...not friendly, not hostile⊠just calculating. The kind of smile that knew things she shouldnât. âHello, pretty girlâ she sang softly.
You blinked once, confused and turned to Mai who stiffened by the sudden slam.
âMei MeiâŠâ Mai blinked up at her, clutching her chest from the sudden slam on the table.
âHungry? You lookâŠdrained.â Mei Mei comments at you.
Your eyebrows only furrowed. There was also something off in the air too...heavy and sharp.
âWhat do you think, Mai?â Mei Mei cooed, the sweetness too tight around the edges. âDoesnât she lookâŠtired?â Her eyes never even flicked toward Mai but used her name like a prop, not a person.
Mai swallowed and forced a small laugh, trying to keep the peace. âUh⊠maybeâmaybe she was up all night studying?â
Mei Mei tilted her head, pretending interest. âStudying?â she echoed. âIs that what weâre calling it now?â
Your eyes squinted trying to figure out what game was she was playing. Mei Mei was also not wearing her popular persona...right now she sounded like a psycho.
Mei Mei laughed under her breath. âRelax. I just wanted to ask something.â
âJust curious~â she continued, tapping her lip âHow does someone like you get Tojiâs attention so effortlessly?â Her voice carried loud, intentional. Small gasps erupted around the tables courtyard. Some students stilled, conversations froze.
Mei Mei leaned closer, voice still feather-light, polite even but the blade was beneath it. âBecause heâsâŠbusy with me, you know? Most nights.â A lazy shrug. âNo big declaration, just fun.â
You didnât blink. Didnât react. You were trying not to feed into it and that bothered her more than any insult could have.
âSo...â Mei went on, tone lilting sweet âWhatever misunderstanding is floating around between you and him...Iâd hate for you to embarrass yourself by assuming it meant something.â
Mai whispered âMeiâŠWhat are you talking about?â
âAnyway!â Mei Mei chirped, straightening her uniform collar, smile returning like freshly glossed lipstick. âI just thought Iâd clarify before youâŠget attached.â
She faltered but just a fraction...so she added one more sting...not loud, not dramatic, just placed like poison in tea. âMen like Toji...â she said quietly âDonât fall for girls like you. He plays with them.â she emphasized.
Your gaze steady, unflinching. Girls like Mei Mei who wore her poise like lip gloss and her entitlement like perfume...you knew them well especially in high school where they always thought you were your brothers girlfriend which was absolutely disgusting by the way.
Because of that incident you got a lot threats and because of that...Suguru taught you this part of the world early.
Girls like that didnât get hostile because they were strong. They became hostile the moment their place was threatened. Insecurity didnât cry or tremble. It sharpened, leaned forward and pretended it was above you.
And today, because of Suguru, you saw every crack she tried so hard to lacquer over.
âI appreciate your, concern.â you said calmly. âBut you seem awfully nervous for someone who claims to own him.â and you faced back to Mai.
Mei Mei stood there, her smile twitched, gaze sharp, ego bruised in a way sheâd never admit. She spun on her heel, walking off with perfect posture, perfect hair, perfect fury hidden under perfume.
Mai blinked after her, confusion knotting her brows. ââŠWhatâŠjust happened?â she muttered, almost dazed. âWho was that?â
You exhaled slowly, still watching Mei Meiâs silhouette disappear into the courtyard crowd. âThat...â you said quietly...not cruel, not gloating, just honest. â...was your friend. The real one.â
It hit Mai like cold water. Her eyes widened, hand covering her mouth, the realization cracking through all her assumptions at once. âShe...sheâs been nice to me since freshman year!â Mai whispered, shaken. âBut⊠that didnât feel like her at all.â
âNo...â you corrected gently, picking up your bag â...that didnât feel like the version she wanted you to see.â
Mai stood frozen, betrayed not by an event but by clarity. Her mind raced, rewinding Mei Meiâs words, the sly teasing, the impossible confidence that hid so much.
Then remembered something that caught her breath... Mai leaned in, pressing a palm gently over your lips as if to stop you from denying it before she could hear more. âIs it true? YouâŠyouâre seeing Toji?â she whispered, eyes wide, voice barely audible over the hum of the courtyard.
You blinked, caught off guard...shyly tucked a strand of hair behind your ear and swallow a lump on your neck ââŠI-Itâs not like that...just-â you started, fumbling for words that didnât quite fit the moment.
Maiâs gasp escaped before she could stop it, and she scooted closer, eyes sparkling with urgency and mischief. âCome on, spill it! I need to hear the whole thing!â
You felt her expectant gaze, heavy and curious. For a brief moment the world narrowed to just the two of you at that table but Mei Meiâs earlier presence still lingering like a shadow in your mind.
Meanwhile somewhere above the floors was Sukuna who had seen everything and wanted to clap so badly.
From Toji earlier this morning, the stolen glances to Mei Mei cornering you with sugar-laced barbs.
He popped a piece of gum into his mouth, watching the telenovela masterpiece unfold without involving himself, yet. âWell, well...â He muttered to himself, grin slicing wide. âToji, you poor bastard. You like her and now your twat knows...what else do you have under your sleeves?â
He wasnât in any hurry to intervene, this was pure entertainment. But what really held his attention was youâŠunflinching, unshaken, not a hint of embarrassment.
Seeing you handle yourself soloâŠbut made him think twice.
The first time he saw your authority was at the chicken place and thought he knew your limits. Well now he was wrong. Your calm, unflinching, completely in controlâŠand alone. For someone with older twin brothers, he never expected you could hold your own like this. It was impressive.
Then, with hands in pockets, he left the balcony, more invested than heâd admit.
Word hadnât even had a chance to breathe, less than a minute and the entire school was already humming with it.
Mei Meiâs pride, the hallway stand-off, Tojiâs name dropped like a grenade, your involvementâŠand suddenly you were headline material.
The third party, a scandal. Mei Mei the official girlfriend and you the thief. The rumor mill was faster.
When Suguru and Gojo entered their classroom, Gojo was mid-yawn and half asleep.
Kenjaku was already slumped over his desk, face half buried in folded arms, while Mahito lazily braided a neat, shining line through the back of his hair.
Gojo stared for a moment, then pointed. âHey. Do that to me too so Iâll fall asleep faster.â
He dragged a chair next to them and collapsed forward dramatically. Mahito didnât even blink, his hands simply shifted, now braiding Gojoâs snow-white hair with expert boredom.
Suguru, however, paused. Not because of Mahito braid-salon services, but because the room feltâŠoff.
People were staring. Not with their usual awe. Not with admiration. Something smaller. Sharper. Judgmental.
Suguru set his bag down, eyes narrowing slightly. âWhy is everyone acting like they swallowed knives?â
Mahito hummed, fingers looping a strand. âTheyâve been doing it since we walked in. No oneâs said anything to me yet though.â
Suguruâs response was a thoughtful grunt and then a girl with short hair approached, two of he friends glued behind her like backup dancers. âHi, Suguru...â she greeted shyly, tucking her bob behind her ear.
âHey. Whatâs up?â Suguru smiled in that warm, composed way that made half the campus malfunction.
âWell⊠uhmâŠâ She leaned in, lowering her voice even though everyone clearly wanted to hear. âHave you uhm...heard about the gossip?...about your sister?â
Suguru blinked. Mahito stopped braiding mid-air. ââŠNoâ Suguru answered slowly. âWhat gossip?â
âWellâŠthey said she slept with Toji Fushiguro and Mei Mei confronted her at the courtââ
That was all it took. The senior building doors slammed open in the next hallway and Suguru was already gone. He sprinted like the floor was lava, hair loose, composure abandoned.
Mahito shot to his feet the moment he was able to sense him furious âWAITâSUGURUâHEYâ!â Mahito yelled, chasing after him with zero grace.
Suguru didnât answer. He was a man possessed. âWHERE THE HELL IS HE?!â Suguru roared, skidding through the hallways, yanking open doors, startling freshman, checking every possible corner where Toji could exist, have existed or might someday exist.
Mahito, panting behind him, pointed wildly. âI DONâT KNOW! WHY ARE WE RUNNING?!â
Back in the classroom. Gojo and Kenjaku slumbered peacefully. Both with perfectly braided hair, untouched by gossip, war, or life itself.
Meanwhile Toji had been in the most peaceful state, sprawled beneath the gym tree, arms folded behind his head, sun warm on his face, completely detached from campus noise.
Until two freshmen girls skidded to the grass right beside him, breathless and buzzing like gossiping sparrows. ââshe confronted Y/N about Toji right in the courtyard and Mei Mei was like stay away from my man hoeââ
Tojiâs eyes opened. He didnât move yet, just tilted his head forward...slow, deliberate...casting his shadow over them like an eclipse.
The sunlight vanished from their laps. They froze, heads lifting.
Toji was usually attractive trouble...smirk, lazy eyes, expensive uniform jacket undone. But this version was silent, sharp and dark around the edges made their spines ice. âWhat the hell did you just say?â His voice was low and confused.
The girls glanced at each other, panic bubbling. They didnât answer. They just scrambled up, nearly tripping over their skirts, rushing off while whispering.
âI told you to check the backââ
âI didn't know he'd be there?!â
Toji sat up, rubbing the back of his neck once but tension seeped in anyway...jaw locked, eyes narrowing.
Mei Mei confronting you? And claiming him publicly? đŹ
Claiming him wasn't a surprise, many have tried to start that rumor...but saying that you were some intrusion? That's trouble. Toji rose to his feet, slow and heavy not with anger but with a strange, rattling realization. If your brothers found out about this...if the whispers had already reached them or worse...reached you in their ugliest form, twisted and loud. He didn't kniw how you'd take it especially after you just spotted him and Mei from the fire exit.
His thoughts swung between two names like a pendulum he couldnât stop. Mei Mei. You.
Who to find first? Who to talk to? Who to correct? đŹ
His body hasn't decided yet his legs carrying him forward before his mind could pick a destination...but just then, past the gym walls, past the track, past the panicked whispers following in his wake. Thatâs when he saw you.
He saw you first. Right in the middle of the grassy track field, shoes sinking lightly in turf, posture relaxed with an expression bright as if rumor explosions and hallway venom hadnât existed at all.
You and Mai were laughing and counting joggers, nudging shoulders, all sunlight and easy noise. No fracture visible on the surface.
But Toji knew better now. His steps slowed, almost faltered. Something in his chest tightened at how untouched you lookedâŠor maybe how hard you were trying to look untouched by the gossips?
Mai noticed him first, her chatter cutting short.
You followed her line of sight and your body reacted before your brain did, your shoulders rising, your fingers curling into your sleeves like instinct.
Toji stopped in front of you. Not close enough to intimidate...just close enough to feel the air shift. His eyes werenât dark or sly today. BlankâŠand yet incredibly unsure. He opened his mouth...once, twice...but nothing.
For a man who never failed to have words, smirks or lines, silence was the truest confession.
You waited for him to say sosmthing, but the grass felt too quiet, the students jogging too loud and you suddenly couldnât meet his eyes. Your dropped gaze, your withheld breath, your quiet discomfort...pierced him.
Something inside Toji softened, almost painfully. He realize how he'd teased you so easily, cornered you playfully, stolen glances, stolen reactions but this...not meeting his eyes because he knew you were probably hurtâŠfelt different.
Why canât I talk to her? Why canât I just say it? Why is it so damn loud in my chest? đŹ
His heart was beating too fast for someone who was supposedly casual. Finally, like forcing gravel through his throat, his voice cracked out, rough-edged ââŠHow are you?â
You blinked. Like heâd spoken a foreign language. The concept of Toji Fushiguro checking on you was unbelievingly tender. Your cheeks warmed despite yourself. âU-uhmâŠIâm alrightâ you managed, shoulders rising in a tiny, shy shrug. âYou?â
Mai pressed a fist to her lips, dying not to squeal.
Toji cleared his throat, nodding once, too stiff for someone who supposedly didnât care. âThatâsâŠâ He swallowed, eyes flickering away once ââŠgood to hear.â
But the thing he really wanted to ask, the thing burning at the back of his tongue.
Did you hear what theyâre saying? Did it hurt you? Did Mei Mei scare you? đŹ
He couldnât form it. Couldnât shape the worry without sounding exposed.
You kicked the toe of your shoe into the grass, trying to pretend your face wasnât red, trying to hold your usual composure.
Toji searched your face, not for flirtation or entertainment but for bruises the rumor mightâve left. He didnât see any. And somehow, that made him more unsteady.
You were fine...or were trying to be fine? đŹ
He opened his mouth again...hesitation trembling at the edges âI⊠I heard somethiââ
That's when Suguru spotted him and came in like a storm. No warning, just a blur of dark uniform and fury as his fist cut through the air toward Tojiâs jaw.
Toji dodged. Sharp, effortless, practiced.
You gasped. âOniichan?!â
Suguru didnât even acknowledge your voice. His focus was carved, deadly, aimed at one person alone. Another swing and Toji leaned back, avoiding it by inches.
A kick followed and again...Toji was able to block it with his forearm this time, muscle and instinct meeting impact with a dull thud.
Students slowed on the track.
Jogging turned to staring.
Whispers turned to silence.
When Suguruâs balance faltered from the blocked kick, you acted on instinct and held him back by the chest.
âWhat are you doing!?â you felt confused of his sudden act of violence.
Even Mai, whoâd joked with Suguru a thousand times, stared like she was seeing someone new.
Suguruâs voice broke from restraint into raw anger âI told you to stay away from her, you manwhore!â
The word struck harder than his fists. Toji froze...not because he couldnât fight but because the insult hit somewhere he didnât expect ââŠSuguru, youâdonât misunderstand. I was justââ
Suguru shoved past you, grip tight, aiming for another punch but much faster this time, angrier.
Toji stepped aside, jaw clenched, patience fraying.
All of Suguruâs built-up resentment, all the silent disapproval, all the whispered warnings, Suguru let them burn through his fists. But every dodge Toji did left him lowkey shocked how fast he could avoid him.
âSuguruâenough...â Toji exhaled, palms raised, voice taut. âYouâre not listening.â
But Suguru was beyond listening, beyond logic, beyond restraint. He spit, breath shaking. âWe told you once, a thousand times to stay away from my sisterâand you stillââ
Tojiâs brows furrowed, patience thinning. ââŠI get it. You mustâve heard the rumors. But itâs not true.â
Your eyes snapped to him. âWhat rumor?â
Suguruâs head turned...slow, dangerous toward you. The silence that followed felt like glass. His jaw clenched. âAnd you.â he hissed, every word cutting, âWe warned you about him, we told you what he's capable of...we told you who he is, what he is and you still bit into his antics! How dumb can you go?!â
The air punched out of your lungs from your brothers words but worse...you felt it.
Mai froze, eyes wide, caught between you two.
Your mouth opened, but nothing came out because it was clear how fed up Suguru was. âNow theyâre all talking about you!â he shouted, voice cracking with something more than rage, hurt. âAll because heââ he jabbed a finger at Toji âcouldnât keep his hands off a junior!â
Tojiâs brows knit, he wasnât angry but he looked⊠wounded. âSuguruââ he started. âI didnât touch her. Whatever Mei Mei said...whatever they twisted...it didnât happen.â
âShut up!â Suguru barked, stepping in again and you grabbed his sleeve instinctively but he ripped away like your touch burned. âYou donât get to speak! Not when she is the one paying for whatever game youâre playing.â
You blinked at TojiâŠthen back at SuguruâŠlost in the crossfire of what you thought you could control.
Because yes, it was foolish of you. You hopped into the teasing, the flirting, the chase, the thrill. You thought you were the one holding the cards. Until you werenât, until you fell. And now the entire field...eyes everywhere was devouring you.
The embarrassment didnât just sit in your chest, it crawled up your throat, choking you raw.
Before anyone could say another word, you stumbled back, shaking your head, refusing to let tears fall here... not in front of them, not in front of him.
âY/N!â Mai rushed after you, calling your name, feet slamming against the track.
The student crowd thickened, whispers spilling like gasoline. And up on the bleachers kicked back, arms folded, murderously amused sat Sukuna. Red eyes tracking your sprint across the field and a slow smirk carved his lips. âWell...â he muttered, tipping his head like this was premium theater â...guess I donât need to do a damn thing.â
Dusk soon settled in through blinds, the apartment thick with tension.
Kenjaku frustratedly exhaled through his nose. âYouâre an idiot.â
Across from him, Suguru paced, arms crossed tight, jaw still clenched from earlier, the echo of manwhore and third party vibrating in his skull like leftover static.
Gojo and Mahito were staying at Suguru and Kenjaku's shared bedroom, keeping themselves away from the family drama.
Every time Suguruâs voice jumped a pitch, Kenjaku snapped his fingers and hissed âKeep it down! Sheâs in her room, Same apartment, genius!â
Suguru dragged a hand down his face, voice lowering but edge still razor-sharp. âWell what was I supposed to do, huh? You were busy sleeping. Then I had to be the first to hear it! imagine my pain hearing my sister being called a whore, aââ he had to swallow the word, ââa third party.â He whispered it like it tasted rotten in his mouth.
Kenjaku still shushed him, even quieter this time, eyes narrowing with warning. âThatâs exactly the problem.â Kenjaku said, sitting forward, elbows on knees. âYou donât confront her in public like a wild dog. You settle things quietly. Privately.â
Suguru scoffed. âWell fuck, Ken. Fuck me for actually feeling something. For being angryââ
âNo you idiot. â Kenjaku cut in sharply, pointing at him with the rolled-up magazine âFuck you for doing it in front of a crowd. Now weâre at the center of campus gossip because you couldn't keep your emotions intact.â
Suguruâs expression shifted...less fury, more wounded defensiveness. âWell I know you wouldâve beat him up, then and there, if you heard it first." he muttered, crossing his arms tighter.
Kenjaku opened his mouth to retort...then paused. Slowly, begrudgingly, he nodded. ââŠThatâs true.â
The admission hung there, solid. Suguru exhaled, finally sitting, elbows on his thighs, head low. âItâs justââ his voice cracked, something almost boyish despite the venom earlier. âShe looked...I didnâtâI didnât want them to hurt her.â
Kenjaku leaned back again, softer now, but not gentle. âYou did hurt her jackass.â he said plainly. âYou humiliated her. Because you forgot one thing. She might be our sister...but sheâs also a girl who liked him. And you cut her where everyone could see.â
Silence. No scream, no punch, no storm left. Just realization. Suguru sat in his own wreckage, massaging his temples.
Kenjaku sighed, rubbing his eyes. âIn the morning, you fucking apologize. No theatrics. No lecturing. You go in as a brother, not a guard dog.â
Suguru stared at the floor, voice barely audible ââŠand Toji?â
Kenjaku snorted. âToji can burn for all I care. But she canât. So fix her first.â
The apartment walls made it feel like you were suffocating. Even with Suguru lowering his voice...even with Kenjaku shushing him. His disappointment still bled through the drywall.
So you slipped out the window.
The metal ladder to the side of the building rattled softly under your feet and the cool air hit your face, hoodie up, sneakers laced like a fugitive or a jogger.
Waiting at the bottom, arms folded, same black hoodie and rubber shoes was Mai.
âYouâre predictable.â she grinned.
âYouâre loud.â you muttered, dropping beside her on the sidewalk.
You and Mai walked with no real destination, just the sound of your sneakers on pavement and the city breathing around you.
You hugged your hoodie tighter. âI canât believe heâd embarrass me like thatâŠâ The words slipped out, more wounded than angry.
Mai didnât reply at first. She just walked closer so your arms brushed, no pep talk, no fake optimism...just quiet solidarity.
âI know he and Ken are probably sick of the whole flirting thing butâŠâ You exhaled, hood pulled over your head. âUgh! Never mind. I get it. Itâs my fault. I deserve it.â
Mai snorted, elbowing you gently. âNo you donât. You didnât commit a crime. You just fell for a guy who knows heâs charming and plays the part a little too well.â
You huffed out a laugh you didnât feel.
âAnd yeah...â Mai continued âyou thought you could outsmart him. But he's freaking Toji Fushiguro! The walking jawline, bonus smirk, buff build...danger ranking? catastrophic.â
You groaned, covering your face. âThanks, Mai, really soothing.â
She waved dismissively. âPoint is, you werenât stupid. You were...hopeful! Thatâs different.â
You swallowed hard. âThe rumors, thoughâŠâ Your voice dipped.
âYeah...Mei Mei acting like that, Gosh! I really thought she wasâŠI donât know!? Elegant. Untouchable. Above pettiness.â Mai barked a laugh. âTurns out sheâs just expensive petty. Designer-brand spite. Luxury-tier jealousy.â
Despite the ache in your chest, a small laugh escaped you. And Mai smiled, satisfied she pulled it out of you.
âSo what are you gonna do?â Mai asked, leaning back in her chair, twirling her pen like she wasnât dying to know every bloody detail. âBecause itâs gonna be really ugly going to school now. You know how the students are. I meanâŠâ she shrugged, unapologetically honest, âIâm not excluding myself as a full-time tea lover, but if itâs you, Iâll never bring it up. I swear.â
You exhaled, just a small smile tugging at your lips despite the knot in your chest. âThanks, Mai. Really.â
A flash of bustling lights came into view across from you...the kind that didnât just illuminate a street but changed it.
You blinked, genuinely taken aback. Youâd jogged this route hundreds of times. Same cracked pavement, same sleeping dogs, same quiet stores shutting down after sunset.
But this? Neon swallowed the dark whole.
What used to be a sleepy residential block was now a full-blown night district...vendors shouting over sizzling oil, orange broths and skewers stacked like trophies.
Apartment towers rose where you swore there used to be old townhouses...glass, steel, expensive and cold against the warm chaos below.
Music leaked from bar doors...bass, laughter, karaoke screeches and for a moment you wondered if youâd taken a wrong turn into another city entirely.
âSince when did they have a night market here?â you muttered, walking slowly, eyes narrowing. âAnd these buildings? Itâs like they justâŠappeared.â
Mai, of course, was already two steps ahead...literally and emotionally. âI donât knowâ she said, inhaling deeply like she could ascend just by aroma alone. âBut I can smell the skewers from here. Letâs go!â
Before you could protest, she hooked your arm and dragged you forward, weaving into the river of bodies, students still in uniform, couples sharing ice cream, tourists bartering with impossible confidence.
Your senses overloaded in the best and worst ways. The heat of grills, the pop of oil, the neon slashing the air in pink and electric blue, carts with horns harmonizing with karaoke in a kind of chaotic melody.
Mai stopped at a stall stacked with skewers that looked dangerously good. And after looking at the stand she told the vendor what she wanted, slamming a bill down with full war general authority.
The vendor dipped into that violently orange sauce, your stomach betrayed you with a growl so loud Mai grinned. âOh my goshâ she laughed.
And just like that, what was meant to be a silent, decompressing walk turned into loud color and crowds.
Then, a group of guys drifted over, all swagger, cologne and awkward confidence.
One of the teen zeroed in on Mai. âHeyâŠI think youâre in my Chem elective? Zenin, right?â
Mai blinked flattered, surprised but smooth. âOh?â she laughed, leaning in just enough.
âYou made the whole lab explode.â He teased.
âThat was one timeâ!â Mai shouts in defense.
Their flirting settled into a friendly rhythm, her glow bright, his friends munching on the skewers nearby, not even sparing you a glance.
You let it happen partly annoyed, partly proud. Maybe she deserved a distraction too. Eventually you poked her arm, dry-mouthed. âGonna grab a drink. Donât disappear on me.â you teased.
Mai snorted. âIâll be right here. Promise.â
âIs that your friend?â the boy asked behind you.
Their voices blurred into neon static as you walked into the convenience store. The background music and chatter of two people at the register made the store felt safer, with you crouched down infront of the fridge doors wondering what to drink...your pulse finally leveling after everything today.
The store bell jingle again, so small it shouldnât have meant anything. But the sound cut through the store...just before a broad silhouette stepped inside.
Toji in leather, dust, asphalt heat.
Full-gear, night-ridden, too-fast-too-long. He shut the door with a lazy boot tap, gloved hand still holding the helmet by the chin guard. His other hand went up to his hair, damp from wind and sweat combing it off his forehead.
He exhaled hot, heavy...like someone whoâd been riding not for thrill but to outrun something eating him alive. He didnât toss the helmet. Didnât drop it like a cocky biker. Instead sets it on the counter by the front of the ladies eyeing him with thirst but did not dare to start a conversation.
Then his fingers worked at the gloves...leather peeled off, revealing knuckles still reddened from gripping speed and consequence from clinging to a throttle like it could silence his own head. Because the harder he rode, the faster he pushed through wind and city blur, the louder it came back.
The rumors. Suguruâs fist. Your eyes when you ran.
He had tried to outrun all of it...to drown the noise with engines, to let the road yank him hard enough for death to almost consider him. But death didnât want him tonight...so instead he ended up here.
Sweaty, Thirsty...Pulse still rattling with guilt...standing at the relief of air-conditioning.
Every now and then curled his fingers once, testing the sting on his knuckles. Not from impact but from holding on too tightly...to speed, to mistake, to you.
You were crouched near the bottom shelf, head wrapped around which drink would fit the night, hood half-fallen over your eyes.
Toji finally moved between aisles, helmet under one arm, gloves in the other, sweat drying cool on his neck. His boots stopped at the drinks section.
Back turned, hood up, fingers curled around two bottles...tilting one, comparing it to the other, deciding quietly like the world had not just publicly peeled you open hours ago. Your shoulders looked small. Smaller than heâd ever seen.
Toji didnât breathe. Something unspoken hit him. Recognition, regret, worry...all of it wrapped in a single sharp inhale. His been thinking about you all night and your suddenly here.
âY/Nâ!â Maiâs scream ripped through the store.
You were startled so hard both bottles slipped from your hands. Plastic hit tile, rolled and burst of fizz but you didn't look and just ran out hearing Mai's distress.
Jerk of motion, hoodie catching the cold air of the aisle as you bolted out the glass doors, almost slipping on the mat, disappearing into neon and noise.
Toji remained frozen for one heartbeat. He blinked, slow and punched by the moment, before his muscles finally kicked back to life and moved fast, brushing the aisle and bolted through the doors after you.
You burst out of the convenience store, the cold of the night swallowing you first, then second the noise.
Maiâs voice wasnât just loud...it was panicked. âLET GO OF ME! I said no!â
Your eyes locked on her immediately. She was half-dragged, half-pinned by the guy sheâd been smiling at earlier...only now that smile was gone, replaced by panic, her wrist twisted in his grip.
Two of his friends boxed her in while the vendor insisted, voice trembling but steady. âYou kids donât do this hereââ
âBack off, old man!â one of the friends snapped, shoving the side of the cart with a hip. Fishballs rolled, sauce splattered. âShe knows us. Stop acting like youâre some hero.â
Mai yanked her hand back again but the guy tightened, jaw sharp with entitlement.
You didnât think and just moved. Your shoes scraped asphalt as you sprinted over, grabbing her free arm and hauling her behind you. âWhat the fuck are you doing?!â you barked, breath shaking with adrenaline. âGet away from her!â
The guy scoffed, chin lifting like he had every right to her body. âShe wanted to come. She was flirting the whole time.â
Mai shot back, voice cracking. âI said I wasnât going with you!â
You held Mai closer and turned to the direction of the convenience store, only to find two more of his guys sliding in front of you, chests puffed, blocking the sidewalk.
âHey, hey, relax~â the lead guy smoothâtalked, lifting both hands casually as he stepped closer, voice dipped in syrup and rot. âYouâll have a good time. Promise.â
You stared at him...fear tightening your throat but courage stiffening your spine. You opened your mouth to answer when behind you came two wet yelps of pain, sharp and startled.
You spun and Toji had both men by their arms. One twisted up, the other pinned down, wrists forced into angles joints werenât meant for.
He didnât look angry, just tired.
Like men like them never learned.
His voice dropped low, almost disappointed. âIf it takes cornering girls to feel like menâŠyou werenât much to begin with.â
The two pinned guys wheezed, knees buckling.
Their leaderâs confidence faltered. Even the street noise dimmed, vendors and passersby sensing the shift of a predator....real predator, entering the scene.
The leader swallowed hard, tried to square his shoulders like a man who didnât just fold. âWe donât⊠want any trouble...â he managed, voice thin, bravado leaking through the cracks.
Toji finally released his grip. The two men dropped to their knees, clutching their twisted arms, breath hissing between teeth. Toji, calm enough to terrify. âYou will get trouble if you come near these women again.â a promise without heat, a sentence, not a threat.
You stared at him in relief yet embarrassment but gratitude all strangled in your chest.
Toji glanced back, jaw softening just enough, then tilted his head signaling you to come to him.
You moved almost on instinct, Mai sticking close to your arm and the three of you walked away, the night market noise swallowing the scene behind you.
And somewhere parked near one of the tall apartment buildings was Tojiâs bike.
He carefully swung a leg over, silent...positioning his motorcycle up.
Mai hopped on the back, without hesitation and you were placed between them, the only logical spot, though your heart kicked against your ribs at the closeness.
Your palms found Tojiâs back...just fingertips at first, not wanting to press your chest into him.
The engine growled, low and steady, like it understood the mood. But the ride was quiet...no quips from Mai, no scolding from Toji, no teasing street noise. Just the hum of asphalt and breath.
It wasn't long before Toji soon stopped in front of Maiâs house.
You slid off with her, checking her face immediately. âYou okay?â
Mai managed a grin, exhausted but still sharp. âYeah... But if I ever flirt again, please slap me with a skewer.â
You snorted weak but real.
She squeezed your wrist, voice softening. âHeyâŠfeel well okay? you didnât deserve any of the ruckus I caused tonight. Not from the creep, not from Suguru.â
Your throat tightened but you nodded.
Mai glanced at Suguru from behind you and waved. âThank you, have a safe ride home.â
Toji gave a barely-there nod back and you walked back to his bike carefully rode in the back.
Now it was just you and him.
The motorcycleâs hum vibrated through your bones, the night whipping past in neon streaks and shadowed corners. Your hands clenched the handles behind him so tightly it left marks on your palms, knuckles white, trying desperately not to admit how nervous the speed made you. It was your first time riding his bike or nay bike in this matter.
Toji felt it though, and a corner of his mouth quirked into a knowing smirk. Without warning, he leaned into a sharp curve, teasingly breaking the rhythm of the bike, making you jolt and bump into his back.
Your hands slipped from the handlebars, gripping his jacket instead, breath catching. For a heartbeat, your body pressed closer to him, heat radiating between you.
He didnât miss a beat. One of his hands slid around yours, guiding them to his torso, fingers entwining with yours as if claiming them, forcing you to hug him closer.
You felt the sly intention behind it and instead of pulling away, you let your teasing side show. You tightened your arms around him, pressing against him as youâd wanted for a long time, letting him feel your warmth.
The road turned unexpectedly uphill, winding into unfamiliar territory. You blinked against the wind and squinted at the path ahead.
âWhere are we going?â you shouted over the roar.
He didnât immediately answer, the wind tugging at his words. Finally, his voice cut through, low and teasing, almost breathless âSomewhereâŠbeautiful.â
You felt your heart stumble, a mix of excitement and curiosity washing over you. The way he said it, so certain and calm in contrast to the chaos of the city below, made the night feel intimate, like it was only the two of you and the wind.
Your grip around him tightened instinctively, not just for balance but because you wanted to feel this...him...close, and the world behind you blurred into insignificance.
You arrived at the mountaintop, the city stretched out below like a field of flickering stars. Neon lights winked from the streets, car horns hummed faintly and the night air carried a crisp chill.
Toji parked his bike, cut the engine and without waiting for you to dismount, swung his leg off and offered you a hand.
You hesitated, studying it carefully. It trembled slightly.
Was it from nerves? Or from gripping the bike so tightly on the ride up? đŹ
Either way, you took it, letting him guide you to the edge of the cliff.
The view was breathtaking, a contrast to the tension and chaos that had followed you both through the day. The wind tugged at your hoodie and you hugged your arms around yourself.
Toji noticed instantly and draped his warm leather jacket over your shoulders.
âThank you.â you whispered, shyly.
He said nothing, just lowered himself to the ground with careful deliberation.
You joined him, sitting side by side, letting the silence stretch between you.
Toji removed his helmet, brushing his wind-tangled hair back and you chuckled softly at the stubborn strands refusing to obey.
After a few quiet moments, you broke the silence. âI⊠Iâm sorry about Suguru earlier. For him trying to hit you...â
Toji froze slightly. He had been thinking about it too, but he didnât meet your eyes. He stared out over the city instead. âWhy are you apologizing? It wasnât your faultâŠI get why he did it. Iâd be pissed too if my sister got dragged into rumorsâŠwith a manwhore.â
The casual way he said it made your chest tighten. You blinked, hurt slipping in despite yourself. âI donât think youâre a manwhore...â you said softly.
Toji turned, surprised at the words.
âI thinkâŠitâs some kind of trauma from your past or a coping mechanismâ you shrugged, then smirked lightly, teasing âOr maybe you are?â
Toji chuckled, a small, self-conscious sound. âMaybe⊠or maybe I just am. Force of habit.â
You played with your fingers, now thinking of Mei Mei and the ridiculous claims sheâd made. You didnât know how to bring it up but Toji read the tension in the air anyway. Clearing his throat, he admitted âAbout the rumorsâŠIâm always in them. I feel bad you got dragged into it. Really sorry.â
You only nodded, gathering courage. âIs it true? you and Mei Mei?â
âWhat do you mean?â Toji asked, casual, but his hand tightened slightly on his knee.
âShe said you were her manâŠthat sheâs special to you.â you murmured, still looking away.
He exhaled sharply, shaking his head. âUhmâŠwe slept more than once but...I never really saw her that way. And I know Iâll sound like a dick but⊠if I have to be honest, sheâs justâŠeasy.â
You raised an eyebrow, voice flat âOh.â
A beat of silence stretched between you. Then he asked, hesitantly âDid she really confront you?â
You nodded. âYeahâŠin the courtyard, in front of everyone.â You looked at him now, finally steady. âWhatâs the rumor, anyway?â
He looked away, uncomfortable. âFrom what I heard⊠itâs like I cheated on herâŠwith you.â
You swallowed and nodded slowly. It was worse than you imagined.
Toji went quiet, though inside, his heart was hammering, his thoughts scrambling for the words he couldnât say.
âThatâsâŠbad. I get why Suguru got mad...but I wish he hadnât blown up in public.â you muttered, looking down at your nails.
He hummed in agreement, silent. Another pause.
Then Toji, quietly, almost painfully, built up the courage he had been holding back. âYou knowâŠI would never⊠do that.â
âHmm?â You glanced up.
âI wouldâŠnever do thatâŠif it was you.â Toji doesn't meet your eyes.
You were somehow thankful cause your eyes now have widened in disbelief after hearing his words.
âYouâreâŠtoo precious to be used like thatâ he said, still not looking at you. âAndâŠI guess thatâs why I never made a full move on you.â
Your breath snagged. Not because of the cold this timeâŠbut because of the way he said it.
That word didnât belong in Tojiâs mouth, his world was knives and alley fights and rumors thick as oil. Yet he said it steady, almost strangled, like it was the only honest thing heâd said in months.
The wind swept between you, cold but carrying the truth with it.
You swallowed, voice small. âYouâŠthink precious?â
The admission hit you harder than the rumors, harder than Suguruâs rage, harder than the night ride that still buzzed in your nerves.
âBut I also knew...â he continued, voice lower now âif I touched youâŠeven onceâŠthe way people see me would bleed into you. And I didnât want that. Not with you.â
Your fingers curled into his jacket around your shoulders, the weight of it suddenly heavier, warmer, protective. âTojiâŠâ you whispered, softer than the breeze.
He shook his head like he already prepared for you to hate him, to call him pathetic, to say it was too late. âYou donât owe me anything...â he cut in gently. âNot forgiveness. Not conversation. Not softness.â
You blinked, throat tight. âThenâŠwhy bring me here?â
âBecause I didnât want you to end tonight thinking you wereâŠdisposableâ he said quietly. âOr that some rumor defines you...Or that courtyard shit was your fault.â His voice almost cracked but Toji never cracked. He swallowed instead, painfully. âAnd becauseâŠâ his hand flexed on the ground, unsure where to put itself, ââŠI wanted to make sure you felt safe somewhere. Even if it wasnât with me in the end.â
Your eyes stung before you could stop them. Not dramatic tears...just that sting of finally hearing gentleness after hours of humiliation.
You scooted closer. Not touching, just enough space for the warmth to carry. âToji...â you said, voice controlled âI never thought you were the monster people make you out to be.â
He huffed, not quite a laugh. âYou should. I make it easy.â
âNo...â you countered softly. âYou make it believable. Thatâs different.â
His gaze met yours at that...slow, deliberate, like he was afraid youâd vanish if he moved too fast.
For a long moment, neither of you spoke.
Just the city lights blinking below like silent witnesses, the night air wrapping the two of you, and that unspoken line between wanting and holding back.
After a beat, he exhaled and glanced away. âIâŠI should take you home now.â
You peeked at your watch and let out a small laugh. âIt's so late, huh? My brother would probably call the cops if they realize I wasn't in my room.â
Tojiâs lips twitched into a half-smile. âHonestlyâŠIâve been thinking of moving out. Just so I can avoid the drama.â
You gave him a teasing glare. âNo. Absolutely not.â
He didnât argue. Instead, he gestured toward the back of the hike, giving you space to settle in.
You reached to slip off his leather jacket but he gently stopped you.
âDonâtâ he said, quiet but firm. He shifted slightly, letting you drape your arms around him instead. Warmth pressed against your back, the hum of the engine beneath you and then he finally kicked off, the night rushing past in a blur.
The city lights stretched beneath you as Toji maneuvered the bike up the winding road, the night air whipping past in a rush of wind and tires on asphalt. Your arms stayed snug around his waist, chest pressing lightly against him and you let out a quiet laugh as he swerved slightly to avoid a patch of gravel.
âCareful!â you teased, the wind tugging at your hair.
He didnât reply immediately, only glanced back at you over his shoulder, a small smirk tugging at his lips. âYou think Iâd let anything happen to you?â
You shook your head, smiling into the dark, the tension from earlier melting into the night. The ride felt like it existed in its own bubble...no rumors, no brothers, no pressure...just you, him and the hum of the motorcycle.
When the apartment finally came into view, tucked quietly in the shadows of the street, both of you slowed, careful not to draw attention. The windows were dark, the building sleeping and the street almost empty.
Toji parked the bike and cut the engine, the sudden silence felt loud in contrast to the ride.
You quietly slid off, tugging at your hoodie and Toji leather jacket and bending down to remove your shoes. A playful smirk curved your lips as you glanced at him. âAlmost like sneaking inâŠmight as well make it dramaticâ you whispered.
Tojiâs gaze sharpened, a warmth creeping into his chest as he noticed the small, intimate gestures tonight. Heâd missed this...the way you moved, the quiet confidence, the subtle teasing that made his pulse skip.
âY/N...â he said suddenly, his voice low and commanding enough to make your heart flutter.
Before you could protest, he closed the space between you, tilting your chin up with a hand and pressing his lips to yours.
The kiss was soft but deliberate, grounding and electric all at once. Your shoes forgotten on the floor, you melted into him, arms instinctively tightening around his torso as he deepened the kiss just enough to make the world disappear around you.
When he finally pulled back slightly, his forehead rested against yours, eyes half-lidded, breath mingling. âI missed you...â he admitted, quiet and raw.
You smirked, a little teasing in your eyes despite your racing heart but tried to keep composure. âI-I could tell.â
He let out a short laugh, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face. ââŠLetâs get inside before your brother thinks I kidnapped you.â
You chuckled, biting your lower lip feeling the warmth of his jacket around you as he gently guided you into the apartment, both of you careful to keep quiet, the night and your closeness wrapping around the two of you like a secret.
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