#cocomanga

..... Minors: You have no business here. Love you, but please don't ....

“The Sweetest Beat“ Spotify Interactive Playlist: 

▶SET 7 Crazy – Gnarls Barkley After Dark – Mr. Kitty The Rain Song – Led Zepplin Into the Blue – Galleaux Frozen – Sabrina Claudio Whale and Wasp – Alice in Chains Paranoia Purple (Live at Electric Lady) – Yebba Wild Horses – The Sundays Stay the Night – The Internet Middle of the Night – Elley Duhe Sweet Tea – Snoh Alegra How to Disappear Completely – Radiohead Nude – Radiohead Shape of My Heart – Sting

Quick Note: HEY GUYS!! You’re probably wondering why I split this chapter. Well, its because Tumblr wont allow me to post it all on one thread.🙄 Its twenty thousand words long, and I didn’t feel like sitting here for hours trying to figure out how to satisfy Tumblr’s 1000 block limit. 😅 I took the time to format this work the way I wanted it read/seen, so I kept it that way. I hope it isn't an inconvenience for you guys. Set 7 is posted in its entirety on AO3 and Wattpad right now, along with the Spotify Interactive Playlist. As far as I'm concerned, this has taken far too long.😩 Please forgive any hiccups. I was SO ANXIOUS to get this released. As usual, I'll correct any errors I catch later, including any music I wanted to add. I love and appreciate you all for hanging in there with me! 🥰 In the meantime, please enjoy!

HEY THERE... YOU'RE READING PART 2. CLICK HERE TO GO BACK TO PART 1 ;)

...

“It looks like they’re planning to send me away again.“

It was as if his sinking heart needed to be fished from wherever it was beginning to disappear to in his chest. He had a sneaking suspicion what was happening, yet asked anyway as his breaths even became shallow.

“You mean, your work?”

“Yeah. To Okinawa. I just found out today.“

As much as Megumi didn’t want to admit it, the logistics of this situation were beginning to get caught just beneath the surface of his skin. “That Geto guy sure seems to like having you around.” he joked, knowing the name he really wanted to mention wasn’t Geto’s.

He half wanted to complain, but the other half wanted to ask more questions, since that nagging feeling was pressing as he sat perfectly still, squeezing the bracelet in his palm, running his thumb across the crystal as if it were really you.

“Well…” as you started to speak, you realized you were genuinely scared to tell him.

Not because you were afraid of Megumi, but because you just didn’t want to bring that guy’s name up around him at all.

He’d already caused enough trouble. But of course, not telling him wasn’t exactly a sensible option.

“It was… Sukuna’s... idea.” his name felt like battery acid seeping from your mouth.

And now his heart was completely submerged.

“Sukuna’s.” Megumi echoed quietly as he allowed it to register.

“It wont be long. I just…”

“Come over.” he interrupted.

“W – What?“

“Come see me. Please.” his heart pounded a little faster even as he asked.

“Megz, it’s so late.” You whined. It’d be different if his place was originally your destination for the night but… “I can’t imagine going anywhere right now.”

“Then I’ll come to you.” he resolved. “I don’t think I’ve even stayed overnight there yet.”

You smirked at the thought, your forehead wrinkling momentarily as your eyes scanned your surroundings. “You haven’t, actually.” you murmured.

“I’m on my way.”

“Okay.”

As you hung up, you continued to look around, noting that there was nothing in this place that carried his scent, or his memory.

You couldn’t help but wonder why.

Why hadn’t you brought over even a tee shirt of his? A hoodie… A trinket of any kind?

Why hadn’t he been here more often? Why was your space completely devoid of Megumi?

You hopped in the shower, washing off the day, your heart skipping at the idea of Megumi Fushiguro hanging out at your place overnight.

It was strange, you feeling so detached from him here.

As if he was this largely untouchable person. He hasn’t been that to you for quite a while now.

He’s been a beautiful person since the first day you laid eyes on him. And despite not knowing him well, you’d established yourself as his favorite groupie out the gate, based on his talent alone. Even if you didn’t know him personally, you likely would have still attended every show.

Clearly that relationship has grown exponentially. Nevertheless, you couldn’t help but wonder if your perception was somehow skewed.

He’d never given you a reason to feel distant, yet it seemed to be the default. Specifically when you were at home.

Fresh from the shower, you stared into your reflection through the steam clouded mirror, your mind wandering about how many women would have likely killed to be where you are right now as you toweled your hair.

Nanako, the woman outside on the wedding parking lot, all the girls at his shows, the ones you see commenting online… But he wanted to see you.

He suggested this. As always.

You wandered back to your living space, swiping your phone from the counter to check the band’s views from their last show, noticing it had reached seven-hundred fifty k already, their Subscribers now exceeding a cool one point five million.

“Wow. Toge is really amazing.” You said to yourself, noticing the edits and re-posts he’d done on the videos and shorts, which heavily contributed to their following.

After looking at it for so long, it felt to you, as if you’d likely and consistently lag behind in an attempt to catch up to him. Or at the very least, somehow work to deserve the space you occupied in his life.

Yet you knew in your heart of hearts, he’d argue that you’d lost your mind.

What was truly lost on you is why you couldn’t help it.

You considered how comfortable you were in your space, how safe. Free of the pressure to be anything, or of any criticism for being who you are, and wondered if you were willing to let that go.

You made sure to look “cute” whenever you went to stay at Megumi’s, but that was obviously unnecessary when you were at your place.

Yet with nary a mite of a reminder here of him, it almost seemed as though you hadn’t taken any steps toward him at all, regardless of all the time you’d spent with him.

Of course, he loved your appearance, among everything else, and you couldn’t think of a single time he had anything negative to say about you. Yet you questioned what you were holding on to.

You were free of pressure here, but that included any pressure to be better. And without a doubt, all that you’d allowed to lay stagnant would grow and flourish around him.

You grabbed a pink cotton Henley tank from your drawer, and a pair of pink drawstring boy shorts you often wore to sleep. It was awfully cozy, despite the brutal chill in the air outside.

Stay the Night – The Internet

played on your system as you tossed on your favorite soft black lounge jacket complete with a hood, and relaxed your back against the headboard of your bed with some oolong as you waited for him to show.

Which wasn’t long.

After sitting for less than fifteen minutes, there was a knock at the door.

His punctuality was of the sort that needed to be studied.

The last time you recall him coming by was before the wedding you attended together where you performed.

You opened the door to greet him, as a smile spread slowly across your face.

A backpack was slung across his shoulder over a black v-neck tee. He wore a thick black zip hoodie and was devoid of spikes in his tousled jet black hair.

Relaxed, unassuming, Megumi. The one you had the privilege of seeing, probably more often than anyone, but here.

“Hey.” your warm smile widened as you felt your second wind come on, the excitement of having him as a guest jolting your nerves. You stepped aside, granting him space to enter.

“You don’t have to entertain me.” He murmured as he walked in.

“No, it’s okay. I mean I am exhausted, but not sleepy. I was just winding down.”

“Cool, now I don’t feel to bad for barging in on you like this.”

Your eyes followed him as you closed the door with a soft ‘click’, watching his head swivel to and fro as he observed every nook and cranny.

His lids relaxed over his large, glassy eyes as a glint shined inside, making it difficult to hide exactly how happy he was be there.

Your heart warmed at his demeanor; he looked a little lost and somehow subtly anxious, awaiting instruction like a well trained puppy.

“You’re not barging.” You reassured him with a tilt of your head. “You can put your bag down wherever. Want some tea?” You asked politely, making your way to the kitchen.

“Seriously, you don’t have to. It’s not–”

“It’s already made.” you interrupted, somehow glad to know he was capable of the same kind of nervous tension you’d experienced so many times at his place.

It was adorable. And also out of character… At least from what you’d seen thus far.

He always seemed so sure of himself, and comfortable in his own skin, even if he was completely uncomfortable elsewhere.

“Actually, I planned to watch TV in my room until I pass out.” you explained through your stuck on smirk. “But don’t mind me… If you wanna sleep, you can chill on the bed, or couch. I’ll wear headphones so I don’t interrupt.”

You began pouring, your eyes flicking up at him again, just because.

“No way. It’s my first time staying over.” he huffed, “I’m not gonna sleep while you stay up and watch movies...You have popcorn?“

“I do.” you replied, growing more excited as you grabbed a bag from the cabinet, tossing it in the microwave.

His eyes followed your every move across the span of your hardwood floor, lingering on the smooth exposed skin of your freshly oiled legs, various familiar scents, wafting to his nose from every direction as his eyes flicked around in an attempt to locate the source.

It felt different in here. Warm.

Your open space was wide, sectioned off for the different areas of your home; bedroom, living/dining, kitchen, all visible from each other.

He pulled off his shoes, hoodie and bag, stuffing his hands in his pockets as he wandered over to your reading nook by the window.

Much of the city was visible from that cute sill, which wasn’t nearly as high up from the ground as his. However, it was high enough to see a good way across to the next town, and still make out a bakery, bookstore, and faces of evening stragglers wandering around beneath it.

The lights were colorful and bright, even this late in the evening, cars going by as the muted sound of horns and chatter barely made it up to the window.

His eyes drifted from that cozy spot to your queen bed, where his body followed suit, the area littered with plants and color.

All he looked forward to, every time you entered his apartment, was here in abundance … the source of what he longed for, saturated in your surroundings.

Back when he came by to pick you up for the wedding, he could see that it was nice, but couldn’t stay long enough to soak it in. Strange he didn’t come this direction more often rather than the other way around.

But that’s how it always was.

Work. Home. Work. Home... with the occasional outing among friends, all of whom happened to be directly connected to his career. Funny that was all there was… not that it wasn’t a lot.

Well, it was a lot... in a few very important things.

Quality over quantity.

He reluctantly picked a side of your bed, wondering if that was the one you normally chose. He pulled off his baggy button-up joggers, and sank into the plush bedding, propping a leg under the comforter in the direction of the TV.

It felt odd there, but extremely comfortable.

Every girl he’d dated either met him at Yuji’s or came to see him at his place, happily as a matter of fact, ‘cause that’s where they wanted to be.

It really never had anything to do with his preference, yet somehow became the norm. He wondered if he could have, or should have done something to change that before now.

The watched the images flash from the TV, the volume muted as music continued to flow from your system.

Middle of the Night – Elley Duhe

played quietly. He loved the sound, crossing his arms as he leaned back into the headboard to focus his attention on it.

He listened, not recognizing anything but the voice, observing the lyrics and composition under the assumption it was yours.

His eyes flicked back to yours with a smirk, “Nice song.” he murmured, as impressed as always, primarily with the lyrics, perfectly suited for this moment.

“Thank you.” you replied as you drew closer, “Here you go.” handing him a black mug that appeared to turn blue from the temperature of the tea. “Popcorn’s done, too.”

“Thanks.” He said, staring up at you from his spot on the bed as you set the bowl of corn and your mug on the bedside table.

“Will you get mad if I drop kernels on your bed?”

“Nope.” You smirked, plopping down next to him, “I mean, its not like I want them on the bed.” you peeked at him out the corner of your eye. “...but if I find them on my side I’m pushing them over to yours.“

He huffed a muted laugh as you turned to grab your mug, then settled in all easy-like, as the fabric of your soft jacket slipped open, exposing your pink pj’s as you curled up next to him.

Your hair was still a little damp from the shower, tendrils clinging along your neck and cleavage, and that scent he loved was even stronger now that you were less than an arms length away.

He’d seen you relaxed like this, of course, but somehow it hit different here. You seemed less stressed, less tense, more… yourself. That only made him want to rest his eyes nowhere else but on you.

“You okay?” you asked, allowing the warmth of the tea to seep through your palms from your mug as you noted his contemplative state.

“Mhm…” he replied, his blues flicking around the room, to you, and his mug in rotation. “How long does it take for you to write something like that?”

You sighed, “I dunno… I suppose it depends on my mood, the reason for the song, or… the person I write it about. If I had to give it a frame, I’d say a few days?”

He nodded. “And.. who was this one about?” he asked, barely meeting your gaze.

Your eyes met his quickly at that question, then rested at the obvious pink in his typically pale cheeks. Considering the lyrics, it was clear that if there was someone attached to it, the connection was quite intense.

“No one.” you answered, wondering if he’d actually believe you as you worked to mute your smile; a direct reaction to his ridiculously adorable blush.

“Really?” his voice inflected down at the end of that word as he took another sip of his tea, nearly burying his face inside the mug.

“Really.” You couldn’t help your smirk at this point. “I actually remember exactly how I felt around the time I wrote it.”

You ran your thumb across the lip of your mug as you explained. “it was about a year ago. Nobara and I were chatting, daydreaming as always, and had these lofty ideas about our perfect future relationships. This song was the result of what I wanted.”

Megumi rested his head against the headboard, as you, the lyrics, and the sound offered more than just a superficial explanation of your desires. The eroticism was understated, but still quite prevalent.

“You need anything… right now?” He asked, hoping to seem less anxious.

Your lips turned down in the corners as you shook your head slowly, “Nope.” you replied quietly, noticing how ironically not-so-relaxed he seemed. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m fine.” he answered quietly, captivated by what he heard. He raised his softened expression to meet your gaze. “Can I master it?”

The response you wanted to give might have gotten you into more ‘trouble’ than you wanted for the moment, so you decided to hold back a little.

“You most certainly can.” you replied, holding his gaze.

His heart pounded in his chest as he buried his face in his tea again, finishing it rather quickly, then handed it to you. You swiped it, setting it down on your table.

“So... this is where that big brain of yours gets your ideas?” he mumbled.

You looked around your space. “I guess so.” You replied, acknowledging the serenity. “I kinda have to set the atmosphere for inspiration.”

“Mmmm…” He hummed, “Do you think I can help?“

You hiked a brow. “Help?”

“Yeah.” he replied, “I want you to rely on me more.”

You tilted your head as you palmed your mug with both hands. “Why?”

“Because.”

At that, he took the opportunity to ignore the TV, lying on his side as he slid his arm beneath your plush pillow, using his elbow to prop up his head as he decided you were far more interesting to view anyway.

Your eyes followed the motion, watching him nestle into your pink plush blanket, the sight of him in this state melting your heart.

“Because… why?” you replied gently, wishing you could open his mind and see inside.

He shrugged. “I need a reason?” he asked

You squinted, head tilting as you processed his words.

“I just wanna… be that person for you.” the mushiness of the words effecting him enough to pull his gaze away as his cheeks reddened.

You could have eaten him at a that moment.

Your smile widened as you grabbed the remote, turning off the TV as a familiar song,

Sweet Tea – Snoh Alegra

played quietly.

You placed your mug next to his, following suit as you rested your head on your pillow across from his, pressing your palms together beneath it.

“Okay.” You murmured, almost inaudibly.

His usually spiky, well coiffed locks now rested as soft tendrils against the side of his face and along your pillow as he held your gaze.

You cupped his face his with your soft hand, still warm from the tea, fingers sliding down the side of his neck then slowly tracing the shape of his Adams apple.

His pulse quickened beneath your fingertips as he spoke hesitantly. “You’re leaving me.” fell from his lips as your touch sent a tingle down his spine.

“Never.” you whispered.

He studied your face like he’d be tested on memorization. “Promise.”

It was refreshing seeing him like this. But you couldn’t help but feel something else just beneath the surface.

“Cross my heart. And hope to die.” you muttered.

“You can’t do that... Your heart is mine, remember?” He replied as your fingers curled around his neck, his voice vibrating against your palm.

Your smile peeked.

“If you break your promise” he continued, “I’ll die too.”

That smile melted into a more serious expression, the thought sending a pang to your heart. “Don’t.” You replied. “Or I’ll come back and kill you.”

His lips curled up just barely in the corners as if your reply was satisfactory, a sharp tingle coursing through to his groin as your grip tightened around his neck.

“What do you wanna watch?” he asked, as if still interested in television.

“You pick.” you replied, observing his pulse under his skin against yours.

He blinked lazily. “I dunno.”

It was difficult to consider redirecting his attention to something as mundane as a movie, especially when you were so incredibly gorgeous right now.

“You have… many options.” you murmured, pressing your cheek deeper into the pillow over your other hand.

“Mmm…” he hummed, “But one good one is more than enough.”

You nodded subtly. “Drama?”

His lips turned down in the corners. “Nah.”

“Horror?” your eyes widened as you snickered, tightening your grip even more, then loosening it to slid your fingertips up through his hair.

“Tch. Maybe another time.“

“Action.“ you hiked a brow, then gripped a chunk of his hair gently.

He chuckled, completely satisfied with just this.

“How about one… with a little of everything.”

“Okay.” you replied, just as uninterested in it as he was. “Sounds perfect.”

His pupils dilated visibly over his fixed gaze, his eyes tracing every soft curve in your face. “It is perfect.”

You continued to caress him mindlessly, sliding your fingers down and around his neck as you inched closer.

A thoughtful look washed over him as he glanced away. “How long will you be gone?”

You shrugged. “A couple weeks. Three, max. Not as long as before.”

“Ever been to Okinawa?“

Your brow furrowed. “No, actually.”

“I should have taken you.”

“You can still take me.”

“... But I can’t take you first.”

As you continued to stroke his neck and hair, you noticed a hint of a pout present on the edge of his mouth. You just about melted.

“I love you, Megumi.”

His gaze Immediately returned to yours, as if those words snapped him back from wherever his mind had just taken him, his heart racing as his name fell from your lips.

His hand moved to cup your face, his eyes resting on your lips. “Say that again.”

You giggled softly. “I love you. Megumi Fushiguro.”

His thumb slid across your bottom lip as he watched your supple skin bend against the pressure.

“I don’t want to go on this trip.” you murmured. “I... tried to see if you could come with me.”

You probably could never imagine the way it made him feel to hear that. “How did that go over?”

You took a deep breath. “It didn’t. Apparently it’s not a thing this time around.”

“Of course not.” he whispered.

“Will you miss me when I’m gone?”

His lip twitched, threatening a smile. “Probably far more than I should.”

“You can call me again … like last time.” you replied with a smirk.

“If you say that, I’ll do it every day.”

“Okay.” you replied.

You inched your body even closer, burying your face into the crook of his neck, squeezing his bicep, then sliding it down his arm until you found his empty hand where you locked it with yours, pulling it around your waist as you lifted your leg to drape it across his.

It would have been nice to watch that movie.

This was just… so much nicer.

His chest rose and fell against yours as you continued felt the thump of his heart from his chest, beating against yours.

You both realized how tired you actually were, and fell asleep to the sound of each other’s breathing and the warmth of your bodies.

*~*~*~*~*

The time came a little faster than expected.

You packed your bags, hoping to get to the airport in more than enough time so you wouldn’t need to rush.

You decided to make a quick phone call before hitting the road.

“Hey, lady. How are you?“

“Good baybeee!” Nobara answered, “Sitting with Yuji gettin some booze in before tonight. He’s taking me out.” You could hear her smile over the phone.

“Tell Yuji I said, ‘Hi’ and to ‘take good care of you tonight’.” you said, in a mock patronizing tone.

“I will.” she said back in the same tone, smiling over at Yuji as he smoked a baby joint.

“It was nice to get together with Tsumiki again before she left.” She continued. “But I can’t stop thinking about your trip. How’s everything going?”

“Pretty well. I’m mostly packed, but... I wanted to ask you a question.” you replied, stuffing the last few items you needed into the outside compartments of your bags.

“Okay, shoot.”

“Well, remember what we talked about briefly after lunch last week? I spent some more time with Megz of course, and … I think you’re right. I feel like he’s definitely a little anxious lately. I mean, he’s not his usual collected self. Well… he’s calm but…” you looked to the ceiling, searching your brain for the right word.

“Different?” She finished.

“Yeah.” you agreed. “Not extremely different, but.. you know?”

“Yeah. I know.” She paused, I’m gonna let you talk to Yuji. She said, passing him the phone.

“Hey Hun.” you greeted him.

“Hey.” he replied. “I overheard. I kinda guessed something like this would happen, considering you’re spending all that time with those impressive men.”

“Yeah.” you scoffed, “You think he might be worried about me?”

He shook his head, even though you couldn’t see him. “I don’t know if he’s worried about you as much as about them. But then...”

You stopped what you were doing to sit. “What?”

“When it comes to women, Megumi’s not likely to get mushy.”

“I could’ve told her that.” Nobara chimed in in the background.

Yuji took a moment as if to gather the right words. “Don’t get me wrong. He’s brutally honest, even if some of what he says comes off sweet or compassionate.”

“Yeah” you interjected. “I definitely noticed that. He has a way with words, but he’s far less likely to talk than act.”

“Exactly. And when it’s time to open up … he’s hesitant to be honest with himself.”

“What do you mean by that?” you frowned, considering all the times the two of you had heartfelt conversations. Specifically the last time. Yet, most of the time it was regarding you.

That revelation actually kind of made you feel a bit guilty.

“There’s a lot going on in that guy’s head.” Yuji noted. “He’s a problem solver. A force when it comes to getting what he wants, but… vulnerability isn’t his strong suit. If he’s struggling with something, he’ll likely do it all by himself.”

Your heart twisted a little in your chest at the thought.

All this time, and you hadn’t thought of him that way. It felt as though you’d been completely neglecting him.

“We’ve been talking a lot lately.” you added, “He didn’t seem noticably angry.”

“He probably won’t, until he’s bubbling over.” He grimaced a little. “And I realize how unhealthy that sounds.” he chuckled under his breath. “He can be a big baby when it comes to communicating the more sensitive parts of himself.“

Those words struck a chord in you.

You realized that he’d always been comfortable, at least it seemed, to be intimate or to show you how much he cared. But it was always in actions and not words.

Yuji added, “I don’t know that I’ve seen him this serous about anyone. So if there’s a person who can bring that out of him, it’s likely you.”

“Tch”, Nobara snickered, “You saying she can change him?”

He scoffed, “No. It’s already there. I’m saying you can make him feel safe to show it to you.”

Nobara leaned in, speaking loudly into the phone. “I think he’s right.”

You squinted, as if the focus in your eyes would help your mind comprehend things better. You took a deep breath, releasing some tension you’d apparently been holding inside.

“Thanks for that, Yuji.”

“Of course. When do you leave?”

“In a few hours.”

“Okay. Be safe.” Yuji said, handing Nobara the phone.

“Yeah, have a safe trip.” She echoed.

“I’ll do my best. I hate going to airports. They’re so stressful.”

“Tell me about it.” She replied. “By the way, I took Tsumiki to the airport with Megumi. She says she’s thinking of taking another trip out here for the show in a month. She wants to support the band.”

“That would be awesome.” you smiled, “I’m sure they’ll all appreciate that.”

“Yeah. And don’t let all of this worry you while you’re working.” she advised. “Take advantage of the time. Get some sun and relax. Everything you need will come to you.”

“Okay. Thank you love.” you replied, “I’ll call you when I get settled in.”

*~*~*~*~*

It was a little crowded at the airport, but wasn’t too bad since your flight was booked for a weekday, during work hours.

The trip wouldn’t be more than about three hours, and you had a few more songs to finish so you figured you’d do so with the downtime.

How to Disappear Completely – Radiohead

played overhead at the airport as you made your way through the bustle.

Once you spotted Geto at the gate, you joked with him about the accommodations on the plane. It was common for this particular airline to have no window seats available, and as soon as you’d found out about the trip, you asked for one immediately.

“One window seat as requested.” he said, handing you the ticket.

“Wow!” you said, relieved and excited. “You got it?”

“Sure. I mean, it’s the least we can do for dragging you guys out to this beautiful place, right?”

You swiped the ticket from his hand graciously, noting the sarcasm. “Thanks. I appreciate that.” Geto was a decent guy, but definitely had his cheeky moments.

“Of course.” He replied with a chuckle mixed into his huff. “Okinawa is nice, and exciting. Hopefully we’ll get to see a lot more than just our hotel meeting rooms on this trip.”

You nodded in agreement. “It’s my first time here. I’ll be sure to make the most of it.”

“Happy to hear it.” he replied, just before you noticed Sukuna making his way to the gate.

He pulled his luggage along in a confident stride, his chiseled form coiffed in a fitted Polo which accentuated his tats perfectly over dark denim. All eyes were on him as he approached, and the last thing you wanted was for the pair in you head to be included in the lot.

“Excuse me.” you said to Geto, hoping to make your exit from that general area before Sukuna filled it with his overwhelming presence.

You quickly stuffed your ticket in your crossover as you turned to have a few words with some colleagues as you filed in.

Management always took on the responsibility to book flights and rooms for these trips. Thankfully you never really needed to communicate much where that was concerned, especially since you often had too much to do there, anyway.

Geto and Sukuna spent their time chatting as you began to board, Sukuna’s eyes wandering toward you probably far more often than they should have, as if he were waiting for you to do something.

Needless to say, it was unnerving, and annoying, but what else was new?

The agent at the gate wished you all a great flight as you made your way onto what was said to be one of Japan’s best airlines.

You sighed as your sights finally drifted to the details on your ticket, suddenly frowning at the info.

The confusion on your face was obvious, and by the time you processed what you’d seen, an attendant was already prepared to help.

Is everything okay, Ma’am? She asked with a perfectly professional smile and genuine concern.

“Y-yes, uhm… I just realized where my seat was.” you said, brushing it off as to not worry her too much.

“Okay. Please let us know if you need anything. We’re happy to help.” she replied, just before greeting the next passenger.

You walked through the cabin, past all the seats you might have typically booked as your colleagues, the ones you’d trained, took seats in economy.

You continued following the numbers until you passed the partition that led to first class. One row, six rows, ten rows. Your seat wasn’t there, either. You finally found it, in business.

What the hell? You thought, as you finally located your spacious, plush, accommodating window seat. You checked the ticket again, three more times just to be sure you weren’t trippin.

You realized you weren’t, as you noticed Geto heading there as well. You decided to have a seat, and the moment you did, you felt you’d melt into it and pass out from comfort alone.

It even smelled amazing.

Your flabbers were ghasted. Your head swiveled constantly as you absorbed the surroundings, the luxury, cleanliness and convenience.

You had no desire to complain, but... this never happened.

Not on trips for this company.

At least, not for you.

Geto always gave you and the others the option to upgrade, and primarily you chose economy whenever you flew alone simply as a preference to spend the extra cash on things you found more … “important”.

Not that your comfort wasn’t.

This was nice. But quite unexpected. Also, you didn’t understand how or why you ended up in this section since you hadn’t requested it.

“Feels good, doesn’t it?” A familiar voice chimed, towering from over your shoulder. Sukuna. “Nothing like relaxing in business class for trips like this.”

Your eyes widened as you met his smug gaze that somehow seemed softer than usual. Of course it was him.

Your heart beat a mile a minute, and felt like it had dropped into your stomach. There goes your comfort.

“We decided to give our trainers a bit more this time around.” He beamed as he sat down in the seat right next to you with an exaggerated “Aaahhh.”

You could feel your nose flare as if steam would shoot from your ears immediately after. Un-fucking-believable, is what you wanted to say out loud.

You gritted your teeth and practiced breathing slowly as you kept your gaze directed out the window.

Your phone rang, just as expected, at perfect moment, from the perfect person who had perfect timing.

“Fuck.”

“Oof … language.” Sukuna smirked as he eyeballed you.

You took another deep breath as you answered, trying hard to maintain a smile that he could hear. “Hey.”

“Hey.” The adrenaline was kicking your ass right now.

“You boarded?”

“Uh…” another breath, “… yeah.”

Sukuna’s smile could have lit up a room.

And you wanted to punch him right in his malicious face.

He turned toward Geto, who happened to be seated across the aisle from him, completely oblivious to the obvious drama happening among you.

“What’s wrong?” Megumi asked, frowning on the other end of the phone. “You sound upset.”

You sighed again.

How did he know that? You said to yourself, overwhelmingly frustrated to bring any of this up to him. You spoke quietly, strongly desiring some privacy in your conversation. “Somehow I got business class this time.”

“Oh yeah?” He replied. “Is that bad?”

“Possibly. I didn’t pay for this.” you admitted, hoping he’d get the hint.

“I see.” Of course he did.

“I think I’m gonna get one of my colleagues to swi–”

“Stay put.”

You frowned even deeper, wondering what he was thinking, but also wishing he was there with you.

You were starting to notice more every day how comforting Megumi’s presence was, regardless of his seemingly chronic disregard for most things.

It was strange that you didn’t want to give up living alone too soon, but having him in your life ensured you were never lonely.

Yet at this point, you couldn’t imagine him not being around.

It was becoming what felt like a necessity rather than a simple desire, and honestly you weren’t sure how to feel about that.

“I’m ordering drinks. You want one?” Sukuna asked, leaning closer to your personal space as if in an attempt to speak directly into the phone.

You answered with a “No.” so sharp, it could’ve cut him.

His smirk widened into a sly grin, obviously quite pleased with himself as he turned back toward the flight attendant, placing his order.

“Is that Sukuna?”

Another sigh, “Yeah. He booked the seat right next to mine.”

You could hear his huff and see his head-shake from the other side of the phone.

“Keep your seat. You deserve to sit there.” Megumi replied, “You work hard. Give yourself a chance to relax.”

His words were like an elixir for your soul.

“If he’s truly making you too uncomfortable, don’t stay there.” He continued, “But please don’t move because of me.”

You wanted more than anything to hug him right now. To be in his arms.

“Okay.”

“Okay.” He echoed, warmth lacing his voice. “Call me when you touch down.”

“I will. I promise.” you replied, closing your eyes as you recalled the vision of him lying next to you in your cozy bed.

It was deeply seared into your mind, and you never wanted it to leave your memory. You took a final deep breath, “I love you” floating on it’s wave.

Megumi felt his blood immediately cool as he absorbed the sound of those words coming from your lips. “I love you, too.” He wouldn’t dare end this call without returning them to you.

You didn’t want to hang up, but also didn’t want Sukuna this close to any more intimate moments between you and Megumi.

“Problem in paradise?” His voice rang from where he sat, stinging that side of your body.

you scoffed, “Not even remotely.” you said, gripping the phone as you placed it upside down on the table in front of you.

“You know, this wasn’t an attempt against your relationship.”

You rolled your eyes, “Mmm.” and pressed your lips together in a hard line. Really?“

Another annoying smile from him. “Really. You should be here.”

He went on, “Geto told me how much you’ve done for this company.” He said, turning his his sly grin toward you, along with his crossed legs, leaning casually against the arm of his seat, almost in your personal space. Almost.

“And from what I’ve seen, frankly, I think you deserve better.” He said bluntly, without so much as a blink.

Despite his double entendre, your brows jumped as you considered how right he finally was. Particularly regarding this job. If you had it your way, you’d be doing something totally different, one hundred percent of the time.

Corporate gigs are right for the right people. You weren’t the right person. You just happened to be good at it.

“Here you go.” Sukuna said as he placed a glass of ice water and a small block of dark chocolate on your table. “You know what they say about chocolate.”

You eyeballed the items, blinking a few times at the gesture before cutting your eyes toward his. “I really don’t know.” you replied. “What do they say, Sukuna?”

“It’s the best legal drug.” he replied, taking a sip of his bourbon. “Can make you feel real good … real fast.”

You were sure it wasn’t lost on him that you were not exactly his biggest fan, but somehow you sensed that it was doing the exact opposite of what you wanted it to anyway.

You turned back to the window, still considering changing your seat, and hoping to block him out of your mind for most of the flight which was surprisingly easy to do.

You also expected the understated bullying to continue, yet he spent most of his time chatting with Geto about the trip, the post-training plans, and then buried his face in a book. With glasses nonetheless.

The most infuriating things about him were how handsome he was, how well he managed his narcissistic qualities, and his profound professionalism. He also looked and smelled really good, all the time.

All of that, coupled with his blatant desire to undercut Megumi, truly got under your skin in a way not much ever had. But you were happy to have some relief from his attempts to get any closer to you.

*~*~*~*~*

You finally reached Okinawa and contacted Megumi the minute you exited the gate, heading toward the shuttles prepared to get you to the hotel.

“I made it.” you said, bustling away from the crowd of your coworkers.

“In one piece.” he quipped, hoping to make light of the situation. “Did you have a comfortable flight?” He genuinely wanted your answer to be ‘yes’.

“You know, it wasn’t as bad as I thought it’d be. I was just glad I didn’t have anyone’s back in my snacks.”

“Tch. Yeah.” He found himself extremely happy that you had the accommodations you did, yet felt the opposite that he wasn’t the one to give them to you. “You get to rest now, right?”

“Well… we have to meet for about an hour to go over a few things on the itinerary, but after that, yes.”

“Good. I won’t hold you up. But call me whenever you want, day or night“

“I really wish …” you started, but cut yourself off, in an attempt to sound less needy. It was like your heart was missing a piece that you’d left behind. “Uh… I’ll talk to you later.”

“Okay.” He said, reluctantly and obediently ending the call. “Talk to you later.”

*~*~*~*~*

Before you knew it, you were unpacking your bags at the hotel that you all checked into.

Of course, it was a stunning place.

Okinawa itself, and the hotel room, which you were once again surprised to note was far more luxurious than you’d expected. No doubt, Sukuna’s doing.

Regardless, all you could think of was how nice it would have been to be at a place like this with the person you loved.

You suddenly understood what he meant when he said he wished he could have brought you here first.

And now you were thinking the same.

You turned on your phone for some music, as

Nude – Radiohead

Began to play on your device, taking the time to set up your trinkets, baubles and necessities all over the lavish room you had in preparation for whatever work or meet priority might come up at this place, since Geto requested that you do so anyway.

Just as you were settling in, ready to shower, there was an aggressive knock at the door.

You sighed, tired, wishing you could just be left alone for at least another few hours before the evening’s final meeting with your colleagues.

You approached the door, your bare feet sinking into the plush carpet of the hotel room as you peeked through the peephole.

Of course… Sukuna.

With a roll of your eyes, you took another quick deep breath as you unlatched the locks on the heavy door.

“Hey girl, hows the room.” he said, casually leaning against the frame by one hand, his muscular arm stretched out to hold himself up.

You scoffed. “Woman. It’s fine. May I help you?“

“Easy there. I’m just making the rounds, checking on all of our subordinates.” He said, his voice deep and commanding behind that smirk. It seemed he liked to use that word when referring to his colleagues.

Or maybe it was just you.

“I’d appreciate if you wouldn’t use that term.” your glare could cut metal.

“Why? Is it not the truth?”

Your lips curled up in the corners, “We’re all adults here. There’s no need for belittling undertones wouldn’t you say?“

“Belittling?” He echoed. “Oh I wouldn’t call it that. I’d say it’s a fitting expression for those in a position requiring them to be obedient. Wouldn’t you say?” he retorted.

You rolled your eyes quite hard as you looked away, hoping to end this interaction as quickly as possible.

“Everything’s fine here.”

“Good. I made sure it would be.” he replied, his sharp eyes never leaving your face.

“What does that mean?“

He leaned forward, angling his body to peer into your room. “Well, this suite wasn’t exactly included in our package.”

Of course.

“And how many of us were privileged with this upgrade?” you asked with a tilt of your head.

He shrugged, “Myself, Geto, and ... you.” He droned, his smile widening as his eyes scanned your frame.

“Why?”

“I already told you. I think you deserve better.”

“I didn’t ask for this… correction… I didn’t ask you, for this.”

“You didn’t have to.” he replied, “I talked it over with Geto, and he confirmed that I could use my personal funds however I wanted. Besides, you’re the top trainer on this trip, damn near management yourself. You’ve earned it.”

“Anything else?” you asked, with puckered lips.

“That’s all for now.” He looked down at the towel you gripped in your arm before grinning once more. “Enjoy that shower.”

With that, he turned on his heels, heading down the hallway.

*~*~*~*~*

Shape of My Heart – Sting

Played lightly in the dark of the room.

The light clicks resounded in his office that evening as he typed away on his keyboard, his mind heavy with wonder surrounding how you were feeling on this trip, and what you were doing every minute.

Megumi couldn’t stop his mind from reeling.

It was clearly much different from the last, where you had plenty of opportunity and space to spend your extra time chatting, texting or face timing.

It was hard to imagine you being anywhere near Sukuna, but it was clear that he had no choice.

It pained him to think he’d have to simply wait around to see the outcome of whatever mess Sukuna had already finished cooking up.

Not to mention, he still had quite a bit of time to wait for the answer to his question posed to you which never came.

The events in the history of his … “relationship” with Sukuna flashed in his head like a migraine, and suddenly Nanako was also on his mind all over again.

That was taken care of. Water under the bridge.

But was it really? If so, why now? Why would what happened back then be a thought at all if it was resolved?

He decided he wouldn’t idle in this situation.

He couldn’t. Not this time.

There was too much to loose.

But at the very least, he’d attempt to do something to make things better.

And this was at least a start.

He opened a window, browsing sites until he found exactly what he needed. He scoured the site, and with a final click, it was done.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

One round trip flight to Okinawa.

.

.

.

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<< BACK TO SET 7 PART 1

< Set 6 | Set 8 >

Set 8 Preview: Coming Soon...

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Thanks for reading! ✨🥰✨

Notes: As always, I welcome any and all critiques, suggestions, and comments regarding my work, since I truly feel all of those may make me a much better writer! I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read my little stories, and if you'd like to be tagged in releases, don't hesitate to comment below! 😊💖🎶

©cocomanga 2025 | Please do not plagiarize, copy, or distribute my work.

..... Minors: You have no business here. Love you, but please don't ....

“The Sweetest Beat“ Spotify Interactive Playlist: 

▶SET 7 Crazy – Gnarls Barkley After Dark – Mr. Kitty The Rain Song – Led Zepplin Into the Blue – Galleaux Frozen – Sabrina Claudio Whale and Wasp – Alice in Chains Paranoia Purple (Live at Electric Lady) – Yebba Wild Horses – The Sundays Stay the Night – The Internet Middle of the Night – Elley Duhe Sweet Tea – Snoh Alegra How to Disappear Completely – Radiohead Nude – Radiohead Shape of My Heart – Sting

Quick Note: HEY GUYS!! You’re probably wondering why I split this chapter. Well, its because Tumblr wont allow me to post it all on one thread.🙄 Its twenty thousand words long, and I didn’t feel like sitting here for hours trying to figure out how to satisfy Tumblr’s 1000 block limit. 😅 I took the time to format this work the way I wanted it read/seen, so I kept it that way. I hope it isn't an inconvenience for you guys. Set 7 is posted in its entirety on AO3 and Wattpad right now, along with the Spotify Interactive Playlist. As far as I'm concerned, this has taken far too long.😩 Please forgive any hiccups. I was SO ANXIOUS to get this released. As usual, I'll correct any errors I catch later, including any music I wanted to add. I love and appreciate you all for hanging in there with me! 🥰 In the meantime, please enjoy!

*~*~*~*~*

“Wait... What?” you squinted, shaking your head as if something that made no sense at all was inside and you wanted it gone. “You know him?“

“Yeah... but... how do you?” Megumi replied, as

Crazy – Gnarls Barkley

played from the stage.

You scoffed, closing the small gap between you. “He works with me.“

“Since when?” He frowned.

“Since like... a week ago? My manager brought him in to help out. I’d never seen him before then.”

Your eyes darted to each part of your man’s face, wishing you could jump inside his brain to find out what exactly It was he was thinking... or feeling. “Were you friends or something?“

Megumi peered over at Yuji who was serving Sukuna another drink, as apparently the one you just saw in his hand was already gone.

His gaze then drifted toward Choso, who stood on stage looking equally puzzled, the left side of his face grimacing as he held out his hands and a “What the fuck?” mouthed from his lips.

“Friends? No. He was the lead in a rival band back in college, and one of the reasons we were more than happy to move back home.“

He huffed, rolling his eyes, his normal I-don’t-give-a-fuck expression cracked by his frustration, yet, as always, he still managed to keep his cool. “But... even if he is working with you, I still don’t get what the he’s doing here?“

The longer Megumi’s confused expression lingered, the more frustrated you got that his night could be ruined by this random and obviously unwelcomeguest.

And just then, something dawned on you.

Sukuna had been sitting at your desk for quite a while that night with your flash drive poking out of your computer before you showed up at work. You immediately winced at the conclusion you drew. “Nah, no way he did that.“

Megumi’s head swiveled to face you, “Did what?” he asked, his pretty blues scanning your dumbfounded face as you realized you’d said that out loud.

You hesitated, wheels still turning in an attempt to make sense of it all. “He was at my work desk... rummaging through my computer the night we rehearsed at your studio.“

You glared over toward Sukuna and the ridiculous smirk he had plastered on his face as he leaned casually, confidently against the bar.

Megumi scoffed, shaking his head as he rolled his eyes again, finishing the rest of his second beer. “Yeap, sounds about right.” He raised his hand to get Itadori’s attention.

“What ’sounds about right’?” you questioned, your frown growing deeper the more anxious this situation made you.

“Sukuna’s a fucking asshole.” His brows pressed into his forehead, yet his lips remained tight as he began his explanation. “He gave us hell throughout campus and elsewhere, talking shit about our band, following us around to every event and competition, working overtime to give us a bad name.“

He quickly glared toward Sukuna’s smug face, then turned back to rake his gaze over you again as his wheels turned. 

Megumi was always quick on the uptake, that big brain of his rivaling every other part of his greatness as he put two and two together with an abundance of speed. 

Your work. ... Your computer. ...Your face, your voice. ... You…

Currently in what some would consider to be Megumi’s “possession“. Especially after tonight.

And now that Sukuna knows that, well, it doesn’t take rocket science to determine what that would mean for the three of you if he wanted nothing more than to be the bane of Megumi’s existence. 

And a woman like you, looks aside, after what he’d seen of you at this show, He’d perceive you to be no less than the perfect vessel for his malice.

Even if the end result was for him to have you to himself. You remained glued to Megumi’s side, your eyes fixed on his face, the inner corners of your brows turned up as you waited to hear what he’d say next.

After all that had passed through his mind like a shock-wave, his gaze simply softened before resting back at yours, his lips manifesting a single request with a subtle upward nod.

“Take a shot with me.“

Yuji handed Megumi two shot glasses of Yamazaki, having overheard your conversation. “Unfortunately, his band is just as badass as he is an asshole.” He whined, as he poured a third for himself.

Megz continued. “His presence here won’t be anything less than hell. I’m sure he’s only here to start more shit.“

You puckered your lips, taking the shot from Megz’s hand.

Of course they finished first as you allowed it to submerge your tongue and fill your senses on the way down. You grimaced as the heat gathered in your throat and you set the glass back down on the bar.

Yuji stacked them, taking them behind the bar as he leaned in to talk to Nobara.

“What do you think he could possibly be up to this time?” you questioned. “I mean, specifically. You guys are already practically established here. What could he do to change that?“

The concern on your face was more than enough to soften even Megumi’s heart. So innocent. So considerate. So cute.

So... naive.

Perhaps it was a good thing that the obvious didn’t cross your mind for Megumi’s sake. Considering especially as he looked at you, he would be the one with the most to lose should anything be done ’to change that’.

Your emo boy flashed a sneak of a smile as everything in him wanted nothing more in this moment than to lock you up, chain you down, and keep you safe. 

From everyone except himself, of course.

His lids rested over his contemplative eyes as he let how cute you were stir up his anxiety to get you out of here.

“Who knows?” Megumi answered, breaking his never-ending train of thought with raised brows, lips turned up in the corners and exhaustion already gracing his face, though nothing has really happened yet. “But whatever it is, it’ll probably be fucked up.“

You huffed, “I can’t believe he went through my shit like that.” You shook your head in disbelief, especially at the fact that he’d do something like that so blatantly in front of Geto. You wondered how close they were. “I gotta report him.“

“Be careful.” Megumi warned quickly, peeking at you out the corner of his eye, watching the wheels in your brain turn right in front of him.

“What? Why?“

He shrugged, “If he went that far, he’ll do more“. Megumi’s demeanor was characteristically calm, considering the implications of his accusation. “I haven’t dealt with him in a while, but I know he can be pretty relentless.” he spoke with a hint of genuine worry in his voice that you could recognize even in this crowd.

“Well, if that’s the case, I don’t wanna waste any more time thinking about it now...” You stood in front of your lover, between his propped up legs, removing his third beer from his hand as you pulled his arms to drape them around your waist. 

“It’s your birthday.” you tilted your head, “Don’t you want your present?“

Megumi’s lids lowered slowly as his sights dropped to rest at your chest, lowering more as they cascaded further, tracing the curves of your hips as he allowed the affects of the alcohol to woo him into a chill daze, not remotely replacing the one your presence had on him.

He was finally drunk, but not blind.

With his face still angled in the direction of your thighs, his eyes lifted first to meet your gaze as he murmured, devoid of a smile, “There’s more?” with a hike in his brow.

“Yeah. There’s more.”

He stood to hover, his shadow nearly swallowing you whole as he leaned into your ear. “I’m gonna ruin you for anyone else.“

It was hard to hide the deep blush forming beneath the shimmery highlights on your cheeks as you quickly glanced around, checking for prying eyes.

There were a few, but even a million couldn’t stop you from indulging in this moment. Your tongue pulled your bottom lip behind your teeth as your eyes met his, that pout still on his lips as his gaze darkened at the sight of your adorable face.

“Feeling possessive birthday boy?” you gripped his tee in each of your hands at his sides as he leaned into you to inhale you again, his jet-black strands tickling your neck. “Just so you know,” you droned, “That’s a done mother-fucking deal.“

“Megz!” Nobara yelled from near the front where she and Yuji waited with Tsumiki, giving a sideways nod for the two of you to get lost with them before the crowd made an attempt to follow.

Megumi’s eyes were attached to your neck, your supple skin exposed under your glistening necklace, sparkling with that pretty oil he could smell on you, all of the above making him far more than merely excited to get you wherever you were going next, and quickly.

Mr. Kitty – After Dark

played from the stage as another set of Ino’s friends followed up with a few crowd favorites, allowing you the time you needed to escape, at least a little unnoticed as Toge and Choso hung back a bit to keep them entertained.

Your hands pulled the fabric of his top as he leaned into you even more, “tipsy” describing him fully in this moment, keeping his warm body close as you led him toward the door.

You’d gotten maybe five steps as yet another large body hindered your ability to go any further.

“So you’re not even gonna speak?“

Your smile faded immediately at the sight of him. Sukuna. His full, relatively intimidating frame towering over you.

“Not much to say... We’re on our way out.” You murmured, bluntly.

He stood, swirling his lowball, with a quite pungent iced drink inside that only halfway hid the shady ass smirk on his face.

“That’s all well and good but uh...” an upward nod, “I’m talkin’ to your friend.” his smile grew wider as he tipped his glass into his mouth, eyeballing Megumi.

“Tch.“ Megumi huffed, pressing his body into yours, his chest warm against your shoulder blades. His left hand softly gripped your left arm, sliding down as his fingers curled around until they reached your hand where he threaded them between yours.

His right hand curved around your waist. “She spoke for both of us.” He practically hissed, eyes half lidded. “Sumt’n you need?“

Weird he was able to drink at all with the corner of his lips curved up like that, his gaze never leaving Megumi’s. His glass turned down slowly before he swallowed, “Oh I think I’m fully capable of getting that regardless.“

You rolled your eyes hard, filling your lungs with air as you sighed even harder. “Lets go Megz.” you replied as you pushed past Sukuna, dragging your emo boy along.

Megumi knew it was gonna be a serious problem if you, of all people, were in the middle of whatever Sukuna was up to. He’s at your job, now here.

He knew he could practically count the seconds it would take for his bullshit to be revealed, whatever form in came in.

But never mind that. You were leaving with Megumi.

And that’s all that mattered...

*~*~*~*~*

You arrived at Megumi’s place before anyone else, as your bestie had arranged for you to have an Uber get you there safely.

Excitement engulfed you as you scanned the quiet, dark atmosphere, despite the subtle chill brushing across your skin. It was a little cold as it often was, the consistent excuse you used to constantly wrap your body around him whenever you came to visit.

It was easy to see the reason he loved having you around. Your warmth brought the kind of life to his space that simply didn’t exist unless you’re there. You or Tsumiki, of course.

At this moment, the only light that shone in the apartment glowed through the tall windows from the streets outside, which was now dusted with white from snowflakes fluttering quietly to the ground.

Megumi closed the door behind you with a soft click as you wandered in, the jingling sound of him dropping his keys in his deep pocket was just about the only thing you heard as he walked past you toward the couch.

You were both quite intoxicated, eyes small, the room spinning ever so slightly, but somehow completely tolerable since you were safe and sound.

Reflections of the night’s events flashed in your mind, adoration sparkling in your eyes all over again as you called out to him, your voice piercing softly through the quiet of his space.

“Hey.”

He turned your direction, brows raised, glassy, lidded eyes meeting yours with curiosity, that dark gaze somehow even sexier right now, the shadows in this wide open room complementing his dark features, making your heart skip as always.

“I have something for you.” You murmured, nervous, yet excited to present it as your heart fluttered in time with the falling snow.

“You’ve given me too much already.” He replied, his voice soft and slightly raspy, yet somehow still didn’t fail to display the adulation that floated on its frequency, despite the rejection. 

“You think so?” You frowned, whining. “I like giving you things.” You mumbled as your hand disappeared into your bag.

He took a few steps back, his calves reaching the couch before he plopped down lazily, sinking his torso against the back, and lifting a leg to rest his foot against the table in front of it.

You plopped down on his left side, crossing your left leg toward him as you placed a small package in his palm.

“It’s um... just a little something I thought you’d like.” You presented it as you shyly hid your lips in your mouth, resting the side of your head on the back of the couch.

He observed your expression through his tipsy gaze, your timidity and the soft glint behind your eyes, warming his heart enough to ignite a fierce spark.

He received your gift reluctantly, cutting his eyes toward you as he opened the small black paper bag that shrouded the package, pulling out a container made of stained wood with a tiny hinge on the lid. It was covered with black roses that appeared to be lightly etched in.

You smiled nervously, pressing your shoulder into the back of the couch. “Do you remember that one song you played the night we met?“

“Played a lot of songs that night.” He replied.

“A lot of perfect ones.” You retorted.

He smirked, looking down at the “Heart Shaped Box.“ His softened gaze rested on the object in his hand before meeting yours again, “Of course I remember, silly.“

You pursed your lips as you continued. “Well... since then... I think... you’ve always had mine. My heart, I mean.“

You couldn’t pinpoint why, after all this time, it still felt difficult to tell him how you feel, as whatever the hindrance was still haunted your heart. “I uhm... the box was too plain. I etched the design in.“

He observed it again, astonished. 

The tiny roses, thorns, and leaves meticulously designed in the etching was stunning, the notion that it was done by hand forcing a wrinkle in his brow. Was there no end to your talent? He thought, a huff escaping his nostrils behind a faint smile.

“You did this?“

You shrugged a coy shoulder, “Open it.“

He pressed his thumb against the flattened side of the heart shaped box to lift the lid. On the inside, which had a black fabric lining, was what appeared to be a black bracelet.

It was genuine leather, braided, and sturdy, but thin enough to not weigh him down. In the center of the bracelet was a small, round, black crystal.

He tilted his head as he hooked a finger through it, lifting it from the case, sliding his thumb across the braiding. The texture felt good on his skin. “S’nice.“

“Now, look inside.” You grabbed the remote from the table, clicking on the light, dimming it in response to his retreat from the sudden harsh glare from the ceiling.

He met your gaze, confused. “Inside?“

Another nod, “Look inside the crystal“.

He squinted, at the thing, and first glance, it appeared that what you said didn’t make much sense. But he lifted it, bringing it closer to his eyes. 

“Allow a little light to shine through.“

He followed your request, lifting it higher, passing light through it. The inside revealed a photo of you. An image that he recalled from the very first night he’d met you.

It was a shot of you sitting, leaning back at the bar, in the very outfit and hairstyle you’d worn as your head tilted back and your eyes looked directly into the camera.

Your lips were slightly puckered over the stunning curve of your neck, and the affect of the light from behind the crystal perfectly complemented your natural glow.

That look in your eyes, the one that had already been etched into his memory from that night as he stood at the bar, the moment he realized you were the most beautiful thing he had ever seen was right there, vividly preserved.

And he could see it again any time he wanted.

His heart skipped a beat at the sight, then pulsed again like a thousand drums.

He stared into it a few moments, waiting for his heart rate to calm before he blinked slowly, turning back to glance at your face. Your beautiful anticipatory smile shining back at him.

“What do you think?“

That disappearing smirk flashed again, “No more gifts.“ as he turned toward you.

He leaned in, the bracelet slipping around his palm as his calloused drummer hand cupped your face and his fingers curled around to your nape.

His thumb lightly brushed your chin and across your neck, “It’s my turn to give stuff to you.“

You huffed, clicking the light back off to restore the darker, more comfortable mood as you frowned, “No way, rock-star. It’s your birthday.“

You turned on his system,

Led Zepplin – The Rain Song

playing softly in the background.

“I don’t care.” He purred, his thumb pressing against your chin to turn your head as he buried his face in your neck, inhaling you. His parted lips slid along your pulse point, and then up to your earlobe which vanished between his lips.

The ticklish sensation shrank your shoulder toward your kissed lobe. You giggled as the feeling of him messing with you had your entire body tingling and a shiver trickling down your spine.

“Our people will be here soon.” You complained, as if you wanted him to stop, and his right hand slipped beneath the left shoulder of your jacket.

“Will they?” he breathed into the shell of your ear.

“Y-yeah...” You settled into the moment, soaking up his energy as the tingling sensation crept deeper toward your spine and down your leg. 

Yet you paused, eyes widening, as a light bulb went on in your head. You peeled your neck from his lips, staring at him in shock. “What did you do?“

A grin played at his lips as his big sleepy eyes held your gaze. “I told them to get lost.“

Your jaw dropped, “Are you kidding me?“

“Tch... I kid you not.“

“Megz!“

He met your words with his lips, swallowing them whole, his hand still wrapped in his bracelet, pulling you closer as the kiss deepened. The taste of your tongue sending a tingle straight to his groin, spreading through every limb.

Yet somehow, in the middle of this intimate moment, a flash of a face belonging to none other than Sukuna, appeared in his mind.

His fingers twitched against your skin, his face scrunching into a frown, even as your lips were connected, and your soft, warm mouth parted wider to welcome his eager tongue.

Out of pure instinct, or maybe just reflexive reaction, Megumi nearly broke the kiss behind the image in his head, yet rebelled against his overly intrusive thoughts.

His thumb slid down your throat as his fingers curled around, resting in that familiar and comfortable position which, somehow now, carried a touch more intensity and possessiveness as you shuddered against it.

“You were... fascinating tonight“. He spoke, his lips still connected to yours.

You giggled as his lips made yours tingle. “Thank you.” you whispered back, the sound of his voice vibrating straight to your core. “And you already said that.“

He pulled back a little to take in your smile, pausing a long moment to enjoy it. He shook his head slowly, “You don’t understand. You were spectacular.“

He rendered you completely timid all over again, complementing your performance. It was the kind of acknowledgment you don’t remember ever receiving from others.

Well, some did say that you were good. But none as professional and supportive as he. His validation meant more to you than your own father’s. 

Not that you’d received much in that area from him.

Calling you to help him with work is one thing. But giving you real credit for your work was a stretch, and usually followed by an insult, or an expectation for you to humble yourself immediately after.

“You’re special...” Megumi continued, still watching you shrink, your gaze leaving his as he poured it on thicker with a straight face... “and brilliant. And your voice is beautiful. Everyone should hear more.“

You buried your face in his palm as it rested in his hand, only to have him turn it to face his.

“Let me be your drummer.“

… What? …

You nearly said that out loud.

But… It was a simple statement. Or... question? 

Regardless, you didn’t think you’d even heard him correctly.

And if you did, you didn’t believe it was feasible. 

Megumi? Playing for you? No way. 

You can’t pay him for that. And you didn’t know if he’d even have the time with all of his own work.

Your head began to shake slowly as it tilted to one side, “M – Megz, you don’t have to...” you cut your self off, entertaining the notion that he’s just being nice, offering out of obligation or... “I can’t ask you to” – you sighed. “I can’t afford to pay you for that kind of...“

“I’m your drummer.” He stated, matter-of-factly. “And you didn’t ask. I did.”

Your breath staggered on your inhale, fear welling up in your gut that somehow, someway... you just might disappoint him.

If he actually did this for you.

He stared at your face for a long while, watching your wheels turning again.

“Stop that.” he frowned. “You’re worthy. Just like any of the rest of us.“

You nodded faintly, embarrassed that you’d done exactly what you were trying to avoid. Again. As far as you were concerned, this man was already larger than life, and it was hard enough to believe you were such a huge part of his.

“I told you, I’m giving to you now.” He murmured, closing the gap between your face and his lips as he slid them along your jaw.

“I won’t allow you to neglect my favorite person. Let her have what she deserves.“... He pulled back, your glazed over eyes threatening tears. “Are we clear?“

Your blush swept softly across your cheeks as you nodded again, a tiny smile forcing it’s way through. “Crystal.“

“Good.” Megumi replied, his hand wrapping halfway across your neck as he leaned in to kiss you again. “And now that I have your heart,” he squeezed gently, murmuring between kisses, your pulse beating softly against his palm, “It doesn’t belong to you anymore.“

A warm smile, “That’s the idea, genius.” you drawled against his lips.

A huff of air ghosted across your face from his nostrils with before he continued, “Yeah, but... what about the rest?” his expression melting again into one more serious, his eyes searching and stopping briefly at every beautiful feature on your face, before meeting yours again. “Is that mine, too?“

You lifted your left thigh to relax it across his lap as you turned settling into his space, even closer. “Obviously.” you replied, your hand moving to grip his top at his waist as you pulled him closer still.

A whisper leaves him, like a prayer. “Then don’t leave.“

“What?” you huffed, “Why would I le–?“

“Ever.” He interrupted. “Don’t leave... anymore.“

Your heart felt as if it had suddenly expanded, beating against your ribs. You swallowed hard, the haze of the alcohol clouding your mind as you attempted to grasp what you thought he meant. 

Or... what you thought you heard maybe?

“Y –You mean... you want me t –to...“

“Yeah.“

You froze, unable to break your gaze from his. You blinked, or... tried to blink, despite your eyes as wide as a deer in headlights.

It would have been nice to respond.

To say something...

But it seemed all you could do was breathe.

Your lips moved ever so slightly, as if in an attempt to form words but they wouldn’t come. Especially since you had no idea which ones to release first.

But just for the record, “You want me to… stay here?” you clarified.

He nodded. “I can’t...” his eyes left yours for a moment, “uhm...” frowning again as he rationalized.

An uneasiness stirred in him as he raised his hand to swipe his fingers quickly through his jet-black crown, then squinted as he spoke. “I just… need you here.“

He noted your hesitance, “You don’t have to answer now.“ and rested his head slowly against the back of the couch, then turned his face again toward you.

You fixed your eyes on his pout, wondering if the liquor had gotten to him too much this time. “You’re too tipsy.“

He sighed, unable to subdue the anxiety that seemed to press into his chest, then laughed at himself and your comment with a subtle huff. “I have two keys on my ring. Whenever you want one, it’s yours.”

It was nearly impossible to imagine. At least for you at the moment. Is he serious?

That serious?

“Too much?” he asked, far more than dead serious, despite the liquid courage.

Your body seemed to implode within itself with a million emotions. Regardless, he’d stolen your breath all over again.

Through the still and quiet, the kind you were used to in his place, the wind whistling softly across his windows as the cold fell from the sky.

The dim moonlight reflected from the snowflakes like sparkles as you drew closer to him, your body temperature opposing that of the outside world.

Your warm breath ghosted across his lips as you planted a soft, lingering kiss. The only sounds in the room were of your lips and beating hearts as you gripped the side of shirt and the kiss deepened.

Megumi relaxed into the plush of the couch, melting into your touch, his hands limp at his sides as you took your kiss.

His darkened gaze floated across the pink of your cheeks heightening his anxiety to have you in this place that’s filled with your presence far more not than often.

Into the Blue – Galleaux

played softly into the room as you lifted a hand to cup his cheek.

He shuddered as it slid lower, fingertips trickling along the curve of his Adams apple, goosebumps pricking across his skin. His pulse quickened as your tongue slipped deeper into his open mouth.

A soft moan vibrated from your chords against his lips, his eyes rolling back as the feel, taste, and sound of you filled his senses since for the first time tonight, he finally had you all to himself.

Your fingers traveled lower, riding the curves of his chest, brushing lightly across his perked bud from over his shirt, then lower, slipping under the fabric until his obliques constricted against your fingertips.

Pleasing Megumi made your heart ache, and watching him squirm under your controlled touch was enough to drown you in the depths of desire.

Your thumb pressed into his belly, tickling his side until It was his turn to moan, the deep, guttural vibration piercing straight to your core.

His right hand gripped the thick fabric over the edge of the cushion as your soft hands against the taught skin of his defined abdomen sent rushes of excitement through him.

He opened his mouth wider as your fingers reached their destination and you took your time at his leather belt. You pulled the strap over the buckle, anxiety building as the metal clinked loudly in your ears.

You then tugged the fabric around the button on his jeans that enclosed him, pulling it loose, then gripping the zipper to slide it down slowly as its length curved around his now rock hard manhood.

Your hand slipped past the opening, consuming the space between his boxers and his jeans, the heat from his cock warming you even more.

Megumi pressed himself against your hand, another helpless moan leaving his lips, breaking the kiss to beg. “Can I fuck you, please?” he grunted breathily, his blown out pupils burrowing into yours as you slowly groped his impressive length which snaked along his leg from under his pants. “I’ve been waiting all night.“

Your palm rested along its wide curve, then smoothly slid against its length as he anxiously watched the movement from over the blue fabric.

“You’re asking so kindly...” you whispered as a shudder trickled down your spine, and you walls clenched in anticipation.

The chill in the room seemed to have gone completely, eclipsed by the overwhelming heat between you.

“Hmph…” he breathed with a fading smirk. “You won’t think I’m so ’kind’ in a minute.“

“Mmm… Is that a threat, Fushiguro?“

Megumi’s hand moved from the couch to the curve of your neck to pull you in, closing the small distance filled with your words as he spoke into your lips, “Is that a ’yes’?“

You snickered, “I haven’t decided yet… Maybe I just wanna play with you.“

“Such a fucking tease.” he replied through his teeth.

“Maybe I am. But you like it.” You murmured, your hand gently squeezing his length which continued to grow. “And I thought you didn’t want anymore gifts?” you said, his free arm rested between your breasts.

“And I meant it.” he huffed, bucking into your hand again. “You’re already mine.”

“Touché.” Your hand slid slowly from his groin, up his solid abdomen as it passed his trail of jet black, then back down, slipping under the waistband of his boxers, then gripping his hot length that had grown so hard it was starting to hurt.

Frozen – Sabrina Claudio

played as a low growl erupted from his chest, and your soft hand curled around his cock, his heart drumming a solo against his ribs. “Fuck.“

You worked to release it from its confines, your eyes widening as they rested on its shiny round head. You tightened your grip a little, his hot muscle sliding through your rounded palm.

Megumi squeezed his eyes shut as he pumped himself through your grip, his parted lips touching yours as he practically whimpered.

“Feel good, baby?” you breathed into his mouth.

“Ha~ah… yeah.” he pumped faster. “Stop teasing me...“

You flicked out your tongue, sliding it along his lips, bottom to top, another soft kiss to the bottom. Your thumb traced smoothly along the curve of his glans, capturing the clear fluid that escaped.

He hissed as your soft hand stroked his entire length, precum making the glide smoother. His eyes fluttered shut, hips bucking erratically faster.

His veiny length grew hotter against your palm, your legs pressing together, hips responding as you recalled the feeling of him stretching you with that beautiful tool.

You licked your lips as you left his face, leaning in to his cock, planting an open mouthed kiss to the head, wetting it with a drizzle of your saliva.

Megumi’s eyes flicked open to watch as you kissed it a few more times, teasingly, only the tip, your tongue sliding along his slit.

You hovered, dropping more saliva, pupils blossoming as you watched it drip against your hand and you jerked him off faster.

The wrinkle in his brow deepened and his head fell back against the couch as you wet his throbbing cock.

More liquid seeped from him as you watched his beautiful face with fire in your eyes; red cheeks, parted lips, deep, sensual, broken moans erupting from his chest as he was unable to decide whether to keep his head rested against the couch, or watch you finish him off.

With your free hand, you gripped the hem of his shirt, lifting it to his neck as your eyes took in every curve of his chiseled torso.

He lifted his back from the couch, pulling his top off completely. You leaned in to plant open mouthed kisses on his lower abdomen, and your hand continued to stroke him faster, kisses moving higher up his chest.

You pressed your face into the crook of his neck as your hand worked him toward orgasm and you whispered, “Cum for me baby.”

He thrusted even harder, eagerly, heaving sharp breaths through his teeth.

“F-fuck,fuck!!!” he murmured, one hand gripping the life from his cushion, the other slipping between your clenched thighs, fingers grazing your intimacy.

You tightened your grip a little more, stroking a few more times, skin taught around his hard, veiny muscle, until finally he warned…

“I’m … gonna cum! … a~ah! Cumming!“

His body convulsed, deep groans erupting from his chest as he pumped creamy white into your soft hand.

Your bottom lip disappeared behind your teeth as you smoothed his arousal along his thick length, your lusty gaze resting on his reddened face as you watched him ride out his high.

He cut his glazed over eyes toward you, his mouth hanging open, still hard as he huffed.

“So fucking hot.“ you mumbled, barely above a whisper as you smirked, trembling as your hand slid along his shaft, the look on his face driving you nearly feral.

Whale and Wasp – Alice in Chains

You looked absolutely predatory like that, hovering over him, his cum melting along your hand as you lifted your fingers, slipping one past your lips as you tasted him.

“You… fucking… gorgeous creature.“ He panted, shuddering as his dick twitched at the sight of you, his grip tightening around your inner thigh.

You quickly wiped your hand clean, then straddled him, hinging forward, knees pressing into the couch as you cupped his face with both hands, your lips hovering before pressing softly against his, a deep, passionate kiss.

He lifted his hips from between your legs to remove his pants, pulling them down to rest at his thighs as he used his legs to kick them off completely.

His hands slid up your outer thighs, your bare skin warm against his.

His thumbs hooked under your top as he removed it in one swift motion, your hair cascading in wispy bundles over your face and chest.

His hands glided along the curves of your back as they indulged in the suppleness of your flesh, his right hand curving to rest between your right ass cheek and his thigh, and the other around the line of your back, gripping you at the waist.

He squeezed, hard enough to elicit a moan from your lips as he sucked hot pink blotches into the skin of your supple breasts.

“I want you inside me.” you breathed.

Megumi responded, moving to pull down your panties from under your skirt that now rested like a belt around your hips. His hand was met with yours, as you gently guided it toward your sensitivity.

“You... can unbutton it from here.” you murmured.

His fingers slid between your legs, following the curve of your intimacy, back, and forth... Back, and forth, gliding along your soft middle, a tiny moan slipping from your lips as they finally located 2 small snaps on the fabric of your panties at your entrance.

His bows pressed into his forehead as he felt where to pull them loose. He flicked his gaze up to yours, and your surprisingly embarrassed expression.

“Really?” he quipped.

Your face reddened as you buried it in his neck.

“Tch... shy now?” He drawled, his left hand tightly gripping the back of your hair to pull your head up, forcing you to look into his eyes as he slipped his middle finger around the snap without undoing it, sinking it into your opening with ease as he watched your face contort in pleasure.

His tongue pulled his bottom lip behind his teeth as his thumb moved the buttoned fabric out of the way of his hand for better access.

He slowly thrusted a second finger in and out of your soaked opening, feeling you tighten around them each time.

He leaned into your face, fist still full of your hair, “I told you not to hide that face from me.” he purred, pulling back a little to watch every change in your expression.

Your breaths left your lungs in small pants, “More...” you begged, as your hips rolled into his hand.

He smirked as you soaked him, his fingers curling inside to reach that sweet spot that always made you fall apart.

You moaned, desperation gripping you as he thrusted them inside, removing them suddenly to detach the snap from your undies, and moved his large hand to grip his throbbing cock.

You lifted your body as he slid the head around your slick against your folds, moistening it with your arousal. It pressed slowly past your entrance, sinking in just past the head, the stretch absolutely delicious.

“Ngh!!!” you whimpered, shuddering from the fierce electric current.

He pressed in more, a grin curling into his lips as he felt your walls close around him.

He tightened his grip on your hair, leaning in closer as he pressed his lips into your cheek at the corner of your mouth. “Open up, baby“, he purred, as he pressed in even deeper.

“Ha-ngh!!!” Your moan was louder this time, velvety walls stretching to accommodate him.

It was music to his ears. He couldn’t imagine a better sound.

He grunted in response, “Louder.” … he commanded, his cock throbbing from the sound.

He sank deeper… bottoming out and resting there, offering you a moment to adjust before pulling back, only to see tears prick at your eyes as they rolled back over your quivering lips.

“So fucking perfect.” he murmured, deeply satisfied with your beautiful expression.

You trembled as you tried to move, his length reaching places inside that you never could, and your body already responded, threatening a fierce release.

You pushed yourself up by your thighs, pulling him out just a little, the drag along your walls like the perfect massage, eliciting another deep moan as you gripped his hair with one hand as the other arm draped his shoulders.

He rested his hands on your hips as he guided your movement, thrusting up to reach even deeper as you came back down.

“Aaaah….” you whimpered and gasped, as he continued his thrusts, pulling you down on top of him as the friction generated more heat. “M-Megumi!”

“Ngh, fuck…” His name dripping from your lips sent him into a deeper frenzy as he buried his face in your chest, filling his mouth with one of your supple breasts, sucking hard enough for his cheeks to cave around your perked nipple.

Your moans became louder, your arousal causing him to slip even deeper, kissing your cervix with every thrust until you wailed,

“I’m ... gonna cum!!“

Megumi wrapped his arms around your waist, pounding into you at a steady, perfect pace until your core gripped him like a vice, and your heat coated him like molten lava.

You were everything he could ever need. And gifting you multiple orgasms in the course of an evening was the best way he could imagine spending his birthday.

Or any other...

*~*~*~*~*

You walked into your corporate gig’s building early the next morning, the skip in your step and the glow in your skin making you more radiant than you had been for days. 

The harsh florescents beating down from the ceiling pulled no frustration from you today as they normally did. Your body still felt Megumi all over it, and was enough to keep your mind occupied for good.

Or, at least until you saw him again.

You spoke to a few people, flashing genuine smiles, and some muted ones to the meanies out of professional duty.

Some came by your desk for answers about manuals you’d recently completed, as there was a rumor going around that there were already plans to use them to train yet another group of employees.

As far as you were concerned, that was perfectly fine since it likely meant you’d have your load lightened at this place even more. That was a welcome change since ironically it seems to have gotten heavier since... he showed up.

You finished a teachable moment with a colleague as you made your way to the coffee station, grateful that someone made a fresh pot before you’d arrived.

“Ah, nice”. You murmured as you pulled your favorite mug from the cabinet, sighing to yourself as you washed it at the sink in warm water.

You turned to grab the coffee pot only to see a familiar face out of nowhere, smirking down at you, nearly startling you to death.

Sukuna.

You flinched hard, “God!” you nearly yelped, pressing your free hand against your chest.

“Not quite.” He responded, his smirk quickly widening into a sly smile. “I was wondering if it was gonna be a good morning.” he swiped the hot pot from the maker before you did, pouring its contents into his over-sized cup, taking way too much.

“Looks like it is.” he said, casually turning the cup into his mouth as if it wasn’t scorching, or bitter.

You raised a brow, gripping the handle of the pot as you took it for yourself, pouring the remainder in your pink Volkswagen mug. “Good morning, Sukuna.” you spoke with an exhausted tone, rotating your shoulders to pass him as you headed to the fridge.

He took a quick glance around the room, checking for passers by or listening ears. “You’ve uh... got quite the set of pipes on you.” he praised, relaxing his large body against the sink as his biceps bulged from his arm propping himself up with it.

You looked up at him from your angle at the refrigerator door, pulling out the “Italian Creme”.

“Thanks.” you said dryly, suddenly remembering to address something.

“Speaking of... would you mind telling me exactly what you were doing at that venue last night?“

His lips turned down in the corners as he shrugged, “Listening to music?” he replied, squinting as if he didn’t understand your question, then smiling as if he did.

“You know what I mean, Sukuna.” You tried not to slam the door before you walked the creamer back over to your coffee. “That was a private event.“

“Hmph, well that doesn’t make much sense. If that were true, I wouldn’t have been allowed in.” he replied mockingly. “Besides that, where I go outside of work hours is none of your business now, is it?” He said smoothly.

You huffed, “That’s the point though, right?” you finished stirring in the cream, turning toward him. “There’s like...” you shrugged, “I dunno... thirty different clubs in this area? Of all of ’em, how did you end up there?”

“I got a tip from a friend that there was a show.“

You scoffed. “A friend?“

“Yeah.“

“Did that ’friend’ happen to have that information on a computer?”

“Like I said, none of your business.”

“It is if you took the location from my personal files.” You stared at him, shaking your head. “Let’s not play this game. How could you invade my privacy like that?“

He cocked his head sideways, “We’ve already made you aware that these computers, and all the information on them are company property.”

He leaned forward a bit, careful to maintain a healthy workplace boundary as he continued. “If you want privacy, perhaps you should use a different computer.”

You clenched your teeth behind your jaw. “You had to have a reason.” your eyes cutting into his nonchalant gaze, “No one does something like that for nothing.“

His eyes raked over you in a mildly inappropriate manner. He smirked, crossing his chiseled arm over his broad chest, propping his hand under the bicep that held up his ridiculously large mug.

“I’m a musician.” his lips turned down in the corners with a shrug. “I tend to be where music is.”

“Tch. So I’ve heard.”

“Have you?”

“You know I have.”

He held your gaze a moment, his devious smile widening. “Then did you also hear my band’ll be playing there in a month?”

“What?!” you flinched at your own voice, which was a little too loud for the office break-room. Your eyes quickly scanned your surroundings, colleagues passing by with confused faces, your blood nearly reaching a boiling point.

“Yeah... get some good music coming out of that spot for once. Show this city what a real rock band sounds like.” His smile was far too bright and genuine for such a disrespectful comment.

If looks could kill, you’d have gotten him workman’s comp at the very least. “You cant be serious.“

“As a heart attack.”

You scoffed, “Unbelievable.” you stared at him a while, blown away by his audacity, yet he just seemed to like the attention. “Don’t you have something better to do?“

“Yes. As a matter of fact, I do.” His eyes raked over you again, slower this time, enough to send a little shudder through you. “And so do you.“

“And what exactly is that supposed to mean?”

He chuckled darkly as he turned on his heels out of the break room wearing a sly grin, another employee stopping him for help almost immediately as he hit the corridor.

Your face scrunched, nose flared, eyes fluttering as you grabbed your mug and walked to your desk thinking how that man was truly a piece of work. 

Literally.

And off all places, you had to be here with him, for hours on end.

You settled into your seat, re-adjusting, remembering that you wanted to finish a few lyrics to a new song today while you were on your break. Yet, after that little run-in with Sukuna, you felt it really would be best to just to leave all of your personal work at home.

You couldn’t imagine putting Megumi in another difficult situation.

Not after this.

After a few minutes, your phone dings with a text:

Tsumiki: Hey Love! Nobara and I are getting soba for lunch. Wanna come?

You were so happy to hear from them. It was an immediate relief.

You: Absolutely! I miss you guys, already. Sorry about last night.

Tsumiki: no need to apologize, it was his day. we understood.

You: yeah, but... well... we’ll talk about it later. Text the addy?

Tsumiki: Yup. C u there!

You’d actually felt a little guilty that Megumi cut them off last night, especially since Tsumiki only had so much time to stay with you all before she had to be back.

If she hadn’t planned to stay for several days, you likely wouldn’t have let him get away with it, but she didn’t have to leave yet and as she said, it was his birthday.

“You’re here.”

A familiar voice called out to you as you’re hunched over at your desk on your phone. You turned to see Geto sauntering toward you.

What’s up? you asked, taking another sip of your coffee, the warmth actually relaxing you a bit as you swiveled your seat around to face him.

“So... it looks like we’ll need you on another training module.”

“W-what?” Your knee-jerk reaction was frustration, displayed far to clearly in your expression. You quickly straightened your face as you remembered you were in front of a person who could actually fire you. “S-sorry.”

Geto paused a moment, chuckling to himself as he smacked the back of the pen he was holding in his opposite palm. “Look, I’m not picking on you, okay? If you recall, we discussed that there’d be another one.”

“I just... wasn’t expecting it so soon.”

He nodded, “Understandable. But you are one of the best and primary trainers on the team, so naturally you’d be chosen to participate. This is your work, remember?”

You grimaced a little at his very valid point. “Right, but I cant get a break on this? I volunteered to fill in last time.”

“True, but this one is mandatory for leads. We just finalized the details in a meeting yesterday. It’ll be our second module for this term, and hopefully the last for quite some time.”

What’s the time frame looking like?

“We won’t be leaving for another two weeks, so no rush this time. But we’ll be heading to Okinawa.”

“Wow. Okinawa?“

“Yes. Sukuna says it –”

“Sukuna?“

“Yes. It was actually his idea. He’s responsible for handpicking staff and location for training modules. He felt the serene atmosphere will be a nice break, and...” he snickered a little, “considering how hard he’s worked, hoping for a personal vacation that likely won’t come for a while. I think he’s right.“

Your wheels turned violently in your head as your brows threaded together, “Right...” your eyes darting to and fro as you tried to make sense of it all.

“It’ll be a two week stretch so... not as long as the first trip. And no big language gap this time.“

“Okay... Uhm–”

“Also, there happens to be a convention there for the higher ups, so we’ll have a dinner to attend... be sure to be prepared for that. It’s formal.“

Your heart sank into your chest as Geto went on, talks of formalities, fancy rooms, cocktail dresses, business dinners and beaches.

But a light bulb went on in your head, a glimmer of hope, even excitement behind your eyes as you posed the question. “I noticed that some of the staff, on the last trip, were able to bring a plus one... can I–?“

“I’m afraid not. We’ve already hit capacity and...” he frowned “...Well, I don’t mean to sound presumptuous but... I wasn’t aware that you had someone. I might’ve considered that had I known.“

You smiled, uncomfortably, the notion of bringing work colleagues into your personal life making you cringe. “I do. I’m really hoping I could bring him along.“

“Yeah, that’s not possible... Maybe next time.” Sukuna says happily, boldly cutting into your conversation as he sauntered toward you and Geto.

You pursed your lips as you hiked a brow, body tensing as you took a deep breath, hoping he’d leave soon.

“We’ve already chosen the staff, and this trip will be a little different. No ’plus-ones’ this time.” You raised your gaze and he met it with a tilt of his head. “Just us.“

Clearly, Megumi was right. But then, when was he not?

Sukuna’s already infiltrated your work, Megumi’s work, and now you have the sneaking suspicion he’s attempting to interfere in your relationship?

It was getting out of fucking hand.

And you obviously had no idea how far Sukuna was willing to push. But you were getting one. And fast.

You took a deep breath. “Okay then.” your eyes met Geto’s. “I’ll be sure to prepare myself. Will you send details?“

“I will.” Sukuna interjected, crossing his thick muscular arms against his chest again, his weight shifting backward a little as his tattoos peeked through the sleeves of his perfectly pressed oxford. “I’ll be sure to give you everything you need.” he replied, his lips turning up ever so slightly in the corners.

You nodded slowly, noting his slick talk, thanked them as they wrapped up, then turned back to your desk to finish your work.

*~*~*~*~*

Megumi’s band decided to rehearse at Nanami’s since the studio was being rented out by another band. Choso had disappeared into the office for a while, as Megumi and the others went over a few things.

“We can take a break for now. But we’ve still got three more to finish, including Maki’s.” Megumi said, changing one of the high hats on his kit.

“Its about damn time!” Yuji yelled from the bar, receiving deliveries and prepping for the night.

Yuta raised a brow, “Yeah, it is.” he murmured.

Maki snapped her head toward him. “What?! Not you, too...”

Yuta shrugged. “We’ve been waiting forever for you to let us play it. You’re too good to let your music sit this long without exposure.”

“Well, I need it to be exactly the way I want it before I let anyone else in on it!”

“I mean, you’re not wrong, but... neither is he.” Megumi interjected.

“Oh, be quiet.” Maki grumbled.

Yuta chuckled as he and Megumi shared a knowing glance.

“It’s not like I haven’t wanted to perform it.” She replied. “It’s just... a certain someone kind of inspired me recently.” she hiked a shoulder.

“Awww I’m glad to have encouraged you.” Yuta responded with a warm smile.

“Not you, idiot!” Maki snapped. She shook her head, eyes meeting Megumi’s. “That girl’s got no idea how much of a force she can be.”

Megumi looked down at his hand as he quickly twirled his stick, his heart warming as he thought of you. If only Maki knew how right she really was.

At that moment, Choso sauntered out of the office, nose flared.“You’re not gonna believe this shit.” He said, relatively calmly to Megumi as he walked up, despite the implied urgency.

Choso’s eyes scanned the room, catching eye contact with each of them. “Come with me.” He turned toward the bar, “Yuji! You too, bro.” he said, waving for him to join them as they migrated to Nanami’s office.

*~*~*~*~*

“He’s just going to do a couple nights a week to help bring in more cash.” Mei advised, arms crossed as she helped Nanami deliver the news to the band.

Megumi scoffed, arms sinking into his pockets as he closed his eyes, his head dropping down, ‘I knew it’ written all over his face.

“Excuse me?” Maki squinted under a deep frown, working to grasp what the hell was going on.

“You can’t do everything alone Megumi.” Nanami added. “This is business.“

“I haven’t been.” Megumi retorted, head still angled down as he looked up at Nanami. “And there are other bands here. Bands who’ve been waiting in line, patiently, to open for us.”

“True, but none as popular as they are. And with the growth you guys have brought to this venue... we can’t go backwards. You’ve raised the bar, and the crowds are expecting every show to be good.”

Yuji flicked his eyes back and forth between Megumi and Nanami, scrunching his lips in one corner of his mouth.

“We’ll lose money if we don’t get better acts in here. Ones that can meet the standard you’ve set for this place.” Mei continued. “This can’t be about personal issues. It needs to be about profitability. For everyone.”

“How is this even happening?” Yuta asked. “Isn’t there a … process or something?”

“He’s already had a conversation with me.” Nanami replied after a long sigh.

“When?” Toge whined.

“Right?” Choso added, “He just got here like five minutes ago.”

“A couple days ago, actually. Before Megumi’s event. He called us and let us know he was in town.” he looked around at all the disappointed faces.

“Her even brought video footage of his band. And reviews. Plus, the only band here that has a bigger following than they do is you.”

“This Is fucking crazy.” Maki commented.

“Just like the good old days.” Yuta murmured.

“Wild.” Toge chimed.

Megumi’s eyes cut toward Nanami in frustration. But he knew to expect something of this nature. Sukuna was a troublemaker. And he was prepared to have to deal with whatever popped up.

Unfortunately, they really were a spectacular band, and the business part was understood. But this was Megumi’s livelihood. And his home.

Not to mention, you.

Sukuna liked getting under his skin, so Megumi knew, even if a little, he’d involve you in the process. And nothing here besides his family and the people in this room were a bigger part of his life now than you are.

“Look, they wont take your place.” Nanami reassured them as he leaned against a stool with his arms crossed. “They cant. I won’t even allow it. But we’ll still be here when you guys move on to bigger and better things. We need more great bands here. Please work with us on this Megumi.”

*~*~*~*~*

“Are you fucking serious?”

You met her gaze, rolling your eyes. “Girl…” Your heart seemed to twist a little at the tiniest notion of yet another something causing issues in your relationship with Megumi. “I’m already exhausted with his antics. Megumi couldn’t have possibly been more right about him”.

“Why the hell does he need to perform here? Isn’t he leaving soon?” Nobara whined. Clearly aggravated.

“Not that I know of.” You replied. “He’s supposed to be at the office for quite a while now, God knows how long. He worked at a branch closer to the college he attended with Megumi.”

Tsumiki nodded slowly, a knowing look on her face.

You glanced over, feeling the knot in your chest tighten, working to make out the meaning behind her expression behind a wrinkled brow. “What?”

“This is kinda typical.” she sighed, “I mean… It’s not like the same thing will happen between you and Megz, but… Sukuna had a lot to do with his breakup… from Nanako.”

Paranoia Purple (Live at Electric Lady) – Yebba

played on the speaker as your lips parted and you panicked inside. You flattened your back against the cushion of your chair, eyes widening as a quick huff exited your chest.

Tsumiki leaned in, her hand resting on your forearm. “Look, I only mentioned it because he’s trouble. It’s just a heads up. That’s all. He’s not the type to back off easily. I just want you to keep that in mind.”

Your heart felt heavy in your chest as your gaze floated over to Nobara who looked just about as concerned as you felt.

“Noby?” you said her name as if pleading for some sign of relief.

“She’s right.” Nobara said, genuinely. “Your relationship with Megumi is about you and him. Not Sukuna.” She smiled. “You love him, right?“

You huffed, nodding. “Without question.”

“Then everything’ll be fine.” She reassured, “You love him. I mean, the only real question we’re asking here is, what could Sukuna possibly do to change that?” She rested her hand on your other arm. “Right?”

You glanced back and forth between the two of them, with another nod. “Right.” You echoed. “The answer is simple. Nothing.” You swallowed hard as the bad feeling in your chest seemed to spread through to your nerves.

Regardless how you felt, or what you thought, this entire scene was exhausting. This shouldn’t be happening. You were sure it wore on your friends too, as they practically consoled you.

But It was.

Why though? Because some random guy decides he wants to play around in your personal life? Toy with your well being as if it were worthless?

“This is … ridiculous.” you said, your head shaking in disbelief. “Why is this happening?”

Tsumiki scrunched her lips in the corner of her mouth. “How could it not?” she then smiled, pressing her lips together. “You have a great thing going with Megumi. That’s not easy to find. People who feel they can’t, will either want to take it, or destroy it.”

She leaned in, relaxing her shoulders. “You don’t have anything to prove. But sometimes we all have to protect what we love.”

You turned to see Nobara smiling as well, clearly in agreement. Her eyes then suddenly flicked around as if she were in deep thought.

“You recall what happened when Nanako showed up at Megumi’s?”

You crossed your arms in front of you, resting them on the table. “Yeah. Now that you mention it, you never told me what happened out there.”

It suddenly dawned on you that you hadn’t even bothered to ask Megumi.

“He checked her. Cleanly.” she said, her brows pressing into her forehead. “She practically whined like a baby about how she was the greatest girlfriend he’d ever had, as her sister stood by and said nothing.“

She continued: “Megumi said, ’What makes you think that?’

Her reply was, ‘Isn’t it obvious? Sukuna and I tried so hard to help you, and you just –’

Megumi Interrupts her and says, ‘I’m gonna stop you right there. Do you hear yourself? Even now, as you blatantly disrespect my work, my friends, my home, and my girlfriend, you bring up another man.

Nanako pleaded, nonsensically, ‘Sukuna knows all kinds of people in the industry! He was just trying to help. To make things better for you!’”

“It didn’t mean much to me at that time to hear his name, since I had no idea who he was. But now, it all makes sense.”

“Megumi realized how sad she looked, still gnawing away at that bone, with no understanding of how sick it was making her. ‘And just exactly how well did putting him before me work out for you?’”

“Oof… When he said that, even I felt bad for her. It was fucking embarrassing. But kinda hilarious at the same time, because… well, we all know how much trouble she’d caused.”

“He stepped closer to her, with a straight face, and asked, ‘When does your shame kick in? You were so sure I wouldn’t be where I am. That I wouldn’t go where I’m going.’

‘You have light years to travel before coming anywhere close to the woman I have now. I’ve never met anyone better. Go home. And don’t come back here, or things’ll get a whole lot worse for you.’”

Your froze in place listening to her, your lips parting as your heart skipped.

You had a clue, based on his behavior those nights in his office, but you didn’t realize how commanding, and frankly a little scary Megumi could be.

If it were at all possible, you suddenly found him even hotter, wondering how you could get in trouble with him again...

Wild Horses – The Sundays

]played on the speakers as you recalled how you’d passed out after he went to talk to her. Yet you had no recollection of the conversation, since nowhere in your mind did you think you couldn’t trust him.

And you were absolutely right.

“Megumi is head over heels for you.” Nobara said. “He wont just let some guy come in and ruin that.” Her heart warmed as she spoke of it.

She’s been there with you through several relationships, always wanting for you exactly what you have right now.

“Yuji told me he’d never heard Megumi speak of any woman that way. The ball’s in your court now.”

Your cheeks warmed visibly at the thought of him. “Yea. You’re right.” You replied, your heart swelling in your chest.

You glanced toward Tsumiki, who’s lids rested softly over her eyes as a huge smile graced her face.

“What was it like for you living with Megumi?”

“Tch, oh my God.” She murmured, rolling her eyes playfully. “Not much different than now.” she replied, her smile widening.

“He’s always been a very serious person. And that was understandable considering what happened with our parents. But I often worried about him since … sometimes … it was like he held the whole world in contempt.”

You peered down at your mug of tea through your lashes, a wrinkle forming in your brow for a moment as you curled your hands around the warm ceramic. “I can only imagine what that must’ve been like”.

“It was tough for a while.” She nodded slowly, “We made it through, though. Took good care of ourselves. I did laundry and kept the house clean, he made sure to get our groceries and cook the food. And it was always delicious.”

You huffed. “Still is.”

“And… he was the one who made sure my grades didn’t slip. He was so structured. Focused. And loyal. Always has been.”

She pressed her lips together through her smirk. “Until Jr. High, that is.” She chuckled. “I recall often wanting him to relax, and I’d tease him about it. But in the end, I think we both had a healthy influence on each other.”

“Yeah.” you smiled warmly. “You’re lucky to have each other”.

“And he’s lucky to have you. He knows that.”

“Speaking of,” Nobara interjected, “are you planning to go home anytime soon? I feel like I hardly see you these days.”

“Oh, uhm… Yeah.” Your body tensed as you remembered something else you wanted to bring up. You’d considered not, but you figured they should be the first to find out. You took a deep breath before releasing the words.

“He uh… he offered me … a key.”

Complete silence fell on all of you, as four large eyes locked in on your face. “What?!” they nearly yelped in unison as you peered at the elderly couple nearby who could’ve been given a heart attack.

“I know…” you squealed. “I wasn’t ready.”

“What do you mean you weren’t ready?” Nobara wailed again too loudly. “I’m not ready!”

You and Tsumiki both laughed.

Tsumiki’s face brightened, “Are you gonna do it?”

You grimaced through your blushy smile, “I don’t know, guys!” you shook out your hands, then planted your palms on your cheeks, “I don’t knooooow!“

You’d never been asked that before, and still weren’t sure how or what to think about it. It was a huge step.

Even the relationship itself, was of a sort you’d never experienced. And because of it, your world seemed to get bigger and more exciting every day.

In a nutshell, it was fucking scary.

Incredible, but absolutely terrifying.

“WOW.” Nobara replied. Glancing away as it seemed wheels were turning in her head. “That’s… Wow.”

“I know.” you retorted. “I need some time to think about it. And he told me there’s no rush.”

“Yeah, that’s what he told you.” Tsumiki added, “But knowing him, he’ll want some kind of an answer soon, especially for something that huge. I don’t recall him even staying over with, let alone living with anyone besides me.”

“I could kinda tell he was hoping I’d answer ‘yes’ right away.” you replied, “But like Noby said, I haven’t been home for a while, and doing so will give me some time to consider it thoroughly. I owe him at least that, whatever my decision is.”

“I agree.” Tsumiki reassured, “Rushing into big decisions is the easiest way to make big mistakes.” she rested her hand on your arm again, “Not that I think it would be a mistake.“

You smiled widely, “Thank you. And you’re right. Maybe answering when I get back will give me the time I need.”

“Yeah. Take a few days, relax, then you can answer with a clear head.” Nobara noted.

“No, I mean… it’s gonna be a few weeks.” you sighed, hunching as you angled your head toward the ceiling. “Sukuna. He planned another business trip for my department.”

“Oh my God girl... Enough with the bombs! I need to recover!” Nobara whined. “What the hell? How is he able to do that?“

You filled your lungs with air before you shrugged. “Geto hired him for that kinda thing. I used to be on that team, but it’s his responsibility now, among other things.”

“Ugh. I’m already too sick of him.” she complained, “Can’t you get someone else to go in your place?”

You sighed, “I wish. I can’t opt out, and I can’t bring anyone along. Best believe I tried.” You pressed your first two fingers into your temple. “And, it’s to Okinawa of all places.“

Nobara plopped her back into her seat as she shook her head. “What a fucking asshole.” She glanced back toward you. “He’s trying to corner you.”

“Seems like it.” You replied, becoming more annoyed every moment you spent thinking about it.

“That guy...” Tsumiki murmured. “He’s pretty relentless … Just… prepare yourself. For anything.” Her brow wrinkled. “He’s probably got all kinds of tricks up his sleeve.”

You nodded again in agreement. “I will. For sure.“

The table vibrates as you all look down for the location of the hum… It was Tsumiki’s cell. She’d received a text message from the looks of it.

“It’s Toji.” She says. “He’s here to pick me up.” She turned toward the large window you all sat next to in the restaurant. You and Nobara both met his gaze. He was waiting just outside in a black Mercedes.

“He wasn’t going to let me just hang out here without spending some time with him, too.” Tsumiki smiled at the two of you.

You smiled back warmly. “Well, I cant say I blame him.”

“Yeah. He can be an ass sometimes but… we love him.”

You and Nobara both chuckled before you asked, “Will you be here a little while longer?” You were hoping to see more of her before she returned to the States.

“Yeah. I have a couple more days.“

“Kay. Then we should do this again before you go.” You suggested.

“Sounds good.” She says, standing and grabbing her bag before she headed out. “See ya. And don’t for get what I said, ok? Protect what’s yours.“

“I will.” You promised as you watched her wave goodbye.

You locked eyes temporarily with Toji as he noted Tsumiki leave the building and head for his car. You raised your hand as if to wave, hoping he’d notice.

He did, and offered you an upward nod as Tsumiki entered the car.

*~*~*~*~*

Nobara walked with you back to your building, the clacking of your heels on the sidewalk accompanying the sound of miscellaneous vehicles rushing by in the busy square of Shinjuku.

“I’ll see you tomorrow?” You called out to her as you took a few steps toward your office building’s entrance.

“Uhm….” Nobara began, her tone indicating something was on her mind.

“What’s up?”

“Are you sure Megumi’s okay waiting for your answer?”

Your brow furrowed as you eyeballed her expression. “Yeah. As far as I could tell, he was fine. Maybe a little hopeful, but he didn’t seem worried.”

“Okay.” She replied. “How long is your trip going to be?”

“Two, maybe three weeks”

“Really?“

“Yeah…” you replied, your smile fading as you observed her unsettled expression. It was always easy to tell when something weighed on Nobara’s mind. “Is something wrong?”

“No… I’m just. Wondering if Megz can hold it together for that long without you nowadays.”

“Oh, I’m sure it’s not that big a deal.” You frowned, “He often has all kinds of company around him.”

“But he wants you. Apparently all the time now.” she huffed past a tiny smile. “A key? … that’s… major.” she looked more concerned than happy. “Do you remember what Yuji told us about him? How he spent a lot of time alone, and that work was so important to him?”

“Yeah.”

“Well, he also told me that Megumi is constantly thinking about you. What to do for you, how to take care of you, how to help you... I think he’s hooked. Like… in a good way, but … a serious way.”

You tilted your head, “What makes you say that?” your eyes growing smaller as you considered the implications of her words.

“Are you saying he loves me?” you huffed, “We all know that, right?”

“Of course but…”

“I mean, that’s …” you looked away, suddenly recalling that night when he asked you to stay, a few moments that made you wonder a little. “I believe he loves me. But … living together is…” you shook your head. “he sees women constantly. Gorgeous ones. All the time.”

“So?” Nobara frowned.

“So… what if he sees me on too many bad days in a row? What if … I like… pass gas around him?“

Nobara snickered, covering her mouth.

“No, for real!” You snickered with her as you pushed her shoulder. “What if he just... looks at me too long and decides he’s tired of me?”

“Oh my God, girl.”

“I’m so serious right now.” And then your concerned look matched hers. “What if he can’t stand the sight of me after like a month? I’ll be devastated.”

“You’re being ridiculous.” she scoffed. “Did you not hear a word I just said? He’s gone for you, girl. I honestly think you’re it for him.”

“I like things the way they are. I don’t wanna lose him due to his exhaustion with our proximity.” You could feel your heart already hurting at the idea of him finally growing tired of you, as if that had ever happened or threatened to. “Megumi isn’t exactly easy to please… I don’t wanna mess things up.”

Nobara sighed, the look of concern morphing into one of pity. “We can talk about it later, okay?” She replied, leaning in as she gripped your arm. “Have a good day at work, love.

You lifted your arms, wrapping her in a tight hug, then kissing her on the cheek. “You, too.”

*~*~*~*~*

Your workdays were always pretty stressful.

But today it seemed they, well, Sukuna specifically, were extra desperate to have all of your time since there was a trip to plan. However, you managed to rip yourself away after briefly speaking with Geto about your job description in detail, avoiding an excessive dig into your personal time.

You usually got home around five, but today it was seven forty-five before you even left the building.

Your legs and back were aching, so you decided to request an Uber during your last meeting since you were too exhausted to bother walking to the station, sitting around on cold benches to wait for the train, or standing in one for a prolonged period, then walking the rest of the way home.

The Uber arrived on time, and you were quite satisfied that Geto ordered a nice one. Your eyes felt like weights as you entered the vehicle, and the nice condition of the ride made you even more relaxed. The seats were plush and soft to the touch.

Just as you tilted your head against the leather cushion of the back seat in the car, the nice fragrance in the interior, the hum of the engine, and the muted nightlights outside the window lulled you right to sleep.

Your head bobbed along the back of the seat, seemingly for just a moment, only for the driver to suddenly call your name as he reached your building. “Ma’am, you’re home.” He said, peering through the rear-view, waking you up just before you reached rem.

“Ugh…” you were slightly disoriented, just making out the front of your building as your eyes adjusted. “I’m so sorry... Thank you!” you replied as you opened the door to exit.

You started up the stairs to the apartment, just realizing you hadn’t turned your phone back on at all after turning it off when you returned from lunch. It seemed you were needed every moment at work, and had no time to use it.

“Oh my god…” you grimaced, searching for it as you walked in, only to hear multiple consecutive ‘dings’ on it from texts and missed calls the moment you turned it on.

Most of them were from Megumi.

Megumi: hey. hope ur day is good. what time will u be home? 2:30PM

Megumi: coming back to my place tonight? I’m making udon. 3:46PM

Megumi: u must be really busy. 5:00PM

Megumi:??Haven’t heard from you. Everything OK?? 7:03PM

Megumi: Starting to worry. Call me when you get home. 8:30PM

You called immediately.

“Hello?”

“Megz!” you called out to him, clearly anxious, yet your heart was relieved the moment you heard his voice.

You hadn’t spoken with him since you left his house last night. “God, I’m so sorry! It’s been fucking ridiculous at work today.”

“Yeah, I figured.” He replied calmly, relief lacing his voice as you spoke. “You home?”

“Yeah. I just got back. Like, literally two minutes ago.”

“Wow.” he paused, a wrinkle forming in his forehead. “Overtime?”

“I’m really sorry, Megz. Geto even scheduled the Uber for me. I passed out in the seat the moment I sat down. I forgot to turn on my phone.”

“You got an Uber?”

“Yeah.”

“Why are you getting an Uber when you have a man at your beck and call?”

You chuckled, dropping the keys on the kitchen counter along with the rest of your stuff. “’Beck and call?’ Really? You had rehearsal didn’t you?”

“Yeah, but… I own the place?”

Another chuckle. “Right. M’sorry sweetie. I promise I’ll call you if this happens again.”

“You don’t have to apologize … But I’d rather you promise me you’ll never pass out in one of those alone again... or… at the very least, text me or Nobara your info and location.”

“Yeah… You’re right.” You grimaced, realizing you could have awakened in any number of strange places… or not at all.

“Well, hopefully soon you’ll be staying here more often instead.” he replied casually.

It fell silent on the phone for a moment, your mind reeling a little.

“… Or … not?” he murmured.

You stopped yourself just before apologizing again. “I’m just... taking some time to think about it.”

Megumi’s heart sank a little, enough for him to actually feel it move. “What can do to help you make your decision?”

“Nothing really… I guess I’m … just… wanting to not rush it. I’ll have to say goodbye to everything.”

He sighed audibly, “I get it.” his fingers running through his black hair again as he sank deeper into the cushions of the couch.

“I’m starting to miss you too much already.” he said nearly under his breath, looking around at the random little things you’d left behind in his place.

He slid the bracelet you gave him off of his wrist, holding it up to the light to view your pretty face through the crystal.

“Kinda lame of me, huh?“

You felt your heart warm as you recalled everything Nobara mentioned about his feelings for you. “Of course not.” It was difficult to hold back your smile as it widened behind a deep blush that he wasn’t able to see over the phone. “And I miss you, too.”

You figured maybe this wasn’t the best time to tell him, but you might as well, since you didn’t wanna take the chance that some one else would do it first.

“Uh…” you sighed a tired sigh, one that he could tell had a little something extra behind it.

“What is it?” he asked his eyes leaving the bracelet as he waited for your reply...

.

.

.

<<< SET 6 | SET 7 - PART 2 >>>

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Bartender Dabi watches you come in and has your drink ready for you before you sit in your favorite seat next to your girls, right in front of his fine ass at his register.

Bartender Dabi comes over to chat with you after finishing his pours for each customer, smirking and smiling as he asks you how you've been, flirting while calling you "baby girl".

Bartender Dabi leans over a little extra close, biting his lip as his big pretty eyes graze over your cleavage, then making fierce eye contact as he's asking you where you plan to go tonight after hours.

Bartender Dabi makes sure you and your girls have enough to drink, and of course you don't have to pay.

Bartender Dabi pours you refills without you having to ask as he watches other guys flirt with you while you peek over from time to time to see if he's still looking.

Bartender Dabi knows your favorite cocktails and the garnishes he likes to see you nibble on, especially the cherries as your lips pucker under your gloss every time you put one of the shiny red fruits up to your mouth. He loves to watch you accidently drip the juice down your chin because you're always a little too tipsy by this time of night to be careful. With his help, of course.

Bartender Dabi loves to see you drawing so much attention effortlessly and how you appreciate flirtatious compliments but reject the guys anyway because he's the only one you want. He knows because he never sees you allow anyone to get as close to you as he does.

Bartender Dabi tells your girlfriends that he'll make sure you get home, offering to give you a ride. After all, he's done it before.

Bartender Dabi walks you up to your door, helping you wobble inside, as he closes the door and locks it behind him, then grabs you by the waist, pushing his bulge against you, gliding his hands all over you, yet telling you he'd better go.

Bartender Dabi never makes his way out of your apartment because the scent of your perfume has him peppering wet kisses all over your lips, neck, and chest, and you have to hold your head up higher because of how tall he is, and you love the feeling of his soft warm lips and strong arms covering your body especially when you're drunk.

Bartender Dabi helps you out of your clothes as he guides you to your bedroom where your very personal space smells as pretty as you do as he manages to get you undressed and laid down on the bed.

Bartender Dabi spreads your legs and kisses your sex over your panties, whispering "so you like to flirt in front of me huh baby girl?" as you whine from how he slides them to the side and his wet kisses and tongue are finally massaging your clit and folds. Your whimpers grow louder as you wrap your thighs around his head. He loves it so much that he stretches out his tongue to press deeper into your center, his strong hands gripping your breasts, his thumbs circling your nipples.

Bartender Dabi can barely stand how hard he is from all your teasing, as he removes his shirt and unzips his pants and presses his huge, rock hard cock into your opening to the hilt in one stroke as he grips your neck, whispering to you how fucking sexy you are when you let him have his way with you.

Bartender Dabi praises you for taking him so well, throwing your drunk ass all over the bed like he owns it while he locks your hands behind your back, hitting it from behind. He's telling you how much he loves you being a good little slut for him and making you so wet he doesn't hurt anymore as he grabs your hair and presses your face sideways into the pillows.

Bartender Dabi wipes you up with a warm towel when you're done and passes out next to you. He loves the mornings when he watches your beautiful ass move across the room as you get ready, staying at your place while you go to work and sleeping in until he does, since he can lock up when he leaves because he has a key.

Bartender Dabi will likely see you again much sooner than you think.

“You like this?” 

“I love it.” you breathed, “What a sweet boy you are, Cho. It feels so nice.” 

Choso was shocked at the way his dick throbbed behind his pants at the sound of your voice. And especially at those words… the praise you gave him, triggered something inside of him.  He wanted to hear more …  a lot more. He pressed his hands in a little harder as they moved lower down your back, his eyes flicking over to your beautiful legs as he reached down to grip your thigh with both of his hands.  

“Mmh!” the sound escaped your lips quickly, uncontrollably, as his hands wrapped around your leg, the pads of his thumbs spreading outward on each side just under your glutes. You reflexively pressed your thigh into the other, nearly trapping his hand between them, your hips jerking outward, your core clenching, wanting so much more than what he was giving.  

Choso’s wide eyes gaped open as they rested on your pink cheeks, your lips parting as your tongue peeked out and your lip slid behind your teeth. It was amazing making you feel like this. Amazing that he was the one to do it.  

“Mmm’sorry!” you whined, turning your blushing face into the pillow. “Feels so good”. 

His heart thumped harder in his chest as he felt his blood rushing all over, his hands moving to press in even harder to pull more of that reaction from you, his fingers dangerously close to your middle as your skirt inched up higher.  

You squirmed around, hardly able to control yourself as your body became hotter from the feeling of his beautifully calloused, warm, strong grip. Choso glided his hands up and down your legs, the soft, supple texture sending a pulse through the muscle in between his legs.  

His eyes darkened as he pressed his hands against your thighs, your legs spreading wider, allowing him a visual he didn’t expect to receive, a wet spot spreading through the cotton fabric that covered your core.  

Choso’s hands instinctively inched up your legs toward it… his hunger growing fiercer inside him to make that spot even bigger, to make you moan even louder.  

Your body shuddered at the feeling of his fingertips sliding across the top of your thighs, so very close to your intimacy... You turned quickly, grabbing his hand, sitting upright, your face mere centimeters away from his as you huffed, your heart racing. Choso sat terribly still, gazing back into your eyes as you peered into his.  

You slowed your breathing as you held his large hand in yours, unable to take your eyes off his pretty face. Your body tingled all over, your trembling hands slowly lowered his, flattening it on your inner thigh.  You reached your hands up toward his face, gently resting your fingers on each side of his frames, as you slid them off of him.  

He was absolutely gorgeous...”

To DeServe You ~ M.List

*10K in... Almost done... I miss this Cho so much. It'll be posted very soon!💖*

Pairing: Financial Advisor!Satoru x Black Fem Artist!Reader,

CW: JJK AU, Angst, Praise Kink, Size Kink, Oral, Unprotected Sex, Edging, Aggressive Sex, Some Non-con/Dub-con(Satoru is aggressive but not abusive), BDSM, Overstimulation, Dark Context, Physical and Emotional Abuse, Possible misc. triggers including race (I'm not sensitive, so if you are, please move on).

READER DISCRETION ADVISED. I plan to make this intense.

Note: please block me if my work is not your cup-o-tea. I do not own any of the character art. Please respect my blog art.

Total WC : 9.9K

Line of Sight ~ Ch.02 - (Coming Soon)

LOS - Masterlist | AO3 | Wattpad | Playlist

Synopsis: Reader meets her shiny new neighbor through a mutual friend. After a memorable first impression, they quickly become closely acquainted, acclimating to one another through unavoidable odds. Yet, and despite his polished demeanor, she soon learns his life isn't as it seems. Her only hope is that her new attachment doesn't lead to her own detriment, or his.

Author's Note: I insisted on taking a minute to update this work. I haven't changed any of the storyline, but I have edited quite a bit of the dialogue to reflect my true intentions for the feel of the story. Despite the time it's taking, It's important to me that it turns out the way the vision I have for it is set in my mind. Apparently I'm truly stubborn in that way, unwilling to let things alone when I know they can/or should be improved. I realized something strange about me through the process of writing for Gojo... I hold him in tremendously high regard. I have pretty lofty expectations for this story/Satoru's character, ultimately for myself... As a result, I'm thinking way too hard on this project, and haven't fully relaxed into the process as I have for my other stories. I'm looking forward to the upcoming chapters of this work, and I hope you guys appreciate the updates and are able to see my vision as well. As always... Thank you so much for reading!

..... Minors: You have no business here. Love you, but please don't ....

▶ LOS ~ Playlist

LINE OF SIGHT: 1. The line between two points. 2. A line from an observer's eye to a distant point. 3. A straight line along which an observer has unobstructed vision.

∘•········•∘ʚ ֍ ɞ∘•·········•∘ Ch.01 - Introductions ∘•········•∘ʚ ֍ ɞ∘•·········•∘

“So, there will be a few other things we’ll need to go over, but that’s the gist for now. Here’s your key.” She says as she pulls out a jingling set, complete with faux diamond charms. 

“Thank you so much, Mei. I really appreciate … everything.” you replied, shaking your head slowly as you considered how grateful you were and she rested the keys in your palm. 

“Of course. Did you get moved in okay?” 

You stood from your chair, draping the strap of your purse over your shoulder with a sigh. “I did. The movers were... Fantastic. Your recommendation was perfect.” 

“Yeah, and they were quick too, right? Inexpensive, and very good.” Her brows lifted as she gushed. “I’ve used them several times. A woman can use support in times like this, and they do an amazing job.”

“Yeah, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve lost valuables in the process of moving to damage.” you shook your head. “Having that not happen’s the part I appreciated most.” 

“How do you like the area?” she asked.

“Love it. I already feel totally at home.”

“Glad to hear it.” She smiled, walking you toward her office door as she leaned in to pull the brass knob. “Oh, and speaking of...” She continued, raising a finger as she turned and swiped a small envelope from her desk.

“I asked my secretary to mail a package to a colleague of mine…. he’s a financial advisor that happens to be one of your neighbors. For some reason she addressed it to you by mistake. Would you mind giving it to him once you make it home? I can send him over to pick it up.”  

“Sure. I don’t mind.” you replied, swiping the envelope from her hand, then slipping it into your bag.

“I could send it by courier but it’s already been here too long. I’d rather him receive it in person. I figured since you’ll literally be in the neighborhood, he can grab it himself.” 

“Okay. No problem.” 

“Thanks. I’ll see you later, and let me know if you need any more help with the place.” she added. “The paint in the front rooms is the only thing left to complete.” 

“I got it.” you replied.

“You sure about that?”

“I’m sure. No worries.” you waved your hand with a shrug. “I love painting. Besides, I can take the opportunity to put a spin on it.”

“Knock yourself out.” She smirked. 

“See you later, Mei. Have a great weekend. And thanks again.” 

∘○•········•∘ʚ ֍ ɞ∘•·········•○∘ 

The seasons had changed. 

Sunlight shined through the green of the lush trees, onto perfectly groomed front lawns, decorated with various plants and flowers as a few dogs walked their owners along the sidewalks where your new home stood; a small Mediterranean single family with plenty of foliage and character. 

You were happy to have this brand-new environment to create in, moving almost mindlessly around your kitchen as you worked. The place was big, much bigger than any apartment in the city you’d lived in.

You loved them, but they hardly provided the space you needed for what you had to accomplish. You even had a second floor for the first time; your own lofted living space above your work area, which practically took over the kitchen and one of the front rooms. 

It had been about two weeks since you moved in, and you were as settled as you could be at this point, having adjusted beautifully to the environment.

You turned on your music and plopped your headphones over your ears, drowning out the world as you created beautiful and fragrant products with your own two hands.

It was tremendously therapeutic; satisfying and relaxing enough to get lost in.  

You set your molds on the counter and poured one of the most aromatic batches yet, the fragrances filling the house as they floated gently on the breeze from your open windows.

You’d just completed the pour and removed your headphones as the doorbell rang the second they hit the counter. 

“Ugh...” you checked your hands for any lingering product as you made your way to the front door. “Impeccable timing.”  you murmured, yanking off your latex gloves.

You open it, wafting more of the fresh air inside, swiping one of your curly wayward locks behind your ear as you observed the white–haired man towering at your doorstep. 

“Um...” You frowned, peering around his figure for a car, or another person that might have given you a clue as to what he was doing there. “Hello?” You say, tilting your head, your lids lowering to a squint over a tiny smile. 

He stood silently in a crisp, powder blue button–down and sharp slacks, hands stuffed in the pockets, lips parting slightly, slowly, as his gaze lingered a little behind a pair of round vintage shades that appeared to have cost a mint. 

There wasn’t a wrinkle in sight on his garments, apart from the sleeves he’d rolled up to just before the fold reached his elbow, over a glistening timepiece that settled on the wrist of his chiseled forearm. 

You waited patiently for what you figured was a tad too long without speaking. “M~maaay I help youuu?” eyebrows raised slightly, pupils constricting as you peered curiously through your lashes. 

“Y-yea...” he finally responded. “I uh...” he subtly shook his head, breaking his daze as he spoke up. “I’m sorry... I’m Mei’s colleague, Satoru Gojo?” He leaned in slightly, holding out his large hand to shake. 

You reached out in response, slowly shaking it, still confused about what he was doing at your door. 

“I’m here to pick up a package left for me?” 

In the time that passed since you'd last spoken to Mei, your mind had been completely submerged in your work. That task was placed so far on your mental backburner that you had all but completely forgotten.

“Oh!” you flinched, squeezing your eyes shut, the memory hitting you like a ton of bricks as you released his hand, turning quickly back into the house from the front door.

You practically power walked past your unfinished front rooms, disappearing into your kitchen where you yanked open one of the drawers under the counter, rummaging for the envelope you thought you’d left right there.

“Um... Mr. Gojo, please come in!” You yelled his direction from over your shoulder, wincing since you suddenly couldn’t find it. “I’m so sorry about this, I’m all over the place right now.” 

“No problem at all.” He replied, gently snapping the door shut behind him stepping in slowly. He spoke a little louder from the living room as he stood in the middle of the floor. “I’m not exactly in a hurry.”

His eyes grazed along the walls and floors of your open foyer and living space, devoid of furniture, yet large paint cans and tarps lined the floor among other various materials. “Doing some painting”? He questioned.

You scoffed mockingly at yourself, “Yeah uh...” opening and closing another drawer. “Trying... well... I’m working at the moment... but...” Opened another one, none of them assigned particular items yet as you hadn’t gotten that far after moving in nearly two weeks ago. But you knew you’d put that envelope in here somewhere, for ’safe keeping’. “... that’s the next order of business.” 

Gojo continued to look around, witnessing what appeared to be a boatload of work to finish. Yikes... He thought to himself. “Looks like you could use a little help?” 

“Tch... Story of my life...” you mumbled under your breath. 

The fragrances you had just blended wafted through his senses as he waited patiently for you to emerge with his package. “What smells so good?” he asked, tilting his large body sideways in an attempt to peek into the room at you. 

“Oh... I’m making soap.” You replied over the sound of rustling papers, random coins and miscellaneous knickknacks that mussed about in the drawer. 

“Soap? Really?” 

“Yeah... It’s uh... it’s actually what I do for a living...” Where the hell did it go? You murmured to yourself. “Well... I make other things too. Candles, massage oils, you know... self-care stuff?” 

He nodded slowly, “Nice...” 

You finally track it down in the drawer of the island, rolling your eyes. At some point you told yourself it would be easy to find if you put it there instead, but apparently your safe keeping was too safe. Even from you. You swipe it from the drawer quickly and hurry back to meet him in your foyer.

“Sorry for the delay.” you murmured with a grimace as you still held it tightly, tiny sweat beads forming as you walked toward him. 

“No worries.” He says behind a smirk, entertained by your flustered disposition as he removed his glasses. 

You met his gaze, eyes growing smaller as you made out the colors in his. You’d never seen any quite like them.

With a tilt of your head, you noticed what appeared to be flecks of dark and light shades inside; yet emanated a piercing, somewhat hypnotizing crystal–clear blue. They were mesmerizing.

Your lips parted as you gazed, forgetting there was a man attached to them. 

His smirk widened into a smile. “So, uh... what is that scent you’re making?” His voice snapping you out of your reverie. 

“Oh, um... It’s sandalwood... and bergamot rose?”

Despite your amazement at his eyes, he seemed to have just as hard a time taking them off you. Your entire body was almost completely covered to avoid being splashed by the chemicals you used, and the adorable safety goggles you donned were pushed up against your curly locs, held up by a floral scarf in a cute high ponytail.

Your face was decorated with glittery colorants you'd somehow managed to smear there and along your neck, and your big, pretty eyes, round and dark, were framed by long curly lashes, gazing up beautifully in anticipation of his response to your answer. 

He hinged forward “Do you think I could have one when you’re finished making it?”

“Oh, of course.” you beamed. “You like it?” 

“I do. It’s beautiful.”

A bright, proud smile spread across your face. “Thanks.” ecstatic about your first satisfying, positive review on your brand new product. “Congratulations.” you replied playfully, tapping him on the arm. “You’re my first client to request that fragrance, though the process I’m using requires a four-week cure time...”

You turned your face toward the kitchen, swiveling back to his gaze. “You think you can wait for it?” 

His expression softened as he took in your radiant smile. “Definitely.” 

“That’ll be twenty-five dollars.” 

His brows pressed into his forehead. “Twenty-five dollars? For a bar of soap?” 

You nodded slowly. “I’m afraid so, sir... but...” you hiked out your thumb. “There’s a dollar store downtown that sells bars for much cheaper.” 

He huffed, “Thanks, but I want that one. I hope it’s worth the bill.” 

“Welp, there’s only one way to find out, right?” you held his envelope out toward him that he hadn’t yet taken. 

He snickered, “Yeah. That’s right.” 

Your eyes flicked down from his crystal blues to your outstretched hand in a few intervals before a blush crept across your cheeks. 

“Uhm …” you inhaled deeply, his resting gaze stealing your breath, “Is there anything else I can do for you Mr. Gojo?”

“Satoru”. He muttered, his voice softening. “Call me Satoru.” his warm skin barely made contact with yours as he swiped the package from your hand. 

He was likely the most beautiful man you’d ever seen, and just your luck he was also very much taken, considering you’d seen women coming in and out of the house that was supposed to be listed on his piece of mail. 

You released it into his hand as you averted your gaze toward the floor, inhaling again deeply and clearing your throat as you slid your hands up your thighs and into your back pockets.

“I’ll let Mei know I received it in one piece.” 

“Thanks. I hope everything’s okay.” you nodded toward the envelope. “I’d hate to think something too important was left here.” 

Satoru shrugged. “S’likely just a few bucks.” 

“A few bucks?” you echoed.

“Mmm...” he hummed nonchalantly.

You frowned... “O-Okay.” 

He fanned himself with the envelope as he noted the look of worry smeared on your face. “Just a little commission check.” He reassured. “Likely no more than five thousand. No worries.”

“A 'little’ huh?” You scoffed. “I’ll have to kill Mei for that, later.” 

He turned on his heels with a smirk as he headed toward the door. “See ya. S’nice meeting you. And I’ll look forward to using my soap.”

You followed him out as he walked to the end of your yard, fastening the gate shut as he turned toward his own.

A beautiful woman stood at his front yard with hair as white as his and an obvious frown on her face.

She glared your direction, then turned toward him, the crease in her brows deepening as he approached. 

You could barely make out the words she spoke, but she didn’t seem happy. She rolled her eyes, crossed her arms, and turned back into the house where he followed. 

Yup. Story of my life. You mumbled as you took another look up and down the street, filling your lungs with fresh air as the leaves brushed together on the trees.

You turned your face toward the sky, allowing the sun to kiss your skin, then turned back into the house to finish your work. 

∘○•········•∘ʚ ֍ ɞ∘•·········•○∘ 

You were happy to have washed off the day as you traipsed around, feeling completely fresh and renewed on the second floor of your new home as you flicked on your favorite music, excited to curl up by the window with a good book. 

You had just barely finished reading a couple chapters and decided to let in some of that amazing evening breeze as you lifted the window open. Along with the open air came voices from the direction of the backyard. 

“And just exactly what the hell were you doing over there?” 

“I told you twice already. No need to make a big deal out of it?” 

“Why shouldn’t I make a big deal out of it. You don’t seem to care how I feel about you wandering around some other woman’s house.” 

“‘Wandering around?’ Tch. I have no reason to lie to you. Have I ever?” 

It was obviously not a good idea to eavesdrop, but you figured you should know what was going on with your new neighbors, right? You leaned in to peek out the window, at the very least, to be sure you were matching the voices with the individuals they belonged to. 

Satoru stood on their patio with his hands stuffed in his pockets as the white haired woman went on, standing within a foot from him, yelling directly into his face. 

“That’s bullshit.” she shook her head. “I don’t know why I even bother.” 

“And what the hell does that mean? It’s not like you’re ever here anyway. Seems your imagination is the problem you’re having.” 

She raised her hand and slapped him. Hard.  

You flinched, recoiling behind your window, your hand moving to cover your mouth. Despite your shock, your body moved slowly back into the frame.

“Don’t play games with me Satoru. You’re always fucking somebody, why the hell wouldn’t it have been her?” 

Satoru just stood there, clenching his jaw, his head turned the direction in which she'd hit him. 

She reached up, her hand clasping his jaw as she spoke through her teeth. “You do lie. You’re not fucking perfect.” She said as she let it go, pushing his face from her grip.

Satoru closed his eyes, taking a deep breath as he turned his face up toward the sky, angling it just right, in the very direction of your window as you watched. 

“You think I don’t know what you’re doing?” she murmured with a scowl, “Just because you’re supposed to be hot shit doesn’t give you the right to be a fucking cheater.” 

You stepped back quickly from the window, your heart racing, hoping to God he didn’t see you. Your body was trembling. It made you visibly angry, and … sad for him... for them.

“You were over there too fucking long.” She yelled, surely loud enough for the entire neighborhood to hear her. “Did you at least get what you said you would?” 

“It’s only one check. She’ll send the rest next week.” 

“More bullshit. If you can’t keep your promises, I really don’t want shit to do with you.” 

“I told you; more is coming. Fucking calm down”. 

“Just give me the card, then.” 

“I’m not giving you my card. How you run it up so fast is beyond me, but it’s unnecessary if you have cash. Just take that.” 

“It better be here Satoru.” 

He didn’t seem very defensive, so it was difficult to tell if anything she said outside of the ridiculous accusation that he’d had sex with you was valid. And since you didn’t know them, it’s not like you were aware of exactly why she was upset.

You tentatively leaned in to close the window, still trying keep from being seen. It was hard to concentrate on your reading after witnessing something like that.

They continued to argue for a while longer, so you decided to plug your ears with buds, turned up your music to drown out the voices and went ahead to sleep.

∘○•········•∘ʚ ֍ ɞ∘•·········•○∘ 

You spent the next week or so, working on various projects and preparing for a meeting with a wholesale client you’d been looking forward to working with for months. They were, after all, one of the reasons you’d moved to this area.

Tokyo had many exclusive boutiques, and this one was renowned in the area. They were looking for a new product to add to their collection of in-house, handmade fragrances, and you came highly recommended by some of the owner’s acquaintances.

You'd spent an entire day creating, with little rest or food, and woke up the following morning with a bit of a headache, not realizing how dehydrated and stressed you'd become, or how warm it suddenly felt in your house. 

You doused your insides by chugging nearly two full bottles of water, threw on your favorite kimono top over your tank and shorts, and headed to the front to check your mail. 

Of course, there was a wad piled up on your doorstep, bundled with a rubber band which you yanked off and began to sort. As you casually peered past the high brushes that lined the boundary of your yards, Satoru emerges from his home, closing the door behind him. 

Your homes were quite closely set; you had a considerable amount of space in your front yard for gardening, and a quaint iron fence that kept wandering pups from invading.

But from this distance, you could see and hear him clearly enough. His keys jingled loosely in his hand as he sauntered down his driveway, apparently on the phone. 

“So, what time do you plan to get back here?” There was a long pause as he listened, stuffing his keys in his pocket, followed by an exaggerated sigh … “you mean like last time? … You promised this wouldn’t happen again.” He kept his voice quite low, though he was visibly upset. “I understand you’re tired, but I’m tired too.” 

You shuffle the mail in your hands, pretending not to notice him, yet catch him from the corner of your eye as he ends the call.

He turns toward you, the sound of his footsteps growing louder as he approached.

“Fine. Okay. Bye” … “Good morning!” he says cheerfully, waving as he wanders toward your fence. 

You reluctantly face him, allowing a small phony smile to spread across your face. “Good morning”.

You wouldn’t call yourself “happy” to see him, considering he’s quite literally more than occupied with an entire live–in girlfriend.

You'd decided that when it comes to men like him, being too nice couldn’t possibly end well. You began to think he should stay as far away from you as possible. 

He makes his way across the yard as you worked to keep your attention on your mail. The sun caught in his shiny white strands, brightening them beneath its rays as if he were an authentic angel.  

He was stunning. Blinding even.

And seemingly perfect.

But clearly there was so much more to him... to them. Well, obviously there would be... you’ve known him for no more than five minutes. 

You shifted your gaze toward him as he moved within a foot from your bottom step, wearing one of your favorite scents, but may have been a bespoke since it was a little sharper, nearly knocking you off your feet when your senses caught it. 

He pressed his large hands into the front pockets of his khakis, peering up from behind his shades, a rare perspective since he’s so impossibly tall. 

“How’s your morning going?” he asked, his voice as smooth and unhurried as his gait, and his smile as intoxicating as his fragrance. 

You took a deep inhale, finding it difficult to concentrate in his presence. “It’s going well. Pretty relaxing so far.” you nodded. 

“That’s good.” He paused, “I um... wanted to apologize for the other night. I’m not sure how much you heard of us, but … I’m hoping we didn’t disturb you.” he said, his tone mild and genuine. 

“It was a little disturbing if I’m honest.” you replied, peeking up from your mail. “I just hope everything’s okay.” 

“Yeah... everything’s fine.” 

Your lips puckered just a touch. “Everything didn’t seem ’fine’.” 

He shrugged, “It happens.” 

“It shouldn’t.” you replied, shuffling again. 

He nodded slowly, a squint behind his shades. “It’s complicated.” he said, his gaze stuck on you as you pretended to be interested in your mail. 

“Isn’t it always?” Your eyes flicked up to meet his frames for a split second.  

A small huff exited his nostrils as he grinned, his chiseled arms crossing in front of his broad chest. “Stings but … somehow still refreshing.” 

“What’s that?” 

“Your candor.” He replied, his smirk fixed. “It’s nice to have that around here.” 

You pressed your lips into a hard line. “I don’t mean to be rude, it’s just... how I feel. I’m sorry.” 

“Why are you apologizing?” 

Your mouth turned down in the corners as you shrugged a shoulder. “It just... made me feel bad for you.” you said, barely above a whisper. 

He was a little surprised to hear that reply from you, especially considering how frank you’d been. “.... We don’t know each other.”

His head cocked a little, as if trying to peek at your eyes from beneath the angle you held your head. He pressed his foot boyishly against the edge of the stair of your porch, feeling the strain against his shoe.

“Why should you feel bad for someone you only just met?” he questioned. 

You huffed, “Why shouldn’t I? Is empathy a bad thing?”

You met his hidden gaze, hoping to make out his eyes again for a moment before returning to the pile of paper in your hands. 

A faint blush crept across his pale cheeks as his gaze dropped back down toward his pristine Dior. “No, not at all.” 

He seemed appreciative of your regard, yet you could see there were words he was leaving unsaid; as if he didn’t want to, or couldn't elaborate for whatever reason.

A silence fell between you amidst the rustling of the trees as his gaze migrated up to your exposed legs, the sun shining on your pretty brown complexion, reflecting its hues emphasized from your body butter, as if there were tiny flecks of gold embedded beneath your skin. 

He followed them up to your arms, now exposed from the elbow to your wrists. They glistened in the same shimmery tint, yet were covered when he’d seen you before.

His gaze traveled up slowly, landing on a bit of cleavage revealed from under your tank top, your skin perfectly smooth.

His sights finally rested on the relaxed expression on your face, as he found himself quite curious what else was going through that pretty head of yours; A head full of fluffy brown curls that were loose this time, brushing gently across your skin in each direction of the breeze.

He decided that spending a little more time over here with you would be … nice.

To say the least.

He spoke up finally, “I uh... thought I’d ask if you still needed help with your painting.” he said, changing the subject. 

A tiny smile tugged at your plump lips as you glanced his direction, just as a blue envelope reached the top of the stack.

“You sure that’s something you can do?” 

He shrugged, “That’s the kind of thing friendly neighbors often do, right?” 

You snickered at the question, the weight of it and his presence, a mere five feet from you at the bottom of the stairs, pressing down on you as heavily and as warm as a thick cotton blanket.

You figured, should this happen, it’d likely be difficult to keep him as “far away as possible”.

And somehow you knew he knew that too.

But then, a little chatting while painting among neighbors is completely harmless... Right?

“I suppose so.” you muttered as you glance over again, working a little harder this time to see past his shades, the mite of anxiety feeling awfully close to something like desire.

You look back at your papers, doing a double take as you noticed him staring at something. “What?” 

An upward nod, “That envelope. It looks familiar.” 

“You know it’s illegal to look through other people’s mail, right?” 

“You gonna call the authorities?” 

“I might. You seem a little out of control.” 

“Tch, yeah. That’s me.” 

You chuckled, “It’s an invitation from Mei. Some kind of social seminar event.” 

“Think you’ll go?” 

“Mei’s a good friend of mine so... If I can, I definitely will. I have a few events coming up myself, so I hope the timing doesn’t clash with any of them. Lots of merchandise to make.” you sighed.  

“So … it’d be better to get the painting done sooner rather than later, right?” 

“Yup. I’ve called some painters. They’ll be by to work on it with me tomorrow.” 

“You should save your money. I can do it.” 

You frowned, “You?” All kinds of questions popped into your head about his experience with manual labor, or … lack thereof. “You can paint? Like... professionally?” 

He scoffed, “You think I’m some lazy rich kid who’s never actually worked before?” 

Your eyes scanned his silhouette under a hiked brow, “I mean, you said it. Not me.” 

“I’ll have you know, my parents were adamant that I learn to manage more than just money. I’m a pretty handy guy to have around.” 

Your gaze shrank into a squint as your lips scrunched into one corner. “Okay...” you looked him over again. “On one condition.” 

“And what would that be?” 

“You accept the product you ordered from me for free.” 

He held out his large hand for you to shake again. “You’ve got a deal, neighbor.” 

You held out your hand, finding yourself excited to touch him … as bad as that seemed in your head. His hand was softer than expected, yet his grip was still strong and felt nice.  

How lucky that girl must be. You thought to yourself as he shook your hand for longer than necessary, his fingertips sliding across your palm as you let go, sending tiny tinges of electricity up your arm, across your back, and straight to your head.

You cleared your throat, inwardly pulling yourself together, then flashing him another nervous smile.

He unequivocally noticed of course, a hint of a sly grin peeking from his lips.

“Oh… uhm... One more thing, Mr. Gojo... I’d like to ask that you take this job seriously. I have a vision in mind, and I need it to meet my expectations?” 

“Okay.” he replied. “No worries. I’ve got it.” 

“And … you’re sure coming here won’t cause any problems?” a tiny grimace formed on your face, “I really don’t want to get into the middle of anything. It’s not worth you getti–” 

“How does six pm tomorrow sound?” 

“Sounds perfect. But...” 

“It’ll be fine. I’ll be fine.” 

You gave him one of those looks. That I-sincerely-hope-you-know-what-you’re-doing look. “Okay. Thanks.” you replied, deciding to accept that he was a big boy and could handle his own decisions. 

“My pleasure”. He said with a hint of a bow, looking up at you with a smirk, still hiding those ocean eyes behind their vintage frames as he slid his foot off the porch stair, turning to leave your yard.

He walked to the edge, snapping your gate shut, then holding up a finger, “... Nice Kimono.” he called back to you without looking. 

∘○•········•∘ʚ ֍ ɞ∘•·········•○∘ 

You’d worked through the night and all day the next, whipping together more product, soaps, candles, butters, bath bombs, and a few body creams, using distilled water and some of your favorite oils to match the brand-new soap you’d created.

Your house was full and fragrant with various blending lingering aromas. 

You set the creams on the counter to air out until the heat escaped, allowing any condensation to evaporate before capping them to sell. 

It was nearly six pm, so you wondered if your friendly neighbor still planned to make it. The doorbell rang at six on the nose, and you were far happier to see him than you thought you’d be. Maybe that was okay, but … maybe it wasn’t.

“Hey there.” He stood before you in a stark white V-neck tee and distressed jeans, still managing to look like a billion bucks. 

Your heart fluttered at his direct and very piercing gaze, this time devoid of glasses. And at that, you wanted to reach inside your chest, pull it out, and wash it clean to sate the uneasiness it accompanied.

You took a deep breath, “Hey.” you said, forcing a smile behind your blush. “Thanks for coming.” You averted your gaze to the floor again, stepping aside to let him in. 

Satoru’s gaze softened immediately as he noticed your consistent tendency to become flustered the second your eyes met. Somehow he was thrilled, and that worried him, regardless of how much fun it was. “Sorry I’m late.” 

“You’re not late.” you said behind a frown. 

He shrugged, “You know what they say; ‘early is on time, on time is late ...’,” he sauntered in, turning on his heel as he hinged toward you with a hike in one eyebrow “… and ‘late is unacceptable’.” 

You snapped the door shut behind him. “I do know that. All too well. I guess I’m often ‘on time late’ then.”

He scrunched his lips together, “Tsk tsk tsk … then you must need more help than you let on.” 

“You’re probably right...” you admitted. “Though I don’t like to burden others with my responsibilities.” 

Satoru scanned the room, noting how much work you had done, how much you still needed to do, and for some reason felt determined to be the person to it for you.

“It’s not a burden at all for me. Just say the word, and I’ll help however I can.” he said, holding a box of miscellaneous tools by the handle in one hand and a pole sander in the other. 

“Thanks...” you started, looking down and around, observing his things. “So um … I’ve prepped the area pretty well so far, I think.” you continued, pointing out what you’d finished, wondering if he went out of his way to get the items he brought.

“Did you buy things for this?” you asked, peering into his toolbox. “Some of the stuff in there looks new.” 

“Well, most of it including the sander is mine, but yes, some of the other things I did pick up on the way home from work. Why?” He hinged, setting the toolbox on the floor. 

“You didn’t need to buy anything.” You replied, concerned about the implication of him making purchases on your behalf. “You offered to help as a favor. I didn’t intend to have you spend your money.” 

“It’s no biggie. It didn’t cost too much. I planned to bring some of my supplies from home, but they were a little worn out, so I bought more instead.”

He rummaged through them. “If it makes you feel any better, I’ll take it all back home with me.” He stood up straight as he pulled gloves from the box, his eyes locked on yours as he towered at least a full foot over you. “It’s just... Whatever I do, I like to be thorough.” 

You took a deep breath, hiking a brow, “Right.” You cleared your throat again. “So then... um...” you began as you turned again toward the walls. 

Satoru’s gaze followed you across the room, observing how awfully adorable you were in your little tee shirt, denim overalls and converse. And your hair tied up again in that curly ponytail was just too cute.

He was obviously used to girls finding him attractive, even being giddy around him, but though you were affected, your disposition was different.

Not to mention, he couldn’t remember the last time he had the opportunity to be this intimately close to such a beautiful black woman. It was exciting. 

Everything about you was a change of pace, especially after working long hours with his stuffy clients and colleagues, talking about money all day.

And unfortunately, even at home, where his girlfriend rarely stayed, someone like you brought a brightness to his life where so much had gone dim. The only problem with that was, if he wasn’t careful, he’d get quite carried away. And likely take you with him. 

It was also proving difficult to focus around you, but the way you made him feel, your honesty, sincerity, your compassion, your drive, he hadn’t been around someone like that in a long while … not since … well, it was probably good not to think too much about that now. 

“... so if you wouldn’t mind just starting on the sanding for me, that would be great.” You finished, swiveling back his direction.

That was all he’d caught of everything you’d just said. But as far as he was concerned, it didn’t matter. “My pleasure.” He replied with a nod.

You hand him a pair of goggles and he gets to work, reaching areas of the wall that you’d likely have to ascend and descend your ladder dozens of times to reach alone. 

As he worked, you sat on a small stool, drill mixing and blending some paints, creating the custom colors you visualized for a faux stone finish, bringing the feel of a city loft, and a sense of some familiarity to your large new space. 

Satoru worked diligently with very little instruction as you created various shades and hues, your eyes wandering to his corner to see his progress, considerably impressed.

He’d smoothed over many of the rough areas you’d worked on to the point you couldn’t see a single bump or blemish. It was nice to know he wasn’t just a pretty face, not that he needed to know how to do any of this. Outside of volunteering to work for you, of course.  

As your eyes followed each wave of the sander, they trailed along his large, now paint-stained hands, down his beautifully chiseled arms, only to notice the way his body moved under his perfectly fitted tee.

His clothes fit him as though they were tailored with the exact amount of room for his chest and back, curving around them over his muscles as they flexed underneath. 

His jeans fit like a glove, with a slight sag that caused them to slip just below his v-line, his smooth, porcelain skin displaying the faintest shadows from his veins at his abdomen as he raised his arm. 

You swallowed thickly at the vision, mindlessly hiding your bottom lip behind your teeth as he reached heights on the wall that you could never, hoping to God that one day the man you chose would have a fraction of what you saw in him. 

“Looks like that part’s taken care of.” he turns to you with a proud grin. “See, aren’t you just ecstatic that I’m here?” 

You averted your gaze immediately as he turned toward you, hoping you weren’t caught ogling him.

You sighed, “Yea... it uh... definitely takes a load off, Mr. Gojo.” you dropped your brushes and stood from your seat, preparing to take a break. 

But he did catch you, turning away as he pretended not to notice, his grin melting into a thoughtful smile.

It felt nice to be wanted.

Wanted by an amazing woman like you.

He winced at the name you called him as he descended the ladder, which he’d used maybe thrice, having finished priming the entire wall.

“Oof... only the elders in my family are called ‘Mr.’” he muttered jokingly. “Please. Call me Satoru.” he said, walking toward you as he pushed his goggles up on top of his head and his white strands back along with them, the tiny gesture managing to make him even cuter. “Or... just ‘Gojo’... if you prefer formalities.” 

You hesitated, wondering if it was appropriate, being on a first-name basis with someone else’s man. It certainly didn’t feel like it was.

But you also knew nothing would transpire between the two of you so, “Yeah... okay...” you nodded as you fidgeted with the paint on your hands, reluctantly looking up at him directly, a hint of a smile playing at his lips under his hooded gaze as he seemed to anticipate you saying his name officially.

“S-Satoru.” you said, the word softly slipping past your lips. 

His gaze softened even more, “Atta girl.” he practically whispered as he grinned, clearly enjoying this little bit of fun he was having with you. “See, that wasn’t so bad, right?” 

You huffed, snickering under your breath at his playfulness. “I suppose not.” you answered, “I just prefer not to overstep any boundaries if I can help it.” 

The corners of his lips curled down as he nodded, “Understandable.” 

You decided it was high time for that break since it had been a good hour and a half at least. “Would you like something to drink while you’re working for me?” You asked, turning toward the kitchen. 

“Do you have any coffee?” 

You stopped in your tracks, turning back his direction. “Coffee?” 

“What? Don’t tell me you don’t like coffee.” he quipped. 

“I love coffee... I just... wasn’t expecting you to ask for that… And I honestly have no idea why.” you snickered. 

He chuckled with you as he walked closer, the both of you migrating to the kitchen where he sat at your island. “Well, I’m just full of surprises, I guess. And, what’s wrong with a guy liking coffee?” He leaned into the counter, crossing his arms in front of him. 

“Nothings ‘wrong’....” A thoughtful look graced your face. “… I dunno… I guess I was expecting you to ask for a … beer, or … water. ‘Coffee’ just threw me off a bit. Sorry.” You said, still giggling childishly as you covered your mouth. 

He couldn’t help but laugh with you, finding your giggle infectious, and your reaction endearing. He couldn’t resist teasing you more. “So now you’re expecting me to be some weird jock who only drinks alcohol?” 

“Oh god, no.” you said, rolling your eyes and smiling even brighter. I’ll get you some coffee right away Mr. Go – I mean … Satoru.” 

He propped his elbow up on the counter, pressing his fist into his cheek. “Having a hard time getting away from it, it seems. Maybe you’ll be more comfortable coming up with a nice nickname for me.” he said, enjoying the banter. 

“Hmm... yeah, no, that might be a little...” 

“A little what?” He asked, hiking up an eyebrow. 

“Intimate.” 

He squinted. “You think?” 

“I do.” 

“Well, we are becoming friends, right? Getting to know each other, hanging out. Feels pretty innocent to me.” 

You turned toward your cabinet to grab the sugar, and the cream from the fridge as his eyes trailed over your figure before returning to your face. 

“I take sugar in my coffee.” you said as you looked down at your cup, adding a couple tablespoons. And... definitely some cream.” You stirred as you poured. “How do you take yours?” 

“Black.” he uttered. “And sweet.” 

You huffed, snickering under your breath, rolling your eyes at how that sounded so much like a really bad pick-up line.

He was cute, and seemed like such a great guy. It was hard to understand why, or how he was in that situation with his partner.

At that, you immediately stopped stirring your coffee, complete silence overtaking you both as you murmured slowly, “Satoru... I hate to sound … blunt … and frankly nosy, but …” 

“But, you’re gonna ask anyway.” he replied behind a smirk and his fixed gaze, adding a couple teaspoons of sugar to his coffee also.

You took a deep breath, “I guess I just wanna understand. Why do you deal with that?” Your brows threading together in the center as you asked, still looking down at your mug, then flicking your gaze back to him. “I just... I realize it’s not exactly my business what’s going on internally between you, but... that looked pretty bad from the outside. Bad enough to eventually get worse.”

His smile faded a bit as he looked down at his cup, his hands moving to curl around its warmth. “We grew up together.” He started as he nodded slowly. “Our families have known each other since we were children... But it’s been like this for a while. Me and her.” 

Childhood friends.

Right.

But... The abuse? In all seriousness, if she were on the other side of it, you’d be having this conversation with her instead, no doubt. 

“We’ve been best friends since the sandbox.” He smirked behind a quick exhale. “She wasn’t like this before. Well, she’s always been … feisty …” His blue eyes met yours, brows furrowing, but you refused to look away this time. “I’m sure she has her reasons, but... I’m hoping things get better.” 

Your heart broke for him again. His sincerity seemed to seep through your pores and absorb straight into your heart. He was, so … forgiving.

Calm.

Understanding.

It didn’t seem fair to you that he was being put through this. Yet, and still, it didn’t feel … “good” ... to talk about.

Your lips parted slightly as you inhaled. “I shouldn’t have asked. I’m sor–” 

“It’s fine.” He shook his head, his finger tracing the lip of his cup... “I’ve gotta admit though... I’m kinda bracing myself for the day she decides to no longer come home.” He continued, “To be honest, I’m not even sure how I’d feel about it.” He frowned, as if the notion steeped him in a thought that had only just now crossed his mind.

You looked down at your hands, suddenly wishing you knew how to mind your own damn business. 

“This coffee is perfect.” He took another sip, sitting the mug carefully back down on the counter. “Sweet and strong... but a bit sharp.” 

Ouch.

You chewed the inside of your lip as you reluctantly met his piercing gaze. 

“We should probably get a move on before it gets too late, yea? Or... would you rather me come back later?” He suggested, moving to get up from the bar. 

The air felt a little different after that heavy conversation, an energy floating thickly in the atmosphere as if something needed to disperse it in order to help you both breathe better.

“I’d like to finish the first coat on all the walls at least... if you don’t mind.” you answered, with no idea how to change the mood.

“The primer should be dry... I have a busy schedule coming up... A couple trade shows and a meeting with a boutique. It may be a week or so before I manage to get back to it.” 

“Okay.” he answered. “I’ll be more than happy to come back and help you finish up if you just give me a yell.” 

You wondered if that was a good idea after prying so relentlessly. “Do I have to yell?” you asked, squinting one eye. 

He huffed “No, you don’t, but … if it’s okay with you we can exchange numbers.” 

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? I’d hate to cause trouble for you.” 

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about me.” 

You hid your lips behind your teeth as you looked around to find your phone. You handed it over to him unlocked so he could add his number. He did, then took a picture of himself, adding that, too. 

“The picture may not have been necessary.” You said, snickering as you shook your head. “I doubt I’d forget a name like Satoru.” 

“Maybe, but then your contact list wouldn’t have been graced with my beautiful face.” he grinned haughtily. “Besides, you’re giving me a nickname remember?” 

“Hmm...” you scrunched your lips together. “Did I agree to that?” 

“Not quite, but when you do, I expect a good one. I’m a man of high standards after all.” 

“Of course you are. And slick too, apparently.” you said, flashing him a phony smile as your eyes fluttered. “I wouldn’t expect anything less.” 

He chuckled as he propped his large body up with his hand on the counter, happy with the quick shift in mood as he watched you clean up the coffee supplies. “You’re cheeky. I like that. It’s always fun to meet people who can keep up with my wit.” 

“Well, I have my off days for sure.” you murmured.

“Mmm... Do you mind if I take my coffee in the other room?” 

“I don’t mind at all. Just try not to drink any paint by mistake.” 

“Tch... yeah, I think I can manage that much.” 

You turned, grinning his direction as you led him back to the front room.

You could call his presence refreshing as well, as you were usually so busy with work that you’d forgotten how nice it was to have someone around frequently to talk to. In the time you’d gotten to know him, he seemed warm.

A pleasure.  

You turned on some music to lighten the mood even more as you both went back to painting, finishing the first layer by nine thirty.

Satoru gathered all of his gear, “Give me a ring when you’re ready for me.” 

You nodded, “I will. Thank you, Satoru. I appreciate all the help.” 

“Anytime.” he muttered, peeling his gaze from you before waltzing slowly out the front door, and a step down on the front porch, then turning to have a good long look at you before he left for the night.

“We’re neighbors after all. And you’re a young woman living here alone. It’s good to have someone around to help out, you think?” 

“Yes. Yes it is. And I will.” You replied, locking the look in his eyes into your memory for safekeeping.

“Goodnight.” He said, his smooth voice humming in your ears before he headed down your walkway, closing the gate behind him.

Spending time with him was nice.

Despite the short time you'd known him, he was consistently a pleasure to be around. He was growing on you. You genuinely liked Satoru as a person, and wanted the best for him.

Even in his relationship.

∘○•········•∘ʚ ֍ ɞ∘•·········•○∘ 

The meeting with the boutique owner was exciting, and a complete success.

They were one of the best in Tokyo, and when they approached you to collaborate, you were more than just a little ecstatic about it. It ended in a consignment agreement that included three stores. A huge sell and an immense amount of exposure for your business. 

You’d also managed to complete two of your trade show events, making far more profit than expected, but also depleting you of so much merchandise it was time to do some restocking, which meant a lot more work from home, making even more product. 

All you’d just done, packing everything, loading your truck, hauling it all there, unpacking it at the site, setting up your displays, performing most all sales, breaking the entire display down, packing up the truck again just to haul it all back, and unload it into the house.

It was a shit ton of work. 

It had been over two weeks since you’d seen Satoru, and you’d heard nothing from their home. You wondered if it was because of what you said, and he was simply hiding the chaos on the inside.

However, just as you arrived at home after the end of an event to unload your rental, Satoru pulled up behind your car in his Rover. 

He hopped out from the cab, all smiles. “Hey there.” 

You smiled brightly ready to say hello, just as your eyes met the person sitting in the front passenger seat. It was his girlfriend, cutting her gaze sharply toward you as he walked around to open her door.

Your smile faded a bit as you noticed her sneer. You wondered if Satoru was open with her about how he’d been to your place helping you. If he had been, you weren’t sure you could blame her. She exited the car, her gaze raking over you roughly over puckered lips. 

“H-Hello.” you said nervously, letting go of your heavy box of candles, walking toward her as you wiped your hands on the back of your jeans and leaned in to shake hers, introducing yourself. “... I just moved in next door. It’s nice to meet you.” 

She held out her hand behind the half-smile she offered, not a single word leaving her lips as Satoru grabbed their things from the SUV. 

“I think that’s everything.” he said as he approached her from behind, his hands full of shopping bags, facing you and your uneasy smile as you waited anxiously for the chance to get back into your house.

“Looks like you might need some help with all that, too.” he nods toward the stacks of boxes and equipment in your ride. 

“Uh... thanks but that won’t be necessary.” You answered, your eyes flicking between her icy glare and his friendly blues. “I have a cart in the car, I can just –” 

“No way, that stuff looks heavy, and I’m sure you’ve been lugging it around all day, right?” He frowned, noting that the load that would likely take you at least a half hour to remove from the car. “I’ll be back to help you take it inside.” 

You took a deep breath as he finished his offer, as his girlfriend was sure to never take her eyes off of your face.

“I’m sure she’d be delighted.” She claimed.

“It’s really okay. I can do it on my own.” you repeated.

“I insist. I won’t allow you to do all that alone. There’s no point when I’m right here.” Satoru argued.

“Satoru, she said she can take care of it.” The woman sneered, looking through narrowed eyes at you, “I’m sure she’s used to manual labor. You don't have to help her with everything, do you?” 

“Uraume.” Satoru cut his eyes toward her. “It’ll take all of ten minutes.” 

“She’s right. I’m used to –” 

“I’m ignoring you, and I’ll be back.” Satoru rested his large hand on the small of Uraume’s back as they both turned toward their home, taking their belongings inside. 

“Nice meeting you.” you called out toward his girlfriend's back as you grimaced, your eyes widening as you turned toward your car, sliding out your collapsed cart. You pulled it out, popping it open on the street behind the car, then lifting it over the curb onto the sidewalk.

You’d gotten one large bin in the cart when you see Satoru power walking toward you. Your eyes flicked up toward him as you pressed your lips together. 

“Wow... this really is as heavy as it looks.” He said, removing the bin you’d just placed there.

“Yeah... those candles weigh about a pound each, twelve in each box, six boxes per bin.” you nodded, “But you seriously don’t have to do this.” 

“I do. And I will.” He frowned, “You do this alone every time you have an event?” 

“Yeah. I mean... I can't wait around for someone else to help me with everything. I have to take care of it myself if I wanna get it done.” 

“True, but … you ever think of hiring some help?” 

“I have, but that would require the person to make a commitment.” you placed the last bin on top of your stack inside the cart. “Depending on others can leave you with a bunch of incomplete work, and my events aren’t exactly scheduled consistently at the same time each week.” 

Gojo scrunched his lips into the corner of his mouth. “Well, you have someone to help you now. Please call me and don’t do this by yourself.” 

“Satoru, I’ve been taking care of this alone for years.” 

“And you shouldn’t have to.” He grabbed the handle of the cart, pulling it toward your driveway and up to the garage. “It’s not necessary if you have assistance.” 

“It doesn’t seem like your girlfriend is going to be okay with this. I’d rather not cross her if I can help it. It’s not fair.” 

“It’s not fair for me to carry your merchandise?” 

You took a deep breath, “It’s not fair for me to impose on another woman’s relationship. If she’s not comfortable with it, I shouldn’t do it.” 

He leaned in, grabbing another one of the heavy bins out of the cart with the greatest of ease. “I can make my own decisions.” He replied, and took a few long strides toward your door as you followed taking twice as many.

You rolled your eyes as you opened the garage door. “I’m sure you can but – can you just put it on that shelf?” You pointed to an area it would fit. “– she didn’t look happy with it.” 

He placed the bin at the designated area, turning to look at you as you pouted, the look of genuine concern gracing your face for causing him or his girlfriend any trouble, weighing on him more than he expected.

You had a few empty bins to bring into the kitchen that would be refilled after all the other items occupied their homes in the garage. You both brought those in as you huffed, nearly completely out of breath. 

“Haaaah … I think that’s all for now … haah … Thank you.” you said, wiping your brow with the back of your forearm. 

“You look exhausted.” 

“Thanks.” You replied, grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge. 

“Don’t you have brothers? Family that could help?” 

You guzzled your drink, pulling the bottle down from your face. “I just moved away from them. Besides, they have jobs, too.” 

He nodded. “Right.” he said, looking around at your bins, all the stuff in the garage, the unfinished walls, then peered over at you in your spent state as he leaned into your counter, propped up by his elbows. “And what is this about imposing on another woman’s relationship?” 

You downed your second swig of water, finishing the bottle, catching your breath as it was lowered from your lips. “What?” 

He stood up straight, stepping toward you slowly, eyes growing smaller.

“You said … you’re ‘imposing’ on her relationship.” he stopped within a few feet of you, towering as he crossed his arms in front of him. “How so?” 

You shrugged. “Like I said, she didn’t look like she was okay with it.” 

“And what do you care if she’s okay with it?” 

“Satoru....” you shifted your weight, your hands moving to your hips, avoiding that insane gaze that you hadn’t seen in weeks. 

“Do you think that you’re a threat?” he asked, almost mockingly as his smirk came into view, which made the inquiry border on offensive.

You flinched at the question, or his audacity... you weren’t sure which... yet his stare didn’t waver so much as a millimeter as he meticulously observed whatever answer you’d utter from your lips, your face, or your body.

“Tch.” you huffed, “What kind of a question is that?” 

He tilted his head from one side to the other, “An easy one.” he replied as your flustered, pink-cheeked face flushed a little more.  “What imposition … on my relationship … could possibly occur from me carrying a couple of boxes?”

He continued, uncrossing his arms from in front of him, re-crossing them behind his back. “Or … painting a wall?” he stepped even closer. “What’s going on here, between you and me, that you feel will cause my relationship to crumble?” 

You frowned, averting your gaze as you genuinely took his question into consideration, heart pumping a mile a minute as you realized he wasn’t exactly wrong for asking, despite the level of comfort he apparently had openly questioning your head space.

I was that part for you.

Were does he get off talking to you like that?

The bigger question was, why did it make sense? Also, why did it bother you?

Was it only the issue of offending another woman? A woman you could say you didn’t particularly like, but that was beside the point.

Maybe it was your belief that any act you performed that could possibly offend her, especially where Satoru was concerned, would somehow come full circle? Yeah.

That was it.

Mostly.

But really, what about you? What were you actually feeling?

Just as he said, painting a room, moving items around your place; they should mean nothing but exactly what they were.

Your gaze traveled up his torso to his face, head tilting back a little to meet it as he towered in front of you. You wondered what the fuck this was.

Intimidation?

Fear?

No.

It was just … extremely frustrating.

He huffed, “You’re cute when you pout, you know that?” 

You hadn’t realized you were even doing that.

“You can't say that stuff to me, Gojo.” You murmured.

“Why not?” he questioned, his eyes burning through you as you stood mere inches away and he simply refused to look elsewhere. “Are you offended?”

“No… I just…” you replied, kind of scrambling for an answer.

“S’just an observation…” he muttered, barely above a whisper.

The quiet that lingered thickly between you and his comments was deafening. You looked away, heart racing despite you.

You swallowed hard, processing what was happening inside your body. “You should… probably ge–”

“You’re cute when you blush, too.” he continued.

“And I told you...

. 

. 

. 

. 

.

I need you to call me ‘Satoru’.”

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

. 

∘○•········•∘ʚ ֍ ɞ∘•·········•○∘ 

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M. List | Ch.02 (Coming Soon)

Thanks for reading! 💎🤍💎🥰

Notes: As always, I welcome any and all critiques, suggestions, and comments regarding my work, since I truly feel all of those may make me a much better writer! I sincerely appreciate you taking the time to read my little stories, and if you'd like to be tagged in releases, don't hesitate to comment below! 😊💖

©cocomanga 2025 | Please do not plagiarize, copy, or distribute my work.

Borders by @cocomanga & @saradika-graphics Animated Border Lines by @cafekitsune Stunning Fanart Art by Yoon, @dmsco1803

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