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

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

track 001; Ready to Start - Arcade Fire

CW for this chapter: N/A

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zero , one , two

word count: 1.2k

CHAPTER ONE ᯓ READY TO START



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Broken bones?”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

track 002; Eyes On Fire - Blue Foundation

CW for this chapter: N/A

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

zero, one, two, three

CHAPTER TWO ᯓ EYES ON FIRE

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

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

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

Phoenix nodded, absorbing the details with focused attention.

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

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

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

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

"How was practice?" Shoko asked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A voice rang out, clear and commanding.

“Zenin! get over here.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CW for this chapter: N/A

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

zero, one

PROLOGUE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

She finally risked a glance.

Mistake.

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

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

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

Seven minutes, they’d said.

Seven minutes suddenly felt like forever.

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

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

track 003; Glory and Gore - Lorde

CW for this chapter: N/A

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

zero, one, two, three, four

CHAPTER THREE ᯓ GLORY AND GORE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“It might.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Airi snorted. “Hell n—”

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

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

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

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