#tkdb x reader

The circus buzzed in joy as Shion grabs a torch, putting it on his mouth before breathing a fire, he keeps his eyes glued to your seat and seeing your face contorted in admiration, he can't help but feel the adrenaline rush in his veins — he feels thrilled.

“eek! he's staring over here again…” a general student shivered beside you. you glanced back at the stage only to find a pair of golden eyes looking at yours.

tilting your head, you gave him a small wave. In response, Shion continues his performance until the show is over.

little did you know, that small wave would change your life.

A soft sigh escaped from the young salmon-haired man, “there he goes again…” he said, looking at Shion, who strides his way towards you.

“Do you want me to stop him? I can go.” Jo suggested,

“Stop him? but it looks like Shion is on his discovery of love” Elias said, leaning on the tree, “this is the first time he took interest with someone aside from the sinostra’s captain” he added, Mio merely clicked his tongue, grumbling how Shion doesn't share the same interest in Taiga unlike yours.

Humming to yourself, you flipped the next page of the biology book, writing whatever words you can highlight in your notebook while your friend does the same.

“Hey [Name], can you— AHH!”

flinching, you snapped your head towards your friend — only to be met by a flame.

you didn't dare to move. the fire from the match almost touches your nose, if you move, your face would be done for.

Shion keep a keen eye on your reaction, with the flick of his hand, the match turns into a beautiful rose — deep red and very thorny on the sides.

“For you, my fair lady.” he hands you the rose, which you took from his offer, trying your best to avoid the thorns. You blinked, before giving a warm smile, “Thank you, that was one of the amazing trick I've seen.” you said, glancing at his bleeding hand, “are you…”

“Freetime is up, Shion. we need to head back to the circus.” Mio’s voice alerted the male. Shion huffed before turning to follow Mio and the others.

Just as he was about to leave, he turned his head at your direction, sticking out his burnt tongue, taking out a piece of poker card from his mouth before flicking it at your direction.

“Come, take a peek behind the curtain. Dionysia’s next act was rehearsed with you in mind.”

ALAN MIDO — "You are safest beyond my reach and yet my heart betrays me, aching to pull you closer in my arms."

Occasionally, he wonders if wanting you is a crime he has yet to be punished for. A captain, they call him. A weapon. A murderer even. Names that sit heavily on his shoulders, forged by countless rumors and others that are perhaps best to remain unheard. To others, he is an ex convict and a suspect. Yet to you, he hopes to be nothing at all. He tells himself that this is enough. That protecting you is the closest thing to love he deserves.

LEO KUROSAGI — "Relax, Honor Roll. I’m just playing, though perhaps I’d stop if you admit you like me."

Yearning… it’s a nuisance, really. Something people dramatize when they have nothing better to do. He scoffs at the idea, yet at the sight of you, perhaps he secretly believes in those ridiculous rumors. And in his own twisted way, to get back at the world that made him feel this way, he takes it out on… you. Always keeping you in the background of his posts, never denying that you’re his. He tags your socials while your friends bombard you with questions when they spot you in the background of his TikToks. He’ll even drop a few teasing comments, reminding you that a nobody like you should feel lucky to be his “fake girlfriend.” And while you’re too busy getting mad, he’s already studying your reactions, seeing if you truly feel the same way he does.

SHOHEI HAIZONO — "Can’t you tell I care? Even in my own stupid little way."

Seriously… Do you know the things you do to him? Do you notice how easily his heart beats a little faster when you laugh a little too close to him or the way he always lets you be the first one to try his new dishes even letting you cut the line to his food truck sometimes. He teases you, of course. Calls you names that aren’t quite insults, teases you when you’re too serious or just throws playful jabs to hide how often he thinks of you when no one else is watching. Perhaps the only way he knows how to show you how he feels is through his cooking… so maybe, visit him a little more often... Okay?

You are now currently hiding behind a stack of tires in the Vagastrom garage, watching Sho through a gap in the rubber. He was at his food truck aggressively flipping a spatula.

Man, where is she? Sho’s thought pierced through your brain, clear as a bell. I spent three hours perfecting this broth because she said the cafeteria’s soup tasted like dishwater. If she’s over there hanging out with that asshole Leo again, I’m gonna lose it.

You winced. You weren't with Leo; you were five feet away, feeling like a creep.

Shohei let out a loud, frustrated sigh, leaning over the counter of the truck. "Hey! Anyone seen my Senpai?" he shouted to a group of passing mooks. "If she’s slacking, tell her I’m taking her free meal credits!"

Lies. I’d never actually charge her, his mind added immediately, accompanied by a mental image of you smiling after a mission that made your heart skip a beat. She looked so tired yesterday. I just want her to sit down for five minutes so I can make sure she actually eats something that isn't a damn energy drink.

You couldn't take it. The sweetness of his concern, layered under that prickly exterior, was too much. You tried to slip away, but your boot caught on a metal scrap.

Clang.

Shohei’s head snapped toward the tires.

Found ya.

"Senpai? What are you doing skulking around like a stray cat?" Shohei walked over, wiping his hands on a grease-stained towel. He had that signature smirk on his face, the one that usually meant he was about to make your life difficult.

"You avoiding me? I didn't think you were the type to get scared of a little wrongdoing."

"I'm not avoiding you, Sho," you lied, stepping out and trying to keep your expression neutral. "I'm just... busy. Inspector stuff."

"Right. Busy hiding behind tires." He stepped into your personal space, his scent enveloping you.

She’s lying, his thoughts rumbled. Her heart’s racing. Is she sick? Did Hyde say something to her? If that bastard brother of mine annoyed her, I’m gonna go snowboard over his favorite lab equipment.

"You're acting weird," Sho said aloud, his eyes narrowing. He reached out, his fingers catching a lock of your hair. "You haven't been to the truck in three days. You cheating on my cooking with the Mystery Diner? Or is it Jin? You like those fancy Frostheim plates better than mine?"

Please say no. I’ll make whatever you want. I’ll even learn how to make that weird dessert you like.

"No one's cooking is better than yours, Sho," you whispered, the truth slipping out because his mental pleading was so earnest.

Shohei froze. A dark, dusty pink creeped up his neck. "Tch. Obviously. Don't say stuff like that so casually, y’know? It’s embarrassing."

God, I love it when she says stuff like that. I want to pull her into the truck and never let her leave. Keep her right there where it’s warm.

You felt your face heating up. "I... I have to go!"

You bolted before he could see you melt, leaving Shohei standing in the garage, his hand still suspended in the air.

What did I do? he wondered, his thoughts suddenly small and wounded. Did I tease her too hard? Dammit, Sho, you’re an idiot.

The distance lasted exactly four more hours. Sho had cornered you in the quiet corridor leading to your cathedral after classes ended. He didn't say a word; he just grabbed your wrist and pulled you into a small, shadowed alcove, pinning you against the cool stone wall.

"Alright, Senpai. Level with me." His voice was low, devoid of its usual playfulness. "What's the deal? You won't look at me, you won't eat my food, and you run every time I breathe in your direction. If you hate me, just say it. I'd rather you hate me to my face than... whatever this is."

It’s killing me, his mind whispered, the thought heavy with a vulnerability you’d never seen. I can’t focus. I almost put salt in the chocolate cake. If she leaves, this whole foodtruck thing doesn't even matter.

Your heart broke. You realized that by trying to respect his privacy, you were causing him more pain than the truth ever could.

"I don't hate you, Sho," you said, reaching up to cup his face. "I could never hate you. I was just... overwhelmed by how much I like you."

Shohei’s breath hitched. "Huh?"

Wait, for real? She likes me? Me?? FOR REAL??

"For real," you murmured, leaning in until your lips were inches from his. "I like the way you worry about me. I like that you perfect recipes just to see me smile. And I love that you'd snowboard over your brother's equipment for me."

Shohei’s eyes went wide. "How did you—?"

He didn't finish the question. He crashed his lips against yours, a desperate kiss that tasted of longing and relief. His hands slid into your hair, pulling you closer until there wasn't a breath of space between you.

As the kiss deepened, his thoughts became calm.

Finally. Her skin is so soft. I’m never letting go. I want to tell her everything. I want her to know she’s the only thing that makes this fresh hell of an academy bearable.

You pulled back just a fraction, your forehead resting against his. "You're the only thing that makes it bearable for me, too," you whispered.

Shohei’s grip tightened, his eyes shimmering with an intensity that made your knees weak. "You’re reading my mind, aren't you?" He let out a shaky, disbelieving laugh. "Of course you are. You’re always one step ahead of me, Senpai."

I don't even care, his thoughts sang as he leaned down to nuzzle your neck. Read everything. See every embarrassing thing I think about you. See how much I’m completely, hopelessly besotted with you.

"I see it," you murmured, tilting your head to give him better access.

Shohei groaned, his lips tracing the line of your jaw. "I’m gonna make you the best dinner of your life tonight," he muttered against your skin, his voice thick with emotion. "And then I’m gonna keep you in my room and make sure you never have a reason to run away again."

I’m gonna marry this girl, he thought with a sudden conviction. I’ll buy her a better ring than that Sage's thing. Something that doesn't curse her. Just something that says she’s mine.

He'll comfort you before eliminating whatever the threat was (that way he'll be to gaslight you that what he did after comforting you was just your hazed mind making things up).

Very composed for someone who was holding a very injured and bleeding person.

Composure does not mean his heart was not beating furiously as he caressed your head.

He'd leave his housemates to deal with the anomaly, it'd most likely get blasted by Shion tho as nobody hurts his 'spouse'.

Elias always wants to drag you away from the man evertime he calls you that, but he has to be polite to his juniors and risking an angry Shion is not worth is emotions.

The interaction at Mortkraken is awkward, Yuri just tells Jiro to bring you to the operating room and soon follows you two.

Elias would patiently wait outside, texting the others that he returned early.

He'd come into the room once Yuri and Jiro finishes, waiting for you to awaken.

"Mghhh..."

"Glad to see you're awake" 

He tries to talk to you, but your anesthesia drunk mind could only comprehend a hot guy sitting next to your bed, so all you did was giggle for the last 3 minutes.

That's fine, he finds your voice very cute :) 

10/10 very chill unless you become so injured you have blood everywhere and pass out, then the boss music starts.

Jo Kongoza 

"Shit, inspector!"

Immediately scoops you up into his arms.

"Where does it hurt?"

Tries to stop the bleeding before anything else.

He knows a thing or two, one because of Shion, and two was because some students get injured when doing a new trick or because of a technical error.

Talks to you the whole way, pls don't stop replying, he'd actually start losing his shit.

Like cold sweat but still locked in type losing shit.

That anomaly got no protection from Shion now, Darkwick can suck it because they can't do anything about it.

The Mortkraken doors were slammed open, Jo stepped in panting and sweaty, not because he was tired, ghouls have a shit ton of stamina.

But rather it was because of the sheer panic, his heart was beating faster than ever.

Yuri nearly jumped out of his chair, had Jiro not held his arm and put him back on the chair.

"She's hurt!"

Ofcourse the Mortkraken ghouls immediately got to work.

Jo restlessly sat in a chair, watching you get patched up by the pair.

He tries to calm himself down, but everytime he looks at you getting stitched up and bandaged, his heart just speeds up more.

"Ah..." He rubs his face into his hands.

As the captain, he should be more composed and put together, but this is wayyy too much for him.

When Yuri and Jiro was done patching you up, Jo would sit next to your bed waiting for you.

You'd wake up with a sleeping whos asleep on the chair, looking disheveled.

"Jo.." You ruffle his hair, to which he leaned into, his eyes opening halfway before closing again.

And he falls into a much more peaceful slumber.

Shion Genkai 

"Did you just hurt my spouse?"

The dynamic with you and Shion is that only he can hurt you and/or make you cry, if anyone or anything else does it? Hohoho they're in for a treat.

Boss music intensifies.

He's the most (openly) hostile in this situation.

Someone else will have to carry you, because Shion would be a little too busy with the anomaly.

"You don't deserve to be happy" By happy he means cry which meant the anomaly was shredded to pieces immediately.

Personally, I think he wouldn't be by your bedside, depends on if you two are dating or not.

If you aren't dating him (yet), then he'd go about his day but will constantly ask about you.

Reason?

"I'd like to give my wife some space until she heals" Which was kinda sweet.

Though the moment you step into Dionysia, he's back to treatig you like normal, maybe with a little more care for your wounds.

"Do you have any stitches?" "Why are you limping?" Yadayadayada he'd ask until you're fully good, just so he can go back to his more...extreme ways of making you happy.

A good husband is one that makes his wife happy.

Mio Susuhara 

"!?"

Mio was shocked, one second the anomaly was nowhere in sight, everything was clear...or so he thought.

It immediately aimed for you, having sensed you were physically weaker than Mio. "Inspector!" Mio calls out, catching you in his arms as your shirt became soaked with your blood.

"Ack!" You'd spit blood out of your mouth, the pain blinding and insistent. "We need to get out of here" Mio mutters under his breath, scooping you up into his arms.

The ghoul started running towards the exit, using his body to shield you from the anomaly.

"Shit shit shit!" You haven't heard Mio swore like that...so serious and kinda frustrated...it was kinda hot, so hot that you couldn't control the grin forming on your face, a dazed, pained grin.

Mio noticed your grin ofcourse, but he didn't address it until you two were in the Galaxy Express. "What're you smiling about?" 

You just chuckled, sending a little shiver down his spine, "You're kinda hot when you're serious like that" Mio thought you were insane for a second "I think you're losing too much blood"

You however, kept talking in a dazed manner, which made Mio very concerned but atleast you were awake?

You didn't even realize when you were put on the Mortkraken bed because you were very very dizzy, like the world was spinning dizzy.

"I'm gonna administer anesthetsia, please stay still" Jiro put the needle in you, which knocked you out good even before the anesthesia got to you.

Mio however was still thinking about your words, like, was the amomaly poisonous orrr?

He'd wait for you to be fully healed by your bedside, texting his clients they'd have a bit of a move in schedule. (Which will make you feel kinda bad...)

When you wake up, Mio would be looking at you "Ah, you're awake" he says with a smile.

"Do you remember anything?" You shook your head, everything was a haze and you could only remember different parts seperately. "Well first you called my concerned face 'hot'"

"Oh I remember that well, that was intentional" You nodded, now Mio really froze.

𝐒𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐮

Subaru’s love language is practically wrapped in pastel cellophane and tied with a bow. Whenever he spots a new tea-time pastry or a limited-edition candy, his immediate thought is to buy enough to share with you.

When you suggest turning his latest sugar haul into a game, he tilts his head, blinking innocently. "A game?"

"Close your eyes," you murmur, reaching up. Your fingers brush the nape of his neck as you deftly unfasten his neatly pressed necktie. Subaru practically turns into vapor on the spot, his cheeks flushing a bright, furious crimson.

"Y-You need my tie for this?" he squeaks, but he doesn't pull away. Secretly, he’s a total sucker for whatever playful nonsense you cook up.

You tie the silk over his eyes, ensuring he is completely blindfolded. He sits perfectly straight, hands resting strictly on his knees, deliberately keeping his distance so he doesn't accidentally cheat.

You pop a candy into your own mouth, letting it melt slightly, before leaning over his lap. "Don't move," you whisper against his lips.

Subaru lets out a shaky breath, and you close the distance. At first, it is just a featherlight, teasing press of lips. But as you deepen the kiss, his lips part with a soft sigh. Your tongue slips past his teeth, transferring the rich, sugary flavor directly to him. Subaru melts into the kiss, his head tilting naturally to catch your lips better, completely forgetting the game for a hot second as he tastes you.

When you finally pull back, a thin silver thread of saliva breaks between you. Subaru’s breath is ragged.

"Oh... is it caramel?" he asks, his voice suddenly much deeper than usual.

"Bingo!" You giggle, but seeing his pretty, flushed face and parted lips makes it impossible to resist. You lean back in, kissing him again, slower this time.

You slip him another flavor. He barely even hesitates before kissing you back, thoroughly mapping the inside of your mouth with his tongue.

"That one is... mango," he murmurs against your lips.

"Ding ding! Right again." You tilt your head, completely amazed. "You're entirely too good at this, Subaru. How am I supposed to win my way into your heart if you're a pro at everything?"

Subaru’s blindfolded face burns even redder, a helpless, breathless smile taking over his lips. "You... you don't need a game to do that."

𝐒𝐡𝐨

"A blindfold?" Sho arches an eyebrow, looking entirely amused as you enthusiastically wave a vibrant packet of candy in front of his face.

"Yes! It's a massive trend," you insist, aggressively tugging on his sleeve. "Come on, please? You're a literal chef. Your palate is supposed to be legendary. Prove it!"

You hit him with the ultimate puppy dog eyes. Sho lets out a low, breathless chuckle. "You've been spending way too much time hanging out with Leo," he sighs, though there isn't a drop of real annoyance in his voice.

He unties his signature bandana and wraps it securely over his eyes. Seeing Sho blindfolded sends a weird, sudden spike of recognition through you. Ugh, he really is Hyde’s brother, isn't he? The resemblance is almost criminal.

To break your train of thought, you decide to play dirty. You've picked out a specialized candy pack that features chaotic, multi-layered flavors, literally three to five fruit profiles packed into one single piece.

You pop one in, lean in close, and capture his lips. It starts light, but you linger a bit, pressing your mouth firmly against his, letting the sugary syrup coat his lips.

When you pull away, you expect him to be completely baffled. Instead, Sho slowly licks his bottom lip, his tongue flicking out to savor the lingering taste of the candy... and you. He takes his sweet, agonizing time, making you wait.

"Sho. Clock's ticking, you can't buy time," you tease, folding your arms cockily.

"Orange," Sho says smoothly, his voice a low purr. "Pineapple. And... mango."

Your jaw drops. You check the back of the packet. He’s completely right.

"No way! You're cheating. That was a total fluke!"

Sho just offers you a smug, lopsided grin. The sheer confidence radiating off him feels like a direct challenge.

"Oh, it's on. I am not letting you win this," you huff.

You pop another multi-flavor candy in your mouth and dive back in, determined to overwhelm him. But every single time you kiss him, Sho just takes it in stride, deepening the kiss, swirling his tongue around yours to capture every note and guessing perfectly.

"Ugh, I give up!" You throw your hands up, moving away to the other side of the couch. "This is exhausting. It's like playing a video game against a literal hacker."

Sho calmly pulls the bandana down around his neck. "Giving up so soon? That's a shame." He glances at the half-empty bag.

"Whatever, you can just have the rest," you grumble, shoving the bag at him.

Instead of taking the candy, Sho catches your wrist. With one effortless tug, he pulls you flush against his chest.

"It's no fun eating them alone though," he whispers, his breath hot against your skin. "Didn't you tell me sharing is caring?"

Before you can even complain, his mouth is back on yours, stealing your breath in a deep, intensely sweet kiss that makes you forget all about the scoreboard.

𝐄𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐬

"Forget it. I'm not doing this. Why did I even think this would work?"

You groan, staring at the candy haul you just unboxed. Elias is so notoriously addicted to sugar that you figured a candy taste test would be a cakewalk for him, meaning you'd lose instantly.

Elias gives you a soft, completely innocent smile, his eyes practically twinkling. "Well, most of the sweets I eat are imported from the US anyway. If you buy a different foreign brand, I might actually struggle."

He sounds so sweet and convincing that you immediately fall for it. You order a batch of obscure, highly specific international candies online, determined to stump him.

Fast forward to the game: Elias is blindfolded. You pop a candy in your mouth, lean over, and press your lips to his. You expect him to guess instantly, but instead, Elias gently parts his lips, letting his tongue swirl fully around yours. He tastes you so thoroughly, so deeply, that your knees almost go weak.

When you finally break apart for air, he hums thoughtfully.

"I haven't quite caught the flavor yet."

"Are you serious? That's the fifth time you've said that!" you exclaim. And it's only the first piece of candy.

Determined, you take another bite of the same flavor and dive back in. This time, you don't hold back. You kiss him with everything you've got, your tongues tangling in a messy, sugary sweet rhythm.

"There! Can you taste it now?!" you pant, pulling back.

Elias slowly licks the corner of his mouth, a tiny, sinful smirk playing on his lips. "I'm still not entirely sure... maybe some type of berry?"

"Elias! Are you messing with me?!" Frustrated and completely flustered, your hands fly forward, fisting tightly into the collar of his pristine shirt. You yank him closer, completely wrinkling and disheveling his perfect clothes.

"I thought you wanted to play a game with me?" he asks, his voice dripping with soft innocence, which only makes him ten times more infuriating. "I am simply taking the game very seriously."

FYI: He has literally tried every single one of these candies before. He knows exactly what they are. He just really, really likes the way you taste when you're trying to force him to guess.

𝐉𝐢𝐫𝐨

"Please, Jiro? It'll be so much fun, and I get to feed you all sorts of yummy treats!"

Jiro doesn't find a single thing weird about your pitch. Honestly, the man is more than happy to let you feed him anything. But when you explain that the candy has to be passed from your lips to his while he's blindfolded, a faint blush dusts his cheeks. He wonders briefly why you can't just use your hands, but he doesn't voice it. If you want to use your lips, he is absolutely not going to complain.

You tie the blindfold over his eyes. Jiro sits quietly, completely compliant.

You pop a round hard candy into your mouth, leaning in until your lips brush against his. Jiro opens up immediately, his lips soft and welcoming. The kiss is gentle, a sugary sweet exchange that makes his heart do a backflip. To Jiro, the candy instantly tastes a hundred times better just because it came from you.

When you break the kiss, Jiro blinks beneath the blindfold. "It smells like... cherry?"

"Hmmm, wrong!" you chirp happily.

You're actually a little shocked. Jiro doesn't eat sweets very often, so you figured his palate might be a little thrown off, but the flavor was distinctly strawberry.

"Can I guess again?" Jiro asks again.

"Okay, just one more chance," you relent, leaning back in.

This time, you don't just pass the flavor, you give him a proper kiss. You tilt your head, your lips sliding against his as you deepen the embrace. Jiro's tongue licks lightly against your bottom lip, tasting the sugary syrup thoroughly, drinking you in.

When you finally let him go, Jiro clears his throat. "It's strawberry... but I definitely still taste that cherry scent."

You tilt your head, confused. But then you look closely at his lips. Right at the corner of his mouth is a distinct, smudged streak of reddish pink.

You gasp, your cherry scented lipstick is completely smudged.

Jiro hadn't been tasting the candy at all, he'd been tasting you.

You take a deep breath, clutching your head before turning to who you know is the intruder. Shion is hunched beside your bed, watching you with bright, glowing eyes, expression serious. You’re a bit confused by his expression—normally, he’d be over the moon to freak you out, especially at night.

“Yes, Shion?” you whisper patiently, blinking slowly at him.

“Put those clothes on. The ones that look like they’re from the garbage.” he raises to his full height, crossing his arms over his chest, “Jo is making this disgusting spongy stuff covered in sugar today.”

“For...your birthday?” you mumble, turning toward the clock.

Midnight on the dot.

“I don’t care,” he scoffs, eyes sharp, “Get dressed.”

It’s sweet that he came to come get you, you suppose. Hauling yourself out of bed, you make your way to your wardrobe, yawning and stretching all the while. Shion watches you, gaze pinned to your back, and at this point in your—friendship? Relationship? Marriage? Who knows—with him, you don’t bother asking him to leave.

Once you’re fully changed, Shion crosses the room in a few quick strides and snatches your wrist in his grip.

“Vepar.”

That’s the only warning you get before the ground is swept out from under your feet and you’re sent careening into Dionysia. Shion grips your face tightly in his hand as nausea swells up within you, your vision glazed over from sleepiness and disorientation. Your cheeks are puffed from the force of his hold—but of course, he isn’t concerned.

You're concerned about what you two switched places with.

“You look gross,” he says, elated, “Stay with me tonight.”

There’s no room for argument as he drags you toward the Heebie Jeebie house. You stumble after him and yawn, just happy with the prospect of getting to lay your head down to rest again. Shion keeps looking back at you, as if searching for any further discomfort, but he finds none.

The halls of the Heebie Jeebie house are just as creepy as they always are, but you’ve been through them enough to barely flinch when various animatronics and sounds jump out at you and screech. Shion huffs at that, and you can’t tell if it’s amused or disappointed.

Finally, you make it to his makeshift bedroom, where he unceremoniously yanks you onto the bed with him. It’s suffocating, the way he coils around you like the tail of a giant dragon, legs tangling with yours as he giggles into your neck.

His arms are squeezing and squeezing and leaving no room for your lungs to expand, as if he wants to break through your flesh and find the organs underneath, tearing them out and making enough space for him inside your ribcage.

You wrap him up in your limbs just as fiercely, nose bumping his hairline. Shion’s high pitched and raspy giggles slowly fade into soft, even breathing.

You aren’t struggling to get away.

Of course, he realizes this.

“What are you trying to do?” he asks sharply.

“Hold you just like you hold me,” you reply simply, “You like holding people this way right? So you must like being held this way, too.”

“I could crush you. Cut you open.”

“I know.”

“I could kill you.”

“I know.”

Shion moves away from your face, the icy cold touch of his skin on yours fading with each second he looks into your eyes. You stare back, trailing your hand up and down his arms. When he doesn’t stop you, you touch his cheek.

He turns and bites into the fat of your thumb.

Your arm jerks away from him and he laughs, happy to finally get a reaction out of you. Huffing, you flop back against the bed and rub your other thumb over the bite. It’ll definitely bruise in the morning, and the other ghouls will definitely know who it came from.

“Do you actually want to sleep?” you ask pointedly, raising a brow.

Shion stops laughing immediately.

“I could keep you up all night. How long do you think it would take for you to start hearing things? Seeing things? There’s a woman by your dorm—”

“I know, Shion, you’ve told me before. Thank you for the warning.”

Shion frowns and crosses his arms over his chest for the second time that night. You simply collapse on the bed and close your eyes, and wait for his arms to encircle you again.

It doesn’t take long before Shion shifts next to you, adjusting his legs so they press against yours. Now, he feels like a board, stiff and still, and you can feel his eyes boring into you.

It doesn’t stop you from falling asleep—and it doesn’t stop Shion from slowly relaxing to the sound of your soft breaths. Soon, his arms find their way around you again, slowly coiling around your body as he holds your close again.