ᝰ☕︎steamed hearts | r. sukuna
ᝰ ☕︎ pairings - ryomen sukuna x f. reader (university au)
ᝰ ☕︎ synopsis - your a college student stumbling between grades and a job as a barista, and just as you felt like your life was falling apart, sukuna came along, the troublesome, scary frat youve only seen everynow and then, though the scariness eases as he comes around more often. and maybe hes not as scary as he deems himself to be.
ᝰ ☕︎ content - 18+ mdni. slowburn. eventual smut. angst. fluff. humor. oblivious reader. school stress. depression. panick attacks. hurt/comfort. introverted reader. extroverted sukuna. awkward lovers. uni love. slight nerdfratkuna?
a/n - i rlly dont like the chapter near the end for some reason 😭😭 i get motivated the first few days but after that i have massive brain farts..where i lit cant focus on one thing at a time.
see you at the bottom (i hope?)
playlist | wattpad | next chapter>>
You had almost fallen asleep standing up.
Each person after the next this afternoon, order after order. You knew that this little cafe you worked at would spike as soon as it started getting chilly and Halloween decorations were taken down.
You had preferred it more when it was depressing, when you got around 20 customers every shift. Where you wouldn’t have to overwork yourself.
Now it was three hours into your shift, and you were already squinting, yawning, picking up the watch on the counter, counting down the dreadful hours so then this could finally be over.
But it was difficult fumbling all of the hassle at work, plus the endless amount of stuff held up at school. You had stayed up all night doing an assignment you hadn’t even realized was due three weeks ago one time.
And of course, then there was working here to assure your rent at your place. Yes, shocker. You lived alone. Decided you’d ignore your father’s wishes with going to boarding school with his full support and had decided to go to an ordinary one.
But now, you had been reduced to nothing but a half–asleep mess, mind whizzed and bothered with school and sleep, not even getting time to have a break.
It was now—you picked up the watch, squinting at the clock—
7:34 p.m. You had around 2 hours until it was time to get on your merry way and head home, sleep for an hour, and wake up all over again.
Though you shouldn’t complain all that much: you had Shoko and Yuki with you to battle through this suffering you call work.
You yawned into your palm again, tapping the wood floors with the tip of your shoe, the worn Converse laced lightly tapping, skimming the ground.
Ding, went the bell on the counter. And after came a long sigh, practically dragged from your lips.
Shoko was busy waitressing, Yuki was obviously in the back sorting out pastries or whatnot. Whatever she had said she was heading to get.
They always had that caring and bright charisma when it came to this thing.
The second ding of the bell had made you decide that you probably needed to head up and get that, do a little more if you didn’t want to fall asleep. You walked right over, quickly fixing your apron and the pencil tucked behind your right ear.
A woman watched you approach with impatience, that oh–so–fake smile tugging at her lips to mask her vague irritation.
She was obviously annoyed with your lack of presentation, and the fact you had drifted into a minute daydream before she dinged that second time.
You managed to hold back your yawn, forcing a smile as you logged yourself into the cashier point.
“How… may I help you?” you breathed, the yawn still trying to push past and into your tone, though you managed it just as well.
She sighed, eyes flicking up to the menu board for a beat. “One caramel latte, two pumps of vanilla syrup—and a raspberry and pistachio donut.”
“Of course.” You clicked 1100 yen into the machine. “To go?”
“You think I’d order something like this to go?” she deadpanned, rolling her eyes as if you were the tiring one.
“Right, my bad.” You corrected, turning back to the register, mentally regretting ever having walked up to serve this bitch.
You were way too tired to handle this.
She paid her money before easing away from the counter, busying herself with her phone and whatnot as you began to prepare her order.
You plated her donut, grabbing a cup and turning the coffee machine on with a flick of a wrist, the occasional spit of hot coffee filling the cup up halfway.
You did the rest with ease—2 pumps of vanilla, some creamer, and finishing with a spoon to mix it all together.
You managed to serve the lady her order without spitting in or on it, returning back to your… hotspot.
Where you’d sit there, waiting for the next boring customer and their next boring order.
You picked up the discarded watch from the counter once more, and to your disappointment—
It had only been 10 minutes. Ten goddamn minutes.
You groaned loudly into your palms, head falling flat on the surface with a loud thud. That hurt more than you had intended.
That’s when Shoko came into focus.
“How you holding up?” she questioned, though she knew the answer already.
“You think I’m holding up? I’m running on like, two hours’ sleep and I know I have to go back home to finish the rest of my due assignments.”
Why was life so hard? Why did your life in general just suck for you?
“You seriously need to stop stressing. That’s what’s making you like this,” she sighs loudly. “And what did I say about your goddamn sleeping schedule??”
You didn’t answer, because you knew she was right. Yet, you still blamed your grades on your stress.
She undid her apron, throwing it on the hooks on the door. “My shift’s over, I’ll see you tomorrow, in school?”
You struck a thumbs–up, heading back to work, spray and cloth in hand. You’d rather busy yourself with something than just sitting in the same spot, again.
You looked around as you wiped the surface down—still busy, still unrelenting.
People weren’t ready to leave.
The scenery had dimmed down as it got later in the night, snow frosting the windows, soft music brushing through the air as you wiped one of the empty tables down.
You had about an hour until close, and there were still a few people lingering around, still trying to buy time in here before they would eventually pack up and go too.
Sure, you could kick them out now since none of them were buying anything now; you were about five minutes away from closing the till.
Until the door went off with a shrill ding of its bell, ultimately blowing your chances of ending your shift early.
Thank your quick feet, because you made it before him. Though you choked on the air as he approached you.
Massive was an understatement. Might be taller than 7 foot, with black tattoos running down his face, across his jawline and underneath his black winter coat. Then the silver piercings that lined his features—two on his right ear, a lip piercing, and an eyebrow piercing.
What took you off guard was the pink salmon tresses atop his head, slicked back, some strands falling out of place. It was a cute color, too cute for a guy like him. Box dye malfunction? Or was he born with it? Though the hair looked vaguely similar to someone you knew—he looked similar to someone you knew.
He blinked at you through his deep red crimson irises, as if he were waiting for you to take his order.
You cleared your throat. “How may I… help you?”
You really weren’t up for this, taking an order from a guy like this, because seriously, the guy scared the absolute crap outta you.
He sighed as if you were a bother, eyes flicking up to the menu board.
“Coffee. No creamer. No sugars.”
Of course this guy would have an order like that. Figures. You tapped it into the machine, sighing under your breath.
“And a cream cake slice, please.”
“What?” you said, fingers lifting off the machine and just hovering over the screen. “Sorry—could you just repeat that?”
“A cream cake slice,” he said slowly. “You even know what that is? The cake cream and strawberries? Is that enough information for you?”
“Uh… yeah.” You clicked the addition into the machine, cheeks burning with embarrassment. “That’s 1000 yen.”
He fished a hand through his pockets, handing you the money owed before walking to the side.
He didn’t even look your way as he walked off to his chosen seat, pulling the chair out and sitting there, pulling his laptop out and turning it on with a click.
You bit the inside of your cheek — knowing you should be home doing that, studying and getting on with school. Instead, you were serving gangstas like him. An average Wednesday for you.
You got the cake out from the glass booth where slices were nicely lined in a row and quickly plated it.
Okay it’s just you being downright scared of this guy. You’re fine.
You turned on the coffee machine, the thing going off with a spurt and a whizz as it sprayed hot coffee into the mug.
Once the order was completed and all put together, you brought it over to him, offering him a warm smile. “Enjoy.”
He took the mug in one hand and the cake in the other, placing them both beside his laptop. Not once did he even thank you for bringing it to him.
Then—it clicked. You do know him.
He looked up at you, tilting his head to the side. “Why are you still standing there?”
Oh shit. Right. Back away from him.
The guy in school everyone knew. Oh if Shoko was here she’d faint. Yuki was too old to even know who he was.
But Sukuna coming here? You’d think he’d go to a bar—or a party, drink a beer and eat jerky—not coffee and a cute little cream cake slice.
And him studying was a first for you—for anyone to see. This guy never even showed up half the time, and when he did he was either tired or half stoned. You could smell it on him when sitting next to him in math.
You rushed to the back, rushing to grab your phone. Shoko needed to hear about this.
Though when you went to even begin to type anything at all—the bell went ding! Great timing.
You tossed the phone on the couch, fixing your apron as you approached… Sukuna at the counter.
With an empty plate in hand.
“Uhh… hello again.” you said, voice uncertain. “How may I help you?”
He placed the empty plate on the countertop, his finger pointing at the cream slice. “I’d like another one of those, please.”
“Okay…” You grabbed the plate, restocking his plate with another slice. “That’s 450 yen.”
He tossed the change. “Thanks a lot,” he said blankly, taking the plate back to his table.
You looked around for something to do; perhaps you could have someone else come up to you? Someone not so intimidating?
Though the further you looked around, the more you realized that no one was here.
No one else but a girl packing up to leave, you, and Sukuna.
Can this night just end? You sighed to yourself, picking up the discarded watch and checking the time—
You had wiped the tables three times over, swept behind the bar, cleaned out all the trays, even aligned all the mugs in colour code.
And the guy still hadn’t left.
He had come up 5 times. Had ordered 5 slices more of cream cake slices. One left.
He probably knew you had to be out of here like 20 minutes ago—
But him and his computer must’ve been the only thing on his mind—oh, and don’t forget the ridiculous amount of cream cake.
You groaned tiredly, feet wobbling as you felt yourself suddenly losing consciousness. You wanted to sleep so bad, and this jerk was just stopping that from happening.
“Can I get that last slice of—”
You lifted your head up, growing tired of his bullshit. “..Uh sure—450 yen.”
He tossed what seemed to be 450 yen. You threw it into the cash machine.
“Thanks,” he said, turning from you and heading back to his table.
Okay, this guy needs to go.
How can you even begin to tell him to get the fuck out of here without creating an issue?
Sukuna was clicking keys as he went, a yawn pulling from his lips, though he still went on, fingers not stopping.
Deciding that enough was enough—you followed him to his seat, taking the chair opposite and sitting right in front of him.
That’s when he looked up over his laptop screen at you. “What do you want?”
You said nothing at first—just leaned an elbow on the table and rested your chin on your palm. “Nothing.”
He sighed, leaning back into his chair. “Can you sit somewhere else?”
“No. I’ve already cleaned all the chairs and tables, and I’d rather not do it again,” you said quietly, trying not to sound rude or in any way impatient.
This guy went to your school for crying out loud. And he was popular, known everywhere, meanwhile you struggled making friends outside of the four friends you actually had.
Sukuna was eyeing you as if you were a bother, his crimson gaze sending chills down your spine. You felt overstimulated already with this much attention from someone like him.
Your experience with guys your age—and him—were limited. Sure, you were friends with Satoru, but even he never introduced you to any of them.
And even at times Gojo wouldn’t hang out, claiming he’s busy or he’s at a party, which of course, he doesn’t need to hang out with you all the time, you have your three other friends to count on.
The only boys you’ve ever really talked to is your father, Satoru, and now him.
You remember having a boyfriend back in the first years of high school, but even he dumped you because you were lame, too shy to do anything with him, which resulted in you being single for the rest of your school years.
Your dating life wasn’t promising at all.
“Ah, I get what you’re doing now,” he breathed, shutting his laptop. “I’ll leave if that makes your life easier.”
“I’ve been here longer than I should have. Sorry about that.” He apologised, looking at his watch. “I must’ve lost track of time.”
He had only just got his slice of cake, and it’d be rude to just kick him out now.
“No… don’t leave. Just be ready to leave before 12.”
He stared back at you. “You sure?
“Yeah.” You reassured him, standing up and walking off.
You were officially off shift. With that you removed your apron, hanging it up on the hook, and turning to your phone.
What could you entertain yourself with now?
You put the mobile in your bag, zipping it up and bringing it out to a table. Sukuna was watching you, you could feel it. His eyes.
Ignoring his gaze, you looked out. Snow was everywhere. It looked cold, and all you had was a flimsy grey jacket because it certainly wasn’t snowing earlier. You really need to be ready before time.
Doesn’t matter. You’d have to go to school whether you were sick or not.
“You go to the same university?” he questioned from across the room, catching your attention.
“Your jacket has the logo.” He pointed at it. “You go or not?”
Inching closer, you nodded. “Yes. I do.”
“Why didn’t you say anything then?”
“Because you don’t know me, and we don’t talk in school or anywhere outside of that.
He waved a hand around the silent cafe. “We talk now.”
“That’s not what I said,” you snapped back gently, a smirk threatening to slip.
“Well, you did. Anyways, coffee girl, you major in anything?”
Dismissing the much unneeded nickname, you answered him. “Law.”
“Huh, you don’t seem so interested in it.”
To keep your father slightly happy—you had decided to take law on, otherwise if you had picked out art and design, your father would’ve had your head. More so, he would’ve dragged your ass to London where you would be forced to study in law.
It’s not that law was a bad thing to learn, it had many benefits, and it wasn’t all that bad, but it wasn’t your main interest.
Your mother was an artist before she eventually retired to live her life away from your dad. Divorce must’ve been common in your family.
“It’s fine…” you said gently.
“It doesn’t sound fine to you,” he said, leaning forward in his seat. “Someone makin’ you do it?”
You took a seat in front of him. “That’s not something for you to even worry about.”
“Who said I’m worryin’ about anything?”
“Mechanical engineering. I know.” You finish, cheeks burning red at how you had finished his sentence. “I—well—I’m not the only person who knows that… most people know.”
He chuckled. “Really? They do? Am I that popular?”
And thirsted over? And talked about? Yes, yes he is.
Girls have the—biggest most shocking crush on this guy stood in front of you. It’s kinda creepy how enthusiastic they all are about him. It’s not that you don’t find him attractive per se, he is really good-looking, he just has a fuckboy charm to him. That’s for definite.
And if you knew any better, he was probably trying to woo you in.
Though he didn’t look all that interested in you.
“I’m a damn celebrity,” he said, confidence lacing his tone. “You want my autograph?”
“Me? No, no, no.” You breathed out an awkward laugh. You are not a fangirl.
Deciding to change the subject, you looked at the clock.
He looked along with you, sighing. “I’ll head out then. See you.”
You got up from your seat when he began packing up, tension sagging off your shoulders when you realised that you could finally go home. Despite the small conversation with Sukuna managing to keep you awake, you were excited to see your bed. To sleep. Finally.
You heard the door go off with a soft ding of its bell, signalling that Sukuna had taken leave.
You shut the lights in the back and bar off, grabbing your bag and lazily throwing it over your shoulder.
It was too late for you to leave through the back, far too dark for anyone to see out in the alleyway since no lights were directed at it.
And yes, you were scared of the dark, so that was a no-go.
You headed out the same way Sukuna did, locking it shut behind you and shoving the key into your pocket. The shrill breeze of the snow’s air brushed right through your hoodie, a small gasp slipping from your lips. This flimsy stupid jacket really didn’t help.
You held your arms tight together to enclose even an ounce of warmth, sneakers crunching under the thick layer of snow.
Now you were starting to miss the warmth of the cafe, despite loathing the atmosphere a mere 5 minutes ago. You were actually debating on going back and sleeping on the staff’s couch—
But that would be ridiculous. Your boss would probably have you fired too.
You pulled the hood over your head, eyes squinting through the snow.
Your house was a twenty–minute walk from here, though if you either took long strides or perhaps if you speed–walked—you’d make it back in 10.
Though your feet being damp and frozen and numb from the thick layers of snow below, you wouldn’t exactly get far without wincing in pain. Is frostbite easy to even catch?
Probably not if you walked faster.
Your breath came out in thin clouds, curling into the air like smoke before vanishing.
The wind bit at your cheeks, the cold sharp and needling into your bones.You cursed yourself for not bringing warmer clothing.
How you had managed this far with numb feet shocked you wholly.
Every crunch of your shoes sounded far too loud, echoing around you, reminding you how utterly alone you were.
You pulled your hoodie lower as the snow picked up, blowing sideways, nipping at your lash line.
Your fingers were stiff even inside the pockets of your hoodie, barely warming up.
You hated being out at a time like this—night fallen, silence everywhere, it almost feels too loud to bear—where it was most dangerous.
Sure, you’ve walked home at this time basically all the damn time, not just for work, for other reasons too—but at this time in winter was where everything got later, people went out more, and you’d see small groups of men just lurking about.
Harassing women for no reason but to boost their already inflated ego.
You yourself haven’t been through it, but Yuki’s had her fair share of stories about it.
Shoko has too, though she’s the type of girl to get in trouble with the police, so her stories always end in something to do with them.
You were just lucky you haven’t gone through that yet.
Just a ten–minute walk. Just ten minutes. Then you will be comforted by your own bed. Your own space. Hopefully that’s the outcome.
You were halfway down the street when you felt it—that prickling on the back of your neck.
The sense that someone was behind you.
Maybe, possibly following you.
Your steps came to a halt, then you looked over your shoulder.
Just you, yourself, and the snow.
You turned back, exhaling in relief. You’re just tired, paranoid. Bothered by your life that you’re hallucinating shit.
Just as you felt your paranoia was for no reason, there was a crunch, followed by a footstep.
You froze. Like actually froze, your back stiff, your breath stopping halfway out your lungs.
Okay… that definitely wasn’t paranoia.
Sukuna stood a few feet behind you, hands shoved lazily in his pockets, snow dusting the top of his pink hair.
His expression hidden mostly behind the collar he had pulled up, but those crimson eyes?
They were without a doubt on you.
“What—what the hell are you doing?” you sputtered out, voice bouncing embarrassingly high.
“Walking home. Why? Expecting a serial killer or something?” he said back, brow raising high.
“I—no—but—why are you walking this way?”
He shrugged his shoulders. “I’m heading to the bus stop.”
Bus stop. Right, of course. Just that.
“Didn’t know you lived around here,” he added, stepping past you.
“Well I didn’t know you walked this way… so.” you mumbled, holding your jacket closer to you.
“Right.” he deadpanned, rolling his eyes.
Snow continued to fall in thick white sheets, still cold, bitter, and unbearable for you to be in.
Sukuna noticed, glancing down at your sneakers—soaked, with snow clinging to the sides.
He tutted slow, as if he were some disappointed parent. “Dress better for the weather next time.”
You would if you had enough money to buy the shit he was able to own.
Sure, you could spend 2000 yen on a new pair of winter boots, but what would you eat for the next month?
That’s how ridiculous your life was—fumbling on cash and rations of food and well–suited clothes.
“I didn’t know it’d snow this bad,” you shrugged off his question, teeth chattering, lazily pulling your feet along beside him..
The both of you walked along in silence, your brain too mushy to form thoughts.
“You work tomorrow?” he asked, his gaze fixed forward. “Same time?”
You nodded, sniffling up as if it would stop your nose from leaking snot.
This was definitely a cold or flu coming.
He huffed. “Will them cream slices be in stock again?”
“Yeah. Just try not to eat all of them, they are our best–selling item.”
He smirked, pulling his gaze to you. “I’ll try not to.”
Instead, heat just crept up your neck.
You hesitated at the corner. “Uh—this… here is me.”
He nodded once. “See you around.”
You nodded back, breath catching in your lungs. “Right.”
You stepped toward your building, pushing through the snow and wind, climbing the steps.
You went to reach for the door, but you ended up glancing back, just by muscle memory.
He was already walking away, far away.
The snow swallowed his footsteps, his figure fading into the white.
You pushed into your place, warmth consuming you.
a/n - first chapter all done :) i lowkey got slight writers block inbetween writing this, so it might explain my poor writing in the middle of the chapter..of course you could also blame me😭i guess its just me and my writers block forvever—
taglist : OPEN! pls have age visible in bio to be apart of my taglist :) also have mentions on, so i can tag you properly!
🏷️ : @yarimarjane @bloomlilyww @sssukugo @maomimii @emoedgylord
dont repost, translate or copy my work.
writing / format : @hazedrat
