The night air brushes against your face as you lean over the balcony railing, the glow of the city stretching out endlessly below you. The skyline shines with scattered neon signs and car headlights, but your mind is elsewhere. You can only seem to focus on the sharp tension humming from in your apartment behind you.
Because he's home now.
Shuji Hanma. Your ex.
Not just your ex- your roommate *for now* thanks to a lease you can't afford to break. It's supposed to be temporary. Just a few more months of awkward shared spaces and vague boundaries. That's what you told yourself when you agreed to stay, but nights like this make it feel like an eternity.
Hanma's voice carries through the slightly open balcony door. He's laughing- his usual, smug, too-loud laugh. Then you catch the hum of another voice. Takashi Mitsuya's voice. And the knot of unease in your chest twists a little tighter.
Mitsuya's in your apartment. Again. And sure, you told yourself it's fine- he's friends with Hanma, after all. Or at least, he used to be. Lately, you're not so sure. He's been coming over more often, talking to you more than Hanma, his pretty eyes lingering on yours a little too long. It's enough to make you question everything.
You push the thoughts away, the unease swirling in your stomach, and you push yourself off the railing. You're about to head back inside when you freeze in your tracks. Hanma's eyes catch yours across the room. A look passes between you, sharp and charged, like an electric shock you can't escape. He's leaning against the kitchen counter watching you with a smug grin.
You turn away and walk down the hallway, but before you can get into the safety of his room, you hear his footsteps following lightly behind you.
"Don't start, Hanma," you mutter, but your voice feels weak in the face of the tension he brings.
He chuckles, low and teasing, a mockery in his tone. "You're little boyfriend's late, huh? We got here at the same time so I guess you didn't get the chance to fuck him in our bed before I got back."
You stop dead in your tracks and turn to face him. "I don't even know what you're talking about. I didn't invite him."
Hanma lifts an eyebrow. "Well, neither did I."
Both of you look back down the hallway where Mitsuya is standing in the kitchen, scrolling intently through his phone.
Hanma's lips curl into that irritating smirk. "He must really like you, then."
You roll your eyes. "You're unbelievable."
His gaze doesn't leave you as he steps closer, his presence taking over the space between you. "If you want, you can come hang out with me in my room instead," he says, his voice smooth, almost tempting. You catch the faint scent of his cologne, too familiar, flooding your senses with memories- memories you've tried so hard to bury. "I'm sure he'd get the hint after a few minutes of-"
"Stop," you interrupt, taking a step away.
"Stop what? I'm just making conversation," he says, his tone is thick with mockery, the same mocking edge that's been in every argument since the breakup.
He tilts his head slightly. "It's so late. Maybe he came here to break up with you."
"I told you I'm not taking him," you snap, unable to stop the irritation from bubbling over. You turn on your heel, walking toward the living room.
"Don't wait up," you then call back over your shoulder, raising your middle finger as you leave him behind.
Hanma laughs, a low, mocking sound. "Unbelievable."
When you get back to the other room where Mitsuya is standing, his attention lifts from his phone to you. "Everything okay?" he asks, obviously concerned.
You take a breath, trying to calm your racing thoughts. "Yeah. Didn't realize you were here for me."
Mitsuya flashes a smile, a little shy as he pulls out a bag from beside him. He opens it on the kitchen counter to reveal ingredients, and your heart skips a beat. "I didn't mean to impose," he says, looking genuinely apologetic. "But you mentioned how much you hate cooking so after Toman, I stopped by the store and came over."
You blink, taken aback by the thoughtfulness of his gesture. "You didn't have to..."
He shrugs, his eyes shining as he grins. "For you, I wanted to."
Your cheeks feel warm as you thank him, still trying to shake off the lingering tension from Hanma's words. Mitsuya smiles, his eyes lighting up with warmth as he starts unpacking the ingredients.
You move to the counter to help and work together to make the meal. Granted, he does most of the work- effortlessly chopping vegetables and seasoning the meat. Meanwhile, you help with what you can- stirring the sauce and showing him where different things are or passing it to him quickly. The air fills with a delicious scent and you find yourself pulled into the moment, into the rhythm of his cooking. It's easy to lose yourself in the act of cooking with him, the quiet laughter and occasional exchange of glances easing the discomfort that clings to the walls of your home.
When the dish starts to come together, you take a moment to admire the progress, feeling oddly proud of the meal you're about to share. You grab an unopened bottle of wine and a couple of glasses, and the smooth pop of the bottle fully relaxes the atmosphere around you.
As you turn to hand Mitsuya one of the glasses, you move too quickly and bump into him, spilling red wine across his shirt.
"Shit, I'm so sorry!" you exclaim, immediately grabbing paper towels and dabbing at the mess.
Mitsuya laughs and shakes his head. "It's okay, really," he says as he takes the glass from you and places it on the counter. "Accident happen. But I guess I'm gonna need a new shirt."
Without missing a beat, he starts to peel it off, unbothered by the wine stain. You watch him in disbelief.
"Should I ask Hanma if I can borrow one?" he asks, gesturing toward the hallway.
You freeze, your hand instinctively pressed against his chest as he moves to walk past. But just as quickly as you reach out, you pull away. "Sorry. No, that's not a good idea."
Before you can back up from your too-close position from him, Hanma's voice suddenly cuts through the quiet. "Mitsuya's taking off his shirt for you in my house, in my kitchen, huh?" he mocks, sliding right behind you with his usual swagger, his eyes flicking between you and Mitsuya. "You two couldn't wait for the bedroom, hm?"
Mitsuya raises an eyebrow, calm but not unamused. "It's just a shirt, Hanma. No need to make it weird."
Hanma leans in, ignoring Mitsuya entirely, his eyes locking onto yours with his familiar intensity. He steps closer, the space between you closing as his lips hover dangerously near your cheek. "Making a scene in our home? What a joke."
He leans in for a kiss, brushing his lips against your cheek in an almost too-familiar gesture that sends a chill down your spine. He then pulls back with a grin, his eyes lingering on you as he steps toward the door.
"I'm going out for a bit," he says with that same possessive tone. "Be a good girl."
He grabs his keys, glancing at Mitsuya over his shoulder. "Take a shirt if you want. I don't care."
The door clicks shut behind him, and you finally exhale, the weight of his presence fading from the room.
Mitsuya, who had been silent through one of the most awkward exchange of his life, finally speaks. "Uh, does he usually act like that with you?"
You glance between the door and Mitsuya before answering. "Not unless there's a reason for him to. Now go shower," you say, wanting to move past the tension. "I'll clean up here."
Mitsuya nods and gives you a soft smile before disappearing into the bathroom. You glance around the kitchen at what remains from the spill and clean up while he's away.
By the time Mitsuya's out of the shower, you've already taken care of the food, setting it on low to keep it warm while you finish cleaning up in the kitchen.
You're sitting on your bed now, sitting on your knees, phone in hand, scrolling through the texts with one of your friends. You needed to vent about the awkwardness of your night, trying to laugh off Hanma's crappy comments, but deep down, you know you can't really shake it off that easily.
You don't hear Mitsuya enter your room at first- your attention is entirely consumed by your phone. But the soft sound of him clearing his throat snaps you out of it, and you glance up.
The man who has haunted your dreams for what feels like an eternity- his pretty lavender hair is still damp from his shower, and he's wearing nothing but a towel wrapped loosely around his waist.
But what hits you most is his scent: Hanma's cologne. The sharp scent mixes with shampoo you know isn't Mitsuay's. Or yours.
You swallow hard, your heart pounding in your chest like a drum. You can feel the heat radiating off his body and you know he can tell the effect he's got on you.
"Mitsuya," you say, your voice caught somewhere between nervous and disbelief. "You used his things? His shampoo? His cologne?"
"Yeah, well," he shrugs, totally unbothered. "I figured he wouldn't mind."
"Wouldn't mind?" you scoff as you stand to your feet. You're totally gaping at him now, your heart racing for an entirely different reason now. His complete disregard for boundaries is not something you expected from him, but the sight of him- damp and smelling like Hanma but still somehow Mitsuya- is making it hard to focus. "You've got no boundaries."
He steps closer, his usual calm energy radiating off him. "So you've both mentioned," he says calmly.
Your chest tightens as you look up at him, your guard starting to drop. He's so close now, his scent wrapping around you- and not just Hanma's. Beneath it all, there's him. Mitsuya. And you realize, suddenly, that you don't want distance anymore. You don't want to keep pushing him away.
"Mitsuya," you hum, your voice uncertain.
His gaze meets yours, steady as he searches your eyes. "Can I?" he asks softly, his hand reaching up to cup your cheek.
You nod before you can second-guess yourself, and he closes the gap between you. His lips are warm, soft, and everything you've been missing. The kiss is slow at first, hesitant, but it deepens quickly, his free hand slipping to your waist as he pulls you closer.
When you finally pull away, your heart is racing, and he's looking at you like you just placed all the stars in the sky.
His hand, still on your waist, tighten as he whispers, "I've want to do that since the first time I saw you."
"Well, don't let me stop you," you smile softly.
"It wasn't you that was stopping me," he admits, his eyebrows knitting together.
"I'm only in the apartment 'cause I can't afford to leave," you sigh, your tone laced with a bit of bitterness. "The second I can, I'll be out of here."
"That's good to hear," he grins, kissing his way down the side of your neck. "Cause, you know, I've always been a little jealous. The way he looks at you..." Mitsuya trails off, his words hanging in the air.
Your heart pounds in your chest, a mix of frustration and guilt swirling within you. Jealousy? Mitsuya was jealous of what you had with Hanma? But why? Does he really reciprocate how you feel about him?
"You shouldn't let him stop you either."
That was it, all it takes. He grins a wicked, hungry grin that sends a shiver down your spine. In one swift motion, he grabs the hem of your shirt and pulls it over your head, leaving you in nothing but your bra and jeans. His eyes darken as he takes in your exposed skin and lets out a low groan that makes your knees weak.
He leans in, his lips brushing against your collarbone, his hands tracing the curve of your back. You can feel his breath, hot and heavy, against your skin as he makes his way down, his tone leaving a trail of goosebumps behind.
Your hands find their way to his chest, feeling his muscles beneath smooth skin. You can feel his heart pounding, matching the rhythm of your own. He reaches behind you, unclasping your bra with a quickness that surprises you. It falls to the floor, leaving you bare from the waist up.
He takes a step back, his eyes roaming over your body.
"Fuck, you're so beautiful, Y/N," he hums, his voice thick with desire.
His hands cup your breasts, his thumbs brushing against your hardened nipples. You gasp, your head falling back, exposing your neck to him. He takes the invitation, his lips and tongue exploring your sensitive skin, sending jolts of electricity straight to your core.
You can feel his erection pressing against you, straining against Hanma's towel. You reach down, your fingers tracing the edge of the towel. He groans, his hips bucking slightly at your touch.
"Shit," he mutters as your fingers pull away the towel, letting it drop to the floor, and feeling the hard length of him beneath. He's already rock hard, the tip leaking with precum.
"You really are going to be the death of me," he mutters, his lips finding yours again in a searing kiss as he pushes you down against the bed.
You can feel the cool sheets against your back, his fingers dipping into the waistband of your jeans. But then he pulls away, his eyes locked onto yours as he now unbuttons your jeans, his fingers brushing against your skin with each movement.
His lips part with a soft breath as he slips his hand beneath your panties, his fingers finding your clit. "God, you're wet."
His fingers are slick with your wetness, and you can feel the heat building between your legs. He leans down, his lips finding your ear, his voice low. "You like that, don't you, Y/N? You like having my fingers inside you."
You nod, your breath coming in short gasps. "Yes," you manage to whisper, your body on fire with desire. "More. Please."
He chuckles, a dark sound that sends shivers down your spine. "Greedy, aren't we?" He pulls his hand away, leaving you feeling empty and desperate.
You whimper, your hips lifting off the bed as you chase his touch. He grins, knowing exactly what he's doing to you. "Patience, Y/N," he teases.
He leans down, his lips capturing yours in a hot kiss as he hooks his fingers into the waistband of your jeans and panties, pulling them down in one fluid motion. You lift your hips to help him, your breath hitching as you feel the cool air against your bare skin.
Mitsuya breaks the kiss, his eyes darkening as he takes in your naked form. "You really are gorgeous," he mutters.
His eyes never leave yours as he pushes your legs apart and positions himself between them. You can feel the heat of his body as he leans down and kisses your inner thigh.
His hands grip your legs, pushing them further apart, giving him better access. You can feel his breath on your pussy, hot and heavy, and you squirm in anticipation.
"Fuck, you smell amazing," he mutters, his voice laced with desire. He leans in closer, his tongue flicking out to taste you. You gasp, your hips bucking at the sudden contact.
"Takashi," you moan, your fingers tangling in his hair as he begins to lick and suck at your clit. He's relentless, his tongue moving in circles, then up and down, then back to circles again.
It was an accident, or so you'd tell yourself. You had made it a point in your head to always call him by his last name, to tell yourself the two of you weren't close. But why exactly? You aren't even sure anymore.
But what he hears- what he cares about- is the way you moan it.
He looks up at you, his eyes dark and hungry. "You're such a good girl for me, aren't you?" he hums.
You nod, unable to speak, your breath coming in short gasps. He smiles to himself before diving back in, his tongue fucking you in long, slow strokes. You can feel the pressure building inside you, the heat coiling in your core.
"Fuck, Takashi," you moan, your hips grinding against his face. He grips your thighs tighter, holding you in place as he feasts to his enjoyment.
God, his tongue is relentless, driving you closer and closer to the edge. You can feel the tension building, your body feeling like a spring ready to snap. His fingers join in, sliding into you, curling up to hit that spot that makes your toes curl.
"Shit," you cry, your back arching off the bed. "I'm gonna come."
He doesn't stop, doesn't slow down. He just keeps going, his tongue and fingers working in perfect harmony. You can feel the orgasm building, the pressure in your core intensifying.
And then, it hits you. Hard.
You scream, your nails digging into his back, leaving long red strikes. Your eyes roll into the back of your head as you release onto his tongue.
He enjoys every drop, his fingers still moving inside you, drawing out your orgasm until you're a quivering mess beneath him. He pulls away, his lips glistening with your juices, and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.
"Fuck, Y/N. Anyone ever tell you that you taste so fucking good?"
You can only whimper in response, your body still trembling from the aftershocks. He smiles as he crawls up your body, his hard cock leaving a trail of precum on your skin. You can feel it, hot and heavy, as it rests against your stomach.
"Do you want to keep going?" he asks as he hovers over you.
You nod, your breath still coming in short gasps. "Yes," you whisper, your voice hoarse from moaning.
"Good," he answers before capturing your lips. You can taste yourself on him, and it only serves to fuel your desire.
He reaches between your legs, his fingers finding your still-sensitive clit. "You're still so wet," he murmurs, his fingers sliding inside you, his thumb continuing to rub circles on your clit.
"Please. Please, Takashi. I need you inside me."
He groans, his eyes darkening with desire. "You're so beautiful, Y/N. How could I say no to you?"
He pulls away, his hands gripping your legs and pushing them up and apart. You feel the head of his cock press against your entrance, and you gasp at the sudden contact.
"Fuck, you're so tight," he groans, pushing in slowly, inch by inch. You can feel yourself stretching to fit him.
"Oh god, Takashi," you moan, your fingers digging into his back as he bottoms out inside you.
He pauses for a moment, his eyes locked onto yours. "You okay?" he asks, his voice filled with concern.
"Yes, please move," you beg. "I need you to fuck me."
"As you wish," he answers before pulling out and slamming back in, making you gasp at the sudden force.
He sets a punishing pace, his hips snapping forward as he pounds into you. You can feel every inch of him, filling you completely, hitting that spot deep inside that makes your toes curl.
"Fuck, you feel so good," he groans, his fingers digging into your thighs as he holds them apart. "So goddamn tight."
"Harder," you moan, your nails raking down his back. "More. Don't stop!" you cry out.
He gives you what you ask, slamming into you with serious force. You can feel every inch of him, the head of his cock hitting that spot deep inside that sends shockwaves coursing through your body. Your fingers dig into his back, leaving red marks as you hold on for dear life.
"Y/N," he hums, his breath coming in ragged gasps. "I can't get enough of you."
You know it's true. His thick cock stretches you to your limit, filling you up completely. You can feel every inch of him, the way he hits that spot deep inside that makes your toes curl and your back arch. He's not holding back, his hips slamming into you with a force that makes the bed creak beneath you.
"Taka... I'm gonna come," you gasp as your legs wrap around his waist, pulling him deeper inside you.
"Come with me, Y/N," he grunts, his thrusts now becoming more erratic, more desperate. "I want to feel you come on my cock."
His words send you over the edge. Your body nearly convulses as the orgasm rips through you, your pussy clenching around him, milking him for all he's worth.
"Fuck, Y/N!" he breathes, burying himself to the hilt once more before quickly pulling out and following you over the edge. He groans, his body tensing as he releases, his hot cum spilling onto your stomach. You watch, mesmerized, as he rubs his cock against your stomach, spreading his release over your skin.
He then collapses beside you, his breath coming in gasps. You can feel his heart pounding in his chest, matching that of your own. You're both covered in a layer of sweat, your bodies glistening in the soft light of your room.
He looks at you, his eyes softening as he reaches over a places his hand on your cheek. "Are you alright?" he asks gently.
You nod, a small smile playing on your lips. "More than alright," you reply, still breathless.
He grins, leaning to kiss you softly. "Good," he whispers against your lips. He then reaches down for something, not minding how you watch him curiously, before grabbing Hanma's towel and cleaning your stomach.
"Takashi?" you then whisper.
"Mm, what is it?"
You take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "I'm sorry. I know I never really gave you the time of day before now and I... I don't want to ruin this," you admit, your voice trembling slightly. You're not sure if it's from the intensity of the moment or the fear or what might happen if you ruin this.
Mitsuya's eyes soften, and he cups your cheek in his hand. "You're not ruining anything, Y/N. I care about you and I want this," he admits, his thumb brushing against your skin.
You feel a wave of relief wash over you, and you lean into his touch. "Me too," you whisper, your heart pounding in your chest.
He leans in, his lips capturing yours in a soft, gentle kiss.
You melt into him, your body fitting perfectly against his. He wraps his arms around you, pulling you close.
"Stay for the night?" you ask quietly.
"I'd like that," he says with a smile that makes your heart flutter in your chest.
"Me too," you hum against his lips, your eyelids growing heavy. The warmth of his body and the softness of your bed lull you into a sense of security. You feel him shift, reaching to turn off your lamp and pulling you closer.
"Good morning," he smiles at you, his voice soft and barely above a whisper.
"Morning," you reply, your voice still groggy from sleep. You stretch, your body aching from the night before. He smiles as he sits up.
"Sore?" he asks, his thumb brushing against your cheek.
You nod, a small smile playing on your lips. "But in the best way possible."
He grins, leaning in to press a soft kiss to your lips. "I'm glad," he murmurs against your mouth. "I didn't hurt you, did I?"
You shake your head, your hand reaching up to cup his cheek. "No, you were perfect," you assure him, your thumb brushing against his skin. He leans into your touch, his eyes never leaving yours.
"Can I ask you something? You don't have to answer it if you don't want to but, why are you still with him?"
You sigh, pulling away slightly to fix how you're sitting. The sheets are down by your waist, leaving you bare from the chest down. You wrap your arms around your knees, bringing them to your chest as you look at him. "It's complicated," you admit, your voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know where I would go. But it wouldn't matter anyway. I can't afford to pay just to break out of the lease."
"I can help you with that," he offers, his voice low and steady. "I have some connections in the real estate business. I'm sure I can get you out of here without any issues."
You look at him, surprised. "Really? You don't have to do that. I can figure something out on my own."
You try to pull away, to stand up out of bed, but he takes you by the hand and holds you in place.
"Please let me help you," he insists, his eyes never leaving yours. "I want to help you. And I can. Trust me."
You hesitate, your heart pounding in your chest. You know you should be cautious, but there is something in the way he looks at you, the sincerity in his voice, that makes you want to trust him.
You find yourself nodding, a small smile playing on your lips. "Okay," you whisper, your heart fluttering in your chest. "I trust you."
Gojo shrugs like he always does, his lips upturning just enough to show a sliver of a smirk. "Let's go. It'll die on its own."
You stay silent, nodding along like you agree, like your stomach isn't twisting. You stare at it until you turn the corner away.
"Alright, now listen up. This place should be pretty clear thanks to us. I'm going to head back. You tell Fushiguro to take one last look around before heading out, okay?" he hums like every other mission.
But the second he's out of sight, you turn back the way you came with your heart pounding in your chest.
The tiny creature is still where you left it, curled up in the shadows, barely breathing. Its small, trembling body is covered in rough patches of fur, ears twitching at every sound. It looks up at you with bloodshot eyes, and your heart clenches.
It's afraid. No shit.
You drop to your knees beside it and press a hand against its frail side.
"Y/N, what are you doing? Don't waste your time with that thing."
You jump, turning to find Fushiguro standing a few feet away with his hands stuffed into his pockets. His face is unreadable as always while his gaze flickers between you and the curse.
"I can't just leave it," you shake your head.
"Yes you can. It's practically dead anyway. Soon, it won't even be a problem," he answers coldly.
"You're incredible," you scoff. "I mean, how could you say that?"
"You're turning into Itadori," he rolls his eyes.
"And so what?"
"It's making you too emotional," he replies flatly. "Emotions will only get in the way and make you weak."
You glare at him. "So what? Since when is that a crime?"
Fushiguro exhales a long, slow breath that sounds like he's already regretting what he's about to say. "Fine, then let's go."
You blink. "Wait-"
"Before someone sees us." He nods down the hall of the building. "Come on."
You're not about to question your luck. You pick up the cursed creature- which is even lighter than you thought it'd be and small enough to fit in your arms. It lets out another weak whimper, its thing tail curling slightly. Every time it moves, your chest aches a little more.
Somehow, you make it outside the building and to the treeline of the forest not too far off.
"This should be good," Fushiguro says.
You let the curse on the ground as the two of you kneel beside it.
"Not sure how long it'll last, though," he says honestly.
Your throat tightens. "I just... I couldn't let it die there. Alone. Like it didn't matter."
Fushiruo's quiet for a second. Then his gaze meets yours. "Yeah. I know."
Your eyebrows knit together as you look at him. His expression is softer now, though still serious. Like he understands exactly what you mean- like he has felt this way before, the same helplessness, the same stubborn refusal to accept something just because someone else decided it was inevitable.
"I'll stay with it. Just for a while to make sure nothing else finds it like this. You go back so you can make your report to Gojo. Just tell him I went to town for something."
You stare at him. "You'd do that?"
He shrugs, but his ears are a little red. "You're already breaking the rules. Might as well not let it go to waste."
For the first time tonight, you let yourself smile. It's small, barely there, but it's read. "Thanks, Fushiguro."
He looks away. "Just don't make this a habit."
As you stand up and brush the dirt from your knees, you realize that if this does happen again, he'd be right there beside you.
✿ OTHER LINKS demon slayer masterlist & mha masterlist ✿
❀ Zenitsu & Denki ❀
❀ Prompt: ❀
⤷ The self-proclaimed "lightning gods" take to the club to pick up some girls.
Zenitsu isn't even nervous. He's just focused.
To him, this is a high-stakes mission. He fixes his shirt, checks his reflection in the club window, then side-eyes Denki who's adjusting his jacket like they're about to walk into battle.
"Alright," Denki says, cracking his neck. "Here's the game plan: We go in, get some drinks, vibe for a bit, and then-" he makes finger guns, "-we secure some company."
Zenitsu sighs. "That's a good plan. I like it. No unnecessary risks."
Denki grins. "We've got this."
They step inside.
The bass hits first, sinking into Zenitsu's bones. Strobe lights cut through the dark, shining on groups of people dancing, drinking, and pressing up against each other like it's their last night on Earth. It smells like spilled drinks, sweat, and questionable decision-making.
Denki makes a beeline for the bar, and Zenitsu follows as he scans the atmosphere for potential targets. There's a science to this. If he approaches the wrong person, you're deader than [REDACTED]'s parents.
Denki orders a drink for them, two whiskey sours, and when Zenitsu raises an eyebrow, he shrugs. "What? Vodka crans are played out, man. We gotta have some class."
Zenitsu shrugs but clinks his glass against Denki's before they down the first drink of the night.
Game on.
Denki spots a group of women near them on the dance floor, singing along with the music. He nods toward them. "I'm making a move."
"Go for it," Zenitsu says. "I'll be scanning the perimeter..."
Denki throws him a look. "Dude, just say you're stalling."
"Shut up and go."
Denki goes. And Zenitsu watches as his friend slides up to the group with a confident grin. He sparks his fingers for an effect, and at least two of them visibly swoon. Disgusting. Some people just have it easy.
Zenitsu exhales, straightens his shoulders, and decides it's time to get to work.
His target: a woman at the bar who's sipping her drink, scrolling through her phone. She's got that vaguely bored look that could mean she's waiting for someone- or that she's just waiting for something interesting to happen.
Zenitsu slides in, leans against the bar like he's not stressing out and calculating every little move. "Let me guess," he says, "you're texting your friends about how this place peaked an hour ago and there's like, one decent guy here."
She barely looks up. "Oh, is that right?"
Zenitsu flashes a grin. "I mean, statistically speaking, I've gotta be right."
She tilts her head, considering. "And does that make you the one decent guy?"
"That depends," he hums. "Am I about to make you laugh or am I about to humiliate myself completely?"
Her lips twitch upward. "I don't know. You tell me."
Zenitsu grins- got her.
But before he can open his mouth, Denki appears out of nowhere, slightly frazzled and definitely tipsy. "Okay, slight issues," he begins. "I may or may not have just overcharged the speakers."
Zenitsu blinks. "The what."
A split second later, the bass explodes- not in the way it should at the club, but in a way that makes the entire place short-circuit for a full five seconds before the emergency power kicks in.
The music stops. Conversations, too. There's a brief moment of total silence before someone yells, "WHAT THE HELL?!"
Zenitsu turns back to the woman at the bar. "Okay, so, I guess I was definitely about to humiliate myself."
She laughs, her smile reaching her eyes. And it makes Zenitsu's stomach flip.
But then, Denki grabs his arm. "We should go."
Before Zenitsu can speak, he's pulled across the bar. The bouncer shouts at them as they rush out, but he doesn't get a good enough look. The second they're in the clear, they stop and Zenitsu pushes Denki's arm.
"Sorry, sorry," Denki laughs. "That could have gone a lot better."
"Could it?" Zenitsu's eyes narrow. "You saw that, didn't you? I made her laugh! And you ripped it all away!"
Denki sighs. "Yeah, I'm sorry man. I don't think we should go back there for awhile though... and it's a small price to pay for being Lightning Gods."
Zenitsu snorts as Denki throws an arm around him. "You're such an idiot."
"Yeah, but at least I hit it off with those girls for awhile before all that..."
Zenitsu scoffs. "That's debatable."
The two of them laugh as they make their way down the street. Maybe they did fail, but you know, lightning always strikes twice.
You and Megumi are sitting on the steps outside Jujutsu High, waiting for Gojo to come out and brief you on your next mission. The sun is still rising, the air cool, and the campus quiet. It reminds you of when you used to live on campus for those three years with Itadori, Nobara, and Megumi.
You look over at Megumi who's sitting beside you, hunched forward, elbows resting on his knees. You can tell he's thinking about something, the way his fingers tap absently against his wrist.
Then, without looking at you, he mutters, "Just a heads-up... If Gojo says anything weird when he comes out, just ignore him."
You hum, intrigued. "Oh? What'd you do now?"
His jaw tenses. "I didn't do anything. He's trying to set me up with someone."
You stare at him. Then, because you're you, a grin spreads across your face. "Aww, Megumi. You're growing up so fast."
"Shut up. I'm older than you."
"So what's the issue?" You lean back on your hands. "You don't want to go?"
He hesitates. "It's not that, I just-" He exhales through his nose, looking slightly irritated. "I don't know what I'm supposed to say."
Oh, this is too good.
You sit up straight, fully invested now. "You need to practice."
Megumi frowns. "No. I don't."
"Yes, you do. Here, I'll be her." You clear your throat, clasping your hands together like you're about to sell him something. "Hey, Fushiguro, wanna grab a coffee at that one shop Gojo won't ever shut the hell up about and then check out some souvenir shops downtown?"
He stares at you, unimpressed. "I doubt she talks like that."
You sigh dramatically. "Wow. If I was her I'd think you were so uninterested."
Megumi rolls his eyes but then, after a pause, he shifts slightly. His gaze flicks to you, something different in his expression, and then, like he's just throwing words out to see what sticks, he says, "You're so beautiful."
It shouldn't, but it hits you like a ton of bricks. "Way to be shallow," you look away to hide your face as you recollect yourself.
"And you're smart. You know what you're talking about and you actually think things through before you do them."
"Mm, that's better," you meet his gaze again.
Then, a small silence before he adds. "I think about you a lot."
You freeze.
Your stomach feels weird and fluttery, and suddenly, this doesn't feel like a joke anymore. He wouldn't say something like that on a first day with someone Gojo's setting him up with.
Your lips part, but nothing comes out. The air between you feels different now- charged, like something is about to shift. You can feel just how close the two of you are now, arms brushing as your eyes glance down at his lips for just a fraction of a second.
"Y/N," he calls out.
"Yeah?" you answer breathlessly.
"What do you want?" Megumi asks.
Your pulse jumps. "What-" Your voice catches, and you swear, for a split second, his eyes glance down too. Your heart is going insane.
He tilts his head slightly. "I mean, what weapon do you want me to hand you when we start."
You could die right now.
"...I hate you."
"You said you still like your polearm, right?"
You stand to your feet and roll your eyes before looking back at him. "Sure, Fushiguro. Polearm's fine."
He just sits there, completely oblivious to your emotions. If you survive this mission, it'll be a miracle.
You push open the door to your apartment and the warm scent of home wraps around you like a comforting hug. It feels good- safe. Chifuyu follows close behind, his footsteps slow and deliberate. When you glance back, he's standing in the entryway, his eyes scanning the place like he's something alien.
"What's with the face?" you tease, a grin tugging at your lips. "You look like you've never been here before."
He shrugs, his expression almost shy. "That's because I haven't."
You blink in surprise. "Really? You've never been here?"
"Nope," he says, hands sliding into his pockets. "First time."
You grab his hand, warmth growing in your chest as your fingers intertwine. "Well, then. Let me give you the grand tour."
He chuckles as you lead him through the apartment, pointing out the small but cozy living room, your lovely kitchen, and finally your bedroom. The air shifts slightly as you step inside, the space carrying a weight of its own. You point to a door on the far side of the room.
"That's the bathroom," you say, gesturing toward it. "It's attached. Best part of the layout."
He nods, glancing around before his gaze lands back on you. As you step away from him, his hand suddenly finds yours. Before you can react, he spins you to face him, his movements confident but gentle.
"Thank you," he says softly, his voice carrying an emotion that makes your heart skip a beat.
"For what?" you ask with a smile.
"For everything," he answers. His eyes search yours for a moment before he then asks. "Can I thank you properly.
"Matsuno," your grin widens as you tilt your head. "What are you getting at?" But despite the confidence in your words, your heart pounds in your chest.
He steps closer, his free hand brushing your hair away from your face. "Let me kiss you."
The boldness of his request sends a shiver down your spine, the warmth in his touch sending a tingle through your body.
The world fades as you lean in, your lips meeting his. The kiss is soft at first, cautious, but it deepens quickly, stealing both your breaths. You reach for his shoulders and shrug off his jacket, pulling it down his arms and tossing it onto the ground without breaking the kiss. His hands wander across your waist, pulling your body against his as his tongue slips past your lips, exploring and caressing your mouth.
Heat rushes to your cheeks as you kiss him back, your fingers trailing down his chest. He pulls away, leaving you breathless and wanting more. "Chifuyu," you hum, your lips parting slightly.
"Y/N," he whispers, his voice hoarse. "Let's take a shower."
Your eyes widen. "Right now?"
He nods, his thumb brushing over your bottom lip. "If that's okay with you. We could both use a shower. I'm covered in blood and bruises and I'd like to wash the past few days away."
You smile, your mind racing. "I can't argue with that."
Without another word, he kisses you again, his hand moving to the hem of your shirt. He slides his hands underneath, pushing the fabric up and over your head. The shirt hits the floor, and he presses his lips against your neck. You gasp, his mouth sending waves of heat through your body as his kisses trail lower. He stops at the top of your bra, his lips curling up into a smirk.
"You're so fucking beautiful, Y/N," he mutters.
With a light chuckle, you reach for the bottom of his shirt, pulling it off his body and letting it fall to the ground. Your fingers trail down his bare chest, exploring the toned muscles and curves of his body.
"You're not so bad yourself, Matsuno," you tease.
He leans forward, capturing your mouth in a heated kiss as his hands move behind your back, unfastening your bra and sliding it down your arms. He lets it fall to the floor and steps back, admiring you for a moment.
"Come on, I don't think I can hold out much longer," he admits as he takes your hand in his.
You laugh to yourself as you let him pull you into your bathroom and start the shower. As the steam fills the room, you both pull of the rest of your clothes, stepping out of them, before he pulls you flush against his body. His lips meet yours again, hungrier now, and his hands explore every inch of your exposed skin.
He steps into the shower and pulls you in with him, his body warm against yours. The water is warm and soothing as it runs down your back, but it's not enough to cool the heat building inside of you.
His lips brush against your lips as he guides your back to the cool tiles, pressing you up against the wall. You moan softly as his hands slide up and down your sides, his fingers dancing along your skin.
"Do you want me to keep going?" he asks, his voice low and husky.
"Yes," you whisper. "Please."
His hands continue to wander, teasing every sensitive spot until you're trembling under his touch. You grip his arms, his biceps tensing under your palms.
"Please," you murmur, a soft whine escaping your lips.
He chuckles, his teeth grazing over the shell of your ear. "Are you sure?"
"Chifuyu," you whine, squirming against his body. "Yes. I want you."
Without wasting another second, he slides his hands lower, his fingers teasing at the entrance of your folds. A moan escapes your lips as he strokes his fingers through the wetness, the sound echoing in the small shower.
You wrap your arms around his neck, pulling him in closer as his lips find yours once more. His tongue pushes past your lips, the heat building between you two unbearable.
He groans, his fingers dipping into your wet folds, rubbing over your clit. You arch into his touch, your nails digging into his shoulder, your breaths coming in ragged gasps.
"Fuck, you're so wet," he hums against your lips. "Is that all for me Y/N? Do I do this to you?"
"You idiot," you gasp, your head tilting back. "Who else would it be for?"
He kisses his way down your neck, his tongue traveling over the soft skin of your throat. You can feel him hard and heavy between your legs, pressing against your thighs. He rolls his hips, the friction sending sparks through your body.
His fingers start pumping slowly and all you can do is moan his name, your head hitting the tiles as you gasp for air.
"Don't stop," you whimper.
He speeds up his movements, his fingers moving faster and faster. You reach down between the two of you and grip his cock, stroking his length as he groans.
"Shit," he hisses, his hips bucking into your palm. "You feel so good, Y/N."
"Chifuyu," you moan, his name falling from your lips as pleasure courses through your veins.
"Fuck, Y/N," he gasps. "I want you so bad."
"Then do it," you say, the words barely escaping before his mouth crashes onto yours, his tongue sliding past your lips.
He lifts you up effortlessly, the water splashing around your bodies. You wrap your legs around his waist, his cock brushing against your entrance. He pulls his lips away, his forehead resting against yours as he stares into your eyes.
"I can't believe we waited so long to do this," he whispers, his breath fanning over your lips.
You grin, the tension in your body mounting as his tip pushes past your folds. "Matsuno, if you keep me waiting any longer, I'm just gonna finish by myself."
He laughs, the sound echoing in the tiny bathroom. "Well, we can't have that."
He pushes his cock fully inside of you, the feeling stretching and filling you. You gasp at the sudden sensation, your fingers digging into his shoulders. He doesn't move for a moment, letting you adjust to his size. Then he begins thrusting, his pace slow and deliberate.
"Oh my god," you moan, your head falling back as the pleasure builds. His hips roll, his cock pushing deeper and deeper. He's not rough, but the intensity is more than enough to make your toes curl.
His lips find yours once more, and he swallows your moans. You grip his hair, pulling him closer as his tongue sweeps over your lips. His hands squeeze your ass, his fingers digging into the skin.
The water beats down on both of you as his thrusts quicken, his body moving against yours. He breaks the kiss, his eyes meeting yours as his movements grow faster and faster.
"Don't stop," you whimper.
"I won't," he breathes, his voice strained.
"Chifuyu," you say, his name sounding almost like a prayer.
"I love the way you say my name," he mutters. "Keep going."
Your body trembles as your orgasm begins to build, your core tightening. You can feel the tension rising within him as well, his thrusts growing more erratic.
"I'm gonna cum," you gasp.
"Me too," he grunts. "Just hold on a little longer."
"Chifuyu," you moan again.
"It's okay, baby," he says as he kisses your cheek, his lips traveling down to your jaw. "Let go."
You let out a cry, your entire body shaking as the orgasm rips through you. Your walls clench around his cock, the pleasure nearly sending you over the edge.
He groans, his voice echoing through the shower. "Fuck, I'm gonna pull out, okay? I'm not-"
You pull him closer, his lips finding yours. "Don't," you say between breaths. "I'm on birth control. I want to feel you, Chifuyu."
He looks at you for a moment, his brows furrowed. "Are you sure?"
"Yes," you answer, your hand sliding down his chest.
His grip on your waist tightens, his thrusts becoming erratic as he nears his climax. You press your forehead to his, your body still trembling.
"Goddammit," he gasps.
He lets out a loud groan, his cock twitching inside of you. The hot, thick liquid fills you up, the sensation sending another wave of pleasure through your body.
As he pauses, his eyes meeting yours, the reality of what just happened sets in.
"Are you okay?" he asks.
"Yeah," you reply, a small smile tugging at the corner of your mouth. "I'm great."
"Good," he sighs, his body relaxing. He lowers you gently back down to the shower floor, his cock slipping out of you.
You stand under the spray of water together, holding each other close.
"Stand still," you smile at him. "You couldn't wait to fuck me before getting that blood off your face. So let me get that."
He looks at you almost in awe as you reach for your container of body wash. It doesn't take long before the rest of the mess is gone and the water trickles off.
"Come on," you laugh. "We should get some rest."
"Yeah," he agrees as he grabs a towel. He wraps it around you, then grabs one for himself.
"Do you wanna stay the night?" you ask as you dry your hair.
"Hell yeah," he smiles.
"Good," you reply. "Because I didn't want to kick you out."
"Well," he says, pulling you close to him once more, "I hope you don't make me have to put on clothes either. 'Cause honestly, I'm not done with you yet."
You raise an eyebrow, your lips curling upward. "Oh, really? Well, you know where my bed is, Chifuyu."
He leans forward, pressing his lips against yours. "I sure do."
Chifuyu comes to a stop in front of Sanzu with his eyes blazing. "Get your hand off her, Sanzu."
Sanzu turns his head slowly, his expression flat. "What was that, Matsuno? Are you threatening me? We can end this just like we did last time, if you'd like."
"It won't come to that this time," Chifuyu scoffs, stepping closer. "We're not gonna let you keep her this time."
Sanzu's eyes flick over to Takemichi, who's standing behind Chifuyu with the rest of the gang. Then, in a flash, his fist connects with Chifuyu's jaw in a brutal punch that sends him flying backward into Takaemichi and Mitsuya's grasp.
"Chifuyu!" Takemichi shouts, struggling to keep him upright.
Seeing red, you break from Sanzu's grasp and lunge at him, aiming a punch for his face. But Sanzu catches your wrist mid-swing, his grip firm but not painful.
"Not a good idea, sweetheart," he murmurs, his tone low and warning.
Before anyone can react, the rest of the pier erupts into chaos. Fists fly as the gangs clash, bodies colliding in a vicious brawl. As Sanzu lets go of your wrist, you see Takemichi throw a punch at Kokonoi and miss, and the taller man retaliates by delivering a sharp kick to his stomach. Mitsuya, stands Chifuyu up on his feet and barely avoids a fist from Inui right after.
It isn't until you land a solid punch on some Black Dragon member that you notice the stillness behind you. Turning, you see Mikey walking toward you, his expresion completely unreadable. The fighting slows, then stops entirely as everyone steps back, creating a wide clearing for what seems to be Mikey approaching you to publicly denounce your rep in Toman.
The air feels thick as the two of you stare at each other, the space between you shrinking. Your heart pounds as he draws nearer, his black coat billowing in the breeze. He stops only a few feet away from you, his gaze fixed on yours.
"Y/N," he says quietly, his chin tilting up slightly, "if you can't even land a hint on Sanzu, I won't help you."
He says it so casually, like it's the most natural thing in the world. Like his words are completely normal. Behind him, Draken's brows furrow as the rest of Toman stares at their commander.
"Wait, hold on," Draken begins, his voice loud and firm.
"You heard me," Mikey interrupts, his tone final. He glances around the clearing, his gaze sharp.
You turn to look back at Sanzu. His expression has changed now, a flicker of sadness crossing his face. "Y/N," he says softly. "I... I couldn't let go. That was wrong of me. I'm sorry."
Your chest tightens at his apology. You clench your fists, trying to steady your breathing. "It's okay to feel that way, Sanzu," you say calmly. "But you can't go around manipulating my feelings like you do. Like I'm just some pawn for your personal gain. I'm not a tool for you to use and toss away. I don't want a game. I want someone who will choose me."
A moment passes in silence.
"Okay," Sanzu nods, a faint smile on his lips. "I understand."
His body relaxes as he exhales. A small sigh of relief escapes your lips, his hands dangling loosely at his sides. You watch him, wondering if maybe this is the end, if everything will finally be over.
But that's when it hits you.
You're not some evil bitch looking for revenge. You just wanted to go back to your friends, to Toman, and to Chifuyu.
You glance at Mikey, your heart sinking as you realize what you have to say. "I can't do it," you admit, your voice breaking slightly. "Even if it means I won't go back to Toman, I can't do it. Not like this."
Sanzu's smile fades, his shoulders dropping. He stares at the ground, his expression hollow. But it's Mikey's expression that hardens. "Then I won't help you."
The crowd murmurs as the rest of the Toman members shift nervously, exchanging uneasy glances.
Before Mikey can say another word, Chifuyu steps forward, grabbing your arm and pulling you away from Sanzu. "You don't need to fight him," he says firmly, his voice shaking with anger. "I'll give him all the beating he needs."
Chifuyu strides right up to Sanzu and swings with everything he has, landing a solid punch to Sanzu's jaw. The impact is brutal, blood splattering from Sanzu's nose as he stumbles back. The crowd erupts, and the pier descends into chaos once more as fists collide.
Amid the fighting, you still feel Mikey's burning gaze on you. He steps toward you, his voice cutting through the noise. "Why?" he asks, his tone quiet yet demanding.
"It's not that simple," you reply, struggling to find the words. "Sanzu... he's not just some villain to Toman. He's broken, and I can't be the one to destroy him. I just... I wanted to come home."
Mikey studies you for a moment before turning his attention back to the fight. His movements are deliberate as he walks straight to Sanzu, who's still recovering from Chifuyu's blow. With one powerful kick, Mikey sends Sanzu crashing to the ground, ending the fight in an instant.
The Black Dragon gang doesn't hesitate before retreating, Taijui signaling their withdrawl. The pier grows quiet as the dust and fog settles, the tension disappearing.
You're pulled into an unexpected embrace as Chifuyu wraps an arm around your shoulders. "You're okay!" he says with relief evident in his voice.
"Of course she is," Mitsuya chimes in, giving you a small smile. Hakkai grins beside him, nodding in agreement. Draken steps forward as well and messes the top of your head, a rare grin crossing his face.
"You're one of us," he says simply.
The rest of Toman's members laugh and cheer, pulling you into their group with warm smiles. But the moment is cut short as someone asks, "So... does this mean Y/N can stay?"
All eyes turn to Mikey, who remains silent for a moment before stepping forward. Chifuyu tightens his arm around your neck, grinning. "Aw, come on, Mikey. How could you say no to her?" he teases, gesturing to you
"Y/N has been through so much for us," Takemichi adds intently, totally out of nowhere. "We can't turn out back on her now!"
"That's so cheesy, Takemitchy," Mitsuya jokes, but his laugh softens his words.
"Yeah, well..." Takemichi rubs the back of his neck awkwardly. "It's true so somebody had to say it."
Smiley snickers. "Hey, Takemitchy, do you have a crush on Y/N or something?"
Chifuyu's eyes narrow as he shoots Takemichi a look that says 'don't even think about it'. "You're my best friend, Takemitchy, but if you even think about her like that-"
"Okay, okay!" Takemichi interjects quickly, waving his hands. "I didn't mean it like that! I wouldn't dare try and get between you and Y/N."
"Good," Chifuyu nods firmly, the corners of his mouth twitching as if he's trying not to smile.
He shrugs. "Yeah, well... just don't make me regret it."
When the others begin to disperse, you finally get a moment alone with Chifuyu. As you turn to him, you realize his face is bruised and bloodied, yet still managing a small smile back at you.
"Chifuyu," you hum. "Your nose... it's bleeding. And you've got blood all over you."
"Eh, it's nothing," he replies, brushing it off.
"Come back to my place," you offer. "I'll clean you up."
"Your place?" he repeats, then nods. "Okay."
You glance around, faking a worried expression. "I got here with Sanzu so... I think I need a ride."
Chifuyu grabs your hand without hesitation, pulling you toward his bike. "Come on."
When you reach it, he picks up his helmet and places it carefully on your head, adjusting the straps with a wide grin. "Hop on. Let's get outta here."
You don't hesitate, climbing onto the back of his bike. As the engine roars, you hold onto him tightly, a smile breaking through your exhaustion. For the first time in days, this feels like it's exactly where you should be.
I was hoping I wouldn’t have to post this on here but for the past 2 or 3 weeks I have been shadow banned. I haven’t been able to message (and reply to comments) or get my posts out to you guys… and I really don’t know what to do. It's really frustrating. I’ve sent out 3 tickets now (latest one was right before writing this) to tumblr but if you see this pls let me know! I haven’t abandoned you, I promise ❤️
Edit: I'm going to take a break from posting this week to see if waiting a few days will help. I'll post again 2/14 and 2/17!
Edit: March 15. I might start a new blog to continue where I’m leaving off with this one. I really don’t know what to do. Sorry again!
Edit: April 2. Oh my god it's been so long lol. I just sent a new ticket under 'social features' and fingers crossed it works! This will have been my 4th ticket (i think).
"I've got something to show you anyway. It'll be a nice little change of scenery."
When you reach his apartment, he pushes the door open with a cheesy grin and steps inside. You hesitate for a moment before following. Every step you take feels like you're being led deeper into a trap.
"Come on," he urges, waving you in. "I won't bite. Not unless you want me to."
Ignoring his comment, you step inside. You follow him to a room opposite of where you'd been sleeping- the couch. In the corner of a surprisingly neat bedroom that looks as though it hasn't been slept in for awhile, are two cardboard boxes. Sanzu approaches them and lifts them onto the bed with an exaggerated care.
"Look," he says, gesturing toward the contents on the inside. "I saved these for you."
You approach cautiously, peering into the boxes. Inside are items you haven't seen in a long time- clothes, trinkets, and even some old photographs. It's your stuff, things you thought you were long thrown out or burned when you left the Haruzu gang.
"Why do you still have these?" you ask, your voice barely above a whisper.
"What can I say?" he shrugs, his tone casual enough to make your guard drop. "I'm sentimental."
He steps aside, motioning to the bed. "This will be your room. Do whatever you want with it. Decorate it or trash it, doesn't matter to me. I'm not trying to trap you here or anything, so don't feel like you can't come and go as you please. The fridge is stocked. All the food in the house is yours. I'm not sure if I'll be home for dinner, but I'll leave a spare key for you anyway."
His words hang in the air, and before you can part your lips with your response, he leans in and presses a soft kiss to your cheek. The gesture is so unexpected, so tender, that you're left frozen in place.
"Settle in, Y/N," he says with a smile. "I'm not sure when I'll be back but I'll see you when I return."
"Haru," you whisper as he begins to walk away, "what is this? What are we doing here?"
He glances over his shoulder, the corner of his lip curling upward. "Anything you want us to be. Just wait for me. I'll be back soon." The door closes softly behind him, leaving you alone.
For a moment, you're stunned, your mind racing. Then, with a burst of urgency, you dig through one of the boxes. Your hands tremble as you pull out your old phone. The screen is cracked, but it still lights up when you press the power button. Relief washes over you when it boots up.
You scroll through the empty contacts list, but the number you're looking for isn't there. You didn't know him yet. But it doesn't matter. You've committed it to memory since the day he gave it to you. Your fingers hover over the keypad before you take a deep breath and dial.
The riverbank is quiet, the soft sound of water lapping against the shore filling the air. Chifuyu and Takemichi sit side by side on the stone steps, both lost in thought. A little further down, Mitsuya stands with Hakkai, tossing rocks and trying to skip them across the surface.
"You're terrible at this," Mitsuya teases as one of Hakkai's rocks sinks immediately. "I bet I can get three skips on this next one."
"We'll see about that," Hakkai mutters, squinting at the water as if quietly threatening it.
On the stops, Chifuyu stares at the ground, his mind replaying the events of the previous night. Takemichi glances at him with concern written all over his face.
"You okay?" Takemichi asks hesitantly.
Before Chifuyu can answer, his phone buzzes in his pocket. "Hold on," he sighs as he pulls it out, frowning slightly at the unfamiliar number on the screen.
"Who is it?" Takemichi asks.
"How should I know?" It's probably some scam," he replies as he answers the call. "Hello?"
"Chifuyu," your voice comes through the time, and his heart skips a beat.
"Y/N?!" he nearly shouts, his voice rising as he stands to his feet.
Takemichi looks up sharply and Mitsuya pauses mid-throw, turning to watch.
"It's me," you say quickly. "Listen, I don't have much time. Sanzu's planning a fight against the Black Dragon gang. It's happening tomorrow."
"A fight with Black Dragon?" he repeats, causing Hakkai to look over now, too, who shrugs at Mitsuya and Takemichi.
Chifuyu's grip on the phone tightens. "Y/N, I don't care about that right now. Are you okay? Has he hurt you?"
You hesitate, the memory of Sanzu's kiss on your cheek flashing in your mind. It wasn't malicious, but it still leaves you unsettled. "I'm fine," you say finally. "He hasn't hurt me."
Chifuyu's voice hardens. "If he touches you, I swear I'll-"
"Don't," you interrupt, your voice firm but gentle. "Listen, Chifuyu, I'll be at the pier tomorrow with his gang. Just... be careful, okay?"
"I should be telling you that," he mutters. "Oh, uh, that reminds me... About Mikey..."
"You told him?" you mutter quietly.
Chifuyu glances at Takemichi, Mitsuya, and Hakkai who are all watching him intently. He lowers his voice. "Yeah. I told him. Y/N... you're out of Toman."
Your heart sinks at his words, though you try to conceal it from your voice. "It's okay," you answer softly. "I'll figure out a way out of here."
"Wait-" Chifuyu starts, but he hears a voice in the background on your end of the line.
"Y/N, I'm back. Plans got figured out with the captains so I'm staying," Sanzu's voice cuts through the line.
"Sorry, I have to go," you whisper. "Bye, Chifuyu."
"Y/N, wait-"
The call ends with the line going dead and Chifuyu lowers the phone, staring blankly at the ground.
"Was that Y/N?" Takemichi asks.
Mitsuya walks up to Takemichi with a deadpanned look and smacks him lightly on the back of the head. "You're damn hopeless, Takemitchy. What did she say?"
Chifuyu's jaw tightens as he pockets his phone. "Fighting Black Dragon. Tomorrow. At the pier."
"Then we better get ready," Hakkai chimes in. "My brother's not gonna give up on a fight so easily."
"And neither will we," Chifuyu says as he looks back up, meeting Takemichi's determined eyes.
Mitsuya looks between the two. "Let's kick their asses."
The pier the next evening is shrouded in fog as Mikey and the rest of the Toman captains and lieutenants gather quietly in the shadows, purposefully staying out of sight. Takemichi, Chifuyu, Mitsuya, Draken, and all the others stand on edge with their gazes fixed on the looming confrontation between the Haruzu gang and the Black Dragon gang. The air feels suffocating as Taiju Shiba strides forward, flanked by his top two- Inui and Kokonoi. And across from then, Sanzu steps into view with his widening grin setting in place.
Glued to Sanzu's side is you. His hand rests possessively around your waist, and every step you take with him feels heavier than the last. Chifuyu takes a step forward when he notices, but Mikey's hand shoots out to press against his chest.
"No," he says sharply. "We came to watch, not intervene. This isn't Toman's fight."
"How can you say that?" Chifuyu glares at him. "She's our friend. How can you just stand here?"
Mikey's gaze remains unflinching. "If you make this Toman's fight, then Y/N would have joined Haruzu for nothing. Think about that."
Mitsuya places his hand on Chifuyu's shoulder. "It's okay. We're here. She knows that."
Chifuyu's jaw clenches, but he says nothing. Your eyes lift and meet his across the foggy pier and- although the connection is brief- it sends a wave of emotions crashing over both of you.
Taiju's voice booms across the pier as he stops a few steps away from Sanzu. "Hey now, what is this about, Haruchiyo?"
Sanzu's grin sharpens, his voice dripping with mockery. "I don't appreciate your men walking all over my turf. You need to learn some fucking boundaries."
Taiju laughs right back. "Oh yeah? LIke your little Toman girlfriend here? You're getting bold, Haruzu. Bold enough to take me on directly and bold enough to mess with a girl who left your sorry ass a few years back. What are you doing? Still can't move on from the past?"
The smirk fades on Sanzu'g face, his grip on your waist tightening. Your breath hitches as the tension in his body becomes hot. His fingres dig into your side, and for a brief moment, you realize something you hadn't before- Sanzu genuinely still cares for you.
You look at him softly, your expression faltering. Chifuyu notices. It makes him stiffen, his heart pounding in his chest. "I've got to do something," he mutters, stepping forward.
"Chifuyu, wait," Takemichi calls, grabbing his arm. "Don't-"
But Chifuyu keeps walking. Takemichi curses under his breath and follows, and then Mitsuya joins them. One by one, other members of Toman begin stepping forward as well.
Mikey groans, rubbing his temples. "Damn," he mutters to Draken. "I knew this would happen."
Draken's voice is calm but firm as he stares straight ahead. "If they're risking it, Mikey, we can't just sit back. You know that."
The tension surrounding Mikey's bike is palpable. Mikey leans against it casually, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by a dark scowl. Draken stands beside him, arms crossed and silent while Mitsuya, Takemichi, and the other exchange worried looks. Chifuyu's hands are balled into fists at his sides, his knuckles white as he finally musters the courage to explain.
"Last night, I went to Haruzu's hideout. I was hoping to scope them out but then Y/N showed up and...she made a deal with him. She agreed to go back to Haruzu if he left Toman alone."
A shocked silence falls over the room, broken only by Mikey's low, simmering anger. "What do you mean 'back'?"
"She..." Chifuyu gulps. "She was only trying to protect us. To help Toman."
Mikey slams his fist onto the top of his bike. "And you let her?!"
Chifuyu flinches slightly. "I didn't have a choice! They were beating me half to death, and she... she wouldn't listen. You know I'd never have let her if there was a way."
Mikey sighs, running a hand through his hair. "That fucking idiot."
"Mikey, it's not his fault," Draken interjects.
"Y/N lied to us," Mikey grumbles, his jaw clenched. "She went behind our backs and risked her life for what? She's not even a part of Toman."
"Mikey, you can't seriously mean that," Mitsuya interrupts, his eyes wide with disbelief. "She's a friend."
"We didn't ask her to make a deal," Mikey says, shaking his head.
"But we'd have done the same for her," Takemichi adds, stepping forward.
"Takemichi, shut up," Mikey snaps, his anger rising.
"She didn't want to drag Toman into her problems," Chifuyu defends. "She'd been stuck with him before in the past and was trying to avoid another conflict. We have no idea what he's planning."
Mikey lets out a harsh breath. "Fine. We'll deal with it. But if she thinks she can make decisions like this without me, she's dead wrong."
The group watches as he places his helmet back on his head and starts the engine. "And as far as I'm concerned, Chifuyu, Y/N's out of Toman."
Chifuyu stares blankly as Mikey takes off down the road before he can get in another word.
"Well," Draken sighs, "I suppose that went about as well as I'd expect."
The remaining members glance at each other with unease written across their faces. No one dares to speak.
Finally, Takemichi breaks the silence, turning to Chifuyu with a determined expression. "I'll do whatever I can to help. Just say the word."
Chifuyu looks up at him, his throat tightening with gratitude. "Thanks, Takemitchy. That means a lot."
"Don't give up hope," Mitsuya adds with a soft smile.
"Yeah," Draken agrees. "If there's anyone who can pull something like this off, it's you two. But, Mikey is right. She went behind our backs and put herself in danger for nothing."
"But, that doesn't change the fact that she did it to protect us," Takemichi counters.
"Well, either way, Chifuyu's gonna have to be her knight in shining armor," Mitsuya jokes, elbowing him lightly.
Chifuyu laughs bitterly. "Yeah. I guess so."
As the others walk away, he stands still, staring down the empty road. He thinks back to your tear-streaked face, your hands gripping him tight, the desperation in your voice. The deal you made to keep him and the others safe. They don't understand. They weren't there. But Chifuyu knows that this time, he'll have to be the one to make it up to you.
You lay on the couch, staring at the ceiling, listening to the dull thud of the constant music from the apartment below. Sanzu's on his chair across from you, legs crossed and a smirk playing on his lips. The light from the window catches on his hair, giving him an almost angelic appearance that fogs the sharp edge in his glare.
"You're quiet today," he remarks, his voice teasing. "Usually you have so much to say."
Your eyes move to meet his. "Your place sucks."
He laughs, throwing his head back. "Oh, sweetheart, you don't mean that. It's better than being with that loser from before. What was his name? Chifuyu?"
You flinch. "Leave him out of this."
"I just find it funny, that's all," Sanzu continues, tilting his head. "You went through all that trouble to save his pathetic life, and then he dumped you."
"He didn't dump me," you argue, pushing yourself up to sit. "Your fuck-face friends jumped him. If anything, you're the one who did this."
Sanzu raises his eyebrows, feigning innocence. "Who, me? I didn't do anything. You were the one who agreed to my terms."
You glare at him. "Yeah, well I'm here now, aren't I? What more could you possibly want from me?"
Sanzu chuckles, leaning forward. "Oh, Y/N, I want so much more. But for now, your presence will do."
Your fists clench in your lap as his words wash over you. "Just what are you planning, anyway? You already got what you wanted."
"I'll tell you when I'm ready," he hums, leaning back into his chair. "But there's no change I'll be missing out on the fun."
"What fun, Sanzu?" you ask, exasperated. "I don't understand."
Sanzu sighs as he rises and walks over to you. His fingers brush against your chin as he tilts your face up to meet his gaze. "Always so impatient. Don't worry, I'll explain everything. But for now, why don't we talk about the elephant in the room."
Your heart skips a beat. You know what he's referring to. Your eyes trail along the tattoos that line his arms, the marks that are the symbol of his position. Of the power he holds over you.
"What do you want me to say, Sanzu?" you mutter, pulling your chin away from his touch.
"Just tell me what I want to hear," he purrs, his voice lowering.
You pause, your stomach twisting. It's as if time stops, the two of you staring each other down, until finally, you force the words out. "I...I missed you."
Sanzu grins, satisfied, and pulls you into his arms. His chest is firm against your cheek as he whispers in your ear. "I knew you would. And soon, you'll see how good it is to be back."
Your jaw tightens. There's a sinking feeling in your gut. This was a mistake.
"Now, let's go. The meeting's about to start."
As he walks toward the door, you linger behind for a moment, your chest tight with a mix of anger and unease. You have no choice but to follow, the weight of your circumstances pressing into the floor with every step.
The first floor apartment where the music had been coming from is totally packed, the air buzzing with anticipation as Sanzu walks into the room. He pulls you close to his side, his arm around your waist, as he addresses the crowd.
"Gentlemen, welcome to our first meeting of the new year! Granted, it isn't the start of a calendar year, but it is the newest chapter of our story. My beautiful Y/N is back, and that means things are about to change."
You cringe at his use of the word 'beautiful' to describe you. You're not his. You don't belong to him. The thought sends a chill down your spine, and you glance around at the crowd. You see the usual faces, the leaders of the different Haruzu factions, along with their lieutenants. There are some familiar, but others are not, and the fact that they're watching you so closely makes your skin crawl.
Sanzu's grin widens. "Before we begin, there's something I need to address. My sweet Y/N has asked me not to fight with her friends at Toman. So, as a compromise, I've decided not to fight her friends."
There's a murmur of surprise in the room, and Sanzu's gaze darkens.
"That being said, there will be no mercy for anyone who opposes Haruzu. The next time someone from Toman shows their face, they won't live to regret it."
"What?! Sanzu, that was not what we agreed!" you gasp, pushing against his grip.
He turns to you, his gaze hard. "I said there'd be no fighting. Not that I'd stop the rest of Haruzu. They're not as soft as me. Besides, this way, you'll get to keep your friends alive, and I get what I want."
"You fucking asshole," you hiss, pushing against him harder.
Sanzu grabs your wrists, yanking you against him. His breath hits your ear as he whispers, "Don't fight me, Y/N. It'll only make things worse for you."
A shiver runs down your spine. You don't like the sound of his words. They're a threat. Just as it was before.
You turn back to the room, looking for any sign of hesitation, but everyone's watching Sanzu with a mix of awe and respect. You stop fighting, the energy suddenly zapped right out of you.
"Now, on to business," Sanzu continues. "Let's not waste any more time. Our next target is the Black Dragon gang. Those pieces of crap have been walking all over our territory. It's time to show them who's in charge!"
The room erupts into cheers and shouts of approval, but your stomach twists in protest. "Wait," you say, stepping forward. The room falls silent as all eyes turn to you. "Have you even thought that through? You know their leader is Taiju Shiba, don't you? You'll be putting your factions at risk. What will you gain by provoking them?"
Sanzu raises an eyebrow, his smirk returning. "What's this, a change of heart? You're worrying about us now? How touching."
"I'm serious," you insist, your voice steady despite the nervous flutter in your chest. "This isn't a fight you can win."
Sanzu turns slowly toward you. The room holds its breath as he stops just inches away, his gaze locked onto yours. "You're cute when you try to act touch," he says softly, his tone mocking. "But don't forget your place, princess. I make the decisions here."
You bite back a response as he turns back to the group, his grin widening. "Prepare for the fight," he commands. "We move tomorrow night."
The group erupts into cheers once more, but you can't shake the sinking feeling that things are about to get much worse. As the gang disperses to make preparations, Sanzu stays by your side, his voice low as he faces you once more. "Don't worry, sweetheart. I'm not going to let anyone hurt you. And you'll have a front-row seat to the show."
You look away, the irony of his statement not lost on you. "That's not what I'm worried about."
He chuckles. "It should be. If you want, we can take a little trip. Get away from all this. What do you say, hm?"
"Fine," you reply, crossing your arms.
"Good," Sanzu grins. "I've got something to show you anyway. It'll be a nice little change of scenery."
As he leads you out of the room, the unease in your stomach doesn't subside. You have no idea what Sanzu is planning, but it can't be good.
The ring of your phone jolts you awake. Groaning, you reach for it on your bedside table and squint at the bright screen. Mitsuya. Why is he calling in the middle of the night?
"Hello?" you mumble, rubbing your eyes.
"Y/N," Mitsuya's voice is calm, but there's a bit of urgency. "I just saw Chifuyu. He was on his bike speeding off somewhere. I happened to be out for air but didn't have my bike to catch up."
You sit up immediately, your senses sharpening. "What?! Did he say anything?"
"No, he didn't see me," Mitsuya replies. "I was going to ask you if you know where he might be headed. Is he okay?"
Your mind flashes back to the conversation with Mikey earlier that day. "I think I know," you say slowly. "It's probably got something to do with what Mikey mentioned."
"Do you want me to call Mikey?" Mitsuya offers.
"No," you say quickly. "It's okay. I can handle it."
"Be careful, Y/N," Mitsuya warns.
"I'll be fine," you promise before ending the call.
You toss the blankets off and jump out of bed, throwing on a pair of pants and your Toman jacket. Grabbing your keys, you rush to your car and start the engine, your chest tight with worry. There's only one place where Chifuyu would've gone. The Haruzu hideout.
Streets blur together as you speed through the city, your mind racing with worst-case scenarios. When you finally arrive, you park crooked and sprint toward the building. It's an unassuming complex, the kind you'd never suspect to house a gang.
Your heart pounds as you rush over to where you remember his old apartment is. From behind the slightly open door, you hear the unmistakable sounds of a scuffle- grunts, thuds, and muffled voices.
Pushing the door open, your blood runs cold. Chifuyu is crumpled on the floor, surrounded by at least eight tall men, with Sanzu standing smugly near the center of it all. The men kick and punch Chifuyu, who is barely conscious, his body slumping with each hit.
"Stop!" you scream, shoving your way through the group. You drop to your knees, pulling Chifuyu into your arms. His head lolls against your chest, his breaths shallow.
"Aw, how touching," Sanzu drawls, his grin sharp and mocking. "Look how far you've fallen, Y/N. Protecting someone who can't even put up a fight. He's not right for you, you know."
"Stay away from him," you spit, clutching Chifuyu closer.
"Or what?" Sanzu taunts. "You'll fight me? Like you did before? That was fun and all, but I'm done playing games."
"Does that mean you go around ganging up on people eight to one?" you snap, your anger growing.
Sanzu chuckles, brushing a hand through his hair. "This is exactly how it'll go when Toman fights us. But don't worry..." He leans closer, his voice dripping with mischief. "Now that you're here, you can put a stop to it. The fight won't happen if you come back."
His words sting, and doubt creeps into your head. "Leave them alone," you plead as you look down at Chifuyu. "They've done nothing to you. I'll do anything. Just leave Toman out of this."
Tears escape your eyes, falling onto Chifuyu's cheeks. He moves faintly, his voice barely heard in your ears. "Y/N..."
"Is that so?" Sanzu hum.
Your gaze snaps back to Sanzu, who's watching you with a satisfied smirk. "Then it's a deal," he adds, as though he's already won a game you didn't know you were playing.
"What is?" you ask, your grip tightening on Chifuyu.
"You said you'd do anything," he straightens his back, his grin widening. "I'll leave Toman alone forever. On one condition. You come back to Haruzu. Be my partner again. Do this, and they'll be safe."
"Don't," Chifuyu gasps, his eyes barely open.
"Wait..." you breathe, shaking your head.
"Tsk, tsk," Sanzu taunts, sighing. "You said you'd do anything. Was that another lie, Y/N? You've got such the awful habit."
Before you can respond, he gestures to his men. "Toss him out."
"No!" you cry, clinging to Chifuyu as two men grab you. They pry you away, and another pair of hands drag Chifuyu toward the door. You struggle, but the men's grips are iron-tight.
Chifuyu is thrown outside like trash, his body landing hard on the pavement, and the door slams behind him.
"Chifuyu!" you scream, trying to reach for him, but Sanzu steps forward, wrapping an arm around your shoulders. His touch makes your skin crawl.
"It's good to see you again, sweetheart," he says softly. "We've got so much to catch up on!"
The dim red glow of the lights outside light up Chifuyu's face as he slumps in a chair, his face bloodied and bruised. The faint smell of perfume mixes with the low hum of conversation nearby. Chifuyu feels like he's on another planet. Like nothing is real.
One of the workers, dressed in a flowing silk robe, kneels beside him with a damp cloth. She gently dabs at his cuts with a soft sigh. Chifuyu shifts uncomfortable, his cheeks burning despite the pain.
"Relax," Draken's voice comes from across the room. He's leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, watching him. "It's not like Y/N's gonna walk in here and yell at you. Just tell me what happened."
"I said I don't re-" Chifuyu gasps as it all floods back to him. "How did I get here?"
Draken rolls his eyes and moves to sit beside Chifuyu. "Mitsuya called me. Said something about promising Y/N he wouldn't call Mikey but he was worried you'd gone to deal with Sanzu for some reason so I went over. When I saw you had gotten your ass beat, I brought you here no questions. But now, I've got questions."
Chifuyu rubs his hands against his face as the worker walks away. He winces when his hand grazes a cut, the pain sharp.
"It's... it's my fault. I went to Haruzu's hideout. Sanzu was there. I got my ass kicked by like ten guys and... and then Y/N showed up. She... she..."
Draken's eyebrows knit together. "What did she do, Chifuyu?"
"She traded herself," Chifuyu whispers, his voice cracking. "She didn't want me to tell you 'cause she didn't think Mikey would approve, but she used to be in Haruzu. She dated Sanzu. And so he told her he'd call everything off if she went back."
For a long moment, Draken says nothing. His jaw tightens, his gaze grows darker, and finally he exhales through his nose. "So that's how it is."
"It's my fault," Chifuyu mutters, his guilt suffocating him. "If I hadn't gone there..."
"It's not your fault," Draken says firmly, resting a hand on Chifuyu's shoulder. "It's hers. She should have told us about Sanzu and her past with his gang. She put herself in this position."
Chifuyu's throat tightens, doubt clouding his thoughts. "What do we do now? What will Mikey say?"
Draken shakes his head. "We'll figure it out in the morning. For now, you need to sleep. You're no good to anyone like this. Hell, you've been here for an hour and just now you even remembered what happened."
Reluctantly, Chifuyu nods, though the weight of his guilt doesn't stop. As Draken turns to leave, Chifuyu leans back in the chair, staring at the ceiling. All he can hear is your voice, your desperate plea for Sanzu to leave Toman alone, and the sensation of your tears falling onto his skin.
The late afternoon sunlight fills the windows of Toman's hideout, casting a glow over the training mats before you. You adjust your gloves, your gaze locked on Chifuyu, who stands across from you with a small, amused smile. The scene before you is filled with familiarity- sparring with Chifuyu has become a weekly ritual, one that's equal part competition and fun.
"You ready for this?" Chifuyu asks, his tone light yet teasing. "I'd hate to embarrass you. Again."
You smirk, rolling your shoulders as you shift into your stance. "The only thing you're going to embarrass is yourself, Matsuno."
That earns a chuckle from the rest of the group nearby. Mikey sits cross-legged on the floor, lazily snacking on taiyaki, while Draken leans against the wall near him, arms crossed. Mitsuya and Takemichi hover nearby as well, exchanging quiet commentary as they watch.
Chifuyu moves first, testing your reaction with a quick jab. You deflect it easily, stepping to the side and countering with a sharp hook aimed at his ribs. He blocks it smoothly, his grin widening as he pivots and sweeps a low kick toward your legs. You dodge and retaliate with a quick feint, then lunge forward, catching him off guard. The pace between you quickens, your strikes blending into a rhythm that's become second nature.
"You're holding back," you comment after dodging another hit and aiming a quick strike at his torso.
"No, I'm not," he replies, though the hint of defensiveness in his tone betrays him.
"Sure you're not," you shoot back, stepping into his space and sweeping his leg out from under him. He lands flat on the mat with a thud, the sound echoing through the room.
"C'mon, you can do better than that," you taunt, your hand extended to help him up.
Chifuyu's grip tightens around your hand, yanking you down on top of him. He's quick to take advantage, using the momentum of your fall to roll you onto your back and pin your arms above your head. Your eyes widen in surprise as he looks down at you.
"What do you think now, Y/N?" he says, his tone light.
You open your mouth to reply, but the words die on your lips as you register the position you're in. The way Chifuyu is looking down at you- the way his face is so close to yours, his gaze burning with a different sort of intensity than the one reserved for sparring- sets your skin aflame.
"I think," your eyes narrow as you recompose yourself, "you're a cheater."
Your knee collides with Chifuyu's stomach, forcing the air from his lungs and breaking his hold on you. Before he can react, you flip the two of you, straddling his waist as your hands tighten around his wrists.
"Nice try," you say, trying to ignore the flush rising in your cheeks, "but I win."
Chifuyu doesn't say a word. The others watching don't either. You can feel their gazes fixed on you, the weight of their stares sending goosebumps across your skin.
"Are you going to get back to sparring, or are you guys gonna keep eye fucking each other?"
Mikey's blunt remark breaks the tension, drawing a laugh from the others and forcing you to scramble off Chifuyu. "I'm gonna grab some water. Want anything?" you ask as you toss your gloves aside.
"Nah, I'm good," he replies, waving you off as he sits up, leaning back on his hands.
You head down the hall and into the kitchen, grabbing a cold bottle of water from the fridge.
"Nice one," Draken says, smirking once you're out of earshot. "Chifuyu, you really gotta work on keeping it in your pants."
The others can't hold in their laughter and Chifuyu scowls, dragging a hand down his face. "Can you not?"
"Oh, come on," Mikey adds, his grin easy as he leans against the wall. "You're making this too easy. What's the matter? Can't handle the competition?"
Chifuyu shakes his head. "Y'know, if I knew all this would give you assholes a free pass to be dicks, I would've kept my mouth shut about inviting you over."
"Maybe he was just... distracted," Takemichi offers, his nervous tone just enough to draw everyone's attention.
The room goes silent for a moment before Mikey's eyes shine, a grin spreading across his face. "Oh?" he asks, leaning forward, "Distracted? By what? Care to elaborate, Takemitchy?"
"Was there something you were distracted by, Takemitchy?" Draken echoes, raising an eyebrow.
"Well," he hesitates, rubbing the back of his neck. "I-I don't know, I just-"
"C'mon," Mitsuya interjects, nudging Takemichi with his elbow. "Don't be shy. We're all friends here, aren't we?"
"I just meant- I think Chifuyu really likes Y/N," he says finally.
"He's got a point," Mitsuya says, nodding along. "Chifuyu never asks any of us to spar, but Y/N? Every week without fail, isn't that right?"
Chifuyu glares at him. "I've got my reasons," he mutters.
"Yeah, I'll bet you do," Draken shoots back, earning another round of laughter.
You return from the kitchen just then, water bottle in hand, and glance between them. "Hey Matsuno, I think I'm gonna head ou- What's so funny?"
Mitsuya's smirk doesn't fade for a second. "We were all just wondering why Chifuyu keeps asking you to spar instead of one of us."
You take a sip of water, the sides of your lips curling upward. "Maybe it's 'cause I don't knock him out like you guys do."
"That's a fair point," you hear Takemichi respond, though nobody else seems to hear him.
"Or maybe," Mikey says, his tone calm but his gaze knowing, "he just wants to be close to you."
A flush spreads across your cheeks at the statement. The others laugh again and Chifuyu lets out a string of curses, burying his face in his hands.
"You really need a girlfriend, dude," Mitsuya says.
"Yeah, well how am I ever gonna get one with you guys around," Chifuyu retorts, his voice muffled.
You grin as you grab your bag lying on the floor and walk over to where Chifuyu's sitting. He raises his head and looks up at you, a mix of annoyance and embarrassment clear on his face.
"Don't worry, I won't tell anyone," you tease, ruffling his hair.
He grumbles something in response and the others laugh. You turn and head out the door, the sounds of their bickering following you down the hall.
"Night, guys-"
"Oh, Y/N, wait," Mikey interrupts, rising to his feet. "Before you go, there's something I need to talk to you and Chifuyu about."
You and Chifuyu exchange a look, his expression matching the curiosity and confusion on your face. "What is it?"
"It's about the next gang war."
Your breath hitches at the words, a pit forming in your stomach. "I thought-"
"Things are changing," Mikey cuts you off, his tone flat. "You know that. I know you've been waiting for your chance to finally fight alongside Toman, but I need you to be aware of what's going on."
"Well what is it, Mikey?" Chifuyu presses, his eyebrows knitting together.
Mikey's demeanor has now sunk into a more serious expression. "There's been whispers about Haruchiyo Sanzu stirring things up. Apparently, the Haruzu gang's been sniffing around our territory."
Chifuyu's expression hardens. "What have you heard?"
Mikey shrugs. "Not much yet. Just that they're trying to make a statement. But if they're targeting us, we need to be ready."
Your stomach twists at the mention of Sanzu and his gang. You tighten your grip on the water bottle, keeping your face as impassive as possible.
"They're just trying to scare us," Chifuyu says quickly. "We can handle it."
Mikey raises an eyebrow. "You sound pretty sure of that. Got something you need to tell me?"
Chifuyu's jaw tightens. "No. Just saying we've faced worse."
Mikey's gaze lingers between the two of you for a moment before he nods. "Fine. But stay sharp. If they make a move, I want to know about it."
As you and Chifuyu nod, Mikey walks toward the garage door with Draken following closely behind him. The two of them disappear out the door, the sound of their voices trailing down the street.
You and Chifuyu exchange a glance, nearly forgetting Takemichi and Mitsuya are still in the room.
"Hey, you guys alright?" Mitsuya asks.
You nod, forcing a smile. "Yeah, we're fine. Just- worried."
"Don't be," he reassures you, walking over and giving you a pat on the shoulder. "Chifuyu's right, we've faced worse. Plus, we've got a secret weapon."
"Secret weapon?"
"Yeah, we've got you on Toman now. I mean, seriously, I don't know where you learned to fight like that but you're pretty awesome, Y/N," Mitsuya beams.
You grin at his words. "Thanks, Mitsuya. I appreciate that."
"Alright, well, we should get going," he continues, giving your shoulder a gentle squeeze. "You take care, alright?"
"Will do. You too," you reply, waving as he and Takemichi walk out the door.
"Hey, c'mon," Chifuyu says, his tone soft. "Let's go. It's getting late. I'll walk you home."
Flashback
The sounds of your strikes echo throughout the room as you and Chifuyu spar again. After a particularly rough combo, he calls for a break and tosses you a water bottle. You catch it easily, leaning against the wall to take a sip.
"You're good," Chifuyu says, rolling his shoulder as he watches you. "Really good. How'd you get into fighting?"
You hesitate, your fingers tightening around the bottle. "It started when I was in high school."
He tilts his head, curiosity lighting his face. "Go on."
You exhale, glancing down at the water bottle in your hands. "I was in the Haruzu gang. For a while."
Chifuyu blinks, totally caught off guard. "Wait, what? How did that happen?!"
"I used to have a stalker," you say, your voice quiet but steady. "This one guy who wouldn't leave me alone. He followed me home one night, and I didn't know what to do. That's when Sanzu showed up."
"Sanzu?" Chifuyu's expression darkens at the name.
You nod. "He beat that guy to a pulp and scared him off. So, I asked him how he did that, and he offered to teach me. He agreed and made me feel safe. For a while, I thought I could trust him."
Chifuyu stares, dumbfounded. "And then?"
"And then we started dating," you admit to him. "But Sanzu wasn't who I thought. He's manipulative. Controlling. When I realized how dangerous he was, I left. I wanted out of that life."
Chifuyu's jaw tightens, his fists clenching at his sides. "And he's still leading the Haruzu gang."
"Yeah." You glance up at him, your voice softer. "I never planned on dragging you or Toman into this. That's why I hadn't told anyone before. But I want to fight for something real now. For what I believe in. For my friends. And for you, Chifuyu."
He freezes, your words hanging in the air. Typically, you call him by his last name but when you call him by his first name, he always feels a little warm. As he tries to regain himself, he nods with resolve. "I won't tell Mikey. But if Sanzu tries anything, we'll handle it. Together."
Relief washes over you, and you manage a small smile. "Thanks."
Present
Later that night, Chifuyu sits alone in his room, the dim light from his desk lap is the only light reflecting on his book. He's been staring at the same page for what feels like hours, his thoughts drifting back to you- things you had told him about Sanzu.
He can't let anything happen to you. Not again. The image of your expression as Mikey talked about Sanzu lingers, a sharp reminder of what's at stake for you in this possible war. He knows what Takemichi would do in his place- march straight into Haruzu's hideout without a second thought. But Chifuyu doesn't want a war, not if it can be avoided.
His book shuts with a thud, and he stands, pulling on his Toman jacket. The cool air of the night hits him as he mounts his motorcycle, the roar of the engine cutting through the silence. The city blurs past him as he rides, he knows clear in his mind where he's headed.
By the time he reaches the Haruzu's hideout- your normal looking apartment building- the streets seem too quiet. The building looms in front of him, but he walks towards the entrance, his boots crunching against the gravel. Just outside one of the first floor apartments he stops, his eyes narrowing as he spots a familiar figure leaning casually against the wall.
"So," the man says, turning his head toward him, "it's you, Chifuyu."
"Sanzu," he replies, his voice even.
Sanzu's grin flickers in the dim light. He's got a pretty good idea why Chifuyu's here.
The music pounds through the old warehouse, lights flickering over the crowd. Rindou stands beside you, his hands shoved in his pockets, scanning the room like he's already bored.
"Once I'm done, we can go, I promise," he whispers.
In almost the same breath, a voice calls his name from not too far off. It's one of his guys, motioning for him to come over. Rindou clicks his tongue, clearly annoyed, but he leans down slightly to talk over the music.
"I'll be right back, okay? Stay here. Don't let any of these guys bother you."
You roll your eyes but nod. "I'm not going anywhere."
He gives you a lingering glance, like he doesn't quite trust the idea of leaving you alone, but then he turns and weaves through the crowd.
Not even five minutes pass before someone slides up next to you. "Hey," the man says, flashing a grin that you think is meant to be charming. "Didn't think a place like this would have a pretty girl like you. You here with someone?"
You shoot him a bored look. "Yeah, I am."
But he doesn't take the hint. "Doesn't look like it," he says, stepping closer. "C'mon, let me buy you a drink. I'll make it worth your time."
"Is that so? Yet you couldn't even afford the time it'd take to hear me say no," you scoff.
But before you can tell him off properly, a hand lands on his shoulder. "She said no, man," Rindou's voice cuts through the noise around you.
The guy turns, and the moment he recognizes Rindou, his face turns white.
"That's my girl you're bothering," Rindou says, his eyes narrowing. His grip tightens just enough to make the guy wince. "Do I need to say it again, or are you gonna walk away on your own?"
The guy mutters something you don't bother to hear before disappearing into the crowd.
Rindou looks back at you, his lips twitching into a faint smirk. "You're a feisty one, aren't you? I leave for five minutes, and you're already giving some guy hell."
You shrug, a smug grin on your face. "What can I say? I don't like being bothered."
Rindou chuckles, leaning closer so only you can hear him. "That's Good. 'Cause I'd hate to see someone else get ideas about my girl."
Your breath hitches, but you recover quickly, raising an eyebrow at him. "Your girl, huh? That's a new one. Pretty bold, if you ask me."
He shrugs, looking entirely unfazed. "You got a problem with that?"
"Not really," you say, giving him a sly smile. "I don't entirely hate the idea."
His smirk widens, and without another word, he takes your hand, tugging you toward the door. "C'mon. Let's get outta here. This place sucks."
And this time, you follow without a second thought.
The buzz of the bar hums around you, and you're trying to enjoy your drink while Ran's off handling business. But it's not long before some guy slides into the seat beside you.
"Hey," the guy says, flashing you a grin that's more sleazy than attractive. "Did it hurt when you fell from heaven, or are you just out of this world?"
You nearly choke on your drink. Seriously?!
Before you can respond, a shadow falls over the table, and you look up to see Ran. His usual laid-back smile is there, but there's something sharp in his eyes.
"I didn't know we were doing shitty pick-up lines in my bar tonight," he drawls, his tone as smooth as ever but laced with an edge that sends a shiver down your back.
The guy shifts uncomfortably. "Hey, man, I was just talking to-"
Ran's grin widens, but it doesn't reach his eyes. "Yeah, no. You're not 'just talking' to anyone. That's my girl."
Your breath catches. His girl? You glance up at him, your heart doing cartwheels, but he doesn't look at you. His focus stays locked on the guy, who mutters an apology and practically trips over himself to leave.
Once he's gone, Ran slides into the seat beside you, looking impossibly pleased with himself. "What? Was that guy really doin' it for you?" he asks, raising an eyebrow at your stunned expression.
"Mm, I just didn't know you thought I was your girl," you grin, placing your cheek on your hand as you lean onto the bar.
Ran smirks, leaning forward slightly. "Well, you are, aren't you?"
You don't bother answering- you just take another sip of your drink, trying (and failing) to hide your smile.
You spot Hakkai and Mitsuya walking down the street from your window, their familiar figures catching your eye in the light. Grabbing your bag, you hurry out of the house, jogging a little to catch up.
"Hey!" you call, and they both turn.
Mitsuya waves, smiling warmly as you fall into line beside them. "Morning, Y/N! You look cute today."
You grin, adjusting the strap of your bag. "Thanks, Mitsuya. You're looking pretty good yourself."
Hakkai freezes mid-step. You glance up at him, curious, but he's staring straight ahead with stiff shoulders, his lips pressed into a thin line.
"You think so, huh?" Mitsuya adds, smirking as he leans just a little closer to you. "That's sweet of you to say. It's always nice when a pretty girl compliments me."
Before you can respond, Hakkai blurts, "It's too early for this." His voice cracks slightly, but he stops walking and turns to face his friend, his usual shyness replaced by an uncharacteristic firmness. "Y/N's my girl, Taka. You know that. Don't be a jerk."
A chill runs through you, and it's all you can do not to freeze. His... girl?
The words hang in the air, and you blink, caught completely off guard. "Your girl?" you repeat, your heart thumping in your chest.
Hakkai's face flushes a bright red, but he nods and looks down at his feet. "Yeah. I mean you are... aren't you?"
You swallow hard, not sure how to respond.
Mitsuya chuckles, wrapping his arms around both of you. "That's a yes. Man, you two are so awkward. It's great."
As you approach the part, you spot Mitsuya and Draken talking by one of the benches. You slow your steps when you hear your name, half not wishing to interrupt and half wondering what he's about to say.
"She's been working so hard lately," Mitsuya says, his voice low. "I want her to feel special, y'know?"
Draken nods. "Makes sense. What are you planning?"
"I'm thinking I'll make her something," Mitsuya replies. "A dress, maybe. Something just for her. And I'll take her somewhere nice to wear it. My girl deserves to be spoiled a little." Though you're behind him, you can envision the smile that reaches his eyes as he speaks.
Your heart skips. You weren't expecting to overhear something so... sweet.
Draken glances past Mitsuya and spots you, smirking. "You're in trouble now," he says, nodding toward you.
You freeze, feeling your face heat up, and try to come up with an excuse, but you don't have time to.
Mitsuya turns, his eyes widening slightly before he grins, rubbing the back of his neck. "How much of that did you hear?"
You hum softly, looking away in a horrible attempt to hide the heat rushing to your face. "Enough."
He stands up, hands in his pockets, with that calm confidence that makes your heart race. "Guess the surprise it out, huh?"
"Not entirely," you say, smiling. "I didn't know you were telling your friends I'm your girlfriend."
His cheeks dust pink, but he holds your gaze. "Well, that's what you are, right?"
"Right," you reply, taking his hand in yours.
Draken chuckles to himself as he stands up and walks past the two of you, clapping a hand on Mitsuya's shoulder as he passes. "Good luck with that one, Mitsuya."
The lavender-haired boy shakes his head as he watches his friend leave. He then turns to you, squeezing your hand gently. "So, now that you know... Are you free this weekend?"
