"ryo. can't sleep," you whisper into your boyfriend's ear whose eyes are shut close under the comfort of your duvet. he was serious when he texted about coming over at this late hour just to sleep in your bed. been complaining about having trouble falling asleep lately too. along with his endless admissions how he sleeps better in your bed.
you on the other hand didn't expect his arrival at all. you've taken a short nap hours ago, woke up, took a shower, chugged half can of energy drink, and set up your study materials for an all-nighter for the upcoming exams.
so you really shouldn't bother him like this. when he arrived, he simply understood your plan for the rest of the night and promised he won't bother your studying session. he pecked your forehead and marched straight into you bedroom without another word.
not even an hour later, you saw how comfortable and cuddly and warm he looks on your bed, sleeping. effortlessly inviting you to come back to bed, how perfect would it be to slip under the covers and worm your way home against his chest. to make matters worse, resisting the imagination of his arms winding around your person was never your strongest trait.
he hums, stirred awake by your voice. he blindly reaches for your arm out of habit. "weren't you going to stay up?" he asks sleepily, the bed dips under his weight as he scoots over to make space.
"yeah but then you came and it's almost rude how comfy you look sleeping without me."
his arms around you tighten a fraction as he places a chaste kiss under your jaw, nuzzling into the crook of your neck as his breathing slows down again. "so sleep. we can study together at the library after class tomorrow."
you can do that. even if your brain is still wide awake from that one can you drink, you know a trick that can shut off your mind effectively. which is exactly what sukuna's doing right now, embracing you closely. corded arms around your torso. the warmth radiating off his body works like a lullaby every time.
"kinda unable to sleep right now though.."
"yeah no shit you drank a can." his palm moves in a circle across your spine. he's not opposed to you wanting to fall asleep with him.
in fact, he welcomes and prefers it because having you close all night always makes his sleep feel like a spiritual reset. "jus' close your eyes," he instructs. his own already sealed too. "count all the sheep in ya head."
you sigh and allow yourself to relax with images of sheep jumping over a fence in your head. with sukuna continuing rubbing your back.
10 sheep, 11 sheep, 12 sheep.. sukuna's sheep.. this is actually effective.
he observes the way your breath slows down, completely lax against him now, your eyelids drooping as seconds pass.
"how many sheep?"
you don't answer. well that was quick he thinks.
sukuna himself is one wink away from sleeping. he stops his movement altogether and lets darkness consume his sleep again, this time much better with you at his side.
© ryoses 2026