roommate!ino takuma who you thank your lucky stars over every day because when your former roommate moved out, the bills started pilling up and you had to find someone else, ino was dropped right in your lap.
roommate!ino takuma who is funny and sweet and quickly becomes a good friend, easily charming you with his golden retriever persona and cute smile.
roommate!ino takuma who is still a man at the end of the day.
roommate!ino takuma who sometimes leaves the toilet seat up or dishes on the sink, but he always makes an effort to listen and learn when you complain.
roommate!ino takuma who, despite doing everything right - picking and cleaning up after himself, still manages to drive you mad with his stupid beanie.
roommate!ino takuma whose black garment is a staple in his closet, but also a staple in annoying you, because, no matter how many times you reach over to straighten it over his floppy brown hair, it's always crooked.
"ino! get your ass here right now!" you call as you watch him crusade from his room and into the kitchen conjoint to the living room.
roommate!ino takuma who stops in his tracks and heeds to your words immediately.
"yes, my lovely, beautiful, incredible, perfect roommate?"
"why is your stupid hat always crooked?!" you pretend to ignore his words as he stops right in between your legs and bends down so his face is closer to yours, but you still feel blood rushing to your cheeks. you carefully push the right side of the wooly beanie up so it sits straight across his forehead avoiding ino's watchful eyes and cheeky grin, gaze set firmly on the black cloth. "there."
"thank you, love of my life!" ino smacks a loud kiss on your cheek before sauntering away with a large beam.
you splutter meaningless words in your flustered state, face growing warmer if that was even possible.
roommate!ino takuma who swears it was love at first sight when he knocks at the door to the apartment his friend had mentioned needed a second tenant and you open it.
roommate!ino takuma who purposedly pulls one corner of his black beanie lower than the other every time he leaves his room ever since you first reached over to adjust it in hopes that you will do it again (you always do).
a/n: trying out this form of writing for funsies, but i don't think it's for me... i'm seriously considering making this into a full fic, i just had to drop this short drabble before the idea vanished.
UPDATE: it's happening! First installment to the short series here!
valentine's day special
summary: kento just made you not only his valentine but also his girlfriend (this is where the pure and unadulterated smut comes in - minors do not interact)
part 1/2
Kento's plan had only encompassed providing you with a memorable Valentine's day and, perhaps, building a foundation for a relationship with you in the near future. Yet, somehow, he had gone and gotten himself a girlfriend.
The term felt so juvenile, yet he couldn't care less because he felt young. The knowledge that you were just as enraptured created a bubble of blissful elation Nanami had no intention of bursting.
He had piled up the plates and was in the process of standing up, having just pushed his chair from underneath the table when you sprung up from your seat, startling the poor man.
"The restroom is-" he tried to direct you as you made your way around the table, assuming you wanted to use the toilette, but you hushed Nanami by wedging yourself between him and the table. "Sweetheart?" the way he looked up at you in question nearly had you losing your nerve.
You steeled yourself though, swallowing hard and placing your hands on his shoulders. Kento, for all his puzzlement, opened up his knees to make space for you in between his legs but remained otherwise neutral. The way his jaw clenched and hands flexed on his thighs wasn't lost on you, bless his heart.
"I want to show my appreciation to you. May I?" you spoke quietly into the otherwise silent room.
He wetted his dry lips with his tongue and your eyes immediately dropped to follow the brief gesture before mirroring it while he searched your face with a weighted gaze, "we haven't even had dessert yet."
"I have the dessert I want right here, Kento." You slapped yourself in the back for the quick comeback and the hitch it elicited in Kento's breath.
"I don't want to be disrespectful-"
"You've been a perfect gentleman all night. Hell! All your life, I'd bet," you stopped him before he took the blame for your forwardness. "Tell me I'm moving too fast and I'll stop."
"Isn't that supposed to be my line?" Kento smiled gently up at you. The position you put yourself in rendered both of you vulnerable in different ways and you cherished how he so easily entrusted you with seeing this side of him.
"Hmm…" you shook your head, "consent goes both ways."
"I adore how thoughtful you are, my love."
You're unsure if it's the pet name or the intensity behind his gaze, but a shiver ran down your spine.
"I don't want you to feel pressured into anything. This dinner, the flowers… they don't require any retribution," Kento assured you once more, insistent, but you knew he was merely making sure to give you an out in case that's what you wanted.
"I know that. But I want to," you assured him, hopefully conveying just how much you meant the words with your eyes as well. "Consider it my gift to you. I am your Valentine too after all, am I not?"
You didn't give him a chance to answer before you sat on his lap, each of your legs wrapping around his waist. At first, Kento hesitated, his hands hovering awkwardly until they found your hips and slowly glided up to settle on your waist.
You leaned closer until your breaths mingled together and your head spun dangerously with his aromatic fragrance taking over your senses. Nanami is the one who closed the space between you, eyes falling shut as your lips connected.
It's nothing more than a peck, full of unspoken feelings and repressed longing. The air feels charged with tension, your heart pulsing loudly in your ears, temperature running hot at the sheer brush of his warm lips to yours.
He nudged your nose with his before giving you another peck. And another. And then pressing for a bit longer, more intensely, tilting his head so his lips fit better with yours. You let your hands follow the natural curve of his shoulder, one sliding down his back and the other finding its way into the buzzed hair on the back of his head.
With the first brush of his tongue, you were ruined. You opened up to him like a blooming flower. Your entire body tingled pleasantly as he let himself consume you and you let yourself be consumed. Warm muscle exploring and mapping out your mouth sensually.
Nanami felt as if a dam was breaking as he poured the yearning from every moment he had spent craving you into the kiss, his hands tightening on your waist until you were sure he had left fingerprints on your skin. You pressed yourself even closer, moaning into the kiss when that did nothing to relieve the ache you felt, your teeth briskly clashing together in your haste.
You only separated when the need for air became too much to bear, a string of spit still connecting your lips.
"You have no idea what you do to me." Kento gasped.
"I think I do." You chirped teasingly as you ground yourself down on his lap, feeling a distinct hardness pressing into your covered center.
"Fuck." That night was full of firsts because you're absolutely certain you had never heard Kento cuss before. "Don't do that," he warned you, eyes glinting dangerously.
"Or what?" You challenged with a giggle as you did the exact opposite, pressing yourself down on him once more. Whimpering at the silver of pleasure it gave you, a teaser of what was to come.
Kento almost growled your name, his breath labored, red blossoming from his exposed upper chest and neck. He gave you no indication before he pushed the dirty dishes further up the table and picked you up with ease, laying you on the table in front of him and leaning over your sprawled form, his body slotted between your spread thighs ad he kissed you again with even more fervor.
Or that, you guessed.
His lips drifted down to your jaw and then to your neck, kissing and biting at the skin, all while rutting into you rhythmically. His ministration had you gasping for air, your head lolling back to the table. You whined pitifully when he abruptly detached himself from you.
"Sit up for me, love" He commanded. And you obeyed… How could you not when you had Kento Nanami in between your legs? His fingers held onto the hem of your top, giving it a few impish tugs, "may I?"
You nodded, wordlessly lifting your arms to aid him in removing the offending cloth. His eyes fell to your cleavage and his mouth fell open, pupils taking over until you could barely see his iris. You used his distraction to remove your bra, throwing it aside the same he had done to your top. Kento let out a guttural sound, something feral from deep within as his hands softly caressed your breasts.
"You're so beautiful," he huffed before he leaned down, pushing you back on the table surface with another kiss. You heard the crashing sound of some dish falling to the ground but neither of you paid it any mind, too absorbed in each other. His lips drifted down to your jaw and then to your neck, kissing and biting at the skin, all while rutting into you rhythmically. Kento's ministration had you gasping for air, your head lolling back to the table.
"K-Kento!"
"Yes, love?" you felt his chest vibrating with his low croon against your skin.
"Please," your fingers searched for purchase on the cotton of his shirt fruitlessly, you feared your nails could have even ripped the material in your desperate pursuit.
"What do you need? Tell me." Nanami had his hands on your chest, massaging the skin nimbly.
"Touch me," you were very close to just begging for it.
"Hmm, but I am touching you."
You rolled your eyes in both pleasure in exasperation, unsurprised his matter-of-fact manners came out even then.
"For f-fuck's sake. Don't- ah," he pinched one of your nipples. "Don't make me spell it out, Ken."
"Right here?" He questioned as he squeezed your tit. "Or maybe here?" The palm of one hand pressed to your covered mound as his middle and ring fingers found your clit even through your clothes and pressed down hard. You moaned.
"Yes! Yes, right there! Please!"
"How could I ever deny you when you beg so sweetly?"
His finger moved to your pants, teasing the button as he searched your face for permission. You huffed a breathy "yes", nodding wildly.
With your consent, Kento unbuttoned and unzipped your pants, pulling them down as he let himself fall to his knees in front of you. Right where he belonged, he thought to himself. He removed both of your shoes, hands stopping to massage your heels before your pants were off. Kento held your leg by your ankle, dropping a few kisses to your calf before setting it down and making space between your legs by pushing your thighs apart.
You lifted yourself on your elbows to peer down at him through heavy-lidded eyes.
"I thought I was the one showing my appreciation?"
"What if I want to show my appreciation as well?"
"You already," Kento kissed up the supple skin of your thighs making your voice tremble. "Hmm, you already did. It's my turn."
"Then let me have this. Worshipping you is the greatest pleasure you could bestow me, love."
"Kento! I-" He bit down on your inner thigh, so close to where you needed him the most, "Ah! Fuck! That's n-not fair."
He nuzzled at your pussy through the soaked lace of your flimsy panties, fingers wrapping around each of your legs to keep them open when the sudden touch had you trying to squeeze them together, "did you wear these for me?"
"Just for you, Kento. All for you," you sighed.
"Look at you. So pretty. So wet too," he murmured contently, his eyes locked on the wet patch on your underwear, his lips brushing against your sensitive skin with each word.
Your hand found its way into his hair, nails brushing his scalp when he finally dared to lick a stripe over the thong, a pointer finger sliding it to the side before doing it again.
Kento outwardly moaned when he tasted your slickness on his tongue, "you taste divine, my love. So much better than I imagined."
You wanted to tease him, question how many times he pictured that scenario, just how often he touched himself to the thought of you, but you could only cry out as he slid his tongue through your folds, the tip of his tongue flicking over your clit and your finger tangle in the strands of his hair.
You whimpered at the wet heat of his mouth on you. It felt like he was trying to devour you, pussy first. His tongue alternated between flicking over your clit playfully and running along your folds. It made you moan as you ground your hips upward. His tongue finally relented its attack on your clit., thrusting deeper into your heat. Nanami groaned, loving the feeling as you tugged on his hair to push his face deeper into your cunt. His cock twitched in his pants, precum probably staining through his briefs and pants.
"Fuck, Ken. Feels so good," you panted.
Nanami glanced up to meet your lidded eyes. The sight of your flushed cheeks had him moaning into your pussy, his hips thrusting helplessly in the air at the same time you jerked your hips. He stopped momentarily and snaked an arm up, pointer and middle fingers breaching through your parted lips and pressing down on your tongue, "wet them for me, love."
You clamped your lips around his fingers promptly, sucking in your cheeks as your tongue twirled around them until there was drool spilling from the corner of your mouth.
Kento pecked your lower lips without breaking the eye contact, "such a good girl."
His praise went straight to your cunt, creating even more slick. You could feel a puddle forming on the table underneath you with how wet you were.
His hand slid from your mouth, down your jaw and followed the curve of your neck only to pause briefly to grope your tit and give your nipple a firm tug before continuing on his trajectory down your body, the heel of his palm pressing firmly to your lower stomach just as his lips attached themselves to your cunt again. You kept making small sounds through it all, breath hitching with each of the breaks he took in the path.
Nanami used his wet fingers to rub small circles on your clit, eating you out like a man starved, craving to have your release on his tongue. You started babbling incoherently, throwing your head back and shutting your eyes when the feeling became too much.
For a second you thought you felt him spelling his name on your clit with his digits, but that could also have been something your fuzzy brain came up with.
"I'm s-so close! Ah!" You moan loudly, "gonna cum-"
And then the coil snap, black spots taking over your vision as pleasure explodes inside your veins, thighs shaking and squeezing his head, Kento only groans as he eagerly lapped up your slick. He worked you through your high until you were pushing his head away.
You're a panting mess, laying there on his dinner table as you try to recover and all Kento could think as he stood up was that you looked like a dream.
"Are you alright?" Kento rubbed the outside of your thighs up and down, still slotted in between them.
"Yup. Just- Help me up?"
"Of course!"
He quickly stepped back holding both of your hands firmly so you could anchor yourself as you sat up and then slid to the ground on unsteady legs. You took a deep breath and mumbled a hoarse "thank you". Once you were certain your legs wouldn't fail you, you squeezed his hands, signaling it would be fine to let you go.
Your eyes drifted to the wet patch and the very clear tent on his pants. You couldn't help but feel a new wave of desire watching over you. You licked your lips and stepped until you were flush against him, fisting the lapels of his shirt and pulling him down. You didn't care that he tasted like you or that his lips were still stained with your juices as you eagerly kissed him. Kento hummed into the kiss, arms circling your waist.
He let you take the reins, felt your clumsy fingers struggle to open each of the buttons of his shirt, and helped when you pushed the open garment down his shoulders and arms. Nanami only stopped you when you tried to unbuckle his belt, his large hands circling your wrists and pulling them up. You whined into the kiss, biting his lower lip and pulling away.
"Let me return the favor. Please."
"Fuck. Tasting you got on the very edge of the precipice I wouldn't last if you went down on me, beautiful."
"That's fine, I-"
"It's not fine," he cut you off, placing a tender kiss on the tip of your nose. "It's not fine because right now I need to fuck you. Will you let me?"
You shivered, lips parting in wonder. The tension on his shoulders and blown pupils did little to hide his hunger and you weren't faring much better, "yes, please."
You were embarrassed by the shriek you let out as he easily picked you up, wrapping your legs around his waist, and walked around as if you weighed less than a feather, "I promise I'll give you a tour of the apartment tomorrow morning," (which he does so after bringing you a lovely arranged tray with breakfast in bed and spoon feed you yogurt with chopped fruit before you finally have enough and push him down on the bed to suck him dry).
His strength became even more pronounced when he held you up with only one arm to open the door to his bedroom and before you knew it, he had you laid down and spread over the comforter on his mattress. You admired his shifting muscles as he toed off his shoes, unbuckled his belt, and removed his pants until he was standing before you in only his briefs. Nanami was truly a sight for sore eyes, with his mussed-up hair (probably your fault), heaving chest, and deep v-line that gave way and pointed down to a badly concealed dick. 'Happy trail' never felt like a more fitting moniker, the meticulously trimmed blonde hair a path to paradise.
"You're beautiful," you had been so engrossed in gawking at him that you failed to notice he had been doing the exact same to you, soft hazel eyes then meeting yours. You knew that small compliment had you blushing, you started to sit up, legs going to fall close, but Kento stopped the movement by kneeling between them, "don't. Let me see you."
"Fine. But you gotta let me see you too," you bargained with a tip of your chin to his cock. You knew for a fact he was positively packing since the shape of it was so clearly apparent too.
"That can be easily arranged."
You watched in bated breath as he slid his briefs down, revealing his thick, veiny… perfect cock. The tip is red and angry, precum dripping down its sides. You caught yourself wondering if he would even fit.
Kento kneeled back on the bed and jerked you forward on the bed so your head rested on a pillow and climbed after you. He reached above you for his wallet on the bedside table and picked through it until he found a condom and dropped both back on the bed, his attention shifting back to you.
"We don't have to use it. I'm on the pill. And I trust."
He wasn't sure if his cock twitched over the prospect of feeling you whole, with no barriers or if it was your trust that turned him on so much.
"My last annual check-up came up clean, but I will do nothing you don't want to, love."
"I want to feel you, Kento. Every inch of you," you were trying to go for seducing, but you were pretty sure you just sounded desperate.
He pressed a finger to your entrance, thumb catching your clit in mean circles to test the waters, and then a second finger, thrusting them lightly. It's when he starts scissoring them to prepare you for what was to come that you let yourself melt.
"Ken, I'm ready, please," you cried wantonly, fingers digging into the comforter as your entire body quivered.
"Are you, love?"
"Hmhmm. So ready." You nodded maniacally, desperate for more. Famished for him.
He slotted his thighs to yours, opening you up for him, and coated himself in your slick as he rubbed his cockhead head up and down your folds, his lips falling apart, gaze locked on the tantalizing motion. When it caught on your entrance you whined, arms reaching to pull him in closer and ankles locking behind his back, miserably trying to pull him in. Kento smirked and finally pushed the first inch inside. Your mouth fell open and your head lolled back at the stretch, nails digging into his back.
He hissed, shifting to his forearms and he ducked his head down to kiss you, pushing further in, feeling your tightness envelop him until he's bottomed out. You gasped into the kiss. It felt like he was so far inside of you he reached your guts.
It was perfection. Pure, unadulterated perfection. Kento was certain he had just made it into heaven.
"Fuuuuuck," you whined pathetically, "you fill me up so good."
He held to your waist as if he was scared you were only a figment of his imagination as he gradually started to move his hips.
You were putty under his ministrations, holding on for dear life and he fucked you nice and slow.
"Kento," you panted, tilting your head back as he kissed down your throat. He ground deep into your cunt, grunting as you tightened around him.
"You're doing so good for me, my love."
The room was hot and sticky, your bodies moving in tandem. Your little sobs with each new thrust like music to his ears. More than heaven, Kento felt home and, given the chance, he would spend the rest of his life worshipping you. He was so fucking close, but he needed you to cum alongside him.
You cried when he adjusted the angle, "fuck, keep going. Right there!" You supplicated.
Nanami complied, hitting that same spot with hard thrusts and a precision that upheld his title as the 7:3 sorcerer. His hand found your clit again and your breath hitched. He sped up then, hitting your sweet spot again and again and again until you're nothing but a drooly mess.
"It's like you were made for me," he whispered reverently and the praise was all you needed as his next thrust shoved you over the edge. You clamped down around his cock crying out.
When you came, Kento groaned into your skin, working you through it until he felt you go lax. He slid He slides his hands under your ass, lifting you as he shuffled onto his haunches, and he sunk impossibly deeper into your pussy.
"Ah. you're so fucking deep," you panted, completely at his mercy as he began to rock you on top of his cock.
"You're talking me so well,” He promised, watching his cock disappear inside your dripping cunt, lost in the pleasure of being inside of you.
His eyes flickered to yours, an angel spread on his bed for him and moaned. Not even his sweetest dreams could've conjured such image… such feeling.
Kento clenched his jaw and tightened his grip, bouncing you on his dick with such force you could do nothing but holding on for the ride. He groaned, pistoling his hips up, barely holding onto his own release.
"Think you can come again for me?"
You nodded feverishily.
"Then rub at your sweet little nub for me," he commanded in between grunts and shaky breaths. You did as you were told, rubbing at your clit using your mixed juices until you see stars.
Nanami thrusted a few more times before he couldn't take it anymore. He pulled you down hard, hitting your cervix and that was enough for you to come, mouth agape in a silent cry as your head fell back, body convulsing and walls fluttering around his cock. With a low groan of your name echoing in the room, Kento felt his cock pulsing, painting your walls with his hot cum. He rocked into you a few more time until you stopped shaking and let the both of you fall back to the bed, mindful not to crush you under his weight.
You sighed, caressing his back as he leaned forward to rest his forehead on your heaving chest, both of you basking in the luxurious bliss of an orgasm.
You didn't know it then, but at that moment Kento decided you would be the woman he would marry, no matter how long it took for you to see it as well.
CALL IT FATE - PROLOGUE: KNOCKIN' ON HEAVEN'S DOOR
summary: your roommate left and the bills were staring to pill up when three knocks to your door bring you Ino Takuma: say hello to your new roommate. The easygoing boy quickly worms his way into your life and heart.
pairing: Ino Takuma x reader
word count: 1.3k
contents: college AU, short series, afab!reader, fluff, some crack, cursing, miscommunication (you think Ino is gay), strangers to friends to lovers (and they were roommates!), smut to come in future chapters (MDNI)!
prologue || chapter one
"What do you mean you're moving?!" you bellow, throwing your hands up in disgruntlement as you walk back and forth through your living room.
"I know it's sudden, but-" your roommate tries to chime in from her spot on the couch, shoulders hunched as if trying to make herself look smaller and hands splayed together on top of her thighs.
"Sudden is right. I'm not saying I'm not happy for you, but you could at least have let me know in advance, you know? I mean, a little room to breathe would've been nice." you keep on rambling.
"I'm so sorry! It's just... we've been dating for a few years now and when she asked me to move in with her I just- what was I supposed to do?"
"Say yes?" at that you finally stop, one hand running over your face, "and then ask for a little time so your roommate doesn't get swarmed in debt."
Utahime has the chagrin to stay quiet while you let your frustration out. Glancing at her from between your splayed fingers, your own shoulders fall, defeated. You walk to the couch and let yourself fall down beside her with a deep sigh, head lazily lolling back against the worn-out cotton.
"I can't afford this place on my own and we're in the middle of the semester, how am I supposed to find anyone?"
"I'm sorry." she tries one more time, softly.
You turn your head to face your ex-roommate and reach for her hand, a small if not bittersweet smile on your lips.
"I really am happy for you, Hime."
"I know."
"Ugh! The commute back and forth to campus has been taking me ages. I haven't had the time to skate in... forever!" Ino Takuma whined to his aloof blond friend, head falling down against the table wooden top with a smack.
Nanami scowled in disgust, who knows how many people have done god knows what against that same table top but showed no other reaction to Ino's dramatic display. He kept on politely munching on the surprisingly good sandwich he had just bought at the campus cafeteria.
The unlikely duo had come to be when Ino had been a freshman at Jujutsu Tech and desperately needed help in one of the general courses. With the pending prospect of failing his class, he finally sought out tutoring. Cue in Nanami Kento, a junior with one of the highest GPAs in the school who offered tutoring lessons for extra credit.
Takuma had instantly latched onto Kento, his admiration and high regard evident through his constant praise of the slightly older man. And Nanami try as he might couldn't help but cave in under Ino's unrelenting enthusiasm because, as cold as he may seen, he has a soft heart underneath.
"You think maybe I could get a spot in one of the units closer to the campus?" his voice comes out muffled.
"We're in the middle of the semester, Ino. I doubt there's anyone interested in-" Nanami cuts himself off when an abrupt memory flashes in his head.
"You're right." Takuma lifts his head up and sighs, taking a large bite of his own sandwich and chewing thoughtfully.
"No, no. I just remembered something. Believe it or not a friend recently had her girlfriend move in with her. Her roommate could be looking for a new tenant." Nanami puts his sandwich down and reach for a napkin, meticulously cleaning his fingers before picking up his cellphone and scrolling through it.
"You're joking?" The brunet visibly perks up, his entire demeanor shifting, eyes wide and lips splitting into a wide grin.
"Not at all." Nanami replies mindlessly as he starts typing on his phone.
Meanwhile, Ino's eyes grow distant as his head spirals into different thoughts and plans, "that's like... it's gotta be destiny or something like that, right?!"
Just then Nanami's phone chimes with three consecutive pings.
"Yes. Very fortuitous indeed. They are in fact looking for a roommate. Here, I'll send you the address."
After your roommate left for good, everything seemed to be going downhill.
Five out of the six jobs you applied to had reached back out only to let you down, you missed the deadline to an important project in one of your classes, you accidentally washed a red pair of panties along with the white clothing ending up with a bunch of pink pieces instead and, to make matters worse, the heater broke down just as the temperature started dropping.
You were in the middle of a break down when there were three knock to the door.
Your spine went rigid, cold sweat running down your back, immediately assuming the worse. Murphy's Law has been theorized for a reason after all.
"Well, better nip it in the bud." you mumbled before lifting yourself up from your laid out position on the floor with a grunt and some joints popping.
As you open the door you're surprised to find a boy you're pretty sure you've seen in passing across the campus standing with his hands in his pockets. He is handsome in a boyish way and you can't help but appreciating his big dark eyes and disheveled brown hair.
"Can I help you?" you ask after a few seconds of awkward silence as he stares at you with wide eyes.
"Uhm... yes! Yes. I, well, you see, I was complaining about the loooooong time it takes to and fro from my apartment to campus and how I no longer have time to do anything, it's really annoying because I like to skate and chill with my friends sometimes, you know? And then Nanami, who's whip-smart, reminded me we're in the middle of the semester so chances were I would be stuck there at least until it ended. But suddenly he remembered a friend of his had just had her girlfriend move in with her so now her girlfriend's roommate could be seeking another roommate! So he reached out and turns out, she is! I mean, was. If she takes me, that is. No! Wait, I mean, if you take me."
You blink owlishly as your brain struggles to comprehend the influx of words being thrown at you at breakneck speed, "what?"
"Damn," he sighs and looks down, wincing at his own frenzy, "I'm sorry, I got ahead of myself. Let me start over," the boy fixes his posture and tries again, "hi, I'm Ino Takuma. I heard you were looking for a roommate and I wanted to apply for the position!" He punctuates his sentence with a charming smile that had no business being as cute as it is.
You introduce yourself with a chuckle.
"I am looking for a roommate. You said Nanami sent you? The blond guy with the glasses and a penchant for weird patterns?"
"Yes! That's definitely him."
"We may not be close, but I know for sure that's the most trustworthy guy on campus."
"He really is. Nanami is like the most amazing guy I ever met. He's so smart and cool. And handsome too!" Ino says dreamily, a bit too dreamily for it to pass as only admiration and you feel yourself growing a bit less tense, letting go of the door you were halfway hiding behind.
Sharing your housing with a man would be a risky venture at the very least but if said man played for the same team? maybe that could work.
"I'm not gonna lie, you've come at the right time." You admit, glancing at him from below your lashes. He seems to falter for a second, but recover just as quick.
"See! It's like fate!" his overexcited reaction has your smile growing, Ino has this endearing quality to him that immediately lowers your defenses.
"Fate." You nod your head, lost in your own head.
"So?"
"Oh, yeah! Right! Come on in. Let's chat about this."
next
taglist: @lavenderdaydream97 @ilovemyhusbandnanami @iluvmusicxoxo @tunnelvisionlove @sweetwonieee - I went ahead and tagged those who showed interest in the drabble that lead to this series as well as those who asked for it, hope you don't mind (and if you do just let me know and I'll take you out) <3
summary: You've always prided yourself on your grades but when Suguru enters the scene, competing for the top spot in your major becomes more than just a matter of honor. What happens when you're forced to work together on a long project (and so what if he happens to be just your type)?
pairing: Geto Suguru x reader
word count: 2.7k
content: college AU; academic rivals to lovers; short series; mutual hatred attraction; afab!reader; angst/comfort; reader is described as being shorter than Suguru (but then again, the man is about 6'3' so who isn't?); smut (in future chapters - MDNI)
♪playlist♪
+more Jujutsu Tech College AU
previous chapter
"At long last, some progress!" Satoru threw himself on his best friend's bed carelessly, "with the way they absolutely despise you though I gotta say, even I couldn't see that coming. What did you do to actually get them to agree with that? Blackmailing? Threatening?" he shot up from his laid position with a dramatic gasp, "did you finally confess your undying devotion?"
Geto tsked at his theatrical behavior, eyes never straying from the pages of the book set on the desk in front of him. He was more than used to Gojo's antics to the point where it didn't even bother him anymore.
"Yaga got tired of the back and forth and decided to punish us with a group project, see if we learn to work together or something." He decided to explain only to avoid listening to Satoru's endless musing.
"Ah. That does make a bit more sense. Not nearly as exciting as I thought it would be…" Satoru sighed, "how boring."
Suguru wheeled around his swivel chair and faced Satoru with an appeasing smile, but his eyes betrayed his annoyance. "Don't you have a test to study for, Satoru?"
"Why? I'm gonna ace it anyway," he pushed himself up and away from the bed, casually walking towards his friend.
"Of course you will." Suguru ignored his approach, choosing instead to turn back to his desk.
"No need to be sardonic, Suguru. I'm sure you'll do just as well. We are the best, after all," he paused minutely, a large beam forming on his face, "though I'm slightly better."
Satoru leaned over his shoulder, reaching one arm around to close the book with a loud thud and picking up the phone his friend had discarded to the side before he started his studies and unlocking it with a naturalness that suggested he did it often. Suguru tried to protest, once more twirling the chair around to follow Satoru's movement with his eyes, hands clenching around the chair's arms.
"What are you-"
"Now, when are you gonna text her?" He interrupted Suguru, scrolling through the cell, "where even is her contact?" Satoru wondered in a whisper before giving up and pushing the device against Suguru's chest, "just do it already!"
"Satoru…" he groaned, grasping the cell in fear it fell as Satoru dropped his hold on it and walked backward.
"Chop, chop," the white-haired jokester clapped his hands. "You're stalling, pretty boy!"
"Sometimes I wonder why I even bother with you anymore."
"Because I'm the most incredible person you've ever met and you love me?"
"Keep telling yourself that." He retorted half-heartedly, but Satoru was already back at the bed, his Switch held above his head as he queued up Digimon World.
Suguru's attention was lured back to the device on his hand then. He drew in a breath in foreboding, staring at the list open on his phone, your contact glaring back at him as he remembered the contempt with which you treated him, the adorable way you frowned in anger at each of his jabs...
"Fuck it," he murmured to himself before opening up a new conversation:
Hey. It's Suguru. I was wondering when we could meet.
He looked at the words after sending the first text and winced at it, immediately following up with two more messages:
To talk about the project.
How's your Sunday looking?
Suguru stared impatiently at the screen for a whole minute before deciding he was being a creep and turning it off. He had barely looked up at Satoru and opened his lips to say something when there was a loud ping. The black-haired man scrambled to turn it back on, the notification of a new text received making his head spin and heart accelerate in his chest, it felt like the organ was being squeezed by his ribcage.
I can't on Sundays.
Oh.
Wednesday night had you lying on your bed as you read over Professor Yaga's email with an in-depth briefing on the project appointed to you and Suguru on your phone when a notification from one 'arrogant prick n2' popped up on the top of the screen.
At the shock of receiving a text exactly when your mind had been on said arrogant prick, you lost the hold you had on the device and let out a pained groan when it hit your chest. The throb on your chest from the blow had you spitting colorful curses aimed at Suguru until you managed to sit up and open the message. No, messages.
You opened up the keyboard, letting your fingers hover over the letters until you figured out an appropriate reply. You settled on a plain and straightforward sentence.
I'm sure you have a VERY important engagement on a Sunday.
You audibly gasped as you read his immediate response.
what is that supposed to mean?
I thought you were literate... or do you simply lack reading comprehension?
Just when you thought he couldn't possibly make you angrier, Suguru goes and throws yet another impossibly irritating dig to your intellect. You decided to cut off the conversation before it escalated for once, if at least to keep up your peace of mind:
good to know you're just as insufferable through text.
don't bother me unless you have something significant to say.
wait!
You were just about to put your cell down and move on to something productive when the text hit and curiosity kept your attention locked on the three little dots moving as he wrote a follow-up. Chances were it would be another taunt.
I'm actually busy this Saturday with a policy advocacy rally, would you like to come?
it could be useful to our project.
You hated when Suguru poked fun at you but, for some reason, you despised when he raised reasonable ideas. It probably had something to do with the fact that the mere idea of being compliant with him made you sick. How someone could elicit such strong feelings from you was a question you would rather leave unanswered for now.
fine.
text me the details.
no need. I'll pick you up at 7 am. Send me your address.
"This better be worth it if this lunatic is making me wake at ass dawn on a Saturday," you mumble to yourself, glaring at the text as if he would be able to feel your discontentment before giving up and sending him the address.
And to think you had found him charming upon first meeting… Only for Suguru to toss your first impression under the bus at the earliest opportunity. You were both still freshmen back then and you were feeling so proud to be able to answer the professor's inquiry with ease when his sweet voice chimed in from the back row of the auditorium, his white-haired counterpart snickering beside him,
"Actually," and it all went downhill.
Teeth grinding together, skin warm and heart thrumming loudly in your ears, the mere recollection was enough to bring your anger up tenfold. It's always been like this: Suguru has a way of getting under your skin with minimum effort that no one else has.
It was a small miracle that it hadn't been snowing that Saturday morning yet the frigid air was anything but forgiving. You mentally cursed Suguru with every single swearword you could think of as you stood by the entrance of your building at 7 am sharp bundled up in a large wool coat and scarf that did nothing to stop the cutting wind from hitting your face or the frostbite to your toes inside the not-so-warm shoes you wore.
You were strongly considering turning on your heel and getting back inside to your awaiting bed when you spotted the approaching car. Suguru parked right in front of the building's steps without turning off the engine and you watched as he leaned across the center console to open the passenger door for you.
"Get in." He ordered before you had time to utter your measly 'good morning'.
You huffed in annoyance, the puff of air leaving your parted lips serving as a reminder of the unrelenting cold and pushing you into action. You could had been petty and ignored his command since you had no obligation to Suguru and his rally, but you also just wanted to get this all done with as soon as possible.
You got in, closed the door behind you and, at Suguru's sharp gaze, put on the seatbelt. You hadn't even settled properly when he reached over you to adjust the grid vent of the air conditioning so the warm air would be aimed at you, one thick strand of hair escaping from his neat bun and falling in front of his eyes. The sudden proximity sent your heart into overdrive and your head spinning as you inhaled his intoxicating woody scent. You sunk back against the cushion of the recliner to avoid the slight brush of his arm to your chest but still, you felt the warmth irradiating from beneath the fabric of his white shirt.
You kept your back flushed to the seat even after Suguru pulled away and started the drive, hands clutching tight onto the seatbelt strip until you eventually regained your composure, the pleasant temperature inside the vehicle aiding in soothing you.
"Wish-"
"I'm s-"
'Wishing someone a good morning never killed anyone' is what you wanted to say yet you lost your nerve when he started at the same time as you. There was a terse silence as the both of you waited for the other to continue but none did. Finally, Suguru seemed to have enough as he picked up a neat stack of papers he had kept on the dashboard and offered it to you.
"Here," was all he said to present it.
"What's this?" You asked as you hesitantly accepted the papers, eyes curiously peeking at the writing at the top of the first page. You gasped once you managed to get a read on it, "I don’t need a…" you flicked through the pages, finding them to be numbered, and turned your incredulous gaze back to an unbothered Suguru, "20-page lit review, Geto. This project is about getting into the field and talking to people.”
"Tch. So we make uninformed decisions? I'm not surprised though. Being reckless does seem to match your usual approach."
"I am under no obligation to follow you into the stupid rally. I don't care about the dumb politics side of it when there's an obvious course of action to be taken. I'm here because I thought I'd give you the benefit of the doubt," you didn't miss the way his jaw clenched at your words, your gaze settled firmly on his side profile as you spoke. "I should've guessed you would be just as much of a dickhead as usual though."
His fingers tightened on the steering wheel to the point his knuckles turned white but Suguru remained otherwise silent. You took that as some form of reluctant acceptance on his part or at least an attempt to maintain some semblance of peace considering the two of you were stuck inside a car for an undetermined amount of time.
The rest of the trip was spent in agonizing stillness neither of you dared to break.
After nearly one hour, Suguru drove into the garage of a business center building, easily parking his nondescript black car in a tight, vacant spot. Once the engine was off, there was a moment where you just sat there, his hands still on the wheel and eyes steered forward. Suguru sighed before finally turning to you, his gaze softening minutely.
"Listen, for what's worth, I'm glad you've decided to come."
You didn't know what to make of his words. You almost let yourself believe he was being heartfelt until you remembered you weren't used to hearing anything other than patronizing comments or thinly veiled insults coming from him. You narrowed your gaze and gave him a faux saccharine smile.
"Of course. I know you want to get this project over and done with as much as me, Geto."
"…Right," he nodded slowly. "Anyway, we're here," Suguru opened his own door and stepped out of the car, briefly slanting his head to meet your gaze. "Let's move before you make me late," he smirked at your perplexed face and pushed the door close before you could formulate an answer.
"It's not like I'm holding you hostage," you scrambled out of the car and after him, voice a few octaves higher than usual as you closed the passenger door with more force than necessary. "You could've left the car at any point!"
Suguru chuckled lightly as he opened the back door to pick up a black topcoat you hadn't seen thrown over the back seats, "yes, but where would the fun be in that?"
"You just love annoying me, don't you?" You crossed your arms, eyes following his movements as he put on the coat, covering his sinfully thin waist and broad shoulders previously displayed in his perfectly fitted white shirt and high-waisted trousers. How could someone so irritating always look so dapper?!
"And if I do?"
"I-" you gaped, your brain abruptly malfunctioning as you struggled to come up with a comeback.
"Suguru!"
You were saved from the spotlight by a pretty woman waving from the door that led to the inside of the building. Suguru smiled and waved back, motioning for you to follow him.
"Took you long enough," she sidestepped so you could join her inside the lobby.
Suguru hummed, placing a placating hand on her shoulder, a kind smile etched on his face.
"You know it's not like me to not follow through when I commit to something, Manami."
"Well, tell that to Miguel."
The three of you stopped in front of an elevator and you waited awkwardly until Suguru seemed to remember you were also there.
"Oh, yeah. Manami, this is a… colleague from Jujutsu Tech. Don't mind her, she's just here to watch."
You scoffed but decided it best to ignore his lack of manners upon introducing you opting instead to offer your hand to the pretty woman "Nice to meet you, Manami."
She glanced from Suguru to you and took your hand in a firm handshake, her smile seeming to grow predatory, "Trust me, the pleasure is all mine."
During the ride on the elevator to the floor of the conference room where the meeting was being held, you tuned off their conversation, self-deprecating thoughts making you feel small as you compared your own casual clothing to Manami's tight-fitted, long black dress, dark high heels, and fur-collared white jacket. She looked effortlessly chic with her long dusty pink hair styled in subtle waves while you looked like a plain college student... which you were, and normally, you would see nothing wrong with that, except that something in that specific situation was getting to you. You sighed dejectedly.
You were pulled from your head when the elevator signaled you had arrived at your destination, and Suguru guided you out with a hand to your middle back. The warmth easily trespassed the layers of clothing and brought a flush to your cheeks.
"I have to get to the stage, but Manami will guide you to a seat, alright?" He leaned closer to whisper, warm breath fanning against your ear.
You only nodded, afraid your voice would've failed you.
"Great. Don't have too much fun."
At that, you couldn't help but laugh, covering it up with a cough, but Suguru noticed if his pleased expression was anything to take by, "Don't give yourself too much credit, Geto."
"Don't blame me for wanting to impress you."
"Impress me?"
He shrugged, still smiling as he walked backward and away from you, playful gaze glued to you until you couldn't take it anymore and faced a smug-looking Manami instead.
Suddenly, you wished you had gone back to your bed when you had had the chance.
CALL IT FATE - ONE: FINGERS DANCING WHEN THEY MEET
summary: your roommate left and the bills were staring to pill up when three knocks to your door bring you Ino Takuma: say hello to your new roommate. The easygoing boy quickly worms his way into your life and heart.
pairing: Ino Takuma x reader
word count: 2.5k
content: college AU, short series, afab!reader, fluff, some crack, cursing, miscommunication (you think Ino is gay), strangers to friends to lovers (and they were roommates!), smut to come in future chapters (MDNI)!
prologue || one || two || three
♪playlist♪
The talk with Ino Takuma went even better than expected: he was eager to share more of himself with you and easily acquiesced with your terms, sitting straight up and nodding dutifully with each ground rule you spewed out, his eyes never once straying from you. It was flustering to have his undivided attention like that and your cheeks felt warm throughout the entire affair.
Eventually, you settled on an agreement. Which you were more than happy with since beggars can't be choosers. You had just realized you were about to run out of options when he came knocking, so when Ino mentioned fate it had seemed very fitting to your current situation.
"So… when can I move in?" you wouldn't' be surprised if he was literally shaking in anticipation as he questioned you.
"Well, the room is already vacant, so…" you shrugged, motioning towards the room you had shown him not even fifteen minutes before.
"Great!" Ino scratched his chin in thought, mumbling about his schedule under his breath until he seemed to reach a conclusion, "we're already at the end of the month so I can break my lease with no issues… I guess this weekend could work."
"Alright. Give me your phone and I'll save my number in it." you extended your hand toward him in wait for the device, but he merely stared at you.
"You're… giving me your number?" Ino questioned in utter confusion. He seemed so dumbfounded you had to suppress a smile.
"Uhm, yes? We gotta communicate somehow, right?"
"Oh," snapping back to attention, he quickly pulled his cell out of his pocket and handed it to you after unblocking it, "Yeah! Right."
"I'll get off your case now," Ino said as he stood up. You followed suit under the guise of being polite. "See you Saturday?" there was this earnest hopefulness to the way he verbalized the question and your smile grew soft.
"Sure," you shrugged, eyes glancing elsewhere for a second but not long enough that you missed the way his eyes lit up at your assenting, "see you Saturday, Ino."
"You can call me Takuma, you know. We'll be living under the same roof, no need for all that mumbo jumbo." he mentioned casually as you guided him to the door.
"It's only fair you call me by my first name too, then."
His soft murmur of your name with something akin to devotion had you blushing furiously, a common occurrence around the skater boy it seemed.
"Bye, Takuma." You waved before closing the door as soon as he passed the threshold if only so you could breath properly again.
"You don't understand! It wasn't just fate. I think she's my soulmate!" Ino recounted animatedly and it was easy to see that, had his hands not been busy with three precariously stacked cardboxes, they would have been moving along with the words spoken.
"There's no such thing as soulmates, Takuma." His blond friend retorted patiently, his own arms pilled with boxes as they ascended the stairs to the third floor. "It was probably simply a strong attraction. It's all a chemical reaction."
Ino glanced from his peripheral to his friend. It was easy to forget how pragmatical Nanami tended to be, but he knew it was mostly a front behind which the blond student hid. "Way to kill the mood. Where is your whimsy, Nanami?"
"About a few thousand kilometers away in my hometown, where I left it along with my childhood."
"We'll see if you still think that when you fall in love," Ino huffed petulantly.
"You're not in love, Ino, "he sighed, "you barely know the girl."
"Okay. Maybe I'm not in love in love. But I could see it happening, man. I was so excited about finding the apartment but then she opened the door and... boom," he stopped on his track to convey the appropriate level of dramatics to his narration and then sighed dreamily. "it was like a scene straight from a movie!"
Meanwhile, Nanami kissed his teeth and shook his head, but the slight upturn to the left corner of his lips let Ino know he found the whole thing amusing.
"Ino! Hey! I was wondering when you were coming in. Need help with those boxes?" Your voice made both men look up as soon as they reached the floor. It seemed they caught you just as you were about to leave, but you only opened the door wider for them.
You reached up to pick the box at the top of the pile from Ino, but he maneuvered them to the side so you couldn't. He tsked playfully and kept on walking right by you, his blond friend following close behind.
"Nah-ah-ah. Leave the heavy lifting to the strong men! And it's Takuma for you."
"Alright. Takuma." Your eyes then moved to the second man, head pending slightly to the side, "and you must be Nanami?" you wondered as you tailgated them, hands clasped behind your back.
Ino practically threw the boxes down once he reached what would be his new room and watched with his hands on his waist as Nanami carefully set his set of boxes down right beside the others before turning to regard you with a polite smile.
"Kento is fine. It's very nice to meet you. I believe we share a class. Thursday morning?"
"That's right. It's impressive that you've noticed. I usually keep to myself."
"As opposed to me?"
"Yes? You sit right in front and you answer most questions from the professor before anyone else even has the time to assemble a response."
"I'm right here." Ino suddenly cut you both off and you nearly jumped in surprise. You raised your eyes to his face only to find his expression one of discontentment, brows furrowed and lips pursued.
Nanami chuckled, immediately clocking onto his friend's motive. "Sorry. Could I have a glass of water?"
"Yeah, of course. I'll be right back!" You promptly moved to gather him a glass of water.
Ino watched and waited until he was sure you were out of ear shot before whisper-shouting:
"No dice. I saw her first."
"I'm not gonna attempt anything, Ino," Nanami kept his tone even and volume regular in contrast. "You know me better than that."
"I know, but-"
You strolled into the room without much thought, catching the ending of their conversation, "…you're always so charming and polite."
You cleared your throat afraid you had just interrupted a moment and nearly threw the glass in Nanami's willing hands, "here you go."
"Thank you."
You nodded, swaying back and forth in an attempt of grounding yourself because the awkward silence was making you nervous. Thankfully, Ino decided to break it.
"We still have a few boxes left," he motioned to the door with his thumb.
"You sure you don't need my help?"
"Nope. We can handle it. I think one more trip and we're done actually. Right, Nanami?"
"Three at minimum I'd say."
Takuma tried to elbow his side but he simply sidestepped the hit as he moved to the exit without further ado leaving the both of you behind.
"You're gonna stay at home tonight?"
"Yeah, this moving thing really tires me out."
You hummed thoughtfully, "I was thinking of ordering pizza for dinner tonight, would you like to share?"
"I'd love that!"
"Any specific toppings?"
"I'm fine with whatever as long as there are no olives."
"Got it. What about Kento. He staying?"
"No!" Takuma cried out and then winced, trying to measure out his tone for the next words, "no. I'm pretty sure Kento mentioned he needs to study today."
"On a Saturday night?" You lifted one brow in question.
"That's Nanami for you. Very… committed."
You frowned. That sounded a bit of an overkill if you were being honest, but who were you to judge.
"I'll, uhm, I'll go pick up the rest of the stuff."
You decided to ignore his strange behavior and opted to let him know you'd leave the door open instead. Takuma nodded silently in response.
...
"Stop being a weirdo!" Ino murmured to himself as he darted down the stairs.
Ino wasn't a loud or rowdy roommate and kept his mess within the confines of his own room. He made an effort to spend some time around you whenever you were hanging out in the living room or kitchen, watching your favorite shows or even helping you bake some recipe you found on your phone. Minus the very few occasional pieces of clothing you've found strewn about (which Ino always picked up as soon as you pointed out) and dirty dishes left on the sink (it could have been worse - he could've been just letting them wherever), things were smooth sailing all throughout your first month of living together. You really couldn't complain.
It had been over a month since he moved in. The day had been going perfectly: no strewn clothing, no dirty dishes, just immaculate and profound peace. That is, until Ino decided to trot around the apartment with that stupid black beanie of his crooked at an angle over his brow. The beanie was a staple in his wardrobe, usually paired up with a black sweatpants, black sweatshirt duo. You tried to ignore it and keep on reading the material assigned by your professor last week, but the nagging thought seemed to be stuck to the front of your mind until you couldn't help but blurting out:
"Your beanie is crooked."
"What?" Ino paused on his way back to his room, a mug in one hand, a banana on the other and an adorably confused expression on his face.
"Your- nevermind." You dropped your textbook aside, stood up and walked right up to him, "just let me…" you turned his shoulders so he was standing straight in front you before pulling the edge of his beanie this way and that until it seemed to be sitting straight across his brow. "There!"
There was a pregnant pause in which it downed on you what you had done. You stepped back with a gasp, hands flying to your mouth, meanwhile Takuma simply gawked at you.
"Oh my god, I'm so so sorry. I shouldn't have just manhandled you like that!"
Slowly, a bright beam formed on Takuma's face and he dismissed your worry with a casual wave of his arm, coffee sludging dangerously close to spilling against the edge of the mug.
"No, no! It's fine. It's completely fine. You can touch me anytime!"
Another pause.
"Wait. Fuck! That came out wrong," Ino hissed. He appraised you with an apologetic glance, "I meant it's totally okay that you 'womanhandled' me."
"Dumbass." you murmured fondly when he wiggled his brows at the invented word before you parted ways.
You were arriving back at the apartment, one arm straining to carry the groceries and your phone between your shoulder and ear as you unlocked the door.
"You gotta come! You're my best friend and she's been my girlfriend for two years yet you've barely spoken to each other! I want the two of you to get along!"
"Hime, baby, we do get along. I think Shoko is pretty cool. If we haven't mingled much it's because of our conflicting schedules. You know that."
Ino instantly stood up and rushed to aid when he saw you struggle with the key stuck on the lock and nearly dropping the bags.
"See? Another reason for you to come. Both of your schedules align!"
Takuma took the bags from you and kicked the door closed. You mouthed a small thank you before driving your focus back onto your conversation over the phone.
"Nope. I'm pretty sure my schedule says shower and laying on my couch."
"I'm not gonna let you rot on your couch on a Friday night!"
"But I wanted to finish watching that one show and-" you tried to plead your case, but...
"Pretty please?" her little whine was all it took for your resolve to crumble.
"Ugh. Fine!"
"Yes! Be there at 8!"
"Hime-" there was a click and the line went dead. "Did this bitch just hung up on me?" You looked to your phone in anger as if it would convey the feeling to the other side of the line.
"So… You got plans?"
You glanced up at Ino's inquiry taking notice of the way he was sprawled on the couch after dropping off your shopping bags in the kitchen. "Feet. Off the couch."
He promptly sat up, dropping his legs to the ground, an embarrassed smile aimed at you.
"Yes, actually. I was forced into an outing to celebrate Iori and Shoko moving together. Which is funny because it's been like two months." You spoke while walking to the kitchen. Soon Ino joined you in putting the groceries away.
"They were probably just waiting for things to slow down."
"I know, but still… feels kinda meaningless."
Ino hummed in agreement as you handed him the things that went in the upper cabinets and he stashed them away.
"We never celebrated our own moving in together." He mused without interrupting the mechanical task.
You waited until he closed the cabinet and turned back to you. He rested his back and hands against the counter regarding you lazily.
"We could." you threw out casually.
"Could what?" his eyes followed as you crowded in on him, spreading his legs so you could fit in between them as you adjusted his beanie with a gesture so familiar it came nearly unconsciously to you.
"Celebrate it, "you went to step away, but Ino took a hold of your waist, keeping you right where you were. "You could come with me and then it would be a double celebration." You nearly swooned at the way Ino looked into your eyes, as if searching for something. "Nanami will probably be there," you babbled nervously.
"Really?"
You visibly deflated at the hopeful tone of his voice. Silly you, catching feelings for a guy who clearly has a crush on someone else.
"He's good friends with Shoko, isn't he?" you shrugged
"I meant, you think me moving here is worth of a celebration?" Ino caught both of your hands in his and gave you one of his puppy dog-eyed looks, which instantly melted any hesitation you might have been feeling.
"Of course I do! I couldn't have wished for a better roommate, Takuma." You admitted quietly.
Takuma laughed freely before dropping your hands and abruptly gathering you into a tight embrace going as far as pulling you off the ground. You laughed along with him as he twirled you around.
Ino put you back on your feet cautiously, like he would handling something precious, never letting go of your waist.
"I'm pretty sure it was fate or something like that that brought us together because you are the best roommate ever and I'm the luckiest guy in the world to have you," you felt your heart pounding in your chest, "as my roommate."
You swallowed hard, briefly patting his chest and weakly pushing him away. "Alright. Go back to... whatever it is you were doing. Hime told me to be there at 8."
It would do you no good to develop a crush on your roommate... you had to get yourself together.
synopsis: you attend the prestigious college of Jujutsu Tech, a university known for its superb academic program, athletic prowess and grandiose buildings. Along the ride a few interesting members of the student body capture your interest.
summary: You've always prided yourself on your grades but when Suguru enters the scene, competing for the top spot in your major becomes more than just a matter of honor. What happens when you're forced to work together on a long project (and so what if he happens to be just your type)?
pairing: Geto Suguru x reader
word count: 2k
content: college AU; academic rivals to lovers; short series; mutual hatred attraction; afab!reader; angst/comfort; reader is described as being shorter than Suguru (but then again, the man is about 6'3' so who isn't?); smut (in future chapters - MDNI)
♪playlist♪
+more Jujutsu Tech College AU
Suguru Geto was the very apex of campus.
Not only was he a big name in the basketball courts, but Geto was also the most skillful martial artist and exceeded in every single class he took, being among the top students in the academy. He was cocky but never unkind. In fact, Geto's amiability was a matter of admiration throughout the grounds. As if that hadn't been enough, he was beautiful. With his tall frame, broad shoulders, silky black hair, perfect complexion, kind caramel eyes, nihilistic smile… He was also the utter and absolute bane of your existence.
It seemed to give him the utmost joy to counter every single point you brought up in the classes you shared or to find and point out inconsistencies in your arguments. In other words: he lived to antagonize you.
You didn't even care about being valedictorian; it was nothing but a title - who were you kidding? Gojo would be getting that anyway, the boy simply didn't know how to lose. Not even Geto could surpass his GPA and ranking position combined - but you did pride yourself on your grades and learning. It's why you even attended college to begin with: it's the goal, isn't it?
The problem began when Suguru decided to make it his business always to show you up. If you were happy about your 98% on a test, he just had to point out his 99. If you accurately responded to a question made by the professor, he felt obligated to mention details you had "seemingly forgotten".
It was frankly maddening.
"Sometimes the best solutions come from intuition and an understanding of the specific circumstances of the case - it requires flexibility." you spoke when asked about evidence-based practices in class. Mr. Yaga nodded complacently and took a breath as if preparing to launch into another rhetoric when there was a loud sneer.
You knew that sound well enough it immediately caused your spine to stiffen. You didn't even have to turn on your seat to find its source.
"Anything you'd like to share, Mr. Geto?" the professor promptly asked, arms crossing in front of his chest as one of his dark eyebrows shot up above the black sunglasses that were usually covering his stern eyes.
Of course he had. Geto always had. You rolled your eyes, already anticipating his antithesis. Countering your arguments were his favorite pastime after all.
"Yes, actually," you felt his eyes burning on the back of your head, but you refused to turn and give him the satisfaction. "Relying on gut feeling when people’s lives and well-being are at stake is… precarious. Evidence-based practice relies on proven methods, which is exactly what we need: tested and effective approaches." You could almost hear the arrogant smugness in the tone of his voice and your anger bubbled over to the point of spilling.
"So you'd prefer to overlook important nuances? People are individuals, not statistics. Using averages when each case is different is inadequate at best." You retorted as you twisted in your seat, your indignant eyes meeting his cool ones.
"Mrs-" The professor tried to stop the argument before it picked up, but it was already too late the moment you decided to counter Geto. He knew exactly what the result usually was. Every member of the docent body was aware of the rivalry between you.
"All that sounds lovely, very idyllic. But we should remain grounded in measurable outcomes, not guesswork, sweetheart." Geto spoke in his usual smooth cadency, but the disdainful undertone was not lost on you. He had this complacent closed-lip smile that grated your nerves on.
You scoffed at the belittling term of endearment he used, "A more creative, personalized approach builds trust and leads to success."
"And how do you plan to measure this success?"
"Success cannot be measured by research."
"And you suggest not relying on research? That is irresponsible."
"That is not what I-"
"Enough!" Mr. Yaga bellowed, clearly having had enough of the back and forth between the two of you. You clamped your mouth shut, embarrassment making your skin warm. "As much as all of your points are valid and very pertinent to our subject matter, you're letting your nerves get the best of you. I wish to continue my lecture now though." He paused gaze moving from you to Geto, "unless that would inconvenience either of you, of course."
You let your body slide down on your chair so as to avoid the attention still feeling Geto's gaze lingering on you. You hated that you let yourself be moved by his obvious bait, that you coulddn't help but rise to the occasion whenever he so much as breathed in your general vicinity. You wished you could say you had better self-control but you simply did not. It's a pain and a chore really.
The lecture picked back up after your humiliating schtick without further incidents… mostly because you decided not to chime in anymore. And, of course, without you to counterattack, Geto felt it would be pointless to partake in the discussion. Asshole.
You sighed in relief when the professor dismissed the class, quickly throwing your laptop and water bottle inside your bag and making a beeline to the door when he called your name followed by Geto's.
"I'd like to speak to both of you for a moment."
"I have to get to my next class-" you started to protest, hands tightening on the strap of your bag when he interrupted you:
"It'll only take a minute, Mrs."
You sighed and timidly moved closer to his desk, fingers still fidgeting. You could feel Geto's presence right beside you, but refused to even glance his way.
"This feuding between you is getting out of hand. I'd like to ask you to take it easy on the altercations from now on. You both make valid points most of the time, you should learn to compromise every now and then. Being this intransigent will get you nowhere in life." Mr. Yaga glare had you cowering slightly, shoulders hunching in. "You two are my best students in this subject so I decided to pair you up for a special semester-long project. That should teach you a little bit about accommodating the other's needs."
"What?!" you nearly choked on your spit.
"I want you to write a paper evaluating the impact of local outreach programs. It'll be worth 25% of your final grades. I'll email you the details. You're dismissed."
"Profes-" once more you tried to object but Yaga gave you no chance to even finish your thought:
"I said you're dismissed." He stood his ground, not bothering to even look at you as he started stacking the papers on his desk.
You huffed in annoyance and marched out of the auditorium. You heard Geto's steps and tried to walk ahead of him, avoiding the consequential conversation after receiving such horrid news but he easily caught up to you with his stupid long legs.
"Give me your phone." his velvety voice demanded. You stopped in the middle of the corridor and he did the same, turning his body to you, proudly crowding in on you and towering over your form, mindless of the other people walking past form both directions.
"What? No," you scoffed indignantly. Geto sighed and rolled his eyes, clearly regretting this exchange as much as you.
"I'm just gonna add my number to your contacts. As much as I'm dreading this, it is not the kind of project we can just work on separately and then put it all together. It should be seamless."
That made you pause. You really couldn't argue with that sentiment. Still, you were so used to it that you couldn't help but affronting Geto: "Huh. I didn't think you had it in you to be reasonable."
"Ha. Ha. Very funny." He deadpanned. You did hand over your phone after unlocking it and opening the contact info page after a second of hesitation when you found no hidden agenda behind his demeanor.
"Just type in your number so we can get this over with. I'd like to get this over with as soon as possible. My daily quota of you is already blown over." You said as you crossed your arms in front of your chest.
Your words had the opposite of the expected reaction though as you saw the moment his smile turned predatory. You steeled yourself for his upcoming retort but none came.
Your eyes instantaneously flitted to the strand of hair that fell off his half-up hairdo and covered his left eye as he lowered his head to type on your phone. You hated that if anyone ever critiqued a man bun that's because they had never seen Suguru Geto's. That man sure knew how to pull off one of the most controversial hairstyles to ever exist. You couldn't imagine there was something he wouldn't be able to pull off, to be honest… what a shame he had to be an insufferable asshole.
"That implies you need at least a small amount of me in your day." you were so enraptured in your analysis of his hair that you almost missed his jab.
"No, I-" you scowled in disgust, nearly ripping the unoffending device from his offering hand once he turned it back your way. "In your dreams, Geto."
He only hummed in response, that stupid smirk on his face. Again.
"Fuck you, Geto," you threw over your shoulder as you turned on your heel, not wasting any more time before heading for your next class.
"I'll text you, sweetheart!" He called after you, the sound of his laughter following.
You ground your teeth together in anger, your face feeling uncharacteristically warm. You only let yourself check your phone after you turned a corner so you were absolutely certain you were no longer in his field of vision. You stared in perplexity at the name he saved his number under.
"I can't believe this pretentious douchebag had the audacity… most brilliant colleague my ass!"
You were switching up his name in your contacts to 'arrogant prick n2' instead when you heard your friend's voice calling you over.
"Where were you? The class starts in less than a minute and you know how Gakuganji gets with laggers," her short dyed blonde hair swayed as she glanced from your approaching form to the open double doors to the lecture hall by her right.
You rushed towards Akari with a quick apology and a "what are you doing out here then?"
"It's not as if his lectures are ever full." She shrugged easily flitting her arm to yours so you could enter together.
"Noted."
The two of you easily found and occupied a couple of seats by the back right before Gakuganji launched into a dull monologue on the psychological effects of music on the brain, which could have been an interesting subject if it wasn't taught by someone closer to a mummy than a human with the most boring cadency to his voice.
"Did Yaga hold over the class?" Akari mumbled the question as she set up her laptop.
"Held me over, you mean," you murmured back. You felt her questioning gaze settle on you, so you decided to further explain, "he wants me to work on some big project about local outreach programs."
"That sounds like a lot of work, why only you?"
"Not only me. Something about learning to concede or some shit like that."
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"Well, apparently I have been too intransigent with Geto and now we gotta learn to work together."
She let out a loud sound, a mix between laughter and a snort which immediately had Gakuganji dark eyes turning your way.
"Sorry!" Akari winced, "I, uhn, chocked.
The professor huffed and you waited for some sort of reprimand, but he only got right back into his spiel.
"You're joking? You mean to say you have to work with Suguru Geto?"
"Unfortunately."
"Well, say goodbye to Jujutsu Tech, because the two of you are about to wreck this whole school."
She wasn't wrong.
next >>
Jujutsu Tech College AU taglist: @indiewritesxoxo @nanasukii28
mosaic ceilings, painted tiles on the wall
i can't help but feel somewhat like my body marred my soul
handmade beauty sealed up by two man-made walls
when's it gonna be my turn?
valentine's day special
summary: you've never had a valentine, but kento intends to change that
part 2
Some may say Kento Nanami is a reserved man, perhaps even aloof. Both sentiments are easily endorsed due to his unwavering straightforwardness and tendency to avoid certain impracticalities. And still, his detachment and bluntness weren't nearly enough to stop him from falling.
He tried, he really did, to keep his emotions in check: compartmentalized and separated from his work life, but nothing could have prepared him for the whirlwind that you brought forward within him. When it came to you, that task was easier said than done.
You were never put off by his stoicism, quite the opposite. You saw his bluntness as honesty and his sobriety as a virtue. Never mind the fact that you found his candor amusing more often than not: his sarcasm easily brought laughter out of you, a chuckle when you were accompanied by others, or sometimes giggles you would try to hide behind your hand. Nanami found each of your reactions charming and if you saw the corner of his own lips lift into a subtle smile and his eyes soften behind the lenses of his glasses as he stored the image as a souvenir in his brain? No, you didn't.
Where typically Nanami would have no problem focusing wholly on his work, a small portion of his brain was constantly thinking back to you. How you've managed to steal all that space and become permanently etched onto his normally single-minded psyche no one could tell.
It didn't help that his infatuation had taken a more physical turn as of late. The curve of your smile, the way your nimble fingers played with the cuff of your shirt, the glow in your eyes... Every aspect of you had Nanami completely enraptured. He had to restrain himself, honeyed eyes ensnared to your every move, hands aching to feel your skin, arms yearning to hold you, desire burning like molten lava through his veins.
There was no denying it, Kento Nanami was completely and utterly in love with you. Now, if only admitting that was as easy as it had been falling. Instead, words failed him for your presence had him feeling like a teenager who had to hide under a thick fringe of hair all over again.
The opportunity to finally confess his devotion (or at least an idea of how to shape the admission) arose on a particularly slow Wednesday.
One of the perks of having his eyes constantly seeking you out was recognizing the faintest changes to your demeanor. Nanami immediately noticed how your posture sagged slightly, the furrow in between your brows, your frequent sighs, the mug of coffee left untouched slowly going cold, even the way your smile didn't quite reach your eyes that morning. It bothered him profusely to know something was causing you torment to an extent his own mood was diminished.
"Something wrong?"
"Huh?" You looked up at the sound of Nanami's inquiry, your brows furrowing even further.
Your eyes got momentarily lost in the flex of his exposed forearms as Nanami dropped the paper he had been reading through on his desk and followed by removing his signature glasses to reveal enthralling syrupy hazel eyes focused solely on you, likely intending to give you his full attention.
"You seem... preoccupied today."
That gave you pause. The sentiment Nanami expressed - the articulated concern - wasn't unusual. His uncanny ability to be acutely aware of your wavering moods easily contrasted with his habitual detached persona. Sometimes you wondered if he was genuinely worried or merely being polite.
"You know me so well," you chuckled under your breath, gaze wavering. With how easily you got lost in his eyes it was challenging to keep up the eye contact when they were unconcealed like that. You sighed, "it's nothing important, don't worry about it."
He tsked condescendingly, "If it's bothering you that means it is important."
You nearly snorted at that, not because his declaration was funny but because you didn't have to look up to know it was accompanied by that skeptical and judging expression of his. You did look up anyway, and your next words jumped out of you before you could think them through, "How are you even real?"
Despite his guise, Nanami had never once been mean to you. On the contrary, he always seemed to have words of encouragement ready for you. You wished more people took notice of this side of him.
"I'm sorry?" His confused frown and slight tilt of the head was nothing short of adorable. You smiled and shook your head dismissively before propping your chin on your hand as you rested your elbow on the table in front of you.
"I was just thinking about this Friday," you explained with a small shrug as the fingers of your other hand tapped against the wood rhythmically.
His low hum carried a touch of raspiness characteristic to his voice as he regarded you contemplatively, most likely expecting you to further expand your line of thought.
You succumbed under Nanami's unwavering perusal and eventually unraveled your inner turmoil:
"it's just... I've never had a Valentine," you paused to gauge his reaction, eyes flitting over his face for the slightest change in expressing and opting to continue when there was none, "on Valentine's Day."
Maybe there was a slight twitch to his brow or maybe it was just your mind playing tricks on you (for he remained just as still as a statue), but Nanami gave you no other indication he had even heard your outburst. He was definitely judging you. You slid down your seat, burying your face in your hands.
Nanami felt his hands twitch, the need to reach out and comfort you almost too much for him to bear.
"Fuck, how pathetic is that?" You laughed deprecatingly, peeking at him through your fingers, "That probably sounds like such a silly concern to you. I shouldn't have annoyed you with it. Sorry."
"Don't apologize. That does not sound silly. Or pathetic. Like I've said, if it's troubling you, it's a legitimate concern." the deep and rather stern tone he used had you sitting up, mouth slightly agape. "I can't help but wonder though... how come you've never had a valentine?"
"What do you mean?"
Nanami leaned back on his chair, crossing his legs and bringing his hands together on his lap and a shiver ran down your spine as his gaze glided over you from head to toe before returning to your face.
"That outcome just seems rather unlikely. Objectively speaking, you have a lovely personality and you're obviously a very attractive person."
You gaped at him, unsure there had ever been another time he had outwardly complimented you like this. Sure he would sporadically praise you for a job well done or on your improvement, but never something so personal. And then you were laughing because you'd rather not unpack whatever he could have implied with that, less it drove you crazy.
"You really are too sweet, Nanami," you pretended to wipe imaginary tears once your laughter died down. "I think as a child and through my teenage years I went unnoticed and then as an adult it was mostly a matter of timing. I'm always single this time of the year. Just unfortunate coincidences I guess," you shrugged.
"Well, who's to say this year won't be different?" his piercing gaze finally relented when he spoke, legs uncrossing and hands searching for his glasses. It was clear the conversation was over.
"I doubt that," you snorted. "Thanks for acknowledging my concern though. I do feel better about it." For what it's worth, the weight on your chest felt less heavy, both thanks to his accidental pep talk and uncharacteristic positivity.
"I'm always glad to be of service" to you left unsaid.
"Anyway," you clapped your hands together before using them as leverage to push yourself up and started picking through your belongings, even though you knew you would need none of that. "I better get back to work 'cause I'm not being paid to lazy around. You're an angel, Nanamin. See you around!"
He was definitely avoiding looking as you walked out of the room because you certainly wouldn't have said that had you been able to witness the vile images constantly permeating his head and tainting his thoughts.
It's not like he hadn't been watching the tantalizing sway of your hips and the enticing curve of your neck peeking from underneath your shirt from the corner of his eye when you walked into that same room earlier that day though.
Shaking those pesky thoughts, Nanami focused instead on the plan already forming on his heads, the gears turning as he deliberated on his new goal: be your valentine.
Friday came around too soon for his liking, but the plan had already been set in motion. Even though you consistently flustered him, Nanami couldn't recall a time he had been quite as anxious before.
He had been not so patiently waiting by the window, shoulders stiff, impassive expression, crossed arms and fingers of his right hand tapping continuously on his left bicep.
The setting had been arranged just right for your arrival, but his scheme wasn't without fail. There was one small hindrance Nanami forgot to take into account: Gojo.
"Look what we've got here, someone has a secret admirer!" his cadence was unmistakable as he crossed the threshold to the office alongside you.
You stopped on your tracks, gaping like a fish at the voluminous arrangement of blooming red roses in light pink tissue paper set on your desk.
"What the- What's all this?" You put your hands on your waist and turned to face the mam beside you, "Gojo, I swear to god. If this is your idea of a prank-"
"Not me, sweets."
"Then who-?"
Nanami cleared his throat, finally calling the attention of the bickering duo to himself. Seeing him promptly causes your annoyance to face into a bright grin,
"Hi, Nanami! Almost didn't see you there!"
Which he would have corresponded hadn't it been for the white-haired nuisance standing by you.
"Nanamin! My favorite office worker dropout." Gojo smiled and opened his arms widely as if expecting a hug, only to receive a deadpan instead, the vein at Nanami's forehead close to bursting. Gojo lowered his arms, a pout on his lips.
"Gakuganji is waiting for you," it's what Nanami went with as a greeting.
"Ha! That old geezer could die waiting for all I care." Gojo dismissed the assertion. He leaned forward, one long finger swiping underneath the band of his blindfold to pull it up on one side, and winked at the blonde sorcerer, "but I will leave you two lovebirds alone, if that's what you want."
After snapping his headband back into place he was off to bug someone else.
You strolled over until you stood face to chest face with Nanami and reached a hand to smooth the lines between his brows, "with the way Gojo irritates you, you'll look like an old man in no time if you don't relax a little bit, Nanami."
His entire body seemed to loosen up at your touch - jaw and fists unclenching, eyes softening, shoulders falling. It worked like magic and you didn't even know.
"I'll try my best."
You stepped back, cringing as you became mindful of his personal space which you had just trespassed with no warning whatsoever. Yet, you thought better not to acknowledge it and instead held onto the strap of your bag with both hands, using it as an anchor, and pointed your chin to the flowers.
"Any idea who's behind the roses?"
"I am."
"What?"
"I wanted to gift them to you for Valentine's Day."
"Oh. Oh!" A smile slowly built as the surprise sunk in, "that's such a sweet gesture. Thank you, Nanami!"
He nodded once, lips parting and closing briefly as if unsure of how to proceed, "you know, I consider myself a very eloquent man, but you make it very difficult to express myself.... to find the right words. I even considered leaving a letter along with the flowers, but I believe some matters are better said in person."
"Do I make you nervous, Nanamin?" you teased, head lolling to the side playfully.
"Please, don't call me that."
"Sorry," you winced, scratching at your wrist, "Yuji and Gojo's antics rub on me sometimes. I'll go back to Nanami."
"I'd prefer if you called me Kento, actually."
Now, who's making who nervous?
"Alright. Kento."
He straight out gulped as you carefully enounced his name, almost as if caressing the sound. Kento cleared his throat, eyes flitting to the ground and then back to your face.
"And yes, you do make me nervous."
You bit your lip to suppress a proud grin. Was it too soon to mention you liked the idea of making him nervous?
Nanami took a deep breath before saying your name, "will you be my valentine?"
"I'm- Really?"
"If you will have me, that is."
"Kento, I'd like nothing more."
"Well, in that case, would you like to have dinner with me tonight to celebrate the occasion?"
"Sure, that sounds lovely."
"I want to cook for you, but I didn't want to be presumptuous assuming you'd be comfortable going to my home on our first date so I also went ahead and made reservations at a restaurant, I can even send you a copy of their menu if that would make you less anxious."
That was the closest you had ever seem of Kento rambling. Maybe he had been nervous, after all.
"First date, huh?" You chuckled, swaying back and forth in your giddiness. "You could never make me uncomfortable, Kento. I'm fine with dining at your house tonight."
"Excellent. I will pick you up. Is 7 a good time?"
"It's perfect."
"I'll let you get back to work then. I look forward to tonight."
"So do I."
He smiled briefly before strutting to the door. You were so hypnotized by the way his shoulders flexed underneath his suit that you nearly forgot:
"Kento!"
"Yes?" He stopped and turned to you right as he reached the door, one inquisitive brow lifting above the edge of his glasses.
"The flowers are beautiful."
You had been applying the finishing touches to your look when the intercom ringed. You cursed and tripped trying to reach the offending electronic as if Nanami would give up on you if you left him waiting.
If only you know he would wait forever if that's what it took to have you - Kento was a patient man.
"Yes?" you answered cheerfully. His resonant voice called your name in question, making sure he had the correct apartment.
"Hey, Kento. I'll be right down!"
You rushed out the door after picking up your purse and keys and basically flew down the stairs.
You slowed down as you reached the lobby of the building where you could see Nanami standing on the other side of the glass doors, hands in the pockets of his perfectly tailored pants, his biceps bulging in the sleeves of a clearly ironed crisp white shirt and undercut visible underneath his brushed back blonde hair. All you could think then was that it was Valentine's Day and that man was waiting for you.
Nanami turned when he heard the door unlocking and watched as you stepped outside. He breathed your name in wonder, appreciative gaze taking in every detail of you.
"You look absolutely stunning," his voice came out breathy.
"I could say the same of you."
He offered you his arm to guide you to his car, and you took it, treasuring the opportunity of testing if his arm felt just as solid as it looked (it did).
Like the gentleman he is, Kento opened the passenger door for you, but instead of taking the offered seat, you turned to face him and stood on your toes to press a soft kiss to his cheek. When you got back to the sole of your feet you could see the dust of red looming from his cheeks to the tips of his ears.
"You have a beautiful smile. You should wear it more often," you commented casually even though the palm of your hands were clammy and your throat dry.
Only then you did enter the car, a satisfied grin painting your face at the sight of a flustered Nanami as he closed the door after you and walked around the vehicle to take his spot as the driver.
Of course he drove an austere German luxury car, the spotless silver undoubtedly recently polished and the inside looking just as pristine. You would have thought it was brand new if you hadn't felt his expensive cologne in the leather seat or if you couldn't see his blunt sword on the back seat through the rearview mirror and keys and water bottle on the center console.
The drive was filled with quiet conversation as you filled each other in on how you spent the day: you complaining about paperwork, him praising Ino and Yuji. Nothing outside of usual.
The conversation never dimmed, if anything it only picked up once you made it inside his apartment. He opened a bottle of wine and handed you a glass, pointing you towards one high stools by the island in his kitchen so you could watch as he finished off the dinner he had left half-ready before picking you up.
It all felt familiar, safe.
And the sight of his broad back and tiny waist accentuated by the apron tied around it was not half bad of a view.
You were slightly tipsy by the time he finished putting together the salad and the oven beeped announcing everything was ready.
"Gosh, it smells heavenly!" You commended after a particularly strong sniff of the delectable aroma reached your nose.
"Hopefully, it tastes just as good." Nanami chuckled as he removed the roasted chicken, bread rolls and vegetables from the oven and took it to the table. You took that as you cue to follow after him to the dinner room.
He had set the table previously to your arrival with plates, glasses, cutlery and napkins for two. The decoration consisting of flowers and candles.
You settled in comfortable silence as you ate, you leaving complimentary comments and delighted hums with each new flavor you discovered and Kento taking it with gracefulness until both of your plates where cleared.
"You've outdone yourself, Kento. When I mentioned my lack of valentine I really expected nothing out of it. Thank you for making this day less sad for me."
Nanami gifted you with a soft smile, one you didn't think you had ever seen on his lips, his eyes squinting lightly with it, "it was my pleasure."
His soothing disposition gave you the courage to continue:
"Can I ask you a question?"
"You already did."
"Imma walk out that door, Kento." you threatened, but Kento knew it was in jest. Still, he relented:
"Please, do ask a second question."
"Are you doing this out of pity? Because I was moping about never having a valentine?"
Kento regarded you curiously, the lack of glasses letting you read him easily than you would have usually, but not without some challenge, considering most of his expressions were kept to a minimum.
"What do you think?" He questioned softly.
"I think," you stopped and used the hold you had on the stem of your cup to twirl the remaining liquid inside of it, "you've never went out of your way like this for anyone. At least not for as long as I've known you."
"That would be correct." He nodded once, almost proud of you for reaching an accurate conclusion.
"So why are you doing so for me?"
"Because I want to," simple as that.
"Because I have a lovely personality and I am a very attractive person? Objectively speaking, of course." You parroted his earlier words with a playful smirk.
"Perhaps I haven't expressed myself clearly." Kento leaned forward, his hand reaching yours across the table, probably to stop your nervous fidgeting and bring your full attention to him, "I think you are lovely. And beautiful."
"Hmm... Is that so?"
"Spending this Friday with you is the farthest thing from charitable. I'm doing it out of my own selfish desires."
"I'm still not convinced. It's just that... earlier today you said I made you nervous, but you've been the picture of composure all night. Even your place looks impeccable despite the fact that you spent hours cooking," You explained your doubt, but your voice wavered as his thumb started caressing your knuckles back and forth.
"Don't let the image fool you. That's a facade. I'd like to think after a couple of years I've became a pro in disguising my flustered state around you."
"That's... a long time."
"Upon our initial meeting, your beauty was the first thing I noticed, and then just how charming you are."
"That just can't be right. What, you just immediately knew?" You mentally cursed yourself for your eagerness, shaking your head, "you know what? Don't answer that. I'm just fishing for compliments now."
"And I'll gladly shower you in compliments for you are deserving of them. It wasn't immediate, no. I believe these feelings came to fruition with small interactions throughout our daily lives because I've come to perceive how kind, passionate, and intelligent you are through them. All qualities I strongly admire."
"Well, I think you are all that but also honorable, wise, generous, and dependable. Not to mention very, very handsome."
"Is it safe to assume you feel the same then?"
"Oh, more than safe."
"Good."
"You also make it very difficult for me to lower my standards. Because not only you're incredible, but you also can cook? You have to teach me how you do those bread rolls!"
"I've actually got the recipe from a local bakery. Is where I buy bread more often than not, considering our hectic schedules. They have a great assortment of pastries as well. I'll take you there another day."
"Is this your way of asking me out on a second date?"
"No."
Your face fell, surely you hadn't read all of this wrong?
"I'd like our second date to be more romantic than that. That's me asking you out for a casual outing. Perhaps as your boyfriend?"
You could have hit him and his stupid smug smirk as relief washed over you.
"Yes, this is my way of asking you if you'll allow me that honor." Kento answered your next question before you even had time to formulate it.
