SUKUNA'S POV

,,Leaving so soon, princess~?", I asked, my voice a low purr, watching as (Y/N)'s breath hitched, her gaze snapping to me. I could feel the tension in the air thickening, and I couldn't help but smirk at how easily I could fluster her.

I hadn't wanted to be at this party. After the conversation with my father yesterday, I wasn't in the mood for any of this. But Satoru insisted, and now, with (Y/N) here, leaving was no longer an option.

Her lips parted but closed again as if trying to form a response but nothing came. ,,Uh...I have to use the restroom, I'll be right back...", the brown haired girl next to (Y/N) broke the silence and my attention shifted to her.

She grabbed her yellow dress and hurried off, leaving (Y/N) standing there, alone. A slight frown tugged at (Y/N)'s lips as she watched her friend disappear into the crowd. I could see the sting of abandonment in her eyes before she masked it with a practiced indifference.

I couldn't resist. I chuckled lowly, shaking my head. Such a great friend...

(Y/N) swallowed hard, her eyes meeting mine again, but there was something vulnerable in them now, a crack in her usual composure. The silence stretched between us, thick and heavy. My gaze wandered over her, taking in the Spider-Man suit, the absurdity of it only adding to how beautiful she looked in it. Despite the ridiculousness of the costume, she wore it like she was made for it.

I felt a strange tug in my chest. Focus, Sukuna.

The seconds streched into a long thrum of tension but then I teared my eyes away from her figure and looked into her eyes:,,Interesting costume."

Her cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she turned her head away with an exasperated huff. "Shut up."

I chuckled, taking a step closer, reaching out to gently tilt her chin up, forcing her to meet my eyes:,,I mean it. It wasn't a joke."

The flush spread, staining her neck now, and she rolled her eyes. "You're lying. You're just teasing me again."

My expression faltered but then I leaned closer, feeling her breath against my skin:,,What if not? What if..." You're the only girl who could look so beautiful in something so ridiculous?

I froze, the weight of the thought crashing down on me. What the hell am I thinking?

I quickly pulled back, letting go of her chin, my breath catching in my throat. ,,You know what? You're right," I muttered, my tone shifting back to playful, ,,I'm just teasing you."

She scoffed, crossing her arms over her chest, giving me a sharp glare:,, If you came over here just to tell me how ridiculous I look in this suit, then you can leave. I already know."

Before I could respond, a laugh rang out from across the room, cutting through the tension between us. My gaze snapped toward the sound, and my stomach twisted. There, in the middle of the dance floor, was Yuji, spinning some girl in a red dress, his smile wide and carefree.

What the hell was he doing here?!

I looked down at (Y/N) who had an eyebrow raised and I wondered if she knew that Yuji was here. Of course she knows...

Quickly and without losing another second, I grabbed her hand, ignoring her protests as I weaved through the crowd. I didn't stop until we reached the kitchen, where a group of people was gathered around the counter, chatting and drinking.

,,What was that for?! Why are we-"

,,Why is Yuji here?", I interrupted her, grabbing one of the cups and filled it with a generous amount of alcohol.

(Y/N) eyed my cup suspiciously but didn't comment on it. Instead, she sighed and looked away:,,He wanted to come here by his own. But it was Nobara's idea..." Then, her expression shifted and she nervously twirled a strand of hair between her fingers:,,Did Yuji.. Did he see us?"

,,No...", I took a sip out of the cup, the bitterness of the drink spreading through me. Thank god he didn't. I wouldn't want (Y/N) to get shitstormed. Wait...

Why do I care?

I swallowed and took another sip while (Y/N) looked around nervously. Then, I stared at her, admiring her beautiful facial features- her sharp jawline, her lush lips, her pretty eyes, her cute nose. I wanted to reach out, cup her cheeks and kiss her worries away. Because as long she was with me, she was safe.

,,Sukuna?"

I blinked, realizing I'd been staring at her, my thoughts wandering far too close to dangerous territory. Focus.

I forced a grin, leaning in and ruffling her hair lightly, trying to keep things casual:,, Unfortunately, I have to leave now..."

She slapped my arm away with a dismissive huff, her glare more playful than anything:,,Right. Of course."

I leaned in closer, almost instinctively, letting my breath caress her ear as I whispered, "It was nice seeing you, princess~."

Our gazes locked for a heartbeat, and something in the air shifted. Her eyes widened slightly, and for a moment, I felt the world around us disappear. Her scent, light and intoxicating, filled my senses, and I fought to stay composed.

Then, I pulled away, the brief connection between us too much, too fast. Focus, Sukuna.

I walked through the crowd and toward the door, the weight of the moment lingering in my chest.

As I opened the door, my phone rang, the sound sharp in the stillness. I answered it without hesitation:,,Hey, what is it?"

,,Hey, Sukuna. As you requested, I've found some interesting information on PureTech," Nanami's voice came through the line, cold and distant and my stomach turned.

,,Good. I'll be at your apartment in a few minutes," I said, hanging up. While walking away, I couldn't stop thinking about (Y/N)- the only girl that lived in my mind and refused to leave. ...

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to be continued...