READER'S POV

The library was quiet except for the soft rustle of pages turning and the soft hum of computers as I huddled in my usual corner. Textbooks, notebooks and loose papers were spread across my table in organized chaos. With exams coming up, I barely had time to think about anything else.

Even Sukuna.

I let out a breath of relief at the thought. It has been a week since the sleepover at Yuji's and the encounter with Sukuna. Now my world has shrunk to nothing but study guides and caffeine for the past few days. And for once I felt like I could breathe without worrying about him appearing out of nowhere with that trademark smirk and annoying comments.

I shook my head and sighed, sliding my headphones over my ears and hit play on my study playlist- a ,,lofi hiphop radio playlist". The soft rhythm of the music drowned out the rest of the world, and I leaned over my notes, pen tapping lightly against the paper.

The postulates of Einstein.. How boring..

I scanned my notes, making sure that they are identical with the contents in the book to my left. The laws of physics have the same form in all inertial reference frames... Mhm... The speed of light is always constant in a vacuum...God is this boring... I rubbed my hand over my face, rethinking my choice of studying physics.

At least my parents are happy even though I want to become an author...

I took a new piece of paper, writing down details to the first postulate when I suddenly felt two hands landing on my shoulder. The touch was firm but not rough, the fingers resting on my shoulders like they belonged there. But to me it felt like an electric jolt, breaking through the calm I have built around myself.

I let out a sharp shriek, my headphones flying off as I whirled around in my chair. My heart raced, my pulse pounding in my ears as my wide eyes met Sukuna's.

He looked thoroughly amused, his crimson eyes sparkling with mischief and his mouth curved into an all-too-familiar smirk:,,Relax, princess. Didn't mean to scare you."

,,You did scare me!", I hissed, my voice hushed but heated, being aware of the people that were staring at us. My cheeks burned from embarassment.

,,Maybe you should pay more attention to your surroundings", he said casually and sat on the chair next to me, leaning in, ,,You're too easy to sneak up on."

I scoffed, leaning back to maintain the distance between us:,,I was doing something useful, unlike you. Besides, what are you doing in a library?"

Sukuna's smirk widened and he tilted his head slightly:,,What? You think I don't read or study like you do?"

I blinked, momentarily thrown off:,,I...Well, no, but-"

,,I don't", he interrupted, laughing softly, ,,But I do know where to find you."

My heart skipped a beat at the way his voice dipped, his tone low and teasing.

I shook my head, looking back at my notes:,,Look... I'm busy, Sukuna. I don't have time for whatever game you're playing." He glanced at the mess of papers on the table, reaching out for one and scanning the it:,,Relativity theorie..How boring..."

I grabbed the sheet of paper and pulled it away:,,Stop that."

Sukuna leaned closer, his hand brushing against my arm:,,Stop what? You have to be precise, princess." I gave him a pointed look and igonored the way my heart fluttered:,,Stop annoying me."

,,Ouch, that hurt", Sukuna pouted playfully and put a hand on his chest. ,,Whatever...", I mumbled and tried to focus but with Sukuna near me it was impossible. Then, he hummed thoughtfully, moving closer in his seat so his knee was pressing against my leg and I couldn't help the heat spreading in my cheeks. ,,I could help, you know."

I frowned, confused:,,Help? You?"

,,Sure", he said smoothly, ,,I'm great at distractions."

The way he said it, the way his eyes glinted with something dangerous, made my breath catch and an electric shiver ran down my spine. ,,I don't need distractions", I said, shaking my head.

Sukuna shrugged and leaned closer, leaving only a few inches between our faces:,,Well.. Have fun then. But don't work too hard, princess. I wouldn't want you to burn out before I get my chance to have some real fun."

I froze, the flush on my cheeks spreading to my neck and chest and I glared at him, watching in disbelief how he laughed and stood up. ,,You...", I said between gritted teeth and grabbed my pen tighter.

Sukuna winked before walking toward the exit and I let out a frustrated sigh, crossing my arms in front of my chest. How does he always manage to crawl under my skin like that?

I watched as he disappeared and I let out another sigh before putting my headphones back on, determined to focus. But the words on the papers blurred, and all I could think about was Sukuna's teasing comments, his smirk and the way his touch had effected me more than it should have.

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to be continued...