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Everyone knew that Yuta and Maki had feelings for each other. It was clear as day - except they were the ones who didn’t see it.
But they always sit by each other, laugh, sneak knowing glances, and so much more that they’re basically inseparable. They looked and acted like a couple, but neither of them would budge first.
It was torture for everyone to witness.
Even Gojo and Nanami had picked up on what was going on.
And Gojo may have tried to start a bet with Nanami who declined immediately.
So when they all decided to throw a holiday party - misletoes were a must have decoration. Nobara had the plan to try and get those two under the damn thing even if it was the last thing she’ll do.
And she hung up quite a few around the place. She was determined, damn it.
And she was also determined to make sure Maki looked drop dead gorgeous for the party.
Not that she didn’t look gorgeous already, but that she wanted to make sure that Yuta would see her and make him melt on the spot.
“So, Maki-san, are you hoping to see Yuta tonight?” Nobara asked as she worked on Maki’s eyeliner, holding her head still with her free hand because Maki would not stop flinching.
“What do you mean? He said he’d be there. I don’t understand why you insist on this.. stuff.” Meaning makeup.
It doesn’t help that the sweater Nobara picked out for her had a boob window and Maki really didn’t like to show her chest. At least it was a dark purple; that color really suited Maki.
“Because makeup enhances your features! And I am certain that Yuta will be breathless when he sees you tonight.” Nobara smiled and poked Maki’s nose before stepping back. “See? Not too heavy on the makeup as you requested. Take a look.”
When Maki opened her eyes, Nobara was right. The eyeliner, blush, and lipstick weren’t too heavy at all. Nobara picked a shade of lipstick that almost made it look.. natural? She was amazed.
“Okay, now let’s fix your boobs in that sweater because we know men like boobs. And yours are gorgeous.” With permission, Nobara went in and helped Maki adjust her breasts in the push up bra (also Nobara’s doing), and took a step back to see how Maki looked overall.
Luckily, Maki chose the black skinny jeans and ankle booties on her own that really complimented the entire look.
“Wow, you are stunning. Maybe tonight will be your lucky night.” Nobara winked, moving back so the older girl could stand up and put on her shoes.
“Ugh, why do you guys keep insisting? Have you been hanging out with Panda?” Maki huffed as she slipped on her booties, Nobara following suit as she slipped on her shoes as well.
“No, because it’s obvious you two are in love with each other. You guys just avoid it for some reason. And you are not allowed to deny that.” After another poke to her nose, Nobara grabbed Maki’s hand to lead her to the party. Maki didn’t understand why she felt nervous suddenly - was it the butterflies people often spoke about? But for what reason? Yuta? No way in hell was that possible.
And the frustration she felt when they both arrived to see Yuta talking with Megumi, the butterflies doubling its presence in her stomach, and a strange tightness in her chest developed.
God damn it.
“Maki!” Yuta smiled brightly, waving a hand. He had dressed up in an ugly Christmas sweater, his usual black jeans, and had a light up reindeer headband.
For a moment, she couldn’t stop staring, forgetting there were other people in the room. This was truly unlike her; only brought back to reality when Nobara let go of her hand and gave a shove.
“Go hang out with your boyfriend. We can hang tomorrow and catch up.”
As Nobara left, Yuta came up to Maki with a can of her favorite soda in hand. This close up really gave Yuta the view of Maki’s cleavage in her sweater, making himself look away quickly to avoid making her uncomfortable.
But wow, did the sight make him very warm suddenly.
“Here ya go! Thought you said you couldn’t make it?” Yuta handed her the can of soda, feeling nervous himself.
“Kugisaki would not leave me alone about this, so.” She shrugged, opening her can of soda and taking a sip. “You and Itadori are certainly the most festive ones here.”
Gojo just looked real dumb in his Santa themed ugly sweater.
“Do you like it?” Yuta hoped she did, showing her that the lights on his sweater did indeed light up.
“Yeah, actually. Kind of impressive.” Okay, so some of her nerves dwindled as they spoke because it felt normal. “Just don’t tell Itadori or he’ll claim I’m playing favorites.”
“Oh, well, thanks! You look really great too. Are you.. Wearing makeup?” He was almost hesitant to ask because he had never seen Maki wear it before. And she was as gorgeous as ever.
“Kugisaki’s idea.”
“Well, you look great!”
That damn smile.
Maki eventually found herself just hanging out in a corner of the room, watching everyone else have fun. Yuta had gone to talk with the first years and get to know them better. She had hung out with some of her classmates already, but was beginning to feel warm in her sweater, and felt a bit like an outcast. A part of her didn’t mind since she was thinking about ditching this party sooner rather than later anyway. It just wasn’t her type of thing.
And Gojo was seriously annoying her.
Grabbing another can of soda, Maki decided she’ll get a breath of fresh air first and then decide if she really wanted to go back to her dorm. Except, she was caught sneaking out early, causing him to worry.
The cold air was a welcome change, taking a seat on the stairs, and letting herself take a deep breath, this calmed her slightly. This was a waste of time in her opinion. Nobody would actually want to hang out with her at a party, would they? They probably thought she was a failure alongside her damned clan. She knew she had a temper as well - one that she was reminded of pretty often. But could she really say she was lonely if this was all her doing anyway? She didn’t need anyone else.
She just needed to be strong. The strongest.
With a sigh, she traced her finger around the top of the soda can. She wasn’t lonely. That was another failure. She had friends. Friends she cared for and hoped they returned the same mutual feelings.
But only Yuta really understood her. He cared for her. He’s saved her countless times now. And they could easily communicate without using words.
Yeah. Maybe they were best friends.
But maybe she did feel differently about him.
What she didn’t expect was to hear his voice behind her, snapping her out of her thoughts. Damn, maybe she should have just gone back to her room after all.
“Maki? Everything alright?” His voice was full of concern, stepping closer to take a seat next to her on the stairs. It had begun to snow. “You’re not too cold, are you? It’s snowing out here..”
“Yeah. I’m fine. Just needed air. Stuffy in there, you know?” Not a complete lie, but a partial one.
But he knew her more than they both realized, knowing it was a bluff.
“You weren’t having fun, were you? I got caught up with Fushiguro by mistake.”
“Yuta, seriously, it’s fine. You were having fun, right? So you could go back in and continue. It’s not the end of the world.”
“But I wanna be with you now, Maki. And we don’t get to be just.. carefree like this. Or just have us, really.” He’s afraid he might have said too much, watching Maki’s face for that moment.
“I suppose you’re right. You aren’t too cold out here yourself, are you?
Yuta shook his head, scooting a bit closer to Maki. “No, but I will let you know if I am about to freeze to death.” That got a chuckle out of her, shaking her head before taking another sip of her soda.
“You’re ridiculous.”
“But I got you to laugh. I like hearing you laugh.”
“Oh.” Luckily, the cold air already had her cheeks a light pink to mask the blush that rose to her face.
It fell quiet between both sorcerers for what felt like hours, but it was comfortable nonetheless. They could just sit together like this for hours and have an incredible time. He turned his glance to her for a moment, watching the snow land on her hair (and cleavage for a split second), taking in her beauty. She made his heart flutter in his chest. She was the reason why he got so much stronger to begin with; the reason to keep going on. They motivated each other. They respected each other on such a deep level that no one else compares. She was the woman he always dreamt about. She was the woman he was pretty sure did not reciprocate the feelings he had for her.
They were both afraid of ruining what they have currently.
They would never forgive themselves.
He decided to break the silence for them. “You should’ve seen how everyone has been avoiding the insane amount of mistletoes put up. It’s been pretty funny. Kugisaki got into a fight with Panda about it.”
“We’ll have to find out if anyone does get stuck underneath one, I suppose.”
“Yeah..” Yuta leaned back, glancing up. Except, he noticed that they were the ones currently under a mistletoe placed on the overhang that both of them failed to see.
Oh.
“Except, um, we seem to be those losers right about now..”
“What are you talking about– oh shit.” Maki noticed it then, a mix of emotions rising to the surface. “I am going to have a word with Kugisaki and her absurd amount of mistletoes.” There was no doubt this was her doing.
“So um, do we.. should we..?” Yuta needed to calm himself, noticing the both of them were blushing at this point. Deciding to take the leap of faith, he spoke up. “Um, dunno if this helps our situation or not but I do, um, have.. Feelings.. For you. For a long time now.”
His confession only made their blushes deepen, making Maki wonder if this was her opportunity as well. And a part of her was frustrated that Kugisaki was right about Yuta and her. Was she really that predictable?
Placing her can of soda down to the side, taking a shaky breath, she turned her gaze to Yuta.
“Ugh, fuck it all.” Cupping his cheek, she took the leap and pressed their lips together, causing Yuta to make a surprised sound. Maki was hoping she could convey her feelings to Yuta this way rather than being vulnerable and using words. Words were known to not be her strong suit.
It was her first kiss, not sure if she was even doing this right. She’s wanted to do this for the longest time. The chances of Yuta knowing this was.. incredibly high.
Pulling away, the blush remained on their cheeks. In the dim light from inside and the snow coming down around them, Maki was absolutely breathtaking. It made Yuta feel like the luckiest guy in the world.
“Wow..” He whispered out.
Maki was nervous, glancing off to the side. “You like me too..? Never in a million—“ He was cut off.
“Yes. Just.. when you say it like that it sounds dumb.” She was struggling with this vulnerability, a slight irritation in her voice.
“You could never be dumb, Maki. You are so amazing. Whether you think so or not. I really do love you. So um, if we are a thing now, can I take you out to hot pot tomorrow?”
“Oh just shut up and kiss me, Yuta.” Maki was embarrassed but also relieved at the same time. She wasn’t a complete idiot - only if Yuta didn’t reciprocate the feelings.
With a small laugh, his lips curved into a wide smile, Yuta reached to hold Maki’s hand as he leaned in to kiss her softly under the moonlight and mistletoe. It was softer and more tender this time, taking their time to melt into it.
Maybe Maki won’t get on Nobara’s case about the amount of mistletoes after all.