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As the sun began to set over the horizon, Yuuji was finally able to make his way back to the dormitory rooms. He stared at the sky that was painted with hues of orange and pink, creating a beautiful view. The breeze blew gently through the atmosphere, carrying the faint scent of cherry blossoms and the temperature dipped slightly.
It was another day at the Tokyo Metropolitan Curse Technical College. He had just returned from spending the last few hours accompanying Nobara as she enthusiastically browsed through various shops, which had roped him into carrying all her shopping bags.
Though it was exhausting, he didn't really mind. Despite the childish bickering between them during her shopping spree, Yuuji couldn't help but smile at seeing her so excited and happy, even if it meant being dragged from store to store for hours.
It wasn't even a minutes after. Once he stepped foot into the dormitory halls, a strange smell wafted from the direction of the shared kitchen. He paused, sniffing the air. He smelt something sharp, something acrid. It smelled like something was...burning. Feeling concerned, he quickly made his way to the shared kitchen.
"I'm back!" He called out, sliding the kitchen door open.
Smoke billowed out, causing him to cough harshly and wheeze as he waved at the air. Through the haze, he could barely make out your figure by the stove, frantically waving a towel to clear the air.
"[First Name]! Are you okay?" You popped up from behind the smoke, your hair and apron dusted with some powder.
Your face lit up cheerfully at the sight of him, despite the major disaster unfolding around you. "Yuuji! Welcome back!"
Yuuji's heart swelled at the sight of you, his worries about the smoke dissipating in your presence. "So, what the hell happened..?"
You fidgeted, clearly embarrassed by the state of the kitchen. Pots and pans were scattered haphazardly, spilt ingredients covered the counters and floor, and something was burning to a crisp in the oven.
"Oh, you know...I was just trying to cook us some food." You shrugged nonchalantly, but Yuuji could see the hint of disappointment in your eyes.
Yuuji tilted his head. "What's it supposed to be?"
"...Chicken stir fry." You muttered embarrassed.
Trying being the keyword.
"You call that cooking?" Yuuji quickly slapped the palm of his hand over his right cheek after hearing the familiar voice.
"You...cooked?" Yuuji honestly felt touched that you had tried to do something so thoughtful. You weren't known for your culinary skills at all.
"I wanted to surprise you with a nice meal for when you got back." You explained trying to hide your embarrassment.
"But it's not exactly going as planned..."
Yuuji chuckled softly and pulled you into a hug, heedless of the mess.
"You didn't have to go through all this trouble just for me." He rested his chin on your head.
"But I wanted to!" You insisted, leaning into his embrace.
"I never get the chance to cook for you. So I thought it would be nice."
Yuuji blushed like he was falling in love with you all over again. No one had ever tried so hard just to do something nice for him.
"Well, it certainly smells...interesting." Yuuji eyed the massive blackened remains in the pan.
"Cooking has never been something I was good at..."
Yuuji brought his hand to your cheek and tenderly brushed off the smudge of soy sauce from your cheek. "The fact that you tried means the world to me."
"I wanted to make something good for you though..."
Yuuji pulled you back slightly with his hands gripping on your waist and gave you a gentle smile. "How about we order takeout instead?"
"No!" You cried out suddenly, making Yuuji jump a bit.
You grabbed the frying pan and shoved it towards him. "You have to try my cooking at least first!"
Yuuji slowly took his off you to eye the pan's contents warily. It was mostly an indecipherable black, crusty mass.
He was pretty sure he saw it move.
Sukuna's eye and mouth emerged on the left side of his cheek, cackling. "Go on, brat, try it! This I have to see!"
Yuuji glared at the eye and mouth on his cheek before turning back to your expectant face. He didn't have the heart to outright refuse and hurt your feelings after you had tried so hard.
Steeling himself, he speared some of the overcooked egg noodles with a fork and raised it to his lips.
You watched him anxiously as he raised the fork to his lips and took a large bite. Immediately, his taste buds were assaulted by an indescribable burnt flavour. It took all of his willpower not to gag.
Somehow he managed to swallow it, giving you a pained smile.
"So. How is it?" You asked tentatively.
"It's...unique!" Yuuji proclaimed hoarsely, his eye twitching from the aftertaste.
You slumped dejectedly. "It's horrible, isn't it..? I'm so sorry, I should throw it out—"
"No, don't!" Yuuji refused abruptly, grabbing your wrist before you could take the pan away.
"It's not that bad. I appreciate you making this for me."
You raised a sceptical eyebrow. "You don't have to lie, Yuu...I know now that my cooking is awful."
Yuuji shook his head adamantly. "I'm not lying. It tastes great because...because you made it for me. Thank you."
To prove his point, Yuuji quickly sat down and gripped his fork like he was eager. Sukuna's eye squinted in disbelief. “Are you crazy?”
Yuuji proceeded to scarf the entire burnt meal while you and Sukuna watched in astonishment. He forced down every bite, ignoring the foul taste burning and scratching his throat.
Upon finishing, he lifted the empty pan with a bright grin. "See? Delightful..."
You only blinked in silence, trying to process what just happened.
Sukuna scoffed, his eye-rolling in disgust before vanishing, evidently disappointed. "You two nauseate me with your sappiness." Yet Yuuji paid him no mind.
You sighed amusingly, moved deeply by Yuuji's gesture. "You're truly too kind for your own good at times."
After a pause, you leaned in, cupping his cheek in your hand and tenderly kissed him. "But thank you. For trying it and for making me feel better."
Yuuji rubbed the back of his neck, his gaze softening as he regarded you. "I'm glad I could bring you some comfort. And not to brag or anything but...If you want your cooking to be better, I could teach you?"
"Are you being serious?"
Yuuji nodded and reciprocated your kiss by pecking your lips affectionately.
"Of course I am! But for the meantime...Shall we get some takeout now?" He suggested as he held out his hand to you.
Despite everything, you laughed and immediately placed your hand in his.
"Takeout sounds perfect..." Your half lidded gaze was brimming with affection as you intertwined your fingers with his.